GB2565417A - Improvements in or relating to railway platforms - Google Patents

Abstract

A coping stone module 196 for a railway platform, the module comprising a base 197 and a wear plate 198 fitted on top of the base. Additionally disclosed is a railway platform level access system comprising a hump (50, fig 7) in which the hump has a modular construction and comprises a plurality of platform modules (5a-c, figures 6a, 6b); the hump also comprises one or more coper modules that include a static gap filler 185 extending from the platform edge (fig 22). The module wear plate 198 may be removable and the base 197 may be formed from a fibre reinforced plastic. The static gap filler 185 may fit in a recess in the module. The gap filler may also have a plurality of fingers (292, fig 12) extending from its base (291, fig 12). The gap fillers may also be flexible and deformable to flex and deform if hit by a train.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO RAILWAY PLATFORMS

The present invention relates generally to railway platforms.

In some aspects and embodiments the present invention relates to systems and methods by which access between platforms and rolling stock is improved.

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. Furthermore, the horizontal gap between a platform edge and a railway carriage can present a problem, particularly where platforms are curved.

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.

Aspect and embodiments of the present invention seek to address the problem of disparity between the height of a platform and the floor entry height of railway carriages and/or the horizontal gap between a platform edge and carriage.

Level Access Hump

In some aspects and embodiments a vertical gap requirement may be met with the use of a “hump”.

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 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 embodiments the present invention provides localised platform ‘humps’ adjacent to the persons of reduced mobility coaches of rolling stock.

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

An existing definition of “level access” to rolling stock to which some aspects and embodiments of the present invention may be directed is: an access from a platform to the doorway of a rolling stock for which it can be demonstrated that: the gap between the door sill of that doorway (or of the extended bridging plate of that doorway) and the platform does not exceed 75 mm measured horizontally and 50 mm measured vertically; and the rolling stock has no internal step between the door sill and the vestibule.

In some embodiments the hump may, for example, result in local raising of a platform surface by approximately 160mm.

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 FR.P material. FR.P (also known 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 FR.P material may, for example, be a phenolic FR.P 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 retardance, 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. FR.P products require minimal maintenance, and lightweight FR.P materials may be ideal where access is difficult. The minimal conductive properties of FR.P 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.

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 a raised platform section to achieve the successful transport of persons with limited mobility.

Gap Filler

In some aspects and embodiments the horizontal gap requirement is met with the use of a gap filler.

Static gap fillers (SGF) have been on the market for a number of years. They are often manufactured using rubber compounds and sometimes moulded onto steel plates to allow fixing to the existing platform face. Existing products have been researched and tested by the present inventors and have been found to lack the necessary dimensions and characteristics to fulfil the needs of many modern day projects.

The present invention provides a static (or “passive”) gap filler. A structure including a plurality of flexible “fingers” may be provided formed so that weight can be applied onto the fingers so that they serve to fill a gap, but that if struck by train carriages they deflect and deform and do not cause damage.

In some embodiments a fire retardant polymer static gap filler is provided.

The SGF may be deployed in strips. In some embodiments, for example, 6.5m strips may be deployed and may be centred around PR.M doors. This covers 1,5m wide doors plus a ± 2.5 stopping tolerance.

The gap filler element may be mounted within the platform edge

In some embodiments the SGF has significantly longer fingers than existing products on the market. These longer fingers allow additional deflection and are compressed back into the platform edge when contact with a train step is made.

Mounting the SGF within the platform edge also provides vertical support to the fingers, minimising their vertical deflection when exposed to foot loading.

In some aspects and embodiments the SGF is formed in accordance with at least some of the following design guidance.

Loading:

Horizontal Loading

The gauged platform edge shall be provided with a means to prevent lateral displacement capable of resisting a horizontal force of 2.5kN applied to a single coping stone.

This 2.5kN loading requirement for the copers has been assumed as the maximum loading that can be applied to the SGF by the train step.

