Transportation system and components thereof

Claim 2

A freight transportation system comprising a railway car for transporting freight containers including an elongated longitudinally extending frame having rail wheels, a pair of elongated longitudinally extending narrow beams carried by said frame and extending substantially the entire length thereof, the top surfaces of said beams defining a substantially horizontal plane, at least one pair of longitudinally extending rub rails mounted on said frame, the rub rails of each pair of rub rails being laterally spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the distance between the outer edges of said beams and including respectively outer surfaces having longitudinally spaced and laterally opposed openings therethrough, at least two pairs of bolsters arranged on the top surfaces of said beams and slidable longitudinally therealong among a plurality of supporting positions, a lock assembly on each bolster selectively engageable with the openings in said rub rails for locking said bolster thereto in a selected one of said supporting positions to support a freight container on the upper surface thereof, and a longitudinal stop mounted on each of said bolsters and being shiftable between an operative position and a storage position with respect to said bolster, said longitudinal stop in said operative position extending above the top surface of said bolster and in position for engaging one end of the freight container mounted on said bolster, said longitudinal stop in said storage position being disposed below the top surface of said bolster and out of position for engaging said one end of the freight container mounted on and supported by said bolster, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops thereof in the operative positions thereof serving respectively to mount and longitudinally restrain two freight containers thereon, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops of the end ones thereof in the operative positions thereof and with the longitudinal stops of the intermediate ones thereof in the storage positions thereof serving collectively to mount a single freight container extending across and supported by said intermediate bolsters, whereby freight containers of different lengths and different numbers of freight containers May be secured to the rub rails of said railway car by said two pairs of bolsters.

Claim 3

The freight transportation system set forth in claim 1, wherein the rub rails are resiliently mounted on said frame for independent, limited and cushioned longitudinal movements with respect thereto.

Claim 4

The freight transportation system set forth in claim 1, and further comprising lateral support structures mounted on said beam for accommodating cushioned longitudinal movements of the associated rub rail with respect to said frame while limiting the lateral movement of said rub rail with respect to said frame.

Claim 5

The freight transportation system set forth in claim 1, and further comprising vertical support structures mounted on said frame and respectively underlying at least one of said rub rails to limit downward movement of the associated rub rail with respect to said frame while a freight container is mounted on said bolsters.

Claim 6

The freight transportation system set forth in claim 1, and further comprising a slide pan mounted on the underside of said bolster and in contact with the top surface of said beams for facilitating longitudinal sliding therealong.

Claim 7

The freight transportation system set forth in claim 1, wherein said bolster is a substantially hollow beam having recessed portions along the top surface thereof for accommodating and firmly supporting said longitudinal stop.

Claim 8

The freight transportation system set forth in claim 1, wherein said lock assembly further comprises an integral U-shaped member having one end shiftably connected to said bolster and the other end engageable with the openings of said rub rail for locking said bolster thereto.

Claim 9

The freight transportation system set forth in claim 1, wherein said lock assembly further comprises a U-shaped member having one end shiftably connected to said bolster and the other end engageable with the openings of said rub rail for locking said bolster thereto, and a spring disposed on said one end for urging the other end into locking engagement with said rub rail.

Claim 10

The freight transportation system set forth in claim 1, wherein said longitudinal stop is pivotal between said operative position and said storage position.

Claim 11

The freight transportation system set forth in claim 1, wherein said longitudinal stop is pivotal through an angle of substantially 270* between said operative position and said storage position.

Claim 12

The freight transportation system set forth in claim 1, wherein said longitudinal stop includes a generally rectangular abutment surface and a retaining wall disposed substantially normal to said abutment surface.

Claim 13

The freight transportation system set forth in claim 1, wherein said longitudinal stop includes a generally rectangular abutment surface and a back retaining wall disposed substantially normal to said abutment surface, said back retaining wall having a guide surface hereon inclined in use downwardly toward said abutment surface for guiding the end of the freight container toward said abutment surface.

Claim 14

The freight transportation system set forth in claim 1, wherein said longitudinal stop includes a generally rectangular abutment surface, a retaining wall disposed substantially normal to said abutment surface, said retaining wall having a guide surface thereon inclined in use downwardly toward said abutment surface for guiding the corner of the freight container toward said abutment surface, and a reinforcing support for said guide surface.

Claim 15

A freight transportation system comprising a railway car for transporting freight containers including an elongated longitudinally extending frame having rail wheels, a pair of elongated longitudinally extending narrow beams carried by said frame and extending substantially the entire length thereof, the top surfaces of said beams defining a substantially horizontal plane, at least one pair of longitudinally extending rub rails mounted on said frame, the rub rails of each pair of rub rails being laterally spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the distance between the outer edges of said beams and including respectively outer surfaces having longitudinally spaced and laterally opposed openings therethrough, at least two pairs of bolsters arranged on the top surfaces of said beams and slidable longitudinally therealong among a plurality of supporting positions, a lock assembly on each bolster selectively engageable with the openings in said rub rails for locking said bolster thereto in a selected one of said supporting positions to support a freight container on the upper surface thereof, a longitudinal stop mounted on each of said bolsters and being shiftable between an operative position and a storage position with respect to said bolster, said longitudinal stop in said operative position extending above the top surface of said bolster and in position for engaging one end of the freight container mounted on said bolster, said longitudinal stop in said storage position being disposed below the top surface of said bolster and out of position for engaging said one end of the freight container mounted on said bolster, and means for locking said longitudinal stop in said operative position and in said storage position, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops thereof in the operative positions thereof serving respectively to mount two freight containers thereon, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops of the end ones thereof in the operative positions thereof and with the longitudinal stops of the intermediate ones thereof in the storage positions thereof serving collectively to mount a single freight container extending across and supported by said intermediate bolsters, whereby freight containers of different lengths and different numbers of freight containers may be secured to the rub rails of said railway car by said two pairs of bolsters.

Claim 16

A freight transportation system comprising a railway car for transporting freight containers including an elongated longitudinally extending frame having rail wheels, a pair of elongated longitudinally extending narrow beams carried by said frame and extending substantially the entire length thereof, the top surfaces of said beams defining a substantially horizontal plane, at least one pair of longitudinally extending rub rails mounted on said frame, the rub rails of each pair of rub rails being laterally spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the distance between the outer edges of said beams and including respectively outer surfaces having longitudinally spaced and laterally opposed openings therethrough, at least two pairs of bolsters arranged on the top surfaces of said beams and slidable longitudinally therealong among a plurality of supporting positions, a lock assembly on each bolster selectively engageable with the openings in said rub rails for locking said bolster thereto in a selected one of said supporting positions to support a freight container on the upper surface thereof, a longitudinal stop mounted on each of said bolsters and being shiftable between an operative position and a storage position with respect to said bolster, said longitudinal stop in said operative position extending above the top surface of said bolster and in position for engaging one end of the freight container mounted on said bolster, said longitudinal stop in said storage position being disposed below the top surface of said bolster and out of position for engaging said one end of the freight container mounted on said bolster, and means for locking said longitudinal stop in said operative position and in said storage position, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops thereof in the operative positions thereof serving respectively to mount two freight containers thereon, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops of the end ones thereof in the operative positions thereof and with the longitudinal stops of the intermediate ones thereof in the storage positions thereof serving collectively to mount a single freight container extending across and supported by said intermediate bolsters, whereby freight containers of different lengths and different numbers of freight containers may be secured to the rub rails of said railway car by said two pairs of bolsters.

Claim 17

The freight transportation system set forth in claim 14, wherein the weight of the freight container locks said longitudinal stop in said operative position.

Claim 18

The freight transportation system set forth in claim 14, wherein each bolster includes a base, a front wall disposed on and substantially normal to said base, and a finger mounted on said base and having a portion extending forwardly of said base and said front wall with an opening therethrough, and wherein said lock means comprises a driftpin insertable in the opening in said finger, said longitudinal stop in said storage position being disposed forwardly adjacent to said front wall, whereby insertion of said driftpin through the opening in said finger locks said longitudinal stop in said storage position.

Claim 19

The freight transportation system set forth in claim 16, wherein said lock means further comprises a keeper integral with said forwardly extending finger for keeping said driftpin in the locking position thereof.

Claim 20

A freight transportation system comprising a railway car for transporting freight containers including an elongated longitudinally extending frame having rail wheels, a pair of elongated longitudinally extending narrow beams carried by said frame and extending substantially the entire length thereof, the top surfaces of said beams defining a substantially horizontal plane, at least one pair of longitudinally extending rub rails mounted on said frame, the rub rails of each pair of rub rails being laterally spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the distance between the outer edges of said beams and including respectively outer surfaces having longitudinally spaced and laterally opposed openings therethrough, at least two pairs of bolsters arranged on the top surfaces of said beams and slidable longitudinally therealong among a plurality of supporting positions, a lock assembly on each bolster selectively engageable with the openings in said rub rails for locking said bolster thereto in a selected one of said supporting positions to support a freight container on the upper surface thereof, a longitudinal stop mounted on each of said bolsters and being shiftable between an operative position and a storage position with respect to said bolster, said longitudinal stop in said operative position extending above the top surface of said bolster and in position for engaging one end of the freight container mounted on said bolster, said longitudinal stop in said storage position being disposed below the top surface of said bolster and out of position for engaging said one end of the freight container mounted on and supported by said bolster, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops thereof in the operative positions thereof serving respectively to mount two freight containers thereon, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops of the end ones thereof in the operative positions thereof and with the longitudinal stops of the intermediate ones thereof in the storage positions thereof serving collectively to mount a single freight container extending across and supported on said intermediate bolsters, and a side lock assembly mounted on said bolster and shiftable between an operative position and a storage position, said side lock assembly in said operative position being in position to engage the freight container to prevent lateral and vertical movement thereof with respect to said bolster, said side lock assembly in said storage position being out of position to engage the freight container, whereby freight containers of different lengths and different numbers of freight containers may be secured to the rub rails of said railway car by said two pairs of bolsters, and whereby to prevent longitudinal, vertical and lateral displacement of the freight container with respect to said two pairs of bolsters.

Claim 21

A freight transportation system comprising a railway car for transporting freight containers including an elongated longitudinally extending frame having rail wheels, a pair of elongated longitudinally extending narrow beams carried by said frame and extending substantially the entire length thereof, the top surfaces of said beams defining a substantially horizontal plane, at least one pair of longitudinally extending rub rails mounted on said frame, the rub rails of each pair of rub rails being laterally spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the distance between the outer edges of said beams and including respectively outer surfaces having longitudinally spaced and laterally opposed openings therethrough, at least two pairs of bolsters arranged on the top surfaces of said beams and slidable longitudinally therealong among a plurality of supporting positions, a lock assembly on each bolster selectively engageable with the openings in said rub rails for locking said bolster thereto in a selected one of said supporting positions to support a freight container on the upper surface thereof, a longitudinal stop mounted on each of said bolsters and being shiftable between an operative position and a storage position with respect to said bolster, said longitudinal stop in said operative position extending above the top surface of said bolster and in position for engaging one end of the freight container mounted on said bolster, said longitudinal stop in said storage position being disposed below the top surface of said bolster and out of position for engaging said one end of the freight container mounted on and supported by said bolster, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops thereof in the operative positions thereof serving respectively to mount two freight containers thereon, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops of the end ones thereof in the operative positions thereof and with the longitudinal stops of the intermediate ones thereof in the storage positions thereof serving collectively to mount a single freight container extending across and supported on said intermediate bolsters, and a side lock assembly mounted on said bolster and shiftable between an operative position and a storage position, said side lock assembly in said operative position being in position to engage the freight container to prevent lateral and vertical movement thereof with respect to said bolster, said side lock assembly in said storage position being out of position to engage the freight container, whereby freight containers of different lengths and different numbers of freight containers may be secured to the rub rails of said railway car by said two pairs of bolsters, and whereby to prevent longitudinal, vertical and lateral displacement of the freight container with respect to said two pairs of bolsters.

Claim 22

The freight transportation system set forth in claim 18, and further comprising a driftpin for use alternatively to lock said longitudinal stop in said storage position and to lock said side lock assembly to the freight container to prevent lateral and vertical movement thereof with respect to said bolster.

Claim 23

A freight transportation system comprising a railway car for transporting freight containers including an elongated longitudinally extending frame having rail wheels, a pair of elongated longitudinally extending narrow beams carried by said frame and extending substantially the entire length thereof, the top surfaces of said beams defining a substantially horizontal plane, at least two pairs of longitudinally extending rub rails mounted on said frame, the rub rails of each pair of rub rails being laterally spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the distance between the outer edges of said beams and including respectively outer surfaces having longitudinally spaced and laterally opposed openings therethrough, the rub rails on each side of said beam being longitudinally spaced apart a predetermined distance, a pair of rub rail connecting links each having a length greater than said predetermined distance and each including an outer surface having longitudinally spaced and laterally opposed openings therethrough with laterally opposed pairs of openings at either end of said link respectively aligned with an opening in the adjacent rub rail, a pair of latch assemblies respectively engageable with the aligned openings in one of said connecting links and the adjacent rub rails for locking said one connecting link to said rub rails thereby to interconnect the adjacent rub rails, at least two pairs of bolsters arranged on the top surfaces of said beams and slidable longitudinally therealong and respectively disposed on the opposite sides of said links, a lock assembly on each bolster selectively engageable with the openings in said rub rail for locking said bolster thereto in position to support a freight container on the upper surface thereof, and a longitudinal stop mounted on each of said bolsters and being shiftable between an operative position and a storage position, said longitudinal stop in said operative position extending above the top surface of said bolster and in position for engaging one end of the freight container mounted on said bolster, said longitudinal stop in said storage position being disposed below the top surface of said bolster and out of position for engaging the freight container mounted on said bolster, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops thereof in the operative positions thereof respectively serving to mount two freight containers thereon, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops of the end ones thereof in the operative positions thereof and with the longitudinal stops of the intermediate ones thereof in the storage positions thereof and with said links interconnecting said rub rails serving collectively to mount a single freight container extending across said intermediate bolsters and across said links, whereby freight containers of different lengths and different numbers of freight containers may be secured to the rub rails of said railway car by two pairs of said bolsters.

Claim 24

A freight transportation system comprising a railway car for transporting freight containers including an elongated longitudinally extending frame having rail wheels, a pair of elongated longitudinally extending narrow beams carried by said frame and extending substantially the entire length thereof, the top surfaces of said beams defining a substantially horizontal plane, at least two pairs of longitudinally extending rub rails mounted on said frame, the rub rails of each pair of rub rails being laterally spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the distance between the outer edges of said beams and including respectively outer surfaces having longitudinally spaced and laterally opposed openings therethrough, the rub rails on each side of said beam being longitudinally spaced apart a predetermined distance, a pair of rub rail connecting links each having a length greater than said predetermined distance and each including an outer surface having longitudinally spaced and laterally opposed openings therethrough with laterally opposed pairs of openings at either end of said link respectively aligned with an opening in the adjacent rub rail, a pair of latch assemblies respectively engageable with the aligned openings in one of said connecting links and the adjacent rub rails for locking said one connecting link to said rub rails thereby to interconnect the adjacent rub rails, at least two pairs of bolsters arranged on the top surfaces of said beams and slidable longitudinally therealong and respectively disposed on the opposite sides of said links, a lock assembly on each bolster selectively engageable with the openings in said rub rail for locking said bolster thereto in position to support a freight container on the upper surface thereof, and a longitudinal stop mounted on each of said bolsters and being shiftable between an operative position and a storage position, said longitudinal stop in said operative position extending above the top surface of said bolster and in position for engaging one end of the freight container mounted on said bolster, said longitudinal stop in said storage position being disposed below the top surface of said bolster and out of position for engaging the freight container mounted on said bolster, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops thereof in the operative positions thereof respectively serving to mount two freight containers thereon, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops of the end ones thereof in the operative positions thereof and with the longitudinal stops of the intermediate ones thereof in the storage positions thereof and with said links interconnecting said rub rails serving collectively to mount a single freight container extending across said intermediate bolsters and across said links, whereby freight containers of different lengths and different numbers of freight containers may be secured to the rub rails of said railway car by two pairs of said bolsters.

Claim 25

A freight transportation system comprising a railway car for transporting freight containers including an elongated longitudinally extending frame having rail wheels, a pair of elongated longitudinally extending narrow beams carried by said frame and extending substantially the entire length thereof, the top surfaces of said beams defining a substantially horizontal plane, at least two pairs of longitudinally extending rub rails mounted on said frame, the rub rails of each pair of rub rails being laterally spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the distance between the outer edges of said beams and including respectively outer surfaces having longitudinally spaced and laterally opposed openings therethrough, the rub rails on each side of said beam being longitudinally spaced apart a predetermined distance, a pair of rub rail connecting links each having a length greater than said predetermined distance and each including an outer surface having longitudinally spaced and laterally opposed openings therethrough with laterally opposed pairs of openings at either end of said link respectively aligned with an opening in the adjacent rub rail, a pair of latch assemblies respectively engageable with the aligned openings in one of said connecting links and the adjacent rub rails thereby to interconnect the adjacent rub rails, at least two pairs of bolsters arranged on the top surfaces of said beams and slidable longitudinally therealong and respectively disposed on the opposite sides of said links, a pair of lock assemblies on each bolster selectively engageable with the openings in said rub rail for locking said bolster thereto in position to support a freight container on the upper surface thereof, and a pair of longitudinal stops mounted on opposite ends of each of said bolsters and each being shiftable between an operative position and a storage position, each of said longitudinal stops in said operative position extending above the top surface of said bolster and in position for engaging one end of the freight container mounted on said bolster, each of said longitudinal stops in said storage position being disposed below the top surface of said bolster and out of position for engaging the freight container mounted on said bolster, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops thereof in the operative positions thereof serving respectively to mount two freight containers thereon, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops of the end ones thereof in the operative positions thereof and with the longitudinal stops of the intermediate ones thereof in the storage positions thereof and with said links interconnecting said rub rails serving collectively to mount a single freight container extending across said intermediate bolsters and across said links, whereby freight containers of different lengths and different numbers of freight containers may be secured to the rub rails of said railway car by two pairs of said bolsters.

Claim 26

A freight transportation system comprising a railway car for transporting freight containers including an elongated longitudinally extending frame having rail wheels, a pair of elongated longitudinally extending narrow beams carried by said frame and extending substantially the entire length thereof, the top surfaces of said beams defining a substantially horizontal plane, at least two pairs of longitudinally extending rub rails mounted on said frame, the rub rails of each pair of rub rails being laterally spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the distance between the outer edges of said beams and including respectively outer surfaces having longitudinally spaced and laterally opposed openings therethrough, the rub rails on each side of said beam being longitudinally spaced apart a predetermined distance, a pair of rub rail connecting links each having a length greater than said predetermined distance and each including an outer surface having longitudinally spaced and laterally opposed openings therethrough with laterally opposed pairs of openings at either end of said link respectively aligned with an opening in the adjacent rub rail, a pair of latch assemblies respectively engageable with the aligned openings in one of said connecting links and the adjacent rub rails thereby to interconnect the adjacent rub rails, at least two pairs of bolsters arranged on the top surfaces of said beams and slidable longitudinally therealong and respectively disposed on the opposite sides of said links, a pair of lock assemblies on each bolster selectively engageable with the openings in said rub rail for locking said bolster thereto in position to support a freight container on the upper surface thereof, and a pair of longitudinal stops mounted on opposite ends of each of said bolsters and each being shiftable between an operative position and a storage position, each of said longitudinal stops in said operative position extending above the top surface of said bolster and in position for engaging one end of the freight container mounted on said bolster, each of said longitudinal stops in said storage position being disposed below the top surface of said bolster and out of position for engaging the freight container mounted on said bolster, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops thereof in the operative positions thereof serving respectively to mount two freight containers thereon, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops of the end ones thereof in the operative positions thereof and with the longitudinal stops of the intermediate ones thereof in the storage positions thereof and with said links interconnecting said rub rails serving collectively to mount a single freight container extending across said intermediate bolsters and across said links, whereby freight containers of different lengths and different numbers of freight containers may be secured to the rub rails of said railway car by two pairs of said bolsters.

Claim 27

A freighT transportation system comprising a railway car for transporting freight containers including an elongated longitudinally extending frame having rail wheels, a pair of elongated longitudinally extending narrow beams carried by said frame and extending substantially the entire length thereof, the top surfaces of said beams defining a substantially horizontal plane, at least one pair of longitudinally extending rub rails mounted on said frame, the rub rails of each pair of rub rails being laterally spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the distance between the outer edges of said beams and including respectively outer surfaces having longitudinally spaced and laterally opposed openings therethrough, at least two pairs of bolsters arranged on the top surfaces of said beams and slidable longitudinally therealong among a plurality to supporting positions, a lock assembly on each bolster selectively engageable with the openings in said rub rails for locking said bolster thereto in a selected one of said supporting positions to support a freight container on the upper surface thereof, and a pair of longitudinal stops mounted adjacent to the opposite ends of each of said bolsters and each being shiftable between an operative position and a storage position with respect to said bolster, each of said longitudinal stops in said operative position extending above the top surface of said bolster and in position for engaging one end of the freight container mounted on said bolster, each of said longitudinal stops in said storage position being disposed below the top surface of said bolster and out of position for engaging said one end of the freight container mounted on and supported by said bolster, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops thereof in the operative positions thereof serving respectively to mount two freight containers thereon, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops of the end ones thereof in the operative positions thereof and with the longitudinal stops of the intermediate ones thereof in the storage positions thereof serving collectively to mount a single freight container extending across and supported by said intermediate bolsters, whereby freight containers of different lengths and different numbers of freight containers may be secured to the rub rails of said railway car by said two pairs of bolsters.

Claim 28

A freighT transportation system comprising a railway car for transporting freight containers including an elongated longitudinally extending frame having rail wheels, a pair of elongated longitudinally extending narrow beams carried by said frame and extending substantially the entire length thereof, the top surfaces of said beams defining a substantially horizontal plane, at least one pair of longitudinally extending rub rails mounted on said frame, the rub rails of each pair of rub rails being laterally spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the distance between the outer edges of said beams and including respectively outer surfaces having longitudinally spaced and laterally opposed openings therethrough, at least two pairs of bolsters arranged on the top surfaces of said beams and slidable longitudinally therealong among a plurality to supporting positions, a lock assembly on each bolster selectively engageable with the openings in said rub rails for locking said bolster thereto in a selected one of said supporting positions to support a freight container on the upper surface thereof, and a pair of longitudinal stops mounted adjacent to the opposite ends of each of said bolsters and each being shiftable between an operative position and a storage position with respect to said bolster, each of said longitudinal stops in said operative position extending above the top surface of said bolster and in position for engaging one end of the freight container mounted on said bolster, each of said longitudinal stops in said storage position being disposed below the top surface of said bolster and out of position for engaging said one end of the freight container mounted on and supported by said bolster, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops thereof in the operative positions thereof serving respectively to mount two freight containers thereon, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops of the end ones thereof in the operative positions thereof and with the longitudinal stops of the intermediate ones thereof in the storage positions thereof serving collectively to mount a single freight container extending across and supported by said intermediate bolsters, whereby freight containers of different lengths and different numbers of freight containers may be secured to the rub rails of said railway car by said two pairs of bolsters.

Claim 29

A freight transportation system comprising a railway car for transporting freight containers including an elongated longitudinally extending frame having rail wheels, a pair of elongated longitudinally extending narrow beams carried by said frame and extending substantially the entire length thereof, the top surfaces of said beams defining a substantially horizontal plane, at least one pair of longitudinally extending rub rails mounted on said frame, the rub rails of each pair of rub rails being laterally spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the distance between the outer edges of said beams and including respectively outer surface having longitudinally spaced and laterally opposed openings therethrough, at least two pairs of bolsters arranged on the top surfaces of said beams and slidable longitudinally therealong among a plurality of supporting positions, a pair of lock assemblies on each bolster in spaced-apart relation and selectively engageable with the openings in said rub rails for locking said bolster thereto in a selected one of said supporting positions to support a freight container on the upper surface thereof, a longitudinal stop mounted on each of said bolsters and being shiftable between an operative position and a storage position with respect to said bolster, said longitudinal stop in said operative position extending above the top surface of said bolster and in position for engaging one end of the freight container mounted on said bolster, said longitudinal stop in said storage position being disposed below the top surface of said bolster and out of position for engaging said one end of the freight contaIner mounted on and supported by said bolster, and means for locking said longitudinal stop in said operative position and in said storage position, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops thereof in the operative positions thereof serving respectively to mount two freight containers thereon, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops of the end ones thereof in the operative positions thereof and with the longitudinal stops of the intermediate ones thereof in the storage positions thereof serving collectively to mount a single freight container extending across and supported by said intermediate bolsters, whereby freight containers of different lengths and different numbers of freight containers may be secured to the rub rails of said railway car by said two pairs of bolsters.

Claim 30

A freight transportation system comprising a railway car for transporting freight containers including an elongated longitudinally extending frame having rail wheels, a pair of elongated longitudinally extending narrow beams carried by said frame and extending substantially the entire length thereof, the top surfaces of said beams defining a substantially horizontal plane, at least one pair of longitudinally extending rub rails mounted on said frame, the rub rails of each pair of rub rails being laterally spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the distance between the outer edges of said beams and including respectively outer surface having longitudinally spaced and laterally opposed openings therethrough, at least two pairs of bolsters arranged on the top surfaces of said beams and slidable longitudinally therealong among a plurality of supporting positions, a pair of lock assemblies on each bolster in spaced-apart relation and selectively engageable with the openings in said rub rails for locking said bolster thereto in a selected one of said supporting positions to support a freight container on the upper surface thereof, a longitudinal stop mounted on each of said bolsters and being shiftable between an operative position and a storage position with respect to said bolster, said longitudinal stop in said operative position extending above the top surface of said bolster and in position for engaging one end of the freight container mounted on said bolster, said longitudinal stop in said storage position being disposed below the top surface of said bolster and out of position for engaging said one end of the freight contaIner mounted on and supported by said bolster, and means for locking said longitudinal stop in said operative position and in said storage position, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops thereof in the operative positions thereof serving respectively to mount two freight containers thereon, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops of the end ones thereof in the operative positions thereof and with the longitudinal stops of the intermediate ones thereof in the storage positions thereof serving collectively to mount a single freight container extending across and supported by said intermediate bolsters, whereby freight containers of different lengths and different numbers of freight containers may be secured to the rub rails of said railway car by said two pairs of bolsters.

Claim 31

A freight transportation system comprising a railway car for transporting freight containers including an elongated longitudinally extending frame having rail wheels, a pair of elongated longitudinal extending narrow beams carried by said frame and extending substantially the entire length thereof, the top surfaces of said beams defining a substantially horizontal plane, at least one pair of longitudinally extending rub rails mounted on said frame, the rub rails of each pair of rub rails being laterally spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the distance between the outer edges of said beams and including respectively outer surfaces having longitudinally spaced and laterally opposed openings therethrough, at least two pairs of bolsters arranged on the top surfaces of said beams and slidable longitudinally therealong among a plurality of supporting positions, a pair of lock assemblies on each bolster in spaced-apart relation and selectively engageable with the openings in said rub rails for locking said bolster thereto in a selected one of said supporting positions to support a freight container on the upper surface thereof, a pair of longitudinal stops mounted adjacent to the opposite ends of each of said bolsters and each being shiftable between an operative position and a storage position with respect to said bolster, each of said longitudinal stops in said operative position extending above the top surface of said bolster and in position for engaging one end of the freight container mounted on said bolster, each of said longitudinal stops in said storage position being disposed below the top surface of said bolster and out of position for engaging said one end of the freight container mounted on and supported by said bolster, and means for locking each of said longitudinal stops in the operative positions thereof and in the storage positions thereof, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops thereof in the operative positions thereof serving respectively to mount two freight containers thereon, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops of the end ones thereof in the operative positions thereof and with the longitudinal stops of the intermediate ones thereof in the storage positions thereof serving collectively to mount a signal freight container extending across and supported by said intermediate bolsters, whereby freight containers of different lengths and different numbers of freight containers may be secured to the rub rails of said railway car by said two pairs of bolsters.

Claim 32

A freight transportation system comprising a railway car for transporting freight containers including an elongated longitudinally extending frame having rail wheels, a pair of elongated longitudinal extending narrow beams carried by said frame and extending substantially the entire length thereof, the top surfaces of said beams defining a substantially horizontal plane, at least one pair of longitudinally extending rub rails mounted on said frame, the rub rails of each pair of rub rails being laterally spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the distance between the outer edges of said beams and including respectively outer surfaces having longitudinally spaced and laterally opposed openings therethrough, at least two pairs of bolsters arranged on the top surfaces of said beams and slidable longitudinally therealong among a plurality of supporting positions, a pair of lock assemblies on each bolster in spaced-apart relation and selectively engageable with the openings in said rub rails for locking said bolster thereto in a selected one of said supporting positions to support a freight container on the upper surface thereof, a pair of longitudinal stops mounted adjacent to the opposite ends of each of said bolsters and each being shiftable between an operative position and a storage position with respect to said bolster, each of said longitudinal stops in said operative position extending above the top surface of said bolster and in position for engaging one end of the freight container mounted on said bolster, each of said longitudinal stops in said storage position being disposed below the top surface of said bolster and out of position for engaging said one end of the freight container mounted on and supported by said bolster, and means for locking each of said longitudinal stops in the operative positions thereof and in the storage positions thereof, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops thereof in the operative positions thereof serving respectively to mount two freight containers thereon, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops of the end ones thereof in the operative positions thereof and with the longitudinal stops of the intermediate ones thereof in the storage positions thereof serving collectively to mount a signal freight container extending across and supported by said intermediate bolsters, whereby freight containers of different lengths and different numbers of freight containers may be secured to the rub rails of said railway car by said two pairs of bolsters.

Claim 33

A freight transportation system comprising a railway car for transporting freight containers including an elongated longitudinally extending frame having rail wheels, a pair of elongated longitudinally extending narrow beams carried by said frame and extending substantially the entire length thereof, the top surfaces of said beams defining a substantially horizontal plane, at least one pair of longitudinally extending rub rails mounted on said frame, the rub rails of each pair of rub rails being laterally spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the distance between the outer edges of said beams and including respectively outer surfaces having longitudinaLly spaced and laterally opposed openings therethrough, at least two pairs of bolsters arranged on the top surfaces of said beams and slidable longitudinally therealong among a plurality of supporting positions, a pair of lock assemblies on each bolster in spaced-apart relation and selectively engageable with the openings in said rub rails for locking said bolster thereto in a selected one of said supporting positions to support a freight container on the upper surface thereof, a pair of longitudinal stops mounted adjacent to the opposite ends of each of said bolsters and each being shiftable between an operative position and a storage position with respect to said bolster, each of said longitudinal stops in said operative position extending above the top surface of said bolster and in position for engaging one end of the freight container mounted on said bolster, each of said longitudinal stops in said storage position being disposed below the top surface of said bolster and out of position for engaging said one end of the freight container mounted on and supported by said bolster, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops thereof in the operative positions serving respectively to mount two freight containers thereon, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops of the end ones thereof in the operative positions thereon and with the longitudinal stops of the intermediate ones thereof in the storage positions thereof serving collectively to mount a single freight container extending across and supported by said intermediate bolsters, and a pair of side lock assemblies mounted on the opposite ends of said bolster and engageable with the freight container to prevent lateral and vertical movement thereof, whereby freight containers of different lengths and different numbers of freight containers may be secured to the rub rails of said railway car by said two pairs of bolsters, and whereby to prevent longitudinal, vertical and lateral displacement of the freight container with respect to said two pairs of bolsters.

Claim 34

A freight transportation system comprising a railway car for transporting freight containers including an elongated longitudinally extending frame having rail wheels, a pair of elongated longitudinally extending narrow beams carried by said frame and extending substantially the entire length thereof, the top surfaces of said beams defining a substantially horizontal plane, at least one pair of longitudinally extending rub rails mounted on said frame, the rub rails of each pair of rub rails being laterally spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the distance between the outer edges of said beams and including respectively outer surfaces having longitudinaLly spaced and laterally opposed openings therethrough, at least two pairs of bolsters arranged on the top surfaces of said beams and slidable longitudinally therealong among a plurality of supporting positions, a pair of lock assemblies on each bolster in spaced-apart relation and selectively engageable with the openings in said rub rails for locking said bolster thereto in a selected one of said supporting positions to support a freight container on the upper surface thereof, a pair of longitudinal stops mounted adjacent to the opposite ends of each of said bolsters and each being shiftable between an operative position and a storage position with respect to said bolster, each of said longitudinal stops in said operative position extending above the top surface of said bolster and in position for engaging one end of the freight container mounted on said bolster, each of said longitudinal stops in said storage position being disposed below the top surface of said bolster and out of position for engaging said one end of the freight container mounted on and supported by said bolster, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops thereof in the operative positions serving respectively to mount two freight containers thereon, said two pairs of bolsters with the longitudinal stops of the end ones thereof in the operative positions thereon and with the longitudinal stops of the intermediate ones thereof in the storage positions thereof serving collectively to mount a single freight container extending across and supported by said intermediate bolsters, and a pair of side lock assemblies mounted on the opposite ends of said bolster and engageable with the freight container to prevent lateral and vertical movement thereof, whereby freight containers of different lengths and different numbers of freight containers may be secured to the rub rails of said railway car by said two pairs of bolsters, and whereby to prevent longitudinal, vertical and lateral displacement of the freight container with respect to said two pairs of bolsters.

Claim 35

A bolster for mounting freight containers on the top surface of a railway car carrying longitudinally extending rub rails mounted thereon on the opposite sides thereof and having laterally opposed openings therein defining a plurality of supporting positions therealong, said bolster comprising a box beam, a lock assembly mounted on said box beam and selectively engageable with the openings in the rub rails for locking said box beam thereto in a selected one of the supporting positions to support a freight container on the upper surface thereof, and a longitudinal stop mounted on said box beam and being shiftable between an operative position and a storage position with respect to said box beam, said longitudinal stop in said operative position extending above the top surface of said box beam and in position for engaging one end of the freight container mounted on said box beam, said longitudinal stop in said storage position being disposed below the top surface of said box beam and out of position for engaging said one end of the freight container mounted on and supported by said box beam, said longitudinal stop including a generally rectangular abutment surface and a back retaining wall disposed substantially normal to said abutment surface, said back retaining wall having a guide surface thereon inclined in use downwardly toward said abutment surface for guiding the end of the freight container toward said abutment surface, whereby said bolster with said longitudinal stop in the operative position thereof serves both to support one end of a freight container and to restrain the same against longitudinal movement, and whereby said bolster with said longitudinal stop in the storage position thereof serves to support a freight container extending thereacross.

Claim 36

A bolster for mounting freight containers on the top surface of a railway car carrying longitudinally extending rub rails mounted thereon on the opposite sides thereof and having laterally opposed openings therein defining a plurality of supporting positions therealong, said bolster comprising a box beam, a lock assembly mounted on said box beam and selectively engageable with the openings in the rub rails for locking said box beam thereto in a selected one of the supporting positions to support a freight container on the upper surface thereof, and a longitudinal stop mounted on said box beam and being shiftable between an operative position and a storage position with respect to said box beam, said longitudinal stop in said operative position extending above the top surface of said box beam and in position for engaging one end of the freight container mounted on said box beam, said longitudinal stop in said storage position being disposed below the top surface of said box beam and out of position for engaging said one end of the freight container mounted on and supported by said box beam, said longitudinal stop including a generally rectangular abutment surface and a back retaining wall disposed substantially normal to said abutment surface, said back retaining wall having a guide surface thereon inclined in use downwardly toward said abutment surface for guiding the end of the freight container toward said abutment surface, whereby said bolster with said longitudinal stop in the operative position thereof serves both to support one end of a freight container and to restrain the same against longitudinal movement, and whereby said bolster with said longitudinal stop in the storage position thereof serves to support a freight container extending thereacross.

Claim 37

A bolster for mounting freight containers on the top surface of a railway car carrying longitudinally extending rub rails mounted thereon on the opposite sides thereon aNd having laterally opposed openings therein defining a plurality of supporting positions therealong, said bolster comprising a box beam, a lock assembly mounted on said box beam and selectively engageable with the openings in the rub rails for locking said box beam thereto in a selected one of the supporting positions to support a freight container on the upper surface thereof, and a longitudinal stop mounted on said box beam and being shiftable between an operative position and a storage position with respect to said box beam, said longitudinal stop in said operative position extending above the top surface of said box beam and in position for engaging one end of the freight container mounted on said box beam, said longitudinal stop in said storage position being disposed below the top surface of said box beam and out of position for engaging said one end of the freight container mounted on and supported by said box beam, said longitudinal stop including a generally rectangular abutment surface and a retaining wall disposed substantially normal to said abutment surface, said retaining wall having a guide surface thereon inclined downwardly toward said abutment surface for guiding the corner of the freight container toward said abutment surface, and a reinforcing support for said guide surface, whereby said bolster with said longitudinal stop in the operative position thereof serves both to support one end of a freight container and to restrain the same against longitudinal movement, and whereby said bolster with said longitudinal stop in the storage position thereof serves to support a freight container extending thereacross.

Claim 38

A bolster for mounting freight containers on the top surface of a railway car carrying longitudinally extending rub rails mounted thereon on the opposite sides thereon aNd having laterally opposed openings therein defining a plurality of supporting positions therealong, said bolster comprising a box beam, a lock assembly mounted on said box beam and selectively engageable with the openings in the rub rails for locking said box beam thereto in a selected one of the supporting positions to support a freight container on the upper surface thereof, and a longitudinal stop mounted on said box beam and being shiftable between an operative position and a storage position with respect to said box beam, said longitudinal stop in said operative position extending above the top surface of said box beam and in position for engaging one end of the freight container mounted on said box beam, said longitudinal stop in said storage position being disposed below the top surface of said box beam and out of position for engaging said one end of the freight container mounted on and supported by said box beam, said longitudinal stop including a generally rectangular abutment surface and a retaining wall disposed substantially normal to said abutment surface, said retaining wall having a guide surface thereon inclined downwardly toward said abutment surface for guiding the corner of the freight container toward said abutment surface, and a reinforcing support for said guide surface, whereby said bolster with said longitudinal stop in the operative position thereof serves both to support one end of a freight container and to restrain the same against longitudinal movement, and whereby said bolster with said longitudinal stop in the storage position thereof serves to support a freight container extending thereacross.

Claim 39

A bolster for mounting freight containers on the top surface of a railway car carrying longitudinally extending rub rails mounted thereon on the opposite sides thereon and having laterally opposed openings therein defining a plurality of supporting positions therealong, said bolster comprising a box beam including a base, a front wall disposed on and substantially normal to said base, and a finger mounted in said base and having a portion extending forwardly of said base and said front wall with an opening therethrough, a lock assembly mounted on said box beam and selectively engageable with the openings in the rub rails for locking said box beam thereto in a selected one of the supporting positions to support a freight container on the upper surface thereof, said lock assembly comprising a driftpin insertable in the opening in said finger, and a longitudinal stop mounted on said box beam and being shiftable between an operative position and a storage position with respect to said box beam, said longitudinal stop in said operative position extending above the top surface of said box beam and in position for engaging one end of the freight container mounted on said box beam, said longitudinal stop in said storage position being disposed below the top surface of said box beam and out of position for engaging said one end of the freight container mounted on and supported by said box beam, said longitudinal stop in the storage position thereof being disposed forwardly adjacent to said front wall, whereby insertion of said driftpin through the opening in said finger locks said longitudinal stop in said storage position, and whereby said bolster with said longitudinal stop in the operative position thereof serves both to support one end of a freight container and to restrain the same against longitudinal movement, and whereby said bolster with said longitudinal stop in the storage position thereof serves to support a freight container extending thereacross.

Claim 40

A bolster for mounting freight containers on the top surface of a railway car carrying longitudinally extending rub rails mounted thereon on the opposite sides thereon and having laterally opposed openings therein defining a plurality of supporting positions therealong, said bolster comprising a box beam including a base, a front wall disposed on and substantially normal to said base, and a finger mounted in said base and having a portion extending forwardly of said base and said front wall with an opening therethrough, a lock assembly mounted on said box beam and selectively engageable with the openings in the rub rails for locking said box beam thereto in a selected one of the supporting positions to support a freight container on the upper surface thereof, said lock assembly comprising a driftpin insertable in the opening in said finger, and a longitudinal stop mounted on said box beam and being shiftable between an operative position and a storage position with respect to said box beam, said longitudinal stop in said operative position extending above the top surface of said box beam and in position for engaging one end of the freight container mounted on said box beam, said longitudinal stop in said storage position being disposed below the top surface of said box beam and out of position for engaging said one end of the freight container mounted on and supported by said box beam, said longitudinal stop in the storage position thereof being disposed forwardly adjacent to said front wall, whereby insertion of said driftpin through the opening in said finger locks said longitudinal stop in said storage position, and whereby said bolster with said longitudinal stop in the operative position thereof serves both to support one end of a freight container and to restrain the same against longitudinal movement, and whereby said bolster with said longitudinal stop in the storage position thereof serves to support a freight container extending thereacross.

Claim 41

A bolster for mounting freight containers on the stop surface of a railway car carrying longitudinally extending rub rails mounted thereon on the opposite sides thereof and having laterally opposed openings therein defining a plurality of supporting positions therealong, said bolster comprising a box beam including a base, a front wall disposed on and substantially normal to said base, and a fingeR mounted in said base and having a portion extending forwardly of said base and said front wall with an opening therethrough, a lock assembly mounted on said box beam and selectively engageable with the openings in the rub rails for locking said box beam thereto in a selected one of the supporting positions to support a freight container on the upper surface thereof, said lock assembly comprising a driftpin insertable in the opening in said finger and a keeper integral with said forwardly extending finger for keeping said driftpin in the locking position thereof, and a longitudinal stop mounted on said box beam and being shiftable between an operative position and a storage position with respect to said box beam, said longitudinal stop in said operative position extending above the top surface of said box beam and in position for engaging one end of the freight container mounted on said box beam, said longitudinal stop in said storage position being disposed below the top surface of said box beam and out of position for engaging said one end of the freight container mounted on and supported by said box beam, said longitudinal stop in the storage position thereof being disposed forwardly adjacent to said front wall, whereby insertion of said driftpin through the opening in said finger locks said longitudinal stop in said storage position, and whereby said bolster with said longitudinal stop in the operative position thereof serves both to support one end of a freight container and to restrain the same against longitudinal movement, and whereby said bolster with said longitudinal stop in the storage position thereof serves to support a freight container extending thereacross.

Claim 42

A bolster for mounting freight containers on the stop surface of a railway car carrying longitudinally extending rub rails mounted thereon on the opposite sides thereof and having laterally opposed openings therein defining a plurality of supporting positions therealong, said bolster comprising a box beam including a base, a front wall disposed on and substantially normal to said base, and a fingeR mounted in said base and having a portion extending forwardly of said base and said front wall with an opening therethrough, a lock assembly mounted on said box beam and selectively engageable with the openings in the rub rails for locking said box beam thereto in a selected one of the supporting positions to support a freight container on the upper surface thereof, said lock assembly comprising a driftpin insertable in the opening in said finger and a keeper integral with said forwardly extending finger for keeping said driftpin in the locking position thereof, and a longitudinal stop mounted on said box beam and being shiftable between an operative position and a storage position with respect to said box beam, said longitudinal stop in said operative position extending above the top surface of said box beam and in position for engaging one end of the freight container mounted on said box beam, said longitudinal stop in said storage position being disposed below the top surface of said box beam and out of position for engaging said one end of the freight container mounted on and supported by said box beam, said longitudinal stop in the storage position thereof being disposed forwardly adjacent to said front wall, whereby insertion of said driftpin through the opening in said finger locks said longitudinal stop in said storage position, and whereby said bolster with said longitudinal stop in the operative position thereof serves both to support one end of a freight container and to restrain the same against longitudinal movement, and whereby said bolster with said longitudinal stop in the storage position thereof serves to support a freight container extending thereacross.

Claim 43

A bolster for mounting freight containers on the top surface of a railway car carrying longitudinally extending rub rails mounted thereon on the opposite sides thereof and having laterally opposed openings therein defining a plurality of supporting positions therealong, said bolster comprising a box beam, a lock assembly mounted on said box beam and selectively engageable with the openings in the adjacent rub rail for locking said box beam thereto in a selected one of the mounting positions to support a freight container on the upper surface thereof, and a longitudinal stop mounted on said box beam and shiftable between an operative position and a storage position with respect to said box beam, said longitudinal stop in said operative position extending above the top surface of said box beam and in position for engaging one end of the freight container mounted on said box beam, said longitudinal stop in said storage position being disposed below the top surface of said box beam and out of position for engaging said one end of the freight container mounted on and supported by said box beam, a side lock assembly mounted on said box beam and shiftable between an operative position and a storage position, said side lock assembly in said operative position being in position to engage the freight container to prevent lateral and vertical movement thereof with respect to said box beam, said side lock assembly in said storage position being out of position to engage the freight container, and a driftpin for use alternatively to lock said longitudinal stop in said storage position and to lock said side lock assembly to the freight container to prevent lateral and vertical movement thereof with respect to said box beam, whereby said box beam with said longitudinal stop and said side lock assembly in the operative positions thereof serves both to support one end of a freight container and to restrain the same against longitudinal and lateral and vertical movement, and whereby said box beam with said longitudinal stop and said side lock assembly in the storage positions thereof serves to support a freight container extending thereacross.

Claim 44

A bolster for mounting freight containers on the top surface of a railway car carrying longitudinally extending rub rails mounted thereon on the opposite sides thereof and having laterally opposed openings therein defining a plurality of supporting positions therealong, said bolster comprising a box beam, a lock assembly mounted on said box beam and selectively engageable with the openings in the adjacent rub rail for locking said box beam thereto in a selected one of the mounting positions to support a freight container on the upper surface thereof, and a longitudinal stop mounted on said box beam and shiftable between an operative position and a storage position with respect to said box beam, said longitudinal stop in said operative position extending above the top surface of said box beam and in position for engaging one end of the freight container mounted on said box beam, said longitudinal stop in said storage position being disposed below the top surface of said box beam and out of position for engaging said one end of the freight container mounted on and supported by said box beam, a side lock assembly mounted on said box beam and shiftable between an operative position and a storage position, said side lock assembly in said operative position being in position to engage the freight container to prevent lateral and vertical movement thereof with respect to said box beam, said side lock assembly in said storage position being out of position to engage the freight container, and a driftpin for use alternatively to lock said longitudinal stop in said storage position and to lock said side lock assembly to the freight container to prevent lateral and vertical movement thereof with respect to said box beam, whereby said box beam with said longitudinal stop and said side lock assembly in the operative positions thereof serves both to support one end of a freight container and to restrain the same against longitudinal and lateral and vertical movement, and whereby said box beam with said longitudinal stop and said side lock assembly in the storage positions thereof serves to support a freight container extending thereacross.