Semi-rigid railcar cover
Abstract
A cover for open top railcars may be alternatively locked into place over the railcar top opening, or rotated on hinges to either side of the railcar to provide access to the entire top of the railcar. The cover may be compressed against either side of the railcar to allow the car to move between structural or other elements of loading or unloading facilities.

Term
Projected expiry 27 February 2028.
- Priority
- Filed
- Granted
- Today
- Projected expiry
16 claims: 3 independent, 13 dependent
- 11» Conjunto de cobertura pãia Cairo ferroviário com abertura superior,· primeira é segunda laterais e primeira s seguhda soleiras laterais, o conjunto dé cobertura compreendendo uma cobertura tendo bordas laterais opostas, caracterizado pelo fato de que a cobertura é giratória em. um arco de até 270 graus ém torno dé qualquer borda lateral entre uma posição fechada nã parte superior do carro ferroviário:e uma posição aberta ao longo de uma lateral correspondente do carro ferroviário.
- 2Conjunto de cobertura, de acordo com a reivindicação 1, aarãoterizãdo pelo fato de que a cobertura compreende uma seção de· cobertura principal semi-rígidà deformávél, e um par de seções terminais rígidas, cada seção terminal sendo fixada de forma articulada às extremidades opostas da seção de cobertura principal. 3, Conjunto dé cobertura, de acordo, com a reivindicação 2, caráctéí irado pelo fato de que compreende:ainda meios para abrir reversiveImente a cobertura,
- 34. Conjunto de cobertura, de acordo com a reivindi cação 3,, compreendendo ainda pelo menos uma primeira articulação:lateral, cada primeira articulação lateral compreendendo um subconjunto de cobertura e um: subconjunto de carro ferroviário, carãçtãrito pelo fato de que o subconjunto: de carro ferroviário é fixado â primeira soleira lateral há parte superior do carro ferroviário para encaixar, de forma libetável e giratória, o subcbnjunbo de cobertura em uma lateral correspondente da cobertura,
- 45. Conjunto de cobertura,, de acordo com a reivindicação:4,. compreendendo ainda pelo menos uma segunda articulação lateral.., cada segunda articulação lateral compreendendo um subconjunto de cobertura e um subeonjunto dç carro fertWiáriç, caracterizado: pelo fato de quã o subconjunto de 5 carro fer.rbViar.io é fixado á segunda soleira lateral na párte superior do carro ferroviário: para encaixar, de forma dibérável e giratória, o subconjunto de : cobertura em uma segunda lateral correspondente da cobertura. 6, . Conjunto de cobertura., de acordo: com a 10 reivindicação 5, caracteritado· pelo fato de que a cobertura, ém sua posição tot.ã Imente aberta, pode ser retraída em direção à lateral do carro fertoVidrici, 7, Conjunto de cobertura, de acordo com a. reivindicação 6, caracterizado pelo fato de que cada seção 15 terminal compreende ainda: um elemento plana tendo primeira e segunda faces, ma borda reta β: uma borda parabólica;pelo menos dois elementos-guia cilíndricas, vazados e .oblongos firmemente fixados em relação espaçada ã primeira face do elemento plano;um par de primeiro e segundo tubos alongados, o : primeiro tubo sendo 2Ô conectado, de forma, articulada em uma primeira extremidade a. ma. borda de uma extremidade da cobertura principal ê em relação telescópica, com. ma primeira extremidade de. um .segundo tubo, a segunda extremidade do segundo tubo sendo conectada de forma .àrtic-uladá a ma borda oposta, çõrrespondentè eia extremidade 25 correspondente da cobertura principal;e um par de anéiseguia, cada anel sendo fixado a. um tubo para orientar o movimento de deslízamenta dè um élemento-gui.a correspondente através dê úm tubo correspondente,
- 58. Conjunto de cobertura , de acordo com ã reivindicação 7, caracterizado pelo fato de que a rotação máxima da cobertura orienta cada seção terminal em um alinhamento coplanar em relação â seção de cobertura principal. § 9. Conjunto de cobertura, de acordo com a reivindicação 6, caràctérizádo pelo fato de que a cobertura, em sua posição tòtàlmêhte fechada:, forma um domo sobre a abertura superior * 1£L Conjunto de cobertura, dé acordo com a 10 reivindicação 5, caracterizado pêlo fato de que cada subconjunto de cobertura compreende: uma placa para fixar o subconjunto de cobertura à cobertura;um braço de articulaçãõ selètivamenté formado, tendo primeira e segunda extrgmidâdês., d braço de articulação sendo conectado perpendicular^ desde a primeira 15 extremidade até a placa;e uma hás té dé articulação, conectada em uma posição intermédiãríà à ségundã extremidade do: braço de articulação. 11, Conjunto de cobertura, dé acòrdo com a réivindicáç^ 10, caracterizado: pelo fert-b de que cada subconjunto 20 de carro: ferroviário compreende: um receptáculo de braço de articulação tendo um par de placas laterais adjacentes seletivamentè: formadas para orientar a haste;de articulação uma óu mais ranhuras formadas;nas placas laterais, onde cada ranhura possui uma porção externa para prender, de forma überável, o 25 subconjunto de cobertura ha borda lateral de desencaixe da cobertura durante a abertura e fechamento da cobertura;e uma porção interna para receber a haste de articulação ém. uma posição dé travamento para rotação da cobertura na borda lateral de não desencaixe: da cobertura durante a abertura e fechamento da cobertura.
- 612. Conjunto de cobertura, de acordo Com. à réíviftdídâçMç 11, caracterizado pelo fato de que compreende ainda 5 um elemento de travamento tendo uma extrémidãde de ártiWlaçâç e uma extremidade expandida, articulada entre uma posição de travamento. na qual a extremidade expandida está posicionada:adjacente à abertura da ranhura, e uma posição de de.s.travamento na qual ã extrémídádè expandida está posicionada fora da abertura da 10 ranhura..
- 713. Sistema de cobertura pára carros ferroviários com abertura superior, caracterizado pelo fato de que compreende:uma cobertura, tendo uma se.ç.ão dé cobertura principal semi-rígida deformável e um par de seções terminais rígidas.;-s meios para 15 abrir reversivelmérite a cobertura.
- 814. Sistema de coberturade acordo:com a réivíndiçãção 13, caracterizado· pelo fato de que os meios pára, abrir reversivelmente a cobertura compreendem:, pelo menos um braço mecânico conectado a pelo menos uma borda lateral da cobertura, 20 çadã braço sendo móvel entre uma posição retraída ê umà posição expandida e tendo um prendedor acionado por mola;meios para extrair cada braço mèçâhiçu;um trilho, para permitir o movimento direcional do carro ferroviário.;um equipamento: helicoidal fixo adjacente ao trilho para encaixe de: cada braço mecânico.» é meios 25 pará retrair cada, braço mecânico..
- 915. sistema de cobertura para carro ferroviário, de acordo com a reivindicação 14, caracterizado pelo:fato de : que o pelo: menos um bràçõ mecânico compreende ainda: um braço elevador vazado, tendo uma fenda longitudinal conectada de forma árticulada à cobertura em uma prfméira exttemidad® 7 m braço corrediço encaixado, de forma deslizante em uma primeira extremidade dentro da segunda extremidade do braço· elevador;um bloco conectado a uma 5 segunda extremidade do braço corrediço pára encaixe com õ equipamento helicoidal;um bráçõ de apõío fixado de forma articulada à cobertura em uma. primeira extremidade, e fixado de forma articulada à primeira extremidade do braço- corrediço em uma segunda extremidadee uma alavanca-guia de articulação: fixada, em. 10 uma primeira extremidade, ao braço de apoio e, em uniá segunda êxtremidadê, a uma projeção na haste cilíndrica do subconjuntò de cobertura da articulação.
