Abstract
A railcar consist of flatcars for transporting continuous rail sections configured for top loading and end unloading of the rail sections. The consist includes a tie-down flatcar and plural support flatcars. The tie-down flatcar includes a rail securement rack with plural removable rail clamping shelves that facilitate top loading and clamping of the rail sections in place. Each of the plural support flatcars have a roller rack fixed to it. The roller racks include plural roller shelves with rollers to support the rail sections. The roller shelves are pivotally mounted to the roller racks between a loading position that provides clearance for placement of the rail sections from above the consist, and a transport position that supports the rail sections.
Claims
1. A rail securement rack assembly for a tie-down flatcar in a consist of flatcars for transporting continuous rail sections greater in length than a single flatcar, and adapted for top loading and end unloading of the rail sections, the rail securement rack comprising: a support frame, vertically oriented, and adapted for fixed connection to the tie-down flatcar; plural rail clamping shelves configured to selectively engage said support frame in a stacked manner, and wherein each of said plural rail clamping shelves includes an upper surface for supporting a portion of the continuous rail sections thereupon, and a rail clamp assembly for retainably engaging said portion of the continuous rail sections, and wherein at least a portion of said plural rail clamping shelves are selectively positionable between a first position, generally orthogonal to said portion of the continuous rail sections, to facilitate support thereof, and a second position enabling placement of said portion of the continuous rail sections into said rail securement rack from above.
2. {rotatable shelves} The rail securement rack of claim 1, and wherein: said plural rail clamping shelves are rotatably coupled to said support frame along a vertical axis, and rotatable between said first position and said second position, and wherein said second position aligns said plural rail clamping shelves in generally parallel alignment with said portion of the continuous rail sections, thereby facilitating the top loading.
3. The rail securement rack of claim 1, and wherein: said plural rail clamping shelves are replaceably coupled to said support frame between said first position and said second position to facilitate removal thereof for top loading, and replacement thereof for stacked support of the continuous rail sections.
4. The rail securement rack of claim 1, and wherein a portion of said rail clamp assemblies further comprise: plural hydraulic clamps arranged to apply clamp force against a corresponding portion of the continuous rail sections, to thereby retainable engage them against longitudinal movement with respect to said support frame.
5. The rail securement rack of claim 4, and further comprising: a hydraulic pump fluidly coupled to said plural hydraulic clamps to provide said clamp force.
6. The rail securement rack of claim 1, and wherein said rail clamp assembly further comprises: plural clamp plates and fasteners for connection to said plural rail clamping shelves to apply clamp force against the base flanges of said portion of the continuous rail sections to thereby retainable engage them to said plural rail clamping shelves.
7. The rail securement rack of claim 1, and wherein said rail clamp assembly further comprises: plural conformal clamps and fasteners for connection to said plural rail clamping shelves to apply conformal clamp force against said portion of the continuous rail sections to thereby retainable engage them to said plural rail clamping shelves.
8. A consist of flatcars for transporting continuous rail sections greater in length than a single flatcar, and adapted for top loading and end unloading of the rail sections, the consist comprising: a tie-down flatcar having a rail securement rack fixed thereto, said rail securement rack having a support frame, vertically oriented, plural rail clamping shelves configured to selectively engage said support frame in a stacked manner, and wherein each of said plural rail clamping shelves includes an upper surface for supporting a portion of the continuous rail sections thereupon, and a rail clamp assembly for retainably engaging said portion of the continuous rail sections, and wherein at least a portion of said plural rail clamping shelves are selectively positionable between a first position, generally orthogonal to said portion of the continuous rail sections, to facilitate support thereof, and a second position enabling placement of said portion of the continuous rail sections into said rail securement rack from above; plural support flatcars engaged in the consist with said tie-down flatcar, wherein each of said plural support flatcars has a roller rack fixed thereto that includes plural roller shelves that each comprise plural rollers to engage and support the rail sections in a manner to enable movement of the rail sections along a longitudinal axis of said consist, and wherein said plural roller shelves are pivotally mounted to said roller racks between a loading position that provides clearance for placement of the rail sections from above the consist, and a transport position generally orthogonal to the rail sections to facilitate support thereof during transit and unloading of the consist.
9. The consist of flatcars of claim 8, and wherein: said plural rail clamping shelves are rotatably coupled to said support frame along a vertical axis, and rotatable between said first position and said second position, and wherein said second position aligns said plural rail clamping shelves in generally parallel alignment with said portion of the continuous rail sections, thereby facilitating the top loading.
10. The consist of flatcars of claim 8, and wherein: said plural rail clamping shelves are replaceably coupled to said support frame between said first position and said second position to facilitate removal thereof for top loading, and replacement thereof for stacked support of the continuous rail sections.
11. The consist of flatcars of claim 8, and wherein a portion of said rail clamp assemblies further comprise: plural hydraulic clamps arranged to apply clamp force against a corresponding portion of the continuous rail sections, to thereby retainable engage them against longitudinal movement with respect to said support frame.
12. The consist of flatcars of claim 11, and further comprising: a hydraulic pump fluidly coupled to said plural hydraulic clamps to provide said clamp force.
13. The consist of flatcars of claim 8, and wherein said rail clamp assembly further comprises: plural clamp plates and fasteners for connection to said plural rail clamping shelves to apply clamp force against the base flanges of said portion of the continuous rail sections to thereby retainable engage them to said plural rail clamping shelves.
14. The consist of flatcars of claim 8, and wherein said rail clamp assembly further comprises: plural conformal clamps and fasteners for connection to said plural rail clamping shelves to apply conformal clamp force against said portion of the continuous rail sections to thereby retainable engage them to said plural rail clamping shelves.
15. The consist of flatcars for transporting continuous rail sections of claim 8, and further comprising; two end flatcars, each coupled to one of said two support flatcars, and having fixed thereto at least one of said roller racks, and each of said two end flatcars having a longitudinal barrier fixed adjacent to an unconnected end thereof, said longitudinal barriers having a door therein operable to open to thereby enable said rail sections to be drawn of an end of the consist of flatcars.
16. The consist of flatcars of claim 8, and further comprising: plural twistlock fastener disposed between each of said plural rail clamping shelves and said support frame, to thereby enable selective engagement therebetween.
17. The consist of flatcars of claim 8, and wherein: said support frame comprises two side supports and one center support, all vertically oriented, and wherein said plural rail clamping shelves are disposed between said center support and one of said two side supports.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a side view drawing of a consists for transporting continuous rail section according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a top view drawing of a consists for transporting continuous rail section according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a side view drawing of a tie-down flatcar useful in a consist for transporting continuous rail section according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a top view drawing of a tie-down flatcar useful in a consist for transporting continuous rail section according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a side view drawing of a roller support flatcar useful in a consist for transporting continuous rail section according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a top view drawing of a roller support flatcar useful in a consist for transporting continuous rail section according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a side view drawing of an end flatcar useful in a consist for transporting continuous rail section according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a top view drawing of an end flatcar useful in a consist for transporting continuous rail section according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 9 is an end view drawing of a flatcar with a roller support rack fixed thereto, for continuous rail sections according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a roller support rack for continuous rail sections according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 11 is an end view drawing of a flatcar with a rail securement rack fixed thereto, for continuous rail sections according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 12 is a side view drawing of a rail clamp shelf according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 13 is a top view drawing of a rail clamp shelf according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 14 is an end view drawing of a rail clamp shelf according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 15 is a section view drawing of a flatcar with a rail securement rack fixed thereto, for continuous rail sections according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 16 is an isometric view drawing of a rail clamp shelf according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 17 is process flow diagram for loading and unloading a rail consist with continuous rail sections according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 18 is a bottom view drawing of a hydraulic rail clamping shelf according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 19 is a side view drawing of a hydraulic rail clamping shelf according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 20 is an end view drawing of a hydraulic rail clamping shelf according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 21 is a partial end view drawing of a rail securement rack with rail clamps according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 22 is a detail drawing of a rail clamp arrangement according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 23 is a partial end view drawing of a rail securement rack with conformal rail clamps according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 24 is a detail drawing of a conformal rail clamp according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0044] Illustrative embodiments and exemplary applications will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings to disclose the advantageous teachings of the present invention.
