Metal Sheathing Patents (Class 105/409)
  • Patent number: 10518822
    Abstract: A wall system for a cargo container is provided. The wall system includes a plurality of panels that are configured to be fixed to logistics posts in a cargo compartment. Each panel includes a central portion and right and left end portions that are disposed on respective outboard sides of the central portion, the central portion includes a planar wall surface, the right and left end portions each include a planar wall surface. The central portion comprises two or more recessed portions that extend inwardly from the planar wall surface to define an elongate void that is configured to receive an elongate track therein, such that an outer surface of the elongate track, when disposed within the recessed portion, is co-planar with the planar wall surface of the central portion or disposed within the recessed portion and recessed behind the planar wall surface of the central portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Ancra International LLC
    Inventor: Gregory Alan Kauffman
  • Patent number: 10112665
    Abstract: A multi-piece roof assembly for a trailer includes: a first section configured with a sandwich panel having a convex shape; and at least one additional section configured with a flexible sheet panel coupled to the first section and to at least one top rail assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: HYUNDAI TRANSLEAD
    Inventors: Leszek Jaworski, Alvaro Frausto, Humberto Benitez
  • Patent number: 10094102
    Abstract: A modular, interconnectable wall cell that can be connected to additional modular, interconnectable wall cells to form walls, floors, roofs or other structures. The modular, interconnectable wall cell has a frame, a panel filler, stiffener plates and angle members. When the modular, interconnectable wall cell is connected to additional modular interconnectable wall cells, the cambered edges of the frame bow inwardly toward the panel filler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Inventor: Duran Lee Blocker
  • Patent number: 10043416
    Abstract: A model for an endoscope includes a tissue holding portion including: a first member which has a through hole, which is hard, and which is formed in a frame shape; and a second member which is formed in a sheet shape with a material that is more flexible than the first member and is elastically deformable, which has a window portion that penetrates the second member in a thickness direction of the second member, and which is attached to the first member. A piece of tissue is attached to the second member such that the piece of tissue overlaps the window portion, and the second member is attached to the first member in a state in which the second member is elastically deformed so that tension acts on the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Junichi Kogiso
  • Patent number: 9944334
    Abstract: A wall system for a cargo container is provided. The wall system includes a plurality of panels that are configured to be fixed to logistics posts in a cargo compartment. Each panel includes a central portion and right and left end portions that are disposed on respective outboard sides of the central portion, the central portion includes a planar wall surface, the right and left end portions each include a planar wall surface. The central portion comprises two or more recessed portions that extend inwardly from the planar wall surface to define an elongate void that is configured to receive an elongate track therein, such that an outer surface of the elongate track, when disposed within the recessed portion, is co-planar with the planar wall surface of the central portion or disposed within the recessed portion and recessed behind the planar wall surface of the central portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Ancra International LLC
    Inventor: Gregory Alan Kauffman
  • Patent number: 9718481
    Abstract: A railcar includes: an underframe including an end beam at its railcar-longitudinal-direction end portion; side bodyshells; a roof bodyshell; side outside plates respectively arranged at both railcar-width-direction end portions of the railcar and constituting the side bodyshells; corner posts extending from the end beam toward the roof bodyshell; and intermediate coupling members each configured to couple the side outside plate and the corner post, the stiffness of the intermediate coupling member in a railcar longitudinal direction being lower than the stiffness of the intermediate coupling member in a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsushi Sano, Naoaki Kawakami, Yasufumi Minamimoto, Naohiro Yoshida
  • Patent number: 9650003
    Abstract: Provided is a load-carrying or non-load carrying structural component for a vehicle having improved impact resistance, such as a gas tank protection shield, an underbody shield, a structural panel, an interior floor, a floor pan, a roof, an exterior surface, a storage area, a glove box, a console box, a trunk, a trunk floor, a truck bed, and combinations thereof. The component has a support structure with ridges, each spaced apart from one another at predetermined intervals, to form a corrugated surface capable of load-carrying. The ridges are longitudinally extending, raised ridges. The corrugated designs provide support structures that are impact resistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Teijin Limited
    Inventors: John N. Owens, Mark A. Voss, Bhavesh Shah, Venkat Aitharaju, Chris James Tadeusz Wisniewski, Yutaka Yagi, Tsukasa Arai
  • Patent number: 9643661
    Abstract: A panel joint structure including: a first panel; a second panel that forms a space between itself and the first panel; a joint portion; a seal member that seals a gap between a distal end portion of the joint flange portion and the second panel; and a first panel bead portion that is formed in a region of the joint flange portion adjacent to the joint portion in the lengthwise direction of the first panel, that projects in a direction away from the second panel, that extends from a distal end to a base end of the joint flange portion, that forms with the second panel an air vent hole communicated with the space, and that slopes in a direction away from the second panel heading toward the base end side of the joint flange portion as seen from the lengthwise direction of the first panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Naoya Kosaka
  • Patent number: 9434422
    Abstract: A joint for a motor vehicle body comprises a first structural member fabricated from aluminum attached to a second structural member fabricated from steel. The second structural member has an adjoining portion that is in substantially juxtaposed abutting relation with the first structural member when the second structural member is attached to the first structural member. The second structural member has a ramp portion terminating in a bare exposed edge on the second structural member and upon which the bare exposed edge is disposed. The bare exposed edge is displaced from the first structural member to form a gap between the first structural member and the bare exposed edge to prevent corrosion of the bare exposed edge without the use of adhesives and sealants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dragan B. Stojkovic, Colleen Marie Hoffman, Kimberly Ann Lazarz, Jack Lashbrook, Chris Verschaeve
  • Patent number: 8550010
    Abstract: A wagon has two side walls, two end walls and a base. At least a portion of one or each side wall has two side wall parts in the form of panels. Each panel has a respective constant wall thickness and is joined together. In some embodiments, the panels can be integrally formed. The side wall panels are also each of a different material thickness. A bridging member in the form of an angled bracket is arranged to interconnect the respective side wall panels by being separately connected to each side wall panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Bradken Resources Pty Limited
    Inventor: Douglas Gordon Cummings
  • Patent number: 8468954
    Abstract: The present invention provides a side wall of railway wagon and a boxcar of railway wagon. The side wall of the railway wagon comprises an upper side plate, a lower side plate, an inner side stake and an outer side stake, wherein the said inner side stake is arranged at the inner side of the said upper side plate and the said lower side plate, and the said outer side stake is arranged at the upper part of the said side wall of railway wagon and is arranged at the outer side of the said upper side plate. By applying the side wall in the form of internal stakes, the side wall of railway wagon and the boxcar of railway wagon of the present invention can make full use of the width space between the outer surface of the side plate and the outer surface of the side stake on the basis that the external dimension of the railway wagon is not changed, thereby effectively improving the volume of the railway wagon and the transporting capability of the train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignees: Qiqihar Railway Rolling Stock Co., Ltd., Dalian Qiche Railway Rolling Stock Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junfeng Han, Yongji Zhao, Yuebin Yu, Haipeng Liu, Xin Zhang
  • Patent number: 8356561
    Abstract: A side wall for a rail vehicle is provided. The side wall includes a plurality of profiles which are arranged vertically one above the other. A sliding seat is formed between two adjacent profiles. A first profile of the adjacent profiles has, on an outer side of the side wall, a welding projection, and a second profile of the adjacent profiles has a welding projection which is dimensioned to reach a predefined overall side wall height. The two adjacent profiles are welded to one another on the outer side of the side wall via a V-seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hans Stiedl
  • Publication number: 20120210907
    Abstract: A side wall for a rail vehicle is provided. The side wall includes a plurality of profiles which are arranged vertically one above the other. A sliding seat is formed between two adjacent profiles. A first profile of the adjacent profiles has, on an outer side of the side wall, a welding projection, and a second profile of the adjacent profiles has a welding projection which is dimensioned to reach a predefined overall side wall height. The two adjacent profiles are welded to one another on the outer side of the side wall via a V-seam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Hans Stiedl
  • Publication number: 20110253006
    Abstract: The present invention provides a side wall of railway wagon and a boxcar of railway wagon. The side wall of the railway wagon comprises an upper side plate, a lower side plate, an inner side stake and an outer side stake, wherein the said inner side stake is arranged at the inner side of the said upper side plate and the said lower side plate, and the said outer side stake is arranged at the upper part of the said side wall of railway wagon and is arranged at the outer side of the said upper side plate. By applying the side wall in the form of internal stakes, the side wall of railway wagon and the boxcar of railway wagon of the present invention can make full use of the width space between the outer surface of the side plate and the outer surface of the side stake on the basis that the external dimension of the railway wagon is not changed, thereby effectively improving the volume of the railway wagon and the transporting capability of the train.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicants: DALIAN QICHE RAILWAY ROLLING STOCK CO., LTD., QIQIHAR RAILWAY ROLLING STOCK CO., LTD
    Inventors: Junfeng Han, Yongji Zhao, Yuebin Yu, Haipeng Liu, Xin Zhang
  • Publication number: 20110017094
    Abstract: A method of shipping automobiles, a railcar for shipping automobiles, and a method of manufacturing railcars for shipping automobiles to enable more efficient shipping of automobiles by increasing load factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Robert James Cencer, Robert C. Ortner, JR.
  • Patent number: 7823514
    Abstract: A hopper car has arcuate side sheets that are bent over the forming members of the structure to give a generally outwardly bulging shape. The upper margin of the side sheet is kinked inwardly of the radius of curvature of the larger portion of the side sheet more generally, such as may tend to impose a bending moment on the large, relatively thin side sheet panels. This may in turn tend to urge or bias those panels to a bulging position or shape, rather than a sagging, deflected, or inwardly dented position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: National Steel Car Limited
    Inventors: James W. Forbes, Jeffrey D. Reid
  • Patent number: 7789023
    Abstract: An auto rack rail road car has a main deck and upper deck. It is provided with a door for controlling access thereto. The door is a radial arm door, and has a ladder mounted thereon by which personnel can ascend the second deck when the door is open. A second ladder is mounted to the first deck so that when the door is open the second ladder is positioned to co-operate with the first ladder. The arcuate path of the door is free from overhanging obstructions. The door also has internal and external weld-free stiffeners member for enhancing the rigidity thereof. A roller mounted to the door permits the door to be moved between open and closed positions. The door may further include a lock. A guide member protruding from the door co-operates with a groove in the main deck which slidingly guides the door as it moves between open and closed positions to control access to the car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: National Steel Car Limited
    Inventor: James W Forbes
  • Publication number: 20100215425
    Abstract: An inner top corner connector of a container body which comprises an angled fitting made of elastic ABS or PVC material and having an angle of 95°-105°, an inner roof sheet connecting portion of the angled fitting is provided with an outer seal blade inclining upward near an end thereof at an outer side thereof. An inner side panel connecting portion of the angled fitting is provided with a connecting plate for connecting a top end of the inner side panel of the container body. The connecting plate is provided with a guide blade. An inserting groove is jointly formed by the guide blade, the inner side panel connecting portion and a part of the connecting plate. The inner roof sheet connecting portion and the inner side panel connecting portion have warping portions directing outward at ends thereof, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicants: CHINA INTERNATIONAL MARINE CONTAINERS (GROUP) LTD., QINGDAO CIMC REEFER TRAILER CO., LTD., QINGDAO CIMC REEFER CONTAINER MANUFACTURE CO., LTD., QINGDAO CIMC SPECIAL REEFER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: T.H. HUANG, Robert WANG, Ryan XU, Jack ZHANG
  • Patent number: 7478600
    Abstract: A composite box structure mounted on and attached to a railway car underframe to form a temperature controlled railway car. The composite box structure defined in part by an exterior metal surface, interior side stakes and at least one layer of fiber reinforced material attached to the side stakes. Insulating material may be disposed between the side stakes, the exterior metal surface and the at least one fiber reinforced layer of fiber reinforced material. The insulating materials provide resistance to heat transfer between the interior and the exterior of the composite box structure. A primary floor assembly and a secondary floor assembly may be mounted on the railway car underframe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Trinity Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert A. Beers, Stephen W. Smith, Christopher Crisafulli, Shaun Richmond, Ricky A. Cribbs
  • Patent number: 7338111
