Background to the Invention Railway track is known to comprise a series of sleepers, generally formed from wood, metal e. g. steel or iron or concrete material upon which two spaced apart metal rails are laid. A section of track comprises a plurality of sleepers laid at regular intervals on a ground surface to which rail members are attached.

Steel railway sleepers are known in the prior art to comprise a steel member of approximately 2 meters length and having an approximately rectangular shape when viewed in plan orientation. Prior art steel sleepers are suitable for stacking one on top of another. Stacks of ten steel railway sleepers are known in the prior art to be bound with a steel strap forming a single stacked unit.

Railway sleepers are also known to be made of either concrete or wood.

Such sleepers can be stacked by arranging one sleeper on top of another aligning the general major axis of each sleeper together. Whilst this arrangement generally does not allow for large numbers of sleepers to be stacked within a small space, three or four sleepers can generally be stacked within a total height of 0.5 to 1.0 meters.

Railway sleepers are required to be transported to railway track renewal and laying sites in order to renew existing railway sleepers or to deploy sleepers as the basis for forming a new length of track. In the prior art, units of ten stacked railway sleepers have been mounted in railway transport wagons and transported

to the track renewal/laying site. During transport, no particular order or arrangement of sleeper stacks has been used, stacks of sleepers being arranged for transport in the most efficient manner to maximize the number of sleepers which can be transported to the track renewal/laying sites. Alternatively, it has also been known in the prior art to transport sleeper stacks to a sleeper deployment site by means of road haulage wherein sleeper stacks formed in units of ten sleepers have been transported by road haulage means and deposited at the nearest road access to the sleeper deployment site.

In both cases, once the sleepers have reached the general area of the sleeper deployment site, it has been necessary to employ a separate crane or hoist to unload the sleepers from the transport vehicle and transport the sleepers to the sleeper deployment site where each sleeper has been individually deployed in appropriate orientation and spacing. Once a set of sleepers of desired length has been laid or renewed at a sleeper deployment site rail lengths can be mounted to form a newly laid portion of railway track.

Prior art apparatus and methods for transport of railway sleepers to a sleeper and track renewal/laying site are inefficient and require the laying of sleepers to be performed individually wherein a single sleeper is laid at a first site, the required distance between the first laid sleeper and the second sleeper to be laid is determined and the second sleeper is then laid at an adjacent sleeper laying site. This process is time inefficient creating delays in the renewal of track and requiring a large number of transport vehicles and lifting apparatus to lay a short section of sleepers.

Summary of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide an efficient means and method of storing and transporting railway sleepers.

A further object of the present invention is to provide apparatus for the storage of railway sleepers in predetermined spaced apart configuration enabling rapid deployment of sleepers at a sleeper deployment site.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide apparatus for the storage of railway sleepers enabling ease of manipulation and transport of the stored sleepers.

The inventors have provided a railway sleeper storage unit in the form of a cartridge unit or pallet for use in the transport and deployment of railway sleepers.

The inventors have provided a storage unit comprising a chassis forming a frame and base and having a plurality of guide walls forming one or more compartments, each compartment configured for storing and transporting one or a stack of railway sleepers. Each compartment is arranged in parallel within a single storage unit such that sleepers stored in adjacent compartments are arranged in parallel being horizontally spaced apart in a spacing equivalent to that required of the sleepers once deployed for the formation of railway track.

The inventors have provided each railway sleeper storage unit with transport container type fastening means for firmly engaging the transport unit with the transport vehicle. The inventors have further provided each unit with apertures forming the entrance to channels in the base portion of each unit into which the forks of a forklift vehicle can enter and lift the unit to and from a transport vehicle.

The inventors have further provided a method of storing railway sleepers in a railway sleeper storage unit such that the sleepers are positioned in equidistant spaced apart relationship from each other so that sleepers can be unloaded from a transport vehicle whilst maintaining a spaced apart relationship to each other within a single layer of sleepers.

The inventors have provided a storage unit for storage of stacked railway sleepers. Each unit comprises a base portion comprising apertures defining channels configured to receive the fork of a forklift vehicle to facilitate manipulation, movement and lifting of the units. Each unit comprises a plurality of guide members defining a plurality of compartments in which sleeper stacks are stored. Each compartment is arranged to store adjacent sleeper stacks at predetermined spacings corresponding to the spacing of sleepers when deployed in the formation of railway tracks. Each unit further comprises fastening means to enable secure fastening of the unit to a transport vehicle. The inventors have further provided a method of storing a plurality of railway sleepers in such a unit including a mode of deployment of sleepers from such a unit.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a railway sleeper storage unit configured for use in storage and transport of railway sleepers, said unit comprising: a frame comprising a base portion and a plurality of guide members extending transversely from said base portion, said guide members defining at least one compartment configured for storage of a plurality of railway sleepers.

Preferably, each said compartment is arranged to store a plurality of stacked sleepers.

Preferably, said compartments are spaced apart in horizontal relationship along said base portion, said compartments arranged in parallel.

Preferably, said guide members form wall portions separating said compartments.

