CA2356703A1 - Railroad boxcar with tapered side post construction - Google Patents
Railroad boxcar with tapered side post construction Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2356703A1 CA2356703A1 CA 2356703 CA2356703A CA2356703A1 CA 2356703 A1 CA2356703 A1 CA 2356703A1 CA 2356703 CA2356703 CA 2356703 CA 2356703 A CA2356703 A CA 2356703A CA 2356703 A1 CA2356703 A1 CA 2356703A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- side sheet
- boxcar
- floor structure
- stiffeners
- railroad
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B61—RAILWAYS
- B61D—BODY DETAILS OR KINDS OF RAILWAY VEHICLES
- B61D17/00—Construction details of vehicle bodies
- B61D17/04—Construction details of vehicle bodies with bodies of metal; with composite, e.g. metal and wood body structures
- B61D17/08—Sides
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
A railroad boxcar has side wall assemblies that extend between the door frame posts to the end walls of the car. The side wall assemblies have an array of vertical stiffeners in the nature of tapered posts mounted on pitched spacing to the outside of the wall sheet assemblies between the door frames and the end walls. Lateral stiffeners, in the nature of stringers, can be mounted between the tapered vertical stiffeners. Alternatively, rigid deformations can be formed in the sidewall sheets themselves between the vertical stiffeners to provide local reinforcement to discourage local rippling and warping in the side wall sheets.
Description
RAILROAD BOXCAR WITH TAPERED SIDE POST CONSTRUCTION
Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to the field of railroad freight cars and more particularly, to railroad boxcars.
Background of the Invention Generally, railroad boxcars include an enclosed structure mounted on a railroad car underframe. The underframe extends between the longitudinal railcar ends of the boxcar and is supported on a pair of spaced-apart railcar trucks.
The underframe typically includes a longitudinally extending center sill and a pair of side sills. End sills are mounted transversely of, and are attached to, the center sill and the side sills at the longitudinal ends of the boxcar. An array of cross-members typically in the nature of alternate pairs of cross-bearers and cross-ties are also usually provided at spaced-apart locations along the center sill to attach the center sill to the side sills.
In conventional railroad boxcars, the enclosed structure includes a floor structure, side walls, end walls and a roof structure, arranged in a generally rectangular, box-like configuration. The floor structure, the side walls, the end walls and the roof structure co-operate to define the interior of the boxcar in which various types of freight may be placed. Some boxcars have one or more side doors, for instance, sliding type doors, which provide access to the interior of the boxcar to allow freight to be loaded and unloaded therein.
The end wall and side walls support the roof structure. Each end wall attaches to, and extends upwardly from a corresponding end sill to connect to the roof structure. The side walls extend between the longitudinal ends of the boxcar and connect to the end walls. Connection of the side walls to the underframe occurs along the side sills. The side walls include side sheets and a number of spaced-apart, vertical reinforcement members in the nature of side post assemblies. The side post assemblies are mounted to the side sheets and serve to carry the vertical roof loads and to stiffen the walls horizontally. Where the boxcar has one or more side doors, the adjacent side sheets thereto have framing members in the nature of relatively heavy door posts.
20879332.3 r One side post assembly that is currently available uses a roll formed, hat-shaped channel section and a plate. The channel section has 0.188 in. wall thickness and a uniform cross-section. The channel includes a back and a pair of opposed channel legs. The channel legs join the back at smoothly radiused roll formed corners. The legs are parallel to each other and extend away from the back at right angles. The legs terminate at flanges, or toes, that extend outwardly and away at right angles yielding a hat shaped section. One channel section has a flange-to-flange width of about 9.5 in. It has a plate about 8" wide and has 1 '/2" deep indents at spaced-apart locations along the plate to locate lading strap anchor fittings.
During assembly, the plate is mounted to the channel section against the flanges to form a hollow, closed section. Because the width of the channel section as measured from flange to flange is greater than the width of the plate, each flange overhangs the side of the plate by about 3/4" and provides a surface against which a side sheet is mounted. Each side sheet is mounted against an overhanging flange portion leaving a gap of about 1/8" between itself and the plate. Each side sheet is then butt welded to the plate and the overhanging flange portion. In this way, the overhanging flange portion serves as a backing bar to strengthen the butt weld between the channel and the side sheet.
Typically, the side post assemblies are spaced with a pitch of approximately 33 in. (measured center-to-center between each successive channel section). In a side wall construction of this type, given the arrangement of side sheets and channel sections, the width of any given side sheet will not exceed the pitch of the side post assemblies. The side sheets used in this particular side wall assembly measure approximately 25 in. in width such that the side wall has two weld seams per pitch.
In certain applications, where a boxcar is used to haul goods with relatively delicate exteriors, such as rolls of paper, it is important that a generally, smooth, flat interior surface be provided against which the lading may bear. In such cases, during the construction of the boxcar side walls, care is taken to grind the weld seams so that rough surfaces may be minimized in the interior of the boxcar to avoid damage to lading during transport. This operation is typically carned out manually, and as a result tends to be labour-intensive and tends to add to the cost of manufacture of the boxcar. Excessive grinding may even lead to gouging of the side sheets thus damaging the boxcar side wall. In this regard, it would be highly advantageous to 20879332.3 have a boxcar side wall constructed of wider side sheets resulting in fewer weld seams. A side wall having a construction of this type would tend to have a smoother interior surface, would tend to require less grinding and be less labour-intensive. This in turn may tend to lead to savings in the cost of manufacture.
In prior side wall constructions, side sheets have sometimes tended to be subject to rippling or warping as a result of welding heat and restraints applied to the side sheets during assembly of the side wall. This may pose a significant challenge for boxcars dedicated to paper roll service which, as previously mentioned, require relatively smooth and flat interior surfaces. The rippled side sheets tend to cause deformations in the rolls of paper, for instance, "out-of roundness", "flat spots", or indentations. These deformations damage the rolls of paper, thereby rendering them unfit for use in high-speed printing presses for which the rolls may be intended. In this particular respect, it is important to avoid or discourage the rolls of paper from becoming indented at the edges.
One approach to reducing side sheet rippling could be to increase the thickness of the side sheets. Unfortunately, while this measure may tend to the stiffness of the side sheets, it also adds to the weight of the boxcar. Damage to paper rolls caused by side sheet rippling may tend to be mitigated to some extent by placing protective material, for instance cardboard lining, between the rolls of paper and the side sheets.
However, neither of these approaches has proved altogether satisfactory. A
boxcar side wall in which side sheet rippling could be mitigated without unduly adding to the weight of the boxcar would be desirable. Furthermore, it would be advantageous to have a side wall construction that tends to reduce deformations along the edges of the roll by providing side sheets with additional rigidity to resist rippling and deflection.
Typically, rolls of paper are placed into the interior of a boxcar with their rolling axes of rotation (that is, the axes of rotation about which the rolls are wound) oriented vertically. Often, the rolls are stacked two or three high in accordance with standard loading patterns. For such loading patterns, where the boxcar exceeds Plate "C" dimensions, it is often necessary to calculate the combined center of gravity of the boxcar and its lading to ensure compliance with the AAR design requirement that the combined center of gravity not exceed 98 in. above top of rail (TOR).
Generally, the lading capacity of the paper service boxcar will be governed by the combined center of gravity limitation. Accordingly, a light boxcar which has a low center of gravity, tends to have a greater lading capacity because more rolls of paper may be 20879332.3 loaded onto the boxcar without exceeding the limitation. Moreover, lowering the center of gravity of a boxcar may improve the car's dynamics by reducing lateral rock and roll. For these reasons, it is thus very advantageous to lower the center of gravity of the boxcar.
S
One way in which this objective may be achieved is to lighten the boxcar structure. In this regard, a side wall assembly which could be constructed using thinner side sheets and lighter side post assemblies, while still tending to offer resistance to buckling and rippling, would be advantageous. It would be most advantageous to reduce the weight of a side wall assembly in those portions located farthest from top of rail.
Summary of the Invention In one aspect of the invention there is a tapered post for mounting to the outside of a boxcar side sheet. In another aspect of the invention, there is a tapered post for mounting to the outside of a side sheet of a boxcar, the tapered post having a C-section, the C-section including toes for mounting to the side sheet of the boxcar, the toes being flangeless.
In an aspect of the invention there is a railroad boxcar comprising having a boxcar body supported on trucks for rolling motion in a longitudinal direction. The boxcar body has a floor structure, a roof structure mounted above the floor structure, and a wall structure extending upwardly of the floor structure toward the roof structure. The wall structure has a pair of opposed first and second end walls, and a pair of opposed, spaced apart, first and second side walls extending between the end walls. The first side wall has an opening defined therein, and at least one door framing member bounds the opening. The first side wall includes a side sheet assembly and a plurality of side sheet stiffeners mounted thereto. The side sheet assembly extends between the door framing member and one of the first and second end walls. The side sheet stiffeners are attached to the side sheet ' assembly at locations spaced away from the door framing member. The side sheet stiffeners being mounted to extend upwardly of the floor structure. One of the side sheet stiffeners has a first cross-sectional area at a first station thereof proximate to the floor structure and a second cross-sectional area at a second station thereof distant from the floor structure. The first cross-sectional area is greater than the second cross-sectional area.
20879332.3 In a feature of that aspect of the invention, the one of the side sheet stiffeners has a first width at the first station and a second width at the second station, the first and second widths being measured in the longitudinal direction. The first width is greater than the second width. In another feature, the one of the side sheet stiffeners has a first depth of section at the first station and a second depth of section at the second station, and the first depth of section is greater than the second depth of section. In still another feature, the one of the side sheet stiffeners tapers from the first station to the second station.
In another feature, the one of the side sheet stiffeners has a width measured in the longitudinal direction, the width diminishing from the first station to the second station. In yet another feature, the one of the side sheet stiffeners has a depth of section measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the depth of section diminishing from the first station to the second station. In a further feature, the one of the side sheet stiffeners has a width measured in the longitudinal direction and a depth of section measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; and the width and the depth of section diminish from the first station to the second station.
In a further additional feature, the one of the side sheet stiffeners has a weight of section which diminishes from the first station to the second station. In a still further feature, the one of the side sheet stiffeners has a first end and a second end, the first end lying closer to the floor structure than the second end. The one of the side sheet stiffeners has a center of mass, the center of mass being located closer to the first end of the one of the side sheet stiffeners than to the second end thereof.
In another aspect of the invention, there is a railroad boxcar having a longitudinal rolling direction. The boxcar has a floor structure supported on a pair of first and second spaced apart rail car trucks, a roof structure mounted above the floor structure, and a wall structure extending between the floor structure and the roof structure. The wall structure, the floor structure and the roof co-operate to define an interior space for accommodating lading. The wall structure has a pair of opposed first and second end walls, and a pair of opposed, spaced apart first and second side walls extending between the end walls. The first side wall has an opening defined therein, and at least one door framing member bounds the opening. The first side wall includes a side sheet assembly and at least one side sheet stiffener. The side sheet assembly has a first surface facing inwardly relative to the interior space, and a second surface facing outwardly away from the interior space. The side sheet assembly 20879332.3 extends between the door framing member and one of the first and second end walls.
The side sheet stiffener extends upwardly of the floor structure. The side sheet stiffener is mounted to the second surface of the side sheet assembly at a location spaced away from the door framing member. The side sheet stiffener has a first end S and a second end, the first end lying closer to the floor structure than the second end.
The side sheet stiffener has a center of mass, the center of mass lying closer to the first end of the stiffener than to the second end thereof.
In a feature of that asapect of the invention, the side sheet stiffener has a length measured between the first and second ends, and the center of mass lies at a station not exceeding 0.46 of the length from the first end. In another feature, the side sheet stiffener has a cross- sectional area that diminishes from the first end to the second end. In still another feature, the side sheet stiffener has a weight of section that diminishes from the first end to the second end. In yet another feature, the side sheet stiffener tapers from the first end to the second end. In a further additional feature, the side sheet stiffener tapers from a first width at the first end thereof to a second width at the second end thereof, the first and second widths being measured in the longitudinal direction of the boxcar. In still another further feature, the side sheet stiffener tapers from a first depth of section at the first end thereof to a second depth of section at the second end thereof, the first and second depths of section being measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the boxcar.
In yet another further feature, the side sheet stiffener has a first width at the first end thereof and a second width at the second end thereof, the first and second widths being measured in the longitudinal direction of the boxcar. The side sheet stiffener tapers from the first width to the second second width. The side sheet stiffener has a first depth of section at the first end thereof and a second depth of section at the second end thereof, the first and second depths of section being measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the boxcar. The side sheet stiffener tapers from the first depth of section to the second depth of section.
In another additional feature, the side sheet stiffener has a C-shaped cross-section. In a further feature of that feature, the C-shaped section includes a back member and a pair of opposed first and second leg members adjoining the back member and extending away therefrom; and the leg members having flangeless toes mounted to the second surface of the side sheet assembly. In another further feature, 20879332.3 _7_ the channel legs extend away from the back member in an outwardly splayed arrangement.
In another feature, the side sheet assembly includes a first side sheet and a S second side sheet. The first side sheet abuts the second side sheet along a seam. The boxcar has a plurality of the side sheet stiffeners mounted to the second surface of the side sheet assembly clear of the seam. In another feature, the seam extends in a predominantly vertical direction.
