Concrete tie

Abstract

A spread rod tie assembly having a body with a top surface that has at least two levels is provided. That is, the tie body upper surface preferably includes two generally flat, generally parallel rail platforms disposed at each end of the tie body. The platforms are at a first height and are structured to support a pair of fixed rails. The tie body upper surface also has a recessed, generally flat spread rod bed disposed at a medial portion of the tie body between the rail platforms. The spread rod bed is at a second height that is below the first height. In this configuration, the tie body maintains the rails at the required height above the ballast while allowing for a device, such as, but not limited to, a spread rod to be disposed above the tie body between the rails.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a concrete tie and, more specifically, to a concrete tie having a cavity structured to accommodate a spread rod generally within the tie body.

[0003] 2. Background Information

[0004] A typical railroad includes a pair of spaced rails disposed upon, and coupled to, a plurality of generally solid ties. The space between a pair of ties is called a "crib." The ties, which are typically wood or concrete, are disposed upon a bed of ballast. The ballast also fills the cribs between the ties. The ballast is, typically, a loose aggregate such as, but not limited to, gravel which must be compacted, or "tamped," periodically to maintain support of the railroad ties. Equipment is available to perform the tamping. Such equipment is commonly identified as a "tamping machine." The tamping machines are structured to engage and vibrate the ballast disposed between the ties. Because the spacing between ties is generally regular, the tamping machines may be constructed to automatically advance along a railroad track while stopping and tamping the ballast in each crib. The tamping machines, however, must be manually controlled or not used at the location of a railroad switch machine.

[0005] A railroad switch machine includes an actuator, a pair of movable rails and a linkage having a plurality of elongated connecting rods extending between the actuator and the movable rails. The actuator is structured to move the connecting rods, and therefore the movable rails, between a first position and a second position. Further, the movable rails may be elongated and extend over a number of ties. To maintain the movable rails in the proper spaced relationship, at least one spread rod is utilized. The spread rod is a generally rigid rod that is coupled to, and extends between, the movable rails. Preferably, a spread rod is disposed about every 10 feet along the movable rails. Traditionally, the spread rods were disposed over, or within, the cribs. This configuration allowed the majority of the spread rod to be disposed at or below the tops of the adjacent ties with a lug, or vertical extension, extending upwardly to the movable rails. Thus, most of the spread rod was not in a position to be impacted by anything hanging beneath a passing rail vehicle.

[0006] The disadvantage of this configuration is that, with the spread rod located above, or within, the cribs, the automatic tamping machines cannot be used. That is, the tamping machine could damage the spread rods due to their location above, or with, the ballast. Moreover, during cold weather, an accumulation of ice and the like within the ballast can cause the ballast material to freeze, making the spread rods extending through the ballast difficult to move.

[0007] There is, therefore, a need for a tie that is structured to allow for a spread rod to be disposed above the tie.

