Patent Description:
Examples of hopper railroad car top hatch cover assemblies are disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>.

There is a continuing need to provide improved hopper railroad cars, such as hopper railroad cars that have one or more improved top hatch assemblies that improve the material loading process.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an improved top hatch cover assembly for a hopper railroad car. Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a hopper railroad car having an improved top hatch cover assembly. In various example embodiments of the present disclosure, the top hatch cover assembly includes a hatch cover, a hatch cover securer configured to co-act with and to secure the hatch cover in a closed position, and first and second multi-action actuators operably connected to the hatch cover and the hatch cover securer to operate both the hatch cover and the hatch cover securer. The first and second multi-action actuators are configured to unlock and lock the hatch cover securer. The first and second multi-action actuators are also configured to open and close the hatch cover securer when the hatch cover securer is unlocked. Various embodiments of the present disclosure also include a plurality of icebreaker assemblies configured to engage the hatch cover during the process of unlocking the hatch cover securer, to overcome the effects of any ice buildup on the movable hatch that causes the movable hatch to be temporarily stuck in the closed position.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts.

While the features, devices, and apparatus described herein may be embodied in various forms, the drawings show and the specification describe certain exemplary and non-limiting embodiments. Not all of the components shown in the drawings and described in the specification may be required, and certain implementations may include additional, different, or fewer components. Variations in the arrangement and type of the components; the shapes, sizes, and materials of the components; and the manners of connections of the components may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Unless otherwise indicated, any directions referred to in the specification reflect the orientations of the components shown in the corresponding drawings and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Further, terms that refer to mounting methods, such as coupled, mounted, connected, and the like, are not intended to be limited to direct mounting methods but should be interpreted broadly to include indirect and operably coupled, mounted, connected and like mounting methods. This specification is intended to be taken as a whole and interpreted in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure and as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a top hatch cover assembly for a railroad hopper railroad car that is partially flexible and that automatically opens and closes. The top hatch cover assembly facilitates automatic opening and closing without requiring additional or external specialized machinery or equipment. The top hatch cover assembly of the present disclosure also eliminates the need for a person to be physically present on roof of the hopper railroad car to open and close the top hatch cover assembly for the loading materials into the hopper railroad car.

In various example embodiments of the present disclosure, the top hatch cover assembly generally includes a hatch cover, a hatch cover securer configured to co-act with and to secure the hatch cover in a closed position, first and second multi-action actuators operably connected to the hatch cover and the hatch cover securer to operate both hatch cover and the hatch cover securer, and a plurality of icebreaker assemblies. The first and second multi-action actuators are configured to unlock and lock the hatch cover securer. The first and second multi-action actuators are also configured to open and close the hatch cover securer. The icebreaker assemblies are configured to co-act with the hatch cover securer to overcome the effects of ice buildup that causes the hatch cover to become stuck in the closed position.

Referring now to the drawings, <FIG> partially illustrates an example hopper railroad car <NUM> having a roof <NUM> to which the top hatch cover assembly of the present disclosure can be connected. The illustrated example hopper railroad car <NUM> generally includes: (<NUM>) a frame <NUM>; (<NUM>) spaced apart trucks 12A and 12B configured to support the frame <NUM>; (<NUM>) a plurality of wheels (such as wheel <NUM>) that support the trucks 12A and 12B; (<NUM>) a first side wall <NUM> connected to and supported by the frame <NUM>; (<NUM>) a second side wall <NUM> connected to and supported by the frame <NUM>; (<NUM>) a first end wall <NUM> connected to and supported by the frame <NUM>; (<NUM>) a second end wall <NUM> connected to and supported by the frame <NUM>; and (<NUM>) a roof <NUM> connected to and supported by the side walls <NUM> and <NUM>, the end walls <NUM> and <NUM>, and the frame <NUM>. The first and second side walls <NUM> and <NUM> are spaced apart. The first and second end walls <NUM> and <NUM> are also spaced apart. The hopper railroad car <NUM> generally includes a first end and a second end. The frame <NUM>, the side walls <NUM> and <NUM>, the end walls <NUM> and <NUM>, and the roof <NUM> define one or more interior compartments (not shown). It should be appreciated that the configuration and size of the hopper railroad car can vary in accordance with the present disclosure. The configuration of the roof <NUM> of the hopper railroad car can vary, for instance, in the degree of curvature. For example, <FIG> show one example curved roof. <FIG> additionally shows running boards positioned above the curved roof. It should be appreciated that the top hatch cover assembly of the present disclosure can be employed with different hopper railroad cars having differently configured roofs. For brevity, the present disclosure employs only one set of numerals (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) referencing various parts of the example hopper railroad cars shown herein for the different example embodiments of the present disclosure described herein.

As seen in <FIG>, in this illustrated example embodiment, the roof <NUM> generally includes: (<NUM>) a curved panel <NUM>; and (<NUM>) a coaming <NUM> integrally connected to, supported by and upwardly extending from the curved panel <NUM>.

The curved panel <NUM> is elevated in the middle (from side to side), such that the panel <NUM> is higher in the middle and is lower at the respective connection points or edges at the respective side walls. This enables the curved panel <NUM> to deflect rain, snow, and other objects off the roof <NUM> of the hopper railroad car <NUM>. The curved panel <NUM> can be made from steel, or any other suitable material. The curved panel <NUM> is illustrated as having a symmetrical curvature. However, it should be appreciated that the curvature can be asymmetrical in accordance with the present disclosure. It should also be appreciated that the roof <NUM> can alternatively include a flat (i.e., not curved) panel, a panel including one or more sharp bends rather than a gradual curve, or a panel having a curvature different from that shown in the Figures in accordance with the present disclosure. In addition, the roof <NUM> can include a single panel or multiple panels connected together in accordance with the present disclosure.

The coaming <NUM> generally includes an oval upright portion (not labeled) having a top surface (not labeled), an inner surface (not labeled), and an outer surface (not labeled). The coaming <NUM> extends along a substantial length of the roof <NUM> and defines an oval or obround opening <NUM> through which materials can be loaded into the hopper railroad car. In other words, the coaming <NUM> extends around the opening <NUM>, defining an outer perimeter of the opening <NUM>. The coaming <NUM> extends above the curved panel <NUM>, and in particular extends from and above the upper surface of the curved panel <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the upright portion of the coaming <NUM> includes two semicircular end walls (not separately labeled) connected by two parallel spaced apart side walls (not separately labeled). The inner surface of the coaming <NUM> is adjacent to the opening <NUM>, thereby forming an oblong ring around the opening <NUM>. The outer surface of the coaming <NUM> is opposite the inner surface of the coaming <NUM>. The top surface of the coaming <NUM> is opposite the top surface of the curved panel <NUM> and extends from the inner surface to the outer surface. The top surface is curved from the inner surface to the outer surface. In other embodiments, the coaming includes an upper curved flange that defines the top surface of the coaming. It should be appreciated that the present disclosure can be employed with other suitably shaped coamings, or with other alternative roof structures.

Referring now more specifically to <FIG>, one example top hatch cover assembly <NUM> of the present disclosure is generally shown. This example illustrated top hatch cover assembly <NUM> generally includes: (<NUM>) a hatch cover <NUM> suitably connected on one side of the coaming <NUM> to the cover panel <NUM> of the roof <NUM> and including an elongated movable hatch <NUM> pivotally movable from a closed position engaging the coaming <NUM> to a fully open position away from the coaming <NUM>; (<NUM>) a hatch cover securer <NUM> suitably connected on the other side of the coaming <NUM> to the cover panel <NUM> of the roof <NUM> and including a hatch cover engager <NUM> pivotally or rotatably movable from a hatch cover engagement position in which the hatch cover engager <NUM> secures the hatch cover <NUM> in the closed position engaging the coaming <NUM> to a hatch cover non-engagement position in which the hatch cover engager <NUM> allows the hatch <NUM> of the hatch cover <NUM> to move to the fully open position, as further explained herein; (<NUM>) first and second multi-action actuators <NUM> and <NUM> operably connected to the hatch cover <NUM> and the hatch cover securer <NUM> to operate both the hatch cover <NUM> and the hatch cover securer <NUM>; and (<NUM>) a plurality of icebreaker assemblies <NUM> operably connected to the hatch cover engager <NUM> to overcome the effects of ice buildup that causes the hatch cover <NUM> to become stuck in the closed position.

