Surface rail for composite continuous rail
OwnerDonald D. Bruninginventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A composite continuous surface rail is constructed by combining a load-bearing support rail divided into segments to allow for thermal expansion with a continuous surface rail that slideably engages the support rail and spans any number of support rail segments. The continuous top or surface rail includes a running rail and an expansion rail. The expansion rail is provided to absorb thermal expansion of the running rail while continuing to provide a continuous composite rail surface. The surface rail and/or support rail may be electrified. An electrified running rail and expansion rail will provide an electrified composite rail with electrical continuity.
Claims14
A surface rail for mounting on a support rail to form a composite rail with a continuous operative surface, wherein the composite rail has a plurality of the support rails connected end-to-end with an expansion joint between each support rail, and each of the support rails has a head with a predetermined cross-sectional shape, said surface rail comprising:
- a running rail having a length independent of the length of the support rails and having an upper surface for providing the operative surface of the composite rail and for spanning the expansion joints;
- said running rail having an undersurface shaped to slideably engage the predetermined shape of the head of the support rails so that said running rail slides relative to the support rails as the support rails or said running rail expand or contract.
Surface rail apparatus for a composite rail, the composite rail having a support rail for supporting vehicles running on the composite rail, wherein the support rail is divided into longitudinal segments and has an expansion joint between each of the segments of the support rail to absorb thermal expansion of the support rail, said surface rail apparatus mounted on the segments of the support rail and comprising:
- running rail means for spanning the expansion joints in the segments of support rail and providing a continuous surface for contact with vehicles running on the composite rail;
- and
- said running rail means having an elongated rail shape which slideably engages the segments of the support rail.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.