US2287964A - Antisplitting device - Google Patents

Description

June 30, 1942.

R. E. BEEGLE ANTI-SPLITTING DEVYICE' Filed Oct. 4 1941 IN VENT OR.

Patented June 30, 1942 UNITED STATES @ATEN'E' OFFICE 18 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in anti-splitting devices or anchor irons for reinforcing structural timber, and has particular reference to an improved iron of a character especially suitable for application to railway crossties, to prevent spike splitting, vertical and season checks and other irregular splitting of such ties.

The principal object of the invention is to provide an anti-splitting iron for the purpose indicated, which is characterized by a greatly improved effectiveness or holding power against tie splitting, checking and thelike.

Another object of substantially equal importance to the present invention resides in the provision of an improved reinforcing iron of a rugged and effective construction, which is selflockin in its embedded position in a railway cross-tie or the like, and further, wherein the improved construction thereof is such as to adapt the iron not only for effective resistance to extrusion from the timber under the influence of timber splitting and checking forces, but for equally effective resistance to shifting displacement longitudinally of the iron and to turning of the iron about either or both of its ends.

Other objects and advantages attained by the present improvements will appear readily from the following description of the invention, as illustrated by preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawing, wherein:

Fig. '1 is an elevation in perspective, of one preferred form of anchor iron embodying the features of the invention, the iron being broken away in one portion, to reveal in transverse section, the bevelled entering edge thereof; Fig. 2 is an end view of a typical railway cross-tie of center-pith selection, showing at least one major vertical check and the usually encountered season checks, and illustrating the presently improved anchor iron in application to the tie end;

Fig. 3 illustrates in side elevation, an iron of a modified form but which, nevertheless embodies the essential features of the invention; Fig. 4 is a view in plan, of the modified iron, and Fig. 5 illustrates in end elevation, a, modification in the terminal element at the free end of each arm of the improved iron.

Referring to the drawing by appropriate characters of reference, the iron of the preferred sections H at the opposite ends of the body. The r arms H each of which is of a length desirably less than that of the body, are directed laterally from the same side of the body, and preferably diverge therefrom to a degree such that each bears a predetermined desired angular relation to the body, approximating according to the present example, an angle of about 135 degrees between the body and arm.

Each of the arms II is integrally joined to the body Ill by a smoothly curved portion l2 con tituting a shoulder, While the opposite, outer end of the arm is turned inwardly as shown, to provide an angulate, substantially closed element or locking terminal M, which according to the present example, is generally triangular in form. The leg [5 of the triangular terminal which integrally joins the latter to the arm I I, is by preference, turned outwardly and forwardly to the degree substantially as indicated, while the corners i6 of the terminal may be given a slight or minimum curvature, if desired. Thus each terminal l4 may be characterized as being a substantially close-d, angulate element having definite rectilinear portions, the rectilinear portions being at least two in number and arranged at an. appreciate angle to each other.

Further, each arm ll over the greater portion of its length, is offset inwardly and substantially parallel to the plane of the arm, a at [8, thereby forming corresponding inset shoulders l9 and outset shoulders 28, each extending transversely of the iron and serving a purpose presently to appear.

Like each arm II, the body section l0 over the greater portion of its length intermediate its ends, is similarly offset inwardly and parallel to c the plane of the body, as at 22, to provide corresponding inset shoulders 23 and outset shoulders 24 each directed transversely of the iron. Completing the structure of the improved anchor iron, one longitudinal marginal edge 26 of the anchor is retained as a flat surface, providing the drivin edge for the anchor. The opposite longitudinal edge 21, on the other hand, is preferably sharpened or bevelled throughout the entire length of the strip, to provide a, knife-like entering edge for facilitating seating and driving-in of the anchor.

One or more of the improved anchors may be employed to reinforce the tie end, as this is indicated in Fig. 2', each anchor being embedded therein in a position predetermined according to the condition of the tie end and the location of the more advanced splits and checks, so as to utilize to best advantage, the rugged effectiveness of the iron against further splitting and checking. As illustrated by Fig. 2, the upper iron is located such that its body section |0 extends across and substantially normal to the major vertical check indicated at 30, and such that the body and arm sections cross as many as possible of the remaining seasonal and other checks, splits and the like, in the upper half of the tie end. Moreover, according to the position of the upper iron in the tie end, the iron spans the normal locations of the rail-spikes, as indicated by the dotted lines 3|, and thereby serves additionally to prevent spike-splitting of the tie. The lower iron may be positioned in the tie end as shown by Fig. 2, or otherwise located as desired or as the condition of the tie-end may dictate.

