US20100320335A1 - Air hose support clip to prevent lateral loading - Google Patents
Air hose support clip to prevent lateral loading Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100320335A1 US20100320335A1 US12/798,452 US79845210A US2010320335A1 US 20100320335 A1 US20100320335 A1 US 20100320335A1 US 79845210 A US79845210 A US 79845210A US 2010320335 A1 US2010320335 A1 US 2010320335A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- clip
- arm
- latching member
- releasable clip
- latching
- 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
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 44
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 claims description 21
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 abstract description 3
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 abstract description 3
- 229920003002 synthetic resin Polymers 0.000 abstract 1
- 239000000057 synthetic resin Substances 0.000 abstract 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 6
- 210000003813 thumb Anatomy 0.000 description 4
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001934 delay Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000881 depressing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000011835 investigation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007935 neutral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012815 thermoplastic material Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B61—RAILWAYS
- B61G—COUPLINGS; DRAUGHT AND BUFFING APPLIANCES
- B61G5/00—Couplings for special purposes not otherwise provided for
- B61G5/06—Couplings for special purposes not otherwise provided for for, or combined with, couplings or connectors for fluid conduits or electric cables
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B45/00—Hooks; Eyes
- F16B45/005—Hooks; Eyes characterised by the material
- F16B45/012—Hooks; Eyes characterised by the material wire
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B45/00—Hooks; Eyes
- F16B45/02—Hooks with pivoting or elastically bending closing member
- F16B45/036—Hooks with pivoting or elastically bending closing member with an elastically bending closing member
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps
- Y10S24/908—Fishline supported attachment hook
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/31—Plural fasteners having intermediate flaccid connector
- Y10T24/314—Elastic connector
- Y10T24/316—Strap connector
Definitions
- This invention relates to air hose suspension systems for rail cars and the like and especially a simplified, reliable clip and readily adjustable strap assembly for maintaining a flexible device such as the end of a rail car hose at a desired height above the rail structure.
- hose straps interconnected between the coupler or other parts of the car and the end of the air hose.
- Known straps have a fastening system including wire clips which have a hooked end which fits through an aperture on a fixture on the air hose. The wire is then looped back through a selected aperture on the strap and then captured by the hooked end.
- the looped portion of one of the prior art clips extends through an aperture in a bracket typically provided on the bottom of each rail car coupler.
- a second clip is provided which is preferably identical to the first.
- the looped portion of the second clip fits through an aperture integral with the glad hand fitting on the end of the air hose. If the straps have not been properly installed or should the strap material elongate over time, readjustment becomes necessary to avoid the risk that the air hose will strike a cross tie, a grade crossing, a switch or other track structure causing air hose separation.
- air hose support straps made of chain, steel cable or webbing can be used
- the presently preferred approach is to use an elastomeric strap material capable of providing some give in operation.
- Polyurethane is a presently preferred strap material.
- Elongated spring clips as fastener members are provided for attachment of one of the ends of the strap to the railcar body and the opposite end to an apertured fitting at the end of the air hose.
- the invention is based on a recognition of the cause of this lateral loading and to the means provided for eliminating it.
- Lateral loading occurs when the railroad car coupler is in the buff position as occurs when it is not under load.
- the air hose support is slack, which allows a clip of prior art design to slide along its length through the glad hand aperture.
- the coupler returns to the neutral or draft position, the load is applied to the side of the clip where it is weakest rather than its ends, bending the clip into an oblong or ovoid shape. Eventually, this causes the clip's locking integrity to be lost. It was observed that this type of lateral loading accounts for the majority of clip damage failures.
- the present invention provides a solution to the problem of air hose support clips being damaged through the action of the coupler system.
- the end used for connection to the lower, glad hand end of the air hose includes a retainer to prevent the clip sliding through the glad hand connector aperture, thereby avoiding the risk of damage through lateral loading.
- the retainer preferably comprises bent portions of the clip arms which are relatively positioned to prevent movement of the clip through the aperture when the clip arms are latched.
- the retainer may take form of one or more helical loops in which the attachment aperture is interfitted, or provision of a retainer attachment which attaches to the clip arms and retains the attachment aperture within the loop interconnecting the clip arms as further explained and illustrated in the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention.
- the invention also provides clips and assemblies for maintaining an air brake hose of a railway vehicle at a predetermined height above a supporting road bed structure that promote optimum point-loading of the clips.
- FIG. 1 is a fragmentary view, in perspective, of a railcar including a coupler and train line structure illustrating the use of a support strap assembly of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a clip forming a preferred embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 3 is an end view of the clip of FIGS. 1 (clip 20 therein), 2 , 4 , 9 , 15 , 20 , 21 , and 26 , and a mirror image of an end view of the clip of FIGS. 11 (clip 20 a therein) and 19 ;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the modified form of the clip of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 4 illustrating another embodiment of the clip of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of the clip of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 illustrates in perspective a further embodiment of the clip of the present invention
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an alternative version of the clip of the invention.
- FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views of still other embodiments of the clip of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a fragmentary view in perspective, of a railway car including a coupler and train line structure illustrating the use of another of the preferred assemblies of the present invention for maintaining an air brake hose of a railway vehicle at a predetermined height above a supporting road bed structure;
- FIG. 12 is a view in side elevation of a clip 21 ( b ) forming another preferred embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 13 is a view in side elevation of the clip 21 ( b ) shown in FIG. 12 looking from the left of FIG. 12 ;
- FIG. 14 is a view in perspective of the clip 21 ( b ) of FIGS. 12 and 13 in the process of being interconnected to a suspension strap;
- FIG. 15 is a view in perspective of the clip 21 ( b ) of FIGS. 12 and 13 after being interconnected to a suspension strap;
- FIG. 16 is a view in side elevation of a clip 20 ( a ) forming another preferred embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 17 is a view in side elevation of the clip 20 ( a ) shown in FIG. 16 looking from the left of FIG. 16 ;
- FIG. 18 is a view in perspective of the clip 20 ( a ) of FIGS. 16 and 17 in the process of being interconnected to a suspension strap;
- FIG. 19 is a view in perspective of the clip 20 ( a ) of FIGS. 16 and 17 after being interconnected to a suspension strap;
- FIG. 20 is a view in perspective of a clip 20 ( c ) forming another preferred embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 21 is a view in perspective of a clip 20 ( d ) forming another preferred embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 22 is a view in perspective of a clip 20 ( e ) forming another preferred embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 23 is a view in perspective of a clip 20 ( f ) forming another preferred embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 24 is a view in perspective of a clip 20 ( g ) forming another preferred embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 25 is a view in perspective of a clip 20 ( h ) forming another preferred embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 26 is a view in perspective of a clip 20 ( i ) forming another preferred embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 27 is a view in perspective of a clip 20 ( j ) forming another preferred embodiment of the invention.
- an air brake hose conventionally constructed of rubber or other flexible material having similar properties is illustrated at 10 .
- the air hose is connected to a train line 11 running lengthwise of the rail vehicle 11 a .
- a trolley 12 supports the train line by means of shackles 13 .
- the trolley 12 has a hooked end portion 14 which suspends it from a hanger on the face 15 of the coupler pocket.
- the opposite end of air hose 10 is fitted with a glad hand connector 16 interfittable with a similarly shaped fitting at the end of the air hose on the next rail vehicle in the train.
- a suspension strap 18 is attached to a fitting 19 on the top surface of the glad hand having an aperture 19 a and an apertured fitting 22 conventionally provided on coupler 23 .
- the strap 18 is preferably flexible and resilient and typically formed by molding of a polymeric material such as polyurethane. It is provided with apertures 24 spaced at regular intervals along its length. Attachment to the respective fitting 19 and 22 is by means of clips 20 , 21 passed through selected apertures 24 .
- the preferred form of clip 20 is disclosed in more detail in FIGS. 2-10 .
- Clip 21 may be the same as clip 20 or of similar but simplified construction as explained below.
- clips 20 of the invention are formed of resiliently bendable wire.
- the clip comprises a pair of elongated clip arms 26 and 28 joined together by a looping return portion 30 at one end.
- Return portion 30 preferably extends through an angle greater than 180 degrees and joins the arm at 38 where there is contact with clip arm 26 when the clip is in the closed position of FIGS. 2 and 3 .
- clip arm 26 terminates in portion 32 bent at 90° with respect to the arm. The end of portion 32 is then bent about 180° to form a hooked-shaped portion 34 which is adapted to fit over the end of clip arm 28 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 .
- the end portion of arm 28 is preferably first bent laterally at an angle of about 90° with respect to the axis of arm 28 and then preferably bent back upon itself through 180° as illustrated at 36 so as to capture hook portion 34 and prevent its inadvertent uncoupling under the influence of tensile forces applied to arms either laterally or axially of the clip long axis.
- the loop formed by end portion 30 is substantially open when the free end of arm 28 is uncaptured from hook 34 .
- the arm 26 or the arm 28 can readily be passed through the apertured opening of the glad hand fitting 19 and the glad hand fitting advanced lengthwise of either arm until it is within the loop 30 .
- the end 32 of clip arm 26 is then passed through a selected aperture in strap 18 .
- the ends of the hook are then closed together so that the hook 34 captures the arm 28 .
- the loop portion 30 includes the portion shown at 38 in FIG. 2 which bears against the arm 26 capturing the glad hand fitting in place between the two arms.
- the clip configuration just described eliminates the tendency of clips like those of the prior art to shift relative to the apertured fitting of the glad hand 16 along one or the other of the arms 26 or 28 when the coupler is in the buff condition when the coupler is not under load and is retracted within the coupler pocket.
- a lateral force applied between the apertured fitting and a clip arm will cause the arm to bend and ultimately to fail by exceeding the elastic limit of the wire, allowing the glad hand to drop down and possibly uncouple if it strikes track structure.
- the apertured fitting is captured within the loop formed by end portion 30 unless and until the clip is deliberately opened. Clip failure caused by coupler movement between the slack and load conditions is avoided inasmuch as the forces acting on the clip are always exerted axially of the clip rather than laterally of it.
- Clip 21 is provided for attachment of the upper end of strap 18 to the apertured fitting 22 of coupler 23 as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the clip 21 may be similar to clip 20 having a pair of arms 26 ′ and 28 ′ joined by a return portion 30 ′ bent through about 180°.
- clip arm 26 ′ has a hook-shaped end portion 32 ′ which fits through a selected aperture 24 on strap 18 and projects so as to hook over the end of arm 28 ′.
- the arm 28 ′ of clip 21 need not be provided with the retainer loop portion 30 of clip 20 , as it has been determined that there is no condition of operation where clip 21 will shift to a position in which its arms will be subjected to transverse loading.
- FIGS. 4-10 illustrate alternative versions of a clip assembly used as a part of a support strap assembly for connection of the support strap to the air hose glad hand according to the present invention.
- clip arm 28 has a relatively straight section 28 a which is biased to bear against arm 26 when the clip is closed.
- FIG. 5 (similarly to FIG. 2 ), the contact between the two arms 26 and 28 is essentially a point contact.
- the return loop 30 captures the apertured fitting as in FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 6 illustrates a form of clip in which the looped portion extends as a spiral between the arms 26 and 28 .
- FIG. 1 illustrates a form of clip in which the looped portion extends as a spiral between the arms 26 and 28 .
- the loop 30 is comprised of two turns.
- the loop 30 is bent so that arm 28 crosses over arm 26 at two points 40 and 42 .
- the cross-over configuration illustrated in this figure is provided to afford further certainty that the apertured fitting will remain within the loop 30 .
- the loop 30 extends transversely of the plane of the arms 26 and 28 as a means of assuring that the apertured fitting will remain centered within the looped portion 30 .
- the arm 28 includes two bends 28 a and 28 b extending substantially towards arm 26 .
- FIG. 10 discloses an arrangement in which the loop 30 is provided with an insert 44 which is formed with a groove within which the apertured fitting fits.
- the insert provides a loop 30 a of restricted size and a restricted throat 30 b .
- the apertured fitting is preferably formed of a yieldable thermoplastic material which yields to permit passage of the apertured fitting into the inner loop 30 a .
- the groove which receives the looped portion 30 is preferably flanged, the flange serving as a retainer for locking the insert to the clip.
- the clip when open, can be conveniently threaded through the aperture of the glad hand fitting and the fitting centered within the return loop.
- the latching end of arm 26 is then passed through a selected aperture in strap 18 , and the two ends of the arms of the clip are laterally together.
- the apertured fitting is thereupon maintained within the return loop and the problem of lateral loading on the clip arms is avoided.
- each of the inventive clips is provided for interconnection with an attachment portion of a suspension strap 18 used to suspend an air brake hose 10 of a railway vehicle 11 a above a supporting road bed structure.
- the suspension strap 18 may be made of chain, steel cable, webbing, or polymeric material, and for the embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 27 , the suspension strap 18 preferably is a metal chain such as that made from stainless steel.
- Each of the inventive clips 20 ( a ), 20 ( b ), 20 ( c ), 20 ( d ), 20 ( e ), 20 ( f ), 20 ( g ), 20 ( h ), 20 ( i ), and 20 ( j ) illustrated in FIGS. 11-27 preferably is formed from resiliently bendable metal, and preferably has a first end 111 and a latching end 113 , and a pair of flexibly resilient elongated arms 26 , 28 extending away from the latching end 113 of the clip to the first end 111 of the clip.
- the pair of arms comprise a first arm 26 and a second arm 28 .
- the arms 26 and 28 of each clip are joined by a return portion 30 at the first end 111 of the clip.
- the first arm 26 at the latching end 113 of the clip has a latching member 115 for interlocking engagement with the second arm 28 when desired.
- the latching member 115 has an interlocking end portion 117 (preferably a hook-shaped portion 34 which is adapted to fit over the clip arm 28 ) for engaging the second arm 28 , and the latching member 115 has a strap engaging portion 119 for engaging an attachment portion of the suspension strap 18 .
- the strap engaging portion 119 of the latching member 115 is located between the interlocking end portion 117 of the latching member 115 and the first arm 26 at the latching end 113 of the clip short of the latching member 115 indicated at reference no. 121 in the drawings.
- the first arm 26 short of the latching member 115 and the strap engaging portion 119 of the latching member 115 form an acute angle ⁇ therebetween operative when the interlocking end portion 117 of the latching member 115 engages the second arm 28 for positioning the suspension strap 18 to rest where the strap engaging portion 119 of the latching member 115 meets the first arm 26 short at the latching member 115 indicated at reference no. 121 shown in the drawings.
- the bend at reference no. 121 in the first arm 26 due to the acute angle ⁇ , forces the suspension strap 18 to slide down the strap engaging portion 119 to the apex (marked in the drawings by reference no.
- the acute angle ⁇ formed between the strap engaging portion 119 of the lathing member 115 and the first arm 26 short of the latching member 115 is less than 90 degrees, and more preferably is in a range of about 20 degrees to about 80 degrees, and even more preferably is in a range of about 45 degrees to about 70 degrees, and even more preferably is in a range of about 50 degrees to about 65 degrees.
- a very preferred value for acute angle ⁇ is 57 degrees.
- the inventive clips are constructed in accordance with the invention such that the end portion 123 of the second arm 28 at the latching end 113 of the clip is first bent laterally at an angle ⁇ that is preferably less than 90 degrees (and more preferably is in a range between about 45 degrees to about 87 degrees, and even more preferably is in a range between about 50 degrees to about 85 degrees, and even more preferably is in a range between about 60 degrees to about 80 degrees, and even more preferably is 80 degrees) with respect to the axis of the arm 28 and then preferably bent back upon itself through 180 degrees to form a thumb release loop 36 shown in FIGS.
