MX2007005158A - Removable bulkhead for a railcar. - Google Patents

Abstract

A removable bulkhead for a railcar is provided, wherein the railcar includes a pair of spaced-apart side sills, at least one side stake pocket, and at least one end stake pocket. The removable bulkhead includes a support structure removably attachable to the railcar. The support structure of the removable bulkhead includes at least one bottom connecting mechanism, and the bottom connecting mechanism is receivable in a corresponding end stake pocket of the railcar. The removable bulkhead further includes at least one stabilizing mechanism operatively connecting the support structure to the railcar.

Description

REMOVABLE MAMPARA FOR A WAGON RELATED REQUESTS This application claims the benefit in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 119 (e) of the provisional application of E.U.A. No. 60 / 796,172, filed April 28, 2006, and entitled "Removable Bulkhead for a Railcar," which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to bulkheads in wagons and in particular to a removable bulkhead for a wagon.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Screens for use in wagons, and in particular platform wagons, are generally known to those skilled in the art. In general, the screens are fixed to the wagons when transporting floating loads. Floating loads are generally not restricted in the longitudinal direction, with respect to the wagon and rails, by a brake. According to the rules of open top loading (OTLR) referring to wagons exhibited by the American Railways Association, a screen when transporting a floating load. The screen acts to maintain the floating load in a secured manner in case the load slides during impact of the wagon or displacement of the load in the longitudinal direction with respect to the wagon during transport. The screens are typically fixed to a car by securing a large member that extends upwardly from the floor of the car in a cantilevered manner. The screen can be fixed to the wagon through tomellería, welding, any combination thereof, or any other fixing mechanism known to those skilled in the art. The bulkheads are generally fixed to wagons in a substantially fixed, or permanently fixed manner. However, when different loads are transported to floating loads in which a screen is not necessary, the screen can be weighted for the loading and unloading of the wagon. The presence of bulkheads in load configurations that do not require bulkheads limits the load capacity of the wagon in an unnatural way. The weight of the unnecessary screen displaces the payload for transport. The removal of the bulkhead of the wagons is very laborious, expensive, and may require structural changes to the wagon itself.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, a removable bulkhead for a wagon is provided. The wagon to which it is removably fixed removable screen includes a pair of spaced side shelves, at least one lateral stacking cavity, and at least one end stacking cavity. The removable bulkhead includes a support structure that can be removably attached to the wagon, wherein the support structure includes at least one lower connector mechanism and each lower connector mechanism can be received in a corresponding end stacking cavity of the wagon . The removable screen further includes at least one stabilization mechanism that operatively connects the support structure with the wagon. According to another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for fixing a removable bulkhead to a wagon. The method includes providing a wagon, wherein the wagon includes a pair of spaced side shelves, at least one side stacking cavity, and at least one end stacking cavity. The method further includes fixing the removable bulkhead to the wagon in a removable manner. The removable partition includes a support structure that can be received in an end stacking cavity and at least one stabilization mechanism operatively connected to one of the side shelves of the car. The advantages of the present invention will be more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention which have been shown and described by way of illustration. As will be noted, the invention is capable of other and different modalities, and their details are capable of modification in various aspects. Accordingly, the drawings and description will be considered illustrative and not restrictive in nature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a modality of a removable partition structural support and a flat bed wagon; Figure 2 are two modalities of a structural support of a removable screen; Figure 3 is a removable screen in a secured position with respect to a wagon; Figure 4 is a rear view of a structural support of a removable screen; Figure 5 is a front view of the structural support of the figure 4; Figure 6 is a top view of one embodiment of a lower chord; Figure 7a is a side view of a lower connector mechanism fixed to a vertical bracket; Figure 7b is a perspective view of the lower connector and vertical clamp mechanism of Figure 7a; Figure 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a horizontal bracket; Figure 9 is an amplified view of a stabilization mechanism attached to a side connector mechanism; Figure 10 is a side view of a reinforcing tube; Figure 11 a is a side view