    Abstract: A trailer having sides with a combination of extruded panel and sheet material. A trailer wall construction for use as part of a trailer assembly includes at least one panel comprising spaced apart inner and outer shells, and at least one sheet. An edge of the sheet is attached to an edge of the panel. Another trailer wall construction includes a vertical side having a lower portion with spaced apart inner and outer shells, and an upper portion with only a single sheet thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Vantage Trailers, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian C. Lemmons
  • Patent number: 7261044
    Abstract: A boxcar and load restraint system are provided with improved load carrying capabilities and performance characteristics of uninsulated boxcars and insulated boxcars. An insulated boxcar with the load restraint system may have increased load carrying capacity, increased service life, and reduced maintenance costs as compared to conventional insulated boxcars. All or portions of the load restraint system may be used in uninsulated boxcars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Trinity Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: George S. Creighton, D. Bruce Fetterman, Guy W. Steeves, Robert J. Barry
  • Patent number: 7228805
    Abstract: A composite box structure mounted on and attached to a railway car underframe to form a temperature controlled railway car. The composite box structure defined in part by an exterior metal surface, interior side stakes and at least one layer of fiber reinforced material attached to the side stakes. Insulating material may be disposed between the side stakes, the exterior metal surface and the at least one fiber reinforced layer of fiber reinforced material. The insulating materials provide resistance to heat transfer between the interior and the exterior of the composite box structure. A primary floor assembly and a secondary floor assembly may be mounted on the railway car underframe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Trinity Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert A. Beers, Stephen W. Smith, Christopher Crisafulli, Shaun Richmond, Ricky A. Cribbs
  • Patent number: 7210413
    Abstract: A universal boxcar is provided with load carrying capabilities of a conventional uninsulated boxcar and temperature ratings of an insulated boxcar. The insulated boxcar may be formed with interior dimensions corresponding generally with interior dimensions of an uninsulated boxcar without requiring the use of high cost, high performance insulation. The insulated boxcar may be formed at a reasonable cost and selling price with increased load carrying capacity, increased service life, and reduced maintenance costs as compared to conventional insulated boxcars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: TRN Business Trust
    Inventors: Robert J. Barry, Guy W. Steeves, George S. Creighton, D. Bruce Fetterman
  • Patent number: 7117801
    Abstract: A box car includes end walls joined to opposing side walls that define the interior cargo area. Each end wall includes a corrugated side that faces the cargo area. The adjustable spacer is arranged within a cavity in the corrugated side in a stowed position so that it does not protrude into the cargo area. The side walls include tracks in which opposing guides that support the lateral beam are slideably received. The tracks do not protrude into the cargo area. The guides include multiple holes providing keyways that receive removable locks. Vertical side posts are arranged along the exterior of the side walls. Holes are arranged in the side walls in the area of the side posts. The locks are received in one of the holes in the guides and a hole in the side wall to lock the adjustable spacer in the desired position relative to the box car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: National Steel Car Ltd.
    Inventors: Mario D. Gatto, Robert David Vial, Michael Hugh Nicholson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6986546
    Abstract: A sidewall of a trailer is formed from at least two composite panels joined together by a novel joining configuration. Each panel is formed from inner and outer thin metal skins and a plastic core sandwiched between the skins. A logistics plate and a splicing member are used to join the panels together and are secured thereto by rivets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventor: Rodney P. Ehrlich
  • Patent number: 6941875
    Abstract: A composite box structure assembled on and securely attached to a railway car underframe to form a temperature controlled railway car or on insulated boxcar. The composite box structure defined in part by an exterior metal surface, interior side stakes and at least one layer of fiber reinforced plastic attached to the side stakes. Foam insulation may be disposed between the side stakes, the exterior metal surface and the at least one layer of fiber reinforced plastic. The foam insulation provides improved resistance to heat transfer between the interior and the exterior of the composite box structure. An airflow management system may be incorporated into the composite box structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: TRN Business Trust
    Inventors: Allen E. Norton, Stephen W. Smith, Alex K. Hoover, Albert A. Beers, Robert J. Barry, Gary W. Kirk, Jr., Joseph A. Seiter
  • Patent number: 6865992
    Abstract: A railway car includes a first end, a second end, and a first side disposed longitudinally between the first end and the second end. The first side includes a concave portion in a generally horizontal plane of the railway car. The concave portion provides a railway car with increased cargo-carrying capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: TRN Business Trust
    Inventors: Donald B. Fetterman, Stephen W. Smith
  • Patent number: 6779465
    Abstract: A car body for a rail vehicle including a plurality of beams (1) arranged to carry one or more wall elements (3-5). At least one of said beams (1) includes an attaching member (6), extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the beam, for engagement with at least a part of one or more components intended to be supported by the beam (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Bombardier Transportation GmbH
    Inventor: Conny Sjöbäck
  • Patent number: 6575102
    Abstract: A composite box structure assembled on and securely attached to a railway car underframe to form a temperature controlled railway car or on insulated boxcar. The composite box structure defined in part by an exterior metal surface, interior side stakes and at least one layer of fiber reinforced plastic attached to the side stakes. Foam insulation may be disposed between the side stakes, the exterior metal surface and the at least one layer of fiber reinforced plastic. The foam insulation provides improved resistance to heat transfer between the interior and the exterior of the composite box structure. An airflow management system may be incorporated into the composite box structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: TRN Business Trust
    Inventors: Allen E. Norton, Stephen W. Smith, Alex K. Hoover, Albert A. Beers, Robert J. Barry, Gary W. Kirk, Jr., Joseph A. Seiter
  • Patent number: 6374750
    Abstract: A panel system includes a first skin, a second skin, a web core constructed from sheet material for securing the skins together in a spaced, sandwich relationship, and a connecting means for affixing the web core within the skins. The web core includes a plurality of spaced apart longitudinal members having longitudinally spaced projections extending therefrom and further having transversely aligned, longitudinally spaced slots therein. The web core further includes a plurality of spaced-apart, transverse cross members each having spaced slots therein receiving the longitudinal members at corresponding transversely aligned slots thereof to provide an interlocked grid work between the first and second skins. The grid is connected to the skins utilizing the projections, which extend through slits in the skins in one embodiment to facilitate welding or otherwise bonding the components. In a second embodiment the projections present mounting ears that receive fasteners that extend through the skins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Aero Transportation Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen R. Early
  • Patent number: 6334397
    Abstract: A side sheet assembly for a rail car having a pair of horizontally extending upper and lower side sheets form with a plurality of longitudinally extending strengthening ribs. The upper and lower side sheets are affixed to each other at a horizontal seam to either form flat connection or a rib at the horizontal seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Inventor: G. Gerald Valgora
  • Patent number: 6330863
    Abstract: A railcar includes a pair of car tubs on opposite sides of a center sill. Each car tub includes a cross-section to increase carrying capacity. Each car tub includes a longitudinal semi-circular floor plate formed by a cold-formed process. Additionally, each car plate includes a one-piece composite tub closure at each end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: JAC Patent Company
    Inventors: Todd L. Lydic, William E. Kurtz
  • Patent number: 6302031
