A manually operated rail grinder assembly and associated method for a railway rail

Abstract

A manually operated rail grinder assembly for a railway rail, the rail grinder assembly comprising: a first handle; a second handle; a grinder; at least one rail engaging element configured to couple the rail grinder assembly to the railway rail; and a first linkage connecting the first and second handles to the grinder and the rail engaging element, the first linkage being configured such that relative movement of the first and second handles causes the grinder to move between a first position relative to the first handle that permits grinding of a top of the railway rail and a second position relative to the first handle that permits grinding of a side of the railway rail.

Description

[0001] A MANUALLY OPERATED RAIL GRINDER ASSEMBLY AND ASSOCIATED METHOD FOR A RAILWAY RAIL

[0002] The present invention relates to a manually operated rail grinder assembly and associated method and particularly, although not exclusively, relates to a manually operated rail grinder assembly configured to move a railway grinder about a longitudinal axis of a railway rail .

[0003] Background

[0004] A manually operated rail grinder assembly is an assembly, operable by a railway worker, comprising a grinder that is designed to grind the head of a railway rail , typically after sections of a rail have been welded together . The aim is to give the weld region a profile that at least substantially matches the profile of the running part of the railway rail .

[0005] In an ordinary shi ft , the railway worker might grind eight weld j oints , each of which may take approximately fi fteen minutes of time . As such, the railway worker may spend two hours per shi ft operating the rail grinder assembly . Furthermore , the mass of the rail grinder assembly may be more than fi fty kilograms . The railway worker is therefore required to support a substantial weight of the rail grinder assembly over a substantial time-period, which is undesirable . The present disclosure therefore seeks to provide a rail grinder assembly that may reduce the physical exertion required to operate the rail grinder assembly .

[0006] To ef fectively grind the railway rail head, it is beneficial for the railway worker to be able to rotate the grinder about a longitudinal axis of the railway rail . Typically, the railway worker is required to move from an upright standing position to a more bent over ( or crouching) position to rotate the grinder about the longitudinal axis of the railway rail . This places further strain on the railway worker . Therefore , it is also desirable to provide a rail grinder assembly which may permit the railway worker to rotate the grinder about the longitudinal axis of the railway rail from an upright standing position .

[0007] Furthermore , to ef fectively grind the railway rail head, the railway worker is required to move the grinder back and forth along the longitudinal axis of the railway rail . As such, it is also desirable to provide a rail grinder assembly which permits the railway worker to more smoothly move the grinder back and forth along the longitudinal axis of the railway rail .

[0008] It is also desirable to provide a rail grinder assembly which maximises the railway worker' s visibility of the railway rail and the weld region whilst they are operating the rail grinder assembly .

[0009] Statements of Invention

[0010] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a manually operated rail grinder assembly for a railway rail . The rail grinder assembly may comprise : a first handle , a second handle , a grinder, at least one rail engaging element configured to couple the rail grinder assembly to the railway rail , and a first linkage that may connect the first and second handles to the grinder and the rail engaging element .

[0011] The first linkage may be configured such that relative movement ( e . g . rotation) of the first and second handles causes the grinder to move between a first position relative to the first handle that may permit grinding of a top of the railway rail and a second position relative to the first handle that may permit grinding of a side of the railway rail . The relative movement of the first and second handles provides an ergonomic way to rotate the grinder in which a height of the first handle remains at an approximately waist height position .

[0012] The first handle may be configured to remain at approximately waist height ( for a typical user, e . g . about 1 . 8m tall with a waist height of between approximately 0 . 7 m and 1 . 0m) or approximately between 0 . 7 m and 1 . 0 m from the ground level , as the grinder moves between the first and the second position .

[0013] The grinder may be configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the railway rail such that the top and / or side surfaces of a head of the railway rail may be ground by the grinder .

[0014] The rail engagement element may be configured to permit the manually operated rail grinder assembly to move along the longitudinal axis of the railway rail .

[0015] The first linkage may be a four-bar linkage and may comprise sequentially and pivotally connected first , second, third and fourth links . The first link may be pivotally coupled to the second link and the fourth link; the second link may be pivotally coupled to the first link and the third link; the third link may be pivotally coupled to the second link and the fourth link; and the fourth link may be pivotally coupled to the third link and the first link .

[0016] The first handle may be connected to the first link of the four-bar linkage and the second handle may be connected to the second link of the four-bar linkage .

[0017] The grinder may be connected to the fourth link of the four-bar linkage .

