Track-securing device for temporarily fastening a holder to a rail, method for temporarily fastening a holder to a rail and method for releasing a holder from a rail

Abstract

Track-securing device (8) for temporarily fastening a holder (4) to a rail (6), in particular of a railway line (10), the rail having a foot (12), a web (14) and a head (16), for e.g. holding a track barrier (18) for safeguarding or delimiting a section of the rail, wherein the track-securing device comprises the holder, a fastening assembly (20), a retaining limb (22) and a support element (24), characterized in that the fastening assembly further comprises a magnet (32) configured for attaching to the web of the rail, for pulling the fastening assembly in an engaging direction (E) with respect to the rail. The application further relates to a combination of a rail (6) and a number of track-securing devices (8) and methods for temporarily fastening a holder to and releasing a holder from a rail.

Description

[0001] TRACK-SECURING DEVICE FOR TEMPORARILY FASTENING A HOLDER TO A RAIL,

[0002] AND METHOD OF FASTENING AND RELEASING A HOLDER

[0003] The invention relates to a track-securing device for temporarily fastening a holder to a rail, in particular of a railway line, the rail having a foot, a web and a head, and defining a rail direction parallel to the rail, for e.g. holding a track barrier for safeguarding or delimiting a section of the rail, wherein the track-securing device comprises: the holder, in particular for the track barrier; a fastening assembly configured for fastening the track-securing device in a releasable manner to the rail; a retaining limb arranged to connect the holder to the fastening assembly; and a support element for supporting the track-securing device on a railway sleeper, wherein the fastening assembly comprises at least one prong, each prong being provided at an end thereof with at least one beak configured for engaging the foot of the rail, preferably such that the prong is positioned at the railway sleeper, wherein the fastening assembly is releasably attachable to the foot of the rail by moving the fastening assembly towards the rail in an engaging direction so that each beak engages the foot thereof, and releasable from the rail by moving the fastening assembly in a releasing direction, opposite to the engaging direction.

[0004] One such track-securing device is known from the applicant’s earlier patent EP 3 670 742 Bl. The system described in EP 3 670 742 Bl has as one of its main advantages, that it can be used at a railway sleeper, whereas other, more traditional systems were used between two consecutive railway sleepers. These more traditional systems often extend completely under the rail, and grab its foot on both sides thereof. These systems require some digging in order to place them under the rail. The system of EP 3 670 742 Bl on the other hand, attaches to the rail by its foot from one side, and uses a hook to pull itself towards the rail. The hook engages on a bolt, nut or clip with which the rail is attached to the railway sleeper. While this system has significant advantages over the more traditional system referred to above, a need for improvement remains, as the hooks are not in all cases suited for particular types of bolts, nuts or clips. A limit to the versatility of the system as a whole is therefore present.

[0005] A system that does not rely on specific types of bolts, nuts or clips is known from EP 2 414 591 Bl. This system uses a very large magnet to latch onto the web of a rail. While satisfactory during use, this system has certain issues arising during detachment. The workers for instance may try to move the structure horizontally, which often breaks the system due to the significant force with which the magnet attaches to the rail. Furthermore, the system of EP 2 414 591 Bl has a hinge near the magnet such that the system can be tilted vertically if a vertical upward force at the holder equivalent to 30 kg or more is applied. This makes the system unsuitable for mounting objects that the wind can apply great forces on, such as objects with a large surface area, e.g. screens, for instance for blocking sound. A need thus remains for a system that on the one hand is versatile, in particular does not rely on any one type of nut, bolt or clip being used for attaching the rail to the sleeper, but which also can be mounted and detached more easily than other known systems.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a versatile track-securing device.

[0007] The object is achieved using a track-securing device of the preamble, wherein according to the invention the fastening assembly further comprises a magnet configured for attaching to the web of the rail, for pulling the fastening assembly in the engaging direction with respect to the rail.

[0008] By providing the fastening assembly according to the invention with a magnet configured for attaching to the web of the rail, the track-securing device according to the invention has the advantage that it can be used at a railway sleeper and meanwhile does not rely on any one type of nut, bolt or clip being used for attaching the rail to the sleeper.

[0009] The invention is based in part on the surprising fact that a relatively small magnet, that itself would not be sufficient to safely secure a holder, can provide sufficient engagement in combination with a beak. The magnet can thus be used in place of a hook that has previously been used in combination with beaks.

[0010] Part of this realization is that the magnet can pull the beaks onto the rail, thereby securing the connection, but only if sufficient support is present. For such support, it is useful to place the tracksecuring device at a railway sleeper.

[0011] The prior art, in as far as it concerns magnets, uses either a single very large magnet, without any further attachment means, or uses the magnet on the foot of the rail. This latter solution however requires a clamp around and under the entire rail, whereas the track-securing device according to the invention is unidirectionally engaged to the rail, in the engaging direction.

[0012] The magnet according to the invention preferably attaches to the web of the rail, for instance vertically above the railway sleeper, passing vertically above the nut, bolt or clip being used for attaching the rail to the sleeper. At this point it is noted that rails can be attached to railway sleepers in different manners. Throughout this application, reference will be made to a bolt, nut or clip, but other means are not excluded.

[0013] The position vertically above the railway sleeper is especially advantageous since the sleeper is then readily available for providing a surface for support. The track-securing device therefore can reliably support on the railway sleeper, whilst not being dependent on the ground condition. In particular, the ground may drop off quickly around the rail, or may be otherwise unsuitable or impractical to provide support for a track-securing device. The magnet according to the invention is placeable at the railway sleeper due to its relatively small size, which allows the magnet to pass over the nut, bolt or clip that would be obstructing (the web of) the rail for a larger magnet. In principle, a magnet of limited height can be used to obtain this advantage. Surprisingly, and according to the invention, a sufficiently small magnet can still be used with the fastening system described in the preamble to provide a positive fastening.

[0014] Another advantage of using a relatively small magnet is that it can be easier to handle, e.g. before or after use, such as in transport. As a first example, a smaller magnet is lighter. As such, the tracksecuring device can be lighter, easier and safer to work with. As a second example, a lesser magnetic force associated with the smaller magnet may reduce the likelihood of the magnet inadvertently clinging to another magnet, to storage means such as containers or racks, etc. Therefore, a relatively small magnet is more easily attached to the web of the rail. A lesser magnetic force can also be associated with a smaller and weaker magnetic field, which reduces the adverse influence the magnetic field could have on the vast amount of electronic equipment surrounding the rail, providing a further benefit of using a smaller magnet. A further advantage of a relatively small magnet could be that it attracts less dirt, such as iron filings / shavings, which could keep the magnet clean for longer, or it could attract debris of only a limited size. Accordingly, the smaller magnet would require less maintenance.

[0015] Several types of magnets may be employed according to the invention. Most notably, a permanent magnet, but also a magnet with a switchable magnetic force, such as an electromagnet or a switchable permanent magnet, or any other suitable type of magnet can be used.

[0016] The fastening assembly according to the invention is placed at a railway sleeper and is the only part of the track-securing device that contacts the rail. That being said, both the beak and the magnet of the fastening assembly contact the rail. The at least one prong of the fastening assembly may be positioned at the railway sleeper, so adjacent the nut, bolt or clip being used for attaching the rail to the sleeper. The at least one beak configured for engaging the foot of the rail may be positioned next to the sleeper, where the foot of the rail is not obstructed by the sleeper for the beak to engage the foot of the rail. The beak may also be placed over the railway sleeper at the edge thereof, where sleepers tend to drop off and allow space for the beak. In any case, the fastening assembly will be placed very close to the railway sleeper, so as to allow the support to support on the railway sleeper.

[0017] It is in principle possible for the fastening assembly to comprise two or more prongs, in which case the other beaks would be positioned on different sides of the nut, bolt or clip over or next to the sleeper. A second beak would preferably be positioned on the other side of the sleeper than where the first beak is positioned, since this would add stability to the fastening assembly. It is noted that the rail direction is preferably substantially perpendicular to the engaging direction. The rail direction extends along the rail, i.e. in the direction in which the tracks formed by the rail run. This direction is mostly horizontal, or in any case runs along a rail bed, from railway sleeper to railway sleeper. A height direction can be defined as substantially vertical, and therefore at least substantially perpendicular to the engaging direction and the rail direction.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the magnet is movable with respect to the at least one prong in the engaging direction. When the magnet is movable as thus described, a positive engagement of the magnet on the web can be achieved with a suitable engagement of the beaks on the foot of the rail, regardless of the exact rail shape and of how far the beaks receive the foot of the rail.

[0019] The movable magnet can also be used during fastening and releasing of the track-securing device, as it allows a two-step process wherein the magnet and the beaks are attached / detached separately. This makes both these steps easier and less error prone.

[0020] The magnet could be movable with respect to the at least one prong in the engaging direction through any suitable connection, such as, but not limited to, a hinge, an over-center mechanism (e.g. an over-center latch), a telescopic connection and / or a spring.

[0021] In a further embodiment according to the invention, the fastening assembly further comprises a biasing means, e.g. a spring, such as a mechanical spring, configured for biasing the at least one prong in the engaging direction with respect to the magnet. This provides the advantage that the track-securing device, particularly the fastening assembly and more particularly the at least one prong, is pulled towards the rail in the engaging direction. Due to this pulling force, the beaks can remain engaged with the foot of the rail, even if continued or repeated vibrations would otherwise compromise their engagement. Combined with a suitable beak, the pulling force could even enhance the engagement under the influence of vibrations, as each disturbance as a result of vibration would attach the beaks further onto the foot of the rail. The biasing force is particularly important if the rail is still in use, as passing trains repeatedly cause significant vibrations.

[0022] Biasing could be done by any suitable biasing means, for instance by a spring between the magnet and the at least one prong, such as a mechanical spring, gas spring or any other suitable type of spring. A suitably controlled electrical actuator is also possible, but may be expensive.

[0023] The track-securing device may further comprise a tool engagement member, such as a loop, hook, shoulder, etc., attached (either directly or indirectly) to the magnet and being configured to be engaged by a tool, such as a lever, in order to allow moving the magnet by the lever via the engagement member, in the engaging direction, against the engaging direction, or both. Such a tool engagement member, in combination with a tool, provides a quick and simple manner in which the magnet can easily be released from the rail despite its considerable attracting force, such that the fastening assembly and the track-securing device as a whole can be released from the rail. The magnet or an element coupled to the magnet could, for instance, have the shape of a U, an O or any other suitable type of shape, such that an external element can engage this shape for releasing the magnet from the rail. In this embodiment, for instance the head of the rail or the nut, bolt or clip being used for attaching the rail to the sleeper could be used as a fulcrum to create a lever-like mechanism which facilitates releasing the magnet from the rail. Of course, the same can be done to move the magnet towards the rail during attachment. In this case, the lever-like action may be useful for overcoming a pulling force of e.g. the biasing means introduced above.

[0024] In yet another embodiment according to the invention, the magnet is telescopically displaceable with respect to the at least one prong. In this embodiment according to the invention, a connection between the magnet and the at least one prong comprises a first part and a second part, wherein the first part is telescopically displaceable with respect to the second part. The first part may be telescopically displaced with respect to the second part to shorten or to lengthen the connection. In this way, the magnet is easily positioned at a desired distance with respect to the at least one prong. The first part may be slidable with respect to the second part. The first part may be partially accommodated by the second part. Alternatively, the second part may be partially accommodated by the first part. The connection between the magnet and the at least one prong may have further parts that are mutually telescopically displaceable arranged.

[0025] Alternatives are possible for providing the movable magnet. In particular, an over-center clasp is envisioned.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the magnet is hingeably connected to the at least one prong. This provides the advantage that the magnet can rotate, possibly slightly, e.g. over maximally 20°, with respect to the at least one prong, such that its angle with respect to the rail is adjustable. Preferably, the hinge axis is parallel to the rail direction, such that the angle of the magnet can in particular be adjusted to the angle of the web of the rail. Said may not in all cases be strictly vertical, so that the rotation of the magnet may facilitate a positive coupling even in those cases. It is however also possible that the magnet is connected through a ball-and-socket joint, wherein the angle of the magnet is adjustable in any direction. In broader terms, it is thus advantageous if the magnet is pivotable with respect to the at least one prong.

[0027] In another preferred embodiment according to the invention, a height direction is defined as perpendicular to the engaging direction and the rail direction, and wherein the magnet is located above the at least one beak in the height direction. By positioning the magnet above the at least one beak in the height direction, the magnet is able to pass above the nut, bolt or clip being used for attaching the rail to the sleeper to contact the web of the rail. The exact shape or size of the bolt, nut or clip is thus irrelevant. Accordingly, the fastening assembly can be placed at a railway sleeper regardless of its bolt, nut or clip type.

[0028] In a currently advantageous embodiment according to the invention, the track-securing device comprises a fork, the fork comprising at least two such prongs, each with at least one beak, wherein the beaks of said at least two prongs are located preferably substantially equidistantly on opposite sides of the magnet. By providing the fastening assembly with two prongs, the stability of the track-securing device could be improved as mentioned before.

[0029] In particular, this may be because the use of two prongs can make the track-securing device symmetric with a plane perpendicular to the rail direction as the symmetry plane. In this particular embodiment, the two prongs are located substantially equidistantly on opposite sides of the magnet, such that the magnet is in the middle of the two prongs as seen in the rail direction. The two prongs are then preferably placed at the sides of the railway sleeper in the rail direction, where the beaks are able to engage the foot of the rail. Therefore, the distance between the two beaks in this embodiment is at least the width of a railway sleeper in the rail direction. In cases where a railway sleeper has chamfers on its edge, the beaks may be placed somewhat closer as the chamfers allow space for the beaks.

[0030] In a further embodiment according to the invention, a width dimension of the magnet defined in the rail direction is smaller than the distance between the two beaks, in particular smaller than 80, 70, 60 or 50% of the distance between the two beaks. As mentioned earlier, a relatively small magnet offers various advantages. It is particularly advantageous to keep the width of the magnet in the rail direction smaller than the distance between the two beaks in the rail direction, such that every part of the magnet is vertically above the railway sleeper. This keeps the magnet from possibly interfering with a silencer, muffler or another type of sound absorber that could be placed between two railway sleepers. In a particular embodiment according to the invention, the width of the magnet in the rail direction is smaller than 50% of the distance between the two beaks. This offers the advantage that the magnet has some clearance between two possibly placed sound absorbers on either side of the railway sleeper, such that the positioning of the magnet has some freedom in the rail direction.

[0031] In another embodiment according to the invention, a contact surface of the magnet that is configured to contact the web of the rail has a surface area of less than 2000 mm2, preferably less than 1500 mm2, most preferably less than 1000 mm2. This offers similar advantages as described earlier, such that a versatile track-securing device is obtained that is also easy to handle. However, a height dimension of the magnet defined perpendicular to the rail direction and the engaging direction could be limited by the height of the web of the rail, which depends on the specific type of rail but is mostly between 140 and 170 mm.

[0032] In any case, the magnet is sized so that it fits in between the bolt, nut, clip or other fixing means that fixes the rail to the railway sleeper and the head of the rail, in order to engage the web of the rail. Relative to the height of the rail, the magnet could be maximally 50%, 40% or 30% of that height.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment according to the invention, a contact surface of the magnet that is configured to contact the web of the rail is curved, preferably in a direction perpendicular to the rail direction and substantially perpendicular to the engaging direction. This provides the advantage that the contact area between the magnet and the web of the rail is increased by shaping the magnet according to the curvature of the web of the rail, or at least that the distance, for instance of small gaps, between the magnet and the rail is decreased. Therefore, the magnetic force with which the magnet is attached to the rail is increased and this provides a track-securing device that is more robustly attached to the rail.

[0034] In a currently preferred embodiment according to the invention, the fastening assembly comprises a plurality of magnets that are mutually displaceable in the engaging direction and / or that are arranged end-to-end in a height direction defined perpendicular to the engaging direction and the rail direction. These embodiments also provide the advantage that the contact area between the magnet and the web of the rail is increased or at least that the distance between the magnet and the rail is decreased. This result may be achieved by using a plurality of magnets, of which the contact surface that is configured to contact the web of the rail can be flat or curved, arranged end-to-end in a height direction. The magnets may mutually protrude different distances, so the effective magnetic surface is skewed or curved in order to fit the web of the rail.

[0035] If the magnets are mutually displaceable, each magnet can be displaced in the engaging direction towards the rail or opposite to the engaging direction with respect to the others, such that the distance between each magnet and the rail is minimised. The magnets will thus self-arrange to optimize contact with the web. Preferably, each magnet of the plurality of magnets is relatively small in the height direction, such that the magnet as a whole follows the curvature of the web of the rail sufficiently for providing suitable engagement. The force between the magnet and the rail to the at least one prong is transferred by the friction between the individual magnets and, for instance, a casing for the magnets that is connected to the at least one prong. Alternatively, the casing could comprise a mechanism to provide a clamped state of the magnets, in which they are not mutually displaceable, and a released state of the magnets, in which they are mutually displaceable in the engaging direction.

[0036] In an embodiment according to the invention, a dimension of an opening defined by any one of the at least one beak decreases in a direction opposite to the engaging direction. Each beak is shaped such that it fits the foot of the rail, for instance by tapering the beak with the opening decreasing opposite to the engaging direction. More particularly, the further the beak is engaged on the foot of the rail in the engaging direction, the stronger the connection is between the beak and the rail. Moreover, it is found that when the track-securing device is in operation, i.e. attached to a rail, the connection between the fastening assembly and the rail becomes stronger over time. This is likely due to vibrations, for instance of the rail, for instance from passing trains, that cause the at least one beak to move further in the engaging direction.

[0037] The beaks have been found to be sufficiently effective, in combination with a support resting on the sleeper, to carry the holder, even in safety critical situations.

[0038] In another embodiment according to the invention, the support element is displaceably connected to the at least one prong along the engaging direction. The support element is configured for supporting the track-securing device on a railway sleeper. In particular, the support element may protrude downwards along a height direction defined perpendicular to the rail direction and the engaging direction towards the railway sleeper. The track-securing device may be positioned in a height direction by displacing the support element in the engaging direction or opposite to the engaging direction until the support element supports the track-securing device on the railway sleeper. In this way, the track-securing device is suitably supported on the railway sleeper. As the railway sleeper has a known height with respect to the rail, the height of the track-securing device is easily controlled by the support element.

[0039] In yet another embodiment according to the invention, the height, defined perpendicular to the rail direction and the engaging direction, of the support element is adjustable. Next to or separate from the support element being displaceably connected to the at least one prong along the engaging direction, the height of the support element itself can also be controlled. Therefore, the height of the track-securing device is even more easily controlled by the support element.

[0040] In a currently preferred embodiment according to the invention, the holder is configured for holding a track barrier for safeguarding or delimiting a section of the rail. One of the main advantages of this embodiment is that this increases the safety for workers around the rail.

[0041] In an embodiment according to the invention, the track-securing device is configured to withstand a vertical downward force at the holder equivalent to at least 120 kg when attached to a rail. In another embodiment according to the invention, the track-securing device is configured to withstand a vertical upward force at the holder equivalent to at least 30 kg when attached to a rail. These embodiments ensure that the track-securing device according to the invention is able to withstand forces high enough to meet the requirements, such as according to the European norm DIN EN 16704-2-2, set for track-securing devices, such that a safe working environment is created. These requirements are met for the largest part due to the positive connection between the at least one beak and the foot of the rail, which makes the system, for instance, also suitable for mounting objects that the wind can apply great forces on, such as objects with a large surface area, e.g. screens, for instance for blocking sound.

[0042] In another aspect of the invention, a combination is provided of a rail and a number of tracksecuring devices according to any one of embodiments according to the invention, wherein the track-securing devices are fastened in a releasable manner to the rail e.g. at the position of a railway sleeper, and wherein the track-securing devices are supported on railway sleepers by the support elements. The combination provides similar advantages as discussed for the various embodiments of the track-securing device.

[0043] In yet another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for temporarily fastening a holder to a rail, comprising the steps to be performed in the prescribed order, of providing a track-securing device according to any one of the embodiments according to the invention; moving the fastening assembly towards the rail in the engaging direction so that the at least one beak engages the foot thereof; and attaching the magnet to the web of the rail. This method provides similar advantages as discussed for the various embodiments of the track-securing device.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment of the method, the method further comprises the step of biasing the at least one prong in the engaging direction with respect to the magnet. This method provides similar advantages as discussed previously.

[0045] In yet another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for releasing a holder from a rail, comprising the steps, to be performed in the prescribed order, of providing a track-securing device according to any one of the embodiments according to the invention; retracting the magnet from the web of the rail; and moving the fastening assembly in the releasing direction, opposite to the engaging direction. This method provides similar advantages as discussed for the various embodiments of the track-securing device.

[0046] The invention is further elucidated with reference to the attached figures, wherein:

[0047] Figure 1 illustrates schematically a perspective view of a combination according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 2A - 2B illustrate schematically a detailed cross section of a rail with two embodiments of track-securing devices according to the invention;

[0048] Figures 3A - 3B illustrate schematically a detailed side view of a combination according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 4 illustrates schematically a detailed perspective view of a fastening assembly of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 5 illustrates schematically a detailed cross section of the fastening assembly of an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0051] Figure 6 illustrates schematically a detailed perspective view of a fastening assembly of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Combination 2 (figure 1) comprises a holder 4, a rail 6 and a track-securing device 8. The rail 6 is part of a railway line 10, the rail 6 having a foot 12, a web 14 and a head 16 (figures 2A - 2B), and defining a rail direction R parallel to the rail 6. The track-securing device 8 according to the shown embodiment is mounted on one side of the railway line 10 and is configured for holding a track barrier 18 for safeguarding or delimiting a section of the rail 6. The track-securing device 8 comprises the holder 4, a fastening assembly 20, a retaining limb 22 and a support element 24. The support element 24 is configured for supporting the track-securing device 8 on a railway sleeper 26. The fastening assembly 20 comprises at least one prong 28 (figures 3A - 3B), each prong 28 being provided at an end thereof with at least one beak 30 configured for engaging the foot 12 of the rail 6, preferably such that the prong 28 is positioned at the railway sleeper 26. The fastening assembly 20 is releasably attachable to the foot 12 of the rail 6 by moving the fastening assembly 20 towards the rail 6 in an engaging direction E so that the at least one beak 30 engages the foot 12 thereof, and releasable from the rail 6 by moving the fastening assembly 20 in a releasing direction, opposite to the engaging direction E.

[0053] The fastening assembly 20 further comprises a magnet 32 (figures 2A - 2B) configured for attaching to the web 14 of the rail 6, for pulling the fastening assembly 20 in the engaging direction E with respect to the rail 6. The magnet 32 passes above a nut, bolt or clip 34 being used for attaching the rail 6 to the sleeper 26. Next to the sleeper 26, a sound absorber 36 (figure 1) could be attached to the web 14 of the rail 6. In an embodiment according to the invention, the magnet 32 is movable in the engaging direction E with respect to the prong 28. In the embodiment shown in figures 2A - 2B, the magnet 32 is movable through a telescopic connection 37, comprising a first part 38 and a second part 40. In another embodiment according to the invention (figure 4), the magnet 32 is movable through hinges 42. In yet another embodiment according to the invention (figure 5), the magnet 32 is movable through a spring 44. It shall be clear that any other suitable type of movable connection can also be applied. The spring 44 may be a particularly advantageous connection between the magnet 32 and the prong 28, since the spring 44 may also act as a biasing means 46 configured for biasing the at least one prong 28 in the engaging direction E with respect to the magnet 32. It shall be clear that any other suitable type of spring 44 or biasing means 46 in general can also be applied.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the track-securing device 8 may further comprise a tool engagement member 47 attached (either directly or indirectly) to the magnet 32 and being configured to be engaged by a tool (not shown), such as a lever, in order to allow moving the magnet 32 by the lever via the engagement member 47, in the engaging direction E, against the engaging direction E, or both. In the embodiment shown in figure 4, this is achieved by a U-shape 48 which, in combination with, for instance, the head 16 of the rail 6 or the nut, bolt or clip 34, can create a lever-like mechanism to push the magnet 32 in the releasing direction, opposite to the engaging direction E. Of course, the same can be done to move the magnet 32 towards the rail 6 during attachment. In this case, the magnet 32 in combination with, for instance, the head 16 of the rail 6 or the nut, bolt or clip 34, can create the lever-like mechanism. The tool engagement member 47, such as the U-shape 48, can be combined with any suitable moving connection for moving the magnet 32, such as hinges 42 (figure 4), a spring 44 (figure 5), etc.

[0055] In another preferred embodiment according to the invention, the magnet 32 is hingeably connected to the at least one prong 28, for instance through a magnet hinge 50 (figure 2). Preferably, the magnet hinge 50 has its hinge axis parallel to the rail direction R. The magnet hinge 50 allows the magnet 32 to hinge around the hinge axis of the magnet hinge 50 in a hinge direction a, such that the angle between a contact surface 52 of the magnet 32 and the web 14 of the rail 6 is adjustable. Preferably, this angle is minimised to maximise the contact area between the magnet 32 and the rail 6. In an embodiment according to the invention, the magnet 32 is located above the at least one beak 30 in a height direction H, defined perpendicular to the engaging direction E and the rail direction R.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the fastening assembly 20 comprises two prongs 28 (figure 6). Preferably, the two prongs 28 are located substantially equidistantly on opposite sides of the magnet 32. The two prongs 28 are preferably placed at the sides of the railway sleeper 26 in the rail direction R. Therefore, a distance D between the two beaks 30 in this embodiment is at least a width W of the railway sleeper 26 in the rail direction R. In a further embodiment according to the invention, a width M of the magnet 32 defined in the rail direction R is smaller than the distance D between the two beaks 30, in particular smaller than 50% of the distance D between the two beaks 30. A height dimension A of the magnet 32 is limited by a height dimension B of the web 14 of the rail 6. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact surface 52 of the magnet 32 that is configured to contact the web 14 of the rail 6 is curved (figure 2A), preferably in a direction perpendicular to the rail direction R and substantially perpendicular to the engaging direction E. In another, currently preferred embodiment, the fastening assembly 20 comprises a plurality of magnets 54 (figure 2B) that are mutually displaceable in the engaging direction E and that are arranged end-to-end in the height direction H defined perpendicular to the engaging direction E and the rail direction R. In this particular embodiment, the plurality of magnets 32 could be encased in a casing 56 in which casing 56 the plurality of magnets 54 are mutually displaceable with respect to the casing 56.

[0057] In an embodiment, a dimension C of an opening 58 defined by the at least one beak 30 decreases in a direction opposite to the engaging direction E. The at least one beak 30 is shaped such that it fits the foot 12 of the rail 6.

[0058] In another embodiment as described, the support element 24 is displaceably connected to the at least one prong 28 along the engaging direction E. In the shown embodiments, the support element 24 is connected to the at least one prong 28 by a slide 60 slidably connected to the retaining limb 22. The height of the track-securing device 8 is controllable by sliding the support element 24 in or opposite to the engaging direction E. In yet another embodiment, a height S of the support element 24 is adjustable. Therefore, the height of the track-securing device 8 can be controlled by the height S of the support element 24 in this particular embodiment.

[0059] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but extends also to other embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Track-securing device for temporarily fastening a holder to a rail, in particular of a railway line, the rail having a foot, a web and a head, and defining a rail direction parallel to the rail, for e.g. holding a track barrier for safeguarding or delimiting a section of the rail, wherein the tracksecuring device comprises:- the holder, in particular for the track barrier;- a fastening assembly configured for fastening the track-securing device in a releasable manner to the rail;- a retaining limb arranged to connect the holder to the fastening assembly; and- a support element for supporting the track-securing device on a railway sleeper, wherein the fastening assembly comprises at least one prong, each prong being provided at an end thereof with at least one beak configured for engaging the foot of the rail, preferably such that the prong is positioned at the railway sleeper, wherein the fastening assembly is releasably attachable to the foot of the rail by moving the fastening assembly towards the rail in an engaging direction so that each beak engages the foot thereof, and releasable from the rail by moving the fastening assembly in a releasing direction, opposite to the engaging direction, characterized in that the fastening assembly further comprises a magnet configured for attaching to the web of the rail, for pulling the fastening assembly in the engaging direction with respect to the rail.

2. Track-securing device according to the previous claim, wherein the magnet is movable with respect to the at least one prong in the engaging direction.

3. Track-securing device according to the previous claim, wherein the fastening assembly further comprises a biasing means, e.g. a spring, such as a mechanical spring, configured for biasing the at least one prong in the engaging direction with respect to the magnet.

4. Track-securing device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a tool engagement member, such as a loop, hook, shoulder, etc., attached to the magnet and being configured to be engaged by a tool, such as a lever, in order to allow moving the magnet by the lever via the engagement member, in the engaging direction, against the engaging direction, or both.

5. Track-securing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnet is telescopically displaceable with respect to the at least one prong.

6. Track-securing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnet is hingeably connected to the at least one prong.

7. Track-securing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a height direction is defined as perpendicular to the engaging direction and the rail direction, and wherein the magnet is located above the at least one beak in the height direction.

8. Track-securing device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a fork, the fork comprising at least two such prongs, each with at least one beak, wherein the beaks of said at least two prongs are located substantially equidistantly on opposite sides of the magnet.

9. Track-securing device according to the previous claim, wherein a width dimension of the magnet defined in the rail direction is smaller than the distance between the two beaks, in particular smaller than 50% of the distance between the two beaks.

10. Track-securing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a contact surface of the magnet that is configured to contact the web of the rail has a surface area of less than 2000 mm2, preferably less than 1500 mm2, most preferably less than 1000 mm2.

11. Track-securing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a contact surface of the magnet that is configured to contact the web of the rail is curved, preferably in a direction perpendicular to the rail direction and substantially perpendicular to the engaging direction.

12. Track-securing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening assembly comprises a plurality of magnets that are mutually displaceable in the engaging direction and / or that are arranged end-to-end in a height direction defined perpendicular to the engaging direction and the rail direction.

13. Track-securing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a dimension of an opening defined by each beak decreases in a direction opposite to the engaging direction.

14. Track-securing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support element is displaceably connected to the at least one prong along the engaging direction.1515. Track-securing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the height, defined perpendicular to the rail direction and the engaging direction, of the support element is adjustable.

16. Track-securing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the holder is configured for holding a track barrier for safeguarding or delimiting a section of the rail.

17. Track-securing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the track-securing device is configured to withstand a vertical downward force at the holder equivalent to at least 120 kg when attached to a rail.

18. Track-securing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the track-securing device is configured to withstand a vertical upward force at the holder equivalent to at least 30 kg when attached to a rail.

19. Combination of a rail and a number of track-securing devices according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the track-securing devices are fastened in a releasable manner to the rail, and wherein the track-securing devices are supported on railway sleepers by the support elements.

20. Method for temporarily fastening a holder to a rail, comprising the steps to be performed in the prescribed order, of: a) providing a track-securing device according to any one of claims 1 - 19; b) moving the fastening assembly towards the rail in the engaging direction so that each beak engages the foot thereof; and c) attaching the magnet to the web of the rail.

21. Method according to the previous claim, further comprising the step of biasing the at least one prong in the engaging direction with respect to the magnet.

22. Method for releasing a holder from a rail, comprising the steps, to be performed in the prescribed order, of: i. providing a track-securing device according to any one of claims 1 - 19 which is fastened to the rail; ii. retracting the magnet from the web of the rail; andiii. moving the fastening assembly in the releasing direction, opposite to the engaging direction.

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