Railroad Tie Setting Apparatus and Method
A cross tie setting apparatus includes a frame with depending, flexible connecting members provided for support of multiple, parallel, generally co-planar, spaced cross ties suspended from the frame. The connecting members include terminal attachment mechanisms for easy connection to ties supported by the frame. The individual ties are thus arrayed in generally parallel, co-planar, side by side relation. The entire assembly may be placed on a rail roadbed and selected ties detached from the connecting members of the frame construction. The remaining ties may then be lifted by the frame and moved to an appropriate adjacent position on the roadbed in a manner which maintains appropriate spacing between the ties.
This is a utility application claiming priority to and incorporating by reference provisional application Ser. No. 61/834,676 filed Jun. 13, 2013 entitled “Railroad Tie Setting Apparatus and Method”.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONBriefly, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods designed to enable the setting of multiple railroad ties on a roadbed with a fixed spacing between the ties. More particularly, the method is directed to the setting of multiple railroad ties generally simultaneously on a roadbed. Apparatus for effecting the placement of the ties is also disclosed.
The construction or repair of railroad tracks involves the preparation of a roadbed, followed by placement of generally parallel railroad ties on the compacted roadbed and subsequent placement and attachment of parallel rails transverse to the ties. Ballast may then be placed between the ties, tamped and otherwise positioned on and in the roadbed.
Various types of materials are used for the ties. The ties may, for example, be manufactured of wood. In such a circumstance, the wood ties are positioned on a roadbed adjacent to each other and spaced one from the other typically by a uniform distance. The ties are arrayed on a roadbed transversely to the direction the rails are positioned on the ties. Generally the industry provides that the center spacing of the parallel railroad ties is approximately 24 inches. Thus the ties, which typically have a width in the range of about eight inches, are spaced approximately 16 inches from each other.
In recent decades, wood ties have been supplanted to an increasing extent by cast concrete ties. The cast concrete ties are dimensionally very similar to the wood ties that have been used for generations. Their configuration and spacing is also very similar to that of the wood ties. There is a major difference in that when using wood ties, the steel rails are attached thereto by placing the rails on plates positioned on the top surface of each wood tie and driving rail retention spikes through openings in the plates into the wood tie. The spikes include a crown or head which overlaps or fits over a lower flange of the steel rail to hold or clinch the rail and plate tightly in place on the wood tie.
In the circumstance involving precast concrete cement ties, the steel plates may include various types of connectors and are cast in place on the top surface of the concrete tie. The cast in place connector or plate may include clips which may be moved or pivoted to fit over the lower flange of the steel rails positioned on top of the cast in place plates of a concrete tie. The retention clips or plates of each cross tie are typically spaced the desired distance of the parallel steel rails.
In any event, as a result of either new rail construction or replacement and repair, it is often necessary to reconstruct the roadbed, remove old ties, replace old ties with new ties, and of course, reassemble or attach rails to new cross ties. Such activities may be necessitated by aging of the rail right of way or accident or damage which is caused for various reasons. However, there is a constant need to repair, replace, rebuild and install railway tracks using either wooden ties or cast concrete ties. Thus, labor and cost saving devices which will facilitate such activities are considered highly desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn a principal aspect, the present invention comprises a method as well as apparatus useful for simultaneously setting multiple railroad ties on a roadbed with a fixed spacing between each pair of the multiple cross ties placed on the roadbed. The apparatus comprises a support frame which, in one embodiment, includes a first generally longitudinal frame member and a second, generally parallel, spaced frame member. The frame members are connected by one or more cross members in order to maintain appropriate spacing and enhance the rigidity of the frame. Typically, the first and second frame members are spaced one from the other by the same distance as rails that will be placed on the ties. However alternate spacing and configurations of the frame and the elements of the frame are contemplated.
Supported by and suspended from each of the first and second frame members are a series of tie engaging connectors such as chains or cables. The tie engaging connectors are attached to the first and second longitudinal frame members, depend therefrom and include engaging members at their lower ends. The lower ends or free ends of the connectors include a tie engaging mechanism or member for attachment to a tie. The connectors are arrayed on the frame so that laterally opposed and spaced connectors may be attached to and maintain ties generally parallel to each other, coplanar and transverse to the first and second longitudinal frame members. Thus, multiple parallel sets of laterally opposed spaced connectors are arrayed to be simultaneously connected to and support multiple ties in generally parallel, co-planar or side by side array transverse to the first and second frame members.
The ties which are supported by the frame, and more particularly the ties are supported by the depending connectors from the frame, and are spaced laterally from each other on the first and second longitudinal frame members. The spacing is a feature of the invention. Thus, for example, a tie which has a width in the range of about eight inches will be positioned in parallel array to a series of additional ties supported on the frame. Each of the ties will be supported generally at its midpoint and thus the connectors are spaced on the order of 12 or more inches from each other so that the ties may be maintained in generally parallel side by side and co-planar, spaced array. Multiple spaced ties, and in various embodiments, ten or more ties may be supported on a single frame with the center attachment of adjacent parallel spaced about 12 inches.
When so supported on a single frame the parallel cross ties will be side by side generally transverse to the longitudinal direction of the first and second frame members and with each tie generally connected to the first and second frame members at a lateral spacing which generally replicates the lateral spacing of rails that are to be placed thereon and attached thereto. However, the lateral spacing of the connector elements is not limited to such spacing.
The frame further includes a hook or some other support or connection mechanism on a top side thereof which enables the frame to be attached and supported generally horizontally by a crane or other lifting device. Thus, the frame may be lifted from the top side with the ties suspended therefrom below the frame and positioned over a roadbed so that the ties can be lowered onto the roadbed by lowering the frame. Upon placement of the ties upon the roadbed, selected or alternate ties may be detached from the connectors to the frame. That is, the tie engaging mechanism at the end of selected connectors can be detached from the selected ties. Those detached ties will then remain in place on the roadbed once the frame is again lifted. However, the remaining ties attached to the frame may then be lifted from the roadbed and positioned at a different place on the roadbed.
In practice, by way of example, since roadbed ties may exhibit a 24 inch center to center dimension, alternate ties may be positioned to remain on a roadbed and the remaining ties then lifted and moved to thereby be positioned adjacent to those ties previously placed on the roadbed. In this manner, a multiple number of railroad ties supported on a single frame may be easily and quickly positioned by a single frame lifting mechanism, such as a portable crane, subsequently positioned on a roadbed and selected ties detached from the frame so that they will remain on the roadbed. Thus the remaining ties connected to and supported by the frame may be placed in an adjacent, additional or distinct portion of the roadbed, then detached from the frame to remain in place on the roadbed. The spacing of the collection of remaining ties from the previously positioned ties may be gauged or set by spacer blocks positioned on the roadbed.
Among the features and aspects of the invention is the variability in the tie engaging mechanisms for attachment to ties. That is, the connectors may constitute, by way of example, a cable or chain which is attached to the longitudinal frame members. A free end of the chain may be capable of attachment of various types of tie engaging mechanisms or members depending upon the type of ties that are to be utilized in combination with the tie and tie rail construction. Hooks, angle irons and clip fasteners are examples of connector elements at the free end of a cable or chain for attachment to a tie or clip on plate fixed to a tie.
As another aspect of the invention the frame may include multiple cross members.
As another aspect of the invention the cross members and other component parts of the frame may be symmetrical about a centerline axis as well as a transverse axis. The symmetry of the device enhances its utility by making it easier for lifting by a crane with predictable and easy placement of the ties supported thereby. Further, the frame support assembly will typically be designed to maintain the frame in a generally horizontal attitude.
Thus, it is an object, advantage and feature of the invention to provide an improved method for placement of multiple ties simultaneously on a railroad roadbed.
Another object, advantage, aspect and feature of the invention is to provide a method for increasing the efficiency of the placement in terms of time and ease of operation of ties upon a railroad roadbed.
Another aspect, benefit and feature of the invention is to provide a method for attachment of multiple rail ties to a single frame member wherein the rail ties may be spaced generally uniformly, generally parallel, and in side by side or co-planar array for subsequent transport and placement onto a roadbed.
A further or shaped object, advantage and feature of the invention is to provide a generally rectangular or shaped frame for supporting ties, and to provide a frame design that may be specially constructed to support rail ties that may be utilized for generation of a curve along a rail line or roadbed.
A further object, advantage, aspect and feature of the invention is to provide means to improve the economic installation of various types of rail ties including ties made of wood or concrete.