- 1016. Mstemã de cobertura para carro- ferroviário, de acordo cõm a. reivindicação 15, caracterizado pelo fato de que 15 ò.s meios para extração de cada braço mecânico compreendêm:um gancho em cada braço mecânico;pelo menos ma equipamento dé extração de braço com. formato de U para encaixe dé cada gancho para, realizar o movimento de saída de cada braço mecânico de uma posição retraída pãra uma posição expandida;e um sensor de 20 identificação de rãdiòfreqüênoia no equipamento helicoidal e uma etiqueta de identificação de radiofrequência na cobertura, para ativação do equipamento de extração de braço... 17, MS tema de cobertura para carro ferroviário, de acordo coa â reivindicação 16, caracterizado pelo fato de que o 25' equipamento helicoidal compreende:: um segmento de capturá;. um segmento de abertura da cobertura tendo extremidades dé entrada é saída;um. segmento^guia;um. segmento de fechamento da cobertura tendo extremidades de èntrãda e saída;e um segmento de liberação. IS. Sistêmà de cobertura para carro ferroviário, de acordo coro á reivindicação 17, caracterizado pelo fato de que;o segmento dè abertura da cobertura compreende ainda pelo menos um tubo helicoidal para encaixe do pelo menos um braço mecânico., onde 5 cada tubo helicoidal possui uma extremidade de entrada e uma fenda que se estende ao longo de seu. comprimento © é selet ivamente formada com base na geometria da côbepturã, na geometria do carro ferroviário, nà velocidade do carro ferroviário^ e no espaço operacional disponível, para permitir a total abertura da 10 cobertura. 19L Sistema de cobertura pára carro ferroviário, dé acordo com a reivindicação it, caracterizado pelo fato de que o segmento: de fechamento dá cobertura compreende: ainda pelo menos um tubo helicoidal para encaixe de pelo laenos um braço mecânico, onde: 15 cada tubo héllòbidal possui uma extremidade de saída β: uma fenda, que sé estende ao longo de seu comprimento é é seietívamente forma da com base na geometria da cobertura, na geometria do carro ferroviário, na velocidade dõ carro ferroviário e no espaça operacional disponível pára, permitir o total fechamento da 20 cobertura.
- 1120. Sistema de cobertura para carro ferroviário, de ácõrdõ com a reivindicaçãa 19, caracterizado pélõ fato de que o pelo· menos um tubo helicoidal do segmente de abertura da cobertura compreenda somente um tubo hélicoidal, e o pelo menos um tubo 25 helicoidal do segmento de fechamento da cobertura compreende somente um tubo heiicoidal-
- 1221. Sistema de cobertura para carro ferroviário, de acórdo com a reivindicação 20,. caracterizado pelo fato dé que o Ί segmento-guia compreende ainda:um guia piano que se estende entre o tubo do segmento de abertura da cobertura e o tubo do segmento de fechamento da cobertura., uma porção do güiá plane a uma altura vertical suficiente para encaixar tanto o bloco do braçò çorrédiço 5 como uma borda inferior da cobertura para manter a cobertura em uma distância, dèséjadã da lateral do carro, ferroviário.
- 1322. Sistema de cobertura para carro ferroviário, * de acordò com a reivindicação 21, caracterizado pêlo fato de que o * pelo menos um tubo helicoidal do segmente dê abertura da cobertura 10 compreende pelo menos dois tubos hèlicõidais que são paralelos, e o pelo, menos, um tubo hel.icpídal do segmento de fechamento da cobertura compreende pêlo menos dois tubos hèlicõidais que são. paralelos.
- 1423. Sistema de cobertura para carro .ferroviário, x 15 de acordo com. a reivindicação 22,- carácterigado pelo fato de que o segmentô-guia compreende ainda:um guia piano que se estende entre cada tubo do segmento dê abertura da cobertura e um tubo correspóndéntè dõ segmento de fechamento da cobertura, uma porção do guia plano a uma altura vertical, suficiente para encaixar uma 20 borda inferior da cobertura e manter a cobertura á uma. distância desejada da lateral do carro ferroviário, O guia tendo: uma primsira. abertura próximá dá extremidade d® saida do segmento de abertura da cobertura, à abertura sendo estendida por uma primeira porta, sendo : a porta seletiv.amente ope.rávei para permitir ã. 25 passagem através, da primeira abertura do pelo menos um braço corrediço;e uma segunda abertura próxima da extremidade de .entrada do segmento de fechamehtp da cobertura, a abertura sendo estendida por uma segunda porta, sendo a porta seletivamehtè operável para permitir a passagèm através da segunda abertura, do pelo menos um braço çorrediço.
- 1524. Sistema de cobertura para cárro ferroviário, de acordo com a reivindicação 23, caracterizado pelo fato dé quéc. 5 o segmento de captura compreende· ainda uma seção expandida na exX.remidádé de entrada de oâda tubo para orientar o- bloco- do braço eórredíço para dentro do tubo;. 23. Sistema de cobertura para carro ferroviário, de acorde com a reivindicação 24, caracterizádG pelo fato de que10 os meios para retração dé cada braço mecânico compreendam:um dispositivo: de déflexão dá çpbéttüra no equipamento helicoídal para alinhar á cobertura com cada articulação e cada articulação simples antes da liberação do. pelo menos um braço mecânico;e w braço acionador para pressionar cada prendedor acionado pôr mola 15 para retrair cada braço até a posição rétrãida... 26, . S.istéma dè çõberturâ para ÇãOõ ferroviário., dé acordo com a reivindicação 25, caracterizado pelo- fato de que o segmento de liberação compreende ainda uma seção;expandida na extremidade distai de cada tubo para orientar a corrediçã fora do 20 tubo.. 27, Método para abrir reversivelmente uma cobertura paxá carro férroviárío com abertura superior utilizando o equipamento helicoidal da reivindicação 26, caracterizado pelo, fato: de que compreende as etapas, de, 25 ã. moidméntãr o carro ferroviário ao longo de um trilho até a posição dé entrada de um equipamentò helicoídal para encaixar o pelo menos um bra.ço r mecânico em uma primeira bórda lateral da cobertura por cada tubo heií.cOidal do segmento de abertura da cobertura;b. movimentar' o carro ferroviário ainda mais ao longo do trilho- para desbravar a cobertura das artieuiáçôês ém. uma primeira soleira lateral do carro ferroviário;ç. movimentar ò carro .fsrroviárío· ainda mais ao longo do trilho pára. girár a cobertura pelo menos. 90 graus em torno dé uma segunda borda lateral desde uma posição fechada na parte superior do carro ferroviário até uma posição pãrc.la.l.mé^ aberta fora da abertura do carro ferroviário;d, movimentar o carro .ferroviârlp ainda méis ao longo do trilho aç iongò do guia piano para manter a posição de rotação da cobertura durante carga ou descarga do carro ferroviário;e. movimentar o carro ferroviário ainda mais àb longo do trilho para xealizár a rotação inversa da cobertura em torno, da segunda borda lateral desde a posição parcialmente aberta fõra da abertura. do carro férrovíárib até uma posição fechada na parte superict do carro ferroviário;f. movimentar o carro .ferroviário ainda mais ao longo do trilho para travar a cobertura hás art-iõulagâás na primeira soleira lateral do carro ferroviário-;e g, movimentar o carro ferroviário ainda mais ao longo do trilho até uma posição de .salda helicoidal pafádesencaixar o: pelo menos, um braço mecânico na primeira borda lateral da cobertura a partir de çada tubp helicoidal do segmento de fechamento da cobertura.
- 1628 . Método para abrir reversívelmente uma. cobertura para carro ferroviário cõm abertura superior utiliáahdò o equipamento helicoidal da reivindicação· 27, caracterizada pele fato de que compreende ainda as etapas adicionais de:após a eta-pa c. de: c.l. movimentar o carro ferroviário ainda mais àô 5 longo do trilho para girar a cobertura eín torno da segunda borda lateral desde uma posíçãò parciaImente aberta fora da. abertura do carro ferroviâríó até uma posição totalmente aberta ao longo do carro ferroviário;e após a etapa d. de: 10 d .1. movimentar o carro fétrWiâM ainda mais ao longo do trilho para realizar a rotação inversa da cobertura em torno da segunda bórda lateral desde a posição totalmente aberta ao longo do carro .ferroviário até á posição parcíalmente aberta fera da. abertura do carro ferroviária. 15 29. Método para abrir reversívelmeiitõ uma cobertura para carro ferroviário, com abertura superior utilirando o equipamento helicoidal da reivindicação 28, C.aracterizadõ pelo fato de ;que cómpfeendó ainda as etapas adicionais de: apôs a etápa c.l. de: 20 c.2. movimentar o carro ferroviário ainda mais ao lóngt do trilho ao longo dé um equipamento dé deformação pãrã realizar a transição da cobertura desde umã formação curvada ao longo, do carro ferroviário até Uma formação retraída ao longo do: carro ferroviário;e 25 após a etapa d.l. de: d. 2. movimentar o carro férrávi.árí.o aiôdá mais ao longo do trilho além de. um equipamento· de deformação pára realizar a transição da cobertura, desde uma formação retraída ao longo do carro férroyiário á té Uma formaçao curvada ao longo do carro ferroviário. 3Q. Método para abrir reversiveImente uma cobertura para carro ferroviário com abertura superior utilizando o equipamento hélicoídal da reivindicação.· 29, caracterizado pelo fato de que compreende as etapas de: a. movimentar o carro ferroviário ao longo de um trilho até a posição;de entrada de um equipamento helícoidál pára encaixar o pelo menos um braço mecânico ém uma. primeirà borda lateral da cobertura por cada tubo heliçpidál do .segmento d® abertura da cobertura;b. movimentar o carro ferroviário ainda mais, ao longo do trilho pára destravar a cobertura das articulações, em uma primeirá soleira lateral do carro ferroviário;c. movimentar o carro ferroviário aindã mais aõ longo do trilho para girar a cobertura pelo menos. 9© : graus ém torno de uma segunda borda lateral desde uma posição fechada na parte superior do carro ferroviário até uma posição parcialmente abertã fora da abertura dó carro .ferroviário;· d< movimentar o carro ferroviário ainda mais ao Xongo: do trilho para realizar a rotação: inversa da ddbèrtútà. em torno, da segunda borda lateral desde à posição parcialmente abertafora da abertura dd carro ferroviário até uma posição fechada na parte superior do ea.rtO : ferroviária;e, movimentar carro ferroviário ainda ma xá ao longe do trilho para travar .cobertura nas ar tiOül ações na primeira soleira Lateral do carro ferroviário;e f. movimentar o carro ferroviário ainda mais ao η longo do trilho até uma posição de saída helicoidal para Co s encaixar o pelo menos um braço mecânico na pra.meira borda lateral da cobertura a partir de cada tubo helicoidal do segmento de. fechamento da cobertura. $ 31 Método pára .abrir revérsivélmenté uma cobertura para carro ferroviário com abertura superior utilizando O equipamento helicoidal da reivindicação 30, caracteri,.ado pelo fato de quã compreende ainda as seguintes etapas adicionais após á etapa ç.: 10 c.K movimentar 0 carro ferroviário ainda mais ao longo do trilho para gira.í a cobertura em torno da segunda borda lateral desde uma posição parcialmente aberta fora da abertura do carro ferroviário até- uma posição tótalmenté aberta ao longo do carro ferroviário;e K 15 c.2. movimentar o carro ferroviário aindã· mais ao longo do trilho paxá realizar a rotação inversa, da cobertura em totM da segunda borda lateral desde a posição totalmente aberta ao longo do Carro ferroviário até ã posição parcialmente aberta fora dá abertura do carro : ferroviário. 20 32. Método para abrir rever.sí.vélmentç Uma cobertura para carro ferroviário com abertura superior utilizando, o equipamento héliçoidal da. reivindicação 31, caracterizado pelo fato de quê compreende ainda as seguintes etapas adicionais após a etapa c,1.: 25 c, 1,1, movimentar o carro ferroviário· ainda mais ao longo;d-α trilho ao longo de um equipamento de deformação para realizar á transição da cobertura desdé uma formação curvada áo longo do carro ferroviário até uma formação retraída ao longo do carro ferroviário;e c,1,2. movimentar o : carro ferroviário ainda mais ao longo- do trilho além de um equipamento de deformação para realizar a transição da cobertura desde uma formação retraída as 5 longo do carro ferroviário até uma formação curvada ao longo do carro ferroviário·, 33, . Método para ábxir reversiveimente urna cdbértura para carro ferroviário com abertura superior utilizando ç equipamento helicóida.1 dá reivindicação 32, cãraçtefizado pelo 10 fato da que compreende ainda as seguintes etapas adlclonais após a etapa c.: ç. 1. movimentar' õ carro ferroviário ainda mais aç longo do trilho· até uma posição de salda helicoidal para, o désõnèaixé de cada braço meçâniçQ na primeira borda lateral dá 15 cobertura de cada tubo helicõidai correspondente do .segmente de abertura da cobertura;e ç.2. movimentar o .carro ferroviário ainda mais a® longo d© trilho até uma posição, helicoidal de- entrada para encaixe de cada braço mecânico, em uma. prime irá borda lateral da cobertura 2$ por cada tubo helicoidal correspondente do segmento de fechamento da cobertura. 34. Método para abrir rever sivelmente uma cobertura parà carro ferroviário com abertura superior utilizando o equipamento héliocidal da reivindicação s3, caracterizádó pelo 25 fato de qué compreende ainda as seguintes etapas adicionais após a etapa c.l.: ç.1.1. movimentar o carro ferroviário ainda mais ao longo d© trilho até uma posição de saída helicoidal patã o déséhçâ.ixé dós braços mecânicos na primeira borda lateral da cobertura de cada tubo helicoidal cWresppndénte do segmento de abertura da cobertura;, e o. 1.2. movimentar o carro ferroviário ainda mais 5 ao longo do trilho até uma posição helicoidal de entrada para encaixe dos braços mecânicos éiti. uma primeira barda, lateral dá cobertura por cada tubo, helicoidal coxrespOhdèW do segmento de fêç.hãméntp da cobertura. 35. Método pára abrir reversivelmente uma 10 cobertura para carro ferroviário còm abertura superior utilizando o equipamento helicoidal da reivindicação: 34, caracterizado pelo fato de que compreende ainda às seguintes etapas adicionais após a etapa c.1.1.: ç.1.1.1. movimentar o carro ferroviáriq ainda 15 mais ao longo do trilho até uma posição de sãlda helicoidal para o desénçaixe dos braços mecânicos na primeira borda lateral da cobertura de cada tubo helicoidal .correspondente do segmento de abertura da cobertura.;é c„1,1.1. movimentar o carro ferroviário ainda 20 mais ao longo dó trilho até uma posição helicoidal de entrada para encaixe dos braços mecânicos em uma. primeira borda Lateral dá cobertura por cada tubo helicoidal correspondente do segmento de fechamento da cobertura. 36. . Método para carregamento de um carro 25 ferroviário com .abertura superior, caracterizada pelo;fato dõ què compreende o método dá reivindicação: .35 e a etapa .adiciònãl dê carregamento do carro ferroviário entxé a série de· etapas de abertura da cobertura β a séríê dê etapas de fechamento: da cobertura. 37. Método para descarregamento dé üm Carro ferroviária cam abertura superior., earactérizàdò peto fato dé que compreende o. método da reivindicação 36 e a etapa adicional de 5 descarxegamento do carro ferroviário entre a série de etapas de abértüfâ e a série de etapas ds fechamento da cobertura.