[0018] The rail engaging element may be connected to the fourth link of the four-bar linkage .

[0019] The first linkage may be configured such that the first and second handles have a first relative position, in which the first and second handles are substantially adj acent to each another, and the first and second handles have a second relative position, in which the first and second handles are spaced apart .

[0020] The first and second handles each may comprise elongate bars , the elongate bars of the first and second handles may be substantially parallel to each another .

[0021] The rail grinder assembly may comprise a power source mounting point which may be configured to receive a power source to power the grinder . For example , the power source mounting point may be configured to receive a battery and / or an internal combustion engine . The grinder may additionally and / or alternatively be powered by a remote source of power, for example via a cable coupled to the rail grinder assembly .

[0022] The power source mounting point may be connected to the first linkage , e . g . by a second linkage , the first and / or second linkage may be configured such that relative movement of the first and second handles causes the power source mounting point to rotate relative to the rail engaging element .

[0023] The first and / or second linkage may be configured such that relative movement of the first and second handles causes the power source mounting point to rotate relative to the rail engaging element such that a centre of gravity of the power source remains substantially above the rail . The second linkage may comprise a four-bar linkage . The second linkage may be pivotally coupled to a part of the power source mounting point and to the first link of the first linkage . Additionally or alternatively, the second linkage may be pivotably coupled to a part of the power source mounting point , the first link of the first linkage , and the fourth link of the first linkage .

[0024] The rail grinder assembly may comprise a power source to power the grinder .

[0025] The rail grinder assembly may comprise a pair of first linkages , the pair of first linkages may be laterally spaced apart with the first and second handles adj oining the pair of first linkages . A lateral direction for the rail grinder assembly may aligned with a longitudinal direction of the railway rail .

[0026] The first linkage may be configured to have an over-centre locking action that may resist movement of the grinder away from the first position .

[0027] The second and third links may be aligned and the first linkage may be in tension at a centre of the over-centre locking action .

[0028] The distance of the grinder relative to the railway rail may be adj ustable by virtue of an adj ustment mechanism .

[0029] The adj ustment mechanism may comprise an actuator configured to adj ust the distance of the grinder relative to the railway rail . The adj ustment mechanism may further comprise a controller for controlling the actuator . Additionally or alternatively a control panel may be provided, such as on the first handle , for controlling the actuator . Additionally or alternatively the adj ustment mechanism may comprise a manually adj ustable mechanism configured to adj ust the distance of the grinder relative to the railway rail .

[0030] The rail grinder assembly may further comprise a deployable stand which may be configured to support the rail grinder assembly in a particular position ( such as a substantially upright position) when deployed . The deployable stand may be pivotally connected to a part of the rail grinder assembly . A distal end of the deployable stand may contact the ground when deployed . The rail grinder assembly may further comprise an abutment surface which may be configured to engage the first linkage when the grinder is in the first position and prevent movement of the linkage other than movement causing the grinder to move towards the second position .

[0031] The abutment surface may be connected to at least one of the first link and / or the first handle and may be a protruding member configured to directly contact ( e . g . , abut ) the third link when the grinder is in the first position, which may prevent movement of the linkage other than movement causing the grinder to move towards the second position .

[0032] Alternatively, the abutment surface may be connected to the third link and may be a protruding member configured to directly contact ( e . g . , abut ) at least one of the first link or the first handle when the grinder is in the first position, which may prevent movement of the linkage other than movement causing the grinder to move towards the second position .

[0033] The rail grinder assembly may comprise one or more supporting members configured to support the grinder and / or the rail engaging element . The one or more supporting members may also be configured to support the power source mounting point . A first supporting member may be connected to the grinder and to the first linkage , such as by being coupled to a surface of the grinder and to a surface of the fourth link; or the first supporting member may be connected to the grinder, the first linkage , and the rail engagement element and the power source mounting point . Alternatively, the first supporting member may be connected to the grinder, a second supporting member, and a third supporting member, wherein the second supporting member may be connected to the first linkage and the third supporting member may be connected to the rail engagement element . The second supporting member may be connected to the first linkage by being coupled to the fourth link .

[0034] Further, a portion of the one or more supporting members may form the fourth link . For example , a portion of the second supporting member may form the fourth link . The one or more supporting members may be rotatably coupled to the first linkage . For example , at least one of the first link and the third link may be rotatably coupled to the one or more supporting members . The third link may be pivotally coupled to the second handle and to the one or more supporting members coupled to the fourth link .

[0035] The rail grinder assembly may comprise a plurality of first linkages , the plurality of first linkages being laterally spaced apart with the first and second handles adj oining the plurality of first linkages .

[0036] A first frame may form the first link and the first handle . The first frame may form the first link for both first links of the pair of first linkages ; or the first frame may form the first link for the plurality of first links in the plurality of first linkages .

[0037] A second frame may form the second link and the second handle . The second frame may form the second link for both second links of the pair of first linkages ; or the second frame may form the second link for the plurality of second links in the plurality of first linkages . The first and the second handles may be at waist height of a typical user ; for example , between approximately 0 . 7 m and 1 . 0 m from the ground level . The first and the second handles may remain at approximately between 0 . 7 m and 1 . 0 m from the ground level as the grinder moves between the first and the second position .

[0038] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for manually operating a rail grinder assembly for a railway rail . The rail grinder assembly may comprise : a first handle , a second handle , a grinder, at least one rail engaging element configured to couple the rail grinder assembly to the railway rail , and a first linkage connecting the first and second handles to the grinder and the rail engaging element .

[0039] The method may comprise : moving the first and second handles relative to one another so that the first linkage may cause the grinder to move between a first position relative to the first handle that may permit grinding of a top of the railway rail and a second position relative to the first handle that may permit grinding of a side of the railway rail .

[0040] The method may further comprise grinding the railway rail .

[0041] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a manually operated rail grinder assembly for a railway rail . The rail grinder assembly may comprise : a first handle , a second handle , a grinder, at least one rail engaging element configured to couple the rail grinder assembly to the railway rail , and a first linkage that may connect the first and second handles to the grinder and the rail engaging element . The first linkage and / or a second linkage may be configured such that relative movement ( e . g . rotation) of the first and second handles causes a power source mounting point for a power source to rotate relative to the rail engaging element such that a centre of gravity of the power source remains substantially above the rail .

[0042] The first linkage may be configured such that relative movement of the first and second handles causes the grinder to move between a first position relative to the first handle that may permit grinding of a top of the railway rail and a second position relative to the first handle that may permit grinding of a side of the railway rail .

[0043] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0044] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which :

[0045] Figures la, lb and 1c ( collectively Figure 1 ) are perspective views showing a manually operated rail grinder assembly according to an example of the present disclosure with a grinder of the manually operated rail grinder assembly in a first position, intermediate position and second position respectively;

[0046] Figures 2a, 2b and 2c ( collectively Figure 2 ) are side views showing the manually operated rail grinder assembly according to the example of the present disclosure with the grinder in the first position, intermediate position and second position respectively; Figures 3a, 3b and 3c ( collectively Figure 3 ) are side views showing the manually operated rail grinder assembly with a power source according to another example of the present disclosure with the grinder in the first position, intermediate position and second position respectively;

[0047] Figure 4 is a sectional perspective view of the manually operated rail grinder assembly showing the manually operated rail grinder assembly further comprising the power source mounting point and the second linkage according to the another example of the present disclosure ; and

[0048] Figure 5 is a flowchart depicting a method according to an example of the present disclosure .

[0049] Detailed Description

[0050] With reference to Figure 1 , a manually operated rail grinder assembly 100 , according to an example of the present disclosure , comprises a first handle 110 , a second handle 120 and a grinder 130 ( or at least a housing for a grinder ) . The first and second handles 110 , 120 are graspable by a user of the grinder assembly 100 so that the user can move the grinder assembly 100 relative to a railway rail 200 . The grinder 130 is configured to grind a surface of the railway rail 200 , for example following a welding process .

[0051] The grinder assembly 100 further comprises at least one rail engagement element configured to couple the rail grinder assembly to the railway rail 200 . The rail engagement element ( s ) may support the weight of the grinder assembly 100 on the rail 200 and may permit the grinder assembly 100 to move along the rail 200. In the example shown, the grinder assembly 100 comprises a pair of first rail engagement elements in the form of wheels 162 and a pair of second rail engagement elements in the form of rollers 164. The wheels and rollers 162, 164 allow the grinder assembly 100 to move, e.g. roll, along the rail 200. The wheels and rollers 162, 164 may be configured to engage a head of the rail 200. As depicted in Figure 1, the wheels and rollers 162, 164 may engage the rail 200 over a range of angles of the grinder assembly 100 relative to the rail 200. As the grinder assembly 100 rotates about a longitudinal axis of the railway rail 200, the wheels 162 and rollers 164 may contact different parts of the rail 200.