[0008] There is a further need for a tie having a reduced height between the fixed rails thereby allowing a spread rod to be disposed above the tie.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] These needs and others are met by the at least one embodiment of the present invention which provides for a tie having a body with a top surface having at least two levels. That is, the tie body upper surface preferably includes two generally flat, generally parallel rail platforms disposed at each end of the tie body. The platforms are at a first height and are structured to support the pair of fixed rails. The tie body upper surface also has a recessed, generally flat spread rod bed disposed at a medial portion of the tie body between the rail platforms. The spread rod bed is at a second height that is below the first height. In this configuration, the tie body maintains the rails at the required height above the ballast while allowing for a device, such as, but not limited to, a spread rod to be disposed above the tie body between the rails. The spread rod is shaped, generally, like a U-shaped bar with two upwardly extending "tines" and an elongated, generally flat "bight." That is, the bight portion extends just above the spread rod bed in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tie body. The tines, which are structured to be coupled to lugs attached to the movable rails, extend upwardly to a location between the fixed rails. Thus, except for the upwardly extending extensions, the bulk of the spread rod is disposed at a level even with, or below, the level of the platforms. In this configuration, despite being above the ballast, the spread rod is generally not in a location where it could sustain damage from a passing rail vehicle.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal edges of the tie body along the medial portion include sidewalls extending to a height generally parallel to the height of the platforms. In this configuration, the spread rod bed is, essentially, within a cavity having an open top. In this configuration, the sidewalls create a barrier that resists loose ballast and other debris from shifting on to the spread rod bed. This configuration may be further refined by having a cover assembly disposed over the spread rod bed and cavity. The cover assembly is, preferably, an elongated, generally rigid inverted U-shaped member with the tines extending adjacent to the medial portion sidewalls and the bight extending, generally, over the spread rod bed. The lateral edges of the cover assembly do not cover the cavity completely and thereby form gaps between the cover assembly and the platforms. The spread rod tines extend upwardly through the gaps. Further, the gaps allow the spread rod to shift along with the movable rails during a switching operation. Alternately, the cover assembly may be made from a rugged flexible material such as, but not limited to, canvas.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a railroad and switch assembly.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a side view of a tie assembly.

[0014] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a tie assembly.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a top view of a tie assembly.

[0016] FIG. 5 is an end view of a tie assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] As used herein and in reference to the movable rails, "generally parallel" is a relative phrase meaning that the movable ends of the movable rails are closer to parallel than the fixed ends of the movable rails. The movable rails, however, converge towards each other slightly at the movable ends.

[0018] As used herein, the "height" of the tie upper surface and the tie bed are measured relative to the bottom of the tie body.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, a railroad 10 includes a bed of ballast 12, a tie system 14 having a plurality of generally solid ties 15 and at least one spread rod tie 80 (described below), and at least one pair of primary fixed rails 16 having a first rail 18 and a second rail 20. The solid ties 15 and the at least one spread rod tie 80 are disposed in series and in a spaced relationship on the ballast 12. The spaces between adjacent ties 15 and the at least one spread rod tie 80 are cribs 19. In addition to extending under the solid ties 15 and the at least one spread rod tie assembly 80, the ballast 12 is also disposed in the cribs 19. At a switch assembly 22 the pair of primary fixed rails 16 diverge and becomes at least two pairs of secondary fixed rails 16A, 16B. Each pair of secondary fixed rails 16A, 16B also has a first rail 18A, 18B and a second rail 20A, 20B respectively. The switch assembly 22 includes an actuator 24 and a pair of movable rails 26 having a first movable rail 28 and a second movable rail 30. As is known in the art, the movable rails 28, 30 have a movable end 32, 34 adjacent to the actuator 24 and a generally fixed end 36, 38 distal to the actuator 24. The pair of movable rails 26 are disposed within the fixed rails 16 adjacent to the actuator 24. The pair of movable rails 26 are generally parallel to each other adjacent to the actuator 24, and then converge with each other at the fixed ends 36, 38 adjacent to the point where the secondary fixed rails 16A, 16B separate from each other. At, or immediately adjacent to, the movable rail movable ends 32, 34, the movable rails 26 are coupled to the actuator 24. A plurality of elongated rods 35 extends between the actuator 24 and the movable rails 28, 30. The actuator 24 is structured to move the elongated rods 35 between a first and second position which, in turn, move the movable rail movable ends 32, 34 between a first and second position. In the first position, the first movable rail 28 is disposed immediately adjacent to the first rail 18 and the second movable rail 30 is spaced from the second rail 20. In the second position, the first movable rail 28 is spaced from the first rail 18 and the second movable rail 30 is disposed immediately adjacent to the second rail 20.

