(19)
(11) EP 1 145 928 A3

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88) Date of publication A3:
07.11.2001 Bulletin 2001/45

(43) Date of publication A2:
17.10.2001 Bulletin 2001/42

(21) Application number: 01114481.3

(22) Date of filing: 08.08.1994
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B61D 3/18, B61F 3/12
(84) Designated Contracting States:
BE CH DE DK FR GB IT LI

(62) Application number of the earlier application in accordance with Art. 76 EPC:
94932172.3 / 0783423

(71) Applicant: Larson, Ernest J. Jr.
Edina, MN 55435 (US)

(72) Inventors:
  • Larson, Ernest J., Jr.
    Edina, MN 55435 (US)
  • Sims, Roger D.
    Highland, Indiana 46322 (US)

(74) Representative: Wehnert, Werner, Dipl.-Ing. Patentanwälte Hauck, Graalfs, Wehnert, Döring, Siemons et al
Mozartstrasse 23
80336 München
80336 München (DE)

   


(54) Bogie coupling system for convertible railway-roadway vehicle


(57) A bogie (120) and a convertible roadway-railway trailer (160) for both roadway and railway use and a method of converting the trailer between roadway and railway mode, including a method of assembling and disassembling a plurality of such trailers (160) and bogies (120) into a train (113). A trailer (160) has retractable roadway tires (166) and three king pins (184, 185) mounted on the posterior end thereof forming a rigid coupling mechanism. A bogie (120), which is stored off a railway near a grade crossing, has three king pin engagement mechanisms (138, 153) which are used to rigidly couple the bogie (120) to a trailer (160). To convert a first trailer (160) from roadway use to railway use, a tractor (112) is used to back up the first trailer (160) to a first bogie (120), and the first trailer (160) is rigidly coupled to the first bogie (120). Additional trailers (160) can be added in a similar manner to form a train (113).






Search report