EP3677725B1 - Railroad spike remover - Google Patents
Railroad spike remover Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3677725B1 EP3677725B1 EP20150387.7A EP20150387A EP3677725B1 EP 3677725 B1 EP3677725 B1 EP 3677725B1 EP 20150387 A EP20150387 A EP 20150387A EP 3677725 B1 EP3677725 B1 EP 3677725B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- drive shaft
- extractor
- jaws
- housing
- spike
- 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.)
- Active
Links
- 210000000078 claw Anatomy 0.000 claims description 31
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 238000005304 joining Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 3
- 229910000838 Al alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 229910000851 Alloy steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 229910001069 Ti alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titanium Chemical compound [Ti] RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000010936 titanium Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052719 titanium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000005219 brazing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003111 delayed effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000006261 foam material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002427 irreversible effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008439 repair process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005476 soldering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25C—HAND-HELD NAILING OR STAPLING TOOLS; MANUALLY OPERATED PORTABLE STAPLING TOOLS
- B25C11/00—Nail, spike, and staple extractors
-
- 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
- E01B29/24—Fixing or removing detachable fastening means or accessories thereof; Pre-assembling track components by detachable fastening means
- E01B29/26—Fixing or removing detachable fastening means or accessories thereof; Pre-assembling track components by detachable fastening means the fastening means being spikes
Definitions
- the field of invention for this disclosure relates to a portable railroad spike remover, according to the preamble of claim 1.
- a railroad spike remover having the features of the preamble of claim 1 is for instance disclosed in EP 3 255 207 A1 . Removing railroad spikes from a rail tie has not changed much over time. Rail spikes are often removed from a rail tie manually using a crowbar. A railroad spike may need as much as 2,265 kg (5,000 pounds) of vertical force to remove a spike embedded in a rail tie. A portable device to easily remove the railroad spikes would be a great improvement.
- the present disclosure provides an apparatus for removing railroad spikes from a rail tie that is portable and easy to use.
- an apparatus for removing a railroad spike from a rail tie comprises: a main housing that includes an upper housing and a lower housing, wherein the upper housing includes a bearing housing that contains one or more bearings; a drive shaft connected to the main housing and a mounting flange, the drive shaft extending through the one or more bearings and an opening in the bearing housing; and a plurality of standoffs with a first end and a second end, with the first end of the plurality of standoffs connected to the mounting flange and the second end of the plurality of standoffs connected to a clevis pivot plate with a clevis fastener that is connected to a claw assembly extractor.
- the claw assembly extractor includes a pair of jaw members that are pivotally connected to each other by a pivoting pin and a rotating pin.
- Each jaw member includes a lower end and a pair of upper members interlocked with each other. The lower end is configured to contact and secure a railroad spike and the pair of upper members are pivotally connected to the clevis fastener with the rotating pin.
- the apparatus for removing a railroad spike from a rail tie includes a T-handle assembly to hold a battery-operated drill-type tool that connects to the drive shaft, wherein the T-handle assembly optionally includes one or more fastening straps and one or more side plates to connect the T-handle assembly to the main housing.
- the claw assembly extractor may include a friction assembly that includes a spring and one or more friction caps to keep the jaws in an open position as the jaws are moved from an up position to a home position after a railroad spike has been pulled.
- the claw assembly extractor and the mounting flange moves inside the main housing in a vertical direction to extract the railroad spike from the rail tie.
- the rail spike remover may include a rail spike driver for driving the railroad spike into the rail tie.
- the rail spike driver may be interchangeable with the claw assembly extractor by removing the clevis pivot plate and attaching the rail spike driver to the plurality of standoffs.
- the rail spike remover may include a rectangular leveling block located on a side of a bottom footer of the lower housing of the main housing, wherein the leveling block is utilized to level the main housing and the rail spike remover when removing railroad spike.
- Plurality indicates any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite number.
- Connected indicates that components may be connected directly being physically contacting each other or connected indirectly where the components are connected indirectly where the components do not physically contact, but have one or more intermediate components positioned between them.
- “Integral joining technique” or means a technique for joining two pieces so that the two pieces effectively become a single, integral piece, including, but not limited to, irreversible joining techniques, such as adhesively joining, cementing, welding, brazing, soldering, or the like, where separation of the joined pieces cannot be accomplished without structural damage thereto. Pieces joined with such a technique are described as “integrally joined.”
- aspects of this invention relate to an apparatus to remove railroad spikes from a rail tie comprising a main column, a drive shaft and an extractor. More detailed descriptions of aspects of this invention follow.
- FIGS. 1-4 One example of a portable railroad spike remover 100 is shown in FIGS. 1-4 .
- FIG. 1 illustrates a top front perspective view of an example of a railroad spike remover 100.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the railroad spike remover 100.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the railroad spike remover 100.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the railroad spike remover 100.
- the railroad spike remover 100 may comprise a main column 102, a bearing housing 110, a plurality of standoffs 170, a mounting flange 134, an extractor 140, and a drive shaft 120.
- the main column 102 may have a first end 104, a second end 106 opposite the first end 104, and a center section 108 positioned between the two ends.
- the bearing housing 110 may be connected to the first end 104 of the main column 102 and have an opening 112 for inserting the drive shaft 120.
- the drive shaft 120 may also extend through a bearing 114 secured in the bearing housing 110 by a cap plate 116.
- the drive shaft 120 may have a first end 122 and a second end 124 opposite the first end 122. Near the first end 122, the drive shaft 120 may extend through an opening in the bearing 114, through an opening 112 in the bearing housing 110, and through an opening in the cap plate 116. Near the second end 124, the drive shaft 120 may connect to the mounting flange 134. The drive shaft 120 may be secured to the mounting flange 134 using a nut 137.
- the plurality of standoffs 170 may connect to the mounting flange 134 at one end and to the extractor 140 at the opposite end.
- the drive shaft 120 may connect directly to the extractor 140 without the need for the mounting flange 134 and the plurality of standoffs 170.
- the extractor 140 may engage and grip the railroad spike 10 to secure it. Once the extractor 140 secures the railroad spike 10, a user may engage the first end 122 of the drive shaft 120 with a tool to provide torque to the drive shaft 120.
- the mounting flange 134 and the extractor 140 may move inside the column in a vertical direction to extract the railroad spike 10 from a rail tie. As the extractor 140 moves up within the main column 102, the railroad spike 10 is removed from the rail tie.
- the main column 102 may have a plurality of substantially vertical side walls that are open at both ends 104, 106.
- the main column may have a height of approximately 80 cm (32 inches) or within a range of 60 to 100 cm (24 to 40 inches).
- the main column 102 may generally have a square cross-sectional shape.
- the main column may have any geometric cross-sectional shape, such as circular, triangular, such that the main column 102 may have any number of side walls.
- the main column 102 may have four side walls, but may have 3 side walls, 5 side walls, 6 side walls or any number of side walls.
- the side walls may have a thickness of approximately 0.47 cm (0.188 inches) or within a range of 0.3125 cm (0.125 inches) to 0.625 cm (0.25 inches), or within a range of 0.15 cm (0.06 inches) to 0.9375 cm (0.375 inches).
- Each side wall may have a width of approximately 10 cm (4 inches) or within a range of 7.5 cm (3 inches) to 12.5 cm (5 inches), or within a range of 5 cm (2 inches) to 15 cm (6 inches).
- At least one side wall of the main column 102 may have an aperture 109 that extends from the second end 106 to a portion of the height of the main column 102.
- the aperture 109 may have a height of approximately 20 percent of the height of the main column 102 or the aperture 109 may have a height that is within a range of 12 percent to 37 percent of the height of the main column.
- the aperture 109 may have an elongated shape and may have a height of approximately 17.5 cm (7 inches) or may be within a range of 12.5 cm (5 inches) to 22.5 cm (9 inches). .
- the aperture 109 may have a width of approximately 3.75 cm (1.5 inches) or within a range of 2.5 cm (1.0 inch) to 6.25 cm (2.5 inches)
- the aperture 109 may align with the opening 147 of the extractor 140 to allow the railroad spike remover 100 to slide into position to engage the railroad spike 10 with the extractor 140.
- the bearing housing 110 may be integrally joined to the first end 104 of the main column 102. Alternatively, the bearing housing 110 and main column 102 may be formed as a single piece. As previously discussed, the bearing housing 110 may have an opening 112. The opening 112 may be located in the geometric center of the bearing housing 110 and may have a cylindrical shape to allow the drive shaft 120 to extend through the bearing housing 110. The opening 112 may be through both ends of the bearing housing 110. In addition, the bearing housing 110 may have a cavity 113 that is concentric with the opening 112. The cavity 113 may be sized to contain the bearing 114 and have a cylindrical shape that is open at one end with a surface at the opposite end to engage one end of the bearing 114.
- the bearing housing 110 may also have a plurality of holes around the perimeter of the housing. The plurality of holes may be threaded to releasably connect the cap plate 116.
- the bearing 114 may be a roller bearing or bushing that enables the drive shaft 120 to rotate freely when the bearing 114 is installed onto the drive shaft 120 and into the bearing housing 110.
- the drive shaft 120 may have a first end 122 and a second end 124 and may be partially threaded. As shown in FIG. 4 , the drive shaft 120 may have a plurality of distinct diameter regions. For example, the drive shaft 120 may have a first region 128 with a first diameter 129 corresponding to the threaded region, a second region 130 having a second diameter 131 with a smooth surface, and a third region 132 which may have a third diameter 133. The first diameter 129 may be greater than both the second diameter 131 and the third diameter 133.
- the first diameter 129 may be approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch) or within a range of 1.875 cm (0.75 inches) and 3.75 cm (1.5 inches) or within a range of 1.25 cm (0.5 inches) to 5 cm (2.0 inches) .
- the threaded portion (first region 128) may be ACME threads or other similar threads.
- the drive shaft 120 may have two distinct diameter regions or four distinct diameter regions.
- the first end 122 may have a drive element 127 to allow a user to engage the drive shaft 120 with a rotating tool, such as a torque wrench 20 or similar device to rotate the drive shaft 120.
