PLATE GRASPING ASSEMBLIES FOR MAINTENANCE

Abstract

 A rail plate grasping assembly including a holder part (428) that may be coupled with a rail vehicle that moves along one or more rails of a track with the one or more rails coupled with rail plates that are coupled with rail ties. The assembly also includes a wear part (426) that may be coupled with the holder part and shaped to engage the rail plates to support the rail plates while the rail ties are removed beneath the rail plates. The wear part (426) may be separated from the holder part (428) and replaced with another wear part (426).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/404,030, filed on September 6, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field.

[0002] The subject matter described herein relates to plate grasping assemblies used to grasp, particularly to grasp rail plates (or a rail tie plate) during maintenance on railroad tracks.

[0003] Discussion of Art.

[0004] Railroad tracks may include one or more rails coupled with railway ties or sleepers disposed on ballast material and/or a ground surface. The rails may be coupled with the ties by rail plates (also referred to as rail tie plates). The ties or sleepers may need to be removed and/or replaced during maintenance on the track. To remove the ties, the rail plates may be grasped by plate gripping tools or assemblies to secure the plates against the rails while the ties are removed in lateral directions (e.g., lateral to the direction in which the rail(s) is or are elongated).

[0005] These tools or assemblies may move away from each other (in directions that are along or parallel to the elongation direction of the rail), be lowered such that lower ends of the tools or assemblies are on opposite sides of the plates, then be moved toward each other to engage and grasp opposite ends of the plates. The tie can then be laterally moved from beneath the plate while the tools or assemblies keep the plate in contact with the rail. A replacement tie can then be placed beneath the plate such that the rail and plate are placed into contact with the replacement tie without separating the plate from the rail.

[0006] The ends of the tools or assemblies that grasp the plates can wear over time due to repeated contact with the rigid metal of the plates, ballast, rocks, etc. This wear can gradually be a negative impact on the ability of the ends to grasp and secure the plates against the rails. The ends can wear at faster rates than the rest of the tools or assemblies. This can require frequent replacement of the entire tool or assembly, which adds cost and complexity to maintenance of tracks. It may be desirable to have assemblies and methods that differs from those that are currently available.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0007] In one example, a rail plate grasping assembly is provided. The assembly may include a holder part that may be coupled with a rail vehicle that moves along one or more rails of a track with the one or more rails coupled with rail plates that are coupled with rail ties. The assembly also may include a wear part that may be coupled with the holder part and shaped to engage the rail plates to support the rail plates while the rail ties are removed beneath the rail plates. The wear part may be separated from the holder part and replaced with another wear part.

[0008] In another example, a maintenance system includes plural external rail plate grasping assemblies that are configured to move toward each other to grasp and to pull a rail plate against a rail during removal of a rail tie beneath the rail. The system also may include plural internal rail plate grasping assemblies that are configured to move toward each other to grasp and to pull the rail plate against the rail during removal of the rail tie. Each of the rail plate grasping assemblies may include a holder part that may be coupled with a rail vehicle that moves along the rail and a wear part coupled with the holder part and shaped to engage a corresponding first rail plate or a second rail plate to support the first rail plate or the second rail plate while the rail tie is removed beneath the rail plates. The wear part may be separated from the holder part and replaced with another wear part.

[0009] In another example, a rail plate grasping assembly includes an internal grasping tool, an external grasping tool, and one or more spacers. The internal grasping tool may be mounted to a rail vehicle that moves along one or more rails of a track. The one or more rails may be coupled with rail plates that may be coupled with rail ties. The internal grasping tool may be pivotally mounted for movement between an open position and a closed position in which the internal grasping tool may engage a forward edge of a first rail plate of the rail plates and a rearward edge of the first rail plate of the rail plates. The external grasping tool may be pivotally mounted to the rail vehicle for movement between an open position and a closed position in which the external grasping tool may engage the forward edge of the first rail plate and the rearward edge of the first rail plate. The spacers may be positioned between the internal grasping tool and the external grasping tool. The spacers may increase a distance between the internal grasping tool and the external grasping tool in a direction transverse to the route responsive to the spacers being in a first position. The spacers may decrease the distance between the internal grasping tool and the external grasping tool in a direction transverse to the route responsive to the spacers being in a second position.

[0010] In another example, a rail plate grasping assembly may include a holder part that can be coupled with a rail vehicle that moves along one or more rails of a track with the one or more rails coupled with rail plates that are coupled with rail ties. The assembly also may include a wear part that can be coupled with the holder part and shaped to engage the rail plates to support the rail plates while the rail ties are removed and/or replaced beneath the rail plates. The wear part may be separated from the holder part and replaced with another wear part. One or both of the holder part and the wear part may include one or more tongues configured to be received in one or more corresponding recesses in another of the holder part or the wear part.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The subject matter may be understood from reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein below:

Figure 1 is an elevational view of one example of a plate grasping system or rail maintenance system;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the plate grasping system shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is another perspective view of the plate grasping system shown in Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of one example of a first laterally external grasping tool or assembly shown in Figures 1 through 3;

Figure 5 illustrates another perspective view of the first laterally external grasping tool or assembly shown in Figures 1 through 4;

Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of one example of a reusable holder part shown in Figures 4 and 5;

Figure 7 illustrates another perspective view of the reusable holder part shown in Figures 4 through 6;

Figure 8 illustrates an elevational view of the reusable holder part shown in Figures 4 through 7;

Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of one example of a replaceable gripping wear part shown in Figures 4 and 5;

Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of the replaceable gripping wear part shown in Figures 4, 5, and 9;

Figure 11 illustrates an elevational view of the replaceable gripping wear part shown in Figures 4, 5, 8, and 10;

Figure 12 illustrates a perspective view of one example of a second laterally external grasping tool or assembly shown in Figures 1 through 3;

Figure 13 illustrates another perspective view of the second laterally external grasping tool or assembly shown in Figures 1 through 3 and 12;