[0045] While the present invention is described herein with reference to illustrative embodiments for particular applications, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications, and embodiments within the scope hereof and additional fields in which the present invention would be of significant utility.
[0046] In considering the detailed embodiments of the present invention, it will be observed that the present invention resides primarily in combinations of steps to accomplish various methods or components to form various apparatus and systems. Accordingly, the apparatus and system components, and method steps, have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the disclosures contained herein.
[0047] In this disclosure, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, upper and lower, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.
[0048] The present disclosure teaches a long rail transport train with fixtures and methods of using them. The rail train is configured to carry 320 foot or 480 foot long sections of rail using five or seven conventional 68-foot flatcars, which may be coupled with drawbars into a consist of flatcars that travel as a unit. In such an arrangement, the railcars are connected by solid drawbars and are not separable during transport. It should be noted that other rail lengths and car combinations are contemplated under the teachings of the present disclosure. In an illustrative embodiment, the flatcars each comprise at least two rail support structures spaced approximately 34-feet apart. Most of these are roller support racks that each have an array of rail support positions along which the rails are allowed to slide as they are carried by roller bearings. At each end of the train is an end rack, which is characterized as having an end stop to prevent longitudinal movement of the rails from sliding off the train, but also enabling longitudinal ‘play’ to accommodate relative movement of the rail ends as the train traverses curves and hills. The end rack also prevents excessive lateral movement of the rail ends, to keep them within a predetermined railway clearance profile. The center flatcar has at least one rail securement rack that fixedly locates the rails by gripping them with a clamp, which is manually engaged and disengaged.
[0049] In an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a five flatcar train is coupled with drawbars into a unit, referred to as a “consist” in railroad parlance, that is used to transport 320 foot sections of rail from a rail manufacturing mill directly to a job site for installation, thereby obviating the need for a separate rail welding and long train loading facility. The rails are loaded onto the train at the point of manufacture, by setting them from above using crane machines, and not by threading rails through the end of the train. Novel clamping and roller support mechanisms are provided to hold the rails on the consist and to facilitate their support and unloading. The technology of field-welding rail together has improved to where it is reasonable to weld 320-foot sections in the field, rather than requiring longer 1600-foot sections welded together at a separate facility. With the shorter trains, it becomes possible to lift the 320-foot sections of rail and set them on a five-flatcar consist, rather than having to thread them on through the end of the train, which requires at least 3200-feet of space to do. Also, the 1600-foot trains fall into the “Special Train Service” classification, which is more expensive and more limited in terms of routing options to the job sites. The five flatcar, 320-foot, consists can be handled using regular “Manifest Service” and this offers lower cost and more flexible routing in delivery to job sites and return of the consist for reuse.
[0050] By application of the teachings of the present disclosure, a number of operational benefits are realized. The top loading consist meets AAR (Association of American Railroads) open top loading requirements. In transport, for railroad purposes, this equipment is treated as one long railcar similar to an articulated intermodal car having a single car number. The present disclosure rail transport approach eliminates intermediary movement to rail welding plants for joining rails into 1600-foot segments. All of the fixtures, cars, and load fit within AAR clearance plate specifications. The train/consist will move in manifest (i.e. non-unit train) service when both empty and loaded with rail sections, and when the consist is waybilled, it will contain a destination and follow standard manifest network trip plan to that destination.