Wheel Chair Loading

Weight:

Fully laden weight of 300 kg for wheelchair and occupant (including any baggage) in the case of an electrical wheel-chair for which no assistance is required for crossing a boarding aid.

Fully laden weight of 200 kg for wheelchair and occupant (including any baggage) in the case of a manual wheel-chair.

Wheels:

The smallest wheel shall accommodate a gap of dimensions 75mm horizontal and 50mm vertical.

Basic Wheel Chair Dimensions:

Width of 700mm plus 50mm min each side for hands when moving — Length of 1200mm plus 50mm for feet.

Vertical Deflection: SGF vertical deflection may be limited so that the 50 mm height set by PR.M-TSI is not exceeded.

Therefore the sum of the existing vertical gap and loaded deflection may be no more than 50mm.

In some embodiments it is envisaged that the platform surface will be 25mm below the train step, therefore allowing a deflection of 25mm in the SGF. The action of the gap dimensions in relation to the wheel diameter resisting vertical drop may also be considered.

Edges and Rises:

Thresholds should be level, but if this is not possible, “a reasonable rule of thumb” is that any obstruction 10mm or higher can be considered a potential trip hazard”. To minimise this hazard, any rise of more than 5mm will have a bevelled edge.

Caster Wheel Size:

As per PR.M-TSI Appendix M, section M.2: “The smallest wheel shall accommodate a gap of dimensions 75 mm horizontal and 50 mm vertical.”

The above statement restricts the front castor to no less than 125 mm (see Figure 3) to allow successful bridging of a 75 mm x 50 mm gap.

The finish to the wearing surface of coping stones or platform edges shall have a minimum slip resistance value of 55.

The material from which the gap filler is produced may be a rubber compound.

In some embodiments the SGF is designed so that it deforms away from the train step and should not impart more than 2.5kN horizontally into the platform.

In some embodiments 100mm long fingers are provided.

Spacing between fingers has an impact on the amount of deflection available, but also will affect the amount of vertical load that can be supported - bigger gaps between fingers equates to less fingers available to support the load. In some embodiments 5mm gaps are used.

Some examples of SGF dimensions include: 8mm wide fingers with 5mm gaps trapezoidal shaped fingers 15 to 5mm wide with 5mm gaps 5mm wide fingers with 5mm gaps and a 2mm thick web joining the fingers together.

In some embodiments the fingers taper from 8mm wide with a 4mm gap at the base to 7mm wide with a 5mm gap at the midpoint. This dimension is then carried through to the end of the finger. This is intended to allow the flex where it is needed at the ends, whilst providing some additional support against buckling from the bases.

In some embodiments the fingers are 100mm long. The fingers may be 7mm wide from tip to midpoint, they then taper to 8mm wide at the base. The gaps between the fingers may be 5mm from tip to midpoint, reducing to 4mm at the base. They may all be 30mm thick.

Further example of dimensions of the fingers and gaps include:

Fingers are 100mm long. The fingers are 7mm wide from tip to midpoint, they then taper to 8mm wide at the base.

The gaps between the fingers ate 5mm from tip to midpoint, reducing to 4mm at the base. They are all 30mm thick.

Further example of dimensions of the fingers and gaps include:

In some embodiments the gap filler is formed from a vulcanised material based on synthetic rubbers and mineral fillers.

Examples of suitable materials include: Treadmaster TM7 produced by Tiflex Limited; and Airex T90.150 produced by 3A Composites.

The type of foam material used to form the SGF may be changed depending on availability and cost. The critical property of the foam in some embodiments is its performance in compression (Compressive Strength > 2N/mm2, Compressive Modulus > 95N/mm2).

In some embodiments the finger array is tapered.

In some embodiments the thickness of the fingers is approximately 8mm.

The gap filler may form part of a level access system as described herein.

Coping Stone

The present invention may provide a “coping stone”. This term is intended to mean a cap or the like which may run along/across/under/around at least part of a gap filler when installed.

The stone may be formed from a composite material, such as fibre-reinforced plastic FR.P material.

