Abstract: This invention relates to a container support pedestal for use in an all purpose intermodal flat rail car. More particularly, the invention relates to a container support pedestal which, between operative and stored positions, rotates approximately 45.degree. outwardly about a longitudinal axis of the rail car. The invention also relates to a support housing for the pedestal. In both the operative and stored positions, the pedestal substantially covers the slot in the platform of the rail car. In both positions, the pedestal is secured against longitudinal and transverse rotation. The invention also relates to a rail car with such a pedestal and housing.

Abstract: A sidewall mounted, pivotable container stop mechanism for use with railcars or other types of transportation vessels having a cargo hold. The mechanism includes an elongate stop member pivotable between a retracted position, wherein the stop member is stored externally of the cargo hold, and an extended position, wherein the stop member extends into the cargo hold through an opening in the cargo hold sidewall. In its extended position, the stop member is positioned adjacent to a container that is placed in the cargo hold thereby preventing displacement of the container during transit. The mechanism includes a latch mechanism for releasably locking the elongate stop member in the stored position. A mechanism is also provided for maintaining the elongate member in the extended position.

Abstract: A retractable guide assembly for changing the effective width of a container well of a railroad freight car includes a housing having a pair of spaced apart walls, each having an inverted U-shaped slot, and a guide for slidably mounted between the walls for translational movement relative to the housing. The guide is slidable between a retracted position and an extended position in which a portion of the guide projects beyond the housing. The guide has a bar for extending through each slot of the walls for travelling therealong in a cam relationship as the guide slides between the retracted position and extended position.

Abstract: A retractable guide assembly for changing the effective width of a container well of a railroad freight car includes a housing having a pair of spaced apart walls, each having an inverted U-shaped slot, and a guide for slidably mounted between the walls for translational movement relative to the housing. The guide is slidable between a retracted position and an extended position in which a portion of the guide projects beyond the housing. The guide has a bar for extending through each slot of the walls for travelling therealong in a cam relationship as the guide slides between the retracted position and extended position.

Abstract: A railroad freight car including a longitudinal well for carrying intermodal cargo containers comprises a car body having longitudinally opposing end structures with body bolsters supported by railroad trucks adapted for movement along a railroad. The opposing end structures have stub center sills and couplers for coupling to other railroad cars. The car body has a structural frame comprising opposing side walls connected to the opposing end structures with bulkheads defining a well for receiving an intermodal cargo container. A plurality of transverse members with supporting brackets are located at the container support points and connected to the side walls at a lower edge thereof. Diagonal members and lighter transverse members connect the load supporting tranverse members to each other and to the end bulkheads to resist lateral loads and provide a safety support for the cargo container floor.

Abstract: This invention relates to centre beam freight cars. The purpose of these freight cars is to carry large, bulky freight which does not require much protection from the elements. Thus, any freight car must have wide utility and sufficient rigidity but a tare mass which does not constitute a high proportion of the fully laden mass of the freight car. The prior art freight cars suffer from a high tare mass proportion in order to provide sufficient rigidity. In this invention, a freight car is provided with a centre beam structure in the form of a vertical truss having a horizontal truss mounted on the top of it. Either of the trusses, or both, are in the form of an open truss. This centre beam structure provides a freight car which has adequate resistance to normal lateral and compressive stresses but has a relatively low tare mass in relation to its fully laden mass.

Abstract: A freight car according to the present invention has a longitudinally extending main load bearing frame and a floor structure supported thereby, the floor structure being adapted to receive and support a lower freight container of a first standard length. End support structures at opposite ends of the floor structure are connected to the main load bearing frame and extend upwardly therefrom to a level above the height of the lower container. Each end structure further provides a plurality of pairs of laterally spaced corner supports each adapted to receive a respective corner portion of an upper container to be transported, the corner supports of each pair being longitudinally aligned with the corresponding corner supports of the other end support structure and cooperative therewith to support an upper container of a respective standard length above and independently of the lower container.