Two and three level elevated train system
The Two and Three Level Elevated Train System has multiple rails, and therefore multiple trains, are accommodated by a series of elevated structures somewhat similar to the towers of cable-stayed bridges. These elevated structures are “A”-shaped, with two deep-foundation legs set approximately fifty to eighty feet apart. A vertical space of approximately twenty feet is open beneath the structures, such that the tower supports could be built over existing roadways and require relatively little clearing and disturbance of the landscape. The tower supports rise to a vertical height of approximately fifty to sixty feet. The tower supports accommodate rails on two levels, and are configured with two trains on the top level and three trains on the lower level, or one train on the upper level and two trains on the lower level.
This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/283,165 filed Nov. 20, 2009, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Two and Three Level Elevated Train System.”
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention pertains to the field of transportation systems, and more specifically to the field of elevated train systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe prior art has put forth several designs for elevated train systems. Among these are:
U.S. Pat. No. 5,359,941 to John Z. DeLorean describes a transport assembly for use, for example, in mass transportation, comprising a track and a frame mounted to the track for motion therealong, the frame including a housing which defines a traction chamber in communication with the track. At least one traction wheel is rotatably mounted to the frame in friction contact with the track.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,925,941 to Bengoa Saez De Cortazar describes an elevated train which is comprised of one or more wagons that move suspended from a rail or the like.
US Patent 2005/0166785 to Dieter-Wolfgang Schramek et al. describes a high-speed magnetic train system with two-tier tracks, comprising a guide system, mounted on struts, whereby above the guide system an upper track and below it a lower track are disposed on which vehicles are displaced by means of magnetic train technology.
US Patent 2007/0107621 to Baisheng Zou describes an invention which provides methods of guideway construction and vehicle operation for a three-dimensional transportation system, in which a vehicle changes lane or direction by widening or narrowing the width between its left wheels and its corresponding right wheels.
None of these prior art references describe the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIt is an object of the present invention to provide an improved elevated, multilevel-train transportation system.
People in the 21st century are commuters. Many of us work someplace outside the home. For commuters who live in the suburbs, the commute can be extreme. It is not uncommon for a person to drive several hours twice a day. Similarly highway-bound existences can be found on the ever-receding peripheries of any major city. Still, with all the news about road-rage, traffic jams, skyrocketing gas prices, and the mounting hassles of the commuter lifestyle, we may forget that millions of people commute in another manner, by train.
Trains offer certain advantages when it comes to the morning and evening commute. For one thing, it's entirely possible to read the newspaper on the morning train, and take a nap on the evening train. The countryside reels past, the click of the wheels on the tracks instills a reassuring rhythm in the mind and body; the train proceeds on most days like clockwork, traveling down its accustomed track. On a commuter train, one can relax and prepare for the demands of the business day. High fuel prices also make traveling by commuter train an attractive alternative.
The present invention, hereinafter referred to as a Two and Three Level Elevated Train System is a comprehensive rail system designed for use in municipalities and urban regions, providing an innovative system in which elevated tracks carry multiple local and express trains. The Two and Three Level Elevated Train System involves the contributions of two related industries: the Railroad Equipment industry, Standard Industrial Code 3743, and the Railroads, Line-Haul Operations industry, Standard Industrial Code 4011.
The Two and Three Level Elevated Train System has multiple rails, and therefore multiple trains, are accommodated by a series of elevated structures somewhat similar to the towers of cable-stayed bridges. These elevated structures are “A”-shaped, with two deep-foundation legs set approximately fifty to eighty feet apart. A vertical space of approximately twenty feet is open beneath the structures, such that the tower supports could be built over existing roadways and require relatively little clearing and disturbance of the landscape. The tower supports rise to a vertical height of approximately fifty to sixty feet. The tower supports accommodate rails on two levels, and are configured with two trains on the top level and three trains on the lower level, or one train on the upper level and two trains on the lower level.
The Two and Three Level Elevated Train System accommodates multiple trains, such that the same elevated system can accommodate fast, intercity express passenger service, intra-city commuter trains, even specially-equipped “bus trains.” Bus trains are buses equipped with road tires for surface streets, and steel-rimmed wheels designed for use on rails. The bus train approaches the Two & Three Level Elevated Train System via special entrance ramps, literally driving up a ramp and then onto the rails, then proceeding in the manner of a light rail transit vehicle. The various configurations of the system meet the specific needs of municipalities and inter-urban rail carriers. In some applications, two express trains utilize the upper level rails; and three local trains the lower level rails; and as noted, several other configurations are available, again with two levels and multiple trains. Each level and each train are independently powered, such that loss of power on one line does not affect the others; and each line and train is equipped with emergency backup power as well. Potential power sources for the Two and Three Level Elevated Train System include electricity generated by solar, nuclear, wind-power turbines, co-generation from steam plants, natural gas, and electro-magnetism.
This is the world's next generation elevated mass transportation system. This system with it's “A” profile design and 12 interchanges will enhance a smooth, quick and safe ride getting passengers to their destinations. It's a two and three level elevated structure 61′-0″ to 75′-0′ high and 88′-0″ to 91′-0″ wide, with a minimum of 14′-6″ between levels and a minimum of 17′-0″ from grade to bottom of structure. (See the attached 13 concept drawings, illustrating how the system works.) A scheduled park and ride service will be available to board trains at each station. Developing this elevated train system will help keep the air clean, prevent traffic accidents, loss of lives, and destruction of property. It will also stimulate the economy by creating jobs and establishing a quick and economical commute for business travelers and visiting family and friends.
