Rail plate having spring clips and lateral positioning means

Abstract

A rail fastener includes a rail plate, a layer of elastomeric material between the plate and a support structure, and a pair of posts for laterally and longitudinally restraining the rail plate, with elastomeric material mounted between the posts and cooperating surfaces of the rail plate. The rail plate, the layer of elastomeric material, and the support structure on which it is mounted form a shear pad. The posts are partially embedded in the support structure and extend through respective openings in the rail plate, the inner peripheries of which are covered with elastomeric material, to provide lateral and longitudinal restraint to the rail plate. Each of these posts is preferably formed of two parts, one of which is embedded in the support structure, and the other of which is an eccentric which is releasably attached thereto. Rotation of the eccentrics provides lateral and longitudinal adjustment of the rail plate with respect to the support structures, thereby providing lateral adjustment of the rail with respect to the support structure. The elastomeric material is preferably polyurethane having a relatively high resistance to abrasion and a known, predictable and well defined coefficient of friction. The posts are of a size which eliminates the possibility of any movement thereof under any expected lateral shear loads which may be imposed on the rail plate.