In another aspect of the invention there is a railroad boxcar having a longitudinal rolling direction. The boxcar has a floor structure supported on a pair of first and second spaced apart rail car trucks, a roof structure mounted above the floor structure, and a wall structure extending between the floor structure and the roof structure. The wall structure, the floor structure and the roof co-operate to define an interior space for accommodating lading. The wall structure has a pair of opposed first and second end walls, and a pair of opposed, spaced apart first and second side walls extending between the end walls. The first side wall has an opening defined therein, and at least one door framing member bounding the opening. The first side wall includes a side sheet assembly and at least a pair of first and second, spaced apart parallel tapered side sheet stiffeners. The side sheet assembly has a first surface facing inwardly relative to the interior space, and a second surface facing outwardly away from the interior space. The side sheet assembly extends between the door framing member and one of the first and second end walls. The side sheet stiffeners extend upwardly of the floor structure. The side sheet stiffeners are mounted to the second surface of the side sheet assembly at a location spaced away from the door framing member. The side sheet stiffeners have a first end and a second end, the first end lying closer to the floor structure than the second end. The side sheet assembly includes a first side sheet and a second side sheet, the first side sheet abutting the second side sheet along a seam, the seam being located intermediate the first and second stiffeners. One of the first and second side sheets has at least one local deformation formed therein intermediate the first and second stiffeners.
In an additional feature of that aspect of the invention, the local deformation extends in a predominantly vertical direction. In another feature, the second surface of the side sheet assembly bulges at the location of the local deformation. In a fruther feature, the second surface of the side sheet is ribbed. In still another feature, the first surface of the side sheet assembly is recessed at the location of the local deformation.
20879332.3 _g_ In yet another feature, the first and second side sheets have a plurality of local deformations for extending in a predominantly vertical direction. The boxcar has a plurality of the side sheet stiffeners mounted to the side sheet assembly clear of the seam and clear of the plurality of local deformations.
In a further aspect of the invention, there is a railroad boxcar having a floor structure supported on a pair of first and second spaced apart rail car trucks, a roof structure mounted above the floor structure, and a wall structure extending between the floor structure and the roof structure. The wall structure, the floor structure and the roof co-operate to define an interior space for accommodating lading. The wall structure has a pair of opposed first and second end walls, and a pair of opposed, spaced apart first and second side walls extending between the end walls. The first side wall has an opening defined therein, and at least one door framing member bounds the opening. The first side wall includes a side sheet assembly and at least a pair of first and second, spaced apart parallel tapered side sheet stiffeners.
The side sheet assembly has a first surface facing inwardly relative to the interior space, and a second surface facing outwardly away from the interior space. The side sheet assembly extends between the door framing member and one of the first and second end walls. The side sheet stiffeners extend upwardly of the floor structure, the side sheet stiffeners being mounted to the second surface of the side sheet assembly at a location spaced away from the door framing member. The side sheet stiffener have a first end and a second end, the first end lying closer to the floor structure than the second end. The side sheet assembly includes a first side sheet and a second side sheet, the first side sheet abutting the second side sheet along a seam, the seam being located intermediate the first and second stiffeners. At least one of the first and the second side sheets has indents formed therein for accommodating a lading securing fitting, the indents being spaced apart at locations along the one of the side sheets.
In an additional feature of that aspect of the invention, there is a lading securing fitting mounted to, and contained within, one of the indents. The lading securing fitting lies shy of the first surface of the side sheet assembly. In another feature, the first and second side sheets have a plurality of local deformations formed therein for stiffening the side sheets. The local deformations extend in a predominantly vertical direction and are located at spaced apart locations from the indents. In still another feature, the indents are spaced apart at predominantly vertical locations along one of the side sheets. The boxcar has a plurality of the side sheet stiffeners mounted to the side sheet assembly. At least one of the side sheet stiffeners 20879332.3 is mounted to reinforce the one of the side sheets at the vertical locations of the indents.
In still another aspect of the invetion there is a railroad boxcar having a longitudinal rolling direction. The boxcar includes a floor structure supported on a pair of first and second spaced apart rail car trucks, a roof structure mounted above the floor structure, and a wall structure extending between the floor structure and the roof structure. The wall structure; the floor structure and the roof co-operate to define an interior space for accommodating lading. The wall structure has a pair of opposed first and second end walls, and a pair of opposed, spaced apart first and second side walls extending between the end walls. The first side wall has an opening defined therein, and at least one door framing member bounding the opening. The first side wall includes a side sheet assembly and at least first and second spaced apart, parallel side sheet stiffeners. The side sheet assembly has a first surface facing inwardly 1 S relative to the interior space, and a second surface facing outwardly away from the interior space. The side sheet assembly extends between the door framing member and one of the first and second end walls. The side sheet stiffeners extend upwardly of the floor structure. The side sheet stiffeners are mounted to the second surface of the side sheet assembly at a location spaced away from the door framing member. The side sheet stiffeners have a first end and a second end, the first end lying closer to the floor structure than the second end. The side sheet stiffeners each have a center of mass, the center of mass lying closer to the first end of the stiffener than to the second end thereof. The boxcar includes at least a first stringer mounted to the side sheet assembly to extend between the first and second side sheet assembly.
In a feature of that aspect of the invention, the boxcar has a second stringer mounted to the side sheet assembly to extend between the first and second side sheet stiffeners. The first stringer is carned at a first height relative to the floor structure and the second stringer is carned at a second height relative to the floor structure. The first height being closer to the floor structure than the second height. In another feature, the first height is less than 50 inches above the floor structure. In still another feature, the first height is 36 inches above the floor structure. In a further feature, the second height is less than 100 inches above the floor structure. In still another feature, the second height is 86 inches above the floor structure.
In a yet further feature, one of the first and second side sheet stiffeners is spaced apart from, and extends parallel to the door framing member. The boxcar has 20879332.3 a third stringer mounted to the side sheet assembly, the third stringer extending between the one of the side sheet stiffeners and the door framing member. The third stringer is carned at a third height relative to the floor structure. In still another feature, the third height is intermediate the first height and the second height. In another further feature, the third height is less than 100 inches from the floor structure. In still another further feature, the third height is greater than SO inches. In yet a further feature, the third height is about 61 inches above the floor structure.
Brief Description of the Drawings For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carned into effect, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which show the apparatus according to the present invention and in which:
Figure 1 is an isometric perspective view of a railroad boxcar according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a side view of the railroad boxcar of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a top view of the railroad boxcar of Figure 1 with the roof structure and floor structure partially removed to reveal the underframe of the railroad boxcar;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the railroad boxcar of Figure 3 taken on a staggered section '4-4';
Figure 5 is an end view of the railroad boxcar of Figure 1;
Figure 6a is a view of a side wall construction of the railroad boxcar of Figure 1 with the side door removed;
Figure 6b is a top view of the side wall construction of Figure 6a;
Figure 7a is an enlarged front view of a portion of the side wall construction of Figure 6a showing a side sheet assembly and tapered side posts mounted thereto;
Figure 7b is a top view of the portion of the side wall construction of Figure 7a;
Figure 7c is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the side wall construction of Figure 7a taken on section '7c-7c';
Figure 8a is a front view of the portion of the side wall construction of Figure 6a taken opposite the view shown in Figure 7a with posts removed;
Figure 8b is a top view of the portion of the side wall construction of Figure 8a;
Figure 8c is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion of the side wall construction of Figure 8a taken on a section '8c-8c';
20879332.3 Figure 8d is an enlarged front view of an indent formed in one of the side sheets of the side wall construction of Figure 8a;
Figure 9a is a perspective view of one of the tapered side posts shown in Figure 7a;
Figure 9b is a front view of the tapered side post of Figure 9a;
Figure 9c is a side view of the tapered side post of Figure 9a;
Figure 9d shows an outline of the top end of the tapered side post of Figure 9a;
Figure 9e shows an outline of the bottom end of the tapered side post of Figure 9a;
Figure 10a is a side view of the side wall construction of Figure 6a taken on a section 'l0a-l0a';
Figure lOb is an enlarged partial side view of the side wall construction of Figure 6a taken on a section 'lOb-lOb' showing a tapered side post connected to a side sill;
Figure lOc is an enlarged partial side view of the side wall construction of Figure 6a taken on a section 'lOc-lOc' showing a tapered side post connected to a side sheet and a side plate at a top chord;
Figure lOd is an enlarged partial side view of the side wall construction of Figure 6a taken on a section 'lOd-lOd' showing a tapered side post connected to a side sheet, a side plate and a top door retainer;
Figure lla is a view of an alternative embodiment of side wall construction to that of Figure 6a showing side stringers mounted to side sheets to bridge the span between adjacent tapered side posts and between door post assemblies and tapered side posts;
Figure llb is a top view of the side wall construction of Figure l la;
Figure llc is an enlarged partial side view of the side wall construction of Figure lla taken on a section '11 c-11 c' showing a side stringer connection to a side sheet assembly;
Figure 12a is an enlarged front view of a portion of the side wall construction of Figure 11 a showing a side sheet assembly, and tapered side posts and side stringers mounted thereto;
Figure 12b is a top view of the portion of the side wall construction of Figure 12a;
Figure 12c is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the side wall construction of Figure 12a taken on section '12c-12c';
Figure 13a is a front view of an additional alternative embodiment of the side wall construction of Figure 6a; and Figure 13b is a top view of the side wall construction of Figure 13a;
Figure 14 is a partial sectional view at a weld in a side sheet construction of the boxcar of Figure 1.
20879332.3 Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment of the Invention The description that follows, and the embodiments described therein, are provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples of particular embodiments of the principles of the present invention. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles and of the invention. In the description that follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and the drawings with the same respective reference numerals.
The drawings are not necessarily to scale and in some instances proportions may have been exaggerated in order more clearly to depict certain features of the invention.
In terms of general orientation and directional nomenclature, for each of the railroad cars described herein, the longitudinal direction is defined as being coincident with the rolling direction of the car, or car unit, when located on tangent (that is, straight) track. In the case of a railroad car having a center sill, whether a through center sill or stub sill, the longitudinal direction is parallel to the center sill, and parallel to the side sills, if any. Unless otherwise noted, vertical, or upward and downward, are terms that use top of rail TOR as a datum. The term lateral, or laterally outboard, refers to a distance or orientation relative to the longitudinal centerline of the railroad car, or railroad car unit, indicated as CL - Rail Car. The term "longitudinally inboard", or "longitudinally outboard" is a distance taken relative to a mid-span lateral section of the railroad car, or railroad car unit.
By way of general overview, an example of a railroad boxcar is indicated in Figures 1 through 5, generally as 20. For the purposes of conceptual explanation of the embodiments illustrated in the various Figures, the major structural elements of boxcar 20 (and of the alternate embodiments described herein), are both generally symmetrical about the longitudinal centerline of the car (as designated by axis CL) and symmetrical about the mid-span transverse section of the car, indicated as TS.
In one embodiment of the present invention, boxcar 20 has exterior dimensions which satisfy the requirements of AAR Plate 'F'. More particularly, in one preferred embodiment boxcar 20 may have an inside length of 62 ft. and inside width of 9 ft. 7 in. Other embodiments of the present invention can exceed plate 'F' 20879332.3 As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, boxcar 20 has a longitudinal rolling direction on a straight track, parallel to the longitudinal centerline CL. Boxcar 20 includes an enclosed structure 22 mounted on an underframe 24. Underframe 24 extends between longitudinal railcar ends 26 and 28 of boxcar 20 and is supported on a pair of spaced-apart railcar trucks 30 and 32, respectively. Underframe 24 is of welded construction and includes a longitudinally extending center sill 34 and a pair of side sills 36 and 38. Center sill 34 and side sills 36 and 38 form the main longitudinal structural elements of boxcar 20 for resisting vertical loads. A pair of end sills 40 and provide transverse support at railcar ends 26 and 28. An array of cross-members 44 in the nature of bolsters 46, cross-bearers 48, and cross-ties 50 extend at spaced-apart locations along center sill 34 to attach to side sills 36 and 38. Underframe 24 also includes a number of longitudinally extending members, or stringers, 52 which are mounted at intermediate locations between center sill 34 and side sills 36 and 38, to bridge the span between adjacent cross-members 44.
Enclosed structure 22 includes a floor structure 54, a pair of opposed, spaced apart side walls 56 and 58, a pair of opposed end walls 60 and 62, and a roof structure 64, arranged in a generally rectangular, box-like configuration. Floor structure 54, side walls 56 and 58, end walls 60 and 62, and roof structure 64 co-operate to define an interior 66 of boxcar 20 (shown in Figure 4) in which lading may be placed.
Each side wall 56, 58 has a generally rectangular opening 68 (shown in Figure 6b) through which access to interior 66 is given. The side door 70 is slidably mounted to each side wall 56, 58 adjacent each opening 68 to control access to interior 66. In a preferred embodiment, the side door 70 is a single door. In an alternative embodiment, the side door 70 may be a double door.
With particular reference to Figure 3, floor structure 54 includes floor panels 72 which are arranged end-to-end between railcar ends 26 and 28. Floor panels extend between side sills 36 and 38 and are carried on center sill 34 and longitudinal stringers 52. Floor panels 72 tend to have a generally smooth load bearing surface 74 to accommodate lading, such as rolls of paper, whose exterior is prone to be otherwise damaged by rough or sharp surfaces.
As shown in Figures 1 and 5, each end wall 60, 62 attaches to, and extends upwardly from, end sill 40, 42 to connect to a roof framing member 80, namely as end roof members 82, 84, as the case may be. Each end wall 60, 62 includes corrugated 20879332.3 end sheets 86 whose laterally outboard ends meet side walls 56 and 58 at edges 88, 90, 92 and 94 of enclosed structure 22.
Refernng to Figure 2, each side wall 56, 58 is mounted to extend between end walls 60 and 62. Connection of each side wall 56, 58 to underframe 24 occurs at side sill 36, 38, as the case may be. Each side wall 56, 58 extends upwardly therefrom to connect to a top chord 96, 98 in the form of an L-shaped, side plate 100, 102.
Side plates 100 and 102 span between, and attach to canines 82 and 84 to form a framework for supporting roof structure 64. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, roof structure 64 is substantially rectangular and is formed by a number of corrugated roof sheets 104 joined together and disposed in an end-to-end arrangement between railcar ends 26 and 28.
