FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to rail transportation systems, and more specifically to such a system wherein rolling stock of greater than standard width makes use of adjacent parallel tracks, and the apparatus providing for such use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Rail transportation systems are well known and widely used in most areas of the world, due to their relative efficiency in the carriage of goods and people over a distance. However, rail transportation is limited in the size and weight of the freight or cargo which can be carried, due to the size (particularly the width) of the rolling stock; the rolling stock in turn is limited by the gauge of the track being used.

As a result of the above limitation, larger and heavier shipments are commonly conveyed by sea, or transported by air in specialized aircraft in some instances. The alternative is to break down the larger article into smaller components which may be carried by rail. This is commonly done particularly with bulk goods, where they are removed from a bulk carrier ship or barge and loaded aboard a train of bulk carrier rolling stock for shipment by rail.

This of course results in much additional labor in the transfer of such goods and cargo from one form of transport to another, which raises the shipment and energy costs involved. While attempts have been made to increase the capacity of the rolling stock used in rail transportation, there are ultimate limits due to the standard gauge used and the resulting maximum car width practically attainable in order to maintain reasonable stability of the load. Wider gauge tracks are not the answer, as there would still be only two rails to handle the resulting additional weight. However, many, if not most, rail lines have duplicate track systems to allow for the passage of trains traveling in opposite directions, and for other reasons. With the advent of modern communications and control systems, many of these double track lines are redundant, as multiple trains may be scheduled and controlled to make the use of a single track practical, with the use of sidings and such. Accordingly, two adjacent parallel tracks comprising a total of four rails (or more generally, X number of adjacent parallel tracks comprising a total of

2X rails) may be used for the transport of greater than standard width freight and other articles, with the proper equipment.

The need arises for a rail transportation system which makes use of multiple track systems, either existing or specially constructed, for the transport of wider and heavier than standard freight. Rolling stock must be provided which is compatible with such a multiple track system, as well as coupling and other systems to enable such multiple track rolling stock to be used in combination with standard rolling stock and locomotives.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

U.S. Patent No. 986,484 issued to Charles M. Miller on March 14, 1911 discloses a Coaling Device For Moving Trains. The device includes an overhead track with a dump car thereon, which is used to supply a coal tender on a train traveling on the rails below. No disclosure is made of single cars adapted for use on adjacent parallel plural track systems.

U.S. Patent No. 1,229,875 issued to John M. Briggs on June 12, 1917 discloses a Train Coaling Device similar to the apparatus of the Miller patent discussed above. However, the supply car tracks are offset to one side as well as being elevated relative to the tender being supplied.

U.S. Patent No. 1,550,239 issued to Frank Billings et al, on August 18, 1925 discloses a Loading System wherein a first set of cars have a pair of rails on their upper portions, which provide for the operation of a second car thereon. The system is particularly adapted to use in ore transport in mining.

Italian Patent No. 16,326 to Federico MacKinlay, published on March 18, 1885, discloses rail cars having wheels with adjustable spacing or track therebetween, to provide for universal use on tracks having different gauges. A second smaller inboard set of wheels is disclosed for use in transitioning from one gauge to another. Normally, however, the car rolls on only the two primary wheels on each axle; the car itself is of standard width.

English Patent No. 2,136 to Edward M. Woodward, published on February 5, 1889, discloses means to accomplish the function of the MacKinlay Italian patent discussed above. The means comprise plural wheel sets on each axle, with each wheel set adapted to a different gauge. Again, only one wheel set is in use at any given time, with the exception of the brief period when transition between gauges occurs.

French Patent No. 402,248 to M. LeVert Clark, published on October 1, 1909, discloses multiple wheels on single axles for use on multiple concentric rails about a common centerline. Further disclosure is made of other elements, such as electric bridges between rails and elastomeric means about the axles, but no suggestion is made of providing cars of greater than standard width for use on adjacent parallel sets of tracks.