[0052] Although wheels and rollers 162, 164 are depicted, it is also contemplated that the rail engagement element (s) may take other forms that permit the grinder assembly 100 to move, e.g. roll, along or about the longitudinal axis of the railway rail 100. For example, the wheels 162 may be in the form of rollers. It is also contemplated that the rail engagement element (s) may not facilitate movement along the railway rail 200 and may instead secure the grinder assembly 100 to the railway rail, at least in a lengthwise direction.

[0053] The grinder assembly 100 further comprises a first linkage connecting the first and second handles 110, 120 to the grinder 130 and rail engagement element. In the particular example shown, the grinder assembly 100 comprises a pair of first linkages 140, 141 laterally spaced apart (lateral with respect to the user facing the rail) that together connect the first and second handles 110, 120 to the grinder 130 and the rail engagement element (s) . It is noted that in other examples the rail grinder assembly 100 may comprise only one first linkage, and in yet other examples the rail grinder assembly may comprise a plurality of first linkages (e.g. laterally spaced apart) that connect the first and the second handles 110, 120 to the grinder 130 and the rail engagement element. The or each of the first linkages 140, 141 may be configured to substantially reside and operate in a respective plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rail 200.

[0054] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the first and second handles 110, 120 each comprise elongate portions or bars, e.g. extending in the lateral direction of the grinder assembly 100. At least portions of the first and second handles 110, 120 may be parallel to one another. The first and / or second handles 110, 120 may be at approximately waist height of a typical user; for example, between approximately 0.7 m and 1.0 m from the ground level. The first and / or second handles 110, 120 may be at such a height when the grinder assembly 100 is resting on the rail 200 and in either of the positions depicted in Figures la or 1c. It is noted that the height of the first and second handles 110, 120 is not constrained to be approximately between 0.7 m and 1.0m from the ground level, for example this height may be varied by rotation of grinder assembly 100 relative to the rail and / or operation of the handles 110, 120.

[0055] As shown in Figures la and 2a, the pair of first linkages 140, 141 are configured such that the first and second handles 110, 120 may have a first relative position, in which the first and second handles 110, 120 (or at least portions thereof) are closer to each other than in other positions ( as described below) . In this first relative position, the grinder 130 is in a first position, such that the grinder is orientated to grind the top of the railway rail 200 .

[0056] As is shown in Figures 1c and 2c, the pair of first linkages 140 , 141 are also configured such that the first and second handles 110 , 120 may also have a second relative position, in which the first and second handles are further apart than in their first relative position . In this second relative position, the grinder 130 is in a second position, such that the grinder is orientated to grind a side of railway rail 200 .

[0057] As is shown in Figures lb and 2b, the pair of first linkages 140 , 141 are also configured such that the first and second handles 110 , 120 may have an intermediate relative position between the first and second relative positions . In this intermediate relative position, the grinder 130 is orientated to grind the railway rail 200 at an intermediate angle between the top and side of the railway rail .

[0058] With reference to Figures 1 to 3 , the grinder assembly 100 comprises a support structure 124 . The grinder 130 and / or rail engaging element ( s ) may be connected to the support structure 124 . The support structure 124 may extend in the lateral direction of the grinder assembly 100 . The grinder 130 may be provided between ends of the support structure 124 . Each of the first linkages 140 , 141 may be provided at ends of the support structure . In other words , the support structure 124 extends between the pair of first linkages . Likewise , the first and second handles 110 , 120 extend between the pair of first linkages 140 , 141 . The pair of first linkages 140 , 141 , first and second handles 110 , 120 and support structure 124 may thus together form a framework that supports the grinder 130 and allows the user to manipulate the grinder .

[0059] In the particular example shown, the support structure 124 comprises a pair of shafts 126 that extend from a housing 131 for the grinder 130 . An end plate 127 may be provided at an end of each shaft 126 . The rail engaging elements ( as described above ) may be coupled to the end plates 127 . In particular, one or more rollers 164 may be rotatably coupled to each end plate 127 . Likewise , one or more wheels 162 may be rotatably coupled to each end plate 127 .

[0060] As best shown in Figure 2a, each of the wheels 162 may be disposed at an angle relative to a surface of the railway rail head and be of a suf ficient diameter such as to contact the surface of the railway rail head when the grinder 130 is in any of the first position, the second position, or in any intermediate position . As shown in Figures 2a - 2c, the wheels 162 may therefore couple the rail grinder assembly to the railway rail as the grinder moves between the first and the second position .

