Anti-theft device for a transport railcar grating

A security device, such as an anti-theft device, for a transport vehicle, such as a railcar, grating hinge connector includes a plate and a cup. The hinge connector has a first portion secured to the deck surface by a fastener with a head, and a second portion coupled to the grating. The cup has a base and a wall forming a cavity sized and shaped to receive the plate. The wall forms an opening that is sized and shaped to receive the plate for insertion into the cavity. The base is positioned on the hinge connector and has another opening sized and shaped to receive the fastener with the head positioned in the cavity. The insertion of the plate in the cavity secures the head of the fastener within the anti-theft device.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to transport vehicles with grating decks, and in particular, to security devices, such as an anti-theft device, for securing the grating to the transport vehicle, such as a railcar.

Transport railcars, such as multi-deck railroad flatbeds for transporting road vehicles, commonly have a support surface or deck formed by a grating of steel rods coupled to the deck surface. The panels are secured to the transport railcar by a grating connector, such as a hinge connector that permits the grating to be raised and tilted to facilitate the removal of debris from the deck surface. An example of a grating hinge connector is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,312,213 to Winsor, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The gratings of transport railcars are frequently subject to theft as fencing material, concrete reinforcement, or scrap metal. Theft can be a particular problem in the railroad industry, where railcars are often stored on track sidings with little security. Bi-level auto-rack railcars may have as many as 28 grating panels that are about 12½ feet long and weigh about 75 pounds, or a total of about one ton of scrap metal. Consequently, railcar gratings can be an attractive target for thieves.

The grating connector is commonly fastened to the transport railcar by blind rivet fasteners such as the dome head steel body steel mandrel type. These fasteners have a top or head that lays flat against the transport railcar or grating connector surface. Thieves typically remove these fasteners by drilling into the head of the fasteners or otherwise break them off by wedging under the grating connector with a chisel. Thus, it would be desirable to provide an anti-theft device that increases the difficulty of removing the grating connector from the deck surface—e.g., by providing additional protection for the heads of the fasteners.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment of the invention, an anti-theft device for a transport railcar grating is disclosed, where the grating is coupled to a surface of the railcar by a fastener having a head and a shank. The security device comprises a cup including a base and a wall, where the base and wall define a cavity. The base having a first opening that is sized and shaped to receive the shank of the fastener and retain the head within the cavity.

In another embodiment of the invention, an anti-theft device for a transport railcar grating is disclosed, where the grating includes a plurality of transversely coupled rods that form a plurality of grating openings therebetween. The grating is coupled to a surface of the railcar by a grating connector. The anti-theft device comprising a body that extends over the grating connector. The body includes a first end coupled to a surface of the railcar and a second end projecting through a grating opening. The second end further including a flange extending transversely to a rod forming the grating opening.

In another embodiment of the invention, an anti-theft device for a transport railcar grating is disclosed, where the grating includes a plurality of transversely coupled rods that form a plurality of grating openings therebetween. The grating is coupled to a surface of the railcar by a grating connector. The anti-theft device comprising a fastener and a body that extends over the grating connector. The body comprising a first end coupled to the railcar surface by the fastener. The first end including a base and a wall that define a cavity, where the base includes a first opening sized and shaped to receive the fastener. The wall having an outer surface including at least one side that forms an obtuse angle relative to the railcar surface. The body further comprising a second end that projects through a grating opening and includes a flange extending transversely to a rod forming the grating opening.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, a security device, such as an anti-theft device, for a grating hinge connector is shown.FIGS. 1A and 1Bshow a portion of a conventional grating panel1—e.g., as used for a transport vehicle, such as a railcar deck. Grating panel1is comprised of transversely coupled top rods2and bottom undulated rods4, that are arranged to form a rectangular deck grating section or panel. The transversely coupled top rods2and bottom rods4form a plurality of grating openings9therebetween. The end portions2aof top rods2are typically bent at an edge or end of the grating panel. A hinge rod or bar6is coupled to the end portions2a, adjacent to the free ends2bof top rods2. The rods2and4, and hinge bar6are typically cylindrical steel rods that are welded together.