Independent claims16
106 paragraphs in 5 sections, as filed
Semi-rigid cover for railway cars, in response to previous requests.
The present invention claims priority of
Provisional Application for North American Patent No. 0.891.7-24 $ .filed on .27 February 2007.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to covers for railway cars. In particular, the present invention relates to unitary, semi-rigid and deformable covers for cars.
railways with top opening.
HISTORY OF THE INVENTION
In the technique, railway cars with top openings are used, whether they are railway cars, garbage cars or gondola wagons with discharge at the top, which may: be fitted with removable covers to cover the top opening. In general, these covers can be removed from railway cars; for cargo, or, in the case of gondolas, for unloading. After the cargo has been loaded or removed, the cover can be replaced.
These covers offer several benefits, including product containment, for example, preventing dust ingress, which poses an environmental risk, and preventing product loss, as well as product protection, for example, protection against rain or snow, and protection against debris. Different granular or powdered products can be transported in this way, including ores, grains, hazardous waste, coal, etc.
In general, the covers are fixed to the railway cars using various types of fasteners or clamps that secure the cover to the railway car and prevent it from coming loose during transport, but allow manual or automatic opening for handling the cover.
Rail covers can typically be manufactured from: steel, aluminum, or various composite materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Covers can be made in a single piece, covering the entire length and width of a railcar, or in two or more pieces, depending on the material selected and the operating circumstances. Due to their large size, railway car covers require heavy equipment, fixed or mobile, for removal and replacement, as well as large areas for handling and stacking the removed covers.
The weight of each cover can be significant, ranging from 1500 lbs for a composite cover to 5000 lbs for a steel cover. The weight of the cover reduces the effective working load of the railcar, thus reducing the load the user can tow.
In high-volume situations, it is generally not possible to have a suitable method for removing and replacing coverings. For example, in a coal mine loading facility, the railcars do not normally stop moving, but are driven slowly in a long line through the facility, under loading chutes, and exit on the opposite side of the loading facilities, which may be located many meters away. Reducing the... Veipcidád.é or stopping the lines is not generally an option. The logistics of removing the covers at the entrance of the facilities, moving them to the unloading area, for the exit, is replacing the covers on the railway cars, the use of the covers is very problematic. As a result, to date, no large-scale loading operation of this type has been carried out on covered cars.
Ka extremo dé descarga, o problema é semelhantes.
In gondola-type unloading railcars, high-volume operations, such as coal, will use a railcar unloader, a large device that rotates on the axis of the railcar's axles, completely reversing one or more railcars at a time, remaining coupled to the front and rear cars. doWmenté., as coberturãs te rí am que ser retirar dos carros que entrar nãs Instalações de 15 descarregamento;, moverados em volta delas,, e reposses no outro·, lado v
Past and present solutions have included lifting the covers within the unloading facility on the unloader itself. This adds time to the unloading cycle and is not suitable for reconditioning situations, since unloading facilities normally do not have the volume capacity for such a cover lifting mechanism, and many unloaders are built with part of their mechanism on top of: a. upper part of the 25th car, which would avoid the removal of the railway car cover.
This solution would also not work at the loading end, so a new system is needed for removing the cover.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect of the preferred configuration of the present invention, a cover assembly for a railway car is provided with a top opening, first and second sides and first and second side sills, the cover assembly comprising a cover provided with side edges: t. opposite,, in which the çobèrturà can rotate in an arc dg: up to 270 degrees on each lateral edge between a closed position on top of the railcar and an open position along a corresponding side of the railcar.
A. The cover may be fabricated with a semi-rigid main cover section, and a pair of rigid end sections, the end section being articulated to the opposite ends of the main cover section. The cover assembly may have means for reversible opening of the cover.
Each section of the end can have a planar element having first and second faces, one. straight edge ® a parabolic edge,, at least two hollow cylindrical guide elements and 20 oblong elements connected, fixedly in a spaced relationship with respect to the first face, of the planar element, a pair of first and second elongated tubes, the first tube; connected articulatedly at the first end to an edge of one end of the main cover and in telescopic relation to the first end, of a second tube, the second end of the second tube being articulated to a corresponding edge opposite of the corresponding end of the main cover; and a pair of guide rings, each ring attached to the tube to guide the sliding movement of a corresponding guide element in the corresponding tube. The maximum rotation of the cover can orient each end section into a coplanar alignment with the main cover section.<sub>?</sub>
The cover assembly may have at least a first lateral articulation, each first lateral articulation comprising a sub-assembly of the cover or a sub-assembly of the carriage, wherein the sub-assembly of the carriage may be fixed to the upper sill of the first side of the rail carriage to freely and rotationally couple the cover sub-assembly on a corresponding side of the cover. there must be at least one second lateral articulation, each second lateral articulation comprising a sub-assembly of the cover and a sub-assembly of the car, where the car sub-assembly could be fixed to the upper sill of the second side of the railway car to freely couple and the cover sub-assembly corresponds to the second side of the cover.
The cover, in the fully open position, can be retracted towards the side of the carriage. In the fully closed position, the cover can form a dome over the upper opening.
Each sub-assembly of the cover may comprise a plate p^£à for attaching the sub-assembly of the cover to the cover.;
a suitably shaped articulation arm having first and second ends, the articulation arm connected perpendicularly from the first end to the plate; and an articulation rod connected in a median position to the second end of the articulation arm.
The car subassembly may comprise a. articulation arm receptacle having a pair of adjacent side plates selectively shaped to guide the articulation rod in one or more grooves formed in the side plates, where each groove may have an outer part to releasably retain the opening subassembly. side edge for decoupling the cover during opening and closing of the cover; and an inner part to receive the articulation rod in the locking position for rotation of the cover on the side edge 1Θ for non-decoupling of the cover during opening and closing of the cover.
The cover assembly may also include a locking element having a pivoting end and an expanded end.<sub>f</sub> pivoting between the 'locking position' and a position, 'unlocking position', where the expanded end is positioned adjacent to the slot opening, and an 'unlocking position' where the expanded end is positioned without the slot opening.
