GB2424439A

GB2424439A - Check rail clamp assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2424439A
Application number: GB0506077A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Calvin Lamb; Michael Roy Dowsett; Andrew Raymond Foan
Original assignee: Balfour Beatty PLC
Current assignee: Balfour Beatty PLC
Priority date: 2005-03-24
Filing date: 2005-03-24
Publication date: 2006-09-27
Anticipated expiration: 2025-03-24
Also published as: GB2424439B; GB0506077D0

Abstract

The assembly 1 includes a check rail 3 with a body portion 3a, a foot portion 3b, and a head portion 3c. A support bracket 5 includes a horizontal base plate 9 and an upstanding portion 11 that defines a slot 19 for receiving the check rail. The body portion of the check rail is clamped in the slot by a clamping member 7. Alternatively the body portion of the check rail and a mounting plate are receivable in an adjustable opening of a clamping means. The clamping member may also include a clamp slider and a threaded fastening means. In a further arrangement the clamping means may include a pivotable pedal member.

Description

cHECK RAIL CLAMP ASSEMBLY This invention relates to a clamp assembly for

mounting a check rail for use on a railway. More particularly, this invention relates to a clamp assembly for mounting a check rail without a requirement for holes to be made in the check rail. A check rail is also commonly known as a guard rail or a gutde rail.

A check rail functions to align the wheels on railway vehicle axle sets to prevent damage to other track components and to ensure that the wheel set tracks a particular path where a wheel may have a tendency to derail or where a derailment would be a particular safety hazard. Check rails may be used in railway track adjacent the high side of curves, across bridges, adjacent turnout frogs and at elevated sections of track for transit systems. At turnout frogs, check rails are utilised to divert the path of one wheel of a railway vehicle axle set in such a manner as to cause the opposite wheel to be drawn away from the point of the turnout frog. If check rails are not utilised at turnout frogs, a railway vehicle wheel passing through the frog, particularly a wheel which is worn, may strike the point of frog and thereby cause undesired wear or damage to the frog point as is well known in the art. Thus, a check rail may be defined as a track work assembly that diverts or sets the path of one wheel of a railway vehicle axle set n such a manner as to cause the opposite wheel to track a desired path.

Traditionally, check rails have been non-adjustable and have required replacement when the check rail face has worn to the point that it no longer properly guides the path of the non-guided wheel of a railway vehicle axle set.

Check rails have often been formed from lengths of track rail laid parallel to the running rail to be guided. However, installation of the heavy track rail is difficult and somewhat imprecise. In many instances the check rail assembly has been mounted on the same tie plates as that of the running rail, so linking the installation points of the check rail to the tie spacing. Bolt holes are then required to be drilled in the check rail at suitable locations to enable the check rail to be fastened in its desired location, and close tolerances need to be observed to ensure correct positioning of the check rail.

Sometimes, the check rail has been fastened to the running rail, requiring drilling of the running rail in the field. This has made installation of the guard rail difficult under the best of conditions and extremely difficult under adverse conditions, such as bad weather or where electrical power is unavailable to track work installation crew.

US 5148980, EP 0553055, US 6279833 and GB 2351514 each describe a check rail mounting assembly that overcomes some of the problems associated with traditional techniques for installing check rails. In each of these disclosures, the check rail is clamped against a support surface without the requirement for holes to be made in the check rail.

However, a number of problems associated with traditional techniques for installing check rails remain, and the above mentioned disclosures introduce additional problems of their own. Some of these problems relate to simplicity of design, cost of manufacture, compatibility with existing track work assemblies, ease of installation, ease and range of adjustment and the requirement for special tooling.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a check rail clamp assembly for mounting a check rail, the assembly comprising a support bracket having a base plate and at least one upstanding portion, the at least one upstanding portion defining a slot for receiving a body portion of the check rail, wherein the assembly further comprises a clamping member, the body portion of the check rail and the clamping member being receivable in the slot of the support bracket such that the body portion of the check rail is clamped in the slot.

The invention thus provides an assembly in which a check rail may be quickly and easily clamped. The check rail may be received into the slot first, and the clamping member may then be driven into the slot, adjacent to the check rail, to provide the clamping force. The assembly has a low part count, and no special tools are required for assembly.

