HOPPER RAILROAD CAR HATCH COVER ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A hatch cover assembly for a hopper railroad car includes a door configured to move from an open position to a closed position, a running track configured to support the door in the open position, a roller assembly attached to the door and configured to move along the running track, a locking clip configured to engage a leading edge of the door, and an actuator configured to move the door between the open position and the closed position.

Description

BACKGROUND

The railroad industry employs a variety of different known railroad cars for transporting different goods and materials. For example, known hopper railroad cars often carry bulk materials such as grain, and are sometimes call “hopper cars.” Known hopper cars often include one or more openable top hatches that seal the top of the hopper car (when the hopper car is not being loaded) to protect the materials in the hopper car from the elements and other external sources. Known hopper cars also often include one or more discharge chutes at the bottom of the hopper car for unloading the materials from the hopper car. Known hopper cars include one or more compartments, and may include one or more internal walls that provide structure to the hopper car and that direct material toward the discharge chute(s).

To load various known hopper cars, the hopper car is positioned underneath a material loading assembly, and the top hatch(es) are opened. This often requires heavy machinery and/or a worker to be physically present on the top of the hopper car to open the top hatch(es). For example, certain known top hatches are relatively heavy and difficult to operate. Certain known top hatches have a hinge and open upwardly like a door. These relatively heavy top hatches can put a significant strain on undersized lifting equipment. This is particularly the case when the lifting of the top hatch is done only via the respective opposite ends of the top hatch. It should be appreciated that larger actuators and/or other equipment can significantly increase the cost of manufacturing, can change the aerodynamic performance of the hopper car, and can complicate the construction of a hopper car.

Thus, there is a continuing to provide improved hopper railroad cars, such as hopper railroad cars that improve the material loading process.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an improved hatch cover assembly for a hopper car. Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a hopper cars with such an improved hatch cover assembly.

More specifically, in various example embodiments of the present disclosure, the hatch cover assembly includes: (a) a running track connectable to a roof of a hopper railroad car; (b) a door movable from an open position to a closed position relative to a coaming of the hopper railroad car, the door supportable by the running track when in the open position; (c) a roller assembly attached to the door and movable along the running track; (d) a locking clip engageable with a leading edge of the door; and (e) an actuator configured to move the door between the open position and the closed position.

In various other example embodiments of the present disclosure, the hopper railroad car includes a frame, trucks, wheels, two spaced apart side walls, a roof connected to the side walls and including a coaming defining a top opening of the hopper car, and a hatch cover assembly connected to the roof. In various such embodiments, the hatch cover assembly includes: (a) a running track connectable to the roof; (b) a door moveable from an open position to a closed position relative to the coaming; (c) a roller assembly attached to the door and moveable along the running track; (d) a locking clip engageable with a leading edge of the door; and (e) an actuator configured to move the door between the open position and the closed position.

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

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an example hopper car of the present disclosure that is configured to transport a variety of bulk materials, shown without the hatch cover assembly of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged rear perspective view of the roof the example hopper car of FIG. 1 and an example the hatch cover assembly of the present disclosure shown attached to the roof of the hopper car and shown in the closed position.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary rear perspective view of the roof and of the hatch cover assembly of the example hopper car of FIGS. 1 and 2, and showing the hatch cover assembly in an open position.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary front perspective view of the roof and the hatch cover assembly of the example hopper car of FIGS. 1 and 2, and showing the hatch cover assembly in a closed position.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary front cross-sectional perspective view of the roof and the hatch cover assembly of the example hopper car of FIGS. 1 and 2 taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4, and showing the hatch cover assembly in a closed position.

FIG. 6 an enlarged perspective fragmentary bottom view of a front end of the hatch cover of the example hopper car of FIGS. 1 and 2, showing a leading edge gasket, a trailing edge gasket, and an end gasket assembly cross-hatched solely to distinguish from the other components shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross section front view of the hatch cover assembly of the hopper car of FIGS. 1 and 2, and showing the hatch cover assembly in the open position.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross section front view of the hatch cover assembly of the hopper car of FIGS. 1 and 2, and showing the hatch cover assembly in a partially open position.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross section front view of the hatch cover assembly 100 of the hopper car of FIGS. 1 and 2, and showing the hatch cover assembly in the closed position.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged bottom perspective view of a second hatch cover assembly in the closed position, showing an interior view of a hopper car wherein wire bridges are pivotally attached to and hanging down from runners of a door of the second hatch cover assembly.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross section view of the hatch cover assembly of FIG. 10 in the open position, showing a wire bridge in contact with the coaming.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross section view of the hatch cover assembly of FIG. 10 in the closed position, showing a wire bridge hanging down from a runner in the interior of a hopper car.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the features, devices, and apparatus described herein may be embodied in various forms, the drawings show and the specification describe certain exemplary and non-limiting embodiments. Not all of the components shown in the drawings and described in the specification may be required, and certain implementations may include additional, different, or fewer components. Variations in the arrangement and type of the components; the shapes, sizes, and materials of the components; and the manners of connections of the components may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims. Unless otherwise indicated, any directions referred to in the specification reflect the orientations of the components shown in the corresponding drawings and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Further, terms that refer to mounting methods, such as coupled, mounted, connected, and the like, are not intended to be limited to direct mounting methods but should be interpreted broadly to include indirect and operably coupled, mounted, connected and like mounting methods. This specification is intended to be taken as a whole and interpreted in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure and as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a hatch cover assembly that automatically opens and closes, thus providing significant benefits. The hatch cover assembly facilitates automatic opening and closing, without requiring large or expensive actuators. In various embodiments, the hatch cover assembly includes a door that slides sideways to both open and close. The hatch cover assembly includes suitable gaskets configured to engage the coaming at an respective angles, enabling the hatch cover assembly to be opened and closed without requiring a vertical lifting movement of the door (or substantial vertical lifting of the door). This enables the use of smaller actuators, results in less costs and less complexity, while still providing automatic opening and closing of the hatch cover assembly. The present disclosure also eliminates the need for a person to be physically present on top of the hopper car to open and close the hatch cover for the loading of the hopper car.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 partially illustrate an example hopper car 10 to which the hatch cover assembly of the present disclosure can be attached. The illustrated example hopper car 10 generally includes: (1) a frame (not labeled); (2) spaced apart trucks (such as truck 12) configured to support the frame; (3) a plurality of wheels (such as wheel 14) that support the trucks; (4) a first side wall 20 connected to and supported by the frame; (5) a second side wall 22 connected to and supported by the frame; (6) a rear wall 25 connected to and supported by the frame; (7) a front wall (not shown or labeled) connected to and supported by the frame; and (8) a roof 28 connected to and supported by the side walls and the frame. The side walls 20 and 22 are spaced apart. The end walls are also spaced apart. The hopper car 10 generally includes a front end 24 (or A-End) and a rear end 26 (or B-End). It should be appreciated that the configuration and size of the hopper car may vary in accordance with the present disclosure.

In this illustrated example embodiment, the roof 28 generally includes: (1) a curved panel 30; and (2) a coaming 40 connected to and upwardly extending from the curved panel 30.

The curved panel 30 is connected to the side walls 20 and 22 of the hopper car 10. The curved panel 30 is elevated in the middle (from side to side), such that the panel 30 is higher in the middle and is lower at the respective connection points to the respective side walls 20 and 22. This enables the curved panel 30 to deflect rain, snow, and other objects off the hopper car 10. The curved panel 30 may be made from steel, aluminum, an alloy of metals, or any other suitable material. The curved panel 30 is illustrated as having a symmetrical curvature. However, it should be appreciated that the curvature may be asymmetrical in accordance with the present disclosure. Further, it should be appreciated that the roof 28 may include a flat (i.e., not curved) panel, a panel including one or more sharp bends rather than a gradual curve, or a panel having a curvature different from that shown in the Figures in accordance with the present disclosure. In addition, the roof 28 may include a single panel, or multiple panels connected together in accordance with the present disclosure.