of a reinforcing plate; Figure 11 b is a top view of the reinforcing plate of Figure 11a; Figure 11 c is an end view of the reinforcing plate of Figure 11 a; Figure 12 is a second embodiment of a structural support of a removable screen; Figure 13a is a side view of a side clamp; Figure 13b is a top view of the side bracket of Figure 13a; Figure 14a is a front view of one embodiment of a side shelf bracket; Figure 14b is a side view of the side shelf bracket of Figure 14a; Figure 15a is a front view of a second embodiment of a side shelf bracket; Figure 15b is a side view of the side shelf bracket of Figure 15a; Y Figure 16 is an amplified view of a stabilization mechanism attached to a side connector mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Referring to Figure 1, one embodiment of a wagon 10 and a removable bulkhead 12 are shown. The wagon 10 is illustrated as a conventional flat roof wagon having a pair of spaced, substantially parallel lateral shelves 14, an end shelf 16 extending between the ends of the side shelves 14, at least one end stacking cavity 18, and at least one side end cavity 20. The cover 22 of the car 10 is shown as a plurality of pieces of wood arranged in a spliced manner, but the cover 22 can also be made of steel sheet, nailable steel, or any other material sufficient to support the loads that will be carried by the car 10. The screens are generally fixed to rail cars. flat bed 10 for providing an apparatus for preventing loads from sliding or falling off the ends of the rail due to the displacement of the load during transport, particularly in in longitudinal direction that is substantially parallel to the side shelves of the car as well as the rails of the rail in which the car is arranged. Due to the forces exerted on the loads in the longitudinal direction during acceleration or deceleration of the car, particularly rapid accelerations caused by an impact, a screen must be designed to withstand the impact or force applied to the screen by the load in it if the load is displaced during transport. Typically, a screen is attached to each end of the car to interrupt the displacement of the sliding load at both ends of the car, thus preventing the load from traveling in any of the directions back and forth beyond the ends of the car. As shown in figure 2, two embodiments of the support structure 26a, 26b of a removable partition 12 are presented. Although the general structure of each of these two embodiments is substantially similar, the height of the support structure 26a, 26b is different. The wagons 10 are used to transport different types of loads and different sizes and heights of removable screens can be used when transporting different types of loads. For example, when transporting rolled steel rods, the height of the removable bulkhead does not have to be as high as when a load of drywall or lumber is transported on logs. The description below provides the structural elements of both embodiments of the support structure 26a, 26b with respect to an exemplary embodiment of a support structure 26. A person skilled in the art will understand the different sizes and shapes of the structural elements as it is they use in different modalities a removable screen.

The support structure 26 of a removable partition 12 is shown in Figure 1 in a spaced, unconnected position, and Figure 3 illustrates the removable partition 12 in a fixed position, secured with respect to a car 10. The bulkhead 12 is Removable from car 10 to allow car 10 to be a more universal car that can be used in a variety of different operations and that is capable of carrying a variety of different loads. For example, a screen that is permanently fixed, or semi-permanent to the wagon does not allow the transport of some loads such as pipes or tubes that are larger than the length of the cover 22. A fixed screen can also permanently interfere with the loading or unloading of various loads, while the removable screen 12 is capable of being removed, thus allowing the modification of the wagon 10 for use in more applications than a wagon having a permanently fixed screen. As shown in Figure 3, a removable partition 12 includes a support structure 26 and a stabilization mechanism 210. The support structure 26 of the removable partition 12, as illustrated in Figures 3-5, includes a surface of brake 24, a top rope 30, a bottom rope 32, a front plate 64, at least one lower connector mechanism 28, at least one lateral connector mechanism 66, at least one vertical clamp 60, at least one horizontal clamp 62, and a pair of lifting lugs 29. When the removable screen 12 is fixed to a wagon 10, the support structure 26 is oriented so that the surface of brake 24 is directed towards the loading area of the cover 22 of the car 10. The brake surface 24 is adapted to receive or make contact with the load that is carried by the car 10 if the load was displaced during transport. In one embodiment, the brake surface 24 is formed of a plurality of wooden boards 25 oriented in a spliced relationship substantially parallel to the adjacent board 25. The boards 25 are aligned so that the longitudinal extent of each board 25 is oriented in a transverse manner with respect to the side shelves 14 of the car 10. The brake surface 24 can also be formed of aluminum foil, steel sheet, or any other material sufficient