Aerodynamic railcar panel
AssigneeComposite Sign Products Inc.
InventorBrian Kronemeyer
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system having a railcar with a first hopper spaced longitudinally from a second hopper and a panel assembly spanning between the first hopper and the second hopper and configured to reduce aerodynamic drag caused by air turbulence generated by movement of the railcar. The panel assembly includes a panel portion and a frame. The panel portion may have a perimeter edge defining a generally trapezoidal shape. The frame may have a plurality of frame members engaged along sections of the perimeter edge of the panel portion. The frame may also include a first slot configured to movably engage an attachment feature on the first hopper and a second slot configured to movably engage an attachment feature on the second hopper.
Claims20
A system, comprising:
- a railcar having a first hopper spaced longitudinally from a second hopper;
- and
- a panel assembly spanning between the first hopper and the second hopper and configured to reduce aerodynamic drag caused by air turbulence generated by movement of the railcar, the panel assembly comprising:
- a panel portion having a perimeter edge defining a generally trapezoidal shape;
- and
- a frame having a plurality of frame members engaged along sections of the perimeter edge of the panel portion.
A panel assembly for installation between two hoppers of a railcar and configured to reduce aerodynamic drag caused by air turbulence generated by movement of the railcar, the panel assembly comprising:
- a panel portion having a perimeter edge;
- and
- a metal frame comprised of frame portions engaged at least partially along sections of the perimeter edge, the frame portions including U-shaped channels configured to slidably receive the panel portion, and
- wherein the frame is configured to movably engage with an attachment feature on a first railcar hopper and movably engage with an attachment feature on a second railcar hopper spaced longitudinally to the first railcar hopper.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.