US 6,712,006 B2 · Center beam car with increased load capacity

Abstract

A center beam railcar that has increased volume capacity and versatility. The car preferably has a narrow top chord that does not interfere with loading by overhead crane, but still contributes significantly to the strength and load carrying capacity of the railcar. The lading is preferably secured by straps, each having a first end secured on a first side of the car, and a second end secured on the opposite side of the car. The strap may extends over or under the top chord. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the straps may be secured at or near the side sills on both sides of the car. Winches may be provided only on one side, with a simple retaining mechanism for securing a strap end provided on the other side.

Claims5

Dependent claims

A method of securing a load on a center beam railcar comprising:

providing a strap on a first side of the railcar and retaining a first end of said strap on said first side;
providing a fastener on the opposite side of said railcar;
passing a second end of the strap over the load and over a top chord of the railcar to the other side of the railcar while retaining the first end of the strap on said first side;
securing the second end of the strap to the second side of the railcar with said fastener;
and
tensioning the strap.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Center beam car with increased load capacity

Life of this patent

Center beam car with increased load capacity

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims5