BOLSTER FRICTION POCKET

Abstract

Systems are provided for railroad car truck including a bolster. In one example, the bolster may include a top member including a bolster bowl, a bottom member extending downward from the top member, a first end of the bolster pocket positioned at a first end of the top member and a second end of the bolster positioned distal from the first and of the bolster, and at least one friction pockets. Each of the at least one friction pocket is not defined by a shelf.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/488,127 entitled “BOLSTER THE FRICTION POCKET” filed Mar. 2, 2023. The entire contents of the above identified application are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a system for a wide friction pocket of bolster that allows wedges to pass vertically into and out of the friction pocket.

DISCUSSION OF ART

Rail vehicles (e.g., freight railroad cars) may include a car body and two spaced apart trucks. The car body or car body under-frame may include two spaced apart center plates that respectively rest on and are rotatably or swivelly received by bolster bowls of the two trucks. The trucks rollingly support the car body along railroad tracks or rails. Each truck may include a three piece truck configuration that includes two spaced apart parallel side frames and a bolster. The side frames may extend in the same direction as the tracks or rails, and the bolster may extend transversely or laterally (such as perpendicularly) to the tracks or rails. The bolster may extend laterally through and between and is supported by the two spaced apart side frames.

The bolster includes four friction pockets positioned where a face of the bolster interfaces with the side arm. At least one wedge may sit inside each of the friction pockets and provide cushioning between the bolster and the side frame. The at least one wedge may rest on a shelf of the bolster when the trucks are unloaded. The shelf may provide structural support to the friction pocket, especially if the friction pocket is wide (e.g. >7⅞″), to prevent stress fractures and/or cracking. A wide friction pocket may be desirable by some users. For example, use of some types of wedges may demand that the friction pocket is wide. The at least one wedge is subject to friction and wear, thereby demanding routine maintenance and eventual replacement. Servicing of the bolster may include removing the wedges for inspection and/or replacement. Due to the presence of the shelf, removal of the at least one wedge demands disassembly of the truck in order to move the at least one wedge out of the friction pocket. Truck disassembly may be time consuming and labor intensive. Additionally, a presence of the shelf precludes the positioning of wear plates in the friction pocket due to space constraints. Positioning of wear plates in the friction pocket may be desirable because the wear plates may demand replacement, and replacement may prolong a usable lifetime of the bolster. It may be desirable to have a bolster pocket that differs from those that are currently available.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, the current disclosure provides support for a shelf-less bolster, including the friction pockets that allow a wedge to move freely into and out of the friction pocket in a vertical direction. The shelf-less bolster may be cast to include support features including a longitudinal rib connected to a longitudinally inner pocket wall, two columns positioned along interior corners of the longitudinal bolster pocket walls, two lateral roof ribs connecting an interior surface of a rear pocket wall to a center rib, and two exterior pockets with a large pocket radius positioned at intersections between a lower sloped portion of the rear wall and each of the longitudinal bolster pocket walls.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a freight railroad car positioned on railroad tracks, including trucks supporting the railroad car.

FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional view of a first side of a truck including a bolster with a friction pocket including shelves.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a shelf-less bolster.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective showing details of a friction pocket of the shelf-less bolster.

FIG. 5 shows a first cross sectional view of the shelf-less bolster.

FIG. 6 shows an end view of the shelf-less bolster.

FIG. 7 shows a third cross sectional view of the shelf-less bolster.

FIG. 8 shows a close up external view of an inner side of the friction pocket of the shelf-less bolster.

FIG. 9 shows a top view of the friction pocket of the shelf-less bolster.

FIG. 10 shows a top view of two of the friction pockets of the shelf-less bolster.

FIG. 11 shows a second top down view of the friction pocket of the shelf-less bolster.

The FIGS. 1 and 3-11 are drawn to scale, although other relative dimensions may be used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a system for a wide friction pocket of a bolster that allows wedges to pass vertically into and out of the friction pocket. This description discloses systems for a shelf-less bolster of a railcar truck or bogie. The bolster may form a cross piece of the railcar truck and supports the railcar body. The bolster may couple to the railcar center plate via a bolster bowl protruding from an upper surface of the bolster. The railcar truck may be included in a freight railroad car as shown in FIG. 1. The railcar truck may be a three-piece truck including two side frames and a bolster. A cross sectional view of a first side of the railcar truck showing the side arm and a bolster including shelves that provide structural support to a wide friction pocket of the bolster is shown in FIG. 2.

A shelf-less bolster may allow for removal of a wedge without decoupling the bolster from the side frame and to provide room for inclusion of wear plates on walls of the friction pocket. A perspective view of a shelf-less bolster is shown in FIG. 3 with details of a friction pocket of the shelf-less bolster shown in a closer view in FIG. 4. A shelf-less bolster may include cast features, positioned internally and externally, to provide additional structural support to the wide friction pocket. Additional cast features are shown in the perspective, cross sectional, and top views of FIGS. 5-11. In various embodiments, structural support is provided to the bolster in such a way that a shelf is not present, and the wedges can be removed for inspection/replacement without demanding truck disassembly. The structural supports may allow for ease of manufacturing via CNC machining of cores and subsequent casting. In this way, according to aspects of the invention, by replacing the shelf of the friction pocket with ribs and supports, a wedge can be moved vertically into and out of the friction pocket. The technical effect of removing the shelf is to allow inspection and replacement of the wedge without demanding truck disassembly and to provide room to position wear plates on longitudinal walls of the friction pocket.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example embodiment 100 of a railroad car truck 20 with respect to a freight railroad car 10 that rolls along railroad tracks or rails 5 and includes an embodiment of the invention. Reference axes 102 are provided for comparison between FIGS. 1-11. An x-axis is parallel to a lateral direction and parallel to a direction of travel of railroad car 10, a y-axis is parallel to a longitudinal direction and a z-axis is parallel to a vertical direction, perpendicular to both the y and x axes. Additionally, arrow 103 indicates a gravitational axis and is parallel to the z-axis. The truck may include a first bolster 104, a bolster bowl (not shown) of the bolster, a first side frame 30, and a second side frame (not shown). The illustrated bolster is a shelf-less bolster. The bolster extends transversely to the direction of the railroad tracks or rails 5 (e.g., along the y-axis), and the side frames each extend laterally in the same direction as straight railroad tracks or rails 5 (e.g., along the x-axis).

A first end of the bolster may be coupled to the first side frame and a second end of the bolster, longitudinally opposite the first end may be coupled to the second side frame. Each side frame includes a rectangular opening that receives the first end or second end of the bolster. The first and second ends of the bolster each include two friction pockets, positioned on opposite lateral faces of the bolster, for a total of four friction pockets per bolster.

Turning now to FIG. 2, a cross sectional view of the truck showing a first end 201 of a second bolster is shown. A second bolster 203 may extend between side frames, transversely to the direction of the rails as described above with respect to the first bolster. The first end of the second bolster may be circumferentially surrounded by first side frame. The second end of the second bolster may be circumferentially surrounded by the second side frame. A friction pocket 204 may be defined as a cavity in a first longitudinal face of the second bolster. The first end of second bolster may include a friction pocket on a second longitudinal face, opposite the first longitudinal face (e.g., behind the friction pocket along the x-axis). The friction pocket on the second longitudinal face may be formed to mirror the friction pocket across the z-y plane. An opening of the friction pocket faces a side wall of the first side frame. One or more wedges 202 may be positioned inside the friction pocket. In one embodiment, the wedges may not be physically coupled to the second bolster. The wedges may be held inside the friction pocket by one or more springs 206 and a shelf 208. In some examples, wedges 202 may be a single wedge 202. The shelf may support and maintain structural integrity of the friction pocket, when the friction pocket is a wide friction pocket. Herein, a wide friction pocket may refer to the friction pocket having an opening of a defined width. In one embodiment, the width may be greater than about 7⅞″ (20.0 cm) along the y-axis. During use, they may control, reduce, eliminate and/or absorb friction that is generated by movement of the first bolster with respect to the first side frame.

Routine maintenance and inspection of the truck may demand removal and inspection of the wedge such as one or more of the wedges of FIG. 2. The shelf may prevent the wedges from sliding downward out of the friction pocket. Instead, the presence of the shelf may demand that the second bolster be decoupled from the first side frame in order to remove the wedges. Additionally, the shelf takes up space that may otherwise be used to install a wear plate in face sharing contact with longitudinal walls of the friction pocket.

Removing a shelf from the friction pocket allows the wedge to move vertically downwards along a gravitational axis and out of the friction pocket once springs positioned beneath the wedge are removed. Additional casting features as described below may provide structural support to the friction pocket, thereby maintaining structural integrity of the friction pocket even through the shelf is not present. The casting features may reduce stress and prevent cracking of a shelf-less bolster. The casting features provide the desired support without adding undue manufacturing complexity to the bolster. In this way, wedges can be removed for inspections and/or replacement without decoupling the bolster from the side frame.

Turning now to FIG. 3, a perspective view of a shelf-less bolster 300 is shown. The shelf-less bolster may include a first longitudinal end 302 and a second longitudinal end 304. The first longitudinal end and second longitudinal end may be positioned at longitudinally opposite ends of a top member 314 and a bottom member 316. Each of the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end may couple to a rectangular side frame, such as the first side frame described above respect to FIGS. 1-2. A bolster bowl 318 may protrude vertically upward from a longitudinal center of the top member. The bolster bowl may couple to a center plate of a railroad car such as railroad car 10 of FIG. 1. The top member may include two side bearing pads 322. Suitable side bearing pads may each be coupled to an exterior surface of the top member, longitudinally between each of the first longitudinal end and second longitudinal end and the bolster bowl, respectively. The bottom member may be coupled to and extend downwards (e.g., with the direction of gravity) from the top member. The bottom member may include two side lightening holes 324 and two break rod holes 326. Break rod holes 326 may be positioned vertically beneath the bolster bowl. The side lightening holes may be positioned between the break rod holes and the first longitudinal end and/or the second longitudinal end.

The shelf-less bolster may include a first lateral side 306 and second lateral side 308. The shelf-less bolster may include four friction pockets 310. The first longitudinal end may include a first friction pocket 310a and a second friction pocket 310b. The second longitudinal end may include a third friction pocket 310c and a fourth friction pocket 310d. The first friction pocket and the second friction pocket may be positioned at opposite vertical faces of the first longitudinal end. The third friction pocket and the fourth friction pocket may each be likewise positioned on opposite vertical faces of the second longitudinal end. The first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end may be mirror images of each other across the z-x plane. Further, the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end may each be symmetrical across the z-y plane. FIGS. 4, 6 and 10 show views of the first longitudinal end including the first friction pocket and the second friction pocket while FIGS. 5, 7-9, and 11 show views of the first friction pocket. Features described with respect to the first longitudinal end may also be included in the second longitudinal end and features of the first friction pocket may be included in each of the friction pockets. Some components may be viewed in more than one of FIGS. 4-11. Equivalent components showed in different views will be numbered the same. Box 312 outlines a portion of the shelf-less bolster including the first longitudinal end, the top member, and the bottom member which is shown in greater detail in FIG. 4.

Turning now to FIG. 4, a perspective view of the first friction pocket is shown. The first friction pocket may be bounded on three sides by a rear wall 406, a longitudinally outer wall 408, and a longitudinally inner wall 410. The rear wall may be positioned between the longitudinally outer wall and longitudinally inner wall. The first friction pocket may include or define a first corner 418 where the longitudinally inner wall meets the rear wall and a second corner 420 where the longitudinally outer wall meets the rear wall. The longitudinally inner wall may face the longitudinally outer wall across the x-z plane. The longitudinally inner wall may be positioned closer to the top member and the bottom member along the y-axis than the longitudinally outer wall. In some examples, the rear wall may join the longitudinally inner wall and the longitudinally outer wall. In some examples, the rear wall may join the longitudinally inner wall and the longitudinally outer wall at substantially right angles (e.g., 90°).

The friction pockets may be characterized by a width 409 measured between the longitudinally outer wall and the longitudinally inner wall. The features of the shelf-less bolster described herein with respect to FIGS. 4-11 may be demanded when the shelf-less bolster is a wide shelf-less bolster. A wide shelf-less bolster may include the friction pockets where the width is greater than or equal to 7⅞ inches (20.0 cm).

The first friction pocket may include an outer front wall 426 and an inner front wall 428. The inner front wall may extend perpendicularly from the longitudinally inner wall to join with the top member and the bottom member. The outer front wall may extend perpendicularly from the longitudinally outer wall towards an outer end of the first longitudinal end. Vertical faces of the inner front wall and outer front wall may each include column sets 430 that engage column wear plates. The longitudinally inner wall and the longitudinally outer wall may protrude further into the first friction pocket than the inner front wall and outer front wall. A step 438 may be positioned at an interface between the longitudinally inner wall and inner front wall and an interface between the longitudinally outer wall and outer front wall.

Additionally, the shelf-less bolster may include a roof 414 and a floor 416. The roof and floor may be parallel to each other and face each other across the z-axis. In some examples, the roof may be shorter in the longitudinal direction (e.g., along the y-axis) than the floor. For this reason, the floor may protrude beyond the roof and the first longitudinal end and at the second longitudinal end. An outer front wall 426, the longitudinally outer wall, the rear wall, the longitudinally inner wall and an inner front wall 428 may each extend from the roof to the floor. In some examples, an interface between the outer front wall and the roof and between the inner front wall and the roof may form a rounded corner (e.g., a fillet edge). Additionally, an interface between the longitudinally inner wall, the rear wall, the longitudinally outer wall and the roof may form a sharp edge corner. A center rib 602 may extend from the roof to the floor. A lower longitudinally outer face of the center rib and the outer front wall may each be flared where interfacing with the floor. The center rib is described in more detail with respect to FIG. 6 below

A first column 504 may extend laterally from an interior surface of the outer front wall towards the center rib. First column 504 may extend towards the center rib, but a surface of the first column may be spaced away from the center rib. Vertically, the first column may extend from the floor to the roof. Additionally, the first column may be slanted such that a side of the first column facing the center rib forms an angle of less than 90° with respect to the floor. The first column is described further below with respect to FIGS. 5, 6, 9, and 11.

The rear wall may include a vertically upper portion 406a and a vertically lower portion 406b. During use, the vertically upper portion may be tilted downwards toward the floor while the vertically lower portion is not tilted and positioned parallel to the z-axis. The tilt of the vertically upper portion may correspond to an angle between the vertically upper portion and a horizontal plane parallel with the floor. In some examples the angle may be less than 90°. In one embodiment, the angle may be 32°. The angle may be shown in a side cross section discussed further with respect to FIG. 7. The vertically lower portion may extend vertically downward (e.g., with respect to gravity) from the vertically upper portion. In some examples, at least a lower (with respect to gravity) edge of the vertically lower portion may be curved inwards towards a lateral center line 436 of the shelf-less bolster. An inner side wall 804 may extend from the vertically lower portion to the longitudinally inner wall. Details with respect to the inner side wall and a pocket formed at an interface of the inner side wall and the vertically lower portion may be discussed further below with respect to FIG. 8.

A portion of the vertically upper portion of the rear wall may extend above the roof and may form a base 431 face of a U-shaped protrusion 432. The U-shaped protrusion may protrude from an outer surface of the roof. An opening 434 of U-shaped protrusion may be facing towards a lateral center line 436 of the shelf-less bolster. In some examples, edges of the U-shaped protrusion may be flared outwards where the U-shaped protrusion joins the roof, thereby forming a concave curvature at an interface of the U-shaped protrusion with the roof.

In some embodiments, a first friction pocket 310a may include a first side wall plate 422 and second side wall plate 424. The first side wall plate may be removably coupled to an exterior face of the longitudinally outer wall and the second side wall plate may be removably coupled to an exterior face of the longitudinally inner wall. Herein, removably coupled components may be separated from one another without degrading either component. The first side wall plate and second side wall plate may each be shaped the same as the corresponding exterior face of the longitudinally inner wall and the longitudinally outer wall. In this way, when the first side wall plates and second side wall plates are used, a small rectangular upper portion of the longitudinally inner wall and the longitudinally outer wall are exposed. A rear insert 412 may be removably coupled to an exterior surface of the vertically upper portion of the rear wall. The rear insert, first side wall plate, and second side wall plate may each become worn over time and may be efficiently replaced due to being removably coupled.

The shelf-less bolster is formed without a shelf present within the friction pockets, such as the shelf shown in FIG. 2. When a shelf is not present, a wedge may be moved freely into and out of one of the friction pockets of the shelf-less bolster in a vertical direction (e.g., along the z-axis) once springs (such as springs 206 of FIG. 2) have been removed. Lateral movement of the wedges (e.g. along the x-axis) may be hindered by a side frame coupled to the shelf-less bolster and longitudinal movement may be hindered by the longitudinally inner wall and the longitudinally outer wall. In this way, the wedges may be moved out of the friction pockets without decoupling the shelf-less bolster from the side frame (such as first side frame of FIGS. 1-2). Moving a wedge into the friction pockets may include placing the wedge in face sharing contact with the rear wall, the longitudinally inner wall, and/or the longitudinally outer wall of the friction pockets. Once positioned inside the friction pockets, the tilt of the rear wall may prevent further upward vertical motion of the wedge. Moving a wedge out of the friction pockets may include spacing the wedge away from the friction pocket such that the wedge may be rotatable by 360° in any direction and an inspection of wear on all outer surfaces of the wedge may be performed.

Without a shelf, the shelf-less bolster may be subject to greater physical stresses which may cause cracking and thereby shorten a usable lifetime of the shelf-less bolster. For this reason, the shelf-less bolster includes support features described below with respect to FIGS. 5-11. In some examples, support features may be internal features of the shelf-less bolster and may be shown in cross sectional views.