[0051] Reference is directed to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, which are side view and top view drawings, respectively, of a five flatcar consists 2 for transporting continuous rail sections 10 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. A tie down car flatcar 4 is positioned near the center of the consist 2, and is characterized as having at least one rail securement rack 12 fixed to its deck. In this embodiment, there are two rail securement racks 12. The primary purpose of a rail securement rack is to clamp the rails 10 at fixed positions relative to the flatcar 4, particularly along the longitudinal axis of the consist 2. The consist 2 further includes plural roller support flatcars 6, which are characterized as having roller support racks 14, which support the rails 10, but enable longitudinal movement of the rails 10 by virtue of roller bearing support. The roller racks 14 facilitate end unloading of the rails and also accommodate longitudinal movement between the cars during transport, and thermal expansion of the rails 10 themselves. An end car 8 is positioned at both ends of the consist 2. The end cars 8 are characterized as having a longitudinal barrier 20 and a pair of lateral barriers 18. The end cars 8 may also include one or more roller support racks 16. The pair of lateral barriers 18 are a pair vertical barriers fixed to the end car deck along the sides of the end car 8, adjacent to the unconnected end of the end car 8, which prevent movement of the rails 10 from extending off the side of the end car 8 in either lateral direction, and prevents the ends of the rails 10 from swinging wide in turns, possibly exceeding railroad lateral clearance regulations. The longitudinal barriers 20 prevents any rail 10 sliding off the consist 2, which might occur should the rail securement racks 12 fail to retain the rails 10. The longitudinal barriers 20 are vertical barrier positioned at the unconnected end of the end cars 8 to prevent the rails 10 from sliding off the end of the end car 8, and have a pair of doors supported on vertical hinges the enable the doors to swing between a closed position where the rails 10 are retained on the consist 2, and an open positions where the rails 10 may be drawn off either end of the consist 2 at the time they are unloaded at a job site.
[0052] Reference is directed to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, which are side view and top view drawings, respectively, of a tie-down flatcar 4 useful in a consist for transporting continuous rail sections according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The flatcar 4 is illustrated as a conventional 68-foot flatcar with conventional couplers 5. However, other lengths and types of railcars could be employed under the teachings of the present invention. Further, other embodiments employ drawbars in place of the conventional couplers 5 for assembly of plural flatcars into a unitized consist. The tie down flatcar 4 is characterized as having at least one rail securement rack 12, however, this embodiment employs a pair of rail securement racks 12. The rail securement racks 12 include a center support 46 and a pair of side supports 44, which are fixedly secured to the flatcar 4. The rail securement racks employ drop-down rail clamping shelves with a bottom sill shelf and rack support channels permanently fixed to the railcar deck. The middle and top shelves are loaded into rack support channels from above, via crane. The rail clamping shelves are connected, one above the other, using twistlock fasteners, and the top shelf is bolted to rack support channels. These features will be more fully discussed hereinafter.
[0053] Reference is directed to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, which are side view and top view drawings, respectively, of a roller support flatcar 6 useful in a consist for transporting continuous rail sections according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The flatcar 6 is illustrated as a conventional 68-foot flatcar. However, other lengths and types of railcars could be employed under the teachings of the present invention. The roller support flatcar 6 is characterized as having at least one roller support rack 14, however, this embodiment employs a pair of roller support racks 14. The roller support racks 14 include a center support 22 and a pair of side supports 24, which are fixedly secured to the flatcar 6.
[0054] Reference is directed to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, which are side view and top view drawings, respectively, of an end flatcar 8 useful in a consist for transporting continuous rail sections according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The flatcar 8 is illustrated as a conventional 68-foot flatcar. However, other lengths and types of railcars could be employed under the teachings of the present invention. The end flatcar 8 is characterized as having a pair of lateral barriers 18 along opposing side of the flatcar 8, which serve to limit lateral movement of the rail ends (not shown) as the consist rounds tight radius curves. These barriers 18 are sized and positioned according to the rail loading arrangement of the particular consist parameters, and are fabricated from conventional mild steel structural sections and plate. The end car 8 is further characterized has having a longitudinal barrier 20 adjacent one end of the flatcar 8. The longitudinal barrier 20 includes a pair of doors 21, which are illustrated in the closed position, but also swing to an open position (not shown). In the closed position, the doors limit the longitudinal range of movement possible for the rails (not shown). This is a security and safety feature of the system, as the primary control of longitudinal movement of the rails is provided by the rail securement racks, discussed in further detail herein. When the doors 21 are opened, the rail sections (not shown) may be removed by pulling or pushing them off the end of the consist. The end car 8 may also comprise one or more roller support racks 16, as may be required to properly support the rail sections (not shown). These roller support racks 16 are essentially the same as roller support racks 14 discussed herein.
