Combined track-railbed joining apparatus

Abstract

A joining apparatus is provided for a model railroad track, wherein the model railroad track includes a pair of combined track-railbed sections, with each end thereof configured for abutting an end of another combined track-railbed section, including a tie array disposed on an upper portion of each railbed and a pair of spaced apart rails fixed thereto, wherein the rails are electrically and physically joined to a rail on an abutted rail by a rail connector. Each combined track-railbed section includes a joining element retainer located adjacent each end of the section, underlying the railbed adjacent an end of each rail fixed to the railbed. A joining element is removably retainable in each joining element retainer for providing horizontal, vertical and longitudinal alignment between abutted combined track railbed sections.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The instant invention relates to model railroad track and specifically to a track joining apparatus which securely holds two sections of a combined track-roadbed assembly together and provides horizontal, vertical and longitudinal alignment therefore. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Sectional model railroad track has been constructed in a variety of forms. In the simplest form, a section of track includes a pair of spaced apart, electrically conductive rails and an arrangement of ties extending between the rails, the ties being joined together to form the track section into the desired configuration, i.e., straight, curved with a variety of radii, or turnouts, with a variety of frog ratios. [0003] Another form of sectional track includes the aforementioned elements which are secured to a section of roadbed to eliminate the necessity of laying a separate roadbed and then laying the sectional track on top thereof. [0004] The simplest joining system con...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a joining apparatus for model railroad tracks that allows for the alignment and connection of track sections. The apparatus includes a tie array and a pair of spaced apart rails fixed to the railbed, which are electrically and physically joined to a rail on an abutted rail by a rail connector. Each combined track-railbed section also has a joining element retainer for providing horizontal, vertical, and longitudinal alignment between abutted track railbed sections. The invention provides a system that protects track connectors from damage, aligns connectors with rails prior to engagement, and incorporates alignment and interlocking elements in a unitary structure. Additionally, the invention is easy and inexpensive to construct and incorporates structures with simple configurations. The joining element may also be easily replaced in case of damage or breakage."

Problems solved by technology

The connectors are not intended to provide a physical restraining system for the track, and, although the connectors will prevent lateral movement of track sections relative to one another, they will do very little to prevent longitudinal movement, which, if not prevented, will allow the track sections to separate from one another.

The connectors, or fishplates, are rather delicate objects, particularly in the smaller gauges, e.g., N scale and smaller.

The connectors extend beyond the ends of the rails, and as such, are subject to impact, which may result in disfigurement, following which the connectors may not be operational to join sections of tracks or to provide an electrical connection therebetween.

Because the connectors are easily damaged or distorted, assembly of sectional track must be performed by a person having a high degree of manual dexterity.

Conventional, small-scale track is not suitable for use by children, and, for some adults, may be difficult to manipulate.

This results in an enlargement of the connector, which in turn results in poor electrical connection between track sections upon reassembly.

Poor electrical connection between track sections will result in poor operation of the model trains which are run on the track.

Although some forms of joining systems have been developed which provide for the longitudinal and lateral alignment of sectional track, known systems involve complex structures which are difficult to form and which are not easily injection molded.

Known structures are subject to breakage, and because known joining structures are either permanently fixed to a track section or integrally formed therewith, they are not repairable.

Thus, breakage of a small part of a track section results in destruction of the entire track section.

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