Patent Description:
A locomotive may include a pneumatic air horn and pneumatic bell that are used as audible warning devices. The pneumatic air horn may be used when the locomotive is approaching a grade crossing, to thereby alert persons and animals about the approaching locomotive. The pneumatic air horn may also be used for acknowledging signals given by railroad workers, such as during switching operations, etc. The pneumatic bell may be used when the locomotive is about to move, coming into a station, leaving the station, etc..

Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of audible alert systems. In exemplary embodiments, an audible alert system includes an outdoor speaker, an audio amplifier, and an audio file player. The audio amplifier and audio file player may be housed within an environmentally sealed enclosure, which provides protection from the environment.

The speaker may be located on the front or back of a locomotive. The speaker may be mounted or installed on a locomotive in various ways. For example, the speaker may be fixedly mounted (e.g., bolted, mechanically fastened, etc.) to handrailing of a locomotive by using mechanical fasteners, etc. Or, for example, the speaker may be mounted to handrailing of a locomotive by using a quick connect mounting assembly disclosed herein. The quick connect mounting assembly may be configured to be mounted to the locomotive handrailing without the use of any tools.

The audible alert system may be DC (direct current) powered and energy efficient. The speaker may comprise a <NUM> Watts, <NUM> volts direct current (VDC) speaker having a relatively thin or slim profile. Alternatively, the audible alert system may include a speaker having a different configuration (e.g., higher or lower than <NUM> Watts, higher or lower than <NUM> VDC, etc.) in alternative exemplary embodiments.

Advantageously, the speaker may be lower in weight than and may replace the traditional pneumatic air horn and pneumatic bell currently used on locomotives. The audible alert system, including the speaker, may provide the ability to program multiple sounds and modernize a pneumatic air horn while maintaining overall sound quality. The audio alert system may allow for reduced cost, complexity, and labor to include safety sounding devices onboard locomotives. The audio alert system may also provide integrated audio (voice and tones) and future capabilities to broadcast voice messages.

Also disclosed are exemplary embodiments of assemblies (e.g., a quick connect mounting cradle assembly, etc.) that may be used for mounting (e.g., without the use of any tools, etc.) enclosures of portable remote control locomotive (RCL) systems and/or speakers to locomotive handrailing. Also disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of portable remote RCL systems mountable to locomotive handrailing by such assemblies. The portable RCL systems may enable rail operators to use handheld remote controllers to remotely control operation (e.g., movement, etc.) of locomotives from remote safe locations with a comprehensive view of each operation.

In an exemplary embodiment, a mounting assembly (broadly, an assembly) may include one or more adjustable features (e.g., slidably adjustable width top mounting hooks, etc.) that allow or accommodate for mounting to locomotive handrailing having different hand rail configurations. The mounting assembly may be configured as a quick connect mounting assembly that is mountable to locomotive handrailing without the use of any tools. After the mounting assembly is installed to the locomotive handrailing, an enclosure (e.g., of a portable RCL system, etc.) may then be lifted and installed to the assembly without the use of any tools. In this exemplary embodiment, a pair of upper and lower members (e.g., rods, cylindrical members, supports, etc.) may extend outwardly from each of the two opposing sides of the enclosure. The enclosure's upper members and lower members may be configured (e.g., sized, shaped, located, etc.) to be engagingly received, respectively, within portions (e.g., hook shaped portions, etc.) of the upper arms (e.g., pin locking arms, etc.) and lower arms (e.g., lower hooks, etc.) of the mounting assembly. The upper arms of the mounting assembly may comprise two pin locking arms for securing the enclosure to the assembly.

This exemplary embodiment may generally include two main pieces of hardware, which are the mounting assembly and the enclosure. The mounting assembly and enclosure are configured to allow the enclosure to quick mount to the mounting assembly without the use of any tools. Advantageously, this allows the overall weight to be distributed between these two pieces of hardware, which, in turn, allows for a faster safer installation. For example, the lighter mounting assembly may first be installed to the handrailing of the locomotive without using any tools. The heavier enclosure, including the RCL system components therein (e.g., <FIG>, etc.), may then be lifted without the additional weight of the previously installed mounting assembly. The enclosure may then be placed on and installed to the mounting assembly without the use of any tools. This exemplary embodiment may thus allow for a fast, safe, easy, and tool-less installation of a portable RCL system to handrailing of a locomotive, while also providing adjustability to account for a wide variety of locomotive handrails and obstructions near the site at which the mounting assembly will be installed.

