Patent ID: 9738292
Date: 2017-08-22
CPC Classifications: B61D

Claim:
1. A skid assembly for a railroad tank car tank, the tank car tank having a protruding member extending proud thereof, and load spreading apparatus mounted to the tank car tank adjacent the protruding member, the load spreading apparatus extending axially relative to the tank car tank, said skid assembly comprising: an external skid shell, said skid shell having an accommodation for the protruding member; said skid shell having a lengthwise extending footprint that mates to the load spreading apparatus; internal reinforcement within said skid shell, said internal reinforcement being mounted to said skid shell, said internal reinforcement discouraging deformation of said skid shell; and when said footprint is mated to the load spreading apparatus, said internal reinforcement being mounted independently of the tank car tank; and said internal reinforcement defines one of (a) at least a portion of a bridge inside said skid shell, said bridge defining a span that is clear of the tank car tank; and (b) at least a portion of a truss within said skid shell, said truss defining a span that is clear of the tank car tank.