US20060289667A1 - Pre-fastened rail pad assembly and method - Google Patents
Pre-fastened rail pad assembly and method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060289667A1 US20060289667A1 US11/512,945 US51294506A US2006289667A1 US 20060289667 A1 US20060289667 A1 US 20060289667A1 US 51294506 A US51294506 A US 51294506A US 2006289667 A1 US2006289667 A1 US 2006289667A1
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- Prior art keywords
- rail pad
- sheet
- rail
- pad
- attaching
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01B—PERMANENT WAY; PERMANENT-WAY TOOLS; MACHINES FOR MAKING RAILWAYS OF ALL KINDS
- E01B9/00—Fastening rails on sleepers, or the like
- E01B9/68—Pads or the like, e.g. of wood, rubber, placed under the rail, tie-plate, or chair
- E01B9/681—Pads or the like, e.g. of wood, rubber, placed under the rail, tie-plate, or chair characterised by the material
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01B—PERMANENT WAY; PERMANENT-WAY TOOLS; MACHINES FOR MAKING RAILWAYS OF ALL KINDS
- E01B9/00—Fastening rails on sleepers, or the like
- E01B9/68—Pads or the like, e.g. of wood, rubber, placed under the rail, tie-plate, or chair
- E01B9/685—Pads or the like, e.g. of wood, rubber, placed under the rail, tie-plate, or chair characterised by their shape
- E01B9/686—Pads or the like, e.g. of wood, rubber, placed under the rail, tie-plate, or chair characterised by their shape with textured surface
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the field of rail pad assemblies for railway systems that have metal rails and concrete rail ties.
- a rail pad deflects vertically and horizontally in a cyclic fashion under the loads imposed by the wheels of passing trains.
- the cyclical loads imposed upon the rail pad create relatively short-term vertical load pulses that cause the face of the rail pad to oscillate on the concrete tie. Deterioration of the rail pad and erosion of the concrete rail tie can occur.
- a protective member or sheet located between the rail pad and the concrete rail tie to prevent deterioration.
- the rail pad and the protective sheet can be considered to be the major parts of a rail pad assembly.
- the handling of the various components of a rail pad assembly is often labor intensive and/or otherwise problematic.
- the present invention provides a rail pad assembly for use with a concrete rail tie.
- the assembly includes a rail pad for engagement with a metal rail and a protective sheet for interposition between the rail pad and the concrete rail tie.
- the assembly also includes means for releasably attaching the rail pad to the sheet integrally formed in at least one of the rail pad and the sheet and releasing attachment without destruction of any portion of the means for releasably attaching.
- the present invention provides a method of releasably assembling a rail pad assembly for use with a concrete rail tie.
- the method includes providing a rail pad for engagement with a metal rail, providing a protective sheet for interposition between the rail pad and the concrete rail tie, and providing means for attaching the rail pad to the sheet integrally formed in at least one of the rail pad and the sheet prior to attaching the rail pad to the sheet.
- the method also includes attaching the rail pad to the sheet using the means for attaching, and releasing the rail pad from the sheet without destruction of any portion of the rail pad or the sheet.
- FIG. 1 is a section view of an example rail pad assembly, which has a rail pad and a protective sheet, between a metal rail and a concrete rail tie;
- FIG. 2 is a top view of the rail pad of the assembly of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the rail pad taken along line 3 - 3 of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a top view of the protective sheet of the assembly of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the protective sheet taken along line 5 - 5 of FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged, plan view of a portion of the assembly of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 7 a is an enlarged, sectional view of the rail pad assembly taken along line 7 a - 7 a of FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 7 b is a view similar to FIG. 7 a , but shows an alternate construction that includes a ridged, ringed, or threaded connection;
- FIG. 7 c is a view similar to FIG. 7 a , but shows another alternate construction that includes a rivet connection.
- a rail pad assembly 8 is shown for use with a metal rail 14 and a concrete rail tie 16 .
- the rail pad assembly 8 includes a rail pad 10 and an attached protective sheet 12 .
- the attached aspect provides a pre-fastened assembly that provides for ease of handling, etc. during transport, installation, etc.
- the metal rail 14 sits atop the rail pad 10
- the protective sheet 12 is located between the rail pad 10 and the concrete rail tie 16 .
- additional components and/or material may also be interposed between the rail pad 10 and the concrete rail tie 16 .
- the metal rail 14 is held in place by rail clamps (not shown) embedded in the concrete rail tie 16 .
- Such rail clamps may take various forms, including various currently available forms, but are not limitations on the present invention.
- the example rail pad 10 is shown in detail.
- the rail pad 10 is made of an elastomeric material, such as polyurethane or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).
- the rail pad 10 is generally rectangular or square, but it is to be appreciated that the rail pad 10 can be of any suitable shape.
- the rail pad 10 has a top surface 18 and a bottom surface 20 .
