Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a rail clamp, railway clamp system, and method to provide clamping force to a rail section of a railway. In some examples, this includes providing clamping force to secure one or more fishplates (e.g. splice bar, joint bar) against one or more rail sections.

Background

[0002] Rail clamp systems are used to join or support railway sections. For example, where ends of two railway sections are to be joined, a fishplate (also known as splice bar or joint bar) is located with the two railway sections to assist alignment and positioning of the ends of the railway section. Thus the fishplate can act as a splint between the railway sections. Rail clamps can be positioned to provide clamping pressure of the fishplates so that they are in proper alignment with the railway section as well as assisting with holding the fishplates in place. When properly aligned in place, the fishplates may be further secured to the railway sections by passing fasteners through apertures in the fishplates and railway section.

[0003] In some applications, the rail clamp systems and fishplates are used to secure the railway sections before welding of the railway sections together, such as for continuous welded rail. In other applications, the rail clamp systems and fishplates are used to temporarily reinforce railway sections that have been damaged or otherwise in need of repair. For example, a cracked rail may be reinforced by rail clamps and fishplates, whereby the reinforced rail may be used with slower speed or lighter load rail traffic until the next heavy maintenance cycle.

[0004] The performance of the rail clamp system is, in part, based on the effectiveness of the rail clamp applying clamping force onto the fishplate.

[0005] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

[0006] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Summary

[0007] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a rail clamp comprising: a first clamp element with a first clamp surface and a distal first pivot interface; and a second clamp element with a second clamp surface and a distal second pivot interface, wherein the first pivot interface and second pivot interface are configured to form a fulcrum between the first clamp element and the second clamp element, wherein a fastener draws the first clamp element towards the second clamp element to provide a resultant clamping force between the first clamp surface and opposing second clamp surface.

[0008] In some examples of the rail clamp, the fastener acts on the first clamp element at a first location between the first clamp surface and the first pivot interface, and the fastener acts on the second clamp element at a second location between the second clamp surface and the second pivot interface.

[0009] In some examples of the rail clamp, the first pivot interface includes a concave surface to interact with the second pivot interface.

[0010] In further examples of the rail clamp, the second pivot interface includes a convex surface, wherein at least part of the convex surface is received and in contact with the concave surface of the first pivot interface to form the fulcrum.

[0011] In some examples of the rail clamp, the first and second clamp elements each have a substantially C-shaped cross-section, wherein one end of the C-shaped cross-section is proximal to the respective first and second clamp surface and the other end of the C-shaped cross-section is proximal to the respective first and second pivot interfaces. [0012] In some examples of the rail clamp, at least one of the first clamp element or the second clamp element further comprises a knob, wherein in use the knob is configured as a stop against a foot of a rail section and is located between the fulcrum and the foot.

[0013] In further examples of the rail clamp, the fastener has a fastener axis passing between the knob and the fulcrum.

[0014] In some examples, the rail clamp further comprises the fastener, wherein the fastener includes a bolt and nut, wherein the first and second clamp elements include respective apertures to receive the fastener.

[0015] In further examples of the rail clamp, at least one of the first and second clamp elements includes an engagement surface proximal to at least one of the apertures, wherein the engagement surface engages with, and prevents rotation of, one of the bolt or nut.

[0016] In further examples of the rail clamp, the engagement surface includes a plurality of surfaces formed with a hexagon-shaped recess to receive part of the bolt or nut.

[0017] In additional examples of the rail clamp, the fastener further comprises one or more spherical washers between a head of the bolt and the nut.

[0018] In some examples of the rail clamp, the first and second clamp element further comprise respective heels, wherein in use the respective heels face and contact a fishplate or a rail section to aid locating of the rail clamp relative to the fishplate and/or rail section.

[0019] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a railway clamp system comprising: at least one rail clamp described above; and a first fishplate configured to locate at a first side of a web of a rail section, wherein the first clamp element is configured to provide clamping force on the first fish fishplate such that the first fishplate is clamped against the first side of the web.

[0020] In some examples, the railway clamp system further comprises a second fishplate configured to locate at a second side of the web of the rail section opposite to the first side, wherein the second clamp element is configured to provide clamping force on the second fishplate such that the second fishplate is clamped against the second side of the web. [0021] In some examples of the railway clamp system, the at least one rail clamp comprises a plurality of rail clamps to clamp the first fishplate to the web at a plurality of respective locations.

[0022] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of clamping a first fishplate to a rail section with a rail clamp, wherein the rail clamp comprises: a first clamp element with a first clamp surface; and a second clamp element with a second clamp surface; a pivot to enable rotation of the first clamp element relative to the second clamp element. The method comprises: locating a first fishplate at a first side of a web of a rail section; pivoting the first clamp element relative to the second clamp element to locate at least the first fishplate and the web between the opposing first clamp surface and second clamp surface; fastening a fastener to draw the first clamp element towards the second clamp element to provide a clamping force to clamp the first fishplate against the web.

[0023] In some examples, the method further comprises: locating a second fishplate at a second side of the web of the rail section opposite to the first side, wherein the first fishplate, web, and second fishplate are located between the opposing first clamp surface and second clamp surface and the clamping clamps both the first fishplate and the second fishplate against the web.

[0024] In further examples of the method, wherein after the step of fastening the fastener, the method further comprises: securing the first fishplate and/or the second fishplate to the respective rail sections.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0025] Fig. 1 illustrates a sectioned perspective view of a first example of a railway clamp system that includes a rail clamp to clamp a fishplate to a rail section;

[0026] Fig. 2 illustrate a perspective view of the railway clamp system of Fig. 1;

[0027] Fig. 3 illustrates an end view of the railway clamp system;

[0028] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a first clamp element of the first example of a railway clamp of Fig. 1; [0029] Fig. 5 is an end view of the first clamp element in Fig. 4;

[0030] Fig. 6 is a side view of the first clamp element in Fig. 4;

[0031] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a second clamp element of the first example of a railway clamp of Fig. 1;

[0032] Fig. 8 is an end view of the second clamp element in Fig. 7;

[0033] Fig. 9 is a side view of the second clamp element in Fig. 7;

[0034] Fig. 10 is a side view of a bolt as part of a fastener for the railway clamp system of Fig. 1;

[0035] Fig. 11 is a side view of a nut as part of a fastener for the railway clamp system of Fig. 1;

[0036] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a hemispherical washer for use with the fastener of the railway clamp system of Fig. 1;

[0037] Fig. 13 is a side view of the hemispherical washer of Fig. 12;

[0038] Fig. 14 is a side view of a spherical washer stack for use with the fastener of the railway clamp system of Fig. 1;

[0039] Fig. 15 is front view of a convex washer of the spherical washer stack of Fig. 14;

[0040] Fig . 16 is a sectioned side view of the convex washer of Fig . 15;

[0041] Fig. 17 is a front view of a concave washer for the spherical washer stack of Fig. 14;

[0042] Fig. 18 is a sectioned side view of the concave washer of Fig. 17;

[0043] Fig. 19is a flow diagram of a method of clamping a fishplate to a rail section;

[0044] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a second example of a railway clamp system; [0045] Fig. 21 is an end view of the railway clamp system of Fig, 20;

[0046] Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a third example of a railway clamp system;

[0047] Fig. 23 is an alternative perspective view of the railway clamp system of Fig. 22;

[0048] Fig. 24 is an end view of the railway clamp system of Fig. 22;

[0049] Fig. 25 is a sectioned view of the railway clamp system of Fig. 22;

[0050] Fig. 26 is a perspective view of a first clamp element of the third example of a railway clamp of Fig 22;

[0051] Fig. 27 is an end view of the first clamp element in Fig. 26;

[0052] Fig. 28 is a side view of the first clamp element in Fig 26;

[0053] Fig. 29 is a perspective view of a second clamp element of the third example of a railway clamp of Fig 22;

[0054] Fig. 30 is an end view of the second clamp element in Fig. 29;

[0055] Fig. 31 is a side view of the second clamp element in Fig 29;

[0056] Fig. 32 is a perspective view of a fourth example of a railway clamp system;

[0057] Fig. 33 is an end view of the railway clamp system of Fig. 32;

[0058] Fig. 34 is a sectioned view of the railway clamp system of Fig. 32;

[0059] Fig. 35 is a perspective view of a fifth example of a railway clamp system;

[0060] Fig. 36 is an end view of the railway clamp system of Fig. 35;

[0061] Fig. 37 is a sectioned view of the railway clamp system of Fig. 35; [0062] Fig. 38 is a perspective view of a sixth example of a railway clamp system;

[0063] Fig. 39 is an end view of the railway clamp system of Fig. 38; and

[0064] Fig. 40 is a sectioned view of the railway clamp system of Fig. 38.

