CA3199446A1 - Method and apparatus for forming a recessed rail trench - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for forming a recessed rail trenchInfo
- Publication number
- CA3199446A1 CA3199446A1 CA3199446A CA3199446A CA3199446A1 CA 3199446 A1 CA3199446 A1 CA 3199446A1 CA 3199446 A CA3199446 A CA 3199446A CA 3199446 A CA3199446 A CA 3199446A CA 3199446 A1 CA3199446 A1 CA 3199446A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- trench
- anchor members
- forming
- recessed rail
- forming apparatus
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01B—PERMANENT WAY; PERMANENT-WAY TOOLS; MACHINES FOR MAKING RAILWAYS OF ALL KINDS
- E01B9/00—Fastening rails on sleepers, or the like
- E01B9/02—Fastening rails, tie-plates, or chairs directly on sleepers or foundations; Means therefor
- E01B9/28—Fastening on wooden or concrete sleepers or on masonry with clamp members
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01B—PERMANENT WAY; PERMANENT-WAY TOOLS; MACHINES FOR MAKING RAILWAYS OF ALL KINDS
- E01B29/00—Laying, rebuilding, or taking-up tracks; Tools or machines therefor
- E01B29/005—Making of concrete parts of the track in situ
Abstract
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a forming apparatus and method for forming a recessed rail trench. The recessed rail trench comprises a plurality of anchor members and a form. The form of the apparatus comprises a plurality of apertures, and each aperture is structured to receive one of the plurality of anchor members. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a plurality of forms. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a plurality of supports. Furthermore, methods for forming a recessed rail trench are described herein. The method comprises positioning a form with a plurality of anchor members internal to a trench, applying a cementitious material to the void, and removing the form.
Description
2 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING A RECESSED RAIL TRENCH
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[00011 This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.
No. 63/105,113 entitled "Method and Apparatus for Forming a Recessed Rail,"
filed on October 23, 2020, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[00021 The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming recessed rail in a cementitious foundation.
BACKGROUND
[00031 As illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3, conventionally, recessed rails, such as recessed crane rails as are commonly used at facilities such as container terminals, are constructed by hand forming a trench in cementitious material, allowing the cementitious material to cure, drilling apertures in the cured cementitious material (see Figure 3), installing anchor bolts for the rail in the pre-drilled apertures and then securing the anchor bolts using a high-strength epoxy grout (see Figures 2 and 3). The remaining parts of the rail assembly, including the rail pad, clips, etc., are then installed and leveled (see Figure 1). As such, the forming and implementation processes are labor-intensive, time-prohibitive, and prone to errors and excessive material and labor costs during construction.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[00041 The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments.
This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all embodiments, nor delineate the scope of any or all embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
[00051 Embodiments of the present invention address the above needs and/or achieve other advantages by providing apparatuses and methods for forming a recessed rail.
[00061 Currently, recessed rails are constructed by hand-forming a trench in cementitious material, wherein the cementitious material is allowed to cure and thereafter drilled for apertures. The apertures are subsequently filled with anchor bolts and high-strength epoxy grout and allowed to cure. Once cured, the rail pad, clips, etc., are installed and leveled.
[00071 Embodiments of the present invention utilize one or more forms supported along the upper surface of a trench by a series of support boards such that each form is suspended with respect to the trench and does not make contact with the lower surface of the trench. The form is configured to receive one or more anchor members within apertures of the form, allowing the anchor members to be suspended with respect to the trench. Each anchor member is coupled to the form by a fitting comprising a first nut and a second nut.
Each of the one or more anchor members comprises one or more flanges configured to limit the movement of the anchor member after the recessed rail is constructed.
