Patent ID: 7073726
Filing Date: 2006-07-11
Classification: E01B,E01C

Abstract:
1. A bridging platform arrangement for bridging a gap between a railway rail and an adjacent ground surface comprising: a substantially rigid, elongate bridging plate which extends in use generally parallel to the railway rail and which has a generally planar upper surface extending between opposite sides of said bridging plate; a mounting arrangement for mounting said bridging plate between said railway rail and said ground surface; wherein in use, said mounting arrangement permits displacement of said bridging plate between: said mounting arrangement being operable to permit displacement of said bridging plate from said first position to said second position under a railway vehicle load imposed on said bridging plate by engagement of said bridging plate by the wheel of a railway vehicle, and to substantially maintain said first position when said bridging plate is engaged by a load substantially less than that of said railway vehicle load; wherein said mounting arrangement includes a biasing means for permitting displacement of the bridging plate between said first and second positions and at least one piston connected to the biasing means at a first end, and to the bridging plate at the second end.