U.S. patent application number 14/662844 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-22 for tie assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is Nico Corbo. Invention is credited to Nico Corbo.
Application Number | 20160271506 14/662844 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56923588 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160271506 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Corbo; Nico |
September 22, 2016 |
TIE ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A rail clamp for model railroad track has a base having an upper
surface and a lower surface. The upper surface has two spaced apart
hooks, each hook having its open end facing away from the open end
of the other hook. Male fasteners extend through holes formed in
the base component, spaced apart from the hooks a suitable distance
to fit a train rail, and each male fastener engages a corresponding
female fastener. One of the bottom flanges of a standard train rail
fits under the hook, and the other flange is clamped down by heads
of the male fasteners. Two conductive sheets lie on the base, each
trapped under a rail and between a hook and a pair of screws.
Inventors: |
Corbo; Nico; (Blairstown,
NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Corbo; Nico |
Blairstown |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56923588 |
Appl. No.: |
14/662844 |
Filed: |
March 19, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 19/24 20130101;
A63H 19/30 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63H 19/24 20060101
A63H019/24 |
Claims
1. A rail clamp assembly for a model railroad track, the assembly
comprising: a base component having an upper surface and a lower
surface; a hook formed on the upper surface of the base component,
the hook overhanging the base component upper surface and defining
a groove having a lower surface flush with the base component upper
surface; two holes formed in the base component, extending down
from the upper surface, spaced apart from the hook so that the
groove faces towards the holes and the holes are spaced apart
parallel to the length of the groove; and a pair of male threaded
fasteners having overhanging heads, extending into the holes formed
in the base component, and engaging threads in or on the base; the
hook and the heads of the threaded fasteners dimensioned to receive
under and between them the flanges of a length of model railroad
track rail.
2. The rail clamp assembly according to claim 1, further
comprising: a second hook formed on the upper surface of the base
component, the second hook overhanging the upper surface and
defining a second groove having a lower surface flush with the base
component upper surface; two second holes formed in the base
component, extending down from the upper surface, spaced apart from
the second hook so that the second groove faces towards the second
holes and the second holes are spaced apart parallel to the length
of the second groove; and a pair of second threaded fasteners
having overhanging heads and extending into the second holes formed
in the base component and engaging threads in or on the base
component; the second hook and the heads of the second threaded
fasteners dimensioned to receive under and between them the flanges
of a second length of model railroad track rail.
3. The rail clamp assembly according to claim 2, wherein the first
and second hooks are on separate base component portions that are
connected to one another by a web so as to cause the first and
second hooks to be spaced apart by a distance dimensioned to
maintain a pair of model railroad rails with their flanges seated
in the first and second grooves spaced apart at a commercially
available standard gauge.
4. The rail clamp assembly according to claim 3, wherein the
commercially available standard gauge is 45 mm.
5. The rail clamp assembly according to claim 1, further comprising
a sheet of material overlying the base component upper surface
between the hook and the two male threaded fasteners.
6. The rail clamp assembly according to claim 5, wherein the sheet
of material is electrically conducting, and is operative to form an
electrical connection between ends of two lengths of rail clamped
between the groove and respective ones of the two male threaded
fasteners.
7. The rail clamp assembly according to claim 5, wherein the sheet
of material is formed with two holes through which the male
threaded fasteners pass.
8. The rail clamp assembly according to claim 1, wherein the
threads in the base are formed in female fasteners located in the
base member.
9. A pair of rail clamps, each rail clamp according to claim 1,
each having a connector on a side away from which the hooks face,
the connectors mating to secure the two rail clamps together with
the upper surfaces of their base components coplanar and their
hooks a desired distance apart.
10. A set of parts for a rail clamp assembly according to claim 1,
comprising at least a base member and two male threaded
fasteners.
11. A set of parts for a rail clamp assembly according to claim 10,
further comprising a sheet of electrically conductive material
having two holes and dimensioned to fit between the two male
threaded fasteners and the hook.
12. A rail clamp assembly for a model railroad track, the assembly
comprising: a base component having an upper surface and a lower
surface, the upper surface having two spaced apart hooks formed
thereon, each hook having its open end facing away from the open
end of the other hook, two conductive sheets for disposing on the
base component, each sheet extends from a hook to an edge of the
base component so as to define a conductive layer for contact by a
train rail, each conductive sheet attachable to the base component
with mating male and female threaded fasteners, the male fasteners
extending through holes formed in the base component and the
conductive sheet at a location spaced apart from the hooks a
sufficient distance to fit a train rail, each male fastener
engaging a corresponding female fastener.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a model railroad track clamp for
securing model railroad track rails, and in particular to a robust
model railroad track clamp which ensures conductivity and/or
isolation and rail alignment while also maintaining proper track
gauge and physical appearance.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Model railroad track typically comprises two (or more) metal
rails, in lengths that are joined together end-to-end, and mounted
on transverse ties. The rails imitate the rails of a full-sized
railroad, and typically have a flat bottom formed by a pair of
flanges projecting to both sides of the rail, which sits on the tie
and is held down to the tie. In commercially manufactured track,
the ties are usually of plastic or other insulating material. The
ties both maintain the spacing or "gauge" between the rails and
provide the appearance of ties similar to those used on a
full-sized railroad. The two rails may be used to carry electrical
voltages or currents that supply power and/or control signals to
the trains, and/or that detect the presence of a train for
signaling purposes.