Description of Embodiments

[0065] Overview

[0066] Figs. 1 to 3 illustrate an example of a railway clamp system 1 that includes one or more rail clamps 2 to clamp one or more fishplates 3, 4 to a rail section 9. The purpose of clamping the fishplate 3, 4 to the rail section 9 can include supporting a joint in the rail or to reinforce a damaged portion of the rail.

[0067] The rail clamp 2 includes a first clamp element 21 and a second clamp element 22. The first clamp element 21 has a first clamp surface 23 and a distal first pivot interface 25. The second clamp element 22 has a second clamp surface 24 and a distal second pivot interface 26. The first pivot interface 25 and the second pivot interface 26 are configured to form a fulcrum 27 between the first clamp element 21 and the second clamp element 22 as best illustrated in Fig. 3. In some examples, the pivot interfaces 25, 26 assembled together form a pivot having the fulcrum 27. This fulcrum 27 provides a pivot point for the first clamp element 21 to rotate relative to the second clamp element 22 and to transfer a force in between. This also enables the first clamp surface 23 opposing the second clamp surface 24, to receive and clamp the fishplates 3, 4 and web 7 of the rail section 9.

[0068] A fastener 29, which in this example includes a nut 43 and bolt 41, can be fastened to draw the first clamp element 21 towards the second clamp element 22 to provide a resultant clamping force 31 between the first clamp surface and opposing second clamp surface 24. This clamping force clamps the fishplate against the web 7 of the rail section 9.

[0069] In some examples, the fasteners 29 act on the first clamp element 21 at a first location 33 between the first clamp surface 23 and the first pivot interface 25 (as best illustrated in Figs. 3 to 6). Similarly, the fastener 29 acts on the second clamp element 22 at a second location 34 between the second clamp surface 24 and the second pivot interface 26 (as best illustrated in Figs. 3). In such examples, the resultant clamping force at the respective clamp surfaces 23, 24 is in proportion to the force imparted by the fastener 29. This may be considered as a lever with the fulcrum at, or near, the pivot.

[0070] An advantage of some examples of the rail clamp with separate clamp elements 21, 22 that pivot relative to one another is to reduce, or eliminate, a risk of the fastener 29 bending and binding if the fasteners is over-torqued or improperly positioned. This may lead to a reduction of instances of the clamp and other components bending or binding, that can cause damage or further misalignment.

[0071] Multiple rail clamps 2 may be use to clamp the fishplates 3, 4 at respective locations along a length of the fishplate 3. In some examples, the rail clamp 21 may be an aid to locate the fishplate 3, 4 and the ends of the rail section 9 together. The system 1 may be used as a temporary reinforcement or as a support during construction and repair of a railway. In some examples use of the clamp may be permanent or semi-permanent.

[0072] Components of a first example of the railway clamp system 1 and rail clamp 2 will now be described in detail.

[0073] Rail section 9

[0074] Referring to Fig. 3, the rail section 9 (of a rail track) includes a head 10, a foot 8, and a connecting web 7 between the head 10 and foot 8. The foot 8 forms a base for the rail and the head 10 supports wheels of railway vehicles. The web 7 is typically narrower in profile than the foot 8 and head 10 and includes opposite first and second sides 5, 6.

[0075] The rail sections 9 is typically made of a metal or metal alloy, such as steel.

[0076] The rail section may include jointed track where sections of rail are aligned end to end and joined together with fishplates 3, 4. The ends of the rail section 9 may include apertures in the web 7 to enable fasteners to pass through and join the fishplates 3, 4 to the rail section 9.

[0077] In other examples, the rail section is a continuous welded rail (CWR) where lengths of rail are welded together to provide a continuous rail. [0078] The railway clamp system 1 may be used during construction and repair of jointed track or CWR rails. In some examples, the clamp system 1 is used in conjunction with the fishplates to reinforce such railway tracks. This can include temporarily reinforcing a cracked portion of CWR so that railway vehicles can continue to use the track until detailed repair work can be performed.