With reference now to the figures, <FIG> illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a quick connect mounting cradle assembly <NUM> (broadly, an assembly) embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the assembly <NUM> may be used for mounting an enclosure <NUM> of a portable remote control locomotive (RCL) system <NUM> (<FIG>) to handrailing <NUM> of a locomotive <NUM>. The assembly <NUM> may also, or instead (<FIG>), be used for mounting a speaker <NUM> to the locomotive handrailing <NUM>. The portable RCL system <NUM> and speaker <NUM> are examples only as the assembly <NUM> may also be used with other portable RCL systems and/or speakers in alternative exemplary embodiments.

With continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the assembly <NUM> generally includes upper and lower vertical supports, members, or arms <NUM>, <NUM>, an upper horizontal support, member, or arm <NUM>, and a lower horizontal support, member, or arm <NUM>. By way of example, the arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may comprise extruded parts or extrusions (e.g., extruded aluminum, etc.) having T-slotted profiles, such as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, etc..

The lower horizontal arm <NUM> includes opposing upper and lower (or top and bottom) sides that respectively define upper and lower horizontally-extending slots <NUM>. The upper and lower vertical arms <NUM>, <NUM> are slidably coupled to the lower horizontal arm <NUM> such that the upper and lower vertical arms <NUM>, <NUM> are horizontally slidable along the respectively upper and lower horizontally-extending slots <NUM>. Accordingly, the upper and lower vertical arms <NUM>, <NUM> may be slidably positioned at a center location or at an off-center (e.g., right or left of center, etc.) location along the lower horizontal arm <NUM> depending on the particular handrail configuration and/or the presence of any obstructions near the site at which the assembly <NUM> will be installed.

The upper horizontal arm <NUM> includes opposing upper and lower (or top and bottom) sides that respectively define upper and lower horizontally-extending slots <NUM>. The upper vertical arm <NUM> is slidably coupled to the upper horizontal arm <NUM> such that the upper vertical arm <NUM> is horizontally slidable along the lower horizontally-extending slot <NUM>. Accordingly, the upper vertical arm <NUM> may be slidably positioned at a center location or at an off-center (e.g., right or left of center, etc.) location along the upper horizontal arm <NUM> depending on the particular handrail configuration and/or the presence of any obstructions near the site at which the assembly <NUM> will be installed.

The sliding adjustability of the arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may help to account for a wide variety of locomotive handrails and obstructions near the site at which assembly <NUM> will be installed. By way of example, the arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be slidably coupled by using brackets <NUM>, mechanical fasteners <NUM>, and self-aligning T-nuts with ball springs.

Upper hook members <NUM> (broadly, support members) are respectively coupled (e.g., mechanically fastened, etc.) to opposing end portions of the upper horizontal arm <NUM>. Lower hook members <NUM> (broadly, support members) are respectively coupled (e.g., mechanically fastened, etc.) to opposing end portions of the lower horizontal arm <NUM>.

Each upper hook member <NUM> has a free end portion including or defining a hook <NUM>. A locking bar or member <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the upper hook member <NUM> for pivotable movement relative to the hook <NUM> between an open position (<FIG>) and a closed position (<FIG>). A pin <NUM> (e.g., a quick release pin, etc.) is insertable into aligned openings defined by the locking bar <NUM> and upper hook member <NUM> to secure the locking bar <NUM> in the closed position. A lanyard <NUM> (e.g., keyring, cable, and pull-tab, etc.) is coupled to the pin <NUM> to allow for easier removal of the pin <NUM> from the aligned openings defined by the locking bar <NUM> and upper hook member <NUM>.

Each lower hook member <NUM> has a free end portion including or defining a hook <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the upper and lower hooks <NUM> and <NUM> are configured to engagingly receive respective upper and lower members <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., rods, cylindrical members, protruding supports, etc.) extending outwardly from opposing sides of the enclosure <NUM> when the enclosure <NUM> is mounted or installed onto the assembly <NUM>.