- an angle ⁇ that is preferably less than 90 degrees (and more preferably is in a range between about 45 degrees to about 87 degrees, and even more preferably is in a range between about 50 degrees to about 85 degrees, and even more preferably is in a range between about 60 degrees to about 80 degrees, and even more preferably is 80 degrees) with respect to the axis of the arm 28 and then preferably bent back upon itself through
- the thumb release loop 36 makes it easy for a worker wearing gloves to grasp the resilient arms 26 and 28 with one hand and open and close the clip by depressing and/or releasing the thumb release loop 36 with the thumb of the same hand.
- the end portion 123 of the second arm 28 is bent laterally at an angle ⁇ that is preferably less than 90 degrees (and more preferably is in a range between about 45 degrees to about 87 degrees, and even more preferably is in a range between about 50 degrees to about 85 degrees, and even more preferably is in a range between about 60 degrees to about 80 degrees, and even more preferably is about 80 degrees) with respect to the axis of the arm 28 , and then in some embodiments bent again such that the composite bending of the first end portion 123 of the second arm 28 equals about 180 degrees (as illustrated FIGS. 22 , 24 , 25 , and 26 .)
- a retainer is provided as described above with respect to the clips 20 of FIGS. 1-10 , which creates a confinement area 127 between itself and the return portion 30 of the clip when the latching member 115 is latched to the second arm 28 for maintaining a portion of an attachment fitting 19 of an air brake hose 10 within the confinement area 127 and out of position in which loading of the clip by the air brake hose 10 is exerted laterally of the arms of the clip.
- a clip 20 ( a ) which has an acute angle ⁇ formed between the first arm 26 , short of the latching member 115 , and the strap engaging portion 119 of the latching member 115 , and which has the end portion 123 of the second arm 28 at the latching end 113 of the clip 20 ( a ) bent laterally at an angle ⁇ .
- the clip 20 ( a ) of FIGS. 11 and 16 to 19 is provided with a retainer (in this embodiment, where the arms 26 and 28 meet at reference no. 38 when the clip is in a closed position), which creates a confinement area 127 between itself and the return portion 30 at the first end 111 of the clip 20 ( a ).
- a clip 20 ( b ) which has an acute angle ⁇ formed between the first arm 26 , short of the latching member 115 , and the strap engaging portion 119 of the latching member 115 , and which has the end portion 123 of the second arm 28 at the latching end 113 of the clip 20 ( a ) bent laterally at an angle ⁇ .
- the clip 20 ( b ) is used to interconnect the suspension strap 18 to apertured fitting 22 of the coupler 23 of the railway vehicle 11 a .
- clips having a retainer at their first ends may be used to interconnect the suspension strap 18 to the apertured fitting 22 of the coupler 23 if desired.
- the clip 20 ( c ) of FIG. 20 is substantially the same as the clip of FIG. 2
- the clip 20 ( d ) of FIG. 21 is substantially the same as the clip of FIG. 4
- the clip 20 ( e ) of FIG. 22 is substantially the same as the clip of FIG. 5
- the clip 20 ( f ) of FIG. 23 is substantially the same as the clip of FIG. 6
- the clip 20 ( g ) of FIG. 24 is substantially the same as the clip of FIG. 7
- the clip 20 ( h ) of FIG. 25 is substantially the same as the clip of FIG. 8
- the clip 20 ( i ) of FIG. 26 is substantially the same as the clip of FIG.
- the clip 20 ( j ) of FIG. 27 is substantially the same as the clip of FIG. 10 , except the first arm 26 , short of the latching member 115 , and the strap engaging portion 119 of the latching member 115 , for each of the clips 20 ( c ), 20 ( d ), 20 ( e ), 20 ( f ), 20 ( g ), 20 ( h ), 20 ( i ), and 20 ( j ), form an angle ⁇ , which preferably is less than 90 degrees (and more preferably is in a range of about 20 degrees to about 80 degrees, and even more preferably is in a range of about 45 degrees to about 70 degrees, and even more preferably is in a range of about 50 degrees to about 65 degrees, and even more preferably is 57 degrees), operative when the interlocking end portion 117 of the latching member 115 engages the second arm 28 for positioning the suspension strap 18 to rest where the strap engaging portion 119 of the latching member 115 meets the first arm 26 short of the latching member
- each of the clips 20 ( c ), 20 ( d ), 20 ( e ), 20 ( f ), 20 ( g ), 20 ( h ), 20 ( i ), and 20 ( j ) is bent laterally at an angle ⁇ that is preferably less than 90 degrees (and more preferably is in a range between about 45 degrees to about 87 degrees, and even more preferably is in a range between about 50 degrees to about 85 degrees, and even more preferably is in a range between about 60 degrees to about 80 degrees, and even more preferably is about 80 degrees) with respect to the axis of the arm 28 , so as to capture the interlocking end portion 117 (e.g., the hook-shaped portion 34 ) and prevent its inadvertent uncoupling under the influence of tensile forces applied to the arms 26 and 28 either laterally or axially of the clip long axis.
- angle ⁇ that is preferably less than 90 degrees (and more preferably is in a range between about 45 degrees to about 87 degrees, and even
- an arm ( 26 or 28 ) beginning at the latching end 113 of the inventive clip, when open, may be threaded through the aperture in the apertured fitting 22 in the coupler 23 , and the clip maneuvered such that the fitting 22 is centered within the return portion 30 .
- the first arm 26 at the latching end 113 of the clip may be threaded through a selected aperture 24 in the suspension strap 18 (e.g., a link in the chain), and, with the suspension strap 18 engaging the strap engaging portion 119 of the latching member 115 , and with a portion of the fitting 22 being positioned at the first end 111 of the clip when any of the clips 20 ( a ) and 20 ( c )- 20 ( j ) are used, the arm 26 and 28 may be pressed together such that the interlocking end portion 117 (e.g., the hook-shaped portion 34 ) of the latching member 115 of the first arm 26 engages (e.g., hooks over) the second arm 28 to close the clip.
- the interlocking end portion 117 e.g., the hook-shaped portion 34
- an arm ( 26 or 28 ) beginning at the latching end 113 of the inventive clip, when open, may be threaded through the aperture 19 a in the fitting 19 on the air brake hose 10 , and the clip maneuvered such that the fitting 19 is centered within the return portion 30 .
- the first arm 26 at the latching end 113 of the clip may be threaded through the selected aperture 24 in the suspension strap 18 (e.g., a link in the chain), and, with the suspension strap 18 engaging the strap engaging portion 119 of the latching member 115 , and with a portion of the fitting 19 being positioned at the first end 111 of the clip when any of the clips 20 ( a ) and 20 ( c )- 20 ( j ) are used, the arms 26 and 28 may be pressed together such that the interlocking end portion 117 (e.g., the hook-shaped portion 34 ) of the latching member 115 of the first arm 26 engages (e.g., hooks over) the second arm 28 to close the clip.
- the interlocking end portion 117 e.g., the hook-shaped portion 34
- the inventive assembly for maintaining an air brake hose 10 of railway vehicle 11 a at a predetermined height above a supporting road bed structure preferably with any of the inventive clips 20 ( a ) and 20 ( c ) to 20 ( j ) interconnecting the suspension strap 18 to the attachment fitting 19 of the air brake hose 10 while maintaining a portion of the attachment fitting 19 of the air brake hose 10 within the confinement area 127 and out of position in which loading of the clip by the air brake hose 10 is exerted laterally of the arms 26 , 28 of the clip, and preferably with any of the inventive clips 20 ( a ) to 20 ( j ) (but more preferably with clip 20 ( b )) interconnecting the suspension strap 18 to the apertured fitting 22 of the coupler 23 of the railway vehicle 11 a , when load is applied thereto due to the air brake hose 10 of the railway vehicle 11 a being supported thereby at a predetermined height above a supporting road bed structure, operates to position
- each clip which is the strongest location to point-load each clip, the load causing the clip attachment portion of the suspension strap 18 to slide along the strap engaging portion 119 of the latching member 115 of each clip to the apex (marked in the drawings by reference no. 121 ) of the acute angle ⁇ where the strap engaging portion 119 of the latching member 115 meets the first arm 26 short of the latching member 115 , and operates to capture a portion of the attachment fitting 19 of the air brake hose 10 within the confinement area 127 and out of position in which loading of the clip by the air brake hose 10 is exerted laterally of the arms 26 and 28 of the clip.
