Rail fastener
AssigneePortec, Inc.
InventorRichard L. Fischer
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A rail fastener includes a shoulder member fixed relative a cross-tie and having a head insertable through an apertured insulator. One end of the insulator bears upon the cross-tie while the opposite end carries a dielectric pad engaging the top surface and lateral edge of a rail base flange. The fastener assembly is completed by the application of a spring clip attached to the shoulder head and constantly bearing downwardly against the two opposite ends of the insulator. The dielectric pad surrounds a substantial portion of one end of the insulator and preferably is staked thereover but alternatively may be secured by a press fit, shrink fit, snap fit or by suitable adhesive.
Claims17
A fastener for securing a rail base flange to a cross-tie having a top surface including, a shoulder member fixed relative said cross-tie and provided with a head projecting above said cross-tie top surface adjacent said rail base flange, an insulator comprising a metal plate having an aperture intermediate an outer tie section and inner rail section, a dielectric pad underlying said inner rail section, side sections joining said outer tie and inner rail sections and defining opposed edges of said aperture, said insulator sections surrounding said shoulder member with the peripheral limits of said head disposed through said aperture, said outer tie section disposed atop said cross-tie top surface on one side of said shoulder head and said inner rail section on another side of said shoulder head and overlying said rail base flange with said dielectric pad engaging said rail base flange, a spring clip having legs engaging said shoulder head above said insulator and having inside and outside portions respectively bearing down upon said inner rail section and outer tie section of said insulator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.