Abstract: The disclosed water barrier systems may include a first mobile water barrier, and adjacent second mobile water barrier, and a translation mechanism for translating the first mobile water barrier and the second mobile water barrier toward each other. Lowering mechanisms may be configured to lower sidewalls of the mobile water barriers. The mobile water barriers may include sealing elements to form water seals between the adjacent mobile water barriers and between the sidewalls and a surface. Related methods of forming a water barrier assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A ramp assembly to accommodate a wheel-chaired passenger to enter or exit a motorized vehicle having a conventional floor includes a frame and a ramp. The ramp is slidably coupled to the frame. The ramp assembly further includes a drive block configured to translate longitudinally along the track system. The ramp assembly further includes a wheel pivotally coupled to the ramp. The wheel has a longitudinal axis and is rotatably coupled to the drive block or the frame for rotation about the longitudinal axis to move the ramp between a raised position and a lowered position.

Abstract: A vehicular slope apparatus includes: a slope plate deploying to a lower end of a door opening portion; a guide rail extending in a deploying and storing direction of the slope plate; a drive shoe moving in an extending direction of the guide rail; a link member having a first connection point rotatably connected to a rear end portion of the slope plate and a second connection point rotatably connected to the drive shoe; a posture holding mechanism configured such that the slope plate moves in the extending direction of the guide rail in conjunction with the drive shoe; and a lift mechanism configured to form a rotation fulcrum of the link member between the first and second connection points and to rotate the link member by changing an interval between the rotation fulcrum and the second connection point to thereby lift the rear end portion of the slope plate.

Abstract: A safety footboard for a rail transit station comprises a fixed frame base, a sliding frame, and a footboard member, the footboard member being fixed in the front of the sliding frame. The sliding frame is arranged within the fixed frame base, being in sliding connection with the fixed frame base, and horizontally extending from and retracting to the fixed frame base with the guidance of guide rails and guiding means. A driving motor is fixed on the fixed frame base, and racks are fixed on the sliding frame, the racks being driven by the driving motor, pushing or pulling the sliding frame to extend from or retract to the fixed frame base.

Abstract: A railcar system that includes a first railcar comprising a first plurality of decks and a first plurality of end doors adjacent to a respective deck of the first plurality of decks. The railcar system further comprises a second railcar comprising a second plurality of decks and a second plurality of end doors adjacent to a respective deck of the second plurality of decks. Each of the first plurality of end doors and the second plurality of end doors is configurable between a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation. The railcar system is further configured such that when a first end door of the first plurality of end doors of the first railcar is in its horizontal orientation it aligns with a second end door of the second plurality of end doors of the second railcar when the second end door is in its horizontal orientation.

Abstract: A loading ramp assembly is configured for attachment in a cargo area, and a movable cargo transport includes the cargo area. The cargo area includes a floor, a first sidewall disposed transverse to the floor and a second sidewall disposed transverse to the floor. The first and second sidewalls are spaced apart and generally align with each other. The loading ramp assembly includes a ramp pivotable inside the cargo area relative to the floor between a use position in which at least a portion of the ramp is disposed in a generally horizontal orientation on top of the floor and a storage position in which the ramp is spaced from the floor and secured in a generally vertical orientation along at least one of the first and second sidewalls.

Abstract: A passenger rail vehicle includes at least one linearly movable step platform which is disposed in a boarding region of the rail vehicle and is used to bridge a gap in the horizontal direction between the boarding region of the rail vehicle and a station platform. The step platform includes a front section which forms part of a step surface of the step platform. The front section is mounted about a horizontal axis so that it can pivot on the step platform to form a ramp between a remaining step surface of the step platform and the station platform.

Abstract: A system of coating a component or part of a vehicle, device, or an apparatus with an abrasive resistant material (ARM) in order to increase the component or part's life cycle. A welding system can be used to deposit ARM between a lead electrode and a trail electrode and also deposit ARM behind the trail electrode. The welding system can also be used to deposit ARM that includes a lead electrode depositing the steel material and a trailing electrode that delivers an alloying material.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for transporting items along a conveying path from a loading station to a discharge station comprises a car that can be driven in a conveying direction along the conveying path, the car having a frame and a first load-handling device borne by the frame, which is mounted so as to be infinitely adjustable in height in a controlled manner relative to the frame, wherein a second load-handling device is arranged on the frame adjacent to the first load-handling device and is mounted independently thereof so as to be infinitely adjustable in height in a controlled manner.

Abstract: An entry aid for a rail vehicle or a motor vehicle have a step, which is movably supported on rolling elements and/or sliding surfaces, and a drive, which is coupled to the step for extending and retracting the step. The rolling elements/sliding surfaces are positioned in exactly three support regions at a distance from one another and arranged in a triangle. Alternatively the rolling elements/sliding surfaces can be arranged on rockers, and bearing points of the rockers can be positioned in exactly three support regions at a distance from one another and arranged in a triangle.

Abstract: A trailer ramp system which may be easily transitioned between a rested position against the inner wall of a trailer and a lowered position extending out of the trailer. The trailer ramp system generally includes one or more ramps which are adjustable between a first storage position against an inner wall of a trailer and a second lowered position extending out of the trailer for use in loading or unloading objects. A mount rod is utilized in combination with a rotational assembly and an L-bar to allow the ramp to be adjusted into various positions. An anchor on the inner wall of the trailer may be utilized with a locking pin to secure the ramp against the inner wall in its storage position. Two or more ramps may be utilized in combination with each other for loading or unloading vehicles such as ATV's or UTV's.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an interior panel being configured to at least cover a portion of a side of a gangway between at least a first passenger car and a second passenger car. Reel mechanisms are in engagement with the interior panel. The reel mechanisms are operable to curl portions of sides of the interior panel to accommodate a change in distance between the passenger cars. Curling devices are in engagement with the reel mechanisms and are configured to urge the reel mechanisms to curl sides of the interior panel. At least one connection rod mechanism is in engagement with the reel mechanisms and is configured to be operable to support a middle portion of the interior panel. Connection fixing devices are configured to join the reel mechanisms to the passenger cars.

Abstract: An improved gap filler in the form of a single plate or a plurality of plates attached to the train car exterior or emanating from below train car vestibule floor which permits transit line system operator to utilize one device to obtain any desired gap minimization at every train car door in a trainset relative to its corresponding platform edge at all stations on its transit line regardless of platform and/or track configuration while simultaneously adhering to its gap clearance standards pertaining to safe passage of any train within its fleet through any station.

Abstract: An improved gap filler in the form of a single plate or a plurality of plates attached to the train car exterior or emanating from below train car vestibule floor which permits transit line system operator to utilize one device to obtain any desired gap minimization at every train car door in a trainset relative to its corresponding platform edge at all stations on its transit line regardless of platform and/or track configuration while simultaneously adhering to its gap clearance standards pertaining to safe passage of any train within its fleet through any station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a convoy comprising at least two intercoupled rail vehicles between which an adapter is arranged, said adapter including at least two interconnectable sets of bellows which are respectively provided with a plurality of frames, in addition to adapter sheets, and a support for the adapter sheets, that can be displaced on a sliding plate arranged between the rail vehicles above a coupling device. At least one anti-catching device is provided on the intercoupled end regions of the rail vehicles, said anti-catching devices extending essentially over the entire width of the vehicle, and the two rail vehicle are intercoupled by a spiral sleeve. The sliding plate is embodied as three parts, part of the sliding plate arranged on the spiral sleeve being detachably connected to the coupling device.

Abstract: An improved gap filler in the form of a single plate or a plurality of plates attached to the train car exterior or emanating from below train car vestibule floor which permits transit line system operator to utilize one device to obtain any desired gap minimization at every train car door in a trainset relative to its corresponding platform edge at all stations on its transit line regardless of platform and/or track configuration while simultaneously adhering to its gap clearance standards pertaining to safe passage of any train within its fleet through any station.

Abstract: The door threshold for a railway vehicle is intended to partially fill the gap between the vehicle and a platform. It comprises a support (22) which can be connected to the structure (16) of the railway vehicle and a strip (24) which is retained by the support (22). The strip (24) can be displaced between a normal position, in which it projects relative to the support (22), and a position retracted in the support (22). It comprises means (30A, 30B) for clamping the strip against at least a clamping surface (30A, 30B) of the support in order to produce friction of a specific value between the strip (24) and the support (22) counter to the displacement of the strip (24) relative to the support (22) in the plane of the or each clamping surface (30A, 30B).

