GB2529380A

GB2529380A - Improvements in or relating to railway platforms

Info

Publication number: GB2529380A
Application number: GB1410146.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Simon Eves
Original assignee: Pipex Structural Composites Ltd
Current assignee: Pipex Structural Composites Ltd
Priority date: 2014-06-08
Filing date: 2014-06-08
Publication date: 2016-02-24
Anticipated expiration: 2034-06-08
Also published as: GB2529380B; GB201410146D0; GB2528768A; GB201509942D0; GB2529034A; GB201509939D0

Abstract

A railway platform hump (250) is provided for providing access to rolling stock. The hump (250) has a modular construction and comprises a plurality of modules (225A, 225B, 225C) assembled together.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS N OR RELATING TO RAILWAY PLATFORMS

The present invention relates generally to railway platforms and particularly to systems and methods by which the height of a railway platform can be increased.

Platform height across rail networks is generally not standardised. Platforms sited low (compared to the level of the railway carriage floor) present entry and exit problems to mobility-impaired railway users, including wheelchair users and passengers with pushchairs or luggage.

One of the key requirements of a high capacity railway system is to maintain a dwell time to sustain the throughput of trains. One of the major factors influencing dwell time is the time taken for passengers to board and alight from a train. This time can be extended if the passenger has reduced mobility and requires assistance, particularly if a manual boarding ramp is needed for wheelchair passengers. Studies have indicated that dwell times required at many stations cannot be met using a manual boarding ramp.

The present invention seeks to address the problem of disparity between the height of a platform and the floor entry height of railway carriages. For example the present invention may address user access to railway carriages from relatively low station platforms.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a railway platform hump for providing access to rolling stock, the hump having a modular construction and comprising a plurality of modules assembled together.

The present invention also provides a railway platform raising system comprising a plurality of modules assemblable together to form an improved rolling stock access structure.

The present invention may provide level access, which by inference may imply unassisted' access, for the benefit of disabled, elderly and other passengers.

The term hump' means a raised section of platform. In some embodiments an entire platform is raised, in others a section of platform is raised. In some emdiments the present invention provides localised platform humps' adjacent to the persons of reduced mobility coaches of rolling stock.

At least part of the hump may be manufactured from corrosion-resistant material, for example advanced composites.

Each module may comprise a frame. The frame may form from a composite material, such as fibre-reinforced plastic FRP material.

FRP (also kno as fibre-reinforced polymer) is a composite material made of a polymer matrix reinforced with fibres. The fibres may be glass, carbon, basalt or aramid, although other fibres such as paper or wood or asbestos may be used. The polymer may be an epoxy, vinylester or polyester thermosetting plastic, or a phenol formaldehyde resin.

The FRP material may, for example, be a phenolic FRP material. Phenolic-based resins are ideal for high temperature applications where parts must meet fire safety. smoke emission, combustion and toxicity requirements. They have excellent flame retardence, heat and chemical resistance, and electrical non-conductivity characteristics; they offer low density, good thermal insulation, outstanding durability and ease of formability to complex contours.

FRP products require niinirnal maintenance, and our lightweight FRP materials may be ideal where access is difficult. The minimal conductive properties of FRP also eliminate the need for electrical grounding, and fire-resistant properties have a significant benefit.

Each module may comprise a replaceable top plate or panel, for example a removable wear plate.

The panels may be designed to be independent so that if one is damaged it can be easily lifted out and replaced without disturbing adjacent panels. The top panels may have a high level or wear-resistance, as they may be positioned in high footfall environments. The top panels may be formed from, or contain, a composite material, which may be the same or different to the frame to which they are secured. The top panel may be secured or securable to a generally flat top deck provided on or by the module.

Each module may be secured or securable, for example using bolts, screws and the like, to an underlying stmcture, for example a pre-existing platform.

The hump may be positioned to meet a particular dmr on a train; for example a door designed for wheelchair access.

The modules may be generally polygonal, for example square or rectangular in plan.

1 5 The present invention may be formed as a pre-fabricated modular raised platform system which allows access to a train for travellers with limited mobility, wheelchair users and families with pushchairs, by elinñnating the large gap from a train to a platform.

The hump or system may form an integral part of a platform structure.

The hump or system may be formed as a superstructure securable to an underlying platform.

The hump or system may be retrofittable onto an existing platform.

Individual modules may be removable. The modules may be designed to be independent so that if one is damaged it can be easily lifted out and replaced without disturbing adjacent modules. The modular structure also means that, if necessary, entire sections or parts of a hump could be relocated if required.

Modules may be provided in one or more standard sizes; bespoke modules are also possible, for example to accommodate seating. pillars, doorways and drains. A hump structure can be assembled by selecting appropriate modules and assembling them together.

Each module may include means for adjusting the height thereof. Adjustable supports such as feet or pedestals may be provided. In some embodiments the height can be adjusted from above', allowing adjustment whilst the module is in position. A tml may be provided for making adjustments.

Some modules may have a slope, for example a slope of approximately 1 in 20.

Some modules may be modified to allow access to structures beneath the hump. For example a bespoke FRP man-hole cover may be provided, with a turret' in the frame to allow access therethrough.

In some embodiments a "gap filler" is also provided, in order to bridge gaps between the edge of a platform and a carriage. In some embodiments a mechanical gap filler is provided which is extendible and retractable.

The present invention also provides a module for a railway platform hump, the module comprising a frame for receiving a top plate and being securable to a railway platform.

The present invention also provides a level access system for a railway platform, comprising a framework and a plurali of replaceable top plates secured to the framework.

The framework may be formed from a plurality of modular frames.

The present invention also provides a railway platform having a hump or as described herein.

The present invention also provides a railway station having a platform as described herein.

The present invention also provides a level access system for an underground railway platform using some/all of the principles described and discussed herein.

Different aspects and embccliments of the invention may be used separately or together.

Further particular and preferred aspects of the present invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims may be combined with the features of the independent claims as appropriate, and in combination other than those explicitly set out in the clains.

The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of ample. with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a module formed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the underside of a module of the type shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a top plan view of the mule of Figure; Figure 4 is a side elevation of the module of Figure 2; Figure 5 is an end view of the module of Figure 2; Figure 6 illustrates the use of the tool to raise/ lower an adjustable pedestal forming part of the module of Figure 1; Figure 7 is a plan view of a hump assembly formed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 8 is a side elevation of the assembly of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a section of part of a hump assembly formed in accordance to the present invention; Figure 10 is a plan view of the assembly of Figure 9; Figure 11 illustrates a hump formed in according to the present invention in use; and Figure 12 illustrates an extendable/ retractable spacer system.

Referring first to Figure 1 there is shown a module frame generally indicated 10. The frame 10 is generally rectangular and is shown in the figure with a top panel 20 removed. In use the top panel is fitted on to the frame 10 and together the unit can be assembled vith other such units 25 as shown in the figure.

Referring now to Figures 2 to 5 a frame 110 of the same general type as the frame 10 is shown.

The frame 110 comprises opposite side walls 111, 112 and opposite end rolls 113, 114. A top deck 115 is formed over the walls. In this embodiment the deck 115 and the walls 111-114 are formed as a single, one-piece FRP construction. A central longitudinal rib 116 and two spaced transverse ribs 117, 118 are provided and foaned integrally with the top deck and side walls to add strength to the structure. Six pedestals 118 are provided and depend from the top deck 115, one at each corner and a generally central pair. Each pedestal 118 is provided with an adjustable foot 119 which can be moved up and down to adjust the height of the frame 110 locally.

In the embodiment of Figure 1 the top deck 15 includes six holes 105, each being in register with a respective pedestal. The pedestals are secured to the underside of the deck 15 by bolts 6. As shown in Figure 6, the holes 5 allow a tl 7 to be inserted into the interior of the pedestals.

Turning of the tool 7 causes the feet to be raised and lowered. It will be noted, therefore that the height of the frame can be locally varied from above and with no need to access the feet from below.

Referring again to Figure 1, the top panel 20 is a removable wear plate which is securable to the top deck 15 using fixings (for example bolts, screws or studs) which pass through pre-drilled holes 21 and are received by fixings holes 8. The panel 20 is removable and therefore repairable and/or replaceable in use. The top panel includes a gritted top surface 22. In other embodiments different coating/surfaces may be used to provide required properties including non-slip and wear-resistance. The top panel also includes markings (in this embodiment, coloured lines) and a studded zone.

Referring now to Figures 7 and 8 there is shown a hump structure generally indicated 250. To create a hump with required dimensions three different types of module 225A. 225B, 225C are used. At either end of the hump stainless steel nosing 255 is provided.

Referring now to Figures 9 and 10 there is shown a hump generally indicated 350. A plurality of modules 325D, 32SF, and 32SF are used. The frame pedestals 318 are secured to an existing platform 360 by fixings 309 passing through the feet 319.

Referring now to Figure 11 there is shown schematically a hump for 450 providing a raised platform level adjacent a pre-hump platform area 470. A railway carriage 475 is shown with a set of doors 480 in register with hump 450 so that a level access route is provided onto the carriage.

Referring now to Figure 12 there is shown schematically railway carriages as they might come to rest next to a curved platform 590 provided with a hump 550 formed in accordance with the present invention. It will be noted that because the carriage 575 is generally straight and the platform 590 is not there is a gap 596. In order to address potential access problems from the hump 550 into the carriage 575 a gap filler 585 is provided. In this embodiment the gap filler 585 is mechanical and is movable from the extended position shown to a retracted position when not required.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A railway platform hump for providing access to rolling stock, the hump having a modular construction and comprising a plurality of modules assembled together.
2. A railway platform raising system comprising a plurality of modules assemble into together to form an improved rolling stock access structure.
3. A hump or system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which each module comprises a frame.
4. A hump or system as claimed in claim 3, in which the frame is formed from a composite material.
5. A hump or system as claimed in claim 3, in which the frame is formed from a FRP material.
6. A hump or system as claimed in claim 3, in which the frame is formed from a phenolic FRP material.
7. A hump or system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which each module comprises a replaceable top plate.
8. A liurnp or system as clainied in any preceding claim, in which the hump or system forms an integral part of a platform structure.
9. A hump or system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the hump or system is formed as a superstructure securable to an underlying platform.
10. A hump or system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the hump or system is retrofittable onto an existing platform.
11. A hump or system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which an individual mule can be removed.
12. A hump or system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which each module includes means for adjusting the height thereof.
13. A module for a railway platform hump. the module comprising a frame for receiving a top plate and being securable to a railway platform.
14. A level access system for a railway platform, comprising a framework and a plurality of 1 5 replaceable top plates secured to the framework.
15. A system as claimed in claim 14. in which the framework is formed from a plurality of modular frames.
16. A railway platform having a hump or system form according to any preceding claim.
17. A railway station having a platform as claimed in claim 16.
18. A hump substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.
19. A system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.
20. A module substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.Amendments to the claims have been made as followsCLAIMS1. A railway platform level access system which provides access to rolling stk. the system having a modular construction and comprising a plurality of modules assembled together, the modules comprising a frame and a removable wear plate secured to the frame.2. A system as claimed in claim 1, in which the frame is formed from a composite material.3. A system as claimed in claim 2, in which the frame is formed from a FRP material.4. A system as claimed in claim 3, in which the frame is formed from a phenolic FRP material.5. A system as claimed b any preceding claim, in which the system foms an integral pa of a platform structure.IC) 6. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the system is formed as a r superstructure securable to an underlying platform.7. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the system is retrofittable onto an existing platform.8. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which an individual module can be removed.9. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which each module includes means for adjusting the height thereof.10. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the frame includes a top deck onto which the wear plate is secured.11. A railway platform having a system form according to any preceding claim.12. A platform as claimed in claim 11. in which the system is formed as a localised hump positioned so as to be adjacent to persons of reduced mobility coach/es in use.13. A railway station having a platform as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12.14. A system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in, the accompanying drawings. IC)1 5 15. A module for a modular railway platform level access system which provides access to 0 rolling stock, the module comprising a frame and a removable wear plate secured to the IC) frame and being assemblable with one or more further such modules. r16. A module substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.