Importance

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Abstract

The intermodal rail truck and coupling system for the coupling of two intermodal containers, two conventional rail cars, or an intermodal container and a conventional rail comprising a rail truck frame having a central longitudinal axis and wheel supports for rotatable securement of conventional rail wheels for use on conventional rails. Two conventional rail car coupler means are positioned at opposite ends of said frame along said longitudinal axis, and are vertically adjustable to a height equal to conventional rail car couplers which defines the load line of conventional rail cars, and are lowerable below that load line when not used. Two fifth-wheel pancake members are also positioned at opposite ends of said frame along said longitudinal axis and have means for receipt and pivotable securement of fifth-wheel kingpins of intermodal containers. These fifth-wheel pancake members are pivotable around a vertical axis so that the intermodal kingpins may be removed transversely of the longitudinal axis of the frame and the pancakes are vertically adjustable so they can be positioned to allow said intermodal containers to be level with the load line of conventional rail cars or can be raised to raise the intermodal containers to allow removal. A linkage means is provided which releasably links the intermodal containers or conventional rail cars which are operatively attached to said rail truck coupling system so that a uniform load line is formed between all members attached to said rail truck.

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First Claim