[00081 The apparatus is thus configured to allow for cementitious material to be applied within a void to the bottom surface of the trench until it reaches an appropriate height to partially secure the anchor members on one end with the cementitious material. The presence of the form prevents the cementitious material from fully securing the anchor members on both ends, and thus a partial length of each anchor member remains exposed to allow mechanical coupling or attachment to the anchor members to occur after the rail is formed. The presence of the form also allows the cementitious material to take the shape of the portion of the form that the cementitious material comes into contact with, and in some embodiments described herein, the shape generally forms a channel-like geometry recess, offset from the ground surface height.
[00091 After the cementitious material is applied, the anchor members may be decoupled from the form. In some embodiments, decoupling comprises removing the first and second nuts, or in some embodiments only the second nut. In yet additional embodiments, decoupling comprises sliding the anchor members through the fitting.
Decoupling allows for the anchor members to remain secured by the cementitious material once the form is removed from the cementitious material.
[00101 Notably, the geometry of the form is configured such that a similar geometric impression remains in the cementitious material, and the cementitious material is not permitted to enter the cavity of the form. The geometry of the form is such that it may be removed from the cementitious material (either before, during, or after the curing of the cementitious material) with minimal disturbance to the surrounding cementitious material or the form itself As such, the form may be re-used for subsequent formation of recessed rails.
[00111 Embodiments of the invention are directed to an apparatus and method for forming a recessed rail trench, the invention comprising a plurality of anchor members, and a form, the form comprising a plurality of apertures, each aperture structured to receive one of the plurality of anchor members.
[00121 In some embodiments or in combination with any of the of the previous embodiments, the embodiment comprises a plurality of forms, each of the plurality of forms arranged adjacent to at least one of the other of the plurality of forms.
[00131 In some embodiments or in combination with any of the of the previous embodiments, the form comprises at least two lateral sides.
[00141 In some embodiments or in combination with any of the of the previous embodiments, the form comprises at least one end wall.
[00151 In some embodiments or in combination with any of the of the previous embodiments, the at least one end wall comprises at least one aperture.
[00161 In some embodiments or in combination with any of the of the previous embodiments, each of the plurality of anchor members comprises an end member at a first end of the anchor member.
[00171 In some embodiments or in combination with any of the of the previous embodiments, the end member comprises a flange.
[00181 In some embodiments or in combination with any of the of the previous embodiments, the embodiment further comprises a fitting for securing the anchor members with the apertures of the form [00191 In some embodiments or in combination with any of the of the previous embodiments, the fitting comprises a first nut and a second nut, wherein the first nut and the second nut are threaded onto the anchor member, the first nut and the second nut positioned on opposite sides of the aperture of the form.
[00201 In some embodiments or in combination with any of the of the previous embodiments, the fitting comprises a plastic insert.
[00211 In yet other embodiments of the invention, alone or in combination with any of the previous embodiments, the embodiment comprises a plurality of supports.
[00221 The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed may be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present invention or may be combined with yet other embodiments, further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[00011 This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.
No. 63/105,113 entitled "Method and Apparatus for Forming a Recessed Rail,"
filed on October 23, 2020, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[00021 The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming recessed rail in a cementitious foundation.
BACKGROUND
[00031 As illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3, conventionally, recessed rails, such as recessed crane rails as are commonly used at facilities such as container terminals, are constructed by hand forming a trench in cementitious material, allowing the cementitious material to cure, drilling apertures in the cured cementitious material (see Figure 3), installing anchor bolts for the rail in the pre-drilled apertures and then securing the anchor bolts using a high-strength epoxy grout (see Figures 2 and 3). The remaining parts of the rail assembly, including the rail pad, clips, etc., are then installed and leveled (see Figure 1). As such, the forming and implementation processes are labor-intensive, time-prohibitive, and prone to errors and excessive material and labor costs during construction.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[00041 The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments.
This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all embodiments, nor delineate the scope of any or all embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
[00051 Embodiments of the present invention address the above needs and/or achieve other advantages by providing apparatuses and methods for forming a recessed rail.
