Tie guide, replaceable pad, and method of using the same
AssigneeTransportation IP Holdings, LLC
InventorsNeil Patrick Creegan, Matthew James Hennemann, Samuel Edward Zauner, Matthew Wade Reid
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An assembly can include tie guide including a first free end, a second free end distal from the first free end, a tie-facing surface extending between the first free end and the second free end, and a mount configured to pivotably support the tie guide. The tie-facing surface can be configured to releasably secure a replaceable pad to the tie guide. The assembly can further include the replaceable pad, which can include more than one pad segment. A method can include replacing a pad or segments thereof. A method of exchanging rail ties can use an assembly including a tie guide and a replaceable pad therefor.
Claims20
An assembly, comprising:
- a tie guide having a first free end, and a second free end distal from the first free end and separated by a tie-facing surface extending between the first free end and the second free end, a mount structure of the tie guide that is configured to pivotably support the tie guide;
- and
- a portion of the tie-facing surface being configured to releasably or selectively secure a replaceable pad.
A method of operating a machine, the method comprising:
- moving a tie toward a tie guide, the tie guide comprising a replaceable pad;
- and
- contacting, by the replaceable pad, the tie to thereby protect the tie guide from contacting the tie.
A replaceable pad for use in an assembly, comprising:
- a tie guide comprising:
- a first free end;
- a second free end distal from the first free end;
- a tie-facing surface extending between the first free end and the second free end, the tie-facing surface configured to releasably secure the replaceable pad;
- and
- a mount configured to pivotably support the tie guide.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.