Baseplate and baseplate assembly for a railway rail
Patent Information
- Application Number
- AU2026201819
- Authority / Receiving Office
- AU · AU
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-03-19
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-08
Smart Images
Figure 00000002_0000 
Figure 00000029_0000 
Figure 00000030_0000
Abstract
Description
The present invention relates to a baseplate for a railway fastening assembly and particularly, although not exclusively, relates to a baseplate comprising ribs to provide lateral support to a railroad tie. Background Railway rail baseplates are used in railway rail fastening assemblies to provide a rail support region for supporting a railway rail on a rail foundation, such as a wooden railroad tie. Railroad tie fastenings are inserted through openings in the baseplate and extend into the railroad tie whereby the baseplate may be secured to the railroad tie. Failures of the railroad tie fastenings at the intersection between the baseplate and the railroad tie may occur due to the shear stresses that are experienced. The shear stresses occur as a result of repeated high loads that are transferred from the baseplate to the railroad tie. Failure of the railroad tie fastenings may cause the baseplate to separate from the railroad tie and requires immediate maintenance. It is therefore desirable to reduce the probability of railroad tie fastening failure and extend their lifetime. As the number of baseplates required over a length of rail can be high, any improvement can be significant. Summary 2026201819 11 Mar 2026 According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a baseplate for a railway fastening assembly supporting a railway rail on a railroad tie, the baseplate comprising: a first surface on a first side of the baseplate, the first surface being configured to face the railway rail; a second surface on a second side of the baseplate opposite the first side, the second surface being configured to face the railroad tie; a first rib extending longitudinally along a first lengthwise edge of the baseplate and from the second surface, the first rib protruding in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second surface such that the first rib is configured to extend at least partially over and abut a first side face of the railroad tie; and a second rib extending longitudinally along a second lengthwise edge of the baseplate opposite the first lengthwise edge and from the second surface, the second rib protruding in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second surface such that the second rib is configured to extend at least partially over and abut a second side face of the railroad tie, the second side face of the railroad tie being opposite the first side face of the railroad tie. The railroad tie may be a railway sleeper or any other underlying foundation. The railroad tie may be made from wood, concrete or any other suitable material. The first surface may be configured to receive the railway rail, e.g. with a resilient pad provided therebetween. 2026201819 11 Mar 2026 A height of the first and second ribs in the direction perpendicular to the second surface may vary along the length of the baseplate. The height may be measured from the second surface. The height of the first and second ribs in the direction perpendicular to the second surface may vary along the length of the baseplate such that the first and second ribs are tapered. For example, the height of the first and second ribs in the direction perpendicular to the second surface may vary along the length of the baseplate such that the first and second ribs may taper from a maximum height at a midpoint location along the length of the baseplate to a minimum height at longitudinal ends of the baseplate. The baseplate may further comprise a pair of first rib portions extending longitudinally along the first lengthwise edge of the baseplate and a pair of second rib portions extending longitudinally along the second lengthwise edge of the baseplate. The first and second rib portions may extend from the first side of the baseplate. The first and second rib portions may extend away from the railroad tie. The first rib portions of the pair of first rib portions may be provided either side of the first surface. The second rib portions of the pair of second rib portions may be provided either side of the first surface. The first rib portions may be contiguous with the first rib and the second rib portions may be contiguous with the second rib. The first surface may be substantially flat. The second surface may be substantially flat. 2026201819 11 Mar 2026 The baseplate may further comprise a pair of first receiving portions for receiving rail fastening devices either side of the first surface. The rail fastening devices may comprise resilient railway rail fastening clips. The baseplate may further comprise at least one second receiving portion for receiving railroad tie fastening devices either side of the first surface. The railroad tie fastening devices may comprise one or more of spikes (such as dog spikes), anchor bolts, tie screws or any other type of fastener for securing the baseplate to the railroad tie] The second receiving portion may comprise an opening for the railroad tie fastening device to pass through. The baseplate may further comprise at least one raised portion on the first side of the baseplate. The raised portion may extend from the first surface and may surround a corresponding second receiving portion. An assembly may comprise the above-mentioned baseplate. The assembly may further comprise a bush comprising a flange at one end. At least one of the second receiving portions may comprise an opening configured to receive the bush with the flange resting on the first side of the baseplate. The bush may be configured to receive a railroad tie screw. The bush may extend below the second surface of the baseplate when installed. 