to absorb the impact or forces exerted thereon by the load that is transported if the load moves. Additionally, the brake surface 24 can be formed as a single member or a plurality of members aligned in a spliced or spaced manner. The brake surface 24 is operatively fixed to the support structure 26 through a plurality of bolts, but the brake surface 24 can also be fixed to the support structure 26 by welding, rivets or any other fastening mechanism sufficient for securing the brake surface 24 to the support structure 26. The brake surface 24 can be fixed directly to the support structure 26, or an intermediate or shock absorber member can be arranged between the brake surface 24 and the support structure 26 The upper rope 30 of the support structure 26, as shown in Figure 4, is a generally U-shaped member in which the flanges of the upper rope 30 are directed downwards towards the lower rope 32. The longitudinal extension of the upper rope 30 is oriented in a substantially horizontal manner. The upper rope 30 is formed of steel, but can be made of any material sufficient to reinforce the brake surface 24. The lower rope 32 of the support structure 26, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, is a member generally U-shaped having a pair of opposite, substantially parallel flanges 34 connected by a continuous belt 36. The opposite flanges 34 of the lower rope 32 are directed upwards towards the upper rope 30, wherein the upper rope 30 and lower rope 32 are directed towards each other in an opposite manner. The lower chord 32 includes at least one opening 38 formed through the continuous ribbon 36. Each opening 38 is configured to receive a lower connector mechanism 28 (Figure 4) that is fixed to the support structure 26 of the removable screen 12 Each opening 38 is dimensioned slightly larger than the configuration of the lower connector mechanism 28 in order to allow any precipitation that can accumulate within the lower chord 32 to be released in order to avoid excessive oxidation of the lower chord 32. front plate 64 is a piece of vertically oriented sheet material which is disposed between the brake surface 24 and the vertical clamps 60, as illustrated in Figure 4. The front plate 64 extends between, and is fixed to the lower strings and upper 30, 32. The plate front 64 is also fixed to the brake surface 24, thereby providing support thereto. The faceplate 64 is a structural member that can provide a damping between the brake surface 24 and the vertical and horizontal clamps 60, 62 of the support structure 26. The faceplate 64 is formed of steel sheet, but can be made of any other material sufficient to withstand the forces exerted on the removable partition 12 by a load that moves during transport. As shown in Figure 4, four spaced vertical clamps 60 extend between the upper rope 30 and lower rope 32, but any number of vertical clamps 60 can be used for the support structure 26. Each vertical clamp 60 is formed of a I-beam having a pair of spaced, substantially parallel flanges 68 connected through a continuous belt 70, as shown in Figures 7A-7B. At a distal end of each vertical clamp 60, the continuous band 70 extends beyond the flanges 68 to form an extension portion 71. The extension portion 71 is adapted to be received within the U-shaped portion of the upper cord 30, and the shape and size of extension portion 71 are configured to fit within upper cord 30 so that the surfaces of extension portion 71 are in a spliced relationship with the internal surface of upper cord 30. Each vertical clamp 60 is fixed to the upper rope 30 by welding, but any other fixing mechanism can be used between each vertical clamp 60 and the upper cord 60 which is sufficient to support the forces exerted on the removable partition 12. The vertical clamp 60 is oriented so that an external surface of a flange 68 is in a spliced relationship, substantially parallel with the faceplate 64. Each vertical clamp 60 is fixed to the surface of the faceplate 64 opposite the surface to which the brake surface 24 is fixed. Each vertical clamp 60 includes a lower connection mechanism 28 fixed thereto, as illustrated in Figures 4 and 7A-7B. In one embodiment, the lower connecting mechanism 28 includes a base 72, an elongated portion 74 extending therefrom, and at least one rib 76. The base 72 is formed as a substantially rectangular portion having an upper surface 78. The elongate portion 74 extends from the base 72 in the opposite direction to the upper surface 78. In one embodiment, the base 72 and the elongated portion 74 are formed as a single element. In an alternative embodiment, the base 72 and the elongated portion 74 are formed as separate elements that are fixedly connected to each other. An elongated rib 76 may be placed on the opposite surfaces of the lower connecting mechanism 28 in a manner substantially parallel to the elongated direction of the elongated portion 74 of the lower connecting mechanism 28. The rib 76 may extend from a distal end of the connecting mechanism lower 28 adjacent to the upper surface 78 to the opposite distal end of the lower connecting mechanism 28. In another embodiment (not shown) the rib 76 can extend only a portion of the length of the elongated portion 74 of the lower connecting mechanism 28. In one embodiment, the rib is fixed to the base 72 and the elongate