Switch for a rail track

Abstract

A switch is described. The switch is for interconnecting a first rail providing a first portion of a running surface for a wheel and a second rail providing a second portion of the running surface wherein a first end of the first rail and an opposed second end of the second rail are axially mutually spaced apart by a first spacing. The switch comprises a set of rail segments including a first rail segment, having a first end, a second end and a first length therebetween correlating with the first spacing. The switch is arrangeable in a first configuration, wherein the first rail segment is arranged to interconnect the first rail and the second rail, thereby providing an interconnecting portion of the running surface between the first portion and the second portion. The switch is arrangeable in a second configuration, wherein the first rail segment is transversely spaced apart from the first rail and/or the second rail. The switch is arranged to move from the first configuration to the second configuration by a first transverse movement of the first rail segment.

1 . A switch for interconnecting a first rail providing a first portion of a running surface for a wheel and a second rail providing a second portion of the running surface wherein a first end of the first rail and an opposed second end of the second rail are axially mutually spaced apart by a first spacing, the switch comprising:
 a set of rail segments including a first rail segment, having a first end, a second end and a first length therebetween correlating with the first spacing,   wherein the switch is arrangeable in:   a first configuration, wherein the first rail segment is arranged to interconnect the first rail and the second rail, thereby providing an interconnecting portion of the running surface between the first portion and the second portion;   a second configuration, wherein the first rail segment is transversely spaced apart from the first rail and/or the second rail; and   
       wherein the switch is arranged to move from the first configuration to the second configuration by a first transverse movement of the first rail segment. 
     
     
         2 . The switch according to  claim 1 , wherein the first rail segment is arranged coaxially with the first rail and/or the second rail in the first configuration. 
     
     
         3 . The switch according to  claim 1 , wherein the first rail segment is arranged parallel to the first rail and/or the second rail in the second configuration. 
     
     
         4 . The switch according to  claim 1 , wherein the first transverse movement of the first rail segment is a linear transverse movement. 
     
     
         5 . The switch according to  claim 1 , comprising a set of releasable retaining members, including a first releasable retaining member, arranged to releasably retain the switch in the first configuration. 
     
     
         6 . The switch according to  claim 1 , wherein the set of rail segments includes a second rail segment,
 wherein the switch is arrangeable in:   a third configuration, wherein the second rail segment is transversely spaced apart from the first rail and/or the second rail; and   a fourth configuration, wherein the second rail segment is arranged to interconnect the first rail and the second rail, thereby providing the interconnecting portion of the running surface between the first portion and the second portion,   wherein the switch is arranged to move from the third configuration to the fourth configuration by a second transverse movement of the second rail segment.   
     
     
         7 . The switch according to  claim 1 , wherein the switch is arranged to move from the first configuration to the second configuration and from the third configuration to the fourth configuration, or vice-versa, concurrently. 
     
     
         8 . The switch according to  claim 1 , wherein the running surface comprises a cylindrical running surface or a part thereof. 
     
     
         9 . A switch according to  claim 1 , comprising a first rail section comprising the first rail and a second rail section comprising the second rail. 
     
     
         10 . The switch according to  claim 9 , wherein the first rail section comprises a first part of a releasable rail coupling joined to a second end of the first rail and/or wherein the second rail section comprises a second part of the releasable rail coupling joined to a first end of the second rail. 
     
     
         11 . The switch according to  claim 9 , wherein the first rail comprises a cylindrical tube  11 , wherein the running surface comprises a cylindrical running surface or a part thereof and wherein the first rail comprises a flange. 
     
     
         12 . The switch according to  claim 1 , wherein the switch comprises a monorail switch. 
     
     
         13 . The switch according to  claim 1 , wherein the switch comprises a suspended switch. 
     
     
         14 . A rail track, or a kit of parts for a rail track, comprising a set of rail sections and a set of switches, including a first switch and a second switch, according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         15 . A switch assembly comprising:
 a switch according to claim; and   a trolley comprising a frame, a set of wheels, including a first wheel, rotatably coupled to the frame; and an attachment member, coupled to the frame, for attachment, preferably suspension, of a load therefrom, in use.   
     
     
         16 . The switch assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the first wheel comprises a driver wheel for driving the trolley along the running surface.