Abstract: A rail anchor and a rail anchor assembly are provided for use with a concrete railroad tie. An elastomeric plate is placed on a top surface of the railroad tie. A rigid plate is placed on top of the elastomeric plate. The rail anchor is placed adjacent the elastomeric plate and the rigid plate. The rail anchor has a first end with a receiving opening and a second end with a receiving indentation to receive edges of the flanges of the railroad rail. The rail anchor has a center portion joining the two ends. The outer portion of the rail anchor extends downwardly an amount less than the thickness of the elastomeric plate and the rigid plate to avoid contact with the concrete railroad tie.

Abstract: A substantially load free anchor lock fastening assembly which comprises an anchor lock and a rail anchor, said anchor lock forming part of a plate or attachment to a tie or rail support, and containing an engaging and locking portion for providing a loose connection with the rail anchor, and said rail anchor containing portions adapted to engage with the base of a rail and loosely engage the anchor lock so as to enable the rail anchor to control the vertical position of the rail without exerting compressive forces between the rail and the rail support, said substantially load free fastening of the rail leaving the rail free to float.