Tool for aligning a rail segment

Abstract

A tool (150) for aligning a first track section (116) with a second track section (116) includes an elongate rigid member (158), a first structure (162), and a second structure (166). The member is configured to be positioned in an overlapping state with the first rail section (116) and the second rail section (116). The first structure (162) engages the first end portion (136) of the first rail section (116) and is actuated to urge the first end portion (136) toward the elongate rigid member (158). A second structure (166) engages a second end portion (136) of the second rail section (116) and is actuated to urge the second end portion (136) toward the elongate rigid member (158). When each of the first end portion (136) and the second end portion (136) is urged toward the elongate rigid member (158), the first track section (116) and the second track section (116) abut and align with each other to join together and form a continuous track portion of the track line (108).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tool for aligning track segments with each other to form a track line, such as at a worksite. Background Art

[0002] Various applications implemented at worksites such as mines use track lines to transfer materials, power, personnel, and the like. In order to create a track line (e.g., a single track line), typically, multiple track segments are connected in series one after another. In order to achieve connections between the track segments, adjacent track segments of the track line typically need to be aligned with each other. Depending on the type of application, some track lines may need to be raised above ground level, and in such cases, support may be provided from below or underneath each track segment in order to raise the track line above ground level. When the track segments are formed or assembled at a certain height to form the track line, because the individual track segments may be positioned above the supports, the end portions of those track segments may sag or tend to bend downwardly towards the ground, thereby making it difficult to align one track segment with an adjacent track segment.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 8,684,279 relates to a railroad alignment system for lifting and aligning railroad tracks during installation. The railroad alignment system generally includes a first vertical support and a second vertical support with a horizontal support extending therebetween. The vertical support is vertically adjustable using a pair of adjustment members. A clamp assembly extends downwardly from the horizontal support at a position intermediate between the first and second vertical supports. Using the pair of adjustment members, the clamp assembly can be closed to secure the track in place for alignment and lifting. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a tool for aligning a first track segment with a second track segment. The tool includes a slender rigid member, a first structure, and a second structure. The slender rigid member is configured to be positioned in an overlapping state relative to each of the first track segment and the second track segment. The first structure is configured to engage a first end portion of the first track segment and be actuated to push the first end portion toward the slender rigid member. The second structure is configured to engage a second end portion of the second track segment and be actuated to push the second end portion toward the slender rigid member. When each of the first end portion and the second end portion is pushed toward the slender rigid member, the first track segment and the second track segment abut and align with each other to connect together and form a continuous track portion of a track line.

[0005] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for aligning a first track segment with a second track segment. The method includes positioning an elongated rigid member in an overlapping state relative to each of the first and second track segments; engaging a first end portion of the first track segment using a first structure and actuating the first structure to push the first end portion toward the elongated rigid member; and engaging a second end portion of the second track segment using a second structure and actuating the second structure to push the second end portion toward the elongated rigid member. When each of the first and second end portions is urged toward the elongated rigid member, the first and second track segments abut and align with each other to connect together and form a continuous track portion of a track line. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is an exemplary worksite including a track line according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure;

[0007] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a tool for aligning two or more track segments of a track line according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure;

[0008] Figure 3 According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure Figure 2 Exploded view of the tool;

[0009] Figures 4 to 7 An exemplary process for aligning track segments with each other by using a tool according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown;

[0010] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary fastening mechanism of a tool according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 9 and 10 is a plan view of a section of a tool showing various states of a foot peg of a clasping mechanism of the tool according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Generally, corresponding reference numerals may be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts, for example, 1, 1', 1'', 101, and 201 may refer to one or more equivalent components used in the same and / or different depicted embodiments.

[0013] refer to Figure 1, an exemplary worksite 100 is shown. The worksite 100 may correspond to one of a mine, a quarry, a construction site, and the like. The worksite 100 may employ machines 104, such as large mining trucks, as shown, but various other machines, personnel, equipment, and the like may be present at the worksite 100. The worksite 100 may include a track line 108. The track line 108 may be used to transfer one or more of materials, personnel, equipment, and the like between one or more locations at the worksite 100. In some embodiments, the track line 108 may be used to supply power to various locations and / or equipment at the worksite 100 and may accordingly embody power lines 112. In some embodiments, the track line 108 may be made or generated from a plurality of track segments 116. In this regard, the track segments 116 may be arranged and connected one after another in a series longitudinal manner as shown to form the track line 108. As an example, each track segment 116 of track line 108 may be mounted on supports 120 that stand on ground 124 of worksite 100 , and in doing so, track line 108 may be elevated relative to ground 124 .

[0014] As part of an exemplary installation process for track line 108 at worksite 100, a plurality of supports 120 and a plurality of track segments 116 may be provided, as shown. Although not limiting, supports 120 may include posts 128 (e.g., vertical posts). Posts 128 may define ends (referred to as post ends 132) (only a few are labeled) and may be upright relative to ground 124 such that post ends 132 are elevated above and away from ground 124. Furthermore, posts 128 may be arranged in series along a path (e.g., a predetermined path) along which track line 108 will be laid on ground 124. To form track line 108, a plurality of track segments 116 may be installed in series and arranged atop post ends 132 such that, when track segments 116 are joined or connected one after another, they cumulatively form track line 108. Due to the placement of track segments 116 on post ends 132 of posts 128, track line 108 may be elevated (e.g., to a height E) relative to ground 124 at worksite 100.

[0015] refer to Figures 1 to 7 In some embodiments, each track segment 116 is mounted on the post ends 132 of two or more posts 128. In this case, the end portion 136 of each track segment 116 (see Figure 4 ) can extend outwardly from the post 128, such that the end portion 136 sags or defines a projection outwardly from the post end that bends downwardly toward the ground 124, for example, under the action of gravity. This scenario can be referred to as a "sag state" for the corresponding track segment 116 (see Figure 4 and 5The drooping condition can make it difficult to align one track segment 116 relative to an adjacent track segment 116. The following description describes the tool 150 (see Figure 2 and 3 ) and a manner of obtaining alignment between two adjacent track segments 116 (e.g., first track segment 116' and second track segment 116") of track line 108 by using tool 150. It will be assumed that each of first track segment 116' and second track segment 116" can be mounted atop two corresponding posts, for example, first track segment 116' can be mounted atop first post 128' and second post 128" and second track segment 116" can be mounted atop third post 128'' and fourth post 128''' (see Figure 1 ). Discussions related to track segments 116`, 116" or posts 128`, 128", 128"`, 128"`` may apply equally to any track segment 116 or any post 128.

[0016] refer to Figures 4 to 7 , the first track segment 116' and the second track segment 116" define a linear profile, but in some cases, the first track segment 116' and the second track segment 116" can define a non-linear profile, such as a curve, so as to route along a bend or turn in a path along which the track line 108 can be laid. In addition, the first track segment 116' defines a first end portion 136', and the second track segment 116" defines a second end portion 136". When the first track segment 116' and the second track segment 116" are fully aligned, the end surfaces 154', 154" of the first end portion 136' and the second end portion 136" can face each other (see Figure 7 As described herein, alignment between first track segment 116′ and second track segment 116″ can be anticipated and utilized by utilizing tool 150 to align each pair of adjacent track segments 116 of track line 108. Tool 150 for aligning first track segment 116′ with second track segment 116″ includes an elongated rigid member 158, a first structure 162, and a second structure 166.

[0017] refer to Figure 2 and 3 , and combined with Figures 4 to 7 The elongated rigid member 158 may be configured to be aligned with respect to each of the first and second track segments 116 ′ and 116 ″ in an overlapping state during the alignment process (e.g., see Figure 6) positioning. The alignment process can involve aligning the first track segment 116' with the second track segment 116". The elongated rigid member 158 can define a length L, a width W, and a height H, as well as lateral sides 170 (e.g., a left side 170' and a right side 170") defined about the width W. Although not limited, the elongated rigid member 158 can be illustratively hollow, as shown. The elongated rigid member 158 can define a first portion 174 having a first end 178 and a second portion 182 having a second end 186. As shown, the second portion 182 can be disposed distally from the first portion 174, and the second end 186 can be disposed opposite the first end 178. The elongated rigid member 158 can also define an interface 190 between the first portion 174 and the second portion 182.

