US20150218830A1

US20150218830A1 - System and method for connecting platform

Info

Publication number: US20150218830A1
Application number: US14/170,950
Authority: US
Inventors: Thomas A. Tougas; Wayne Durbin
Original assignee: Progress Rail Services Corp
Current assignee: Progress Rail Services Corp
Priority date: 2014-02-03
Filing date: 2014-02-03
Publication date: 2015-08-06

Abstract

A platform is disclosed. The platform includes a body having at least one piece. The platform also includes an indent portion formed at an attachment face of the body of the platform. The indent portion is configured to at least partly surround the mast. The platform further includes a coupling mechanism provided on at least a portion of the body. The coupling mechanism is configured to selectively allow the platform to be attached to and detached from the mast without removal of the mast.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a gate crossing assembly, and more particularly a platform of the gate crossing assembly.

BACKGROUND

A gate crossing assembly is provided at intersections at which a highway crosses over a railway track. The gate crossing assembly provides an indication to a passerby of a passing of a train through the intersection of the highway and the railway track.
The gate crossing assembly includes a gate swing mechanism used to lower a gate arm of the gate crossing assembly. The lowering of the gate arm may be utilized to halt traffic on the highway when the train is passing over the railway track at the intersection. Further, the gate crossing assembly also includes a platform attached to the gate swing mechanism in order to allow ingress and egress of an operator or a maintainer to operate and/or service the gate crossing assembly. For example, during the servicing, the maintainer may need to gain access to a rear side of the gate crossing assembly for maintenance purposes via the platform.
Sometimes, the platform may need to be replaced. In current designs of the gate crossing assembly, wirings and electronics leading to the gate crossing assembly need to be additionally removed for replacing of the platform. Also, a mast of the gate crossing assembly may need to be dismantled in order to replace the platform. Further, after reinstallation of the platform, the mast and the wirings need to be subsequently re-attached. This may result in a cumbersome and laborious process, leading to an undesirable increase in labor cost and time associated with maintenance of the gate crossing assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a platform is disclosed. The platform includes a body having at least one piece. The platform also includes an indent portion formed at an attachment face of the body of the platform. The indent portion is configured to at least partly surround the mast. The platform further includes a coupling mechanism provided on at least a portion of the body. The coupling mechanism is configured to selectively allow the platform to be attached to and detached from the mast without removal of the mast.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, a support structure is disclosed. The support structure includes a mast. The support structure also includes a platform. The platform is configured to be coupled to the mast. The platform includes a body having at least one piece. The platform also includes an indent portion formed at an attachment face of the body of the platform. The indent portion is configured to at least partly surround the mast. The platform further includes a coupling mechanism provided on at least a portion of the body. The coupling mechanism is configured to selectively allow the platform to be attached to and detached from the mast without removal of the mast.
In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of connecting a platform to a mast is disclosed. The method includes aligning an indent portion of the platform with the mast such that the indent portion at least partly surrounds the mast. The method also includes selectively coupling a coupling mechanism to the mast without removal of the mast. The coupling mechanism is provided on at least a portion of a body of the platform.
Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary gate crossing assembly, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a platform of the gate crossing assembly;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views of the platform connected to different positions of a mast of the gate crossing assembly respectively, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another configuration of the platform, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for a method of connecting the platform to the mast of the gate crossing assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or the like parts. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary gate crossing assembly 100, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The gate crossing assembly 100 is employed at an intersection of a highway and a railway track. Alternatively, the gate crossing assembly 100 may be employed at an intersection of two highways or two railway track crossings.
The gate crossing assembly 100 of the present disclosure includes a support structure 102. The support structure 102 includes a base 104 (See FIGS. 3 and 4). The support structure 102 further includes a mast 106. The mast 106 may have a circular cross-section and may be received into a circular opening 108 provided on the base 104. When assembled, the mast 106 may stand in an upright or a vertical position with respect to a ground. Further, the base 104 of the mast 106 includes a plurality of apertures 110 (See FIGS. 3 and 4) provided at a lower portion of the base 104. The gate crossing assembly 100 is mounted on a suitable foundation (not shown). The foundation is fixedly secured to the ground.
The gate crossing assembly 100 may include various warning indicators. The warning indicators may be configured to indicate to a passerby of a passing of a train on the railway track. The warning indicators may be attached to the mast 106 of the gate crossing assembly 100. The warning indicators may include any one or a combination of a gate swing mechanism, warning signs, warning lights and/or warning bells. In the illustrated embodiment, a combination of the gate swing mechanism and warning lights 112 are disclosed.