[0055] Reference is directed to FIG. 9, which is an end view drawing of a flatcar 6, 8 with a roller support rack 14, 16 fixed thereto, for continuous rail sections 10 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The roller support rack, or “roller rack,” 14, 16 comprises vertical supports 22 and 24 that are fixed to the flatcar 6, 8 by welding or other serviceable structural connection. In this embodiment, there is one center vertical support 22 and two side vertical supports 24. In other embodiments, just two vertical supports may be employed. A pair of roller sills 28 are also fixed to the flatcar 6, 8, and present plural roller bearings 36 for supporting plural sections of rail 10 thereon. The pair of roller sills 28 also present rail spacers 34 on their upper surface, which are steel bars or plate that separate the feet of adjacent rail sections 10, also referred as the rail flanges. This arrangement prevents one rail section from dragging an adjacent rail sections along with it as it is pulled from the consist, and also serves to precisely located the rail sections along the lateral direction.
[0056] The roller rack 14, 16 in FIG. 9 includes hinge pins 38 disposed in a vertical direction and fixed to the side vertical supports 24. Plural roller shelves 30 are stacked vertically and pivotally coupled to the side vertical supports 24 such that the roller shelves 30 can rotate through approximately ninety degrees from being aligned along a lateral axis of the flatcar 6, 8 (as illustrated) to being aligned along a longitudinal axis the the flatcar 6, 8. In this manner the upper roller racks 30 can be swung out of the way to load rail sections 10 on the lower roller shelves 30. Also, a pair of caps 32 are pivotally coupled to the hinge pins 38, which serve to cover and retain the rail sections 10 on the upper most roller shelves 30. Also note that the several roller shelves 30 include rail spacers 34 on their upper surfaces, which are steel bars or plate that separate the feet of adjacent rail sections 10.
[0057] Reference is directed to FIG. 10, which is an isometric view of a roller support rack 14, 16 for continuous rail sections according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. This view omits the rail sections illustrated in FIG. 9, rather showing the pivoting movement of the roller shelves 30 and caps 32. In FIG. 10, the flatcar 6, 8 is partially shown, including a portion of its deck 7 surface to which the one center vertical support 22 and two side vertical supports 24 are welded. In addition, the pair of roller sills 28 are also fixed to the flatcar 6, 8, deck surface 7. The tops of the hinge pins 38 disposed in a vertical direction and fixed to the side vertical supports 24 can be seen in this view. The plural roller shelves 30 are stacked vertically and pivotally coupled to the side vertical supports 24 such that the roller shelves 30 can rotate through approximately ninety degrees as illustrated. In this manner the upper roller racks 30 can be swung out of the way to load rail sections (not shown) on the lower roller shelves 30. Also, the pair of caps 32 are pivotally coupled to the hinge pins 38. Each roller shelf 30 comprises plural roller bearings 36 on the upper surface for supporting rail sections (not shown), and oriented such that the rail sections can be drawn off the consist (not shown) from either end of the consist. Each roller shelf 30 also includes plural rail spacers 34 disposed between the plural rollers 36. On the distal end of each roller shelf 30 and the caps 32 is located a twistlock socket 40. On the center support 22 is located plural twistlock fasteners 42 that correspond to the plural twist lock sockets 40 such that the roller shelves 30 and caps 32 can be locked in the closed position adjacent the center support 22, and aligned laterally during transport. Twistlock fastener systems are well known to those in the container, intermodal, and shipping arts.
