U.S. patent application number 13/872698 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-30 for railroad car bearing adapter pad.
This patent application is currently assigned to Standard Car Truck Company. The applicant listed for this patent is STANDARD CAR TRUCK COMPANY. Invention is credited to Michael K. Burke, David M. East.
Application Number | 20140318412 13/872698 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51788145 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140318412 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
East; David M. ; et
al. |
October 30, 2014 |
RAILROAD CAR BEARING ADAPTER PAD
Abstract
A railroad car bearing adapter pad including a wear resistant
body formed with one or more compressible resilient conductive
plugs which provide electrical conductivity or continuity between a
side frame and a bearing adapter and thus between the railroad car
body and the railroad tracks when the bearing adapter pad is
mounted on a bearing adapter in a pedestal jaw opening of a side
frame.
Inventors: |
East; David M.;
(Libertyville, IL) ; Burke; Michael K.; (Wheaton,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
STANDARD CAR TRUCK COMPANY |
Park Ridge |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Standard Car Truck Company
Park Ridge
IL
|
Family ID: |
51788145 |
Appl. No.: |
13/872698 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
105/218.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B61F 5/28 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
105/218.1 |
International
Class: |
B61F 5/26 20060101
B61F005/26 |
Claims
1. An railroad car bearing adapter pad comprising: a body including
a top section having a top surface and a bottom surface; a
plurality of legs extending from the body; and a plurality of
spaced apart compressible resilient conductive plugs positioned in
the top section of the body, each of the conductive plug having a
top engager that extends slightly above the top surface of the top
section and a bottom engager that extends slightly below the bottom
surface of the top section to facilitate electric conductivity or
continuity between a side frame and a bearing adapter.
2. The railroad bearing adapter pad of claim 1, wherein the
conductive plugs are made from a resilient wear resistant material
which enables them to continue to provide electric conductivity or
continuity even when they are compressed or deformed.
3. The railroad bearing adapter pad of claim 1, wherein each
conductive plug includes an outwardly extending flange.
4. The railroad bearing adapter pad of claim 1, wherein each
conductive plug includes a cylindrical portion.
5. The railroad bearing adapter pad of claim 1, wherein the
plurality of spaced apart conductive plugs are symmetrically
arranged in the top section.
6. The railroad bearing adapter pad of claim 1, wherein each
conductive plug defines a central opening.
7. The railroad bearing adapter pad of claim 1, wherein each
conductive plug is press fit into the top section of the body.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Most conventional freight railroad cars include a car body
and two spaced apart trucks. The car body or car body underframe
includes two spaced apart center plates which respectively rest on
and are rotatably or swivelly received by bolster bowls of the two
trucks. The trucks rollingly support the car body along railroad
tracks. Each truck includes two side frames and a bolster which
supports the bolster bowl of that truck and which extends laterally
between and is supported by the two spaced apart side frames. Each
side frame defines a center opening and pedestal jaw openings on
each side of the center opening. Each end of each bolster is
supported by a spring group positioned in the center opening of the
side frame and supported by the lower portion of the side frame
which defines the center opening. Each truck also includes two
axles which support the side frames, and four wheels and four
roller bearing assemblies respectively mounted on the ends of the
axles. The truck further includes four bearing adapters
respectively positioned on each roller bearing assembly in the
respective pedestal jaw opening and four bearing adapter pads
respectively positioned on each bearing adapter. Each bearing
adapter pad: (a) reduces the wear of the bearing adapter and the
pedestal roof (i.e., the wall of the side frame which defines the
top of the pedestal jaw opening) by reducing metal to metal contact
between these components; and (b) decouples the axle and the wheels
from the side frame to improve steering of the truck.
[0002] U.S. Pat. No. 7,387,074 discloses a bearing adapter and
bearing adapter pad. The bearing adapter is configured to fit on
top of the bearing assembly and the bearing adapter pad is
configured to fit on top of the bearing adapter. The bearing
adapter pad includes a body and four legs which respectively extend
downwardly from opposite longitudinal edges of the body. The legs
are spaced laterally at each longitudinal edge of the body such
that the legs are received in openings between the laterally spaced
shoulders of the bearing adapter. This bearing adapter pad is made
from an elastomer such as polyurethane and is being commercially
sold by Amsted Rail.