Another object, advantage and feature of the invention is to provide a support frame for maintaining multiple rail ties supported in parallel, co-planar, horizontal generally uniformly spaced array by attachment devices which suspend the ties underneath the frame.
These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows.
In the detailed description which follows, reference will be made to the drawing comprised of the following figures and accompanying photographs:
Each of the first and second longitudinal frame members 20 and 22 include a longitudinal, center, top plate 34 and 36, providing respectively for supplemental structural integrity. The plates 34 and 36 are coextensive with the longitudinal frame members 20 and 22. Further, each of the longitudinal members 20, 22 include a lower plate such as plate 38 in
In the embodiment depicted, the connectors 44 and 46 are chains and the tie engaging mechanisms are hooks such as safety hooks. The points of connection or attachment members 40 and 42 are spaced in the embodiment depicted on 12 inch centers which is substantially one half of the standard spacing of parallel rail ties positioned on a railroad bed. In the embodiment depicted, there are ten separate spaced longitudinally arrayed combinations of the connectors and tie engaging mechanisms all separated one from the other by the common distance of 12 inches which is one half of a standard in the rail industry for separation of eight inch wide cross ties.
The center cross member 26 includes a top side plate member 60 with a clevis or hook 62 at the midpoint thereof. The clevis or hook 62 is designed to receive a compatible hook of a lifting mechanism, such as a crane, so that the entire frame as depicted in the
The tie engaging connectors are designed to engage ties such as ties 70 and 72 and support the ties beneath the frame. Thus, cross ties may be connected to and supported by the frame in co-planar, parallel array supported by connectors and tie engaging mechanisms depending from the first frame member 20 and spaced second frame member 22.
Thus, the first step in the operation of a device of the type depicted in
As a next step alternate connectors associated with ties 80, 82 and 84 are disconnected but the connectors 90, 92 of alternative ties 81, 83 and 85 remain connected, The frame will then again be lifted leaving ties 80, 82 and 84 in position on the roadbed spaced with a 24 inch distance between their center lines. A 16 inch space will exist between the approximately eight inch wide, precast concrete ties as indicated in the flow diagram of
The remaining ties, which are suspended by the frame, can then be moved relative to the ties 80, 82, and 84. Spacer blocks 100 and 102 are or may first be placed adjacent the tie 84. The frame may then be lowered as shown graphically in
Typically, however, the frame, such as the frame depicted in
Alternatively, as depicted in
Referring to
Further, the frame members 20, 22, may be more closely spaced or spaced further than the spacing of rails. A single center beam or frame member may be used with transverse cross bars attached there to having connector links or chains suspended therefrom. Multiple combinations of frame design, connector links, chains, cables, etc. and cross tie attachment combinations may be constructed to enable carriage of multiple cross ties that are detachable in patters as described. The center support clevis may be replaced by various alternate support arrangements designed to maintain the frame generally horizontal when loaded or partially loaded. For example, cables may be attached to the corners of a rectangular horizontal frame and may be adjustable in length or with respect to the points of attachment to the frame. Thus, while there has been set forth an embodiment of the invention, the invention is to be limited only by the following claims and equivalents thereof.
Claims
1. A method for setting multiple railroad ties on a roadbed at a fixed spacing between each pair of multiple ties comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a support frame, said frame including a first generally longitudinal frame member and a second generally parallel, spaced longitudinal frame member, said first and second frame members each including a plurality of multiple, spaced tie engaging connectors depending respectively from the first and second frame members, at least selected connectors including a free end with a tie engaging mechanism for attachment to a rail tie, said frame further including at least one connecting cross member connected to and maintaining the first member and second member in generally parallel aligned array with multiple sets of opposed spaced connectors arrayed to simultaneously be connected to and support multiple ties in generally parallel, side by side array by said frame and depending connectors, said connectors longitudinally spaced from each other on said first member and said second member at least about one half of the fixed spacing;
- (b) attaching, ties to the connectors to provide an array of generally parallel ties supported by said frame;
- (c) positioning the frame over the roadbed with the ties suspended in proximity to the roadbed;
- (d) lowering the ties onto the bed;
- (e) detaching connectors from selected ties;
- (f) lifting the frame to remove the remaining ties from the roadbed;
- (g) positioning the frame for placement of the remaining ties on the bed;
- (h) placing the remaining ties on the bed; and
- (i) detaching the connectors from remaining ties.