The coaming 40 (shown best in FIGS. 3, 7, 8, and 9) generally includes: (1) an upright portion 42; (2) a curved or bent top portion 44; (3) an inner surface 46; and (4) an outer surface 48. The coaming 40 defines an obround opening 50 through which material can be loaded into the hopper car 10. The coaming 40 extends around the opening 50, defining an outer perimeter of the opening 50. The coaming 40 extends above the surface of the roof 28, and in particular extends above the curved panel 30. More specifically, the upright portion 42 of the coaming 40 extends from the top of the curved panel 30. The curved top portion 44 extends from a top of the upright portion 42, and bends in an arc outward away from the opening 50. When viewed from above, the coaming 40 appears as a ring in the shape of the opening 50, positioned on the perimeter. The curved or bent top portion 44 of the coaming 40 includes an inner surface 46 and an outer surface 48. The inner surface 46 runs along an inside of the coaming 40 adjacent to the opening 50, thereby forming a ring around the opening 50. FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 illustrate that the inner surface 46 is on both sides of the opening 50, facing inward toward the opening 50. The inner surface 46 extends from a connection point between the upright portion 42 and the curved portion 44 to the topmost part of the coaming 40. The outer surface 48 runs along an outside of the coaming 40 opposite the opening 50, thereby forming a ring around the opening 50 concentric with the ring formed by the inner surface 46. FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 illustrate that the outer surface 48 is on both sides of the opening 50, facing outward away from the opening 50. The outer surface 48 extends from the top most part of the coaming 40 to the end of the curved portion 44 opposite the upright portion 42. In this manner, the curved top portion 44 is split into a portion including the inner surface 46 and a portion including the outer surface 48. The coaming 40 may be made from steel or any other suitable material. In the illustrated example, the coaming 40 defines an obround shaped opening 50 (i.e., two semicircular ends connected by parallel lines). It should be appreciated that other shaped openings 50 may also be used. For example, the opening 50 may be a rectangle, circle, oval, or any other suitable shape in accordance with the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 to 9, an example hatch cover assembly 100 of the present disclosure is generally shown. The example illustrated hatch cover assembly 100 includes: (1) an elongated movable door 200; (2) a plurality of running tracks 300; (3) a plurality of locking clips 400; (4) a plurality of roller assemblies 500; and (5) one or more actuators 600. The hatch cover assembly 100 is suitably attached to the roof 28, and more particularly to the curved panel 30. The hatch cover assembly is configured to securely engage the coaming 40 in a closed position and disengage from the coaming 40 in open positions (including a fully open position). The hatch cover assembly 100 is configured to seal and unseal the hopper car 10 by moving from the closed position to the fully open position, and vice versa. The hatch cover assembly 100 is shown the closed position in FIGS. 2, 4, 5, and 9, in the fully open position in FIGS. 3 and 7, and in a partially open position in FIG. 8.

The example illustrated door 200 of the hatch cover assembly 100 generally includes: (1) an elongated panel 210; (2) a leading edge gasket 222; (3) a trailing edge gasket 224; and (4) two end gasket assemblies 230. The door 200 is configured to slide substantially in a horizontal direction between the open position and the closed position, and to engage the coaming 40 to provide multiple different seals with the coaming 40.

The elongated panel 210 is generally rectangular, and has (1) a front end (or A-End) 212, (2) a rear end (or B-End) 214, (3) a leading edge 216, (4) a trailing edge 218, and (5) a downwardly extending center portion 220. The downwardly extending center portion 220 extends below the leading edge gasket 222 and the trailing edge gasket 220, as shown best in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9. The downwardly extending center portion 220 acts as a running surface for the elongated panel 210, contacting the coaming 40 as the door 200 slides from the fully open position to the closed position and vice versa. The elongated panel can be made from steel or any other suitable material in accordance with the present disclosure.

The leading edge gasket 222 and the trailing edge gasket 224 are connected to the elongated panel 210 proximate the leading edge 216 and trailing edge 218, respectively. It should be appreciated that the leading edge gasket 222 and trailing edge gasket 224, along with the two end gasket assemblies 230, may be a single gasket that extends around the elongated panel 210 to align with the coaming 40. As such, the distinction between the leading edge gasket 222, trailing edge gasket 224, and end gasket assemblies 230 may be simply that each of these is a section or portion of a single continuous gasket.

