Apparatus, systems and methods for anchoring and aligning tracks

Abstract

Apparatus, systems and methods for anchoring and aligning a vehicular track are shown and described. Embodiments of the invention can incorporate a first structural member anchorable to the earth and a second structural member coupleable to the track, spaced apart from each other by a spacing member designed to allow the second structural member to rotate with respect to the first structural member. Fasteners can be incorporated to facilitate adjustment of the second structural member and/or to retain the second structural member in a desired orientation. A mass of hardening material can be inserted between the first and second structural members to permanently fix the second

1 . A device for use in anchoring and aligning a portion of a vehicular track, the device comprising: 
 a first structural member configured to be fixedly anchored with respect to the earth;    a second structural member configured to be rigidly coupled to the vehicular track; and    a spacing member positionable between and in contact with the first and second structural members, the spacing member being adapted to allow the second structural member to rotate with respect to the first structural member such that the vehicular track can be oriented in a desired alignment with respect to the earth.    
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of fasteners configured to fix the second structural member with respect to the first structural member.  
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of adjustable fasteners configured to facilitate controlled rotation of the second structural member with respect to the first structural member and to fix the second structural member with respect to the first structural member.  
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of fasteners spaced about a perimeter of each of the first and second structural members, the fasteners being configured to facilitate controlled rotation of the second structural member with respect to the first structural member and to fix the second structural member with respect to the first structural member.  
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of fasteners, and wherein the first and second structural members comprise plates, each plate having a perimeter, and the plurality of fasteners being spaced apart from each other along the perimeter of each plate.  
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of adjustable fasteners, and wherein each of the first and second structural members comprises a plate, each plate having a perimeter, and the plurality of adjustable fasteners being spaced apart around the perimeter, the fasteners being configured to facilitate controlled rotation of the second structural member with respect to the first structural member and to fix the second structural member with respect to the first structural member.  
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of adjustable fasteners, and wherein each of the first and second structural members comprises a plate, each plate having a perimeter, the spacing member being positioned centrally with respect to the perimeter and the plurality of adjustable fasteners being spaced apart around the spacing member, the adjustable fasteners being configured to facilitate controlled rotation of the second structural member with respect to the first structural member and to fix the second structural member with respect to the first structural member.  
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 1  wherein at least one of the first and second structural members comprises a receiving portion configured to help retain the spacing member in a fixed lateral position with respect to the first and second structural members.  
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 1  wherein at least one of the first and second structural members has a surface with an area of reduced thickness configured to receive a portion of the spacing member therein and to help retain the spacing member in a fixed lateral position with respect to the first and second structural members.  
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 1  wherein at least one of the first and second structural members has hole therein configured to receive a portion of the spacing member therein and to help retain the spacing member in a fixed lateral position with respect to the first and second structural members.  
   
   
       11 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the first and second structural members each have a hole therein configured to receive a portion of the spacing member therein and to help retain the spacing member in a fixed lateral position with respect to the first and second structural members.  
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the first structural member is configured to be fixedly coupled to a stanchion for use when the vehicular track is to be elevated above the earth.  
   
   
       13 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the second structural member is configured to be fixedly coupled to a lateral support member for supporting two or more rails of the vehicular track.  
   
   
       14 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a mass of rigid material positionable between the first and second structural members after the second structural member has been fixed in the desired orientation to retain the second structural member in the desired orientation.  
   
   
       15 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the spacing member is spherical.  
   
   
       16 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the spacing member comprises a solid, spherical mass.  
   
   
       17 . A device for use in anchoring and aligning a portion of a vehicular track, the device comprising: 
 a first structural member configured to be fixedly anchored with respect to the earth, the first structural member incorporating a first plate with a perimeter and a plurality of first holes spaced thereabout;    a second structural member configured to be rigidly coupled to the vehicular track, the second structural member incorporating a second plate with a perimeter and a plurality of second holes spaced thereabout, the second holes being at least substantially aligned with the first holes;    a spacing member positionable between and in contact with the first and second structural members at a location inside the perimeters of the first and second plates, the spacing member being adapted to allow the second structural member to rotate with respect to the first structural member such that the vehicular track can be oriented in a desired alignment with respect to the earth; and    a plurality of adjustable fasteners, each extending through one of the first holes and a corresponding one of the second holes, the adjustable fasteners being configured to facilitate controllable rotation of the second structural member with respect to the first structural member and to allow the second structural member to be fixed in a desired orientation with respect to the first structural member.    
   
   
       18 . A system for anchoring and aligning a portion of a vehicular track, the device comprising: 
 a first structural member fixedly anchored with respect to the earth;    a second structural member configured to be rigidly coupled to the vehicular track;    a spacing member positioned between and in contact with the first and second structural members, the spacing member being adapted to allow the second structural member to rotate with respect to the first structural member to support the vehicular track when it is in a desired orientation with respect to the earth; and    at least one adjustment mechanism configured to facilitate controllable rotation of the second structural member with respect to the first structural member and to allow the second structural member to be fixed in a desired orientation with respect to the first structural member.    
   
   
       19 . A vehicular track comprising: 
 a plurality of first structural members fixedly anchored with respect to the earth;    a plurality of second structural members rigidly coupled to at least one rail having a length, the at least one rail being adapted for allowing a vehicle to move along at least a portion of the length;    a spacing member positioned between at least one pair of the first and second structural members, the spacing member being adapted to allow the second structural member to rotate with respect to the first structural member to support the vehicular track when it is in a desired orientation with respect to the earth; and    at least one adjustment mechanism configured to facilitate controllable rotation of the second structural member with respect to the first structural member if a spacing member is positioned therebetween and to allow the second structural member to be fixed in a desired orientation with respect to the first structural member.    
   
   
       20 . A method for aligning a vehicular track, comprising: 
 anchoring a first structural member to the earth;    spacing a second structural member apart from the first structural member with a spacing member positioned therebetween, the spacing member being configured to allow rotation of the second structural member with respect to the first structural member;    rotating the second structure into a desired orientation;    fixing the second structure in the desired orientation; and    rigidly coupling a portion of the vehicular track to the second structural member.    
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 20  wherein rotating the second structural member comprises adjusting one or more adjustable fasteners extending between the first and second structural members.  
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 20 , further comprising inserting a mass of hardening material between the first and second structural members.