Rail fastener sealing system and method for sealing rail fastener assembly

Abstract

A rail fastener sealing system includes a pin having a substantially cylindrical elongate body and a pin channel configured to receive a fastener that secures a rail to a sleeper. The sealing system also includes a seal at one end of the pin. The seal includes a flexible body having a central channel extending through the flexible body; and a lip extending circumferentially around the opening of the central passage. The lip of the seal is disposed proximate the end of the pin, and at least a portion of the flexible body of the seal is located within the pin channel.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 542,515, filed on October 4, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates generally to the field of rail transport, and more specifically to sealing of fastener systems for securing and fixing rails to sleepers or other supports. Background Technology

[0004] For rail-based transportation such as trains, subways, trams, trolleybuses, and railcars, a pair of parallel tracks is typically provided to support the weight of the rail vehicle and provide a directional path for travel. Because rail vehicles and their loads are usually heavy, providing a solid foundation beneath the tracks is crucial. For tracks installed in both outdoor and indoor environments, the tracks are typically situated on a bed of rail tie sleepers, which are laid perpendicular to the tracks and supported by a base made of rock, gravel, sand, or other compactable materials. Sleepers can be made from large timbers treated with creosote, but in some designs, they may be made from concrete, polymers, or other weather-resistant and moisture-proof robust materials. The tracks are located on top of and connected to the sleepers. Connecting the tracks to the sleepers prevents excessive movement of the tracks during the passage of rail vehicles and also maintains the space between the tracks. The rail fastening assembly that connects the rail to each tie may vary slightly depending on the type of tie, but typically the assembly includes bolts or other fasteners that penetrate the tie and secure the rail to it. Attached Figure Description

[0005] The illustrative examples of this disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference, and wherein: Figure 1 A front cross-sectional view of a rail fastener sealing system according to an embodiment is shown at point 1-1. Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A top view of the track fastener sealing system; Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 An enlarged front cross-sectional view of the track fastener sealing system; Figure 4A front cross-sectional view of a sleeper and dowel of a track fastener sealing system according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 5 An isometric front view of a track fastener sealing system according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 A top view of the track fastener sealing system; Figure 7A and Figure 7B They are shown respectively Figure 5 A front cross-sectional view and an enlarged front view of an embodiment of a track fastener sealing system taken at 7A-7A; Figure 8A and Figure 8B They are shown respectively Figure 5 A front view and enlarged front view of a cross section taken at 8A-8A of an embodiment of a track fastener sealing system; Figure 9 An isometric front view of a track fastener sealing system according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 10 It shows Figure 9 A top view of the track fastener sealing system; Figure 11A and Figure 11B They are shown respectively Figure 9 A front view and enlarged front view of a cross section taken at 11A-11A of an embodiment of a track fastener sealing system; Figure 12A and Figure 12B They are shown respectively Figure 9 A front view and enlarged front view of a cross section taken at 12A-12A of an embodiment of a track fastener sealing system; Figure 13 An isometric front view of a track fastener sealing system according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 14 It shows Figure 13 A top view of the track fastener sealing system; Figure 15A and Figure 15B They are shown respectively Figure 13 A front view and enlarged front view of a cross section taken at 15A-15A of an embodiment of a track fastener sealing system; Figure 16 It shows Figure 13 A bottom view of the track fastener sealing system; Figure 17A and Figure 17B They are shown respectively Figure 13A front view and enlarged front view of a cross section taken at 17A-17A of an embodiment of a track fastener sealing system; Figure 18 An isometric front view of a track fastener sealing system according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 19 It shows Figure 18 A top view of the track fastener sealing system; Figure 20A and Figure 20B They are shown respectively Figure 18 A front view and enlarged front view of a cross section taken at 20A-20A of an embodiment of a track fastener sealing system; Figure 21 It shows Figure 18 A bottom view of the track fastener sealing system; and Figure 22A and Figure 22B They are shown respectively Figure 18 A front view and enlarged front view of a cross section taken at 22A-22A of an embodiment of the track fastener sealing system.