- the top surface 18 of the rail pad 10 includes at least one rail-engaging area 28 having a tread pattern.
- the top surface 18 includes three rail-engaging areas 28 having identical tread patterns.
- top surface 18 of the rail pad 10 may include any number of such areas 28 , each having any tread pattern. Although the configuration of such features of the rail pad 10 is described for the purpose of comprehending the drawings, such configuration is not a limitation on the present invention.
- the rail pad 10 has a generally square or rectangular outer periphery 31 .
- the rail pad also includes various indentations and notches 30 along its outer periphery 31 for engagement with, and/or accommodation of, structure located along the railway system, such as the rail clamps (not shown).
- Such notches 30 are located between upwardly extending projections that are located on the sides of the rail 14 and seat the rail onto the rail pad 10 .
- the geometry of the rail pad 10 may be varied in any manner required by a particular railway system, and such features are not limitations on the present invention.
- the rail pad 10 also includes at least one passageway 22 extending therein as part of a configuration for attaching the rail pad 10 to the protective sheet 12 .
- the rail pad 10 may include any number of passageways 22 that may or may not extend completely through the rail pad 10 .
- the passageways 22 comprise four holes extending from the top surface 18 of the rail pad to the bottom surface 20 .
- Each passageway 22 is countersunk within the rail pad 10 such that the upper portion 24 of each passageway 22 has a diameter greater than the lower portion 26 of each passageway 22 .
- each passageway 22 The difference in diameter between the upper portion 24 and the lower portion 26 of each passageway 22 creates a circular shoulder 27 within each passageway 22 at the interface of the upper portion 24 and the lower portion 26 . It is to be appreciated that the passageways 22 may be of any size, shape, number, geometry, and position.
- the protective sheet 12 is made of tough and abrasion resistant material, such as ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).
- UHMWPE ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene
- One example of UHMWPE is a polyethylene (e.g., linear) with a molecular weight in the range of 3,000,000 to 6,000,000. Other more specific examples of UHMWPE may have molecular weight ranges bounded by the numbers 4,000,000 and/or 5,000,000.
- UHMWPE ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene
- UHMWPE ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene
- UHMWPE ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene
- the protective sheet 12 with the structures described herein, may be made by any process including, but not limited to a process that includes injection forming, compression forming, or injection and compression forming.
- the protective sheet 12 has a top major surface 32 and a bottom major surface 34 .
- the top surface 32 and the bottom surface 34 of the protective sheet 12 are substantially flat.
- the contours of the top surface 32 and/or the bottom surface 34 are not limitations on the present invention.
- the outer periphery shape of the protective sheet 12 is generally similar to the outer periphery shape of the rail pad 10 . That is to say that the shown example of the protective sheet 12 has a generally rectangular or square shaped outer periphery, but it is to be appreciated that the protective sheet 12 can be of any suitable shape.
- the protective sheet 12 also includes various indentations and notches 44 along its outer periphery 45 for engagement with, and/or accommodation of, structure located along the railway system, such as the rail clamps (mentioned above). It is to be appreciated that the outer geometry of the protective sheet 12 may be varied in any manner as required by a particular railway system, and is not a limitation on the present invention.
- the protective sheet 12 also includes at least one projection 36 extending from the top surface 32 to extend into a passageway 22 , as means for attaching the protective sheet 12 to the rail pad 10 .
- the protective sheet 12 may include any number of projections that extend into corresponding passageways 22 .
- four projections 36 are integrally formed as part of the protective sheet 12 and extend from the top surface 32 thereof.
- the projections 36 have a first end 37 attached at the top surface 32 of the protective sheet 12 and a second end 38 located at a distance from the top surface 32 .
- the second end 38 has a relatively larger cross-sectional area due to a cutout portion 40 , which adjacent to the first end 37 , and located between the top surface 32 and the second end 38 of the projection 36 .
- the cutout portions 40 of the two projections 36 located on the left half of the protective sheet 12 face a direction opposite the cutout portions 40 of the two projections 36 located on the right half of the protective sheet 12 .
- the second end 38 of each projection may include a chamfered edge 46 to facilitate ingress of the projection 36 into a mating passageway.
- the projections 36 including the cutout portions 40 , may be of any size, shape, number, geometry and position.
- a passageway 42 may be positioned adjacent to the projection 36 and may extend though the protective sheet 12 . This passageway 42 may facilitate formation.
- the rail pad 10 is shown attached to the protective sheet 12 to form the rail pad assembly 8 .
- the various indentations and notches 30 along the outer periphery 31 of the rail pad 10 are generally aligned with the various indentations and notches 44 along the outer periphery 45 of the protective sheet 12 .
- the longitudinal dimension of the protective sheet 12 is greater than the longitudinal dimension of the rail pad 10 .
- the dimensions of the rail pad 10 and the protective sheet 12 may be varied in any manner as required by a particular railway system.
