Abstract: An impact detection device for a system for locking the kingpin of a semitrailer on a railway unit includes a rigid connecting piece connected to a kingpin receiving structure and a connecting shaft connecting the rigid connecting piece to the railway unit, mounted on the railway unit, received with the ability to pivot in an oblong provided in the rigid connecting piece and capable of moving in the oblong. The device also includes a shear pin that prevents the connecting shaft from moving in the oblong and which breaks in the event of an impact so as to allow the connecting shaft to move in the oblong, a bypass pipe mounted as a bypass on the general pipe of the railway unit, and a cutoff tool secured to the railway unit, which cuts off the bypass pipe when the shear pin is broken and a connecting shaft is moving in the oblong.

Abstract: A retractable stanchion for supporting a semi-trailer during transport on a deck of a railcar is provided. The stanchion includes a rear guide support assembly, a diagonal support strut coupled to said rear guide support assembly, and a vertical support strut operatively connected to said diagonal support strut. The vertical support strut an outer frame, an inner frame, and a moveable pull-up assembly. The outer frame includes an outer frame first end and an outer frame second end. The outer frame first end is pivotally mounted to the deck of the railcar. The inner frame is coupled to and disposed within the outer frame. The moveable pull-up assembly includes a pull-up assembly first end and a pull-up assembly second end, wherein the pull-up assembly first end is pivotally coupled to and substantially disposed within the inner frame, and wherein the pull-up assembly is configured to be engaged by a tractor hook and moved from an engagement position to a pull position.

Abstract: An improvement to a collapsible stanchion on a railcar for supporting semi-trailers thereon. The improvement consists of a linkage which is activated by the pulling of a handle away from the stanchion during the operation of raising it from a resting position to an upright position. The linkage exerts a force on a diagonal support member of the stanchion to urge it into a position where the stanchion's locking mechanism may be engaged to lock the stanchion in an upright position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for securing horizontally loaded cargo units on a vessel, in which method the cargo units (13) are handled and secured for transporting the cargo units (13) on the vessel. The cargo unit (13) is secured to the vessel and/or to an adjacent cargo unit (13) by means of securing elements extending in the longitudinal direction of the cargo unit such that securing parts (11, 12) of the securing element (10) fixed to a bulkhead (15) of the vessel and to the cargo unit or to adjacent cargo units form an interlocking coupling, whereby the cargo unit (13) that is secured remains in place in the securing position. The invention also relates to a device for securing horizontally loaded cargo units on a vessel, which device is used for securing the cargo units (13) for transport on the vessel.

Abstract: A device for monitoring operation of a lock lever of a fifth wheel trailer hitch. The inventive device includes a switch mounted to a fifth wheel hitch and responsive to a position of either the lock lever or an air cylinder actuator rod coupled to the lock lever. The switch is electrically coupled to an interlock solenoid and an indicator light for respectively blocking movement of the trailer raise/lower lever and indicating incomplete coupling of a trailer to the fifth wheel hitch.

Abstract: A stanchion for supporting a semi-trailer for transport on a bed of a rail car comprises a generally vertically-oriented support member having a base end and a top end, with a fifth wheel mounted to the top end. A diagonal strut attached to the support member extends angularly downward. A first plate member is positioned on the rail car bed and has a first pin extending therethrough and into the rail car bed for pivotally attaching the plate member to the rail car. A second pin extends through the plate member and into the rail car bed to prevent rotation of the plate member about the first pin. Flanges on a top surface of the plate member are attached to the support member and the strut, allowing orientation of the fifth wheel to be reversed by rotating the plate member about the first pin.

Abstract: A stanchion is provided with a latch system which is operable from the tractor which positions the trailers such that a gate on the tractor locks and unlocks the latch to appropriately reposition the stanchion during the positioning of the trailer. The tractor also includes a hook which engages the stand to raise the stand during loading of the trailer from its lowered to its raised position to engage and secure the tractor and also to reposition the unlocked stand during unloading of the trailer.

