The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 02, 1995
Filed:
Feb. 17, 1994
Everett H Stephenson, Jr, Savannah, GA (US);
Other;
Abstract
Railcars for transporting timber in either the 'tree-length' form or 'long log' form are provided. The present invention discloses a railroad car comprising a central support member having at least one set of wheels disposed near its ends. A bulkhead is affixed to each end of the central support member and a plurality of cross members extend from the central support member, to which a plurality of stanchions are affixed. Thus, the cross members and the stanchions preferably form substantially 'U'-shaped structures that are in a spaced-apart relationship selected to restrain both tree-length logs and long logs. The railroad car of the present invention may also include one or more apparatus for restraining a stack of timber, such as a winch and a strap. Most preferably, at least six pairs of stanchions are provided. The distance between a first stanchion and the bulkhead is between about 7.5 and 8.5 feet; the distance between the first stanchions and a second stanchion is between about 12.0 and 13.0 feet; and the spacing between further stanchions repeats the same alternating spacing. The cross members preferably raise the logs above the deck or structure of the railcar to facilitate loading and unloading using conventional equipment.