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- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Clamps And Clips (AREA)
Abstract
Apparatus for suspending a device such as the end of a depending air brake hose from a railcar. A flexible strap of a synthetic resin such as moldable polyurethane is suspended from the railcar body, for example, by attachment to an apertured fitting on the railcar coupler. Elongated resilient wire clips are provided to attach the free end of the air hose. The wire clips are generally configured with a latching end including interlocking end portions for connection to the strap through a selected attachment aperture, a pair of flexibly resilient, elongated manually compressible elongated arms extending away from the latching end portions and a return portion joining the arms. The clip is further provided with a retainer operative when the arms are interlocked for maintaining the attachment aperture fitting within the confines of the return portion and out of position in which loading of the clip is exerted laterally of the clip arms. In a preferred embodiment, the clip is provided with a bend in its first arm operative to promote optimum point-loading of the clip, and this embodiment of the clip is particularly useful with a chain suspension strap.
Description
- This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/787,114, filed Mar. 29, 2006, and U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 11/729,831, filed on Mar. 29, 2007, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- This invention relates to air hose suspension systems for rail cars and the like and especially a simplified, reliable clip and readily adjustable strap assembly for maintaining a flexible device such as the end of a rail car hose at a desired height above the rail structure.
- Failure to maintain rail car hoses at a proper height above the rail structure is a significant cause of unintended air hose coupling separation leading to emergency braking and stopping of the train and sometimes even derailment. Obviously, emergency braking is a cause of time-consuming and costly train delays as a result of the need for a crew member to walk the length of the train looking for the cause. When an uncoupled air hose is discovered, the crew member must reconnect the coupling members or effect an emergency repair before returning to the engine.
- To eliminate the problem, it is known to provide air hose straps interconnected between the coupler or other parts of the car and the end of the air hose. Known straps have a fastening system including wire clips which have a hooked end which fits through an aperture on a fixture on the air hose. The wire is then looped back through a selected aperture on the strap and then captured by the hooked end.
- The looped portion of one of the prior art clips extends through an aperture in a bracket typically provided on the bottom of each rail car coupler. A second clip is provided which is preferably identical to the first. The looped portion of the second clip fits through an aperture integral with the glad hand fitting on the end of the air hose. If the straps have not been properly installed or should the strap material elongate over time, readjustment becomes necessary to avoid the risk that the air hose will strike a cross tie, a grade crossing, a switch or other track structure causing air hose separation.
- While air hose support straps made of chain, steel cable or webbing can be used, the presently preferred approach is to use an elastomeric strap material capable of providing some give in operation. Polyurethane is a presently preferred strap material. Elongated spring clips as fastener members are provided for attachment of one of the ends of the strap to the railcar body and the opposite end to an apertured fitting at the end of the air hose.
- Although these assemblies are effective in supporting the end of the air hose, a problem arises which leads to damage and ultimately to failure of the clips in service. This problem was investigated following field service reports of air hose support straps that had failed because of “bent or missing clips”.
- The investigation revealed that over 95% of clip damage occurred to the clip connecting the bottom of the support strap to the air hose glad hand fitting. From analysis of a number of clips produced by different manufacturers, it was observed that the damage was a result of the clip being strained on the long sides of the clip (lateral loading) instead of along the long axis of the clip (longitudinal loading). The clips are much stronger when the load is applied on the clip ends rather than on its long sides.
- The invention is based on a recognition of the cause of this lateral loading and to the means provided for eliminating it. Lateral loading occurs when the railroad car coupler is in the buff position as occurs when it is not under load. In this condition, the air hose support is slack, which allows a clip of prior art design to slide along its length through the glad hand aperture. When the coupler returns to the neutral or draft position, the load is applied to the side of the clip where it is weakest rather than its ends, bending the clip into an oblong or ovoid shape. Eventually, this causes the clip's locking integrity to be lost. It was observed that this type of lateral loading accounts for the majority of clip damage failures.
- The present invention provides a solution to the problem of air hose support clips being damaged through the action of the coupler system.
- In a clip according to the invention, the end used for connection to the lower, glad hand end of the air hose includes a retainer to prevent the clip sliding through the glad hand connector aperture, thereby avoiding the risk of damage through lateral loading. The retainer preferably comprises bent portions of the clip arms which are relatively positioned to prevent movement of the clip through the aperture when the clip arms are latched. Optionally, the retainer may take form of one or more helical loops in which the attachment aperture is interfitted, or provision of a retainer attachment which attaches to the clip arms and retains the attachment aperture within the loop interconnecting the clip arms as further explained and illustrated in the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention.
- The invention also provides clips and assemblies for maintaining an air brake hose of a railway vehicle at a predetermined height above a supporting road bed structure that promote optimum point-loading of the clips.
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FIG. 1 is a fragmentary view, in perspective, of a railcar including a coupler and train line structure illustrating the use of a support strap assembly of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a clip forming a preferred embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 3 is an end view of the clip ofFIGS. 1 (clip 20 therein), 2, 4, 9, 15, 20, 21, and 26, and a mirror image of an end view of the clip ofFIGS. 11 (clip 20 a therein) and 19; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the modified form of the clip ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view similar toFIG. 4 illustrating another embodiment of the clip of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of the clip of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 illustrates in perspective a further embodiment of the clip of the present invention; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an alternative version of the clip of the invention; -
FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views of still other embodiments of the clip of the present invention; -
FIG. 11 is a fragmentary view in perspective, of a railway car including a coupler and train line structure illustrating the use of another of the preferred assemblies of the present invention for maintaining an air brake hose of a railway vehicle at a predetermined height above a supporting road bed structure; -
FIG. 12 is a view in side elevation of a clip 21(b) forming another preferred embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 13 is a view in side elevation of the clip 21(b) shown inFIG. 12 looking from the left ofFIG. 12 ; -
FIG. 14 is a view in perspective of the clip 21(b) ofFIGS. 12 and 13 in the process of being interconnected to a suspension strap; -
FIG. 15 is a view in perspective of the clip 21(b) ofFIGS. 12 and 13 after being interconnected to a suspension strap; -
FIG. 16 is a view in side elevation of a clip 20(a) forming another preferred embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 17 is a view in side elevation of the clip 20(a) shown inFIG. 16 looking from the left ofFIG. 16 ; -
FIG. 18 is a view in perspective of the clip 20(a) ofFIGS. 16 and 17 in the process of being interconnected to a suspension strap; -
FIG. 19 is a view in perspective of the clip 20(a) ofFIGS. 16 and 17 after being interconnected to a suspension strap; -