[0006] The accompanying drawings are merely illustrative and are not intended to assert or imply any limitation on the environments, architectures, designs, or processes in which different examples may be implemented. Detailed Implementation

[0007] In the following detailed description of several illustrative examples, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description, illustrating specific examples that can be practiced. These examples are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice them, and it should be understood that other examples may be used, and logical structural, mechanical, electrical, and chemical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed examples. To avoid unnecessary detail and to enable those skilled in the art to practice the examples described herein, certain information known to those skilled in the art may be omitted. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be considered limiting, and the scope of the illustrative examples is defined only by the appended claims.

[0008] In the following discussion and claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are used in an open-ended manner and should therefore be interpreted as "including but not limited to". Unless otherwise stated, the use of "or" throughout this document does not require mutual exclusion.

[0009] The following illustrative embodiments describe a track fastener sealing system and a method for sealing track fastening assemblies. The systems and methods described herein address the problem of moisture and contaminants intruding into fasteners and fastening systems used to connect tracks and sleepers. These fastening systems are frequently exposed to the corrosive effects of dust, sand, acid rain, and other substances and liquids due to continuous exposure to the environment and frequent vibrations caused by passing vehicles, which can seep into the connection between the fastener and the sleeper. In some track systems (such as, for example, those with concrete sleepers), pins or sleeves are often inserted into the concrete sleepers to hold and receive bolts or other fasteners. Such sleeves can exacerbate corrosion and exposure problems. This disclosure provides a sealing system that seals between such sleeves and fasteners to prevent or reduce the intrusion of water or other liquids, dust, sand, and other debris or contaminants.

[0010] refer to Figures 1-3 This illustrates a track fastener sealing system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. (As shown in...) Figure 1 As shown, the track fastener sealing system 100 includes a track 104 disposed on top of a sleeper 108. In some embodiments, the sleeper 108 may include recessed shelves 112, each end of which is defined by a groove 116. The track 104 is located on the recessed shelf 112, and a track pad 120 may be located between the track 104 and the recessed shelf 112. A guide plate 124 is disposed within each groove 116 and may abut the track pad 120, such that the track 104 can be disposed on both the track pad 120 and the guide plate 124.

[0011] The sleeper 108 may include holes 130 extending into and through the recessed shelf 112. The axis of the hole may be angled (i.e., not parallel) relative to the vertical web 132 of the rail 104. Depending on the material used to manufacture the sleeper 108, the holes 130 may be drilled, or alternatively molded or otherwise integrally formed in the sleeper 108. Pins or sleeves 136 are located within each hole 130 and may be secured in the hole 130 by adhesive or alternatively by screwing the pins 136 into the hole 130. The pins 136 may include internal threads at least partially formed within the pins 136 (see example...). Figure 4 The pin 136 may also include an upper flange 144 extending circumferentially around an opening in the pin 136. A plurality of key extensions 148 may be located on the outer surface of the pin 136 and extend radially outward from that outer surface. In other embodiments, ridges or other protrusions (not shown) may be located on the ends of the pin 136 extending from the upper flange 144. Figure 3 In the diagram, the bond extensions 148 are radially opposite and located 180 degrees apart. (Not shown in...) Figure 3 The additional key extension shown may also be present on pin 136.

[0012] During installation, the opening of pin 136 aligns with a hole in guide plate 124 to allow fasteners 156 (such as bolts) to pass through guide plate 124 and into pin 136. Fastener 156 engages with tension clip 160 located above guide plate 124. Tension clip 160 may be constructed of spring steel such that when fastener 156 is tightened, it pulls tension clip 160 to engage with rail 104 to secure rail 104 to sleeper 108.

[0013] The rail fastener sealing system 100 also includes a seal 510 for sealing between the fastener 156, pin 136, and guide plate 124. Various embodiments of the seal described herein may include a flexible body having components designed to engage bolts or other portions located near the pin 136. Any seal described herein can be used in conjunction with the rail fastener sealing system 100. In some embodiments, the flexible body may include grooves or channels designed to improve the positioning or retention of the seal relative to the pin 136. For example, the flexible body may include a keyway for receiving a key extension 148 of the pin 136, or alternatively, a channel for receiving a ridge or other protrusion extending from the end of the pin 136, ensuring proper orientation of the flexible body on the pin 136. The seal system cooperates with the pin 136, fastener 156, and guide plate 124 to prevent or reduce the ingress of dirt, dust, sand, moisture, and other contaminants into the pin 136 and the potential for damage to the fastener 156 over time.