In use, the body portion of the check rail is preferably clamped between opposing side surfaces of the slot. In this case, the clamping member will be positioned between the body portion of the check rail and a side surface of the slot.

The at least one upstanding portion of the support bracket preferably further defines a retaining surface for retaining the clamping member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of clamping. In use, the clamping member is then retained by the retaining surface. For example, the check rail may be received into the slot first. The clamping member may then be received into the slot from a different direction so as to avoid any fouling of the retaining feature. This direction may be the check rail direction. Once in place, the retaining surface prevents the clamping member from coming out of the slot in the direction in which the check rail was inserted. This helps to prevent the clamping member from coming out of the slot during assembly.

Preferably, the at least one upstanding portion of the support bracket further defines a boffom surface for supporting a foot portion of the check rail.

In one embodiment, the at least one upstanding portion of the support bracket further defines a second retaining surface for retaining a foot portion of the check rail. For example, the foot portion of the check rail may extend laterally from the body portion of the check rail. Preferably, the second retaining surface is defined as part of a recess in a side surface of the slot, the recess being provided for receiving the foot portion of the check rail. in assembly, the check rail is received into the slot and then moved laterally so that the foot portion is received into the recess. The clamping member is then received into the slot to clamp the check rail in place. In use, if the clamping member were to come loose, the check rail would still be retained in the slot because the foot portion of the check rail would be retained by the second retaining surface.

Alternatively, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least one upstanding portion of the support bracket defines a bottom surface for supporting a foot portion of the check rail and a retaining surface for retaining the clamping member, as described above. In this case, in use, the foot portion of the check rail may be clamped between the retaining surface and the bottom surface of the support bracket, the clamping member being positioned between the retaining surface and the foot portion of the check rail.

The clamping member preferably has a substantially rectangular cross section, but may have a cut out for engagement with the retaining surface of the support bracket.

Preferably, the clamping member is slidably receivable in the slot of the support bracket in the direction of the check rail.

:* The clamping member may be tapered in the direction in which it is slidably receivable in the slot of the support bracket. This allows for a varying degree of clamping force and for minor dimensional variations in the component parts of the assembly.

The clamping member is preferably made from a resilient material, such as natural or synthelic rubber, wood or a composite material. Alternatively, resilience may be provided by the geometry of the member, which may be a hollow structure or an elongate spring member. For example, the clamping member may be a leaf spring.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a check rail clamp assembly for mounting a check rail, the assembly comprising a support bracket having a base plate and at least one upstanding portion, the at least one upstanding portion including a mounting plate for supporting a body portion of the check rail, the assembly further comprising a clamping means for clamping the body portion of the check rail to the mounting plate, the body portion of the check rail and the mounting plate being receivable in an adjustable opening of the clamping means.

The clamping means is provided as a separate component. In assembly, the check rail can be placed against the mounting plate before the clamping means is conveniently moved into position. The body portion of the check rail and the mountin plate are then received into the opening in the clamping means.

The clamping means may, for example, be a clamp of the type known as a Cclamp, i.e. comprising directly opposing pressure surfaces linked by a rigid offset member, a separation between the pressure surfaces being adjustable.

In use, a body portion of the clamping means is disposed between the mounting plate and the base plate of the support bracket. In this way, the clamping means does not surround a head portion of the check rail.

Preferably, the at least one upstanding portion further defines a bottom surface for supporting a foot portion of the check rail. In this case, in assembly, the clamping means is positioned so as to be offset from the bottom surface of the support bracket, in the direction of the check rail. In this way, sufficient clearance can be provided to allow the clamping means to be manoeuvred into position between the mounting plate and the base plate.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a check rail clamp assembly for mounting a check rail, the assembly comprising a support bracket having a base plate and at least one upstanding portion, the at least one upstanding portion defining a mounting surface for supporting a body portion of the check rail, the assembly further comprising a clamping member, a clamp slider and a threaded fastening means for urging the clamping member to clamp the check rail against the mounting surface of the support bracket, the at least one upstanding portion of the support bracket further defining a clamping member mounting surface against which, in use, the clamp slider is urged by the threaded fastening means, the area of contact between the clamping member mounting surface and the clamp slider being inclined with respect to the plane of force exerted by the threaded fastening means on the clamp slider to create a reactive force in a different plane on the clamping member to clamp the check rail against the mounting surface.