Some aspects and embodiments of the present invention incorporate a static gap filler (SGF) as well as a removable top plate into a hump design, allowing the SGF to be installed, adjusted and replaced with a coping stone undisturbed and installed on the platform. This design may also allow for a temporary SGF filler where the SGF is not required to utilise the same design throughout the platform.

Different aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used separately or together. For example, a hump system including a coping stone and static gap filler as described herein may be used in combination with each other.

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 claims.

The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The example embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the systems and processes herein described. It is important to understand that embodiments can be provided in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.

Accordingly, while embodiment can be modified in various ways and take on various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and described in detail below as examples. There is no intent to limit to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims should be included. Elements of the example embodiments are consistently denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and detailed description where appropriate.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art. It will be further understood that terms in common usage should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant art and not in an idealised or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers are used to designate like elements throughout the various views, several embodiments of the present invention are further described. The figures are not necessary drawn to scale, and in some instances the drawings may have been exaggerated or simplified for illustrative purposes only. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the many possible applications and variations of the present invention based on the following examples of possible embodiments of the present invention.

Referring first to Figures I to 5 there is shown a platform hump module generally indicated 5. The module 5 includes a module frame/base 10. The frame 10 is generally rectangular. A top panel 20 is fitted on to the frame 10.

The frame 10 comprises opposite side walls 11,12 and opposite end walls 13, 14. Atop deck 15 is formed over the walls. In this embodiment the deck 15 and the walls 11-14 are formed as a single, one-piece FRP construction. A central longitudinal rib 16 and two spaced transverse ribs 17, 18 are provided and formed integrally with the top deck and side walls to add strength to the structure. Six pedestals 18 are provided and depend from the top deck 15, one at each corner and a generally central pair. Each pedestal 18 is provided with an adjustable foot 19 which can be moved up and down to adjust the height of the frame 10 locally.

In some embodiments the top deck 15 includes holes, each being in register with a respective pedestal. The pedestals can be secured to the underside of the deck 15 by bolts. The holes allow a tool to be inserted into the interior of the pedestals. Turning of the tool 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.

The top panel 20 is a removable wear plate which is securable to the top deck I 5 using fixings (for example bolts, screws or studs) which pass through pre-drilled holes and are received by fixings holes. The panel 20 is removable and therefore repairable and/or replaceable in use.

The top panel 20 includes a gritted top surface. In other embodiments different coating/surfaces may be used to provide required properties including non-slip and wear-resistance. The top panel may also include markings (for example coloured lines) and a studded zone.

The unit can be assembled with other such units as shown in Figure 6A (plan view) and Figure 6B (side view) to form a hump structure I. To create a hump with required dimensions three different types of module 5A, 5B, 5C are used. At either end of the hump stainless steel nosing 55 is provided.

Referring now to Figure 7 there is shown schematically a hump for 50 providing a raised platform level adjacent a no-hump platform area 70. A railway carriage 75 is shown with a set of doors 80 in register with hump 50 so that a level access route is provided onto the carriage.

Referring now to Figure 8 there is shown schematically railway carriages as they might come to rest next to a curved platform 90 provided with a hump 50 formed in accordance with the present invention. It will be noted that because the carriage 75 is generally straight and the platform 90 is not there is a gap 95. In order to address potential access problems from the hump 50 into the carriage 75 a gap filler 85 is provided.

The hump module can be used with or without a gap filler, where there is a need to raise the level of the platform.

If an existing platform is the correct height then a coping stone module can be used. This can replace an existing concrete coping stone (it can be the same dimensions to allow direct replacement).

Figure 9 shows a coping stone module 196 formed in accordance with the present invention.

The coper stone module 196 comprises a solid foam base 197 and a top, wear plate 198. The base 197 include an elongate L-shape recess 199 onto which a static gap filler 185 is fitted. The gap filler 185 comprises a base 191 from which extend a plurality of fingers 192. The top plate 198 extends over the base 198 and over the recess 199, in doing so securing the base 191 of the gap filler 185. The fingers 192 project beyond the base/plate.