[0079] Fishplate 3, 4

[0080] Referring to Fig. 2, the fishplates 3, 4 include elongated elements configured as a splice to support the rail section 9. This typically includes a high-strength rigid member that constructed of a metal or metal alloy such as steel.

[0081] The fishplates 3, 4 are configured to fit in the sides 5, 6 of the web 7 of the rail section 9. This can include structural features such as an upper flange 11 and a lower flange 12. In this example, the upper flange 11 is configured to abut the sides 5, 6 and lower part of the head 10 of the rail section 7. Furthermore, in this example the lower flange 12 is configured with a sloping surface to abut the foot 8 of the rail section 9. The upper and lower flange 11, 12 may function, at least in part, to index the fishplate 3, 4 in a correct position relative to the web 7 of the rail section 9. In some examples, the flanges 11, 12 are contoured to self-centre the fishplate 3, 4 to the web 7.

[0082] The fishplates 3, 4 also have a plurality of apertures 13 to receive additional fasteners to secure the fishplates 3, 4 to the rail section 9.

[0083] First example of a rail clamp 2

[0084] The first example of the rail clamp 2 includes clamp elements 21, 22 that have heels 61, 62 as an additional contact point with the fishplate 3 that aids in locating the rail clamp 2 relative to the fishplate 3 (as best illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3). This includes a rail clamp 2 for use with the AS68 rail profile. The second example of the rail clamp 202 described later in Figs. 20 and 21, differs in that the heel is configured to contact the foot 8 of the rail section 9. This second example rail clamp may be used with the AS60 rail profile.

[0085] In addition to the first and second clamp elements 21, 22, the rail clamp may further include the fastener 29 which, in this example, includes a nut 43 and bolt 41. This example also includes a hemispherical washer 71 and spherical washer stack 81 that assists in providing parallel contact surfaces for the head 42 of the bolt 41 and the nut 43.

[0086] Details of these components will now be described.

[0087] First clamp element 21

[0088] Figs. 4 to 6 illustrated a first clamp element 21. This includes a body with a first clamp surface 23 and a distal first pivot interface 25. The first clamp element 21 may have a substantially C-shaped cross-section where one end is proximal to the clamp surface 23 and the other end is proximal to the distal pivot interface 25. The C-shape enables to first clamp element 21 to wrap around part of the foot 8 of the rail section 9.

[0089] The first clamp surface 23 includes a curved profile. This can reduce stress points and enable distribution of pressure during clamping. The curved profile may also reduce the need to have tight tolerances for the first clamp surface 23 (in contrast to, as an example, a flat clamp surface). This is particularly useful for the present rail clamp 1 as the clamp moves around a pivot.

[0090] The first pivot interface 25 includes a concave surface 35 that interacts with a respective convex surface 36 of the second pivot interface 26. The concave surface 35 and convex surface 36 may include curvatures of the same or similar radius to aid in relative movement as well as distribution of pressure between the two surfaces 35, 36.

[0091] This type of interface enables ease of assembly and disassembly of the first and second elements 21, 22 when the fastener 29 is removed. This type of interface may also be easier to clean and maintain compared to other types of pivots and fulcrum configurations.

[0092] It is to be appreciated that in alternative examples, the second clamp element may have the concave surface and the first clamp element may have the convex surface.

[0093] Furthermore, it is to be appreciated that first pivot interface 25 may include a pivot components of other pivot types of pivot joints. In some examples, such alternative pivots may include a hinge where the first and second pivot interfaces 25, 26 includes a knuckle with a barrel to receive a pivot pin. [0094] The first clamp element 21 also includes a knob 37. When the rail clamp 2 is assembled, the knob 37 is configured as a stop against the foot 8 of the rail section 9. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the knob 37 is located between the fulcrum 27 and the foot 8. This assists in indexing the rail clamp 1 in the correct position and orientation. As shown in Fig. 3, the knob 37 may be configured to abut the centre of the foot 8. It is to be appreciated that in alternative examples, the knob 37 may be provided on the second clamp element 22.