After the assembly <NUM> has been installed onto the locomotive handrailing <NUM> as disclosed herein, the enclosure <NUM> may be lifted relative to the assembly <NUM> to thereby position the enclosure's upper and lower members <NUM>, <NUM> within the corresponding upper and lower hooks <NUM>, <NUM>. After the upper members <NUM> have been engagingly received within the corresponding upper hooks <NUM>, the locking bars <NUM> may be pivoted relative to the corresponding hook <NUM> from the open position to the closed position in which the locking bars <NUM> are positioned generally over the corresponding upper members <NUM>. The pins <NUM> may then be inserted into the aligned openings of the corresponding locking bar <NUM> and upper hook member <NUM> to thereby secure and retain the locking bars <NUM> in place over the upper members <NUM>, thereby preventing the upper members <NUM> from being unintentionally removed or dislodged from the hooks <NUM>.

To remove the enclosure <NUM> from the assembly <NUM>, each pin <NUM> may be removed from the aligned openings of the corresponding locking bar <NUM> and upper hook member <NUM> via the lanyard <NUM>. After the pins <NUM> have been removed, the locking bars <NUM> may be pivoted relative to the corresponding upper hook <NUM> from the closed position to the open position. Thereafter, the enclosure <NUM> may be lifted upwards relative to the assembly <NUM> to thereby remove the enclosure's upper and lower members <NUM>, <NUM> from the corresponding upper and lower hooks <NUM>, <NUM>.

With further reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the assembly <NUM> includes a pair of top mounting hooks <NUM> configured to be positioned over (e.g., hooked onto, etc.) locomotive handrailing <NUM>. A retaining bar <NUM> is rotatably coupled to each hook <NUM> such that the retaining bar <NUM> is rotatable between an open position and a closed position (<FIG>). A spring may be provided for biasing the retaining bar <NUM> in the closed position. In the closed position, the retaining bar <NUM> may help to secure and retain the hook <NUM> onto the locomotive handrailing <NUM>, thereby preventing the hook <NUM> from being unintentionally unhooked from the locomotive handrailing <NUM>.

The hooks <NUM> are slidably coupled to the upper horizontal arm <NUM> such that the hooks <NUM> are horizontally slidable along the horizontally-extending slot <NUM> defined along the top side of the upper horizontal arm <NUM>. Accordingly, the width between the hooks <NUM> may be slidably adjusted as the hooks <NUM> are slidably moved along the upper horizontal arm <NUM> closer or farther away from each other depending on the particular handrail configuration and/or presence of any obstructions near the site at which the assembly <NUM> will be installed.

The sliding width adjustability of the hooks <NUM> may thus help to account for a wide variety of locomotive handrails and obstructions near the site at which assembly <NUM> will be installed. By way of example, the hooks <NUM> may be slidably coupled to the upper horizontal arm <NUM> using brackets <NUM>, mechanical fasteners <NUM>, and self-aligning T-nuts with ball springs.

Also shown in <FIG> and <FIG> are a pin <NUM> and a lanyard <NUM> (e.g., keyring, cable, and pull-tab, etc.). The pin <NUM> is slidably coupled to the lower vertical arm <NUM> such that the pin <NUM> is vertically slidable along the vertically-extending slots <NUM> defined by the lower vertical arm <NUM>. Accordingly, the pin <NUM> may be slidably positioned at various higher or lower locations along the lower vertical arm <NUM>. The pin <NUM> and lanyard <NUM> may be used to tether the lower vertical arm <NUM> to a railing stanchion on the locomotive <NUM>, which may help prevent the assembly <NUM> from swinging outwardly away (e.g., forward if mounted on the front of the locomotive, etc.) from the locomotive handrailing during braking and coupling.

<FIG> illustrate an exemplary speaker <NUM> mounted to the assembly <NUM> via an exemplary speaker bracket <NUM> according to the invention. The speaker <NUM> is an example only as the assembly <NUM> may also be used with other speakers in alternative exemplary embodiments.

As shown in <FIG>, the lower vertical arm <NUM> includes three vertically aligned fastener holes <NUM>. Thus, three mechanical fasteners (e.g., screws, etc.) may be used to couple the speaker bracket <NUM> to the lower vertical arm <NUM>. The speaker bracket <NUM> includes four fastener holes <NUM> (<FIG>) each adjacent a corresponding corner of the speaker bracket <NUM>. Thus, four mechanical fasteners (e.g., screws, etc.) may be used to couple the speaker <NUM> to the speaker bracket <NUM>. Alternatively, the speaker bracket <NUM>, speaker <NUM>, and lower vertical arm <NUM> may be configured differently in other embodiments, such as being configured to be coupled via other means besides mechanical fasteners and/or with more or less mechanical fasteners.