[0061] In another example (not shown) , the support structure 124 may be omitted and the first linkage 140 , 141 may couple directly to the grinder 130 or grinder housing 131 .

[0062] Referring now to Figure la, the first linkages 140 , 141 may each comprise a four-bar linkage . In particular, the first linkages 140 , 141 may each comprise a first link 142 , a second link 144 , a third link 146 and a fourth link 148 . The first , second, third and fourth links 142 , 144 , 146 , 148 may be sequentially and pivotally connected one to another . In particular, spaced apart points on the first link 142 are pivotally coupled to the second link 144 and the fourth link 148 . Spaced apart points on the second link 144 are pivotally coupled to the first link 142 and the third link 146 . Spaced apart points on the third link 146 are pivotally coupled to the second link 144 and the fourth link 148 . Spaced apart points on the fourth link 148 are pivotally coupled to the third link 146 and the first link 142 .

[0063] Each of the first links 142 of the first linkages 140 , 141 may be rigidly connected to the first handle 110 , for example the first links 142 may be integral with the first handle 110 . Each of the second links may be rigidly connected to the second handle 120 , for example the second links 142 may be integral with the second handle 120 . As such, relative movement of the first and second handles 110 , 120 may cause the first linkages 110 , 120 to change configuration .

[0064] The support structure 124 , in particular the end plates 127 , may form the fourth links 148 . For example , the third link 146 may pivotally connect to a first point on the end plate 127 and the first link 142 may pivotally connect to a second point on the end plate 127 , the first and second points being spaced apart . Each end plate 127 may thus form a fourth link 148 for each of the first linkages 140 , 141 .

[0065] When the grinder 130 is in the first position, as shown in Figures la and 2a, the first link 142 may extend from its pivot point with the fourth link 148 in a substantially upright direction and towards the user facing the first handle . The first link 142 may further comprise a bend, such that as it extends in the upright direction away from the railway rail 200 it also extends towards the user facing the rail . As such, the first link may extend in a direction suited for ergonomic placement of the first handle 110 . The height of the first handle 110 may be between approximately 0 . 7 m and 1 . 0 m from the ground, but may also be any height from the ground that permits the first handle 110 to be grasped by a typical user stood upright substantially adj acent to the first handle 110 as the grinder 130 moves from the first position to the second position . As depicted in Figure 2 , the height of the first handle 110 may change slightly as the grinder 130 moves between the first and second positions , however, the first handle 110 may remain with ready reach of the user without having to signi ficantly change posture . As such, a typical user stood upright adj acent to the first handle 110 may move the grinder 130 from the first position to the second position without having to change posture ( e . g . , crouching or bending over ) .

[0066] As is best shown in Figure la, the first link 142 may also comprise a proj ection 147 branching of f from the remainder of the first link . The proj ection 147 may be at an end of the first link 142 that is closest to the first handle 110 . The proj ection 147 may branch of f at approximately a right angle relative to the rest of the first link 142 , such that it extends away from the user and towards the second handle 120 . The second link 144 may be pivotally coupled to a distal end of the proj ection 147 . As shown in Figures la and 2a, the second link 144 may extend from the pivot point with the first link 142 to its coupling with the second handle 120 . As best shown by Figures la and lb, the second handle 120 comprises an elongate bar with two ends , wherein each end is pivotably coupled to the respective third link 146 of the first linkages 140 , 141 . The second handle 120 is rigidly connected near its ends to the second links 144 of the pair of first linkages .

[0067] Furthermore , a portion of the second handle 120 between the two ends connected to the second and third links may be substantially U-shaped . The second handle 120 may thus be more readily reached by the typical user that wishes to exert a force on the second handle 120 with one hand while grasping the first handle 110 with the other hand .

[0068] The third link 146 may be pivotably connected to the second link 144 (via the end of the second handle 120 ) and the fourth link 148 . As shown in Figures 1 - 3 , the third link 146 may extend from the pivot point with the second handle to the pivot point with the fourth link 148 . The third link 146 may be substantially elongate . As shown in Figure la, when the grinder 130 is in the first position, the pivotable coupling between the third and the fourth links 146 , 148 may be located substantially towards an edge of the end plates 127 ( forming the fourth link) . This pivotable coupling at the edge of the end plate 127 may be furthest from a crown of the railway head relative to the other edges of the end plate 127 .