By making the area of contact between the mounting surface of the support bracket and the clamp slider inclined with respect to the plane of force exerted by the threaded fastening means on the clamp slider, a reactive force is induced on the clamping member which acts in a different plane and can be used to clamp the check rail against the mounting surface. In this way, the threaded fastening means can be arranged to act in a different orientation to that required to clamp the check rail against the mounting face. Thus, the threaded fastening means can be orientated for easy manipulation from above the assembly.

Shims may be installed between the body portion of the check rail and the mounting surface of the support bracket. When shims are removed, the slack in the assembly may be taken up simply by tightening the threaded fastening means, regardless of an angle between the clamping member mounting surface and the plane of force exerted by the threaded fastening means. This angle may be any convenient angle, but is preferably 400 or less.

Preferably, the at least one upstanding portion further defnes a bottom surface for supporting a foot portion of the check rail.

The threaded fastening means preferably comprises a threaded bolt, the bolt preferably being receivable into a pocket formed in the at least one upstanding portion, so that its head is retained in the pocket and its threaded shank extends through a hole in the at least one upstanding portion. The threaded bolt may be combined with a resilient element such as a spring washer.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a check rail clamp assembly for mounting a check rail, the assembly comprising a support bracket having a base plate and at least one upstanding portion, the at least one upstanding portion defining a mounting surface for supporting a body portion of the check rail, the assembly further comprising a clamping means for clamping the body portion of the check rail to the mounting plate, the clamping means comprising pedal member, the support bracket further defining a fulcrum about which the pedal member is pivotable, the pedal member being pivotable such that a force applied to a first end of the pedal member causes a second end of the pedal member to be urged against the body portion of the check rail to clamp the check rail to the mounting surface of the support bracket, the assembly further comprising a fastening means for urging the first end of the pedal member against a fastening surface of the support bracket.

By using a pedal arrangement, a simple clamp assembly is provided. An advantageous lever ratio can be achieved by appropriate positioning of the pivot point.

The fulcrum may comprise a hinge arrangement, with the pedal or the support bracket defining a hinge pin. The hinge arrangement may be adapted to prevent upwards movement of the pivot point. The fulcrum may act on a profiled under-surface of the pedal member.

The first and second ends of the pedal member define an angle about the fulcrum of 15O or less. In this way, the second end of the pedal member may be arranged to act in a different orientation to the force applied to the first end of the pedal member. Thus, the threaded fastening means can be orientated for easy manipulation from above the assembly.

3() Preferably, the support brackets of the assemblies described above further comprise at least one rail fastening for clamping a railway rail. The rail fastening may, for example, be for receiving a so-called e clip. The base plates of the support brackets preferably have holes formed therein for mounting the assembly to a railway sleeper.

The assemblies described above preferably further comprise at least one shim for insertion between the check rail and the upstanding member of the support surface In this way, a position of the check rail relative to the running rail can be adjusted.

In the assemblies described above, the support brackets may be cast, pressed from a sheet material, or fabricated by welding.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a first check rail clamp assembly according to the invention; Figure 2 is a side view of a second check rail clamp assembly according to the invention; Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of a third check rail clamp assembly 20 according to the invention; Figure 4 is a plan view of the check rail clamp assembly shown in Figure * 3; * Figure 5 is a partial schematic side view of a fourth check rail clamp assembly according to the invention; Figure 6 is a plan view of a clamping member of the check rai clamp assembly shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a clamp slider of the check rail clamp assembly shown in Figure 5; Figure 8 is a side view of a fifth check rail clamp assembly according to the invention; Figure 9 is a plan view of the check rail clamp assembly shown in Figure Figure 10 is a side view of an element of the check rail clamp assembly shown in Figure 8; and Figures 11 and 12 are perspective views of the check rail clamp assembly shown in Figure 8.

Figure 1 is a side view of a first check rail clamp assembly 1 according to the invention. The assembly 1 is for mounting a check rail 3, and is shown with the check rail 3 clamped in position The assembly 1 is designed and dimensioned for a specific geometry of check rail. In this example, the check rail 3 comprises a body portion 3a, a foot portion 3b that extends laterally from the body portion 3a, and a head portion 3c that extends laterally from the body portion 3a to define the guiding surface of the check rail 3. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the assembly may be dimensioned for similar or dissimilar check rail geometries to that * shown.