[0014] Figure 4 A front cross-sectional view of a sleeper 408 and pin 436 is shown in a track fastener sealing system 400, which is similar to track fastener sealing system 100. Although the track, guide plate, and seals of track fastener sealing system 400 are not shown... Figure 4 As shown, sleeper 408 includes recessed shelves 412, each end of which is defined by a groove 416. Sleeper 408 may include a hole 430 extending through sleeper 408 from the recessed shelf 412. The axis of the hole may be angled as previously described. In another embodiment, the hole 430 may be positioned at an angle approximately perpendicular to the surface of the shelf 412. Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment, the hole 430 may include a plurality of threads 434. A pin or sleeve 436 is located in each hole 430 and includes a cylindrical elongated body 432 forming a pin channel 434. The pin 436 may include a plurality of threads 438 on its outer surface and a plurality of threads 439 within the pin channel 434 and on its inner surface. The pin 436 can be secured to the hole 430 by screwing it into the hole 430, but it can also be held in place using an adhesive after screwing it into the hole 430. The internal threads 439 of the pin 436 may be formed below the non-threaded portion 442 of the pin channel 434. In some embodiments, the pin 436 may also include an upper flange 444 extending circumferentially around the opening of the pin 436. In other embodiments, the pin 436 may not include a flange, but only an end surface whose thickness is no greater than the thickness of the elongated body 432. The key extension may adopt a similar design to... Figures 1-3 The pin is positioned on the outer surface as described herein, but in some embodiments, a ridge or other protrusion may be located on the end surface or outer surface of the pin 436 to engage a seal located between the pin 436 and a fastener to be inserted into the pin channel 434.

[0015] Figure 5 and Figure 6 These are, respectively, isometric front and top views of a track fastener sealing system 500 according to an embodiment. The track fastener sealing system 500 can be other components of the track system described herein (such as...). Figures 1-4 It is part of, or mates with, those components. The track fastener sealing system 500 includes a seal 510 comprising a flexible body 514 having a central channel 518. The flexible body 514 may be generally cylindrical, with a lip 522 extending circumferentially around the opening of the channel 518.

[0016] Figure 7A and Figure 7B A cross-sectional front view of one embodiment of the lip 522 of the seal 510 is shown. The lip 522 may include an internal channel 526 to receive a ridge or other protrusion extending from the end surface of the pin. The channel 526 may extend continuously circumferentially around the lip 522 and may mate with the ridge or protrusion of the pin to ensure proper orientation of the seal 510 when mounted on the pin.

[0017] Figure 8A and Figure 8B A cross-sectional front view of another embodiment of the lip 522 of the seal 510 is shown. Figure 8A and Figure 8BThe lip 522 does not include a groove or recess, and is therefore intended to be used with a pin that does not have a ridge, protrusion or other extension to help orient or position the seal 510 on the pin.

[0018] See also Figure 5 - Figure 8 shows that the seal 510 also includes a cap 534 on the end of the flexible body 514 closest to the lip 522, which blocks entry into the central channel 518 of the seal 510 from the end closest to the lip 522. Figure 5 - In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the cap 534 is integrally formed with the flexible body 514, the lip 522, and other components of the seal 510 via molding or other suitable manufacturing processes. In other embodiments, the cap 534 may comprise a separate sheet material coupled to the flexible body 514 or the lip 522.

[0019] The cap 534 is designed to provide additional protection for the pin before installation at the rail site, and to prevent liquids and other contaminants from entering the pin or coming into contact with the interior of the seal 510. By reducing the thickness of the cap in the desired area, cracking or puncture of the cap can be controlled and easily performed during the fastener installation process. Cracking of the cap can be achieved by pushing the fastener against the cap 534 in the area of ​​the reduced thickness portion 538. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the thickness reduction portion 538 of the cap 534 can be shaped as a marker to indicate a predetermined location where the cap 534 breaks. In the example shown, the marker is set as a cross or an "X". Other suitable markers may also be used to indicate the preferred area where the cap 534 breaks. In one embodiment, the nominal thickness of the cap 534 may be approximately 0.025 inches, with a tolerance allowing a thickness of 0.017 to 0.033 inches. The nominal depth of the thickness reduction portion may be approximately 0.010 inches, with a tolerance allowing a depth of 0.004 to 0.016 inches, such that the nominal thickness of the cap 534 in the region of the thickness reduction portion 538 is approximately 0.015 inches. In other embodiments, the thickness of the cap 534 and the thickness reduction portion 538 may be greater than or less than these amounts.