Preferably, said guide members extend upwardly from a surface of said base portion to a height sufficient to enclose a plurality of stacked railway sleepers housed within a said compartment.

Preferably, said unit further comprises at least one aperture configured to receive a fork of a fork-lift vehicle.

Preferably, said apertures are formed in said base portion, each said aperture defining a channel configured to locate a said fork to enable lifting and movement of said unit by a said fork-lift vehicle.

Preferably, said unit further comprises means to fasten said unit to a transport vehicle.

Preferably, said transport vehicle comprises a flat bed railway wagon.

Preferably, said means to fasten said unit comprises transport container type fastening attachments.

Preferably, said unit comprises three compartments.

Preferably, said unit comprises four compartments.

Preferably, said unit contains at least two sleepers, at least one said sleeper stored in adjacent said compartments, said sleepers thereby stored in a predetermined spaced apart relationship.

According to a first specific method of the present invention there is provided a method of storing a plurality of railway sleepers on a railway wagon, said method comprising: loading a plurality of sleepers into at least one compartment of a railway sleeper storage unit of a type in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention;

loading said railway sleeper storage unit onto a railway wagon.

Preferably, said method further comprises the step of securing said unit to said wagon.

Preferably, said step of securing comprises engaging a locking means on said unit to a locking engagement means on said transport vehicle.

Preferably, a plurality of said units are positioned on said wagon such that sleepers in adjacent compartments of individual and/or adjacent said units are positioned in predetermined spaced apart relationship corresponding to the spacing between deployed sleepers.

Preferably, an uppermost layer of sleepers stored in said adjacent compartments can be deployed from said wagon to a sleeper renewal/laying site one layer at a time whilst maintaining said spaced apart relationship.

Brief Description of the Drawings For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 illustrates diagrammatically a side view of a railway sleeper storage unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 illustrates diagrammatically a side view of a railway sleeper storage unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 illustrates diagrammatically a perspective view of a railway sleeper storage unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 illustrates diagrammatically a combination of a side view of a flat bed railway transport wagon mounted with a plurality of railway sleeper storage units according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention and a plan view of a set of deployed sleepers.

Detailed Description of the Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention There will now be described by way of example the best mode contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 1 herein there is illustrated diagrammatically a side view of a railway sleeper storage unit according to the first specific embodiment of the present invention. The railway sleeper storage unit 100 comprises a frame or chassis forming a base portion 101 comprising a substantially rectangular base typically manufactured from metal, although alternatively manufactured from wood or plastics. Extending substantially perpendicularly from an upper surface of the base portion 101 there are provided a plurality of guide members 102 in the form of wall portions. Guide members 102 extend to define a plurality of open-ended compartments in which stacks of railway sleepers, typically stacked steel sleepers 103, each comprising a stack of ten sleepers, are housed. Base portion 101 further comprises at least one aperture and typically two or more apertures 104. Each aperture defines the entrance to a channel or passage extending into the base portion 101 and formed of a shape to receiveably engage the forks of a forklift vehicle. Insertion of the forks of a forklift vehicle enable the forklift vehicle to lift and manipulate the storage unit 100.

The storage unit of the first embodiment comprises eight guide members 102 defining four compartments in which sleepers 103 are stored. Each guide member 102 is formed at a predetermined position such that sleepers 103 stored in respective compartments are spaced apart equidistantly at a required spacing interval compatible with the sleeper spacing required at the sleeper deployment site. Whilst each compartment is illustrated to be defined by two guide members 102 in the first embodiment, each of the interior adjacent pairs of guide members may be formed from a single guide'member dividing the storage unit into four compartments as illustrated.

Referring to figure 2 herein there is illustrated a railway sleeper storage unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention. A storage unit 200 comprises a chassis or frame defining a base portion 201. Storage unit 200 is manufactured from metal material or alternatively from wood or plastics material.

Base portion 201 is generally rectangular in shape and supports a plurality of guide portions 202 extending transversely and substantially perpendicularly from one surface of the base member 201. Each guide member 202 forms a wall portion defining an interior compartment into which railway sleepers may be inserted and stored. The second embodiment of the present invention illustrates a storage unit 200 comprising six guide members defining three compartments in which railway sleepers 203 are stored. Each of the pairs of interior adjacent guide members 202 can optionally be formed by a single guide member forming a spacer between compartments to maintain an equidistant spacing of railway sleepers in adjacent compartments.

Referring to figure 3 herein there is illustrated diagrammatically a perspective view of the railway sleeper storage unit of the second embodiment of the present invention. Each guide member 202 is illustrated to form a substantially planar and continuous wall portion extending transversely upwardly from base portion 201 and extending between a first end of the base portion 201 and a second end of the base portion 201 said wall portions defining a plurality of

compartments. In the second embodiment of the present invention three sleeper storage compartments are defined.

Referring to figure 2 and 3 herein the base portion 201 of the storage unit 200 further comprises at least one and preferably two apertures 204 each defining the entrance to a passage extending through the base portion 201 designed to receive the forks of a forklift vehicle. Insertion of the forks of a forklift vehicle into apertures 204 enabling liffing and manipulation of the storage unit.