Figure 14 illustrates a perspective view of one example of a reusable holder part shown in Figures 12 and 13;

Figure 15 illustrates another perspective view of the reusable holder part shown in Figures 12 through 14;

Figure 16 illustrates a perspective view of one example of a first laterally internal grasping tool or assembly shown in Figures 1 through 3;

Figure 17 illustrates another perspective view of the first laterally internal grasping tool or assembly shown in Figures 1 through 3 and Figure 16;

Figure 18 illustrates a perspective view of one example of a reusable holder part shown in Figures 16 and 17;

Figure 19 illustrates another perspective view of the reusable holder part shown in Figures 16 through 18;

Figure 20 illustrates an elevational view of the reusable holder part shown in Figures 16 through 19;

Figure 21 illustrates a perspective view of one example of a replaceable gripping wear part shown in Figures 16 and 17;

Figure 22 illustrates a perspective view of the replaceable gripping wear part shown in Figures 16, 17, and 21;

Figure 23 illustrates an elevational view of the replaceable gripping wear part shown in Figures 16, 17, 20, and 22;

Figure 24 illustrates a perspective view of one example of a second internal grasping assembly or tool shown in Figures 1 through 3;

Figure 25 illustrates another perspective view of the second internal grasping tool or assembly shown in Figures 1 through 3 and 24;

Figure 26 is a perspective view of one example of a plate grasping system or rail maintenance system;

Figure 27 is another perspective view of one example of the plate grasping system shown in Figure 26;

Figure 28 is a side view of one example of the plate grasping system shown in Figures 26 and 27 in a closed position;

Figure 29 is a side view of one example of the plate grasping system shown in Figures 26 through 28 in an open position;

Figure 30 is top view of one example of the plate grasping system shown in Figures 26 through 29;

Figure 31 is another top view of one example of the plate grasping system shown in Figures 26 through 30;

Figure 32 is a perspective view of one example of the plate grasping system shown in Figures 26-31;

Figure 33 is another perspective view of one example of the plate grasping system shown in Figures 26-32; and

Figure 34 illustrates a flowchart of one example of a method for maintaining a rail plate gripping assembly or tool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Embodiments of the subject matter described herein relate to rail plate gripping tools or assemblies having multiple parts including a replaceable gripping wear part and a reusable holder part. These parts may be coupled together to form a gripping tool or assembly that engages one edge of a rail plate while another gripping tool or assembly engages the other, opposite edge of the rail plate during replacement of a tie or sleeper. The parts may fit together via one or more, or a series, of fasteners (e.g., tappers, bolts, rivets, screws, etc.), and optionally may wedge the pieces or parts together (e.g., via an interference fit) along with coupling bodies (e.g., pins) to hold the pieces together. This may allow for replacement of the smaller replaceable wear part instead of the entire assembly or tool, which can be simpler, less expensive, and/or faster (than replacing the entire tool or assembly). Additionally, the ability to replace the part that wears out faster can provide for newer or less worn gripping parts more often. This may potentially improve life and/or performance of the tool or assembly.

[0013] Figure 1 is an elevational view of one example of a plate grasping system 100. This system alternatively may be referred to as a rail maintenance system. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the plate grasping system shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is another perspective view of the plate grasping system shown in Figures 1 and 2. Figure 2 shows a lateral outboard view while Figure 3 shows a lateral inboard view. The grasping system may be used to grasp and hold a rail tie plate or rail plate 102 that is coupled with a rail 104 of a track 106 on which rail vehicles move. The rail plate may be on top of and coupled with a rail tie or rail sleeper 108 that is on ballast material or the ground. The grasping system may include opposing external grasping assemblies or tools 110, 112 and opposing internal grasping assemblies or tools 122, 124 that move toward each other along directions that are parallel to or along the rail to grasp opposite edges 114, 116 of the rail plate. The grasping tools 110, 112 may be referred to as laterally external tools or assemblies as these tools are located laterally outside of the rails during operation (and not between the rails), while the grasping tools 122, 124 may be referred to as laterally internal tools or assemblies as these tools are located laterally inside or between the rails during operation.

[0014] During operation, the assemblies can grasp the rail plate to hold up the rail plate against the rail while the rail tie or sleeper is removed from beneath the rail. The rail may be lifted by a rail lift while the assemblies grasp and hold the rail plate. The assemblies may hold the rail plate up while a replacement tie or sleeper may be positioned beneath the rail tie. The assemblies may then move away from each other in directions along or parallel to the rail to release the rail plate. One or more motors or other actuators coupled with the assemblies may move the assemblies toward and away from each other. The system may then move to another rail plate to repeat these actions.

[0015] The system may include couplers 118. The couplers may be connected with the tools or assemblies by fasteners 120. Suitable fasteners may include bolts, screws, pins, or the like selected with reference to the end use application. These couplers may move toward or away from each other to move the assemblies or tools toward or away from each other. The assemblies or tools have been moved toward each other to grasp the plate in the examples shown in Figures 1 through 3. The assemblies or tools can move away from each other and the opposite edges of the plate to release the plate (and the rail).

[0016] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of one example of the first laterally external grasping tool or assembly 110 shown in Figures 1 through 3. Figure 5 illustrates another perspective view of the first laterally external grasping tool or assembly 110 shown in Figures 1 through 4. The first laterally external grasping tool may include a replaceable gripping wear part 426 and a reusable holder part 428. These parts may be coupled with each other by one or more fasteners 420. Suitable fasteners may include bolts, pins, screws, rivets, or the like selected with reference to the end use application. Additionally, or alternatively, the parts may be coupled or held together by a friction or an interference fit or a spot weld.

[0017] With continued reference to the tool shown in Figures 4 and 5, Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of one example of the reusable holder part 428 shown in Figures 4 and 5. Figure 7 illustrates another perspective view of the reusable holder part shown in Figures 4 through 6. Figure 8 illustrates an elevational view of the reusable holder part shown in Figures 4 through 7. Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of one example of the replaceable gripping wear part 426 shown in Figures 4 and 5. Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of the replaceable gripping wear part shown in Figures 4, 5, and 9. Figure 11 illustrates an elevational view of the replaceable gripping wear part shown in Figures 4, 5, 9, and 10.

