CA2162349A1

CA2162349A1 - Rail fastener devices

Info

Publication number: CA2162349A1
Application number: CA 2162349
Authority: CA
Inventors: Jude Igwemezie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1995-11-07
Filing date: 1995-11-07
Publication date: 1997-05-08

Abstract

Rail fastening devices having opposing longitudinally extending shoulders to accommodate a rail flange with a downwardly facing abutment surface on each shoulder. A resilient rail clip extends inwardly and bears upwardly on the abutment surface and resiliently on an upper side of the flange to restrain the rail against vertical movement. An outer portion of the clip extends outwardly and curves laterally outwardly and downwardly toward a lower portio that bears on a bearing surface offset laterally inwardly from the centre of curvature of the outer portion. This provides improved stress distribution in the clip. A rail tie plate suitable for attachment to a wood tie, for example, has abutment members upstanding from it to accommodate a rail each with a downward facing surface to react with a rail clip, and a ramp surface that inclines from an outer side of each abutment member upwardly inwardly to an inner side to facilitate mechanized installation of the clip.

Description

-The present invention relates to rail fastening devices, and, in a first aspect provides a rail fastening device comprising a pair of opposing longitudinally extending shoulders adapted to accommodate a rail flange therebetween, a downwardly facing abutment surface provided on each shoulder, and a resilient rail clip having an end portion extending inwardly of and bearing upwardly on said abutment surface and adapted to bear resiliently on an upper side of the flange for restraining the rail against vertical movement, an outer portion extending outwardly from said abutment surface and curving laterally arcuately outwardly and downwardly toward a lower portion adapted to bear on a bearing surface at a region offset laterally inwardly from a centre of curvature of said outer portion.

This arrangement provides better distribution of stress through the rail clip than known devices of which applicant is aware, and avoids concentrations of stress that may result in failure of the rail fastening device in service.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a rail tie plate suitable for attachment to a wood tie, comprising a base plate adapted to be applied to the tie and a pair of abutment members upstanding therefrom to accommodate a rail flange therebetween and each providing a downwardly facing abutment surface for reaction with a laterally inwardly inserted rail clip, and a ramp surface inclining from a laterally outer side of each abutment member upwardly inwardly to a laterally inner side thereof for facilitating insertion of the clip to an installed position wherein an inner end of the clip bears resiliently on an inner side of the rail flange.

Whereas known wood tie plates of which the applicant is aware have offered difficulties to insertion of rail clips, the ramp surfaces of the plate of the invention facilitate insertion of the rail clip, such as a -rail clip as described above, inwardly to an installed position wherein the inner end of the clip bears on a rail flange disposed between the abutment members.

Examples of the structure in accordance with the invention are described in more detail in the following with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a rail fastening arrangement in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 2 is a side view of a rail clip used in the arrangement of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a view on an enlarged scale of one of the rail fastening arrangements of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a side view of the arrangement of Fig.

3 with internal structure shown in broken lines.

Figs. 5 and 6 are isometric views of modified versions of the rail clip employed in Figs. 1 to 4.

Fig. 7 is an isometric view corresponding to Fig.
3 showing use of the rail clip of Fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is a side view of a further modified form of rail clip.

Figs. 9 and 10 are views corresponding to Figs. 3 and 4 showing use of a further modified form of rail clip.

Figs. 11 and 12 are isometric and side views, respectively of a further modified form of rail clip.

Figs. 13 and 14 are isometric and side views, respectively of a further form of rail clip.

Figs. 15 and 16 are views corresponding to Figs.
3 and 4 showing use of the rail clip of Figs. 13 and 14.

Fig. 17 is an isometric view of a rail tie plate in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 18 is a view of the tie plate of Fig. 17 with portions broken away to show interior structure.

Fig. 19 is a bottom plan view of the tie plate of Figs. 17 and 18.

Fig. 20 is an isometric view illustrating the use of the tie plate of Figs. 17 to 19.

Fig. 21 is a side view partially in section showing the application of the fastening arrangement of Fig. 20 on a wood tie.

Fig. 22 is a view similar to Fig. 20 showing use of a rail clip as shown in Fig. 6.

Figs. 23 and 24 are views corresponding to Fig.
20 showing use of a further modified form of rail clip.

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate like parts, Fig. 1, shows a plate form usually steel tie 31 provided with baffle plates 33 generally as described in applicant's copending patent applications WO 94/28245 published December 8, 1994, United Kingdom No. 9500700.1 filed January 13, 1995 and Canadian 2,144,018 filed March 6, 1995, especially with reference to Fig. llA of Canadian application No. 2,144,018.

Rails 35 and 37 are fastened with respect to the tie 31 as shown somewhat schematically in Fig. 1, wherein only short lengths of the rails 35 and 37 are shown for clarity of illustration.

