U.S. patent application number 11/756463 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-04 for railcar support beam system and method.
Invention is credited to Jerry W. Vande Sande.
Application Number | 20080295727 11/756463 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40086707 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080295727 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vande Sande; Jerry W. |
December 4, 2008 |
Railcar Support Beam System and Method
Abstract
A railcar system includes a railcar bed and a beam structure
positioned on the railcar bed. The beam structure comprises a
plurality of support beams spaced apart vertically and positioned
on the railcar bed such that a longitudinal axis of each support
beam is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the railcar
bed. Each support beam comprises a first side and a second side
opposite the first side. The beam structure includes a first set of
support sheets each coupled to the first side of at least one
respective support beam and a second set of support sheets each
coupled to the second side of at least one respective support
beam.
Inventors: |
Vande Sande; Jerry W.;
(Dallas, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BAKER BOTTS L.L.P.
2001 ROSS AVENUE, SUITE 600
DALLAS
TX
75201-2980
US
|
Family ID: |
40086707 |
Appl. No.: |
11/756463 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
105/404 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B61D 3/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
105/404 |
International
Class: |
B61D 17/04 20060101
B61D017/04 |
Claims
1. A railcar beam support apparatus, comprising: a plurality of
support beams spaced apart vertically and positioned on a railcar
such that a longitudinal axis of each support beam is generally
parallel to a longitudinal axis of the railcar, each support beam
comprising a first side and a second side opposite the first side;
a first set of support sheets each coupled to the first side of at
least one respective support beam; and a second set of support
sheets each coupled to the second side of at least one respective
support beam.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first set of support
sheets and the second set of support sheets each form a generally
planar surface area to support railcar lading.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of support beams
are positioned at approximately the center of the railcar.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a formation formed by the
first set of support sheets and the second set of support sheets
comprises an A-frame formation.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the support sheets
includes at least one hole in the sheet.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein each of the support sheets
comprise a flange surrounding the at least one hole in the
sheet.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support sheets comprise
plate steel.
8. A railcar system, comprising: a railcar bed; and a beam
structure positioned on the railcar bed, the beam structure
comprising: a plurality of support beams spaced apart vertically
and positioned on the railcar bed such that a longitudinal axis of
each support beam is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of
the railcar bed, each support beam comprising a first side and a
second side opposite the first side; a first set of support sheets
each coupled to the first side of at least one respective support
beam; and a second set of support sheets each coupled to the second
side of at least one respective support beam.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the first set of support sheets
and the second set of support sheets each form a generally planar
surface area to support railcar lading.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein the beam structure is positioned
at approximately the center of the railcar bed.
11. The system of claim 8, wherein a formation formed by the first
set of support sheets and the second set of support sheets
comprises an A-frame formation.
12. The system of claim 8, wherein each of the support sheets
includes at least one hole in the sheet.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein each of the support sheets
comprises a flange surrounding the at least one hole in the
sheet.
14. The system of claim 8, wherein the support sheets comprise
plate steel.
15. A method for manufacturing a railcar system, comprising:
positioning on a railcar bed a plurality of support beams spaced
apart vertically such that a longitudinal axis of each support beam
is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the railcar bed,
each support beam comprising a first side and a second side
opposite the first side; coupling each of a first set of support
sheets to the first side of at least one respective support beam;
and coupling each of a second set of support sheets to the second
side of at least one respective support beam.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first set of support sheets
and the second set of support sheets each form a generally planar
surface area to support railcar lading.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein positioning on a railcar bed a
plurality of support beams comprises positioning the plurality of
support beams at approximately the center of the railcar bed.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein a formation formed by the first
set of support sheets and the second set of support sheets
comprises an A-frame formation.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein each of the support sheets
includes at least one hole in the sheet.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising forming the at least
one hole in each of the support sheets through a punching process
such that each of the support sheets comprises a flange surrounding
the at least one hole in the sheet.
21. The method of claim 15, wherein the support sheets comprise
plate steel.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to railcars and,
more particularly, to a railcar support beam system and method.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Center beam railcars are used to transport various types of
materials, including lumber, plywood, wallboards and other
materials. Typical center beam railcars include a center beam
structure consisting of a series of vertical support beams. These
beams may provide support of lading for the length of the
railcar.
[0003] Over time, these beams may become unaligned with each other
and reduce the support surface area. This also increases point
loads on the lading. As a result of normal train action, the lading
can shift back and forth. This movement, together with the high
point loads, may damage the lading (e.g., in the form of chaffing).