By reason of the presently improved construction, the reinforcing iron is adapted through the generally triangular terminal elements M for self-locking in the timber or tie end. This results from the fact that during driving-in of the anchor into the tie-end, these substantially closed, triangular terminals separate and enclose correspondingly triangular wood portions or pegs, indicated at 32, and in the final embedded position of the anchor, each terminal becomes frictionally bound to its peg 32, to a degree which assures retention of the anchor in the timber. Moreover, because the terminals M are located laterally beyond the same side of the body section l0, extrusion of the anchor from the timber under the influence of timber splitting and checking forces actinguponthe anchor body In and its arms I I, is effectively resisted through the frictional bindin of the terminals |4 on the timber pegs 32, which thereby counteracts the resulting tendency to cock the iron and its terminals relative to the timber pegs.

A further important function of the terminal elements I4 is to prevent turning of the anchor about either terminal as an axis, this being accomplished through the angulate or generally triangular form of each terminal, as Will be readily appreciated. It is to be noted here that by rounding the corners H; of the triangular terminal at least to a slight or minimum degree, inordinate splitting or rupturing of the adjacent wood fibres during driving-in of the iron, will be materially prevented.

By offsetting the portion 22 of the anchor body section II], there are formed the inset shoulders 23 and the outset shoulders 24, as before described. These shoulders together with the end shoulders I2, in abutting engagement with the adjacent portions of the timber in which the anchor is embedded (Fig. 2), thus effectively preclude longitudinal displacement of the anchor. Similarly, the inset shoulders l9 and outset shoulders 2|] formed by offsetting the central longitudinal portion l8 of each arm ll, serve in abutting engagement with adjacent portions of the timber, a like purpose with respect to the arm II, and additionally assist the shoulders I2, 23 and 24 in holding the anchor firmly in place.

From the foregoing description, it will be observed that the improved anchor as constructed in accordance with the present disclosure, is selflocking in its embedded position in timber, and is markedly effective in its holding power against spike splitting, checking and other splitting forces normally occurring in railway cross-ties and the like.

A modification of the improved anchor of Fig. 1, is shown by Figs. 3 and 4. The modified anchor being constructed from suitable strip metal stock, is formed to provide a substantially rectilinear body 35 and rectilinear arms 36 extending laterally from one side of the body and each terminating in a substantially closed angulate or generally triangular terminal element 31. By preference in the present example, the arms 36 diverge to a degree similar to that obtaining in respect to the arms ll of the iron according to Fig. 1, while each of the terminal elements 31 corresponds in shape and arrangement on the end of its arm 36, to the terminal M on arm H of the primary embodiment. Likewise, the modified iron is similarly bevelled along one longitudinal margin 38, to provide a knife-like entering edge, while the opposite longitudinal margin 40 is retained to serve as a fiat driving head therefor.

The body section 35 in a plurality of spaced zones longitudinally thereof, is formed as by a suitable metal pressing operation, to provide similar projections 4| appearing by preference on the side of the body opposite that from which the arms 36 extend. As shown, each of these outstruck elements 4| is of a pyramidal form and of diamond shape at its base, as appears in the plan elevation of Fig. 4. Moreover, it is preferred to arrange each element 4| such that its major axis at the diamond-base is longitudinal of the body 35.

As thus formed, each element 4| presents on one side of the body 35, four substantially planar facets 42 which intersect at the apex 44 of the pyramid, and on the opposite side of body 35, an equal number of similar recessed shoulders or facets 45. While three of these projections 4| appear on body 35 in the present example, it is to be understood that one or any suitable number thereof may be provided, as desired, and may be located on either or both sides of the body.

Each of the arms 36 according to the present example, is provided with a single projection 46 of a form similar to the projection 4|, and arranged by preference on the outer side of the arm, with its major base axis directed longitudinally thereof. Although only one is shown, more than one may be provided on either or both sides of the arm, as will be readily appreciated.

The functional characteristics of the modified anchor device are similar in all major respects, to those hereinabove described for the anchor embodiment of Fig. 1. However, it is to be pointed out here that in the embedded position of the modified anchor, the projections 4| and 46 through pressure engagement of the adjacent timber fibres with the external and internal facets thereof, serve not only to prevent shifting of the anchor longitudinally thereof, but to substantially preclude extrusion of the anchor from the timber under the influence of splitting and checking forces occurring in the timber. Thus in this latter respect, the projections assist the triangular terminals 31 in locking the anchor in its embedded position in the cross-tie end.

There is shown by Fig. 5 a modified form of terminal element which may be employed in place of the triangular terminals l4 on the free ends of the arms II in the embodiment of Fig. 1, or in place of the like terminals 31 on arms 36 of the embodiment as appears in Fig. 3. The modified terminal conforms to the characterization of the principal form disclosed, since it is a substantially closed, angulate element having at least two rectilinear portions 53 and 5| arranged at an appreciable angle to each other, herein shown as approaching a right angular relationship. The element 50 is joined to the arm (H or 36) of the improved iron, by a curved portion 52. In all major respects, the function of the modified terminal is similar to that described for the triangular terminal M or 31.

The improved anchor or anti-splitting device according to either preferred embodiment as herein illustrated and described, fully attains the foregoing stated objects and others now readily apparent, and may be easily manufactured with a minimum of forming operations and at low unit cost. Moreover, while the present disclosure concerns presently preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that alterations or modifications in the form and construction of each may be made without departing from the spirit and intended scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An anti-splitting device of the character described, comprising a strip member formed to provide a body and relatively divergent arms thereon, and an angulate, substantially closed terminal element on at least one of said arms, said terminal including at least two angularly related rectilinear portions.

2. An anti-splitting device of the character described, comprising a strip member formed to provide a body of substantial length, and laterally projecting arms thereon, and a substantially closed, angulate terminal element on at least one of said arms, said terminal including a plurality of rectilinear portions.

3. An anti-splitting device of the character described, comprising a strip member formed to provide a body of substantial length, arms diverging from one side of the body, and generally triangular terminal elements on said arms.

4. An anti-splitting device of the character described, comprising a strip member formed to provide a body, arms diverging from said body, a generally triangular terminal element on at least one of said arms, and a shoulder on said body.

5. An anti-splitting device of the character described, comprising a strip member formed to provide a body, arms diverging from said body, a generally triangular terminal element on at least one of said arms, and shoulders on said body and one of said arms.

6. An anti-splitting device of the character described, comprising a strip member formed to provide a body of a rectilinear trend, arms extending laterally of the body, generally triangular terminal elements on said arms, and a shoulder on said body.

'7. An anti-splitting device of the character described, comprising a strip member formed to provide a body of a rectilinear trend, arms extending laterally of the body, substantially closed, angulate terminal elements on the arms, and shoulders on said body and one of said arms.

8. An anti-splitting device of the character described, comprising a strip member formed to provide a body of substantial length, arms diverging from the ends of the body, and an angulate substantially closed terminal element on at least one of the arms, said body being deformed to provide shoulders on opposite sides thereof.

9. An anti-splitting device of the character described, comprising a unitary structure including a body of rectilinear trend and arms projecting laterally from the ends of the body and each terminating in a substantially triangular terminal element, said body being deformed over a substantial portion of its longitudinal extent, to form inset and outsetv shoulders thereon.

10. An anti-splitting device of the character described, comprising a unitary structure including a body of rectilinear trend, and arms projecting laterally from the ends of the body and each terminating in a substantially triangular terminal element, a substantial portion of said body being laterally offset to provide inset shoulders on one side and outset shoulders on the opposite side of the body.

11. An anti-splitting device of the character described, comprising a unitary structure including a body of rectilinear trend, and arms projecting laterally from the ends of the body and each terminating in a substantially triangular terminal element, said body and one of said arms each being deformed over a substantial portion of its length, to form inset and outset shoulders thereon.

12. An anti-splitting device of the character described, comprising a unitary structure including a body of rectilinear trend, and arms projecting laterally from the ends of the body and each terminating in a substantially triangular terminal element, said body being deformed to provide a projection thereon of substantially pyramidal form.

13. An anti-splitting device of the character described, comprising a unitary structure including a body of rectilinear trend, and arms projecting laterally from the ends of the body and each terminating in a substantially triangular terminal element, said body being deformed in a zone thereof intermediate its ends, to provide a projection thereon of substantially pyramidal form, defining inset and outset shoulders.

14. An ant-splitting device of the character described, comprising a unitary structure including a body of rectilinear trend, and arms projecting laterally from the ends of the body and each terminating in a substantially triangular terminal element, said body and one of said arms each being deformed to provide a projection thereon of substantially pyramidal form.

15. An anti-splitting device of the character described, comprising a strip member formed to provide a body of substantial length, an arm extending from said body, and an angulate substantially closed terminal element on said arm, said body being deformed to provide shoulders thereon.

16. An anti-splitting device of the character described, comprising a unitary member providing a body, an arm projecting from one end of the body, and an angulate substantially closed terminal element on said arm, one longitudinal margin of said member being adapted to provide the entering edge of the device, said body being deformed by lateral displacement of regular portions thereof, to form protuberant shoulder ele-. ments each characterized by at least three planarv surfaces, at least one of such surfaces in each element being inclined substantially toward said entering edge of the device.

17. An anti-splitting device of the character described, comprising a unitary member of strip form providing a body of substantial length, arms projecting from the ends of the body, and an angulate substantially closed terminal element on at least one of said arms, one longitudinal margin of the member constituting the driving edge of the device and the opposite longitudinal margin adapted to provide the entering edge of the device, said body and one of said along one margin thereof and a driving edge along the opposite margin, and including angulate substantially closed terminal portions at the ends thereof, said device being formed to provide spaced protuberances each providing both inset and outset planar portions, certain of said planar portions being inclined toward said entering edge and others thereof being inclined toward said driving edge.

RAYMOND E. BEEGLE.

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