Figures 10 and I I show a coper stone module 296 formed according to a further embodiment and having a similar structure to the module 296. In this embodiment the top plate 298 includes transverse grip grooves 293 and a painted white line 294.

In some aspects and embodiments the present invention provides an FR.P coper stone, which may be combined with a gap filler (as shown in Figures 20 and 21). Figure 22 shows the coper stone/gap filler installed as part of a railway platform.

The gap filler 285 is shown in more detail in Figure 12 (top and side views) and is locatable, for example, on corners so that it fills the gap between the platform and a train. The fingers 292 are rigid enough to support the weight of passengers and items moving across them onto the train, but flexible enough so that they deform if hit by the train as it passes. The fingers are therefore axially (vertically, in use) strong/rigid but longitudinally (horizontally, in use) deformable.

The platform gap filler may be used on an underground/metro systems subway stations or on train stations. It may effectively be a platform edge extension at stations where there is a gap between the platform and the train, for example where the curvature of the platform creates a significant gap between the platform and train carriage / subway car door.

Further examples of gap fillers 385, 485, 585 formed in accordance with the present invention are shown in Figures I 3 to 17.

Figure 18 shows a SGF 685 with a non-tapering array of fingers 692.

Figure 19 shows a SGF 785 with a tapering array of fingers 792.

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.

Other aspects and embodiments of the present invention are described in the following numbered paragraphs. 1. A railway platform level access system comprising a hump for providing access to rolling stock, and a static gap filler for extending from the platform edge for bridging the gap between the platform edge and a railway carriage in use. 2. A system as claimed in paragraph I, in which the hump has a modular construction and comprises a plurality of modules assembled together. 3. A system as claimed in paragraph 2, in which the modules comprise a base and a removable top plate. 4. A system as claimed in any preceding paragraph, in which the gap filler comprises a base from which extends a plurality of fingers. 5. A static platform gap filler comprising a base and a plurality of fingers extending from the base, the fingers being axially generally rigid and transversely deformable. 6. A system or gap filler as claimed in paragraph 4 or paragraph 5, in which each finger has a generally parallelepiped shape 7. A system or gap filler as claimed in any of paragraphs 4 to 7, in which the free end of each finger is generally flat, 8. A system or gap filler as claimed in any of paragraphs 4 to 7, in which the axial extent of the fingers is greater than the axial extent of the base. 9. A system or gap filler as claimed in any of paragraphs 4 to 8, in which each finger extends generally orthogonally from the base. 10. A system of gap filer as claimed in any preceding paragraph, in which the filler is formed from a rubber or rubber-like material. I I. A system or gap filer as claimed in any preceding paragraph, in which gap filler fingers are approximately 100mm long. 12. A system or gap filler as claimed in any preceding paragraph, in which gap filler fingers are approximately 7mm wide from tip to midpoint then taper to approximately 8mm wide at their base. I 3. A system or gap filler as claimed in any preceding paragraph, in which gap filler fingers are all mutually spaced by gaps which are approximately 5mm from tip to midpoint, reducing to 4mm at the base. 14. A system or gap filler as claimed in any preceding paragraph, in which gap filler fingers are approximately 30mm thick. 15. A system or gap filler as claimed in any preceding paragraph, in which the material from which the gap filler is made has Compressive Strength > 2N/mm2 and Compressive Modulus > 95N/mm2 as its performance in compression. 16. A static platform gap filler comprising a base from which extends a plurality of substantially identical fingers for extending across the gap between a train and a platform in use, each finger having a generally parallelepiped shape and the free end of each finger being generally flat, the axial extent of the fingers being greater than the axial extent of the base, said fingers being axially rigid enough to support the weight of passengers and items moving across them, but longitudinally flexible enough so that they deform if hit by a train as it passes. 17. A platform fitted with a system or one or more gap fillers as claimed in any preceding paragraph. 18. A level access platform fitted with a system or one or more gap fillers as claimed in any preceding paragraph. 19. A coping stone module for a railway platform, the module comprising a solid base formed from foamed material, and a wear plate fitted on top of the base. 20. A module as claimed in paragraph 19, in which the module includes a recess for receiving a static gap filler. 21. A module as claimed in paragraph 20, in which the top plate extends over the recess to secure a gap filler in position. 22. A module as claimed in any of paragraphs 19 to 21 in combination with a static gap filler. 23. A module as claimed in any of paragraphs 19 to 22, in which the gap filler comprises a gap filler as claimed in any of claims 5 to 16. 24. A platform fitted with a system or one or more modules as claimed in any of paragraphs 19 to 23. 25. A railway station having one or more platforms as claimed in paragraphs 17, 18 or 24.

