Patent US3638580A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3638580A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Convertible rail-highway vehicle
Assignee: Aresco Trak Chief Pty Ltd
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Filing: 1970-03-04
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Granted: 1972-02-01
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Expires: 1990-03-04
Abstract
Abstract Means for retaining flanged wheels in contact with rails on a convertible rail-highway vehicle in which traction is effected through the normal highway-engaging pneumatic tired wheels riding on the rails, utilizing a load transfer arm pivoted to the chassis of the vehicle in such a way that a portion of the weight of the vehicle is applied to the flanged wheels thereby reducing danger of derailment.
Inventors
- 👤 William James Yard
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 19:57
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60F; B60F1/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
131 words
Road engagement means for a convertible rail-highway vehicle having a chassis with pneumatic tired rear traction wheels and adjacent rear flanged wheels, comprising: a longitudinally extending load transfer arm on each side of the vehicle chassis; pivot means connecting each load transfer arm intermediate its ends to the chassis; first suspension means pivotally connected to the load transfer arm between the pivotal connection of the arm to the chassis and a first end of the arm, the first suspension means being connected to the traction wheels; and shiftable second suspension means connected to the other end of the load transfer arm and on the opposite side of the pivotal connection between the arm and the chassis from the first suspension means, the second suspension means being connected to the flanged wheels.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
131 words
Road engagement means for a convertible rail-highway vehicle having a chassis with pneumatic tired rear traction wheels and adjacent rear flanged wheels, comprising: a longitudinally extending load transfer arm on each side of the vehicle chassis; pivot means connecting each load transfer arm intermediate its ends to the chassis; first suspension means pivotally connected to the load transfer arm between the pivotal connection of the arm to the chassis and a first end of the arm, the first suspension means being connected to the traction wheels; and shiftable second suspension means connected to the other end of the load transfer arm and on the opposite side of the pivotal connection between the arm and the chassis from the first suspension means, the second suspension means being connected to the flanged wheels.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
Rail engagement means according to claim 1 further comprising a lock member releasably engaging the load transfer arm locking the load transfer arm against movement about its pivotal support means when the transfer arm is engaged but releasing the transfer arm for pivotal movement when the locking means is disengaged.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
93 words
Rail engagement means according to claim 1 comprising a slide member secured to the vehicle chassis, a hydraulic cylinder coupled at one end to the slide member, said lock member being a wedge-shaped lock member guided for movement in the slide member and coupled to the other end of the hydraulic cylinder, the wedge-shaped lock member being movable under control of the hydraulic cylinder to engage the load transfer arm locking the load transfer arm against movement about its pivotal support means but retractable to release the load transfer arm for pivotal movement.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
Rail engagement means according to claim 1, further comprising a pivot pin connecting the load transfer arm with suspension springs of the pneumatic tired traction wheels.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
65 words
Rail engagement means according to claim 1, comprising further pivot means on the load transfer arm, a frame pivotally supported by the further pivot means, bearings guided for movement in the frame and urged downwardly by suspension springs, an axle extending through the bearings and carrying said rail-engaging wheels, and means to retain the frame against pivotal movement with respect to the load transfer arm.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
Rail engagement means according to claim 5, further comprising a retracting cylinder operably coupling said pivoted frame and load transfer arm and arranged to pivot the frame to a position where the rail-engaging wheels are retracted from engagement with the rails.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-01-31 | 1975-08-02 | 1976-02-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-01-31 | 1979-08-02 | 1980-02-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-01-31 | 1983-08-02 | 1984-02-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |