WO2018150167A1

WO2018150167A1 - Rail installation method and rail system

Info

Publication number: WO2018150167A1
Application number: PCT/GB2018/050383
Authority: WO
Inventors: Charles Penny; Robin Wolfendale
Original assignee: Embedded Rail Technology Limited
Priority date: 2017-02-16
Filing date: 2018-02-12
Publication date: 2018-08-23
Also published as: GB201802286D0; GB2561662A; GB201702558D0

Abstract

A method for installing a rail system that comprises a rail (12) having an upper face (16), first and second side faces (18, 20) and a lower face (22), and a resilient cushioning arrangement (14) mounted on the rail (12) in engagement with the first and second side faces (18, 20) and the lower face (22), thereby forming a rail assembly (10), wherein the system further includes a channel arrangement that defines a rail holding cavity (47) for receiving and holding the rail assembly (10), and an open top (51) to allow the rail assembly (10) to be received in the rail holding cavity (47). The rail assembly (10) is inserted into the aforesaid rail holding cavity (47) in the channel arrangement via the open top (51). The cushioning arrangement (14) and the channel arrangement comprises corresponding first and second detent formations (52, 54) which can cooperate with each other to secure the rail assembly (10) to the channel arrangement.

Description

[Title established by the ISA under Rule 37.2] RAIL INSTALLATION METHOD AND RAIL SYSTEM

This invention related to rail installation. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to rail installation methods. This invention also relates to rail assemblies for use in rail installation methods. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to installation methods for embedded or partly embedded rails.

The installation of embedded, or partly embedded, rails involves forming a channel into which the rail is to be installed. In one method, the rail is set in its correct final alignment and a resilient cushioning layer is provided in the gap between the rail and the channel. The cushioning layer may be formed by pouring a suitable curable material into the aforesaid gap, which then cures to form the cushioning layer.

In some situations, prior to installation of the rail, a casing is disposed in the channel to contain the rail. The casing is aligned to ensure that, when the rail is installed in the casing, the rail is in the correct alignment. The casing is fixed in the channel by the use of a settable cement or grout. The rail is then installed in the casing. The cushioning layer can be formed by pouring a settable resilient material into the gap between the rail and the casing.

Alternatively, the cushioning layer can be pre-formed and mounted in the casing prior to the installation of the rail. In this latter situation, the cushioning layer defines a channel into which the rail is inserted. Unfortunately, the insertion of the rail can have the effect of dragging the sides of the cushioning layer into the casing.

According to one aspect of this invention, there is provided a rail installation method comprising:

providing a rail having an upper face, first and second side faces and a lower face;

mounting a resilient cushioning arrangement on the rail in engagement with the first and second side faces and the lower face, thereby forming a rail assembly comprising the rail and the cushioning arrangement;

providing a channel arrangement for receiving the rail assembly, the channel arrangement defining a holding cavity for holding the rail assembly, and an open top to allow the rail assembly to be received in the holding cavity;

inserting the rail assembly into the aforesaid holding cavity in the channel arrangement via the open top.

The cushioning arrangement and the channel arrangement may comprise corresponding first and second detent formations which can cooperate with each other to secure the rail assembly to the channel arrangement.

The step of inserting the rail assembly into the channel arrangement may cause the channel arrangement to compress the cushioning arrangement whereby the rail assembly is secured in the channel arrangement by friction.

The step of providing the channel arrangement may comprise providing a support casing for supporting the rail assembly, the support casing defining said holding cavity. The step of providing the channel arrangement may include providing a channel in which the support casing is received.

The channel may be formed in the ground. The channel and the support casing may constitute the channel arrangement.

According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided an installed rail system comprising:

a rail assembly;

wherein the rail assembly comprises a rail having an upper face, first and second side faces and a lower face; and

a resilient cushioning arrangement on the rail in engagement with the first and second side faces and the lower face; and

the installed rail system further includes a channel arrangement for supporting the rail assembly, the channel arrangement defining a holding cavity for holding the rail assembly, and an open top to allow the rail assembly to be received in the holding cavity.

According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a rail assembly comprising:

a rail having an upper face, first and second side faces and a lower face; and

a resilient cushioning arrangement on the rail in engagement with the first and second side faces and the lower face.

The cushioning arrangement may comprise a first detent formation to cooperate with a second detent formation on a channel arrangement to secure the rail assembly to the channel arrangement.

The configuration of channel arrangement may be such as to compress the cushioning arrangement, whereby the rail assembly is secured in the channel arrangement by friction.

In one or more embodiments, the channel arrangement may be so configured that the cushioning arrangement is compressed by the channel arrangement, and the channel arrangement secures the rail assembly by friction between the channel arrangement and the cushioning arrangement. Thus, in some embodiments, the rail assembly may be secured in the channel arrangement by the cooperating detent formations, by friction between the cushioning arrangement and the channel arrangement, or by a combination of the aforesaid friction and the detent formations.

The channel arrangement may comprise a support casing for supporting the rail. The support casing may be formed of a rigid material. The resilient cushioning arrangement may be more resilient than the support casing.

The channel arrangement may also include a channel in which the support casing may be received. The channel may be formed in the ground.

The cushioning arrangement may comprise two of the aforesaid first detent formations. The channel arrangement may comprise two of the aforesaid second detent formations.

The support casing may comprise the, or each, second detent formation. The resilient cushioning arrangement may have the, or each, first detent formation on a lower region thereof. The, or each, second detent formation may be provided on a lower region the channel arrangement.