Turning now to FIG. 5, a first cross sectional view 500 corresponding to line A-A′ of FIG. 4 is shown. The first cross sectional view shows an interior side of the first friction pocket as viewed from a lateral center of the shelf-less bolster looking at the first friction pocket. The first friction pocket may include the rear wall. The rear wall may include an interior face 502.

The shelf-less bolster may include a plurality of spring seat lugs 518, protruding downwards (with respect to gravity) from the floor. The plurality of spring seat lugs may engage with springs (such as the springs of FIG. 2) positioned between the shelf-less bolster and a side frame (such as the side frame of FIGS. 1-2). The springs may be disengaged from shelf-less bolster to allow the wedge to be moved downward out of the friction pockets of the shelf-less bolster 300.

The interior face may be roughly W-shaped, forming two indents 512 positioned between the roof and interior face. As described below with respect to FIG. 7, first and second lateral ribs may couple to the interior face. The interior face may include curved portion 514. The curved portion may be positioned vertically below indents and curved downward, facing the floor. A recessed face portion 516 of the interior face may be positioned within the curved portion. The recessed face may be in face sharing contact with the floor.

A first column 504 may be positioned laterally behind the longitudinally outer wall and a second column 506 may be positioned behind of the longitudinally inner wall. Further, the first column may be integrally formed with an interior facing portion of the first corner and the second column may be integrally formed with an interior facing portion of the second corner. The first column and the second column may be parallel to each other along the z-axis, each extending between the roof and the floor and positioned perpendicular to the floor and the roof. The first column and second column may each flare outward where they meet the roof and the floor. The first column and second column may be described further below with respect FIG. 5 and FIG. 8.

A portion of the first column and second column may be in face sharing contact with the interior face. In some examples, the first column and second column may in face sharing contact and angled away from the interior face. In this way first crease 520 may form between the first column and the interior face and a second crease 522 may form between second column and the interior face. In some examples the interior face may be tilted with respect to the x-z plane. For this reason, the first crease may be deeper with respect to the x-axis than the second crease.

Longitudinal rib 508 may be positioned perpendicular to the longitudinally inner wall and extending between the roof and the floor. Lateral faces of the longitudinal rib, including a first lateral face 524 and a second lateral face positioned opposite first lateral face 524 across the y-axis may be spaced away from other interior features of the shelf-less bolster. A first lateral face 526 of the longitudinal rib may be in face sharing contact with second column. In some examples, the longitudinal rib may be integrally formed with the longitudinally inner wall. The first lateral of the longitudinal rib may be coupled to a lateral wall of second column at an angle, forming a crease 510 between second column and the longitudinal rib. Additionally, edges of the first lateral face may be rounded, beveled or angled with the geometry selected based on end use applications and parameters.

A second longitudinal face 528 of the longitudinal rib may be flared outward at interfaces with the floor and the roof. Said another way, a top and bottom (with respect to the z-axis) of the second longitudinal face of the longitudinal rib may be curved in a concave direction. Edges of the longitudinal rib between the second longitudinal face and the first lateral face may be chamfered. In one example, the longitudinal rib may be equal in height along the z-axis to the first column and second column. The first column, second column, and the longitudinal rib may each provide physical support to the first friction pocket of to help prevent cracking of the shelf-less bolster.

Turning now to FIG. 11, a top down cross sectional view of the first friction pocket is shown. Line 1102 corresponds to an exterior surface of the shelf-less bolster. The wall 1104 corresponds to an interior surface of the shelf-less bolster. The longitudinal rib may extend perpendicularly from the longitudinally inner wall and from a side of second column. The outer longitudinal face of the longitudinal rib may be longer (along the y-axis) than an inner longitudinal face of the longitudinal rib.

A first notch 1106 may be formed where the inner front wall meets the longitudinally inner wall and a second notch 1108 may be formed where the longitudinally outer wall and the longitudinally inner wall meet. The First notch and second notch may be formed to interface with corresponding indents formed in the wedge and/or wedges that fit within the friction pockets. In some examples, the first notch and second notch may not be present and the longitudinally inner wall and inner front wall between the longitudinally outer wall and outer front wall may be formed as smooth corners. Smooth corners may be preferred if wedges without the corresponding indent are positioned within the friction pockets.

The first column may include a curved portion 504a and a lateral portion 504b. The curved portion may extend from the first crease towards a longitudinally outer edge of the shelf-less bolster. The curved portion may be equivalent to arc of 180° forming a semi-circle opening towards external surfaces of the first friction pocket. The curved portion may have a first diameter 1112. The lateral portion may extend outwards, parallel to the x-axis from the curved portion. The lateral portion may extend to meet the curved portion. The curved portion may curve in an opposite direction from a second curved portion 1114 positioned at an opposite end of lateral portion from the curved portion. The curved portion may be a portion of an interior surface of outer front wall.

The second column may include a curved portion 506a and a lateral portion 506b. The curved portion may extend from the second crease inwards towards the second longitudinal end. The curved portion may be equivalent to an arc of 180° forming a semi-circle opening towards external surface of the first friction pocket. The curved portion may be a second diameter 1110. In some examples, the second diameter may be equivalent to the first diameter. The lateral portion may extend outwards, parallel to the x-axis, from the curved portion until meeting the longitudinal rib.

A cross sectional view of the shelf-less bolster showing a tilt of the first column is shown in FIG. 6. A cross sectional view 600 is taken along line B-B′ as shown in FIG. 4 and extends an entire lateral length of the shelf-less bolster, including the first friction pocket and the second friction pocket. A center rib 602 may extend vertically between the floor and the roof and may divide the first friction pocket from the second friction pocket. Laterally, the center rib may be equidistant between the first friction pocket and the second friction pocket. In this way, dimensions of the first friction pocket and second friction pocket may be equivalent. A top and bottom (along the z-axis, with respect to gravity) of the center rib may be flared outward, resulting in concave curvature of the center rib where the center rib meets the roof and the floor. As described above with respect to FIG. 3, the first longitudinal end of the shelf-less bolster may include two friction pockets, mirrored across the y-z plane (e.g., mirrored across the center rib). Each of the two friction pockets may include substantially the same features and for clarity, the first friction pocket will be labeled with respect to FIG. 6.

