Abstract:
Apparatus for suspending a device such as the end of a depending air brake hose from a railcar. A flexible strap of a synthetic resin such as moldable polyurethane is suspended from the railcar body, for example, by attachment to an apertured fitting on the railcar coupler. Elongated resilient wire clips are provided to attach the free end of the air hose. The wire clips are generally configured with a latching end including interlocking end portions for connection to the strap through a selected attachment aperture, a pair of flexibly resilient, elongated manually compressible elongated arms extending away from the latching end portions and a return portion joining the arms. The clip is further provided with a retainer operative when the arms are interlocked for maintaining the attachment aperture fitting within the confines of the return portion and out of position in which loading of the clip is exerted laterally of the clip arms. In a preferred embodiment, the clip is provided with a bend in its first arm operative to promote optimum point-loading of the clip, and this embodiment of the clip is particularly useful with a chain suspension strap.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/787,114, filed Mar. 29, 2006, and U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 11/729,831, filed on Mar. 29, 2007, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to air hose suspension systems for rail cars and the like and especially a simplified, reliable clip and readily adjustable strap assembly for maintaining a flexible device such as the end of a rail car hose at a desired height above the rail structure. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Failure to maintain rail car hoses at a proper height above the rail structure is a significant cause of unintended air hose coupling separation leading to emergency braking and stopping of the train and sometimes even derailment. Obviously, emergency braking is a cause of time-consuming and costly train delays as a result of the need for a crew member to walk the length of the train looking for the cause. When an uncoupled air hose is discovered, the crew member must reconnect the coupling members or effect an emergency repair before returning to the engine. 
         [0004]    To eliminate the problem, it is known to provide air hose straps interconnected between the coupler or other parts of the car and the end of the air hose. Known straps have a fastening system including wire clips which have a hooked end which fits through an aperture on a fixture on the air hose. The wire is then looped back through a selected aperture on the strap and then captured by the hooked end. 
         [0005]    The looped portion of one of the prior art clips extends through an aperture in a bracket typically provided on the bottom of each rail car coupler. A second clip is provided which is preferably identical to the first. The looped portion of the second clip fits through an aperture integral with the glad hand fitting on the end of the air hose. If the straps have not been properly installed or should the strap material elongate over time, readjustment becomes necessary to avoid the risk that the air hose will strike a cross tie, a grade crossing, a switch or other track structure causing air hose separation. 
         [0006]    While air hose support straps made of chain, steel cable or webbing can be used, the presently preferred approach is to use an elastomeric strap material capable of providing some give in operation. Polyurethane is a presently preferred strap material. Elongated spring clips as fastener members are provided for attachment of one of the ends of the strap to the railcar body and the opposite end to an apertured fitting at the end of the air hose. 
         [0007]    Although these assemblies are effective in supporting the end of the air hose, a problem arises which leads to damage and ultimately to failure of the clips in service. This problem was investigated following field service reports of air hose support straps that had failed because of “bent or missing clips”. 
         [0008]    The investigation revealed that over 95% of clip damage occurred to the clip connecting the bottom of the support strap to the air hose glad hand fitting. From analysis of a number of clips produced by different manufacturers, it was observed that the damage was a result of the clip being strained on the long sides of the clip (lateral loading) instead of along the long axis of the clip (longitudinal loading). The clips are much stronger when the load is applied on the clip ends rather than on its long sides. 
         [0009]    The invention is based on a recognition of the cause of this lateral loading and to the means provided for eliminating it. Lateral loading occurs when the railroad car coupler is in the buff position as occurs when it is not under load. In this condition, the air hose support is slack, which allows a clip of prior art design to slide along its length through the glad hand aperture. When the coupler returns to the neutral or draft position, the load is applied to the side of the clip where it is weakest rather than its ends, bending the clip into an oblong or ovoid shape. Eventually, this causes the clip&#39;s locking integrity to be lost. It was observed that this type of lateral loading accounts for the majority of clip damage failures. 
       SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The present invention provides a solution to the problem of air hose support clips being damaged through the action of the coupler system. 
         [0011]    In a clip according to the invention, the end used for connection to the lower, glad hand end of the air hose includes a retainer to prevent the clip sliding through the glad hand connector aperture, thereby avoiding the risk of damage through lateral loading. The retainer preferably comprises bent portions of the clip arms which are relatively positioned to prevent movement of the clip through the aperture when the clip arms are latched. Optionally, the retainer may take form of one or more helical loops in which the attachment aperture is interfitted, or provision of a retainer attachment which attaches to the clip arms and retains the attachment aperture within the loop interconnecting the clip arms as further explained and illustrated in the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention. 
         [0012]    The invention also provides clips and assemblies for maintaining an air brake hose of a railway vehicle at a predetermined height above a supporting road bed structure that promote optimum point-loading of the clips. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a fragmentary view, in perspective, of a railcar including a coupler and train line structure illustrating the use of a support strap assembly of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a clip forming a preferred embodiment of the invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is an end view of the clip of  FIGS. 1  (clip  20  therein),  2 ,  4 ,  9 ,  15 ,  20 ,  21 , and  26 , and a mirror image of an end view of the clip of  FIGS. 11  (clip  20   a  therein) and  19 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the modified form of the clip of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 4  illustrating another embodiment of the clip of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of the clip of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  illustrates in perspective a further embodiment of the clip of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view showing an alternative version of the clip of the invention; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 9 and 10  are perspective views of still other embodiments of the clip of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a fragmentary view in perspective, of a railway car including a coupler and train line structure illustrating the use of another of the preferred assemblies of the present invention for maintaining an air brake hose of a railway vehicle at a predetermined height above a supporting road bed structure; 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a view in side elevation of a clip  21 ( b ) forming another preferred embodiment of the invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a view in side elevation of the clip  21 ( b ) shown in  FIG. 12  looking from the left of  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is a view in perspective of the clip  21 ( b ) of  FIGS. 12 and 13  in the process of being interconnected to a suspension strap; 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a view in perspective of the clip  21 ( b ) of  FIGS. 12 and 13  after being interconnected to a suspension strap; 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is a view in side elevation of a clip  20 ( a ) forming another preferred embodiment of the invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is a view in side elevation of the clip  20 ( a ) shown in  FIG. 16  looking from the left of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  is a view in perspective of the clip  20 ( a ) of  FIGS. 16 and 17  in the process of being interconnected to a suspension strap; 
           [0030]      FIG. 19  is a view in perspective of the clip  20 ( a ) of  FIGS. 16 and 17  after being interconnected to a suspension strap; 
           [0031]      FIG. 20  is a view in perspective of a clip  20 ( c ) forming another preferred embodiment of the invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 21  is a view in perspective of a clip  20 ( d ) forming another preferred embodiment of the invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 22  is a view in perspective of a clip  20 ( e ) forming another preferred embodiment of the invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 23  is a view in perspective of a clip  20 ( f ) forming another preferred embodiment of the invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 24  is a view in perspective of a clip  20 ( g ) forming another preferred embodiment of the invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 25  is a view in perspective of a clip  20 ( h ) forming another preferred embodiment of the invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 26  is a view in perspective of a clip  20 ( i ) forming another preferred embodiment of the invention; and 
           [0038]      FIG. 27  is a view in perspective of a clip  20 ( j ) forming another preferred embodiment of the invention; 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0039]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , an air brake hose conventionally constructed of rubber or other flexible material having similar properties is illustrated at  10 . The air hose is connected to a train line  11  running lengthwise of the rail vehicle  11   a . A trolley  12  supports the train line by means of shackles  13 . The trolley  12  has a hooked end portion  14  which suspends it from a hanger on the face  15  of the coupler pocket. The opposite end of air hose  10  is fitted with a glad hand connector  16  interfittable with a similarly shaped fitting at the end of the air hose on the next rail vehicle in the train. 
         [0040]    In order to maintain the end of the air hose a suitable distance above the track structure, a suspension strap  18  is attached to a fitting  19  on the top surface of the glad hand having an aperture  19   a  and an apertured fitting  22  conventionally provided on coupler  23 . The strap  18  is preferably flexible and resilient and typically formed by molding of a polymeric material such as polyurethane. It is provided with apertures  24  spaced at regular intervals along its length. Attachment to the respective fitting  19  and  22  is by means of clips  20 ,  21  passed through selected apertures  24 . The preferred form of clip  20  is disclosed in more detail in  FIGS. 2-10 . Clip  21  may be the same as clip  20  or of similar but simplified construction as explained below. 
         [0041]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 2-10 , clips  20  of the invention are formed of resiliently bendable wire. In the form of  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the clip comprises a pair of elongated clip arms  26  and  28  joined together by a looping return portion  30  at one end. Return portion  30  preferably extends through an angle greater than 180 degrees and joins the arm at  38  where there is contact with clip arm  26  when the clip is in the closed position of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . At its opposite end, clip arm  26  terminates in portion  32  bent at 90° with respect to the arm. The end of portion  32  is then bent about 180° to form a hooked-shaped portion  34  which is adapted to fit over the end of clip arm  28  as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The end portion of arm  28  is preferably first bent laterally at an angle of about 90° with respect to the axis of arm  28  and then preferably bent back upon itself through 180° as illustrated at  36  so as to capture hook portion  34  and prevent its inadvertent uncoupling under the influence of tensile forces applied to arms either laterally or axially of the clip long axis. 
         [0042]    In the open position, the loop formed by end portion  30  is substantially open when the free end of arm  28  is uncaptured from hook  34 . In this position, the arm  26  or the arm  28  can readily be passed through the apertured opening of the glad hand fitting  19  and the glad hand fitting advanced lengthwise of either arm until it is within the loop  30 . With the apertured glad hand fitting so positioned, the end  32  of clip arm  26  is then passed through a selected aperture in strap  18 . The ends of the hook are then closed together so that the hook  34  captures the arm  28 . In this position, the loop portion  30  includes the portion shown at  38  in  FIG. 2  which bears against the arm  26  capturing the glad hand fitting in place between the two arms. 
         [0043]    The clip configuration just described eliminates the tendency of clips like those of the prior art to shift relative to the apertured fitting of the glad hand  16  along one or the other of the arms  26  or  28  when the coupler is in the buff condition when the coupler is not under load and is retracted within the coupler pocket. As indicated above, if the prior art clip shifts under slack coupler conditions, and the coupler is then placed under load, a lateral force applied between the apertured fitting and a clip arm will cause the arm to bend and ultimately to fail by exceeding the elastic limit of the wire, allowing the glad hand to drop down and possibly uncouple if it strikes track structure. In contrast, with clips made according to the invention, the apertured fitting is captured within the loop formed by end portion  30  unless and until the clip is deliberately opened. Clip failure caused by coupler movement between the slack and load conditions is avoided inasmuch as the forces acting on the clip are always exerted axially of the clip rather than laterally of it. 
         [0044]    Clip  21  is provided for attachment of the upper end of strap  18  to the apertured fitting  22  of coupler  23  as shown in  FIG. 1 . The clip  21  may be similar to clip  20  having a pair of arms  26 ′ and  28 ′ joined by a return portion  30 ′ bent through about 180°. As is the case with clip  20 , clip arm  26 ′ has a hook-shaped end portion  32 ′ which fits through a selected aperture  24  on strap  18  and projects so as to hook over the end of arm  28 ′. As seen in  FIG. 1 , the arm  28 ′ of clip  21  need not be provided with the retainer loop portion  30  of clip  20 , as it has been determined that there is no condition of operation where clip  21  will shift to a position in which its arms will be subjected to transverse loading. 