- each passageway 22 of the rail pad 10 receives a respective projection 36 of the protective sheet 12 for a snap-fit interconnection.
- the projection 36 is inserted through the lower portion 26 of the passageway 22 and into the upper portion 24 of the passageway 22 until the bottom surface 20 of the rail pad 10 engages the top surface 32 of the protective sheet 12 .
- the snap-fit interconnection is created by an interaction between-the cutout portion 40 of the projection 36 and the circular shoulder 27 within the passageway 22 formed by the difference in diameter between the upper portion 24 and the lower portion 26 thereof.
- the snap-fit interconnection ensures that the rail pad 10 remains attached to the protective sheet 12 , and also allows for easy maintenance or replacement of the parts because the connection is reversible via application of a modest amount of separating force.
- the drawing figures may show the dimensions of the projections 36 and the passageways 22 some what exaggerated to convey the concept.
- the interconnection may take various other forms.
- the projections 36 and passageways 22 may provide for a friction or interference fit. In fact, the shown example, is to be understood to be one type of interference fit.
- the interference fit avoids the need to use separate fastener(s). Also, it is to be appreciated that the interference fit avoids the need to perform a separate fastening step, such as gluing, welding, or melting any parts. Still further, it is to be appreciated that the interference fit avoids the need to change or destroy any structure. For example, the projections 36 need not be broken off or melted to permit removal. Thus, the rail pad 10 remains attached to the protective sheet 12 and yet the attachment is reversible via a non-damaging amount of separating force. It is to be appreciated that tremendous labor saving is likely to be realized.
- the Figures show one example aspect that the projections 36 are at locations that are beneath an engagement interface between the rail pad and the rail, such that the rail does not engage the projection.
- the rail pad, the sheet, and the projection and the opening are configured such that when the rail pad and the sheet are attached together the projection extends into the opening from the first side but does not extend beyond the second side.
- This due to the size of the projections 36 being such that no part of the projections extend above the rail pad. This helps to avoid undesirable damage to the projections 36 . Specifically, breakage of upper portions of the projections can be avoided.
- the rail actually covers the projections. Of course, different projection locations and heights are contemplated.
- At least one projection 36 may be ridged, ringed, or threaded and at least one passageway 22 may be adapted to receive the ridged, ringed, or threaded projection 36 .
- the projection 36 includes ridges, rings, or threads 50 that engage with ridges, rings, or threads 48 disposed on the interior surface of the passageway 22 to form a retaining connection.
- At least one projection 36 may comprise a rivet-like structure 54 and at least one passageway 22 may be adapted to receive the rivet-like structure.
- the projection includes a first end 51 and a second end 52 extending a distance from the first end 51 , wherein the diameter of the second end 52 is greater than the diameter of the first end 51 to form a rivet-like structure 54 .
- the diameter of the second end 52 is also greater than the diameter of the passageway 22 .
- a rivet-like interconnection is created by inserting the second end 52 of the projection 36 through the passageway 22 until the bottom surface 20 of the rail pad 10 mates and engages the top surface 32 of the protective sheet 12 .
- the top of the rivet-like structure may deflect during insertion.
- dimensions may be exaggerated to show the concept.
- any projection 36 may be adapted to any passageway 22 to ensure that the rail pad 10 is attached to the protective sheet 12 to make handling, etc. easier.
- the rail pad 10 may include any number of projections
- the protective sheet 12 may include any number of passageways, in a fashion similar to that disclosed herein.
- the projections and the passageways may be reversed between the rail pad la and the protective sheet 12 (i.e., projections extending from the rail pad).
- other types of integrally-formed, attaching/retaining elements on the pad and sheet are contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention.
- the present invention provides means to attach the rail pad 10 and the protective sheet 12 , which does not require separate attachment components, devices, etc. For example, pieces of adhesive tape extending to secure the protective sheet to the rail pad and are not needed.
- the present invention also includes a method of assembling a rail pad assembly 8 for use with a concrete rail tie 16 .
- a rail pad 10 is provided for engagement with a metal rail 14 .
- a protective sheet 12 is provided for interposition between the rail pad 10 and a concrete rail tie 16 .
- means for attaching the rail pad 10 to the protective sheet 12 are provided.
- the means for attaching are integrally formed in at least one of the rail pad 10 and the protective sheet 12 .
- the rail pad 10 is attached to the protective sheet 12 using the means for attaching.
- the method includes providing the rail pad 10 for engagement with the metal rail 14 , providing the protective sheet 12 for interposition between the rail pad and the concrete rail tie; and providing the means for attaching the rail pad to the sheet integrally formed in at least one of the rail pad and the sheet prior to attaching the rail pad to the sheet.