Cross sectional view 600 shows a first side 604 and a second side 606 of the first column. The first side may include the curved portion as described above with respect to FIG. 11. A first side and second side of the second column may be formed in the same way. The first side may be integrally formed with and transition from the longitudinally outer wall. The second side may be a side opposite the first side along the x-axis. The second side may include a top vertical portion 606a, a middle vertical portion 606b, and a bottom vertical portion 606c. The top vertical portion may extend vertically from the roof and may be parallel to the first side. The middle vertical portion may be slanted at an angle 608. The angle may be chosen such that middle vertical portion is parallel to the tilted upper portion of the rear wall. In one example, the angle may be about 32°. The bottom vertical portion may extend vertically from a bottom of the middle vertical portion to the floor. The bottom vertical portion may be parallel to the first side and to the top vertical portion. Because of the slope of the middle vertical portion, the bottom vertical portion may be closer to the center rib than the top vertical portion.

In some examples, the first column and second column are entirely spaced away from the center rib. Said another way, a maximum lateral length 610 of the first column and second column is less than a lateral length between an interior surface of the longitudinally outer wall and the center rib. A vertical height of the middle vertical portion may be greater than a vertical height of the top vertical portion and/or the bottom vertical portion. In some examples a vertical height of the top vertical portion and the bottom vertical portion may be substantially equal. An outer longitudinal face of second column may extend perpendicularly from the roof to the floor.

The view shows a first lateral rib 702. The first lateral rib and a second lateral rib may be positioned, with respect to the y-axis, between the first column and second column. The first lateral rib may run along an internal surface of the roof. Additional details with respect to the first lateral rib may be discussed further with respect to FIG. 7 below.

Turning now to FIG. 7, a cross sectional view 700 of the first lateral side of the shelf-less bolster is provided. The cross sectional view is taken along line C-C′ as shown in FIG. 4. The cross sectional view shows the first lateral rib. A second lateral rib may be formed substantially the same as the first lateral rib and positioned directly behind the first lateral rib along the y-axis in cross sectional view 700.

The first lateral rib may extend from the rear wall to the center rib. In some examples the first lateral rib may be integrally formed with the rear wall, the center rib, and an interior side of the roof. The first lateral rib may include an upper side 704 and a lower side 706. Edges between the upper side and lower side may be sharp (e.g., not chamfered or fillet shaped). The upper side of the first lateral rib may be partially integrally formed with the interior face of the rear wall, an entire lateral length (e.g., along the x-axis) of an interior side of the roof, and partially along a side of the center rib facing the rear wall. Vertically, the first lateral rib may extend partially down the interior face of the rear wall. The first lateral rib may be spaced away from the floor. The first lateral rib may vertically extend a length 708 down the interior face and the first lateral rib may extend a length 710 down the center rib. In some examples, the length down the interior face may be greater than the length down the center rib. The lower side of the first lateral rib may vertically taper to join the upper side of the first lateral rib at the interior face of the rear wall and at the side of the center rib. Both the upper side and lower side may be curved where the rear wall meets the roof and where the roof meets the center rib. In one example a radius of curvature of at corner 704a between the roof and the interior face and at corner 704b between the roof and the center rib may both be smaller than a radius of curvature of the lower side at the corner 706a or at the corner 706b. In this way, both the rear wall and the roof may be supported, and cracking may be reduced or eliminated.

Turning now to FIG. 8, a perspective view 800 of the shelf-less bolster is shown, looking at exterior surfaces surrounding the first friction pocket, including the vertically upper portion and lower portion of the rear wall. Vertically upper portion 406a is the angled portion of the pocket. In some examples, a vertically upper edge of the lower portion may be vertically even with an upper surface of the floor. An inner side wall 804 of the rear wall may be positioned between the longitudinally inner wall lower portion of the rear wall. A vertically upper edge 805 of the inner side wall may be slanted downward (e.g., in a direction of gravity) from the longitudinally inner wall to the lower portion. An indent 806 may be formed where vertically upper portion, vertically upper edge, and vertically lower portion all meet. Indent 806 may be used to secure rear insert 412 to the rear wall. A longitudinal length 808 (e.g., along the y axis) of the indent may be shorter than a longitudinal length of the rear wall. A depth of the indent may be less than a thickness (along the x-axis) of the indent. Said another way, the indent does not reach an interior surface of the shelf-less bolster.

A first pocket 802 may be formed between the inner side wall of the rear wall and the longitudinally inner wall. In some examples, the first pocket may be vertically above one of the spring seat lugs. The first pocket may be formed because a shelf is not present between the longitudinally inner wall and the rear wall. In some examples, a radius of curvature of the first pocket may be large. In some examples a large radius of curvature may be greater than or equal to 25 mm (1″). In alternate examples, a large radius of curvature may be equal to 30 mm.

In some examples, the exterior surface of the rear wall may be symmetric across the x-z plane. A second pocket may be positioned between an outer side wall of the rear wall and the longitudinally outer wall. A radius of curvature of the second pocket may be substantially the same as the radius of curvature of the first pocket. The large radius of curvature of the first pocket and the second pocket may provide physical support to the friction pockets to compensate for a lack of the shelf feature. Additionally, dimensions of the first pocket may provide space for the first side wall plate to be coupled to the longitudinally inner wall.

Turning now to FIG. 9 a top down cross 900 section of the first friction pocket is shown. Solid lines denote exterior surfaces of the shelf-less bolster and dotted lines denote interior surfaces. The top down cross section shows relative placement and dimensions of features of the shelf-less bolster discussed above with respect to FIGS. 4-8 and 11.

A radial center 910 of the curved portion of the first column and a radial center 912 of the curved portion of second column may each be positioned laterally even with the interior face of the rear wall. As described above with respect to FIG. 5, a side of the first column and second column may be tilted at a same angle as the interior face, thereby maintaining relative positions of the radial center of the curved portion of the first column and the radial center of the curved portion of the second column throughout a vertical height of the first column and second column.

The longitudinal rib may be a lateral thickness 906. In one example, the lateral thickness may be selected relative to a lateral dimension of second column so that second column extends laterally beyond the second side of second column. In one embodiment, the lateral thickness may be about half of a minimum lateral thickness of second column. In some examples, the lateral thickness may be equal to 20 mm thick (0.79″). The longitudinal rib may have a longitudinal length 908. In some examples, the longitudinal length may be 103 mm. Further, the longitudinal length added to the second diameter (as shown in FIG. 11) may be 145 mm inches. In alternate examples, the longitudinal length may small enough that the longitudinal rib does not extend to the side bearing pad and long enough that the longitudinal rib extends past the column guard. The longitudinal rib may be a distance 922 away from the lateral center line. In some examples, the distance may be 118 mm (4.65″). In some examples, the longitudinal rib may be laterally closer to the inner front wall than to the center rib.

The longitudinal rib may include one or more flared ends 926. The flared ends may extend from the lateral faces of the longitudinal rib and an end of the longitudinal rib opposite the second column. Suitable flared ends may be concave curved surfaces. The flared ends may curve to blend the longitudinal rib into the floor and the roof.

The top down cross section shows the longitudinally inner wall and the longitudinally outer wall. The longitudinally inner wall may have a thickness 916 in the longitudinal direction. In some examples, the thickness may be substantially equal to a lateral thickness of the bottom member. Additionally or alternatively, the thickness may be determined based on a demand for the second side wall plate. The thickness may be a first thickness if the second side wall plate is demanded and the thickness may a second thickness if the side wall plate is not demanded. In one embodiment, the first thickness may be less than the second thickness. In some examples the first thickness may be 19 mm. The longitudinally outer wall may have thickness a 924. In some examples, thickness of the longitudinally outer wall may be greater than the thickness of the longitudinally inner wall. In further examples, the thickness of the longitudinally outer wall may be the same as a diameter of second column. The rear wall may have a thickness 918.

Also shown, is the first lateral rib and second lateral rib. The first lateral rib and second lateral rib may be placed equally distant from a longitudinal center of the rear wall as denoted by dotted line 920. The dotted line is provided for reference and is not a feature of the shelf-less bolster. In some examples vertical surfaces of the first lateral rib and second lateral rib 904 may flare outward where the first lateral rib and second lateral rib meet the center rib and where the first lateral rib and second lateral rib meet the interior face of the rear wall.

Turning now to FIG. 10, an expanded top down view 1000 of the shelf-less bolster is shown. The top down view shows both the first friction pocket and the second friction pocket. The second friction pocket may be formed substantially the same as the first friction pocket mirrored across the y-axis. In this way the longitudinal rib, the first column, second column, the first lateral rib, second lateral rib and the first pocket and the second pocket may be formed in the second friction pocket in addition to the third friction pocket and the fourth friction pocket.

At least the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end of the shelf-less bolster may be mass manufactured by a casting process such as sandcasting. A core of the shelf-less bolster may be manufactured by computer numerical control (CNC) machining and may be used to create a mold for casting. The first column, second column, the longitudinal rib, the first lateral rib, the second lateral rib, and the first pocket and the second pocket may be configured such that the core may be reliably and efficiently manufactured by CNC machining and may be appropriate for subsequent casting, while still providing desired structural support to prevent cracking of the shelf-less bolster.

In one example, the friction pockets may include one of the longitudinal rib, the first column and/or second column, the first lateral rib and/or second lateral rib, or the first pocket and the second pocket. In alternate examples, the friction pockets may two of: the longitudinal rib, the first column and/or second column, the first lateral rib and/or second lateral rib or the first pocket and the second pocket, in any combination. In further examples, the friction pockets may include three of: the longitudinal rib, the first column and/or second column, the first lateral rib and/or second lateral rib, or the first pocket and the second pocket, in any combination. In still further examples, the friction pockets may include the longitudinal rib, the first column and/or second column, the first lateral rib and/or second lateral rib, and the first pocket and the second pocket.