Figure 6a shows a front view of side wall 58. As side walls 56 and 58 are generally similar in structure and configuration, a description of one will suffice for the other. Side wall 58 includes a pair of side sheet assemblies 110 and 112, an array of spaced-apart, vertical side sheet stiffeners 114 in the nature of side posts 116, and a pair of door framing members 118 and 120, such as, door post assemblies 122 and 124. Door post assemblies 122 and 124 are mounted adjacent opening 68 to provide reinforcement in the area of side door 70. Each door post assembly 122, 124 includes a door post plate 126 and a vertical reinforcement member 128 in the nature of a door post 130. Door post 130 includes a relatively heavy, generally C-shaped channel section 132 which has a back 134 and a pair of opposed channel legs 136.
During assembly, the toes of channel legs 136 are placed against, and welded to, door post plate 126. Door post plate 126, in turn, is welded to top chord 96 and to top door retainer 138 along its top edge, and to side sill 36 along its bottom edge.
Door post 130 has a bottom end 140 located proximate floor structure 54 and a top end 142 located opposite bottom end 140 away from floor structure 54. The width of channel section 132 (as measured in the longitudinal direction of boxcar 20) tapers from bottom end 140 to top end 142. Accordingly, the weight of section of door post 130 diminishes from bottom end 140 to top end 142 such that, at top end 142, a relatively lighter weight of section is used than at bottom end 140.
As will be described in greater detail below, side posts 116 extend upwardly from the transversely outboard margins of floor structure 54 toward roof structure 64 and are mounted to side sheets assemblies 110 and 112 at intermittent locations along 20879332.3 side wall 58. Side posts 116 have a bottom end 150 located proximate floor structure 54 for attachment to side sill 36 and a top end 152 lying away from floor structure 54 for connecting to top chord 96. As shown in Figures 9a to 9e, each side post includes a C-shaped, press-formed channel section 154 having a back 156 and a pair of opposed channel legs 158. Channel legs 158 have proximal portions 160 which join to back 156 at smoothly radiused corners. The proximal portions 160 of channel legs 158 extend away from back 156 in an outwardly splayed arrangement to terminate at flangeless toes 162. That is, toes 162 are farther apart than proximal portions 160, and toes 162 extend at an oblique angle to meet the side sheet when installed.
Each side post 116 has a width W (measured in the longitudinal direction of boxcar 20), a depth D (measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of boxcar 20) and a length L (measured from bottom end 150 to top end 152). In a given side post 116, one or both dimensions, W and D may be variable so that the side post has a non-uniform cross-sectional area that diminishes from bottom end 150 to top end 152. In the present embodiment of the invention, the cross-sectional area of a given side post 116 is tapered. Preferably, a given side post 116 has the greatest width W and the greatest depth D at bottom end 150 where side post 116 connects to side sill 36. In this way, the maximum section property of a given side post 116 is located low in boxcar 20 so as to provide the greatest resistance to bending in the area of the highest bending moment. Upwardly of floor structure 54, both width W and depth D decrease gradually with the greatest reduction occurnng at top end 152 at the location farthest above floor structure 54, where the side post connects to top chord 96. Side post 116 has the smallest cross-sectional area at top end 152. Thus shaped, a given side post 116 tends to have a lighter weight of section at top end 152 than at bottom end 150. The center of gravity of a given side post 116 tends to be located closer to bottom end 150 than to top end 152. Preferably, the center of gravity of a given side post 116 is located at a vertical station not exceeding (0.46)* (length L) from bottom end 150.
Side post 116 tends to be significantly lighter than a conventional side post fabricated using a hat-shaped channel section of uniform cross-section.
Moreover, by reducing the section property of side post 116 in the manner described above, the center of gravity of side post 116 tends to be located lower relative to TOR
than that of a conventional side post. In turn, boxcar 20 may tend to have a lower center of 20879332.3 gravity than a boxcar having conventional side posts because less weight is carried high in the railcar.
As shown in Figure 6a, side sheet assemblies 110 and 112 are mounted on S opposite sides of opening 68 such that each side sheet assembly 110, 112 extends between a respective railcar end 26, 28 and a respective door framing member 118, 120. In this arrangement, side sheet assemblies 110 and 112 are generally similar in structure and configuration so that a description of one will suffice for the other.
In the present embodiment of the invention, side sheet assembly 112 includes side sheets 170, 172, 174, 176 and 178 arranged side-by-side, as best seen in Figure 7a. Side sheet 170 is a relatively narrow, trapezoidal sheet which joins side sheet assembly 112 to door framing member 120. Side sheet 170 is flanked on one side by door post plate 126 and on the opposite side by side sheet 172. Side sheets 172, 174, 176 and 178 are generally rectangular sheets and preferably measure 60 in. in width.
Side sheet 174 is mounted between side sheets 172 and 176. In turn, side sheet 176 is disposed adjacent side sheet 178 which meets end wall 62 at edge 90 of enclosed structure 22. During fabrication of side wall 58, side sheets 170, 172, 174, 176 and 178 are butt-welded each to the other along vertically extending seams 180, 182, 184 and 186, respectively, to form the monolithic side sheet assembly 112. As will be explained in greater detail below, side posts 116 are mounted thereto afterwards.
Preferably, side sheets 170, 172, 174, 176 and 178 are formed of steel sheet having a thickness of 0.125 in. Moreover, it is preferred that generally planar side sheets 170, 172, 174, 176 and 178 have one or more local out-of plane formations in the nature of vertically extending bulges or ridges 190 for stiffening the side sheets.
Preferably, the ridges 190 do not extend along the entire section of the side sheets 170, 172, 174, 176 and 178, but stop short a few inches short of the bottom and top edges of the side sheets, as indicated by dimension 8 shown in Figure 7a, leaving the upper and lower margins of the side sheets substantially flat to abut in a planar manner with the side plate 100 and with the side sill 36. This may tend to facilitate the welding of the side sheets to the side plate 100 and the side sill 36 in that the side sheets do not have localized bulges at the welding sites which may otherwise tend to hinder or impede welding.
In the present embodiment of the invention, ridges 190 are spaced along side sheet assembly 112 with a pitch of approximately 16.5 in. (measured center-to-center 20879332.3 between each successive ridge). Accordingly, as shown in Figures 7a and 8a, side sheet 170 has one ridge 190; each side sheet 172, 176 has three ridges 190;
and each side sheet 174, 178 has four ridges 190.
It has been found that side sheets that have ridges 190 formed therein may tend to offer better resistance against warping and rippling caused by welding heat and restraint during assembly, than side sheets of the same thickness that do not have such ridges. It is may thus be possible to use a thinner steel sheet than otherwise to resist warping and rippling in the side sheets. The use of thinner steel sheets may tend also to decrease the weight of side sheet assembly 112 and may tend to lower the center of gravity of boxcar 20. In the result, the lading capacity of boxcar 20 may tend to be increased because more lading may be loaded onto boxcar 20 before the combined center of gravity of boxcar 20 and its lading, exceeds 98 in. above TOR.
Ridges 190 have an outboard orientation such that at the ridge locations a given side sheet protrudes outwardly, away from interior 66 of boxcar 20. Side sheets 170, 172, 174, 176 and 178 thus have a ribbed exterior surface 192 as best seen in Figure 8c. On the opposite side, the interior surface 194 of side sheets 170, 172, 174, 176 and 178 is recessed at the ridge locations thus forming depressions or grooves 196 therein. Orienting ridges 190 in this manner may tend to prevent ridges 190 from damaging the lading during transit when the lading, such as rolls of paper, bears against interior surface 194 of the side sheets.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, it is possible to have the ridges 190 located coincident with the seams 180, 182, 184 and 186 of the side sheets 170, 172, 174, 176. In this regard, Figure 14 shows the weld seam between the side sheets 180 and 182 running along the back of a ridge 190. Arranging the ridge 190 in this manner, may tend to minimize grinding that would otherwise be required to ensure a smooth interior surface for the boxcar 20.
As shown in Figure 8a, 8b and 8d, side sheet assembly 112 has a series of out-of plane formations in the nature of indents 200 formed within side sheets 172, 174 and 176. Indents 200 appear as further bulges on the exterior surface of side sheets 172, 174 and 176. Lading securing fittings 202 such as lading strap anchor fittings 204 are mounted within indents 200 and are welded to the interior surface of side sheet 172, 174, 176. During assembly, care is taken to ensure that anchor fittings 204 are fully contained within indents 200. Anchor fittings 204 do not protrude from side sheet 172, 174, 176 into interior 66 of enclosed structure 22 to discourage or avoid 20879332.3 gravity than a boxcar having c damage to the lading. Indents 200 are disposed at intermittent vertical and longitudinal locations along side sheets 172, 174, 176. As shown in Figures 7b and 7c, the indented section of each side sheet 172, 174, 176 is reinforced by a side post 116. The position of a given indent 200 corresponds generally to the position at which lading, disposed in a predetermined stacked arrangement, may be secured to side wall assembly 112 for transport.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, where lading consists of rolls of paper having a 50 in. diameter and a 50 in. width, indents 200 may be vertically spaced at 30 in. intervals from each other. In such an embodiment, the series of indents 200 formed within side sheet 174 may be vertically offset or staggered in relation to those formed in side sheets 172 and 176 to coincide with a particular loading pattern for 50 in. diameter rolls of paper. In the area of side sheet 174, rolls of paper may be carried at a greater height off floor structure 54 than in the area of side sheets 172 and 176. Correspondingly, indents 200 may be formed higher up in side sheet 174 than in side sheets 172 and 176.
Figure 7a shows an enlarged front view of side sheet assembly 112 with tapered side posts 116 mounted thereto. During assembly, toes 162 of side post channel sections 154 are mounted against exterior surface 192 of side sheets 170, 172, 174, 176 and 178 thus forming hollow closed sections. Side posts 116 are then fillet-welded to the side sheets. Thus mounted, top end 152 and bottom end 150 of side posts 116 extend beyond the edges of side sheets 170, 172, 174, 176 and 178 and connect to top chord 96 and side sill 36, respectively. At bottom end 150, toes 162 of each channel section 154 are flush with interior surface 194 of side sheets 170, 172, 174, 176 and 178.
In the present embodiment of the invention, side posts 116 are spaced at a pitch of approximately 33 in. along side sheet assembly 112 (measured center-to-center between each successive side post). As shown in Figure 7a, in this arrangement, side posts 116 are mounted to side sheets 170, 172, 174, 176 and clear of seams 180, 182, 184 and 186 and clear of ridges 190. In addition, with side sheets 172, 174, 176 and 178 measuring 60 in. in width, side sheet assembly averages approximately one weld seam for every two side posts. In contradistinction, a conventional boxcar using hat-shaped side posts typically has two weld seams per side post.
20879332.3 Once side posts 116 have been welded to side sheet assembly 112, the whole is attached to boxcar 20 to form side wall 58 as shown in Figures 10a, 10b, lOc and 10d. Referring specifically to Figure 106, side sheet assembly 112 is mounted to side sill 36 with interior surface 194 of the side sheets (in this case, side sheet 178) abutting an upper margin 206 of side sill 36. Side sheet assembly 112 is then welded to side sill 36. At bottom end 150 of side post 116, toes 162 of channel section 154 are mounted against side sill 36 and fillet welded thereto.
Figure lOc shows the connection of side wall 58 to top chord 96 at a location adjacent railcar end 28. Near top end 152 of side post 116, toes 162 of channel section 154 are trimmed locally to permit a gap 210 to be formed between side sheet assembly 112 and side post 116. Gap 210 partially receives a portion of the lower leg 212 of side plate 100. Arranged in this manner, one side of lower leg 212 bears against toes 162, while the opposite side abuts an upper margin 214 of the side sheets (in this case side sheet 178). A plate 216 is attached across top end 152 to serve as a cap for side post 116. Plate 216 is also welded to side plate 100. In the region of side door 70, top door retainer 138 is mounted to extend longitudinally along side plate 100 and is welded to plate 216 and side plate 100, as shown in Figures 6a and 10d.
Top door retainer 138 ties adjacent side posts 116 and door post assemblies 122 and 124.
Figures lla and llb show an alternative embodiment of side wall construction to that shown in Figure 6a and 6b, indicated generally as 220.
Side wall 220 generally resembles side wall 58. Side wall 220 includes a pair of side sheet assemblies 222 and 224, tapered side posts 226 and door framing members 228 and 230. Side sheet assemblies 222 and 224, side posts 226 and door framing members 228 and 230 are generally similar to side sheet assemblies 110 and 112, side posts 116 and door framing members 122 and 124, respectively, of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6a. In particular, side sheet assemblies 222 and 224 include side sheets 232, 234, 236, 238 and 240 which have vertical reinforcements in the nature of bulges or ridges 242 similar to ridges 190 of side sheets 170, 172, 174, 176 and 178.
However, side wall 220 differs from side wall 58 in that, side sheets 232, 234, 236, 238 and 240 have a series of longitudinal reinforcement members 244 in the nature of horizontal side stringers 246 which are mounted thereto to bridge the span between adjacent side posts 226, and between side posts 226 and door framing members 228 and 230, as the case may be.
20879332.3 Refernng to Figures 12a, 12b and 12c, a first set 250 of side stringers 246 is mounted to side sheets 232, 234, 236, 238 and 240 at a height H1 relative to floor structure 54 and a second set 252 of side stringers 246 is carned at a height relative to floor structure 54. First set 250 and second set 252 of side stringers 246 serve to locally stiffen the side sheets between adjacent side posts 226, and between side posts 226 and door framing members 228 and 230 in order to tend to resist deformation resulting from the load applied by the lading against the side sheets during transit. The vertical stations at which the first set 250 and second set 252 of side stringers 246 are mounted to the side sheets will vary depending on the particular dimensions of the lading and the loading pattern thereof. In the present embodiment, for lading which consists of rolls of paper having a 50 in. diameter and a width of 50 in. loaded in a two or three layer stack, height H1 is preferably less than 50 in. and height H2 is preferably less than 100 in. above floor structure 54. More preferably, height H1 is 36 in. and height H2 is 86 in. When height H1 is 36 in., the first set 250 of side stringers 246 is carned at a height that is intermediate the top and bottom edge of a roll of paper placed on the first layer of the stack. In like fashion, when height H2 is 86 in., the second set 252 of side stringers 246 is carned between the top and bottom edges of a roll of paper placed on the second layer of the stack. Thus arranged, side stringers 246 of first set 250 and second set 252 tend to discourage deformation of the rolls of paper from occurnng at the edges thereof. By stiffening the side sheets at intermediate locations between the edges of a roll of paper, deformation or compression of the given roll of paper during transport tends to occur at these intermediate locations away from the edges of the given roll.
