Impact resistant end of train device

Abstract

An end of train device includes an enclosure having an exterior and a hollow interior housing a plurality of components; and a protective arrangement disposed within the hollow interior of the enclosure and fitted at least partially around at least one component housed within the hollow interior. The protective arrangement defines at least one compartment for the at least one component of the plurality components. The protective arrangement at least partially supports and isolates the at least one component from the enclosure. The device also includes an impact resistant handle disposed on the exterior of the enclosure. The handle is configured to absorb impacts without causing substantial deformation to the enclosure.

Claims

1. An end of train (EOT) device configured to be mechanically fastened to at least one end of a rail car, comprising: an enclosure defining an exterior and a hollow interior, the hollow interior being configured to receive at least one EOT device component therein; and a protective arrangement comprising at least one piece of shaped resilient material disposed within the hollow interior of the enclosure, wherein the at least one piece of shaped resilient material comprises one or more material densities, wherein the at least one piece of shaped resilient material defines a compartment for the at least one EOT device component and is configured to be at least partially fitted around the at least one EOT device component, wherein the at least one piece of shaped resilient material is configured to completely support and mechanically isolate the at least one EOT device component within the hollow interior, and wherein the at least one piece of shaped resilient material is configured to reduce any impact from shock or vibration on the at least one EOT device component.

2. The EOT device according to claim 1, wherein the EOT device does not comprise any additional fasteners or brackets for securing the at least one EOT device component to the enclosure and the at least one piece of shaped resilient material is configured to allow the at least one EOT device component to float within the enclosure.

3. The EOT device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one piece of shaped resilient material is formed from closed cell polyethylene foam.

4. The EOT device according to claim 1, wherein the protective arrangement comprises a plurality of pieces of shaped resilient material.

5. The EOT device according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of pieces of shaped resilient material comprises at least two pieces of shaped resilient material for the at least one EOT device component, the at least two pieces of shaped resilient material being configured to define the compartment for the at least one EOT device component.

6. The EOT device according to claim 5, wherein each piece of the at least two pieces of shaped resilient material is individually configured to be at least partially fitted around the at least one EOT device component, to cooperatively engage at least one other piece of shaped resilient material in the enclosure, and to cooperatively engage at least a portion of the hollow interior of the enclosure to support the at least one EOT device component.

7. The EOT device according to claim 4, wherein at least one piece of shaped resilient material of the plurality of pieces of shaped resilient material has a different material density from at least one other piece of shaped resilient material of the plurality of pieces of shaped resilient material.

8. The EOT device according to claim 7, wherein at least one piece of shaped resilient material positioned at a lower end of the hollow interior of the enclosure has a higher material density than at least one piece of shaped resilient material positioned at an upper end of the hollow interior of the enclosure.

9. The EOT device according to claim 1, wherein a single piece of shaped resilient material has a varying material density across at least one of a height, a width, or a length of the piece.

10. The EOT device according to claim 1, wherein the protective arrangement is configured to accommodate ancillary components of the end of train device.

11. The EOT device according to claim 10, wherein the protective arrangement includes at least one groove for accommodating wires within the hollow interior of the enclosure.

12. The EOT device according to claim 1, further comprising an impact resistant handle disposed on the exterior of the enclosure, the handle being configured to absorb impacts without causing substantial deformation of the enclosure.

13. The EOT device according to claim 12, wherein the handle is formed from a flexible material.

14. The EOT device according to claim 13, wherein the flexible material is polyurethane.

15. The EOT device according to claim 12, wherein the handle includes at least one hole disposed at each end, each hole having a reinforcement bushing disposed therein for fastening the handle to the exterior of the enclosure.

16. The EOT device according to claim 1, wherein the hollow interior of the enclosure includes elements for engaging the protective arrangement to maintain a position of the protective arrangement within the hollow interior of the enclosure.

17. The EOT device according to claim 1, wherein the EOT device is configured to be attached to a coupler on the rail car.

18. A method of supporting at least one device component within an end of train (EOT) device, the EOT device being configured to be mechanically fastened to at least one end of a rail car, the method comprising: providing the EOT device, the EOT device comprising: an enclosure defining an exterior and a hollow interior, the hollow interior being configured to receive at least one EOT device component therein; and a protective arrangement comprising at least one piece of shaped resilient material disposed within the hollow interior of the enclosure, wherein the at least one piece of shaped resilient material comprises one or more material densities, and wherein the at least one piece of shaped resilient material defines a compartment for the at least one EOT device component; fitting the at least one piece of shaped resilient material at least partially around the at least one EOT device component; completely supporting and mechanically isolating the at least one EOT device component within the hollow interior of the enclosure with the at least one piece of shaped resilient material; and reducing impact from shock or vibration on the at least one EOT device component with the at least one piece of shaped resilient material.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the EOT device does not comprise any additional fasteners or brackets for securing the at least one EOT device component to the enclosure and the at least one piece of shaped resilient material is configured to allow the at least one EOT device component to float within the enclosure.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein the at least one piece of shaped resilient material comprises at least two pieces of shaped resilient material and the fitting step comprises fitting the at least two pieces of shaped resilient material at least partially around the at least one EOT device component to define the compartment for the at least one EOT device component.

21. The method according to claim 20, further comprising the step of individually configuring the at least two pieces of shaped resilient material to be fitted around the at least one EOT device component, to cooperatively engage at least one other piece of shaped resilient material in the enclosure, and to cooperatively engage at least a portion of the hollow interior of the enclosure.

22. The method according to claim 18, wherein the one or more material densities comprise multiple material densities and the method further comprises the step of selecting the multiple material densities of the at least one piece of shaped resilient material such that the at least one piece of shaped resilient material has a higher material density at a lower end of the hollow interior of the enclosure than at an upper end of the hollow interior of the enclosure.

23. The method according to claim 18, further comprising the step of selecting the one or more material densities of the at least one piece of shaped resilient material in accordance with specific vibration characteristics of the EOT device and the at least one EOT device component.

24. The method according to claim 18, wherein the EOT device is configured to be attached to a coupler on the rail car.

25. An end of train (EOT) device configured to be mechanically fastened to at least one end of a rail car, comprising: an enclosure defining an exterior and a hollow interior, the hollow interior being configured to receive a plurality of EOT device components therein; and a protective arrangement comprising at least one piece of shaped resilient material disposed within the hollow interior of the enclosure, wherein the at least one piece of shaped resilient material comprises one or more material densities, wherein the at least one piece of shaped resilient material defines a separate compartment for each of the plurality of EOT device components and is configured to be at least partially fitted around each of the plurality of EOT device components, wherein the at least one piece of shaped resilient material is configured to completely support and mechanically isolate the plurality of EOT device components within the hollow interior, and wherein the at least one piece of shaped resilient material is configured to reduce any impact from shock or vibration on the plurality of EOT device components.

26. The EOT device according to claim 25, wherein the at least one piece of shaped resilient material is formed from closed cell polyethylene foam.

27. The EOT device according to claim 25, wherein the EOT device is configured to be attached to a coupler on the rail car.

28. The EOT device according to claim 25, wherein the at least one piece of shaped resilient material comprises a plurality of pieces of shaped resilient material.

29. The EOT device according to claim 28, wherein the plurality of pieces of shaped resilient material comprises at least two pieces of shaped resilient material for each of the plurality of EOT device components, wherein the at least two pieces of shaped resilient material for each of the plurality of EOT device components are fitted around a respective EOT device component to define the separate compartment for the respective EOT device component, and wherein the at least two pieces of shaped resilient material for each of the plurality of EOT device components are configured to cooperatively engage each other and to cooperatively engage the hollow interior of the enclosure.

30. The EOT device according to claim 28, wherein at least one piece of shaped resilient material of the plurality of pieces of shaped resilient material has a different material density from at least one other piece of shaped resilient material of the plurality of pieces of shaped resilient material.

31. The EOT device according to claim 30, wherein at least one piece of shaped resilient material positioned at a lower end of the hollow interior of the enclosure has a higher material density than at least one piece of shaped resilient material positioned at an upper end of the hollow interior of the enclosure.