[0018] As an example, in the overlapped state and during the alignment process, the elongated rigid member 158 may overlap the first and second end portions 136 ′, 136 ″ of the first and second track segments 116 ′, 116 ″, respectively (see, e.g., FIG. 2 ). Figure 5 ). In more detail, the first portion 174 of the elongated rigid member 158 can overlap with the first end portion 136' of the first track segment 116' in the drooped state of the first end portion 136', and the second portion 182 of the elongated rigid member 158 can overlap with the second end portion 136'' of the second track segment 116'' in the drooped state of the second end portion 136''. In doing so, the elongated rigid member 158 can obtain an overlapping state relative to the first track segment 116' and the second track segment 116'' in the drooped state of the first end portion 136' and the second end portion 136''. Given the drooped state of the first end portion 136', the gap C1 defined between the elongated rigid member 158 and the first end portion 136' (see Figure 5 ) can vary along the length L1 of the first portion 174. Similarly, given the drooped state of the second end portion 136", the gap C2 defined between the elongated rigid member 158 and the second end portion 136" (see Figure 5 ) can vary along the length L2 of the second portion 182. In addition, the elongated rigid member 158 can include a hook 194 that can be engaged by a suitable mechanism to lift the elongated rigid member 158 (e.g., by using a crane) (not shown) and move it to a desired position. As an example, the hook 194 can be provided on the interface 190.

[0019] The elongated rigid member 158 can include a linear profile, but in some cases, the elongated rigid member 158 can define one or more curvatures. Such curvatures can be determined by the profiles of the first end portion 136' and the second end portion 136" of the first track segment 116' and the second track segment 116", respectively. As an example, the first portion 174 and the second portion 182 of the elongated rigid member 158 can respectively follow the profiles of the first track segment 116' and the second track segment 116", so as to conform thereto in the overlapping state and also facilitate alignment of the first track segment 116' with the second track segment 116", (details regarding the alignment process are described later in this disclosure). In some embodiments, the elongated rigid member 158 can be long enough to overlap more than two track segments 116, so as to align each of those track segments 116 with each other.

[0020] The first structure 162 and the second structure 166 will now be discussed. The first structure 162 is configured to engage the first end portion 136' of the first track segment 116' and be actuated to urge the first end portion 136' toward the elongated rigid member 158. Similarly, the second structure 166 is configured to engage the second end portion 136" of the second track segment 116" and be actuated to urge the second end portion 136" toward the elongated rigid member 158. When each of the first end portion 136' and the second end portion 136" are urged toward the elongated rigid member 158, the first track segment 116' and the second track segment 116" (or their end portions 136', 136") abut and align with each other to connect together and form a continuous track portion of the track line 108.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first end portion 136 ′ and the second end portion 136 ″ can be urged toward the elongated rigid member 158 to abut the elongated rigid member 158 , or to define a gap (eg, a common, consistent gap) relative to the elongated rigid member 158 . Figures 4 to 7 This corresponds to an exemplary alignment process, wherein the first end portion 136 ′ and the second end portion 136 ″ are urged toward the elongated rigid member 158 to abut relative to the elongated rigid member 158 to achieve alignment therebetween.

[0022] Each of the first structure 162 and the second structure 166 may include one or more fastening mechanisms 198. As an example, each of the first structure 162 and the second structure 166 includes multiple fastening mechanisms 198. However, the main discussion only corresponds to a single fastening mechanism (i.e., fastening mechanism 198') (see Figures 2 to 10). The details described regarding the fastening mechanism 198′ may be equally applicable to all of the fastening mechanisms 198 of the first structure 162 and the second structure 166. In particular, some of the details described for the fastening mechanism 198′ may be discussed with respect to the second portion 182 of the elongated rigid member 158 and / or the second end portion 136′′ of the second track segment 116′. The discussion described may be applicable to all of the fastening mechanisms 198 of the second structure 166, and similar and equivalent discussions are also contemplated for each of the fastening mechanisms 198 of the first structure 162. The fastening mechanism 198′ includes a foot bolt 202, a displacement system 206, and a stop 210.