[0020] Figure 9 and Figure 10 These are, respectively, isometric front and top views of a track fastener sealing system 900 according to an embodiment. The track fastener sealing system 900 can be other components of the track system described herein (such as...). Figures 1-4The track fastener sealing system 900 includes a seal 910 having a flexible body 914 including a central channel 918. The flexible body 914 may be in a generally cylindrical shape, with a lip 922 extending circumferentially around the opening of the channel 918. The seal 910 does not include components such as those in... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The lid shown.

[0021] Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is a cross-sectional front view of one embodiment of the lip 922 of the seal 910. The lip 922 may include an internal channel 926 for receiving a ridge or other protrusion extending from the end surface of the pin. The channel 926 may extend continuously circumferentially around the lip 922 and may mate with the ridge or protrusion of the pin to ensure proper orientation of the seal 910 when mounted on the pin.

[0022] Figure 12A and Figure 12B This is a front cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the lip 922 of the seal 910. Figure 12A and Figure 12B The lip 922 in the middle does not include a groove or recess, and is therefore intended for use with pins that do not have a ridge, protrusion or other extension on the end of the pin.

[0023] Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 16 These are, respectively, isometric front, top, and bottom views of a track fastener sealing system 1300 according to an embodiment. The track fastener sealing system 1300 can be other components of the track system described herein (such as...). Figures 1-4 It is part of, or mates with, those components. The track fastener sealing system 1300 includes a seal 1310 having a flexible body 1314 including a central channel 1318. The flexible body 1314 may have a lip 1322 extending circumferentially around an opening in the channel 1318. Although not shown in the figures, in some embodiments, the seal 1310 may include a cap, similar to... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The lid shown.

[0024] Although the lip 1322 extends around and surrounds the opening of the channel 1318, the lip 1322 is not circular but D-shaped, having an arcuate surface 1332 and a flat surface 1334. The arcuate surface 1332 extends generally parallel to the central axis of the channel 1318, while the flat surface 1334 is angled relative to the central axis (and therefore not parallel to the central axis). The lip 1322 also includes an upper surface 1338, which can be formed at an angle not perpendicular to the central axis of the channel 1318. The D-shaped lip and the angled surfaces allow the sealing system 1310 to fit more tightly against the channel. Figures 1-3 The structure of the central enclosure pin 136.

[0025] Figure 15A and Figure 15B This is a cross-sectional front view of one embodiment of the lip 1322 of the seal 1310. The lip 1322 includes an internal channel 1326 to receive the upper flange 144 of the pin 136. Multiple keyways 1330 (see...) Figure 16 A keyway extension 148 may also be formed in the lip 1322 to receive the key extension 148 of the pin 136, thereby facilitating proper orientation of the sealing system 1310 when mounted on the pin 136. In the illustrated embodiment, each keyway 1330 is radially opposed to the other keyways 1330, and the keyways 1330 are circumferentially spaced at 90 degrees.

[0026] Figure 17A and Figure 17B This is a front cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the lip 1322 of the seal 1310. Figure 17A and Figure 17B The lip 1322 in the middle does not include a groove, recess or keyway, and is therefore intended for use with pins that do not have a ridge, flange, protrusion or other extension at the end of the pin.

[0027] Figure 18 , Figure 19 and Figure 21 These are, respectively, isometric front, top, and bottom views of a track fastener sealing system 1800 according to an embodiment. The track fastener sealing system 1800 can be other components of the track system described herein (such as...). Figures 1-4 It is part of, or mates with, those components in, the track fastener sealing system 1800. The track fastener sealing system 1800 includes a seal 1810 having a flexible body 1814 including a central channel 1818. The flexible body 1814 may be substantially cylindrical, with a lip 1822 extending circumferentially around an opening in the channel 1818. Although not shown in the figures, in some embodiments, the seal 1810 may include a cap, which is similar to... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The lid shown.

[0028] Figure 20A and Figure 20B This is a cross-sectional front view of one embodiment of the lip 1822 of the seal 1810. The lip 1822 includes an internal channel 1826 to receive the upper flange 144 of the pin 136. Multiple keyways 1830 (see...) Figure 16 A keyway extension 148 may also be formed in the lip 1822 to receive the key extension 148 of the pin 136, thereby facilitating proper orientation of the sealing system 1810 when mounted on the pin 136. In the illustrated embodiment, each keyway 1830 is radially opposed to the other keyways 1830, and the keyways 1830 are circumferentially spaced at 90 degrees.

[0029] Figure 22A and Figure 22B This is a front cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the lip 1822 of the seal 1810. Figure 22A and Figure 22B The lip 1822 in the middle does not include a groove, recess or keyway, and is therefore intended for use with pins that do not have a ridge, flange, protrusion or other extension at the end of the pin.

[0030] The seals of the rail fastener sealing system described herein can be made of any material capable of sealing between pins, fasteners, and any surrounding structures of the rail fastener assembly. In some embodiments, the seals can be formed of elastomers, which may include, but are not limited to, silicone-based polymers. Silicone polymers provide a robust yet flexible seal that is resistant to temperature fluctuations and exposure to ultraviolet light. In other embodiments, the sealing system can be made of natural rubber, EPDM, or other polymers.

[0031] In addition to the embodiments and examples of track fastener sealing systems provided above, the following are illustrative examples of track fastener sealing systems.

[0032] Example 1. A track fastener sealing system includes a pin having a cylindrical elongated body and a pin channel configured to receive a fastener securing a track to a sleeper; and a seal located at one end of the pin. The seal includes: a flexible body having a central channel extending through the flexible body; and a lip extending circumferentially around an opening in the central channel. The lip of the seal is disposed near the end of the pin, and at least a portion of the flexible body of the seal is located within the pin channel.

[0033] Example 2. According to the system of Example 1, the pin includes a plurality of corrugations or threads inside the cylindrical elongated body.

[0034] Example 3. According to the system of Example 1 or Example 2, the pin includes a non-threaded portion inside the cylindrical elongated body near the end of the pin.

[0035] Example 4. The system according to any one of Examples 1-3, wherein when the fastener is inserted into the pin channel, the seal reduces the inflow of liquid into the pin channel.

[0036] Example 5. The system according to any one of Examples 1-4, wherein the pin comprises a plurality of corrugations or threads on the exterior of the cylindrical elongated body.

[0037] Example 6. The system according to any one of Examples 1-5, wherein the seal further includes a cap on the end of the flexible body closest to the lip, and the cap blocks the central channel of the seal from entering the seal from the end closest to the lip.

[0038] Example 7. The system according to Example 6, wherein the cover is integrally formed with the seal.

[0039] Example 8. The system according to any one of Examples 1-7, wherein the lip of the seal includes a groove disposed in the lower surface of the lip.

[0040] Example 9. A track fastener sealing system comprising: a flexible body having a central channel extending through the flexible body; a lip extending circumferentially around an opening in the central channel; and a cap at an end of the flexible body closest to the lip, the cap blocking entry from the end closest to the lip into the central channel of the seal.

[0041] Example 10. The system according to Example 9, wherein the cover is integrally formed with the seal.

[0042] Example 11. The system according to Example 9 or Example 10 further includes: a thickness reduction portion of the cap, which, when the seal is used, provides controlled breakage or removal of the cap.

[0043] Example 12. The system according to Example 11, wherein the reduced thickness portion of the lid is shaped as a mark to indicate a predetermined location of a break in the lid.

[0044] Example 13. The system according to Example 12, wherein the mark is in the shape of a cross or an "X".

[0045] Example 14. The system according to any one of Examples 9-13, wherein the lip includes a groove disposed in the lip.

[0046] Example 15. A track fastener sealing system comprising: a generally cylindrical flexible body having a central channel extending through the flexible body, the central channel having a central axis; and a lip extending circumferentially around an opening of the central channel, the lip having an upper surface formed at an angle not perpendicular to the central axis of the central channel. The lip is D-shaped, having an arcuate surface substantially parallel to the central axis of the central channel, and the flat surface not parallel to the central axis.

[0047] Example 16. The system according to Example 15, wherein the lip includes a groove disposed in the lower surface of the lip.

[0048] Example 17. A sealing system according to Example 15 or Example 16, wherein the lip includes an internal channel formed in the lip and at least one keyway.