The disclosure also provides support for a bolster, comprising: a top member having surfaces that define a bolster bowl, a bottom member coupled to and extending downward from the top member, a first end of the bolster positioned at a first end of the top member and a second end of the bolster positioned distal from the first end of the bolster, and at least one friction pocket positioned at first and/or second end of the bolster, the at least one friction pocket defined by a longitudinally inner wall, a longitudinally outer wall, and a rear wall, and wherein the at least one friction pocket is not defined by a shelf. In a first example of the system, the at least one friction pocket includes a first column and a second column positioned internal to the bolster at a first corner and a second corner of the at least one friction pocket. In a second example of the system, optionally including the first example, the at least one friction pocket further includes a longitudinal rib positioned internal to the bolster and perpendicular to the longitudinally inner wall of the at least one friction pocket. In a third example of the system, optionally including one or both of the first and second examples, the at least one friction pocket further includes a first pocket positioned at an interface of the longitudinally inner wall of the at least one friction pocket and the rear wall of the at least one friction pocket and a second pocket at an interface of the longitudinally outer wall of the at least one friction pocket and the rear wall of the at least one friction pocket. In a fourth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first through third examples, the at least one friction pocket further includes a first lateral rib and a second lateral rib, each extending from an interior surface of the rear wall of the at least one friction pocket to a center rib along a roof of the bolster. In a fifth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first through fourth examples, the at least one friction pocket includes a longitudinal rib positioned internal to the bolster and perpendicular to the longitudinally inner wall of the at least one friction pocket. In a sixth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first through fifth examples, the at least one friction pocket includes a first lateral rib and a second lateral rib, each extending from an interior surface of the rear wall of the at least one friction pocket to a center rib along a roof of the bolster. In a seventh example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first through sixth examples, the at least one friction pocket further includes a longitudinal rib positioned internal to the bolster and perpendicular to the longitudinally inner wall of the at least one friction pocket. In a eighth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first through seventh examples, the at least one friction pocket further include a first pocket positioned at an interface of the longitudinally inner wall of the at least one friction pocket and the rear wall of the at least one friction pocket and a second pocket at an interface of the longitudinally outer wall of the at least one friction pocket and the rear wall of the at least one friction pocket. In a ninth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first through eighth examples, the at least one friction pocket further includes a first column and a second column positioned internal to the bolster at a first corner and a second corner of the at least one friction pocket. In a tenth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first through ninth examples, the at least one friction pocket further includes a first column and a second column positioned internal to the bolster at a first corner and a second corner of the at least one friction pocket. In a eleventh example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first through tenth examples, the at least one friction pocket further includes a first pocket positioned at an interface of the longitudinally inner wall of the at least one friction pocket and the rear wall of the at least one friction pocket and a second pocket at an interface of the longitudinally outer wall of the at least one friction pocket and the rear wall of the at least one friction pocket. In a twelfth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first through eleventh examples, the at least one friction pocket further includes a first pocket positioned at an interface of the longitudinally inner wall of the at least one friction pocket and the rear wall of the at least one friction pocket and a second pocket at an interface of the longitudinally outer wall of the at least one friction pocket and the rear wall of the at least one friction pocket. In a thirteenth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first through twelfth examples, the at least one friction pocket includes a first pocket positioned at an interface of the longitudinally inner wall of the at least one friction pocket and the rear wall of the at least one friction pocket and a second pocket at an interface of the longitudinally outer wall of the at least one friction pocket and the rear wall of the at least one friction pocket. In a fourteenth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first through thirteenth examples, the at least one friction pocket further includes a longitudinal rib positioned internal to the bolster and perpendicular to the longitudinally inner wall of the at least one friction pocket. In a fifteenth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first through fourteenth examples, the at least one friction pocket further includes a first column and a second column positioned internal to the bolster at a first corner and a second corner of the at least one friction pocket.

The disclosure also provides support for a truck, comprising: a first side frame and a second side frame, and a shelf-less bolster supported by the first side frame and the second side frame, the shelf-less bolster including: a friction pocket positioned at a first end and/or a second end of the shelf-less bolster, and a wedge positioned in the friction pocket, wherein the friction pocket is configured to allow the wedge to move freely in a vertical direction, into and out of the friction pocket. In a first example of the system, the first side frame and the second side frame prevent movement of the wedge in a lateral direction, and wherein a longitudinally inner wall and a longitudinally outer wall of the friction pocket to reduce or eliminate movement of the wedge in a longitudinal direction, and wherein the wedge can only move freely in the vertical direction. In a second example of the system, optionally including the first example, the shelf-less bolster includes cast features configured to prevent cracking of the shelf-less bolster.

The disclosure also provides support for a shelf-less bolster, comprising: a friction pocket bounded by a longitudinally inner wall, a rear wall, and a longitudinally outer wall, a first pocket positioned at an interface between a lower portion of the rear wall and the longitudinally inner wall and a second pocket positioned at an interface between the lower portion of the rear wall and the longitudinally outer wall, and wherein a radius of curvature at the interface of the longitudinally inner wall and the lower portion of the rear wall and at the interface of the longitudinally outer wall and the lower portion of the rear wall is large, internal cast features including: a first column extending laterally from the longitudinally outer wall and a second column extending laterally from the longitudinally inner wall, wherein a middle vertical portion of an inner side of the first column and the second column are each slanted at an angle, the angle equal to an angle of the rear wall, a longitudinal rib extending perpendicularly from the longitudinally inner wall and parallel to an inner front wall of the friction pocket, wherein the longitudinal rib is positioned laterally in front of the second column, a first lateral rib and a second lateral rib, each extending from the rear wall to a center rib of the shelf-less bolster and each are positioned equidistant from a longitudinal center of the rear wall, wherein the first lateral rib and second lateral rib are integrally formed with rear wall, the center rib, and a roof of the shelf-less bolster, and wherein the first lateral rib and the second lateral rib are spaced away from a floor of the shelf-less bolster, and wherein the first and second pockets, the first and second columns, the longitudinal rib, and the first and second lateral ribs are configured to prevent cracking of the shelf-less bolster.

FIGS. 1-5 show example configurations with relative positioning of the various components. If shown directly contacting each other, or directly coupled, then such elements may be referred to as directly contacting or directly coupled, respectively, at least in one example. Similarly, elements shown contiguous or adjacent to one another may be contiguous or adjacent to each other, respectively, at least in one example. As an example, components laying in face-sharing contact with each other may be referred to as in face-sharing contact. As another example, elements positioned apart from each other with only a space there-between and no other components may be referred to as such, in at least one example. As yet another example, elements shown above/below one another, at opposite sides to one another, or to the left/right of one another may be referred to as such, relative to one another. Further, as shown in the figures, a topmost element or point of element may be referred to as a “top” of the component and a bottommost element or point of the element may be referred to as a “bottom” of the component, in at least one example. As used herein, top/bottom, upper/lower, above/below, may be relative to a vertical axis of the figures and used to describe positioning of elements of the figures relative to one another. As such, elements shown above other elements are positioned vertically above the other elements, in one example. As yet another example, shapes of the elements depicted within the figures may be referred to as having those shapes (e.g., such as being circular, straight, planar, curved, rounded, chamfered, angled, or the like). Further, elements shown intersecting one another may be referred to as intersecting elements or intersecting one another, in at least one example. Further still, an element shown within another element or shown outside of another element may be referred as such, in one example. Although embodiments have been described herein in regards to rail vehicle trucks, other embodiments may be applicable to trucks for other types of vehicles, e.g., on road trailers.

As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising,” “including,” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property. The terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-language equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements or a particular positional order on their objects.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and to enable a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods.

