Patent Application
20080295727
The present invention relates generally to railcars and, more particularly, to a railcar support beam system and method.
Center beam railcars are used to transport various types of materials, including lumber, plywood, wallboards and other materials. Typical center beam railcars include a center beam structure consisting of a series of vertical support beams. These beams may provide support of lading for the length of the railcar.
Over time, these beams may become unaligned with each other and reduce the support surface area. This also increases point loads on the lading. As a result of normal train action, the lading can shift back and forth. This movement, together with the high point loads, may damage the lading (e.g., in the form of chaffing). Individual vertical support beams have typically provided only a minimal amount of contact area with the lading, thus adding to the problem of high point loads. These problems may worsen when the high point load surfaces are rotated out of plane with the lading surface.
The present invention provides a railcar support beam system and method that substantially eliminates or reduces at least some of the disadvantages and problems associated with previous railcar systems and methods.
In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, a railcar system includes a railcar bed and a beam structure positioned on the railcar bed. The beam structure comprises a plurality of support beams spaced apart vertically and positioned on the railcar bed such that a longitudinal axis of each support beam is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the railcar bed. Each support beam comprises a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The beam structure includes a first set of support sheets each coupled to the first side of at least one respective support beam and a second set of support sheets each coupled to the second side of at least one respective support beam.
The first set of support sheets and the second set of support sheets may each form a generally planar surface area to support railcar lading. The beam structure may be positioned at approximately the center of the railcar bed. A formation formed by the first set of support sheets and the second set of support sheets may comprise an A-frame formation. Each of the support sheets may include at least one hole in the sheet. The support sheets may comprise plate steel.
In accordance with another embodiment, a method for manufacturing a railcar system includes positioning on a railcar bed a plurality of support beams spaced apart vertically such that a longitudinal axis of each support beam is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the railcar bed. Each support beam comprises a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The method includes coupling each of a first set of support sheets to the first side of at least one respective support beam and coupling each of a second set of support sheets to the second side of at least one respective support beam.
Technical advantages of particular embodiments of the present invention include a railcar beam support apparatus with support beams that run generally parallel to a longitudinal axis the railcar. If the support beams become misaligned during railcar operation, then they are less likely to produce a high point load on the lading as a result of such misalignment. Moreover, support sheets are coupled to the support beams to provide a generally planar surface upon which the lading may rest.
Other technical advantages will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions and claims. Moreover, while specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include all, some or none of the enumerated advantages.
For a more complete understanding of particular embodiments of the invention and their advantages, reference is now made to the following descriptions, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Center beam railcar 10 may carry a lading that includes lumber, plywood, wallboard or any other suitable material. As a result of wear and tear and aging of railcar 10, vertical support beams 14 may become misaligned with one another. Such misalignment may result in increased point loads against the lading. In addition, the lading may shift back and forth resulting in chafing and other damage to the lading as it contacts the high point loads from the misaligned vertical support beams 14. Moreover, vertical support beams 14 may rotate out of plane with the lading surface further increasing point loading and other damage to the lading.
Support sheets 70 comprise any suitable metal, such as plate steel, or other material. Support sheets 70 include holes 72 which reduce the weight of support sheets 70 and, as a result, the weight of center beam structure 52. Sheets 70 in various embodiments may include any suitable number of holes having any suitable shape or configuration. Sheets in particular embodiments may include holes with a flange (e.g., formed from a punch cut process) as discussed below with respect to
As indicated above, horizontal support beams 60 run longitudinally with railcar 50—generally parallel with longitudinal axis 55. In addition, when railcar 50 is loaded, horizontal support beams 60 run longitudinally with the lading. The lading rests against support sheets 70. Thus, support sheets 70 provide a generally planar, substantial support surface area against which the lading may rest. The horizontal orientation of support beams 60 aids in providing this generally planar support surface area.
Since support beams 60 run longitudinally down the length of the railcar, if they come out of alignment during railcar operation then they are more likely to move vertically. Such vertical misalignment is unlikely to product a high point load on the lading as occurs when conventional vertical support beams become misaligned.
As illustrated, center beam structure 102 provides a generally A-frame design (e.g., the angle of support sheets 120 from the top support beam to railcar bed 150) adding strength and stability to the beam structure. In addition, railcar bed 150 generally slopes inward thus facilitating the resting of the lading against center beam structure 102 as a result of gravitational forces.
Support sheets 180 and 182 are each coupled to flange 174a on one side of support beam 170. The support sheets may be coupled to the support beam using any suitable method, such as welding or by using a coupling member, such as a tie. In particular embodiments, support sheets may be coupled to a support beam such that there is a gap between the support sheets as illustrated.
The illustrated coupling between support sheets 180 and 182 and support beam 170 is just one example of such a coupling. This or another suitable coupling such as fastening (e.g., with a flush fastener) or bonding may be used in various embodiments, such as those illustrated and described herein.
Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to particular embodiments, it should be understood that various other changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Numerous other changes, substitutions, variations, alterations and modifications may be ascertained by those skilled in the art and it is intended that the present invention encompass all such changes, substitutions, variations, alterations and modifications as falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