2026201819 11 Mar 2026 The bush may comprise a series of projections at an end opposite to the flange. The projections may be configured to extend into the railroad tie when in an installed configuration. The projections may comprise crenellations or serrations, e.g. with square or triangular projections. According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a baseplate assembly comprising a baseplate for supporting a railway rail on a railroad tie, the baseplate comprising: a first surface on a first side of the baseplate, the first surface being configured to face the railway rail; a second surface on a second side of the baseplate opposite the first side, the second surface being configured to face the railroad tie; a pair of first receiving portions for receiving rail fastening devices either side of the first surface; and at least one second receiving portion for receiving railroad tie fastening devices either side of the first surface; wherein the assembly further comprises a bush comprising a flange at one end, wherein at least one of the second receiving portions comprises an opening configured to receive the bush with the flange resting on the first side of the baseplate, wherein the bush is configured to receive a railroad tie screw. The bush may extend below the second surface of the baseplate when installed. The bush may comprise a series of projections at an end opposite to the flange. The projections may be configured to extend into the railroad tie in an installed configuration. 2026201819 11 Mar 2026 According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a baseplate assembly comprising a baseplate for supporting a railway rail on a railroad tie, the baseplate comprising: a first surface on a first side of the baseplate, the first surface being configured to face the railway rail; a second surface on a second side of the baseplate opposite the first side, the second surface being configured to face the railroad tie; a pair of first receiving portions for receiving rail fastening devices either side of the first surface; and at least one second receiving portion for receiving railroad tie fastening devices either side of the first surface; a first rib extending longitudinally along a first lengthwise edge of the baseplate and from the second surface, the first rib protruding in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second surface such that the first rib is configured to extend at least partially over and abut a first side face of the railroad tie; and a second rib extending longitudinally along a second lengthwise edge of the baseplate opposite the first lengthwise edge and from the second surface, the second rib protruding in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second surface such that the second rib is configured to extend at least partially over and abut a second side face of the railroad tie, the second side face of the railroad tie being opposite the first side face of the railroad tie, wherein the assembly further comprises a bush comprising a flange at one end, wherein at least one of the second receiving portions comprises an opening configured to receive the bush with the flange resting on the first 2026201819 11 Mar 2026 side of the baseplate, wherein the bush is configured to receive a railroad tie screw, and wherein the bush extends below the second surface of the baseplate when installed. Brief Description of the Drawings Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a railway fastening assembly according to an example of the present disclosure; Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a railway fastening assembly according to an example of the present disclosure; Figure 3 is a perspective top view showing a baseplate for a railway fastening assembly according to an example of the present disclosure; Figure 4 is a perspective bottom view showing a baseplate for a railway fastening assembly according to an example of the present disclosure; Figure 5 is a top view showing a baseplate for a railway fastening assembly according to an example of the present disclosure; Figure 6 is a side view showing a baseplate for a railway fastening assembly according to an example of the present disclosure; 2026201819 11 Mar 2026 Figures 7a and 7b (collectively Figure 7) are crosssectional side views showing a railway fastening assembly according to an example of the present disclosure, with Figure 7b being an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 7a; Figure 8 is an exploded side view showing a section of a railway fastening assembly according to an example of the present disclosure; and Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a bush for a railway fastening assembly according to an example of the present disclosure. Detailed Description With reference to Figure 1 and 2, the present disclosure relates to a baseplate 10 for a railway fastening assembly 100. The railway fastening assembly 100 comprises the baseplate 10 and first and second resilient rail fastening devices 50a, 50b. When installed, the first resilient rail fastening device 50a bears on a first side of a foot 62 of a railway rail 60 and the second resilient rail fastening device 50b bears on a second side of the foot 62 of the railway rail 60. The railway fastening assembly 100 may further comprise a plurality of fasteners 70 to fasten the baseplate 10 to a railroad tie 80 or any underlying foundation. Although not visible in Figures 1 or 2, the railway fastening assembly 100 may further comprise a resilient pad for placement between the railway rail 60 and baseplate 10. 2026201819 11 Mar 2026 Referring to Figure 3, the baseplate 10 comprises a first surface 12 on a first side 14 of the baseplate 10. The first surface 12 faces towards the railway rail 60 and is configured to receive the railway rail 60 as shown in Figure 1. The resilient pad (not shown) may be disposed between the first surface 12 and the railway rail 60. With reference to Figure 4, the baseplate 10 comprises a second surface 16 on a second side 18 of the baseplate 10. The second side 18 of the baseplate 10 is opposite the first side 14 of the baseplate 10 and faces towards the railroad tie 80 when installed. The second surface 16 is thus configured to receive the railroad tie 80 as shown in Figure 1. The railroad tie 80 may be a railway sleeper, crosstie or any other underlying foundation and may be made from wood, concrete or any other suitable material. Referring back to Figure 3, the first surface 12 may be positioned at the lengthwise midpoint of the first side 14 of the baseplate 10 or alternatively positioned asymmetrically on the first side 14 of the baseplate 10. The first surface 12 may extend from a first longitudinally extending edge 22a of the first side 14 of the baseplate 10 to a second longitudinally extending edge 22b of the first side 14 of the baseplate 10. The lengthwise edges 22a, 22b may be the longer edges of the baseplate 10. The first surface 12 may have a width corresponding to the width of the railway rail 60 or a width larger than the width of the railway rail 60. (NB, the width of the first surface 12 may be perpendicular to a width of the baseplate 10.) The first surface 12 may be a shallow recess in the first side 14 of the baseplate 10. The first surface 12 may also be substantially flat. 2026201819 11 Mar 2026 Referring still to Figure 3, the baseplate 10 may comprise a pair of first receiving portions 24a, 24b for receiving the corresponding rail fastening devices 50a, 50b either side of the first surface 12. The pair of first receiving portions 24a, 24b may be positioned at a midpoint (e.g. in a widthwise direction of the baseplate) on the first side 14 of the baseplate 10, although it is also envisaged that at least one of the first receiving portions 24a, 24b may be provided closer to one of the edges 22a, 22b. The first receiving portions 24a, 24b may comprise elongate openings oriented with an axis parallel to the widthwise direction of the first surface 12. The first receiving portions 24a, 24b may lie contiguous with the widthwise edges of the first surface 12. As shown in Figure 1, the rail fastening devices 50a, 50b may comprise resilient railway fastening clips configured to secure the railway rail 60 to the baseplate 10. When installed, the rail fastening devices 50a, 50b may be inserted into the first receiving portions 24a, 24b at one of their ends and bear on a side of a foot 62 of the railway rail 60 with the other end, to secure the railway rail 60 to the baseplate 10. Now additionally referring to Figure 5, the baseplate 10 may comprise at least one second receiving portion 26 comprising an opening for a railroad tie fastening device 70 to pass through, either side of the first surface 12. The second receiving portion 26 may take the form of a circular through-hole or any other suitable shape extending from the first side 14 to the second side 18 of the baseplate 10, able to receive the railroad tie fastening device 70. The railroad tie fastening device 70 may comprise one or more of spikes (such as dog spikes), anchor 2026201819 11 Mar 2026 bolts, tie screws or any other suitable type of fastener for securing the baseplate 10 to the railroad tie 80, as shown in Figure 1. The baseplate 10 may also comprise at least one third receiving portion 28 for receiving a railroad tie fastening device 70 either side of the first surface 12. The third receiving portion 28 may be positioned contiguous with the widthwise edge of the first surface 12 such that the railroad tie fastening device 70 it is configured to receive, can also bear on a side of the foot 62 of the railway rail 60 as shown in Figure 1. This enables the railway rail 60, the baseplate 10 and the railroad tie 80 to be secured together by a single fastening device if desirable. The third receiving portion 28 may take the form of a rectangular through-hole or any other suitable shape extending from the first side 14 to the second side 18 of the baseplate 10 able to receive the railroad tie fastening device 70. The third receiving portion 28 may receive a spike, such as a dog spike. Referring back to Figure 4, the second surface 16 may extend from the first lengthwise edge 22a of the second side 18 of the baseplate 10 to the second lengthwise edge 22b of the second side 18 of the baseplate 10. The baseplate 10 and therefore the second surface 16 may have a width substantially the same as the railroad tie 80. The second surface 16 may extend from a first laterally extending edge 32a of the second side 18 of the baseplate to a second laterally extending edge 32b of the second side 18 of the baseplate 10. The widthwise edges 32a, 32b may be 2026201819 11 Mar 2026 12 perpendicular to the lengthwise edges 22a, 22b. The second surface 16 may also be substantially flat. The baseplate 10 further comprises a first rib 34 extending along the first lengthwise edge 22a of the baseplate 10 from the second surface 16. The first rib 34 may extend along the full length of the first lengthwise edge 22a or it may extend over a partial length of the first lengthwise edge 22a. The first rib 34 protrudes in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second surface 16 and may thus protrude substantially downwards when installed. When the second surface 16 of the baseplate 10 receives the railroad tie 80, the first rib 34 may extend at least partially over and abut a first side face of the railroad tie 82. The first side face of the railroad tie 82 may be a lengthwise face that is perpendicular to the railroad tie face that contacts the second surface 16 of the baseplate 10. Additionally, a second rib 36 extends along the second lengthwise edge 22b of the baseplate 10 from the second surface 16 opposite the first rib 34. The second rib 36 may extend along the full length of the second lengthwise edge 22b or it may extend over a partial length of the second lengthwise edge 22b. The second rib 36 protrudes in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second surface 16 and may thus protrude substantially downwards when installed. When the second surface 16 of the baseplate 10 receives the railroad tie 80 the second rib 36 may extend at least partially over and abut a second side face of the railroad tie 84. The second side face of the railroad tie 84 may be opposite the first side face of the railroad tie 2026201819 11 Mar 2026 the railroad tie face that contacts the second surface 16 of the baseplate 10. By extending over and abutting the side faces of the railroad tie 82, 84, the first and second ribs 34, 36 may help prevent the railroad tie 80 from moving laterally when it is in the installed position received by the second surface 16. Although first and second ribs 34, 36 are depicted, it is also envisaged that one or both of the ribs 34, 36 may be omitted. With reference to Figure 6, a height h1 of the first and second ribs 34, 36 in the direction perpendicular to the second surface 16 may be measured from the second surface 16. The height of the first and second ribs 34, 36 may be substantially the same as each other (e.g. at corresponding lengthwise positions). Alternatively, the height of the first and second ribs 34, 36 may be different from one another (e.g. at corresponding lengthwise positions). The height of the first and second ribs 34, 36 in the direction perpendicular to the second surface 16 may vary along the length of the baseplate 10. The height may vary in such a way that the first and second ribs 34, 36 are tapered. The height may vary such that the first and second ribs 34, 36 taper, e.g. linearly, from a maximum height at a midpoint location along the length of the baseplate 10 to a minimum height at longitudinal ends of the baseplate 10. The minimum height at longitudinal ends of the baseplate 10 may be substantially zero. (Although it is also envisaged that the maximum height may be positioned in an asymmetric location along the length of the baseplate 10 and / or that the minimum height may be spaced apart from the 2026201819 11 Mar 2026 longitudinal ends.) The first and second ribs 34, 36 may alternatively have more than one maximum height along the length of the baseplate 10 and at least one minimum height along the length of the baseplate 10. The height h1 in the direction perpendicular to the second surface 16 of the first and second ribs 34, 36 may vary linearly or with a curved profile. The height of the first and second ribs 34, 36 at corresponding lengthwise positions may be different and independent of one another. It is however also envisaged that the first and second ribs 34, 36 may have a constant height along their lengths. Referring back to Figure 3, the baseplate 10 may comprise a first pair of rib portions 38a, 38b (collectively 38) extending longitudinally along the first lengthwise edge 22a of the baseplate 10. The baseplate may also comprise a second pair of rib portions 42a, 42b (collectively 42) extending longitudinally along the second lengthwise edge 22b of the baseplate 10. The first and second pairs of rib portions 38, 42 may extend from the first side 14 of the baseplate 10 away from the railroad tie 80. The rib portions 38a, 38b of the first pair of rib portions 38 may be provided either side of the first surface 12 and may extend along the full remaining length of the lengthwise edge 22a. Alternatively, they may extend over the partial remaining length of the lengthwise edge 22a. It is envisaged that the first pair of rib portions 38 may comprise only one of the rib portions 38a, 38b. The rib portions 42a, 42b of the second pair of rib portions 42 may be provided either side of the first surface 12 and may extend along the full remaining length of the lengthwise edge 22b. Alternatively, they may extend over a partial remaining length of the lengthwise edge 22b. Likewise, it 2026201819 11 Mar 2026 is envisaged that the second pair of rib portions 42 may comprise only one of the rib portions 42a, 42b. As is best shown in Figures 3, 4 and 6, the first pair of rib portions 38a, 38b may be contiguous with the first rib 34. End faces of the first pair of rib portions 38a, 38b and first rib 34 may be flush with one another. The second pair of rib portions 42 may be contiguous with the second rib 36. End faces of the second pair of rib portions 42 and the second rib 36 may be flush with one another. The respective end faces may be in a plane perpendicular to the first surface 12. With reference again to Figure 6, a height h2 of the first and second pairs of rib portions 38, 42 in the direction perpendicular to the first surface 12 may be measured from the first side 14. The height h2 of the first and second pairs of rib portions 38, 42 may be substantially the same as each other (e.g. at corresponding lengthwise positions). Alternatively, the height of the first and second pairs of rib portions 38, 42 may be different from one another (e.g. at corresponding lengthwise positions). The height h2 of the first and second pairs of rib portions 38, 42 in the direction perpendicular to the first side 14 may vary along the length of the baseplate 10. The height may vary in such a way that the first and second pairs of rib portions 38, 42 are tapered. The height may vary such that the first and second pairs of rib portions 38, 42 may taper, e.g. linearly, from a maximum height at a position closest to the first surface 12 of the baseplate 10 to a minimum height at longitudinal ends of the baseplate 10. The minimum height at longitudinal ends of the baseplate 10 2026201819 11 Mar 2026 may be substantially zero. The height h2 in the direction perpendicular to the first side 14 of the first and second pairs of rib portions 38, 42 may vary linearly or with a curved profile. The height of the first and second pairs of rib portions 38, 42 at corresponding lengthwise positions may be different and independent of one another. The height variation of the rib portion 38a may mirror the height variation of the other rib portion 38b of the first pair of rib portions 38. Alternatively, they may be independent of one another. Likewise, the height variation of the rib portion 42a may mirror the height variation of the other rib portion 42b of the second pair of rib portions 42. Alternatively, they may also be independent of one another. In another embodiment, the height h2 of the first and second pairs of rib portions 38, 42 may be constant along the length of the baseplate 10. Although first and second pairs of rib portions 38, 42 are depicted, it is also envisaged that one or both of the pairs of rib portions 38, 42 may be omitted. The first and second pairs of rib portions 38, 42 and / or the first and second ribs 34, 36 may advantageously increase the strength of the baseplate 10, particularly surrounding the first surface 12 where the largest loads may be experienced during use. Furthermore, having tapered first and second pairs of rib portions 38, 42 and / or tapered first and second ribs 34, 36 may minimise the additional amount of material required to increase the strength. 2026201819 11 Mar 2026 Referring still to Figure 6, the baseplate 10 may further comprise a damping portion 44 disposed between the first surface 12 and the second surface 16. The damping portion 44 may extend the width and length of the first surface 12. The damping portion 44 may comprise an opening, extending from the first lengthwise edge 22a to the second lengthwise edge 22b of the baseplate 10, interrupted by a plurality of bridges 45. The bridges 45 may connect an inner surface of the damping portion opening to an opposite inner surface of the damping portion opening. Likewise, each bridge 45 may extend from the first lengthwise edge 22a to the second lengthwise edge 22b of the baseplate 10 or a plurality of bridges 45 may be distributed in this direction. The damping portion 44 of the baseplate may provide some additional resilience between the railroad tie 80 and the rail 60. With reference back to Figure 3, the baseplate 10 also comprises at least one raised portion 46 on the first side 14 of the baseplate 10. The baseplate may be thicker in the region of the raised portion 46. The raised portion 46 may extend from the first surface 12 and surround a corresponding second receiving portion 26, providing additional strength to the second receiving portions 26 which may experience the most significant stresses during use. Alternatively, the raised portion 46 may only surround the second receiving portions 26 and not extend to the first surface 12. The extent of coverage of the raised portion 46 on the first side 14 may be determined by a trade-off between higher strength and minimizing material usage. 2026201819 11 Mar 2026 Now referring to Figures 7 and 8, the assembly 100 may further comprise at least one bush 90. The bush 90 may comprise a tubular body 92 and a flange 94 at an end of the body 92(e.g. a top hat bush). The baseplate 10 may be configured to receive the bush 90 via respective second receiving portions 26. The bush body 92 may be a cylinder comprising a through-hole with a flange 94 disposed at one end. The bush body 92 may alternatively have any crosssectional shape so long as the through-hole of the bush body 92 may be configured to receive the railroad tie fastening device 70 such as a railroad tie screw or any suitable railroad tie fastening device 70. The flange 94 may be a single projection that extends around the full circumference of the main cylindrical body 92 or alternatively, the flange 94 may only extend partially around the circumference of the main body 92. Referring to Figure 9, opposite the end with the flange 94, the bush 90 may further comprise a series of projections 96. The projections 96 may extend in a longitudinal direction of the bush 90 and from the end of the bush body 92 opposite the flange 94. The projections 96 may take the form of crenellations or serrations, e.g. with square or triangular projections or any other suitably shaped projection. The projections 96 may be distributed equiangularly about the circumference of the bush body 92 and may have uniform heights. At least one of the second receiving portions 26 of the baseplate 10 configured to receive the railroad tie fastening device 70 may additionally be configured to receive the bush 90 with its flange 94 resting on the first side 14 of the baseplate 10 as shown in Figure 7a and 7b. 2026201819 11 Mar 2026 When installed, the railroad tie fastening device 70 may pass through the bush 90, baseplate 10 and into the railroad tie 80 demonstrated by the exploded view of the assembly 100 in Figure 8. The bush 90 may extend below the second surface 16 of the baseplate 10, at least partially, and into the railroad tie 80. The series of projections 96 may ensure the bush 90 is securely received by the railroad tie 80, e.g. the projections 96 may bite into the railroad tie 80. As shown, each of the second receiving portions 26 of the baseplate 10 may receive the bush 90, however it is also envisaged that not all of the second receiving portions 26 may receive a bush 90. It is also envisaged that none of the second receiving portions 26 may receive a bush 90. The bush 90 with a flange 94 may provide extra strength to the railroad tie fastening device 70 at the interface between the baseplate 10 and the railroad tie 80 where the most significant shear stresses are experienced. This may be achieved by reducing lateral movement of the baseplate relative to the railroad tie 80. The first and second ribs 34, 36 may also provide lateral support to the railroad tie fastening devices 70 in securing the railroad tie 80 to the baseplate 10. The first and second ribs 34, 36 may help to prevent excessive shear stress from developing at the intersection between the baseplate 10 and railroad tie 80 of the railroad tie fastening devices 70. These ribs 34, 36 may also be tapered as described above to reduce the material usage of the baseplate 10 whilst maximizing the strength of the 2026201819 11 Mar 2026 20 baseplate 10 at its midpoint where the highest loads are experienced. Furthermore, during maintenance of a railway, the railroad ties 80 may be removed with the fastening assemblies 100 remaining attached to the rail. In particular, the railroad tie fastening devices 70 may be removed, but the rail fastening devices 50a, 50b may remain in place so that the baseplate is still connected to the rail 60. The railroad tie 80 may then be slid out from under the rail 60. When the railroad ties 80 are slidably removed from the second surface 16 of the baseplate 10 the taper of the first and second ribs 34, 36 may enable the railroad tie 80 to ride over the ribs 34, 36 in the event the railroad tie 80 is pulled away from the baseplate 10 off parallel to the lengthwise direction of the second surface 16. This eases the removal of the railroad tie 80 from its installed position. The ribs 34, 36 may also help raise the rail 60 relative to the railroad tie 80. Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the principles and techniques described herein, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.
Claims
1. A baseplate for a railway fastening assembly supporting a railway rail on a railroad tie, the baseplate comprising:a first surface on a first side of the baseplate, thefirst surface being configured to face the railway rail;a second surface on a second side of the baseplateopposite the first side, the second surface being configured to face the railroad tie;a first rib extending longitudinally along a firstlengthwise edge of the baseplate and from the secondsurface, the first rib protruding in a directionsubstantially perpendicular to the second surface such thatthe first rib is configured to extend at least partiallyover and abut a first side face of the railroad tie; anda second rib extending longitudinally along a secondlengthwise edge of the baseplate opposite the first lengthwise edge and from the second surface, the second ribprotruding in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second surface such that the second rib is configuredto extend at least partially over and abut a second sideface of the railroad tie, the second side face of the railroad tie being opposite the first side face of therailroad tie.
2. The baseplate of claim 1, wherein a height of the firstand second ribs in the direction perpendicular to thesecond surface varies along the length of the baseplate.
3. The baseplate of claim 2, wherein the height of the first and second ribs in the direction perpendicular to thesecond surface varies along the length of the baseplatesuch that the first and second ribs are tapered.2026201819 11 Mar 20264. The baseplate of claim 2 or 3, wherein the height ofthe first and second ribs in the direction perpendicular tothe second surface varies along the length of the baseplatesuch that the first and second ribs taper from a maximumheight at a midpoint location along the length of thebaseplate to a minimum height at longitudinal ends of the baseplate.
5. The baseplate of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the baseplate further comprises a pair of first rib portionsextending longitudinally along the first lengthwise edge ofthe baseplate and a pair of second rib portions extendinglongitudinally along the second lengthwise edge of thebaseplate, the first and second rib portions extending fromthe first side of the baseplate.
6. The baseplate of claim 5, wherein the first ribportions of the pair of first rib portions are providedeither side of the first surface and the second ribportions of the pair of second rib portions are providedeither side of the first surface.
7. The baseplate of claim 5 or 6, wherein the first ribportions are contiguous with the first rib and the second rib portions are contiguous with the second rib.
8. The baseplate of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein thefirst surface is substantially flat.
9. The baseplate of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein thesecond surface is substantially flat.2026201819 11 Mar 202610. The baseplate of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein thebaseplate further comprises a pair of first receivingportions for receiving rail fastening devices either sideof the first surface.
11. The baseplate of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein thebaseplate further comprises at least one second receivingportion for receiving railroad tie fastening devices either side of the first surface.
12. The baseplate of claim 11, wherein the second receivingportion comprises an opening for the railroad tie fasteningdevice to pass through.
13. The baseplate of claim 11 or 12, wherein the baseplatefurther comprises at least one raised portion on the firstside of the baseplate, the raised portion extending fromthe first surface and surrounding a corresponding secondreceiving portion.
14. An assembly comprising the baseplate of any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the assembly further comprises a bushcomprising a flange at one end, wherein at least one of thesecond receiving portions comprises an opening configuredto receive the bush with the flange resting on the firstside of the baseplate, wherein the bush is configured to receive a railroad tie screw.
15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the bush extendsbelow the second surface of the baseplate when installed.
16. The assembly of claim 14 or 15, wherein the bushcomprises a series of projections at an end opposite to the2026201819 11 Mar 2026flange, the projections being configured to extend into the railroad tie when installed.
17. A baseplate assembly comprising a baseplate for supporting a railway rail on a railroad tie, the baseplatecomprising:a first surface on a first side of the baseplate, thefirst surface being configured to face the railway rail;a second surface on a second side of the baseplate opposite the first side, the second surface being configured to face the railroad tie;a pair of first receiving portions for receiving railfastening devices either side of the first surface; andat least one second receiving portion for receiving railroad tie fastening devices either side of the first surface;wherein the assembly further comprises a bush comprising a flange at one end, wherein at least one of thesecond receiving portions comprises an opening configuredto receive the bush with the flange resting on the firstside of the baseplate, wherein the bush is configured toreceive a railroad tie screw.
18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the bush extendsbelow the second surface of the baseplate when installed.
19. The assembly of claim 17 or 18, wherein the bushcomprises a series of projections at an end opposite to theflange, the projections being configured to extend into therailroad tie in an installed configuration.2026201819 11 Mar 202620. A baseplate assembly comprising a baseplate for supporting a railway rail on a railroad tie, the baseplate comprising:a first surface on a first side of the baseplate, thefirst surface being configured to face the railway rail;a second surface on a second side of the baseplate opposite the first side, the second surface being configured to face the railroad tie;a pair of first receiving portions for receiving railfastening devices either side of the first surface; andat least one second receiving portion for receiving railroad tie fastening devices either side of the first surface;a first rib extending longitudinally along a first lengthwise edge of the baseplate and from the secondsurface, the first rib protruding in a directionsubstantially perpendicular to the second surface such thatthe first rib is configured to extend at least partiallyover and abut a first side face of the railroad tie; anda second rib extending longitudinally along a secondlengthwise edge of the baseplate opposite the first lengthwise edge and from the second surface, the second ribprotruding in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second surface such that the second rib is configuredto extend at least partially over and abut a second sideface of the railroad tie, the second side face of the railroad tie being opposite the first side face of therailroad tie,wherein the assembly further comprises a bush comprising a flange at one end, wherein at least one of thesecond receiving portions comprises an opening configuredto receive the bush with the flange resting on the firstside of the baseplate, wherein the bush is configured to2026201819 11 Mar 2026receive a railroad tie screw, and wherein the bush extendsbelow the second surface of the baseplate when installed.