    Abstract: A railway car with a pair of improved sidewalls is provided. For some applications, the railway car may include a steel railway car underframe with an aluminum body mounted thereon. The car body preferably includes a pair of sidewalls and a pair of end walls. The car body may have an open top or a roof mounted thereon. Relatively, thin side posts are disposed on the exterior of the sidewalls to allow increasing cargo carrying capacity of the railway car. At least one longitudinal stiffener is disposed along the interior surface of each sidewall to provide sufficient strength for the sidewall based on anticipated loading while at the same time allowing reducing the number and the thickness of the side posts. For some applications the side posts and the longitudinal stiffeners may be formed by an extrusion process with substantially the same cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: TRN Business Trust
    Inventors: Stephen W. Smith, John W. Coulborn
  • Patent number: 6273004
    Abstract: A sidewall structure for a motor-vehicle carrying railway car wherein at least one upper deck is supported principally by longitudinal beams that are themselves supported by end structures, without the need for large, heavy vertical posts to support the decks between the end structures. To provide a lightweight car body with sufficient strength and durability for commercial rail service, the car body may be of monocoque construction. Each sidewall preferably has a plate girder structure that employs the horizontal beams as its principal supports, with the beams tied together by sidewall panels or plates. A plurality of light stiffeners may be employed to limit flexure of the sidewalls. Each of the end structures preferably comprises an offset H frame that includes a draft sill joined to a body bolster, and inner and outer cross bearers joined to the draft sill. In the offset H frame, the draft sill slopes downward and inward, with the inner cross bearer being at a lower elevation than the outer one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Thrall Car Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: James P. Klag
  • Patent number: 6234084
    Abstract: A carriage body of a railroad car has an undercarriage, a floor slab, side wall parts, and a roof, the floor slab having a width which together with a thickness of the side wall parts which face one another defining a functional size of a width of the carriage body, the undercarriage having a width which is less than the functional size of the width of the carriage body, the side wall parts being connected in a force-transmitting fashion to the undercarriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Duewag Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Joerg Neubauer, Robert Schlett, Juergen Schnaas
  • Patent number: 6227125
    Abstract: A coach body of a rail vehicle has horizontal and vertical walls, the horizontal walls serving to form both a floor and a ceiling, while the vertical walls forming side walls, the vertical walls having cutouts for at least one window and one boarding door, the horizontal and vertical walls being formed by modules of fiber-reinforced plastic divided sectionally crosswise to a longitudinal axis of the coach body, each two of these hand-modules which are complimentary to one another and are joined in a force-transmitting way at the horizontal walls which meet in a middle of the vehicle forming one longitudinal section of the coach body, and a length of the coach body being formed accordingly by a force-transmitting connection of a number of the longitudinal sections at abutting points extending all the way around in transverse direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Duewag Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Karl-Josef Schroeder, Dieter Muehlhahn, Matthias Koeppe
  • Patent number: 6213028
    Abstract: A railway car includes a first end, a second end, and a first side disposed longitudinally between the first end and the second end. The first side includes a concave portion in a generally horizontal plane of the railway car. The concave portion provides a railway car with increased cargo-carrying capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: TRN Business Trust
    Inventors: Donald B. Fetterman, Stephen W. Smith
  • Patent number: 6196136
    Abstract: In order to provide a car-body structure which has few different kinds of structural members, a small number of structural members, a small occurrence of strain and which is high in dimensional accuracy, and, consequently, in assembling accuracy, each of the car-body blocks is formed of a one-piece structure consisting of an outside plate and a reinforcing plate, each of which is made of a metallic material. The reinforcing plate is composed of panels divided into a plurality of sections; and, each of the panels has a plurality of beads in the form of a long and narrow projection formed by plastic working of a metal plate and extending in the longitudinal direction of the block. A bar-ring in the form of a long hole with a rib extending in the direction of the block is formed between the beads through plastic working. Further, at least one post-shaped protrusion extending in the direction intersecting at a right angle with the bead is provided in each of panels of the reinforcing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Yoshizaki, Yasunari Igawa
  • Patent number: 6148735
    Abstract: A light weight gondola car having side walls constructed of a plurality of upper and lower sheets with a longitudinal stiffener being formed from lower portions of the upper and lower sheets. A bolster transition stake joins the side sheet, top chord, bolster web, and side sill for increased strength. The load from the truck assemblies is transmitted to the car body through load carriers. Diagonal truss members strengthened the end panels. The body frame is connected to the center sill with a reinforcement plate. The center sill and draft sills are interconnected by a tie plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Johnstown America Corporation