[0058] Reference is directed to FIG. 11, which is an end view drawing of a tie down flatcar 4 with a rail securement rack 12 fixed thereto, for continuous rail sections 10 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The function of the rail securement rack 12 is to fix the position of the plural rails 10 with respect to the flatcar 4 specifically, and the consist (not shown) generally. In this embodiment, the rail securement rack secures six layers of ten rails, five on each side, for a total of sixty 320-foot long rail sections. The securement action is accomplished in the illustrative embodiment by urging clamping pressure of plural rail clamps 58 against the plural rails 10, particularly urging against the feet, or base flanges, of those rails 10. The structure of the rail securement rack 12 includes a pair of structural side supports 44, which are fixed to the flatcar by welding or other suitable structural connection, and a center support 46, also fixed to the flatcar 4 by structural connection. A pair of rail sills 54 are disposed between the center 46 and side 44 supports to support the lowest layer of rails 10. Sequentially stacked thereabove are plural rail clamping shelves 52, with layers of rails 10 disposed therebetween, and at the top of the stack is a pair of rail cap clamps 50, which serve to urge clamping pressure against the top layer of rails 10. The side 44 and center 46 supports are further joined at their upper ends with a pair of structural members 48, such as C-channel, that are bolted in place after the rail securement rack 12 is loaded with rail sections 10. Each of the rail clamping shelves 52 and rail cap clamps 50 comprise rail clamps 58 that are urged against the rails 10 using an internal rail clamping mechanism, which will be more fully described hereinafter. Further, each of the rail sills 54 and rail clamp shelves 52 comprise rail spacers 56 on their upper surface, which are steel bars or plate that separate the feet of adjacent rail sections 10. This arrangement prevents one rail section 10 from dragging adjacent rail sections along with it as it is pulled from the consist, and also serves to precisely located the rail sections along the lateral direction of the rail securement rack 12.
[0059] Reference is directed to FIGS. 12, 13, and 14, which are side view, top view, and end view drawings, respectively, of a rail clamp shelf 52 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. At each of the two ends of the rail clamp shelf 52 are located a twist lock fastener 66 on the upper portion thereof and a twist lock corner casting 68 on a lower portion thereof, which presents twistlock sockets 67, as are known to those skilled in the art. With this arrangement, the rail clamp shelves 52 can be stacked one atop the other and fixedly joined using the twistlock fastening system 66, 68. Thus, the rail clamp shelves 52 can be completely removed from the rail securement rack (item 12 in FIG. 11) such that the rail sections (not shown) can be laid in place from above and then another rail clamp shelf 52 place on top, and so on in sequence until the rail securement rack is full, at which time the rail cap clamp (item 50 in FIG. 11) is attached at the top of the stack.
[0060] The rail clamp shelf 52 in FIGS. 12, 13, and 14 further include the aforementioned rail spacers 56 on their upper surface, which are steel bars or plate that separate the feet of adjacent rail sections (not shown). Extending downward from the rail clamp shelf 52 are plural clamp bosses 62 which extend and support the plural rail clamps 58 that are urged against the rail section feet, also referred to as base flanges (not shown). The clamp bosses 62 provide the extension needed to clear the rail section head and rail section web so that the rail clamps 58 can engage the rail section feet (not shown). At the outboard side of each rail clamp shelf, a clamp actuator 70 and actuator lock 72 are accessible for an operator to apply claiming force. A hex head bolt is presented as the clamp actuator 70, such that conventional wrenches, hex sockets, and impact wrenches can be utilized to apply clamping force. The internal mechanism of the rail clamping shelve 52 and rail cap clamp (item 50 in FIG. 11) will be more fully described hereinafter.