The assembly 1 comprises a support bracket 5 and a clamping member 7. The support bracket 5 is formed from a casting, and the clamping member 7 is moulded from hard grade of synthetic rubber.

The support bracket 5 comprises a horizontal base plate 9 and an upstanding portion 11. The base plate 9 extends over an upper surface of a sleeper (not shown) to define a stable base for the assembly 1. The base plate 9 measures approximately 200mm in the longitudinal (rail) direction and approximately 600mm in the lateral direction. The base plate 9 is secured to the sleeper by four bolts (not shown) that pass through respective holes formed in the corners of the base plate 9. The base plate also defines a flat surface 13 for mounting a running rail 15 substantially parallel to the check rail 3, and includes a pair of rail fastenings 17. One of the rail fastenings 17 is shown by a dashed line because it is longitudinally offset from the upstanding portion 11, and thus obscured from view The running rail 15 may be clamped to the base plate 9 using conventional clips (not shown) that are well known in the art.

The upstanding portion 11 stands approximately 200mm high and extends approximately l00mm in the longitudinal direction. The upstanding portion defines a slot 19 for receiving the body portion 3a and the foot portion 3b of the check rail 3. The slot 19 also extends approximately 100mm in the longitudinal direction, and comprises laterally separated side walls that oppose each other.

The side walls are substantially parallel and have a separation of approximately 60mm A top of the side wall closest to the running rail 15 has a lip 21 that extends into the slot 19 by approximately 10mm. The lip 21 has a height of approximately 10mm. The lip 21 defines a retaining surface that faces the interior of the slot 19. The upstanding portion 11 also defines a bottom surface 23 for supporting the foot portion 3b of the check rail 3.

The upstanding portion 11 comprises a substantial amount of material that is laterally offset from the side walls of the slot 19. This material ensures that, in use, the side walls of the slot 19 are sufficiently stiff to resist the high reactive forces experienced when a wheel of a railway vehicle contacts the check rail 3.

The clamping member 7 is a block of hard (but resilient) synthetic rubber. The clamping member 7 has a constant cross section that is substantially square, although the cross section has a cut out at one corner. The cross sethion of measures approximately 40mm, and the cut out measures approximately 10mm. The longitudinal dimension of the clamping member 7 is approximately 100mm.

To assemble, the support bracket 5 is first bolted to the sleeper, and the running rail 15 is clamped to the support bracket 5 using conventional techniques known in the art.

The body portion 3a and the foot portion 3b of the check rail 3 are then received into the slot 19 with the head portion 3c of the check rail extending towards the running rail 15. The slot 19 is dimensioned such that the foot portion 3b of the check rail 3 is able to clear the lip 21 while being received.

Once received, the foot portion 3b of the check rail 3 rests on the bottom surface 23 of the upstanding portion 9.

Once the check rail 3 has been received into the slot 19 its position is adjusted so that it abuts the sidewall furthest away from the running rail 15. Once the check rail 3 is in this position, the clamping member 7 is received into the slot 19. In particular, the clamping member 7 is first orientated so that it keys with the lip 21, and is then driven into the slot 19 in a longitudinal direction. The clamping member 7 is an interference fit in the slot 19 and a mallet may be used to provide the necessary driving force. The clamping member 7 is driven into the slot 19 until it is fully enclosed by the slot 19.

Once assembled, the check rail 3 is firmly and securely clamped between the side walls of the slot 19, with the clamping member 7 being positioned between the body portion 3a of the check rail 3 and a side surface of the slot 19. The clamp member 7 is also retained in the slot by the retaining surface of the lip 21. Additionally, the foot portion 3b of the check rail is clamped between the retaining surface of the lip 21 and the bottom surface 23 of the upstanding portion 11. This additional clamping helps to ensure that, in use, the check rail 3 cannot move upwards due to vibration.

Figure 2 is a side view of a second check rail clamp assembly 1 according to the invention. This assembly 1 is similar to the assembly described above with reference to Figure 1, and like reference signs have been used to indicate like features.

Referring to the Figure, most features of the assembly 1 are as described above. However, the shape, positioning and orientation of the slot 19 and/or the clamping member 7 are different. n

The slot 19 comprIses laterally separated side walls that oppose each other The side walls are substantially parallel and have a separation of approximately 60mm. A top of the side wall furthest away from to the running rail 15 has a lip 21 that extends into the slot 19 by approximately 10mm. The lip 21 has a height of approximately 10mm. The lip 21 defines a retaining surface that faces the interior of the slot 1 9.

The upstanding portion 11 also defines a bottom surface 23 for supporting the foot portion 3b of the check rail 3. Additionally, the side wall closest to the running rail 15 has a laterally extending recess 25 adjacent to the bottom surface 23 of the upstanding portion. The recess extends approximately 30mm in the lateral direction towards the running rail 15.

The clamping member 7 is a block of hard (but resilient) synthetic rubber. The clamping member 7 has a constant cross section that is substantially rectangular, but the cross section has a square cut out at one corner. The cross section of measures approximately 40mm by 80mm, and the cut out measures approximately 10mm. The longitudinal dimension of the clamping member 7 is approximately 100mm.

To assemble, the support bracket 5 is first bolted to the sleeper, and the running rail 1 5 is clamped to the support bracket 5 using conventional techniques known in the art.

Once receved, the foot portion 3b of the check rail 3 rests on the bottom surface 23 of the upstanding portion 9.

Once the check rail 3 has been received into the slot 19 its position is adjusted so that its body portion 3a abuts the sidewall closest to the running rail 15. In making this adjustment, the foot portion 3b of the check rail 3 is received into the recess 25 in the side wall closest to the running rail 15. Once the check rail 3 is in this position, the clamping member 7 is received into the slot 19 In particular, the clamping member 7 is first orientated so that it keys with the lip 21, and is then driven into the slot 19 in a longitudinal direction. The clamping member 7 is an interference fit in the slot 19 and a mallet may be used to provide the necessary driving force. The clamping member 7 is driven into the slot 19 until it is fully enclosed by the slot 19.

Once assembled, the check rail 3 is firmly and securely clamped between the side walls of the slot 19, with the clamping member 7 being positioned between the body portion 3a of the check rail 3 and a side surface of the slot 19.

Additionally, the clamping member 7 is retained in the slot by the retaining surface of the slot, and the check rail is retained in the slot because its foot portion 3b is received in the recess 25.

Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of a third check rail clamp assembly 1 according to the invention. Figure 4 is a plan view of the check rail clamp assembly 1 shown in Figure 3. The assembly shares many of the features of the assemblies described above and, where appropriate, like reference signs : have been used to indicate like features. In the following description, details of like features are sometimes omitted where they have previously been :20 described in relation to the assemblies described above.

The assembly 1 comprises a support bracket 5 and a clamp 7, both of which are formed from castings.

The support bracket 5 comprises a horizontal base plate 9 and an upstanding portion 11 The base plate 9 extends over an upper surface of a sleeper (not shown) to define a stable base for the assembly 1. The base plate 9 measures approximately 200mm in the longitudinal (rail) direction and approximately 200mm in the lateral direction. The base plate 9 is secured to the sleeper by three bolts (not shown) that pass through respective holes 27 formed in the corners of the base plate 9 The base plate also defines a flat surface 13 for mounting a running rail 15 substantially parallel to the check rail 3, and includes a pair of rail fastenings 17. The running rail 15 may be clamped to the base plate 9 using conventional clips (not shown) that are well known in the art.

The upstanding portion 11 stands approximately 200mm high and extends approximately 200mm in the longitudinal direction. The upstanding portion 11 comprises a pair of brackets 31 supporting an upstanding mounting plate 29 for supporting the body portion 3a of the check rail 3. The mounting plate 29 has a mounting surface facing the running rail 15.

The upstanding portion 11 also defines a pair of bottom surfaces 23 for supporting the foot portion 3b of the check rail 3. The bottom surfaces 23 are provided on the side of the mounting plate 29 that is closest to the running rail 15, and they define a right angle with a mounting surface of the mounting plate 29. The bottom surfaces 23 cannot be seen in Figure 3.

The bottom surfaces 23 are separated by approximately 100mm in the longitudinal direction. The bottom surfaces 23, the base plate 9 and the mounting plate 29 together define an aperture 31.

The upstanding portion 11 also defines a clamp support surface 33. The clamp support surface 33 is provided on the side of the mounting plate 29 that is furthest from the running rail 15, adjacent the aperture 31.

The clamp 7 is provided as a separate component. The clamp 7 is a clamp of the type known as a C-clamp, having directly opposing pressure surfaces linked by a rigid offset body portion. A separation between the pressure surfaces may be adjusted by rotating a threaded shaft 35.

The clamp 7 is dimensioned such that it may be received in the aperture 31, and such that its position and/or orientation may then be adjusted so that the foot portion 3b and body portion 3a of the check rail 3 and the mounting plate 29 are received between the pressure surfaces of the clamp 7. This adjustment may be by either translation or rotation of the clamp 7.

The check rail 3 is then lowered onto the bottom surfaces 23, with the body portion 3a of the check rail 3 abutting the mounting plate 29 and the head portion 3c of the check rail extending towards the running rail 15.

Once in this position, the clamp 7 is received into the aperture 31 and rotated about the axis of its body portion until the body portion 3a of the check rail 3 and the mounting plate 29 have been received between the pressure surfaces of the clamp 7. At this stage, the body portion of theclamp 7 rests on the clamp support surface 33. The separation of the pressures surfaces of the clamp is then adjusted by rotating the threaded shaft 35 until a sufficient clamping force has been applied.

:, Once assembled, the check rail 3 is firmly and securely clamped against the mounting plate 29.

* Figure 5 is a partial schematic side view of a fourth check rail clamp assembly 1 according to the invention. Figure 6 is a plan view of a clamping member 7 of the assembly 1 shown in Figure 5. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a clamp slider 37 of the assembly 1 shown in Figure 5.

The assembly 1 shown in Figure 5 shares many of the features of the assemblies described above, such as the support bracket and the means for clamping a running rail. For ease of description, these shared features are omitted from the Figure and this description. Instead, only the essential features of the check rail 3 clamping mechanism are shown and described.

Where like features are shown in the Figure, like reference signs have been used to indicate them.

The support bracket of the assembly 1 comprises an upstanding portion 11. A first side of the upstanding portion 11 defines a vertical mounting surface 37 for supporting the body portion 3a of the check rail 3. The mounting surface 37 faces the running rail (not shown). The other side of the upstanding portion 11 defines a clamping member mounting surface 39, which is inclined at an angle of approximately 350 to the vertical mounting surface. The upstanding portion 11 also defines a boftom surface (not shown) for supporting a foot portion 3b of the check rail 3.

The assembly 1 also comprises a clamping member 7, a clamp slider 41 and a threaded fastening means 43. The threaded fastening means 43 is a threaded bolt having a T" shaped head, and a nut.

The clamping member 7 serves to retain the check rail 3 against the vertical mounting surface 37. The clamping member 7 has a body 45 designed to lie in a horizontal orientation when assembled, and is formed with a central elongate hole 47 designed to allow the clamp slider 41 to pass through it. In Figure 6, the intended position of the clamp slider 41 is indicated by hatched area 49. An upturned hook 51 is formed at one end of the body 45 and defines a pressure surface for urging the body portion 3a of the check rail 3 against the mounting surface 37.

The clamp slider 41 sits in the hole 47 of the clamping member 7. The clamp slider 41 has an elongate slot 53 formed therein for receiving the threaded fastening means 43. The clamp slider 41 also defines a surface 55 for contacting the clamping member mounting surface 39.

To assemble, the check rail 3 is placed on the bottom surface (not shown) so that its body portion 3a abuts the mounting surface 37. The clamping member 7 is then passed through an aperture formed in the upstanding member 11 so that its hook 51 engages the check rail 3. The threaded fastening means 43 is then received into a pocket 57 formed in the upstanding portion 11, so that its T" shaped head is retained in the pocket 57 and its threaded shank passes vertically through the hole 47 formed in the clamping member 7. The clamp slider 41 is then received into the hole 47 of the clamping member 7 so that its surface 55 is in contact with the clamping member mounting surface 39, and so that the shank of the fastening means 43 passes through its slot 53.

The nut of the fastening means 43 is then assembled onto the shank of the fastening means 43 with a spring washer to provide the check rail clamping force. As the nut is tightened, it pulls the clamp slider 41 downwards. As the clamp slider 4lis pulled downwards, it is displaced horizontally by the inclined clamping member mounting surface 39. This horizontal displacement exerts a reactive force on the clamping member 7 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the vertical shank of the fastening means 43.

Once tightened, the threaded fastening means clamps the check rail securely against the mounting surface 37. The threaded fastening means 43 is * arranged to act in a different orientation to that required to clamp the check rail 3 against the mounting face 37. In particular, the threaded fastening means 43 * is orientated for easy manipulation from above the assembly 1.

Shims may be installed between the body portion 3a of the check rail 3 and the mounting surface 37. When the shims are removed, the slack in the assembly may be taken up simply by tightening the threaded fastening means 43.

Figure 8 is a side view of a fifth check rail clamp assembly 1 according to the invention. Figure 9 is a plan view of the assembly 1 shown in Figure 8. Figure is a side view of a pedal member 7 of the assembly 1 shown in Figure 9.

Figures 11 and 12 are perspective views of the assembly 1 shown in Figure 8, with and without the pedal member 7 in place.

The assembly 1 shown in Figure 8 shares many of the features of the assemblies described above, such as the support bracket and the means for clamping a running rail. Although many of these features are shown in the Figure, for ease of description, they are not described. Where appropriate, like reference numerals depict like features.

The support bracket 5 of the assembly 1 comprises an upstanding portion 11.

The upstanding portion 11 defines a mounting surface 57 for supporting the body portion 3a of the check rail 3. The upstanding portion 11 also defines a boUom surface 23 for supporting a foot portion 3b of the check rail 3.

The assembly 1 also comprises a pedal member 7. The pedal member 7 serves to retain the check rail 3 against the mounting surface 57, and comprises first and second ends 59, 61 joined at an intermediate portion 63.

The first and second ends 59, 61 define planes that are at an angle of approximately 130 to each other. The first end 59 is upwardly hooked and defines a pressure surface for urging the body portion 3a of the check rail 3 against the mounting surface 57. The second end 61 has a hole formed * therein to allow for fastening to the base plate 9. The intermediate portion 63 includes a pair of hinge pins 65 about which the pedal member 7 is pivotable.

The support bracket 5 also defines a fulcrum about which the pedal member 7 :20 is pivotable The fulcrum comprises a pair of claws 67 into which the hinge pins 65 are receivable.

The assembly also comprises a threaded bolt 69 for fastening the second end 61 of the pedal member 7 to the base plate 9 of the support bracket 5.

To assemble, the hinge pins 65 of the pedal member 7 are received into respective claws 67 of the support bracket 5. The check rail 3 is then placed on the bottom surface 23 of the support bracket 5 so that its body portion 3a abuts the mounting surface 57.

A downwards force is then applied to the second end 61 of the pedal member 7 to cause the pedal member 7 to pivot about the hinge pins 65 so that the pressure surface of the first end 59 of the pedal member 7 is urged against the body portion 3a of the check rail 3. A high downwards force is applied by passing the threaded bolt 69 through the hole in the second end of the pedal member and by tightening it into a threaded hole in the base plate 9 of the support bracket 5.

Once tightened, the threaded bolt 69 clamps the check rail 3 securely against the mounting surface 57.

By virtue of the angle between the ends of the pedal member 7, the threaded bolt 69 is arranged to act in a different orientation to that required to clamp the check rail 3 against the mounting face 57. Thus, the threaded bolt 69 is orientated for easy manipulation from above the assembly 1.

Specific examples of the invention have been described above. Various modifications within the scope of the invention will be apparent.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A check rail clamp assembly for mounting a check rail, the

assembly comprising a support bracket having a base plate and at least one upstanding portion, the at least one upstanding portion defining a slot for receiving a body portion of the check rail, wherein the assembly further comprises a clamping member, the body portion of the check rail and the clamping member being receivable in the slot of the support bracket such that the body portion of the check rail is clamped in the slot.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the body portion of the check rail and the clamping member are receivable in the slot of the support bracket such that the body portion of the check rail is clamped between opposing side surfaces of the slot. is
3. The assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one upstanding portion of the support bracket further defines a retaining surface for retaining the clamping member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of clamping, the body portion of the check rail and the clamping member being receivable in the slot of the support bracket such that the clamping member is retained by the retaining surface.
4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the at least one upstanding portion of the support bracket further defines a second retaining surface for retaining a foot portion of the check rail.
5. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the at least one upstanding portion of the support bracket further defines a bottom surface for supporting a foot portion of the check rail.
6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the body portion of the check rail and the clamping member are receivable in the slot of the support bracket such that the foot portion of the check rail is further clamped between the retaining surface and the bottom surface of the support bracket.
7. The assembly of any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the clamping member has a substantially rectangular cross section.
8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the cross section of the clamping member has a cut out for engagement with the retaining surface of the support bracket
9. The assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the clamping member is slidably receivable in the slot of the support bracket in the direction of the check rail.
10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the clamping member is tapered in the direction in which it is slidably receivable in the slot of the support bracket.
11. The assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the clamping member is made from a resilient material.
12. A check rail clamp assembly for mounting a check rail, the assembly comprising a support bracket having a base plate and at least one upstanding portion, the at least one upstanding portion including a mounting plate for supporling a body portion of the check rail, the assembly further comprising a clamping means for clamping the body portion of the check rail to the mounting plate, the body portion of the check rail and the mounting plate being receivable in an adjustable opening of the clamping means.
13 The assembly of claim 12, wherein the body portion of the check rail and the mounting plate are receivable in the adjustable opening of the clamping means such that a body portion of the clamping means is disposed between the mounting plate and the base plate of the support bracket.
14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the at least one upstanding portion defines a bottom surface for supporting a foot portion of the check rail.
15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the body portion of the check rail and the mounting plate are receivable in the adjustable opening of the clamping means such that the body of the clamping means is disposed in a position offset from the bottom surface of the support bracket in the direction of the check rail.
16 A check rail clamp assembly for mounting a check rail, the assembly comprising a support bracket having a base plate and at least one upstanding portion, the at least one upstanding portion defining a mounting surface for supporting a body portion of the check rail, the assembly further comprising a clamping member, a clamp slider and a threaded fastening means for urging the clamping member to clamp the check rail against the mounting surface of the support bracket, the at least one upstanding portion of the support bracket further defining a clamping member mounting surface against which, in use, the clamp slider is urged by the threaded fastening means, the area of contact between the clamping member mounting surface and the clamp slider being .20 inclined with respect to the plane of force exerted by the threaded fastening means on the clamp slider to create a reactive force in a different plane on the clamping member to clamp the check rail against the mounting surface.
17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the clamping member mounting surface is inclined at an angle of 400 or less to the plane of force exerted by the threaded fastening means.
18. The assembly of claim 16 or 17, wherein the at least one upstanding portion further defines a bottom surface for supporting a foot portion of the check rail.
19. The assembly of any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the threaded fastening means comprises a bolt, the bolt being receivable in a threaded bore formed in the at least one upstanding portion of the support bracket.
20. A check rail clamp assembly for mounting a check rail, the assembly comprising a support bracket having a base plate and at least one upstanding portion, the at least one upstanding portion defining a mounting surface for supporting a body portion of the check rail, the assembly further comprising a clamping means for clamping the body portion of the check rail to the mounting plate, the clamping means comprising pedal member, the support bracket further defining a fulcrum about which the pedal member is pivotable, the pedal member being pivotable such that a force applied to a first end of the pedal member causes a second end of the pedal member to be urged against the body portion of the check rail to clamp the check rail to the mounting surface of the support bracket, the assembly further comprising a fastening means for urging the first end of the pedal member against a fastening surface of the support bracket.
21. The assembly of claim 20, wherein the first and second ends of the :20 pedal member define an angle about the fulcrum of 150 or less.
22. The assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the support bracket further comprises at least one rail fastening for clamping a railway rail.
23 The assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the base plate of the support bracket has holes formed therein for mounting the assembly to a railway sleeper.
24. The assembly of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one shim for insertion between the check rail and the upstanding member of the support surface.
25. The assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the support bracket is cast, pressed from a sheet material or fabricated by welding.
26. A check rail clamp assembly for mounting a check rail substantially as hereinbefore described and/or shown in the drawings.