RAILROAD FREIGHT CAR LOADING OR UNLOADING

摘要

A rail-road intermodal freight system. In an embodiment, a plurality of L-cars are provided. In an embodiment, each L-car may be configured for support at its forward end on a preceding L-car, and at a rear base on a set of flanged rail wheels. In implementing the system, a freight yard is provided with rail components which are switchable to enable decoupling and a turn-in-place operation, wherein each care is lifted from the preceding L-car in the train, and the neck portion of the L-car lowered to the ground. When in the lowered position, downwardly extending legs on the over-the-road trailer enable an over-the-road tractor to attach the over-the-road trailer in conventional fashion, for removal of the over-the-road tailer from the L-car. Loading of an over-the-road trailer on the L-car takes place via a reverse process, wherein the trailer is backed up on to the L-car.

主权项

1. A rail car for carriage of over-the-road trailers, comprising:
a wheel set, said wheel set comprising at least one axle connected to a pair of flanged rail wheels, said wheel set further comprising a suspension package; a frame, said frame generally L-shaped and having a front end and a rear end, said frame comprising
a deck for support of a trailer, said deck extending between first end and a second end, said deck adapted to slope downward toward said second end during rail transit operation;a generally vertically extending bumper located at or adjacent the second end of said deck;a rear base, said rear base located rearward of said bumper, said rear base having (a) a lower side resting on and suspended by said suspension package, and (b) and an upper side; a front coupler; a rear coupler; and a lock, said lock adapted for securing a trailer to said rail car.