32. The EOT device according to claim 25, wherein the hollow interior of the enclosure includes elements for engaging the protective arrangement to maintain a position of the protective arrangement within the hollow interior of the enclosure.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an end of train device according to a preferred and non-limiting embodiment of this disclosure;

(2) FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the end of train device of FIG. 1;

(3) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an arrangement of foam packing and internal components of the end of train device of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an upper portion of the arrangement of foam packing and internal components of FIG. 3;

(5) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a lower portion of the arrangement of foam packing and internal components of FIG. 3;

(6) FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the arrangement of foam packing and internal components of FIG. 3;

(7) FIG. 7 is an upper perspective view of an impact resistant handle of the end of train device of FIG. 1;

(8) FIG. 8 is a lower perspective view of the impact resistant handle of FIG. 7;

(9) FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the impact resistant handle of FIG. 7; and

(10) FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the impact resistant handle of FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(11) For purposes of the description hereinafter, the spatial orientation terms, such as “end”, “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”, “longitudinal” and derivatives thereof, if used, shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention and should not be considered as limiting. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting. Further, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary.

(12) FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an end of train device (EOT) 10 configured to be mechanically fastened to at least one end of a rail car, in particular for attachment to a coupler on a rail car, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The EOT 10 includes an enclosure 11 including a lid 12 and a base body 13, which define an exterior of the enclosure 11, and a hollow interior 14 accessible by removing the lid 12 from the base body 13. The lid 12 may be removably fastened or otherwise secured to the base body 13 to allow for access to the hollow interior 14 of the enclosure 11. The enclosure 11 may be made from a variety of materials, including various metals and plastics.

(13) With reference to FIGS. 2-6, a plurality of different internal components, such as a battery 15, a generator 16, and an electronics module 17 may be disposed within the hollow interior 14 of the enclosure 11. A protective arrangement 20 that includes at least one piece of packing, which may be formed as a piece of shaped resilient material, is also disposed within the hollow interior 14 of the enclosure 11. The protective arrangement 20 is fitted at least partially around each of the different components 15, 16, 17 housed within the hollow interior 14 of the enclosure 11. In particular, the protective arrangement 20 is fitted fully around each of the plurality of components 15, 16, 17. The protective arrangement 20 defines a first compartment 27 for the battery 15, a second compartment 28 for the generator 16, and a third compartment 29 for the electronics module 17. As shown in FIGS. 3-6, the protective arrangement 20 at least partially supports and isolates the different components 15, 16, 17 from the surrounding enclosure 11 within the respective compartments 27, 28, 29. In particular, the protective arrangement 20 completely supports and isolates the different components 15, 16, 17 from the surrounding enclosure 11. It is to be appreciated that the term “different components” as used herein refers to at least two components that are not structurally and/or functionally equivalent to each other, although more than one of the same component may be housed within hollow interior 14 of the enclosure 11 and supported by the arrangement 20. It is also to be appreciated that the battery 15, the generator 16, and the electronics module 17 are described herein as exemplary components. The enclosure 11 of the EOT 10 may be used to house any number of various components according to the purpose and configuration of the EOT 10.

(14) With further reference to FIGS. 2-6, the protective arrangement 20 comprises a plurality of pieces of packing. In particular, the protective arrangement 20 includes at least two pieces of packing for each of the different components 15, 16, 17 housed within the hollow interior 14 of the enclosure 11. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 6, the protective arrangement 20 includes a first piece 21 and a second piece 22 of packing that are fitted around the battery 15 to define the compartment 27 for the battery 15. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the protective arrangement 20 includes a third piece 23 and a fourth piece 24 of packing that are fitted around the generator 16 to define the compartment 28 for the generator 16. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, the protective arrangement 20 includes a fifth piece 25 and a sixth piece 26 of packing that are fitted around the electronics module 17 to define the compartment 29 for the electronics module 17. Accordingly, the protective arrangement 20 is placed between each of the plurality of different components 15, 16, 17 and between the different components 15, 16, 17 and the hollow interior 14 of the enclosure 11 to locate, support, and protect the components 15, 16, 17. By allowing the components to float inside the enclosure 11, the components 15, 16, 17 are isolated from vibrations introduced to the EOT 10 at the coupler mount point.