- the method also includes attaching the rail pad 10 to the sheet 12 using the means for attaching, and releasing the rail pad from the sheet without destruction of any portion of the rail pad or the sheet. It is to be appreciated that the steps of these example method may be performed in any order, and that additional steps may be incorporated into this example method as required.
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Abstract
A rail pad assembly and an associated method for use with a concrete rail tie. The assembly includes rail pad for engagement with a metal rail and a protective sheet for interposition between the rail pad and the tie. The rail pad is releasably attachable to the sheet such that releasing attachment occurs without destruction.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/924,517 filed Aug. 24, 2004.
- The present invention relates to the field of rail pad assemblies for railway systems that have metal rails and concrete rail ties.
- Railway systems commonly seat a metal rail upon a concrete rail tie via the use of a rail pad. There is a well-known problem of abrasion that can occur between a rail pad and a concrete rail tie.
- Generally, a rail pad deflects vertically and horizontally in a cyclic fashion under the loads imposed by the wheels of passing trains. The cyclical loads imposed upon the rail pad create relatively short-term vertical load pulses that cause the face of the rail pad to oscillate on the concrete tie. Deterioration of the rail pad and erosion of the concrete rail tie can occur. It is known to use a protective member or sheet located between the rail pad and the concrete rail tie to prevent deterioration. The rail pad and the protective sheet can be considered to be the major parts of a rail pad assembly. However, the handling of the various components of a rail pad assembly is often labor intensive and/or otherwise problematic.
- In accordance with one aspect, the present invention provides a rail pad assembly for use with a concrete rail tie. The assembly includes a rail pad for engagement with a metal rail and a protective sheet for interposition between the rail pad and the concrete rail tie. The assembly also includes means for releasably attaching the rail pad to the sheet integrally formed in at least one of the rail pad and the sheet and releasing attachment without destruction of any portion of the means for releasably attaching.
- In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides a method of releasably assembling a rail pad assembly for use with a concrete rail tie. The method includes providing a rail pad for engagement with a metal rail, providing a protective sheet for interposition between the rail pad and the concrete rail tie, and providing means for attaching the rail pad to the sheet integrally formed in at least one of the rail pad and the sheet prior to attaching the rail pad to the sheet. The method also includes attaching the rail pad to the sheet using the means for attaching, and releasing the rail pad from the sheet without destruction of any portion of the rail pad or the sheet.
- The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a section view of an example rail pad assembly, which has a rail pad and a protective sheet, between a metal rail and a concrete rail tie; -
FIG. 2 is a top view of the rail pad of the assembly ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the rail pad taken along line 3-3 ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a top view of the protective sheet of the assembly ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the protective sheet taken along line 5-5 ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 6 is an enlarged, plan view of a portion of the assembly ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 a is an enlarged, sectional view of the rail pad assembly taken along line 7 a-7 a ofFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 7 b is a view similar toFIG. 7 a, but shows an alternate construction that includes a ridged, ringed, or threaded connection; and -
FIG. 7 c is a view similar toFIG. 7 a, but shows another alternate construction that includes a rivet connection. - Referring initially to
FIG. 1 of the drawings, arail pad assembly 8 is shown for use with ametal rail 14 and aconcrete rail tie 16. Therail pad assembly 8 includes arail pad 10 and an attachedprotective sheet 12. It is to be appreciated that the attached aspect provides a pre-fastened assembly that provides for ease of handling, etc. during transport, installation, etc. As shown in an example embodiment inFIG. 1 , themetal rail 14 sits atop therail pad 10, and theprotective sheet 12 is located between therail pad 10 and theconcrete rail tie 16. It is to be appreciated that additional components and/or material may also be interposed between therail pad 10 and theconcrete rail tie 16. Themetal rail 14 is held in place by rail clamps (not shown) embedded in theconcrete rail tie 16. Such rail clamps may take various forms, including various currently available forms, but are not limitations on the present invention. - Turning now to
FIG. 2 ., theexample rail pad 10 is shown in detail. In one example, therail pad 10 is made of an elastomeric material, such as polyurethane or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). Therail pad 10 is generally rectangular or square, but it is to be appreciated that therail pad 10 can be of any suitable shape. Turning briefly toFIG. 3 , therail pad 10 has atop surface 18 and abottom surface 20. Turning back toFIG. 2 , thetop surface 18 of therail pad 10 includes at least one rail-engaging area 28 having a tread pattern. In the example shown inFIG. 2 , thetop surface 18 includes three rail-engaging areas 28 having identical tread patterns. It is to be appreciated that thetop surface 18 of therail pad 10 may include any number ofsuch areas 28, each having any tread pattern. Although the configuration of such features of therail pad 10 is described for the purpose of comprehending the drawings, such configuration is not a limitation on the present invention. - As shown in the example of
FIG. 2 , therail pad 10 has a generally square or rectangularouter periphery 31. The rail pad also includes various indentations andnotches 30 along itsouter periphery 31 for engagement with, and/or accommodation of, structure located along the railway system, such as the rail clamps (not shown).Such notches 30 are located between upwardly extending projections that are located on the sides of therail 14 and seat the rail onto therail pad 10. It is to be appreciated that the geometry of therail pad 10 may be varied in any manner required by a particular railway system, and such features are not limitations on the present invention. - In the example shown in
FIG. 2 , therail pad 10 also includes at least onepassageway 22 extending therein as part of a configuration for attaching therail pad 10 to theprotective sheet 12. It is to be appreciated that therail pad 10 may include any number ofpassageways 22 that may or may not extend completely through therail pad 10. In the example shown inFIG. 3 , thepassageways 22 comprise four holes extending from thetop surface 18 of the rail pad to thebottom surface 20. Eachpassageway 22 is countersunk within therail pad 10 such that theupper portion 24 of eachpassageway 22 has a diameter greater than thelower portion 26 of eachpassageway 22. The difference in diameter between theupper portion 24 and thelower portion 26 of eachpassageway 22 creates acircular shoulder 27 within eachpassageway 22 at the interface of theupper portion 24 and thelower portion 26. It is to be appreciated that thepassageways 22 may be of any size, shape, number, geometry, and position. - Turning now to
FIG. 4 , the exampleprotective sheet 12 is shown in detail. In one example, theprotective sheet 12 is made of tough and abrasion resistant material, such as ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). One example of UHMWPE is a polyethylene (e.g., linear) with a molecular weight in the range of 3,000,000 to 6,000,000. Other more specific examples of UHMWPE may have molecular weight ranges bounded by the numbers 4,000,000 and/or 5,000,000. Although one aspect of the present invention includes the use of UHMWPE, it is to be appreciated that other materials that offer beneficial characteristics, such as abrasion resistance and/or impact strength, may be used for theprotective sheet 12 in accordance with other aspects of the present invention. It is to be appreciated that theprotective sheet 12, with the structures described herein, may be made by any process including, but not limited to a process that includes injection forming, compression forming, or injection and compression forming. - Turning briefly to
FIG. 5 , theprotective sheet 12 has a topmajor surface 32 and a bottommajor surface 34. Thetop surface 32 and thebottom surface 34 of theprotective sheet 12 are substantially flat. However, it is to be appreciated that the contours of thetop surface 32 and/or thebottom surface 34 are not limitations on the present invention. As shown inFIG. 6 , the outer periphery shape of theprotective sheet 12 is generally similar to the outer periphery shape of therail pad 10. That is to say that the shown example of theprotective sheet 12 has a generally rectangular or square shaped outer periphery, but it is to be appreciated that theprotective sheet 12 can be of any suitable shape. - As shown in the example of
FIG. 4 , theprotective sheet 12 also includes various indentations andnotches 44 along itsouter periphery 45 for engagement with, and/or accommodation of, structure located along the railway system, such as the rail clamps (mentioned above). It is to be appreciated that the outer geometry of theprotective sheet 12 may be varied in any manner as required by a particular railway system, and is not a limitation on the present invention. - In the example shown in
FIG. 4 , theprotective sheet 12 also includes at least oneprojection 36 extending from thetop surface 32 to extend into apassageway 22, as means for attaching theprotective sheet 12 to therail pad 10. It is to be appreciated that theprotective sheet 12 may include any number of projections that extend into correspondingpassageways 22. In the example shown inFIG. 5 , fourprojections 36 are integrally formed as part of theprotective sheet 12 and extend from thetop surface 32 thereof. Theprojections 36 have afirst end 37 attached at thetop surface 32 of theprotective sheet 12 and asecond end 38 located at a distance from thetop surface 32. Thesecond end 38 has a relatively larger cross-sectional area due to acutout portion 40, which adjacent to thefirst end 37, and located between thetop surface 32 and thesecond end 38 of theprojection 36. In the example shown inFIG. 5 , thecutout portions 40 of the twoprojections 36 located on the left half of theprotective sheet 12 face a direction opposite thecutout portions 40 of the twoprojections 36 located on the right half of theprotective sheet 12. Additionally, thesecond end 38 of each projection may include a chamferededge 46 to facilitate ingress of theprojection 36 into a mating passageway. However, it is to be appreciated that theprojections 36, including thecutout portions 40, may be of any size, shape, number, geometry and position. Furthermore, apassageway 42 may be positioned adjacent to theprojection 36 and may extend though theprotective sheet 12. Thispassageway 42 may facilitate formation. - Turning now to
FIG. 6 , therail pad 10 is shown attached to theprotective sheet 12 to form therail pad assembly 8. The various indentations andnotches 30 along theouter periphery 31 of therail pad 10 are generally aligned with the various indentations andnotches 44 along theouter periphery 45 of theprotective sheet 12. In the example shown inFIG. 6 , the longitudinal dimension of theprotective sheet 12 is greater than the longitudinal dimension of therail pad 10. However, it is to be appreciated that the dimensions of therail pad 10 and theprotective sheet 12 may be varied in any manner as required by a particular railway system. - In the example shown in