English Patent No. 377,780 to John G. Mueller, published on August 25, 1932, discloses crossbraces for installation between the two rails of a single track to provide stability therefor. No disclosure is made of providing crossbraces between adjacent sets of parallel tracks.

West German Provisional Publication No. 2,209,457 to Manfred Lindner, published on September 6, 1973, discloses a Rail Transport System wherein the English language abstract discloses the provision of narrower or wider than standard gauge track to carry respectively lighter or greater than normal size loads. While no drawings were provided with this provisional publication, the English abstract discloses nothing more than the addition of another rail to an existing track, rather than the use of a second parallel set of tracks, as in the present invention. Moreover, no disclosure is made of any rolling stock to make use of such different gauge track.

Finally, Russian Patent No. 1,555,404, published on April 7, 1990, discloses a plurality of transverse links between adjacent parallel tracks, in the manner of one feature of the present invention. The purpose of the links is to distribute better the loads produced by a single train on

one track to the other tracks, thereby helping to stabilize the plural track roadbed, rather than to ensure the precise parallel relationship of two or more adjacent sets of tracks as in the present invention.

None of the above noted patents, taken either singly or in combination, are seen to disclose the specific arrangement of concepts disclosed by the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

By the present invention, an improved rail transportation system using adjacent, parallel multiple tracks is disclosed.

Accordingly, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide means for adapting wheel trucks of standard rolling stock and track gauge to rolling stock of greater than standard width and running on parallel adjacent tracks.

Another of the objects of the present invention is to provide such rolling stock of greater than standard width for the carriage of loads of greater than normal weight and width, thus reducing instability and the resulting trackbed maintenance required due to swaying of the cars, and further reducing the chance of derailment.

Yet another of the objects of the present invention is to provide coupling means for such rolling stock of greater than standard width, which coupling means provides for the coupling of standard and non-standard cars and locomotives.

Still another of the objects of the present invention is to provide interconnect means for standard locomotives running on adjacent parallel tracks and pulling such rolling stock of wider than standard width, thereby providing control of all locomotives from a single locomotive cab.

A further object of the present invention is to provide means for securing plural adjacent, parallel tracks together to ensure precise spacing therebetween.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a rail transportation system as described above, which is capable of carrying either freight in bulk or other forms, or passengers.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a rail transportation system which may provide for the direct transfer of barges and the loads therein, to a rail line without transferring the barge load from the barge to other rail cars.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a rail transportation system which provides the above advantages in efficiency and capacity, while still making use of the existing railroad right of way.

A final object of the present invention is to provide a rail transportation system which achieves greater efficiency by means of the larger rolling stock provided, thereby reducing operating and other costs, freight transfer costs, train length for the amount of freight carried, and providing other advantages.

With these and other objects in view which will more readily appear as the nature of the invention is better understood, the invention consists in the novel combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter more fully described, illustrated and claimed with reference being made to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a platform for rolling stock and intermediate wheel trucks of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a top view showing the interconnect system between locomotives on two parallel tracks and a car of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing one arrangement of locomotives and cars using the system of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a passenger train constructed to run on adjacent parallel tracks, in keeping with the present invention.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the several figures of the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, the present invention will be seen to relate to a rail transportation system in which plural adjacent and parallel tracks are used simultaneously by a single train, and further to the rolling stock and additional apparatus required for the system. For the purposes of the present specification and claims, it is understood that the term "track" refers to two laterally spaced and parallel rails used to support a series of pairs of laterally spaced apart wheels. The term "rail" means a single component of the two rail pair used for a single track. Hence, a two track system will comprise four rails, or more generally, a system of X tracks will comprise 2X rails.

Figure 1 provides a view showing how the basic components comprising a single car of the present invention are assembled. The primary component of the present system is a platform (10) which is of significantly greater width than conventional rolling stock used with single track systems of two parallel rails. Platform (10) is shown schematically; it will be understood that specialized cars providing the various functions of conventional specialized cars using single track systems (e.g., box cars, tank cars, open gondolas, etc.), may be constructed using the system of the present invention.