[0069] During operation, the user may be standing such that they are facing the first handle 110 . They may want to move the grinder 130 from the first position, as shown in Figures la and 2a, and into the second position, as shown in Figures 1c and 2c . The user may grasp the first handle 110 with a first hand and exert a force on the second handle 120 with a second hand to move ( e . g . rotate ) the second handle 120 further away from the user . By virtue of the connection between the first and second links 142 , 144 , the second handle 120 may move in an arc-like traj ectory .

[0070] The coupling point formed by the second handle 120 and the third link 146 therefore also moves further away from the user in an arc-like traj ectory . This causes the third link 146 to pivot about the fourth link 148 whilst also exerting a force on the fourth link 148 at the coupling pivot point formed by the third and fourth links . As shown in Figures 2a - 2c, this force may be considered a torque , which along with the rail engagement element ( s ) coupling the rail grinder assembly 100 to the railway rail 200 , urges the fourth link 148 to rotate ( e . g . through an approximately ninety-degree angle ) about a side of the railway rail 200 . The fourth link 148 is also pivotably connected to the first link 142 , which in turn is rigidly connected to the first handle 110 which may be supported by the user . As such, the user may gradually and deliberately control the rotation of the fourth link 148 about the longitudinal axis of the railway rail 200 . The grinder 130 being connected to the fourth link 148 may rotate with the fourth link 148 . As such, the user is also able to gradually and controllably move the grinder 130 between its first position, as shown in Figures la and 2a, and its second position, as shown in Figures 1c and 2c . The first handle 110 may remain at approximately waist height during the movement between the first and second positions , thereby facilitating an ergonomic operation .

[0071] The first linkage 140 , 141 is further configured to have an over-centre locking action . Starting with the grinder 130 in the first or second position, as the user pushes or pulls the second handle 120 , the first linkage 140 , 141 moves in such a way that the second link 144 and the third link 146 become increasingly aligned . As the second and the third links 144 , 146 become increasingly aligned, the first linkage 140 , 141 is configured such that there is an increase in tension in the first linkage 140 , 141 , resulting in the user experiencing a resistive force . The first linkage 140 , 141 is therefore configured to have an over-centre locking action, as this tension is released once the second and third links 144 , 146 move past the aligned position . Accordingly, when the user pushes or pulls past this aligned position, the first linkage 140 , 141 relaxes and the user no longer experiences a resistive force as the grinder moves to the second or first position . In the first position of the grinder 130 the first linkage 140 , 141 may be closer to the aligned position such that the over centre action ef fectively locks the grinder 130 into the first position .

[0072] Referring still to Figure 1 , it is noted that the first link 142 and the first handle 110 may form a single frame . The frame may further comprise an abutment surface 150 . Alternatively, these components may be separate structures which may be rigidly coupled together . The abutment surface 150 may be a rigid member, extending from the first link 142 and / or the first handle 110 and towards the third link 146 . As such, and as shown in Figure 2a, the abutment surface 150 may physically contact ( e . g . , abut ) the third link 146 when the grinder 130 is in the first position and prevent movement of the first linkage 140 , 141 other than movement causing the grinder to move towards the second position .

[0073] In alternative examples , the abutment surface 150 may be rigidly coupled to the third link 146 and extend from the third link 146 and towards the first link 142 and / or the first handle 110 , such that the abutment surface physically contacts ( e . g . , abuts ) the first link 142 when the grinder 130 is in the first position and prevents movement of the first linkage other than movement causing the grinder to move towards the second position .

[0074] With reference to Figure 3 , the grinder assembly 100 may further comprise a power source mounting point 180 for receiving a power source to power the grinder 130 . The power source may be coupled to a surface of the power source mounting point 180 facing away from the user facing the first handle 110 . In the particular example shown, the grinder assembly 100 may comprise a battery 190 coupled to the power source mounting point 180 . In another example , the power source may comprise an internal combustion engine , which may be coupled to the power source mounting point 180 . In a further example , the grinder 130 may be powered by a remote source of power, such as via a cable coupled to the rail grinder assembly 100 .

[0075] As shown in Figures 3a-c, the power source mounting point 180 may be configured to be disposed substantially above the railway rail 200 as the grinder 130 moves between the first and second positions . The weight of the power source may thus be substantially supported by the rail 200 in both the first and second positions and this may provide a more ergonomic arrangement for the user .