FIG. 2shows a grating connector such as a conventional hinge connector having a first end secured to the deck surface of a transport railcar and a second end coupled to the hinge bar6of a grating panel. Grating hinge connector8comprises a hinge base10and a hinge keeper12. Hinge base10comprises a base seat14and platform16. Base seat14is generally positioned on the railcar surface, such as a deck surface40. In one embodiment, hinge base seat14generally conforms to the configuration of the transport railcar deck surface40. Platform16is raised above the transport railcar surface by legs18. When grating panel1is engaged in hinge connector8, hinge bar6may rest on and is supported by platform16. One or more slots or notches17(FIG. 3A) are formed in platform16that are sized and shaped to accommodate the top rod2and/or the top rod end portions2athat extend below hinge bar6.

Hinge keeper12comprises a keeper seat20and an arched hinge bar cover22. Keeper seat20is positioned on top of base seat14of hinge base10. In a preferred embodiment, keeper seat20is sized and shaped to rest on and generally conform to the configuration of base seat14of hinge base10. Hinge bar cover22is sized and shaped to extend over hinge bar6and at least a portion of platform16of hinge base10, such that the hinge bar6is disposed between the hinge bar cover22and the platform16. One or more tabs23are formed at the end of hinge bar cover22. Slots24are formed in platform16of hinge base10that are sized and shaped to receive tabs23of the hinge bar cover22. The engagement of the hinge bar cover tabs23in slots24assists in securing hinge keeper12to hinge base10.

Hinge base10and hinge keeper12may be formed as elongated flat strips or slats. In an embodiment, hinge base10and hinge keeper12are formed of sheet metal, such as sheet steel, that is bent into the appropriate shape using any of a variety of sheet metal bending methods known in the art. In another embodiment, hinge base10and hinge keeper12are formed as a single, contiguous piece of material. In an alternative embodiment, hinge base10and hinge keeper12are formed as a plurality of pieces.

Hinge connector8is commonly secured to a railcar deck surface by any of a variety of fasteners known in the art, including screws, rivets and bolts, such as a Huck Magna-Lok® (Alcoa Fastening Systems & Rings—Waco, Tex.). Openings25are provided in base seat14and keeper seat20, that are aligned and sized and shaped to receive the fasteners and secure hinge connector8to the railcar deck surface40.

Hinge base10and hinge keeper12are assembled such that hinge bar6is disposed between the hinge bar cover22and platform16, permitting grating panel1to rotate about its hinge bar6upwardly off of a transport railcar deck surface. Accordingly, legs18of platform16preferably raise the platform16above the transport railcar surface a distance sufficient to prevent end portions2aof the grating panel1top rods2from contacting the transport railcar surface in a manner that prevents rotation of grating panel1. When grating panel1is in an upward position, it is easy for snow and debris to be cleaned away from under grating panel1that has accumulated on the deck surface40. Additionally, ice and snow or other debris clinging to grating panel1can be removed by impacting grating panel1on the railcar's deck surface.

Referring toFIGS. 3A-3D, a cup-block anti-theft device26for a grating hinge connector8is shown, comprising a cup28and a plate34that enclose and protect the head39aof a hinge connector fastener38. Cup28and plate34may be of various shapes and sizes, so long as plate34can fit into cup28. In one embodiment, plate34is approximately disc-shaped as shown inFIG. 3A. Cup28comprises a base30and wall32that form an interior cavity46that is sized and shaped to receive plate34.