Abstract: A rail road car has a deck for carrying wheeled vehicles. The rail road car can be coupled to other rail road cars of the same type. Bridge plates are provide that permit wheeled vehicles to be conducted between adjacent rail road cars. The bridge plates have one end mounted to the rail road car at a pivot fitting. The pivot fitting allows the bridge plate to be moved from a length-wise position spanning the gap between cars, to a cross-wise stowed position. The bridge plates have fittings which permit three degrees of freedom relative to the adjacent rail road cars, namely a first degree of freedom to tolerate yawing motion of the first rail road car, a second degree of freedom to accommodate yawing motion of the second rail road car, and a third degree of freedom to accommodate variation in distance between the respective portions of the rail road cars to which the bridge plate is mounted while the rail road cars are moving.

Abstract: A rail road car has a rail car body which includes a housing structure. The housing structure has a pair of sidewalls, a roof and at least one deck mounted to the sidewalls. An enclosed lading space is defined by the housing structure and there is at least one door for controlling access to the enclosed space. The rail road car is provided with short travel buff gear and a reduced slack, or slackless, coupler.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for use with a raisable and lowerable folding ramp having a bridge section and a toe section, such ramp being carried on one end of a railway car. The latching mechanism comprises an arm-like member pivotally connected at one end thereof to a predetermined structure of such railway car and a latch means attached to and extending outwardly from one of the bridge section and toe section of such folding ramp. A latching head portion is disposed at a radially opposed end of such arm-like member, and the latching head portion including a means for securing the latch means. A rotatable latching member is disposed in the latching head portion to engage and lock such latch means when such folding ramp reaches a fully raised position.

Abstract: A rail road car has a deck for carrying wheeled vehicles. The rail road car can be coupled to other rail road cars of the same type. Bridge plates are provide that permit wheeled vehicles to be conducted between adjacent rail road cars. The bridge plates have one end mounted to the rail road car at a pivot fitting. The pivot fitting allows the bridge plate to be moved from a length-wise position spanning the gap between cars, to a cross-wise stowed position. The bridge plates have fittings which permit three degrees of freedom relative to the adjacent rail road cars, namely a first degree of freedom to tolerate yawing motion of the first rail road car, a second degree of freedom to accommodate yawing motion of the second rail road car, and a third degree of freedom to accommodate variation in distance between the respective portions of the rail road cars to which the bridge plate is mounted while the rail road cars are moving.

Abstract: A rail road car has a deck for carrying wheeled vehicles. The car has deck access fittings mounted between the trucks near a collapsible hitch to provide access to the highway trailer landing gear crank, and flush mounted internal bridge plates. The rail road car has side sills having flared ends to act as a guide for the highway trailers as they are backed up. The hitch is trimmed to a relatively narrow width to lessen the likelihood of fouling the tyres of the highway trailer bogies. The car has intermediate bridge plates having a flush mounted portion to facilitate hostler truck operation. The car includes dual use cross-beams suitable for supporting the deck, acting as jacking beams to permit the car to be lifted, and as container pedestal support beams, if required.

Abstract: A ramp actuating mechanism for a rail vehicle having a movable ramp and a movable draft arm and coupler arrangement, wherein a spring assisted apparatus can be associated with the movable draft arm and coupler arrangement to counterbalance the load of the movable draft arm and coupler arrangement.

Abstract: A ramp actuating mechanism for a rail vehicle having a movable ramp and a movable draft arm and coupler arrangement, wherein a spring assisted apparatus can be associated with the movable draft arm and coupler arrangement to counterbalance the load of the movable draft arm and coupler arrangement.

Abstract: A rail road car has a deck for carrying wheeled vehicles. It has a bridge plate mounted to one end to permit wheeled vehicles to be conducted between the rail road car and an adjacently coupled rail road car. The bridge plate is movable between an extended, “drive-over” longitudinal orientation relative to the rail road car, and a side-ways, or cross-ways stowed orientation. The bridge plate can be moved to the stowed position by uncoupling the rail car, and pivoting the bridge plate to the cross-ways position. The cars can be re-coupled by placing the bridge plate in the length-wise orientation, and then advancing two cars together to form a coupling.

