Installation and removal tools for rubber coverings, rubber sheets and level crossing plates in rail transport

Abstract

The present invention presents an installation and removal tool (1) for installing, removing, and transporting railway crossing slabs, predominantly in the immediate vicinity of tracks, primarily slabs on railway tracks, level crossings, and roads with integrated or adjacent rails. It is characterized in that the basic shape (2) consists of an angled form.

Description

[0001] Road and rail traffic encounter certain points of contact, with railway tracks crossing road traffic.

[0002] To allow road traffic to cross railway tracks, level crossing systems in the form of rubber coverings, rubber plates, or level crossing slabs are installed between, before, and after the railway tracks. Due to new construction or reconstruction of the railway lines, as well as wear and tear or damage to the level crossing slabs, replacing or reinstalling the level crossing slabs is unavoidable.

[0003] The present invention relates to a lifting device for the installation and removal of rubber plates and coverings as well as railway crossing plates (for better readability, from now on called "railway crossing plates") and the like in the immediate vicinity of tracks, with a focus on plates on railway tracks, level crossings and main roads with integrated or touching rails for railway traffic.

[0004] Current technology involves clamping these slabs and coverings at the ends using a gripper and lifting them into the desired position. These grippers are mounted on machines such as excavators or lifting devices, which then carry out the assembly and disassembly of the slabs and coverings.

[0005] DD 234 375 5 describes such a grab and bucket drive with at least two hydraulic working cylinders for cranes and excavators arranged to open and close the grab device.

[0006] The following problems occur with the well-known grapple and bucket drive, among others.

[0007] The installation and removal of level crossing slabs does not correspond to the intended use of the existing grabs. These were designed solely for excavating sand, stone, earth, and similar materials. The shape of the existing grabs is not adapted to the level crossing slabs, which has a variety of negative consequences.

[0008] The use of the known grippers already poses a significant safety problem when transporting the railway crossing slabs, since the misused gripper does not ensure that the slabs are held sufficiently securely during the transport process.

[0009] Therefore, proper and safety-relevant securing of the level crossing slabs is not possible either during installation and removal or during transport.

[0010] Due to the unsuitable shape, precise positioning of the level crossing plates on the railway tracks is also impossible.

[0011] Based on this prior art, it is the object of the present invention to provide an improved lifting device to enable simple, safe, fast and reliable installation and removal of the level crossing slabs.

[0012] This object is achieved by an installation and removal tool (1) consisting of two pieces with the features of claims 1 to 6. The invention is a new design which is attached to the existing grippers.

[0013] Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show a perspective view of the installation and removal tool (1) according to the invention and its schematic partial section.

[0014] The present invention represents a lifting device for installing and removing level crossing slabs.

[0015] The present invention (1) provides that the base shape (2) consists of an angular shape having a suitable thickness. The upper side of the invention (1) is characterized by a recess (4) and two or more fastening options (3), each of which has a bore or opening.

[0016] The invention (1) has a leg (5) on the lower side, which is arranged straight or at an angle to the surface (6). The leg (5) can be attached to the base form (2) by screwing or welding; alternatively, the base form (2) can also consist of a single part that includes the leg (5).

[0017] On the upper side of the leg (5) there are recesses (7) arranged longitudinally, preferably in the form of several grooves or curves, and preferably parallel to one another. However, the recesses (7) can also have various shapes that are not parallel or arranged longitudinally. The leg (5) can be equipped with interchangeable or protective jaws of various shapes.

[0018] The invention (1) is reinforced with support plates (8) on the end faces of the basic form (2).

[0019] The operation of the present invention is described as follows: For the intended use, as in Fig. 1, two pieces of the invention (1) are required. These are each attached to one side of an existing gripper. The invention (1) is attached to the gripper using bolts or screws, which are inserted and secured through the holes or openings (3).

[0020] With the help of construction machinery or corresponding devices, the opening and subsequent closing of the gripper including the inventions (1) mounted thereon enables the level crossing slabs to be gripped and transported in a form-fitting and safe manner.

[0021] The recess (4) on the top ensures a secure hold. This allows for precise placement of the level crossing panels. By subsequently opening the gripper, the level crossing panels can be safely placed in the appropriate location.

[0022] The advantages resulting from the present invention will become clear and understandable from the following description.

[0023] In contrast to previously known grippers, the invention features a completely different and adapted design. This allows the level crossing panels to be assembled, disassembled, and transported as intended. Transport and workflows become more convenient, simpler, faster, and safer.

[0024] The angled legs (5) and the resulting positive connection, together with the grooves (7), prevent the already gripped level crossing slabs from slipping or falling to the ground. Safe and even transport is enabled. This represents a significant improvement in safety aspects. The risk of injury to operators is minimized, as is the risk of property damage due to falling or slipping level crossing slabs.

[0025] Due to the chosen design, the level crossing plates can be placed precisely in the desired position and close to the tracks, even when space is limited.

[0026] Due to its design, the invention (1) has a low weight, which allows for its transport even without additional equipment or machinery. This allows for easy and rapid transport of the invention to and within the construction site, as well as simple stowage and storage.

[0027] The invention (1) can be mounted on grippers of various designs by means of the fastening options (3) arranged in the longitudinal direction and is therefore universally and versatilely applicable.

[0028] The invention (1) is primarily made of sturdy materials such as steel and plastic, preferably tool steel. This makes it robust and durable. List of reference symbols: 1 installation and removal tool 2 Basic form 3 mounting options 4 Deepening 5 legs 6 Area 7 grooves 8 support plates Cited patent literature:

[0029] DD 234 375 5 QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DD 234 375 5

[0005]

Claims

[1] The present invention represents an installation and removal tool (1) for installing and removing, as well as transporting, railway crossing slabs, predominantly in the immediate vicinity of the tracks, with a focus on slabs on railway tracks, level crossings and roads with integrated or touching rails of the railway traffic. characterized by that the basic form (2) consists of an angular shape [2] Installation / removal tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that a leg (5) is attached to the basic shape (2) [3] Installation / removal tool (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the basic form (2) itself can contain a leg (5) [4] Installation / removal tool (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that fastening possibilities (3) are provided on the recess (4) of the invention (1) [5] Installation / removal tool (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that grooves, depressions or elevations (7) are provided on the leg (5) [6] Installation / removal tool (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that various attachments can be attached to the leg (5)

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