[0003] It is desirable for smooth running to ensure that the ends
of adjacent lengths of rail are aligned accurately end-to-end, and
that the gaps between the lengths are not too large. It is
desirable to be able to connect adjacent lengths of rail
electrically, but to have the option of isolating adjacent lengths
of rail so as to divide the track into sections for power supply,
signaling, and/or other control purposes.
[0004] Model railroad rail clamps are commonly used for securing
and aligning the rails of model railway track. An example of a
previously proposed model railroad track clamp is shown in U.S.
Design Pat. No. Des. 326,296 to Hillman. That clamp has two metal
pieces, each with a groove to receive one of the bottom flanges of
a standard railroad rail. The two pieces are tightened together by
horizontal screws passing below the rails, with the ends of two
adjacent lengths of rail gripped between the two pieces of the
clamps. Another example of a previously proposed model railroad
track clamp, commercially available from Split-Jaw Products, Inc.,
has a single piece on one side of the rails, and two separate
pieces, each tightened to the single piece by a respective screw,
on the other side of the rails.
[0005] Often these rail clamps are made of extruded materials such
as brass, aluminum or stainless steel, the process of extruding
requires many steps to get to a finished product, and requires a
large amount of material to obtain the required strength to secure
and align the rails. Furthermore, the rail clamps occupy the space
around and below the bottom flanges of the rails, and so require
that a tie be removed or omitted in order to secure the rails. That
can result in no parallel gauge being maintained at the rail joint,
and a less than desirable appearance. Additionally, to achieve
isolation of a rail one must also purchase separate rail clamps
designed for this specific intended purpose.
[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to have a rail clamp which is
cost effective to produce, aligns the rail linearly and provides
the option of either electrical conductivity or isolation.
SUMMARY
[0007] An embodiment of a tie rail clamp assembly is described as
having a base in which threaded bodies are secured into. The base
bottom also contains geometric features used for securing the
mating threaded fasteners. These threaded bodies along with hook
like features secure the bottom of the four train rails. Additional
pieces of conductive material are placed on top of the base in
conjunction with each hook in order to facilitate electrical
conductivity. An additional hole is provided for the attachment of
electrical conductors. The additional piece of material also
contains this hole. When the threaded bodies, the additional pieces
of material, and the mating threaded fasteners are assembled to the
base, a clamping mechanism is formed to secure rails, ensure
conductivity, allow feeder connections, maintain gauge and create
an esthetically pleasing look.
[0008] A further embodiment of a rail clamp assembly for a model
railroad track to form a structural connection between rails and
that facilitates electrical conductivity, and rail alignment
between rails of a model railroad track, comprises a base component
having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface
having two spaced apart hooks formed thereon, each hook having its
open end facing away from the open end of the other hook, two
conductive sheets for disposing on the base component, each sheet
extends from a hook to an edge of the base component so as to
define a conductive layer for contact by a train rail, each
conductive sheet attachable to the base component with mating male
and female threaded fasteners, the male fasteners extending through
holes formed in the base component and the conductive sheet at a
location spaced apart from the hooks a sufficient distance to fit a
train rail, each male fastener engaging a corresponding female
fastener.
[0009] In one variation, the additional pieces of conductive
material are omitted or removed from the top of the base in order
to facilitate electrical isolation at the connection of the rails.
Pieces of electrically insulating material of the same size may
then be substituted, in order to ensure that both the electrically
conductive and the electrically isolating rail joints have the same
height.
[0010] In another variation, one of the additional pieces of
conductive material is removed or omitted from the top of the base
in order to facilitate electrical isolation, and the other
additional piece of conductive material is present in order to
facilitate electrical connection.
[0011] The additional piece of material may be added on top of the
base in order to facilitate an extra strength, even if not being
used for electrical conductivity or isolation.
[0012] The base member, and the additional piece of material, may
be provided with an additional hole for an additional fastening
member to secure the additional piece of material to the base
member.
[0013] In another variation, a clamp that is not also a tie has
only one hook and retaining members for the ends of successive
lengths of only one rail.
[0014] In a further variation, a pair of clamps each have one hook,
but the pair of clamps have connectors with which the clamps can be
joined back to back to form a combined tie and clamp as described
above.
[0015] Where the joints between lengths of the two rails do not
align exactly, the combined clamp and tie may be positioned so that
it clamps a joint in one rail, and is secured to the other rail to
form a tie.
[0016] There is also provided a kit of parts containing at least
the base member. The male threaded fasteners are preferably
included. The female threaded fasteners are preferably also
provided if those are not unitary with or already embedded in the
base member. The additional piece of material, conducting or
insulating, may also be included.
[0017] An embodiment of a kit includes several base members,
fasteners, and both conductive and insulating additional pieces of
material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0018] For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are
shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred, it
being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to
the precise arrangements and constructions particularly shown.
[0019] FIG. 1a is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the
rail clamp assembly, with rails, configured for conductivity.
[0020] FIG. 1b is a perspective view showing an embodiment similar
to FIG. 1a, but without a tie.
[0021] FIGS. 2a and 2b are exploded perspective views,
corresponding to FIGS. 1a and 1b, respectively, showing the rails
in a disassembled state from the rail clamp assemblies.
[0022] FIGS. 3a and 3b are exploded perspective views,
corresponding to FIGS. 1a and 1b, respectively, showing the rail
clamps in a disassembled state.
[0023] FIGS. 4a and 4b are bottom elevation views, corresponding to
FIGS. 1a and 1b, respectively, of rail clamp assemblies showing
geometry used to hold and secure the female threaded fasteners.
[0024] FIGS. 5a and 5b are perspective views, similar to FIGS. 1a
and 1b, respectively, showing an embodiment of the rail clamp
assemblies with rails, without the additional conductive
members.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a
tie rail clamp assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] An embodiment of a rail clamp assembly 6 is shown in FIGS.
1a, 2a, 3a, and 4a. The rail clamp assembly 6 includes a base 7,
two pieces of conductive material 8, threaded male bodies 9,
preferably four, and threaded female bodies 10 (shown in FIGS. 3a
and 4a). The base is preferably made from ultra-violet resisting
plastic material, although other suitable materials may be
used.
[0027] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1a, the base 7 includes a
web 14 and has molded in hook-like features 15, preferably on the
inside of the rails 11 and which engage the lower legs or flanges
of the rails to help maintain the proper gauging between rails.
[0028] The conductive material 8 is preferably a material having
good conductivity, such as copper. The conductive material 8 may be
flat. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3a, the conductive material
may have a curled edge 23 that fits into the groove 22 under the
hook-like feature 15. The thickness of the conductive material is
in this embodiment not critical. It should be sufficiently thick to
remain rigid in normal use and provide sufficient conductivity, but
to save material, no thicker than that. A hundredth of an inch
(0.25 mm) is adequate. The threaded male bodies and threaded female
bodies are preferably nuts and mating bolts or screws. In use the
rails 11 would be installed on top of the additional pieces of
conductive material 8, with one flange 24 in the groove 22 of the
hook 15 and the other flange 24 beneath the head of the threaded
male bodies 9. The threaded male bodies 9 are then tightened down,
to apply pressure to the rails 11 securing the rails 11 firmly
against the conductive material 8 and the base 7. As shown in the
drawings, in this embodiment countersink-headed screws are
preferred, because the taper on the underside of the head of the
screw then exerts a wedging action pressing the rail snugly into
the groove under the hook 15.
[0029] The second embodiment of a rail clamp assembly 12 is shown
in FIGS. 1b, 2b, 3b, and 4b. The rail clamp assembly includes a two
piece base 13, two pieces of conductive material 8, four threaded
male bodies 9, and four threaded female bodies 10 (shown in FIG.
3b). In use the rails, 11, would be installed on top of the
additional pieces of conductive material 8 and beneath the head of
the threaded male bodies 9. Once secured, the taper on the
underside of the head of the threaded male bodies 9 would apply
pressure to the rails 11 securing the rails 11 firmly against the
conductive material 8 and the base 7.
[0030] In the second embodiment of FIG. 1b the base 13 does not
include a connecting web 14 that acts as a tie between the two
rails 11. It can therefore be used to clamp the lengths of rail 11
where the spacing of the other ties (not shown) in the track
results in a tie not being needed at the clamp position. The
correct track gauge is then maintained by the plastic or other ties
(not shown) that are supplied by the rail manufacturers.
[0031] As best seen in FIGS. 3a and 3b, an additional hole 16 is
provided in rail clamp assemblies 17 and 18 respectively, which may
be used for the connection of electrical feeder wires (not shown).
These holes 16 pass through the conductive material 8 and the bases
7 and 13 respectively, and are provided with nuts similar to nuts
10, see FIGS. 4a and 4b. The holes 16 will therefore accept screws
or bolts with the same thread as screws 9.
[0032] Additionally, the conductive material 8 preferably has a
curled edge 23 that is the same shape as the inside of the hook
feature 22, as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b. The lower flange of the
rail 24 shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b rests inside of these curled edges
23 inside the hook features 22 and, once secured by the male
threaded fasteners 9, a secure conductive or isolated joint is
formed.
[0033] FIGS. 4a and 4b show the bottoms of bases 7 and 13, with the
geometric features or recesses 19 formed in each of the bases. The
geometric features are shaped to mate with and retain the female
threaded fasteners 10, FIGS. 3a and 3b, in each iteration. It
should be readily apparent that threads could be added to the bases
which engage with the male threaded fastener, thus eliminating the
need for the female fasteners and geometric shapes.
[0034] An embodiment of a rail clamp assembly 20 is shown in FIG.
5a. The rail clamp assembly includes a base 7, four threaded male
bodies 9, and four threaded female bodies 10 (similar to that which
is shown in FIG. 3a). In use the rails 11 would be installed on top
of the base 7 and beneath the heads of the threaded male bodies 9.
Once secured, the taper on the underside of the head of the
threaded male bodies 9 would apply pressure to the rails 11
securing the rails 11 firmly against the hook features 15 and base
7. In this embodiment, the copper sheet or other conductive
material 8 (FIGS. 1a and 1b) is omitted, and a layer of
electrically insulating material (not shown) may be inserted
between the abutting ends of each pair of lengths of rail 11. The
two lengths of rail are then securely connected mechanically, but
assuming the clamp base member 7 or 13 is made of plastic material,
there is no electrical continuity between the two lengths of rail
11. This configuration is therefore useful for electrical isolation
between two track sections.
[0035] The second embodiment of a rail clamp assembly 21 is shown
in FIG. 5b. This is similar to FIG. 1b but, like FIG. 5a, omits the
conductive material 8 of FIGS. 1a and 1b. The rail clamp assembly
includes a base 13, four threaded male bodies 9, and four threaded
female bodies 10 (similar to that which is shown in FIG. 3b). In
use the rails, 11, would be installed on top base 13 and beneath
the head of the threaded male bodies 9. Once secured, the taper on
the underside of the head of the threaded male bodies 9 would apply
pressure to the rails 11 securing the rails 11 firmly against the
hook features 15 and base 13 for electrical isolation.
[0036] Alternatively, the electrically isolating configuration of
FIGS. 5a and 5b may be modified by inserting an electrically
insulating sheet in place of the conductive material 8, instead of
simply omitting the conductive material 8. That has the advantage
of ensuring that the height of the rail clamp assemblies, from the
bottom of the base 7 to the bottom of the rail 11, is completely
uniform. In the case of FIGS. 1a and 5a, when using conductive
material 8 with a curled edge 23, it also has the advantage of
ensuring that the track gauge is completely uniform. Whether these
are sufficiently important factors to justify the extra cost and
effort of supplying and using the insulating sheets depends on the
thickness of the conductive material 8, and how sensitive the
particular railroad equipment used is to slight variations in line
and gauge.
[0037] Referring now also to FIG. 6, another embodiment is
generally similar to those shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, and in the
interests of conciseness the description of features that are the
same is not repeated. However, in FIG. 6 the base member is formed
in two parts 13, but one of the two parts 13 has the connecting web
14 that forms a tie between the two rails. The end of the
connecting web and the facing side of the other base member part 13
have respectively a male connector 2 and a female connector 3 that
allow the two halves to be coupled together to form a single tie
clamp that can be used exactly as the tie clamp shown in FIG. 1a.
However, if separate clamps are desired, or only one clamp is
desired, the assembly 4 without the connecting web (shown to the
upper left in FIG. 6) can be used on its own.
[0038] While the invention has been disclosed with reference to
certain preferred embodiments, numerous modifications, alterations,
and changes to the described embodiments are possible without
departing from the sphere and scope of the invention, as defined in
the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
[0039] For example, in the interests of simplicity, it has been
assumed in the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments
that the two rails of the railroad track have joints level with
each other, so that the described track clamp will clamp both
joints. However, if the joints do not line up, one of the two
halves of the separated clamp according to FIG. 1b can be used for
each joint, or a tie clamp according to FIG. 1a can be used with
one end clamping a joint, and the other end simply clamped onto the
other rail opposite the joint. The latter arrangement would ensure
an exceptionally secure and stable joint.
[0040] Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be
limited to the described embodiments, but that it will have the
full scope defined by the language of the following claims. Aspects
thereof may also include combinations of the features recited in
any two or more of the following claims.
* * * * *