[00061 Currently, recessed rails are constructed by hand-forming a trench in cementitious material, wherein the cementitious material is allowed to cure and thereafter drilled for apertures. The apertures are subsequently filled with anchor bolts and high-strength epoxy grout and allowed to cure. Once cured, the rail pad, clips, etc., are installed and leveled.
[00071 Embodiments of the present invention utilize one or more forms supported along the upper surface of a trench by a series of support boards such that each form is suspended with respect to the trench and does not make contact with the lower surface of the trench. The form is configured to receive one or more anchor members within apertures of the form, allowing the anchor members to be suspended with respect to the trench. Each anchor member is coupled to the form by a fitting comprising a first nut and a second nut.
Each of the one or more anchor members comprises one or more flanges configured to limit the movement of the anchor member after the recessed rail is constructed.
[00081 The apparatus is thus configured to allow for cementitious material to be applied within a void to the bottom surface of the trench until it reaches an appropriate height to partially secure the anchor members on one end with the cementitious material. The presence of the form prevents the cementitious material from fully securing the anchor members on both ends, and thus a partial length of each anchor member remains exposed to allow mechanical coupling or attachment to the anchor members to occur after the rail is formed. The presence of the form also allows the cementitious material to take the shape of the portion of the form that the cementitious material comes into contact with, and in some embodiments described herein, the shape generally forms a channel-like geometry recess, offset from the ground surface height.
[00091 After the cementitious material is applied, the anchor members may be decoupled from the form. In some embodiments, decoupling comprises removing the first and second nuts, or in some embodiments only the second nut. In yet additional embodiments, decoupling comprises sliding the anchor members through the fitting.
Decoupling allows for the anchor members to remain secured by the cementitious material once the form is removed from the cementitious material.
[00101 Notably, the geometry of the form is configured such that a similar geometric impression remains in the cementitious material, and the cementitious material is not permitted to enter the cavity of the form. The geometry of the form is such that it may be removed from the cementitious material (either before, during, or after the curing of the cementitious material) with minimal disturbance to the surrounding cementitious material or the form itself As such, the form may be re-used for subsequent formation of recessed rails.
[00111 Embodiments of the invention are directed to an apparatus and method for forming a recessed rail trench, the invention comprising a plurality of anchor members, and a form, the form comprising a plurality of apertures, each aperture structured to receive one of the plurality of anchor members.
[00121 In some embodiments or in combination with any of the of the previous embodiments, the embodiment comprises a plurality of forms, each of the plurality of forms arranged adjacent to at least one of the other of the plurality of forms.
[00131 In some embodiments or in combination with any of the of the previous embodiments, the form comprises at least two lateral sides.
[00141 In some embodiments or in combination with any of the of the previous embodiments, the form comprises at least one end wall.
[00151 In some embodiments or in combination with any of the of the previous embodiments, the at least one end wall comprises at least one aperture.
[00161 In some embodiments or in combination with any of the of the previous embodiments, each of the plurality of anchor members comprises an end member at a first end of the anchor member.
[00171 In some embodiments or in combination with any of the of the previous embodiments, the end member comprises a flange.
[00181 In some embodiments or in combination with any of the of the previous embodiments, the embodiment further comprises a fitting for securing the anchor members with the apertures of the form [00191 In some embodiments or in combination with any of the of the previous embodiments, the fitting comprises a first nut and a second nut, wherein the first nut and the second nut are threaded onto the anchor member, the first nut and the second nut positioned on opposite sides of the aperture of the form.
[00201 In some embodiments or in combination with any of the of the previous embodiments, the fitting comprises a plastic insert.
[00211 In yet other embodiments of the invention, alone or in combination with any of the previous embodiments, the embodiment comprises a plurality of supports.
[00221 The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed may be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present invention or may be combined with yet other embodiments, further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings.
