Boltless adjustable rail brace assembly with external vertical restraint
US6517008B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 29, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 11, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 29, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE01B2201/02
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A rail brace assembly provides positive support for a stock rail mounted on a switch brace plate. The assembly includes a rail brace having a generally central opening that it is installed over a fixed clip housing attached to the brace plate. The clip housing accepts a resilient clip that secures the rail brace in position on the brace plate and against the stock rail. The resilient clip provides spring force directly to the rail brace in both a vertically downward direction and a lateral direction. The rail brace has a lug to prevent the clip from being removed from the clip housing due to vibration. The clip housing prevents the brace from moving laterally even if the clip breaks or becomes disengaged. The brace assembly includes a stop that is secured to the brace plate and a tapered wedge that is disposed between the stop and the rail brace. Upon driving the wedge longitudinally of the rail, lateral force is applied to the rail brace and the rail. The stop and the wedge employ a longitudinally extending tongue and groove to prevent relative vertical movement therebetween. The junction between the wedge and the rail brace is defined by mating convex-concave surfaces. A shear me…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.