- a rotating tool such as a torque wrench 20 or similar device to rotate the drive shaft 120.
- the drive element 127 may have a hexagonal shape to be engaged by a standard hexagonal socket.
- the standard hexagonal socket may be a 1.25 cm (0.5 inches) or larger.
- the torque wrench 20 has a length of 45 cm (18 inches) or longer.
- a battery-operated drill-type apparatus or an air hammer attached to a pneumatic supply could be utilized as the rotating tool in lieu of the torque wrench 20, thereby engaging the drive shaft 120 and rotating the drive shaft 120 to move the drive shaft 120 up and down.
- the drive shaft 120 may connect to the mounting flange 134.
- the mounting flange 134 may have a centrally located aperture 136 to connect the drive shaft 120.
- the mounting flange 134 may be connected to the drive shaft in a plurality of ways.
- the aperture 136 may be threaded to directly engage the drive shaft 120, or alternatively as shown in FIG. 4 , a nut 137 may be connected to the aperture 136 of the mounting flange 134 where the drive shaft 120 may connect to the mounting flange 134 with the nut 137 positioned between the mounting flange 134 and the drive shaft 120.
- the nut 137 may be integrally joined to the mounting flange 134 or some may be connected using an antirotation element to prevent the nut 137 from rotating in relation to the mounting flange 134 when the drive shaft 120 is rotated, such as a set screw.
- the mounting flange 134 may also have a plurality of mounting holes positioned around the perimeter to allow for easy connection to the plurality of standoffs 170.
- the mounting flange 134 may be releasably connected to the standoffs 170 or the drive shaft 120 to allow any repairs that may be required.
- the plurality of standoffs 170 may be hollow tubes that connect at a first end to a mounting flange 134 and a second end of connected to an extractor 140. Each standoff 170 may have internal threads such that they may be releasably connected using a threaded fastener. Alternatively, the plurality of standoffs 170 may be integrally joined to the either the mounting flange 134 or extractor 140 or both.
- Each standoff 170 may be approximately 17.5 cm (7 inches) long or within a range of 12.5 cm to 22.5 cm (5 inches to 9 inches) or within a range of 7.5 cm to 30 cm (3 inches to 12 inches).
- Each of the standoffs 170 may be the same length, but depending on the shape of the either the mounting flange 134 or extractor 140, each of the standoffs 170 may have different lengths.
- the plurality of standoffs 170 connect to an extractor 140.
- the extractor 140 may comprise a metallic plate with a top surface 141, a bottom surface 142, and a plurality of side surfaces 143, 144, 145, 146.
- the extractor 140 may further comprise an opening 147 through the top and bottom surface and extending through at least one side surface.
- the opening may further include an upper portion 148 and a lower portion 149.
- the lower portion 149 of the opening may have a plurality of tapered side walls 150, 151 and a first rounded rear wall 152.
- the plurality of tapered side walls 150, 151 may be vertically oriented and taper toward one another.
- the upper portion 148 of the opening may have vertically oriented side walls 153, 154, and a second rounded rear wall 155, wherein the width of the upper portion 148 is larger than the width of the lower portion 149.
- the first rounded rear wall 152 and the second rounded rear wall 155 may be concentric.
- the extractor 140 may have a plurality of holes 158 to releasably connect the extractor 140 to the plurality of standoffs 170.
- the plurality of holes 158 may be positioned near the side surfaces 143, 144, 145, 146 of the extractor 140 and extend through the top surface 141 and bottom surface 142.
- the plurality of holes 158 may be threaded or clearance holes for a threaded fastener.
- the extractor 140 may be integrally joined to the standoffs 170. Additionally, as discussed above, the extractor 140 may be connected directly to the drive shaft 120.
- FIGS. 7-9 show an alternate example for the extractor 140.
- the features of the extractor 240 are referred to using similar reference numerals under the "2XX" series of reference numerals, rather than "1XX" as used in the example of FIGS. 5 and 6 . Accordingly, certain features of the extractor 240 that were already described above with respect to the extractor 140 of FIGS. 5-6 may be described in lesser detail, or may not be described at all.
- the extractor 240 may have the similar exterior shape as extractor 140 to fit within the main column 102 with a top surface 241, a bottom surface 242, and a plurality of side surfaces 243, 244, 245, 246.
- An opening 247 may extend through at least two side surfaces and the bottom surface 242.
- the opening 247 may include a first guide rail 248, a second guide rail 249, a first side wall 250 adjacent the first guide rail, a second side wall 251 adjacent the second guide rail, and an upper surface 252 connecting the first guide rail 248 to the second guide rail 249.
- the upper surface 252 of the opening may be rounded and exposed to the exterior.
- the opening 247 may have a first end 253 and a second end 254, wherein a first height 255 at the first end 253 may be defined as a distance perpendicular from the bottom surface 242 of the extractor 240 to the furthest extent of the upper surface 252 and the second end 254 may have a second height 256 defined from the bottom surface 242 to the furthest extent of the second end 254 of the upper surface 252.
- the bottom surface 242 may further include an angled region 257, such that the angled region 257 angles upward toward the first end 253 of the opening 247.
- first guide rail 248 and the second guide rail 249 may be coplanar surfaces.
- the first guide rail 248 may have a height at the first end 253 of the opening 247 defined as a perpendicular distance from the bottom surface 242 of the extractor 240 to the furthest extent of the first end 253 of the first guide rail 248.
- the second end 254 may have a second height defined as a perpendicular distance from the bottom surface 242 to the furthest extent of the second end 254 of the first guide rail 248, wherein the first height is smaller than the second height.
- the guide rails 248, 249 may be linear surfaces and angle in a direction away from the bottom surface 242.
- the opening 247 may be larger at the first end 253 than at the second end 254.
- the first side wall 250 adjacent the first guide rail 248 and the second side wall 251 adjacent the second guide rail 249 are parallel.
- the first side wall 250 adjacent the first guide rail 248 and the second side wall 251 adjacent the second guide rail 249 are angled toward one another.
- the extractor 240 may have a plurality of holes 258 to connect the extractor 240 to the plurality of standoffs 170.
- the various components for the railroad spike remover 100 may be made of a metallic material, preferably a steel alloy.
- the components may be made of other metallic materials such as iron, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, titanium, or a titanium alloy.
- the railroad spike remover 100 may be portable for a single user to move and operate. Thus, the railroad spike remover 100 may have a weight of less than 22.65 kg (50 pounds). In othe examples and embodiments of this invention, the railroad spike remover 100 and 500 may have a weight of less than 13.59 cm (30 pounds).
- a user may position the railroad spike remover 100 near a railroad spike 10 and then slide the opening 147 of the extractor 140 onto the top of the railroad spike 10 such that the railroad spike 10 is secured in extractor 140. The user may then position the railroad spike remover 100 over the railroad spike 10. The user then engages the drive element 127 with the torque wrench 20 and rotates the drive shaft 120 to raise the mounting flange 134 and the extractor 140. As the drive shaft 120 is turned, the extractor 140, along with the railroad spike 10, raises into the main column 102 until the railroad spike 10 is released from the rail tie.
- the user may reverse the drive shaft 120 to lower the mounting flange 134 and the extractor 140 to allow the railroad spike remover 100 to be ready to remove another railroad spike 10.
- a battery-operated drill-type apparatus or an air hammer attached to a pneumatic supply could be utilized in lieu of the torque wrench, thereby engaging the drive shaft 120 and rotating the drive shaft to move the drive shaft 120 up and down.
- FIGS. 10-14 show an alternate example for the extractor 140, 240.
- the railroad spike remover 100 may include an extractor 340 with moving jaws 342 that are frictionally delayed.
- the features of the extractor 340 are referred to using similar reference numerals under the "3XX" series of reference numerals, rather than "1XX" as used in the example of FIGS. 5 and 6 . Accordingly, certain features of the extractor 340 that were already described above with respect to the extractor 140 of FIGS. 5-6 may be described in lesser detail, or may not be described at all.
- the extractor 340 may be used with similar features of the railroad spike remover 100 already described above. 7 FIG.
- FIG. 10 illustrates a side perspective view of an alternate example of the extractor of the rail spike remover of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 11 illustrates an internal side perspective view of the extractor and rail spike remover of FIG. 10 .
- FIG. 12 illustrates a close-up view of a bottom portion of the extractor and rail spike remover of FIG. 10 .
- FIG. 13 illustrates a close-up view of the extractor and rail spike remover of FIG. 10 .
- FIG. 14 illustrates a side perspective view of the extractor of the rail spike remover of FIG. 10 .
- the extractor 340 may comprise a claw assembly extractor.
- the claw assembly extractor 340 may be designed to open, close, and grab with the drive shaft 120 movement the railroad spike at a force as high as 19,000 pounds.
- the claw assembly extractor 340 may include a pair of jaws 342 that are pivotally connected to each other by a pivoting pin 344 and a rotating pin 346.
- the lower ends 348 of the jaws 342 are configured to contact and grab the railroad spike 10.
- the upper members 350 of the jaws 342 are pivotally connected to the mounting flange 134 with the rotating pin 346 or the pivoting pin 344 as illustrated in FIGs. 11-13 . When the drive shaft 120 is pulled upward, the jaws 342 move towards a grabbing position to grab onto the railroad spike 10.
- the extractor 340 and claw assembly extractor includes the two jaws 342, a pivoting pin 344, the two upper members 350, spacer caps, a rotating pin 346, and a friction assembly.
- the friction assembly generally includes a spring and friction caps.
- the jaws 342 and upper members 350 form a moveable parallelogram assembly.
- the jaws 342 each have a pivot hole 352 which the pivot pin 344 is located in.
- the jaws 342 also each have a rotating section 354 which the rotating pin 346 is located in.
- the upper members 350 of the jaws 342 are pivotally connected to the jaws 342 by their rotating sections 354 and the rotating pins 346.
- the upper members 350 of the jaws 342 may be also pivotally connected to the mounting flange 134 and drive shaft 120 by the pivoting pin 346.