3 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00231 The apparatus and method of the present invention alleviates the forgoing deficiencies of conventional apparatuses and methods for forming a recessed rail and also provides additional advantages. The advantages and features of the invention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, will become more readily apparent upon consideration of the following detail description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred and exemplary embodiments and which are not necessarily drawn to scale, wherein:
[00241 Figure 1 is a cutaway view illustrating a crane rail installation constructed according to the conventional method illustrated in Figures 2 and 3;
[00251 Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating the anchor members secured within the pre-drilled apertures of Figure 3;
[00261 Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the anchor members secured within the pre-drilled apertures of Figure 3 using an epoxy grout;
[00271 Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating a rail forming apparatus, according to one embodiment of the present invention, installed prior to pouring of cementitious material;
[00281 Figure 5 is a perspective view of the form of the railing forming apparatus of Figure 4;
[00291 Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 4;
[00301 Figure 7 is a perspective view of the rail forming apparatus of Figure 4 subsequent to pouring and curing of cementitious material; and [00311 Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[00321 The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments
[00231 The apparatus and method of the present invention alleviates the forgoing deficiencies of conventional apparatuses and methods for forming a recessed rail and also provides additional advantages. The advantages and features of the invention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, will become more readily apparent upon consideration of the following detail description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred and exemplary embodiments and which are not necessarily drawn to scale, wherein:
[00241 Figure 1 is a cutaway view illustrating a crane rail installation constructed according to the conventional method illustrated in Figures 2 and 3;
[00251 Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating the anchor members secured within the pre-drilled apertures of Figure 3;
[00261 Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the anchor members secured within the pre-drilled apertures of Figure 3 using an epoxy grout;
[00271 Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating a rail forming apparatus, according to one embodiment of the present invention, installed prior to pouring of cementitious material;
[00281 Figure 5 is a perspective view of the form of the railing forming apparatus of Figure 4;
[00291 Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 4;
[00301 Figure 7 is a perspective view of the rail forming apparatus of Figure 4 subsequent to pouring and curing of cementitious material; and [00311 Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[00321 The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments
4 are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
[00331 As used herein, "cementitious material" may refer to any structural material capable of forming a sufficiently strong joint between a mechanical attachment point such as a threaded bolt, and a surrounding trench. Examples of cementitious materials include, but are not limited to: cement, quick-set cement, cement replacement materials, construction aggregates, asphalt, composites using any number of aggregates and binders, slag, sand, geopolymers, polymers, volcanic materials, and the like.
[00341 As illustrated in Figure 5, a form 10 is provided that includes a plurality of apertures 12 each for locating and securing an end of one of a plurality of anchor members 14. In one embodiment, the anchor members 14 comprise threaded bolts. In other embodiments, the anchor members 14 may comprise threaded-studs, non-threaded-studs, rods, internally threaded rods, turnbuckles, standoffs, captive nuts, and the like. Any commonly used mechanical coupling mechanism may benefit from the use of the invention.
The form 10 can be constructed of any material that provides sufficient rigidity, including metal, wood, plastic, etc. The form 10 may also benefit from surface treatment to the material it is constructed from, such that the form 10 can be easily removed with limited friction from the trench of which it forms and sustain minimal wear. Examples of such surface treatment may include paint, powder coating, anodizing, hard anodizing, rubberized coatings, Teflon coatings, lubricant coating, mold release, and the like. The configuration of the form 10 can vary. In one embodiment, as illustrated in the non-limiting examples shown in Figure 5, the form 10 is rectangular. In other embodiments, the form 10 is square. The form 10 has at least two lateral side walls. The form may have one or two end walls. In one embodiment, the form 10 has side walls around the entire perimeter of the form. Lateral side walls and/or end walls may be configured with geometric angles (commonly referred to as "draft angles") such that the lateral side walls or end walls may be angled relative to the direction of removal of the form 10. In this way, form 10 may be removed with minimal disturbance to the surrounding material and/or the form itself As illustrated in Figure 4, multiple forms 10 can be provided to extend the length of the form depending on the length of the required rail and the form 10 can include one or more connection apertures 15 in the end walls for securing the adjacent forms 10 end to end. In this way, the recessed rail formed by the apparatus can be any length required. The connection apertures 15 in each form may be used in conjunction with a coupling device such as wire, string, rope, screws, bolts, nuts, and the like, in order to connect a form to the adjacent form(s).