In the second embodiment of the present invention three compartments for storage of stacked railway sleepers 203 are defined. Each compartment is configured to store a stack of ten steel railway sleepers. Guide members 202 may be adjustable in height to accommodate a varying number of stacked sleepers to be stored in each compartment, however, to effect efficient and safe storage and transport of railway sleepers it is desirable for the height of the guide members 202 to extend to a greater height than the stacked sleepers held within the compartments defined.

In accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, the railway sleeper storage unit of the second embodiment maintains sleepers stored in adjacent compartments at a predetermined equidistant spacing between sleepers of the same layer of sleeper stacking. Each adjacent sleeper of one layer thereby stored in substantially parallel arrangement, being spaced apart in horizontal relationship.

The storage units of both the first and second embodiments of the present invention further comprise means to fasten the storage unit to a transport surface of a transport vehicle. Referring to figure 3 herein there is illustrated on the external surface of each exterior guide member 202 at least one fastening means in the form of a container fastener, clip or attachment. This typically takes the form of a locking means in the form of a bolt member 301 moveable through a set of guides 303 to engage a receiving portion, typically a hole or detent, forming

a locking engagement means on the transport vehicle, in response to movement of a lever or actuator 302 to engage the bolt 301 in the corresponding hole. At least one such fastening means is provided per storage unit and preferably a plurality of such fastening means are provided per unit. Typically, four fastening means is adequate to ensure secure attachment of the storage unit to the transport vehicle.

In operation, storage units of the first and second embodiment are loaded with a stack of sleepers, typically comprising a unit of ten stacked sleepers placed in each compartment such that the guide walls 202 extend to a greater height to enclose the stacked sleepers and prevent movement during storage and transport. Once loaded, a forklift vehicle may be used to lift the storage unit and mount it upon a transport vehicle.

By providing compartments defined by guide members 102,202 of predetermined spacing, the storage units of the present invention can be used to improve the efficiency of sleeper deployment at railway track renewal and laying sites.

Both the first and second specific embodiments of the present invention have been described with respect to the storage of steel railway sleepers stacked such as to store a plurality of sleepers in a single stack which can be placed in a said compartment. It is further possible to store one or more railway sleepers manufactured from other materials e. g. wood or concrete based sleepers in the storage unit of the present invention. Typically, concrete and wood based sleepers do not permit stacking in a space saving manner, each sleeper typically being stacked directly on top of each other, not being designed to slot over each other to form a compact stack. However, concrete or wood sleepers may be loaded individually into compartments formed in units of either of the first or second embodiments of the present invention such as to store at least one sleeper in a said compartment.

In both the first and second embodiments of the present invention, each compartment has been described as being separated by a wall portion comprising a substantially continuous planar surface separating each compartment. In an alternative arrangement, each compartment is separated by guide members formed by one or more projecting fingers, in the form of prongs, extending upwardly from the base portion. By providing at least two prongs in place of a wall portion, a said prong located in the region of each first and second end of said wall portion, a plurality of compartments can be defined for the storage of sleepers at predetermined spacings.

Sleepers stored in units of the present invention are generally manufactured from heavy materials not requiring specific fastening means to maintain the sleepers in position during transport. However, sleeper-locating means in the form of fastening straps may be optionally provided to tie down the sleepers to the storage unit frame during transport. Alternatively, further wall portions, which may be hingeably mounted at the base portion can be optionally provided, such wall portions extending transversely across the open ends of each compartment.

One or more such wall portions may be provided to close off each compartment during transport as necessary. Each such wall portion or fastening means thereby providing a retaining means providing a double safe to ensure retention of sleepers within the storage unit during transport to a sleeper renewal/laying site.

A specific method of operation will now be described for deployment of sleeper sets by use of the storage unit of the present invention. Storage units according to either or both the first or second embodiment of the present invention, loaded with sleeper stacks in adjacent compartments are loaded onto a flat bed railway wagon using a fork-lift vehicle. The forks of the forklift vehicle are inserted into the apertures 104,204 of the base portion of the storage unit and the unit and sleepers mounted theron are lifted and placed on the bed of a railway transport wagon. The unit locking means are engaged at appropriate locking

engagement means located on the transport wagon to secure the unit to the wagon for transport.

Referring to figure 4 herein there is illustrated a flat bed railway wagon loaded with a plurality of storage units, each unit having a stack of ten steel sleepers mounted in each compartment. The railway wagon comprises a flat bed 403 upon which the storage units are mounted. Each storage unit 100,200 is mounted such that adjacent sleeper stacks 402 are spaced apart at predetermined even spacings. By lifting simultaneously the upper most sleeper from each sleeper stack 402 a single layer of sleepers can be lifted and deployed at an adjacent parallel sleeper deployment site. In this way a single set 401 of sleepers comprising 28 sleepers extending along a 60 foot (18 meters) length can be deployed in a single operation. By providing a railway sleeper storage unit facilitating the storage and transport of sleepers and maintenance of sleepers at predetermined spacings, the speed and efficiency of sleeper deployment at track renewal/laying sites can be greatly increased.