(15) As can be appreciated from FIGS. 2-6, each of the plurality of pieces of packing 21-26 is individually configured to be at least partially and in particular fully fitted around a respective different component 15, 16, 17, to cooperatively engage at least one other piece of packing 21-26 in the enclosure 11, and to cooperatively engage at least a portion of the hollow interior 14 of the enclosure 11 to at least partially and in particular completely support and isolate the respective different component 15, 16, 17 within the hollow interior 14 of the enclosure 11. To that end, the pieces of packing 21-26 may be individually formed or cut to fit together in a predetermined manner and to include various ribs, ridges, channels, ledges, and flanges for engaging each other, the different components 15, 16, 17, and the hollow interior 14 of the enclosure 11 depending upon the configuration of the EOT 10. Further, as shown in FIGS. 2-5, the pieces of packing 21-26 of the protective arrangement 20 may be individually formed or cut to accommodate ancillary components of the EOT 10. For instance, the first piece 21 of packing includes at least one groove 34 defined therein to accommodate one or more wires (not shown) within the hollow interior 14 of the enclosure 11. The pieces of packing 21-26 may also be formed to define or partially define more than one compartment 27, 28, 29. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 3-6, the fifth piece 25 and the sixth piece 26 of packing also form a portion of the compartment 28 for the generator 16. As shown in FIG. 2, the hollow interior 14 of the enclosure 11 may further incorporate elements 18, such as ledges or flanges, for engaging one or more pieces of packing 21-26 of the protective arrangement 20 to maintain the position of the protective arrangement 20, and thus the different components 15, 16, 17, within the hollow interior 14 of the enclosure 11. As such, additional fasteners and/or brackets, such as those used in traditional shock mounts, connecting the enclosure 11 to the protective arrangement 20 and/or the plurality of different components 15, 16, 17 are not needed for securing the components 15, 16, 17 in the EOT 10.

(16) According to another embodiment of the present invention, the protective arrangement 20 includes a single piece of packing that defines multiple compartments 27, 28, 29 for each of the plurality of different components 15, 16, 17. According to yet another embodiment, the protective arrangement 20 includes one piece of packing for each of the plurality of different components 15, 16, 17 that defines the compartment for the component 15, 16, 17. The individual pieces of packing engage the inner housing 14 of the enclosure 11, but need not cooperatively engage each other.

(17) It is to be appreciated that the pieces of packing 21-26 of the protective arrangement 20 may be formed from any material or a variety of materials known to be suitable to those having ordinary skill in the art. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pieces of packing 21-26 are formed from a resilient foam material. In particular, the pieces of packing 21-26 are formed from closed cell polyethylene foam.

(18) The pieces of packing 21-26 may also be formed to have different densities from each other such that the density of foam within the protective arrangement 20 can vary according to the position of the piece of packing 21-26 within the protective arrangement 20 and/or the hollow interior 14, according to the different component 15, 16, 17 fitted within the piece of packing 21-26, or according to the vibration characteristics of the EOT 10 and the mounting of the device 10 on a railcar or railcar coupling. A single piece of packing 21-26 may be formed to have a varying density across its length, width, and/or height in accordance with the same principles. According to one embodiment of the present invention, pieces of packing positioned at a lower end of the hollow interior 14 of the enclosure 11, such as the first piece 21 and the second piece 22 of packing fitted around the battery 15, have a higher density than pieces of packing positioned at an upper end of the hollow interior 14 of the enclosure 11, such as the fifth piece 25 and the sixth piece 26 of packing fitted around the electronics module 17. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the density of the pieces of packing 21-26 of the protective arrangement 20 are selected in accordance with the specific vibration characteristics of the EOT 10 and the plurality of different components 15, 16, 17 to minimize the vibration transmitted to each of the plurality of different components 15, 16, 17.