portion 74 by means of a weld, but any other means of attachment may be used. In an alternative embodiment, the rib 76 is generally formed with the base 72 and the elongated portion 74 as a single element such as cast or the like. Each vertical clamp 60 has a lower connection mechanism 28 fixed to the end opposite the connection between the vertical clamp 60 with the upper cord 30 as shown in Figures 7A-7B. The portion of tape Continuous 70 of the vertical clamp 60 opposite the extension portion 71 is cut into a shape substantially similar to the upper surface 78 of the lower connecting mechanism 28. The lower connecting mechanism 28 is positioned within the cutting portion of the tape continuous 70 in a support manner so that the upper surface 78 makes contact with the continuous belt 70 and the opposite flanges 68 of the vertical clamp 60. The lower connection mechanism 28 can be welded to the vertical clamp 60, or any other means of fixation sufficient to support the loads applied to the removable screen 12. The vertical clamp 60 is fixed to the lower cord 32 so that the opposite flanges 68 of the vertical clamp 60 are placed adjacent to the opposite flanges 34 of the lower chord 32 and the elongated portion 74 and the ribs 76 of the lower connecting mechanism 28 extend through the opening 38 formed in the lower chord 32. The vertical chord 60 can be attached to the lower chord 32 by means of a weld to provide a secure connection between the vertical clamp 60 and the lower cord 32. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, a plurality of horizontal clamps 62 are placed between each of the vertical clamps 60. , wherein the plurality of horizontal clamps align to form a single element that extends between the outermost vertical clamps. Each horizontal clamp 62 is an elongated member having a pair of limbs 80, wherein each limb is formed at an angle relative to the other limb, as shown in Figures 8A-8B. In one embodiment, the horizontal clamp 62 is formed of a metal die, wherein a radius of curvature is formed between the pair of limbs 80. In an alternative embodiment, the horizontal clamp 62 is formed by two elongated pieces of fixed metal. each other by a welding or other fixing mechanism. Although the horizontal clamp 62 is shown as a two-limbed skew, the horizontal clamp 62 may also have a square cross section, rectangular cross section, or any other cross section sufficient to provide support to the brake surface 24 and between the clamps 60. The longitudinal edges 82 of each end 80 are placed in abutting relationship with the front plate 64, and the end edges 84 of each end 80 are placed in abutting relationship with the continuous band 70 of the vertical clamps 60. between which each horizontal clamp 62 extends. Each longitudinal edge 82 includes a cut 86 at each end thereof. The cuts 86 allow the end edges 84 to contact the continuous band 70 of the vertical clamp 60 and each cut 86 is adapted to receive a flange 68 of the vertical clamp 60. Each horizontal clamp 62 is fixed to the front plate 64. and adjacent vertical clamps 60 by welding, but any other means of attachment sufficient to secure the horizontal clamp to the faceplate and vertical clamps can be used. The number of horizontal elements formed by the alignment of a plurality of horizontal clamps 62 may vary, but the support structure 26 must include at least one horizontal load path formed by the horizontal clamps 62, wherein the horizontal clamps 62 may extend between the pair of side connection mechanism 66. As shown in Figure 4, three horizontal clamps 62 are aligned along their longitudinal axis between each of the four vertical clamps of single piece 60. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) each horizontal clamp 62 is formed as one-piece elements and the vertical clamps 66 are placed between the adjacent horizontal clamps 62. A side connection mechanism 66 extends laterally outward from both sides of the support structure 26 in opposite directions , as illustrated in figures 4 and 9. Each lateral connection mechanism 66 is c onecta operatively to a vertical clamp 60, and each lateral connection mechanism 66 is preferably placed adjacent to the upper portion of the vertical clamp 60 opposite the lower connecting mechanisms 28. Each lateral connection mechanism 66 includes a reinforcing tube 90, a reinforcing plate 92, and a collar pin 94 extending through the reinforcing tube 90 and the reinforcing plate 92, as shown in Figure 9. The reinforcing tube 90 is an elongated hollow tube having a substantially square cross section, but the cross section of the reinforcing tube 90 may have any shape sufficient to support the voltages applied to it from the displacement load. The reinforcing tube 90 includes a cutting portion 96 at the ends of the surfaces opposite sides. The cutting portions 96 allow the stiffening tube 90 to be placed in a support relationship with the opposing flanges 68 and the continuous tape 70 of the vertical bracket 60. A stiffening tube 90 is preferably welded to each outer vertical bracket 60 so that the reinforcing tube 90 extends laterally outwardly from the vertical clamp 60 to which it is fixed. The reinforcing plate 92 of the lateral connection mechanism 66 includes an upper portion 100 and pair of limbs 102 extending in opposite directions at an angle from