[00351 As illustrated in Figures 4 and 6, a trench 18 is constructed in the ground or existing surface structure (e.g., concrete or asphalt pavement, tarmac, roadway, etc.) having a relatively planar bottom structure 20. In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to provide a trench 18 with a bottom structure that is not entirely planar, but rather rounded, notched, angled, or the like.
[00361 The dimensions of the trench 18 and dimensions of supports 28 are such that the supports 28 are positioned along the outermost ground-level surface of the trench 18 as to provide mechanical attachment points for the form 10 to allow form 10 and components attached thereto the ability to be suspended above planar bottom structure 20.
The anchor members 14 are positioned within the trench 18. In some embodiments described herein, the anchor members 14 are positioned such that there is a gap between the anchor members 14 and the planar bottom structure 20. In other embodiments, the anchor members 14 may be positioned such that they make contact with, or recede below, planar bottom structure 20.
[00371 Multiple forms 10 may be aligned end to end as illustrated in Figure 4.
According to this embodiment, ties (not shown), such as metal or plastic ties, may be used to secure the ends of the forms 10 together. According to other embodiments, screws, bolts, welds, latches, or the like, may be used to secure the ends of the forms 10 together.
Additionally, as shown in Figure 4, the ties and apertures 16 may also be used secure the forms 10 to supports 28 that will hold the form structure in place against the force caused by the buoyancy of the form when the form is residing in the cementitious material after pouring and prior to curing. Screws, bolt, welds, and other mechanical fastening features may also be used with apertures 16 to secure the forms 10 to supports 28. The supports 28 may comprise metal, wood or plastic and may be anchored to the surrounding structure to provide additional support and stability.
[00381 As illustrated in Figures 4 and 6, the end of the anchor members 14 positioned within the trench 18 may comprise an end member 22, which may comprise a flange 24 to support and stabilize the end of the anchor member on the bottom of the trench. The configuration of the flange 24 may vary. In one embodiment, the flange 24 is circular and in another embodiment the flange is square or rectangular. The end member 22 may be attached to the anchor member 14 or may be formed unitary with the anchor member.
[00391 Each of the opposite ends of the anchor members 14 are then inserted through the respective aperture 12 in the form 10. As illustrated in Figure 6, the anchor members 14 may be received within the aperture 12 of the form using a fitting 26 that is structured to frictionally secure the form 10 on the anchor member. The fitting 26 can comprise any material that will provide a sufficient frictional fit to support the form 10 on the anchor members 14 and prevent the form 10 from slipping down due to the weight of the form or slipping up due to the upward force caused by the buoyancy of the form when the form is residing in the cementitious material after pouring and prior to curing. In one embodiment, the fitting 26 may comprise flanges formed integrally with the form that have an opening that creates a frictional fit with the anchor member. Alternative, the fitting 26 may comprise an insert, such as a plastic insert. In another embodiment, the fitting comprises a first nut 26a threaded on the anchor member 14 prior to inserting the anchor member through the aperture 12 and a second nut 26b threaded on the anchor member after inserting the anchor member through the aperture so that the form is secured between the first and second nuts.
[00401 As illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the cementitious material 30 is poured into the trench 18 and allowed to cure. Thereafter, the form(s) 10 are removed.
Advantageously, according to the present invention, a recessed rail trench is provided that has secured anchor members to which the rails may be secured. It should be understood that form(s) 10 are capable of being reused for further formation of additional recessed rail trenches. In some embodiments, form(s) 10 may be configured and optimized for one-time use.
[00411 Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.
Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. In addition, where possible, any terms expressed in the singular form herein are meant to also include the plural form and/or vice versa. As used herein, "at least one" shall mean "one or more" and these phrases are intended to be interchangeable.
Accordingly, the terms "a" and/or "an" shall mean "at least one" or "one or more," even though the phrase "one or more" or "at least one" is also used herein.
[00331 As used herein, "cementitious material" may refer to any structural material capable of forming a sufficiently strong joint between a mechanical attachment point such as a threaded bolt, and a surrounding trench. Examples of cementitious materials include, but are not limited to: cement, quick-set cement, cement replacement materials, construction aggregates, asphalt, composites using any number of aggregates and binders, slag, sand, geopolymers, polymers, volcanic materials, and the like.
[00341 As illustrated in Figure 5, a form 10 is provided that includes a plurality of apertures 12 each for locating and securing an end of one of a plurality of anchor members 14. In one embodiment, the anchor members 14 comprise threaded bolts. In other embodiments, the anchor members 14 may comprise threaded-studs, non-threaded-studs, rods, internally threaded rods, turnbuckles, standoffs, captive nuts, and the like. Any commonly used mechanical coupling mechanism may benefit from the use of the invention.
The form 10 can be constructed of any material that provides sufficient rigidity, including metal, wood, plastic, etc. The form 10 may also benefit from surface treatment to the material it is constructed from, such that the form 10 can be easily removed with limited friction from the trench of which it forms and sustain minimal wear. Examples of such surface treatment may include paint, powder coating, anodizing, hard anodizing, rubberized coatings, Teflon coatings, lubricant coating, mold release, and the like. The configuration of the form 10 can vary. In one embodiment, as illustrated in the non-limiting examples shown in Figure 5, the form 10 is rectangular. In other embodiments, the form 10 is square. The form 10 has at least two lateral side walls. The form may have one or two end walls. In one embodiment, the form 10 has side walls around the entire perimeter of the form. Lateral side walls and/or end walls may be configured with geometric angles (commonly referred to as "draft angles") such that the lateral side walls or end walls may be angled relative to the direction of removal of the form 10. In this way, form 10 may be removed with minimal disturbance to the surrounding material and/or the form itself As illustrated in Figure 4, multiple forms 10 can be provided to extend the length of the form depending on the length of the required rail and the form 10 can include one or more connection apertures 15 in the end walls for securing the adjacent forms 10 end to end. In this way, the recessed rail formed by the apparatus can be any length required. The connection apertures 15 in each form may be used in conjunction with a coupling device such as wire, string, rope, screws, bolts, nuts, and the like, in order to connect a form to the adjacent form(s).
[00351 As illustrated in Figures 4 and 6, a trench 18 is constructed in the ground or existing surface structure (e.g., concrete or asphalt pavement, tarmac, roadway, etc.) having a relatively planar bottom structure 20. In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to provide a trench 18 with a bottom structure that is not entirely planar, but rather rounded, notched, angled, or the like.
[00361 The dimensions of the trench 18 and dimensions of supports 28 are such that the supports 28 are positioned along the outermost ground-level surface of the trench 18 as to provide mechanical attachment points for the form 10 to allow form 10 and components attached thereto the ability to be suspended above planar bottom structure 20.
The anchor members 14 are positioned within the trench 18. In some embodiments described herein, the anchor members 14 are positioned such that there is a gap between the anchor members 14 and the planar bottom structure 20. In other embodiments, the anchor members 14 may be positioned such that they make contact with, or recede below, planar bottom structure 20.
[00371 Multiple forms 10 may be aligned end to end as illustrated in Figure 4.
According to this embodiment, ties (not shown), such as metal or plastic ties, may be used to secure the ends of the forms 10 together. According to other embodiments, screws, bolts, welds, latches, or the like, may be used to secure the ends of the forms 10 together.