In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the leading edge gasket 222 is connected to the elongated panel 210 at an angle (e.g., such as at a 30-60 degree angle). The leading edge gasket has a cross section that is approximately three inches (approximately 7.62 cms) by one inch (approximately 2.54 cms), and the longer side of the gasket is positioned such that it contacts the inner surface 46 of the coaming 40 when in the closed position. The leading edge gasket 222 partially deforms to engage the inner surface 46 of the coaming 40 such that the leading edge gasket 222 curves to follow the contour of the coaming 40. In certain cases, the leading edge gasket 222 may deform such that it primarily engages the inner surface 46 of the coaming 40. However, it should be appreciated that the leading edge gasket 222 may partially engage with the top and/or outer surface 48 of the coaming 40 depending on the amount of deformity and angle at which the leading edge gasket 222 is attached. Similarly, the trailing edge gasket 224 is connected to the elongated panel 210 at an angle (e.g., such as at a 45 degree angle). The angle of the trailing edge gasket may be the same or different from the angle of the leading edge gasket 222 in accordance with the present disclosure. Additionally, the angle of the leading edge gasket 222 and the trailing edge gasket 224 is such that they are angled in the same direction in this example of the present disclosure. The trailing edge gasket 224 is positioned such that it contacts the outer surface 48 of the coaming 40, on the side of the opening 50 opposite where the leading edge gasket 222 makes contact. This is best illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9. The trailing edge gasket 224 partially deforms to engage the outer surface 48 of the coaming 40 such that the trailing edge gasket 224 curves to follow the contour of the coaming 40. In certain cases, the trailing edge gasket 224 may deform such that it primarily engages the outer surface 48 of the coaming 40. However, it should be appreciated that the trailing edge gasket 224 may partially engage with the top and/or inner surface 46 of the coaming 40 depending on the amount of deformity and angle at which the trailing edge gasket 224 is attached.

The angled positioning of the gaskets 222 and 224 on the elongated panel 210 enables the door 200 to slide substantially horizontally between the closed position and the open positions, without requiring a significant upward movement to engage or disengage the seal between the gaskets 222 and 224 and the coaming 40. The sideways force on the elongated panel 210, as well as contact with the running tracks 300 and locking clips 400 (described in further detail below), causes a sufficient force to be applied in a direction normal to the gaskets 222 and 224, such that there is no shearing effect on the gaskets 222 and 224. The applied force creates a seal between the gaskets 222 and 224 and the coaming 40. These forces are discussed in further detail below.

The end gasket assemblies 230 are positioned proximate to the front end 212 and to the rear end 214 of the elongated panel 210. The end gasket assemblies 230 are configured to follow the contour of the coaming 40, to enable a seal to form between the gaskets and the coaming 40. The end gasket assemblies 230 are substantially identical, so only one will be discussed in further detail herein. As best shown in FIG. 6, the end gasket assembly 230 includes a leading edge curved portion 232 and a trailing edge curved portion 234. The leading edge curved portion 232 engages the inner surface 46 of the coaming 40 when the door 200 is in the closed position, and the trailing edge curved portion 234 engages the outer surface 48 of the coaming 40 when the door 200 is in the closed position. The leading edge curved portion 232 and the trailing edge curved portion 234 are connected to each other such that the combination of the respective gaskets 222, 224, 232, and 234 provide a complete seal with the coaming 40. FIG. 6 illustrates that the leading edge curved portion 232 and the trailing edge curved portion 234 are separate from the leading edge gasket 222 and the trailing edge gasket 224. However, it should be appreciated that the leading edge curved portion 232 may be a portion or extension of the leading edge gasket 222 (i.e., not a separate gasket) and that the trailing edge curved portion 234 may be a portion or extension of the trailing edge gasket 224 (i.e., not a separate gasket) in accordance with the present disclosure. In other words, the leading edge gasket 222, leading edge curved portion 232, trailing edge gasket 224, and trailing edge curved portion 234 can be either integrally formed such that they form a single gasket, or one or more of the gaskets 222, 232, 224, and 234 may be separate from the other parts. The end gasket assembly 230, leading edge gasket 222, and trailing edge gasket 224 may be made from rubber or any other suitable material in accordance with the present disclosure.