In the region of side door 70, additional side sheet reinforcement is provided in the form of a side stringer 254 which extends between door framing members 228, 230 and the adjacent side post 226 thereto, as shown in Figure 11a. Side stringer 254 is mounted at a height H3 above floor structure 54, at a vertical station between first set 250 and second set 252 of side stringers 246. In the present embodiment of the invention, for lading which consists of rolls of paper having a 50 in.
diameter and a width of 50 in. loaded in a two or three layer stack, height H3 lies preferably between 50 in. and 100 in. above floor structure 54. Most preferably, height H3 is 61 in. above floor structure 54. In the result, side sheet 232 which joins door framing members 230 to side sheet assembly 224, is reinforced by a first stringer located at 36 in., a second stringer located at 61 in. and a third stringer located at 86 in.
20879332.3 Referring to Figure 11c, each side stringer 246, 254 is a C-shaped channel section 260 having a back 262 and a pair of opposed legs 264. Channel legs 264 have proximal portions 266 which join to back 262 at smoothly radiused corners. The proximal portions 266 of channel legs 264 extend away from back 262 at right angles to terminate at flangeless toes 268. During assembly of side wall 220, toes 268 of channel section 260 are mounted longitudinally against side sheets 232, 234, 236, 238 and 240 between adjacent side posts 226 and between side posts 226 and door framing members 228 and 230, as the case may be. In the area of side sheet ridges 242, channel legs 264 are trimmed locally to permit each side stringer 246, 254 to be welded to side sheets 232, 234, 236, 238 and 240.
While the previously described embodiments of side wall construction illustrated in Figures 6a and 11a, have included side sheets formed with vertical reinforcements in the nature of ridges. It is possible to construct a side wall without such ridges provided in the side sheets. In a further alternative embodiment of side wall construction to that shown in Figure 6a, side wall 270 has side sheet assemblies 272 and 274, tapered side posts 276 and door framing members 278 and 280, as shown in Figure 13. Side sheet assemblies 272 and 274 have side sheets 282, 284, 286, 288 and 290. Side wall 270 is generally similar to side wall 58 but for side sheets 282, 284, 286, 288 and 290 which have no vertical reinforcements formed therein.
A preferred embodiment has been described in detail and a number of alternatives have been considered. As changes in or additions to the above described embodiments may be made without departing from the nature, spirit or scope of the invention, the invention is not to be limited by or to those details, but only by the appended claims.
20879332.3
Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to the field of railroad freight cars and more particularly, to railroad boxcars.
Background of the Invention Generally, railroad boxcars include an enclosed structure mounted on a railroad car underframe. The underframe extends between the longitudinal railcar ends of the boxcar and is supported on a pair of spaced-apart railcar trucks.
The underframe typically includes a longitudinally extending center sill and a pair of side sills. End sills are mounted transversely of, and are attached to, the center sill and the side sills at the longitudinal ends of the boxcar. An array of cross-members typically in the nature of alternate pairs of cross-bearers and cross-ties are also usually provided at spaced-apart locations along the center sill to attach the center sill to the side sills.
In conventional railroad boxcars, the enclosed structure includes a floor structure, side walls, end walls and a roof structure, arranged in a generally rectangular, box-like configuration. The floor structure, the side walls, the end walls and the roof structure co-operate to define the interior of the boxcar in which various types of freight may be placed. Some boxcars have one or more side doors, for instance, sliding type doors, which provide access to the interior of the boxcar to allow freight to be loaded and unloaded therein.
The end wall and side walls support the roof structure. Each end wall attaches to, and extends upwardly from a corresponding end sill to connect to the roof structure. The side walls extend between the longitudinal ends of the boxcar and connect to the end walls. Connection of the side walls to the underframe occurs along the side sills. The side walls include side sheets and a number of spaced-apart, vertical reinforcement members in the nature of side post assemblies. The side post assemblies are mounted to the side sheets and serve to carry the vertical roof loads and to stiffen the walls horizontally. Where the boxcar has one or more side doors, the adjacent side sheets thereto have framing members in the nature of relatively heavy door posts.
20879332.3 r One side post assembly that is currently available uses a roll formed, hat-shaped channel section and a plate. The channel section has 0.188 in. wall thickness and a uniform cross-section. The channel includes a back and a pair of opposed channel legs. The channel legs join the back at smoothly radiused roll formed corners. The legs are parallel to each other and extend away from the back at right angles. The legs terminate at flanges, or toes, that extend outwardly and away at right angles yielding a hat shaped section. One channel section has a flange-to-flange width of about 9.5 in. It has a plate about 8" wide and has 1 '/2" deep indents at spaced-apart locations along the plate to locate lading strap anchor fittings.
During assembly, the plate is mounted to the channel section against the flanges to form a hollow, closed section. Because the width of the channel section as measured from flange to flange is greater than the width of the plate, each flange overhangs the side of the plate by about 3/4" and provides a surface against which a side sheet is mounted. Each side sheet is mounted against an overhanging flange portion leaving a gap of about 1/8" between itself and the plate. Each side sheet is then butt welded to the plate and the overhanging flange portion. In this way, the overhanging flange portion serves as a backing bar to strengthen the butt weld between the channel and the side sheet.
Typically, the side post assemblies are spaced with a pitch of approximately 33 in. (measured center-to-center between each successive channel section). In a side wall construction of this type, given the arrangement of side sheets and channel sections, the width of any given side sheet will not exceed the pitch of the side post assemblies. The side sheets used in this particular side wall assembly measure approximately 25 in. in width such that the side wall has two weld seams per pitch.
In certain applications, where a boxcar is used to haul goods with relatively delicate exteriors, such as rolls of paper, it is important that a generally, smooth, flat interior surface be provided against which the lading may bear. In such cases, during the construction of the boxcar side walls, care is taken to grind the weld seams so that rough surfaces may be minimized in the interior of the boxcar to avoid damage to lading during transport. This operation is typically carned out manually, and as a result tends to be labour-intensive and tends to add to the cost of manufacture of the boxcar. Excessive grinding may even lead to gouging of the side sheets thus damaging the boxcar side wall. In this regard, it would be highly advantageous to 20879332.3 have a boxcar side wall constructed of wider side sheets resulting in fewer weld seams. A side wall having a construction of this type would tend to have a smoother interior surface, would tend to require less grinding and be less labour-intensive. This in turn may tend to lead to savings in the cost of manufacture.
In prior side wall constructions, side sheets have sometimes tended to be subject to rippling or warping as a result of welding heat and restraints applied to the side sheets during assembly of the side wall. This may pose a significant challenge for boxcars dedicated to paper roll service which, as previously mentioned, require relatively smooth and flat interior surfaces. The rippled side sheets tend to cause deformations in the rolls of paper, for instance, "out-of roundness", "flat spots", or indentations. These deformations damage the rolls of paper, thereby rendering them unfit for use in high-speed printing presses for which the rolls may be intended. In this particular respect, it is important to avoid or discourage the rolls of paper from becoming indented at the edges.
One approach to reducing side sheet rippling could be to increase the thickness of the side sheets. Unfortunately, while this measure may tend to the stiffness of the side sheets, it also adds to the weight of the boxcar. Damage to paper rolls caused by side sheet rippling may tend to be mitigated to some extent by placing protective material, for instance cardboard lining, between the rolls of paper and the side sheets.
However, neither of these approaches has proved altogether satisfactory. A
boxcar side wall in which side sheet rippling could be mitigated without unduly adding to the weight of the boxcar would be desirable. Furthermore, it would be advantageous to have a side wall construction that tends to reduce deformations along the edges of the roll by providing side sheets with additional rigidity to resist rippling and deflection.
Typically, rolls of paper are placed into the interior of a boxcar with their rolling axes of rotation (that is, the axes of rotation about which the rolls are wound) oriented vertically. Often, the rolls are stacked two or three high in accordance with standard loading patterns. For such loading patterns, where the boxcar exceeds Plate "C" dimensions, it is often necessary to calculate the combined center of gravity of the boxcar and its lading to ensure compliance with the AAR design requirement that the combined center of gravity not exceed 98 in. above top of rail (TOR).
Generally, the lading capacity of the paper service boxcar will be governed by the combined center of gravity limitation. Accordingly, a light boxcar which has a low center of gravity, tends to have a greater lading capacity because more rolls of paper may be 20879332.3 loaded onto the boxcar without exceeding the limitation. Moreover, lowering the center of gravity of a boxcar may improve the car's dynamics by reducing lateral rock and roll. For these reasons, it is thus very advantageous to lower the center of gravity of the boxcar.
S
One way in which this objective may be achieved is to lighten the boxcar structure. In this regard, a side wall assembly which could be constructed using thinner side sheets and lighter side post assemblies, while still tending to offer resistance to buckling and rippling, would be advantageous. It would be most advantageous to reduce the weight of a side wall assembly in those portions located farthest from top of rail.
Summary of the Invention In one aspect of the invention there is a tapered post for mounting to the outside of a boxcar side sheet. In another aspect of the invention, there is a tapered post for mounting to the outside of a side sheet of a boxcar, the tapered post having a C-section, the C-section including toes for mounting to the side sheet of the boxcar, the toes being flangeless.
In an aspect of the invention there is a railroad boxcar comprising having a boxcar body supported on trucks for rolling motion in a longitudinal direction. The boxcar body has a floor structure, a roof structure mounted above the floor structure, and a wall structure extending upwardly of the floor structure toward the roof structure. The wall structure has a pair of opposed first and second end walls, and a pair of opposed, spaced apart, first and second side walls extending between the end walls. The first side wall has an opening defined therein, and at least one door framing member bounds the opening. The first side wall includes a side sheet assembly and a plurality of side sheet stiffeners mounted thereto. The side sheet assembly extends between the door framing member and one of the first and second end walls. The side sheet stiffeners are attached to the side sheet ' assembly at locations spaced away from the door framing member. The side sheet stiffeners being mounted to extend upwardly of the floor structure. One of the side sheet stiffeners has a first cross-sectional area at a first station thereof proximate to the floor structure and a second cross-sectional area at a second station thereof distant from the floor structure. The first cross-sectional area is greater than the second cross-sectional area.
20879332.3 In a feature of that aspect of the invention, the one of the side sheet stiffeners has a first width at the first station and a second width at the second station, the first and second widths being measured in the longitudinal direction. The first width is greater than the second width. In another feature, the one of the side sheet stiffeners has a first depth of section at the first station and a second depth of section at the second station, and the first depth of section is greater than the second depth of section. In still another feature, the one of the side sheet stiffeners tapers from the first station to the second station.
In another feature, the one of the side sheet stiffeners has a width measured in the longitudinal direction, the width diminishing from the first station to the second station. In yet another feature, the one of the side sheet stiffeners has a depth of section measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the depth of section diminishing from the first station to the second station. In a further feature, the one of the side sheet stiffeners has a width measured in the longitudinal direction and a depth of section measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; and the width and the depth of section diminish from the first station to the second station.
In a further additional feature, the one of the side sheet stiffeners has a weight of section which diminishes from the first station to the second station. In a still further feature, the one of the side sheet stiffeners has a first end and a second end, the first end lying closer to the floor structure than the second end. The one of the side sheet stiffeners has a center of mass, the center of mass being located closer to the first end of the one of the side sheet stiffeners than to the second end thereof.
In another aspect of the invention, there is a railroad boxcar having a longitudinal rolling direction. The boxcar has a floor structure supported on a pair of first and second spaced apart rail car trucks, a roof structure mounted above the floor structure, and a wall structure extending between the floor structure and the roof structure. The wall structure, the floor structure and the roof co-operate to define an interior space for accommodating lading. The wall structure has a pair of opposed first and second end walls, and a pair of opposed, spaced apart first and second side walls extending between the end walls. The first side wall has an opening defined therein, and at least one door framing member bounds the opening. The first side wall includes a side sheet assembly and at least one side sheet stiffener. The side sheet assembly has a first surface facing inwardly relative to the interior space, and a second surface facing outwardly away from the interior space. The side sheet assembly 20879332.3 extends between the door framing member and one of the first and second end walls.
The side sheet stiffener extends upwardly of the floor structure. The side sheet stiffener is mounted to the second surface of the side sheet assembly at a location spaced away from the door framing member. The side sheet stiffener has a first end S and a second end, the first end lying closer to the floor structure than the second end.
The side sheet stiffener has a center of mass, the center of mass lying closer to the first end of the stiffener than to the second end thereof.
In a feature of that asapect of the invention, the side sheet stiffener has a length measured between the first and second ends, and the center of mass lies at a station not exceeding 0.46 of the length from the first end. In another feature, the side sheet stiffener has a cross- sectional area that diminishes from the first end to the second end. In still another feature, the side sheet stiffener has a weight of section that diminishes from the first end to the second end. In yet another feature, the side sheet stiffener tapers from the first end to the second end. In a further additional feature, the side sheet stiffener tapers from a first width at the first end thereof to a second width at the second end thereof, the first and second widths being measured in the longitudinal direction of the boxcar. In still another further feature, the side sheet stiffener tapers from a first depth of section at the first end thereof to a second depth of section at the second end thereof, the first and second depths of section being measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the boxcar.
