Patent ID: 6363564
Filing Date: 2002-04-02
Classification: E01B

Abstract:
A bridge joint for use with a railroad track having standard rail sections, said bridge joint comprising:a first base plate adapted to be mounted to a stationary portion of a bridge structure; a second base plate adapted to be mounted to a moveable portion of a bridge structure for movement therewith; a fixed point section on said first base plate having an abutting end adapted to abut a rail on a stationary portion of a bridge structure, said fixed point section having a first point opposite said abutting end and flanges extending laterally from said fixed point section; a moveable point section on said second base plate having an abutting end adapted to abut a rail on a moveable portion of a bridge structure, said moveable point section having a second point opposite said abutting end extending towards said point of said fixed point section and flanges extending laterally from said fixed point section; a rocker arm pivotally mounted to said moveable point section to move from a locked position to a storage position and having a first slot for receiving said first point when said rocker arm is in said locked position and a second slot for receiving said second point when rocker arm is in said locked position, said rocker arm being free of said fixed point section when pivoted to a storage position so that said moveable point section may move laterally relative to said fixed point section; and a plurality of fasteners secured to said base plates and said flanges, securing said fixed point section to said first base plate and said moveable point section to said second base plate, said fasteners being tightened and loosened entirely from upper sides of said base plates.