2. A method for setting railroad cross ties comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a support frame including a plurality of laterally depending pairs of laterally spaced tie support members attached to said frame, each support member including a tie connection member, said connection members of said tie support members arrayed for engaging and supporting multiple ties in generally, coplanar side by side array;
- (b) attaching ties to said connection members;
- (c) positioning said ties over a roadbed by lifting and moving said frame;
- (d) lowering said frame to position said ties on the roadbed;
- (e) detaching connection members from selected said ties;
- (f) lifting said frame and the non-selected ties from said roadbed;
- (g) positioning said non-selected ties on said roadbed by moving said frame; and
- (h) detaching the non-selected ties from said connection members.
3. Apparatus for simultaneously setting multiple railroad ties on a roadbed at a fixed spacing between each adjacent pair of multiple ties comprising:
- a support frame, said frame including a longitudinal axis;
- a plurality of multiple pairs of longitudinally, spaced tie engaging connectors depending from the frame, at least selected connectors including a free end with a tie engaging mechanism for attachment to a tie, said engaging mechanisms arrayed to simultaneously be connected to and support multiple ties in generally, side by side co-planar array by said frame, said connectors longitudinally spaced from each other on said first from at least about one half of the fixed spacing.
4. Apparatus for simultaneously setting multiple railroad ties on a roadbed at a fixed spacing between each adjacent pair of multiple ties comprising:
- a support frame, said frame including a longitudinal axis;
- a plurality of multiple, spaced tie engaging connectors depending from the frame at least selected connectors including a free end with a tie engaging mechanism for attachment to a tie, said frame including multiple sets of opposed spaced connectors arrayed to simultaneously be connected to and support multiple ties in generally parallel, side by side co-planar array by said frame and depending connectors, said connectors longitudinally spaced from each other on said first from at least about one half of the fixed spacing, and said frame includi9ng a lift attachment device for support of said frame and ties in a generally horizontal attitude.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said connectors are flexible.
6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said tie engaging mechanisms are selected from the group consisting of a hook, a safety hook, a clamp, a fastener and combinations thereof.
7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said tie engaging mechanisms are selected from the group consisting of a hook, a safety hook, a clamp, a fastener and combinations thereof.
8. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said connectors are substantially of equal length.
9. The apparatus of claim 3 including a frame lift attachment device for engagement by a frame lift apparatus.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the lift attachment device comprises a frame attachment assembly for maintaining the ties supported by said frame in a generally horizontally balanced position.
11. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said connectors are flexible.
12. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said tie engaging mechanisms are selected from the group consisting of a hook, a safety hook, a clamp, a fastener and combinations thereof.
13. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said connectors are substantially of equal length.
14. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the lift attachment device comprises a frame attachment assembly for maintaining the ties supported by said frame in a generally horizontally balanced position.
15. Apparatus for simultaneously setting multiple railroad ties in generally parallel array on a roadbed at a fixed spacing between each adjacent pair of multiple ties comprising:
- a support frame, said frame including a longitudinal axis;
- a plurality of multiple, spaced generally flexible, tie engaging connectors depending from the frame, at least pairs of selected spaced connectors arrayed transversely to the longitudinal axis and including a free end with a tie engaging mechanism for attachment to a single tie, said frame including multiple sets of said selected opposed spaced connectors arrayed to simultaneously be connected by said tie engaging mechanisms to and in support of multiple ties in generally parallel, side by side co-planar array by said the frame and the depending connectors, said connectors longitudinally spaced from each other at least about one half of the fixed spacing, and said frame including a lift attachment device for support of said frame and ties in a generally horizontal attitude;
- said tie engaging mechanisms selected from the group consisting of a hook, a safety hook, a clamp, a fastener and combinations thereof;
- said connectors having a substantially equal length;
- said frame comprising first and second generally longitudinally extending, generally parallel frame members connected by at least first and second spaced cross members, said frame members spaced generally the distance of a set of parallel rails on a roadbed; and
- said lift attachment device comprising a frame lift member located generally medially transversely and longitudinally between the frame members.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 3, 2014
Publication Date: Dec 18, 2014
Applicant: Tompkins Trucking & Excavating (Rock Falls, IL)
Inventor: Bruce R. Tompkins (Rock Falls, IL)
Application Number: 14/147,147
International Classification: E01B 29/06 (20060101);