In yet another further feature, the side sheet stiffener has a first width at the first end thereof and a second width at the second end thereof, the first and second widths being measured in the longitudinal direction of the boxcar. The side sheet stiffener tapers from the first width to the second second width. The side sheet stiffener has a first depth of section at the first end thereof and a second depth of section at the second end thereof, the first and second depths of section being measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the boxcar. The side sheet stiffener tapers from the first depth of section to the second depth of section.
In another additional feature, the side sheet stiffener has a C-shaped cross-section. In a further feature of that feature, the C-shaped section includes a back member and a pair of opposed first and second leg members adjoining the back member and extending away therefrom; and the leg members having flangeless toes mounted to the second surface of the side sheet assembly. In another further feature, 20879332.3 _7_ the channel legs extend away from the back member in an outwardly splayed arrangement.
In another feature, the side sheet assembly includes a first side sheet and a S second side sheet. The first side sheet abuts the second side sheet along a seam. The boxcar has a plurality of the side sheet stiffeners mounted to the second surface of the side sheet assembly clear of the seam. In another feature, the seam extends in a predominantly vertical direction.
In another aspect of the invention there is a railroad boxcar having a longitudinal rolling direction. The boxcar has a floor structure supported on a pair of first and second spaced apart rail car trucks, a roof structure mounted above the floor structure, and a wall structure extending between the floor structure and the roof structure. The wall structure, the floor structure and the roof co-operate to define an interior space for accommodating lading. The wall structure has a pair of opposed first and second end walls, and a pair of opposed, spaced apart first and second side walls extending between the end walls. The first side wall has an opening defined therein, and at least one door framing member bounding the opening. The first side wall includes a side sheet assembly and at least a pair of first and second, spaced apart parallel tapered side sheet stiffeners. The side sheet assembly has a first surface facing inwardly relative to the interior space, and a second surface facing outwardly away from the interior space. The side sheet assembly extends between the door framing member and one of the first and second end walls. The side sheet stiffeners extend upwardly of the floor structure. The side sheet stiffeners are mounted to the second surface of the side sheet assembly at a location spaced away from the door framing member. The side sheet stiffeners have a first end and a second end, the first end lying closer to the floor structure than the second end. The side sheet assembly includes a first side sheet and a second side sheet, the first side sheet abutting the second side sheet along a seam, the seam being located intermediate the first and second stiffeners. One of the first and second side sheets has at least one local deformation formed therein intermediate the first and second stiffeners.
In an additional feature of that aspect of the invention, the local deformation extends in a predominantly vertical direction. In another feature, the second surface of the side sheet assembly bulges at the location of the local deformation. In a fruther feature, the second surface of the side sheet is ribbed. In still another feature, the first surface of the side sheet assembly is recessed at the location of the local deformation.
20879332.3 _g_ In yet another feature, the first and second side sheets have a plurality of local deformations for extending in a predominantly vertical direction. The boxcar has a plurality of the side sheet stiffeners mounted to the side sheet assembly clear of the seam and clear of the plurality of local deformations.
In a further aspect of the invention, there is a railroad boxcar having a floor structure supported on a pair of first and second spaced apart rail car trucks, a roof structure mounted above the floor structure, and a wall structure extending between the floor structure and the roof structure. The wall structure, the floor structure and the roof co-operate to define an interior space for accommodating lading. The wall structure has a pair of opposed first and second end walls, and a pair of opposed, spaced apart first and second side walls extending between the end walls. The first side wall has an opening defined therein, and at least one door framing member bounds the opening. The first side wall includes a side sheet assembly and at least a pair of first and second, spaced apart parallel tapered side sheet stiffeners.
The side sheet assembly has a first surface facing inwardly relative to the interior space, and a second surface facing outwardly away from the interior space. The side sheet assembly extends between the door framing member and one of the first and second end walls. The side sheet stiffeners extend upwardly of the floor structure, the side sheet stiffeners being mounted to the second surface of the side sheet assembly at a location spaced away from the door framing member. The side sheet stiffener have a first end and a second end, the first end lying closer to the floor structure than the second end. The side sheet assembly includes a first side sheet and a second side sheet, the first side sheet abutting the second side sheet along a seam, the seam being located intermediate the first and second stiffeners. At least one of the first and the second side sheets has indents formed therein for accommodating a lading securing fitting, the indents being spaced apart at locations along the one of the side sheets.
In an additional feature of that aspect of the invention, there is a lading securing fitting mounted to, and contained within, one of the indents. The lading securing fitting lies shy of the first surface of the side sheet assembly. In another feature, the first and second side sheets have a plurality of local deformations formed therein for stiffening the side sheets. The local deformations extend in a predominantly vertical direction and are located at spaced apart locations from the indents. In still another feature, the indents are spaced apart at predominantly vertical locations along one of the side sheets. The boxcar has a plurality of the side sheet stiffeners mounted to the side sheet assembly. At least one of the side sheet stiffeners 20879332.3 is mounted to reinforce the one of the side sheets at the vertical locations of the indents.
In still another aspect of the invetion there is a railroad boxcar having a longitudinal rolling direction. The boxcar includes a floor structure supported on a pair of first and second spaced apart rail car trucks, a roof structure mounted above the floor structure, and a wall structure extending between the floor structure and the roof structure. The wall structure; the floor structure and the roof co-operate to define an interior space for accommodating lading. The wall structure has a pair of opposed first and second end walls, and a pair of opposed, spaced apart first and second side walls extending between the end walls. The first side wall has an opening defined therein, and at least one door framing member bounding the opening. The first side wall includes a side sheet assembly and at least first and second spaced apart, parallel side sheet stiffeners. The side sheet assembly has a first surface facing inwardly 1 S relative to the interior space, and a second surface facing outwardly away from the interior space. The side sheet assembly extends between the door framing member and one of the first and second end walls. The side sheet stiffeners extend upwardly of the floor structure. The side sheet stiffeners are mounted to the second surface of the side sheet assembly at a location spaced away from the door framing member. The side sheet stiffeners have a first end and a second end, the first end lying closer to the floor structure than the second end. The side sheet stiffeners each have a center of mass, the center of mass lying closer to the first end of the stiffener than to the second end thereof. The boxcar includes at least a first stringer mounted to the side sheet assembly to extend between the first and second side sheet assembly.
In a feature of that aspect of the invention, the boxcar has a second stringer mounted to the side sheet assembly to extend between the first and second side sheet stiffeners. The first stringer is carned at a first height relative to the floor structure and the second stringer is carned at a second height relative to the floor structure. The first height being closer to the floor structure than the second height. In another feature, the first height is less than 50 inches above the floor structure. In still another feature, the first height is 36 inches above the floor structure. In a further feature, the second height is less than 100 inches above the floor structure. In still another feature, the second height is 86 inches above the floor structure.
In a yet further feature, one of the first and second side sheet stiffeners is spaced apart from, and extends parallel to the door framing member. The boxcar has 20879332.3 a third stringer mounted to the side sheet assembly, the third stringer extending between the one of the side sheet stiffeners and the door framing member. The third stringer is carned at a third height relative to the floor structure. In still another feature, the third height is intermediate the first height and the second height. In another further feature, the third height is less than 100 inches from the floor structure. In still another further feature, the third height is greater than SO inches. In yet a further feature, the third height is about 61 inches above the floor structure.
Brief Description of the Drawings For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carned into effect, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which show the apparatus according to the present invention and in which:
Figure 1 is an isometric perspective view of a railroad boxcar according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a side view of the railroad boxcar of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a top view of the railroad boxcar of Figure 1 with the roof structure and floor structure partially removed to reveal the underframe of the railroad boxcar;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the railroad boxcar of Figure 3 taken on a staggered section '4-4';
Figure 5 is an end view of the railroad boxcar of Figure 1;
Figure 6a is a view of a side wall construction of the railroad boxcar of Figure 1 with the side door removed;
Figure 6b is a top view of the side wall construction of Figure 6a;
Figure 7a is an enlarged front view of a portion of the side wall construction of Figure 6a showing a side sheet assembly and tapered side posts mounted thereto;
Figure 7b is a top view of the portion of the side wall construction of Figure 7a;
Figure 7c is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the side wall construction of Figure 7a taken on section '7c-7c';
Figure 8a is a front view of the portion of the side wall construction of Figure 6a taken opposite the view shown in Figure 7a with posts removed;
Figure 8b is a top view of the portion of the side wall construction of Figure 8a;
Figure 8c is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion of the side wall construction of Figure 8a taken on a section '8c-8c';
20879332.3 Figure 8d is an enlarged front view of an indent formed in one of the side sheets of the side wall construction of Figure 8a;
Figure 9a is a perspective view of one of the tapered side posts shown in Figure 7a;
Figure 9b is a front view of the tapered side post of Figure 9a;
Figure 9c is a side view of the tapered side post of Figure 9a;
Figure 9d shows an outline of the top end of the tapered side post of Figure 9a;
Figure 9e shows an outline of the bottom end of the tapered side post of Figure 9a;
Figure 10a is a side view of the side wall construction of Figure 6a taken on a section 'l0a-l0a';
Figure lOb is an enlarged partial side view of the side wall construction of Figure 6a taken on a section 'lOb-lOb' showing a tapered side post connected to a side sill;
Figure lOc is an enlarged partial side view of the side wall construction of Figure 6a taken on a section 'lOc-lOc' showing a tapered side post connected to a side sheet and a side plate at a top chord;
Figure lOd is an enlarged partial side view of the side wall construction of Figure 6a taken on a section 'lOd-lOd' showing a tapered side post connected to a side sheet, a side plate and a top door retainer;
Figure lla is a view of an alternative embodiment of side wall construction to that of Figure 6a showing side stringers mounted to side sheets to bridge the span between adjacent tapered side posts and between door post assemblies and tapered side posts;
Figure llb is a top view of the side wall construction of Figure l la;
Figure llc is an enlarged partial side view of the side wall construction of Figure lla taken on a section '11 c-11 c' showing a side stringer connection to a side sheet assembly;
Figure 12a is an enlarged front view of a portion of the side wall construction of Figure 11 a showing a side sheet assembly, and tapered side posts and side stringers mounted thereto;
Figure 12b is a top view of the portion of the side wall construction of Figure 12a;
Figure 12c is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the side wall construction of Figure 12a taken on section '12c-12c';
Figure 13a is a front view of an additional alternative embodiment of the side wall construction of Figure 6a; and Figure 13b is a top view of the side wall construction of Figure 13a;
Figure 14 is a partial sectional view at a weld in a side sheet construction of the boxcar of Figure 1.
20879332.3 Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment of the Invention The description that follows, and the embodiments described therein, are provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples of particular embodiments of the principles of the present invention. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles and of the invention. In the description that follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and the drawings with the same respective reference numerals.
The drawings are not necessarily to scale and in some instances proportions may have been exaggerated in order more clearly to depict certain features of the invention.
In terms of general orientation and directional nomenclature, for each of the railroad cars described herein, the longitudinal direction is defined as being coincident with the rolling direction of the car, or car unit, when located on tangent (that is, straight) track. In the case of a railroad car having a center sill, whether a through center sill or stub sill, the longitudinal direction is parallel to the center sill, and parallel to the side sills, if any. Unless otherwise noted, vertical, or upward and downward, are terms that use top of rail TOR as a datum. The term lateral, or laterally outboard, refers to a distance or orientation relative to the longitudinal centerline of the railroad car, or railroad car unit, indicated as CL - Rail Car. The term "longitudinally inboard", or "longitudinally outboard" is a distance taken relative to a mid-span lateral section of the railroad car, or railroad car unit.
By way of general overview, an example of a railroad boxcar is indicated in Figures 1 through 5, generally as 20. For the purposes of conceptual explanation of the embodiments illustrated in the various Figures, the major structural elements of boxcar 20 (and of the alternate embodiments described herein), are both generally symmetrical about the longitudinal centerline of the car (as designated by axis CL) and symmetrical about the mid-span transverse section of the car, indicated as TS.
In one embodiment of the present invention, boxcar 20 has exterior dimensions which satisfy the requirements of AAR Plate 'F'. More particularly, in one preferred embodiment boxcar 20 may have an inside length of 62 ft. and inside width of 9 ft. 7 in. Other embodiments of the present invention can exceed plate 'F' 20879332.3 As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, boxcar 20 has a longitudinal rolling direction on a straight track, parallel to the longitudinal centerline CL. Boxcar 20 includes an enclosed structure 22 mounted on an underframe 24. Underframe 24 extends between longitudinal railcar ends 26 and 28 of boxcar 20 and is supported on a pair of spaced-apart railcar trucks 30 and 32, respectively. Underframe 24 is of welded construction and includes a longitudinally extending center sill 34 and a pair of side sills 36 and 38. Center sill 34 and side sills 36 and 38 form the main longitudinal structural elements of boxcar 20 for resisting vertical loads. A pair of end sills 40 and provide transverse support at railcar ends 26 and 28. An array of cross-members 44 in the nature of bolsters 46, cross-bearers 48, and cross-ties 50 extend at spaced-apart locations along center sill 34 to attach to side sills 36 and 38. Underframe 24 also includes a number of longitudinally extending members, or stringers, 52 which are mounted at intermediate locations between center sill 34 and side sills 36 and 38, to bridge the span between adjacent cross-members 44.
Enclosed structure 22 includes a floor structure 54, a pair of opposed, spaced apart side walls 56 and 58, a pair of opposed end walls 60 and 62, and a roof structure 64, arranged in a generally rectangular, box-like configuration. Floor structure 54, side walls 56 and 58, end walls 60 and 62, and roof structure 64 co-operate to define an interior 66 of boxcar 20 (shown in Figure 4) in which lading may be placed.
Each side wall 56, 58 has a generally rectangular opening 68 (shown in Figure 6b) through which access to interior 66 is given. The side door 70 is slidably mounted to each side wall 56, 58 adjacent each opening 68 to control access to interior 66. In a preferred embodiment, the side door 70 is a single door. In an alternative embodiment, the side door 70 may be a double door.