Platform (10) rests upon forward and rear bolsters (12) by means of central pivotal receptacles (14) which cooperate with pins (16) depending from beneath platform (10). Bolsters (12) are generally rectangular in planform, and each include four additional securing pins (18) providing for pivotal attachment to conventional rolling stock wheel trucks (20). Bolster/wheel truck securing pins (18) are positioned at the left and right front and left and right rear corners of each bolster (12), and attach to the wheel trucks (20) in the conventional manner by means of the standard truck securing means (22); no major modifications are required of the wheel trucks (20) used in combination with the present invention. Bolsters (12) also include lateral bearing stops (24) to prevent excessive swaying or leaning of a platform (10) or other car resting thereon. Such lateral bearings are also used with the wheel trucks (20), but are not needed with the wheel trucks (20) of the present invention due to the lateral support provided to bolsters (12) by means of the left and right wheel truck pairs supporting each end of each bolster (12). Each of the bolster/wheel truck securing pins (18) are maintained in a spatially fixed relationship, whereby the distances between wheel trucks (20) in each bolster (12) are fixed. This is due to the unitary construction of each bolster (12) as shown in figures 1 and 2.

When components (10), (12) and (20) are assembled as shown in figure 1 to provide for the multiple track rail transportation system of the present invention, it will be seen that each bolster (12) rests securely upon four conventional wheel trucks (20). Each wheel truck (20) is free to pivot therebeneath, to allow each bolster (12) installed thereupon to pass around curves. In turn, each end of a platform car (10) or other car constructed in accordance with the present invention, is free to pivot about the bolster attachment (14) at the center of each bolster (12), to allow such cars (10) to traverse curves. It will be seen that each car (10) or the like is supported by a total of eight conventional wheel trucks (20), as opposed to the two conventional wheel trucks used to support a standard rail car (S). Thus, a car (10) of the rail system of the present invention is capable of supporting several times the load of a conventional car (S), by means of the eight wheel trucks (20) provided. Also the load will be distributed not only linearly along a single track of two rails, but laterally across two adjacent parallel tracks of four rails to better support the load. Alternatively, it will be seen that intermediate bolsters (not shown) may be

installed beneath each of the four bolster securing points (18), to span two wheel trucks (20) each. Thus, a further doubling of the weight may be achieved. In addition, it will be noted that the present invention is not limited to the use of only two parallel tracks comprising four rails, but may be adapted to multiple sets of parallel tracks to carry even greater loads.

Figure 2 provides a plan view of the general layout of one end of a platform (10) and associated support means thereunder, with two laterally spaced locomotives (LI) and (L2) coupled thereto and running on adjacent parallel tracks (TI) and (T2). Tracks (TI) and (T2) are conventional in layout, and existing adjacent parallel tracks (TI) and (T2) may be used where provided in combination with the present invention or alternatively a second track may be constructed adjacent and parallel to an existing track to provide for the present invention. In any case, it is essential that the two adjacent and parallel tracks (TI) and (T2) be absolutely parallel and include a uniform standard distance (D) therebetween, in the manner of the standard gauge universally used for the spacing of parallel rails to form a single track. (It will be understood, however, that the uniform spacing or distance (D) between adjacent rails (R2) and (R3) of adjacent tracks (TI) and (T2), does not necessarily have to be the same as the spacing between two rails (Rl) and (R2) of a single track (TI).) The uniform spacing of such parallel tracks is accomplished by means of a series of lateral spacers (26) extending between adjacent rails (R2) and (R3) of tracks (TI) and (T2). Spacers (26) may all be of fixed identical length to provide for a constant distance (D), or may be adjustable as required. The width of platform (10) will be seen to be greater than the distance between the outside rails (Rl) and (R4) of the adjacent parallel track system (TI) and (T2), in order to achieve the maximum efficiency for such a multiple track rail system.