Claims

1. A bolster, comprising:

a top member having surfaces that define a bolster bowl;

a bottom member coupled to and extending downward from the top member;

a first end of the bolster positioned at a first end of the top member and a second end of the bolster positioned distal from the first end of the bolster; and

at least one friction pocket positioned at first and/or second end of the bolster, the at least one friction pocket defined by a longitudinally inner wall, a longitudinally outer wall, and a rear wall, and wherein the at least one friction pocket is not defined by a shelf.

2. The bolster of claim 1, wherein the at least one friction pocket includes a first column and a second column positioned internal to the bolster at a first corner and a second corner of the at least one friction pocket.

3. The bolster of claim 2, wherein the at least one friction pocket further includes a longitudinal rib positioned internal to the bolster and perpendicular to the longitudinally inner wall of the at least one friction pocket.

4. The bolster of claim 3, wherein the at least one friction pocket further includes a first pocket positioned at an interface of the longitudinally inner wall of the at least one friction pocket and the rear wall of the at least one friction pocket and a second pocket at an interface of the longitudinally outer wall of the at least one friction pocket and the rear wall of the at least one friction pocket.

5. The bolster of claim 3, wherein the at least one friction pocket further includes a first lateral rib and a second lateral rib, each extending from an interior surface of the rear wall of the at least one friction pocket to a center rib along a roof of the bolster.

6. The bolster of claim 1, wherein the at least one friction pocket includes a longitudinal rib positioned internal to the bolster and perpendicular to the longitudinally inner wall of the at least one friction pocket.

7. The bolster of claim 1, wherein the at least one friction pocket includes a first lateral rib and a second lateral rib, each extending from an interior surface of the rear wall of the at least one friction pocket to a center rib along a roof of the bolster.

8. The bolster of claim 7, wherein the at least one friction pocket further includes a longitudinal rib positioned internal to the bolster and perpendicular to the longitudinally inner wall of the at least one friction pocket.

9. The bolster of claim 8, wherein the at least one friction pocket further include a first pocket positioned at an interface of the longitudinally inner wall of the at least one friction pocket and the rear wall of the at least one friction pocket and a second pocket at an interface of the longitudinally outer wall of the at least one friction pocket and the rear wall of the at least one friction pocket.

10. The bolster of claim 9, wherein the at least one friction pocket further includes a first column and a second column positioned internal to the bolster at a first corner and a second corner of the at least one friction pocket.

11. The bolster of claim 7, wherein the at least one friction pocket further includes a first column and a second column positioned internal to the bolster at a first corner and a second corner of the at least one friction pocket.

12. The bolster of claim 11, wherein the at least one friction pocket further includes a first pocket positioned at an interface of the longitudinally inner wall of the at least one friction pocket and the rear wall of the at least one friction pocket and a second pocket at an interface of the longitudinally outer wall of the at least one friction pocket and the rear wall of the at least one friction pocket.

13. The bolster of claim 7, wherein the at least one friction pocket further includes a first pocket positioned at an interface of the longitudinally inner wall of the at least one friction pocket and the rear wall of the at least one friction pocket and a second pocket at an interface of the longitudinally outer wall of the at least one friction pocket and the rear wall of the at least one friction pocket.

14. The bolster of claim 1, wherein the at least one friction pocket includes a first pocket positioned at an interface of the longitudinally inner wall of the at least one friction pocket and the rear wall of the at least one friction pocket and a second pocket at an interface of the longitudinally outer wall of the at least one friction pocket and the rear wall of the at least one friction pocket.

15. The bolster of claim 14, wherein the at least one friction pocket further includes a longitudinal rib positioned internal to the bolster and perpendicular to the longitudinally inner wall of the at least one friction pocket.

16. The bolster of claim 14, wherein the at least one friction pocket further includes a first column and a second column positioned internal to the bolster at a first corner and a second corner of the at least one friction pocket.

17. A truck, comprising:

a first side frame and a second side frame; and

a shelf-less bolster supported by the first side frame and the second side frame, the shelf-less bolster including:

a friction pocket positioned at a first end and/or a second end of the shelf-less bolster; and

a wedge positioned in the friction pocket, wherein the friction pocket is configured to allow the wedge to move freely in a vertical direction, into and out of the friction pocket.

18. The truck of claim 17, wherein the first side frame and the second side frame prevent movement of the wedge in a lateral direction, and wherein a longitudinally inner wall and a longitudinally outer wall of the friction pocket to reduce or eliminate movement of the wedge in a longitudinal direction, and wherein the wedge can only move freely in the vertical direction.

19. The truck of claim 17, wherein the shelf-less bolster includes cast features configured to prevent cracking of the shelf-less bolster.

20. A shelf-less bolster, comprising:

a friction pocket bounded by a longitudinally inner wall, a rear wall, and a longitudinally outer wall;

a first pocket positioned at an interface between a lower portion of the rear wall and the longitudinally inner wall and a second pocket positioned at an interface between the lower portion of the rear wall and the longitudinally outer wall, and wherein a radius of curvature at the interface of the longitudinally inner wall and the lower portion of the rear wall and at the interface of the longitudinally outer wall and the lower portion of the rear wall is large;

internal cast features including:

a first column extending laterally from the longitudinally outer wall and a second column extending laterally from the longitudinally inner wall, wherein a middle vertical portion of an inner side of the first column and the second column are each slanted at an angle, the angle equal to an angle of the rear wall;

a longitudinal rib extending perpendicularly from the longitudinally inner wall and parallel to an inner front wall of the friction pocket, wherein the longitudinal rib is positioned laterally in front of the second column;

a first lateral rib and a second lateral rib, each extending from the rear wall to a center rib of the shelf-less bolster and each are positioned equidistant from a longitudinal center of the rear wall, wherein the first lateral rib and second lateral rib are integrally formed with rear wall, the center rib, and a roof of the shelf-less bolster, and wherein the first lateral rib and the second lateral rib are spaced away from a floor of the shelf-less bolster; and

wherein the first and second pockets, the first and second columns, the longitudinal rib, and the first and second lateral ribs are configured to prevent cracking of the shelf-less bolster.