FIG. 7a , eachpassageway 22 of therail pad 10 receives arespective projection 36 of theprotective sheet 12 for a snap-fit interconnection. Theprojection 36 is inserted through thelower portion 26 of thepassageway 22 and into theupper portion 24 of thepassageway 22 until thebottom surface 20 of therail pad 10 engages thetop surface 32 of theprotective sheet 12. The snap-fit interconnection is created by an interaction between-thecutout portion 40 of theprojection 36 and thecircular shoulder 27 within thepassageway 22 formed by the difference in diameter between theupper portion 24 and thelower portion 26 thereof. The snap-fit interconnection ensures that therail pad 10 remains attached to theprotective sheet 12, and also allows for easy maintenance or replacement of the parts because the connection is reversible via application of a modest amount of separating force. It is to be appreciated that the drawing figures may show the dimensions of theprojections 36 and thepassageways 22 some what exaggerated to convey the concept. It is also to be appreciated that the interconnection may take various other forms. For example, theprojections 36 andpassageways 22 may provide for a friction or interference fit. In fact, the shown example, is to be understood to be one type of interference fit. - It of course is to be appreciated that the interference fit avoids the need to use separate fastener(s). Also, it is to be appreciated that the interference fit avoids the need to perform a separate fastening step, such as gluing, welding, or melting any parts. Still further, it is to be appreciated that the interference fit avoids the need to change or destroy any structure. For example, the
projections 36 need not be broken off or melted to permit removal. Thus, therail pad 10 remains attached to theprotective sheet 12 and yet the attachment is reversible via a non-damaging amount of separating force. It is to be appreciated that tremendous labor saving is likely to be realized. - Also, the Figures show one example aspect that the
projections 36 are at locations that are beneath an engagement interface between the rail pad and the rail, such that the rail does not engage the projection. One way of viewing this is that the rail pad, the sheet, and the projection and the opening are configured such that when the rail pad and the sheet are attached together the projection extends into the opening from the first side but does not extend beyond the second side. This due to the size of theprojections 36 being such that no part of the projections extend above the rail pad. This helps to avoid undesirable damage to theprojections 36. Specifically, breakage of upper portions of the projections can be avoided. Moreover, the rail actually covers the projections. Of course, different projection locations and heights are contemplated. - In another example of the
rail pad assembly 8 shown inFIG. 7 b, at least oneprojection 36 may be ridged, ringed, or threaded and at least onepassageway 22 may be adapted to receive the ridged, ringed, or threadedprojection 36. In this example, theprojection 36 includes ridges, rings, orthreads 50 that engage with ridges, rings, orthreads 48 disposed on the interior surface of thepassageway 22 to form a retaining connection. - In yet another example of the
rail pad assembly 8 shown inFIG. 7 c, at least oneprojection 36 may comprise a rivet-like structure 54 and at least onepassageway 22 may be adapted to receive the rivet-like structure. In this example, the projection includes afirst end 51 and asecond end 52 extending a distance from thefirst end 51, wherein the diameter of thesecond end 52 is greater than the diameter of thefirst end 51 to form a rivet-like structure 54. The diameter of thesecond end 52 is also greater than the diameter of thepassageway 22. A rivet-like interconnection is created by inserting thesecond end 52 of theprojection 36 through thepassageway 22 until thebottom surface 20 of therail pad 10 mates and engages thetop surface 32 of theprotective sheet 12. The top of the rivet-like structure may deflect during insertion. Of course, it is to be appreciated that dimensions may be exaggerated to show the concept. - It is to be appreciated that any
projection 36 may be adapted to anypassageway 22 to ensure that therail pad 10 is attached to theprotective sheet 12 to make handling, etc. easier. Accordingly, it is also to be appreciated that therail pad 10 may include any number of projections, and theprotective sheet 12 may include any number of passageways, in a fashion similar to that disclosed herein. Of course, it is to be appreciated that the projections and the passageways may be reversed between the rail pad la and the protective sheet 12 (i.e., projections extending from the rail pad). Also, other types of integrally-formed, attaching/retaining elements on the pad and sheet are contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention. As such, it is to be appreciated that the present invention provides means to attach therail pad 10 and theprotective sheet 12, which does not require separate attachment components, devices, etc. For example, pieces of adhesive tape extending to secure the protective sheet to the rail pad and are not needed. - The present invention also includes a method of assembling a
rail pad assembly 8 for use with aconcrete rail tie 16. In one example consideration, first, arail pad 10 is provided for engagement with ametal rail 14. Next, aprotective sheet 12 is provided for interposition between therail pad 10 and aconcrete rail tie 16. Next, means for attaching therail pad 10 to theprotective sheet 12 are provided. The means for attaching are integrally formed in at least one of therail pad 10 and theprotective sheet 12. Finally, therail pad 10 is attached to theprotective sheet 12 using the means for attaching. In another example consideration, the method includes providing therail pad 10 for engagement with themetal rail 14, providing theprotective sheet 12 for interposition between the rail pad and the concrete rail tie; and providing the means for attaching the rail pad to the sheet integrally formed in at least one of the rail pad and the sheet prior to attaching the rail pad to the sheet. The method also includes attaching therail pad 10 to thesheet 12 using the means for attaching, and releasing the rail pad from the sheet without destruction of any portion of the rail pad or the sheet. It is to be appreciated that the steps of these example method may be performed in any order, and that additional steps may be incorporated into this example method as required. - It is to be understood that the invention has been described with regard to certain example embodiments. It is to be appreciated that certain modifications, changes, adaptations, etc., are contemplated and considered within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (19)
1. A rail pad assembly for use with a concrete rail tie, including:
a rail pad for engagement with a metal rail;
a protective sheet for interposition between the rail pad and the concrete rail tie; and
means for releasably attaching the rail pad to the sheet integrally formed in at least one of the rail pad and the sheet and releasing attachment without destruction of any portion of the means for releasably attaching.