Figure 2 also discloses provision for two laterally spaced locomotives (LI) and (L2) to provide power for the present invention. The use of plural locomotives in tandem for pulling rolling stock on a single track is well known. Typically, a single crew operates the multiple locomotives from the cab of a single locomotive, with the other locomotives being remotely controlled from the occupied cab. The present invention also provides interconnect means (28) between the two laterally spaced locomotives, whereby a crew in a single locomotive (e.g., locomotive (LI)) may remotely control a second locomotive (e.g. (L2)) on another adjacent parallel track. Additional locomotives, such as the multiple locomotives (L3) through (L6) shown in figure 3, may be coupled in like manner to provide control of plural locomotives in a tandem and parallel arrangement from a single locomotive cab, as shown. Also, locomotives such as (LI) through (L6) may be coupled between chains of rolling stock cars (S) or platform cars (10), for greater versatility (e.g., long or steep grades, switching, portions or trains having different destinations, etc.)

Returning to figure 2, locomotives (LI) and (L2) are coupled to platform (10) by means of standard coupling means (CI) and (C2), which couplers engage with platform couplers (30) extending from platform (10) and aligned with the center of each track (TI) and (T2) to allow engagement with standard locomotives and rolling stock. (Only the forward portion of platform (10) and related apparatus is shown in figure 2; it is understood that like coupling means are provided on the rear of platform car (10).) Brake and/or other lines (32) extend from locomotives (LI) and (L2) to provide for air brakes and/or electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic or other power and/or signals to platform car (10) and through the platform car (10) to other cars in the conventional manner. Lines (32) provide braking for the wheel trucks (20) on each track (TI) and (T2), and uniform braking for each side is assured by means of the interconnect means (28) discussed above. Alternatively, a crossover line(s) (not shown) may be installed across and within each platform car (10) to provide for interconnect between the multiple lateral trucks and their wheels.

Alternatively, a single specialized locomotive (34), as shown in figure 4 of the drawings, may be used to pull trains of the present invention. While figure 4 is primarily directed to a

disclosure of a locomotive (34) and rolling stock (36) for passenger conveyance, it is understood that such a locomotive (34) may be used to pull freight cars such as platform car (10), or alternatively may pull two parallel strings of rolling stock (S) such as are shown in figure 3 of the drawings. The compatibility of the location and type of couplers (CI), (C2) and (30) ensure that any combination of conventional rolling stock (S) and locomotives (L) may be interconnected in combination with cars such as platform (10) of the present invention. In addition to the above arrangement, it will be seen that the relatively broad track or distance between wheels on tracks (TI) and (T4), will provide for the carriage of loads of much greater height than otherwise allowable. Accordingly, a locomotive (34) and/or passenger rolling stock (36) may be constructed with an upper or second deck, or additional decks (not shown), for the carriage of greater numbers of passengers. Such an arrangement will be seen to provide an extremely efficient commuting means in large cities.

When rolling stock of greater than standard width such as platform (10), and/or locomotives such as engine (34), are to be connected together, it will be seen that the standard coupling arrangements will be unworkable. The interconnection of the two laterally spaced couplers (30) with other like couplers on other cars (10) or engines (34), would make the resulting train incapable of rounding turns due to the inability of the engine and cars to articulate relative to one another due to the dual couplings. The present invention provides for this by means of central coupling (38). Central couplings (38) are provided at each end of each car (e. g., platform (10)) and each end of each locomotive (e.g., locomotive (34)) in order to allow such rolling stock and locomotives operable on two parallel tracks to be centrally coupled to one another and thereby to permit the resulting train to round turns. It will be seen in figure 1 that each central coupling (38) extends outward beyond the conventional lateral couplings (CI), (C2) and/or (30) by a distance (E), in order to provide some space between lateral couplings (CI), (C2) and/or (30) when wider rolling stock and/or locomotives are interconnected. Thus, as such a train rounds a curve, the sides of the cars and/or locomotives to the inside of the turn will be drawn closer together, and the space between lateral or conventional couplings will allow this to occur.

The rail transportation system of the present invention offers numerous advantages in the conveyance of loads of larger than standard size. As an example, barges are commonly used in inland waterways for the transport of various bulk cargo (coal, grain, ore, etc.). Such barges are generally considerably wider than the standard railroad car, as they are not normally confined to a relatively narrow course as is provided by the standard gauge of a single railroad track. Accordingly, when the cargo transported therein must be transferred from a water route to a land route, the cargo must be unloaded from the barge and loaded aboard land transportation means (e.g., railroad or truck).

The present invention allows this transfer of cargo from one form of conveyance to another to be bypassed, with a resulting savings in labor and expense, as well as other advantages. With the present invention, cars such as platform car (10) may be constructed to extend laterally across two (or possible more) sets of tracks, and have a corresponding width. The width provided by such a car (10) may be equal to that of the typical barge used in maritime cargo transport. By providing a crane or other suitable lifting means, a barge (B) may be removed from the water and placed directly upon a car (10) for railroad transport, thus eliminating the need to remove the cargo from the barge and place it aboard another form of conveyance. Additionally, it will be seen that such barges (B) may be loaded directly while in place upon a car (10), as shown in figure 3. Such a trainload of barges (B) may then be transported by rail to a railhead adjacent a waterway and placed directly into the water by suitable means for water transport, thus eliminating the step of unloading rail cars (S) and loading barges (B). While figure 3 shows platform cars (10) and barges (B) immediately behind locomotives (L3) through (L6), it will be seen that by taking appropriate measures that standard cars could be coupled between such

parallel locomotives and platform cars (10). In such a case, the parallel sets of cars (such as rolling stock (S)) must be of the same total length, or coupling adapter means (not shown) would be required to adjust for any length differential between the two sets of cars. Also, modifications must be made to the interconnect means (28) and (32) between locomotives and/or cars, or remote control of unoccupied locomotives would require radio links between locomotives. While such an embodiment is somewhat more cumbersome than the one shown in figure 3, it is possible under some circumstances that such an arrangement may be preferable depending upon which cars are to be uncoupled or kept in the train at various destinations.

As noted above, locomotives such as engine (34) of figure 4 may also be constructed to use multiple track systems according to the present invention. The rail transportation system of the present invention need not be limited to use in the transportation of freight or cargo, but may also be used for the conveyance of passengers. The passenger car (36) of figure 4 provides for such passenger carriage. The underlying apparatus of such a car (36) may be essentially identical to that disclosed for a platform car (10), in order to make use of the greater width provided by the multiple tracks. With such a passenger car (36), many times more passengers may be carried in a car of a given length, thus creating great gains in efficiency and lowering the individual cost of such passenger transport over a given distance. Trains incorporating such wider passenger cars (36) could be extremely advantageous over routes between relatively populous areas, as exist in the northeastern portion of the U.S., as well as other areas.

Accordingly, the present invention as described above will be seen to provide for the efficient rail carriage of either passengers or freight and cargo over multiple tracks. The advantages provided by the wider than standard rolling stock enables loads to be carried which would otherwise require disassembly and/or transfer to another means of transport. The present invention further provides for standard engines and rolling stock to be used in combination with engines and rolling stock constructed specifically for use with multiple track rail systems. As many parts of the nation, and the world, already have adjacent parallel tracks over existing railroad rights of way, in many cases no new track need be provided in order to implement the multiple track railroad system of the present invention. In other cases, the right of way owned or controlled by the railroad contains sufficient lateral space to enable a second parallel and adjacent track to be constructed in order to allow trains using such multiple adjacent and parallel tracks to operate. Such a multiple track rail system may provide numerous advantages, only a few of which are described in detail above.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the sole embodiment described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.