[0023] refer to Figure 8 , and combined with Figures 2 to 10 , the foot peg 202 can clasp the second end portion 136'' of the second track segment 116'', thereby enabling the second structure 166 to engage with the second end portion 136''. Similarly, the one or more foot pegs 202 of the clasping mechanism 198 of the first structure 162 can clasp the first end portion 136' of the first track segment 116', thereby enabling the first structure 162 to engage with the first end portion 136'. The foot peg 202 can define a block 214 and a clasping edge 218 extending from the block 214. The clasping edge 218 can define a profile configured to abut and clasp the second end portion 136'' of the second track segment 116''. As an example, the clasping edge 218 can define a thickness T1 relatively close to the block 214, and the thickness decreases to a thickness T2 when the clasping edge 218 extends away from the block 214. In some embodiments, the clasping edge 218 can define an arcuate surface 248 (see Figure 9 ).

[0024] The block 214 can be integral with the fastening edge 218 and can define a through hole 222 that defines a hole axis 226. In addition, the block 214 can define an outer sidewall 230 that extends at least partially around the through hole 222 (see also FIG. Figure 2 and 3 In some embodiments, the through hole 222 may define an internal thread 234 (see Figure 8 ). The outer sidewall 230 of the foot peg 202 may define a first surface 238 and a second surface 242 (see Figure 3 ). The first surface 238 and the second surface 242 can be defined in different planes (e.g., in a first plane 238′ and a second plane 242′, respectively), and each plane can be parallel to the hole axis 226. In addition, the outer sidewall 230 of the block 214 of the foot peg 202 can define a curved transition region 246 extending between the first surface 238 and the second surface 242 (see Figure 3 、 9and 10 ), such that the first surface 238 , the second surface 242 , and the curved transition region 246 form a continuous, uninterrupted surface 250 of the foot peg 202 .

[0025] The displacement system 206 facilitates movement of the foot peg 202 to actuate the first structure 162 or the second structure 166. The displacement system 206 includes a spacer 254 and a fastener 258.

[0026] The spacer 254 can be coupled (e.g., fixedly coupled) (e.g., by welding) to the elongated rigid member 158 (e.g., one of the lateral sides 170 of the elongated rigid member 158). As an example, the spacer 254 can define a cylindrical shape, which in turn defines a spacer axis 262, although shapes and profiles other than cylindrical are contemplated. Moreover, the spacer 254 can be positioned orthogonally relative to the length L of the elongated rigid member 158. The spacer 254 can also define a first spacer axial end 266 and a second spacer axial end 270 opposite the first spacer axial end 266. The spacer 254 can define a through-hole 274 surrounding the spacer axis 262, and the through-hole 274 can extend from the first spacer axial end 266 to the second spacer axial end 270. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the through-hole 274 can define a smooth inner circumferential surface 278 without threads.

[0027] The fastener 258 can be received in the through-hole 274 to pass through the through-hole 274. The fastener 258 can be freely rotated relative to the through-hole 274. The fastener 258 can define a head 280, a shank 282 extending from the head 280, and a longitudinal axis 286 that can pass through both the head 280 and the shank 282. As an example, the shank 282 can define a threaded portion 290 and a non-threaded portion 294. The non-threaded portion 294 can extend from the head 280 to the threaded portion 290, and the threaded portion 290 can extend from the non-threaded portion 294 to one end of the shank 282 (e.g., the shank end 298). In assembly of the fastener 258 to the spacer 254, the head 280 of the fastener 258 can abut or contact the first spacer axial end 266, and a portion (e.g., the non-threaded portion 294) of the shank 282 can be received within the through-bore 274, while another portion (e.g., the threaded portion 290) can be disposed outside of the through-bore 274 such that the shank end 298 can be disposed distally from the second spacer axial end 270. Furthermore, in assembly of the fastener 258 to the spacer 254, the longitudinal axis 286 can be aligned with the spacer axis 262.