         [0045]      FIGS. 4-10  illustrate alternative versions of a clip assembly used as a part of a support strap assembly for connection of the support strap to the air hose glad hand according to the present invention. In these Figures and the description which follows, like numbers to those used in  FIGS. 2 and 3  are used to identify the same or similar parts. In  FIG. 4 , clip arm  28  has a relatively straight section  28   a  which is biased to bear against arm  26  when the clip is closed. In  FIG. 5  (similarly to  FIG. 2 ), the contact between the two arms  26  and  28  is essentially a point contact. The return loop  30  captures the apertured fitting as in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 6  illustrates a form of clip in which the looped portion extends as a spiral between the arms  26  and  28 . In  FIG. 6 , the loop  30  is comprised of two turns. In  FIG. 7 , the loop  30  is bent so that arm  28  crosses over arm  26  at two points  40  and  42 . The cross-over configuration illustrated in this figure is provided to afford further certainty that the apertured fitting will remain within the loop  30 . In  FIG. 8 , the loop  30  extends transversely of the plane of the arms  26  and  28  as a means of assuring that the apertured fitting will remain centered within the looped portion  30 . In  FIG. 9 , the arm  28  includes two bends  28   a  and  28   b  extending substantially towards arm  26 .  FIG. 10  discloses an arrangement in which the loop  30  is provided with an insert  44  which is formed with a groove within which the apertured fitting fits. The insert provides a loop  30   a  of restricted size and a restricted throat  30   b . The apertured fitting is preferably formed of a yieldable thermoplastic material which yields to permit passage of the apertured fitting into the inner loop  30   a . The groove which receives the looped portion  30  is preferably flanged, the flange serving as a retainer for locking the insert to the clip. 
         [0046]    In all embodiments described above, the clip, when open, can be conveniently threaded through the aperture of the glad hand fitting and the fitting centered within the return loop. The latching end of arm  26  is then passed through a selected aperture in strap  18 , and the two ends of the arms of the clip are laterally together. The apertured fitting is thereupon maintained within the return loop and the problem of lateral loading on the clip arms is avoided. 
         [0047]    Turning now to  FIGS. 11 to 27 , there is shown still other preferred embodiments of the inventive clip and other preferred embodiments of the inventive assembly for maintaining an air brake hose  10  of a railway vehicle  11   a  at a predetermined height above a supporting road bed structure. In  FIGS. 11-27 , and the description which follows, like numbers to those used in  FIGS. 1-10  are used to identify the same or similar parts. In the preferred embodiments shown in FIGS.  11 - 27 , each of the inventive clips is provided for interconnection with an attachment portion of a suspension strap  18  used to suspend an air brake hose  10  of a railway vehicle  11   a  above a supporting road bed structure. The suspension strap  18  may be made of chain, steel cable, webbing, or polymeric material, and for the embodiments of the invention illustrated in  FIGS. 11 to 27 , the suspension strap  18  preferably is a metal chain such as that made from stainless steel. 
         [0048]    Each of the inventive clips  20 ( a ),  20 ( b ),  20 ( c ),  20 ( d ),  20 ( e ),  20 ( f ),  20 ( g ),  20 ( h ),  20 ( i ), and  20 ( j ) illustrated in  FIGS. 11-27  preferably is formed from resiliently bendable metal, and preferably has a first end  111  and a latching end  113 , and a pair of flexibly resilient elongated arms  26 ,  28  extending away from the latching end  113  of the clip to the first end  111  of the clip. The pair of arms comprise a first arm  26  and a second arm  28 . The arms  26  and  28  of each clip are joined by a return portion  30  at the first end  111  of the clip. The first arm  26  at the latching end  113  of the clip has a latching member  115  for interlocking engagement with the second arm  28  when desired. 
         [0049]    The latching member  115  has an interlocking end portion  117  (preferably a hook-shaped portion  34  which is adapted to fit over the clip arm  28 ) for engaging the second arm  28 , and the latching member  115  has a strap engaging portion  119  for engaging an attachment portion of the suspension strap  18 . The strap engaging portion  119  of the latching member  115  is located between the interlocking end portion  117  of the latching member  115  and the first arm  26  at the latching end  113  of the clip short of the latching member  115  indicated at reference no.  121  in the drawings. 
         [0050]    The first arm  26  short of the latching member  115  and the strap engaging portion  119  of the latching member  115  form an acute angle α therebetween operative when the interlocking end portion  117  of the latching member  115  engages the second arm  28  for positioning the suspension strap  18  to rest where the strap engaging portion  119  of the latching member  115  meets the first arm  26  short at the latching member  115  indicated at reference no.  121  shown in the drawings. When the inventive clip is under load, the bend at reference no.  121  in the first arm  26 , due to the acute angle α, forces the suspension strap  18  to slide down the strap engaging portion  119  to the apex (marked in the drawings by reference no.  121 ) of the acute angle α where the strap engaging portion  119  of the latching member  115  meets the first arm  26  short of the latching member  115 . The location marked in the drawings by reference no.  121  where the strap engaging portion  119  of the latching member  115  meets the first arm  26  short of the latching member  115  is the strongest location to point-load the clip. Preferably, the acute angle α formed between the strap engaging portion  119  of the lathing member  115  and the first arm  26  short of the latching member  115  is less than 90 degrees, and more preferably is in a range of about 20 degrees to about 80 degrees, and even more preferably is in a range of about 45 degrees to about 70 degrees, and even more preferably is in a range of about 50 degrees to about 65 degrees. A very preferred value for acute angle α is 57 degrees. 
         [0051]    Also, in some preferred embodiments of the invention, the inventive clips are constructed in accordance with the invention such that the end portion  123  of the second arm  28  at the latching end  113  of the clip is first bent laterally at an angle θ that is preferably less than 90 degrees (and more preferably is in a range between about 45 degrees to about 87 degrees, and even more preferably is in a range between about 50 degrees to about 85 degrees, and even more preferably is in a range between about 60 degrees to about 80 degrees, and even more preferably is 80 degrees) with respect to the axis of the arm  28  and then preferably bent back upon itself through 180 degrees to form a thumb release loop  36  shown in  FIGS. 11-21 ,  23 , and  27  so as to capture the interlocking end portion  117  (e.g., the hook-shaped portion  34 ) and prevent its inadvertent uncoupling under the influence of tensile forces applied to the arms  26  and  28  either laterally or axially of the clip long axis. The thumb release loop  36  makes it easy for a worker wearing gloves to grasp the resilient arms  26  and  28  with one hand and open and close the clip by depressing and/or releasing the thumb release loop  36  with the thumb of the same hand. 
         [0052]    In other preferred embodiments of the inventive clip, the end portion  123  of the second arm  28  is bent laterally at an angle θ that is preferably less than 90 degrees (and more preferably is in a range between about 45 degrees to about 87 degrees, and even more preferably is in a range between about 50 degrees to about 85 degrees, and even more preferably is in a range between about 60 degrees to about 80 degrees, and even more preferably is about 80 degrees) with respect to the axis of the arm  28 , and then in some embodiments bent again such that the composite bending of the first end portion  123  of the second arm  28  equals about 180 degrees (as illustrated  FIGS. 22 ,  24 ,  25 , and  26 .) 
         [0053]    Preferably, when the inventive clip having the acute angle α between its first arm  26  short of the latching member  115  and the strap engaging portion  119  of the latching member  115  as described herein is used to interconnect the suspension strap  18  to the attachment fitting  19  of an air brake hose  10 , a retainer is provided as described above with respect to the clips  20  of  FIGS. 1-10 , which creates a confinement area  127  between itself and the return portion  30  of the clip when the latching member  115  is latched to the second arm  28  for maintaining a portion of an attachment fitting  19  of an air brake hose  10  within the confinement area  127  and out of position in which loading of the clip by the air brake hose  10  is exerted laterally of the arms of the clip. 
         [0054]    Referring specifically to the embodiment of the inventive clip illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 16  to  19 , there is shown a clip  20 ( a ), which has an acute angle α formed between the first arm  26 , short of the latching member  115 , and the strap engaging portion  119  of the latching member  115 , and which has the end portion  123  of the second arm  28  at the latching end  113  of the clip  20 ( a ) bent laterally at an angle θ. Further, like the embodiment of the inventive clip shown in  FIG. 2 , the clip  20 ( a ) of  FIGS. 11 and 16  to  19  is provided with a retainer (in this embodiment, where the arms  26  and  28  meet at reference no.  38  when the clip is in a closed position), which creates a confinement area  127  between itself and the return portion  30  at the first end  111  of the clip  20 ( a ). 
         [0055]    Referring specifically to the embodiment of the inventive clip illustrated in  FIGS. 11-15 , there is shown a clip  20 ( b ), which has an acute angle α formed between the first arm  26 , short of the latching member  115 , and the strap engaging portion  119  of the latching member  115 , and which has the end portion  123  of the second arm  28  at the latching end  113  of the clip  20 ( a ) bent laterally at an angle θ. Preferably, the clip  20 ( b ) is used to interconnect the suspension strap  18  to apertured fitting  22  of the coupler  23  of the railway vehicle  11   a . However, clips having a retainer at their first ends (e.g., clips  20 ( a ),  20 ( c ),  20 ( d ),  20 ( e ),  20 ( f ),  20 ( g ),  20 ( h ),  20 ( i ), and  20 ( j )) may be used to interconnect the suspension strap  18  to the apertured fitting  22  of the coupler  23  if desired. 
         [0056]    Referring specifically to the embodiments of the invention illustrated in  FIGS. 20-27 , the clip  20 ( c ) of  FIG. 20  is substantially the same as the clip of  FIG. 2 , the clip  20 ( d ) of  FIG. 21  is substantially the same as the clip of  FIG. 4 , the clip  20 ( e ) of  FIG. 22  is substantially the same as the clip of  FIG. 5 , the clip  20 ( f ) of  FIG. 23  is substantially the same as the clip of  FIG. 6 , the clip  20 ( g ) of  FIG. 24  is substantially the same as the clip of  FIG. 7 , the clip  20 ( h ) of  FIG. 25  is substantially the same as the clip of  FIG. 8 , the clip  20 ( i ) of  FIG. 26  is substantially the same as the clip of  FIG. 9 , and the clip  20 ( j ) of  FIG. 27  is substantially the same as the clip of  FIG. 10 , except the first arm  26 , short of the latching member  115 , and the strap engaging portion  119  of the latching member  115 , for each of the clips  20 ( c ),  20 ( d ),  20 ( e ),  20 ( f ),  20 ( g ),  20 ( h ),  20 ( i ), and  20 ( j ), form an angle α, which preferably is less than 90 degrees (and more preferably is in a range of about 20 degrees to about 80 degrees, and even more preferably is in a range of about 45 degrees to about 70 degrees, and even more preferably is in a range of about 50 degrees to about 65 degrees, and even more preferably is 57 degrees), operative when the interlocking end portion  117  of the latching member  115  engages the second arm  28  for positioning the suspension strap  18  to rest where the strap engaging portion  119  of the latching member  115  meets the first arm  26  short of the latching member  115  indicated at reference no.  121  shown in the drawings, and the end portion  123  of the second arm  28  at the latching end  113  of each of the clips  20 ( c ),  20 ( d ),  20 ( e ),  20 ( f ),  20 ( g ),  20 ( h ),  20 ( i ), and  20 ( j ) is bent laterally at an angle θ that is preferably less than 90 degrees (and more preferably is in a range between about 45 degrees to about 87 degrees, and even more preferably is in a range between about 50 degrees to about 85 degrees, and even more preferably is in a range between about 60 degrees to about 80 degrees, and even more preferably is about 80 degrees) with respect to the axis of the arm  28 , so as to capture the interlocking end portion  117  (e.g., the hook-shaped portion  34 ) and prevent its inadvertent uncoupling under the influence of tensile forces applied to the arms  26  and  28  either laterally or axially of the clip long axis. 
         [0057]    With respect to all of the embodiments of the inventive clip illustrated in  FIGS. 11-27 , but preferably with respect to the clip  20 ( b ) illustrated in  FIGS. 11-15 , an arm ( 26  or  28 ) beginning at the latching end  113  of the inventive clip, when open, may be threaded through the aperture in the apertured fitting  22  in the coupler  23 , and the clip maneuvered such that the fitting  22  is centered within the return portion  30 . Then, the first arm  26  at the latching end  113  of the clip may be threaded through a selected aperture  24  in the suspension strap  18  (e.g., a link in the chain), and, with the suspension strap  18  engaging the strap engaging portion  119  of the latching member  115 , and with a portion of the fitting  22  being positioned at the first end  111  of the clip when any of the clips  20 ( a ) and  20 ( c )- 20 ( j ) are used, the arm  26  and  28  may be pressed together such that the interlocking end portion  117  (e.g., the hook-shaped portion  34 ) of the latching member  115  of the first arm  26  engages (e.g., hooks over) the second arm  28  to close the clip. 
         [0058]    With respect to all of the embodiments of the inventive clip illustrated in  FIGS. 11-27 , but preferably with respect to the clips  20 ( a ),  20 ( c ),  20 ( d ),  20 ( e ),  20 ( f ),  20 ( g ),  20 ( h ),  20 ( i ), and  20 ( j ) shown in FIGS.  11  and  16 - 27 , an arm ( 26  or  28 ) beginning at the latching end  113  of the inventive clip, when open, may be threaded through the aperture  19   a  in the fitting  19  on the air brake hose  10 , and the clip maneuvered such that the fitting  19  is centered within the return portion  30 . Then, the first arm  26  at the latching end  113  of the clip may be threaded through the selected aperture  24  in the suspension strap  18  (e.g., a link in the chain), and, with the suspension strap  18  engaging the strap engaging portion  119  of the latching member  115 , and with a portion of the fitting  19  being positioned at the first end  111  of the clip when any of the clips  20 ( a ) and  20 ( c )- 20 ( j ) are used, the arms  26  and  28  may be pressed together such that the interlocking end portion  117  (e.g., the hook-shaped portion  34 ) of the latching member  115  of the first arm  26  engages (e.g., hooks over) the second arm  28  to close the clip. 
         [0059]    In use, as illustrated in  FIGS. 11-27 , the inventive assembly for maintaining an air brake hose  10  of railway vehicle  11   a  at a predetermined height above a supporting road bed structure, preferably with any of the inventive clips  20 ( a ) and  20 ( c ) to  20 ( j ) interconnecting the suspension strap  18  to the attachment fitting  19  of the air brake hose  10  while maintaining a portion of the attachment fitting  19  of the air brake hose  10  within the confinement area  127  and out of position in which loading of the clip by the air brake hose  10  is exerted laterally of the arms  26 ,  28  of the clip, and preferably with any of the inventive clips  20 ( a ) to  20 ( j ) (but more preferably with clip  20 ( b )) interconnecting the suspension strap  18  to the apertured fitting  22  of the coupler  23  of the railway vehicle  11   a , when load is applied thereto due to the air brake hose  10  of the railway vehicle  11   a  being supported thereby at a predetermined height above a supporting road bed structure, operates to position the suspension strap  18 , where it attaches to the clips, at the bend in the first arm  26  (marked in the drawings by reference no.  121 ) of each clip, which is the strongest location to point-load each clip, the load causing the clip attachment portion of the suspension strap  18  to slide along the strap engaging portion  119  of the latching member  115  of each clip to the apex (marked in the drawings by reference no.  121 ) of the acute angle α where the strap engaging portion  119  of the latching member  115  meets the first arm  26  short of the latching member  115 , and operates to capture a portion of the attachment fitting  19  of the air brake hose  10  within the confinement area  127  and out of position in which loading of the clip by the air brake hose  10  is exerted laterally of the arms  26  and  28  of the clip.