The, or each, first detent formation may extend from an outer surface of the cushioning arrangement. The resilient cushioning arrangement may have a lower portion having an outwardly facing lower outer surface. The, or each, first detent formation may extend from said lower outer surface.

The resilient cushioning arrangement may have a side portion having an outwardly facing side outer surface. The, or each, first detent formation may extend from the side outer surface.

The resilient cushioning arrangement may have a pair of opposite side portions, each having a respective outwardly facing side outer surfaces. Each side portion may extend upwardly from the lower portion.

The, or each, first detent formation may extend outwardly from the, or a respective, side outer surface of the resilient cushioning arrangement.

The, or each, first detent formation may be a detent projection extending from the side outer surface of the cushioning arrangement. The, or each, first detent formation may comprise a shoulder extending from the, or a respective, side outer surface of the resilient cushioning arrangement. The, or each, detent projection may include a projecting surface extending from the, or the respective, shoulder.

The, or each, shoulder may extend at an angle of between 30˚ and 60˚ to the projecting surface. Desirably, the, or each, shoulder may extend at an angle of 35˚ to 45˚ to the projecting surface. The, or each, shoulder may extend at an angle of 35˚ to 40˚ to the projecting surface.

In one embodiment, the, or each, shoulder may extend at an angle of 38.66˚ to the projecting surface. In this embodiment, the shoulder may extend vertically by 2.5 mm and horizontally by 2 mm.

The, or each, shoulder may comprise a sloping planar surface extending downwardly from said side outer region. The, or each, shoulder may extend outwardly from said side outer region.

The, or each, second detent formation may be a detent recess defined by the support casing. The, or each, detent recess may be defined by an inner surface of the channel arrangement.

The channel arrangement may have lower member having a lower inner surface and the, or each, second detent formation may extend from said lower inner surface.

The channel arrangement may have a side member having a side inner surface. The second detent formation may extend inwardly from the side inner surface. The channel arrangement may have a pair of side members which may be disposed opposite each other.

The side members may extend upwardly from the lower member. Each side member has a respective side inner surface. Each second detent formation may extend inwardly from a respective side inner surface.

The, or each, second detent formation may comprise a sloping wall extending from the, or a respective, side inner surface of the channel arrangement.

The, or each, sloping wall may extend inwardly into the detent recess from the, or a respective, side inner surface of the channel arrangement. When the, or each, detent projection is received by the, or a respective, detent recess, the, or each, sloping wall may engage the, or a respective, shoulder.

The, or each, second detent formation may have an inner surface extending from the, or the respective, sloping wall to a recessed surface. The, or each, recessed surface may be substantially planar. The, or each, recessed surface may extend substantially parallel to the, or the respective, inner surface.

The, or each, sloping wall may extend at an angle of between 30˚ and 60˚ to the recessed surface. Desirably, the, or each, sloping wall may extend at an angle of 35˚ to 45˚ to the recessed surface. The, or each, sloping wall may extend at an angle of 35˚ to 40˚ to the recessed surface.

In one embodiment, the, or each, sloping wall may extend at an angle of 38.66˚ to the recessed surface. In this embodiment, the sloping wall may extend vertically by 2.5 mm and horizontally by 2 mm.

The step of mounting the cushioning arrangement on the rail may comprise engaging one of the side portions of the cushioning arrangement with the first side face of the rail.

The step of mounting the cushioning arrangement on the rail may further include engaging the lower portion of the cushioning arrangement with the lower face of the rail. Thereafter, the step of mounting the cushioning arrangement on the rail may comprise engaging the other of the side portions with the second side face of the rail.

The step of inserting the rail assembly into the channel arrangement may comprise disposing the rail assembly on the channel arrangement over the open top thereof and thereafter urging the rail assembly downwards thereby deforming the, or each, first detent formation inwardly from a non-deformed condition to a deformed condition.

The step of inserting the rail assembly may further include urging the rail assembly downwardly into the rail holding cavity until the rail assembly engages the lower inner surface and the, or each, first detent formation moves outwardly to the non-deformed condition to be received in the, or a respective, second detent formation.

The cushioning arrangement may include a locking arrangement to lock the rail assembly to the channel arrangement. The locking arrangement may comprise an elongate socket in the cushioning arrangement and a locking member receivable by the elongate socket.

The locking member may be elongate. The method may comprise disposing the locking member in the elongate socket.

The locking arrangement may increase the grip of the cushioning arrangement on the rail. The locking arrangement may have the effect of retaining the rail from movement longitudinally, vertically and laterally, thereby increasing the rail fixity.

The side portion may comprise the elongate socket. Preferably an upper end face of the side portion comprises the elongate socket.

The locking arrangement may comprise first and second elongate sockets, each being provided by a respective one of the first and second side portions. The locking arrangement may further include first and second locking members, each locking member being receivable by a respective one of the first and second sockets.

The rail system may include the first and second locking members, each being received by a respective one of the first and second elongate sockets. Each of the first and second locking members may be elongate.

The, or each, elongate socket may have an insertion region and a holding cavity, the locking member being held in the holding cavity. The, or each, insertion region may extend from a respective opening in the cushioning arrangement to the holding cavity.

The opposite side portions may have respective end faces. Each end face may define a respective elongate opening for communication with the insertion region. Each opening may be a slot.

The method may comprise inserting the locking member into the elongate cavity via the opening and the insertion region. The locking member may have an end profile that is larger than the end profile of the cavity.

The extent to which the end profile of the locking member is larger than the end profile of the cavity may affect the force applied by the cushioning member against the rail; the larger the end profile of the locking member, the larger the end profile of the locking member, the larger the force on the rail.

The locking member may have a suitable end profile to facilitate the insertion of the locking member into the elongate cylindrical cavity.

The end profile of the locking member may be configured to restrict removal of the locking member from the elongate socket. For example, the locking member may have a circular end profile or a triangular end profile. The locking member may be steel, GRP, rubber, nylon, polypropylene, silicone, or other suitable material.

In one embodiment, the rail and the cushioning arrangement may comprise retaining formations to retain the cushioning arrangement on the rail. The retaining formations may comprise a retaining projection and a retaining recess. The rail may comprise the retaining projection. The cushioning arrangement may define the retaining recess.

The retaining projection may be provided at a lower region of the rail. The retaining recess may be provided at a lower region of the cushioning arrangement. The retaining projection may merge with the lower face of the rail.

In another embodiment, the rail and the cushioning arrangement may be devoid of such retaining formations. In this embodiment, the rail is retained within the cushioning arrangement by means other than a retaining projection and a retaining recess. For example, the rail may be retained within the cushioning arrangement by compression of the cushioning arrangement by the support casing, thereby increasing friction between the cushioning arrangement and the rail.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an end view of a rail assembly comprising a rail and a cushioning arrangement;

Figure 1A is a close up of the region marked I in Figure 1;

Figure 2 is an end view of a support casing for holding the rail assembly;

Figure 2A is a close up of the region marked II in Figure 2;

Figure 3 is an end view of a rail system comprising the rail assembly shown in Figure 1 held by the support casing shown in Figure 2;

Figures 4A to 4C show the steps in the installation of a rail for a tram line;

Figures 5A to 5C show the steps in the installation of a rail for a railway line;

Figure 6 is an end view of a further rail assembly including a locking arrangement;

Figure 7 is an end view of a rail system similar to Figure 3 but comprising a further rail.

Figures 1 to 3 show an embodiment of a rail assembly 10 comprising a rail 12 and a resilient cushioning arrangement 14 held within a channel arrangement comprising a support casing 15 (see Figure 3). The support casing 15 is more rigid than the cushioning arrangement 14.

The support casing 15 is installed in a channel 15A in the ground G (see Figures 4A to 4C and 5A to 5C) and is configured to support the rail 12 and hold it in place.

The rail 12 shown in Figure 1 is an example of a rail for use on a railway line. Other embodiments, for example as shown in Figures 4A to 4C and 5A to 5C can use other rails, such a tram rails and other railway rails.

The rail 12 has an upper face 16, first and second planar side faces 18, 20 and a lower face 22. The cushioning arrangement 14 has a generally U shaped end profile and comprises a lower portion 24 having lower outer surface 26 which faces outwardly.

The cushioning arrangement 14 also has a pair of

opposite side portions

28, 30 having respective substantially planar side

outer surfaces

32, 34, which also face outwardly.

The cushioning arrangement 14 and the rail 12 are secured to one another by friction and by projections 36 provided on a lower region of the rail 12. The projections 36 extend outwardly from the first and second side faces 18, 20 and merge smoothly with the lower face 22. The projections 36 are received in recesses 38 defined by the

opposite side portions

28, 30 of the cushioning arrangement 14. As a result, the cushioning arrangement 14 extends in a tight fit along the first and second side faces 18, 20, the projections 36 and the lower face 22.

An end view of the support casing 15 is shown in Figure 2. The support casing 15 comprises a lower member 40 having a lower inner surface 42. The support casing also includes a pair of substantially

parallel side members

44, 46 which extend upwardly from the lower member 40.

The

side members

44, 46 define a rail holding cavity 47 therebetween. The

side members

44, 46 have respective substantially planar

inner surfaces

48, 50. The support casing 15 has an open top 51 between the

side members

44, 46. As explained below, the open top 51 provides access for the rail assembly 10 to the rail holding space 47.

The cushioning arrangement 14 and the support casing 15 comprise two pairs of corresponding first and second detent formations which can cooperate with each other to secure the rail assembly 10 to the support casing 15.

The pair of first detent formations comprise detent projections 52 extending outwardly from the lower outer surface 26 of the cushioning arrangement 14.

The pair of second detent formations comprise detent recesses 54 defined by the support casing 15.

Figure 1A shows one of the detent projections 52 in close up. The detent projection 52 includes a downwardly sloping shoulder 56 which extends to a projecting surface 58.

The projecting surface 58 is substantially planar and extends substantially parallel to the respective side

outer surface

32 or 34. The sloping shoulder 56 extends at an angle of between 30˚ and 40˚, for example 38.66˚ to the projecting surface 58. The angle of 38.66˚ is provided by the sloping shoulder extending vertically by 2.5 mm and horizontally by 2 mm. It will be appreciated that the detent projection 52 extending from the opposite side portion 28 of the cushioning arrangement 14 has the same features.

Figure 2A is a close up view of one of the detent recesses 54 in the support casing. The detent recess 54 has a sloping wall 60 extending inwardly from the inner surface 50 to a substantially planar recessed surface 62.

The recessed surface 62 extends substantially parallel to the respective substantially planar

inner surface

48 or 50. The sloping wall 60 extends at an angle of between 30˚ and 40˚, for example 38.66˚ to the recessed surface 62. The angle of 38.66˚ is provided by the sloping wall 60 extending vertically by 2.5 mm and horizontally by 2 mm. The detent recess 54 on the opposite side of the support casing 15 has the same features.

When the rail assembly 10 is received within the support casing 15, the detent projections 52 are received within the detent recesses 54, the projecting surfaces 58 engage the recessed surfaces 62, and the shoulders 56 engage the sloping surfaces 60. This secures the cushioning arrangement 14 to the support casing 15 and, thereby, secures the rail assembly 10 to the support casing 15.

Figures 4A to 4C show the steps for installing a rail 112 in the ground G. The rail 112 is slightly different from the rail 12, having outwardly extending lower flanges 114. However, the skilled person would appreciate that the description below would also apply to the rail 12.

The rail 112 has many of the features of the rail 12, and these features have been designated with the same reference numerals as the corresponding features of the rail 12.

The cushioning arrangement 14 is mounted on the rail 112 by arranging the rail over the cushioning arrangement 14, and disposing one of the side portions 28 in engagement with the first side face 18.

The lower portion 24 is then disposed in engagement with the lower face 22 of the rail 112, and the other side portion 30 is then disposed in engagement with the second side face 20 of the rail 112.

The cushioning arrangement 14 is formed of a suitable resilient material, such as an elastomer to provide cushioning for the rail 112 and can therefore be deformed into the positions necessary to allow it to be mounted on the rail 112.

Figure 4A shows the cushioning arrangement 14 just prior to the mounting of the cushioning arrangement 14 on the rail 112.

When the cushioning arrangement 14 has been mounted on the rail 112 to form the rail assembly 10, the rail assembly 10 is disposed over the open top 51 of the support and lowered downwardly, as indicated by the arrow A in Figure 4B so that the rail assembly is received in the rail holding cavity 47.

As the rail assembly 10 is lowered, the

side members

44, 46 of the support casing 15 compress the detent projections 52 to a sufficient extent to allow the rail assembly 10 to enter the holding cavity 47.

The rail assembly 10 is lowered further into the holding cavity 47 until the lower portion 24 of the cushioning member 15 engages the lower member 40 of the support casing 15, as shown in Figure 4C. At this point, the detent projections 52 are aligned with the detent recesses 54 and are no longer constrained by the

side members

44, 46.

Thus, the detent projections 52 expand from their compressed deformed position to their non-deformed position, as shown in Figure 1 and 3. The detent projections 52 are received in the detent recesses 54 and thereby secure the cushioning member 14 and the rail assembly 10 to the support casing 15.

Figures 5A to 5C show the steps for installing a tram rail 212 into the ground G. The tram rail 212 has a different configuration from the rail 112 and the rail 12, but the steps for installing the tram rail 212 are the same as described above. Therefore, the above description applies to the steps shown in Figures 5A to 5C as it does to Figures 4A to 4C but with the replacement of the wording “rail 112” with “tram rail 212”.

Figure 6 shows a modified version of the rail assembly 10 shown in Figures 4A to 4C. The same reference numerals have been applied to the features of the rail assembly 10 shown Figure 6 as the corresponding features of the rail assembly 10 shown in Figures 4A to 4C.

The rail assembly 10 shown in Figure 6 differs from the rail assembly 10 shown in Figures 4A to 4C in that the rail assembly 10 in Figure possesses a locking arrangement 70 in the cushioning arrangement 14.

Each of the

opposite side portions

28, 30 has an upper end face 28A, 30A. The locking arrangement comprises an elongate socket 72 in each of the

side portions

28, 30. Each of the sockets 72 may extend along the whole length of the

respective side portion

28, 30, and may extend inwardly from the end face 28A, 30A of the

respective side portion

28, 30.

Each of the sockets 72 comprises a cylindrical holding cavity 74 defined in the

respective side portion

28, 30. Each holding cavity is configured for holding an elongate locking member 76. Each locking member 76 is in the form of a rod and may be formed of steel, GRP, rubber, nylon, polypropylene, silicone, or other suitable rigid material.

Each of the sockets 72 also has an elongate insertion region 78 defined in the

respective side portion

28, 30 and an elongate opening 80 defined the respective end face 28A, 30A. The locking member 76 can be inserted into the holding cavity 74 of each of the elongate sockets 72 via the respective opening 80 and insertion region 78.

The locking member 76 is preferably inserted into the holding cavity 74 after the rail assembly 10 has been installed in the support casing 15 (not shown in Figure 6). The locking member 76 has the effect of inhibiting flexing of the

side portions

28, 30 and thereby locking the rail assembly 10 within the support casing 15.

The end profile of the locking member 76 can be larger than the end profile of the holding cavity 74. In such a case, the locking member 76 urges the material of the respective side portion outwardly against the rail 112. This had the effect of increasing the grip of the

respective side portion

28, 30 on the rail 112 and, thereby retaining the rail 112 from movement vertically, longitudinally and laterally.

In order to accommodate the locking member, an optional bulge 82 (shown in broken lines in Figure 6) may be provided on one or both of the

side portions

28, 30.

There is thus described a method of installing a rail in the ground that allows easy installation of the

rail

12, 112, 212 and also easy removal, which provides an advantage over the prior art.

In addition, the embodiments of the invention described herein permit the use of existing manufactured flat bottom rails, which can be installed by the use of detent formations, without the need for a new rail profile.

The mounting of the cushioning arrangement 14 on the

rail

12, 112, 212 provides the advantage that the cushioning arrangement 14 does not become rucked or deformed into the support casing 15 by the insertion of the rail assembly 10 into the cavity 47.

Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the invention can be used with rails of different end profiles from those shown in the drawings, which is a further advantage over prior art methods.

If desired, the cushioning arrangement 14 can be bonded to the

rail

12, 112, 212, thereby ensuring that the cushioning arrangement 14 remains attached to the

rail

12, 112, 212.

In a further modification, the casing 15 can be omitted, and the rail assembly 12 can be arranged in the channel 15A in the ground G. In such a modification, the channel 15A defines the detent recesses 54 for receiving the projections 52.

The above described embodiments of the invention provide not only an improved method and system for installing rails of different types, but the above embodiments also allows easier removal of the rail, for example for maintenance. This is particularly the case for the rails shown in Figures 4A to 4D and 5A to 5C which include the outwardly extending lower flanges 114. In the case of prior art systems and methods, the flanges 114 make it difficult to remove the rails.

Figure 7 shows a modified version of the rail assembly 10 shown in Figures 1 to 3. The same reference numerals have been applied to the features of the rail assembly 10 shown Figure 7 as the corresponding features of the rail assembly 10 shown in Figures 1 to 3.

The rail assembly 10 shown in Figure 7 differs from the rail assembly 10 shown in Figures 1 to 3 in that the projections 36 are omitted from the rail 12, and the first and second side planar faces 18, 20 define upper elongate recesses 116. In addition, the recesses 38 are omitted from the cushioning arrangement 14. As a result, the first and second planar side faces 18, 20 extend downwardly from the upper recesses 116 to merge smoothly with the lower face 22 of the rail 12.

The cushioning arrangement 14 extends in a tight fit along the first and second side faces 18, 20 and the lower face 22. The rail 12, with the cushioning arrangement 14 thereon, is pushed into the support casing 15, the support casing 15 being already installed in a channel 15A in the ground G. The narrow gap between the

opposite side members

44, 46 of the support casing 15 compresses the cushioning arrangement 14, thereby gripping the rail 12. Thus, the cushioning arrangement 14 is held by means of friction between the support casing 15 and the cushioning arrangement 14, as well as by the detent recesses 54 and projections 52. The rail 12 shown in Figure 7 is held within the cushioning arrangement 14 by friction between the rail 12 and the tightly squeezed cushioning arrangement 14.

In a further modification, the rail 12 is bonded to the cushioning arrangement 14 by a suitable adhesive.

Alternatively, in embodiments where the casing 15 is not provided, the channel 15A in the ground G receives the rail assembly 12, and defines the narrow gap to hold the cushioning arrangement 14 by friction.

It will be appreciated that the retention of the rail 12 can be: (a) solely by friction between the rail and the cushioning arrangement 14, as described in the immediately preceding paragraph; (b) by the interaction between the projection 36 on the rail and the recess 38 defined in the cushioning arrangement 14; or (c) by a combination of the interaction between the projection 36 and recess 38, and friction caused by the compression of the cushioning arrangement.

The configuration of the rail 12, the cushioning arrangement 14 and the casing 15, as well as the material of the cushioning arrangement 14, are selected to allow the rail assembly 10 to be inserted into the rail holding cavity 47 of the casing 15 and to be secured therein by the

detent formations

52, 54 and/or by friction.

Claims

A rail installation method comprising: providing a rail having an upper face, first and second side faces and a lower face; mounting a resilient cushioning arrangement on the rail in engagement with the first and second side faces and the lower face, thereby forming a rail assembly comprising the rail and the cushioning arrangement; providing a channel arrangement for receiving the rail assembly, the channel arrangement defining a rail holding cavity for holding the rail assembly, and an open top to allow the rail assembly to be received in the rail holding cavity; inserting the rail assembly into the aforesaid rail holding cavity in the channel arrangement via the open top.
A rail installation method according to claim 1, wherein the cushioning arrangement and the channel arrangement comprise corresponding first and second detent formations which can cooperate with each other to secure the rail assembly to the channel arrangement.
A rail installation method according to claim 2, wherein the step of providing the channel arrangement comprises providing a support casing for supporting the rail assembly, the support casing defining said rail holding cavity.
A rail installation method according to claim 3, wherein the step of providing the channel arrangement includes providing a channel in the ground which the support casing is received, the channel and the support casing constituting the channel arrangement.
A rail installation method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the support casing comprises the second detent formation.
A rail installation method according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the resilient cushioning arrangement has the first detent formation on a lower region thereof, and the second detent formation is provided on a lower region the channel arrangement.
A rail installation method according to claim 6, wherein the first detent formation extends from an outer surface of the cushioning arrangement.
A rail installation method according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the resilient cushioning arrangement has a lower portion having an outwardly facing lower outer surface, the first detent formation extending from said lower outer surface, and wherein the resilient cushioning arrangement has a side portion having an outwardly facing side outer surface, the first detent formation extending from the side outer surface.
A rail installation method according to claim 8, wherein the first detent formation extends outwardly from the side outer surface of the resilient cushioning arrangement.
A rail installation method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the resilient cushioning arrangement has a pair of opposite side portions, each having a respective outwardly facing side outer surface, and each side portion extending upwardly from the lower portion,
A rail installation method according to claim 10, wherein the first detent formation comprises a detent projection extending from the side outer surface of the cushioning arrangement.
A rail installation method according to claim 11, wherein the first detent formation comprises a shoulder extending from the side outer surface of the resilient cushioning arrangement, and wherein the detent projection includes a projecting surface extending from the shoulder.
A rail installation method according to claim 12, wherein the shoulder comprises a sloping planar surface extending downwardly from said side outer region, and wherein the shoulder extends outwardly from said side outer region.
A rail installation method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the shoulder extends at an angle of between 30˚ and 60˚ to the projecting surface.
A rail installation method according to claim 12, 13 or 14 wherein the shoulder extends at an angle of about 35˚ to 45˚ to the projecting surface.
A rail installation method according to any of claims 12 to 15, wherein the shoulder extends at an angle of about 35˚ to 40˚ to the projecting surface.
A rail installation method according to any of claims 12 to 16, wherein the shoulder extends at an angle of about 38.66˚ to the projecting surface.
A rail installation method according to any of claims 8 to 17, wherein the second detent formation is a detent recess defined by the support casing.
A rail installation method according to claim 18, wherein the detent recess is defined by an inner surface of the channel arrangement, and wherein the channel arrangement has a lower member having a lower inner surface, and the second detent formation may extend from said lower inner surface.
A rail installation method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the channel arrangement has a side member having a side inner surface, the second detent formation extending inwardly from the side inner surface.
A rail installation method according to claim 20, wherein the second detent formation comprises a sloping wall extending from the side inner surface of the channel arrangement, the sloping wall extending inwardly into the detent recess from the side inner surface of the channel arrangement, whereby when the detent projection is received by the detent recess, the sloping wall engages the shoulder.
A rail installation method according to claim 21, wherein the second detent formation has an inner surface extending from the sloping wall to a recessed surface.
A rail installation method according to claim 22, wherein the recessed surface is substantially planar, and the recessed surface extends substantially parallel to the inner surface.
A rail installation method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the sloping wall extends at an angle of between 30˚ and 60˚ to the recessed surface.
A rail installation method according to claim 22, 23 or 24, wherein the sloping wall extends at an angle of about 35˚ to 45˚ to the recessed surface.
A rail installation method according to any of claims 22 to 25, wherein the sloping wall extends at an angle of about 35˚ to 40˚ to the recessed surface.
A rail installation method according to any of claims 22 to 26, wherein the sloping wall extends at an angle of 38.66˚ to the recessed surface.
A rail installation method according to any of claims 18 to 27, wherein the step of mounting the cushioning arrangement on the rail comprises engaging one of the side portions of the cushioning arrangement with the first side face of the rail, and wherein the step of mounting the cushioning arrangement on the rail further includes engaging the lower portion of the cushioning arrangement with the lower face of the rail, and thereafter engaging the other of the side portions with the second side face of the rail.
A rail installation method according to claim 28, wherein the step of inserting the rail assembly into the channel arrangement comprises disposing the rail assembly on the channel arrangement over the open top thereof, and thereafter urging the rail assembly downwards thereby deforming the first detent formation inwardly from a non-deformed condition to a deformed condition.
A rail installation method according to claim 29, wherein the step of inserting the rail assembly further includes urging the rail assembly downwardly into the rail holding cavity until the rail assembly engages the lower inner surface and the first detent formation moves outwardly to the non-deformed condition to be received in the second detent formation.
A rail installation method according to any of claims 8 to 30, wherein the cushioning arrangement includes a locking arrangement to lock the rail assembly to the channel arrangement, the locking arrangement comprising an elongate socket in the cushioning arrangement and a elongate locking member receivable by the elongate socket, and wherein the method comprises disposing the locking member in the elongate socket.
A rail installation method according to claim 31, wherein the side portion defines the elongate socket.
A rail installation method according to claim 32, wherein an upper end face of the side portion defines the elongate socket.
A rail installation method according to claim 31, 32 or 33, wherein the locking arrangement comprises first and second elongate sockets, each being defined by a respective one of the first and second side portions., and the locking arrangement further includes first and second of the locking members, each locking member being receivable by a respective one of the first and second sockets.
A rail installation method according to claim 34, wherein the, or each, elongate socket has an insertion region and a rail holding cavity, the locking member being held in the rail holding cavity, the, or each, insertion region extending from a respective opening in the cushioning arrangement to the rail holding cavity.
A rail installation method according to claim 35, wherein the opposite side portions have respective end faces, each end face defining a respective elongate opening for communication with the insertion region, and the method comprises inserting the locking member into the elongate cavity via the opening and the insertion region.
A rail installation method according to any of claims 2 to 36, wherein the cushioning arrangement comprises two of the aforesaid first detent formations, and the channel arrangement comprises two of the aforesaid second detent formations.
A rail installation method according to any preceding claim, wherein the rail and the cushioning arrangement comprise retaining formations to retain the cushioning arrangement on the rail.
A rail installation method according to claim 38, wherein the retaining formations comprise a retaining projection and a retaining recess.
A rail installation method according to claim 39, wherein the retaining projection is provided at a lower region of the rail, and the retaining recess is provided at a lower region of the cushioning arrangement.
A rail installation method according to any of claims 1 to 37, wherein the rail and the cushioning arrangement are devoid of retaining formations for retaining the cushioning arrangement on the rail.
A rail installation method according to claim 1 or 41, wherein the cushioning arrangement is retained on the rail by friction between the cushioning arrangement and the rail, the cushioning arrangement being compressed on insertion into the channel to increase the aforesaid friction.
An installed rail system comprising: a rail assembly comprising a rail having an upper face, first and second side faces and a lower face, and the rail assembly further including a resilient cushioning arrangement on the rail in engagement with the first and second side faces and the lower face; and the installed rail system further includes a channel arrangement for supporting the rail assembly, the channel arrangement defining a rail holding cavity for holding the rail assembly, and an open top to allow the rail assembly to be received in the rail holding cavity.
A rail system according to claim 43, wherein the cushioning arrangement and the channel arrangement comprise corresponding first and second detent formations which can cooperate with each other to secure the rail assembly to the channel arrangement.
A rail system according to claim 44, wherein the channel arrangement comprises a support casing for supporting the rail assembly, the support casing defining said rail holding cavity.
A rail system according to claim 45, wherein the support casing comprises the second detent formation.
A rail system according to any of claims 44, 45 or 46, wherein the resilient cushioning arrangement has the first detent formation on a lower region thereof, and the second detent formation is provided on a lower region the channel arrangement.
A rail system according to claim 47, wherein the first detent formation extends from an outer surface of the cushioning arrangement.
A rail system according to any of claims 44 to 48, wherein the resilient cushioning arrangement has a lower portion having an outwardly facing lower outer surface, the first detent formation extending from said lower outer surface, and wherein the resilient cushioning arrangement has a side portion having an outwardly facing side outer surface, the first detent formation extending from the side outer surface.
A rail system according to claim 49, wherein the first detent formation extends outwardly from the side outer surface of the resilient cushioning arrangement.
A rail system according to claim 49 or 50, wherein the resilient cushioning arrangement has a pair of opposite side portions, each having a respective outwardly facing side outer surface, and each side portion extending upwardly from the lower portion.
A rail system according to claim 51, wherein the first detent formation comprises a detent projection extending from the side outer surface of the cushioning arrangement.
A rail system according to claim 52, wherein the first detent formation comprises a shoulder extending from the side outer surface of the resilient cushioning arrangement, and wherein the detent projection includes a projecting surface extending from the shoulder.
A rail system according to claim 53, wherein the shoulder comprises a sloping planar surface extending downwardly from said side outer region, and wherein the shoulder extends outwardly from said side outer region.
A rail system according to claim 53 or 54, wherein the shoulder extends at an angle of between 30˚ and 60˚ to the projecting surface.
A rail system according to claim 53, 54 or 55, wherein the shoulder extends at an angle of about 35˚ to 45˚ to the projecting surface.
A rail system according to any of claims 53 to 56, wherein the shoulder extends at an angle of about 35˚ to 40˚ to the projecting surface.
A rail system according to any of claims 53 to 57, wherein the shoulder extends at an angle of about 35˚ to 45˚ to the projecting surface.
A rail system according to any of claims 49 to 58, wherein the second detent formation is a detent recess defined by the support casing.
A rail system according to claim 59, wherein the detent recess is defined by an inner surface of the channel arrangement, and wherein the channel arrangement has a lower member having a lower inner surface, and the second detent formation may extend from said lower inner surface.
A rail system according to claim 59 or 60, wherein the channel arrangement has a side member having a side inner surface, the second detent formation extending inwardly from the side inner surface.
A rail system according to claim 61, wherein the second detent formation comprises a sloping wall extending from the side inner surface of the channel arrangement, the sloping wall extending inwardly into the detent recess from the side inner surface of the channel arrangement, whereby when the detent projection is received by the detent recess, the sloping wall engages the shoulder.
A rail system according to claim 62, wherein the second detent formation has an inner surface extending from the sloping wall to a recessed surface.
A rail system according to claim 63, wherein the recessed surface is substantially planar, and the recessed surface extends substantially parallel to the inner surface.
A rail system according to claim 63 or 64, wherein the sloping wall extends at an angle of between 30˚ and 60˚ to the recessed surface.
A rail system according to claim 63, 64 or 65, wherein the sloping wall extends at an angle of about 35 to 45˚ to the recessed surface.
A rail system according to any of claims 63 to 66, wherein the sloping wall extends at an angle of about 35 to 40˚ to the recessed surface.
A rail system according to any of claims 63 to 67, wherein the sloping wall extends at an angle of 38.66˚ to the recessed surface.
