Rail joint bar with transferred load
The present invention is a joint bar wherein the load is transferred from the wheel thread and top of rail onto the wheel flange by means of a ramp built into the inside joint bar. The increasing ramp height ensures that the wheel does not impact the receiving rail. When the wheel has crossed the joint the decreasing ramp action transfers the load back to the wheel thread and onto the top of the rail.
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TECHNICAL FIELDThe invention relates generally to devices for joining or splicing railroad rails.
BACKGROUND ARTThe standard joint often comprises of two joint bars sandwiching the rail on either sides of the web and connected by a series of bolts. Joints are used to: connect rail strings before they are welded, hold the rail plugs in place when defects are removed from the track before the plugs are welded onto the main rail, relieve thermal tension stresses in the rail and prevent rail pull-apart, connect different sized rails (compromise joints), and provide isolation for signal blocks.
While being utilized in the manner described above, the joint is expected to: provide semi-continuous rail girder action, minimize overall vertical deflection of track, reduce movement of rail ends, and be simple, user friendly and effective and of sound design.
There is still room for improvement in the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is a joint bar where the load is transferred from the wheel thread and top of rail onto the wheel flange through the use of a ramp built into the inside joint bar. The increasing ramp height ensures that the wheel does not impact the receiving rail. When the wheel has crossed the joint, the decreasing ramp action transfers the load back to the wheel thread and onto the top of the rail.
A similar ramp can also be incorporated into the outside joint bar. The thread can be lifted over the joint by means of an increasing ramp height and then lowered on the other side of the joint by the decreasing ramp height. Both of the ramps described herein can also be used together.
In the drawings, like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTIONThere are two types of joints; the insulated joints 2 (
This invention provides a joint bar 9 (
A similar ramp 25 can also be incorporated into the outside joint bar. In this case, the thread is lifted over the joint 9 (
The ramps 20 can be cast into the joint bars or can be inserts put into the joint assembly. The benefit of using inserts is that they can be replaced when they are worn out. On the other hand, to avoid over use of the joint bars and potential for joint bar failure due to fatigue, it might be safer to cast the ramps onto the bars and replace the entire bar when the ramp is worn.
A specific embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed; however, several variations of the disclosed embodiment could be envisioned as within the scope of this invention. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
Claims
1. A joint system comprising wherein the joint bars carry the wheel over the joint and prevent impact loads created by the wheel as it traverses the joint.
2. A joint system as in claim 1 further comprising where said joint bars carry the wheel over the joint by a ramp.
3. A joint system as in claim 2 further comprising where said ramp is on the inside of the rail.
4. A joint system as in claim 2 further comprising where said ramp is on the outside of the rail.
5. A joint system as in claim 2 further comprising where said ramp is on the inside of the rail built into the inside joint bar.
6. A joint system as in claim 2 further comprising where said ramp is on the outside of the rail built into the inside joint bar.
7. A joint system as in claim 2 further comprising where said ramps are cast into the joint bars.
8. A joint system as in claim 2 further comprising where said ramps are cast as inserts put into the joint assembly.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 24, 2008
Publication Date: May 27, 2010
Inventor: Jude Odihachukwuma Igwemezie (Brampton)
Application Number: 12/277,289