Additionally, as shown in Figure 4, the ties and apertures 16 may also be used secure the forms 10 to supports 28 that will hold the form structure in place against the force caused by the buoyancy of the form when the form is residing in the cementitious material after pouring and prior to curing. Screws, bolt, welds, and other mechanical fastening features may also be used with apertures 16 to secure the forms 10 to supports 28. The supports 28 may comprise metal, wood or plastic and may be anchored to the surrounding structure to provide additional support and stability.
[00381 As illustrated in Figures 4 and 6, the end of the anchor members 14 positioned within the trench 18 may comprise an end member 22, which may comprise a flange 24 to support and stabilize the end of the anchor member on the bottom of the trench. The configuration of the flange 24 may vary. In one embodiment, the flange 24 is circular and in another embodiment the flange is square or rectangular. The end member 22 may be attached to the anchor member 14 or may be formed unitary with the anchor member.
[00391 Each of the opposite ends of the anchor members 14 are then inserted through the respective aperture 12 in the form 10. As illustrated in Figure 6, the anchor members 14 may be received within the aperture 12 of the form using a fitting 26 that is structured to frictionally secure the form 10 on the anchor member. The fitting 26 can comprise any material that will provide a sufficient frictional fit to support the form 10 on the anchor members 14 and prevent the form 10 from slipping down due to the weight of the form or slipping up due to the upward force caused by the buoyancy of the form when the form is residing in the cementitious material after pouring and prior to curing. In one embodiment, the fitting 26 may comprise flanges formed integrally with the form that have an opening that creates a frictional fit with the anchor member. Alternative, the fitting 26 may comprise an insert, such as a plastic insert. In another embodiment, the fitting comprises a first nut 26a threaded on the anchor member 14 prior to inserting the anchor member through the aperture 12 and a second nut 26b threaded on the anchor member after inserting the anchor member through the aperture so that the form is secured between the first and second nuts.
[00401 As illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the cementitious material 30 is poured into the trench 18 and allowed to cure. Thereafter, the form(s) 10 are removed.
Advantageously, according to the present invention, a recessed rail trench is provided that has secured anchor members to which the rails may be secured. It should be understood that form(s) 10 are capable of being reused for further formation of additional recessed rail trenches. In some embodiments, form(s) 10 may be configured and optimized for one-time use.
[00411 Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.
Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. In addition, where possible, any terms expressed in the singular form herein are meant to also include the plural form and/or vice versa. As used herein, "at least one" shall mean "one or more" and these phrases are intended to be interchangeable.
Accordingly, the terms "a" and/or "an" shall mean "at least one" or "one or more," even though the phrase "one or more" or "at least one" is also used herein.
Claims (20)
1. A forming apparatus for forming a recessed rail trench, comprising:
a plurality of anchor members; and a form, the form comprising a plurality of apertures, each aperture structured to receive one of the plurality of anchor members.
a plurality of anchor members; and a form, the form comprising a plurality of apertures, each aperture structured to receive one of the plurality of anchor members.
2. A forming apparatus according to Claim 1, comprising a plurality of forms, each of the plurality of forms arranged adjacent to at least one of the other of the plurality of forms.
3. A forming apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the form comprises at least two lateral sides.
4. A forming apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the form comprises at least one end wall.
5. A forming apparatus according to Claim 4, wherein the at least one end wall comprises at least one aperture.
6. A forming apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of anchor members comprises an end member at a first end of the anchor member.
7. A forming apparatus according to Claim 6, wherein the end member comprises a flange.
8. A forming apparatus according to Claim 1, further comprising a fitting for securing the anchor members with the apertures of the form.
9. A forming apparatus according to Claim 8, wherein the fitting comprises a first nut and a second nut, wherein the first nut and the second nut are threaded onto the anchor member, the first nut and the second nut positioned on opposite sides of the aperture of the form.