In an alternative configuration of the present invention, a set of railway car covers is provided where the cover may have corrugated end sections made of flexible composite laminated material.
In another configuration, the joints may have a cover component comprising a pair of bolt plates for fixing the cover components to the opening; a pair of selectively shaped articulation arms having first and second ends *. each articulation arm, connected appendicularly from the first extremity to the corresponding screw plate and a connecting bar with opposite ends; each end connected to the second end of a corresponding articulation arm; It is a component of the carriage consisting of a guide block having a pair of adjacent side plates selectively shaped to guide the connecting bar of the cover component in a groove formed in the guide block, where the groove has a first outer part to retain in a releasable manner the cover component on the side edge of the cover during the opening and closing of the cover; and a second part. 10 í.nterha para permite o movimento da barra liga para uma posição de rotação da cobertura na borda lateral de nâõ desacolamento da cobertura durante a abertura é o fechar da cobertura. A articula pçdé ter üm pino, çarrêgãdp por mola fixo à componentes de cobertura <ue<sub>f</sub> in w position<sup>:</sup> In its closed position, 15 retains the cover at the joint and, in an open position, allows the opening to move upwards and<sup>:</sup> away from the joint.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a covering system for railway cars with top openings, comprising a semi-rigid and deformable cover for a railway car; and means for the reversible opening of the cover. The means for the reversible opening... The cover may comprise at least one arm connected to at least one lateral edge of the cover; each movable arm between a retracted and an expanded position, and equipped with a spring-loaded fastener; means for expanding each mechanical arm; a track to allow the direct movement of the railway car; a stationary helical equipment adjacent to the track for coupling each mechanical arm; and means for retracting each mechanical arm.
Q paio .menos uni braço mecânica pode ainda Comprender um braço. Hollow elevator, equipped with a longitudinal slot, connected in an articulated manner at the first end: to the cover; a sliding arm coupled in a sliding manner at a first end to the second end of the arm, an elevator block connected to a second end of the sliding arm for coupling with the helical equipment. a support arm fixed, articulated at a first end to the cover and: fixed in an articulated manner at a second end to the first end of the sliding arm; and a guide lever fixed at the first end to the support arm and at a second end to a projection of the cylindrical rod of the cover subassembly of the articulation.
. 15 The extraction means for each mechanical arm may comprise a hook on each mechanical arm; at least one extraction device in the form of a stop for each hook to perform the outward movement of each mechanical arm. starting from a recluttered position to an expanded position; and a 20 sensor for radio frequency identification in helical equipment is a radio frequency identification card on the cover for activating the arm extraction equipment.
$ helical equipment may comprise a cap segment; a segment for opening the cover 25 having entry and exit ends; a guide segment; a segment for closing the cover having entry and exit ends; and a release segment.
segment for opening the cover can g
still comprehend by the mèhós a helical tube for the aco^Xáméb^é of at least one mechanical arm, where each helical tube has an entry end and a slot, which extends in its length being selectively shaped based on the geometry 5 of the cover, ha. geometry of the railcar, at the speed of the railcar è in the operational space available to allow the total opening of the cover.
The segment for closing the cover may further comprise at least one helical tube for coupling at least one meod-nlto arm, wherein each helical tube has an outlet end and a slot extending into its coa^rimeútõ being selectively conformed based on the geometry of the cover, the geometry of the railcar, the speed of the railcar and the operational space available to allow for the complete closure of the cover.
There can only be one helical tube of the segment for opening the cover and there can only be one helical tube of the segment for closing the cover. In this case, the guide segment may also comprise a planar guide that extends between the tube of the segment for opening the cover and the tube of the segment for closing the cover. A planar guide at a sufficient vertical height to engage either the sliding arm block or a lower edge provides cover to maintain the cover within a desired distance from the side of the railcar.
There may be two parallel helical tubes in the segment, one for opening the cover and the other for closing the cover. In this case, the guide segment may still...
1ό comprehend a planar guide qõè sê prolonga entre: cada tubo dõ sò para a aberüfã da capa e nm tubo cOrrespohdeW do sò para a fechar da capa, umà parte da guia planar em um altura vertical suficiente para á cop a borda inferior da capa e manter a capa dentro· de uma distância desejo do lado do carro fê.rrovíã^^ a guia tendo uma. first opening, near the end of the segment's exit to the cover opening, the opening extending to a first door, the door selectively operable to allow passage through a first of at least one sliding arm; and a second opening near the entrance end of the segment for closing the cover, the opening extends to a second door, the door being operable to allow passage through the second opening of at least one sliding arm.
The capture segment may also include an expanded section at the inlet end of each tube to guide the corrugated arm block into the tube.
The means for retracting each mechanical arm may comprise a device for deflecting the cover on the helical equipment to align the cover with each joint and each simple joint before releasing at least one mechanical arm; and an actuating arm for actuating each spring-loaded fastener to retract each arm to the retracted position.
The release segment may also include an expanded section at the distal end of each tube to guide the corrective arm out of the tube;
Another aspect of a preferred configuration of the present invention, the method for the reversible opening of the semi-rigid and deformable cover for a railway car, with top opening using the helical equipment described above, could comprise a series of openings of the moving stages of the railway car along a track up to an entry position. helical equipment in which sega f<itô 0 acopiaménto dd: pel o: menos um braço mecânica: em uma primeira bõrdà lateral da cobertura: por caã tubo heücoidal do segmento para a abertura da 10 cobertura, movimento o car.rro: ferrovíáríò ainda mais na pista para fazer a destração da .coberturã das articulações em uma primeira sieira lateral do carro ferro, ô movimento o carro ferro ainda mais na pista para facer a. Rotation of the cover at least 90 degrees on the second side edge from a closed position on top of the rail car, stops, a partially open position away from. opening of the railcar; and a series of closings of the railcar's moving steps further along the track to perform the reverse rotation from the opening to the second side edge, from the partially open position 20 away from the railcar's opening to a closed position on top of the railcar, moving the railcar further along the track to perform the: txavaméhto gives coverage: in. articulations of the first side sill of the railway car, and moving the railway car further along the track to a position of 25 exit, gives the propeller to perform the decoupling by at least a mechanical arm on the first side edge of the cover from each helical tube of the segment to, the closing gives the cover.
A method for the reversible opening of a semi-rigid cover. It is deformable and may also include another, final step in the series of opening steps.<sub>:</sub> movement of the railway car further along the track to rotate the cover on the second side edge from a partially open position away from the opening of the railway car to a fully open position along the railway car; and another, first, step in the series of closing steps for moving the railway car further along the track to reverse the rotation of the cover on the second side edge. from the fully open position along the railcar to the partially open position away from the railcar opening.
The métõdò parã ã reversible opening of the semi-rigid and deformable cover may also include another final step in the series of opening stages of the carriage movement.<sup>: </sup>The railway is further along the track along a formation to transition from an arched formation along the railway car to a retracted formation along the railway car; this is another first step in the series of closing steps: of moving the railway car, to further along. track and in addition to the deformation equipment to make the transition of the covering from a retracted formation along the railway car to a formation in arc along the railway car.
The method for the reversible opening of the semi-rigid cover is deformable and requires further understanding of another final step: a series of opening steps, moving the railway car further along the track to a propeller exit position that performs the... de-sacoplameútb· of each mechanical arm on the first lateral edge of the cover of each corresponding helical tube of the segment for the opening of the cover; and another first stage in the series of closing the stages of movement of the railway car further on the track to a helical entry position to make the coupling of each mechanical arm and a first lateral edge of the cover on each corresponding helical tube of the segment for the closing of the cover.