[0003] One problem with this elastomer bearing adapter pad is that
it is non-conductive and thus is unable to provide electrical
continuity or conductivity between the side frame and the bearing
adapter (and thus between the car body and the tracks). Such
electrical continuity or conductivity is needed to provide a ground
for the car body which eliminates or reduces the buildup of static
electricity on the car body. Such electrical continuity or
conductivity is also needed to provide the ability for the car body
or components thereof (such as electric solenoids for doors on
bottom dump freight railroad cars) to obtain electrical power or
electrical signals from the railroad tracks or rails. In other
words, this electric continuity or conductivity is needed to
provide electric power or electric signals transmitted from the
tracks to one or more components of the car body. Such electrical
continuity or conductivity is further needed to provide electrical
continuity or conductivity between railroad cars to trigger
railroad crossing signals.
[0004] Accordingly, Amsted Rail has manufactured this elastomer
bearing adapter pad with copper plugs which extend through the body
of the bearing adapter pad and which provide metal to metal
conductive contact and thus electrical conductivity or electrical
continuity between the pedestal roof and the bearing adapter.
However, over time, these copper plugs tend to break off or wear
down or off and then become less effective and possibly not
effective at all in providing electrical continuity or conductivity
between the side frame and the bearing adapter (and thus between
the car body and the tracks).
[0005] Accordingly, there is a need to solve this problem.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present disclosure provides a railroad car bearing
adapter pad which solves the above problem. The railroad car
bearing adapter pad of various embodiments of the present
disclosure generally includes a body having one or more
compressible resilient wear resistant conductive plugs which
provide electrical conductivity and continuity between the side
frame and the bearing adapter (and thus between the car body and
the tracks). The bearing adapter pad of the present disclosure
overcomes the above problem by providing a railroad car bearing
adapter pad which ensures better electrical conductivity and
continuity than known bearing adapter pads.
[0007] More specifically, the bearing adapter pad of various
embodiments of the present disclosure includes one or a plurality
of spaced apart compressible resilient wear resistant conductive
plugs positioned in the top section of the body of the bearing
adapter pad. Each of the conductive plugs transversely extends
slightly above and slightly below the planes of the top and bottom
surfaces, respectively, of the top section of the body of the
bearing adapter pad to facilitate the electric conductivity or
continuity between the side frame and the bearing adapter (and thus
between the car body and the tracks through the center plate, the
bolster bowl, the bolster bowl liner, the bolster, the side frame,
the bearing adapter pad, the bearing adapter, the bearing assembly,
the axle, and the wheel). In various embodiments, the conductive
plugs are each made from a resilient material which enables them to
continue to provide electric conductivity and continuity even when
they are compressed or deformed. In various embodiments, the
conductive plugs are also wear resistant.
[0008] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present
disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed disclosure,
taken in conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings,
wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0009] FIG. 1 is a side view of a conventional freight railroad
car.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view of a
bolster bowl, a bolster, a side frame, and a bearing adapter of a
freight railroad car truck, and a bearing adapter pad of one
embodiment of the present disclosure, and which includes four
resilient conductive plugs.
[0011] FIG. 3 is an enlarged top perspective view of the bearing
adapter pad of FIG. 2.
[0012] FIG. 4 is an enlarged bottom perspective view of the bearing
adapter pad of FIG. 2.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the bearing
adapter pad of FIG. 2 and one of the conductive plugs, taken
substantially along line 5-5 of FIG. 3.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of one of the conductive
plugs of the bearing adapter pad of FIG. 2.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the conductive plug of FIG.
6.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the conductive plug of
FIG. 6.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the conductive plug of
FIG. 6 taken substantially along line 9-9 of FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1,
2, 3, 4, and 5, one embodiment of the bearing adapter pad of the
present disclosure which is generally indicated by numeral 100 is
shown with respect to a freight railroad car 10 and specifically
with respect to a truck 12 of a freight railroad car 10. In this
example illustration, the truck 12 includes a bolster 14 (shown in
fragmentary in FIG. 2), a bolster bowl 16 (shown in fragmentary in
FIG. 2) on the bolster 14, a side frame 18 (shown in fragmentary in
FIG. 2), and a bearing adapter 50 configured to be positioned on a
bearing assembly (not shown) which in turn is positioned on an axle
(not shown).
[0019] More specifically, in this example illustration, the side
frame 18 includes two downwardly extending pedestal jaws including
a first pedestal jaw 22 and a second pedestal jaw (not shown) on
the opposite side of the center opening 24 of the side frame 18.
The pedestal jaw 22 includes an inside wall 26, a top wall or
pedestal roof 28, and an outside wall 30 which generally define the
pedestal jaw opening 33. The pedestal jaw 22 also includes an inner
thrust lug 30 (not shown in FIG. 2) at the intersection of the
inside wall 26 and the top wall 28, and an outer thrust lug 32
(partially shown in FIG. 2) at the intersection of the outside wall
30 and the top wall or pedestal roof 28. It should be appreciated
that the bearing adapter pad of the present disclosure can be
implemented with differently configured side frames and pedestal
jaws.
[0020] In this example illustration, the bearing adapter 50
generally includes a body 52, a plurality of legs 54, 56, 58, and
60 (not shown) extending downwardly from the body 52, and a
plurality of raised edge supports 64, 66, 68, and 70 extending
upwardly from the body 52. The body 52 of the bearing adapter 50
includes a substantially rectangular top section 72 which has a
substantially flat top surface. The top section 72 and the raised
edge supports 64, 66, 68, and 70 form a receiving surface and
pocket for bearing adapter pad 100. The body 52 and the legs 54,
56, 58, and 60 (not shown) of the bearing adapter 50 include lower
walls that define an arcuate opening 82 configured to receive or
sit on the bearing assembly (not shown). In this example
illustration, the bearing adapter 50 is a unitary cast steel
structure, although it can be formed in other manners. It should be
appreciated that the bearing adapter pad of the present disclosure
can be implemented with differently configured bearing
adapters.
[0021] In this illustrated embodiment, the bearing adapter pad 100
(as best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4) generally includes a body 102 and a
plurality of legs 104, 106, 108, and 110 extending from the body
102. The body 102 of the bearing adapter pad 50 includes a
substantially rectangular top section 112 which has a substantially
flat top surface. The body 102 and the legs 104 and 106 form a
first thrust lug opening 114. The body 102 and the legs 108 and 110
form a second thrust lug opening 116. When the bearing adapter pad
100 is positioned on top of bearing adapter 50, the legs 104 and
106 are supported laterally against depending shoulders of bearing
adapter 50. When the bearing adapter pad 100 is positioned on top
of bearing adapter 50, the legs 108 and 110 are supported laterally
against depending shoulders of bearing adapter 50.
[0022] As further illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9, in this
example embodiment, the bearing adapter pad 100 and specifically
the body 102 includes a plurality of conductive resilient plugs
130, 132, 134, and 136 integrally mounted in and slightly extending
transversely from (i.e., above and below) opposite sides or
surfaces (i.e., the top and bottom surfaces) of the top section
112. In this illustrated embodiment, each conductive plug 130, 132,
134, and 136 is identical; however, it should be appreciated that
the present disclosure contemplates that the conductive plugs do
not have to be identical, and that two or more of the conductive
plugs may be different. It should also be appreciated that the
present disclosure contemplates that more than four conductive
plugs can be employed in that bearing adapter pad and that less
than four (and at least one) conductive plugs may be employed in
the bearing adapter pad of the present disclosure. The present
disclosure further contemplates that the conductive plugs may be of
different sizes. The present disclosure further contemplates that
the conductive plugs may be of different materials. It should also
be appreciated that the conductive plugs are not limited to being
cylindrical and can be in another suitable shapes in accordance
with the present disclosure.
[0023] Since each conductive plug 130, 132, 134, and 136 is
identical in this illustrated example, conductive plug 130 is used
as an example to further describe the conductive plugs. In this
example embodiment, conductive plug 130 generally includes a
central portion 140 and top and bottom engagers 142 and 144 which
transversely extend from opposing sides of the central portion 140,
and which are configured to engage the top wall 28 of the side
frame 18 that defines the pedestal jaw opening 32 and the top
surface of the top section 72 of the body 52 of the bearing adapter
50. More specifically, the plug 130 has a thickness (i.e., height)
which is greater than the thickness (i.e., height) of the top
section 112 of the bearing adapter pad 100. When the conductive
plug is positioned centrally in and attached to the top section 112
as best shown in FIG. 5, the engager 142 extends above the plane of
the top surface of the top section 112 and the engager 144 extends
below the plane defined by the bottom surface of the top section
112. The conductive plugs are thus sized and shaped to produce
reliable electrical continuity between the side frame and the
bearing adapter when the bearing adapter pad 100 and the bearing
adapter 50 are positioned in the side frame pedestal opening.
[0024] In this illustrated embodiment, the conductive plug 130 and
specifically the central portion 140 include an outwardly extending
mounting flange or lip 148. The mounting flange 148 facilitates the
attachment, forming coupling, or mating of the conductive plug to
the top section 112 of the body 102 of the bearing adapter pad 100.
In an alternative embodiment, the structure could be reversed such
that the conductive plug includes one or more attachment slots or
mounting slots sized to receive a mounting flange formed or
extending from the central portion of the body of the bearing
adapter pad into the mounting slot(s). The mounting flange 148
facilitates a secure and fixed mechanical engagement between the
conductive plug 130 and the top section 112 of the body 102 of the
bearing adapter pad 100. The present disclosure contemplates that
the conductive plug may have more than one flanges or lips and that
other suitable mechanical connections may be employed to better
engage the top section of the body of the bearing adapter pad.
[0025] In this illustrated embodiment, the central portion of the
conductive plug also defines an inner aperture 150 which extends
transversely through the central portion. This aperture 150 is
sized to receive a pin or support in the mold which maintains the
relative position of the conductive plugs during the molding of the
load-bearing portion and the rest of the bearing adapter pad 50
around the conductive plugs. The aperture also facilitates spring
action of the conductive plugs. Specifically, if the conductive
plug is compressed or deformed, the material of the plug will tend
to move or stretch into the space of the aperture. This, in part,
allows for the spring-like action of the conductive plugs.
[0026] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the
conductive plugs of the bearing adapter pad of the present
disclosure are made from a urethane to resist cold flow and to be
sufficiently compressible or resilient. In various embodiments of
the present disclosure, the conductive plugs include conductive
particles such as carbon black particles which make these plugs
conductive. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the
urethane conductive plugs are unfilled except with the conductive
particles because urethane has a greater memory characteristic
which provides sufficient resiliency to the plugs and enables them
to function in a spring-like manner. This is substantially
different than the previous known copper plugs which tend to break
or crush because they have no relative resiliency. In various
embodiments of the present disclosure, the conductive plugs are
injection molded. It should be appreciated that the conductive
plugs could alternatively be partially filled with strengthening
material such as glass particles or strands to add a desired amount
of strength to the plugs; however, such additional strength would
reduce the memory effect of the compressible resilient conductive
plugs.
[0027] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the
conductive plugs are made from a urethane filled with approximately
20% to 25% of carbon black particles. This material is commercially
available from numerous sources such as RTP, Advance Polymer
Compounding (APC), Noveon, Bayer, GE Plastics, and Dow Chemical. It
should be appreciated that the conductive plugs can be made from a
carbon black filled urethane in the range of approximately 10% to
50%, and that other ranges are possible. The plugs with the carbon
black conductive particles serve to assure electrical conductivity
between the upper and lower surfaces of the conductive plug to
electrically connect the side frame with the bearing adapter which
in turn provides the car body with a grounding mechanism to avoid
the build-up of static electricity in the car body and to provide
the ability to receive signals from the railroad tracks.
[0028] In one embodiment, the top section and legs of the bearing
adapter pad 100 are formed from a cast or injection molded polymer
or elastomer such as a cast elastomer of a durometer hardness
between 90A and 58D. In one embodiment, the top section and legs of
the bearing adapter pad of the present disclosure are made by
injection molding or otherwise suitably forming the conductive
plugs and then injection molding the top section and legs around
and between the conductive plugs. More specifically, the conductive
plugs can be injection molded cylindrical plugs placed in an
injection mold in a spaced-apart symmetrical relation and the top
section is injection molded around the conductive plugs under
suitable pressure and heat to form the bearing adapter pad as a
monolithic structure. The top section and the conductive plugs are
thus fused together to form a one-piece bearing adapter pad. The
flange or lip or other mounting member also provides a mechanical
lock, engagement or coupling between the conductive plugs and the
top section of the bearing adapter pad.
[0029] In another embodiment, the top section and legs of the
bearing adapter pad are formed from a cast or injection molded
polymer or elastomer and the plugs are press fit into the top
section of the bearing adapter pad. In one such embodiment, the
plugs do not include the mounting flanges, the top section is
formed without the plugs, holes are drilled or punched in the top
section, and the plugs are press fit into the holes.
[0030] It should be appreciated that the present disclosure relates
to: (a) the bearing adapter pad by itself; (b) the bearing adapter
pad in combination with a bearing adapter; (c) the bearing adapter
pad in combination with a bearing adapter and a side frame; (d) the
bearing adapter pad in combination with a side frame; (d) the
bearing adapter pad in combination with a bearing adapter and a
side frame; (e) a railroad car truck including the bearing adapter
pad among the other components; and (f) a railroad car including
the bearing adapter pad among the other components.
[0031] It will be understood that modifications and variations may
be effected without departing from the scope of the novel concepts
of the present invention, and it is understood that this
application is to be limited only by the scope of the claims.
* * * * *