Patent ID: 6584912
Filing Date: 2003-07-01
Classification: B61D,B61F

Abstract:
A rail car comprising:a pair of first and second side beams, and a pair of first and second end structures; said end structures being carried by rail car trucks; said side beams extending in a longitudinal direction between said end structures to define a well for lading therebetween; said side beams each including a top chord, a lower side sill and a web extending between said top chord and said lower side sill; at least one transverse cross member attached between the lower side sills of the respective first and second side beams; and said cross member including a monolithic member having a first end, a second end, and a spanning portion extending between said first and second ends; said first and second ends having respective first and second attachment fittings formed thereat, said first and second attachment fittings being portions of said monolithic member, said first and second attachment fittings being attached to said first and second lower side sills at respective first and second moment connections; and said first and second attachment fittings each including one fitting oriented to be fastened to one of said side beams along a first fastener axis, and another fitting oriented to fasten to that one of said side beams on another fastener axis, said axes extending in different directions.