- the friction assembly functions for keeping the jaws 342 in an open position as the jaws 342 are moved from the up position to the home position after a spike 10 has been pulled.
- a user places the railroad spike remover 100 over the spike 10 with the jaws 342 in the open position.
- the drive shaft 120 is moved upward, pulling the upper members 350 upward and rotated pulling the upper members 350 of the jaws 342 towards each other.
- the friction assembly keeps the centers of the jaws 342 fixed relative to the main column 102 such that the jaws 342 only initially rotate and do not translate relative to the main column 102.
- the lower ends 348 of the jaws 342 are able to rotate under the head of the spike 10.
- the jaws 342 are stopped by the spike 10 from further rotation, the upward movement of the drive shaft 120 overcomes the frictional forces of the friction assembly and the jaws 342 translate upward along the interior of the main column 102 pulling the spike 10 with it.
- the drive shaft 120 is moved downward back towards its home position.
- the friction assembly initially holds the center of the jaws 342 fixed relative to the main column 102 such that the jaws 342 only initially rotate and translate to move the jaws 342 to an open position.
- the spike 10 is able to be released.
- the jaws 342 stop rotating and start translating down the main column 102 when the back surfaces of the jaws 342 lower ends contact the opposite interior sides of the main column 102.
- the lower ends 348 of the jaws 342 substantially block an area between the main column 102 and the back surfaces to prevent the spike 10 from entering this area.
- the claw assembly extractor and the jaws 342 includes a frictionally-delayed movement that includes pivoting claws 348 with arms or upper members 350 that frictionally contact each other and/or the main column 102 when opening and closing the jaws 342.
- the frictionally-delayed moving jaws functions as a means for keeping the jaws in an open position as the jaws 342 are moved from the up position to the home positions after a spike 10 has been pulled.
- FIGS. 15A-15D illustrate the interchangeability of the extractors 140 and 340 for the railroad spike remover 100.
- FIG. 15A illustrates fastening the mounting flange 134 to the top end of the main column 102 and the bearing housing 110 with the bolts and the standoffs 170.
- FIG. 15B illustrates sliding the standoffs 170 (or long bolts) into the extractor 140 (or claw) and then sliding the sleeves onto the standoffs 170 (or long bolts).
- FIG. 15C illustrates the use of spacers installed onto the extractor 140 (or claw) as needed, which will adjust the stroke of the railroad spike remover 100 from 11.25 to 16.25 cm (4.5 to 6.5 inches).
- FIG. 15D illustrates sliding the extractor assembly (or claw assembly) into the main column 102 and tightening the four standoffs 170 (or long bolts) into the mounting flange 134.
- FIGS. 16A-20C show an embodiment for a rail spike remover 500, according to the claimed invention.
- the features of the rail spike remover 500 are referred to using similar reference numerals under the "5XX" series of reference numerals, rather than "1XX” or “3XX” as used in the embodiments of FIG. 1 and 10 . Accordingly, certain features of the rail spike remover 500 that were already described above with respect to the rail spike remover 100 of FIGS. 1-9 or the rail spike remover 300 of FIGS. 10-15D may be described in lesser detail, or may not be described at all.
- the rail spike remover 500 may be used with similar features of the railroad spike remover 100, 300 already described above.
- FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate perspective views of an embodiment of the rail spike remover of the claimed invention.
- FIG. 17A illustrates a cross-sectional view along A-A of the rail spike remover of FIGS. 16A and 16B .
- FIG. 17B illustrates a cross-sectional view of detail B of the rail spike remover of FIGS. 16A and 16B .
- FIG. 17C illustrates a cross-sectional view of detail C of the rail spike remover of FIGS. 16A and 16B .
- FIG. 17D illustrates a cross-sectional view of detail D of the rail spike remover of FIGS. 16A and 16B .
- FIGS. 18A-18C illustrate perspective views of an upper housing of the rail spike remover of FIGS. 16A and 16B .
- FIGS. 18A-18C illustrate perspective views of an upper housing of the rail spike remover of FIGS. 16A and 16B .
- FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate perspective views of a lower housing assembly of the rail spike remover of FIGS. 16A and 16B .
- FIGS. 20A-20C illustrate perspective views of a T-handle assembly of the rail spike remover of FIGS. 16A and 16B .
- the railroad spike remover 500 may comprise a main housing 502, a bearing housing 510, a plurality of standoffs 570, a mounting flange 534, an extractor 540, and a drive shaft 520 attached to a T-handle assembly 580 with a battery-operated drill-type tool 582.
- the main housing 502 may have an upper housing 504 and a lower assembly housing 506.
- the bearing housing 510 may be connected to the upper housing 504 and have an opening 512 for inserting the drive shaft 520.
- the drive shaft 520 may also extend through one or more bearings 514 secured in the bearing housing 510 by a cap plate 516.
- the drive shaft 520 may have a first end 522 and a second end 524 opposite the first end 522. Near the first end 522, the drive shaft 520 may extend through an opening in the bearing 514, through an opening 512 in the bearing housing 510, and through an opening in the cap plate 516. As further illustrated in FIG. 17C , near the second end 524, the drive shaft 520 may connect to the mounting flange 534. The drive shaft 520 may be secured to the mounting flange 534 using a nut 537.
- the plurality of standoffs 570 may connect to the mounting flange 534 at one end and to a clevis pivot plate 572 on the other end.
- the clevis pivot plate 572 may be attached to a clevis fastener 574 which may then be connected to the extractor 540 or the claw assembly extractor 540.
- the extractor 540 comprises a claw assembly extractor 540.
- the claw assembly extractor 540 may be designed to open, close, and grab with the drive shaft 520 movement the railroad spike at a force as high as 8,607 kg (19,000 pounds).
- the claw assembly extractor 540 may include a pair of jaws 542 that are pivotally connected to each other by a pivoting pin 544 and a rotating pin 546. The lower ends 548 of the jaws 542 are configured to contact and grab the railroad spike 10.
- the upper members 550 of the jaws 542 are pivotally connected to the clevis fastener 574 with the rotating pin 546 or the pivoting pin 544 as illustrated in FIG. 17D .
- the jaws 542 move towards a grabbing position to grab onto the railroad spike 10.
- the claw assembly extractor 540 includes the two jaws 542, a pivoting pin 544, the two upper members 550, spacer caps, a rotating pin 546, and a friction assembly.
- the friction assembly generally includes a spring and friction caps.
- the jaws 542 and upper members 550 form a moveable parallelogram assembly.
- the jaws 542 each have a pivot hole 552 which the pivot pin 544 is located in.
- the jaws 542 also each have a rotating section 554 which the rotating pin 546 is located in.
- the upper members 550 of the jaws 542 are pivotally connected to the jaws 542 by their rotating sections 554 and the rotating pins 546.
- the upper members 550 of the jaws 542 may be also pivotally connected to the clevis fastener 574 and the clevis pivot plate 572 by the pivoting pin 546.
- the friction assembly functions for keeping the jaws 542 in an open position as the jaws 342 are moved from the up position to the home position after a spike 10 has been pulled.
- a user places the railroad spike remover 100 over the spike 10 with the jaws 542 in an open position.
- the drive shaft 520 is moved upward, pulling the upper members 550 upward and rotated pulling the upper members 550 of the jaws 542 towards each other.
- the friction assembly keeps the centers of the jaws 542 fixed relative to the main housing 502 such that the jaws 542 only initially rotate and do not translate relative to the main housing 502.
- the lower ends 548 of the jaws 542 are able to rotate under the head of the spike 10.
- the jaws 542 are stopped by the spike 10 from further rotation and the upward movement of the drive shaft 520 overcomes the frictional forces of the friction assembly and the jaws 542 translate upward along the interior of the main housing 502 pulling the spike 10 with it.
- the drive shaft 520 is moved downward back towards its home position.
- the friction assembly initially holds the center of the jaws 542 fixed relative to the main housing 502 such that the jaws 542 only initially rotate and translate to move the jaws 542 to an open position. As the jaws 542 are opened, the spike 10 is able to be released.
- the jaws 542 stop rotating and start translating down the main housing 502 when the back surfaces of the jaws 542 lower ends contact the opposite interior sides of the main housing 502.
- the lower ends 548 of the jaws 542 substantially block an area between the main housing 502 and the back surfaces to prevent the spike 10 from entering this area.
- the claw assembly extractor 540 and the jaws 542 includes a frictionally-delayed movement that includes pivoting claws 548 with arms or upper members 550 that frictionally contact each other and/or the main housing 502 when opening and closing the jaws 542.
- the frictionally-delayed moving jaws 542 function as a means for keeping the jaws 542 in an open position as the jaws 542 are moved from the up position to the home positions after a spike 10 has been pulled.
- the main housing 502 may include both an upper housing 504 and a lower assembly housing 506. As illustrated in FIGS. 18A , 18B , 18C , 19A , and 19B , the upper housing 504 and the lower assembly housing 506 may include a plurality of substantially vertical side walls.
- the main housing 502 may have a height of approximately 60 cm (24 inches) or within a range of 40 cm to 100 cm (16 inches to 40 inches).
- the upper housing 504 may have a height of approximately 25 cm (10 inches) or within a range of 15 to 45 cm (6 to 18 inches).
- the lower assembly housing 506 may have a height of approximately 35 cm (14 inches) 14 or with a range of 25 to 55 cm (10 to 22 inches). As shown in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS.
- the main housing 502, the upper housing 504, and the lower assembly housing 506 may generally have a square cross-sectional shape.
- the main housing 502, the upper housing 504, and the lower assembly housing 506 may have four side walls. Each side wall may have a width of approximately 8.75 cm (3.5 inches) or within a range of 7.5 cm to 10 cm (3 inches to 4 inches), or within a range of 5 cm to 15 cm (2 inches to 6 inches).
- the upper housing 504 may include a housing handle 508 attached to the upper housing 504.
- the lower housing assembly 506 may also include a housing handle without departing from the invention.
- a T-handle assembly 580 with a battery-operated drill-type tool 582 may be connected to the drive shaft 520 to rotate the drive shaft 520.