    Inventors: Kerry L. Sauter, Todd L. Lydic, Amy Miller, David A. Lohr, Robert Dorian
  • Patent number: 6092473
    Abstract: The invention relates to modular elements (1) of differential construction which are particularly suitable for constructing cold-joined large bodywork or containers. All the components of the modular elements, substantially shell (2), shaping frames (3), edge profile (5) and optionally stringers (4) extending transversely to the frames and acting as buckling resistors, are cold-joined to each other, e.g. by pressure joining, punch riveting and the like. As a result, firstly rapid production with good surface quality is achieved, and secondly different materials such as iron and non-ferrous metals, fiber reinforced plastics etc. can be freely combined in hybrid structures to construct the modular elements, the local arrangement of materials in the modular element having to be adapted to the desired mechanical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventors: Klaus Altenburg, Franz Peter Goerres, Hans-Dieter Kreutz, Hans-Wilhelm Strauch, August Dederichs, Michael Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 6065261
    Abstract: In a construction featuring sections of light metal and light-weight composite panels joined to the sections the composite panels feature a plastic core with light weight metal outer sheets bonded to both sides. The outer sheets partially overlap a light metal connecting section which is integrally incorporated in the composite panel and interlock by virtue of fit with that section. The connecting section features connecting strips that lie as pairs on corresponding connecting strips on the section. At least one of the connecting strips is riveted to this neighboring strip. The connecting strip of the connecting section is inclined at an angle with respect to a contact plane in order to create pressure on the neighboring connecting strip, and is joined at its free edge by laser welding to the neighboring connecting strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Alusuisse Technology & Management Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Fehr, Roger Betschart, Robert J. Dean, Lutz Kampmann, Andreas Von Ballmoos
  • Patent number: 5988074
    Abstract: A composite roof having a core encapsulated in multiple layers of fiber reinforced plastic is provided. The composite roof may be mounted on a conventional railway car during initial manufacture or used to replace a damaged steel roof on a conventional railway car. The layers of fiber reinforced plastic provide non-corrosive and non-leaking exterior and interior surfaces for the composite roof. The core may be formed from various materials which provide improved resistance to heat transfer between the interior and the exterior of an associated railway car. The composite roof may be mounted on an enclosed structure having a pair of end walls, a pair of side walls and a floor. An opening may be formed in each side wall to allow access to the interior of the railway car. A top retainer and guide rail assembly will typically be mounted above each opening to allow installing a door to control access through the respective opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: TRN Business Trust
    Inventor: Mell R. Thoman
  • Patent number: 5979335
    Abstract: A fully protective multi-unit railroad freight car for carrying motor vehicles on two or three levels with the lowest level being in a cargo well between a pair of deep side sills. A pair of vehicle-carrying decks are adjustable in height and are counterbalanced against each other during adjustment of their locations. A roof structure is light in weight and constructed of corrugated sheet metal with a self-supporting central portion. The ends of the car are equipped with three-panel folding doors, and a flexible diaphragm closes the space between articulated adjacent car units supported by a shared truck. A modular brake operating system is mounted on the car body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Gunderson, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Saxton, Jon B. Zaerr
  • Patent number: 5832839
    Abstract: An end structure for a railroad freight car having longitudinally extending and spaced apart side structures. Each of the side structures provide top and bottom longitudinally disposed structural members which are spaced apart and connected to the end structure. Each of the top and bottom members have a terminal end portion. The bottom member is shorter in length than the top member to define an overhanging relationship between the top and bottom members in an area of the end structure outboard of the terminal end portion of the bottom member. The end structure comprises a planar sidewall extending between the top and bottom members. The sidewall has top and bottom edges. The top edge is joined to the top structural member. The bottom edge consists of an inboard straightedge portion, an intermediate curved portion and an outboard straightedge portion. The inboard portion is joined along its length to the bottom structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: National Steel Car
    Inventor: James Wilfred Forbes
  • Patent number: 5802984
    Abstract: A composite railway boxcar having a composite box structure mounted on a railway car underframe is provided. The composite box structure includes side walls, end walls and a floor molded as an integral unit with fiber reinforced plastic interior and exterior surfaces. The composite box structure includes a roof mounted on the side walls and the end walls opposite from the floor. An upper load divider track assembly is provided having a pair of tracks with each track disposed between the roof and one of the side walls. A lower load divider track assembly is also provided having a track disposed within the interior of each side wall above the floor. A composite load divider panel is slidably mounted on the upper load divider track assembly within the interior of the railway boxcar. The load divider panel is releasably secured to the lower load divider track assembly to allow varying the position of the load divider panel within the interior of the railway boxcar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Trinity Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mell R. Thoman, John W. Coulborn
