Patent ID: 7232282
Filing Date: 2007-06-19
Classification: B60D,B60P,B61D,B62D

Abstract:
1. A collapsible stanchion for supporting a semi-trailer during transport on a railcar, said railcar having a deck, comprising: a. a vertical strut, said vertical strut being pivotally coupled to said deck of said railcar; b. a first diagonal member, said first diagonal member being pivotally coupled to said deck of said railcar; c. a second diagonal member, said second diagonal member having a first end and a second end, said first end of said second diagonal member being pivotally coupled to said first diagonal member, said second end of said second diagonal member being pivotally coupled to said vertical strut, wherein said first and said second diagonal members form a single diagonal strut when said stanchion is raised from a resting position on the deck of said railcar to an upright position; d. a handle, said handle being pivotally connected to said vertical strut, said handle having a handle linkage attached to said handle; e. and a linkage mechanism for urging said second diagonal member into position to form said single diagonal strut, said linkage mechanism being comprised of a lock rod, a toggle link, an input link and an input lever, said lock rod having a first end and a second end, said toggle link having a first end, a second end, and a middle portion between said first and second ends of said toggle link, said input link having a first end and a second end, said input lever having a first end and a second end, said first end of said lock rod being pivotally coupled to said handle linkage, said second end of said lock rod being pivotally coupled to said middle portion of said toggle link, said first end of said toggle link being pivotally coupled to said vertical strut, said second end of said toggle link being pivotally coupled to said first end of said input link, said second end of said input link being pivotally coupled to said first end of said input lever, said second end of said input lever being pivotally coupled to said vertical strut at a pivot point.