Ronny L Allison

US Patent:

6339994, Jan 22, 2002

Filed:

Aug 4, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/632490

Inventors:

Daniel Joseph Kaplan - Norcross GA
Ralph Hartman Schorr - Lawrenceville GA
Ronny Lamar Allison - Winder GA

Assignee:

Thrall Car Manufacturing Company - Chicago Heights IL

International Classification:

B61D 1700

US Classification:

105404, 105410

Abstract:

A radial end door that includes, in addition to the conventional inner and outer rollers for supporting the door, a door mounted support on the inner portion of the door, unsupported by the railcar body when the door is open, but supported by the railcar body when the door is closed. The door mounted support preferably comprises a roller that can be added as a retrofit or upgrade to the existing door, without altering the basic configuration, geometry or operational characteristics of the door, except to improve the performance of the door. The door mounted support preferably cooperates with a floor-mounted support comprising a wear bar having a ramp portion to raise the door mounted support and increase loading on the outer roller as the door is closed. The door mounted support preferably includes a compact housing which may be easily retrofitted on existing doors and may be removed for service or replacement, and which does not interfere with ramp clearances or other clearances during loading and unloading of motor vehicles.