Abstract: A universal chain tie down assembly includes an anchor base and an associated turret, with a cannon pivotally connected to the turret. The proximal portion of a tensioning rod is associated with the cannon. The tensioning rod further includes a distal portion associated with a hub, along with a tool attachment portion that is configured for engagement by a tool for rotation of the tensioning rod. First and second arms of a constant tensioning device extend from proximal ends associated with the hub to distal ends spaced distally of the hub. A chain is associated with a distal end of the constant tensioning device, such as by being linked to the curved portion of a U-bolt of the constant tensioning device. A tension lock assembly and/or an anti-vibration assembly may be employed to prevent a vibration-induced change in the tension in the universal chain tie down assembly.

Abstract: A hatch lock cover includes inner and outer flanges, with a keeper and a handle positioned between the flanges. The handle is rotatable with respect to the flanges to move a batten bar contacting surface into and out of engagement with a batten bar or a hatch cover tab of a hatch cover. A downwardly extending portion of an arm of the keeper may define an aperture and/or include a projection for securing an adjustment plate or extension piece to the arm to provide an alternative batten bar contacting surface. Alternatively, a mounting bracket may be provided to secure the hatch cover lock to a railcar, with the mounting bracket accommodating the hatch cover lock in different positions having different elevations. Such configurations allow the hatch cover lock to be adjusted for use with a batten bar or hatch cover tab having a gasket that has become worn out.

Abstract: A universal chain tie down assembly includes an anchor base and an associated turret, with a cannon pivotally connected to the turret. The proximal portion of a tensioning rod is associated with the cannon. The tensioning rod further includes a distal portion associated with a hub, along with a tool attachment portion that is configured for engagement by a tool for rotation of the tensioning rod. First and second arms of a constant tensioning device extend from proximal ends associated with the hub to distal ends spaced distally of the hub. A chain is associated with a distal end of the constant tensioning device, such as by being linked to the curved portion of a U-bolt of the constant tensioning device. A tension lock assembly and/or an anti-vibration assembly may be employed to prevent a vibration-induced change in the tension in the universal chain tie down assembly.

Abstract: An uncoupling lever for a railcar has first, second, and third lever members slidably connected to each other for relative motion along their lengths. The second and third lever members are urged apart from one another along their lengths with a biasing member. The uncoupling lever has a handle configured for manual operation of the uncoupling lever, and a hook configured for actuating a lock of a coupler of the railcar. One of the handle and hook is operatively connected to the first lever member and the other of the handle and hook is operatively connected to the third lever member.

Abstract: A railway car air brake hose support bracket has an upper portion with first and second attachment members, a lower portion and an air hose connector. The first attachment member enters into and engages a portion of an accessible compartment of an uncoupling mechanism housing below the coupler head, and the second attachment member is secured to an air brake hose support lug of the railway car coupler. The air brake hose connector engages an air brake hose assembly and suspends this hose assembly from the railway coupler at a predetermined distance above the rail bed. A method of installing the hose support bracket includes positioning the first and second attachment members, securing them in place, and attaching one or more railway brake hose units to the air hose connector, either before or after this positioning and securing of the upper portion of the bracket.

Abstract: A railway car air brake hose support bracket has an upper portion with first and second attachment members, a lower portion and an air hose connector. The first attachment member enters into and engages a portion of an accessible compartment of an uncoupling mechanism housing below the coupler head, and the second attachment member is secured to an air brake hose support lug of the railway car coupler. The air brake hose connector engages an air brake hose assembly and suspends this hose assembly from the railway coupler at a predetermined distance above the rail bed. A method of installing the hose support bracket includes positioning the first and second attachment members, securing them in place, and attaching one or more railway brake hose units to the air hose connector, either before or after this positioning and securing of the upper portion of the bracket.

Abstract: A spring-style railway hose support has a retraction-biased extension unit of a longitudinally compressible spring and a pair of oppositely directed internal wireforms within the longitudinally compressible spring. The internal wireforms engage respective ends of the longitudinally compressible spring, and a closed end of each is configured to allow it to project beyond a respective end of the longitudinally compressible spring. The retraction-biased extension unit is adapted to be directly or indirectly connected to a railway brake hose and to a railway car component that is positioned above the hose on a railway car.