Individual vertical support beams have typically provided only a
minimal amount of contact area with the lading, thus adding to the
problem of high point loads. These problems may worsen when the
high point load surfaces are rotated out of plane with the lading
surface.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present invention provides a railcar support beam system
and method that substantially eliminates or reduces at least some
of the disadvantages and problems associated with previous railcar
systems and methods.
[0005] In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present
invention, a railcar system includes a railcar bed and a beam
structure positioned on the railcar bed. The beam structure
comprises a plurality of support beams spaced apart vertically and
positioned on the railcar bed such that a longitudinal axis of each
support beam is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the
railcar bed. Each support beam comprises a first side and a second
side opposite the first side. The beam structure includes a first
set of support sheets each coupled to the first side of at least
one respective support beam and a second set of support sheets each
coupled to the second side of at least one respective support
beam.
[0006] The first set of support sheets and the second set of
support sheets may each form a generally planar surface area to
support railcar lading. The beam structure may be positioned at
approximately the center of the railcar bed. A formation formed by
the first set of support sheets and the second set of support
sheets may comprise an A-frame formation. Each of the support
sheets may include at least one hole in the sheet. The support
sheets may comprise plate steel.
[0007] In accordance with another embodiment, a method for
manufacturing a railcar system includes positioning on a railcar
bed a plurality of support beams spaced apart vertically such that
a longitudinal axis of each support beam is generally parallel to a
longitudinal axis of the railcar bed. Each support beam comprises a
first side and a second side opposite the first side. The method
includes coupling each of a first set of support sheets to the
first side of at least one respective support beam and coupling
each of a second set of support sheets to the second side of at
least one respective support beam.
[0008] Technical advantages of particular embodiments of the
present invention include a railcar beam support apparatus with
support beams that run generally parallel to a longitudinal axis
the railcar. If the support beams become misaligned during railcar
operation, then they are less likely to produce a high point load
on the lading as a result of such misalignment. Moreover, support
sheets are coupled to the support beams to provide a generally
planar surface upon which the lading may rest.
[0009] Other technical advantages will be readily apparent to one
skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions and
claims. Moreover, while specific advantages have been enumerated
above, various embodiments may include all, some or none of the
enumerated advantages.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] For a more complete understanding of particular embodiments
of the invention and their advantages, reference is now made to the
following descriptions, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional center beam railcar having
a center beam structure with a series of vertical support
beams;
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a railcar with a center beam structure,
in accordance with a particular embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates another view of the center beam structure
of FIG. 2;
[0014] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate the configuration of an example
type of hole that may be used in a support sheet in particular
embodiments;
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a railcar with
a center beam structure, in accordance with a particular
embodiment; and
[0016] FIG. 6 is a close-up illustration of an example coupling
between a horizontal support beam and two support sheets, in
accordance with a particular embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional center beam railcar 10
having a center beam structure 12 with a series of vertical support
beams 14. Vertical support beams 14 are coupled to a top beam 16
and railcar bed 18. Other components such as diagonal beams 22
provide additional support for center beam structure 12. In
addition, cables 20 help to keep the lading in place.
[0018] Center beam railcar 10 may carry a lading that includes
lumber, plywood, wallboard or any other suitable material. As a
result of wear and tear and aging of railcar 10, vertical support
beams 14 may become misaligned with one another. Such misalignment
may result in increased point loads against the lading. In
addition, the lading may shift back and forth resulting in chafing
and other damage to the lading as it contacts the high point loads
from the misaligned vertical support beams 14. Moreover, vertical
support beams 14 may rotate out of plane with the lading surface
further increasing point loading and other damage to the
lading.
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a railcar 50 with a center beam structure
52, in accordance with a particular embodiment. Railcar 50 includes
railcar bed 65 and center beam structure 52 positioned on the
railcar bed. FIG. 3 illustrates another view of center beam
structure 52. Center beam structure 52 includes a plurality of
support beams 60 running horizontally down the railcar (e.g.,
generally parallel with longitudinal axis 55 of railcar 50) and
support sheets 70 coupled to horizontal support beams 60. Support
beams 60 are vertically spaced apart from one another. The
illustrated embodiment includes four horizontal support beams;
however center beam structures in other embodiments may include
fewer or more horizontal support beams. Moreover, while the
illustrated embodiment includes support beams having a particular
shape and configuration, other embodiments may include beams having
other suitable shapes and configuration. Center beam structure 52
is positioned at approximately the center of railcar bed 65 (e.g.,
at approximately the center of its width).
[0020] Support sheets 70 comprise any suitable metal, such as plate
steel, or other material. Support sheets 70 include holes 72 which
reduce the weight of support sheets 70 and, as a result, the weight
of center beam structure 52. Sheets 70 in various embodiments may
include any suitable number of holes having any suitable shape or
configuration. Sheets in particular embodiments may include holes
with a flange (e.g., formed from a punch cut process) as discussed
below with respect to FIGS. 4A and 4B. Some embodiments may not
include support sheets coupled to support beams of a center beam
structure and may instead include other suitable coverings or
components for a center beam structure or none at all.
[0021] As indicated above, horizontal support beams 60 run
longitudinally with railcar 50--generally parallel with
longitudinal axis 55. In addition, when railcar 50 is loaded,
horizontal support beams 60 run longitudinally with the lading. The
lading rests against support sheets 70. Thus, support sheets 70
provide a generally planar, substantial support surface area
against which the lading may rest. The horizontal orientation of
support beams 60 aids in providing this generally planar support
surface area.
[0022] Since support beams 60 run longitudinally down the length of
the railcar, if they come out of alignment during railcar operation
then they are more likely to move vertically. Such vertical
misalignment is unlikely to product a high point load on the lading
as occurs when conventional vertical support beams become
misaligned.
[0023] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate the configuration of an example
type of hole that may be used in a support sheet in particular
embodiments. Support sheet 80 includes a hole 82 formed using a
punch cut process. As a result of this process, the hole has a
deformation or flange 85 around its circumference on the inside of
the support sheet (or the side opposite the external side facing
the railcar lading). This flange and hole configuration and
formation process adds stiffness to support sheet 80 and helps to
keep the support sheet from buckling. Particular embodiments may
include support sheets having one or more holes formed through this
or other similar processes.
[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a railcar with
a center beam structure 102, in accordance with a particular
embodiment. Center beam structure 102 includes horizontal support
beams 110 and support sheets 120 and 122 coupled to the support
beams. Support sheets 120 are each coupled to one side of at least
one support beam 110, and support sheets 122 are each coupled to
the other side of at least one support beam 110. Horizontal support
beams 110 run longitudinally down the railcar (e.g., through the
page of the figure). Lading 130 is illustrated as resting against
center beam structure 102. Support sheets 120 provide a generally
planar surface area upon which lading 130 may rest. In this
embodiment, lading 130 comprises lumber which runs generally
parallel to support beams 110 (e.g., through the page of the
figure). Thus, if support beams 110 misalign during railcar
operation, then there is a reduced chance of a high point load on
the lading resulting from such misalignment.
[0025] As illustrated, center beam structure 102 provides a
generally A-frame design (e.g., the angle of support sheets 120
from the top support beam to railcar bed 150) adding strength and
stability to the beam structure. In addition, railcar bed 150
generally slopes inward thus facilitating the resting of the lading
against center beam structure 102 as a result of gravitational
forces.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a close-up illustration of an example coupling
between a horizontal support beam 170 and two support sheets 180
and 182, in accordance with a particular embodiment. Horizontal
support beam 170 includes a web 172 and flanges 174a and 174b, each
flange on an opposite side of the support beam. Support beams in
other embodiments may include a different shape or configuration
than that of support beam 170.
[0027] Support sheets 180 and 182 are each coupled to flange 174a
on one side of support beam 170. The support sheets may be coupled
to the support beam using any suitable method, such as welding or
by using a coupling member, such as a tie. In particular
embodiments, support sheets may be coupled to a support beam such
that there is a gap between the support sheets as illustrated.
[0028] The illustrated coupling between support sheets 180 and 182
and support beam 170 is just one example of such a coupling. This
or another suitable coupling such as fastening (e.g., with a flush
fastener) or bonding may be used in various embodiments, such as
those illustrated and described herein.
[0029] Although the present invention has been described in detail
with reference to particular embodiments, it should be understood
that various other changes, substitutions, and alterations may be
made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
[0030] Numerous other changes, substitutions, variations,
alterations and modifications may be ascertained by those skilled
in the art and it is intended that the present invention encompass
all such changes, substitutions, variations, alterations and
modifications as falling within the spirit and scope of the
appended claims.
* * * * *