With particular reference to Figure 3, floor structure 54 includes floor panels 72 which are arranged end-to-end between railcar ends 26 and 28. Floor panels extend between side sills 36 and 38 and are carried on center sill 34 and longitudinal stringers 52. Floor panels 72 tend to have a generally smooth load bearing surface 74 to accommodate lading, such as rolls of paper, whose exterior is prone to be otherwise damaged by rough or sharp surfaces.
As shown in Figures 1 and 5, each end wall 60, 62 attaches to, and extends upwardly from, end sill 40, 42 to connect to a roof framing member 80, namely as end roof members 82, 84, as the case may be. Each end wall 60, 62 includes corrugated 20879332.3 end sheets 86 whose laterally outboard ends meet side walls 56 and 58 at edges 88, 90, 92 and 94 of enclosed structure 22.
Refernng to Figure 2, each side wall 56, 58 is mounted to extend between end walls 60 and 62. Connection of each side wall 56, 58 to underframe 24 occurs at side sill 36, 38, as the case may be. Each side wall 56, 58 extends upwardly therefrom to connect to a top chord 96, 98 in the form of an L-shaped, side plate 100, 102.
Side plates 100 and 102 span between, and attach to canines 82 and 84 to form a framework for supporting roof structure 64. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, roof structure 64 is substantially rectangular and is formed by a number of corrugated roof sheets 104 joined together and disposed in an end-to-end arrangement between railcar ends 26 and 28.
Figure 6a shows a front view of side wall 58. As side walls 56 and 58 are generally similar in structure and configuration, a description of one will suffice for the other. Side wall 58 includes a pair of side sheet assemblies 110 and 112, an array of spaced-apart, vertical side sheet stiffeners 114 in the nature of side posts 116, and a pair of door framing members 118 and 120, such as, door post assemblies 122 and 124. Door post assemblies 122 and 124 are mounted adjacent opening 68 to provide reinforcement in the area of side door 70. Each door post assembly 122, 124 includes a door post plate 126 and a vertical reinforcement member 128 in the nature of a door post 130. Door post 130 includes a relatively heavy, generally C-shaped channel section 132 which has a back 134 and a pair of opposed channel legs 136.
During assembly, the toes of channel legs 136 are placed against, and welded to, door post plate 126. Door post plate 126, in turn, is welded to top chord 96 and to top door retainer 138 along its top edge, and to side sill 36 along its bottom edge.
Door post 130 has a bottom end 140 located proximate floor structure 54 and a top end 142 located opposite bottom end 140 away from floor structure 54. The width of channel section 132 (as measured in the longitudinal direction of boxcar 20) tapers from bottom end 140 to top end 142. Accordingly, the weight of section of door post 130 diminishes from bottom end 140 to top end 142 such that, at top end 142, a relatively lighter weight of section is used than at bottom end 140.
As will be described in greater detail below, side posts 116 extend upwardly from the transversely outboard margins of floor structure 54 toward roof structure 64 and are mounted to side sheets assemblies 110 and 112 at intermittent locations along 20879332.3 side wall 58. Side posts 116 have a bottom end 150 located proximate floor structure 54 for attachment to side sill 36 and a top end 152 lying away from floor structure 54 for connecting to top chord 96. As shown in Figures 9a to 9e, each side post includes a C-shaped, press-formed channel section 154 having a back 156 and a pair of opposed channel legs 158. Channel legs 158 have proximal portions 160 which join to back 156 at smoothly radiused corners. The proximal portions 160 of channel legs 158 extend away from back 156 in an outwardly splayed arrangement to terminate at flangeless toes 162. That is, toes 162 are farther apart than proximal portions 160, and toes 162 extend at an oblique angle to meet the side sheet when installed.
Each side post 116 has a width W (measured in the longitudinal direction of boxcar 20), a depth D (measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of boxcar 20) and a length L (measured from bottom end 150 to top end 152). In a given side post 116, one or both dimensions, W and D may be variable so that the side post has a non-uniform cross-sectional area that diminishes from bottom end 150 to top end 152. In the present embodiment of the invention, the cross-sectional area of a given side post 116 is tapered. Preferably, a given side post 116 has the greatest width W and the greatest depth D at bottom end 150 where side post 116 connects to side sill 36. In this way, the maximum section property of a given side post 116 is located low in boxcar 20 so as to provide the greatest resistance to bending in the area of the highest bending moment. Upwardly of floor structure 54, both width W and depth D decrease gradually with the greatest reduction occurnng at top end 152 at the location farthest above floor structure 54, where the side post connects to top chord 96. Side post 116 has the smallest cross-sectional area at top end 152. Thus shaped, a given side post 116 tends to have a lighter weight of section at top end 152 than at bottom end 150. The center of gravity of a given side post 116 tends to be located closer to bottom end 150 than to top end 152. Preferably, the center of gravity of a given side post 116 is located at a vertical station not exceeding (0.46)* (length L) from bottom end 150.
Side post 116 tends to be significantly lighter than a conventional side post fabricated using a hat-shaped channel section of uniform cross-section.
Moreover, by reducing the section property of side post 116 in the manner described above, the center of gravity of side post 116 tends to be located lower relative to TOR
than that of a conventional side post. In turn, boxcar 20 may tend to have a lower center of 20879332.3 gravity than a boxcar having conventional side posts because less weight is carried high in the railcar.
As shown in Figure 6a, side sheet assemblies 110 and 112 are mounted on S opposite sides of opening 68 such that each side sheet assembly 110, 112 extends between a respective railcar end 26, 28 and a respective door framing member 118, 120. In this arrangement, side sheet assemblies 110 and 112 are generally similar in structure and configuration so that a description of one will suffice for the other.
In the present embodiment of the invention, side sheet assembly 112 includes side sheets 170, 172, 174, 176 and 178 arranged side-by-side, as best seen in Figure 7a. Side sheet 170 is a relatively narrow, trapezoidal sheet which joins side sheet assembly 112 to door framing member 120. Side sheet 170 is flanked on one side by door post plate 126 and on the opposite side by side sheet 172. Side sheets 172, 174, 176 and 178 are generally rectangular sheets and preferably measure 60 in. in width.
Side sheet 174 is mounted between side sheets 172 and 176. In turn, side sheet 176 is disposed adjacent side sheet 178 which meets end wall 62 at edge 90 of enclosed structure 22. During fabrication of side wall 58, side sheets 170, 172, 174, 176 and 178 are butt-welded each to the other along vertically extending seams 180, 182, 184 and 186, respectively, to form the monolithic side sheet assembly 112. As will be explained in greater detail below, side posts 116 are mounted thereto afterwards.
Preferably, side sheets 170, 172, 174, 176 and 178 are formed of steel sheet having a thickness of 0.125 in. Moreover, it is preferred that generally planar side sheets 170, 172, 174, 176 and 178 have one or more local out-of plane formations in the nature of vertically extending bulges or ridges 190 for stiffening the side sheets.
Preferably, the ridges 190 do not extend along the entire section of the side sheets 170, 172, 174, 176 and 178, but stop short a few inches short of the bottom and top edges of the side sheets, as indicated by dimension 8 shown in Figure 7a, leaving the upper and lower margins of the side sheets substantially flat to abut in a planar manner with the side plate 100 and with the side sill 36. This may tend to facilitate the welding of the side sheets to the side plate 100 and the side sill 36 in that the side sheets do not have localized bulges at the welding sites which may otherwise tend to hinder or impede welding.
In the present embodiment of the invention, ridges 190 are spaced along side sheet assembly 112 with a pitch of approximately 16.5 in. (measured center-to-center 20879332.3 between each successive ridge). Accordingly, as shown in Figures 7a and 8a, side sheet 170 has one ridge 190; each side sheet 172, 176 has three ridges 190;
and each side sheet 174, 178 has four ridges 190.
It has been found that side sheets that have ridges 190 formed therein may tend to offer better resistance against warping and rippling caused by welding heat and restraint during assembly, than side sheets of the same thickness that do not have such ridges. It is may thus be possible to use a thinner steel sheet than otherwise to resist warping and rippling in the side sheets. The use of thinner steel sheets may tend also to decrease the weight of side sheet assembly 112 and may tend to lower the center of gravity of boxcar 20. In the result, the lading capacity of boxcar 20 may tend to be increased because more lading may be loaded onto boxcar 20 before the combined center of gravity of boxcar 20 and its lading, exceeds 98 in. above TOR.
Ridges 190 have an outboard orientation such that at the ridge locations a given side sheet protrudes outwardly, away from interior 66 of boxcar 20. Side sheets 170, 172, 174, 176 and 178 thus have a ribbed exterior surface 192 as best seen in Figure 8c. On the opposite side, the interior surface 194 of side sheets 170, 172, 174, 176 and 178 is recessed at the ridge locations thus forming depressions or grooves 196 therein. Orienting ridges 190 in this manner may tend to prevent ridges 190 from damaging the lading during transit when the lading, such as rolls of paper, bears against interior surface 194 of the side sheets.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, it is possible to have the ridges 190 located coincident with the seams 180, 182, 184 and 186 of the side sheets 170, 172, 174, 176. In this regard, Figure 14 shows the weld seam between the side sheets 180 and 182 running along the back of a ridge 190. Arranging the ridge 190 in this manner, may tend to minimize grinding that would otherwise be required to ensure a smooth interior surface for the boxcar 20.
As shown in Figure 8a, 8b and 8d, side sheet assembly 112 has a series of out-of plane formations in the nature of indents 200 formed within side sheets 172, 174 and 176. Indents 200 appear as further bulges on the exterior surface of side sheets 172, 174 and 176. Lading securing fittings 202 such as lading strap anchor fittings 204 are mounted within indents 200 and are welded to the interior surface of side sheet 172, 174, 176. During assembly, care is taken to ensure that anchor fittings 204 are fully contained within indents 200. Anchor fittings 204 do not protrude from side sheet 172, 174, 176 into interior 66 of enclosed structure 22 to discourage or avoid 20879332.3 gravity than a boxcar having c damage to the lading. Indents 200 are disposed at intermittent vertical and longitudinal locations along side sheets 172, 174, 176. As shown in Figures 7b and 7c, the indented section of each side sheet 172, 174, 176 is reinforced by a side post 116. The position of a given indent 200 corresponds generally to the position at which lading, disposed in a predetermined stacked arrangement, may be secured to side wall assembly 112 for transport.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, where lading consists of rolls of paper having a 50 in. diameter and a 50 in. width, indents 200 may be vertically spaced at 30 in. intervals from each other. In such an embodiment, the series of indents 200 formed within side sheet 174 may be vertically offset or staggered in relation to those formed in side sheets 172 and 176 to coincide with a particular loading pattern for 50 in. diameter rolls of paper. In the area of side sheet 174, rolls of paper may be carried at a greater height off floor structure 54 than in the area of side sheets 172 and 176. Correspondingly, indents 200 may be formed higher up in side sheet 174 than in side sheets 172 and 176.
Figure 7a shows an enlarged front view of side sheet assembly 112 with tapered side posts 116 mounted thereto. During assembly, toes 162 of side post channel sections 154 are mounted against exterior surface 192 of side sheets 170, 172, 174, 176 and 178 thus forming hollow closed sections. Side posts 116 are then fillet-welded to the side sheets. Thus mounted, top end 152 and bottom end 150 of side posts 116 extend beyond the edges of side sheets 170, 172, 174, 176 and 178 and connect to top chord 96 and side sill 36, respectively. At bottom end 150, toes 162 of each channel section 154 are flush with interior surface 194 of side sheets 170, 172, 174, 176 and 178.
In the present embodiment of the invention, side posts 116 are spaced at a pitch of approximately 33 in. along side sheet assembly 112 (measured center-to-center between each successive side post). As shown in Figure 7a, in this arrangement, side posts 116 are mounted to side sheets 170, 172, 174, 176 and clear of seams 180, 182, 184 and 186 and clear of ridges 190. In addition, with side sheets 172, 174, 176 and 178 measuring 60 in. in width, side sheet assembly averages approximately one weld seam for every two side posts. In contradistinction, a conventional boxcar using hat-shaped side posts typically has two weld seams per side post.
20879332.3 Once side posts 116 have been welded to side sheet assembly 112, the whole is attached to boxcar 20 to form side wall 58 as shown in Figures 10a, 10b, lOc and 10d. Referring specifically to Figure 106, side sheet assembly 112 is mounted to side sill 36 with interior surface 194 of the side sheets (in this case, side sheet 178) abutting an upper margin 206 of side sill 36. Side sheet assembly 112 is then welded to side sill 36. At bottom end 150 of side post 116, toes 162 of channel section 154 are mounted against side sill 36 and fillet welded thereto.
Figure lOc shows the connection of side wall 58 to top chord 96 at a location adjacent railcar end 28. Near top end 152 of side post 116, toes 162 of channel section 154 are trimmed locally to permit a gap 210 to be formed between side sheet assembly 112 and side post 116. Gap 210 partially receives a portion of the lower leg 212 of side plate 100. Arranged in this manner, one side of lower leg 212 bears against toes 162, while the opposite side abuts an upper margin 214 of the side sheets (in this case side sheet 178). A plate 216 is attached across top end 152 to serve as a cap for side post 116. Plate 216 is also welded to side plate 100. In the region of side door 70, top door retainer 138 is mounted to extend longitudinally along side plate 100 and is welded to plate 216 and side plate 100, as shown in Figures 6a and 10d.
Top door retainer 138 ties adjacent side posts 116 and door post assemblies 122 and 124.
Figures lla and llb show an alternative embodiment of side wall construction to that shown in Figure 6a and 6b, indicated generally as 220.
Side wall 220 generally resembles side wall 58. Side wall 220 includes a pair of side sheet assemblies 222 and 224, tapered side posts 226 and door framing members 228 and 230. Side sheet assemblies 222 and 224, side posts 226 and door framing members 228 and 230 are generally similar to side sheet assemblies 110 and 112, side posts 116 and door framing members 122 and 124, respectively, of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6a. In particular, side sheet assemblies 222 and 224 include side sheets 232, 234, 236, 238 and 240 which have vertical reinforcements in the nature of bulges or ridges 242 similar to ridges 190 of side sheets 170, 172, 174, 176 and 178.