The method for the reversible opening of the semi-rigid and removable cover may also include another step of moving the railcar further along the track, away from the planar guide, to maintain the fixed position of the cover during the loading and unloading of the railcar.
The method for the reversible opening of the semi-rigid and deformable cover may also include another step 15 in the loading steps of the railway car between the series of cover opening steps and the series of cover opening closing steps.
The method for the reversible opening of the semi-rigid and deformable roof may also comprise an additional step 20 in the unloading stages of the railway between the series of opening stages of the roof and the series of closing stages of the opening of the roof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A detailed description of the 25 preferred configurations is provided below, for example, only and with reference to the following drawings, wherein Figure 1 is a perspective view of the cover in a closed position on the top of a railway car, according to a preferred configuration of the invention;
Figure 3 is a view of the cover in a partially open position before separation of the edge of the rigid end section from the semi-rigid section of the main cover; according to a preferred configuration of the invention;
Figure 4 is a view of the roof in position<sub>v</sub> partially open, according to a preferred configuration of the invention;
Figure 5 is a view of the cover in a fully open position, according to a preferred configuration of the invention;
Figure 15 shows a perspective view of the cover in a closed position on the top of a railway car, according to an alternative configuration of the invention;
Figure 7' is a view of the articulation in the locked position, according to a preferred configuration of the invention;
Figure 8 is a view of the joint in a locked position, also showing a part of the mechanical arm, according to a preferred configuration of the invention;
Figure 9 is a side view of the joint in the locked position, according to a preferred configuration of the invention;
Figure 10 is a side view of the joint in an unlocked position, according to a preferred configuration of the invention;
Figure 11 is a side view of the joint, in an unlocked position, showing the articulation rod removed from the grooves, according to a preferred configuration of the invention;
Figure 12 is a side view of the article with the cover in a fully open position, according to a preferred configuration of the invention.
Figure 13 is a perspective view of an alternative configuration of the articulation, showing the components of the carriage and the cover, according to the invention;
Figure 14 is a side view of an alternative configuration of the articulation with the cover closed, according to the invention.
Figure 15 is a side view of an alternative configuration of the hinge with the cover fully open, according to the invention;
Figure 15 is a side view of a mechanical arm, according to the preferred configuration of the invention;
Figure 17 is a side view of an alternative mechanical arm configuration in a retracted position for travel, according to the invention;
Figure 1§ is a side view of an alternative configuration, with an expanded and coupled mechanical arm.
by the helical equipment of the tube, according to the invention;
Figure 19 is a perspective view of the arm extraction equipment for extending the mechanical arm, according to the invention;
Figure 2Q<sup>:</sup> This is a perspective view of an alternative configuration of the cover in a partially open position with the structure, helical support removed for clarity, according to the invention.
Figure 21 is a perspective view of an alternative configuration giving cover in fully open and retracted positions against the side of the railway car, according to the invention; it is
Figure 22 is a perspective view of a fastener: with spring loading being released to retract the mechanical arm, according to the invention.
In the drawings, a configuration of the invention is illustrated by way of example. It should be expressly understood that the description and drawings serve only for the purpose of illustration and as an aid to understanding, and are not intended to define the limits of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
First, with reference to Figure 1, the main cover section 2 of the railway car cover consists of a single sheet of a thin composite material with fiber reinforcement, of sufficient size to cover the width of the railway car, while making an upward arc to create a curved profile, in end view, with sufficient height to provide a degree of structural rigidity to the cover, on the longitudinal sides of the. The main cover section is manufactured with a thicker composite material to increase edge rigidity. Along each side edge, starting from the edge, a section is provided: reinforcement, hollow or with foam filling to give greater rigidity to the edge of the opening.
The remaining section of the main cover is manufactured with a thin composite material, into which a plurality of composite 'slats' are laminated for greater rigidity. Made with composite materials with a high fiber content, these reinforcements will have the selected rigidity to maintain the cover in an arched shape when not retracted, while still allowing the cover to retract or flatten against the side of the car when the cover is fully open. This roofing design provides a roof that, as a whole, is much lighter than previous roofing techniques of comparable sizes, even those constructed with lightweight composites.
As best shown in Figures 2-5, in a preferred configuration, the .sections, of extremity 6 of the covering are^ manufactured, with a rigid material, of the type of glass or other rigid material. Each end section has a parabolic shape to match the curve defined by the end of the main cover section, to allow the cover to be flattened. When the cover is opened and rotated along the railway car, the joint 8 connects to the peak of the curve of each end section to the center of the corresponding end of the main cover section, allowing the section to...
2. The end is substantially separated from the end of the main cover section during the opening of the cover, remaining articulately connected in a central position.
A guide assembly for the extreme section of the cover comprises a first tube 12 articulated at a first end 14 of the outer surface of an edge of one end of the main cover section, in telescopic relation with a second end 16 at the first end 18 of a second tube 20 articulated at its second end 22
on the outer surface of an edge corresponding to the end of the main cover section. The guide assembly of the cover's end section further comprises at least one guide element 24 fixed to the inner surface of the end section. Each guide element comprises a hollow oblong cylinder that can slide along a fixed support 26 in the assembly of the telescopic tube.
When the cover is fully rotated in its opening arc over a longitudinal edge, the main cover section can be flattened, causing the separation of the curved end edges of the main cover section with respect to the curved edge of each end section of the cover. When the main cover flattens, thus separating the edges of the main cover section from each other, the telescopic tube assembly is extended, causing each guide element to slide from its position in the telescopic tube. As the distance between the center and each longitudinal edge of the main cover section increases, the end section is separated from the main cover section. Each guide element supports the end section as it moves from a closed position on top of the railcar to a fully open position away from the railcar, allowing each articulated end section to remain flat, coplanar with the flattened section of the main body.
In the alternative configuration of the invention shown in Figure 6, the ends of the cover may be manufactured from composite materials. In this configuration, each end 28 will be derived from a flexible, corrugated-shaped lamb. When the cover is retracted or flattened, the end is required to change shape, so that more material is needed. By constructing the ends with a corrugated shape, this material becomes available. The rigidity of the composite material will pull the ends: from the ypltá covering to the corrugated shape when the covering is not retracted.
The materials used in the manufacture of the main section of the cover are selected in such a way that the cover can support its own weight and the weight of the snow load when in the closed position, while still being able to be folded or retracted when necessary to provide clearance in the loading and unloading areas. The telescopic tubes of the preferred end section are manufactured from fiberglass or similar lightweight rigid material.
The cover is equipped with a p.luralidâdè of articulations, which may be locking articulations, or simple articulations. There is at least one articulation, and preferably at least two articulations, on each side of the cover.
According to the preferred configuration shown in Figures 7-1.2, each articulation consists of two subsets: a subset of the roof 30 associated with the roof; a subset of the ceiling 32 associated with the upper sill 34 or railing of the railway car; and a subset of the roof 36 consisting of one or more plates 36 fixed to the outer surface of the roof. A joint arm 38 extends perpendicularly from each plate. Each articulation arm has a transverse articulation rod 40 that extends linearly to the upper sill of the railway car. The sub-assembly of the cover further comprises a cylindrical rod 42 which extends longitudinally along the edge of the outer surface of the railway car cover: through an opening or a series of openings 44 through each articulation arm; a pair of spaced articulated guides 4$ extends perpendicular to the cylindrical rod in the vicinity of each articulation. The cylindrical rod that supports the articulation guides is rotated during the opening and closing of the cover, as will be described below.