Abstract: An improved articulated railway spine car unit for carrying highway truck trailers and/or containers has a center sill which extends substantially the entire length of the car unit. The center sill has end portions with upper surfaces depressed with respect to the upper surface of a longitudinally extended center portion. A retractable fifth wheel or trailer hitch is located on the upper surface of at least one end portion of the center sill. The upper surface of the trailer hitch, when retracted onto the center sill, is at substantially the same level as the center portion of the center sill. The raised center sill center portion both provides backup support for the floors of containers carried on the car unit, and also increases the center sill's structural rigidity and resistance to bending deflection.

Abstract: A trailer sensor (83) for use on a retractable railcar trailer hitch (1) is disclosed. The hitch has a hitch head (3) for capturing a kingpin (K) of a trailer (T), a locking mechanism (35) for latching the hitch in its erect position, and a manually operable release mechanism (67) for retracting the hitch. A movable sensing element (85) carried on the hitch head senses the presence or absence of a trailer. A rod (93) moves the sensing element in response to operation of the release mechanism. If a trailer is supported by the hitch, the assembly blocks movement of the sensor and prevents retraction of the hitch. If no trailer is supported by the hitch, the sensing element allows the release mechanism to unlock the hitch so it can retract.

Abstract: A stanchion is provided with a latch system which is operable from the tractor which positions the trailers such that a gate on the tractor locks and unlocks the latch to appropriately reposition the stanchion during the position of the trailer. The tractor also includes a hook which engages the stand to raise the stand during loading of the trailer from its lowered to its raised position to engage and secure the tractor and also to reposition the unlocked stand during unloading of the trailer.

Abstract: A king pin locking plate assembly having a locking plate provided on the underside with a pair of cooperating jaws pivotally supported under the locking plate and being urged into open position by a spring member positioned between the two jaws, the two jaws having a frontal portion facing a king pin, the frontal portion defining a lock surface which is adapted to be abutted by a free end of a jaw lock pivotally supported in the king pin receiving slot by a pivot which engages a bifurcated end of the jaw lock. A jaw lock stop is situated in the bifurcated end of the jaw lock and, because of its internal elongated opening, is capable of maintaining the jaw lock in either a king pin securing position or in a king pin releasing position.

Abstract: A protective cover (163) for a trailer hitch (1) for use on a railcar (C). The hitch has a support (7), a hitch head (3) carried by the support, a locking mechanism (49) for latching the hitch in an upright, erect position, and a release mechanism (90) for allowing the hitch to retract. The cover comprises a plate (165) substantially covering at least a portion of the support, the locking mechanism, and the release mechanism. One end of the plate is pivotally mounted relative to the railcar and the other end of the plate cammingly engages the hitch support so that as the hitch is erected and retracted, the plate moves with the support and covers at least a portion of the support, the locking mechanism and the release mechanism.

Abstract: A railway train of truck trailers or trailer chassis coupled end to end with the back end of each trailer (and the front end of a following trailer, if any) pivotally supported on the bolster of a railway truck by a subframe having vertically facing load carrying parts engaged by mating parts on the back end of the leading trailer on opposite sides of its centerline. The following trailer is supported by structure either on the forward trailer or pivotally supported by said subframe. When connected in the railway mode, the road wheels of the trailer are supported clear of the tracks.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for securing a forward end portion of a semi-trailer carried on a platform such as a railroad flat car includes a support bed having an upper surface for supporting engagement with a bearing surface around a kingpin on the semi-trailer. The depending kingpin of the semi-trailer is seatable within a central aperture formed in the bed and positioned adjacent the intersection of a central longitudinal axis and a lateral axis of the trailer when in position on the railroad car. The aperture is defined to include fixed forward and rearward surfaces for direct stopping engagement with an anlarged kingpin tending to move forwardly or rearwardly along the longitudinal axis. A lateral entry/exit slot is provided in the bed between one side of the central aperture and an adjacent outer edge for guiding the kingpin of the semi-trailer into and out of the central aperture of the bed.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a lock block link 34 has a first end 36 connected to a trailer hitch bumper block 22 and a second end 40 which engages a lock block 46 which holds the hitch jaws 16 in closed position. The lock block link 34 is supported by an operating shaft link 54 extending from a manual operating shaft 50 extending to the side of the hitch. When the bumper block 22 is engaged by a tractor, the bumper block rotates about pins 30 connecting the bumper block to the hitch head 10. This rotation moves the lock block link 34 and in turn the lock block 46 rearwardly, which allows the jaws 16 to rotate to open position to allow exit of the trailer king pin. A lost motion connection 31 is provided in the connection between the first end of the lock block link and the bumper block to allow the lock block link 34 to move relative to the bumper block when the lock block 46 is moved rearwardly manually by the operating shaft.

Abstract: A hitch mechanism connected to a freight car is disposed to receive a king pin of a trailer to be carried by the car. The hitch mechanism is adapted to be selectively opened to receive the king pin therein and then closed by a lever to secure the king pin in place. A latch mechanism automatically locks the hitch mechanism in a closed position after the hitch mechanism is closed. A manual operation of the latch mechanism is required before the hitch mechanism can be opened.

Abstract: A tractor operated hitch is provided including a vertical strut and a diagonal strut, each connected to the hitch head and which provide the sole support for the hitch head. A bumper block assembly is pivotably mounted about the hitch head which depends from and extends outwardly from the hitch head in a direction away from the diagonal strut a distance sufficient to locate a bumper within the industry standard distance above the deck. On the opposite side of its pivot point the bumper block assembly is connected to a diagonal strut linkage which, upon application of sufficient force by the tractor to the bumper, will pivot the bumper block assembly about its pivot point and disconnect the diagonal strut linkage from an upright, engaged position to a retracted position on the deck.

Abstract: A hitch head or fifth wheel is provided including a pair of pivotable jaws which in closed position hold in place a kingpin of a highway trailer. A horizontally movable lock block engages the rear portion of the jaws and holds the jaws in closed position. The lock block is movable to a position out of engagement with the jaws to allow escape of the kingpin. The rear surfaces of the jaws and the side surface of the lock block are provided with cooperating tapers which reduce frictional drag when the lock block is moved to open position, and when it returns to locked position, compensate for manufacturing tolerances which tend to create misalignment between the lock block and the rear portion of the jaws, compensate for wear in the engaging surfaces of the jaws and lock block, and provide a tight fit without undue clearance when the lock block engages the jaws.

Abstract: The king pin assembly is adapted to be mounted on a first vehicle for coupling said vehicle to a second vehicle. First and second king pins are integral in one piece with a common shaft and are 90.degree. out of phase with each other. Each king pin when in its operative position is preloaded in a direction parallel to the axis of the shaft and is preloaded in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the shaft.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a trailer hitch is provided including a vertical strut and a diagonal strut which support a hitch head or fifth wheel adapted to engage the kingpin of a highway trailer. Removable pins are provided at the base of the vertical strut to enable the hitch to be pivoted to the retracted position. The vertical strut includes a pair of lifting lugs located on either side of the hitch head and which are each adapted to receive a strong, flexible connection from an overhead crane. The lugs are located inboard of the combined center of mass of the hitch head and the vertical strut toward the diagonal strut a distance sufficient to cause the vertical strut to pivot inboard toward the diagonal strut when the hitch is lifted by the crane.

Abstract: In a tractor operated piggyback railway trailer hitch including a vertical strut and a diagonal strut supporting a hitch head or fifth wheel, an improved bumper block assembly is provided, including at least one bumper block support plate pivotably mounted about a first pin in the hitch head, and a kingpin block laterally spaced from the bumper block support plate. The bumper block includes a generally vertical surface adapted to be contacted by a tractor, and a body portion including a first opening to receive a second pin. The bumper block is pivotably mounted about the second pin extending through the bumper block support plate and the bumper block. A third pin extends through the bumper block and said bumper block support plate. The third pin is designed to shear at a predetermined applied load.

Abstract: A railway trailer hitch includes a diagonal strut linkage rigidly attached to a bumper block assembly which is pivotably mounted about a pin supported for rotation by a vertical strut. The linkage extends within a hitch diagonal strut. A transversely extending shaft is attached to the lower portion of the linkage. At least one movable locking link is attached to the outer end of the shaft. The movable locking link is adapted to engage at least one fixed locking lug on at least one side of the hitch when the diagonal strut linkage is in the extended position within the diagonal strut. A spring is attached to the diagonal strut and to the diagonal strut linkage biasing the linkage into a downward position within the strut. Guide means are located within the diagonal strut allowing vertical movement of the linkage within the strut as the bumper block rotates about the pin and the linkage is moved longitudinally within the strut against the bias of the spring.