the upper portion 100., as shown in Figures 11A-11C. In one embodiment, the reinforcing plate 92 is formed as a single element, but the reinforcing plate 92 can also be formed so that the ends 102 are fixed to the upper portion 100. by means of a welding. The reinforcement plate 92 is placed adjacent the end of the reinforcement tube 90 so that the surface directed towards inside the upper portion 100 of the reinforcing plate 92 is in a bearing relationship with the end of the reinforcing tube 90 opposite the cutting portions 96, as shown in Figure 9. The upper portion 100 is preferably welded at the end of the reinforcing tube 90, and both ends 102 of the reinforcing plate 92 are directed towards the vertical clamp 60 to which the reinforcing tube 90 is connected. Each opposite side edge of each end 102 includes a cutting portion 104. at the opposite end of the end of the limb 102 adjacent to the upper portion 100. The cutting portion 104 of the ends 102 of the reinforcing plate 92 forms a surface that is adapted to be in a support relationship with the opposing flanges 68. and the continuous band 70 of the vertical clamp 60 to which the reinforcing tube 90 is fixed. The ends of the ends 102 having the cutting portions 104 located supporting the vertical clamp. 60 are welded to the vertical clamp 60 in order to provide a secure connection between the reinforcing plate 92, the reinforcing tube 90 and the vertical clamp 60 to which the lateral connection mechanism 66 is fixed. The upper portion 100 of the reinforcing plate 92 includes an opening 106 formed therethrough, as shown in Figure 11 B. The opening 106 is adapted to receive a collar pin 94, as illustrated in Figure 9. In a In this embodiment, the collar pin 94 extends the entire width of the support structure 26 as well as extending outwardly from both lateral connection mechanisms 66, where the collar pin 94 is connected to each lateral connection mechanism 66 as well as to each vertical clamp 60 through which the collar pin 94 passes. In another embodiment, each lateral connection mechanism 66 includes a collar pin 94 having a distal end connected in a substantially rigid manner to the continuous band 70 of the vertical bracket 60 to which the side connection mechanism 66 is fixed. collar pin 94 extends from the continuous belt 70 of the vertical clamp through, and laterally beyond, the hollow portion of reinforcing tube 90 as well as through the opening 106 formed in the upper portion 100 of the plate reinforcement 92. The distal end of the collar pin 94 opposite the end of the collar pin 94 connected to the continuous belt 70 of a vertical collar 60 includes a hole formed therethrough in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the collar pin 94. , whereby the collar pin 94 of the lateral connection mechanism 66 can be operatively connected to the car 100 by means of a mechanism stabilizes 210. As shown in Figure 4, the lifting lugs 29 are fixed to the support structure 26 in order to allow the supporting structure 26 to easily rise away from the car 10 or be placed therein. An alternative embodiment of a support structure 126 is shown in Figure 12. The support structure 126 is shorter than the support structures 26a, 26b illustrated in Figure 2. The shorter support structure 26 can be used for short heavy loads such as Stacked steel laminate or similar. Due to the weight and height of certain materials that are transported, a low weight support structure 126 can be used in place of a higher support structure 26a, 26b. One skilled in the art can understand that the thickness or strength of the materials and elements used in the low weight support structure 126 can be greater than the similar elements used for the support structures 26a, 26b which have a higher height with In order to be able to reinforce a heavier load with a shorter height. The structural elements that are substantially similar between the support structure 126 shown in Figure 12 and the support structure 26 shown in Figures 1-8 are described with the same reference numerals. The support structure 126, as shown in Figure 12 includes a brake surface 24, an upper rope 30, a lower rope 32, at least one vertical clamp 60, at least one horizontal clamp 62, a front plate 64, at least one connection mechanism lower 28, at least one lateral connecting mechanism 166, and a pair of lifting lugs 29. The lateral connecting mechanism 166 extends laterally outward from both sides of the supporting structure 26 in opposite directions, as illustrated in FIG. Figure 12. Each lateral connecting mechanism 166 includes a reinforcing plate 192 and a pin 194 extending through the reinforcing plate 192 and at least one vertical clamp 160. The reinforcing plate 192 extends between the upper cord 30. and the lower cord 32 and is fixed to the distal end of both cords 30, 32. The distal end of the collet pin 194 opposite the end of the collet pin 194 connected to the vertical clamp 60 includes a hole formed therethrough in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the collar pin 194. In an alternative embodiment, the collar pin 194 extends between the vertical clamps disposed further outwardly 60 and extends laterally more in comparison to each of these vertical clamps 60 as a single element. Referring to Figure 3, when the support structure 26 is located in