Inventors:
Dan E. Bramhall - Neodesha KS
Ken L. Kneebone - Neodesha KS
Assignee:
Fiberglass Engineering Incorporated - Neodesha KS
International Classification:
B61D 3900
Abstract:
A cover for closing the opening of a railroad hopper car which is adapted to be hingedly coupled to the car is the subject of the invention. The cover is constructed so as to provide a degree of flexibility which increases the ability of the cover to withstand downward vertical forces. The cover comprises a member which presents a generally vertical side wall section that extends around the car opening and a top wall that is integral with the side wall and extends over the opening. The cover is formed in a generally arcuate configuration along a line passing through a horizontal plane and extends away from the plane at a first angle of curvature. A generally flat area along the top wall of the cover is formed in a generally arcuate configuration along a line passing through the same reference horizontal plane while extending away from this plane at an angle of curvature that is greater than the first mentioned angle of curvature. The result is a cover which will firmly seal the hopper car opening and, even when the ends of the cover are forced downward in a closed position, the curved flat area of the top wall will continue to exert a downward force which will assure sealing of the center of the cover away from the clamped ends.