Cup28is positioned on hinge connector8, with base30resting on keeper seat20. Base30is preferably sized and shaped to conform to keeper seat20, to minimize any space between cup-block anti-theft device26and hinge connector8that may allow access to fastener38, or the insertion of a tool to pry the anti-theft device from the hinge connector. Base30may also be configured to accommodate or conform to other features of hinge connector8and/or railcar deck surface40. For example, base30may be sheared or angled to form a bevel31that allows cup-block anti-theft device26to be positioned more closely to arched hinge bar cover22and/or to accommodate a larger sized anti-theft device.

An opening35is formed in base30that is sized and shaped to receive a hinge connector fastener38having a head39aand a shank39bthat extends from the head39ato the end point of the fastener38, to secure cup-block anti-theft device26and hinge connector8to a transport railcar deck surface40. In one embodiment, opening35has approximately the same size and shape as opening25aformed in base seat14and opening25bformed in keeper seat20. In an alternative embodiment, opening35and/or shank39bis larger than openings25aand25b. In this embodiment, openings25aand25bmay be enlarged by means known in the art, such as drilling, to match the size of opening35and/or to receive shank39b. Fastener38is inserted through opening35in base30, opening25ain base seat14, and opening25bin keeper seat20, and through railcar deck surface40. More particularly, the shank39bextends through opening35in base30, opening25ain base seat14, opening25bin keeper seat20, and through railcar deck surface40. The head39aof fastener38is sized and shaped to be retained in cavity46and to secure hinge connector8and cup-block anti-theft device26to railcar deck surface40. In one embodiment, the head39ais larger than opening35in base30such that head39awill not fit through opening35in base30.

Wall32may be of various sizes and shapes that are sufficient to form a cavity46large enough to contain both plate34and head39aof fastener38. In one embodiment, wall32may be cylindrical and base30may be circular, such that the wall and base form a cylindrical cup28. The height of wall32may also vary. In an embodiment, wall32has a height above keeper seat20that is about the same or less than the height of arched hinge bar cover22and/or top rods2, to avoid creating a tripping hazard. In another embodiment, wall32has a height above the keeper seat20that is greater than the height of the fastener head39athat is retained in the cavity46.

In one embodiment, cup-block anti-theft device26is assembled by snap fit insertion of plate34into cavity46of cup28, as shown inFIGS. 3B-3D. Wall32has a rim44that defines an opening42into cavity46. Rim44has an inner edge44athat forms a lip having a width or diameter A that is slightly smaller than maximum width or diameter B of plate34. Wall32has an inner surface32athat forms a cavity46having a width or diameter that is slightly larger than diameter B of plate34, such that inner edge44aforms the lip.

FIG. 3Cshows plate34partially inserted through opening42, with the sides34aof the plate extending around the perimeter of the plate and engaging the inner edge44aof rim44. Rim44of cup28and/or the sides34aof plate34may be at least partially beveled to facilitate insertion of the plate through opening42and into cavity46. For example, rim44of cup28may have a bevel44band/or plate34may be a disc having a conical (frustum) shape, as best shown inFIG. 3A.

Plate34is forced through the smaller diameter A of inner edge44aof rim44—e.g., by hammering. As plate34is forced through opening42, the lip of inner edge44aand/or wall32flex to accommodate the larger diameter B of the plate. Once plate34passes through opening42and is fully inserted into cavity46, the lip of inner edge44areturns to its original configuration as shown inFIG. 3D. Because the diameter A of inner edge44ais smaller than the diameter B of plate34, the plate is trapped within cavity46by the lip of rim44.

The insertion of plate34into cavity46encloses head39aof fastener38within cup28, to prevent access to the head from the sides by a tool such as a nail puller or similar device. Plate34covers head39aof fastener38to protect the top of the head from a drill or other device. Cavity46may have a width or diameter that is slightly larger than diameter B of plate34, which allows plate34to freely rotate and/or provides some degree of tilt within the cavity. The free rotation and tilt of plate34increases the difficulty in drilling through the plate to reach the head39aof the fastener38, by causing the drill bit to slip or engage the plate off-axis.