The speaker <NUM> may be part of an audible alert system for a locomotive. For example, <FIG> illustrates components of an audible alert system according to an exemplary embodiment embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in the <FIG>, the audible alert system includes an outdoor speaker <NUM>, an audio amplifier <NUM>, and an audio file player <NUM> that may be used with an audible alert system. The audio amplifier <NUM> and the audio file player <NUM> are housed within an environmentally sealed enclosure, which provides protection from the environment.

The speaker <NUM> may be lower in weight than and may replace the traditional pneumatic air horn and pneumatic bell on a locomotive. The audible alert system, including the speaker <NUM>, may provide the ability to program multiple sounds and modernize a pneumatic air horn while maintaining overall sound quality. The speaker <NUM> may be located on the front or back of a locomotive. The speaker <NUM> may be mounted or installed on a locomotive in various ways. For example, the assembly <NUM> may be used to install the speaker <NUM> to locomotive handrailing <NUM> on a front of the locomotive <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. Or, for example, the speaker <NUM> may be fixedly mounted (e.g., bolted, mechanically fastened, etc.) to handrailing of a locomotive by using mechanical fasteners, etc. But exemplary embodiments of audible alert systems, including the speakers, disclosed herein should not be limited to any single method of mounting the audible alert system, including the speaker, to a locomotive.

The audible alert system, including the speaker <NUM>, may be used with a portable remote control locomotive (RCL) system. For example, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an example portable remote control locomotive (RCL) system <NUM> that may be mounted onto an assembly <NUM> above the speaker <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The portable RCL system <NUM> and its components shown in <FIG> are examples only as the audible alert system may also be used with other portable RCL systems in alternative exemplary embodiments.

The audible alert system may be direct current (DC) powered and energy efficient. The speaker <NUM> may comprise a <NUM> Watts, <NUM> volts direct current (VDC) speaker having a relatively thin or slim profile. Alternatively, the audible alert system may include a speaker having a different configuration (e.g., higher or lower than <NUM> Watts, higher or lower than <NUM> VDC, etc.) in alternative exemplary embodiments.

Advantageously, the audio alert system may allow for reduced cost, complexity, and labor to include safety sounding devices onboard locomotives. The audio alert system may also provide integrated audio (voice and tones) and future capabilities to broadcast voice messages.

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate the assembly <NUM> being used to mount the enclosure <NUM> of the portable RCL system <NUM> to the locomotive handrailing <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment. The portable RCL system <NUM> and enclosure <NUM> are examples only as the assembly <NUM> may also be used with other portable RCL systems and enclosures in alternative exemplary embodiments.

<FIG> illustrates exemplary components of the portable RCL system <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) after the enclosure <NUM> has been opened. By way of example, the enclosure <NUM> of the portable RCL system <NUM> may be configured to securely contain the hardware and components of the RCL system <NUM>. The enclosure <NUM> may be configured with sufficient ruggedness and durability to withstand and thrive in the harsh environment of rail operations. The outer casing of the enclosure <NUM> may comprise a durable exterior that protects the components of the portable RCL system <NUM> from wear and tear. The portable RCL system <NUM> may be a lightweight, compact system that houses all hardware and components in the single enclosure <NUM>, which may allow for easier troubleshooting and less likelihood of failure. The lightweight, single enclosure system design may also make it physically easier and safer for the portable RCL system <NUM> to be switched from one locomotive to the other.

In exemplary embodiments, one or more components may include or be provided with (e.g., stamped, etc.) openings to reduce the amount of material, thereby reducing the weight. For example, the brackets <NUM>, <NUM> and upper and lower hook members <NUM>, <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) may include triangular shaped openings to reduce an overall weight of the assembly <NUM>. In addition, the speaker bracket <NUM> may also include triangular shaped openings (e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>, etc.) to reduce an overall weight of the assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a quick connect mounting cradle assembly (broadly, an assembly) embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The assembly may be used for mounting an enclosure of a portable remote control locomotive (RCL) system (e.g., portable RCL shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, etc.) to handrailing of a locomotive. The assembly may also, or instead, be used for mounting a speaker (e.g., speaker shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, etc.) to handrailing of a locomotive. The portable RCL system and speaker shown in the figures are examples only as the assembly shown in <FIG> may also be used with other portable RCL systems and/or speakers in alternative exemplary embodiments.

In <FIG>, items or parts of the assembly are identified with item reference numbers <NUM> through <NUM>. Table <NUM> below provides a description for the items or parts, although exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be used with other and/or additional items or parts. Accordingly, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should not be limited to use with only the items or parts as described in the table below.

Accordingly, exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein of assemblies (e.g., a quick connect mounting cradle assembly, the assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the assembly shown in <FIG>, etc.) that may be used for mounting (e.g., without the use of any tools, etc.) enclosures of portable RCL systems (e.g., <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, etc.) and/or speakers (e.g., <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, etc.) to locomotive handrailing. Also disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of portable remote RCL systems mountable to locomotive handrailing by such assemblies. Additionally, disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of audible alert systems including speakers mountable to locomotive handrailing by such assemblies.

Exemplary embodiments include systems that include an assembly and a portable RCL system. In such embodiments, the system components are configured such that the assembly is usable for mounting the portable RCL system to locomotive handrailing.

Exemplary embodiments include systems that include an assembly and a speaker of an audible alert system. In such embodiments, the system components are configured such that the assembly is usable for mounting the speaker to locomotive handrailing.

Exemplary embodiments include systems that include an assembly, a portable RCL system, and a speaker of an audible alert system. In such embodiments, the system components are configured such that the assembly is usable for mounting the portable RCL system and the speaker to locomotive handrailing.

Also disclosed are exemplary methods of mounting assemblies (e.g., a quick connect mounting cradle assembly, the assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the assembly shown in <FIG>, etc.) to locomotive handrailing substantially as disclosed herein. In exemplary embodiments, the assembly may comprise a quick connect mounting cradle assembly, and the method may comprise mounting the quick connect mounting cradle assembly to the locomotive handrailing without using any tools.

In exemplary embodiments, the method may comprise mounting the assembly to the locomotive handrailing, and thereafter mounting a portable remote control locomotive system to the assembly previously mounted to the locomotive handrailing.

In exemplary embodiments, the method may comprise mounting the portable remote control locomotive system mounting to the assembly without using any tools.

In exemplary embodiments, the method may further comprise mounting a speaker to the assembly before or after mounting the assembly to the locomotive handrailing.

In exemplary embodiments, the method may comprise mounting a speaker to the assembly; mounting the assembly to the locomotive handrailing without using any tools; and mounting the portable remote control locomotive system to the assembly without using any tools.

Accordingly, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may provide or include one or more (but not necessarily any or all) of the following advantages or features, such as installation requiring no tools, mounting hooks that are adjustable for different hand rail configurations, lightweight, compact, fast installation, integrated audio (voice and tones), and/or portability. In exemplary embodiments, quick connect features allow a portable RCL system to be relatively easily and efficiently moved from locomotive to locomotive.

The portability provided by exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may enable greater flexibility when planning for maintenance and/or allow for less investment or improve rail operators' capital investment by eliminating per locomotive cost requirements. As compared with a traditional fixed mount system, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may provide an economical solution that shifts upfront capital investments on a per locomotive basis across multiple locomotives giving added financial flexibility.

With exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, disruption caused by unplanned downtime may be reduced because the assembly and RCL system may be quickly and easily switched from one locomotive to another. For the same reason, it also provides greater flexibility when preparing for planned maintenance.

Exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein of audible alert systems (e.g., the audible alert system shown in <FIG>, etc.). Exemplary embodiments include systems comprising an audible alert system and a portable RCL system.

Exemplary embodiments include systems comprising an audible alert system and an assembly (e.g., a quick connect mounting assembly, etc.) mountable to handrailing of a locomotive. In such embodiments, the system components are configured such that the assembly is usable for mounting a speaker of the audible alert system to locomotive handrailing.

Exemplary embodiments include systems comprising an audible alert system, a portable RCL system, and an assembly mountable to handrailing of a locomotive. In such embodiments, the system components are configured such that the assembly is usable for mounting the portable RCL system and a speaker of the audible alert system to locomotive handrailing.

Also disclosed are exemplary methods of providing an audible alert system (e.g., the audible alert system shown in <FIG>, etc.) onboard a locomotive. The audible alert system may comprise an outdoor speaker, an audio amplifier, an audio file player, and an enclosure. The audio amplifier and the audio file player may be within the enclosure.

In exemplary embodiments, the method may comprise housing the audio amplifier and the audio file player of the audible alert system within an environmentally sealed enclosure, which provides protection for the audio amplifier and the audio file player from the environment.

In exemplary embodiments, the enclosure may comprise an environmentally sealed enclosure configured to provide protection for the audio amplifier and the audio file player from the environment. The audible alert system may be configured to be direct current (DC) powered. The speaker comprises a <NUM> Watts, <NUM> volts direct current (VDC) speaker. The audible alert system may be configured to provide integrated audio including voices and tones. The audible alert system may be configured to broadcast voice messages.

In exemplary embodiments, the method may include using the audible alert system instead of and/or as a replacement for a pneumatic air horn and a pneumatic bell onboard the locomotive.

In exemplary embodiments, the method may include mounting the outdoor speaker of the audible alert system to handrailing of the locomotive. Mounting the speaker of the audible alert system to handrailing of the locomotive may comprise: mounting a quick connect mounting assembly to handrailing of the locomotive without using any tools; and mounting the speaker of the audible alert system to the quick connect mounting assembly before or after mounting the quick connect mounting assembly to the handrailing of the locomotive.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In addition, advantages and improvements that may be achieved with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for purpose of illustration only and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure, as exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may provide all or none of the above mentioned advantages and improvements and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Specific dimensions, specific materials, and/or specific shapes disclosed herein are example in nature and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure herein of particular values and particular ranges of values for given parameters are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values that may be useful in one or more of the examples disclosed herein. Moreover, it is envisioned that any two particular values for a specific parameter stated herein may define the endpoints of a range of values that may be suitable for the given parameter (i.e., the disclosure of a first value and a second value for a given parameter can be interpreted as disclosing that any value between the first and second values could also be employed for the given parameter). For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of <NUM> - <NUM>, or <NUM> - <NUM>, or <NUM> - <NUM>, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including <NUM> - <NUM>, <NUM> - <NUM>, <NUM> - <NUM>, <NUM> - <NUM>, <NUM> - <NUM>, <NUM> - <NUM>, <NUM> - <NUM>, <NUM> - <NUM>, and <NUM> - <NUM>.

For example, when permissive phrases, such as "may comprise", "may include", and the like, are used herein, at least one embodiment comprises or includes the feature(s).

The term "about" when applied to values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by "about" is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then "about" as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters. For example, the terms "generally", "about", and "substantially" may be used herein to mean within manufacturing tolerances.

Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer," "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper" and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures.

Claim 1:
A system comprising an audible alert system for a locomotive and an assembly (<NUM>) mountable to handrailing (<NUM>) of the locomotive (<NUM>) and the audible alert system, the audible alert system comprising a speaker (<NUM>), an audio amplifier (<NUM>), an audio file player (<NUM>), and an enclosure, wherein the audio amplifier (<NUM>) and the audio file player (<NUM>) are within an enclosure configured to provide protection for the audio amplifier and the audio file player from the environment, characterized in that the speaker (<NUM>) of the audible alert system is mountable to the assembly (<NUM>), such that the speaker of the audible alert system is mountable via the assembly to the handrailing of the locomotive, wherein the system further comprises a speaker bracket (<NUM>) positionable generally between wherein the speaker (<NUM>) and a portion of the assembly (<NUM>), and the speaker bracket (<NUM>) includes:
fastener holes (<NUM>) alignable with corresponding fastener holes of the portion of the assembly (<NUM>), whereby one or more mechanical fasteners are insertable through the aligned fastener holes of the speaker bracket (<NUM>) and the portion of the assembly (<NUM>) to thereby couple the speaker bracket (<NUM>) to the portion of the assembly (<NUM>); and/or
fastener holes (<NUM>) alignable with corresponding fastener holes of the speaker (<NUM>), whereby one or more mechanical fasteners are insertable through the aligned fastener holes of the speaker bracket (<NUM>) and the speaker (<NUM>) to thereby couple the speaker bracket (<NUM>) to the speaker (<NUM>).