10. A forming apparatus according to Claim 8, wherein the fitting comprises a plastic insert.
11. A forming apparatus according to Claim 1, further comprising a plurality of supports.
12. A recessed rail trench comprising:
a trench;
a cementitious material structured to fill the trench, wherein the cementitious material is structured to form a recess; and a plurality of anchor members, wherein each of the plurality of anchor members is located within the recess and wherein a portion of each of the plurality of the anchor members is secured by the cementitious material.
a trench;
a cementitious material structured to fill the trench, wherein the cementitious material is structured to form a recess; and a plurality of anchor members, wherein each of the plurality of anchor members is located within the recess and wherein a portion of each of the plurality of the anchor members is secured by the cementitious material.
13. The recessed rail trench of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of anchor members comprises an end member at a first end of the anchor member.
14. The recessed rail trench of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of anchor members further comprises a second end of the anchor member, the second end positioned to be exposed from the cementitious material.
15. A method for forming a recessed rail trench, the method comprising:
positioning a form internal to a trench, wherein the form comprises a plurality of anchor members, and wherein the form and the trench define a void;
applying a cementitious material to the void; and removing the form.
positioning a form internal to a trench, wherein the form comprises a plurality of anchor members, and wherein the form and the trench define a void;
applying a cementitious material to the void; and removing the form.
16. A method for forming a recessed rail trench according to claim 15, wherein a first end of each of the anchor members is secured by the cementitious material.
17. A method for forming a recessed rail trench according to claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of anchor members further comprises an end member at a first end of the anchor member.
18. A method for forming a recessed rail trench according to claim 15, further comprising securing the form to the trench with a support.
19. A method for forming a recessed rail trench according to claim 15, further comprising a plurality of forms, each of the plurality of forms arranged adjacent to at least one of the other of the plurality of forms.
20. A method for forming a recessed rail trench according to claim 19, wherein each of the plurality of forms comprises one or more connection apertures and each of the plurality of forms is coupled with the adjacent form using a coupling device in conjunction with the one or more connection apertures.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US202063105113P | 2020-10-23 | 2020-10-23 | |
| US63/105,113 | 2020-10-23 | ||
| PCT/US2021/056493 WO2022087532A1 (en) | 2020-10-23 | 2021-10-25 | Method and apparatus for forming a recessed rati, trench |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA3199446A1 true CA3199446A1 (en) | 2022-04-28 |
Family
ID=81289526
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3199446A Pending CA3199446A1 (en) | 2020-10-23 | 2021-10-25 | Method and apparatus for forming a recessed rail trench |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA3199446A1 (en) |
| MX (1) | MX2023004735A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2022087532A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1738043A (en) * | 1928-09-15 | 1929-12-03 | Internat Steel Tie Company | Roadbed construction for street railways and method of constructing the same |
| US3557274A (en) * | 1968-03-27 | 1971-01-19 | J H Pomcroy & Co Inc | Method for molding a concrete railroad tie |
| FR2691484B1 (en) * | 1992-05-22 | 1994-07-29 | Vanotti Gerard | METHOD OF CONSTRUCTING A RAILWAY IN CONCRETE. |
| US5538361A (en) * | 1994-07-22 | 1996-07-23 | Hoosier Group, L.L.C. | Apparatus for forming a trench |
| CA2193760C (en) * | 1995-12-29 | 2001-12-04 | Allen R. Becker | Trench drain |
| US8336267B2 (en) * | 2008-10-31 | 2012-12-25 | Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc. | Construction frame shear lug |
| US9834894B1 (en) * | 2015-02-05 | 2017-12-05 | Daniel E. Reed | Drain channel |
-
2021
- 2021-10-25 CA CA3199446A patent/CA3199446A1/en active Pending
- 2021-10-25 WO PCT/US2021/056493 patent/WO2022087532A1/en active Application Filing
- 2021-10-25 MX MX2023004735A patent/MX2023004735A/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2022087532A1 (en) | 2022-04-28 |
| MX2023004735A (en) | 2023-07-17 |
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