FIG. 20 is a view in perspective of a clip 20(c) forming another preferred embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 21 is a view in perspective of a clip 20(d) forming another preferred embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 22 is a view in perspective of a clip 20(e) forming another preferred embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 23 is a view in perspective of a clip 20(f) forming another preferred embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 24 is a view in perspective of a clip 20(g) forming another preferred embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 25 is a view in perspective of a clip 20(h) forming another preferred embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 26 is a view in perspective of a clip 20(i) forming another preferred embodiment of the invention; and -
FIG. 27 is a view in perspective of a clip 20(j) forming another preferred embodiment of the invention; - As illustrated in
FIG. 1 , an air brake hose conventionally constructed of rubber or other flexible material having similar properties is illustrated at 10. The air hose is connected to a train line 11 running lengthwise of the rail vehicle 11 a. Atrolley 12 supports the train line by means ofshackles 13. Thetrolley 12 has ahooked end portion 14 which suspends it from a hanger on the face 15 of the coupler pocket. The opposite end ofair hose 10 is fitted with aglad hand connector 16 interfittable with a similarly shaped fitting at the end of the air hose on the next rail vehicle in the train. - In order to maintain the end of the air hose a suitable distance above the track structure, a
suspension strap 18 is attached to a fitting 19 on the top surface of the glad hand having an aperture 19 a and anapertured fitting 22 conventionally provided oncoupler 23. Thestrap 18 is preferably flexible and resilient and typically formed by molding of a polymeric material such as polyurethane. It is provided withapertures 24 spaced at regular intervals along its length. Attachment to therespective fitting clips apertures 24. The preferred form ofclip 20 is disclosed in more detail inFIGS. 2-10 .Clip 21 may be the same asclip 20 or of similar but simplified construction as explained below. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 2-10 , clips 20 of the invention are formed of resiliently bendable wire. In the form ofFIGS. 2 and 3 , the clip comprises a pair ofelongated clip arms return portion 30 at one end.Return portion 30 preferably extends through an angle greater than 180 degrees and joins the arm at 38 where there is contact withclip arm 26 when the clip is in the closed position ofFIGS. 2 and 3 . At its opposite end,clip arm 26 terminates inportion 32 bent at 90° with respect to the arm. The end ofportion 32 is then bent about 180° to form a hooked-shapedportion 34 which is adapted to fit over the end ofclip arm 28 as illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3 . The end portion ofarm 28 is preferably first bent laterally at an angle of about 90° with respect to the axis ofarm 28 and then preferably bent back upon itself through 180° as illustrated at 36 so as to capturehook portion 34 and prevent its inadvertent uncoupling under the influence of tensile forces applied to arms either laterally or axially of the clip long axis. - In the open position, the loop formed by
end portion 30 is substantially open when the free end ofarm 28 is uncaptured fromhook 34. In this position, thearm 26 or thearm 28 can readily be passed through the apertured opening of the glad hand fitting 19 and the glad hand fitting advanced lengthwise of either arm until it is within theloop 30. With the apertured glad hand fitting so positioned, theend 32 ofclip arm 26 is then passed through a selected aperture instrap 18. The ends of the hook are then closed together so that thehook 34 captures thearm 28. In this position, theloop portion 30 includes the portion shown at 38 inFIG. 2 which bears against thearm 26 capturing the glad hand fitting in place between the two arms. - The clip configuration just described eliminates the tendency of clips like those of the prior art to shift relative to the apertured fitting of the
glad hand 16 along one or the other of thearms end portion 30 unless and until the clip is deliberately opened. Clip failure caused by coupler movement between the slack and load conditions is avoided inasmuch as the forces acting on the clip are always exerted axially of the clip rather than laterally of it. -
Clip 21 is provided for attachment of the upper end ofstrap 18 to theapertured fitting 22 ofcoupler 23 as shown inFIG. 1 . Theclip 21 may be similar to clip 20 having a pair ofarms 26′ and 28′ joined by areturn portion 30′ bent through about 180°. As is the case withclip 20,clip arm 26′ has a hook-shapedend portion 32′ which fits through a selectedaperture 24 onstrap 18 and projects so as to hook over the end ofarm 28′. As seen inFIG. 1 , thearm 28′ ofclip 21 need not be provided with theretainer loop portion 30 ofclip 20, as it has been determined that there is no condition of operation whereclip 21 will shift to a position in which its arms will be subjected to transverse loading. -
FIGS. 4-10 illustrate alternative versions of a clip assembly used as a part of a support strap assembly for connection of the support strap to the air hose glad hand according to the present invention. In these Figures and the description which follows, like numbers to those used inFIGS. 2 and 3 are used to identify the same or similar parts. InFIG. 4 ,clip arm 28 has a relativelystraight section 28 a which is biased to bear againstarm 26 when the clip is closed. InFIG. 5 (similarly toFIG. 2 ), the contact between the twoarms return loop 30 captures the apertured fitting as inFIG. 2 .FIG. 6 illustrates a form of clip in which the looped portion extends as a spiral between thearms FIG. 6 , theloop 30 is comprised of two turns. InFIG. 7 , theloop 30 is bent so thatarm 28 crosses overarm 26 at twopoints loop 30. InFIG. 8 , theloop 30 extends transversely of the plane of thearms portion 30. InFIG. 9 , thearm 28 includes twobends arm 26.FIG. 10 discloses an arrangement in which theloop 30 is provided with aninsert 44 which is formed with a groove within which the apertured fitting fits. The insert provides a loop 30 a of restricted size and a restrictedthroat 30 b. The apertured fitting is preferably formed of a yieldable thermoplastic material which yields to permit passage of the apertured fitting into the inner loop 30 a. The groove which receives the loopedportion 30 is preferably flanged, the flange serving as a retainer for locking the insert to the clip. - In all embodiments described above, the clip, when open, can be conveniently threaded through the aperture of the glad hand fitting and the fitting centered within the return loop. The latching end of
arm 26 is then passed through a selected aperture instrap 18, and the two ends of the arms of the clip are laterally together. The apertured fitting is thereupon maintained within the return loop and the problem of lateral loading on the clip arms is avoided. - Turning now to
FIGS. 11 to 27 , there is shown still other preferred embodiments of the inventive clip and other preferred embodiments of the inventive assembly for maintaining anair brake hose 10 of a railway vehicle 11 a at a predetermined height above a supporting road bed structure. InFIGS. 11-27 , and the description which follows, like numbers to those used inFIGS. 1-10 are used to identify the same or similar parts. In the preferred embodiments shown in FIGS. 11-27, each of the inventive clips is provided for interconnection with an attachment portion of asuspension strap 18 used to suspend anair brake hose 10 of a railway vehicle 11 a above a supporting road bed structure. Thesuspension strap 18 may be made of chain, steel cable, webbing, or polymeric material, and for the embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 11 to 27 , thesuspension strap 18 preferably is a metal chain such as that made from stainless steel. - Each of the inventive clips 20(a), 20(b), 20(c), 20(d), 20(e), 20(f), 20(g), 20(h), 20(i), and 20(j) illustrated in
FIGS. 11-27 preferably is formed from resiliently bendable metal, and preferably has afirst end 111 and alatching end 113, and a pair of flexibly resilientelongated arms latching end 113 of the clip to thefirst end 111 of the clip. The pair of arms comprise afirst arm 26 and asecond arm 28. Thearms return portion 30 at thefirst end 111 of the clip. Thefirst arm 26 at thelatching end 113 of the clip has a latchingmember 115 for interlocking engagement with thesecond arm 28 when desired. - The latching
member 115 has an interlocking end portion 117 (preferably a hook-shapedportion 34 which is adapted to fit over the clip arm 28) for engaging thesecond arm 28, and the latchingmember 115 has astrap engaging portion 119 for engaging an attachment portion of thesuspension strap 18. Thestrap engaging portion 119 of the latchingmember 115 is located between the interlockingend portion 117 of the latchingmember 115 and thefirst arm 26 at thelatching end 113 of the clip short of the latchingmember 115 indicated at reference no. 121 in the drawings. - The