The gate swing mechanism includes a gate arm 114. As shown in the accompanying figures, four warning lights 112 are arranged diagonal to one another, for providing the indication to the passerby. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the arrangement of the warning lights 112 described herein is exemplary and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure. A combination of an activation of the warning lights 112 and a position of the gate arm 114 may be used to provide the indication to the passerby. For example, when the gate arm 114 is in the upright position and the warning lights 112 are deactivated or de-energized, the indication may be provided to the passerby that the railway track may be crossed since the train is not passing through the intersection. In another example, when the gate arm 114 is in a lowered or a horizontal position and the warning lights 112 are activated or energized, the indication may be provided to the passerby that the railway track may not be crossed since the train is passing through the intersection.
In one embodiment, the warning indicators may be operated automatically. A control system (not shown) may be associated with the warning indicators. The control system may receive signals from a remote control cabin or from any other control location. Based on the received signals, the control system may be configured to control a movement of the gate arm 114 of the gate swing mechanism and/or control signals for activating and deactivating the warning lights 112 for providing the indication to the passerby for passage through the intersection. Alternatively, the warning indicators may also be operated manually.
The support structure 102 also includes a junction box 116 (see FIG. 3). The junction box 116 is affixed to a side of the base 104. Electrical cables or wiring from a control box (not shown) may pass through the foundation and are received by the junction box 116. The electric cables or wirings may provide power and signals to the gate arm 114 of the gate swing mechanism and the warning lights 112.
A platform 118 may be associated with the gate crossing assembly 100. The platform 118 includes a body. In one embodiment the body has a single piece design. In another embodiment, the body includes two pieces as explained in reference to FIG. 5. Alternatively, the body may include multiple pieces. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the platform 118, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The platform 118 may be coupled to a portion of the mast, for example, the base 104 of the mast 106 of the gate crossing assembly 100. The platform 118 is provided to allow personnel to ingress or egress from the gate crossing assembly 100.
Referring to FIG. 1, handrails 120 may be provided extending upwards from and surrounding the platform 118. In one example, the handrails 120 are provided on three sides of the platform 118. The handrails 120 are configured to provide support to the personnel accessing the gate crossing assembly 100. For example, the personnel may hold onto the handrails 120 while performing the maintenance work. As illustrated, the platform 118 described herein may have a rectangular structure. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the design of the platform 118 may vary based on space constraints.
Referring to FIG. 2, the platform 118 may have a corrugated design. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the platform 118 may be a solid plank. It should be noted that the platform 118 may be made of any known metal or polymer, such as, aluminum or an alloy of aluminum.
The platform 118 includes an indent portion 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the indent portion 122 is rectangular in cross-section. The indent portion 122 may be formed at any one attachment face 124 of the platform 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 118 includes four attachment faces 124 having a planar design.
Further, the platform 118 may be selectively coupled to the base 104 of the mast 106 using a coupling mechanism. The term “selectively coupled” is used to indicate that the platform 118 may either be attached to or detached from the base 104 of the mast 106 as the case may be. The mechanism of selectively coupling the platform 118 to the mast 106 will now be explained in detail.
As shown in FIG. 3, when the platform 118 is coupled to the base 104 of the mast 106, the indent portion 122 is configured to partly surround the base 104 of the mast 106. Further, the coupling mechanism includes a plurality of tubes 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 118 includes four such tubes 126. A pair of these tubes 126 is provided at a proximal end to the attachment face 124, whereas another pair of the tubes 126 is provided at a distal end to the attachment face 124. It should be noted that the number of tubes 126 and the positioning of the platform 118 described herein is exemplary and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.
Further, an end of the tube 126 may open into the indent portion 122. In one embodiment, the tube 126 may have a rectangular cross-section. Alternatively, the tube 126 may have a square cross-section. The tube 126 is provided such the tube 126 is positioned in a plane parallel to a plane containing the attachment face 124 of the platform 118.
The coupling mechanism also includes an elongate member 128. The elongate member 128 (see FIG. 2) slides within the tube 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the elongate member 128 includes a C-shaped cross section. More particularly, the elongate member 128 includes a base and two side walls projecting therefrom. Additionally, a reinforcement member 129 may be provided on the elongate member 128. The reinforcement member 129 embodied herein as a flat bar is configured to provide support to the elongate member 128. It should be noted that the elongate member 128 may have a length less than a length of the tube 126. In a stored position, the elongate members 128 may be received into and completely enclosed within the tube 126. Further, the tube 126 may include a spacer 131 shaped as a flat bar. The spacer 131 is configured to attach to the side wall of the elongate member 128. It should be noted that the spacer 131 may be provided on one or both the side walls of the elongate member 128.