Abstract: In the piggyback trailer hitch of the present invention, the hitch is held in upright position by a pair of hook-shaped movable locking lugs which engage a pair of fixed locking lugs on opposite sides of the hitch. Links extending from the nose of the movable locking lugs are attached to a shaft extending transversely of the hitch. On at least one side of the hitch an indicating arm is pivotably mounted upon an upper diagonal strut cover plate. The indicating arm includes a lower surface which engages the shaft. The lower surface includes a slot which the shaft engages when the movable locking lug is locked in the upright position. When the shaft engages this slot, the distal end of the indicating arm extends through a slot in a lower diagonal strut cover plate to indicate to the operator that the hitch is fully locked in the upright position.

Abstract: A trailer hitch head or fifth wheel is disclosed including a pair of jaws which engage the kingpin of a trailer to hold the kingpin in place. The jaws are held in closed position by a locking member which is biased to the engaged position by at least one stiff spring. A linkage engages the locking member to move the locking member to open position against the bias of the stiff spring. The linkage may be manually or automatically activated. A one-way kingpin gate is located in the front portion of the fifth wheel. The linkage engages an actuator which automatically engages the one-way gate and pivots the same to open position allowing exit of the kingpin. Preferably the linkage is automatically activated by a bumper bar linkage in a tractor operated hitch, and also may be manually activated by the operator. Optionally, a manually operable handle is provided including a keeper or projection which engages a slot in the locking member in open position to hold the locking member in open position.

Abstract: A one-way gate assembly for a railway trailer hitch includes a pair of movable jaws adapted to assume a first position engaging and holding in place the kingpin of a piggyback trailer. A stiff yoke spring biases a yoke into a first position engaging the jaws to maintain said jaws in the first position. A one-way gate located on the exit side of the jaws is pivotably mounted about a horizontal axis. In one position the gate extends vertically upwardly, blocking exit of a trailer kingpin. A gate spring biases the gate to pivot the gate outwardly and away from said jaws. A first stop engages the base of the gate maintaining the gate in the vertically extending position. The stop is movable longitudinally of said hitch away from the gate to allow the gate to pivot to open position.

Abstract: A hitch head or fifth wheel is provided including a pair of pivotable jaws which hold in place a kingpin of a highway trailer. A horizontally movable lock block, biased by a stiff spring to closed position, engages the jaws and holds them in closed position, maintaining the kingpin in place. The lock block is movable to an open position by a finger extending through an opening in the lock block. The finger is rigidly attached to a horizontally extending operating shaft which is rotatable by a handle to move the finger to an overcenter position holding the lock block in open position. The finger includes a transversely extending protrusion which is engaged by the jaws as the kingpin exits to pivot the finger from the overcenter position and allow the lock block to move to a position engaging the rear portion of the jaws, holding the jaws open until another kingpin enters the jaws and pivots the jaws to closed position.

Abstract: In a railway trailer hitch, a wear resistant and crack resistant insert is removably attached to a fixed portion of the head which is subject to wear or cracking in service. The insert is made of a material which reduces or avoids wear and cracking of the fixed portion. If wear or cracking does occur, it tends to take place in the insert. An old insert can be easily and quickly removed and a new insert inserted into the head so that the hitch is not taken out of service to repair or replace the top plate.

Abstract: In a railway car trailer hitch in which a yoke maintains a pair of jaws in position engaging the trailer king pin in closed position, a pivotably mounted cam assembly is provided which moves the yoke to the open position and a stop is automatically activated when the yoke reaches the open position which maintains the yoke in open position for removal of the trailer from the hitch.

Abstract: In a railway trailer hitch, a wear resistant and crack resistant insert is removably attached to a fixed portion of the head which is subject to wear or cracking in service. The insert is made of a material which reduces or avoids wear and cracking of the fixed portion. If wear or cracking does occur, it tends to take place in the insert. An old insert can be easily and quickly removed and a new insert inserted into the head so that the hitch is not taken out of service to repair or replace the top plate.