first arm 26 short of the latchingmember 115 and thestrap engaging portion 119 of the latchingmember 115 form an acute angle α therebetween operative when the interlockingend portion 117 of the latchingmember 115 engages thesecond arm 28 for positioning thesuspension strap 18 to rest where thestrap engaging portion 119 of the latchingmember 115 meets thefirst arm 26 short at the latchingmember 115 indicated at reference no. 121 shown in the drawings. When the inventive clip is under load, the bend at reference no. 121 in thefirst arm 26, due to the acute angle α, forces thesuspension strap 18 to slide down thestrap engaging portion 119 to the apex (marked in the drawings by reference no. 121) of the acute angle α where thestrap engaging portion 119 of the latchingmember 115 meets thefirst arm 26 short of the latchingmember 115. The location marked in the drawings by reference no. 121 where thestrap engaging portion 119 of the latchingmember 115 meets thefirst arm 26 short of the latchingmember 115 is the strongest location to point-load the clip. Preferably, the acute angle α formed between thestrap engaging portion 119 of thelathing member 115 and thefirst arm 26 short of the latchingmember 115 is less than 90 degrees, and more preferably is in a range of about 20 degrees to about 80 degrees, and even more preferably is in a range of about 45 degrees to about 70 degrees, and even more preferably is in a range of about 50 degrees to about 65 degrees. A very preferred value for acute angle α is 57 degrees. - Also, in some preferred embodiments of the invention, the inventive clips are constructed in accordance with the invention such that the
end portion 123 of thesecond arm 28 at thelatching end 113 of the clip is first bent laterally at an angle θ that is preferably less than 90 degrees (and more preferably is in a range between about 45 degrees to about 87 degrees, and even more preferably is in a range between about 50 degrees to about 85 degrees, and even more preferably is in a range between about 60 degrees to about 80 degrees, and even more preferably is 80 degrees) with respect to the axis of thearm 28 and then preferably bent back upon itself through 180 degrees to form athumb release loop 36 shown inFIGS. 11-21 , 23, and 27 so as to capture the interlocking end portion 117 (e.g., the hook-shaped portion 34) and prevent its inadvertent uncoupling under the influence of tensile forces applied to thearms thumb release loop 36 makes it easy for a worker wearing gloves to grasp theresilient arms thumb release loop 36 with the thumb of the same hand. - In other preferred embodiments of the inventive clip, the
end portion 123 of thesecond arm 28 is bent laterally at an angle θ that is preferably less than 90 degrees (and more preferably is in a range between about 45 degrees to about 87 degrees, and even more preferably is in a range between about 50 degrees to about 85 degrees, and even more preferably is in a range between about 60 degrees to about 80 degrees, and even more preferably is about 80 degrees) with respect to the axis of thearm 28, and then in some embodiments bent again such that the composite bending of thefirst end portion 123 of thesecond arm 28 equals about 180 degrees (as illustratedFIGS. 22 , 24, 25, and 26.) - Preferably, when the inventive clip having the acute angle α between its
first arm 26 short of the latchingmember 115 and thestrap engaging portion 119 of the latchingmember 115 as described herein is used to interconnect thesuspension strap 18 to the attachment fitting 19 of anair brake hose 10, a retainer is provided as described above with respect to theclips 20 ofFIGS. 1-10 , which creates aconfinement area 127 between itself and thereturn portion 30 of the clip when the latchingmember 115 is latched to thesecond arm 28 for maintaining a portion of an attachment fitting 19 of anair brake hose 10 within theconfinement area 127 and out of position in which loading of the clip by theair brake hose 10 is exerted laterally of the arms of the clip. - Referring specifically to the embodiment of the inventive clip illustrated in
FIGS. 11 and 16 to 19, there is shown a clip 20(a), which has an acute angle α formed between thefirst arm 26, short of the latchingmember 115, and thestrap engaging portion 119 of the latchingmember 115, and which has theend portion 123 of thesecond arm 28 at thelatching end 113 of the clip 20(a) bent laterally at an angle θ. Further, like the embodiment of the inventive clip shown inFIG. 2 , the clip 20(a) ofFIGS. 11 and 16 to 19 is provided with a retainer (in this embodiment, where thearms confinement area 127 between itself and thereturn portion 30 at thefirst end 111 of the clip 20(a). - Referring specifically to the embodiment of the inventive clip illustrated in
FIGS. 11-15 , there is shown a clip 20(b), which has an acute angle α formed between thefirst arm 26, short of the latchingmember 115, and thestrap engaging portion 119 of the latchingmember 115, and which has theend portion 123 of thesecond arm 28 at thelatching end 113 of the clip 20(a) bent laterally at an angle θ. Preferably, the clip 20(b) is used to interconnect thesuspension strap 18 to apertured fitting 22 of thecoupler 23 of the railway vehicle 11 a. However, clips having a retainer at their first ends (e.g., clips 20(a), 20(c), 20(d), 20(e), 20(f), 20(g), 20(h), 20(i), and 20(j)) may be used to interconnect thesuspension strap 18 to theapertured fitting 22 of thecoupler 23 if desired. - Referring specifically to the embodiments of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 20-27 , the clip 20(c) ofFIG. 20 is substantially the same as the clip ofFIG. 2 , the clip 20(d) ofFIG. 21 is substantially the same as the clip ofFIG. 4 , the clip 20(e) ofFIG. 22 is substantially the same as the clip ofFIG. 5 , the clip 20(f) ofFIG. 23 is substantially the same as the clip ofFIG. 6 , the clip 20(g) ofFIG. 24 is substantially the same as the clip ofFIG. 7 , the clip 20(h) ofFIG. 25 is substantially the same as the clip ofFIG. 8 , the clip 20(i) ofFIG. 26 is substantially the same as the clip ofFIG. 9 , and the clip 20(j) ofFIG. 27 is substantially the same as the clip ofFIG. 10 , except the first arm 26, short of the latching member 115, and the strap engaging portion 119 of the latching member 115, for each of the clips 20(c), 20(d), 20(e), 20(f), 20(g), 20(h), 20(i), and 20(j), form an angle α, which preferably is less than 90 degrees (and more preferably is in a range of about 20 degrees to about 80 degrees, and even more preferably is in a range of about 45 degrees to about 70 degrees, and even more preferably is in a range of about 50 degrees to about 65 degrees, and even more preferably is 57 degrees), operative when the interlocking end portion 117 of the latching member 115 engages the second arm 28 for positioning the suspension strap 18 to rest where the strap engaging portion 119 of the latching member 115 meets the first arm 26 short of the latching member 115 indicated at reference no. 121 shown in the drawings, and theend portion 123 of thesecond arm 28 at thelatching end 113 of each of the clips 20(c), 20(d), 20(e), 20(f), 20(g), 20(h), 20(i), and 20(j) is bent laterally at an angle θ that is preferably less than 90 degrees (and more preferably is in a range between about 45 degrees to about 87 degrees, and even more preferably is in a range between about 50 degrees to about 85 degrees, and even more preferably is in a range between about 60 degrees to about 80 degrees, and even more preferably is about 80 degrees) with respect to the axis of thearm 28, so as to capture the interlocking end portion 117 (e.g., the hook-shaped portion 34) and prevent its inadvertent uncoupling under the influence of tensile forces applied to thearms - With respect to all of the embodiments of the inventive clip illustrated in
FIGS. 11-27 , but preferably with respect to the clip 20(b) illustrated inFIGS. 11-15 , an arm (26 or 28) beginning at thelatching end 113 of the inventive clip, when open, may be threaded through the aperture in theapertured fitting 22 in thecoupler 23, and the clip maneuvered such that the fitting 22 is centered within thereturn portion 30. Then, thefirst arm 26 at thelatching end 113 of the clip may be threaded through a selectedaperture 24 in the suspension strap 18 (e.g., a link in the chain), and, with thesuspension strap 18 engaging thestrap engaging portion 119 of the latchingmember 115, and with a portion of the fitting 22 being positioned at thefirst end 111 of the clip when any of the clips 20(a) and 20(c)-20(j) are used, thearm member 115 of thefirst arm 26 engages (e.g., hooks over) thesecond arm 28 to close the clip. - With respect to all of the embodiments of the inventive clip illustrated in
FIGS. 11-27 , but preferably with respect to the clips 20(a), 20(c), 20(d), 20(e), 20(f), 20(g), 20(h), 20(i), and 20(j) shown in FIGS. 11 and 16-27, an arm (26 or 28) beginning at thelatching end 113 of the inventive clip, when open, may be threaded through the aperture 19 a in the fitting 19 on theair brake hose 10, and the clip maneuvered such that the fitting 19 is centered within thereturn portion 30. Then, thefirst arm 26 at thelatching end 113 of the clip may be threaded through the selectedaperture 24 in the suspension strap 18 (e.g., a link in the chain), and, with thesuspension strap 18 engaging thestrap engaging portion 119 of the latchingmember 115, and with a portion of the fitting 19 being positioned at thefirst end 111 of the clip when any of the clips 20(a) and 20(c)-20(j) are used, thearms member 115 of thefirst arm 26 engages (e.g., hooks over) thesecond arm 28 to close the clip. - In use, as illustrated in
FIGS. 11-27 , the inventive assembly for maintaining anair brake hose 10 of railway vehicle 11 a at a predetermined height above a supporting road bed structure, preferably with any of the inventive clips 20(a) and 20(c) to 20(j) interconnecting thesuspension strap 18 to the attachment fitting 19 of theair brake hose 10 while maintaining a portion of the attachment fitting 19 of theair brake hose 10 within theconfinement area 127 and out of position in which loading of the clip by theair brake hose 10 is exerted laterally of thearms suspension strap 18 to theapertured fitting 22 of thecoupler 23 of the railway vehicle 11 a, when load is applied thereto due to theair brake hose 10 of the railway vehicle 11 a being supported thereby at a predetermined height above a supporting road bed structure, operates to position thesuspension strap 18, where it attaches to the clips, at the bend in the first arm 26 (marked in the drawings by reference no. 121) of each clip, which is the strongest location to point-load each clip, the load causing the clip attachment portion of thesuspension strap 18 to slide along thestrap engaging portion 119 of the latchingmember 115 of each clip to the apex (marked in the drawings by reference no. 121) of the acute angle α where thestrap engaging portion 119 of the latchingmember 115 meets thefirst arm 26 short of the latchingmember 115, and operates to capture a portion of the attachment fitting 19 of theair brake hose 10 within theconfinement area 127 and out of position in which loading of the clip by theair brake hose 10 is exerted laterally of thearms
Claims (31)
1. An assembly for maintaining the end of a vehicle air brake hose at a predetermined height above the supporting road bed structure, the hose having a coupling member with a fitting having an attachment aperture at its free end, the assembly comprising a flexible strap having a first end affixed to the vehicle and a second end, at least one attachment aperture spaced towards the second end and a releasable clip having a latching end including interlocking end portions for connection to the strap through the attachment aperture, the clip further having a pair of flexibly resilient, elongated arms extending away from the latching end, the arms being joined by a return portion, the return portion being insertable through the attachment aperture of the air hose coupling member, the clip having a retainer operative when the interlocking end portions are latched for maintaining the attachment aperture fitting within the confines of the return portion and out of position in which loading of the clip by the coupling member is exerted laterally of the clip arms.
2. A clip for interconnection with an attachment portion of a suspension strap used to suspend an air brake hose of a vehicle above a road bed structure, the clip having
a first end and a latching end,
a pair of flexibly resilient elongated arms extending away from the latching end of the clip to the first end of the clip,
the arms being joined by a return portion at the first end of the clip,
the pair of arms comprising a first arm and a second arm,
the first arm at the latching end of the clip having a latching member for interlocking engagement with the second arm when desired,
the latching member having an interlocking end portion for engaging the second arm,
the latching member having a strap engaging portion for engaging an attachment portion of the suspension strap, the strap engaging portion of the latching member being located between the interlocking end portion of the latching member and the first arm at the latching end of the clip short of the latching member,
the strap engaging portion of the latching member and the first arm short of the latching member forming an acute angle therebetween operative when the interlocking end portion of the latching member engages the second arm for positioning the suspension strap to rest where the strap engaging portion of the latching member meets the first arm short of the latching member.
3. The clip of claim 2 , further including
a retainer creating a confinement area between itself and the return portion of the clip when the latching member is latched to the second arm,
the retainer being operative when the latching member is latched to the second arm for maintaining a portion of an attachment fitting of an air brake hose within the confinement area and out of position in which loading of the clip by the air brake hose is exerted laterally of the arms of the clip.
4. The clip of claim 3 ,
said retainer comprising portions of said arms of the clip, said portions being pre-bent towards one another and being biased relatively to each other into positions forming the confinement area when the latching member is latched to the second arm.
5. The clip of claim 3 ,
said retainer comprising an attachment member affixed to at least one of said arms, said attachment member having a portion projecting towards the other arm sufficient to form the confinement area when the latching member is latched to the second arm.
6. The clip of claim 2 ,
said return portion comprising a helical loop, the ends of the helical loop joining the clip arms and the loop being dimensioned to confine a portion of an attachment fitting of an air brake hose within the confines of the loop.
7. The clip of claim 2 ,
the arms of the clip crossing one another before joining the return portion of the clip.
8. The clip of claim 2 ,
the arms of the clip crossing one another twice before joining the return portion of the clip.
9. The clip of claim 2 ,
the arms resiliently touching one another before joining the return portion of the clip.
10. The clip of claim 2 ,
the arms having parallel portions resiliently touching one another before joining the return portion of the clip.
11. An assembly for maintaining an air brake hose of a vehicle at a predetermined height above a supporting road bed structure, the assembly comprising
a suspension strap having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being affixable to the vehicle,
the suspension strap having an attachment portion located at the second end portion of the suspension strap, and
a first releasable clip for connecting the suspension strap to an attachment fitting of an air brake hose, the first releasable clip having
a first end and a latching end,
a pair of flexibly resilient elongated arms extending away from the latching end of the first releasable clip to the first end of the clip,
the arms being joined by a return portion at the first end of the first releasable clip,
the pair of arms comprising a first arm and a second arm,
the first arm at the latching end of the first releasable clip having a latching member for interlocking engagement with the second arm when desired,
the latching member having an interlocking end portion for engaging the second arm,
the latching member having a strap engaging portion for engaging the attachment portion of the suspension strap, the strap engaging portion of the latching member being located between the interlocking end portion of the latching member and the first arm at the latching end of the first releasable clip short of the latching member,
the strap engaging portion of the latching member and the first arm short of the latching member forming an acute angle therebetween operative when the interlocking end portion of the latching member engages the second arm for positioning the suspension strap to rest where the strap engaging portion of the latching member meets the first arm short of the latching member.
12. The assembly of claim 11 , further including
a retainer creating a confinement area between itself and the return portion of the first releasable clip when the latching member is latched to the second arm,
the retainer being operative when the latching member is latched to the second arm for maintaining a portion of an attachment fitting of an air brake hose within the confinement area and out of position in which loading of the clip by the air brake hose is exerted laterally of the arms of the first releasable clip.
13. The assembly of claim 12 ,
said retainer comprising portions of said arms of the first releasable clip, said portions being pre-bent towards one another and being biased relatively to each other into positions forming the confinement area when the latching member is latched to the second arm.
14. The assembly of claim 12 ,
said retainer comprising an attachment member affixed to at least one of said arms, said attachment member having a portion projecting towards the other arm sufficient to form the confinement area when the latching member is latched to the second arm.
15. The assembly of claim 11 ,
said return portion comprising a helical loop, the ends of the helical loop joining the clip arms and the loop being dimensioned to confine a portion of an attachment fitting of an air brake hose within the confines of the loop.
16. The assembly of claim 11 ,
the arms of the first releasable clip crossing one another before joining the return portion of the first releasable clip.
17. The assembly of claim 11 ,
the arms of the first releasable clip crossing one another twice before joining the return portion of the first releasable clip.
18. The assembly of claim 11 ,
the arms resiliently touching one another before joining the return portion of the first releasable clip.
19. The assembly of claim 11 ,
the arms having parallel portions resiliently touching one another before joining the return portion of the first releasable clip.
20. The assembly of claim 11 ,
the suspension strap having an attachment portion located at the first end portion of the suspension strap,
the assembly further including
a second releasable clip for affixing the first end portion of the suspension strap to the vehicle, the second releasable clip having
a first end and a latching end,
a pair of flexibly resilient elongated arms extending away from the latching end of the second releasable clip to the first end of the second releasable clip,
the arms of the second releasable clip being joined by a return portion at the first end of the second releasable clip,
the pair of arms of the second releasable clip comprising a first arm and a second arm,
the first arm of the second releasable clip at the latching end of the second releasable clip having a latching member for interlocking engagement with the second arm of the second releasable clip when desired,
the latching member of the first arm of the second releasable clip having an interlocking end portion for engaging the second arm of the second releasable clip,
the latching member of the first arm of the second releasable clip having a strap engaging portion for engaging the attachment portion located at the first end portion of the suspension strap, the strap engaging portion of the latching member of the first arm of the second releasable clip being located between the interlocking end portion of the latching member of the first arm of the second releasable clip and the first arm of the second releasable clip at the latching end of the second releasable clip short of the latching member of the first arm of the second releasable clip,
the strap engaging portion of the latching member of the first arm of the second releasable clip and the first arm of the second releasable clip short of the latching member of the first arm of the second releasable clip forming an acute angle therebetween operative when the interlocking end portion of the latching member of the first arm of the second releasable clip engages the second arm of the second releasable clip for positioning the suspension strap to rest where the strap engagement portion of the latching member of the first arm of the second releasable clip meets the first arm of the second releasable clip short of the latching member of the first arm of the second releasable clip.
21. The assembly of claim 12 ,
the suspension strap having an attachment portion located at the first end portion of the suspension strap,
the assembly further including
a second releasable clip for affixing the first end portion of the suspension strap to the vehicle, the second releasable clip having
a first end and a latching end,
a pair of flexibly resilient elongated arms extending away from the latching end of the second releasable clip to the first end of the second releasable clip,
the arms of the second releasable clip being joined by a return portion at the first end of the second releasable clip,
the pair of arms of the second releasable clip comprising a first arm and a second arm,
the first arm of the second releasable clip at the latching end of the second releasable clip having a latching member for interlocking engagement with the second arm of the second releasable clip when desired,
the latching member of the first arm of the second releasable clip having an interlocking end portion for engaging the second arm of the second releasable clip,
the latching member of the first arm of the second releasable clip having a strap engaging portion for engaging the attachment portion located at the first end portion of the suspension strap, the strap engaging portion of the latching member of the first arm of the second releasable clip being located between the interlocking end portion of the latching member of the first arm of the second releasable clip and the first arm of the second releasable clip at the latching end of the second releasable clip short of the latching member of the first arm of the second releasable clip,
the strap engaging portion of the latching member of the first arm of the second releasable clip and the first arm of the second releasable clip short of the latching member of the first arm of the second releasable clip forming an acute angle therebetween operative when the interlocking end portion of the latching member of the first arm of the second releasable clip engages the second arm of the second releasable clip for positioning the suspension strap to rest where the strap engagement portion of the latching member of the first arm of the second releasable clip meets the first arm of the second releasable clip short of the latching member of the first arm of the second releasable clip.
22. The clip of claim 2 , the acute angle being in a range of about 20 degrees to about 80 degrees.
23. The clip of claim 2 , the acute angle being about 57 degrees.
24. The clip of claim 2 , the second arm at the latching end of the clip having an end portion extending laterally at an angle preferably between about 45 degrees and 87 degrees.
25. The clip of claim 2 , the second arm at the latching end of the clip having an end portion extending laterally at an angle of about 80 degrees.
26. The assembly of claim 11 , the acute angle of the first releasable clip formed between its first arm short of the latching member and its strap engaging portion of its latching member being in a range of bout 20 degrees to about 80 degrees.
27. The assembly of claim 11 , the second arm at the latching end of the clip having an end portion extending laterally at an angle of about 45 degrees to 87 degrees.
28. The assembly of claim 12 , the acute angle of the first releasable clip formed between its first arm short of its latching member and its strap engaging portion of its latching member being in a range of about 20 degrees to about 80 degrees.
29. The assembly of claim 12 , the second arm at the latching end of the clip having an end portion extending laterally at an angle of about 45 degrees to 87 degrees.
30. The assembly of claim 20 ,
the acute angle of the first releasable clip formed between its first arm short of its latching member and its strap engaging portion of its latching member being in a range of about 20 degrees to about 80 degrees,
the second arm of the first releasable clip at the latching end of the first releasable clip having an end portion extending laterally at an angle of about 45 degrees to about 87 degrees,
the acute angle of the second releasable clip formed between its first arm short of its latching member and its strap engaging portion of its latching member being in a range of about 20 degrees to about 80 degrees, and
the second arm of the second releasable clip at the latching end of the second releasable clip having an end portion extending laterally at an angle of about 45 degrees to about 87 degrees.
31. The assembly of claim 21 ,
the acute angle of the first releasable clip formed between its first arm short of its latching member and its strap engaging portion of its latching member being in a range of about 20 degrees to about 80 degrees,
the second arm of the first releasable clip at the latching end of the first releasable clip having an end portion extending laterally at an angle of about 45 degrees to about 87 degrees,
the acute angle of the second releasable clip formed between its first arm short of its latching member and its strap engaging portion of its latching member being in a range of about 20 degrees to about 80 degrees, and
the second arm of the second releasable clip at the latching end of the second releasable clip having an end portion extending laterally at an angle of about 45 degrees to about 87 degrees.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/798,452 US20100320335A1 (en) | 2006-03-29 | 2010-04-01 | Air hose support clip to prevent lateral loading |
US13/103,619 US8167251B2 (en) | 2006-03-29 | 2011-05-09 | Air hose support clip to prevent lateral loading |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US78711406P | 2006-03-29 | 2006-03-29 | |
US11/729,831 US8276853B2 (en) | 2006-03-29 | 2007-03-29 | Air hose support clip to prevent lateral loading |
US12/798,452 US20100320335A1 (en) | 2006-03-29 | 2010-04-01 | Air hose support clip to prevent lateral loading |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/729,831 Continuation-In-Part US8276853B2 (en) | 2006-03-29 | 2007-03-29 | Air hose support clip to prevent lateral loading |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/103,619 Continuation US8167251B2 (en) | 2006-03-29 | 2011-05-09 | Air hose support clip to prevent lateral loading |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20100320335A1 true US20100320335A1 (en) | 2010-12-23 |
Family
ID=43353439
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/798,452 Abandoned US20100320335A1 (en) | 2006-03-29 | 2010-04-01 | Air hose support clip to prevent lateral loading |
US13/103,619 Active US8167251B2 (en) | 2006-03-29 | 2011-05-09 | Air hose support clip to prevent lateral loading |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/103,619 Active US8167251B2 (en) | 2006-03-29 | 2011-05-09 | Air hose support clip to prevent lateral loading |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20100320335A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US9485973B2 (en) * | 2012-07-16 | 2016-11-08 | James Byron Burke | Bait bridle |
US9241479B2 (en) * | 2013-09-20 | 2016-01-26 | Roy Leon Poston | Barbless weighted releasable fish descending hook |
US9366362B2 (en) | 2013-12-10 | 2016-06-14 | Ireco, Llc | Spring-style air brake hose support |
US9365220B2 (en) * | 2014-01-14 | 2016-06-14 | A. Stucki Co. | Air hose hanger for a rail way vehicle |
US9366361B2 (en) * | 2014-01-14 | 2016-06-14 | A. Stucki Co. | Air hose hanger for a rail way vehicle |
US9701323B2 (en) | 2015-04-06 | 2017-07-11 | Bedloe Industries Llc | Railcar coupler |
US11698151B2 (en) | 2021-04-23 | 2023-07-11 | Transportation Ip Holdings, Llc | Methods and systems for a hose hanger apparatus |
US20230227080A1 (en) * | 2021-04-23 | 2023-07-20 | Transportation Ip Holdings, Llc | Methods and systems for hose hanger apparatus |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20110198449A1 (en) | 2011-08-18 |
US8167251B2 (en) | 2012-05-01 |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: PENNSY CORPORATION, PENNSYLVANIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:MURPHY, WAYNE H.;SCHMIDT, MICHAEL J.;REEL/FRAME:028289/0028 Effective date: 20120530 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |