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:
Dec. 17, 2002
Filed:
Mar. 12, 2001
Scott C. Landrum, Keller, TX (US);
Robert J. Edwards, Fort Worth, TX (US);
The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company, Fort Worth, TX (US);
Abstract
A flatbed railcar is provided which may be utilized for the transport of relatively lightweight bulky articles, as well as relatively heavy articles such as steel beams. The railcar includes a number of components which cooperate to allow such diversity of uses. A rectangular base structure is provided. A substantially planar deck is secured to the upper surface of the rectangular base structure. A plurality of rail wheel assemblies are coupled to the lower surface of the base structure. The rail wheel assemblies are adapted for engaging a railroad. A first bulkhead member is coupled to a first end of the base structure. A second bulkhead member is coupled to the second end of the base structure. A vertical center partition member is also provided. The vertical center partition member is substantially perpendicular to the base structure. It is located along a longitudinal centerline relative to the base structure. It extends between the first and second bulkhead members, and is coupled to the first and second bulkhead members in force-transference relationship therewith. The vertical center partition member provides lateral bending stiffness, vertical bending stiffness, and torsional stiffness. The vertical center partition is substantially uniform in width over its duration. This facilitates loading and unloading operations utilizing overhead cranes. A plurality of relatively wide, adjustable support straps are coupled to the base structure to safely tie down the cargo with out damaging the cargo.