As shown in Fig. 3, each rail, for example rail 35 is connected on the tie 31 using hook-in shoulder members 39 and 41 having hook-like leg portions 43 which are passed through openings in a plate member 45 forming an upper portion of the tie 31.

Each shoulder member 39 and 41 has laterally outwardly lower extensions 47 which bear on the plate member 45 and opposed anti-squat wall members 49 for the purposes described in more detail in the above mentioned U.K. patent application 9500700.1.

The upper side of each extension 47 is formed with a longitudinally extending grooved or recessed formation 51 from which drainage channels 53 extend downwardly and outwardly.

Each shoulder member 39 and 41 is provided with an upstanding, generally rectangular abutment portion 55 having an opening 57 through it. The opening 57 provides a downwardly facing abutment surface 59.

A rail clip 61 formed of bent metal strip is inserted through the opening. As seen in Figs. 2 to 4, the clip 61 comprises an upper limb portion 63 that reacts with the abutment surface 59, a preferably upswept inner end portion 65 that bears resiliently downwardly on or toward the flange 67 of the rail 35, for restraining the rail 35 against vertical movement, an outer portion 69 curving laterally arcuately outwardly and downwardly toward a lower limb portion 71 extending to a lower portion 73 that rests in the recess 51 and bears on the extension 47 and an upwardly directed end portion 75.

It may be noted that the lower portion 73 is off-set laterally inwardly from the centre of curvature of the arcuate portion 69. As a result, when the end portion 65 is loaded upwardly as a result of uplift of the rail flange 67, there is a stress reversal within the clip 61 and a zone of zero stress whereby the stresses are distributed more uniformly through the body of the clip 61 and stress concentrations are avoided.

It may be noted in the example of Figs. 3 and 4 the inner end 65 of the clip 61 bears on insulators 77 and the rail is canted and may be further electrically insulated from ground by a generally rectangular insulating pad 79 which also performs the function of a cant plate.

Fig. 5 shows a clip 61a generally similar to the clip 61 except the upper limb 63a and end portions 65a are of reduced width measured in the longitudinal direction as compared with the arcuate portion 69a and rem~in;ng portions of the clip, whereby the clip is provided with generally laterally inwardly facing inclining shoulder portions that may be engaged by tools and facilitate mechanized installation and de-installation of the clips.

Fig. 6 shows a further example providing laterally inwardly arranged tool-engaging faces 81a except in this instance the lower limb portion and inner end portion 73a and 75a are of reduced width.

Fig. 7 is a view generally similar to Fig. 3 showing the installed clip 61a of Fig. 5 and illustrating how the faces 81 are exposed for engagement by a tool for deinstallation or installation.

Fig. 8 shows a further example of a clip 61c similar to the clip 61 of Fig. 2 except the end portion 75c approaches more closely toward the upper limb portion 63c.
The clip 61c is less compliant than the clip 61.
Generally, it is preferred that a clip which is more compliant, as shown in Fig 2, be employed so that deflection of the upper limb portion 63 toward the end portion 75, such as may occur during installation of the clip is not usually limited by contact between the portions 63 and 75.

Figs. 9 and 10 show a rail fastening similar to that of Figs. 3 and 4, except the clip 161 is irremovable except by the application of special tools. Parts similar in function to those of the clip 61 of Fig. 2 are denoted by similar reference numerals raised by 100.

It may be noted that, similar to the clip 61, clip 161 has a lower portion 177 that bears on the extension 47 and is offset inwardly from the centre of curvature of the portion 169 to provide improved stress distribution as discussed above. In this case, however, the portion 177 extends downwardly into the recess 51. In installation, the end portion 165 may be inserted loosely manually into the opening 57 and the rear of the portion 169 given blows with a driving tool such as a hammer or slug to drive the clip 161 inwardly toward the position shown in Figs. 9 and 10. The inner end portion 165 is urged upwardly as it rides on the upwardly inclining surface of the rail flange 67 or the insulator 77 disposed thereon, and the upper limb 163 is compressed more strongly as it progressively enters the opening 57. As a result, there is a strong downward compressive reaction at the lower portion 177. As the clip 161 is driven inward, the end portion 177 rides up an arcuate ramp portion 179 of the extension 47 and snaps into the recess 51 when it reaches the installed position. Because of the compressive reaction, the edges of the lower portion 177 tend to engage firmly in or bite in the recess 51, and therefore tend to resist attempts to lever the clip 161 outwardly from the shoulder 39 or 41, and therefore rendering the fastening device resistant to vandalism. The clip 161 may be removed by application of a special tool which compresses the portions 171 and 163 toward one another in order to free the lower portion 177 from the recess 51 and permit lateral outward withdrawal of the clip 161.

An advantage of the clips of the invention is that they allow separation of installation stresses from in service stresses. Because of the stress reversal and improved stress distribution, the arcuate portion 69 or 169 is subject to relatively less stress or loading in service in resisting a tendency for the rail flange 67 to lift upwardly, for example to prevent rail rollover.