[0061] Reference is directed to FIG. 15, which is a section view drawing of a tie down flatcar 4 with a rail securement rack 12 fixed thereto, for continuous rail sections 10 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. This figure illustrates some of the internal components of the rail clamp shelves 52 and rail cap clamp 50, and how they interconnect with one another. Note that there are plural instances of rails sections 10 and rail clamp shelves 52, as well as the subcomponents, and that not every instance is identified with reference numerals. It is to be understood that like elements are identified with like reference numerals, even though the reference numerals don't appear for every instance of such elements in the drawing figures. The securement action is accomplished in the illustrative embodiment by urging clamping pressure of plural rail clamps 58 against the plural rails 10, particularly urging against the feet rails 10. The structure of the rail securement rack 12 includes a pair of structural side supports 44, which are fixed to the flatcar, and a center support 46, also fixed to the flatcar 4. A pair of rail sills 54 are disposed between the center 46 and side 44 supports to support the lowest layer of rails 10. Sequentially stacked thereabove are plural rail clamping shelves 52, with layers of rails 10 disposed therebetween, and at the top of the stack is a pair of rail cap clamps 50, which serve to urge clamping pressure against the top layer of rails 10. Each of these are connected using corresponding sets of twist lock fasteners 66 and twistlock corner castings 68, as are known to those skilled in the art. The side 44 and center 46 supports are further joined at their upper ends with a pair of structural members 48 that are bolted in place after the rail securement rack 12 is loaded with rail sections 10 in this embodiment. Each of the rail clamping shelves 52 and rail cap clamps 50 comprise rail clamps 58 that are urged against the rails 10 using an internal rail clamping mechanism, 70, 74, and 76, which will be more fully described hereinafter. The rail clamps 58 are support by clamp bosses 62 that extend downward from the rail clamp shelves 52.
[0062] Reference is directed to FIG. 16, which is an isometric view drawing of a rail clamp shelf 52 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The internal structures depicted herein also apply to the rail cap clamp (item 50 in FIG. 11). Within rail clamp shelf 52 is a clamp carriage 63 that has at least one ramp surface 65 on its upper surface. In the illustrative embodiment, there are two opposing ramp surfaces 65 on the clamp carriage 63. The clamp carriage 63 has plural clamp bosses 62 extending downwardly therefrom, which each support a corresponding rail clamp 58. The length of the rail clamps 58 extension from the clamp bosses 62 may be adjusted using a pin and clip, if needed. The vertical position of the clamp carriage 63 is adjusted downwardly to apply clamping force against the rail sections (not shown) by engagement of a pair of ramp drivers 76 with corresponding ramp surfaces 65 on the clamp carriage 63 to urge the clamp carriage 63 downward as the ramp drivers 76 are urged up the ramp surfaces 65 by ramp driver actuator 74, which is a threaded rod in this embodiment. This is a classic inclined-plane manner of converting force. Of course, the converse movement will enable the clamp carriage 63 to move up and release the clamping forces on the rail sections (not shown). The ramp driver actuator 74 is threaded on its exterior surface to engage threads in the ramp drivers 76. The ramp driver actuator 74 is rotatably coupled to the rail clamp shelf 52 using a pair of suitable bearings 80. The outboard end of the ramp driver actuator 74 presents a hex extension for coupling to a suitable tool, such as an impact wrench and drive socket. The actuator lock 78 interferes with rotation of the ramp diver actuator 74, to thereby lock the ramp divers 76 in position.
[0063] Reference is directed to FIG. 17, which is process flow diagram for loading and unloading a rail consist with continuous rail sections according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The process begins at step 82 and proceeds to step 84 where a consist of five 86-foot rail flatcars are assembled, which may be joined together with drawbars as the consist travels as a unit. At this step, the various fixtures are, or have been, placed on the flatcars. This includes one or more rail securement racks, plural roller support racks, lateral barriers and longitudinal barriers at the ends of the consists. In preparation of loading rail sections onto the consist, at step 86, all of the rail clamping shelves and roller support shelves are moved to open positions. At step 88, a layer of rail sections is placed onto the clamping and roller shelves from above. At step 90, and next higher set of clamping and roller shelves are moved into their respective closed positions. At step 92, if all the racks are not full, then the process returns to step 88 where another layer and rail section are loaded onto the consist from above, and the process continues. On the other hand, at step 92, if the racks are full of rail sections, then the process continues to step 94.
[0064] Continuing with FIG. 17, at step 94, the clamps on all the clamping shelves are tightened to secure all the rail sections within the rail securement racks, and the fixtures are all secured in preparation of transport. At step 96, the consist is routed to a rail installation job site, ready for unloading and installation of the rail sections. At step 98, a longitudinal barrier at the end of the consist from which rail sections will be unloaded is opened, and the rail securement clamps are released. At step 100, the rail sections are drawn off the end of the consist. At step 102, the process returns.