The sub-assembly of each articulation consists of at least one articulation arm receptacle 48, each articulation arm receptacle having selectively shaped side plates 50 to orient each articulation arm, and the associated articulation rod to a locking position when the cover closes. When closed, the articulation rod: the subassembly of the cover rests in a pair of 52 grooves existing in each receptacle of the articulation arm on each side of the associated articulation arm,
When the cover is raised, on one side, the shape of the subassemblies and their elements causes the rods on the articulation arms on the opposite side of the cover to slide in the grooves. This effectively changes the point of rotation of the cover, moving the point of rotation from the support of the articulation arm 54 to the articulation rod 40, preventing the articulation rod from coming out of the joints. The movement: the pivot point permits that: the cover be rotated to a position along the car torrõvlãriõ 56, below and outside the car sill.
The sub-assembly of the car, articulation according to: the preferred configuration further comprises a locking element 58 articulated between an unlocked position and a locked position in at least one of the articulations. In the locked position 60, the locking element prevents the cover from lifting until it is unlocked. In the locked position, the expanded end 62 of the locking element is positioned in the groove opening 5 within which the articulation rod rests, preventing the articulation rod from coming loose. In the unlocked position 64, the locking element is rotated downwards and inwards to the part<sup>:</sup> The interior of the expanded end allows the articulation rod to be removed from the locked position in the groove.
When more than one locking element is used, all locking elements can be released simultaneously, with each articulation guide extending from a common cylindrical rod. Rotation of the rod simultaneously rotates all articulation guides connected to the rod, effecting the release of all locking elements on a corresponding side of the railway car.
The articulation of the locking element is made by mechanical pressure exerted on a transverse pin 66 that extends from one side of the locking element. The pin is a sliding coupling, with a curved opening S8 on each side of the car subassembly block. When the mechanical arm /0 used for opening and closing the cover is raised or lowered, as described below, a alavaiw 72 which extends between the mechanical arm and a projection 74 of the cylindrical rod 25 causes the cylindrical rod to rotate, thus rotating the selectively shaped articulation guides into or out of position in a way that deflects the locking element pin along the opening into or out of its locking position.
In an alternative configuration of the present invention shown in Figures 13-15, the articulation consists of two components, a cover component 76 permanently fixed to the cover surface, and a carriage component 76 fixed to the sill, top or railing of the railway carriage. The cover component consists of a... bar 8Ò which continues lOngitudina Imente: In the width of the carriage component, the bar is connected to the two articulation arms 83, each perpendicular to the surface of the cover and extending approximately across the entire width of the upper sill of the carriage, thus forming the carriage component. These articulation arms are individually fixed to a mounting plate 84, ensuring that the entire cover component is... bolted to the 15 cover * the car component consists of a block 88 with selectively shaped side plates 88, to provide a guide for the orientation of the cover component in position when the cover closes. When closed, the bar on the cover component rests in a groove 90 made in the side plates of the 20 car component. When the cover is lifted on one side, the shape of the components and their elements makes. with the bars on the joints on the opposite side of the cover sliding into the grooves. This effectively changes the point of rotation of the cover, to allow the cover to be rotated to a position 25 along the rail car, -down off the sill of the car. In at least two joints on each side of the cover, there is another locking mechanism, preventing the cover from lifting until it is locked. The locking mechanism comprises a spring-loaded pin 92, a cover component which, with the cover closed, will travel along the outer part of<sup>:</sup> a curved bulge 94 in the car component» Removing the pin will allow the cover to be lifted and moved inward, releasing it from the articulation. With the pin retained in place, the cover cannot be lifted and remains securely confined to the articulation.
In one or more positions along the length of the roof are located the mechanical arms 70 for interaction with the helical equipment system. Due to restrictions on the size of the railway car, these mechanical arms must be positioned across the width of the railway car during the journey. To allow locomotives, which are larger than the gondola, to pass through the loading or unloading area, the helical equipment is used. It must be outside the space occupied by the railway car. Therefore, the mechanical arms should ideally be extendable to allow the coupling of the helical equipment. In addition, the mechanical arm system should ideally be as close as possible to the roof surface to allow complete rotation of the roof. In a fully rotated position, the arm mechanism on the side of the cover's rotation axis will be pressed between the cover and the side of the railcar.
As shown in Figures 16-1S, the arms consist of several parts. The first part is a metal profile: 25 in A mounted on the side .98 of the cover:, mounted in an articulated manner on the upper part 100 of its structure. The lower end (external) of profile A is a simple hollow tube arm 101, with an opening or slot at the angle on the lower side *
The second part of the arm is a sliding arm 10'4 that slides inside the hollow of the tube of the first part, which extends in the direction of the outside of the opposite side of this arm is fitted with a block 106 of material 5 with low friction content, such as ultra-high molecular weight plastics. This block is dimensioned and shaped to fit inside the helical tube. On the upper surface 118 of the sliding arm, near the outer end, there is a small hook 1.10 facing upwards and inwards. This hook can be coupled by means of extraction from the helical equipment arm in order to allow the extraction of the mechanical arm.
The third part of the arm mechanism is a support arm 112 fixed to the cover below the connection point of the profile at A, and is a posterior end of the sliding arm 15. The posterior end 114 of the support arm is articulately connected to the lower part of the sliding arm. In a preferred configuration, a lever 72 extends between the support arm and a projection on the cylindrical rod of the articulation cover subassembly. When the mechanical arm is retracted for 20 retention, this support arm is the articulation guide, if present, and will be housed within the slot in the hollow section of the A-profile. When the arm is extended, this part of the support arm lifts the mechanical arm upwards and outwards. Also, there is a locking mechanism, connected to the sliding arm, which comprises a .25 steel spring fastener to lock the mechanical arm in the expanded position if desired, and which can be released when the mechanical arm needs to return to a retracted position and 'retXdá*
As shown in Figures 19-22, the hé.lídOxdài õohsiste equipment system consists of a capture segment, a segment for opening the cover, a guide segment, a segment for closing the cover, and a release segment.
The capture segment consists of an expanded section of the .116 tube to allow for small variations in size and positioning of the carriage. By ensuring that the cross-sectional area of the tube in this segment is sufficient to allow for any reasonable variations, and by inducing all sides in the direction of the final shape of the tube, the sliding arm will be guided to the required position.
In a preferred configuration, the segment for opening the cover consists of two helical tubes 11B, .120, which may be made of metal, positioned long apart, spaced 15 to couple the sliding arms to the cover. The guide segment consists of a planar guide 121 that extends between the segment for opening the cover and the. A segment for closing the cover, which is positioned to retain the cover between the guide and the side of the railcar; In a preferred 2Θ configuration, the segment for closing the cover consists of two helical tubes positioned longitudinally apart, spaced to couple the sliding arms to the cover.
Each opening<sup>:</sup> of the cover and the segments for closing the cover of the helical equipment consist of at least one tube, which may be made of metal, with a slot along its entire length. The position of the slot in the tube is determined by the geometry of the cover, but basically represents the position facing the center of rotation, altered by any deviation in the angle at which the slide is mounted on its arm.
The tube has a helical shape defined by the geometry of the cover and the car, by the space with which it is possible to work, and by the speed of the train. In the final view, the helix is circular, with a diameter that matches the distance between the joints and the end of the sliding arm on the opposite side of the railway car. In a plan and side view, the shape of the helix can be determined by the geometry of the roof and the car, by the space provided so that it is possible to work, and by the speed of the train.
This format determines the speed at which the cover is opened or closed, and the forces applied to the cover. Higher speeds may result in greater forces being applied to a cover. When the sliding arm block 106 runs inside the helical tube, the tube is supported by an external structure 122, provided that the structure remains outside the curve of the helix.
In the final section there is a release section, which may be an expanded section of the helical tube 124, to release the tube slide. In an open helix there may not be a release segment if the intention is to retain the cover by means of the loading area or the unloading area. If the slide is not released, it will remain attached, and will travel a straight section of the tube before the cover closes again.
There will be several options for opening the covers; the preferred option is described herein. In operation, the cover is firmly attached to the upper sill of the railway car as it travels between the loading and unloading areas. In normal operation, the mechanical arms are spring-loaded in a fixed position.
When the car approaches the loading or unloading location, a helical opening mechanism operates, a mechanical arm extraction mechanism extends and couples the mechanical arms to a cover, projecting it in such a way that the helical equipment, which is beyond the car and cover, can secure the block at the end of the sliding arm part of the mechanical arm.
Several methods can be used to locate and extend the arms without the use of a drive mechanism on the cover. In the preferred design of a sensor, the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, using a RFID tag located on the side of the cover or near the longitudinal center of the cover. Using position sensing technology, this provides precise positioning of the arm extraction system. This system includes an arm extraction device. With a signal from the RFID system, the extraction equipment<sup>:</sup> The arm extends inward and downward toward the cover, attaching a hook to the arm...
Q; the arm extraction equipment moves away from the car, extracting the arm as it does so. It then lifts the arm, unhooking the hook. The length lOngítM^ of the arm extraction equipment must be determined based on the speed of the train. As the train is moving while the extraction occurs, the extraction equipment... The arm moves along the train during extraction, and ideally should have sufficient compression to allow movement during that time to accomplish the extraction of the robotic arms.
üm- ves preso# the corrediço arm travels inside the helical tube of the helical equipment, following the helical shape as it moves forward with the train's movement. This unlocks and lifts the cover on one side while the train continues to<sub>;</sub>move forward.
The helical tube shape causes the cover to rotate on its axis of articulation—a series of joints located on the opposite side of the cover—until the entire top of the railcar is exposed. This partially open position is achieved with... The cover can be rotated at least 90 degrees. The cover can then be supported in this partially open position while the material is loaded onto the car, or it can be further rotated to a fully open position, in which case it will rest against the side of the railcar. If it is necessary to avoid the structural components of the loading or unloading areas, the cover can be induced to tension by using a wall, angled tube or similar deformation device along the lower edge of the cover, in the direction of the car body, flattening the cover to a smaller horizontal volume. This also allows the cover and the car to fit within the envelope of a car loader.
When the car leaves the loading area, a helical closing mechanism re-engages the mechanical arms on the cover and rotates the cover to a closed travel position. The final step.
1i be r action of the fasteners with loading põr mpla,. using an actuating arm to actuate the fasteners, allowing the springs to retract each of the mechanical arms back to their retracted position, on board, allowing the cars to move to their next destinations.
It will be seen by the experts in the field that other variations of the preferred configuration tãtibèm can also be realized, ssm<sub>:</sub> abandon the scope of the invention.
Contents5
22 sheets
Sheet 1 Sheet 2 Sheet 3 Sheet 4 Sheet 5 Sheet 6 Sheet 7 Sheet 8 Sheet 9 Sheet 10 Sheet 11 Sheet 12 Sheet 13 Sheet 14 Sheet 15 Sheet 16 Sheet 17 Sheet 18 Sheet 19 Sheet 20 Sheet 21 Sheet 22
17 members in 6 offices
Priority claims3
| Document | Office | Kind | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60891724 | United States of America | – | |
| 89172407 | United States of America | P | |
| 2008000378 | Canada | W |
Members17
| Document | Office | Kind | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2008221210A1 | Australia | A1 | |
| WO2008104071A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| US2008236439A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| ZA200906250B | South Africa | B | |
| US7878124B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| CA2785247A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| WO2011075852A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| WO2011075852A9 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A9 | |
| US2013192488A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| AU2013222037A1 | Australia | A1 | |
| AU2008221210B2 | Australia | B2 | |
| AU2013222037B2 | Australia | B2 | |
| US2016046304A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US9580086B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| BRPI0807313A2This record | Brazil | A2 | |
| CA2785247C | Canada | C | |
| BRPI0807313B1 | Brazil | B1 |
9 legal events, as the office reported them to INPADOC
Over the term
Point at a mark for the eventEvents
| Event | Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Decision of lapse of a patent or of a certificate of addition of invention cancelled [chapter 21.8 patent gazette]LapsedANULADA A PUBLICACAO CODIGO 21.6 NA RPI NO 2822 DE 04/02/2025 POR TER SIDO INDEVIDA.B21H | B21H | |
| Patent annual fee: resolution cancelledANULADA A PUBLICACAO CODIGO 24.10 NA RPI NO 2841 DE 17/06/2025 POR TER SIDO INDEVIDA.B24E | B24E | |
| Prolongation of time limit allowedREFERENTE A PETICAO NO 870250062088 DE 18/07/2025 - RECONHECIDA A JUSTA CAUSA, DE ACORDO COM O ARTIGO 221 DA LPI 9279/96 E O ARTIGO 2O DA PORTARIA/INPI/PR NO 049 DE 03.12.2021, SEM A CONCESSAO DE PRAZO ADICIONAL EM VIRTUDE DO PAGAMENTO DA 17A (DECIMA-SETIMA) ANUIDADE JA TER SIDO EFETUADO ATRAVES DA GRU 29409162340521870.B15V | B15V | |
| Lapse because of non-payment of annual fees (definitively: art 78 iv lpi, resolution 113/2013 art. 12)LapsedEM VIRTUDE DA EXTINCAO PUBLICADA NA RPI 2822 DE 04-02-2025 E CONSIDERANDO AUSENCIA DE MANIFESTACAO DENTRO DOS PRAZOS LEGAIS, INFORMO QUE CABE SER MANTIDA A EXTINCAO DA PATENTE E SEUS CERTIFICADOS, CONFORME O DISPOSTO NO ARTIGO 12, DA RESOLUCAO 113/2013.B24J | B24J | |
| Lapse acc. art. 78, item iv - on non-payment of the annual fees in timeLapsedREFERENTE A 17A ANUIDADE.B21F | B21F | |
| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]GrantedPRAZO DE VALIDADE: 10 (DEZ) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 10/09/2019, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. (CO) 10 (DEZ) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 10/09/2019, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAISB16A | B16A | |
| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]B09A | B09A | |
| Formal requirements before examination [chapter 6.20 patent gazette]B06T | B06T | |
| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]B06F | B06F |
Numbers
- Publication
- PI0807313
- Application
- 8073139
Titles2
- Portuguese
- "COBERTURA SEMI-RÍGIDA PARA CARRO FERROVIÁRIO"
- English
- "semi-rigid cover for rail car"
Classification
- CPC, 3
- B61D17/12
- B61D39/001
- B61D39/007
- IPC, 2
- B61D39 00
- B61D17 12