[0018] The reusable holder part of the first laterally external grasping tool may be a single piece body bounded by an upper edge 430, an opposite lower edge or bottom surface 432, a facing lateral edge 434, and an opposite lateral edge 436. The upper edge faces and may be coupled (or disposed within) one of the couplers. The body of this holder part may have fastener orifices or holes 438 through which the fasteners extend when the holder part is coupled with the coupler, as shown in Figures 1 through 3. These fastener orifices may be closer to the upper edge than the lower edge or may be in another location.

[0019] The opposite lateral edge may include a vertical portion 440 and an angled portion 442. The vertical portion may be orthogonal or approximately orthogonal to the upper and lower edges. The angled portion may extend or be angled toward the facing edge such that the lower edge is shorter than the upper edge (along distances measured from the facing edge to the opposite edge, or from the opposite edge to the facing edge).

[0020] The wear part of the first laterally extending grasping tool may be positioned to extend along (or form part of) the facing edge of the tool and/or the lower edge of the tool. In one embodiment, the lower edge or bottom surface of the tool that faces the rail ties may be partially the wear part and partially the holder part. Alternatively, the lower edge or bottom surface of the tool that faces the rail ties may be entirely formed by the wear part. This can apply to one or more, or all, of the different tools described herein. One part of the lower edge of the tool is provided by the holder part with another part (e.g., the remainder) of the lower edge of the tool provided by the wear part, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. This wear part may be elongated in a direction that is parallel to or along the facing edge of the tool. The wear part may have a concave curved shape to form an engagement edge 444 at an intersection between the facing edge and the lower edge of the tool. This engagement edge can be positioned to engage one of the opposite sides or edges of the rail plate to assist in holding, pressing, etc., the plate against the bottom side of the rail while the tie is removed from beneath the plate. Alternatively, this engagement edge may be positioned below the bottom side or surface of the plate that faces or engages the tie. The wear part can have opposite lateral sides 446, 548 that face away from each other, with one lateral side 446 facing the rail during operation and the other lateral side 548 facing away from the rail during operation. The lateral sides may include or transition into tapered surfaces 450, 552 that are angled toward each other to an angled surface 554.

[0021] This angled surface can define an angled shape that extends up from the intersection between the facing edge and the lower edge of the tool. The edge of the rail plate that is engaged by the angled surface of the wear part may move along or ride up this angled surface when the tool is moved toward the rail plate. In one embodiment, the angle may change over its length to define a curve, while in another embodiment the surface is generally planar.

[0022] The reusable holder part includes a recess 656 extending inward from the facing edge 434, as shown in Figure 6. A tongue 658 projects from this recess in a direction between opposite lateral surfaces 460, 562 of the reusable holder part and away from the opposite edge 436 of the reusable holder part. The lateral surface 460 may be referred to as a laterally inward or rail-facing surface as this surface faces inward toward the rail during operation. The lateral surface 562 may be referred to as a laterally outer or outward-facing surface as this surface faces outward away from the rail during operation. In the illustrated example, the tongue may not project beyond the facing edge. The tongue includes one or more fastener orifices or holes 664 that laterally extend through the tongue in directions that are transverse or perpendicular to the lateral surfaces of the reusable wear part. Alternatively, the fastener orifices or holes may extend through the holder part and into or through the tongue from the angled portion of the opposite lateral edge.

[0023] The replaceable wear part may include a back surface 1066 that is opposite (and faces away from) the curved surface 450. A recess 1068 extends into the wear part through the back surface. This recess may be shaped and positioned to receive the tongue of the reusable holder part. The lateral sides of the wear part have an inner surface that may define fastener orifices, apertures, or holes 974 through which fasteners may be inserted. Alternatively, the fastener orifices or holes may extend through the wear part and into or through the back surface. The fastener orifices or holes can be coaxially aligned with the fastener orifices or holes in the tongue so that the fasteners can extend through the wear part and the holder part to secure the wear part to the holder part. The wear part can be coupled with the holder part with the tongue of the holder part inserted into the recess of the wear part. In one embodiment, the tongue has a tapered wedge shape (as shown in Figure 6) and the recess in the wear part has a corresponding tapered wedge shape (as shown in Figure 11) to receive the wedge-shaped tongue. The tongue may be larger than the recess to provide a friction or interference fit between the tongue and the internal surfaces of the wear part around the recess. This can provide for a secure and lasting coupling between the wear part and the holder part during operation.

[0024] Suitable materials for use as the wear part may include metal, cermet, ceramics, and plastic alone or in combination. Suitable plastics may include filled or fiber-reinforced structural polymers. Suitable metals may include steel and brass, among others. The hardness of the wear part may be selected (usually through choice of material) to be relatively softer than the material of the holder part. The wear part may wear down or be damaged more often, more rapidly, and/or to a greater extent than the holder part. To replace the wear part, the fasteners extending through the tongue and the wear part may be removed and the wear part pulled from the holder part. The wear part may then be replaced with another wear part so that the tool can continue to be used without having to replace the holder part. This can allow for reduced cost, reduced downtime, and/or reduced complexity compared to tools or assemblies that do not have the removeable wear part as the entire tool or assembly may need to be replaced.

[0025] Figure 12 illustrates a perspective view of one example of the second laterally external grasping tool or assembly 112 shown in Figures 1 through 3. Figure 13 illustrates another perspective view of the second laterally external grasping tool or assembly 112 shown in Figures 1 through 3 and 12. The second laterally external grasping tool may include the replaceable gripping wear part 426 and a reusable holder part 1228. These parts may be coupled with each other by one or more of the fasteners 420. Additionally or alternatively, the parts may be coupled or held together by a friction or interference fit.

[0026] With continued reference to the tool shown in Figures 12 and 13, Figure 14 illustrates a perspective view of one example of the reusable holder part 112 shown in Figures 12 and 13, and Figure 15 illustrates another perspective view of the reusable holder part shown in Figures 12 through 14. The second grasping tool may be similar in design and assembly as the first grasping tool with one or more changes in size, thickness, length, etc. Similar to the first grasping tool, the second grasping tool also includes the replaceable wear part described above that fits and is secured onto the tongue of the second grasping tool, as described above. Optionally, the replaceable wear part(s) may include the tongue and the first or second grasping tool may include the recess in which the tongue is inserted.

[0027] Figure 16 illustrates a perspective view of one example of the first laterally internal grasping tool or assembly 122 shown in Figures 1 through 3. Figure 17 illustrates another perspective view of the first laterally internal grasping tool or assembly 122 shown in Figures 1 through 3 and Figure 16. The first laterally internally grasping tool may include a replaceable gripping wear part 1626 and a reusable holder part 1628. These parts may be coupled with each other by the fasteners 420. Additionally or alternatively, the parts may be coupled or held together by a friction or interference fit.

[0028] With continued reference to the tool shown in Figures 16 and 17, Figure 18 illustrates a perspective view of one example of the reusable holder part 1628 shown in Figures 16 and 17. Figure 19 illustrates another perspective view of the reusable holder part shown in Figures 16 through 18. Figure 20 illustrates an elevational view of the reusable holder part shown in Figures 16 through 19. Figure 21 illustrates a perspective view of one example of the replaceable gripping wear part 1626 shown in Figures 16 and 17. Figure 22 illustrates a perspective view of the replaceable gripping wear part shown in Figures 16, 17, and 21. and Figure 23 illustrates an elevational view of the replaceable gripping wear part shown in Figures 16, 17, 21, and 22.

[0029] The reusable holder part of the second laterally external grasping tool may be a single piece body bounded by an upper edge 1630, an opposite lower edge 1632, a facing lateral edge 1634, and an opposite lateral edge 1636. The upper edge faces and may be coupled (or disposed within) one of the couplers 118. The body of this holder part may have the fastener orifices or holes 438 through which the fasteners 120 extend when the holder part is coupled with the coupler, as shown in Figures 1 through 3. These fastener orifices may be closer to the upper edge than the lower edge or may be in another location.

[0030] The opposite lateral edge may include a vertical portion 1640 and an angled portion 1642. The vertical portion may be orthogonal or approximately orthogonal to the upper and lower edges. The angled portion may extend or be angled toward the facing edge such that the lower edge is shorter than the upper edge (along distances measured from the facing edge to the opposite edge, or from the opposite edge to the facing edge).

[0031] The wear part of the second laterally extending grasping tool may be positioned to extend along (or form part of) the facing edge of the tool and/or the lower edge of the tool. One part of the lower edge of the tool is provided by the holder part with another part (e.g., the remainder) of the lower edge of the tool provided by the wear part, as shown in Figures 16 and 17. This wear part may include a vertically oriented portion or surface 1670, a horizontally oriented portion or surface 1672, and an intermediate or adjoining portion or surface 1674. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjoining portion or surface is transversely oriented to the vertically oriented and horizontally oriented portions. For example, the adjoining portion may be oriented at an acute angle (e.g., forty-five degrees or another angle) to each of the vertically oriented and horizontally oriented portions. The horizontally oriented portion may face the ground, ties, or the like, while the vertically oriented portion may face the other or opposing tool, as shown in Figure 3.

[0032] The vertically oriented, horizontally oriented, and adjoining portions may define an outer edge or perimeter of the replaceable part that is exposed. The replaceable part includes a collection opening 1676 that forms an engagement edge 1678. This collection opening may be at the intersection between the horizontally oriented portion and the adjoining portion. The engagement edge can be positioned to engage one of the opposite sides or edges of the rail plate to hold the plate against the rail while the tie is removed from beneath the plate. Alternatively, this engagement edge may engage the bottom surface of the plate that faces or engages the tie. The wear part can have opposite lateral sides 1646, 1748 that face away from each other, with one lateral side 1646 facing the rail during operation and the other lateral side 1748 facing away from the rail during operation.

[0033] Any parts of the rail tie that are cut away (e.g., splinters of the wood forming the tie) by the engagement edge may move into the collection opening along the engagement edge to avoid these parts from blocking or interfering with the engagement edge engaging the side of the rail plate.

[0034] The reusable holder part includes a larger recess 1856 extending inward from the facing edge 1634, as shown in Figure 18. The reusable part also includes a nested recess 1802 disposed within the larger recess and extending into the body of the reusable part. In the illustrated example, multiple separate tongues 1858 project from this recess in transverse directions oriented between the opposite lateral surfaces 1646, 1748 of the reusable wear part. One tongue may project vertically downward toward the lower surface or edge 1632 and another tongue may project horizontally away from the opposite or back surface/edge 1636. The lateral surface 1646 may be referred to as a laterally outward or rail-facing surface as this surface faces the rail during operation. The lateral surface 1748 may be referred to as a laterally inward surface as this surface faces inward away from the rail during operation. In the illustrated example, the tongues do not project beyond the recess such that the tongues are entirely disposed within the recess. Alternatively, one or more of the tongues may extend outside of the recess. Optionally, a single tongue may be provided, or more than two tongues may be provided. The tongues may include fastener orifices or holes 664 that laterally extend through the tongues in directions that are transverse or perpendicular to the lateral surfaces of the reusable wear part. Alternatively, the fastener orifices or holes may extend through the holder part and into or through the tongue from the back surface.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the replaceable wear part includes a top surface 2102 and a back surface 2166 that is transverse (e.g., perpendicular to) the top surface. A recess 2268 extends into the wear part through each of the top surface and the back surface in the illustrated example. The recess extending into the top surface also can extend into the back surface, as shown in Figures 21, 22, and 23. These recesses are shaped and positioned to receive the tongues of the reusable holder part. The lateral sides of the wear part include fastener orifices or holes 974 through which fasteners may be inserted. The fastener orifices or holes can be coaxially aligned with the fastener orifices or holes in the tongue so that the fasteners can extend through the wear part and the holder part to secure the wear part to the holder part. Alternatively, the fastener orifices or holes may extend through the wear part and into or through the back surface.