(19) With reference to FIGS. 2-6, a method of supporting a plurality of different components 15, 16, 17 within the EOT 10 includes the steps of providing the enclosure 11 having an exterior and a hollow interior 14 housing the plurality of different components 15, 16, 17; providing the protective arrangement 20 disposed within the hollow interior 14 of the enclosure 11, the protective arrangement 20 defines a compartment 27, 28, 29 for each of the plurality of different components 15, 16, 17; fitting the protective arrangement 20 at least partially around each different component 15, 16, 17 housed within the hollow interior 14; supporting each of the plurality of different components 15, 16, 17 within the hollow interior 14 with the protective arrangement 20; and isolating each of the plurality of different components 15, 16, 17 within the hollow interior 14 of the enclosure 11 with the protective arrangement 20. The step of providing the protective arrangement 20 may include providing at least two pieces of packing 21-26 for each of the plurality of different components 15, 16, 17 and the fitting step may include fitting the at least two pieces of packing 21-26 at least partially around each of the plurality of different components 15, 16, 17 to define the compartment 27, 28, 29 for each of the plurality of different components 15, 16, 17. The method may further include the step of individually configuring each piece of packing 21-26 to be fitted around a respective one of the plurality of different components 15, 16, 17, to cooperatively engage at least one other piece of packing 21-26 in the enclosure 11, and to cooperatively engage at least a portion of the hollow interior 14 of the enclosure 11 to support the respective one of the plurality of different components 15, 16, 17 within the hollow interior 14.

(20) The method may further include the step of selecting a particular density for each piece of packing 21-26 such that the pieces of packing 21, 22 positioned at a lower end of the hollow interior 14 of the enclosure 11 have a higher density than the pieces of packing 25, 26 positioned at an upper end of the hollow interior 14 of the enclosure. Additionally or alternatively, the method may further include the step of selecting a particular density for each piece of packing 21-26 in accordance with specific vibration characteristics of the EOT 10 and the plurality of different components 15, 16, 17.

(21) With reference to FIGS. 1 and 7-10, the EOT 10 may further include an impact resistant handle 30 disposed on the exterior of the enclosure 11. The handle 30 has a handle body 31 that is configured to absorb impacts on the handle 30 without causing significant or substantial deformation of the enclosure 11. According to one embodiment, the handle 30 is formed from a tough, flexible material, in particular cast polyurethane, that is strong enough to provide sufficient support for carrying the EOT 10 but is also able to absorb impacts without permanently deforming and without transferring the force of the impacts to the enclosure 11, in order to protect the enclosure 11 from damage. It is to be appreciated, though, that the handle 30 may be formed from any material known to be suitable to those having ordinary skill in the art.

(22) The handle 30 is dimensioned and fashioned as a typical carrying handle, with consideration given to the size and weight of the EOT 10 and for comfort in gripping the handle 30. To that end, texture and ergonomic grips (not shown) may be molded into the handle body 31 to increase the ease of carrying the EOT 10. Furthermore, by utilizing a softer material to form the handle 30, the handle 30 will be perceived to have a more comfortable and ergonomic grip.

(23) As shown in FIGS. 7-10, the handle 30 includes at least one countersunk hole 32 formed in each end of the handle body 31 for use in connecting the handle 30 to the exterior of the enclosure 11. According to one embodiment, the handle 30 is fastened to the enclosure 11 via screws (not shown) disposed within the countersunk holes 32. To that end, a reinforcement bushing 33, which may be made from a metal or other suitably strong material, in particular aluminum, may be inserted into each of the countersunk holes 32 and molded into or bonded to the handle body 31 to reinforce the attachment points between the handle 30 and the enclosure 11, and to provide a bearing surface for the screws. It is to be appreciated, however, that the handle 30 may be connected to the enclosure 11 via any method or mechanism known to be suitable to those having ordinary skill in the art.

(24) While several embodiments of an end of train device were described in the foregoing detailed description, those skilled in the art may make modifications and alterations to these embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. The invention described hereinabove is defined by the appended claims and all changes to the invention that fall within the meaning and the range of equivalency of the claims are embraced within their scope.