[0049] Example 18. A method for sealing a track fastening assembly, the method comprising: inserting a pin into a hole in a sleeper, the pin having an elongated body that is substantially cylindrical forming a pin channel; positioning a fastener in the pin channel to secure the track to the sleeper; and sealing between the pin and the fastener to reduce liquid ingress between the pin and the fastener.

[0050] Example 19. The method of Example 18, wherein the seal further comprises: disposing a seal at one end of the pin. The seal comprises: a flexible body having a central channel extending through the flexible body, the central channel having a central axis; and a lip extending circumferentially around an opening of the central channel. The lip of the seal is disposed near the end of the pin, and at least a portion of the flexible body of the seal is located within the pin channel.

[0051] Example 20. According to the method of Example 19, before positioning the fastener into the pin channel, the seal further includes a cap on the end of the flexible body closest to the lip, the cap preventing entry from the end closest to the lip into the central channel and the pin channel.

[0052] Example 21. The method according to Example 20, positioning the fastener into the pin channel further includes: breaking the cover to allow the fastener to be inserted through the central channel and the pin channel.

[0053] While the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and modifications may be made to this document without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A track fastener sealing system, comprising: A pin has a cylindrical elongated body and a pin channel configured to receive fasteners that secure the rail to the sleeper. A seal, located at one end of the pin, the seal comprising: A flexible body having a central channel extending through the flexible body; and The lip extends circumferentially around the opening of the central channel; The lip of the seal is disposed near the end of the pin, and at least a portion of the flexible body of the seal is located within the pin channel.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the pin comprises a plurality of corrugations or threads inside the cylindrical elongated body.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the pin includes a non-threaded portion inside the cylindrical elongated body adjacent to the end of the pin.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein when the fastener is inserted into the pin channel, the seal reduces the inflow of liquid into the pin channel.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the pin comprises a plurality of corrugations or threads on the exterior of the cylindrical elongated body.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The seal also includes a cap on the end of the flexible body closest to the lip; and The cap prevents entry into the central channel of the seal from the end closest to the lip.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the cover is integrally formed with the seal.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the lip of the seal includes a groove disposed in the lower surface of the lip.

9. A track fastener sealing system, comprising: A flexible body having a central channel extending through the flexible body; The lip extends circumferentially around the opening of the central channel; as well as A cap, located at the end of the flexible body closest to the lip, prevents entry into the central channel of the seal from the end closest to the lip.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the cover is integrally formed with the seal.

11. The system according to claim 9, further comprising: The reduced thickness portion of the lid, when the seal is used, provides controlled breakage or removal of the lid.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the reduced thickness portion of the lid is shaped as a mark to indicate a predetermined location of a break in the lid.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the mark is in the shape of a cross or an "X".

14. The system of claim 9, wherein the lip includes a groove disposed in the lower surface of the lip.

15. A track fastener sealing system, comprising: A basic cylindrical flexible body has a central channel extending through the flexible body, the central channel having a central axis; as well as A lip that extends circumferentially around the opening of the central channel, the lip having an upper surface formed at an angle not perpendicular to the central axis of the central channel; The lip is D-shaped with an arcuate surface and a flat surface, the arcuate surface being substantially parallel to the central axis of the central channel, and the flat surface not being parallel to the central axis.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the lip includes a groove disposed in the lower surface of the lip.

17. The sealing system of claim 15, wherein the lip includes an internal channel formed therein and at least one keyway.

18. A method for sealing a track fastening assembly, the method comprising: A pin is inserted into a hole in a sleeper, the pin having an elongated body that is basically cylindrical and forms a pin channel; Position the fastener into the pin channel to secure the rail to the sleeper; as well as A seal is applied between the pin and the fastener to reduce the ingress of liquid between them.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the seal further comprises: A seal is disposed at one end of the pin, the seal comprising: A flexible body having a central channel extending through the flexible body, the central channel having a central axis; and The lip extends circumferentially around the opening of the central channel; The lip of the seal is disposed near the end of the pin, and at least a portion of the flexible body of the seal is located within the pin channel.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the seal further comprises, prior to positioning the fastener into the pin channel: A cap is placed on the end of the flexible body closest to the lip, the cap preventing entry into the central channel and the pin channel from the end closest to the lip.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein positioning the fastener in the pin channel further comprises: The cover is broken to allow the fastener to be inserted through the central channel and the pin channel.

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