However, side wall 220 differs from side wall 58 in that, side sheets 232, 234, 236, 238 and 240 have a series of longitudinal reinforcement members 244 in the nature of horizontal side stringers 246 which are mounted thereto to bridge the span between adjacent side posts 226, and between side posts 226 and door framing members 228 and 230, as the case may be.
20879332.3 Refernng to Figures 12a, 12b and 12c, a first set 250 of side stringers 246 is mounted to side sheets 232, 234, 236, 238 and 240 at a height H1 relative to floor structure 54 and a second set 252 of side stringers 246 is carned at a height relative to floor structure 54. First set 250 and second set 252 of side stringers 246 serve to locally stiffen the side sheets between adjacent side posts 226, and between side posts 226 and door framing members 228 and 230 in order to tend to resist deformation resulting from the load applied by the lading against the side sheets during transit. The vertical stations at which the first set 250 and second set 252 of side stringers 246 are mounted to the side sheets will vary depending on the particular dimensions of the lading and the loading pattern thereof. In the present embodiment, for lading which consists of rolls of paper having a 50 in. diameter and a width of 50 in. loaded in a two or three layer stack, height H1 is preferably less than 50 in. and height H2 is preferably less than 100 in. above floor structure 54. More preferably, height H1 is 36 in. and height H2 is 86 in. When height H1 is 36 in., the first set 250 of side stringers 246 is carned at a height that is intermediate the top and bottom edge of a roll of paper placed on the first layer of the stack. In like fashion, when height H2 is 86 in., the second set 252 of side stringers 246 is carned between the top and bottom edges of a roll of paper placed on the second layer of the stack. Thus arranged, side stringers 246 of first set 250 and second set 252 tend to discourage deformation of the rolls of paper from occurnng at the edges thereof. By stiffening the side sheets at intermediate locations between the edges of a roll of paper, deformation or compression of the given roll of paper during transport tends to occur at these intermediate locations away from the edges of the given roll.
In the region of side door 70, additional side sheet reinforcement is provided in the form of a side stringer 254 which extends between door framing members 228, 230 and the adjacent side post 226 thereto, as shown in Figure 11a. Side stringer 254 is mounted at a height H3 above floor structure 54, at a vertical station between first set 250 and second set 252 of side stringers 246. In the present embodiment of the invention, for lading which consists of rolls of paper having a 50 in.
diameter and a width of 50 in. loaded in a two or three layer stack, height H3 lies preferably between 50 in. and 100 in. above floor structure 54. Most preferably, height H3 is 61 in. above floor structure 54. In the result, side sheet 232 which joins door framing members 230 to side sheet assembly 224, is reinforced by a first stringer located at 36 in., a second stringer located at 61 in. and a third stringer located at 86 in.
20879332.3 Referring to Figure 11c, each side stringer 246, 254 is a C-shaped channel section 260 having a back 262 and a pair of opposed legs 264. Channel legs 264 have proximal portions 266 which join to back 262 at smoothly radiused corners. The proximal portions 266 of channel legs 264 extend away from back 262 at right angles to terminate at flangeless toes 268. During assembly of side wall 220, toes 268 of channel section 260 are mounted longitudinally against side sheets 232, 234, 236, 238 and 240 between adjacent side posts 226 and between side posts 226 and door framing members 228 and 230, as the case may be. In the area of side sheet ridges 242, channel legs 264 are trimmed locally to permit each side stringer 246, 254 to be welded to side sheets 232, 234, 236, 238 and 240.
While the previously described embodiments of side wall construction illustrated in Figures 6a and 11a, have included side sheets formed with vertical reinforcements in the nature of ridges. It is possible to construct a side wall without such ridges provided in the side sheets. In a further alternative embodiment of side wall construction to that shown in Figure 6a, side wall 270 has side sheet assemblies 272 and 274, tapered side posts 276 and door framing members 278 and 280, as shown in Figure 13. Side sheet assemblies 272 and 274 have side sheets 282, 284, 286, 288 and 290. Side wall 270 is generally similar to side wall 58 but for side sheets 282, 284, 286, 288 and 290 which have no vertical reinforcements formed therein.
A preferred embodiment has been described in detail and a number of alternatives have been considered. As changes in or additions to the above described embodiments may be made without departing from the nature, spirit or scope of the invention, the invention is not to be limited by or to those details, but only by the appended claims.
20879332.3
Claims (43)
1. A railroad boxcar comprising:
a boxcar body supported on trucks for rolling motion in a longitudinal direction;
said boxcar body having a floor structure, a roof structure mounted above said floor structure, and a wall structure extending upwardly of said floor structure toward said roof structure;
said wall structure having a pair of opposed first and second end walls, and a pair of opposed, spaced apart, first and second side walls extending between said end walls, said first side wall having an opening defined therein, and at least one door framing member bounding said opening;
said first side wall including a side sheet assembly and a plurality of side sheet stiffeners mounted thereto;
said side sheet assembly extending between said door framing member and one of said first and second end walls;
said side sheet stiffeners being attached to said side sheet assembly at locations spaced away from said door framing member;
said side sheet stiffeners being mounted to extend upwardly of said floor structure;
one of said side sheet stiffeners having a first cross-sectional area at a first station thereof proximate to said floor structure and a second cross-sectional area at a second station thereof distant from said floor structure; and said first cross-sectional area being greater than said second cross-sectional area.
a boxcar body supported on trucks for rolling motion in a longitudinal direction;
said boxcar body having a floor structure, a roof structure mounted above said floor structure, and a wall structure extending upwardly of said floor structure toward said roof structure;
said wall structure having a pair of opposed first and second end walls, and a pair of opposed, spaced apart, first and second side walls extending between said end walls, said first side wall having an opening defined therein, and at least one door framing member bounding said opening;
said first side wall including a side sheet assembly and a plurality of side sheet stiffeners mounted thereto;
said side sheet assembly extending between said door framing member and one of said first and second end walls;
said side sheet stiffeners being attached to said side sheet assembly at locations spaced away from said door framing member;
said side sheet stiffeners being mounted to extend upwardly of said floor structure;
one of said side sheet stiffeners having a first cross-sectional area at a first station thereof proximate to said floor structure and a second cross-sectional area at a second station thereof distant from said floor structure; and said first cross-sectional area being greater than said second cross-sectional area.
2. The railroad boxcar of claim 1 wherein:
said one of said side sheet stiffeners has a first width at said first station and a second width at said second station; said first and second widths being measured in the longitudinal direction; and said first width is greater than said second width.
said one of said side sheet stiffeners has a first width at said first station and a second width at said second station; said first and second widths being measured in the longitudinal direction; and said first width is greater than said second width.
3. The railroad boxcar of claim 1 wherein:
said one of said side sheet stiffeners has a first depth of section at said first station and a second depth of section at said second station; and said first depth of section is greater than said second depth of section.
said one of said side sheet stiffeners has a first depth of section at said first station and a second depth of section at said second station; and said first depth of section is greater than said second depth of section.
4. The railroad boxcar of claim 1 wherein said one of said side sheet stiffeners tapers from said first station to said second station.
5. The railroad boxcar of claim 1 wherein said one of said side sheet stiffeners has a width measured in the longitudinal direction, said width diminishing from said first station to said second station.
6. The railroad boxcar of claim 1 wherein said one of said side sheet stiffeners has a depth of section measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, said depth of section diminishing from said first station to said second station.
7. The railroad boxcar of claim 1 wherein said one of said side sheet stiffeners has a width measured in the longitudinal direction and a depth of section measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; and said width and said depth of section diminish from said first station to said second station.
8. The railroad boxcar of claim 1 wherein said one of said side sheet stiffeners has a weight of section which diminishes from said first station to said second station.
9. The railroad boxcar of claim 1 wherein:
said one of said side sheet stiffeners has a first end and a second end, said first end lying closer to said floor structure than said second end; and said one of said side sheet stiffeners has a center of mass, said center of mass being located closer to said first end of said one of said side sheet stiffeners than to said second end thereof.
said one of said side sheet stiffeners has a first end and a second end, said first end lying closer to said floor structure than said second end; and said one of said side sheet stiffeners has a center of mass, said center of mass being located closer to said first end of said one of said side sheet stiffeners than to said second end thereof.
10. A railroad boxcar having a longitudinal rolling direction, said boxcar comprising:
a floor structure supported on a pair of first and second spaced apart rail car trucks, a roof structure mounted above said floor structure, and a wall structure extending between said floor structure and said roof structure, said wall structure, said floor structure and said roof co-operating to define an interior space for accommodating lading;
said wall structure having a pair of opposed first and second end walls, and a pair of opposed, spaced apart first and second side walls extending between said end walls;
said first side wall having an opening defined therein, and at least one door framing member bounding said opening;
said first side wall including a side sheet assembly and at least one side sheet stiffener, said side sheet assembly having a first surface facing inwardly relative to said interior space, and a second surface facing outwardly away from said interior space, said side sheet assembly extending between said door framing member and one of said first and second end walls;
said side sheet stiffener extending upwardly of said floor structure, said side sheet stiffener being mounted to said second surface of said side sheet assembly at a location spaced away from said door framing member;
and said side sheet stiffener having a first end and a second end, said first end lying closer to said floor structure than said second end, said side sheet stiffener having a center of mass, said center of mass lying closer to said first end of said stiffener than to said second end thereof.
a floor structure supported on a pair of first and second spaced apart rail car trucks, a roof structure mounted above said floor structure, and a wall structure extending between said floor structure and said roof structure, said wall structure, said floor structure and said roof co-operating to define an interior space for accommodating lading;
said wall structure having a pair of opposed first and second end walls, and a pair of opposed, spaced apart first and second side walls extending between said end walls;
said first side wall having an opening defined therein, and at least one door framing member bounding said opening;
said first side wall including a side sheet assembly and at least one side sheet stiffener, said side sheet assembly having a first surface facing inwardly relative to said interior space, and a second surface facing outwardly away from said interior space, said side sheet assembly extending between said door framing member and one of said first and second end walls;
said side sheet stiffener extending upwardly of said floor structure, said side sheet stiffener being mounted to said second surface of said side sheet assembly at a location spaced away from said door framing member;
and said side sheet stiffener having a first end and a second end, said first end lying closer to said floor structure than said second end, said side sheet stiffener having a center of mass, said center of mass lying closer to said first end of said stiffener than to said second end thereof.
11. The railroad boxcar of claim 10 wherein said side sheet stiffener has a length measured between said first and second ends, and said center of mass lies at a station not exceeding 0.46 of said length from said first end.
12. The railroad boxcar of claim 10 wherein said side sheet stiffener has a cross-sectional area that diminishes from said first end to said second end.
13. The railroad boxcar of claim 10 wherein said side sheet stiffener has a weight of section that diminishes from said first end to said second end.
14. The railroad boxcar of claim 10 wherein said side sheet stiffener tapers from said first end to said second end.
15. The railroad boxcar of claim 14 wherein said side sheet stiffener tapers from a first width at said first end thereof to a second width at said second end thereof, said first and second widths being measured in the longitudinal direction of said boxcar.
16. The railroad boxcar of claim 14 wherein said side sheet stiffener tapers from a first depth of section at said first end thereof to a second depth of section at said second end thereof, said first and second depths of section being measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of said boxcar.
17. The railroad boxcar of claim 14 wherein:
said side sheet stiffener has a first width at said first end thereof and a second width at said second end thereof, said first and second widths being measured in the longitudinal direction of said boxcar, said side sheet stiffener tapering from said first width to said second second width;
and said side sheet stiffener has a first depth of section at said first end thereof and a second depth of section at said second end thereof, said first and second depths of section being measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of said boxcar, said side sheet stiffener tapering from said first depth of section to said second depth of section.
said side sheet stiffener has a first width at said first end thereof and a second width at said second end thereof, said first and second widths being measured in the longitudinal direction of said boxcar, said side sheet stiffener tapering from said first width to said second second width;
and said side sheet stiffener has a first depth of section at said first end thereof and a second depth of section at said second end thereof, said first and second depths of section being measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of said boxcar, said side sheet stiffener tapering from said first depth of section to said second depth of section.
18. The railroad boxcar of claim 10 wherein said side sheet stiffener has a C-shaped cross-section.
19. The railroad boxcar of claim 18 wherein said C-shaped section includes a back member and a pair of opposed first and second leg members adjoining said back member and extending away therefrom; and said leg members having flangeless toes mounted to said second surface of said side sheet assembly.
20. The railroad boxcar of claim 19 wherein said channel legs extend away from said back member in an outwardly splayed arrangement.
21. The railroad boxcar of claim 10 wherein:
said side sheet assembly includes a first side sheet and a second side sheet, said first side sheet abutting said second side sheet along a seam, and said boxcar has a plurality of said side sheet stiffeners mounted to said second surface of said side sheet assembly clear of said seam.
said side sheet assembly includes a first side sheet and a second side sheet, said first side sheet abutting said second side sheet along a seam, and said boxcar has a plurality of said side sheet stiffeners mounted to said second surface of said side sheet assembly clear of said seam.
