Elastomeric railroad crosstie

Abstract

A plurality of elongated, substantially planar, elastomeric members are assembled together in a stack such that the members are generally aligned with each other. The members are made of a stack of tire treads. A means of binding is provided for holding the stack of members together and maintaining their alignment. The addition of one or more rigid longitudinal element(s) provides stiffness.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A railroad crosstie comprising: 
 a. a plurality of elongated, substantially planar, elastomeric members assembled together in a stack such that the members are generally aligned with each other;    b. a means of binding the elastomeric members together and keeping them aligned with each other;    c. one or more stiffening elements placed longitudinally within, or along the outside of, the stack of elastomeric members, composed of a substantially rigid material, sufficiently rigid to prevent excessive flexion and deformation of the crosstie.