Claims (25)

1. A coping stone module for a railway platform, the module comprising a base and a wear plate fitted on top of the base.

2. A module as claimed in claim I, in which the wear plate is removable

3. A module as claimed in claim I or claim 2, in which the base is formed from an FR.P material.

4. A module as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the module includes a recess for receiving a static gap filler.

5. A module as claimed in claim 5, in which the top plate extends at least partly over the recess to secure a gap filler in position.

6. A module as claimed in any preceding claim in combination with a static gap filler.

7. A module as claimed in any of claims 4 to 6, in which the gap filler can be installed, adjusted and replaced with the module in situ.

8. A module as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, in which the gap filler comprises a base from which extends a plurality of fingers.

9. A module as claimed in any of claims 6 to 8, in which the gap filler comprises a base and a plurality of fingers extending from the base, the fingers being axially generally rigid and transversely deformable in use.

10. A module as claimed in claim 9, in which each finger has a generally parallelepiped shape

11. A module as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, in which the free end of each finger is generally flat,

12. A module as claimed in any of claims 9 to I I, in which the axial extent of the fingers is greater than the axial extent of the base.

13. A module as claimed in any of claims 9 to 12, in which each finger extends generally orthogonally from the base.

14. A module as claimed in any of claims 9 to 13, in which gap filler fingers are approximately 7mm wide from tip to midpoint then taper to approximately 8mm wide at their base.

15. A module as claimed in any of claims 9 to 14, in which gap filler fingers are all mutually spaced by gaps which are approximately 5mm from tip to midpoint, reducing to 4mm at the base.

16. A module as claimed in any of claims 9 to 15, in which gap filler fingers are approximately 30mm thick.

17. A system or gap filer as claimed in any of claims 9 to 16, in which gap filler fingers are approximately 100mm long.

18. A system or gap filler as claimed in any of claims 9 to 17, in which the material from which the gap filler is made has Compressive Strength > 2N/mm2 and Compressive Modulus > 95N/mm2 as its performance in compression.

19. A module as claimed in any of claims 9 to 18, in which the gap filler is formed from a rubber or rubber-like material.

20. A railway platform level access system comprising a hump for providing access to rolling stock, in which the hump has a modular construction and comprises a plurality of platform modules assembled together, the hump also includes one or more coper modules locatable at the platform edge, the or at least one of the coper modules includes a static gap filler for extending from the platform edge for bridging the gap between the platform edge and a railway carriage in use.

21. A system as claimed in claim 20, in which the modules comprise a base and a removable top plate.

22. A system as claimed in claim 21, in which the static gap filler comprises a base from which extends a plurality of substantially identical fingers for extending across the gap between a train and a platform in use, each finger having a generally parallelepiped shape and the free end of each finger being generally flat, the axial extent of the fingers being greater than the axial extent of the base, said fingers being axially rigid enough to support the weight of passengers and items moving across them, but longitudinally flexible enough so that they deform if hit by a train as it passes.

23. A coper module for a railway platform level access system the module being locatable at the platform edge and including a static gap filler for extending from the platform edge for bridging the gap between the platform edge and a railway carriage in use.

24. A module as claimed in claim 23, comprising a base and a removable wear plate.

25. A module as claimed in claim 23 or claim 24, in which the base is formed from a foamed composite material.