  • Patent number: 5784970
    Abstract: A carriage body frame with a passenger compartment having longitudinal load-bearing sections of aluminum and light-weight composite panels between the load-bearing sections is such that the composite panels feature a plastic core with aluminum outer sheets adhesively bonded to both sides. The outer sheets extend partially over an aluminum connecting section which is integral to the composite panel; and fit to this by virtue of shape. The connecting section exhibits connecting strips which rest on correspondingly arranged connecting strips on the load-bearing section. The connecting section is joined to the load-bearing section by of laser welding. The outer sheets are joined at a free edge, likewise by laser welding, to the connecting section and, in the region of at least one connecting strip, the connecting section exhibits a U-shaped longitudinal channel which acts as a trap for adhesive and over which an outer sheet passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Alusuisse Technology & Management Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Fehr, Lorenzo Kocher, Robert J. Dean, Roger Betschart, Lutz Kampmann
  • Patent number: 5690035
    Abstract: A truss type extruded aluminum section (1) is formed of a pair of planar plates (2)(3) and ribs (4)(5)(6), wherein hollow portions (7)(8)(9) are formed within the section (1) by the ribs (4)(5)(6) and the planar plates (2)(3). Vibration-damping resin is provided on the inner surfaces of hollow portions (7)(8)(9), and particularly on the inner surface of the planar plate (3) and on a single surface of the inclined rib (4). With this arrangement, the vibration energy bending the planar plate (3) and the rib (4) is converted into a heat energy. In the case of manufacturing such truss type extruded aluminum vibration-damping section (1), for making easy the insertion of the vibration-damping resin in the hollow portion, the vibration-damping resin is stuck on a plastic film (11) to form a long planar body. The plastic film (11) serves as a cover or an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Tadashi Hatayama, Ichiro Yamagiwa, Kenshi Maekawa, Kenji Iwai, Toshimitsu Tanaka, Mamoru Taniuchi, Reiji Sanuki, Isamu Ueki, Toshihiko Sasaki, Akio Sugimoto, Kazuhisa Fujisawa
  • Patent number: 5613726
    Abstract: An extruded, one-piece metal slat unit for attachment to a frame member of a trailer. The slat unit includes an elongated body portion having at least one leg member connected to and longitudinally extending along the interior surface of the body portion between the ends thereof. The leg member includes a foot portion suitable for welding to the frame member. The foot portion is spaced from the interior surface of the body portion such that an open space is provided therebetween. The open space dissipates heat generated during the welding process thereby preventing nonaesthetic weld and heat track marks from appearing on the exterior surface of the slat unit and hence the trailer. A livestock trailer including the slat unit is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: 4-Star Trailers, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Hobbs, Kenneth R. Waller, Larry A. O'Pecko, Mike H. Collie, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5584527
    Abstract: An improved semi-trailer panel assembly which offers the strength and durability of a standard "post and sheet panel" trailer as well as the lighter weight and increased cargo area which, until now, has only been associated with a "plate-type" trailer. Multiple rectangular panels having a generally corrugated design are placed side-by-side upon the side of a semi-trailer. Seam extrusion members, each having two elongated grooves, are positioned between adjacent panels whereby the side edges of these panels are inserted into the grooves and secured in place with a flexible adhesive; no bolts or rivets are necessary for this function.. Small connection clips are also provided which snap over the side edges of the panels and ensure the proper positioning of the panel edges within the grooves for adhesion purposes. The upper and lower edges of all panels and extrusion members are then secured with bolts or rivets to the upper and lower base rails, respectively, of the trailer frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Oshkosh Truck Corporation
    Inventor: Don H. Sitter
  • Patent number: 5584252
    Abstract: A railway car (10) is provided. Railway car (10) comprises hopper assemblies (18) having floor panels (22, 24, 26, and 28) that are angled at approximately 40.degree. or less. Floor panels (22, 24, 26, and 28) are fabricated from an aluminum material such that cargo may slide down floor panels (22, 24, 26, and 28) and exit hopper assembly (18) through an outlet (20) with relative ease while maximizing volume. Aerodynamic side posts (54) and improved side plates (58 and 60) which prevent water from entering hoppers (18) are also provided. An improved hatch (56), having first and second coaming portions (88 and 86) that are formed by a single extrusion process, is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Trinity Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen W. Smith, Joseph C. Lightner, Jr.