With the clips of the invention, therefore, the arcuate portions 69 or 169 may be made relatively thin, so that the clip as a whole is rendered compliant and easy to install, while still offering adequate strength to resist uplift of the rail flange.

Figs. 11 and 12 show a modified form of clip 161a having a relatively thin arcuate portion 169a, so that the clip is relatively easy to install. The clip has a thickened upper limb portion 163a, lower limb portion 171a and lower portion 177a to provide desired stiffness and resistance to rail flange uplift.

Figs. 13 and 14 show a further modified form of clip 161b wherein the arcuate portion 169b, lower limb 171b and lower portion 177b are thin rendering the clip especially compliant and easy to install while the upper limb portion 163b and inner end portion 165b are relatively thick to provide adequate stiffness to resist rail flange uplift.

Figs. 15 and 16 are views similar to Figs. 3 and 4 showing the clip 161b in installed position.

Fig. 17 shows a tie plate 201 especially although not exclusively adapted for application to a wood tie.

The tie plate comprises a generally rectangular plate-formed base 202 with a generally thickened central portion 203 providing a wear surface for reception of the rail flange 67. In the present example, the plate serves as a cant plate and the central portion 203 tapers in thickness, as best seen in Figs. 21 and 24.

Upstanding from the plate 202 are two abutment members 255, somewhat similar to abutment portions 55 described above, having openings 257 through them providing downwardly facing abutment surfaces 259 for reaction with rail clips, such as a rail clip 61 as described above with reference to Fig. 2. In this example, the members 255 are spaced apart such that their lower inner surfaces 204, as seen in Fig. 21, snugly accommodate the rail flange 67 between them.

Outwardly from each opening 257, the upper side of the plate 202 is formed with a recess, in this case a rectangular recess 206 for accommodating a lower portion of a resilient clip such as the lower portion 63 of the clip of Fig. 2, or lower portion 177 of an irremovable clip 161 as seen in Figs. 9 and 10.

It will be noted that the lower portion of each opening 257 is defined by an inwardly upwardly inclining ramp surface 207 commencing at the plane of the upper side of the plate 202 adjacent the outer side of opening 257, and terminating as seen in Figs. 18 and 21 at or slightly above the upper side of the flange 67 when received between the member 255.

Outwardly from the recesses 206, the plate portion adjacent each side is formed with a pair of openings 208 through which fastening members, such as spikes 209 may be passed to retain the plate 201 on a wood tie 210, as seen in Fig. 21, or which may receive studs or other cast in anchors in the event the plate 201 is applied to a concrete tie or the like.

In use, as seen in Fig. 21, a clip 61 may be g inserted somewhat loosely through the opening 257 to the position shown in broken lines in Fig. 21 and driven inwardly to the installed position seen in solid lines.
During initial application of the clips 61 to the plate, the inner ends 65 ride up the ramps 207, so that the outer edges of the flange 67 do not interfere with inward movement of the clips 61, thus greatly facilitating mechanized installation of the clips.

A further advantage of the arrangement shown is that the box-form shoulders 25 offer considerably improved resistance to derailed dragging equipment.

In the preferred form, as seen in Figs. 21 and 19, the lower side of the plate 202 is provided with wedge-shape projections that taper laterally in the same direction as the central portion 203 and engage in the wood tie 210 and resist lateral displacement of the plates.

Desirably, adjacent each recess 206, the plate is provided with a drainage hole 212.

Desirably, as seen in Fig. 17, the transition portion 213 between the laterally outer portion of the plate 202 and the central portion 203 inclines inwardly upwardly and is provided with a rectangular opening 214 for reception of a convention chisel-form rail road spike having a head engaging on the flange 67 as an adjunct to or in addition to the use of the clips such as clip 61.
Preferably, the openings 214 are offset from one another on opposite longitudinal sides of the members 255.

Claims

1. A rail fastening device comprising a pair of opposing longitudinally extending shoulders adapted to accommodate a rail flange therebetween, a downwardly facing abutment surface provided on each shoulder, and a resilient rail clip having an end portion extending inwardly of and bearing upwardly on said abutment surface and adapted to bear resiliently on an upper side of the flange for restraining the rail against vertical movement, an outer portion extending outwardly from said abutment surface and curving laterally arcuately outwardly and downwardly toward a lower portion adapted to bear on a bearing surface at a region offset laterally inwardly from a centre of curvature of said outer portion.

2. A rail tie plate suitable for attachment to a wood tie, comprising a base plate adapted to be applied to the tie and a pair of abutment members upstanding therefrom to accommodate a rail flange therebetween and each providing a downwardly facing abutment surface for reaction with a laterally inwardly inserted rail clip, and a ramp surface inclining from a laterally outer side of each abutment member upwardly inwardly to a laterally inner side thereof for facilitating insertion of the clip to an installed position wherein an inner end of the clip bears resiliently on an inner side of the rail flange.