[0095] The first clamp element 21 also includes aperture 45 to allow the fastener (such as a shaft 40 of the bolt 41 to pass through. In the illustrated example, the aperture 45 is configured so that a fastener axis 39 of the fastener passes between the knob 37 and the fulcrum 27. The diameter of the aperture 45 may be configured to be a larger diameter than the bolt 41 to enable some relative movement of the shaft relative to the clamp element 21. This can assist in reducing binding or bending of the shaft of the bolt 41.

[0096] In this example, a bolt 41 of the fastener 21 is configured to act on the first clamp element 21 at a first location 33. This first location 33 is located between the first clamp surface 23 and the first pivot interface 25. Since this example includes a C-shaped first clamp element 21, this first location 33 is located in an intermediate position along the first clamp element 21 and between the first clamp surface 23 and the first pivot interface 25.

[0097] At the first location 33, the first clamp element 21 includes a partial spherical surface 38. This partial spherical surface 38 (which is also a concave surface), interfaces with a hemispherical washer 71 positioned between the partial spherical surface 38 and a head 42 of the bolt 41. The purpose is to facilitate transfer of force between the head 42 and the first clamp element 21 even if there is slight deviations in alignment of the bolt 41 and the aperture 45.

[0098] To aid in assembly with the fastener 29, the first clamp element 21 has engagement surfaces 49 proximal to the aperture 45 to engage with, and prevent rotation of, the head 42 of the bolt 41. As illustrated in Figs. 4 to 6, the engagement surface includes a plurality of surfaces formed with a hexagon-shaped recess 51 to receive at least part of the head 42 of the bolt 41. Therefore during assembly, a user may simply insert a bolt 41 through the aperture 45 (with the head 42 in the hexagon-shaped recess 51) and tighten the fastener 29 by using tools on the nut 43 (and without having to use a separate tool on the head 42). [0099] It is to be appreciated that the hexagonal-shaped recess 51 can be configured to receive a nut 43 instead of the head 42 of the bolt 41.

[0100] Referring to Figs. 3 and 6, the first clamp element 21 also includes a heel 61 that is configured to face and abut with the lower flange 12 of the fishplate 3. The heel 61 may be extend the length of the profile of the first clamp element 21 and include a relatively narrow contact surface with the lower flange 12. In this example, the heel 61, like the knob 37, is configured to aid indexing (i.e. locating) of the first clamp element 21 relative to the rail section 9 and/or fishplate 3. Therefore the small contact surface may be sufficient as large forces are not expected to be transferred through the heel 61.

[0101] Second clamp element 22

[0102] The second clamp element 22 according to the first example is illustrated in Figs. 7 to 9. The features described above for the first clamp element 21 may also be provided at the second clamp element 22. For example, features such as the partial spherical surface 38, the hexagon-shaped recess 51, and the C-shaped cross-section may also apply to the second clamp element 22. For brevity, we will not repeat such features in this section.

[0103] The second clamp element 22 includes a body with a second clamp surface 24 and a distal second pivot interface 26. The fastener 29 acts on the second clamp element 22 at a second location 34 between the second clamp surface 24 and the second pivot interface 26. Referring to Fig. 9, the second location 34 in this example is a flat surface to abut with a washer or nut 43.

[0104] In this example, the second location 34 is located along the C-shaped cross-section of the second clamp element 22 between the second clamp surface 24 and the second pivot interface 26.

[0105] The second pivot interface 26 includes a convex surface 36, wherein at least part of the convex surface 36 is received and in contact with the concave surface 35 of the first pivot interface 25 at the fulcrum 27 and to form the pivot.

[0106] The second clamp element 22 also includes an aperture 46 to receive the fastener 29, such as a shaft of the bolt 41. Like the aperture 45 of the first clamp element 21, the aperture 46 of the second clamp element 22 may be a larger diameter than the shaft of the bolt 41 to allow smooth insertion and to prevent bending of the shaft when the fasteners is tightened and the clamp elements 21, 22 pivot relative to each other.

[0107] The first and second clamp elements 21, 22 may include cut outs and curves to avoid interference with the rail section 9 (such as the foot 8 or lower flange 12 or the fishplates 3, 4) as the rail clamp is tightened against the fishplates 3, 4.

[0108] The first and second clamp elements 21, 22 may be constructed of a rigid materials. In some examples, this can include a metal or metal alloy such as steel. In some examples, this may include high tensile steel. In some examples, the metal alloy is selected from a group of high strength and ductility steel. In some examples, the alloy may include a medium alloy steel. In some examples, the clamp elements 21, 22 are formed by forging. In other examples, the clamp elements 21, 22 are formed by casting. In yet other examples, the clamp elements 21, 22 are formed by machining billets of material. It is to be appreciated that in further examples, the clamp elements 21, 22 are formed with a combination of manufacturing steps such as forging of the body followed by machining to create apertures 45, 46.

[0109] Fastener 29

[0110] The fastener 29 is configured to draw the clamp surfaces 23, 24 of the first and second clamp elements 21, 22 towards each other. In some examples, the fastener 29 includes a bolt 41 and nut 43 combination as illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11. When tightened to tension the bolt shaft 40, the bolt head 42 and the nut 42 respectively biases against the first location 33 and second location 34 of the clamp elements 21, 22 towards each other.

[0111] The fastener 29 has a fastener axis 39, which in the case of a bolt 41 is coaxial to the shaft of the bolt 41. The fastener 29 is configured to pass through apertures 45, 46 of the clamp elements 21, 22 such that the fastener axis 39 passes between the knob 37 and the fulcrum 27. This is best illustrated in Fig. 3.

[0112] It is to be appreciated that other fasteners types can be used to bias the clamp elements 21, 22 together. This may include fasteners with elastic, or spring, properties to enable the resultant clamping force 31 at the clamp surfaces. [0113] In some examples, the fastener 29 may include, or be use with, one or more spherical washer(s) 71 or spherical washer stack 81 (i.e. multiple spherical washers in an assembly). The use of spherical washers facilitates in parallel transfer of force from the head 42 and nut 43 to the clamp elements 21, 22.

[0114] Turning to Figs. 12 and 13, a spherical washer (also called a hemispherical washer) 71 in an annular element and includes a flat side 73 and an opposite convex side 75.

Referring to Fig. 3, the flat side 73 is configured to abut the head 42 of the bolt 41. The convex side 75 is configured to be received at, and contact, the partial spherical surface 38 of the first clamp element 21 at the first location 33. The curved interface enables slight deviations of the fastener axis 39 relative to the aperture 45 and ensures a consistent transfer of force from the head 42 to the first clamp element 21.

[0115] Fig. 14 illustrates a spherical washer stack 81 which is an assembly of component spherical washers 83, 87 illustrated in Figs. 15 to 18. Since the nut 43 and side 38 of the second clamp element is substantially flat, deviations of the fasteners axis 39 to the aperture 46 can result in uneven contact and transfer of forces. The spherical washer stack 81, with complementary spherical washers 83, 87 enable transfer of force even with such deviations. The first convex washer 83 includes a flat side 84 and a convex side 85 as illustrated in Figs. 15 to 16. The second concave washer 87 includes a flat side 88 and a concave side 89. The convex side 85 and concave side 89 have substantially the same radius of curvature to provide even transfer of force across the respective surfaces that are in contact with one another.

[0116] Method of clamping

[0117] A method of clamping a fishplate 3, 4 to a rail section 9 with the rail clamp 2 will now be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3, and 8. One or more fishplates 3, 4 are typically used to connect ends of rail sections (to form a joined continuous rail), or to reinforce cracked (or otherwise damaged) track. This includes locating 110 a first fishplate 3 at a web 7 of the rail section. In particular, placing the length of the fishplate 3 at a first side 5 of the web 7 so that the joint, crack, or damage is approximately in the middle of the length of the fishplate 3, 4. In some examples, fishplates are placed on opposite sides of the web 7 and the method 100 may further include locating 112 a second fishplate 4 at a second side 6 of the web 7. [0118] The rail clamp 2 is then prepared for clamping onto the fishplate 3, 4 and rail section 9. In some examples, this includes assembling (or partially assembling) the claim elements 21, 22 together. This may also include placing the first and second clamp elements 21, 22 in position around the foot 8 of the rail section 9 and then pivoting 120 the first clamp element 21 relative to the second clamp element 22 to locate the fishplate 3, 4 and web 7 between the opposing first clamp surface 23 and second clamp surface 24.

[0119] The method 100 further includes fastening 130 the fastener 29 to draw the first clamp element 21 towards the second clamp element 22 to provide a clamping force 31 to clamp the first and second fishplates 3, 4 against the web 7. This clamping force 31 holds the fishplates 3, 4 in place.

[0120] In some examples, the pivot and fulcrum 27 enables a wide range of relative rotation between the first and second clamp elements 21, 22. In other examples, the fulcrum 27 only operates in a small range of rotation - such as a few degrees, or even less. In some examples, it is not the range of motion of the pivot that is important but instead having the pivot point acting as a fulcrum to enable the clamping forces 31 to be applied between the first and second clamp elements 21, 22.

[0121] The method 100 may be repeated multiple times. For example, a pair of fishplates 3, 4 may be clamped with two rail clamps 2 with the rail clamps placed along the lengths of the fishplates 3, 4. The rail clamps 2 may be positioned so that a joint, or crack, of the rail sections is positioned between adjacent rail clamps 2.

[0122] In some examples, the method 100 further securing the first and/or second fishplates 3, 4 with other means. In some examples, this includes securing 140 the fishplates 3, 4 with fasteners (such as nuts and bolts) to the rail section. This can include passing a bolt through apertures 13 in the fishplate and rail section.

[0123] In other examples, the method 100 includes construction, repair, or other maintenance work on the rail section 9 whilst the fishplates 3, 4 are clamped to the rail section(s). For example, welding of ends of two rail sections 9 to each other, or welding cracked or broken track, etc. [0124] Advantages

[0125] The configuration of the rail clamp 1 may prevent, or reduce instances of misalignment of the clamp elements. In other clamp systems without the fulcrum 27, as the clamp is tightened and the fastener (such as bolt and nut) is over torqued, this can result in a bending moment acting on the bolt. This can bend the bolt, damage the threads of the bolt, resulting in difficulties disassembling and reassembling the clamp.

[0126] The present rail clamp 2 includes the claimed fulcrum 27. Since the fastener acts to draw the clamp elements 21, 22 at a location away from the pivot point (i.e. fulcrum 27), most forces acting on the clamp are axial tension forces along the fastener axis 39. This reduces the risk of excessive bending moments acting on the fastener 29 that can damage the fastener 29 and cause binding of the rail clamp 2. This also enables more of the effective tension forces on the fastener (from torqueing the nut and bolt) to result in clamping forces at the clamp surfaces 23, 24.

[0127] Variation - Second example

[0128] The second example of a railway clamp system 201 utilising a rail clamp 202 is illustrated in Figs. 20 and 21. In this example, the rail section 209 may include an AS60 rail profde. The main difference between the second example and the first example are the heels 261 and 262 that index with the foot 8 of the rail 209. Other like features carry the same numbering convention as noted above or preceded with “2”.

[0129] Referring to Fig. 21 the heels 261, 262 are configured such that as the fastener 29 is tightened to draw the first and second clamp elements 221, 222 together, the heels 261, 262 are drawn towards, and contact, an upper surface of the foot 208 of the rail section 209. The knob 37 of the rail clamp abuts a bottom surface of the foot 208. This results in three contact points of the rail clamp 208 to the foot 208 from different directions and aids in indexing the rail clamp 202 relative to the rail section 209. The first and second clamp elements 23, 24 function similar to the other examples to provide the clamping force on the first and second fishplates 203, 204. This clamping force holds the fishplates 203, 204 in place at the sides of the web 207. [0130] Variation - Third example

[0131] A third example of a railway clamp system 301 utilising a rail clamp 302 is illustrated in Figs. 22 to 25. First and second clamp elements 321, 322 of this example is illustrated in Figs. 26 to 28 and 29 to 31 respectively. In this example, the rail section 9 may include an AS68 rail profde similar to the first example. The main differences between the third example and first example include: a different exterior profile of the first and second clamp elements 321, 322 that includes a flat 50, 52; and an open slot 48 at the knob 37 of the first clamp element 321 (best illustrated in Fig. 26).

[0132] The flats 50, 52 of the clamp elements 321, 322 provide a surface to enable textual or other information and markings to be provided on these components. In some example, this can include machining or etching information on these flats 50, 52. In other examples, text or other information can be stamped on these flats 50, 52. In yet further examples, information on these flats 50, 52 may be provided during casting of the clamp elements (if casting is the selected manufacturing technique). In yet further examples, the flats 50, 52 provide a surface to attach a label, or plate containing information. This may include adhering and/or welding the label or plate to the flats 50, 52.

[0133] Referring to Fig. 26, the first clamp element 321 further includes an open slot 48 that extends to the aperture 45. This open slot 48 may provide further clearance for the fastener 21 (such as shaft 40) to pass through as the clamp elements 321, 322 as the clamp elements pivot around the fulcrum 27. With the open slot 48, the knob 37 is divided into two parts that contact the foot 8 of the rail section 9.

[0134] Fig. 25 illustrates a sectioned view of the railway clamp system 301. This shows how the shaft 40 is provided additional clearance from the open slot 48 between the knobs 37 (only the tip of one knob 37 can be seen in this view). In addition, the sectioned view illustrates additional clearances 54, 56 in the clamp elements 321, 322 to enable some limited relative movement of the fastener 21, and clamp elements 321, 322 when assembling the clamp. It is to be appreciated that such additional clearances 54, 56 may be provided in other examples described in this specification. [0135] Referring to Figs. 26 and 27, the engagement surfaces 49 and hexagon-shaped recess 51 in this example include rounded comers. This may be advantageous for manufacturing (such as machining the recess). This may also relieve stress at these comers and reduce the likelihood of formation and propagation of cracks.

[0136] Variation - Fourth example

[0137] A fourth example of a railway clamp system 401 utilising a rail clamp 402 is illustrated in Figs. 32 to 34. In this example, the rail section 209 may include an AS53 or AS60 rail profde similar to the second example. The main difference between the fourth example and the second example is the exterior profde of the first and second clamp elements 421, 422.

[0138] The first and second clamp elements 421, 422 includes flats 50, 52 similar to the third example that enable textual or other information and markings to be provided on these components. Furthermore the first clamp element 421 may also include an open slot 48 similar to the third example.

[0139] In this fourth example, the first and second clamp elements also include heels 461, 462 that are configured to be drawn towards, and contact, the upper surface of the foot 208 of the rail section 209.

[0140] Variation - Fifth example

[0141] A fifth example of a railway clamp system 501 utilising a rail clamp 502 is illustrated in Figs. 35 to 37. In this example, the rail section 209 may include an AS53 or AS60 rail profile similar to the second example. The main difference between the fifth example and the fourth example is that the first and second clamp elements 521, 522 are configured to be assembled to clamp against bow plates 503, 504 instead of fishplates 203, 204.

[0142] In this example, the sections of the bow plates 503, 504 to be clamped have a substantially flatter profile. The section of the bow plates 503, 504 fit close to the web 207 and between the head 210 and foot 208 of the rail section 209. [0143] The first and second clamp elements 521, 522 includes flats 50, 52 similar to the third and fourth examples that enable textual or other information and markings to be provided on these components. Furthermore the first clamp element 421 may also include an open slot 48 similar to the third and fourth examples.

[0144] In this fifth example, the first and second clamp elements 521, 522 also include heels 261, 562 that are configured to be drawn towards, and contact, the upper surface of the foot 208 of the rail section 209.

[0145] Variation - Sixth example

[0146] A sixth example of a railway clamp system 601 utilising a rail clamp 602 is illustrated in Figs. 32 to 34. In this example, the rail section 609 may include an AS41 or AS47 rail profile. This example includes many of the features described in the fourth example, with the exception of the first and second clamp elements 621, 622 being dimensioned to be suitable for the rail section 609 and the style of fish plates 603, 604.

[0147] Since the fish plates 603, 604 in this example have a thicker profile, the first and second clamp surfaces 23, 24, when assembled, are located further away from the web 607 of the rail section 609. Thus, the clamp elements 621, 622 manufactured to have clamp surfaces 23, 25 that extend shorter than the fourth example.

[0148] Similar to the fourth example, the first and second clamp elements also include heels 661, 662 that are configured to be drawn towards, and contact, the upper surface of the foot 608 of the rail section 609.

[0149] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.