The Two and Three Level Elevated Train System, a comprehensive rail system for municipalities and urban regions, presents a number of distinct and significant benefits and advantages. Foremost, the Two and Three Level Elevated Train System comprises a full-service Park and Ride commuter system, with express inter-city passenger trains, intra-city commuter and local-access trains, even bus-trains, all of which operate via a single connected system of multi-track, multi-level tower supports. The tower supports are fabricated off-site and assembled on-site, and because the towers are supported by two foundation legs, the system can be built above existing surface streets, with relatively little excavation and land disturbance, and thus at lower cost than traditional surface rail lines. The multi-level, multi-train towers are configured to serve the specific needs of a given municipality or locale, such that the system is individually tailored to a given community's needs for commuter or longer-distance lines. Powered by alternative, clean fuel sources, the Two and Three Level Elevated Train System helps alleviate the carbon-dioxide emissions associated with motor vehicle traffic. The Two and Three Level Elevated Train System also carries more people more efficiently than do automobiles. Versatile in design, adaptable to the specific individual needs of any municipality or urban region, and designed for cost-effective construction and operation, the Two and Three Level Elevated Train System presents a municipality or urban region with a unique and economical, 21st century approach to mass transit.
A comprehensive, elevated, multi-train transportation system, designed for use both within and between cities, the Two and Three Level Elevated Train System provides safe, clean, effective mass transportation in a highly cost-effective manner.
This system is ideal for emergent evacuations, moving up to 24,000 people from each station within one hour. All stations, park and ride facilities, and maintenance facilities, are designed to be full service centers, capable of accommodating emergencies and special events.
The area at grade below the entire train system may be used for electric operated ground transportation, allowing for emergencies and quick access to all of the system facilities.
For easy access to the trains within the station, each level will designate the direction the train is traveling. For example, the first level allows you to travel east and south, the second level west and north, the third level, all directions. The first and second level has three tracks, two outside tracks for local stops and the center for, express, VIP, emergencies, and maintenance use. The third level, express only, none stop, both directions, city-to-city, state-to-state and country-to-country, with a center track for maintenance and emergencies.
For entertainment, the train system can be transformed into an amusement park, state park ride, or a toy train set.
For easy access, each level will have a boarding zone and a departing zone.
When all of these details are incorporated, the system will be capable of moving up to 12,000 passengers with in one hour from each station. The first and second level has three tracks, each capable of transporting a five-car train with up to 200 passengers per car, and the third level with two tracks moving a five-car train with up to 200 passengers per train.
This structure is designed to integrate from one system to another. For example, you can replace the existing trusses with tracks to a magnetic train trusses, for a magnetite train at the third level. This is beneficial to help diversify the whole system or run an all-magnetic train system. The train system can further diversify by converting to a two level train for passenger, freight and below grade as a subway system.
This innovative system can be powered by a variety of green energy sources: solar, nuclear, wind power turbines, cogeneration, hydrogen cells, and hydroelectric, making it environmentally friendly and non-polluting.
Each train level will be independently powered; if one level loses power, it will not affect the other levels. In the event of total power loss, the emergency power system will activate to allow the trains to continue operation at all levels, safely delivering passengers to their next destination.
Another advantage is the installation and fabrication. With the structure's unique design, it will allow you to fabricate the structures in shops around the world 365 days a year. Steel can be transported to the job site, assembled on the ground and erected safely. All structural steel connections will have rubber gaskets between the tracks and structure. The gaskets will help to eliminate noise and vibrations and create a smooth and quiet ride.
The elevated train system can be installed in any location, above existing railroad lines, streets or any right of ways that are feasible.
To assure the safety of this system, there will be a need for several maintenance facilities.
This system is designed to save money and travel time. The train support structures may be shop fabricated saving time and money. At the same time, the structure foundations for elevated train stations, park and ride facilities and utilities will be installed on site.
The dream of traveling across town, across the state, and across the country, safely, quickly and economically, can be a reality. Welcome to The Next Generation Elevated Mass Transportation Systems. The most advanced elevated train system in the world.
“We're Moving People Around the World”
Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
Claims
1. A Two and Three Level Elevated Train System, comprising:
- multiple rails, multiple trains, a series of elevated structures, wherein the elevated structures are “A”-shaped, with two deep-foundation legs set approximately fifty to eighty feet apart; and wherein a vertical space of approximately twenty feet is open beneath the structures, such that the tower supports can be built over existing roadways; and wherein tower supports rise to a vertical height of approximately fifty to sixty feet, and wherein the tower supports accommodate rails on two levels, and are configured with two trains on the top level and three trains on the lower level, or one train on the upper level and two trains on the lower level.
2. The train system of claim 1 wherein each level and each train are independently powered, such that loss of power on one line does not affect the others.
3. The train system of claim 1 wherein each line and train is equipped with emergency backup power.
4. The train system of claim 1 wherein the system is powered by electricity generated selected from the group consisting of: solar, nuclear, wind-power turbines, co-generation from steam plants, natural gas, and electro-magnetism.
5. The train system of claim 1 comprising twelve interchanges.
6. The train system of claim 1 wherein the two and three level elevated structure is approximately sixty-one to seventy-five feet in height, and eight-eight to ninety-one feet in width, and has a minimum of fourteen and one half feet between levels and a minimum of seventeen feet from grade to bottom of structure.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 30, 2010
Publication Date: Jul 7, 2011
Inventor: Will R. Edwards (Houston, TX)
Application Number: 12/927,957
International Classification: E01B 25/00 (20060101);