[0076] Figures 3 and 4 show a second linkage 170 that connects the power source mounting point 180 to the remainder of the grinder assembly 100 . The second linkage 170 may be configured to keep the power source ( e . g . a centre of gravity thereof ) substantially above the railway rail 200 as the grinder 130 moves between the first and second positions . In the particular example shown, the second linkage 170 may be coupled to one of the first linkages 140 , 141 of the pair of first linkages and to the power source mounting point 180 . More speci fically, the second linkage 170 may be pivotably connected to one of the first links 142 of the pair of first links . The second linkage 170 may be connected to approximately a mid-point along the length of the first link 142 . Although not depicted, it is also envisaged that the power source mounting point may be directly connected to the first linkage .

[0077] Figure 4 further shows a pair of power mount support members 128 , rigidly connected to the power source mounting point 180 . Although a pair of power mount support members 128 is depicted, other numbers ( i . e . one or more ) of the power mount support members is envisaged . The power mount support members 128 may be rotatably coupled to one of the support structure shafts 126 . As such, at least a substantial portion of the weight of the power source ( e . g . , the battery 190 ) and the power source mounting point 180 may be supported by the railway rail 200 via the pair of power mount support members 128 and the grinder support structure 124 . As shown in Figures 3 and 4 , the second linkage 170 may comprise a four-bar linkage . In particular, the second linkage 170 may comprise a fi fth link 172 , a sixth link 174 , a seventh link 176 , and an eighth link 178 . The fi fth, sixth, seventh and eighth links 172 , 174 , 176 , 178 may be sequentially and pivotally connected one to another . In particular, spaced apart points on the fi fth link 172 are pivotably coupled to the sixth link 174 and the eighth link 178 . Spaced apart points on the sixth link 174 are pivotally coupled to the fi fth link 172 and the seventh link 176 . Spaced apart points on the seventh link 176 are pivotally coupled to the sixth link 174 and the eighth link 178 . Spaced apart points on the eighth link 178 are pivotally coupled to the fi fth link 172 and the seventh link 176 .

[0078] The fi fth link 172 may be formed at least by a portion of the first link 142 of at least one of the first linkage systems 140 . The sixth link 174 may be formed at least by a portion of the support structure 124 , which may also form the fourth link 148 . The rotatable connection between the first link 142 and the support structure 124 may form the pivotable connection between the fi fth and sixth links 172 , 174 . The seventh link 176 may be formed at least by a portion of the power source mounting point 180 . The rotatable connection between the support structure 124 and power source mounting point 180 may form the pivotable connection between the sixth and seventh links 174 , 176 . The eighth link 178 may be a dedicated link coupled to both the power source mounting point 180 and the first link 142 . The second linkage 170 , in being connected to the first link 142 and the fourth link 148 of the first linkage 140 , is configured such that relative movement of the first and second handles 110 , 120 causes the power source mounting point 180 to rotate relative to the rail engagement element . For example , the second linkage 170 may be configured such that a surface of the power source mounting point 180 may remain substantially parallel to the third link 146 of the first linkage 140 . As such, i f the user moves the grinder 130 from the first position to the second position, a centre of mass of the power source ( e . g . , the battery 190 ) may trace an arc . The second linkage may therefore be configured ( e . g . , by suitably selecting the pivot-to-pivot length of the eighth link 178 ) such that the centre of mass of the power source remains substantially above the railway rail 200 . The first linkage may also be configured such that the centre of mass of the power source remains substantially above the railway rail 200 ( e . g . in the case of the second linkage being omitted) .

[0079] Although not depicted, the rail grinder assembly 100 may further comprise a deployable stand which may be configured to support the rail grinder assembly in a particular position, such as a substantially upright position, when deployed . The deployable stand may be pivotally connected to a part of the rail grinder assembly 100 . A distal end of the deployable stand may contact the ground when deployed . The deployable stand may be pivotably coupled to any suitable part of the rail grinder assembly 100 . The stand may be manually deployed by the user . For example , the user may manually pivot the stand using their foot . The stand may be configured to support a substantial weight of the rail grinder assembly 100 , e . g . when the grinder is in the first position, the second position, or in any of the intermediate positions .

[0080] According to the example of the present disclosure , the distance of a grinding disc of the grinder 130 relative to the railway rail 200 may be adj ustable by virtue of an adj ustment mechanism . The adj ustment mechanism may comprise an actuator configured to adj ust the distance of the grinding disc relative to the railway rail 200 . The adj ustment mechanism may further comprise a controller for controlling the actuator . A control panel may be provided, such as on the first handle 110 , to allow the user to control the position of the grinding disc . Additionally or alternatively the adj ustment mechanism may comprise a manually adj ustable mechanism configured to adj ust the distance of the grinding disc relative to the railway rail 200 .