The plurality of running tracks 300 provide a surface on which the top rollers 510 of the roller assemblies 500 can roll. The example illustrated plurality of running tracks 300 each include (1) a flat portion 310 and (2) a curved portion 320. The flat portion 310 includes a top surface 312 and a bottom surface 314, and extends in a generally horizontal direction parallel to the ground. The curved portion 320 includes a gradual downward curve that extends approximately 90 degrees and contacts the curved panel 30 of the roof 28. As discussed in further detail below, the curved portion 320 engages the bottom roller 520 of the roller assembly 500 to provide a downward force on the door 200, thereby sealing the hopper car 10 when the door 200 is in the closed position. The plurality of running tracks 300 are each attached to the curved panel 30 of the roof 28 via one or more fasteners, welds, or other attachment mechanisms (not shown) in accordance with the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the plurality of running tracks 300 are spaced apart along the length of the roof 28, and are aligned with respective roller assemblies 500. The plurality of running tracks 300 are all positioned on the same side of the opening 50, and are oriented such that the flat portions 310 extend perpendicular to the length of the opening 50. The plurality of running tracks 300 collectively provide a base on which the door 200 rests when it is in the partially and fully open positions. The running tracks 300 may be made from steel or any other suitable material in accordance with the present disclosure.

The plurality of locking clips 400 are each configured to provide a contact point for the leading edge 216 of the elongated panel 210, such that when the door 200 is moved from the fully open position to the closed position, various points of the leading edge 216 of the door 200 contact the respectively locking clips 400.

Each example illustrated locking clip 400 includes (1) an upright portion 410 and (2) an inwardly curved portion 420. The upright portion 410 is suitably connected to the curved panel 30 of the roof 28 via one or more fasteners, welds, or other attachment mechanisms (not shown) in accordance with the present disclosure. The inwardly curved portion 420 extends from the upright portion 410, and curves inward toward the opening 50. The plurality of locking clips 400 are attached to the curved panel 30 of the roof 28 on the same side of the opening 50 as each other, and opposite the plurality of running tracks 300. As discussed in further detail below, the plurality of locking clips 400 provide contact points for the leading edge 216 of hatch cover 200. The curved portion 420 of each locking clip 400 forces the leading edge 216 of the elongated panel 210 down when a horizontal force is applied, to generate a downward force on the door 200 when the door 200 is in the closed position. The plurality of locking clips 400 are spaced apart along the length of the roof 28. The plurality of locking clips 400 may be the same number as the plurality of running tracks 300. The number of locking clips 400 may be different from the number of running tracks 300. The plurality of locking clips 400 may align with the plurality of running tracks 300. Alternatively, the plurality of locking clips may be positioned separate from or without regard for the position of the plurality of running tracks 300 in accordance with the present disclosure. In certain alternative embodiments, the hatch cover assembly includes only a single locking clip 400 such as a single locking clip 400 that extends along a substantial or a full length of the door 200. The locking clips 400 may be made from steel or any other suitable material in accordance with the present disclosure. In one example, the plurality of locking clips 400 prevent the leading edge 216 of the door 200 from lifting away from the coaming 40 when in the closed position.

The example illustrated roller assemblies 500 include (1) one or more top rollers 510 and (2) one or more bottom rollers 520. Each roller assembly 500 is configured to enable automatic movement (e.g., without requiring the physical presence of a person) of the door 200 from the fully open position to the closed position and vice versa.

The top roller 510 and bottom roller 520 of each assembly are coupled to the trailing edge 218 of the elongated panel 210. The top roller 510 is configured to engage and roll along the top surface 312 of the flat portion 310 of the running track 300. The top roller 510 is configured to support the weight of the elongated panel 210 during a portion of the movement between the fully open and closed positions. When the door 200 is in the closed position (e.g., such as shown in FIG. 9), the top roller 510 is disengaged from the running track 300 in this example embodiment of the present disclosure.

The bottom roller 520 is configured to engage and roll along the bottom surface 314 of the flat portion 310 of the running track 300. The bottom roller 520 is configured to prevent the trailing edge 218 of the elongated panel 210 from rotating too far upward, and thus prevents the leading edge 216 from falling or dipping into the opening 50 in this example embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 8, when more than half of the weight of the door 200 is on the right side (leading side) of the coaming 40, the coaming 40 acts as a fulcrum causing the door 200 to slightly rotate clockwise such that the leading edge 216 rotates down and the trailing edge 218 rotates upwardly. The bottom roller 520 prevents the door 200 from rotating too far, and prevents the leading edge 216 from dropping into the opening 50.

The bottom roller 520 also engages and rolls along the underside of the curved portion 320 of the running track 300. As the door 200 is moved along the running track 300, the bottom roller 520 reaches the curved portion 320. Further horizontal force on the bottom roller 520 (from the actuator(s) 600) results in the transfer for the horizontal force into a downward force on the trailing edge 218 of the door 200. This is explained in further detail below with respect to the operation of the hatch cover assembly 100.

Each roller assembly 500 may include a single top roller 510 and a single bottom roller 520. It should be appreciated that the top roller 510 may include two or more wheels, and/or the bottom roller 520 may include two or more wheels in accordance with the present disclosure. In addition, it should be appreciated that the roller assemblies 500 may in fact not include wheels, but rather may include a different mechanism for providing the same function in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, rather than wheels, the top roller 510 and/or bottom roller 520 may be a rod, bar, peg, ski, or any other suitable mechanism that enables movement of the door 200 along the running track 300 in accordance with the present disclosure.

In one example, the roller assembly 500 may include only a bottom roller 520, and may not include a top roller 510. In this case, the door 200 slides along the running track 400, but is not supported by a roller 510. The bottom roller 520, however, operates as discussed above.

The example illustrated actuators 600 provide generally horizontal forces to move the door 200 from the closed position to the fully open position and vice versa. In the illustrated embodiment, two actuators 600 are employed, positioned respectively on the front and rear sides (i.e., A-End and B-End) of the roof 28. Each actuator 600 is coupled to the curved panel 30 of the roof 28 via an actuator bracket 610, and one or more fasteners, welds, or other attachment mechanisms (not labeled) in accordance with the present disclosure. Each actuator 600 is also coupled to the elongated panel 210, roller assembly 500, and/or another part of the door 200 to enable movement of the door 200 with respect to the opening 50. The attachment to the door 200 and/or roller assembly 500 may be via one or more fasteners, welds, or other attachment mechanisms (not labeled) in accordance with the present disclosure. In the illustrated example embodiment best shown in FIG. 4, the actuator 600 is coupled to the roller assembly 500. Each actuator 600 may be an air cylinder, a hydraulic actuator, or some other type of actuator in accordance with the present disclosure. Further, although the example illustrated embodiment includes two actuators 600, it should be appreciated that fewer or more actuators may be employed in accordance with the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that the positioning of the actuators 600 may proximate the ends of the door 200, in a middle of the door 200, or a combination of both in accordance with the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 in particular, example operation of the example illustrated hatch cover assembly 100 attached to the example hopper car 10 is described. FIG. 7 illustrates the hatch cover assembly 100 in a fully open position. FIG. 8 illustrates the hatch cover assembly 100 in a partially open position. FIG. 9 illustrates the hatch cover assembly 100 in a closed position.

In FIG. 7, the door 200 is resting on the coaming 40 and the running track 300 (via the top roller 510). To move to the closed position, the actuator(s) 600 provide horizontal forces on or to the door 200 (via a connection to the door 200 and/or roller assembly 500) causing the door 200 to slide to the right into the intermediate or partially open position shown in FIG. 8.

During movement from the fully open position in FIG. 7 to the partially open position in FIG. 8, the downwardly extending center portion 220 slides along the curved top portion 44 of the coaming 40. The weight of the door 200 causes the door 200 to tip or rotate clockwise, causing the leading edge 216 to move downwardly and the trailing edge 218 to move upwardly. The bottom roller 520 contacts the bottom surface 314 of the running track 300, preventing the door 200 from rotating further.