[0020] The movable rail movable ends 32, 34, as well as a length of the movable rails 26 extending toward the fixed ends 36, 38, are maintained in a generally parallel relationship by at least one spread rod 40. As shown in FIG. 2, the spread rod 40 has an elongated U-shaped body 42, a first lug assembly 44, and a second lug assembly 46. The U-shaped body 42 has a first upward extension 48, an elongated bight portion 50, and a second upward extension 52. The elongated bight portion 50 is, preferably, divided into at least a first section 54 and a second section 56. The bight portion first section 54 and second section 56 each have an inner end 58, 60. The inner ends 58, 60 overlap each other. The bight portion first section 54 and second section 56 are coupled to each other at the inner ends 58, 60. An insulator 62 is preferably disposed between the bight portion first section 54 and second section 56 at the inner ends 58, 60. At least one bight portion section, as shown in the first section 54, may be further divided into a first segment 64 and a second segment 66. The first segment 64 and the second segment 66 are coupled together by a laterally adjustable coupling device 68 such as, but not limited to, opposing serrated faces 70, 72. In this configuration, the length of the spread rod 40 may be adjusted.

[0021] Except for the overlapping inner ends 58, 60 and the coupling device 68, the bight portion 50 extends, generally, in a single plane. The first upward extension 48 and the second upward extension 52 extend generally upward from the plane of the bight portion 50. The first upward extension 48 and the second upward extension 52 may also be angled slightly outwardly. The first upward extension 48 and the second upward extension 52, preferably, have a vertical rise of between 6 inches and 10 inches, and more preferably about 8 inches. The first upward extension 48 and the second upward extension 52 each have an outer tip that is structured to be pivotally coupled to the first lug assembly 44 and the second lug assembly 46, respectively. Preferably, the first upward extension 48 and the second upward extension 52 each have a pivot pin opening 74.

[0022] The first lug assembly 44 is coupled to the first movable rail 28. The second lug assembly 46 is coupled to the second movable rail 30. Each lug assembly 44, 46 includes a pivot pin 76 that is coupled to either the first upward extension 48 or the second upward extension 52. In this configuration, the spread rod 40 is structured to maintain the first movable rail 28 and the second movable rail 30 is a generally fixed, spaced relation.

[0023] The spread rod 40 is disposed above a spread rod tie assembly 80. The spread rod tie assembly 80 includes an elongated body 82, preferably made from concrete, having a first end 84, a medial portion 86, a second end 88, and an upper surface 90. The upper surface 90 has two generally flat, generally parallel rail platforms 92, 94 disposed at the tie body first end 84 and the tie body second end 88, respectively. The platforms 92, 94 are at a first height and are structured to support the pair of fixed rails 16. That is, the platforms 92, 94 may have a tie plate 100 or similar structure coupled thereto. The upper surface 90 also has a recessed generally flat spread rod bed 102 disposed along the tie body medial portion 86 between the rail platforms 92, 94. The spread rod bed 102 is at a second height which is below the first height. That is, the spread rod bed 102 extends in a plane that is below the plane of the rail platforms 92, 94. Given the U-shaped body of the spread rod 40, the spread rod 40 may be substantially disposed over the spread rod bed 102 at a height below the rail platforms 92, 94. That is, the spread rod bight portion 50 may extend just above, and generally parallel to, the spread rod bed 102. In this configuration, the spread rod 40 is not disposed within the ballast 12, but is also below a height wherein a passing rail vehicle, or anything hanging below a passing rail vehicle, is likely to impact upon the spread rod 40.

[0024] The tie body 82 also has a first longitudinal side 104 and a second longitudinal side 106. The spread rod bed 102 may include a first sidewall 108 extending along the tie body first longitudinal side 104 and a second sidewall 110 extending along the tie body second longitudinal side 106. In this configuration, the spread rod bed 102 defines an upwardly open cavity 112. The first longitudinal side 104 may further include at least one opening 114 extending from the spread rod bed 102 to the outer face of the first longitudinal side 104. The at least one opening 114 is structured to act as a drain for any liquid that becomes trapped in the cavity 112.