A rail system according to any of claims 47 to 68, wherein the cushioning arrangement includes a locking arrangement to lock the rail assembly to the channel arrangement, the locking arrangement comprising an elongate socket in the cushioning arrangement and a elongate locking member receivable by the elongate socket.
A rail system according to claim 69, wherein the side portion defines the elongate socket.
A rail system according to claim 70, wherein an upper end face of the side portion defines the elongate socket.
A rail system according to any of claims 63 to 71, wherein the locking arrangement comprises first and second elongate sockets, each being defined by a respective one of the first and second side portions, and the locking arrangement further includes first and second of the locking members, each locking member being receivable by a respective one of the first and second sockets.
A rail system according to claim 72, wherein the, or each, elongate socket has an insertion region and a rail holding cavity, the locking member being held in the rail holding cavity, the, or each, insertion region extending from a respective opening in the cushioning arrangement to the rail holding cavity.
A rail system according to claim 73, wherein the opposite side portions have respective end faces, each end face defining a respective elongate opening for communication with the insertion region.
A rail system according to any of claims 43 to 74, wherein the cushioning arrangement comprises two of the aforesaid first detent formations, and the channel arrangement comprises two of the aforesaid second detent formations.
A rail system according to any of claims 43 to 75, wherein the rail and the cushioning arrangement comprise retaining formations to retain the cushioning arrangement on the rail.
A rail system according to claim 76, wherein the retaining formations comprise a retaining projection and a retaining recess.
A rail system according to claim 77, wherein the retaining projection is provided at a lower region of the rail, and the retaining recess is provided at a lower region of the cushioning arrangement.
A rail system according to any of claims 43 to 75, wherein the rail and the cushioning arrangement are devoid of retaining formations for retaining the cushioning arrangement on the rail.
A rail system according to claim 43 or 79, wherein the cushioning arrangement is retained on the rail by friction between the cushioning arrangement and the rail, the cushioning arrangement being compressed on insertion into the channel to increase the aforesaid friction.
A rail assembly comprising: a rail having an upper face, first and second side faces and a lower face; and a resilient cushioning arrangement on the rail in engagement with the first and second side faces and the lower face.
A rail assembly according to claim 81, wherein the cushioning arrangement comprises a first detent formation to cooperate with a second detent formation on a channel arrangement to secure the rail assembly to the channel arrangement.
A rail assembly according to claim 82, wherein the resilient cushioning arrangement has the first detent formation on a lower region thereof, and the second detent formation is provided on a lower region the channel arrangement.
A rail assembly according to claim 83, wherein the first detent formation extends from an outer surface of the cushioning arrangement.
A rail assembly according to claim 82, 83 or 84, wherein the resilient cushioning arrangement has a lower portion having an outwardly facing lower outer surface, the first detent formation extending from said lower outer surface, and wherein the resilient cushioning arrangement has a side portion having an outwardly facing side outer surface, the first detent formation extending from the side outer surface.
A rail assembly according to claim 85, wherein the first detent formation extends outwardly from the side outer surface of the resilient cushioning arrangement.
A rail assembly according to claim 85 or 86, wherein the resilient cushioning arrangement has a pair of opposite side portions, each having a respective outwardly facing side outer surface, and each side portion extending upwardly from the lower portion.
A rail assembly according to claim 87, wherein the first detent formation comprises a detent projection extending from the side outer surface of the cushioning arrangement.
A rail assembly according to claim 88, wherein the first detent formation comprises a shoulder extending from the side outer surface of the resilient cushioning arrangement, and wherein the detent projection includes a projecting surface extending from the shoulder.
A rail assembly according to claim 89, wherein the shoulder comprises a sloping planar surface extending downwardly from said side outer region, and wherein the shoulder extends outwardly from said side outer region.
A rail assembly according to claim 89 or 90, wherein the shoulder extends at an angle of between 30˚ and 60˚ to the projecting surface.
A rail assembly according to claim 89, 90 or 91, wherein the shoulder extends at an angle of 35˚ and 45˚ to the projecting surface.
A rail assembly according to any of claims 89 to 92, wherein the shoulder extends at an angle of 35˚ and 40˚ to the projecting surface.
A rail assembly according to any of claims 89 to 93, wherein the shoulder extends at an angle of 38.66˚ to the projecting surface.
A rail assembly according to any of claims 85 to 94, wherein the cushioning arrangement includes a locking arrangement to lock the rail assembly to the channel arrangement, the locking arrangement comprising an elongate socket in the cushioning arrangement and a elongate locking member receivable by the elongate socket.
A rail assembly according to claim 95, wherein the side portion defines the elongate socket.
A rail assembly according to claim 96, wherein an upper end face of the side portion defines the elongate socket.
A rail assembly according to claim 95, 96 or 97, wherein the locking arrangement comprises first and second elongate sockets, each being defined by a respective one of the first and second side portions, and the locking arrangement further includes first and second of the locking members, each locking member being receivable by a respective one of the first and second sockets.
A rail assembly according to claim 98, wherein the, or each, elongate socket has an insertion region and a rail holding cavity, the locking member being held in the rail holding cavity, the, or each, insertion region extending from a respective opening in the cushioning arrangement to the rail holding cavity.
A rail assembly according to claim 99, wherein the opposite side portions have respective end faces, each end face defining a respective elongate opening for communication with the insertion region.
A rail assembly according to any of claims 81 to 100, wherein the cushioning arrangement comprises two of the aforesaid first detent formations, and the channel arrangement comprises two of the aforesaid second detent formations.
A rail assembly according to any of claims 81 to 101, wherein the rail and the cushioning arrangement comprise retaining formations to retain the cushioning arrangement on the rail.
A rail assembly according to claim 102, wherein the retaining formations comprise a retaining projection and a retaining recess.
A rail assembly according to claim 103, wherein the retaining projection is provided at a lower region of the rail, and the retaining recess is provided at a lower region of the cushioning arrangement.
A rail assembly according to any of claims 81 to 101, wherein the rail and the cushioning arrangement are devoid of retaining formations for retaining the cushioning arrangement on the rail.
A rail assembly according to claim 81 or 105, wherein the cushioning arrangement is retained on the rail by friction between the cushioning arrangement and the rail, the cushioning arrangement being compressed on insertion into the channel to increase the aforesaid friction.