the fixed secured position, each side of the support structure 26 is fixed to the opposite side shelves 14 of the car 10 by means of the stabilization mechanism 210. The mechanism stabilizer 210 includes a side bracket 212 and a side shelf bracket 214, wherein the side bracket bracket 214 is fixed to the side bracket 14 of the wagon 10 and the side bracket 212 extends between the bracket 26 and the bracket of side shelf 214 in order to operatively connect the sides of the support structure 26 to the car 10. The side shelf bracket 214 can be placed inside a side stacking cavity 20 or fixed directly to the side shelf 14, where the Additional reinforcement may be added to the continuous belt directed inward of the side shelf 14 in order to withstand stresses applied to the side shelf 14 by means of the elevator. to side shelf 214. Side clamp 212 is formed of an elongate support tube 216, and an upper support bracket 218, and a lower support bracket 220, as shown in Figures 13A-13B. One embodiment of the support tube 216 is a hollow tube having a substantially square cross section. In an alternative embodiment, the support tube 216 is formed of a solid tube. In an alternative embodiment, the support tube 216 has a substantially circular cross section. The support tube 216 may have any cross section formed sufficient to support the stresses and transfer the stresses between the removable screen 12, 112 and the car 10. Since the side clamp 212 is used to secure the support structures 26, 126 that have different heights, the length of the support tube 216 will vary depending on the height of the support structure 26, 126 and the distance between the lateral connection mechanism 66, 166 of the support structure 26, 126 and the side shelf bracket 214 to which the side bracket 212 is fixed. In one embodiment, the upper support bracket 220 includes a plurality of openings 222 so that the side bracket 212 can be used to support structures 26, 126 of different heights. In an alternative embodiment, the upper support bracket 220 has a single opening 220 so that the length of the side bracket 212 is adapted to a support structure having a particular height. The upper support bracket 218 is fixed to one end of the support tube 216 and the lower support bracket 220 is fixed to the opposite end of the support tube 216 itself, as shown in Figures 13A-13B. The upper support bracket 218 extends from the end of the support tube 216 and includes an opening 222 formed therethrough. The opening 222 is adapted to receive the collar pin 94, 194 extending laterally outwardly from the side connection mechanism 66, 166, thereby forming a rotatable connection between the side bracket 212 and side connection mechanism 66, 166 of the support structure 26, 126. Lower support bracket 220 extends from the opposite end of support tube 216 and lower support bracket 220 includes a keyhole opening 224 formed therethrough. The keyhole opening 224 is adapted to receive a connecting pin 128 extending from the side shelf bracket 214, thereby operatively connecting the side bracket 212 to the side shelf 14 of the car 10. One embodiment of a side shelf bracket 214 as shown in Figures 14A-14B, includes a bearing block 316, a guide 318, and an assembly of pin 320. The bearing block 316 is a vertically elongated member having a substantially rectangular cross section. The cross section is a bearing block 316 that has substantially the same dimensions as the inner surface of a conventional side stacking cavity 20 in a car 10. The bearing block 316 is adapted to be inserted into the lateral stacking cavity 20, forming thus an airtight fit between the bearing block 316 and the side stacking cavity 20 so as to provide a secure connection between the side clamp 214 and the car 10. The support block 316 is formed such that the support block 316 extends up from the cavity of lateral stacking 20 and above the upper surface of the cover 22 of the wagon 10 when the support block 316 is disposed within the lateral stacking cavity 20. The lateral shelf bracket 214 is configured such that the support block 316 can secured to the side stacking cavity 20 by a bolted connection, but the support block 316 need not be fixed to the side stacking cavity 20 by a locking mechanism to provide a secure connection between the shelf bracket 214 and the cavity lateral stacking 20. Pin assembly 320 includes a pin 322 extending through the thickness of the supporting block 316 as shown in Figures 14A-14B and a head 324 that is connected to pin 322 and a radius that is greater that the radius of the pin 322 to which it is fixed. The pin assembly 320 is adapted to be received by the keyway opening 224 of the lower support bracket 220 of a side bracket 212, providing an operative coupling between the side bracket 212 and the car 10. The guide 318 is attached to a support block 316 and pin 322 of pin assembly 320 to maintain secure connection between side brace 212 and pin assembly 320. An alternative embodiment of a side bracket bracket 214, as shown in Figures 15A-15B , includes a base plate 416, a spacer 418, a reinforcement bracket 420, an upper support member 422, a guide 424 and a pin assembly 426. The base plate 416 is a substantially flat plate that is adapted to be willing adjacent to the surface directed outwardly of a side shelf 14 of the car 10 so as to