Patent ID: 9234314
Filing Date: 2016-01-12
CPC Classification: E01B

Claim Text:
1. A gauge-plate insulator for mounting, by fasteners, between two rail-spacing members of a railroad track system, comprising: a plate having a front end section, a rear end section, an inter-end midsection therebetween, a left side section, a right side section, a lateral midsection therebetween, and a top surface; a tongue extending downward along the lateral midsection of the plate from the front section to the rear section of the plate; front and rear pairs of mounting holes extending through the plate, the front pair of mounting holes positioned on the front section of the plate, the rear pair of mounting holes positioned on the rear section of the plate, left ones of the front and rear mounting holes positioned on the left section of the plate, right ones of the front and rear mounting holes positioned on the right section of the plate, and the mounting holes adapted to cooperate with the fasteners to mount the gauge-plate insulator to the rail-spacing members; and front and rear platforms extending upward from the plate and surrounding at least one of the front and rear mounting holes, respectively, the front and rear platforms each defining a respective top surface that is positioned above the top surface of the plate, wherein the front platform is elongate and surrounds both of the front mounting holes, the rear platform is elongate and surrounds both of the rear mounting holes, and the elongate front and rear platforms extend generally perpendicularly to the tongue; wherein in use the gauge-plate insulator mechanically interconnects but electrically insulates the two rail-spacing members.