Abstract: A spring-style railway hose support has a retraction-biased extension unit of a longitudinally compressible spring and a pair of oppositely directed internal wireforms within the longitudinally compressible spring. The internal wireforms engage respective ends of the longitudinally compressible spring, and a closed end of each is configured to allow it to project beyond a respective end of the longitudinally compressible spring. The retraction-biased extension unit is adapted to be directly or indirectly connected to a railway brake hose and to a railway car component that is positioned above the hose on a railway car.

Abstract: A two-piece anchor assembly has a retainer and an interlocking link. The link is a unitary component that is formed by a single forging step. The link is secured to the floor of a railway flatcar by the retainer. A steel band is connected at one end to a load bearing surface of the link of a first anchor assembly and at another end to a load bearing surface of the link of a second anchor assembly. A tensile force is then applied to the steel banding and crimped with a clip in order to secure cargo. The load bearing surface has an enhanced banding radius, which reduces the risk of band breakage when the steel band is subjected to a high tensile force by preventing “creasing” at contact locations.

Abstract: A two-piece anchor assembly has a retainer and an interlocking link. The link is a unitary component that is formed by a single forging step. The link is secured to the floor of a railway flatcar by the retainer. A steel band is connected at one end to a load bearing surface of the link of a first anchor assembly and at another end to a load bearing surface of the link of a second anchor assembly. A tensile force is then applied to the steel banding and crimped with a clip in order to secure cargo. The load bearing surface has an enhanced banding radius, which reduces the risk of band breakage when the steel band is subjected to a high tensile force by preventing “creasing” at contact locations.

Abstract: An anchor assembly has a retainer and an interlocking link, with the link secured to the floor of a flatcar by the retainer. An adapter welded to the load bearing surface provides an enhanced banding radius which reduces the risk of band breakage, without requiring replacement of the existing anchor assembly. The adapter includes a saddle portion and preferably tabs to prevent misalignment during installation of the adapter onto the link. A metal band is connected at one end to a load bearing surface of the combined link and adapter of a first anchor assembly and at another end to a load bearing surface of the combined link and adapter of a second anchor assembly. A tensile force is applied to the steel banding and crimped with a clip to secure cargo.

Abstract: A removable adapter system allows a freight car sidewall with lading tie anchors to accommodate rub rails for cargo transportation and to remove the rub rails when desired. Bolts specially configured to fit between a lading tie anchor and the associated indentation in the sidewall are spaced apart for aligning vertical strips. The vertical strips include a plurality of attachment members which hold rub rails that run from at or spaced from the front or back wall of the freight car to at or spaced from the door opening. The adapter system can be applied and removed with standard hand tools, so the sidewall is easily changed from a lading tie anchor system to a rub rail system and back to a lading tie anchor system.

Abstract: A retainer having an elongated body secures one end of a cargo-engaging strapping to a wall anchor of a cargo transport unit wall. In operation, a loop is formed in the strapping and passed from a first side of the anchor to a second side, where the retainer is inserted within the loop, such that the loop engages a portion of a strapping-engaging surface of the retainer body. Then the loop is pulled toward the anchor until the retainer seats against the anchor. Finally, the portion of the strapping extending from the first side is pulled toward the second side, whereby a loose end of the loop is secured against the anchor. The retainer prevents strapping slippage along the anchor, which preserves the tension in the strapping and prevents the cargo from shifting and becoming damaged. The retainer also allows for improved application and removal of the strapping.

Abstract: Tie down anchors for a railcar having a body arranged and affixed to the side wall to serve at an anchoring point. The upper and lower end sections have expanded widths on which a pair of cutout areas are formed to serve as a vent opening for moisture to escape from behind a mounted anchor in a first embodiment. In a second embodiment, holes are formed through the upper and lower end sections to create a moisture vent opening.

Abstract: A lading tie anchor for use in a railway boxcar having an interior metal lining, the lining having an aperture or indentation formed therein for receipt of the anchor, with the anchor comprising a one-piece body adapted to be received or seated in the opening or indentation in the metal lining. The anchor has at least two opposed edge portions that define a central opening, with the edge portions engaging the metal lining. A continuous, vertically-orientated anchoring post spans the central opening, the post including an aperture or drain hole in its lower portion to facilitate the transportation of liquid from the anchor into the aperture or indentation in the metal lining.