[0025] The spread rod tie assembly 80 may also include a cover assembly 120 structured to generally cover the spread rod bed 102. Preferably, the cover assembly 120 includes a cover member 122 and a plurality of first fastener components 124. The cover member 122 may be a flexible member, such as but not limited to, canvas, or a combination of flexible and rigid elements but, in a preferred embodiment, the cover member 122 is elongated, and generally rigid and has a cross-section that is, generally, an inverted U-shape. The tie body 82 includes a corresponding plurality of second fastener components 126 structured to engage the plurality of first fastener components 124. For example, where the plurality of first fastener components 124 are openings 130 disposed adjacent to the distal ends of the cover member 122, the plurality of second fastener components 126 on the tie body 82 may include a plurality of threaded rods 132 extending from the forward and aft faces of the tie body 82.

[0026] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of invention which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A tie assembly structured to accommodate an above-the-tie spread rod, said spread rod structured to extend between a pair of railroad switch assembly movable rails, said railroad also having a pair of fixed rails, said tie assembly comprising: an elongated concrete tie body having a first end, a medial portion, a second end, and an upper surface; said upper surface having two generally flat, generally parallel rail platforms disposed at said body first end and said body second end, said platforms being at a first height and structured to support said pair of fixed rails; said upper surface having a recessed generally flat spread rod bed disposed at said medial portion between said rail platforms, said spread rod bed being at a second height which is below said first height; and wherein said spread rod may be substantially disposed over said spread rod bed at a height below said rail platforms.

2. The tie assembly of claim 1 wherein said tie body includes a cover assembly, said cover assembly structured to generally cover said spread rod bed.

3. The tie assembly of claim 1 wherein: said tie body has a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side; said spread rod bed includes a first sidewall extending along said body first longitudinal side and a second sidewall extending along said body second longitudinal side; and wherein said spread rod bed defines an upwardly open cavity.

4. The tie assembly of claim 3 wherein: said spread rod bed first sidewall includes at least one opening extending from said spread rod bed to the outer face of said first longitudinal side; and said opening structured to act as a drain for any liquid that becomes trapped in said cavity.

5. The tie assembly of claim 3 further including a cover assembly, said cover assembly structured to generally cover said spread rod bed.

6. The tie assembly of claim 5 wherein: said cover assembly includes a cover member and a plurality of first fastener components; said tie body includes a plurality of second fastener components; and wherein said cover assembly first fastener components are structured to engage said tie body second fastener components when said cover member is disposed over said cavity.

7. The tie assembly of claim 6 wherein said cover member is a generally rigid member having a cross-section that is, generally, an inverted U-shape.

8. A railroad switch assembly for a railroad, said railroad having at least one pair of fixed rails coupled to a plurality of generally solid ties, said switch assembly comprising: an actuator structured to move a plurality of elongated rods between a first position and a second position; a plurality of elongated rods coupled to said actuator; a pair of movable rails coupled to said plurality of elongated rods, said movable rails disposed within, and extending generally parallel to, said fixed rails; wherein said actuator is structured to move said plurality of rods between a first position and a second position, said plurality of rods coupled to said movable rails and wherein the movement of said plurality of rods between a first position and a second position move said movable rails between a first position and a second position; at least one spread rod structured to hold said movable rails in a generally fixed relation; said at least one spread rod coupled to, and extending between, said movable rails; said spread rod disposed at a spread rod tie assembly, said spread rod tie assembly having an elongated concrete body having a first end, a medial portion, a second end, and an upper surface; said upper surface having two generally flat, generally parallel rail platforms disposed at said body first end and said body second end, said platforms being at a first height and structured to support said pair of fixed rails; said upper surface having a recessed generally flat spread rod bed disposed at said medial portion between said rail platforms, said spread rod bed being at a second height which is below said first height; wherein said at least one spread rod may be substantially disposed over said spread rod bed at a height below said rail platforms.

9. The switch assembly of claim 8 wherein said body includes a cover assembly, said cover assembly structured to generally cover said spread rod bed.

10. The switch assembly of claim 8 wherein: said body has a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side; said spread rod bed includes a first sidewall extending along said body first longitudinal side and a second sidewall extending along said body second longitudinal side; and wherein said spread rod bed defines an upwardly open cavity.

11. The switch assembly of claim 10 wherein: said spread rod bed first sidewall includes at least one opening extending from said spread rod bed to said first longitudinal side; and said opening structured to act as a drain for any liquid that becomes trapped in said cavity.

12. The switch assembly of claim 10 wherein said body includes a cover assembly, said cover assembly structured to generally cover said spread rod bed.

13. The switch assembly of claim 12 wherein: said cover assembly includes a cover member and a plurality of first fastener components; said body includes a plurality of second fastener components; and wherein said cover assembly first fastener components are structured to engage said body second fastener components when said cover member is disposed over said cavity.

14. The switch assembly of claim 13 wherein said cover member is a generally rigid member having a cross-section that is, generally, an inverted U-shape.

15. A railroad switch assembly for a railroad, said railroad having at least one pair of fixed rails coupled to a plurality of generally solid ties, said ties supported on a bed of ballast, said ballast further disposed between adjacent ties, said switch assembly comprising: an actuator structured to move a plurality of elongated rods between a first position and a second position; a plurality of elongated rods coupled to said actuator; a pair of movable rails coupled to said plurality of elongated rods, said movable rails disposed within, and extending generally parallel to, said fixed rails; wherein said actuator is structured to move said plurality of rods between a first position and a second position, said plurality of rods coupled to said movable rails and wherein the movement of said plurality of rods between a first position and a second position move said movable rails between a first position and a second position; at least one spread rod structured to hold said movable rails in a generally fixed relation; said at least one spread rod coupled to, and extending between, said movable rails; at least one spread rod tie assembly structured to support said fixed rails and be disposed below said movable rails; and said spread rod disposed above at least one spread rod tie assembly and not above said ballast.

16. The switch assembly of claim 15 wherein: said spread rod tie assembly has an elongated concrete body having a first end, a medial portion, a second end, and an upper surface; said upper surface having two generally flat, generally parallel rail platforms disposed at said body first end and said body second end, said platforms being at a first height and structured to support said pair of fixed rails; said upper surface having a recessed generally flat spread rod bed disposed at said medial portion between said rail platforms, said spread rod bed being at a second height which is below said first height; and wherein said at least one spread rod may be substantially disposed over said spread rod bed at a height below said rail platforms.

17. The switch assembly of claim 16 wherein said body includes a cover assembly, said cover assembly structured to generally cover said spread rod bed.

18. A tie system structured to support a pair of fixed rails and a pair of movable rails, said tie system comprising: a plurality of solid ties structured to support said fixed rails, each said solid tie having an elongated body with a longitudinal axis; said solid ties being disposed in a spaced relationship having each longitudinal axis extending generally parallel to each other; each space between adjacent solid ties defining a crib; a bed of ballast disposed beneath said solid ties and within said cribs; at least one spread rod tie assembly structured to support said fixed rails and be disposed below said movable rails; said at least one spread rod tie assembly disposed between adjacent solid ties; and said at least one spread rod tie assembly structured to accommodate a spread rod disposed above said at least one spread rod tie assembly and not above said ballast.

19. The tie system of claim 18 wherein: said spread rod tie assembly has an elongated concrete body having a first end, a medial portion, a second end, and an upper surface; said upper surface having two generally flat, generally parallel rail platforms disposed at said body first end and said body second end, said platforms being at a first height and structured to support said pair of fixed rails; said upper surface having a recessed generally flat spread rod bed disposed at said medial portion between said rail platforms, said spread rod bed being at a second height which is below said first height; and wherein said at least one spread rod may be substantially disposed over said spread rod bed at a height below said rail platforms.

20. The tie system of claim 19 wherein said body includes a cover assembly, said cover assembly structured to generally cover said spread rod bed.