Referring to FIG. 3, when the platform 118 is attached to the base 104 of the mast 106, the elongate member 128 may be drawn out of the tube 126 such that a coupling end 130 extending from the elongate member 128 is configured to be coupled to the base 104 of the mast 106. The coupling end 130 may be provided at an end of the elongate member 128 which is proximate to the end of the tube 126 that opens into the indent portion 122.
The coupling end 130 of the elongate member 128 may be coupled or connected to the base 104 of the mast 106 using a fastening means 132. For this purpose, the coupling end 130 includes a slot 134 (See FIG. 2) provided therein. The fastening means 132 may be driven through the slot 134 on the coupling end 130 and a corresponding aperture 110 provided on the base 104 of the mast 106. The fastening means 132 may include any mechanical fastener such as, a bolt, rivet, screw, and so on.
When the platform 118 needs to be removed or disconnected from the base 104 of the mast 106 for maintenance purposes, for example, servicing, cleaning and/or replacement, the fastening means 132 may be removed. Further, the elongate members 128 may be slid back into the tube 126 allowing for the platform 118 to be separated from the base 104 of the mast 106.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a plate 136 may be removably attached to a part of the indent portion 122 of the platform 118. For example, in a case wherein the platform 118 is coupled to the base 104 of the mast 106 and a front face 138 of the junction box 116 is provided in a plane perpendicular to the plane containing the attachment face 124 of the platform 118, the plate 136 may be coupled to the platform 118 in order to partly cover the opening of the indent portion 122. The plate 136 may be coupled to the platform 118 using any known fastening means such as, bolts, screws, rivets, and so on.
In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, when the platform 118 is coupled to the base 104 of the mast 106 in such a manner that the front face 138 of the junction box 116 lies in a plane parallel to the plane containing the attachment face 124, the plate 136 may be removed in order to accommodate the junction box 116 within the indent portion 122 of the platform 118.
FIG. 5 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the body of the platform 118 includes a first piece 140 and a second piece 142. The first and second pieces 140, 142 may or may not have same dimensions. The first and second pieces 140, 142 of the body of the platform 118 may each include the attachment face 124 and the indent portion 122. The attachment faces 124 of the first and second pieces 140, 142 are provided with a locking mechanism, such as, a snap lock. When assembled, the first and second pieces 140, 142 of the body may collectively form the platform 118. Further, the first and second pieces 140, 142 of the platform 118 are attached to the base 104 of the mast 106 in a manner similar to that explained with reference to FIG. 3. Alternatively, the first and second pieces 140, 142 of the platform 118 are attached to the base 104 of the mast 106 using any other known method. Also, as shown in the accompanying figures, the platform 118 including the first and second pieces 140, 142 is configured to completely surround the base 104 of the mast 106.
The first and second pieces 140, 142 of the platform 118 may be coupled to the mast 106 using the coupling mechanism as explained above. Also, the first and second pieces 140, 142 of the platform 118 may be attached to or detached from the mast 106 as described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The platform 118 described in the present disclosure may be attached to the existing gate crossing assembly 100. The platform 118 may be attached to and detached from the gate crossing assembly 100 without any need to uproot the foundation and dissemble the mast 106 and the wirings associated with the gate crossing assembly 100. Also, the platform 118 may be installed on steep grade slopes. The design of the platform 118 provides a space efficient design.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for a method 600 of connecting the platform 118 to the portion of the mast 106 of the gate crossing assembly 100. At step 602, the indent portion 122 of the platform 118 may be aligned with the portion of the mast 106, for example, the base 104 of the mast 106. The platform 118 may be aligned in such a manner that the indent portion 122 partly surrounds the base 104 of the mast 106. At step 604, the coupling mechanism is selectively coupled to the base 104 of the mast 106. The coupling mechanism is provided on at least a portion of the body of the platform 118.
In one embodiment, the elongate member 128 of the coupling mechanism may be slid out of the tube 126 opening and towards the indent portion 122. The coupling end 130 includes the slot 134. Further, the coupling end 130 of the elongate member 128 may be connected to the base 104 of the mast 106. The fastener 132 may be driven through the slot 134 of the coupling end 130 and the corresponding apertures 110 provided on the base 104, in order to connect the elongate member 128 to the base 104 of the mast 106. This allows for the attachment of the platform 118 to the gate crossing assembly 100.
In order to remove the platform 118 from the gate crossing assembly 100, the fastener 132 may be removed from the coupling end 130. The elongate member 128 may slide back into the tube 126, thereby providing access for the removal of the platform 118. The platform 118 may then be separated from the base 104 of the mast 106 by pulling free the platform 118 from the gate crossing assembly 100. In some embodiments, as described above, the plate 136 may be attached to or detached from the indent portion 122 based on an orientation of the junction box 116, thereby providing space for the accommodation of the junction box 116 within the indent portion 122.
While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A platform comprising:

a body having at least one piece;

an indent portion formed at an attachment face of the body of the platform, the indent portion configured to at least partly surround a mast; and

a coupling mechanism provided on at least a portion of the body, wherein the coupling mechanism is configured to selectively allow the platform to be attached to and detached from the mast without removal of the mast.

2. The platform of claim 1, wherein the coupling mechanism includes:

a tube opening to the indent portion; and

an elongate member comprising a coupling end, the elongate member being slidably received within the tube,

wherein the coupling end of the elongate member is adapted to be coupled to a portion of the mast.

3. The platform of claim 2, wherein the coupling end of the elongate member comprises a slot configured to receive a fastener, and wherein the fastener connects the coupling end of the elongate member to the portion of the mast.

4. The platform of claim 2, wherein the platform comprises:

a pair of the tubes provided at a proximal end of the attachment face; and

a pair of the tubes provided at a distal end of the attachment face.

5. The platform of claim 2, wherein the tube lies in a plane parallel to a plane containing the attachment face.

6. The platform of claim 2, wherein the tube has a rectangular cross-section.

7. The platform of claim 1 further comprising:

a plate at least partly covering the indent portion.

8. The platform of claim 1, wherein the indent portion is rectangular in cross-section.

9. The platform of claim 1, wherein the attachment face is planar.

10. A support structure comprising:

a mast; and

a platform configured to be coupled to the mast, the platform comprising:

a body having at least one piece;

an indent portion formed at an attachment face of the body of the platform, the indent portion configured to at least partly surround the mast; and

11. The support structure of claim 10, wherein the coupling mechanism further includes:

a tube opening to the indent portion; and

12. The support structure of claim 11, wherein:

the coupling end of the elongate member comprises a slot configured to receive a fastener;

the portion of the mast comprises an aperture; and

wherein the fastener connects the coupling end of the elongate member to the aperture of the portion of the mast.

13. The support structure of claim 11, wherein the platform comprises:

a pair of the tubes provided at a proximal end of the attachment face; and

a pair of the tubes provided at a distal end of the attachment face.

14. The support structure of claim 11, wherein the tube lies in a plane parallel to a plane containing the attachment face.

15. The support structure of claim 10, wherein the platform further comprises a plate at least partly covering the indent portion.

16. The support structure of claim 15, wherein the mast comprises:

a base; and

a junction box adjacent to the base,

wherein the plate is selectively removed to accommodate the junction box at least partly within the indent portion.

17. A method of connecting a platform to a mast, the method comprising:

aligning an indent portion of the platform with the mast such that the indent portion at least partly surrounds the mast; and

coupling, selectively, a coupling mechanism provided on at least a portion of a body of the platform to the mast, such that the coupling is done without removal of the mast.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the coupling further includes:

sliding an elongate member out of a tube opening to the indent portion; and

connecting a coupling end of the elongate member to a portion of the mast.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein connecting the coupling end of the elongate member to the portion of the mast comprises inserting a fastener through a slot of the coupling end and through an aperture of the portion of the mast.

20. The method of claim 17 further comprising:

selectively removing a plate at least partly covering the indent portion based on an orientation of a junction box relative to an attachment face of the platform.