Abstract: A rail road car has a deck for carrying wheeled vehicles. The rail road car can be coupled to other rail road cars of the same type. Bridge plates are provided to permit wheeled vehicles to be conducted between adjacent rail road cars. The bridge plates have one end mounted to the rail road car at a pivot fitting. The pivot fitting allows the bridge plate to be moved from a length-wise position spanning the gap between cars, to a cross-wise storage position. The bridge plates have fittings which permit three degrees of freedom relative to the adjacent rail road cars, namely a first degree of freedom to tolerate yawing motion of the first rail road car, a second degree of freedom to accommodate yawing motion of the second rail road car, and a third degree of freedom to accommodate variation in distance between the respective portions of the rail road cars to which the bridge plate is mounted while the rail road cars are moving.

Abstract: An auto rack rail road car has a main deck and at least one upper deck for carrying automobiles. The auto rack rail road car is provided with short travel buff gear and a reduced slack, or slackless, coupler. Bridge plates are provided to span the space between adjacent coupled rail road cars. The bridge plates are able to remain in place during train motion. The bridge plates can be swung to a stowed position.

Abstract: A multi-unit railroad freight car and a container-carrying bridge unit for such a car. The bridge unit extends between and is carried on the adjacent body bolsters of both of a pair of drawbar-connected well units designed for carrying stacked cargo containers. The bridge unit includes a center sill, a transverse bolster at each end of the center sill, and container-supporting arms extending from the bolsters and above the body bolsters of the adjacent container well units to support a cargo container.

Abstract: A rail road car has a deck for carrying wheeled vehicles. The vehicles can be circus loaded over sets of movable bridge plates extending between the rail road car and adjacently coupled rail road cars. A transition plate system is provided to span the space between the end of the deck and the bridge plate. The transition plate system includes a crank assembly that is operable to lift transition plates, permitting the bridge plates to be moved to a cross-wise position, or to an extended position. Raising the transition plates also facilitates coupling of cars by raising the transition plate out of the way of an incoming bridge plate toe of an adjacent car. The incoming toe is able to cause the opposite transition plate to be lowered.

Abstract: The invention concerns a floor making it possible to circulate between two vehicles connected together by an articulated connection. The floor according to the invention includes a first deck fixed to the end of one of the vehicles and a second deck fixed to the end of the other vehicle. These two fixed decks are each partially covered by a movable deck, and are connected to each other by two deformable members including links and connecting rods. The movable deck is thus guided kinematically by the deformable parallelogram during the movements of the vehicles, notably when going round bends.

Abstract: A movable safety tunnel rides on parapets within a bridge. The safety tunnel is locked in place in a respective section of the bridge while maintenance or other operations are performed on that section of the bridge. This allows the traffic to flow through the safety tunnel and along the bridge, and the safety tunnel shields the traffic from any dust or debris. When the maintenance on that respective section of the bridge has been completed, the safety tunnel is unlocked and pushed (and/or pulled) by suitable equipment to the next adjacent section of the bridge; and the safety tunnel is again locked in place as the maintenance is performed. This procedure continues, progressively, along the bridge. In one embodiment, the safety tunnel has a trolley system riding on respective rails constructed on top of the parapets.

Abstract: A movable safety tunnel rides on parapets within a bridge. The safety tunnel is locked in place in a respective section of the bridge while maintenance or other operations are performed on that section of the bridge. This allows the traffic to flow through the safety tunnel and along the bridge, and the safety tunnel shields the traffic from any dust or debris. When the maintenance on that respective section of the bridge has been completed, the safety tunnel is unlocked and pushed (and/or pulled) by suitable equipment to the next adjacent section of the bridge; and the safety tunnel is again locked in place as the maintenance is performed. This procedure continues, progressively, along the bridge. In one embodiment, the safety tunnel has a trolley system riding on respective rails constructed on top of the parapets.