[0065] Reference is directed to FIGS. 18, 19, and 20, which are a bottom view drawing, an end view drawing, and a side view drawing, respectively, of a hydraulic rail clamping shelf 110 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The shelf 110 consists of a generally rectangular frame 112 which includes upper assembly brackets 114 and lower assembly brackets 116 at each end thereof, as illustrated. The brackets 114, 116 facilitate stacked assembly of plural shelves 112 in the support frame (not shown) of the rail securement rack (not shown) in the illustrative embodiment. The brackets 114, 116 cooperatively align and are coupled together with fasteners, such as bolts or other suitable devices. On the upper surface of the frame are plural rail guides 118, which serve to separate the individual continuous rail sections resting thereupon, as described hereinbefore. Within the frame 112 are position plural hydraulic cylinders 112 with corresponding cylinder shafts 123 extending downwardly therefrom. The cylinder shafts 123 are connected to extensions members 124, which each terminated in a rail engaging member 126. The rail engaging members 126 are formed to engage two adjacent base flanges, called “feet”, of the plural plural continuous rail sections on the next lower shelf in the aforementioned stacked arrangement. A hydraulic hand pump 120 is attached at one end of the frame 112, which enables an operator to cycle the pump, thereby urging hydraulic fluid to drive the cylinder shafts 124, as well as the extensions 124 and rail engaging members 126, downwardly. In this manner, the plural continuous rail sections on the next lower shelf (not shown) are retained against longitudinal movement.
[0066] Reference is directed to FIG. 21, which is a partial end view drawing of a rail securement rack 129 with rail clamps 142, and to FIG. 22, which is a detail drawing of a single rail clamp 142 arrangement, both according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The rail securement rack 129 is fixed to the rail flatcar 130 on its deck surface 132, such as by welded attachment. Vertical members 134 and 136 extend upwardly from the deck 132 and support plural rail clamping shelves 138 in stacked arrangement, as illustrated. Each of the plural rail clamping shelves support a portion of the continuous rail sections 140, as illustrated. Plural rail clamp assemblies 142 are disposed between, and at the ends 144 of, the plural rail sections 140, and engage the rail base flange by compressive force to hold them in place. Each rail clamp assembly 142 includes a straddle plate 154 that engages the rail sections 140, as illustrated. A bolt 150 and washer 152 engage the rail shelf 138 and attach thereto by threaded engagement. The end clamps 144 engage a single rail section, and are modified as required to suit the specific rail section arrangement.
[0067] Reference is directed to FIG. 23, which is a partial end view drawing of a rail securement rack 159 with conformal rail clamps 172, and to FIG. 24, which is a detail drawing of a single conformal rail clamp 172 arrangement, both according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The rail securement rack 159 is fixed to the rail flatcar 160 on its deck surface 162, such as by welded attachment. Vertical members 164 and 166 extend upwardly from the deck 162 and support plural rail clamping shelves 168 in stacked arrangement, as illustrated. Each of the plural rail clamping shelves 168 support a portion of the continuous rail sections 170, as illustrated. Plural rail clamp assemblies 172 are disposed about the individual rail sections 170, and and grip them in conformal fashion by compressive force of a fastener (discussed below). Each rail clamp assembly 172 includes a left conformal member 176 and a right conformal member 174, which are cooperatively arranged to follow the corresponding side profiles the rail section 170. The lower portion of the conformal side members 176, 174 include an extension tab 180, 182, respectively, which are inserted into slots formed in the rail shelf 168. At the upper end of the conformal sections 176, 174 is a joining bolt set 182, which is tightened in place to provided compressive gripping forces between the sides 176, 174 to thereby securely grip the rail sections 170.
[0068] Thus, the present invention has been described herein with reference to a particular embodiment for a particular application. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the present teachings will recognize additional modifications, applications and embodiments within the scope thereof.
[0069] It is therefore intended by the appended claims to cover any and all such applications, modifications and embodiments within the scope of the present invention.