- the first end 522 of the drive shaft 520 may have a drive element 527 to allow a user to engage the drive shaft 520 with the T-handle assembly 580 and the battery-operated drill-type tool 582, such as a high-impact torque wrench or similar device to rotate the drive shaft 520.
- the battery-operated drill-type tool 582 may include a rechargeable battery pack 583.
- the drive element 527 may have a hexagonal shape to be engaged by a standard hexagonal high impact socket 592 on the T-handle assembly 580.
- the standard hexagonal socket may be 1.25 cm (0.5 inches) or larger.
- a battery-operated drill-type apparatus or an air hammer attached to a pneumatic supply could be utilized as the rotating tool, thereby engaging the drive shaft 520 and rotating the drive shaft 520 to move the drive shaft 520 up and down.
- the T-handle assembly 580 may also allow the battery-operated drill-type tool 582 to be easily removed by a user and removed for storage.
- the T-handle assembly 580 may include a drill face plate 596 to hold the battery-operated drill-type tool 582.
- the drill face plate 596 may be connected to a handle plate 594 extending perpendicular to the drill face plate 596.
- a handle 586 may be extend perpendicular and be connected to the handle plate 594.
- a handle grip 588 may surround the handle 586 and may be made of a foam material.
- One or more fastening straps 590 and one or more side plates 584 may be utilized to connect the T-handle assembly 580 to the main housing 502 and specifically to the upper housing 504.
- the one or more fastening strips 590 may be designed to be quick-connect straps to quickly disconnect the battery-operated drill-type tool 582 from the main housing 502 and upper housing 504 of the railroad spike remover 500.
- the one or more side plates may extend from and connect to the drill face plate 596.
- the one or more straps 590 may surround and secure the battery-operated drill-type tool 582 to the drill face plate 596, thereby securing the T-handle assembly 580 to the main housing 502.
- the battery-operated drill-type tool 582 may be attached to an impact socket 592 which then connects to the drive element 527 of the drive shaft 520.
- the battery-operated drill-type tool 582 may be other similar tools, such as electronic, pneumatic, or other such drill-type tools that will perform similar functionality as a battery-operated drill-type tool 582.
- the T-handle assembly 580 may include a drill guard structure 598.
- the drill guard structure 598 may be connected to the T-handle assembly 580 and provide a guard for the battery-operated drill-type tool 582.
- the drill guard structure 598 may include a case over the battery-operated drill-type tool 582 while allowing the user to hole the battery-operated drill-type tool 582.
- the drill guard structure 598 may include side panels that extend the length of the battery-operated drill-type tool 582 and a back panel that covers the battery area.
- the drill guard structure 598 may also include front panels that cover the rotating section of the battery-operated drill-type tool 582.
- the plurality of standoffs 570 may be hollow tubes that connect at a first end to a mounting flange 534 and a second end of connected to a clevis pivot plate 572.
- the clevis pivot plate 572 may be attached to a clevis fastener 574 which is then connected to the claw assembly extractor 540.
- Each standoff 570 may have internal threads such that they may be releasably connected using a threaded fastener on the clevis pivot plate 572.
- the plurality of standoffs 570 may be integrally joined to the either the mounting flange 534 or the clevis pivot plate 572 or both.
- Each standoff 570 may be approximately 17.5 cm (7 inches) long or within a range of 12.5 cm to 22.5 cm (5 inches to 9 inches) or within a range of 7.5 cm to 30 cm (3 inches to 12 inches).
- Each of the standoffs 570 may be the same length, but depending on the shape of the either the mounting flange 534, the clevis pivot plate 572, or the extractor 540, each of the standoffs 570 may have different lengths.
- the various components for the railroad spike remover 500 may be made of a metallic material, preferably a steel alloy.
- the components may be made of other metallic materials such as iron, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, titanium, or a titanium alloy.
- the rail spike remover 100, 500 may include a quick attachment that allows the rail spike remover to be either a spike puller or a spike driver.
- the rail spike remover 100, 500 may also include rail spike driver 180 that can be interchangeable with any of the extractor 140, extractor 340, or the claw assembly extractor 540.
- the rail spike driver 180 may be quickly interchanged with the claw assembly extractor 540 by removing the clevis pivot plate 572 and attaching the rail spike driver 180 to the plurality of standoffs 570.
- the rail spike driver 180 may be interchanged with extractor 140 and the extractor 340.
- the rail spike driver 180 may be utilized
- the rail spike remover 100, 500 may include a leveling block 190 for use with the rail spike remover of FIGS. 1 , 10 , 16A , and 16B .
- the leveling block 190 may be located on one side of the bottom footer of the second end 106 of the main column 102 or the lower assembly housing 506 of the main housing 502 of the rail spike remover 100, 500.
- the leveling block 190 may be rectangular in shape.
- the leveling block 190 may be utilized to help level the rail spike remover 100, 500 when removing railroad spikes. Additionally, the leveling block 190 may be utilized to help remove the rails flanged angle when pulling railroad spikes.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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- Machines For Laying And Maintaining Railways (AREA)
Description
- The field of invention for this disclosure relates to a portable railroad spike remover, according to the preamble of claim 1.
- A railroad spike remover having the features of the preamble of claim 1 is for instance disclosed in
EP 3 255 207 A1 . Removing railroad spikes from a rail tie has not changed much over time. Railroad spikes are often removed from a rail tie manually using a crowbar. A railroad spike may need as much as 2,265 kg (5,000 pounds) of vertical force to remove a spike embedded in a rail tie. A portable device to easily remove the railroad spikes would be a great improvement. - The following presents a general summary of aspects of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention and various features of it. This summary provides a general overview and context for the more detailed description that follows.
- The present disclosure provides an apparatus for removing railroad spikes from a rail tie that is portable and easy to use.
- According to the claimed invention, an apparatus for removing a railroad spike from a rail tie comprises: a main housing that includes an upper housing and a lower housing, wherein the upper housing includes a bearing housing that contains one or more bearings; a drive shaft connected to the main housing and a mounting flange, the drive shaft extending through the one or more bearings and an opening in the bearing housing; and a plurality of standoffs with a first end and a second end, with the first end of the plurality of standoffs connected to the mounting flange and the second end of the plurality of standoffs connected to a clevis pivot plate with a clevis fastener that is connected to a claw assembly extractor. The claw assembly extractor includes a pair of jaw members that are pivotally connected to each other by a pivoting pin and a rotating pin. Each jaw member includes a lower end and a pair of upper members interlocked with each other. The lower end is configured to contact and secure a railroad spike and the pair of upper members are pivotally connected to the clevis fastener with the rotating pin. When in use the drive shaft is rotated, the claw assembly extractor and the mounting flange move inside the main housing in a vertical direction to extract the railroad spike from the rail tie.
- In particular, the apparatus for removing a railroad spike from a rail tie includes a T-handle assembly to hold a battery-operated drill-type tool that connects to the drive shaft, wherein the T-handle assembly optionally includes one or more fastening straps and one or more side plates to connect the T-handle assembly to the main housing. The claw assembly extractor may include a friction assembly that includes a spring and one or more friction caps to keep the jaws in an open position as the jaws are moved from an up position to a home position after a railroad spike has been pulled. When the drive shaft is rotated, the claw assembly extractor and the mounting flange moves inside the main housing in a vertical direction to extract the railroad spike from the rail tie.
- According to an example not covered by the appended claims, the rail spike remover may include a rail spike driver for driving the railroad spike into the rail tie. The rail spike driver may be interchangeable with the claw assembly extractor by removing the clevis pivot plate and attaching the rail spike driver to the plurality of standoffs.
- The rail spike remover may include a rectangular leveling block located on a side of a bottom footer of the lower housing of the main housing, wherein the leveling block is utilized to level the main housing and the rail spike remover when removing railroad spike.
- The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limited in the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements and in which:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a top front perspective view of an example of a rail spike remover; -
FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the example of the rail spike remover ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the example of the rail spike remover ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the example of the rail spike remover ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an extractor from the example of the rail spike remover ofFIG. 1 with other components removed; -
FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the extractor ofFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of an alternate example of the extractor of the rail spike remover ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of an extractor tooth from the extractor ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the extractor tooth ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 10 illustrates a side perspective view of an alternate of the extractor of the rail spike remover ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 11 illustrates an internal side perspective view of the extractor and rail spike remover ofFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 12 illustrates a close-up view of a bottom portion of the extractor and rail spike remover ofFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 13 illustrates a close-up view of the extractor and rail spike remover ofFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 14 illustrates a side perspective view of the extractor of the rail spike remover ofFIG. 10 ; -
FIGS. 15A-15D illustrate the interchangeability of theextractors railroad spike remover 100; -
FIGS. 16A and16B illustrate perspective views of an embodiment of the rail spike remover according to the claimed invention; -
FIG. 17A illustrates a cross-sectional view along A-A of the rail spike remover ofFIGS. 16A and16B ; -
FIG. 17B illustrates a cross-sectional view of detail B of the rail spike remover ofFIGS. 16A and16B ; -
FIG. 17C illustrates a cross-sectional view of detail C of the rail spike remover ofFIGS. 16A and16B ; -
FIG. 17D illustrates a cross-sectional view of detail D of the rail spike remover ofFIGS. 16A and16B ; -
FIGS. 18A-18C illustrate perspective views of an upper housing of the rail spike remover ofFIGS. 16A and16B ; -
FIGS. 19A and19B illustrate perspective views of a lower housing assembly of the rail spike remover ofFIGS. 16A and16B ; -
FIGS. 20A-20C illustrate perspective views of a T-handle assembly of the rail spike remover ofFIGS. 16A and16B ; -
FIGS. 21A and21B illustrate perspective views of a drill guard assembly for the T-handle assembly ofFIGS. 20A-20C ; -
FIG. 22 illustrates a schematic view illustrating the interchangeability of a rail spike driver with the extractor or claw assembly extractor of the rail spike remover ofFIGS. 1 ,10 ,16A , and16B ; and -
FIG. 23 illustrates a schematic view of a leveling block for use with the rail spike remover ofFIGS. 1 ,10 ,16A , and16B . - Further, it is to be understood that the drawings may represent the scale of different components of one single embodiment; however, the disclosed embodiments are not limited to that particular scale.
- In the following description of various example structures according to the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example devices, systems, and environments in which aspects of the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other specific arrangements of parts, example devices, systems, and environments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Also, while the terms "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "side," "rear," and the like may be used in this specification to describe various example features and elements of the invention, these terms are used herein as a matter of convenience, e.g., based on the example orientations shown in the figures or the orientation during typical use. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three-dimensional orientation of structures in order to fall within the scope of the claims. Also, the reader is advised that the attached drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
- The following terms are used in this specification, and unless otherwise noted or clear from the context, these terms have the meanings provided below.
- "Plurality," as used herein, indicates any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite number.
- "Connected," as used herein, indicates that components may be connected directly being physically contacting each other or connected indirectly where the components are connected indirectly where the components do not physically contact, but have one or more intermediate components positioned between them.
- "Integral joining technique" or means a technique for joining two pieces so that the two pieces effectively become a single, integral piece, including, but not limited to, irreversible joining techniques, such as adhesively joining, cementing, welding, brazing, soldering, or the like, where separation of the joined pieces cannot be accomplished without structural damage thereto. Pieces joined with such a technique are described as "integrally joined."
- In the following description of the various embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, various embodiments in which aspects of the disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.
- In general, as described above, aspects of this invention relate to an apparatus to remove railroad spikes from a rail tie comprising a main column, a drive shaft and an extractor. More detailed descriptions of aspects of this invention follow.
- One example of a portable
railroad spike remover 100 is shown inFIGS. 1-4 . Specifically,FIG. 1 illustrates a top front perspective view of an example of arailroad spike remover 100.FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of therailroad spike remover 100.FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of therailroad spike remover 100.FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of therailroad spike remover 100. Therailroad spike remover 100 may comprise amain column 102, a bearinghousing 110, a plurality ofstandoffs 170, a mountingflange 134, anextractor 140, and adrive shaft 120. Themain column 102 may have afirst end 104, asecond end 106 opposite thefirst end 104, and acenter section 108 positioned between the two ends. The bearinghousing 110 may be connected to thefirst end 104 of themain column 102 and have anopening 112 for inserting thedrive shaft 120. Thedrive shaft 120 may also extend through abearing 114 secured in the bearinghousing 110 by acap plate 116. - As illustrated in
FIG. 4 , thedrive shaft 120 may have afirst end 122 and asecond end 124 opposite thefirst end 122. Near thefirst end 122, thedrive shaft 120 may extend through an opening in thebearing 114, through anopening 112 in the bearinghousing 110, and through an opening in thecap plate 116. Near thesecond end 124, thedrive shaft 120 may connect to the mountingflange 134. Thedrive shaft 120 may be secured to the mountingflange 134 using anut 137. - The plurality of
standoffs 170 may connect to the mountingflange 134 at one end and to theextractor 140 at the opposite end. Alternatively, thedrive shaft 120 may connect directly to theextractor 140 without the need for the mountingflange 134 and the plurality ofstandoffs 170. Theextractor 140 may engage and grip therailroad spike 10 to secure it. Once theextractor 140 secures therailroad spike 10, a user may engage thefirst end 122 of thedrive shaft 120 with a tool to provide torque to thedrive shaft 120. As thedrive shaft 120 is rotated, the mountingflange 134 and theextractor 140 may move inside the column in a vertical direction to extract therailroad spike 10 from a rail tie. As theextractor 140 moves up within themain column 102, therailroad spike 10 is removed from the rail tie. - The
main column 102 may have a plurality of substantially vertical side walls that are open at both ends 104, 106. The main column may have a height of approximately 80 cm (32 inches) or within a range of 60 to 100 cm (24 to 40 inches). As shown in the example shown inFIGS. 1-9 , themain column 102 may generally have a square cross-sectional shape. However, the main column may have any geometric cross-sectional shape, such as circular, triangular, such that themain column 102 may have any number of side walls. For example as shown inFIGS. 1 and3 , themain column 102 may have four side walls, but may have 3 side walls, 5 side walls, 6 side walls or any number of side walls. The side walls may have a thickness of approximately 0.47 cm (0.188 inches) or within a range of 0.3125 cm (0.125 inches) to 0.625 cm (0.25 inches), or within a range of 0.15 cm (0.06 inches) to 0.9375 cm (0.375 inches). Each side wall may have a width of approximately 10 cm (4 inches) or within a range of 7.5 cm (3 inches) to 12.5 cm (5 inches), or within a range of 5 cm (2 inches) to 15 cm (6 inches). - As shown in
FIG. 2 , at least one side wall of themain column 102 may have anaperture 109 that extends from thesecond end 106 to a portion of the height of themain column 102. For example, theaperture 109 may have a height of approximately 20 percent of the height of themain column 102 or theaperture 109 may have a height that is within a range of 12 percent to 37 percent of the height of the main column. Theaperture 109 may have an elongated shape and may have a height of approximately 17.5 cm (7 inches) or may be within a range of 12.5 cm (5 inches) to 22.5 cm (9 inches). . In addition, theaperture 109 may have a width of approximately 3.75 cm (1.5 inches) or within a range of 2.5 cm (1.0 inch) to 6.25 cm (2.5 inches) Theaperture 109 may align with theopening 147 of theextractor 140 to allow therailroad spike remover 100 to slide into position to engage therailroad spike 10 with theextractor 140. - The bearing
housing 110 may be integrally joined to thefirst end 104 of themain column 102. Alternatively, the bearinghousing 110 andmain column 102 may be formed as a single piece. As previously discussed, the bearinghousing 110 may have anopening 112. Theopening 112 may be located in the geometric center of the bearinghousing 110 and may have a cylindrical shape to allow thedrive shaft 120 to extend through the bearinghousing 110. Theopening 112 may be through both ends of the bearinghousing 110. In addition, the bearinghousing 110 may have acavity 113 that is concentric with theopening 112. Thecavity 113 may be sized to contain thebearing 114 and have a cylindrical shape that is open at one end with a surface at the opposite end to engage one end of thebearing 114. The bearinghousing 110 may also have a plurality of holes around the perimeter of the housing. The plurality of holes may be threaded to releasably connect thecap plate 116. Thebearing 114 may be a roller bearing or bushing that enables thedrive shaft 120 to rotate freely when thebearing 114 is installed onto thedrive shaft 120 and into the bearinghousing 110. - The
drive shaft 120 may have afirst end 122 and asecond end 124 and may be partially threaded. As shown inFIG. 4 , thedrive shaft 120 may have a plurality of distinct diameter regions. For example, thedrive shaft 120 may have afirst region 128 with afirst diameter 129 corresponding to the threaded region, asecond region 130 having asecond diameter 131 with a smooth surface, and athird region 132 which may have athird diameter 133. Thefirst diameter 129 may be greater than both thesecond diameter 131 and thethird diameter 133. Thefirst diameter 129 may be approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch) or within a range of 1.875 cm (0.75 inches) and 3.75 cm (1.5 inches) or within a range of 1.25 cm (0.5 inches) to 5 cm (2.0 inches) . The threaded portion (first region 128) may be ACME threads or other similar threads. Alternatively, thedrive shaft 120 may have two distinct diameter regions or four distinct diameter regions. - The
first end 122 may have adrive element 127 to allow a user to engage thedrive shaft 120 with a rotating tool, such as atorque wrench 20 or similar device to rotate thedrive shaft 120. As shown inFIG. 3 , thedrive element 127 may have a hexagonal shape to be engaged by a standard hexagonal socket. The standard hexagonal socket may be a 1.25 cm (0.5 inches) or larger. Preferably, thetorque wrench 20 has a length of 45 cm (18 inches) or longer. A battery-operated drill-type apparatus or an air hammer attached to a pneumatic supply could be utilized as the rotating tool in lieu of thetorque wrench 20, thereby engaging thedrive shaft 120 and rotating thedrive shaft 120 to move thedrive shaft 120 up and down. - As discussed the
drive shaft 120 may connect to the mountingflange 134. The mountingflange 134 may have a centrally locatedaperture 136 to connect thedrive shaft 120. The mountingflange 134 may be connected to the drive shaft in a plurality of ways. For example, theaperture 136 may be threaded to directly engage thedrive shaft 120, or alternatively as shown inFIG. 4 , anut 137 may be connected to theaperture 136 of the mountingflange 134 where thedrive shaft 120 may connect to the mountingflange 134 with thenut 137 positioned between the mountingflange 134 and thedrive shaft 120. Thenut 137 may be integrally joined to the mountingflange 134 or some may be connected using an antirotation element to prevent thenut 137 from rotating in relation to the mountingflange 134 when thedrive shaft 120 is rotated, such as a set screw. The mountingflange 134 may also have a plurality of mounting holes positioned around the perimeter to allow for easy connection to the plurality ofstandoffs 170. The mountingflange 134 may be releasably connected to thestandoffs 170 or thedrive shaft 120 to allow any repairs that may be required. - The plurality of
standoffs 170 may be hollow tubes that connect at a first end to a mountingflange 134 and a second end of connected to anextractor 140. Eachstandoff 170 may have internal threads such that they may be releasably connected using a threaded fastener. Alternatively, the plurality ofstandoffs 170 may be integrally joined to the either the mountingflange 134 orextractor 140 or both. - Each
standoff 170 may be approximately 17.5 cm (7 inches) long or within a range of 12.5 cm to 22.5 cm (5 inches to 9 inches) or within a range of 7.5 cm to 30 cm (3 inches to 12 inches). Each of thestandoffs 170 may be the same length, but depending on the shape of the either the mountingflange 134 orextractor 140, each of thestandoffs 170 may have different lengths. - As discussed above, the plurality of
standoffs 170 connect to anextractor 140. As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6 , theextractor 140 may comprise a metallic plate with atop surface 141, abottom surface 142, and a plurality of side surfaces 143, 144, 145, 146. Theextractor 140 may further comprise anopening 147 through the top and bottom surface and extending through at least one side surface. The opening may further include anupper portion 148 and alower portion 149. Thelower portion 149 of the opening may have a plurality of taperedside walls rear wall 152. The plurality of taperedside walls upper portion 148 of the opening may have vertically orientedside walls rear wall 155, wherein the width of theupper portion 148 is larger than the width of thelower portion 149. The first roundedrear wall 152 and the second roundedrear wall 155 may be concentric. Theextractor 140 may have a plurality ofholes 158 to releasably connect theextractor 140 to the plurality ofstandoffs 170. The plurality ofholes 158 may be positioned near the side surfaces 143, 144, 145, 146 of theextractor 140 and extend through thetop surface 141 andbottom surface 142. The plurality ofholes 158 may be threaded or clearance holes for a threaded fastener. Alternatively, as discussed above, theextractor 140 may be integrally joined to thestandoffs 170. Additionally, as discussed above, theextractor 140 may be connected directly to thedrive shaft 120. -
FIGS. 7-9 show an alternate example for theextractor 140. For the example ofFIGS. 7-9 , the features of theextractor 240 are referred to using similar reference numerals under the "2XX" series of reference numerals, rather than "1XX" as used in the example ofFIGS. 5 and 6 . Accordingly, certain features of theextractor 240 that were already described above with respect to theextractor 140 ofFIGS. 5-6 may be described in lesser detail, or may not be described at all. - The
extractor 240 may have the similar exterior shape asextractor 140 to fit within themain column 102 with atop surface 241, abottom surface 242, and a plurality of side surfaces 243, 244, 245, 246. Anopening 247 may extend through at least two side surfaces and thebottom surface 242. Theopening 247 may include afirst guide rail 248, asecond guide rail 249, afirst side wall 250 adjacent the first guide rail, asecond side wall 251 adjacent the second guide rail, and anupper surface 252 connecting thefirst guide rail 248 to thesecond guide rail 249. Theupper surface 252 of the opening may be rounded and exposed to the exterior. Theopening 247 may have afirst end 253 and asecond end 254, wherein afirst height 255 at thefirst end 253 may be defined as a distance perpendicular from thebottom surface 242 of theextractor 240 to the furthest extent of theupper surface 252 and thesecond end 254 may have asecond height 256 defined from thebottom surface 242 to the furthest extent of thesecond end 254 of theupper surface 252. Thebottom surface 242 may further include anangled region 257, such that theangled region 257 angles upward toward thefirst end 253 of theopening 247. - Additionally, the top surfaces of the
first guide rail 248 and thesecond guide rail 249 may be coplanar surfaces. Thefirst guide rail 248 may have a height at thefirst end 253 of theopening 247 defined as a perpendicular distance from thebottom surface 242 of theextractor 240 to the furthest extent of thefirst end 253 of thefirst guide rail 248. Similarly, thesecond end 254 may have a second height defined as a perpendicular distance from thebottom surface 242 to the furthest extent of thesecond end 254 of thefirst guide rail 248, wherein the first height is smaller than the second height. The guide rails 248, 249 may be linear surfaces and angle in a direction away from thebottom surface 242. Thus, theopening 247 may be larger at thefirst end 253 than at thesecond end 254. - The
first side wall 250 adjacent thefirst guide rail 248 and thesecond side wall 251 adjacent thesecond guide rail 249 are parallel. Alternatively, thefirst side wall 250 adjacent thefirst guide rail 248 and thesecond side wall 251 adjacent thesecond guide rail 249 are angled toward one another. Also, similar to theextractor 140, theextractor 240 may have a plurality ofholes 258 to connect theextractor 240 to the plurality ofstandoffs 170. - The various components for the
railroad spike remover 100, such as themain column 102, the bearinghousing 110, thedrive shaft 120, the mountingflange 134, the plurality ofstandoffs 170, and theextractor - The
railroad spike remover 100 may be portable for a single user to move and operate. Thus, therailroad spike remover 100 may have a weight of less than 22.65 kg (50 pounds). In othe examples and embodiments of this invention, therailroad spike remover - To operate the
railroad spike remover 100, a user may position therailroad spike remover 100 near arailroad spike 10 and then slide theopening 147 of theextractor 140 onto the top of therailroad spike 10 such that therailroad spike 10 is secured inextractor 140. The user may then position therailroad spike remover 100 over therailroad spike 10. The user then engages thedrive element 127 with thetorque wrench 20 and rotates thedrive shaft 120 to raise the mountingflange 134 and theextractor 140. As thedrive shaft 120 is turned, theextractor 140, along with therailroad spike 10, raises into themain column 102 until therailroad spike 10 is released from the rail tie. Then, the user may reverse thedrive shaft 120 to lower the mountingflange 134 and theextractor 140 to allow therailroad spike remover 100 to be ready to remove anotherrailroad spike 10. As was discussed above, a battery-operated drill-type apparatus or an air hammer attached to a pneumatic supply could be utilized in lieu of the torque wrench, thereby engaging thedrive shaft 120 and rotating the drive shaft to move thedrive shaft 120 up and down. -
FIGS. 10-14 show an alternate example for theextractor FIGS. 10-14 , in the place of theextractor railroad spike remover 100 may include anextractor 340 with movingjaws 342 that are frictionally delayed. The features of theextractor 340 are referred to using similar reference numerals under the "3XX" series of reference numerals, rather than "1XX" as used in the example ofFIGS. 5 and 6 . Accordingly, certain features of theextractor 340 that were already described above with respect to theextractor 140 ofFIGS. 5-6 may be described in lesser detail, or may not be described at all. Theextractor 340 may be used with similar features of therailroad spike remover 100 already described above. 7FIG. 10 illustrates a side perspective view of an alternate example of the extractor of the rail spike remover ofFIG. 1 .FIG. 11 illustrates an internal side perspective view of the extractor and rail spike remover ofFIG. 10 .FIG. 12 illustrates a close-up view of a bottom portion of the extractor and rail spike remover ofFIG. 10 .FIG. 13 illustrates a close-up view of the extractor and rail spike remover ofFIG. 10 .FIG. 14 illustrates a side perspective view of the extractor of the rail spike remover ofFIG. 10 . - As discussed above, the plurality of
standoffs 170 connect to anextractor 340. As shown inFIGS. 10-14 , theextractor 340 may comprise a claw assembly extractor. Generally, theclaw assembly extractor 340 may be designed to open, close, and grab with thedrive shaft 120 movement the railroad spike at a force as high as 19,000 pounds. Theclaw assembly extractor 340 may include a pair ofjaws 342 that are pivotally connected to each other by a pivotingpin 344 and arotating pin 346. The lower ends 348 of thejaws 342 are configured to contact and grab therailroad spike 10. Theupper members 350 of thejaws 342 are pivotally connected to the mountingflange 134 with therotating pin 346 or thepivoting pin 344 as illustrated inFIGs. 11-13 . When thedrive shaft 120 is pulled upward, thejaws 342 move towards a grabbing position to grab onto therailroad spike 10. - The
extractor 340 and claw assembly extractor includes the twojaws 342, a pivotingpin 344, the twoupper members 350, spacer caps, arotating pin 346, and a friction assembly. The friction assembly generally includes a spring and friction caps. Thejaws 342 andupper members 350 form a moveable parallelogram assembly. Thejaws 342 each have apivot hole 352 which thepivot pin 344 is located in. Thejaws 342 also each have arotating section 354 which therotating pin 346 is located in. Theupper members 350 of thejaws 342 are pivotally connected to thejaws 342 by their rotatingsections 354 and the rotating pins 346. Theupper members 350 of thejaws 342 may be also pivotally connected to the mountingflange 134 and driveshaft 120 by the pivotingpin 346. - The friction assembly functions for keeping the
jaws 342 in an open position as thejaws 342 are moved from the up position to the home position after aspike 10 has been pulled. Initially, a user places therailroad spike remover 100 over thespike 10 with thejaws 342 in the open position. When the user begins movement of therailroad spike remover 100, thedrive shaft 120 is moved upward, pulling theupper members 350 upward and rotated pulling theupper members 350 of thejaws 342 towards each other. The friction assembly keeps the centers of thejaws 342 fixed relative to themain column 102 such that thejaws 342 only initially rotate and do not translate relative to themain column 102. Thus, the lower ends 348 of thejaws 342 are able to rotate under the head of thespike 10. Then thejaws 342 are stopped by thespike 10 from further rotation, the upward movement of thedrive shaft 120 overcomes the frictional forces of the friction assembly and thejaws 342 translate upward along the interior of themain column 102 pulling thespike 10 with it. When the user releases the movement of therailroad spike remover 100, thedrive shaft 120 is moved downward back towards its home position. The friction assembly initially holds the center of thejaws 342 fixed relative to themain column 102 such that thejaws 342 only initially rotate and translate to move thejaws 342 to an open position. As thejaws 342 are opened, thespike 10 is able to be released. Thejaws 342 stop rotating and start translating down themain column 102 when the back surfaces of thejaws 342 lower ends contact the opposite interior sides of themain column 102. The lower ends 348 of thejaws 342 substantially block an area between themain column 102 and the back surfaces to prevent thespike 10 from entering this area. After thejaws 342 open the downward movement of the drive shaft moves thejaws 342 downward back to their home position while maintaining thejaws 342 in their open position along this home returning movement. - The claw assembly extractor and the
jaws 342 includes a frictionally-delayed movement that includes pivotingclaws 348 with arms orupper members 350 that frictionally contact each other and/or themain column 102 when opening and closing thejaws 342. The frictionally-delayed moving jaws functions as a means for keeping the jaws in an open position as thejaws 342 are moved from the up position to the home positions after aspike 10 has been pulled. - Additionally,
FIGS. 15A-15D illustrate the interchangeability of theextractors railroad spike remover 100.FIG. 15A illustrates fastening the mountingflange 134 to the top end of themain column 102 and the bearinghousing 110 with the bolts and thestandoffs 170.FIG. 15B illustrates sliding the standoffs 170 (or long bolts) into the extractor 140 (or claw) and then sliding the sleeves onto the standoffs 170 (or long bolts).FIG. 15C illustrates the use of spacers installed onto the extractor 140 (or claw) as needed, which will adjust the stroke of therailroad spike remover 100 from 11.25 to 16.25 cm (4.5 to 6.5 inches).FIG. 15D illustrates sliding the extractor assembly (or claw assembly) into themain column 102 and tightening the four standoffs 170 (or long bolts) into the mountingflange 134. -
FIGS. 16A-20C show an embodiment for arail spike remover 500, according to the claimed invention. The features of therail spike remover 500 are referred to using similar reference numerals under the "5XX" series of reference numerals, rather than "1XX" or "3XX" as used in the embodiments ofFIG. 1 and10 . Accordingly, certain features of therail spike remover 500 that were already described above with respect to therail spike remover 100 ofFIGS. 1-9 or the rail spike remover 300 ofFIGS. 10-15D may be described in lesser detail, or may not be described at all. Therail spike remover 500 may be used with similar features of therailroad spike remover 100, 300 already described above.FIGS. 16A and16B illustrate perspective views of an embodiment of the rail spike remover of the claimed invention.FIG. 17A illustrates a cross-sectional view along A-A of the rail spike remover ofFIGS. 16A and16B .FIG. 17B illustrates a cross-sectional view of detail B of the rail spike remover ofFIGS. 16A and16B .FIG. 17C illustrates a cross-sectional view of detail C of the rail spike remover ofFIGS. 16A and16B .FIG. 17D illustrates a cross-sectional view of detail D of the rail spike remover ofFIGS. 16A and16B .FIGS. 18A-18C illustrate perspective views of an upper housing of the rail spike remover ofFIGS. 16A and16B .FIGS. 19A and19B illustrate perspective views of a lower housing assembly of the rail spike remover ofFIGS. 16A and16B .FIGS. 20A-20C illustrate perspective views of a T-handle assembly of the rail spike remover ofFIGS. 16A and16B . - The
railroad spike remover 500 may comprise amain housing 502, a bearinghousing 510, a plurality ofstandoffs 570, a mountingflange 534, anextractor 540, and adrive shaft 520 attached to a T-handle assembly 580 with a battery-operated drill-type tool 582. Themain housing 502 may have anupper housing 504 and alower assembly housing 506. The bearinghousing 510 may be connected to theupper housing 504 and have anopening 512 for inserting thedrive shaft 520. Thedrive shaft 520 may also extend through one ormore bearings 514 secured in the bearinghousing 510 by acap plate 516. - As illustrated in
FIG. 17A , thedrive shaft 520 may have afirst end 522 and asecond end 524 opposite thefirst end 522. Near thefirst end 522, thedrive shaft 520 may extend through an opening in thebearing 514, through anopening 512 in the bearinghousing 510, and through an opening in thecap plate 516. As further illustrated inFIG. 17C , near thesecond end 524, thedrive shaft 520 may connect to the mountingflange 534. Thedrive shaft 520 may be secured to the mountingflange 534 using anut 537. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 17C and17D , the plurality ofstandoffs 570 may connect to the mountingflange 534 at one end and to aclevis pivot plate 572 on the other end. Theclevis pivot plate 572 may be attached to aclevis fastener 574 which may then be connected to theextractor 540 or theclaw assembly extractor 540. - As further illustrated in
FIG. 17D , theextractor 540 comprises aclaw assembly extractor 540. Generally, theclaw assembly extractor 540 may be designed to open, close, and grab with thedrive shaft 520 movement the railroad spike at a force as high as 8,607 kg (19,000 pounds). As described above and illustrated for theextractor 340 andFIGS. 10-14 , theclaw assembly extractor 540 may include a pair ofjaws 542 that are pivotally connected to each other by a pivotingpin 544 and arotating pin 546. The lower ends 548 of thejaws 542 are configured to contact and grab therailroad spike 10. Theupper members 550 of thejaws 542 are pivotally connected to theclevis fastener 574 with therotating pin 546 or thepivoting pin 544 as illustrated inFIG. 17D . When thedrive shaft 520 is pulled upward, thejaws 542 move towards a grabbing position to grab onto therailroad spike 10. - The
claw assembly extractor 540 includes the twojaws 542, a pivotingpin 544, the twoupper members 550, spacer caps, arotating pin 546, and a friction assembly. The friction assembly generally includes a spring and friction caps. Thejaws 542 andupper members 550 form a moveable parallelogram assembly. Thejaws 542 each have apivot hole 552 which thepivot pin 544 is located in. Thejaws 542 also each have arotating section 554 which therotating pin 546 is located in. Theupper members 550 of thejaws 542 are pivotally connected to thejaws 542 by their rotatingsections 554 and the rotating pins 546. Theupper members 550 of thejaws 542 may be also pivotally connected to theclevis fastener 574 and theclevis pivot plate 572 by the pivotingpin 546. - The friction assembly functions for keeping the
jaws 542 in an open position as thejaws 342 are moved from the up position to the home position after aspike 10 has been pulled. Initially, a user places therailroad spike remover 100 over thespike 10 with thejaws 542 in an open position. When the user begins rotation of thedrive shaft 520 of therailroad spike remover 500, thedrive shaft 520 is moved upward, pulling theupper members 550 upward and rotated pulling theupper members 550 of thejaws 542 towards each other. The friction assembly keeps the centers of thejaws 542 fixed relative to themain housing 502 such that thejaws 542 only initially rotate and do not translate relative to themain housing 502. Thus, the lower ends 548 of thejaws 542 are able to rotate under the head of thespike 10. Then thejaws 542 are stopped by thespike 10 from further rotation and the upward movement of thedrive shaft 520 overcomes the frictional forces of the friction assembly and thejaws 542 translate upward along the interior of themain housing 502 pulling thespike 10 with it. When the user releases the movement of therailroad spike remover 100 and rotates thedrive shaft 520 downward, thedrive shaft 520 is moved downward back towards its home position. The friction assembly initially holds the center of thejaws 542 fixed relative to themain housing 502 such that thejaws 542 only initially rotate and translate to move thejaws 542 to an open position. As thejaws 542 are opened, thespike 10 is able to be released. Thejaws 542 stop rotating and start translating down themain housing 502 when the back surfaces of thejaws 542 lower ends contact the opposite interior sides of themain housing 502. The lower ends 548 of thejaws 542 substantially block an area between themain housing 502 and the back surfaces to prevent thespike 10 from entering this area. After thejaws 542 open the downward movement of thedrive shaft 520 moves thejaws 542 downward back to their home position while maintaining thejaws 542 in their open position along this home returning movement. - The
claw assembly extractor 540 and thejaws 542 includes a frictionally-delayed movement that includes pivotingclaws 548 with arms orupper members 550 that frictionally contact each other and/or themain housing 502 when opening and closing thejaws 542. The frictionally-delayed movingjaws 542 function as a means for keeping thejaws 542 in an open position as thejaws 542 are moved from the up position to the home positions after aspike 10 has been pulled. - The
main housing 502 may include both anupper housing 504 and alower assembly housing 506. As illustrated inFIGS. 18A ,18B ,18C ,19A , and19B , theupper housing 504 and thelower assembly housing 506 may include a plurality of substantially vertical side walls. Themain housing 502 may have a height of approximately 60 cm (24 inches) or within a range of 40 cm to 100 cm (16 inches to 40 inches). Theupper housing 504 may have a height of approximately 25 cm (10 inches) or within a range of 15 to 45 cm (6 to 18 inches). Thelower assembly housing 506 may have a height of approximately 35 cm (14 inches) 14 or with a range of 25 to 55 cm (10 to 22 inches). As shown in the exemplary embodiment shown inFIGS. 16A-20C , themain housing 502, theupper housing 504, and thelower assembly housing 506 may generally have a square cross-sectional shape. For example as shown inFIGS. 16A-20C , themain housing 502, theupper housing 504, and thelower assembly housing 506 may have four side walls. Each side wall may have a width of approximately 8.75 cm (3.5 inches) or within a range of 7.5 cm to 10 cm (3 inches to 4 inches), or within a range of 5 cm to 15 cm (2 inches to 6 inches). Additionally, theupper housing 504 may include ahousing handle 508 attached to theupper housing 504. Thelower housing assembly 506 may also include a housing handle without departing from the invention. - As shown in
FIGS. 16A ,16B ,20A ,20B , and20C , a T-handle assembly 580 with a battery-operated drill-type tool 582 may be connected to thedrive shaft 520 to rotate thedrive shaft 520. Thefirst end 522 of thedrive shaft 520 may have adrive element 527 to allow a user to engage thedrive shaft 520 with the T-handle assembly 580 and the battery-operated drill-type tool 582, such as a high-impact torque wrench or similar device to rotate thedrive shaft 520. The battery-operated drill-type tool 582 may include arechargeable battery pack 583. Thedrive element 527 may have a hexagonal shape to be engaged by a standard hexagonalhigh impact socket 592 on the T-handle assembly 580. The standard hexagonal socket may be 1.25 cm (0.5 inches) or larger. A battery-operated drill-type apparatus or an air hammer attached to a pneumatic supply could be utilized as the rotating tool, thereby engaging thedrive shaft 520 and rotating thedrive shaft 520 to move thedrive shaft 520 up and down. The T-handle assembly 580 may also allow the battery-operated drill-type tool 582 to be easily removed by a user and removed for storage. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 20A ,20B , and20C , the T-handle assembly 580 may include adrill face plate 596 to hold the battery-operated drill-type tool 582. Thedrill face plate 596 may be connected to ahandle plate 594 extending perpendicular to thedrill face plate 596. Ahandle 586 may be extend perpendicular and be connected to thehandle plate 594. Ahandle grip 588 may surround thehandle 586 and may be made of a foam material. One ormore fastening straps 590 and one ormore side plates 584 may be utilized to connect the T-handle assembly 580 to themain housing 502 and specifically to theupper housing 504. The one or more fastening strips 590 may be designed to be quick-connect straps to quickly disconnect the battery-operated drill-type tool 582 from themain housing 502 andupper housing 504 of therailroad spike remover 500. The one or more side plates may extend from and connect to thedrill face plate 596. The one ormore straps 590 may surround and secure the battery-operated drill-type tool 582 to thedrill face plate 596, thereby securing the T-handle assembly 580 to themain housing 502. Additionally, the battery-operated drill-type tool 582 may be attached to animpact socket 592 which then connects to thedrive element 527 of thedrive shaft 520. The battery-operated drill-type tool 582 may be other similar tools, such as electronic, pneumatic, or other such drill-type tools that will perform similar functionality as a battery-operated drill-type tool 582. - In another embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in
FIGS. 21A and21B , the T-handle assembly 580 may include adrill guard structure 598. Thedrill guard structure 598 may be connected to the T-handle assembly 580 and provide a guard for the battery-operated drill-type tool 582. Thedrill guard structure 598 may include a case over the battery-operated drill-type tool 582 while allowing the user to hole the battery-operated drill-type tool 582. Thedrill guard structure 598 may include side panels that extend the length of the battery-operated drill-type tool 582 and a back panel that covers the battery area. Thedrill guard structure 598 may also include front panels that cover the rotating section of the battery-operated drill-type tool 582. - The plurality of
standoffs 570 may be hollow tubes that connect at a first end to a mountingflange 534 and a second end of connected to aclevis pivot plate 572. Theclevis pivot plate 572 may be attached to aclevis fastener 574 which is then connected to theclaw assembly extractor 540. Eachstandoff 570 may have internal threads such that they may be releasably connected using a threaded fastener on theclevis pivot plate 572. Alternatively, the plurality ofstandoffs 570 may be integrally joined to the either the mountingflange 534 or theclevis pivot plate 572 or both. Eachstandoff 570 may be approximately 17.5 cm (7 inches) long or within a range of 12.5 cm to 22.5 cm (5 inches to 9 inches) or within a range of 7.5 cm to 30 cm (3 inches to 12 inches). Each of thestandoffs 570 may be the same length, but depending on the shape of the either the mountingflange 534, theclevis pivot plate 572, or theextractor 540, each of thestandoffs 570 may have different lengths. - The various components for the
railroad spike remover 500, such as themain housing 502, the bearinghousing 510, thedrive shaft 520, the mountingflange 534, the plurality ofstandoffs 570, the T-handle assembly 580, and theclaw assembly extractor 540 may be made of a metallic material, preferably a steel alloy. Alternatively, the components may be made of other metallic materials such as iron, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, titanium, or a titanium alloy. - In another embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in
FIG. 22 , therail spike remover rail spike remover rail spike driver 180 that can be interchangeable with any of theextractor 140,extractor 340, or theclaw assembly extractor 540. For example, therail spike driver 180 may be quickly interchanged with theclaw assembly extractor 540 by removing theclevis pivot plate 572 and attaching therail spike driver 180 to the plurality ofstandoffs 570. Additionally, and similarly, therail spike driver 180 may be interchanged withextractor 140 and theextractor 340. Therail spike driver 180 may be utilized - In another embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in
FIG. 23 , therail spike remover leveling block 190 for use with the rail spike remover ofFIGS. 1 ,10 ,16A , and16B . The levelingblock 190 may be located on one side of the bottom footer of thesecond end 106 of themain column 102 or thelower assembly housing 506 of themain housing 502 of therail spike remover FIG. 23 , the levelingblock 190 may be rectangular in shape. The levelingblock 190 may be utilized to help level therail spike remover block 190 may be utilized to help remove the rails flanged angle when pulling railroad spikes. - While the invention has been described in detail in terms of specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are variations of the above described systems as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (13)
- A portable apparatus (500) for removing a railroad spike from a rail tie, the apparatus comprising:a main housing (502) that includes an upper housing (504) and a lower housing (506), wherein the upper housing (504) includes a bearing housing (510) that contains one or more bearings (514);a drive shaft (520) connected to the main housing (502) and a mounting flange (534), the drive shaft (520) extending through the one or more bearings (514) and an opening (512) in the bearing housing (510); anda plurality of standoffs (570) with a first end and a second end, with the first end of the plurality of standoffs (570) connected to the mounting flange (534),
wherein when in use the drive shaft (520) is rotated, the claw assembly extractor (540) and the mounting flange (534) move inside the main housing (502) in a vertical direction to extract the railroad spike from the rail tie,characterised in that the second end of the plurality of standoffs (570) is connected to a clevis pivot plate (572) with a clevis fastener (574) that is connected to a claw assembly extractor (540),wherein the claw assembly extractor (540) includes a pair of jaw members (542) that are pivotally connected to each other by a pivoting pin (544) and a rotating pin (546), and further wherein each jaw member (542) includes a lower end (548) and a pair of upper members (550) interlocked with each other, the lower end (548) configured to contact and secure a railroad spike and the pair of upper members (550) pivotally connected to the clevis fastener (574) with the rotating pin (546). - The apparatus (500) of claim 1, wherein the claw assembly extractor (540) includes a friction assembly that includes a spring and one or more friction caps to keep the jaws (542) in an open position as the jaws (542) are moved from an up position to a home position after the railroad spike has been pulled.
- The apparatus (500) of claim 1 or claim 2, further including a T-handle assembly (580) to hold a battery-operated drill-type tool (582) that connects to the drive shaft (520).
- The apparatus (500) of claim 3, wherein the T-handle assembly (580) includes one or more fastening straps (590) and one or more side plates (584) to connect the T-handle assembly (580) to the main housing (502).
- The apparatus (500) of any preceding claim, wherein the drive shaft (520) has a first end, and a second end, wherein the first end (522) includes a drive element (527) and the second end (524) includes a threaded portion.
- The apparatus (500) of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of standoffs (570) are hollow tubes with a length of between 7.5 cm and 30 cm.
- The apparatus (500) of any preceding claim, wherein the bearing housing (510) is integrally joined to the main housing (502).
- The apparatus (500) of any preceding claim, wherein when in use the drive shaft (520) is pulled upward, the pair of jaws (542) move towards a grabbing position to grab onto the railroad spike.
- The apparatus (500) of any preceding claim, wherein each of the interlocked upper members (550) include a rotating section (554) in which the rotating pin (546) is located.
- The apparatus (500) of any of claims 3 to 9, wherein the battery-operated drill-type tool (582) includes an impact socket (592) that connects to a drive element (527) of the drive shaft (520).
- The apparatus (500) of any of claims 3 to 10, wherein the T-handle assembly (580) includes a handle plate (594) with a handle (586) and a handle grip (588) that surrounds the handle (586).
- The apparatus (500) of any preceding claim, wherein the portable apparatus (500) weighs less than 13.60 kg.
- The apparatus (500) of any preceding claim, further including a rectangular leveling block (190) located on a side of a bottom footer of the lower housing (506) of the main housing (502), wherein the leveling block (190) is to be utilized to level the apparatus (500) when removing the railroad spike.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP22195963.8A EP4215672A1 (en) | 2019-01-06 | 2020-01-06 | Railroad spike remover |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US201962788925P | 2019-01-06 | 2019-01-06 | |
US16/734,125 US11131066B2 (en) | 2016-06-07 | 2020-01-03 | Railroad spike remover |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP22195963.8A Division EP4215672A1 (en) | 2019-01-06 | 2020-01-06 | Railroad spike remover |
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EP3677725A1 EP3677725A1 (en) | 2020-07-08 |
EP3677725B1 true EP3677725B1 (en) | 2022-10-05 |
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Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP20150387.7A Active EP3677725B1 (en) | 2019-01-06 | 2020-01-06 | Railroad spike remover |
EP22195963.8A Pending EP4215672A1 (en) | 2019-01-06 | 2020-01-06 | Railroad spike remover |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP22195963.8A Pending EP4215672A1 (en) | 2019-01-06 | 2020-01-06 | Railroad spike remover |
Country Status (3)
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EP (2) | EP3677725B1 (en) |
AU (3) | AU2020200080A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3066558C (en) |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20220282431A1 (en) * | 2021-03-02 | 2022-09-08 | Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. | Cordless Railroad Spike Puller |
DE102021204712A1 (en) | 2021-05-10 | 2022-11-10 | Robel Bahnbaumaschinen Gmbh | Nail puller and method of pulling a rail nail from a track |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB168101A (en) * | 1921-01-20 | 1921-09-01 | Henry William Tagg | Improved apparatus for extracting spikes or nails from railway sleepers and the like |
DE520526C (en) * | 1928-06-08 | 1931-03-12 | Ingersoll Rand Co | Pliers driven by compressed air pistons for pulling out nails, especially rail nails |
EP1041203A1 (en) * | 1999-03-31 | 2000-10-04 | Framatome Connectors International | Hydraulic spike puller with frictionally delayed moving jaws |
US6113073A (en) * | 1999-06-22 | 2000-09-05 | Framatome Connectors Usa, Inc. | Hydraulic spike puller with frictionally delayed moving jaws and blocking jaw front shape |
US8371556B2 (en) * | 2009-09-21 | 2013-02-12 | Daniel C Price | Multi-function deck tool |
US9145648B2 (en) * | 2012-03-14 | 2015-09-29 | Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. | Hydraulic spike puller |
US10597828B2 (en) * | 2016-06-07 | 2020-03-24 | Focused Technology Solutions, Inc. | Rail spike remover |
-
2020
- 2020-01-06 CA CA3066558A patent/CA3066558C/en active Active
- 2020-01-06 EP EP20150387.7A patent/EP3677725B1/en active Active
- 2020-01-06 EP EP22195963.8A patent/EP4215672A1/en active Pending
- 2020-01-06 AU AU2020200080A patent/AU2020200080A1/en not_active Abandoned
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2024
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CA3066558A1 (en) | 2020-07-06 |
AU2024202816A1 (en) | 2024-05-16 |
EP4215672A1 (en) | 2023-07-26 |
EP3677725A1 (en) | 2020-07-08 |
AU2021245248B2 (en) | 2024-02-01 |
AU2020200080A1 (en) | 2020-07-23 |
CA3066558C (en) | 2022-07-05 |
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