22. The railroad boxcar of claim 21 wherein said seam extends in a predominantly vertical direction.
23. A railroad boxcar having a longitudinal rolling direction, said boxcar comprising:
a floor structure supported on a pair of first and second spaced apart rail car trucks, a roof structure mounted above said floor structure, and a wall structure extending between said floor structure and said roof structure, said wall structure, said floor structure and said roof co-operating to define an interior space for accommodating lading;
said wall structure having a pair of opposed first and second end walls, and a pair of opposed, spaced apart first and second side walls extending between said end walls;
said first side wall having an opening defined therein, and at least one door framing member bounding said opening;
said first side wall including a side sheet assembly and at least a pair of first and second, spaced apart parallel tapered side sheet stiffeners, said side sheet assembly having a first surface facing inwardly relative to said interior space, and a second surface facing outwardly away from said interior space, said side sheet assembly extending between said door framing member and one of said first and second end walls;
said side sheet stiffeners extending upwardly of said floor structure, said side sheet stiffeners being mounted to said second surface of said side sheet assembly at a location spaced away from said door framing member;
and said side sheet stiffener having a first end and a second end, said first end lying closer to said floor structure than said second end, said side sheet assembly includes a first side sheet and a second side sheet, said first side sheet abutting said second side sheet along a seam, said seam being located intermediate said first and second stiffeners;
one of said first and second side sheets having at least one local deformation formed therein intermediate said first and second stiffeners.
a floor structure supported on a pair of first and second spaced apart rail car trucks, a roof structure mounted above said floor structure, and a wall structure extending between said floor structure and said roof structure, said wall structure, said floor structure and said roof co-operating to define an interior space for accommodating lading;
said wall structure having a pair of opposed first and second end walls, and a pair of opposed, spaced apart first and second side walls extending between said end walls;
said first side wall having an opening defined therein, and at least one door framing member bounding said opening;
said first side wall including a side sheet assembly and at least a pair of first and second, spaced apart parallel tapered side sheet stiffeners, said side sheet assembly having a first surface facing inwardly relative to said interior space, and a second surface facing outwardly away from said interior space, said side sheet assembly extending between said door framing member and one of said first and second end walls;
said side sheet stiffeners extending upwardly of said floor structure, said side sheet stiffeners being mounted to said second surface of said side sheet assembly at a location spaced away from said door framing member;
and said side sheet stiffener having a first end and a second end, said first end lying closer to said floor structure than said second end, said side sheet assembly includes a first side sheet and a second side sheet, said first side sheet abutting said second side sheet along a seam, said seam being located intermediate said first and second stiffeners;
one of said first and second side sheets having at least one local deformation formed therein intermediate said first and second stiffeners.
24. The railroad boxcar of claim 23 wherein said local deformation extends in a predominantly vertical direction.
25. The railroad boxcar of claim 23 wherein said second surface of said side sheet assembly bulges at the location of said local deformation.
26. The railroad boxcar of claim 25 wherein said second surface of said side sheet is ribbed.
27. The railroad boxcar of claim 23 wherein said first surface of said side sheet assembly is recessed at the location of said local deformation.
28. The railroad boxcar of claim 23 wherein:
said first and second side sheets have a plurality of local deformations for extending in a predominantly vertical direction; and said boxcar has a plurality of said side sheet stiffeners mounted to said side sheet assembly clear of said seam and clear of said plurality of local deformations.
said first and second side sheets have a plurality of local deformations for extending in a predominantly vertical direction; and said boxcar has a plurality of said side sheet stiffeners mounted to said side sheet assembly clear of said seam and clear of said plurality of local deformations.
29. A railroad boxcar comprising:
a floor structure supported on a pair of first and second spaced apart rail car trucks, a roof structure mounted above said floor structure, and a wall structure extending between said floor structure and said roof structure, said wall structure, said floor structure and said roof co-operating to define an interior space for accommodating lading;
said wall structure having a pair of opposed first and second end walls, and a pair of opposed, spaced apart first and second side walls extending between said end walls;
said first side wall having an opening defined therein, and at least one door framing member bounding said opening;
said first side wall including a side sheet assembly and at least a pair of first and second, spaced apart parallel tapered side sheet stiffeners, said side sheet assembly having a first surface facing inwardly relative to said interior space, and a second surface facing outwardly away from said interior space, said side sheet assembly extending between said door framing member and one of said first and second end walls;
said side sheet stiffeners extending upwardly of said floor structure, said side sheet stiffeners being mounted to said second surface of said side sheet assembly at a location spaced away from said door framing member;
and said side sheet stiffener having a first end and a second end, said first end lying closer to said floor structure than said second end, said side sheet assembly includes a first side sheet and a second side sheet, said first side sheet abutting said second side sheet along a seam, said seam being located intermediate said first and second stiffeners; and one of said first and said second side sheets has indents formed therein for accommodating a lading securing fitting, said indents being spaced apart at locations along said one of said side sheets.
a floor structure supported on a pair of first and second spaced apart rail car trucks, a roof structure mounted above said floor structure, and a wall structure extending between said floor structure and said roof structure, said wall structure, said floor structure and said roof co-operating to define an interior space for accommodating lading;
said wall structure having a pair of opposed first and second end walls, and a pair of opposed, spaced apart first and second side walls extending between said end walls;
said first side wall having an opening defined therein, and at least one door framing member bounding said opening;
said first side wall including a side sheet assembly and at least a pair of first and second, spaced apart parallel tapered side sheet stiffeners, said side sheet assembly having a first surface facing inwardly relative to said interior space, and a second surface facing outwardly away from said interior space, said side sheet assembly extending between said door framing member and one of said first and second end walls;
said side sheet stiffeners extending upwardly of said floor structure, said side sheet stiffeners being mounted to said second surface of said side sheet assembly at a location spaced away from said door framing member;
and said side sheet stiffener having a first end and a second end, said first end lying closer to said floor structure than said second end, said side sheet assembly includes a first side sheet and a second side sheet, said first side sheet abutting said second side sheet along a seam, said seam being located intermediate said first and second stiffeners; and one of said first and said second side sheets has indents formed therein for accommodating a lading securing fitting, said indents being spaced apart at locations along said one of said side sheets.
30. The railroad boxcar of claim 29 further comprising a lading securing fitting mounted to, and contained within one of said indents, said lading securing fitting lying shy of said first surface of said side sheet assembly.
31. The railroad boxcar of claim 29 wherein said first and second side sheets have a plurality of local deformations formed therein for stiffening said side sheets; said local deformations extending in a predominantly vertical direction and being located at spaced apart locations from said indents.
32. The railroad boxcar of claim 29 wherein:
said indents are spaced apart at predominantly vertical locations along one of said side sheets; and said boxcar has a plurality of said side sheet stiffeners mounted to said side sheet assembly; at least one of said side sheet stiffeners mounted to reinforce said one of said side sheets at said vertical locations of said indents.
said indents are spaced apart at predominantly vertical locations along one of said side sheets; and said boxcar has a plurality of said side sheet stiffeners mounted to said side sheet assembly; at least one of said side sheet stiffeners mounted to reinforce said one of said side sheets at said vertical locations of said indents.
33. A railroad boxcar having a longitudinal rolling direction, said boxcar comprising:
a floor structure supported on a pair of first and second spaced apart rail car trucks, a roof structure mounted above said floor structure, and a wall structure extending between said floor structure and said roof structure, said wall structure, said floor structure and said roof co-operating to define an interior space for accommodating lading;
said wall structure having a pair of opposed first and second end walls, and a pair of opposed, spaced apart first and second side walls extending between said end walls;
said first side wall having an opening defined therein, and at least one door framing member bounding said opening;
said first side wall including a side sheet assembly and at least first and second spaced apart, parallel side sheet stiffeners, said side sheet assembly having a first surface facing inwardly relative to said interior space, and a second surface facing outwardly away from said interior space, said side sheet assembly extending between said door framing member and one of said first and second end walls;
said side sheet stiffeners extending upwardly of said floor structure, said side sheet stiffeners being mounted to said second surface of said side sheet assembly at a location spaced away from said door framing member;
and said side sheet stiffeners having a first end and a second end, said first end lying closer to said floor structure than said second end, said side sheet stiffeners each having a center of mass, said center of mass lying closer to said first end of said stiffener than to said second end thereof; and said boxcar includes at least a first stringer mounted to said side sheet assembly to extend between said first and second side sheet assembly.
a floor structure supported on a pair of first and second spaced apart rail car trucks, a roof structure mounted above said floor structure, and a wall structure extending between said floor structure and said roof structure, said wall structure, said floor structure and said roof co-operating to define an interior space for accommodating lading;
said wall structure having a pair of opposed first and second end walls, and a pair of opposed, spaced apart first and second side walls extending between said end walls;
said first side wall having an opening defined therein, and at least one door framing member bounding said opening;
said first side wall including a side sheet assembly and at least first and second spaced apart, parallel side sheet stiffeners, said side sheet assembly having a first surface facing inwardly relative to said interior space, and a second surface facing outwardly away from said interior space, said side sheet assembly extending between said door framing member and one of said first and second end walls;
said side sheet stiffeners extending upwardly of said floor structure, said side sheet stiffeners being mounted to said second surface of said side sheet assembly at a location spaced away from said door framing member;
and said side sheet stiffeners having a first end and a second end, said first end lying closer to said floor structure than said second end, said side sheet stiffeners each having a center of mass, said center of mass lying closer to said first end of said stiffener than to said second end thereof; and said boxcar includes at least a first stringer mounted to said side sheet assembly to extend between said first and second side sheet assembly.
34. The railroad boxcar of claim 33 wherein:
said boxcar has a second stringer mounted to said side sheet assembly to extend between said first and second side sheet stiffeners; and said first stringer being carried at a first height relative to said floor structure and said second stringer being carried at a second height relative to said floor structure; said first height being closer to said floor structure than said second height.
said boxcar has a second stringer mounted to said side sheet assembly to extend between said first and second side sheet stiffeners; and said first stringer being carried at a first height relative to said floor structure and said second stringer being carried at a second height relative to said floor structure; said first height being closer to said floor structure than said second height.
35. The railroad boxcar of claim 34 wherein said first height is less than 50 inches above said floor structure.
36. The railroad boxcar of claim 35 wherein said first height is 36 inches above said floor structure.
37. The railroad boxcar of claim 34 wherein said second height is less than inches above said floor structure.
38. The railroad boxcar of claim 37 wherein said second height is 86 inches above said floor structure.
39. The railroad boxcar of claim 34 wherein:
one of said first and second side sheet stiffeners is spaced apart from, and extends parallel to said door framing member; and said boxcar has a third stringer mounted to said side sheet assembly for bridging the span between said one of said side sheet stiffeners and said door framing member;
said third stringer being carried at a third height relative to said floor structure.
one of said first and second side sheet stiffeners is spaced apart from, and extends parallel to said door framing member; and said boxcar has a third stringer mounted to said side sheet assembly for bridging the span between said one of said side sheet stiffeners and said door framing member;
said third stringer being carried at a third height relative to said floor structure.
40. The railroad boxcar of claim 39 wherein said third height is intermediate said first height and said second height.
41. The railroad boxcar of claim 39 wherein said third height is less than 100 inches from said floor structure.
42. The railroad boxcar of claim 39 wherein said third height is greater than inches.
43. The railroad boxcar of claim 39 wherein said third height is 61 inches above said floor structure.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2356703 CA2356703A1 (en) | 2001-09-05 | 2001-09-05 | Railroad boxcar with tapered side post construction |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2356703 CA2356703A1 (en) | 2001-09-05 | 2001-09-05 | Railroad boxcar with tapered side post construction |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2356703A1 true CA2356703A1 (en) | 2003-03-05 |
Family
ID=4169899
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2356703 Abandoned CA2356703A1 (en) | 2001-09-05 | 2001-09-05 | Railroad boxcar with tapered side post construction |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2356703A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN109050554A (en) * | 2018-09-04 | 2018-12-21 | 中车长江车辆有限公司 | The discharging method in open-top car compartment, truck and truck |
| CN109515532A (en) * | 2018-12-29 | 2019-03-26 | 杭州华聚复合材料有限公司 | A kind of new energy logistic car, compartment, side door assembly and its lower-edge beam |
| RU223014U1 (en) * | 2023-11-30 | 2024-01-26 | Акционерное общество "Евросиб СПб-транспортные системы" | COVERED FREIGHT CAR BODY |
-
2001
- 2001-09-05 CA CA 2356703 patent/CA2356703A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN109050554A (en) * | 2018-09-04 | 2018-12-21 | 中车长江车辆有限公司 | The discharging method in open-top car compartment, truck and truck |
| CN109515532A (en) * | 2018-12-29 | 2019-03-26 | 杭州华聚复合材料有限公司 | A kind of new energy logistic car, compartment, side door assembly and its lower-edge beam |
| RU223014U1 (en) * | 2023-11-30 | 2024-01-26 | Акционерное общество "Евросиб СПб-транспортные системы" | COVERED FREIGHT CAR BODY |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US7757611B2 (en) | Railroad freight car | |
| US7424854B2 (en) | Dropped deck center beam rail road car | |
| US7461600B2 (en) | Rail road freight car structure | |
| US6978720B2 (en) | Gondola railcar construction | |
| US5918549A (en) | Railway freight car metal floor | |
| USRE39777E1 (en) | Dropped deck center beam rail road car structure | |
| US20050263033A1 (en) | Dropped deck center beam rail road car | |
| WO2009062317A1 (en) | Railroad car center sill structure | |
| US6244801B1 (en) | Motor-vehicle carrying railcar with offset H-frame | |
| CA2309935A1 (en) | Motor-vehicle carrying railcar with offset h-frame | |
| US6722288B2 (en) | Railway box car with lower center of gravity | |
| US6334397B1 (en) | Side sheets for a hopper and bulk container car | |
| CA2660154C (en) | Dropped deck center beam rail road car | |
| US6178895B1 (en) | Flat-surfaced floor structure for boxcars | |
| CA2356703A1 (en) | Railroad boxcar with tapered side post construction | |
| CA2356708A1 (en) | Railroad boxcar side wall assembly | |
| CA2649051C (en) | Well car with cross member | |
| US11142225B2 (en) | Covered hopper car | |
| US20230406364A1 (en) | Railcar for transport of steel coils with removable bi-level roof | |
| US20210300442A1 (en) | Railroad freight car structure | |
| CA2526554C (en) | Rail road freight car | |
| CA2503991A1 (en) | Dropped deck center beam rail road car | |
| JPS61226376A (en) | Floor device for car |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |