WO1997025233A2

WO1997025233A2 - A method and apparatus for slowing a vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO1997025233A2
Application number: PCT/US1997/000814
Authority: WO
Inventors: Clifton Carter
Original assignee: Clifton Carter
Priority date: 1996-01-10
Filing date: 1997-01-10
Publication date: 1997-07-17
Also published as: AU1703697A

Abstract

An apparatus for slowing a vehicle comprising a body member having a plurality of wheels. The wheels are adapted to ride along a surface, and a brake extends downwardly from the body member. The body member is movable to frictionally engage the brake with the surface to slow the vehicle. A method of slowing a vehicle is also provided. The method includes the steps of providing a brake attached to a body member of the vehicle, activating a control mechanism to move the body member of the vehicle, and moving the body member downwardly to engage the brake with a surface to slow the vehicle.

Description

A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SLOWING A VEHICLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to reducing the speed of vehicles, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for slowing a vehicle traveling on rails.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The train industry impacts the lives and livelihood of people in many countries throughout the world. Trains are relied upon to transport supplies between cities and/or countries, and many people use trains to travel to different geographic locations. Moreover, many people rely on trains to transport them to and from their jobs on a daily basis.

When a train is in motion, there may be instances when the train may have to stop suddenly. This is especially true in highly populated areas where trains travel across city streets and highways. The time it takes to halt a train usually depends on the speed and weight of the train. When a train is traveling at high speeds, it may take the train a long distance to stop. For example, it may take several blocks to bring a high speed freight train to a complete stop. In emergency situations, a couple extra feet or a few extra seconds may mean the difference between life and death.

Traditionally, trains utilize a braking system that engages the wheels of the vehicles. However, when trains are traveling at high speeds, this braking system may not allow the train to stop in time to avoid emergency situations.

Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus and method to quickly stop a moving train. It would be desirable to provide a device that could be relatively inexpensive and easy to manufacture. It would also be beneficial to provide a device that may be adapted to different types of vehicles. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to address the above need, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for stopping a vehicle. A brake may be attached to the vehicle that allows the vehicle to stop more quickly. The brake may be adapted to fit different vehicles.

In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided for slowing a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a body member having a plurality of wheels. The wheels may be adapted to ride along a surface, and a brake extends downwardly from the body member. The body member is movable to frictionally engage the brake with the surface in order to slow the vehicle.

In another aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a body member having a plurality of wheels. The wheels are capable of moving along a surface, and a brake extends downwardly from the body member. The body member is movable to allow the brake to frictionally engage a stopping member to slow the vehicle. According to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a drive member having a first end coupled to the brake and a second end adapted to be coupled to a body member. The first end of the drive member may be actuated between an extended position and a retracted position, and the body member has a plurality of wheels. A control mechanism actuates the drive member between its extended and retracted positions to engage a surface.

In another aspect of the invention, a method of slowing a vehicle is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing a brake attached to a body member of a vehicle, activating a control mechanism to move the body member of the vehicle, and moving the body member downwardly to engage the brake with a surface to slow the vehicle. In another aspect of the invention, the method comprises the steps of providing a brake attached to a body member of a vehicle, and actuating the drive member to cause the brake to move downwardly to engage a surface to slow the vehicles.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

The invention, together with further objects and attendant advantages, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a brake mounted on a vehicle in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a cross sectional view of Figure 1 taken about line 2-2.

Figure 3 shows a top view of a preferred embodiment of a stopping member arranged with the rails of the train tracks made in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 4 shows a cross sectional view of Figure 3 taken about line 4-4.

Figure 5 shows a cross sectional view of another preferred embodiment of Figure 1 taken about line 2-2. Figure 5a shows an end view of another preferred embodiment of a braking system of Figure 1.

Figure 6 shows a plan view of one preferred embodiment of a braking system in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 7 shows a plan view of another preferred embodiment of a braking system made in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 8 shows a cross sectional view of Figure 7 taken about line 8-8.

Figure 9 shows a cross sectional view of another preferred embodiment of Figure 7 taken about 8₇8. Figure 9a shows an end view of another preferred embodiment of a braking system made in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 10 shows a plan view of another preferred embodiment of a brake system made in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 11 shows a plan view of another preferred embodiment of a braking system made in accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to Figure 1, a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated. A vehicle 10 is shown having a body member 12, a plurality of wheels 14, and a brake 18. The wheels 14 -are rotatably mounted to the body 12 and adapted to ride along a surface 20, such as the ground, pavement, rails or the like. The brake 18 is preferably mounted to the bottom 22 of the body member 12. It is contemplated that brake 18 may be mounted to the sides of the body member 12. The body member 12 may be moved so that the brake 18 frictionally engages the surface 20 below the vehicle 10 in order to slow the vehicle 10, and the vehicle 10 may be propelled under its own power or an external source. In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle 10 comprises a train car 28. The train car 28 may be situated on two rails 30 of train tracks that are laid on regularly spaced cross ties. It is contemplated that the two rails 30 may be mounted upon any suitable surface, such as the ground, steel, or the like. The rails 30 preferably have a substantially constant space therebetween.

The train car 28 preferably includes a body member 12, a plurality of wheels 14, a carriage 32, and a brake 18. The carriage 32 is preferably coupled or attached to the underside of the train car 28 and the wheels 14 are rotatably mounted to the carriage 32. The body member 12 of the train car 28 may move downwardly so that -the brake 18 may engage the surface below, such as the ground, the rails, and/or a stopping member as discussed below. It is contemplated that the body member 12 may take many forms without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The body member 12 may be coupled to other train cars and may be moved by an engine powered by any means, such as a gasoline, steam, electricity, diesel, atomic power, or the like.

In a preferred embodiment, the brake 18 may be attached to the bottom 22 of the body member 12 and may extend downwardly therefrom. The brake 18 may be attached to the body member 12 by any suitable means, such a bolts, welds, or the like. The brake 18 is preferably manufactured from metal, such as steel. As those skilled in art recognize, the brake 18 may also be made from a variety of materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is also contemplated that the brake 18 may be mounted on each car of the train.

Referring to Figure 2, the brake 18 may comprise a pair of braking members 34. The braking members 34 are generally of a rectangular configuration and manufactured from metal, such as steel. It is contemplated that the braking members 34 may be any shape or size. Preferably, each braking member 34 is oppositely opposed to one of the rails 30. The lower portion 36 of the braking members 34 may be any desirable configuration, such as U-shaped, and a brake lining material 37 may be attached to the lower surface 38. The brake lining may be any suitable brake lining material known in the art. As shown in Figure 3, a preferred embodiment of a stopping member 40 is shown. The stopping member 40 is preferably arranged with two rails 42 of train track that are disposed on the regularly spaced cross ties 44. Preferably, the stopping member 40 comprises a plurality of plates 46. The stopping member 40 may extend for as little as a few feet and may extend up to several miles. The stopping member 40 is preferably positioned at a desired location, such as near a crossing, where the train may need to be stopped.

In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of plates 46 may comprise two side plates 48 that are positioned parallel and alongside the rails 42 of the train tracks and a middle plate 50 that is positioned between the rails 42. The middle plate 50 preferably has a ridge 52 that extends substantially along its center. The side plates 48 and middle plate 50 may be attached to the cross ties 44 by any suitable means, such as spikes driven through the plates to hold them in place. As shown in Figure 4, the side plates 48 and middle plate 50 may be a one piece construction having openings or grooves 54 so that the rails 42 may be disposed therein. Referring to Figure 5, another preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The brake 60 preferably comprises two outer braking members 62 and a middle braking member 64. The braking members 62 and 64 are generally of a rectangular configuration and manufactured from metal, such as steel. The braking members 62 and 64 preferably extend downwardly from the bottom 66 of the vehicle 68. The two outer braking members 62 are preferably positioned near the sides of the vehicle 68, and the middle braking member 64 is positioned substantially near the center of the vehicle 68. The braking members 62 and 64 are adapted to engage the stopping member 61 to slow the vehicle 68. The middle brake member 64 may include a channel 70 in its surface to receive a ridge member 72 of the middle stopping plate 63. Referring to Figure 5a, an end view of another preferred embodiment of a braking system for a vehicle 81 is shown. A brake 82 preferably extends from the vehicle 81 so that the brake 82 may engage a stopping member 84. Preferably, the stopping member comprises two outer stopping members 83 and a middle stopping member 85. The brake 82 may include a channel 86 to receive a ridge member 88 of the stopping member 84. The brake 82 may have a brake lining material attached to its lower surface 87.

As shown in Figure 6, a plurality of smaller braking members 90 may extend from a vehicle 92. The braking members 90 may be positioned to engage the rails of the track as shown in Figure 2 or to engage a stopping member as shown in Figure 5. The brake members 90 may have a brake lining material attached to its lower surface 94. The brake lining may comprise any suitable brake lining material known in the art.

In a preferred embodiment, a control mechanism may be activated to lower the vehicle or body member. The vehicle may be lowered by any suitable means, such as a motor, an air assembly, or a hydraulic assembly. When the vehicle needs to be slowed or stopped, the conventional braking system of the vehicle may be employed, and the vehicle may also be lowered so that the brake frictionally engages the surface below, such as the ground, rails and/or the stopping member. As a result of the friction between the brake and the ground, rails and/or stopping member, the vehicle may slow down. The amount of time it takes for the vehicle to stop may be controlled by the amount of weight of the vehicle applied to the surface below. Thus, when a vehicle car needs to be stopped more rapidly, the vehicle car can be continued to be lowered to apply more weight to the ground, rails and/or the stopping member.

Referring to Figure 7, another preferred embodiment .of a braking system for a vehicle 100 is shown. The apparatus preferably includes a plurality of drive members 102 that are actuable between an extended position and a retracted position. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the drive members 102 may comprise a variety of devices, such as a hydraulic piston-cylinder assembly or an air piston-cylinder assembly, that may reciprocate a shaft or a rod 104 between an extended and retracted position, or some other mechanical structure which causes the end of the drive member 102 to extend or retract. Preferably, the drive member 102 comprises a hydraulic assembly 106. The hydraulic assembly 106 preferably includes a cylinder with a piston having a shaft 110 extending therefrom. The shaft 110 may be moved in response to a control mechanism. The control mechanism may be actuated by any suitable means, and the hydraulic assembly may be constructed in any suitable manner.

In a preferred embodiment, the drive members 102 are attached to the underside of a vehicle 100, and a brake 112 is attached to the shaft 110 of the drive members 102.

The brake 112 is preferably manufactured from metal, such as steel. It is contemplated that the brake 112 may also be made from a variety of materials.

Referring to Figure 8, the brake 102 preferably comprises a pair of braking members 114. The braking members 114 are generally of a rectangular configuration and manufactured from metal, such as steel. It is contemplated that the brake members 114 may be any shape or size. Preferably, each brake member 114 is oppositely opposed to one of the rails 116. The lower portion 118 of the brake members 114 may be any desirable configuration, such as U- shaped, and a brake lining may be attached to the lower surface 120. The brake lining may be constructed from any suitable brake lining material known in the art. The brake member 114 may be moved downwardly by the drive member 115 to engage the rails 116 to slow the vehicle 100.

Referring to Figure 9, the brake 122 may comprise two outer braking members 124 and a middle braking member 126 to engage the stopping member 128. The braking members 124 and 126 are generally of a rectangular configuration and may be manufactured from metal, such as steel. The braking members 124 and 126 are preferably attached to drive members 130. The two outer braking members 124 are preferably positioned near the sides of the vehicle 132, and the middle braking member 126 is positioned substantially near the center of the vehicle 132. The middle brake member 126 may include a channel 134 on its surface to receive a ridge —y- member 136 of the middle plate 138 of the stopping member 128. As shown in Figure 9a, the brake 125 ay comprise a brake member 127 positioned between the wheels 129 of the vehicle 131. The brake 115 may be attached to a plurality of drive members 131 mounted to the vehicle 131. The braking member 127 may engage a stopping member 135 positioned between the rails 137 of the train tracks.

When the vehicle needs to be slowed or stopped, the vehicle operator may enable a control mechanism to activate the brake along with the conventional braking system of the vehicle. When the brake is activated, the drive member will extend to frictionally engage the brake with a surface, such as the ground, rails and/or the stopping member. As a result of the friction between the brake and the surface, the vehicle will begin to slow down. The vehicle may be slowed quicker by applying a greater force by the drive members to the surface. Subsequently, the shaft of the drive member may be contracted to disengage with the ground, rails and/or the stopping member. As shown in Figure 10, a plurality of smaller braking members 140 may be attached to the vehicle 141. The braking member 140 may be positioned to engage the ground, the rails of the track as shown in Figure 8, or to engage a stopping member as shown in Figure 9. The drive members 142 may be positioned at any desired angle, such as 45 degrees to the surface 146. The brake members 140 may also have a brake lining material attached to their lower surface as discussed above.

As shown in Figure 11, the brake 150 may include a plurality of wheels 152 that may engage a surface 154 such as the ground, rails and/or stopping member to slow the vehicle. Preferably, the wheels 152 may be retracted and extended by activating a control mechanism.

Although the present invention has been described in detail by way of illustration and example, it should be understood that a wide range of changes and modifications can be made to the preferred embodiment described above without departing in any way from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, although the preferred embodiments show either the brake engaging the rails of the train track or the stopping member, the vehicle may be equipped with a brake that engages the rails of the train tracks and the stopping member. Thus, the described embodiment is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

I CLAIM ;

1. An apparatus for slowing a vehicle comprising: the vehicle having a plurality of wheels; a brake extending downwardly from the vehicle; and the vehicle movable to frictionally engage the brake with a surface to slow the vehicle.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the surface comprises a rail .

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the vehicle comprises a train car.

. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a brake liner attached to the brake.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the brake comprises a plurality of brake members.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the brake comprises a pair of elongated braking members.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the brake comprises a plurality of wheels.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the brake is attached to the bottom of the vehicle.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a control mechanism for actuating the vehicle between a first position and a second position.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the surface comprises a stopping member for engagement with the brake .

11. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the first position comprises a riding position.

12. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the second position comprises a braking position.

13. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the stopping member comprises a plurality of plates.

14. An apparatus for slowing a vehicle comprising: a body member having a plurality of wheels; a brake extending downwardly from the body member; the body member movable to frictionally engage the brake with a surface member to slow the vehicle.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the surface comprises a rail.

16. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the body member comprises a train car.

17. The apparatus of claim 14 further comprising a brake liner attached to the brake.

18. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the brake comprises a plurality of brake members.

19. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the brake comprises a plurality of wheels.

20. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the brake is attached to the bottom of the body member.

21. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the surface comprises a stopping member.

22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the stopping member comprises a plate positioned between the tracks.

23. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the stopping member is over one hundred feet long.

24. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the stopping member comprises a pair of plates positioned outside of the tracks .

25. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the stopping member comprises a center plate and a pair of plates positioned outside of the tracks.

26. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the brake includes an opening to receive a ridge of the stopping member.

27. A device for slowing a vehicle comprising: a brake; a body member having a plurality of wheels; a drive member having a first end coupled to the brake and a second end adapted to be coupled to the body member, the first end of. the drive member being actuable between an extended position and a retracted position; and a control mechanism for actuating the first end of the drive member between its extended and retracted positions to engage the brake with a surface.

28. The .apparatus of claim 27 wherein the surface comprises a rail.

29. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the body member comprises a train car.

30. The apparatus of claim 27 further comprising a brake liner attached to the brake.

31. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the brake comprises a plurality of brake members.

32. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the brake comprises a plurality of wheels.

33. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the brake is attached to the bottom of the body member.

34. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the surface comprises a stopping member.

35. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the drive member comprises a hydraulic cylinder.

36. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the drive member comprises a motor.

37. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein the stopping member comprises a plate adapted to be positioned between the rails of the tracks.

38. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein the stopping member is over one hundred feet long.

39. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein the stopping member comprises a pair of plates adapted to be positioned outside of the tracks.

40. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein the stopping member comprises a center plate and a pair of plates adapted to be positioned outside of the tracks.

41. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein the brake includes an opening to receive a ridge of the stopping member.

42. A method of slowing a vehicle comprising the steps of: providing a brake attached to the vehicle; activating a control mechanism to move the vehicle; and moving the vehicle downwardly to engage the brake with a surface to slow the vehicle.

43. The method of claim 41 further comprising the step of moving the vehicle upwardly to disengage the brake from the surface.

44. The method of claim 42 wherein the surface comprises a rail.

45. The method of claim 42 wherein the surface comprises a stopping member.

46. The method of claim 42 wherein the vehicle comprises a train car.

47. The method of claim 42 wherein the brake comprises a plurality of brake members.

48. A method of slowing a vehicle comprising the steps of: providing a brake attached to a body member of the vehicle; and actuating a drive member to cause the brake to move downwardly to engage a surface to slow the vehicle.

49. The method of claim 47 further comprising the step of actuating the drive member to a retracted position.

50. The method of claim 48 wherein the surface comprises a rail.

51. The method of claim 48 wherein the surface comprises a stopping member.

52. The method of claim 48 wherein the body member comprises a train car.

53. The method of claim 48 wherein the brake comprises a plurality of brake members.

54. The method of claim 48 wherein the drive member comprises a cylinder with a piston having a shaft extending therefrom.