Abstract: Included are polymer compositions including a polymer and about 0.1% to 25% by weight of a cellulose additive. The polymer composition is in the form of a film and the cellulose additive may be a cellulose ester such as cellulose acetate butyrate.

Abstract: A spike assembly is for securing a section of a railroad to a crosstie. The spike assembly includes a spike member of generally linear shape having a tip portion structured to be installed in the crosstie, a head portion disposed opposite the tip portion and structured to engage and retain a portion of the section, and a body portion disposed therebetween. The body portion including a pair of generally opposed sides, each side having a notched portion. The spike assembly further includes a clip member having a first portion, a second portion, and an intermediate portion disposed therebetween. Each of the first and second portions are disposed in a respective one of the notched portions and the clip member is structured to engage a portion of the cross tie.

Abstract: An improved fastener for attaching metal to wood is particularly suited for use as a railroad spike for attaching a metal rail to a wooden tie. The improved spike is adapted for installation by either driving or screwing the spike into the tie. A plurality of flutes are adapted to engage with the tie, thereby preventing loosening of the spike. The spike may be used with or without a metal boss or fishplate to secure a metal rail to a wooden tie.

Abstract: An improved fastener for attaching metal to wood is provided. The fastener is particularly suited for use as a railroad spike for attaching a metal rail to a wooden tie. The improved spike is adapted for installation by either driving or screwing the spike into the tie. A plurality of flutes are adapted to engage with the tie, thereby preventing loosening of the spike. The spike may be used with or without a metal boss or fishplate to secure a metal rail to a wooden tie.

Abstract: The subject spike has a rectangular shank having a front surface which faces the rail when the spike is driven into place, a back surface opposite the front surface and two side surfaces. There is a ledge on one side, perpendicular to the length of the spike. The ledge has a face facing the head of the spike and a distance from it such that when the spike is fully driven the ledge engages the underside of the plate which supports the rail. The other side of the shank is contoured to provide clearance for the ledge to pass through a standard sized hole in the plate and then to cam the spike sidewise to engage the ledge under the plate. This engagement attaches the rail flange to the plate and the spike helps attach both the rail and plate to the tie.

Abstract: A two-piece locking spike which includes a first shaft having a longitudinal groove extending from the top of the shaft approximately one third of the way down along one side to a tapered bottom. A second shaft is also provided which fits into said longitudinal groove and which includes a tapered point at the bottom which corresponds to the tapered bottom of said groove. After the first shaft is inserted into a medium, the second shaft (which is longer than the groove) is inserted into the groove so that when fully inserted, the bottom of the second shaft protrudes into the medium at a different angle than the first shaft. This interaction helps lock the first shaft more snugly in place in the medium. Several alternative embodiments are available including rounded and squared spikes, nails, and screws.

Abstract: An expanding sleeve device for fastening a rail to a crosstie comprising a headed bolt threaded into a tapered nut. Positioned between the head and nut is a sleeve having radially expandable pronged portions and a deformable collar. The tapered nut causes the pronged portions and sleeve to expand and fit securely in a hole in the crosstie.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for securing a rail to a supporting tie and includes upper and lower plate members engaging corresponding tie surfaces. The upper plate member is interposed the base of the rail and the tie upper surface. A portion of the upper plate member projects outwardly from the rail base and is apertured. The aperture is aligned with a hole in the tie extending transversely between the corresponding tie surfaces. The lower plate member is provided with a slotted aperture aligned with the tie hole. A resilient clip overlies the upper plate member apertured portion and includes apertured inner and outer sections disposed in resiliently spaced relation. Apertures in the clip sections are aligned with one another and the upper plate member aperture. A lock element is provided having a head end, a distal end, and a shank interconnecting the ends. The distal end has lateral extensions.