Abstract: The present invention is a cartridge bridge plate assembly for mounting under a floor structure of a transit vehicle adjacent a door opening. It has a frame assembly and means for attaching the frame assembly underneath the floor structure of the vehicle. It has a bridge plate for covering a gap between the floor of the vehicle and an adjacent surface to facilitate passenger ingress and egress when the vehicle is stopped. It has a bridge plate positioning means for positioning the bridge plate and accommodating motion of the bridge plate from a stowed position within the frame assembly to an extended position for covering the gap. A motor is connected to the bridge plate positioning means for moving the bridge plate from the stowed position to the extended position and from the extended position to the stowed position. The system includes a power connection to the motor, and a drive screw connected to and rotated by the motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection between two vehicles hinged to one another, e.g. railway coaches or underground coaches, whereas the connection comprises a bellows and an intercommunicating gangway, whereas the connection may be divided transversely to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle into two connection sections, the one forming the bellows section and the other the gangway section (30, 10), whereas each connection section (1) is held by tension means (40) hinged on the coach body (60) of the vehicle and the intercommunicating gangway section (10) is designed as an articulated gangway section.

Abstract: A bridge plate assembly for use in moving vehicles between rail cars for loading and unloading has sufficient length to span the space between adjacent rail cars and has sufficient width to accommodate vehicles of varying wheelbase. The plate assembly includes two relatively movable telescoping load bearing members, each of which includes a plurality of spaced tubular members and a support member at each end of each plate member joining the tubular members together.

Abstract: A power operated retractable floor extension, extending outward from the floor of a mass transit vehicle. When extended, the floor portion bridges any gap between the vehicle floor and adjacent platform, thereby providing improved passenger access to the vehicle. Generally speaking, the extended member complies with existing United States Federal Regulations.

Abstract: The articulated gangway forming part of a corridor between two vehicles or vehicle parts hinged together comprises: two or more stepping and gliding members which are hinged to each other; supporting elements between the stepping and gliding members, the stepping and gliding members being located generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the supporting elements and are movable by the supporting elements; and coiled spring elements on the supporting elements and between adjacent stepping and gliding members to return the stepping and gliding members to their original position after the articulated gangway has gone through a cornering maneuver.

Abstract: A deformable gangway (14), located between two successive loading platforms (15) and (16) for a road or a railroad chassis, is composed of a succession of transverse slats (25), such as metallic transverse slats, carried adjacent their ends (39) by two longitudinal supporting and guiding elements (26) and (27). The slats (25) are disposed side by side and separated from one another, at least adjacent their ends (39), by inserts (43) made of an elastic material which bear against the longitudinal supporting and guiding elements (26) and (27). The slats (25) become immobilized, when subjected to a load, and form a fixed supporting area (17) while a remainder of the other slats (25) are still able to move on a curve, as a result of relative movement between adjacent end faces (20, 21) and (22, 23) of the platforms (15) and (16) to which the gangway (14) interconnects.

Abstract: A bridge plate assembly for use in moving vehicles between rail cars for loading and unloading has sufficient length to span the space between adjacent rail cars and has sufficient width to accommodate vehicles of varying wheelbase. The plate assembly includes two relatively movable telescoping load bearing members, each of which includes a plurality of spaced tubular members and a support member at each end of each plate member joining the tubular members together.

Abstract: A telescoping bridge plate for auto rack railroad cars for supporting automobiles being driven between railroad cars comprises a top plate with corrugations providing top surfaces separated by grooves, with the top plate having an overlapping end portion and a locking end portion, a bottom plate with corrugations providing top surfaces which seat beneath the top surfaces of the top plate, and grooves which seat beneath the grooves of the top plate, with the bottom plate having an overlapping end portion and a locking end portion, and with the top plate overlapping end portion and the bottom plate overlapping end portion being in sliding overlapping engagement.

Abstract: A bridge plate assembly for use in moving vehicles between rail cars for loading and unloading is of sufficient width to accommodate vehicles of varying wheelbase and includes relatively movable telescopic bridge panel members. One of the panel members has top and bottom face layers bonded to an intermediate low density core. The other panel member is in the form of a hollow shroud which in part encloses the first identified panel member. The relatively movable panel members are biased toward maximum extension and there is a stop for limiting the extension of the panel members.

Abstract: A bridge plate assembly for use in moving vehicles between rail cars for unloading and loading has a sufficient length to span the space between adjacent rail cars and has sufficient width to accommodate vehicles of varying wheelbase. The plate assembly includes two load bearing plate members, positioned one on top of another, with one end of each plate member being formed and adapted to be attached to the end of a rail car. Each plate member has top and bottom face layers bonded to an intermediate low density core.

Abstract: An improved automobile transport railway car that is constructed from noncorroding materials adjacent to load carrying areas and that is enclosed by doors on both ends of the car. In the case of the articulated cars, a bellows assembly encloses and spans the ends of adjacent units. The car may be provided with two or more decks and has walls and a roof preferably constructed from nested, pultruded sections that are light in weight and are non-corrodible.

Abstract: A diagonally movable linking platform forming part of a bridge between two vehicles. The linking platform is supported by the vehicles. The linking platform has two parallel extending supports for pivotally receiving the cross-beams. The supports each have a pair of guide and support rollers. The guide and support rollers are received by guide and support elements arranged on the vehicles.

Abstract: An improved automobile transport railway car that is constructed from noncorroding materials adjacent to load carrying areas and that is enclosed by doors on both ends of the car. In the case of the articulated cars, a bellows assembly encloses and spans the ends of adjacent units. The car may be provided with two or more decks and has walls and a roof preferably constructed from nested, pultruded sections that are light in weight and are non-corrodible.

Abstract: A railway loading dock is provided with adjacent trackage having pairs of main rails and stabilizing rails. A modified railway flatbed car is equipped along its sides with stabilizing wheels and associated support structure to retain the car bed coplanar with the loading dock surface to permit drive on loading and drive off unloading of large trucks. The railway car bed is equipped with bed extensions which primarily occupy that space between ends of adjacent cars to permit travel of trucks, in a straight or oblique manner, over the ends of adjacent railway cars. The stabilizing rails have inclined segments for gradual engagement with the car stabilizing wheels.

Abstract: A shroud apparatus is provided to substantially minimize detrimental foreign matter entering into a predetermined portion of a cavity disposed at the outer end of a female connection member that receives therein the outer end of a male connection member of an articulated coupling arrangement used to connect adjacent ends of a pair of railway cars together in a semi-permanent manner. Such shroud apparatus includes a plate-like member that is positionable above and engageable with the articulated coupling arrangement in a location which will substantially prevent such foreign matter entering such cavity. The plate-like member has a predetermined size and shape such that when such shroud apparatus is viewed from the top of such articulated coupling arrangement all openings to the predetermined portion of such cavity will appear to be covered.

Abstract: A gondola car for use with a train of like gondola cars that comprises a body having a floor and two sidewalls, a bridge extension connected to the floor and extending outwardly beyond the two sidewalls, a wall transition member of arcuate shape extending beyond the end of one of the sidewalls, and a pivotal connector positioned adjacent the bridge extension for enabling pivotal movement between the gondola car and an adjacent gondola car. The wall transition member is fastened to one of the sidewalls and is in sliding rotational relation to a arcuate-shaped guide section on an adjacent gondola car. The bridge extension has a curved edge affixed to the bottom edge of the wall transition member. The curved edge has a radius of curvature generally equal to the radius of curvature of the arcuate-shaped of the wall transition member. The floor has a plurality of apertures for receiving a fixed cleat from a tractor/shovel.

Abstract: A cover for a railroad gondola car comprising a central panel, a first end portion extending downwardly from one side of the central panel, a second end portion extending downwardly from the other side of said central panel, a handle connected to the top surface of said central panel, and a locking mechanism connected to said central panel so as to releasably fix the central panel onto the gondola car. The central panel has an inverted V-shaped configuration. The handle is a longitudinal member positioned in the middle of the central panel and extending laterally across the central panel. A plurality of stiffener members extend across the central panel. The central panel includes an extension section that extends outwardly from the central panel at one end beyond the position of the stiffener members. The locking mechanism includes a tie-down strap positioned adjacent the end portion of each panel and another positioned adjacent the opposite end portion of the last panel.

Abstract: A connecting platform for use with the end of a railroad car, the platform cooperating with a connecting platform of another car articulated to the railroad car, both railroad cars having the usual spring-biased buffers. The connecting platform includes a platform part supported on the end of the railroad car and slidable with respect to the car in the longitudinal direction of the car, the end face of the platform part remote from the car and the end face of the buffer remote from the car being in substantially the same vertical plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the car. A linkage arrangement responds to movement of the buffer toward and away from the car for moving the platform part toward and away from the end of the car so as to maintain the end faces of the buffer and platform part in substantially the same vertical plane.