support and flush. The spacer 418 is attached to the bottom edge of the base plate 416 in a substantially normal direction relative to the base plate 416, where the spacer 418 is adapted to contact the underside facing surface of the side shelf 14 of the rail flush and support when the base plate 416 joins the side shelf 14. The reinforcement bracket 420 is formed as a pair of curved limbs 428 that extend downward from a circular member 430. The circular member 430 it is operatively attached to the base plate 416 and each of the curved ends 428 extends downwardly from the circular member 430 at an angle relative to the other curved end 428. The bent ends 428 extend downwardly from the circular member 430 adjacent to the outwardly directed surface of base plate 416. Curved extremities 428 are substantially L-shaped members in which the lower position of c The curved end 428 extends around the lower edge of the base plate 416 and each curved end 428 provides support to the surface of the spacer 418 opposite the surface that abuts against the side shelf 14 of the car 10. The upper support member 422 it joins the circular member 430 as well as the base plate 416 and extends upwardly from the circular member 430. The pin assembly 426 includes a pin 432 that extends through the thickness of the upper support member 422, as shown in FIG. shows in Figures 15A-15B and a head 434 that is connected to the pin 432. The head 434 has an outer radius that is greater than the outer radius of the pin 432 to which it is fixed. The pin assembly 426 is adapted to be received by the keyhole opening 224 of the lower support bracket 420 of the side bracket 212, thereby providing an operative coupling between the side bracket 212 and the wagon 10. The guide 424 is attached to the bracket 424. upper support member 422 and the pin 432 of the pin assembly 426 to maintain the secure connection between the side bracket 212 and the pin assembly 426. When the removable screen 12, 112 is installed in a wagon 10 as shown in the figures 1 and 3, the support structure 16, 126 is lifted by the lifting lugs 29 to a position adjacent to the cover 22 of the car 10. When the support structure 26, 126 is positioned adjacent to the end stacking cavities 18, of the car 10, the lower connecting mechanisms 28 extending downwardly of the support structure 26, 126 are inserted into the end stacking cavities 18. The lower connection mechanisms 28 do not form a snug fit with the end stacking cavities. 18, providing sufficient space between each lower connecting mechanism 28 and the corresponding end stacking cavity 18 to allow the supporting structure 26, 126 to tilt backwardly forwards relative to the longitudinal direction of the car 10 when aligned the side clamp 212 of the stabilizer mechanism 210 with the side shelf bracket 214. After the lower connection mechanisms 28 have been received within the end stacking cavities 18, the upper support bracket 218 of the side bracket 212 is operatively connected to the collar pin 94, 194 extending laterally from the side connection mechanism 66, 166 so as to rotate, as shown in Figure 16. The collar pin 94, 194 of the side connection mechanism 66, 116 is inserted through of the opening 222 of the upper support bracket 218. As shown in Figure 16, a bolt 223 is inserted through a hole passing through the end of the collar pin to secure the upper support bracket 218 to the mechanism. side connection 66, 166. Any other means of fastening sufficient to maintain a rotatable connection between the upper support bracket 218 and the collet pin lane 94, 194 of the lateral connection mechanism 66, 166 can be used. The lower support bracket 220 is then operatively connected to the side shelf bracket 214. The support structure 26, 126 can rotate slightly in a backward direction forwards and the side bracket 212 can rotate relative to the side connection mechanism 66. , 166 for aligning the key hole opening 224 with the pin assembly 320, 426 of the side shelf bracket 214. The keyhole opening 224 receives the head 324, 434 of the pin 222, 432 forming a secure connection between the removable partition 12 and the wagon 10. One skilled in the art would understand that any other sufficient securing means for attaching the lower end of the support tube 216 to a side shelf bracket 214 can be used. When the stabilizing mechanism is secured to both the wagon 10 as to the support structure 26, 126, the removable partition 12 is attached in substantially rigid relationship with the carriage 10. The stabilizer mechanism 210 provided a load path between each side of the support structure 26, 126 and the wagon 10 to dissipate the forces applied to the removable partition 1 that may result from a displacement load. Additionally, a horizontal clamp 60 preferably extends between opposing lateral connection mechanisms 66 of the support structure 26 to form a continuous load path between the opposing side shelf brackets 214 and the support structure 26. Although embodiments have been described Preferred embodiments of the invention should be understood that the invention is not limited and modifications can be made without departing from the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and all devices that come within the meaning of the claims either literally or by equivalence allow to be encompassed therein.