To move to the closed position, the actuator(s) 600 continue to move the door 200 in a substantially horizontal direction to the right into the position shown in FIG. 9. In FIG. 9, the door 200 is in the closed position. Just prior to the position shown in FIG. 9, the leading edge 216 of the elongated panel 210 contacts the locking clip 400. After initial contact is made between the leading edge 216 and the locking clip 400, the additional horizontal force on the door 200 causes the locking clip 400 to further push the leading edge 216 downwardly onto the coaming 40. At the same time, the bottom roller 520 contacts the curved portion 320 of the running track 300. Additional horizontal force on the door 200 causes the bottom roller 520 to roll downwardly following the curvature of the running track 300. This forces the trailing edge 218 downward onto the coaming 40. The combination of (1) the downward forces by the locking clip 400 and the bottom roller 520 and (2) the horizontal force(s) from the actuator(s) 600 provides an angled force acting on the leading edge gasket 222 and trailing edge gasket 224. The resulting force is sufficient to engage the seal between the leading edge gasket 222 and the inside surface 46 of the coaming 40, and between the trailing edge gasket 224 and the outside surface 48 of the coaming 40. Thus, the example hatch cover assembly 100 disclosed herein provides a seal for the hopper car, and enables substantially horizontal movement to transition from the fully open position to the closed position and vice versa. As such, smaller actuators and movement components can be used for the same weight door, compared with a door that opens upwardly on a hinge. Furthermore, the example hatch cover assembly disclosed herein enables a large portion of the weight of the door to be supported by the running tracks 300 and coaming 40 rather than the actuator, even when transitioning from the fully open position to the closed position.

FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 illustrate a second example hatch cover assembly including many of the same features as shown in the hatch cover assembly 100 of FIGS. 1-9.

FIG. 10, in particular, illustrates an enlarged bottom perspective view of the second hatch cover assembly in the closed position. FIG. 10 shows a door 1200 from below, a coaming 1040, and a curved panel 1030 of the roof of the hopper car. The coaming 1040 and curved panel may be similar or identical to the coaming 40 and curved panel 30 discussed above.

The door 1200 may be similar or identical to the door 200 described above, in one or more respects. However, different from the door 200, the door 1200 includes, (1) a plurality of runners 1220 and (2) a plurality of corresponding wire bridges 1221. The runners 1220 extend downwardly from a central portion of the door 1200, transverse to the direction of movement of the door 1220. The runners 1220 act as running surfaces supporting the door 1200, contacting the coaming 1040 as the door 1200 slides from the fully open position to the closed position and vice versa

The plurality of wire bridges are each rotatably coupled to one of the runners 1220. Each wire bridge may be identical and operate in the same manner, so only one will be described in detail herein. Wire bridge 1221 is configured to extend below the door 1200. In the open position (shown best in FIG. 11), the wire bridge 1221 is positioned between the door 1200 and the coaming 1040. The wire bridge 1221 prevents the door 1220 from slipping down and causing the leading edge gasket 1222 to contact the coaming 1040 when in the open position. This enables the door 1200 to fully open, by having the leading edge of the door 1200 supported by the wire bridge 1221.

Then, when transitioning from the fully open position shown in FIG. 11 to the closed position shown in FIG. 12, the wire bridge 1221 supports the door 1200 as it slides along the coaming 1040, until the door 1200 slides past the point where the wire bridge is connected to the runner 1220. The wire bridge 1221 then rotates downward, and freely hangs from the runner 1220. This is illustrated in the closed position shown in FIG. 12.

When transitioning from the closed position to the fully open position, the door 1200 begins to slide open (i.e., to the left in FIGS. 10, 11, and 12). When the door slides far enough that the wire bridge 1221 contacts the coaming 1040, the wire bridge 1221 begins to rotate upward. The door 1200 continues to slide open, causing the wire bridge 1221 to rotate to a substantially horizontal position (shown in FIG. 11). In this position, the wire bridge 1221 extends laterally past the leading edge gasket 1222, thereby protecting the leading edge gasket 1222 from coming into contact with the coaming 1040 when in the fully open position.

The wire bridge 1221 is illustrated in FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 as being a looped wire that is rotatably attached to the runner 1220. However, it should be understood that the wire bridge may be any other suitable material, shape, or configuration that is configured to protect the leading edge gasket from contact with the coaming when in the fully open position. As such, wire bridge 1221 may be made from plastic, steel, a metal alloy, or any other suitable material.

Various components are described according to specific embodiments shown in the Figures. It should be appreciated that these components may have different shapes, orientations, and/or arrangements than those specifically shown. For example, opening 50 is shown as an obround opening, and it should be appreciated that other shaped openings may be used. In addition, the shapes of the running tracks 300, locking clips 400, coaming 40, and door 200 components may be different than those shown. These examples are not an exhaustive list, and it should be appreciated that other components described herein may have different shapes, sizes, connections, and/or orientations while maintaining the same functionality as those shown in the figures.

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.

Claims

1. A hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly comprising:

a running track connectable to a roof of a hopper railroad car

a door movable from an open position to a closed position relative to a coaming of the hopper railroad car, the door supportable by the running track when in the open position;

a roller assembly attached to the door and movable along the running track;

a locking clip engageable with a leading edge of the door; and

an actuator configured to move the door between the open position and the closed position.

2. The hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the door includes a leading edge gasket and a trailing edge gasket each engageable with the coaming of the hopper car.

3. The hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly of claim 2, wherein the leading edge gasket is engageable with an inner surface of the coaming, and wherein the trailing edge gasket is engageable with an outer surface of the coaming.

4. The hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly of claim 3, wherein the leading edge gasket and the trailing edge gasket are engageable with coaming at approximately a same angle.

5. The hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly of claim 3, wherein the leading edge gasket and the trailing edge gasket are engageable with the coaming at respective angles of between 30 and 60 degrees.

6. The hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the roller assembly includes a top roller movable along a top surface of the running track when in the open position and during movement of the door between the open position and closed position.

7. The hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly of claim 6, wherein the top roller is disengaged from the running track when the door is in the closed position and in the open position.

8. The hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the roller assembly includes a bottom roller moveable along a bottom surface of the running track.

9. The hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly of claim 8, wherein bottom roller is configured to provide a downward sealing force to a trailing edge of the door.

10. The hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the door includes a downwardly extending center portion slideable along the coaming of the hopper car when the door moves between the open position and the closed position.

11. The hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking clip includes an upright portion and an inwardly curved portion, and wherein the inwardly curved portion is engageable with the leading edge of the door.

12. The hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking clip is configured to provide a downward sealing force to the leading edge of the door.

13. The hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly of claim 1, which includes an end gasket assembly.

14. The hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly of claim 13, wherein the end gasket assembly includes a first portion engageable with an inner surface of the coaming of the hopper car, and a second portion engageable with an outer surface of the coaming of the hopper car.

15. The hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly of claim 14, wherein a shape of the end gasket assembly is a semicircular arc, and wherein the first portion includes a first half of the semicircular arc, and the second portion includes a second half of the semicircular arc.

16. The hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly of claim 1, which includes a wire bridge rotatably attached to the door, the wire bridge movable between a first position when the door is in the open position, and a second position when the door is in the closed position, wherein in the first position the wire bridge extends between the door and the coaming, and in the second position the wire bridge hangs downwardly from the door.

17. The hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the actuator is configured to move the door in a substantially horizontal direction between the open position and the closed position

18. A hopper car comprising:

a frame;

spaced apart side walls;

a roof connected to the side walls and including a coaming defining an opening in the roof; and

a hatch cover assembly including: a running track connectable to the roof; a door moveable from an open position to a closed position relative to the coaming; a roller assembly attached to the door and moveable along the running track; a locking clip engageable with a leading edge of the door; and an actuator configured to move the door between the open position and the closed position.

19. The hopper car of claim 18, wherein the door includes a leading edge gasket engageable with an inner surface of the coaming, and a trailing edge gasket engageable with an outer surface of the coaming.

20. The hopper car of claim 18, wherein the roller assembly includes a bottom roller engageable with a bottom surface of the running track and configured to provide a downward sealing force to a trailing edge of the door.

21. The hopper car of claim 18, wherein the locking clip includes an upright portion and an inwardly curved portion, and wherein the inwardly curved portion is engageable with the leading edge of the door and configured to provide a downward sealing force to the leading edge of the door.

22. The hopper car of claim 18, which includes an end gasket assembly having a first portion engageable with an inner surface of the coaming, and a second portion engageable with an outer surface of the coaming.

23. The hopper car of claim 18, wherein the hatch cover assembly includes a wire bridge rotatably attached to the door, the wire bridge movable between a first position when the door is in the open position, and a second position when the door is in the closed position, wherein in the first position the wire bridge extends between the door and the coaming, and in the second position the wire bridge hangs downwardly from the door.

24. The hopper car of claim 18, wherein the an actuator is configured to move the door in a substantially horizontal direction between the open position and the closed position