More specifically, the hatch cover <NUM> includes: (<NUM>) a flexible elongated movable hatch <NUM>; (<NUM>) a plurality of spaced apart central hinges 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, 300e, and 300f suitably connected to the hatch <NUM> and the curved panel <NUM> of the roof <NUM>; (<NUM>) a first end hinge <NUM> suitably connected to a first end <NUM> of the hatch <NUM> and the curved panel <NUM> of the roof <NUM>; and (<NUM>) a second end hinge <NUM> suitably connected to an opposite second end <NUM> of the hatch <NUM> and the curved panel <NUM> of the roof <NUM>.

The hatch cover <NUM> is suitably connected to the roof <NUM>, and more particularly to the curved panel <NUM> by the hinges 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, 300e, 300f, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The hatch <NUM> of the hatch cover <NUM> is configured to securely engage and provide a seal with the coaming <NUM> when in a closed position (such as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>). The hatch <NUM> of the hatch cover <NUM> is configured to disengage from the coaming <NUM> and move to various open positions (such as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>). The hatch <NUM> of the hatch cover <NUM> is configured to move and particularly rotate between the fully open position (shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>) and the closed position. Thus, the hatch <NUM> of the hatch cover <NUM> is configured to unseal and seal the hopper railroad car <NUM> by moving from the fully open position to the closed position, and vice versa. The hatch <NUM> and certain other parts of the hatch cover <NUM> are configured to be secured in the fully closed position by the hatch cover securer <NUM>, as further described herein.

The elongated movable hatch <NUM> of the hatch cover <NUM> generally includes a first end <NUM> and an opposite second end <NUM>. The elongated movable hatch <NUM> includes: (<NUM>) a flexible elongated panel <NUM>; and (<NUM>) an elongated oblong coaming sealer <NUM> suitably connected to the bottom of the flexible elongated panel <NUM>.

The flexible elongated panel <NUM> is generally rectangular, is larger than the coaming <NUM>, and is larger than the opening <NUM>. The panel <NUM> has a top surface (not labeled), a bottom surface (not labeled), a first side edge (not labeled), a second side edge (not labeled), a first end edge (not labeled), and a second end edge (not labeled). It should also be appreciated that the panel <NUM> is large enough relative to the coaming <NUM> such that when the elongated movable hatch <NUM> of the hatch cover <NUM> is in the closed position engaging the coaming <NUM>, that the first side edge, the second side edge, the first end edge, and the second end edge each extend outwardly of the coaming <NUM>. The panel <NUM> is made from a relatively light weight flexible material that is also semi-rigid in certain embodiments. In this example, the material of the panel <NUM> is made from a conveyor belt type material such as reinforced tarpaulin, reinforced plastic, reinforced rubber, or a suitable lamination using one or more of such materials and/or other suitable materials. However, it should be appreciated that the material can be any other suitable material in accordance with the present disclosure. It should also be appreciated that the elongated panel can include one or more internal and/or external supporting members that provide a desired amount of support and rigidity to the material of the elongated panel in accordance with the present disclosure. It should also be appreciated that while this example panel <NUM> is made from one continuous section of material, the present disclosure contemplates that the panel <NUM> can be made from two or more sections that are suitably connected, and in certain such embodiments overlapping. It should also be appreciated that while this example panel <NUM> is made from one continuous layer of material, the present disclosure contemplates that the panel <NUM> can be made from two or more layers of material. It should also be appreciated that while this example panel <NUM> is rectangular, the present disclosure contemplates that the panel <NUM> can be made in other suitable shapes and sizes. It should be appreciated that the structure of the panel <NUM> is such that the panel <NUM> can be lifted from either end (or both ends) and that the flexible material will enable part of the elongated panel to be lifted without lifting the entire panel <NUM>, and such that adjacent central sections of the panel <NUM> will be sequentially lifted.

The elongated coaming sealer <NUM> that functions in part as a gasket includes a generally oval ring that is slightly wider than the top surface of the coaming <NUM>, and is larger than the opening <NUM>. The coaming sealer <NUM> has a top surface (not labeled), a bottom surface (not labeled), an outer surface (not labeled), and an inner surface (not labeled). The coaming sealer <NUM> is suitably connected to the bottom of the elongated panel <NUM>. In this example embodiment, the top surface of the sealer <NUM> is suitably connected to the bottom surface of the panel <NUM> (such as by using a suitable adhesive). The coaming sealer <NUM> includes two spaced apart-straight sections, and two spaced apart curved sections that respectively correspond to the two straight sections and two curved walls of the coaming <NUM>. It should also be appreciated that the coaming sealer <NUM> is large enough relative to the coaming <NUM> such that when the elongated movable hatch <NUM> of the hatch cover <NUM> is in the closed position engaging the coaming <NUM>, the bottom surface of the elongated coaming sealer <NUM> engages and seals the entire top surface of the coaming <NUM>. The coaming sealer <NUM> is made from a relatively light weight flexible rubber material; however, it should be appreciated that the material of the coaming sealer <NUM> can be any other suitable material in accordance with the present disclosure. It should also be appreciated that while this example coaming sealer <NUM> is made from one continuous section of material, the present disclosure contemplates that the coaming sealer <NUM> can be made from two or more sections that are suitably connected, and in certain such embodiments overlapping. It should also be appreciated that while this example coaming sealer <NUM> is made from one continuous layer of material, the present disclosure contemplates that the coaming sealer can be made from two or more layers of material. It should be appreciated that the coaming sealer <NUM> is compressible such that when it engages the top surface <NUM> of the coaming <NUM>, it compresses to form a seal with the coaming <NUM>. It should also be appreciated that while this example sealer <NUM> is oval (to align with, correspond to, and seal the oval coaming), the present disclosure contemplates that the sealer <NUM> can be made in other suitable shapes and sizes. It should be appreciated that the structure of the sealer <NUM> is such that the coaming sealer <NUM> can be lifted with the lifting of the panel <NUM> from either end and that the sealer <NUM> will enable part of the panel <NUM> to be lifted without lifting the entire panel <NUM> and such that adjacent sections of the panel <NUM> can be sequentially lifted. It should also be appreciated that the sealer <NUM> could alternatively or additionally include one or more sections that are configured to engage: (a) the inner and/or outer surfaces of the coaming <NUM>, or (b) only the inner and/or outer surfaces of the coaming <NUM>, in accordance with the present disclosure. In other words, the sealer <NUM> can be suitably configured to create a seal on one or more selected surfaces of the coaming. Additionally, it should be appreciated as further explained herein that the hatch cover <NUM> and the hatch cover securer <NUM> are configured to co-act to create an even or substantially even seal along the entire lengths and along the curvatures of the seal <NUM>, and are further configured to provide more than <NUM> pounds of pressure along every three inches of the sealer <NUM>.

As mentioned above, the hatch cover <NUM> includes spaced apart central hinges 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, 300e, and 300f suitably connected to the hatch <NUM>. More specially, each of these central hinges 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, 300e, and 300f is suitably connected to the elongated panel <NUM> by a plurality of fasteners (not shown or labeled). It should also be appreciated that the elongated panel <NUM> can be otherwise suitably attached to the central hinges such as using an adhesive or other suitable attachment mechanism. In this illustrated example embodiment, each of the central hinges 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, 300e, and 300f is identical, and thus only central hinge 300b (best shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>) is discussed in detail for brevity. It should be appreciated that the central hinges 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, 300e, and 300f do not need be identical in accordance with the present disclosure. It should also be appreciated that the quantity and spacing of the central hinges can vary in accordance with the present disclosure.

More specifically, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the central hinge 300b generally includes: (<NUM>) a mounting bracket 310b suitably connected to the curved panel <NUM> of the roof <NUM>; (<NUM>) a pivot pin bracket 320b suitably connected to the mounting bracket 310b; (<NUM>) a pivot pin assembly 330b suitably connected to the pivot pin bracket 320b; and (<NUM>) a pivot arm 340b suitably pivotally connected to the pivot pin bracket 320b by the pivot pin assembly 330b and suitably connected to the elongated panel <NUM>.

The mounting bracket 310b includes: (<NUM>) a mounting base 312b; (<NUM>) a first mounting leg 314b integrally connected to and extending upwardly from the mounting base 312b; and (<NUM>) a second mounting leg 316b integrally connected to and extending upwardly from the mounting base 312b. The second mounting leg 316b is aligned with and spaced apart from the first mounting leg 314b. The mounting base 312b is suitably connected to the roof <NUM> and specifically to curved panel <NUM> of the roof <NUM> adjacent to the coaming <NUM>, as best shown in <FIG>. The mounting bracket 310b is made of steel in this example embodiment. It should be appreciated that the mounting bracket 310b can be alternatively sized, configured, and made of different materials in accordance with the present disclosure.

The pivot pin bracket 320b includes: (<NUM>) a base 322b; (<NUM>) a first mounting arm 324b integrally connected to and extending upwardly from the base 322b; and (<NUM>) a second mounting arm 326b integrally connected to and extending upwardly from the base 322b. The second mounting arm 326b is aligned with and spaced apart from the first mounting arm 324b. The first mounting arm 324b is integrally connected to the first mounting arm 314b of the mounting bracket 310b. The second mounting arm 326b is integrally connected to the second mounting arm 316b of the mounting bracket 310b. The first mounting arm 324b defines an opening (not shown or labeled) for receiving part of the pivot pin assembly 330b. The second mounting arm 324b also defines an opening (not shown or labeled) for receiving part of the pivot pin assembly 330b. The openings of the first mounting arm 324b and the second mounting arm 324b are aligned. The pivot pin bracket 320b is mounted relative to the mounting bracket 310b to facilitate a suitable amount of clearance for pivoting and rotation of the pivot arm 340b relative to the roof <NUM> and specifically to the curved panel <NUM> of the roof <NUM> as well as the coaming <NUM> of the roof <NUM>. The pivot pin bracket 320b is made of steel in this example embodiment. It should be appreciated that the pivot pin bracket 320b can be alternatively sized, configured, and made of different materials in accordance with the present disclosure.

The pivot pin assembly 330b includes: (<NUM>) a bolt 332b that extends through the openings in first mounting arm 324b and the second mounting arm 326b; (<NUM>) a nut 334b suitably connected to the bolt 332b; and (<NUM>) a collar 341b freely rotatably journaled about the bolt 332b between the first mounting arm 324b and the second mounting arm 326b. Although not shown, the pivot pin assembly 330b can include one or more suitable washers. The pivot pin assembly 330b is made of steel in this example embodiment. It should be appreciated that the pivot pin assembly 330b can be alternatively sized, configured, and made of different materials in accordance with the present disclosure.

The pivot arm 340b includes: (<NUM>) an elongated hatch connector base 342b; and (<NUM>) an elongated support wall 344b integrally centrally connected to and upwardly extending from the elongated hatch connector base 342b. The hatch connector base 342b includes a bottom surface 343b that is positioned on the top surface of the elongated panel <NUM> of the hatch <NUM>. The hatch connector base 342b includes a plurality of openings (not labeled) for suitable fasteners (not labeled) that connect the hatch connector base 342b (and thus the pivot arm 340b) to the panel <NUM>. The support wall 344b adds structural support to the hatch connector base 342b and facilitates the rotation of the hatch <NUM>. The elongated support wall 344b is integrally connected to the collar 341b of the pivot pin assembly 330b. This configuration enables the pivot arm 340b and the section of the panel <NUM> of the hatch <NUM> to pivot about the pivot pin assembly 330b and relative to the pivot pin bracket 320b, the coaming <NUM>, and the roof <NUM>. The pivot arm 340b is made of steel in this example embodiment. It should be appreciated that the pivot arm 340b can be alternatively sized, configured, and made of different materials in accordance with the present disclosure.

In this illustrated example embodiment, the hatch cover <NUM> additionally includes a plurality of additional hatch engagement members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> extending between and suitably rotatably and pivotally connected to and between pairs of respective pivot arms of the hinges including spaced apart hinges <NUM>, 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, 300e, 300f, and <NUM>. It should be appreciated that for the pivot arms to lift sequentially, the connections between the engagement members and the pivot arms allow for more motion than just rotation. The engagement member is free to pivot vertically relative to each respective pivot arm, such that one end of the engagement member can be lifted before the other. More specifically, (<NUM>) additional hatch engagement member <NUM> extends between and is suitably connected to and between the pivot arm (not labeled) of hinge <NUM> and the pivot arm of 300a by respective bosses (not labeled) that are each rotatably and pivotally connected to the respective pivot arms; (<NUM>) additional hatch engagement member <NUM> extends between and is suitably connected to and between the pivot arm of hinge 300a and the pivot arm of 300b by respective bosses (not labeled) that are each rotatably and pivotally connected to the respective pivot arms; (<NUM>) additional hatch engagement member <NUM> extends between and is suitably connected to and between the pivot arm of hinge 300b and the pivot arm of 300c by respective bosses (not labeled) that are each rotatably and pivotally connected to the respective pivot arms; (<NUM>) additional hatch engagement member <NUM> extends between and is suitably connected to and between the pivot arm of hinge 300c and the pivot arm of 300d by respective bosses (not labeled) that are each rotatably and pivotally connected to the respective pivot arms; (<NUM>) additional hatch engagement member <NUM> extends between and is suitably connected to and between the pivot arm of hinge 300d and the pivot arm of 300e by respective bosses (not labeled) that are each rotatably and pivotally connected to the respective pivot arms; (<NUM>) additional hatch engagement member <NUM> extends between and is suitably connected to and between the pivot arm of hinge 300e and the pivot arm of 300f by respective bosses (not labeled) that are each rotatably and pivotally connected to the respective pivot arms; and (<NUM>) additional hatch engagement member <NUM> extends between and is suitably connected to and between the pivot arm of hinge 300f and the pivot arm <NUM> (described below) of hinge <NUM> by respective bosses (not labeled) that are each rotatably and pivotally connected to the respective pivot arms. Each of the additional hatch engagement members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> has a square cross-section and four flat surfaces. Each of the additional hatch engagement members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> is configured to freely rotate and pivot relative to the spaced apart pivot arms to which it is attached. This free rotation and pivotal movement enables the opening of the hatch cover <NUM> and particularly the hatch <NUM> from either or both ends. For instance, as the hatch <NUM> is opened from the first end <NUM>, the first additional hatch engagement member <NUM> can rotate and pivot as the flexible hatch <NUM> moves upwardly. This allowed rotation and pivotal movement prevents the bending of the additional hatch engagement member <NUM>. This free rotation also enables the closing of the hatch cover <NUM> and particularly the hatch <NUM> from either or both ends in the same manner. It should also be appreciated that these rotational and pivotal connections enable each pivot arm to move independently and each section of the panel <NUM> to be lifted (or lowered) sequentially. Each additional hatch engagement member is configured to engage a portion of the top surface of the hatch <NUM> over a section of the hatch <NUM> that includes the seal <NUM> to thus apply an even amount of pressure to that portion of the hatch <NUM> and that portion of the seal <NUM>. Each additional hatch engagement member is made of steel in this example embodiment. It should be appreciated that the additional hatch engagement members can be alternatively sized, configured, and made of different materials in accordance with the present disclosure.

As mentioned above, the hatch cover <NUM> includes the first end hinge <NUM> suitably connected to a first end <NUM> of the hatch <NUM> and the second end hinge <NUM> suitably connected to a second end <NUM> of the hatch <NUM>. More specially, each of these hinges <NUM> and <NUM> is suitably connected to opposite ends of the elongated panel <NUM>. In this illustrated example embodiment, each of the hinges <NUM> and <NUM> are mirror images of each other, and thus end hinge <NUM> is primarily discussed in detail for brevity. It should be appreciated that the first and second end hinges <NUM> and <NUM> do not need be exact mirror images in accordance with the present disclosure.

As best shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the hinge <NUM> generally includes: (<NUM>) a mounting bracket assembly <NUM>; (<NUM>) a pivot arm <NUM> suitably pivotally connected to the mounting bracket assembly <NUM>; and (<NUM>) a hinge plate <NUM> suitably pivotally connected to the mounting bracket assembly <NUM>.

More specifically, the mounting bracket assembly <NUM> includes: (<NUM>) a mounting base <NUM>; (<NUM>) a first mounting leg <NUM> integrally connected to the mounting base <NUM>; and (<NUM>) a second mounting leg <NUM> integrally connected to the mounting base <NUM>. The second mounting leg <NUM> is aligned with and spaced apart from the first mounting leg <NUM>. The mounting base <NUM>, the first mounting leg <NUM>, and the second mounting leg <NUM> are suitably connected to the roof <NUM> and specifically to the curved panel <NUM> of the roof <NUM> adjacent to the coaming <NUM> as best shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The mounting bracket assembly <NUM> further includes: (<NUM>) a first mounting arm <NUM> integrally connected to and extending from the hinge plate <NUM>; and (<NUM>) a second mounting arm <NUM> integrally connected to and extending from the hinge plate <NUM>. The second mounting arm <NUM> is aligned with and spaced apart from the first mounting arm <NUM>. The first mounting arm <NUM> defines an opening (not shown or labeled) for receiving part of a pivot pin assembly <NUM>. The second mounting arm <NUM> also defines an opening (not shown or labeled) for receiving part of the pivot pin assembly <NUM>. The openings of the first mounting arm <NUM> and the second mounting arm <NUM> are aligned. The first mounting arm <NUM> and the second mounting arm <NUM> are pivotally mounted to the first mounting leg <NUM> and the second mounting leg <NUM> by the pivot pin assembly to facilitate a suitable amount of clearance for pivoting and rotation of the first mounting arm <NUM> and the second mounting arm <NUM> relative to the roof <NUM> and specifically the curved panel <NUM> of the roof <NUM> and the coaming <NUM> of the roof <NUM>. The pivot pin assembly <NUM> includes: (<NUM>) a bolt (not labeled) that extends through the openings in first mounting arm <NUM> and the second mounting arm <NUM>; (<NUM>) a nut (not labeled) connected to the bolt; and (<NUM>) a collar (not labeled) freely rotatably journaled about the bolt between the first mounting arm <NUM> and the second mounting arm <NUM>. Although not shown, the pivot pin assembly <NUM> can include one or more suitable washers. The mounting bracket assembly <NUM> is made of steel in this example embodiment. It should be appreciated that the mounting bracket assembly <NUM> can be alternatively sized, configured, and made of different materials in accordance with the present disclosure.

The pivot arm <NUM> includes: (<NUM>) an elongated hatch connector base <NUM>; and (<NUM>) an elongated support wall <NUM> integrally centrally connected to and upwardly extending from the elongated hatch connector base <NUM>. The hatch connector base <NUM> includes a bottom surface (not labeled) that is positioned on the top surface of the elongated panel <NUM> of the hatch <NUM>. The hatch connector base <NUM> includes a plurality of openings (not labeled) for suitable fasteners (not labeled) that connect the hatch connector base <NUM> (and thus the pivot arm <NUM>) to the panel <NUM>. The support wall <NUM> adds structural support to the hatch connector base <NUM> and facilitates the rotation of the hatch <NUM>. The elongated hatch connector base <NUM> and the elongated support wall <NUM> are integrally connected to the second mounting arm <NUM>, the collar of the pivot pin assembly <NUM>, and the hinge plate <NUM>. This configuration enables the pivot arm <NUM> and the section of the panel <NUM> of the hatch <NUM> to pivot relative to the mounting bracket assembly <NUM>, the coaming <NUM>, and the roof <NUM>. The pivot arm <NUM> is made of steel in this example embodiment. It should be appreciated that the pivot arm <NUM> can be alternatively sized, configured, and made of different materials in accordance with the present disclosure.

The hinge plate <NUM> includes a top portion <NUM> and a bottom portion <NUM> suitably connected by a plurality of fasteners (not labeled) to the hatch as best shown in <FIG>. The hinge plate <NUM> is made of steel in this example embodiment. It should be appreciated that the hinge plate <NUM> can be alternatively sized, configured, and made of different materials in accordance with the present disclosure.

This configuration enables the hinge plate <NUM> and the second end of the hatch <NUM> of the hatch cover <NUM> to pivot via the mounting bracket assembly <NUM> relative to the coaming <NUM>, the cover panel <NUM>, and the roof <NUM>.

Turning now to the illustrated example hatch cover securer <NUM>, the hatch cover securer <NUM> generally includes: (<NUM>) a mounting assembly <NUM>; (<NUM>) a hatch cover engager rotator <NUM> supported by the mounting assembly <NUM>; (<NUM>) a biasing assembly <NUM> suitably connected to the hatch cover engager rotator <NUM>; and (<NUM>) a hatch cover engager <NUM> suitably connected to the hatch cover engager rotator <NUM>.

The mounting assembly <NUM> includes a plurality of spaced apart mounting brackets such as mounting brackets <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, as generally shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. These mounting brackets <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are configured to support the hatch cover engager rotator <NUM> such that the hatch cover engager rotator <NUM> can rotate: (<NUM>) from a first position shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>; (<NUM>) to a second position shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>; and (<NUM>) back to the first position. These mounting brackets <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are also configured to support the biasing assembly <NUM>, as also shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Each of these mounting brackets includes a base portion (not labeled) and a receiver portion (not labeled) integrally connected to the respective base portion. For example, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, mounting bracket <NUM> includes a base portion <NUM> and a receiver portion <NUM> integrally connected to the base portion <NUM>. Each base portion is fixedly connected to the curved panel <NUM> of the roof <NUM>. Each receiver portion is configured to receive and be journaled about a portion of the hatch cover engager rotator <NUM>. In this illustrated example embodiment, each receiver portion includes a hollow cylindrical member through which part of the hatch cover engager rotator <NUM> extends and which supports that part of the hatch cover engager rotator <NUM>. Each of the mounting brackets pivot arm is made of steel in this example embodiment. It should be appreciated that any of the mounting brackets can be alternatively sized, configured, and made of different materials in accordance with the present disclosure.

The hatch cover engager rotator <NUM> includes a plurality of elongated cylindrical rods that are not individually labeled and a plurality of rod connectors that are not individually labeled. For example, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the rods <NUM> and <NUM> are suitably connected by rod connecter <NUM>. The rod connectors suitably connect the rods to form the hatch cover engager rotator <NUM>. It should be appreciated that any suitable quantity of rods and rod connectors can be employed in accordance with the present disclosure. The hatch cover engager rotator is made of steel in this example embodiment. It should be appreciated that the hatch cover engager rotator can be alternatively sized, configured, and made of different materials in accordance with the present disclosure.

Generally, in the first position, the hatch cover engager rotator <NUM> causes the hatch cover engager <NUM> to engage the hatch <NUM>, the hinges 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, 300e, and 300f, and the hinges <NUM> and <NUM> at various spaced apart positions along the hatch cover <NUM> to secure the hatch cover <NUM> in the closed position and to secure the hatch cover <NUM> and specifically the hatch <NUM> to the coaming <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>). The hatch cover engager rotator <NUM> is biased toward the first position by the biasing assembly <NUM>. Generally, in the second position, the hatch cover engager rotator <NUM> causes the hatch cover engager <NUM> to be dis-engaged from the hatch cover <NUM> and out of the way of the hatch cover <NUM> to allow parts of the hatch cover <NUM> (and specifically the hatch <NUM> and the arms of the hinges 300a, 300b, 330c, 300d, 300e, and 300f of the hatch cover <NUM>) to move from the closed position to a fully opened position (shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>).

The biasing assembly <NUM> includes one or more biasing members such as biasing members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> suitably connected to the hatch cover engager rotator <NUM> and particularly to one or more of the rods of the hatch cover engager rotator <NUM>. The biasing members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> in this example embodiment each include a torsion spring. The biasing members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are configured to bias the hatch cover engager rotator <NUM> and the hatch cover engager <NUM> toward the first position. If the hopper railroad car or the top hatch cover assembly <NUM> loses power, the biasing members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are configured to cause the hatch cover engager rotator <NUM> to rotate toward the first position such that the hatch cover engager <NUM> can secure the hatch cover <NUM> to the coaming <NUM> even if the hopper railroad car or the hatch cover assembly <NUM> loses power. The biasing assembly is made of steel in this example embodiment. It should be appreciated that the biasing assembly can be alternatively sized, configured, and made of different materials in accordance with the present disclosure.

The hatch cover engager <NUM> includes: (<NUM>) a plurality of engager supporting arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>; (<NUM>) a plurality of elongated first hatch engagers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>; and (<NUM>) a plurality of second hatch engagers <NUM> (not labeled), <NUM> (not labeled), <NUM> (not labeled), <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> (not labeled), <NUM> (not labeled), <NUM> (not labeled), <NUM> (not labeled), <NUM> (not labeled), <NUM> (not labeled), <NUM> (not labeled), <NUM> (not labeled), and <NUM>.

The plurality of engager supporting arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are respectively fixedly connected to the rods of the hatch cover engager rotator <NUM> and extend from such rods. The supporting arms are made of steel in this example embodiment. It should be appreciated that the supporting arms can be alternatively sized, configured, and made of different materials in accordance with the present disclosure. <FIG> and <FIG>illustrate a first embodiment of the engager supporting arms <NUM>-<NUM>, which are described above and below with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>. In an alternative embodiment, described below with respect to <FIG>, the engager supporting arms can be different.

The plurality of first elongated hatch engagers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, are respectively suitably connected to the plurality of engager supporting arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Each first hatch cover engager is an elongated member suitably connected to and between two of the respective supporting arms. Specifically, (<NUM>) hatch engager <NUM> extends between and is suitably connected to engager supporting arms <NUM> and <NUM>; (<NUM>) hatch engager <NUM> extends between and is suitably connected to engager supporting arms <NUM> and <NUM>; (<NUM>) hatch engager <NUM> extends between and is connected to engager supporting arms <NUM> and <NUM>; (<NUM>) hatch engager <NUM> extends between and is suitably connected to engager supporting arms <NUM> and <NUM>; (<NUM>) hatch engager <NUM> extends between and is suitably connected to engager supporting arms <NUM> and <NUM>; (<NUM>) hatch engager <NUM> extends between and is suitably connected to engager supporting arms <NUM> and <NUM>; and (<NUM>) hatch engager <NUM> extends between and is suitably connected to engager supporting arms <NUM> and <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, for example, the hatch cover engager <NUM> is suitably connected at one end to supporting arm <NUM> and the hatch cover engager <NUM> is suitably connected at one end to supporting arm <NUM>. Each elongated first hatch engager is configured to engage a portion of the top surface of the hatch <NUM> over a section of the hatch <NUM> that includes the seal <NUM> to thus apply pressure to that portion of the hatch <NUM> and that portion of the seal <NUM>. The first elongated hatch engagers are made of steel in this example embodiment. It should be appreciated that the first elongated hatch engagers can be alternatively sized, configured, and made of different materials in accordance with the present disclosure.

The plurality of second hatch cover engagers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, are respectively suitably connected to the plurality of engager supporting arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Each second hatch cover engager is an L-shaped member connected to one of the supporting arms. Specifically, (<NUM>) hatch cover engager <NUM> is suitably connected to and extends from engager supporting arm <NUM>; (<NUM>) hatch cover engager <NUM> is suitably connected to and extends from engager supporting arm <NUM>; (<NUM>) hatch cover engager <NUM> is suitably connected to and extends from engager supporting arm <NUM>; (<NUM>) hatch cover engager <NUM> is suitably connected to and extends from engager supporting arm <NUM>; (<NUM>) hatch cover engager <NUM> is suitably connected to and extends from engager supporting arm <NUM>; (<NUM>) hatch cover engager <NUM> is suitably connected to and extends from engager supporting arm <NUM>; and (<NUM>) hatch cover engager <NUM> is suitably connected to and extends from engager supporting arm <NUM>; (<NUM>) hatch cover engager <NUM> is suitably connected to and extends from engager supporting arm <NUM>; (<NUM>) hatch cover engager <NUM> is suitably connected to and extends from engager supporting arm <NUM>; (<NUM>) hatch cover engager <NUM> is suitably connected to and extends from engager supporting arm <NUM>; (<NUM>) hatch cover engager <NUM> is suitably connected to and extends from engager supporting arm <NUM>; (<NUM>) hatch cover engager <NUM> is suitably connected to and extends from engager supporting arm <NUM>; (<NUM>) hatch cover engager <NUM> is suitably connected to and extends from engager supporting arm <NUM>; and (<NUM>) hatch cover engager <NUM> is suitably connected to and extends from engager supporting arm <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, for example, the hatch cover engager <NUM> is suitably connected to supporting arm <NUM>, and the hatch cover engager <NUM> is suitably connected to supporting arm <NUM>. Each second hatch cover engager is configured to engage the top surface of the one of the pivot arms of a respective one of the hinges 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, 300e, 300f, <NUM>, or <NUM>. For example, as indicted by <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the hatch cover engager <NUM> is configured to engage the top surface of the elongated hatch connector base 342b of pivot arm 340b on one side of the elongated support wall 344b, and the hatch cover engager <NUM> is configured to engage the top surface of the elongated hatch connector base 342b of pivot arm 340b on the opposite side of the elongated support wall 344b. Each second hatch cover engager is configured to engage the hinges and to apply pressure to that portion of the hatch <NUM>. The first hatch cover engagers respectively engage the hatch between respective sets of spaced apart second hatch engagers, and thus the first hatch cover engagers and the second hatch cover engagers co-act to secure the hatch <NUM> in the closed position. The second hatch cover engagers are made of steel in this example embodiment. It should be appreciated that the second hatch cover engagers can be alternatively sized, configured, and made of different materials in accordance with the present disclosure.

Collectively, these multiple spaced apart engagements enable the hatch cover securer <NUM> to selectively secure the hatch <NUM> of the hatch cover <NUM> in place engaging the coaming <NUM>.

As mentioned above, and as best shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the hatch cover assembly <NUM> includes (<NUM>) the first multi-action actuator <NUM> connected at a first end of the hopper railroad car <NUM> to both the first end hinge <NUM> and the hatch cover securer <NUM>, and (<NUM>) a second multi-action actuator <NUM> connected to a second end of the hopper railroad car <NUM> to both the second end hinge <NUM> and the hatch cover securer <NUM>.

More specially, in this illustrated example embodiment, each of the multi-action actuators <NUM> and <NUM> are mirrored images of each other, and thus actuator <NUM> is primarily discussed in detail for brevity. It should be appreciated that the multi-action actuators <NUM> and <NUM> do not need be mirror images of each other in accordance with the present disclosure.

The second multi-action actuator <NUM> generally includes: (<NUM>) a first mounting bracket assembly <NUM>; (<NUM>) a kickstand <NUM>; (<NUM>) a second mounting bracket assembly <NUM>; (<NUM>) a kicker <NUM>; and (<NUM>) a powered cylinder assembly <NUM> including a base end <NUM>, an extendable movable rod <NUM>, and a piston housing <NUM>.

The first mounting bracket assembly <NUM> is suitably connected to the curved panel <NUM> of the roof <NUM> adjacent the coaming <NUM>. The first mounting bracket assembly includes: (<NUM>) a mounting base <NUM>; (<NUM>) a first mounting leg <NUM>; (<NUM>) a second mounting leg <NUM>; and (<NUM>) an actuator linkage assembly <NUM>. The second mounting leg <NUM> is aligned with and spaced apart from the first mounting leg <NUM>. The mounting base <NUM>, the first mounting leg <NUM>, and the second mounting leg <NUM> are suitably connected to the roof <NUM> and specifically to the curved panel <NUM> of the roof <NUM> adjacent to the coaming <NUM> as best shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The actuator linkage assembly <NUM> is suitably connected to the base end <NUM> of the powered cylinder assembly <NUM>, and to the hatch cover engager rotator <NUM>. Movement of the base end <NUM> of the powered cylinder assembly <NUM> (e.g., due to extension of the extendable movable rod <NUM> in a first direction), causes the hatch cover engager rotator <NUM> to rotate from the first position (i.e., the fully locked position described above and shown in <FIG>) to the second position (i.e., the fully unlocked position described above and shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>). The powered cylinder assembly <NUM> can be oriented generally parallel to a top of the roof <NUM> when the hatch cover assembly <NUM> is in the closed and locked position. However, it should be appreciated that in other examples, the powered cylinder assembly <NUM> is oriented at an angle of between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees from horizontal. Orientation at an angle can assist in increasing the mechanical advantage of the powered cylinder assembly <NUM>, while minimizing exposure of the mechanism to railroad plate restrictions regarding maximum allowable height The powered cylinder assembly <NUM> is configured to receive suitable control signals or instructions from a suitable controller (not shown) via any suitable manner. It should be appreciated that these signals or instructions can be sent and received via any suitable manner. The powered cylinder assembly <NUM> of the second multi-action actuator <NUM> can be pneumatically powered, hydraulically powered, or electrically powered in various different embodiments. It should be appreciated that the powered cylinder assembly <NUM> can be any suitable such assembly.

The second multi-action actuator <NUM> provides forces to rotate the hatch cover engager rotator <NUM> and the hatch cover engager <NUM> suitably connected to the hatch cover engager rotator <NUM> to move the hatch cover engager <NUM> from the hatch cover engagement position (i.e., fully locked) to the hatch cover non-engagement position (i.e., fully unlocked), and vice versa. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second multi-action actuators <NUM> and <NUM> are positioned adjacent to the first and second ends of the hatch cover engager rotator <NUM>.

Each multi-action actuator <NUM> and <NUM> is suitably connected to the curved panel <NUM> of the roof <NUM> via respective first and second mounting bracket assemblies, and one or more fasteners, welds, or other connection mechanisms (not labeled) in accordance with the present disclosure.

The kickstand <NUM>, best illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, operates to lock the second multi-action actuator <NUM> in the fully unlocked position under certain circumstances. The kickstand <NUM> can be spring-loaded, and pivotably attached to the actuator linkage assembly <NUM>, such that movement of the actuator linkage assembly <NUM> causes movement of the kickstand <NUM> and vice versa. When the actuator linkage assembly <NUM> transitions from the fully locked position (shown in <FIG>) to the fully unlocked position wherein the hatch <NUM> is partially open (shown in <FIG>) and through the intermediate stages shown in <FIG> and <FIG>), the kickstand pivots to engage the locking pin <NUM>. As shown best in <FIG>, the kickstand <NUM> can include a first end pivotably connected to the actuator linkage assembly <NUM>, and a second end opposite the first end that has a curved surface (not labeled). The curved surface of the kickstand <NUM> is configured to rest on and engage the locking pin <NUM>. The locking pin <NUM> can be attached to the mounting base <NUM> of the first mounting bracket assembly <NUM>. When the kickstand <NUM> is engaged with the locking pin <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>, and <FIG>) in the fully unlocked position, the actuator linkage assembly <NUM> is prevented from moving back to the unlocked position. The kickstand <NUM> prevents the actuator linkage assembly <NUM> from rotating, and thereby also prevents the hatch cover engager rotator <NUM> of the hatch cover securer <NUM> from rotating while the hatch cover <NUM> is in the open position. While the Figures illustrate locking pin <NUM> as a cylindrical pin, it should be appreciated that another mechanism can be used to perform the same or a similar function. For example, the pin can instead be a shoulder, an edge, a shelf, or another mechanism that is configured to hold the kickstand <NUM> in place until acted upon by the kicker <NUM>. As will be described in more detail below, the kickstand <NUM> operates along with the powered cylinder assembly <NUM> and the kicker <NUM> to enable the ordered series of events shown in <FIG> that includes first unlocking, and then opening the hatch <NUM>, and in the reverse order which includes first closing the hatch <NUM>, and then locking the hatch <NUM>.

The second mounting bracket assembly <NUM> of the second multi-action actuator <NUM> includes: (<NUM>) a mounting base <NUM>; (<NUM>) a first mounting leg <NUM>; and (<NUM>) a second mounting leg <NUM>. The second mounting leg <NUM> is aligned with and spaced apart from the first mounting leg <NUM>. The mounting base <NUM>, the first mounting leg <NUM>, and the second mounting leg <NUM> are suitably connected to the roof <NUM> and specifically to the curved panel <NUM> of the roof <NUM> adjacent to the coaming <NUM> as best shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The second mounting bracket assembly <NUM> further includes: (<NUM>) a first mounting arm <NUM> integrally connected to and extending from the hinge plate <NUM>; and (<NUM>) a second mounting arm <NUM> integrally connected to and extending from the hinge plate <NUM>. The second mounting arm <NUM> is aligned with and spaced apart from the first mounting arm <NUM>. The first mounting leg <NUM>, the second mounting leg <NUM>, the first mounting arm <NUM>, and the second mounting arm <NUM> define aligned openings (not shown or labeled) for receiving part of a pivot pin assembly <NUM>. The second mounting bracket assembly <NUM> is made of steel in this example embodiment. It should be appreciated that the second mounting bracket assembly <NUM> can be alternatively sized, configured, and made of different materials in accordance with the present disclosure.

The first mounting arm <NUM> and the second mounting arm <NUM> are pivotally mounted to the first mounting leg <NUM> and the second mounting leg <NUM> by the pivot pin assembly <NUM> to facilitate a suitable amount of clearance for pivoting and rotation of the first mounting arm <NUM> and the second mounting arm <NUM> relative to the roof <NUM> and specifically the curved panel <NUM> of the roof <NUM> as well as the coaming <NUM> of the roof <NUM>. A solid shaft (not labeled) extends through first mounting leg <NUM>, the four bar linkage (not labeled), the second mounting leg <NUM>, the first mounting arm <NUM>, the hollow tube <NUM>, and the second mounting arm <NUM>. The hollow tube <NUM> is fixedly attached to arms <NUM> and <NUM>. The solid shaft is fixedly attached to the hollow tube <NUM> and arms <NUM> and <NUM> using bolts that pass through the holes in the hollow tube <NUM> and holes in the solid shaft. When the four bar linkage is actuated, it rotates the solid shaft, which rotates the hollow tube <NUM> and arms <NUM> and <NUM>, causing hinge plate <NUM> to rotate.

It should be appreciated that the actuator linkage assembly <NUM> is suitably fixedly connected to the pivot pin assembly <NUM> such that actuation of the extendable rod <NUM> of the second multi-action actuator <NUM> causes the actuator linkage assembly <NUM> to rotate parts of the actuator linkage assembly <NUM>, which rotate the first mounting arm <NUM> and the second mounting arm <NUM>, which rotate the pivot arm <NUM> and the hinge plate <NUM>, which causes the hatch <NUM> to move from the closed position to the fully open position.

It should be appreciated that the actuator linkage assembly <NUM> can include any suitable linkages and connectors that are arranged such that extension of the extendable rod <NUM> of the second multi-action actuator <NUM> causes pivot pin assembly <NUM> to rotate relative to the first mounting leg <NUM> and the second mounting leg <NUM>. The actuator linkage assembly <NUM> is made of steel in this example embodiment. It should be appreciated that the actuator linkage assembly <NUM> can be alternatively sized, configured, and made of different materials in accordance with the present disclosure.

The kicker <NUM>, best illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, operates to engage the kickstand <NUM> in certain circumstances. The kicker <NUM> is pivotably attached to the actuator linkage assembly <NUM>, such that movement of the actuator linkage assembly <NUM> causes movement of the kicker <NUM> and vice versa. When the hatch <NUM> is in the fully open position (e.g., <FIG>), the kicker <NUM> is disengaged from and spaced apart from the kickstand <NUM>. When the hatch transitions to the closed position (e.g., moving from the positions shown in Figure <NUM> to Figure <NUM>, and then from Figure <NUM> to Figure <NUM>), the actuator linkage <NUM> also rotates, thereby causing the kicker <NUM> to move laterally toward the kickstand <NUM>. At a certain point in the transition from a fully open hatch <NUM> to a fully closed hatch <NUM>, the L-shaped end member <NUM> of the kicker <NUM> engages the face of the kickstand <NUM>, and the kickstand <NUM> is pushed via rotation away from the locking pin <NUM>. This enables the actuator linkage assembly <NUM> to no longer be "locked out," and enables the hatch cover engager rotator <NUM> to rotate to the locked position. However, because the kicker <NUM> is attached to the actuator linkage assembly <NUM>, the hatch <NUM> must be nearly in the closed position before the end member <NUM> of the kicker <NUM> engages the kickstand <NUM>. This ensures that the hatch <NUM> is in or near the closed position before the actuator linkage assembly <NUM> and hatch cover engager rotator <NUM> are able to rotate to the locked position. This arrangement of the kicker <NUM> and kickstand <NUM> prevents unintentionally rotating the hatch cover securer <NUM> to the locked position if the hatch <NUM> is in the open position. The kicker <NUM> also include a kicker guide <NUM> attached to the top of the curved panel <NUM>. The kicker guide <NUM> is configured to align the end member <NUM> of the kicker <NUM> with the kickstand <NUM> as the end member <NUM> translates back and forth. Further, the kicker guide <NUM> is configured to protect the end member <NUM> from interference caused by environmental impacts such as snow, ice, and debris.

As mentioned above, the multi-action actuators <NUM> and <NUM> co-act to provide forces to move and particularly to rotate the hatch cover securer <NUM> from the locked position to the unlocked position and vice versa. The multi-action actuators <NUM> and <NUM> also co-act to provide forces to move and particularly to rotate the hatch <NUM> from the closed position to the fully open position, and vice versa.

In the illustrated embodiment, the multi-action actuators <NUM> and <NUM> are respectively positioned adjacent to the first and second ends of the hatch <NUM>. The multi-action actuators <NUM> and <NUM> are configured to lock and unlock the hatch cover securer <NUM> from either or both ends, and to open the hatch <NUM> from either or both ends. Each actuator can lift the respective end of the elongated movable flexible hatch <NUM> to cause a sequential lifting of the hatch <NUM> from the coaming <NUM> in sequential sections from that end. This process in effect causes an unpeeling of the hatch <NUM> from the coaming <NUM>. Both multi-action actuators <NUM> and <NUM> can cause this to occur simultaneously from both ends of the hatch <NUM> such that the unpeeling effect meets in the middle of the hatch <NUM> and such that the central most section of the hatch <NUM> is the last section to be lifted (or unpeeled) from the coaming <NUM>.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> further illustrate perspective end views of part of the operation of the second multi-action actuator <NUM>, in particular a progression from a fully locked and fully closed position to a fully unlocked and fully open position.

<FIG> illustrates the hatch cover in a closed position, obscured by the section multi-action actuator <NUM>. In <FIG>, the hatch cover <NUM> is positioned engaging the coaming <NUM> such that oval coaming sealer <NUM> engages (such as being positioned on the top of) and forms a seal with a suitable surface (such as the oval top surface) of the coaming <NUM>. The coaming sealer <NUM> remains suitably connected to the steel coaming <NUM> by the force applied by the hatch cover securer <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the combination of: (<NUM>) the hinge <NUM>; (<NUM>) the hinge <NUM>; (<NUM>) the pivot arms of hinges 300a to 300f; (<NUM>) the additional hatch engagement members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>; (<NUM>) the first elongated hatch engagers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>; and (<NUM>) the plurality of second hatch cover engagers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, are individually and collectively configured to engage respective portions of the top surface of the hatch <NUM> over a section of the hatch <NUM> that includes the seal <NUM> to apply even amounts of pressure to those portions of the hatch <NUM> and those portions of the seal <NUM>. In various embodiments, these components co-act to compress the seal under a desired amount of pressure at least point or section of the seal <NUM>. In various such embodiments, the amounts of pressure is even or substantially even over the entire lengths of both sides of the coaming and both ends of the coaming. In various such embodiments, the amounts of pressure are greater than <NUM> pounds per every <NUM> inches. In various embodiments, the biasing assembly maintains this pressure even if power is lost.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the hatch cover securer <NUM> in a partially unlocked position and a fully unlocked position respectively, while the hatch cover <NUM> remains in the closed position. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate that the extendable movable rod <NUM> has been partially extended by a first amount in <FIG>, and a second, greater amount in <FIG>. This extension of the extendable rod <NUM> causes the base end <NUM> of the powered cylinder assembly <NUM> to move, which in turn causes movement of the actuator linkage assembly <NUM>. Movement of the actuator linkage assembly <NUM> causes rotation of the hatch cover securer <NUM> from the fully locked position shown in <FIG>, to the partially unlocked position shown in <FIG>, and then to the fully unlocked position shown in <FIG>. This rotation of the hatch cover securer <NUM> is a counterclockwise rotation as shown in the sequence from <FIG>, and from <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates the hatch cover <NUM> in a partially open position. To open the hatch cover <NUM>, the multi-action actuators <NUM> and <NUM> rotate the hatch cover engager rotator <NUM> and the hatch cover engager <NUM> of the hatch cover securer <NUM> to move the hatch cover engager <NUM> from the hatch cover engagement position to the hatch cover non-engagement position. The multi-action actuators <NUM> and <NUM> then rotate the hatch cover <NUM> causing it to move upwardly and away from the coaming <NUM> at that end. <FIG> shows the rotated hatch cover securer <NUM>, and the hatch cover <NUM> in a partially opened position.

<FIG> illustrates the hatch cover <NUM> in a fully open position. To move to the hatch cover <NUM> to the closed position, the process of <FIG>, <FIG> ,<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> is reversed.

When viewing <FIG> in order, these Figures illustrate a process for unlocking and opening the hatch cover <NUM>. Beginning with <FIG>, it should be appreciated that the piston housing <NUM> is positioned generally horizontally, and the kickstand <NUM> is rotated out of engagement with the locking pin <NUM>. A first step in unlocking the hatch includes extending the extendable rod <NUM> by a first amount. The powered cylinder assembly <NUM> is configured to rotate both the actuator linkage assembly <NUM> (via the base end <NUM> shown on the left in <FIG>) and the actuator linkage assembly <NUM> (via the extendable rod <NUM> shown on the right in <FIG>). The torque required to rotate the hatch cover securer <NUM> coupled to the actuator linkage assembly <NUM> may be less than the torque required to rotate the hatch <NUM> coupled to the actuator linkage <NUM>. Thus, the initial extension of the extendable rod <NUM> by the first amount may cause the actuator linkage <NUM> to rotate (while actuator linkage <NUM> remains stationary), thereby causing the hatch cover securer <NUM> to rotate to the unlocked position. The initial extension of the extendable rod <NUM> causes the piston housing <NUM> to rotate, such that the base end <NUM> is higher, and the piston housing in no longer horizontal, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Once the extendable rod <NUM> has moved an additional amount and the hatch cover securer <NUM> has fully rotated to the unlocked position (e.g., shown in <FIG>), the extendable rod <NUM> continues to be extended. <FIG> illustrates that since the hatch cover securer <NUM> is fully rotated, the actuator linkage assembly <NUM> is prevented from further rotation (e.g., further counter clockwise rotation as shown). As an effect of the actuator linkage assembly <NUM> being prevented from further rotation, further extension of the extendable rod <NUM> causes the actuator linkage assembly <NUM> to rotate, thereby beginning to open the hatch cover <NUM>. As the actuator linkage assembly <NUM> begins to rotate, the end member <NUM> of the kicker <NUM> attached to the actuator linkage assembly <NUM> moves out of engagement with the kickstand <NUM>. As a result, the kickstand <NUM> pivots into engagement with the locking pin <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> also illustrates that as the extendable rod is extended and the actuator linkage <NUM> rotates, the piston housing <NUM> rotates again such that it is again in a generally horizontal position. Then, as the extendable rod continues to be extended, the actuator linkage assembly <NUM> continues to rotate, which in turn causes the piston housing <NUM> to rotate out of a generally horizontal position. Additionally, further extension of the extendable rod <NUM> causes the hatch cover <NUM> to rotate into the open position as shown in <FIG>.

The steps for unlocking and opening the hatch (i.e., proceeding forward from <FIG>) include (<NUM>) extending the extendable rod <NUM> by a first amount; (<NUM>) extending the extendable rod <NUM> by the first amount causes the base end <NUM> of the powered cylinder assembly <NUM> to move (i.e., upward and to the left as shown in <FIG>); (<NUM>) movement of the base end <NUM> causes the hatch cover securer <NUM> to rotate, thereby partially unlocking the hatch cover securer <NUM>; (<NUM>) extending the extendable rod by a further amount causes the base end <NUM> of the powered cylinder assembly <NUM> to continue to move, and to fully rotate and fully unlock the hatch cover securer <NUM> (i.e., <FIG>); (<NUM>) further extending the extendable rod <NUM> cannot further rotate the hatch cover securer <NUM>, and thus further extending the extendable rod <NUM> causes the actuator linkage assembly <NUM> to move, thereby causing the movable hatch <NUM> to begin to open; (<NUM>) movement of the actuator linkage assembly <NUM> causes the end member <NUM> of the kicker <NUM> to move laterally out of engagement with the kickstand <NUM>; (<NUM>) when the end member <NUM> of the kicker <NUM> moves laterally out of engagement, the kickstand is pivoted into engagement with the locking pin <NUM>, preventing the hatch cover securer from closing; and (<NUM>) further extending the extendable rod <NUM>, which causes the movable hatch <NUM> to move to the fully open position.

When viewing <FIG> in reverse order, these Figures illustrate a process for closing and locking the hatch cover <NUM>. Beginning with <FIG>, it should be appreciated that the extendable rod <NUM> is fully extended, and the kickstand <NUM> is engaged with the locking pin <NUM>, preventing the actuator linkage assembly <NUM> (and hatch cover securer <NUM>) from rotating clockwise. A first step in closing the hatch cover <NUM> includes retracting the extendable rod <NUM> by a first amount. As shown in <FIG>, the piston housing <NUM> is rotated out of generally horizontal alignment. When the hatch cover rotates to the partially closed position as shown in <FIG>, the piston housing <NUM> rotates to a generally horizontal position. In the position shown in <FIG>, the torque required to rotate the hatch cover <NUM> may still be greater than the torque required to rotate the hatch cover securer <NUM>. Thus, without the inclusion of the kickstand <NUM>, retracting the extendable rod <NUM> at this point may cause the hatch cover securer <NUM> to rotate instead of the hatch cover <NUM> itself. However, the position of the kickstand <NUM> engaged with the locking pin <NUM> as shown in <FIG> prevents the hatch cover securer <NUM> from rotating clockwise. This enables the retraction of the extendable rod <NUM> to cause the hatch cover <NUM> to rotate from the open position to the closed position.

When the extendable rod <NUM> is retracted a sufficient amount such that the hatch cover is nearly closed as shown in <FIG>, the end member <NUM> of the kicker <NUM> is moved into engagement with the kickstand <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the end member <NUM> of the kicker <NUM> engages the kickstand <NUM>, pushing the kickstand <NUM> off of the locking pin <NUM>. Then, when the extendable rod <NUM> is further retracted into the piston housing <NUM> (e.g., transitioning from Figure <NUM> to Figure <NUM>), actuator linkage <NUM> and hatch cover securer <NUM> are configured to rotate clockwise. In the position shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, actuator linkage <NUM> remains stationary because the hatch <NUM> is fully closed and cannot rotate any further. Thus, further retraction of the extendable rod <NUM> causes the hatch cover securer <NUM> to rotate and lock the hatch cover <NUM>. It should also be noted that the transition from the respective positions shown in Figures <NUM> to <NUM> to <NUM> causes the piston housing <NUM> to rotate such that it is in a generally horizontal position.

The steps for closing and locking the hatch (i.e., proceeding backward from Figure <NUM> to Figure <NUM>) include: (<NUM>) retracting the extendable rod <NUM>; (<NUM>) retracting the extendable rod <NUM> causing the actuator linkage assembly <NUM> to move and thereby causing the hatch cover <NUM> to rotate counterclockwise to a partially closed position; (<NUM>) further retracting the extendable rod <NUM> until the actuator linkage assembly <NUM> and hatch cover <NUM> are in a fully closed position; (<NUM>) rotating the actuator linkage assembly <NUM> to the fully closed position causing the kicker <NUM> to move laterally into engagement with the kickstand <NUM>; (<NUM>) moving of the kicker <NUM> into engagement with the kickstand <NUM> to push the kickstand <NUM> off the locking pin <NUM>; (<NUM>) further retracting the extendable rod <NUM> causing the actuator linkage assembly <NUM> and the hatch cover securer <NUM> to rotate clockwise into a partially locked position (e.g., as shown in <FIG>); and (<FIG>) the further retracting the extendable rod causing the actuator linkage <NUM> and hatch cover securer <NUM> to rotate to the locked position. As indicated above, the process is reversed to open the hatch <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, a second embodiment of the engager supporting arms <NUM>-<NUM> is shown, which may be referred to as an icebreaker assembly. In this second embodiment, the engager supporting arms can function in a manner similar or identical to the first embodiment, in addition to operating to engage the hatch cover <NUM> during the process of unlocking the hatch cover securer <NUM>. This enables the hatch cover assembly to overcome the effects of ice buildup between the movable hatch <NUM> and the combing <NUM> that causes the movable hatch <NUM> to be temporarily stuck in the closed position. The second embodiment of the engager supporting arms <NUM>-<NUM> are illustrated as engager supporting arms 1402A-1428A in <FIG>. The hatch cover assembly can include a plurality of engager supporting arms 1402A-1428A spaced apart along the length of the hatch cover. Each of the engager supporting arms 1402A-1428A can be similar or identical to each other, so for the sake of brevity only engager supporting arm 1408A is described in detail. Engager supporting arm 1408A includes: (<NUM>) a transverse plate 1408A-<NUM>, (<NUM>) an icebreaker mounting assembly 1408A-<NUM>, and (<NUM>) a hatch lifter 1408A-<NUM>.

The transverse plate 1408A-<NUM> defines a rod aperture 1408A-<NUM>, through which one of the rods of the hatch cover engager rotator <NUM> are configured to pass. The transverse plate 1408A-<NUM> also defines one or more fastening apertures, which are configured to receive fasteners. The transverse plate 1408A-<NUM> is affixed to the icebreaker mounting assembly 1408A-<NUM>, such as by one or more fasteners. In other examples, the transverse plate 1408A-<NUM> can be affixed to the icebreaker mounting assembly 1408A-<NUM> by welding or another attachment mechanism.

The icebreaker mounting assembly 1408A-<NUM> is configured to engage one of the elongated first hatch engagers of the hatch cover engager <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the icebreaker mounting assembly 1408A-<NUM> is affixed to elongated first hatch engager <NUM>.

The hatch lifter 1408A-<NUM> extends generally perpendicular to the transverse plate 1408A-<NUM>, to provide a greater surface area with which to engage the hatch cover <NUM>. It should be appreciated that in some examples, the hatch lifter 1408A-<NUM> can be affixed to the transverse plate 1408A-<NUM> via one or more fastening members or welds, while in other examples the hatch lifter can be a part of the transverse plate 1408A-<NUM> that has been bent or formed such that it extends generally perpendicular or transverse to the transverse plate 1408A-<NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the engager supporting arm 1408A when the hatch cover securer <NUM> is in the locked position and when the hatch cover securer <NUM> is in the partially unlocked position. When the hatch cover <NUM> is fully closed, and the hatch cover securer <NUM> is in the fully locked position, the hatch cover engager <NUM> is configured to apply downward pressure on the top of the hatch cover <NUM>, as discussed above. When it is desired to unlock and open the hatch cover <NUM>, the hatch cover securer <NUM> is rotated via the first and/or second multi-action actuators <NUM> and <NUM>. Rotation of the hatch cover securer <NUM> causes the engager supporting arm 1408A to also rotate, thereby bringing the hatch lifter 1408A-<NUM> into contact with the hatch cover <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the hatch lifter 1408A-<NUM> contacts the underside of the hatch cover <NUM> proximate the contact point between the elongated combing sealer <NUM> and the coaming <NUM>. This contact between the hatch lifter 1408A-<NUM> and the hatch cover <NUM> causes any ice or other materials that have built up to become disengaged, and enables the hatch cover <NUM> to be more easily moved from the closed position to the open position.

Certain embodiments include multiple engager supporting arms configured to function as icebreakers spaced apart along the length of the hatch cover <NUM>. For instance, engager supporting arms 1402A-1428A can be positioned near each of the second hatch engagers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, such that each second hatch engager has a corresponding engager supporting arm. In other examples, more or fewer engager supporting arms that function as icebreakers can be employed.

It should be appreciated that the present disclosure contemplates adding bumpers such as bumper <NUM> shown in <FIG> for supporting the hinges <NUM> and <NUM>. Such bumpers can include one or more rubber compressible bumper members such as member 900A.

In alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more of the hinges can include a pivot assembly with a torsion shaft to synchronize or link the movement of some or all of the pivot arms.

It should be appreciated from the above that the present disclosure contemplates that the hatch cover can extend outwardly of the coaming to provide drip edges outwardly of the coaming.

Claim 1:
A hopper railroad car top hatch cover assembly for a hopper railroad car (<NUM>) including a roof (<NUM>) including an upwardly extending coaming (<NUM>), the hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a hatch cover (<NUM>) pivotally connectable on one side of the coaming (<NUM>) and including a movable hatch (<NUM>) pivotally movable from a closed position engaging the coaming (<NUM>) to an open position disengaged from the coaming (<NUM>); and
a hatch cover securer (<NUM>) movably connectable on an opposite side of the coaming (<NUM>),
characterised in that
the hatch cover securer (<NUM>) further includes an icebreaker assembly engageable with an underside of the movable hatch (<NUM>) and rotatable to provide a force to cause the movable hatch (<NUM>) to move from the closed position toward the open position.