Claims (22)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS 1. - A removable bulkhead for a wagon, said wagon including a pair of separate side shelves and at least one end stacking cavity, said removable bulkhead comprising: a support structure removably affixed to said wagon, wherein said support structure includes at least one lower connection mechanism and said at least one lower connection mechanism is received in an end stacking cavity of said carriage; and at least one stabilizing mechanism that releasably connects said support structure to said car. 2. The removable partition according to claim 1, further characterized in that said support structure also includes at least two separate vertical brackets. 3.- The removable partition in accordance with the claim 2, further characterized in that said support structure further includes at least one horizontal clamp extending between a pair of said separate vertical clamps. 4.- The removable partition in accordance with the claim 3, further characterized in that said support structure further includes at least one lateral connection mechanism, and each said at least one Lateral connection mechanism is fixed to one of said at least two vertical clamps. 5. The removable partition according to claim 4, further characterized in that each of said at least one lateral connection mechanism is attached to one of said at least two vertical brackets. 6. The removable partition according to claim 1, further characterized in that said stabilizing mechanism includes a side clamp and a side shelf bracket. 7.- The removable partition in accordance with the claim 6, further characterized in that said lateral shelf bracket is operatively connected to said lateral shelf of said car. 8.- The removable partition in accordance with the claim 7, further characterized in that said wagon also includes a lateral stacking cavity attached to said side shelf and the side shelf bracket is removably disposed within a corresponding lateral stacking cavity. 9. The removable partition according to claim 7, further characterized in that said lateral shelf bracket is fixed to said lateral shelf of said wagon. 10. The removable partition according to claim 6, further characterized in that said side bracket includes a support tube, an upper support bracket attached to one end of said tube. of support and a lower support bracket attached to an opposite end of said support tube. 11.- The removable partition in accordance with the claim 10, further characterized in that said upper support bracket is detachably attached to one of said at least one lateral connection mechanism. 12.- The removable partition in accordance with the claim 10, further characterized in that said lower support bracket is removably attached to said lateral shelf bracket of said stabilizing mechanism. 13.- The removable partition in accordance with the claim 1, further characterized in that said stabilizing mechanism operatively connects said support structure to said car in a substantially rigid manner. 14.- The removable partition in accordance with the claim 1, further characterized in that said support structure also includes at least one lateral connection mechanism. 15.- The removable partition in accordance with the claim 14, further characterized in that said at least one stabilizing mechanism is operatively connected to one of said at least one lateral connection mechanism as well as operatively connected to said lateral ledge of said car. 16. - The removable partition according to claim 14, further characterized in that said carriage further includes at least one lateral stacking cavity and said stabilizing mechanism is fixed to one of said at least one lateral stacking cavity. 17.- The removable partition in accordance with the claim 14, further characterized in that said stabilizing mechanism is fixed to said lateral shelf of said car in a substantially rigid manner. 18. A method for fixing a removable bulkhead to a wagon, said bulkhead comprising: providing a wagon, wherein said wagon includes a pair of separate lateral shelves, and at least one end stacking cavity; fixing said removable partition to said car in a removable manner, wherein said removable partition includes a support structure that is received in one of said at least one end stacking cavity and at least one stabilizing mechanism operatively connected to one of said side shelves of said car. 19. The method according to claim 18, further characterized in that said support structure includes at least a lower connection mechanism that is received in a corresponding end stacking cavity of said car. 20. The method according to claim 18, further characterized in that said car also includes at least one side stacking cavity, and at least one stabilizing mechanism is operatively connected to a corresponding lateral stacking cavity. 21. The method according to claim 18, further characterized in that said at least one stabilizing mechanism is connected to one of said lateral shelves in a substantially rigid manner. 22. The method according to claim 18, further characterized in that said at least one stabilizing mechanism is removably connected to one of said lateral shelves of said car.