[0036] The wear part optionally includes an upwardly protruding arm 2104 that projects vertically upward from the top surface 2102 and that defines part or all the facing surface 1670 of the wear part. This arm may include another tongue 2106 that projects away from the facing surface 1670 and toward the back surface 2166. This additional tongue may be received in the nested recess in the holder part.

[0037] In one embodiment, the tongues have tapered wedge shapes and the recesses in the wear part may have corresponding tapered wedge shapes to receive the wedge-shaped tongues. Alternatively, the tongues and/or recesses may have other shapes that are not wedges. The tongues may be larger than the recesses to provide a friction or interference fit between the tongues and the internal surfaces of the wear part around the recesses. This can provide for a more secure and lasting coupling between the wear part and the holder part during operation.

[0038] The wear part may have a surface finish or profile that facilitates contact or grip. Suitable surface finishes may be smooth, rough, or patterned. Suitable patterns may include raised teeth, dimples, or may be bumpy, nodulated or knobby. In addition to controlling the friction level during use, the protuberances may function as wear indicators. The fasteners may be countersunk into the wear part so as not to protrude in one embodiment. To replace the wear part, the fasteners extending through the tongue and the wear part may be removed and the wear part pulled from the holder part. The wear part may then be replaced with another wear part so that the tool can continue to be used without having to replace the holder part. This can allow for reduced cost, reduced downtime, and/or reduced complexity compared to tools or assemblies that do not have the removeable wear part as the entire tool or assembly may need to be replaced.

[0039] Figure 24 illustrates a perspective view of one example of the second internal grasping assembly or tool 124 shown in Figures 1 through 3. Figure 25 illustrates another perspective view of the second internal grasping tool or assembly 124 shown in Figures 1 through 3 and 24. The second internal grasping tool may include the replaceable gripping wear part 1626 and a reusable holder part 2428. These parts may be coupled with each other by one or more fasteners 420. Additionally, or alternatively, the parts may be coupled or held together by a friction or interference fit. The second grasping tool shown in Figures 24 and 25 may be similar in design and assembly as the first internal grasping tool shown in Figures 16 through 20 with one or more changes in size, thickness, length, etc. Similar to the first grasping tool, the second internal grasping tool also includes the replaceable wear part described above that fits and is secured onto the tongue of the second grasping tool, as described above. Optionally, the replaceable wear part(s) may include the tongue and the first or second grasping tool may include the recess in which the tongue is inserted.

[0040] In one embodiment, a rail maintenance system may include the internal and external rail plate gripping assemblies 110, 112, 122, 124. For example, such a system may include a laterally external set of the rail gripping assemblies 110, 112 and a laterally internal set of the rail gripping assemblies 122, 124. Alternatively, the system may include fewer than all of the rail plate gripping assemblies 110, 112, 122, 124.

[0041] One or more (or each) of the holder parts described herein can include one or more notches 426 at one or more interfaces between the holder parts and the wear parts. These notches are shown in Figures 4 through 8, Figures 12 through 20, and Figures 24 and 25. The notches form recesses extending into the holder parts along one or more edges that mate with or engage the wear parts. An end of another tool (e.g., crowbar, screwdriver, etc.) can be inserted into a notch to assist in prying or otherwise separating the wear part from the holder part. Alternatively, one or more of the notches can be a recess extending into the wear part instead of the holder part.

[0042] Figure 26 is a perspective view of one example of a plate grasping system 2600. This system alternatively may be referred to as a rail maintenance system. Figure 27 is another perspective view of the plate grasping system shown in Figure 26. Figure 26 shows a lateral outboard view while Figure 27 shows a lateral inboard view. The grasping system may be coupled to a rail vehicle and may be used to grasp and hold rail tie plates or rail plates 2602 that are coupled with a rail 2604 of a track on which the rail vehicle moves, as discussed above. The rail plates may be on top of and coupled with rail ties 2608. The grasping system may include opposing external grasping assemblies or tools 2610, 2612 and opposing internal grasping assemblies or tools 2622, 2624 that pivot toward each other to grasp opposite edges 2614, 2616 of a first rail plate of the rail plates. The opposite edges of the first rail plate may be a forward edge of the first rail plate and a rearward edge of the first rail plate. In one example, the forward edge may be forward in a direction of movement of the rail vehicle and rearward may be rearward in a direction of movement of the rail vehicle. The grasping tools 2610, 2612 may be referred to as laterally external tools or assemblies as these tools are located laterally outside of the rails during operation (and not between the rails), while the grasping tools 2622, 2624 may be referred to as laterally internal tools or assemblies as these tools are located laterally inside or between the rails during operation.

[0043] The external and internal grasping assemblies discussed in reference to Figures 26-33 may also include a reusable holder part and a replaceable wear part, as described above. Specifically, the replaceable wear part may be removably coupled with the grasping assemblies and may be positioned to engage the rail plates to support the rail plates while the rail ties are removed and/or replaced beneath the rail plates. The reusable wear part may be separated from the grasping assemblies and may be replaced with another reusable wear part.

[0044] During operation, the opposing grasping assemblies or tools can pivot toward each other to grasp the rail plate to hold up the rail plate while the rail tie is removed from beneath the rail, as illustrated in Figure 28. The assemblies may hold the rail plate up while a replacement tie or sleeper is positioned beneath the rail plate. The grasping assemblies may then pivot away from each other to release the rail plate, as illustrated in Figure 29. One or more motors or other actuators coupled with the assemblies may move the assemblies pivotally toward and away from each other. The system may then move to another rail plate to repeat these actions.

[0045] The opposing grasping assemblies may be coupled to a coupler 2660 via fasteners 2662. Suitable fasteners may include bolts, screws, pins, or the like selected with reference to the end use application. The coupler may be coupled to a mounting portion 2609 of the rail vehicle. The mounting portion may be a portion of the rail vehicle that extends above the rail. Each opposing grasping assembly may pivot relative to the coupler about a pivot point or bearing 2650 between an open position (Figures 26-27, 29, and 32-33) and a closed position (Figure 28). The opposing grasping assemblies may be positioned such that in the closed position, the opposing grasping assemblies may grasp and/or hold the rail plate while rail ties are removed and/or replaced beneath the rail plate.

[0046] An actuator 2670 may be coupled with the plate grasping system to move the grasping assemblies between the open and closed positions. The actuator, for example a hydraulic cylinder actuator, may be connected to upper ends 2623, 2625, 2627, 2629 of each of the opposing grasping assemblies. In one example, an exterior actuator 2670a may move the external grasping assemblies and an interior actuator 2670b may move the internal grasping assemblies. When the actuator is extended, the opposing grasping assemblies may be moved to the closed position, as shown in Figure 28. When the actuator is retracted, the opposing grasping assemblies may be moved to the open position, as shown in Figure 29. An operator or a control system may control the opposing grasping assemblies to tightly grasp targeted tie plates.

[0047] While each of the grasping assemblies or tools may be movable or pivotable to grasp and release the rail plate, it may be advantageous for the grasping assemblies of the plate grasping system to be movable in a lateral direction to change a distance 2690, a spacing, and/or an alignment between the external grasping assemblies and the internal grasping assemblies. Changing the distance or spacing may allow the grasping assemblies to be customized or tailored to the particular rail dimensions or operational parameters. For example, different rails and/or rail plates may have differing widths due to manufacturing, wear, material expansion/contraction, or the like. Additionally, changing the distance or spacing may allow the grasping assemblies to be more easily aligned with the target rail plate in the lateral direction. The plate grasping system may be moveable between one or more laterally extended positions (shown in Figure 30) and one or more laterally contracted positions (shown in Figure 31).

[0048] Figure 28 is a side view of one example of the plate grasping system shown in Figure 26. Figure 28 shows the plate grasping system in a closed position. Figure 29 is a side view of one example of the plate grasping system shown in Figure 26. Figure 29 shows the plate grasping system in an open position.

[0049] Figure 30 is a top view of one example of the plate grasping system shown in Figure 26. Figure 30 shows the plate grasping system in a first position or an extended position. Figure 31 is a top view of one example of the plate grasping system shown in Figure 26. Figure 31 shows the plate grasping system in a second position or a contracted position. Figure 32 is another perspective view of one example of the plate grasping system shown in Figure 26. Figure 32 shows the plate grasping system in an extended position. Figure 33 is another perspective view of one example of the plate grasping system shown in Figure 26. Figure 33 shows the plate grasping system in a contracted position.

[0050] The distance may be measured as a length between the external grasping assemblies and the internal grasping assemblies. The distance between the external grasping assemblies and the internal grasping assemblies may be measured laterally, generally perpendicular to the route and transverse to the grasping assemblies. The distance may be a distance between an exterior-most portion 2613 of the external grasping assembly and an interior most-portion 2615 of the internal grasping assembly, as illustrated in Figures 28 and 29.

[0051] In the extended position, one or more spacers 2674 may be removably positioned to increase the distance between the external and internal grasping assemblies. The spacers may be hollow tubes or structures with one or more through holes. In one example, the spacers may be washers, mechanical spacers, standoff spacers, snap-in spacers, or the like. The spacers may increase the space between parts being fastened, for example between the coupler and the mounting portion. The spacers may be coupled to one or both of the coupler or mounting portion via one or more fasteners. Suitable fasteners may include bolts, screws, pins, or the like selected with reference to the end use application. Where the spacer is a standoff spacer, the spacer may include a threaded shaft or hole that may enable the spacer to be coupled without the use of an additional fastener. The spacers may be brass, stainless steel, ceramic, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nylon polyoxymethylene (POM), or the like. In one example, the spacers may be round, however in other examples the spacers may be square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, another polygonal shape, or a non-polygonal shape, based on the geometry and use required by the system.

[0052] In the example illustrated in Figure 28, the spacer may be positioned between the coupler and the mounting portion of the vehicle. The spacer may additionally provide an air gap between the coupler and the mounting portion. In one embodiment, the distance may be measured as a length of the air gap. While the spacers shown in Figure 28 are shown in the extended position with respect to the interior side, in other embodiments, spacers may be positioned between the coupler and mounting portion on the exterior side, but not on the interior side. There may be a fully extended position where spacers are positioned between the coupler and mounting portion on the interior side and the exterior side. This may allow for multiple arrangements and lateral adjustments to the plate grasping system, based on rail/rail plate dimensions, grasping assembly alignment, and the like.

[0053] In the contracted position, the spacers may be removed entirely. When the spacers are removed, the fasteners that extended through the spacers may be used to couple the coupler and the mounting portion. In one example, in the contracted position the spacers may be positioned outside of the coupler, as shown in Figure 29. The coupler and mounting portion may be touching in the contracted position. In this arrangement, the spacers may not be providing any space between adjacent parts (e.g., the coupler and the mounting portion) but rather may be on an outer most portion, as illustrated in Figure 31. In one example, the coupler and mounting portion may be spaced apart in the contracted position a distance that may be smaller than the spacing of the coupler and mounting portion in the extended position. The contracted position may reduce the distance and may make the plate grasping system more compact, which may be preferred for transportation of the plate grasping system when not in use.

[0054] The opposing grasping assemblies may need to be synchronized during movement, such that each opposing grasping assembly may be rotating the same or a substantially similar amount when gripping the rail plate. As illustrated in Figure 31, the interior grasping assemblies may include meshing fingers 2680, 2682 on complementary facing edges 2684. The meshing fingers may facilitate alignment and rotation of the opposing grasping assemblies during movement between the open and closed positions. In one example, one or more of the meshing fingers on one grasping assembly may engage a pocket 2694 between a pair of fingers of the opposing grasping assembly. While this arrangement is described with respect to the interior grasping assemblies, the same arrangement may be implemented with respect to the exterior grasping assemblies. The use of the meshing fingers may allow the opposing grasping assemblies to move in a more synchronized, simultaneous movement in gripping the target tie plate. Other meshing arrangements may be used to synchronize the opposing grasping assemblies.

[0055] Figure 34 illustrates a flowchart of one example of a method 3400 for maintaining a rail plate gripping assembly or tool. The method can represent operations performed to replace the wear part in one or more (or all) of the rail plate gripping assemblies described herein. At step 3402, the fasteners 420 extending through the fastener openings 664, 974 may be removed from the assembly or tool. In one example, the fasteners extending through the grasping assemblies or tools may be removed and the grasping assemblies may be removed and replaced. At step 3404, the wear part may be separated from the holder part. The wear part can be separated by sliding or otherwise moving the wear part relative to the holder part so that the tongues are removed from the recesses, and the wear part may be removed from the holder part. At step 3406, a replacement wear part may be coupled to the holder part. For example, another wear part may be placed such that the tongues may be inserted into the recesses, and fasteners may be inserted into and through the fastener holes. The wear part may be replaced again (e.g., the method may be repeated) when the wear part is worn out and needs to be replaced.

[0056] In one example, a rail plate grasping assembly is provided. The assembly may include a holder part that may be coupled with a rail vehicle that moves along one or more rails of a track with the one or more rails coupled with rail plates that are coupled with rail ties. The assembly also may include a wear part that may be coupled with the holder part and shaped to engage the rail plates to support the rail plates while the rail ties are removed from beneath the rail plates. The wear part may be separated from the holder part and replaced with another wear part.

[0057] The holder part may include one or more tongues, and the wear part may include one or more recesses shaped to receive the one or more tongues of the holder part. The holder part and the wear part may include coaxial fastener openings positioned to receive fasteners that secure the wear part to the holder part. The holder part may include one or more tongues, and the wear part includes one or more recesses shaped to receive the one or more tongues of the holder part. The holder part and the wear part may include coaxial fastener openings that extend through the one or more tongues and that are positioned to receive fasteners that secure the wear part to the holder part.

[0058] The wear part may include an engagement edge shaped and positioned to engage one of opposite edges of the rail plates. The wear part may form either part but less than an entirety of a bottom surface of the rail plate grasping assembly that faces the rail ties or the wear part forms the entirety of the bottom surface of the rail plate grasping assembly that faces the rail ties. The wear part may include a collection opening that can allow parts of the rail ties to move from between the wear part and the rail plates.

[0059] In another example, a maintenance system includes plural external rail plate grasping assemblies that may move toward each other to grasp and to pull a rail plate against a rail during removal of a rail tie beneath the rail. The system also may include plural internal rail plate grasping assemblies that may move toward each other to grasp and to pull the rail plate against the rail during removal of the rail tie. Each of the rail plate grasping assemblies may include a holder part that may be coupled with a rail vehicle that moves along the rail and a wear part coupled with the holder part and shaped to engage a corresponding first rail plate or a second rail plate to support the first rail plate or second rail plate while the rail tie is removed beneath the rail plates. The wear part may be separated from the holder part and replaced with another wear part.

[0060] The plural external rail plate grasping assemblies may be on an opposite side of the rail than the plural internal rail plate grasping assemblies. The holder parts may include one or more tongues. The wear parts may include one or more recesses shaped to receive the one or more tongues of the holder parts. The holder parts and the wear parts may include coaxial fastener openings positioned to receive fasteners that secure the wear parts to the holder parts.

[0061] The holder parts may include one or more tongues, and the wear parts may include one or more recesses shaped to receive the one or more tongues of the holder parts. The wear parts may include engagement edges shaped and positioned to engage an edge of the rail plate. The wear parts may form either part or an entirety of bottom surfaces of the plural external rail grasping assemblies and plural internal rail plate grasping assemblies that face the rail tie. The wear parts of the plural external rail plate grasping assemblies may include a collection opening that may allow parts of the rail tie to move from between the wear parts and the second rail plate.

[0062] In another example, a rail plate grasping assembly includes an internal grasping tool, an external grasping tool, and one or more spacers. The internal grasping tool may be mounted to a rail vehicle that moves along one or more rails of a track. The one or more rails may be coupled with rail plates that may be coupled with rail ties. The internal grasping tool may be pivotally mounted for movement between an open position and a closed position in which the internal grasping tool may engage a forward edge of a first rail plate of the rail plates and a rearward edge of the first rail plate of the rail plates. The external grasping tool may be pivotally mounted to the rail vehicle for movement between an open position and a closed position in which the external grasping tool may engage the forward edge of the first rail plate and the rearward edge of the first rail plate. The spacers may be positioned between the internal grasping tool and the external grasping tool. The spacers may increase a distance between the internal grasping tool and the external grasping tool in a direction transverse to the route responsive to the spacers being in a first position. The spacers may decrease the distance between the internal grasping tool and the external grasping tool in a direction transverse to the route responsive to the spacers being in a second position.

[0063] The rail plate grasping assembly system may include a wear part coupled with the internal grasping tool. The wear part may be positioned to engage the rail plates to support the rail plates while the rail ties are removed from beneath the rail plates. The wear part may be separated from the internal grasping tool and replaced with another wear part.

[0064] In one example, the rail plate grasping assembly may include an internal actuator mounted to the internal grasping tool to move the internal grasping tool between the open and closed position. An external actuator may be mounted to the external grasping tool to move the external grasping tool between the open and closed position.

[0065] The internal grasping tool may include a first grasping tool and a second grasping tool that may include meshing fingers on complementary facing edges of the first grasping tool and the second grasping tool. The rail plate grasping assembly may include a pocket formed between adj acent meshing fingers of the second grasping tool. The meshing fingers of the first grasping tool may engage the pocket of the second grasping tool.

[0066] In another example, a rail plate grasping assembly may include a holder part that can be coupled with a rail vehicle that moves along one or more rails of a track with the one or more rails coupled with rail plates that are coupled with rail ties. The assembly also may include a wear part that can be coupled with the holder part and shaped to engage the rail plates to support the rail plates while the rail ties are removed and/or replaced beneath the rail plates. The wear part may be separated from the holder part and replaced with another wear part. One or both of the holder part and the wear part may include one or more tongues configured to be received in one or more corresponding recesses in another of the holder part or the wear part.

[0067] The one or more tongues may be wedge shaped to provide an interference fit between the holder part and the wear part. The wear part may include a first recess and a first tongue, the holder part may include a second recess shaped and positioned to receive the first tongue of the wear part, and the holder part may include a second tongue shaped and positioned to be received in the first recess of the wear part.

[0068] The holder part and the wear part may include coaxial fastener openings positioned to receive fasteners that secure the wear part to the holder part. The wear part may include an engagement edge shaped and positioned to engage an edge of the rail plate.

[0069] Use of phrases such as "one or more of ... and," "one or more of ... or," "at least one of ... and," and "at least one of ... or" are meant to encompass including only a single one of the items used in connection with the phrase, at least one of each one of the items used in connection with the phrase, or multiple ones of any or each of the items used in connection with the phrase. For example, "one or more of A, B, and C," "one or more of A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" each can mean (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, (3) at least one C, (4) at least one A and at least one B, (5) at least one A, at least one B, and at least one C, (6) at least one B and at least one C, or (7) at least one A and at least one C.

[0070] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and preceded with the word "a" or "an" do not exclude the plural of said elements or operations, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the invention do not exclude the existence of additional embodiments that incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising," "comprises," "including," "includes," "having," or "has" an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property. In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-language equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein." Moreover, in the following claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and do not impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase "means for" followed by a statement of function devoid of further structure.

[0071] The above description is illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the subject matter without departing from its scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein define the parameters of the subject matter, they are exemplary embodiments. Other embodiments will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the subject matter should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0072] This written description uses examples to disclose several embodiments of the subject matter, including the best mode, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments of subject matter, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the subject matter is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. A rail plate grasping assembly, comprising:

a holder part configured to be coupled with a rail vehicle that moves along one or more rails of a track with the one or more rails coupled with rail plates that are coupled with rail ties; and

a wear part configured to be coupled with the holder part and shaped to engage the rail plates to support the rail plates while the rail ties are removed from beneath the rail plates, the wear part configured to be separated from the holder part and replaced with another wear part.

2. The rail plate grasping assembly of claim 1, wherein the holder part includes one or more tongues, and the wear part includes one or more recesses shaped to receive the one or more tongues of the holder part.

3. The rail plate grasping assembly of claim 1, wherein the holder part and the wear part include coaxial fastener openings positioned to receive fasteners that secure the wear part to the holder part.

4. The rail plate grasping assembly of claim 1, wherein the holder part includes one or more tongues, and the wear part includes one or more recesses shaped to receive the one or more tongues of the holder part, the holder part and the wear part including coaxial fastener openings that extend through the one or more tongues and that are positioned to receive fasteners that secure the wear part to the holder part.

5. The rail plate grasping assembly of claim 1, wherein the wear part includes an engagement edge shaped and positioned to engage one of opposite edges of the rail plates.

6. The rail plate grasping assembly of claim 1, wherein the wear part forms either part but less than an entirety of a bottom surface of the rail plate grasping assembly that faces the rail ties or the wear part forms the entirety of the bottom surface of the rail plate grasping assembly that faces the rail ties.

7. The rail plate grasping assembly of claim 1, wherein the wear part includes a collection opening configured to allow parts of the rail ties to move from between the wear part and the rail plates.

8. A maintenance system, comprising:

plural external rail plate grasping assemblies that are configured to move toward each other to grasp and to pull a rail plate against a rail during removal of a rail tie beneath the rail; and

plural internal rail plate grasping assemblies that are configured to move toward each other to grasp and to pull the rail plate against the rail during removal of the rail tie, wherein each of the rail plate grasping assemblies includes a holder part configured to be coupled with a rail vehicle that moves along the rail and a wear part coupled with the holder part and shaped to engage a corresponding first rail plate or a second rail plate to support the first rail plate or the second rail plate while the rail tie is removed beneath the rail plates, the wear part being configured to be separated from the holder part and replaced with another wear part.

9. The maintenance system of claim 8, wherein the plural external rail plate grasping assemblies are configured to be on an opposite side of the rail than the plural internal rail plate grasping assemblies.

10. The maintenance system of claim 8, wherein the holder parts include one or more tongues, and the wear parts include one or more recesses shaped to receive the one or more tongues of the holder parts.

11. The maintenance system of claim 8, wherein the holder parts and the wear parts include coaxial fastener openings positioned to receive fasteners that secure the wear parts to the holder parts.

12. The maintenance system of claim 8, wherein the holder parts include one or more tongues, and the wear parts include one or more recesses shaped to receive the one or more tongues of the holder parts.

13. The maintenance system of claim 8, wherein the wear parts include engagement edges shaped and positioned to engage an edge of the rail plate.

14. The maintenance system of claim 8, wherein the wear parts form either part or an entirety of bottom surfaces of the plural external rail plate grasping assemblies and the plural internal rail plate grasping assemblies that face the rail tie.

15. The maintenance system of claim 8, wherein the wear parts of the plural external rail plate grasping assemblies include a collection opening configured to allow parts of the rail tie to move from between the wear parts and the second rail plate.

Drawing