In a preferred embodiment, the shape of opening42and cavity46generally conform to the shape of plate34to minimize any space that may allow insertion of a tool to pry or remove the plate from the cavity. In a further embodiment, the height of cavity46is about the same as or slightly greater than the combined height of plate34and head39aof fastener38, to firmly secure the head within cup-block anti-theft device26and further minimize any space that would allow insertion of a tool into the cavity.

In an alternative embodiment, cup-block anti-theft device26may be assembled by friction fit insertion of plate34within cavity46. The width or diameter of cavity46may be slightly smaller than the diameter B of plate34. Plate34is hammered or otherwise forced into cavity46until it engages head39aof fastener38, and is secured within the cavity by friction fit.

Cup28and/or plate34are preferably made of hardened steel, such as Hardox® steel (SSAB, Sweden). However, other types of steel and metal alloys may be used, as are known in the art.

The anti-theft device may be further configured to increase the difficulty in removing the fastener by brute force—e.g., by dislodging the anti-theft device and fastener using a sledge hammer.FIGS. 4A-4Dshow another embodiment of an anti-theft device126, having a wall132that is configured to deflect the blows of a sledge hammer or other device. Anti-theft device126comprises a plate134and cup128that are generally configured as described above, for insertion of the plate into the cup to enclose the head39aof a fastener38. For example, plate134may be disc-shaped with a partially beveled side134a. Cup128comprises a base130and a wall132that form a cavity146. Base130has an opening135that is sized and shaped to receive fastener38with head39aretained in cavity146. Wall132has a beveled rim144that defines an opening142into cavity146. Rim144has an inner edge144athat forms a lip having a width or diameter that is slightly smaller than the maximum width or diameter of plate134. Wall132has an inner surface132athat forms a cavity146having a width or diameter that is slightly larger than the width or diameter of plate134, such that inner edge144aforms the lip.

FIGS. 4C and 4Dshow the snap fit insertion of plate134into cavity146of cup128.FIG. 4Cis similar toFIG. 3C, and shows plate134partially inserted through opening142, with the sides134aof the plate engaging the inner edge144aof rim144.FIG. 4Dis similar toFIG. 3D, and shows plate134fully inserted through opening142and trapped within cavity146by the lip of rim144.

Cup128is configured to deflect the impact of a blow to the side of anti-theft device126. Wall132has an outer surface132bwhere at least a portion of the outer surface forms an obtuse angle C with railcar deck surface40. Any blow or force applied to angled outer surface132balong a horizontal plane (e.g., as shown by arrow D) will be a glancing blow having reduced effectiveness. In one embodiment, cup128has a pyramidal shape—e.g., having an outer surface132bwith four sides133a,133b,133cand133dthat form a truncated square pyramid, as shown inFIG. 4A. Sides133a,133b,133cand133dmay form the same or different obtuse angles with railcar deck surface40. For example, side133cadjacent to hinge bar cover22of hinge connector8may form a shallower angle than sides133a,133band/or133d. The shallow angle of side133cminimizes the transition between cup128and the hinge bar cover and reduces the tripping hazard. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that cup128may have other configurations where at least a portion of the outer surface132bforms an obtuse angle with railcar deck surface40—e.g., a truncated conical shape, truncated tetrahedron, or a wedge shape.

It will also be apparent to those of skill in the art that the size of base130will generally increase as the angle of outer surface132bbecomes shallower. Although base130is positioned on keeper seat20, it may also extend over a portion of railcar deck surface40and/or other portions of hinge connector8, such as hinge bar cover22. As described above, base130is preferably configured to conform to the keeper seat and other features of hinge connector8and/or the portion of railcar deck surface40over which it extends. For example, a notch158may be formed in the base that is sized and shaped to conform to the ends of keeper seat20and base seat14and/or base130may conform to the slope of arched hinge bar cover22, as best shown inFIG. 4A. The larger area of base130increases the difficulty in accessing fastener38and assists in securing hinge connector8to railcar deck surface40.

In a further embodiment, base130may extend over one or more openings25that are provided in keeper seat20of hinge connector8to receive additional fasteners38. As shown inFIG. 4E, tabs156may be formed in base130that are positioned to align with and are sized and shaped to be received in openings25. The engagement of tabs156in openings25further secures anti-theft device126to railcar deck surface40and/or keeper seat20and increases the difficulty in removing fastener38by force.

In yet another embodiment, plate134may be formed with an indentation or notch168in the bottom surface134bof the plate, positioned adjacent to the head39aof fastener38. For example, notch168may be formed as a conical indentation in the surface134bof plate134. Notch168assists in centering plate134over the rounded head39aof fastener38and also reduces the combined height of plate134and head39a. In addition, notch168facilitates the rotation and/or tilting of the plate about the head of the fastener. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that notch may have other shapes, such as a dome shape.

Referring toFIGS. 5A-5D, another embodiment of an anti-theft device is shown coupled to hinge connector8. Overhinge anti-theft device50comprises a body52that is sized and shaped to extend over hinge connector8. Body52has a first end52aand a second end52b. First end52ais positioned on the transport railcar deck surface40, and preferably conforms to the configuration of the railcar deck surface. Second end52bcomprises a seat54and arched cover56that extend over hinge connector8. Anti-theft device seat54is sized and shaped to extend over keeper seat20(and base seat14) of hinge connector8. Anti-theft device arched cover56is sized and shaped to extend over hinge bar cover22, and preferably over at least a portion of platform16.

In one embodiment, anti-theft device seat54and/or arched cover56are respectively sized and shaped to conform to the configuration of keeper seat20and hinge bar cover22. This configuration minimizes the space between hinge connector8and overhinge anti-theft device50—e.g., that may allow room for the hinge connector to be pried away from the railcar deck surface, or to insert a tool between the hinge connector and anti-theft device to pry them apart.

In a preferred embodiment, anti-theft device arched cover56is sized and shaped to extend beyond the end of hinge connector8—e.g., the anti-theft device cover may have an end58that extends beyond the end16aof platform16of the hinge connector. End58of overhinge anti-theft device50may be further configured to engage or couple to grating panel1to increase the difficulty in removing the anti-theft device. In one embodiment, end58of anti-theft device arched cover56is sized and shaped to fit within openings9formed in grating panel1. As shown inFIG. 5AandFIG. 5D, anti-theft device arched cover56may have a width60that is about the same size or slightly smaller than openings9of grating panel1, to allow end58to project through an opening9in grating1and extend below rods2. End58engages grating panel1by one or more tabs or flanges58athat project transversely below rods2, such that flanges58ahave a width greater than the size of openings9. When force is applied to lift overhinge anti-theft device50from grating panel1, flanges58aengage rods2to prevent removal of the anti-theft device from the grating.

One or more anti-theft devices50are positioned on hinge connector8, spaced apart along the length of the hinge connector8and/or grating panel1. In a preferred embodiment, at least two anti-theft devices50are positioned near each end of the length of hinge connector8and/or grating panel1. Additional anti-theft devices50may be positioned along the length of hinge connector8and/or grating panel1therebetween for increased security. Each overhinge anti-theft device50is secured to railcar deck surface40by a fastener53. An opening51is formed in first end52aof overhinge anti-theft device50, that is sized and shaped to receive fastener53and secure the anti-theft device to railcar deck surface40. Fastener53may be any of a variety of fasteners known in the art, including screws, rivets and bolts. Because a relatively small number of fasteners53are required to secure grating panel1, fastener53may be larger, made of more durable material and/or have a more secure design, that might otherwise be prohibitively expensive for use as a hinge connector fastener. In one embodiment, fastener53is a blind oversized mechanically locked fastener having a collar55and head57, such as a Huck BOM® (Alcoa Fastening Systems & Rings—Waco, Tex.). In another embodiment (not shown), the fastener53includes a head and a shank that extends from the head to the endpoint of the fastener53. In this embodiment, the opening51in the first end52aof overhinge anti-theft device50is sized and shaped to receive the shank of the fastener53but not the head of fastener53.

To remove grating panel1, fasteners53must be removed from the multiple anti-theft devices50that are positioned along the length of hinge connector8and/or grating panel1. Hinge connector8also must be dissembled to release hinge bar6and free grating panel1from a transport railcar deck surface40. The additional time and difficulty in removing numerous larger fasteners53to free grating panel1from anti-theft devices50creates a substantial deterrent to theft.

Referring toFIGS. 6A and 6B, an alternative embodiment of an anti-theft device is shown that combines the features of the cup-block and overhinge devices. The length of overhinge anti-theft device70may be decreased such that the first end72aof the body72is positioned on top of the keeper seat20of the hinge keeper12. In this embodiment, the fastener73of the overhinge anti-theft device70is received by the opening71of the overhinge anti-theft device70first end72aand the opening25formed in hinge keeper12. The opening25in hinge keeper12may be already formed in hinge keeper12. It will be understood that the fastener73of overhinge anti-theft device70may be larger than the openings25in the hinge keeper12. Accordingly, these openings25may need to be enlarged using various means known in the art, such as a drill. In one embodiment, no portion of the first end72aof the body72of the overhinge anti-theft device70extends onto the transport railcar deck surface40. In other words, the entirety of the first end72aof the body72of the overhinge anti-theft device70is disposed on top of hinge keeper12. In another embodiment, the fastener73includes a head and a shank that extends from the head to the endpoint of the fastener73. In this embodiment, the opening71in the first end72aand the opening25in the hinge keeper12are sized and shaped to receive the shank but not the head.

The first end72aof the body72may further include a cup comprising a base74and wall75that extends upwardly from the transport railcar surface40and/or the keeper seat20. The base74and wall75form an interior cavity76. The wall75includes an inner surface75aand an outer surface75b. The outer surface75bcan include a plurality of sides disposed at various angles to the keeper seat20. For example, in the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 6A-6B, two of these outer surfaces75bare disposed at an angle oblique to the keeper seat20. One of the purposes of forming these outer surfaces75bat a non-right angle is to form an outer surface75bthat will deflect impact, as described with respect toFIGS. 4A-4E. A third outer surface75bof the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 6A-6Bis disposed at a right angle and is partially cut-out and forms an opening in the wall75of the cup. This opening provides additional space for any tools necessary to install the fastener73without unnecessarily enlarging the overhinge anti-theft device70. That is, the entirety of the top portion of the outer surface75bdoes not extend to the same height. The inner surface75ais formed to at least partially surround the opening71of the overhinge anti-theft device70. The opening71of the overhinge anti-theft device70is formed in the base74. Further, the inner surface75ais formed to extend at least as high as the topmost portion of the fastener73once the fastener73has been installed. As depicted inFIGS. 6A-6B, the inner surface75aonly partially encloses the opening71, however, the inner surface may also be designed to fully enclose the opening71in an annular or other shape. The wall75may be sized and shaped to receive a plate (not shown), similar to the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 3A-3D and 4A-4E.

The remainder of overhinge anti-theft device70depicted inFIGS. 6A-6Bis substantially similar to the overhinge anti-theft device50depicted inFIGS. 5A-5D. Namely, with respect to the formation of the second end56bof the overhinge anti-theft device50to extend over the hinge connector8(conforming its shape thereto) and then extending through the openings9of grating panel1.

It will be understood that the embodiments depicted inFIGS. 5A-5Dand/orFIGS. 6A-6Bmay both be designed to incorporate cup-block anti-theft device26(depicted in FIGS.3A-3D and/or4A-4E) such that the fasteners53,73of overhinge anti-theft devices50,70have further protection, including, by incorporation of the plate.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined in the following claims.