[0028] Furthermore, the shank 282 of the fastener 258 can be received in the through-hole 222 of the foot bolt 202, and the threaded portion 290 of the shank 282 disposed outside the second spacer axial end 270 can threadably couple with the internal threads 234 formed in the through-hole 222 of the foot bolt 202. Effectively, the fastener 258 can be threadably coupled to the foot bolt 202, and the foot bolt 202 can be angularly rotated about the longitudinal axis 286 of the fastener 258. When the fastener 258 is rotated relative to the foot bolt 202, the head 280 of the fastener 258 can abut the spacer 254 (i.e., the first spacer axial end 266 of the spacer 254), and the foot bolt 202 can move toward the spacer 254 and, therefore, toward the elongated rigid member 158. Because the foot bolt 202 can be fastened to the first end portion 136` or the second end portion 136″, during the alignment process, the movement of the foot bolt 202 can push and cause the first end portion 136` of the first track segment 116` or the second end portion 136″ of the second track segment 116″ to move toward the slender rigid member 158.

[0029] The stop 210 can be fixedly coupled to the elongated rigid member 158. In other words, the stop 210 can be immovably coupled relative to the elongated rigid member 158. The stop 210 can selectively abut the first surface 238 and the second surface 242 to limit rotation of the foot peg 202 about the longitudinal axis 286 (or the spacer axis 262) to within the angular threshold range AR (see FIG. Figure 10 The angle at which the foot peg 202 sweeps through the angular threshold range AR may also be equal to or correspond to the angle defined between the first surface 238 and the second surface 242. In some embodiments, the stop 210 may include a plate 302 defining a flat surface 306 that can be selectively engaged with the first surface 238 and the second surface 242.

[0030] According to some embodiments, when the foot peg 202 is at one angular limit of the angular threshold range AR, the stop 210 may abut the first surface 238 and the foot peg 202 may be in the first state (see FIG. Figure 7 and 10 In contrast, when the foot bolt 202 is at the other angular limit of the angular threshold range AR, the stop 210 can abut the second surface 242 and the foot bolt 202 can be in the second state (see FIG. Figure 8 and 9 When the foot pegs 202 of all the fastening mechanisms 198 are in the second state, they cause the first end portion 136' and / or the second end portion 136'' to be moved into or removed from the overlapping state relative to the slender rigid member 158 (see Figure 4 In some exemplary embodiments, the angular threshold range AR can be defined between 80 degrees and 100 degrees of angular movement of the foot peg 202 about the longitudinal axis 286 .

[0031] Given that there may be multiple fastening mechanisms (e.g., fastening mechanisms 198′) as part of each of the first structure 162 and the second structure 166, the fastening mechanisms 198 of the first structure 162 may be disposed on the first portion 174, and the fastening mechanisms 198 of the second structure 166 may be disposed on the second portion 182. Furthermore, the fastening mechanisms 198 of the first structure 162 may be disposed on opposing lateral sides 170 of the first portion 174 of the elongated rigid member 158, and the fastening mechanisms 198 of the second structure 166 may be disposed on opposing lateral sides 170 of the second portion 182 of the elongated rigid member 158.

[0032] Industrial Applicability

[0033] refer to Figure 1 During operation, because the first track segment 116` can be mounted atop the post ends 132 of the first and second posts 128`, 128`, and the second track segment 116` can be mounted atop the post ends 132 of the third and fourth posts 128```, both the first and second end portions 136`, 136` can be in a drooping state and therefore can be misaligned relative to each other. In order to align the first end portion 136` with the second end portion 136` and thereby also obtain alignment and connection between the first track segment 116` and the second track segment 116`, the operator can bring the tool 150 and position the tool 150 on top of the first track segment 116` and the second track segment 116` in such a manner that the first portion 174 of the slender rigid member 158 can overlap with the first end portion 136` of the first track segment 116` and the second portion 182 of the slender rigid member 158 can overlap with the second end portion 136` of the second track segment 116`.

[0034] refer to Figures 2 to 8 When positioning the tool 150 atop the first and second track segments 116', 116'', the operator can ensure that the foot bolts 202 of each of the clasping mechanisms 198 of the first and second structures 162, 166 are in the second state (e.g., see Figure 4 and 8), such that a path P is clear relative to the elongated rigid member 158 by which the first and second end portions 136 ′ and 136 ″ are brought into the overlapped state. It will be noted that in the overlapped state, the elongated rigid member 158 is aligned with each of the first and second track segments 116 ′ and 116 ″ such that the first portion 174 of the elongated rigid member 158 is disposed along (i.e., substantially along) the first extension E1 of the first track segment 116 ′ and the second portion 182 of the elongated rigid member 158 is disposed along (i.e., substantially along) the second extension E2 of the second track segment 116 ″. The term “substantially” is used to describe the drooped state of the first and second end portions 136 ′ and 136 ″.

[0035] Once the elongated rigid member 158 is positioned in an overlapping configuration relative to each of the first and second track segments 116', 116'', the operator can rotate the foot bolt 202 of each of the clasping mechanisms 198 of the first and second structures 162, 166 to the first configuration (see FIG. Figure 7 Foot bolt 202 in (see also Figure 10 166). In doing so, the foot bolt 202 of the fastening mechanism 198 of the first structure 162 can fasten the first end portion 136' of the first track segment 116', and the foot bolt 202 of the fastening mechanism 198 of the second structure 166 can fasten the second end portion 136'' of the second track segment 116'. Thus, the first end portion 136' of the first track segment 116' is engaged using the first structure 162, and the second end portion 136'' of the second track segment 116' is engaged using the second structure 166. With respect to each foot bolt 202 of the first structure 162 and the second structure 166, when the foot bolt 202 moves between the first state and the second state, the arcuate surface 248 of the foot bolt 202 can interact with the first end portion 136' and / or the second end portion 136'', and the curved transition region 246 of the foot bolt 202 can interact with the stop 210. In this manner, both the curved transition region 246 and the arcuate surface 248 may assist in moving the foot peg 202 between the first and second conditions.

[0036] According to one embodiment, a method for rotating the foot bolts 202 to fasten the first end portion 136 ′ and the second end portion 136 ″ may include sequentially activating the fastening mechanisms 198 of the first structures 162 disposed on the first portion from the first end 178 toward the interface 190 (including rotating the corresponding foot bolts 202 from the second state to the first state). In doing so, the first structures 162 are actuated to push the first track segment 116 ′ toward the elongated rigid member 158. The method may also include sequentially activating the fastening mechanisms 198 of the second structures 166 disposed on the second portion 182 from the second end 186 toward the interface 190 (including rotating the corresponding foot bolts 202 from the second state to the first state). In this manner, the second structures 166 may also be actuated to push the second track segment 116 ″ toward the elongated rigid member 158.

[0037] Once the foot bolt 202 is rotated to the first state to engage the first end portion 136' and the second end portion 136', and as part of the actuation of the first structure 162 and the second structure 166, the operator can rotate (e.g., in a clockwise manner) (e.g., sequentially from the first end 178 toward the interface 190) the fastener 258 of the clasping mechanism 198 of the first structure 162 so that the first end portion 136' can be urged toward the slender rigid member 158. The operator can also rotate (e.g., in a clockwise manner) (e.g., sequentially from the second end 186 toward the interface 190) the fastener 258 of the clasping mechanism 198 of the second structure 166 so that the second end portion 136' can also be urged toward the slender rigid member 158. In some embodiments, the induced rotation of the fastener 258 can cause the corresponding foot bolt 202 to also rotate and move (e.g., automatically rotate and move due to the threaded connection of the foot bolt 202 with the fastener 258) to the first state (e.g., see Figure 6 and 7 ).

[0038] The fasteners 258 of the clasping mechanisms 198 of both the first and second structures 162, 166 can be rotated until the first and second end portions 136', 136" are raised and either abut the elongated rigid member 158 or define respective gaps C1 and C2 relative to the elongated rigid member 158, which gaps can become equal to one another. The abutting or equal gaps ensure that the first end portion 136' (or first track segment 116') has been aligned with the second end portion 136" (or second track segment 116"). At this point, the foot bolt 202 can be tightly fastened to the first and second end portions 136', 136". When the gaps C1 and C2 become equal to one another, the gaps C1 and C2 can correspond to a common, consistent gap defined by the elongated rigid member 158 and the first and second portions 174, 182 over the entire length of the first and second portions 174, 182.

[0039] In this way, once the first end portion 136` (and / or the first track segment 116`) and the second end portion 136` (and / or the second track segment 116`) are aligned, the operator can use a connecting plate (not shown) to connect the first end portion 136` to the second end portion 136`, for example, the connecting plate can be partially positioned above the first end portion 136` and partially positioned above the second end portion 136`, and then one or more fastening elements (not shown) can be driven into the connecting plate and the assembly of the first end portion 136` and the second end portion 136` so that the connecting plate can be connected (e.g., non-removably connected) to each of the first end portion 136` and the second end portion 136`, thereby connecting (e.g., rigidly connecting and reinforcing) the first track segment 116` to the second track segment 116`, and thereby forming the track portion of the track line 108.

[0040] After the connection is completed, the operator can rotate the fasteners 258 of the clasping mechanism 198 of the first structure 162 and the second structure 166 in the opposite direction (e.g., in a counterclockwise direction) to loosen the foot bolts 202. Once the foot bolts 202 are loosened by rotating the fasteners 258, each foot bolt 202 can be moved to the second state (see Figure 8 In some embodiments, the rotation induced on the fastener 258 may cause the corresponding foot bolt 202 to also rotate and move (e.g., automatically rotate and move due to the threaded connection between the foot bolt 202 and the fastener 258) to the second state (see Figure 8 When the foot pegs 202 are moved to the second position, they can move the first and second end portions 136', 136" away from the overlapped position relative to the elongated rigid member 158 (see FIG. Figure 4 ) is unobstructed, and thus the tool 150 can be lifted and moved away from the track portion.

[0041] As can be appreciated from the above description, tool 150 provides an easy, inexpensive, and reliable solution for aligning first track segment 116′ with second track segment 116″ of track line 108, and this can be performed by an operator with basic or minimal skills. Moreover, tool 150 can be applicable to various work sites that include track lines. Moreover, tool 150 is easy to use and relatively compact for transportation and handling. In addition, tool 150 is simple in structure and does not require the manufacture and / or assembly of complex or bulky components.

[0042] Unless expressly excluded, the use of the singular to describe a component, structure, or operation does not exclude the use of a plurality of such components, structures, or operations or their equivalents. The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and "at least one" or the term "one or more" and similar references in the context of describing the present invention (especially in the context of the following claims) should be interpreted as covering both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise specified herein or clearly contradicted by the context. The use of the term "at least one" followed by a list of one or more items (e.g., "at least one of A and B" or one or more of A and B) should be interpreted as meaning one item (A or B) selected from the listed items or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B; A, A and B; A, B and B), unless otherwise specified herein or clearly contradicted by the context. Similarly, as used herein, the word "or" refers to any possible arrangement of a group of items. For example, the phrase "A, B or C" means at least one of A, B, C or any combination thereof, such as any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C; or a plurality of any items, such as A and A; B, B and C; A, A, B, C and C, etc.

[0043] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the method / system of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the description and practice of the methods and / or systems disclosed herein. The description and examples should be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope of the present disclosure being indicated by the claims below and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A tool (150) for aligning a first track segment (116') with a second track segment (116"), the tool (150) comprising: an elongated rigid member (158) configured to be positioned in an overlapping relationship with respect to each of the first track segment (116') and the second track segment (116''); a first structure (162) configured to engage a first end portion (136') of the first track segment (116') and to be actuated to urge the first end portion (136') toward the elongated rigid member (158); as well as a second structure (166) configured to engage a second end portion (136") of the second track segment (116") and to be actuated to urge the second end portion (136") toward the elongated rigid member (158), wherein when each of the first end portion (136') and the second end portion (136"') are urged toward the elongated rigid member (158), the first track segment (116') and the second track segment (116"') abut and align with each other to connect together and form a continuous track portion of the track line (108).

2. The tool (150) of claim 1, wherein each of the first structure (162) and the second structure (166) comprises one or more fastening mechanisms (198), each of the one or more fastening mechanisms (198) comprising: A foot bolt (202) is used to fasten the corresponding first end portion (136`) or second end portion (136`) of the first track segment (116`) or the second track segment (116`), so that the first structure (162) or the second structure (166) can be correspondingly engaged with the first end portion (136`) or the second end portion (136`).

3. The tool (150) of claim 2, wherein each fastening mechanism further comprises a shifting system (206) for moving the foot peg (202) to actuate the first structure (162) or the second structure (166), the shifting system (206) comprising: a spacer (254) fixedly coupled to the elongated rigid member (158) and defining a throughbore (274); as well as a fastener (258) passing through the through hole (274) and freely rotatable relative to the through hole, the fastener (258) being threadably coupled to the foot bolt (202), wherein when the fastener (258) is rotated relative to the foot bolt (202), the head (280) of the fastener (258) abuts the spacer (254), and the foot bolt (202) moves toward the slender rigid member (158) to push the first end portion (136') or the second end portion (136'') toward the slender rigid member (158).

4. The tool (150) of claim 3, wherein the foot bolt (202) is angularly rotatable about the longitudinal axis (286) of the fastener (258), the foot bolt (202) defining a first surface (238) and a second surface (242), and each fastening mechanism includes a stop (210) to selectively engage the first surface (238) and the second surface (242) to limit rotation of the foot bolt (202) about the longitudinal axis (286) to within an angular threshold range AR.

5. The tool (150) of claim 4, wherein When the foot peg (202) is at an angular limit of the angular threshold range AR, the stop (210) abuts the first surface (238) and the foot peg (202) is in a first state to engage the first end portion (136') or the second end portion (136"); and When the foot peg (202) is at the other angular limit of the angular threshold range AR, the stop (210) abuts the second surface (242) and the foot peg (202) is in a second state to clear a path for the first end portion (136') or the second end portion (136") to be brought into or removed from an overlapping state relative to the elongated rigid member (158).

6. The tool (150) of claim 4, wherein the foot peg (202) defines a curved transition region (246) extending between the first surface (238) and the second surface (242), such that the first surface (238), the second surface (242), and the curved transition region (246) form a continuous, uninterrupted surface (250).

7. The tool (150) of claim 4, wherein the stop (210) is non-movably coupled relative to the elongated rigid member (158) and includes a flat surface (306) for abutting the first surface (238) and the second surface (242).

8. The tool (150) of claim 2, wherein The elongated rigid member (158) defines a first portion (174) and a second portion (182) distal from the first portion (174); and The one or more fastening mechanisms (198) of the first structure (162) correspond to the plurality of fastening mechanisms (198) disposed on opposing lateral sides (170) of the first portion (174) of the elongated rigid member (158).

9. The tool (150) of claim 2, wherein The elongated rigid member (158) defines a first portion (174) and a second portion (182) distal from the first portion (174); and The one or more fastening mechanisms (198) of the second structure (166) correspond to the plurality of fastening mechanisms (198) disposed on opposing lateral sides (170) of the second portion (182) of the elongated rigid member (158).

10. A method for aligning a first track segment (116') with a second track segment (116"), the method comprising: positioning an elongated rigid member (158) in an overlapping relationship with respect to each of the first track segment (116') and the second track segment (116''); engaging a first end portion (136') of the first track segment (116') using a first structure (162), and actuating the first structure (162) to urge the first end portion (136') toward the elongated rigid member (158); as well as engaging a second end portion (136") of the second track segment (116") using a second structure (166), and actuating the second structure (166) to urge the second end portion (136") toward the elongated rigid member (158); wherein when each of the first end portion (136') and the second end portion (136"') are urged toward the elongated rigid member (158), the first track segment (116') and the second track segment (116"') abut and align with each other to connect together and form a continuous track portion of the track line (108).

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