[0081] With reference to Figure 5 , the present disclosure also relates to a method 300 for manually operating the rail grinder assembly 100 . In a first step 310 , the method comprises moving the first and second handles 110 , 120 relative to one another so that the first linkage causes the grinder 130 to move between a first position relative to the first handle 110 that permits grinding of a top of the railway rail 200 ( as depicted in Figueres la and 2a ) , and a second position relative to the first handle 110 that permits grinding of a side of the railway rail 200 ( as depicted in Figures 1c and 2c ) . In a second step 320 , the method 300 may further comprise grinding the railway rail 200 . The user may manually move the grinder assembly 100 from side to side during this process .

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A manually operated rail grinder assembly for a railway rail , the rail grinder assembly comprising : a first handle ; a second handle ; a grinder ; at least one rail engaging element configured to couple the rail grinder assembly to the railway rail ; and a first linkage connecting the first and second handles to the grinder and the rail engaging element , the first linkage being configured such that relative movement of the first and second handles causes the grinder to move between a first position relative to the first handle that permits grinding of a top of the railway rail and a second position relative to the first handle that permits grinding of a side of the railway rail .2 . The rail grinder assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first linkage is a four-bar linkage comprising sequentially and pivotally connected first , second, third and fourth links .3 . The rail grinder assembly of claim 2 , wherein the first handle is connected to the first link of the four-bar linkage and the second handle is connected to the second link of the four-bar linkage .4 . The rail grinder assembly of claim 2 or 3 , wherein the grinder is connected to the fourth link of the four-bar linkage .5 . The rail grinder assembly of any of claims 2 to 4 , wherein the rail engaging element is connected to the fourth link of the four-bar linkage .6 . The rail grinder assembly of any of the preceding claims , wherein the first linkage is configured such that the first and second handles have a first relative position, in which the first and second handles are substantially adj acent to each another, and the first and second handles have a second relative position, in which the first and second handles are spaced apart .7 . The rail grinder assembly of any of the preceding claims , wherein the first and second handles each comprise elongate bars , the elongate bars of the first and second handles being substantially parallel to each another .8 . The rail grinder assembly of any of the preceding claims , wherein the rail grinder assembly comprises a power source mounting point configured to receive a power source to power the grinder .9 . The rail grinder assembly of claim 8 , wherein the power source mounting point is connected to the first linkage by a second linkage , the second linkage being configured such that relative movement of the first and second handles causes the power source mounting point to rotate relative to the rail engaging element and such that a centre of gravity of the power source remains substantially above the railway rail .10 . The rail grinder assembly of any of the preceding claims , wherein the rail grinder assembly comprises a power source to power the grinder .11 . The rail grinder assembly of any of the preceding claims , wherein the rail grinder assembly comprises a pair of first linkages , the pair of first linkages being laterally spaced apart with the first and second handles adj oining the pair of first linkages .12 . The rail grinder assembly of any of the preceding claims , wherein the first linkage is configured to have an over-centre locking action that resists movement of the grinder away from the first position .13 . The rail grinder assembly of claim 12 when dependent on claim 2 , wherein the second and third links are aligned and the first linkage is in tension at a centre of the overcentre locking action .14 . The rail grinder assembly of any of the preceding claims , wherein the distance of the grinder relative to the railway rail is adj ustable by virtue of an adj ustment mechanism .15 . The rail grinder assembly of claim 14 , wherein the adj ustment mechanism comprises an actuator configured to adj ust the distance of the grinder relative to the railway rail .16 . The rail grinder assembly of any of the preceding claims , further comprising a deployable stand configured tosupport the rail grinder assembly in a particular position when deployed .17 . The rail grinder assembly of any of the preceding claims , wherein the rail grinder assembly further comprises an abutment surface configured to engage the first linkage when the grinder is in the first position and prevent movement of the linkage other than movement causing the grinder to move towards the second position .18 . A method for manually operating a rail grinder assembly for a railway rail , the rail grinder assembly comprising : a first handle ; a second handle ; a grinder ; at least one rail engaging element configured to couple the rail grinder assembly to the railway rail ; and a first linkage connecting the first and second handles to the grinder and the rail engaging element , wherein the method comprises : moving the first and second handles relative to one another so that the first linkage causes the grinder to move between a first position relative to the first handle that permits grinding of a top of the railway rail and a second position relative to the first handle that permits grinding of a side of the railway rail .19 . The method of claim 18 , wherein the method further comprises grinding the railway rail .

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