2. The rail pad assembly of claim 1 , wherein the means for releasably attaching includes means for releasing the rail pad from the sheet without changing any structure of either the rail pad from the sheet.
3. The rail pad assembly of claim 2 , wherein the means for releasably attaching the rail pad to the sheet includes a projection, and the means for releasing the rail pad from the sheet without changing any structure includes means for releasing that does not include melting or removal of any portion of the rail pad and the sheet.
4. The rail pad assembly of claim 2 , wherein the means for releasably attaching includes means for reattaching the rail pad and the sheet without changing any structure of either the rail pad from the sheet.
5. The rail pad assembly of claim 2 , wherein the means for releasably attaching the rail pad to the sheet includes a projection on one of the rail pad and the sheet and a passageway between two sides of the other of the rail pad and the sheet, the passageway is adapted to receive the projection for an interference fit connection such that the connection is reversible via a non-damaging amount of separating force.
6. The rail pad assembly of claim 2 , wherein the means for releasably attaching the rail pad to the sheet includes a projection on one of the rail pad and the sheet and a passageway between two sides of the other of the rail pad and the sheet, the rail pad, the sheet, and the projection and the opening are configured such that when the rail pad and the sheet are attached together the projection extends into the opening from the first side but does not extend beyond the second side.
7. The rail pad assembly of claim 6 , wherein the projection and the passageway are on the rail pad and the sheet at locations that are beneath an engagement interface between the rail pad and the rail, such that the rail does not engage the projection.
8. The rail pad assembly of claim 1 , wherein the means for releasably attaching includes at least one projection on at least one of the rail pad and the sheet, and at least one passageway extending in at least one of the rail pad and the sheet, and the projection and the passageway having an interference fit relationship.
9. The rail pad assembly of claim 8 , wherein the interference fit relationship provides a holding force that retains the rail pad and the sheet together, and the holding force can be overcome with force large enough to separate the rail pad from the sheet but not large enough to damage any portion of the rail pad or the sheet.
10. The rail pad assembly of claim 1 , wherein the means for releasably attaching includes a plurality of projections on at least one of the rail pad and the sheet, and a corresponding plurality of passageways extending in at least one of the rail pad and the sheet for receiving the projections, and all of the projections being located along a single line.
11. A method of releasably assembling a rail pad assembly for use with a concrete rail tie, including the steps of:
providing a rail pad for engagement with a metal rail;
providing a protective sheet for interposition between the rail pad and the concrete rail tie;
providing means for attaching the rail pad to the sheet integrally formed in at least one of the rail pad and the sheet prior to attaching the rail pad to the sheet;
attaching the rail pad to the sheet using the means for attaching; and
releasing the rail pad from the sheet without destruction of any portion of the rail pad or the sheet.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the step of releasing the rail pad from the sheet includes releasing the rail pad from the sheet without changing any structure of either the rail pad from the sheet.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the step of releasing the rail pad from the sheet includes releasing that does not include melting or removal of any portion of the projection.
14. The method of claim 12 , wherein the step of providing means for attaching the rail pad to the sheet includes providing at least one projection on at least one of the rail pad and the sheet and at least one passageway extending through at least the other of the rail pad and the sheet, and the step of attaching the rail pad to the sheet includes inserting the projection into the passageway in an interference fit relationship.
15. The method of claim 11 , wherein the step of attaching the rail pad to the sheet using the means for attaching includes attaching the rail pad to the sheet without changing any structure of either the rail pad of the sheet.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the step of attaching the rail pad to the sheet includes a snap-fit interconnection of portions of the rail pad and the sheet.
17. The method of claim 11 , wherein step of releasing the rail pad from the sheet is via application of a modest amount of separating force.
18. The method of claim 11 , wherein the rail pad has a surface upon which the rail is to be seated, and the step of providing means for attaching the rail pad to the sheet includes providing means for attaching located such that the means for attaching is located directly under the rail when the rail is seated on the rail pad.
19. The method of claim 18 , wherein the means for attaching includes a projection is located entirely below the surface upon which the rail is to be seated.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/512,945 US20060289667A1 (en) | 2004-08-24 | 2006-08-30 | Pre-fastened rail pad assembly and method |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/924,517 US7152807B2 (en) | 2004-08-24 | 2004-08-24 | Pre-fastened rail pad assembly and method |
US11/512,945 US20060289667A1 (en) | 2004-08-24 | 2006-08-30 | Pre-fastened rail pad assembly and method |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/924,517 Continuation US7152807B2 (en) | 2004-08-24 | 2004-08-24 | Pre-fastened rail pad assembly and method |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20060289667A1 true US20060289667A1 (en) | 2006-12-28 |
Family
ID=35941666
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/924,517 Expired - Fee Related US7152807B2 (en) | 2004-08-24 | 2004-08-24 | Pre-fastened rail pad assembly and method |
US11/512,945 Abandoned US20060289667A1 (en) | 2004-08-24 | 2006-08-30 | Pre-fastened rail pad assembly and method |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/924,517 Expired - Fee Related US7152807B2 (en) | 2004-08-24 | 2004-08-24 | Pre-fastened rail pad assembly and method |
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US (2) | US7152807B2 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070210178A1 (en) * | 2006-03-07 | 2007-09-13 | Nevins James H | Rail pad assembly with on-tie retaining means |
US11427970B2 (en) * | 2017-11-21 | 2022-08-30 | Getzner Werkstoffe Holding Gmbh | Switch |
Families Citing this family (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US7633644B2 (en) * | 2004-10-08 | 2009-12-15 | Sharp Laboratories Of America, Inc. | Methods and systems for imaging device job management |
US7374109B2 (en) * | 2006-04-06 | 2008-05-20 | Crown Plastics Company | Rail cushion assembly |
DE202006016616U1 (en) * | 2006-06-20 | 2007-01-04 | Sedra Gmbh | Rail support system for track of e.g. tramway, has damping unit whose vertical input tension is selected such that sinking of rail with given load, is less than joint elastic tensile strength of grouting mass |
FR2906269B1 (en) * | 2006-09-22 | 2008-12-19 | Alstom Transport Sa | RAILWAY TRAVERSE |
AT12657U1 (en) * | 2011-07-18 | 2012-09-15 | Vossloh Werke Gmbh | SYSTEM FOR ATTACHING A RAIL ON A SUBSTRATE |
US9103074B1 (en) * | 2012-12-21 | 2015-08-11 | Koppers Delaware, Inc. | Modular insulated tie plate |
MY179476A (en) * | 2013-09-13 | 2020-11-07 | Schwihag Ag | Rail-mounting assembly |
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US3824933A (en) * | 1972-09-14 | 1974-07-23 | Jaw Bar Plastics Corp | Load bearing pallet and interlock |
US4723706A (en) * | 1985-02-01 | 1988-02-09 | Clouth Gummiwerke Aktiengesellschaft | Rail support |
US4757945A (en) * | 1986-01-30 | 1988-07-19 | Pandrol Limited | Electrically insulating device for use on a railway track under and beside the foot of a rail |
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GB2237314A (en) * | 1989-10-27 | 1991-05-01 | Pandrol Ltd | Rail pad |
US7080791B2 (en) | 2002-12-03 | 2006-07-25 | Pandrol Limited | Abrasion assembly for supporting railroad ties |
-
2004
- 2004-08-24 US US10/924,517 patent/US7152807B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2006
- 2006-08-30 US US11/512,945 patent/US20060289667A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3824933A (en) * | 1972-09-14 | 1974-07-23 | Jaw Bar Plastics Corp | Load bearing pallet and interlock |
US4723706A (en) * | 1985-02-01 | 1988-02-09 | Clouth Gummiwerke Aktiengesellschaft | Rail support |
US4757945A (en) * | 1986-01-30 | 1988-07-19 | Pandrol Limited | Electrically insulating device for use on a railway track under and beside the foot of a rail |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070210178A1 (en) * | 2006-03-07 | 2007-09-13 | Nevins James H | Rail pad assembly with on-tie retaining means |
US11427970B2 (en) * | 2017-11-21 | 2022-08-30 | Getzner Werkstoffe Holding Gmbh | Switch |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20060043205A1 (en) | 2006-03-02 |
US7152807B2 (en) | 2006-12-26 |
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