| |
| United States Patent
|
5,820,120 |
| Anderson |
October 13, 1998 |
Cradle system repair of model railroad trains
Abstract
This invention provides a portable system for adjustably grasping
and cradling a model train engine or other car (especially Garden
Scale) without damaging it and presenting the desired portion of
such engine or car for repair or maintenance. The device used
includes: a rectangular longitudinal plywood base plate having in
its upper surface a pair of transverse upside-down T-slots with
sloppy-fit nut members captured in the T-slots; and a pair of
longitudinal plywood vertical side plates, each fitted with vertical
bolt members tightenable in the corresponding nut members. When the
piece to be worked on is placed between the side plates, with
appropriate cushioning, the sloppy fits permit the side plates to be
pushed into snug position before tightening. The device also
provides a cover with a handle for portability between uses.
| Inventors: |
Anderson; Charles W.
(Chino Valley, AZ) |
| Appl. No.:
|
08/657,091 |
| Filed: |
June 3, 1996 |
| Current U.S.
Class: |
269/99 ;
220/4.33; 220/4.34; 269/285; 269/286; 269/287; 269/289R;
269/909 |
| Current
International Class: |
B25B
11/00 (20060101); A63H 19/00 (20060101); B23Q 003/02 () |
| Field of
Search: |
220/4.33,4.34
206/523 269/99,287,289R,285,286,909 29/281.1 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent
Documents
Primary Examiner: Watson; Robert C.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Stoneman; Martin L.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A portable cradle system for use in repairing model train rolling
stock, comprising, in combination:
a. longitudinal base plate means having a horizontal upper surface
and a pair of end vertical transverse surfaces, said base plate
means comprising
i. a transverse upside-down T-slot in said upper surface, said
T-slot having an upper portion narrower than a bottom portion of
said T-slot;
b. longitudinal vertical side plate means abutting said upper
surface of said base plate means and having upper edges, said side
plate means defining an interior work space and comprising
i. a vertical hole aligned with a said T-slot;
c. connection means for releasably connecting said base plate means
with said side plate means, said connection means comprising
i. bolt means passing through said vertical hole,
ii. nut means situate in said T-slot,
iii. said bolt means being tightenable in said nut means, whereby
said side plate means may be immovably connected with said base
plate means;
d. wherein said bolt means comprises bolt-head means, below a level
of said upper edges, for tightening and loosening said bolt means
from above; and
e. wherein said side plate means comprises notch means, along said
upper edges and in line with said vertical hole, for permitting said
bolt-head means to be tightened and loosened from above.
2. A portable cradle system according to claim 1 wherein:
a. said nut means is generally rectangular and is sized small enough
to permit movement through a said bottom portion of a said T-slot;
and
b. said cradle system further comprises a cushioning means in said
interior work space and abutting said side plate means.
3. A portable cradle system according to claim 2, for use with model
trains of about Garden Scale size, wherein said interior work space
is about (on average) 6 to 7 inches wide, about 6 inches high, and
about 2 feet long.
4. A portable cradle system according to claim 3 further comprising:
a. cradled in said interior work space in said cushioning means, a
piece of model train rolling stock.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to providing an improved system for cradling,
i.e., firmly holding or supporting, model railroad engines and cars
while they are being repaired or maintained. More particularly, this
invention concerns a system for adjustably grasping and cradling a
model railroad engine or car without damaging such rolling stock and
presenting the desired portion of such engine or car available for
repair or maintenance. Even more particularly, this invention
concerns such a system which is portable for outdoors use with
Garden Scale model trains.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Model railroading enthusiasts are frequently working on the rolling
stock of their model railroads. Whether initially building and
assembling the railroad to place it in operation or later routine
maintenance, repair or modification, the model engines and cars are
frequently being worked on. The intricacy and precision of these
engines and cars require not only the skill of the repair person and
the availability of an assortment of suitable tools, but also upon
free usage of the hands of the repair person. The engine or car
being worked is usually required to be held in a steady and stable
manner so that the work may be performed. The ordinary intricacy and
complexity of the exterior detail of these engines and cars and
their vulnerability to paint scratches and other damage makes them
particularly difficult to grasp and solidly hold in a manner and
orientation that will make them available to be worked on. Also, the
majority of the mechanical components are on the underside, and to
work on, repair and maintain such engines and cars, they need to be
held in an inverted position. This is difficult to do without
causing undue damage.
It is especially difficult to make on-the-spot repairs to Garden
Scale model trains in that they are ordinarily run outdoors in
attractive places, usually away from access to shops or other indoor
repair facilities. For on-the-spot repair or maintenance of such
Garden Scale model train cars, it is common to cushion and protect
the vulnerable detailed portions of the engine or car with towels,
pillows, or the like, and then attempt to firmly cradle personally
the engine or car in a steady manner so that the desired work may be
performed. Frequently this results in either the need of the help of
another person or holding the engine or car cradled on the lap or
grasped between the legs. This inconvenience is multiplied with
rolling stock of larger size. Garden Scale model railroading is a
large 1/20.5 scale size; and a typical engine may weigh as much as 5
to 20 pounds. With this large size, vulnerable detailing and
inconvenient shapes present an even greater challenge in firmly
cradling an engine or car so that it may be worked on. O-Scale model
railroading, although a smaller 1/32 scale, still presents a similar
challenge.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
A primary object of the present invention is to fulfill the
above-mentioned needs by the provision of a cradling system whereby
a model railroad engine or car may be conveniently and safely held
in a manner where it is available to be worked on. A further primary
object of the present invention is to provide such a system which is
efficient, inexpensive, and handy. In addition, it is a primary
object of this invention to provide such a system for use in
connection with Garden Scale railroads of the type which are used in
large out-of-doors layouts and which call for a portable cradling
system. Other objects of this invention will become apparent with
reference to the following invention descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this
invention provides a portable cradle system for use in repairing
model train rolling stock, comprising, in combination: longitudinal
base plate means having a horizontal upper surface and a pair of end
vertical transverse surfaces, such base plate means comprising a
transverse upside-down T-slot in such upper surface, such T-slot
having an upper portion narrower than a bottom portion of such
T-slot; longitudinal vertical side plate means abutting such upper
surface of such base plate means and having upper edges, such side
plate means defining an interior work space and comprising a
vertical hole aligned with a such T-slot; connection means for
releasably connecting such base plate means with such side plate
means, such connection means comprising bolt means passing through
such vertical hole, nut means situate in such T-slot, such bolt
means being tightenable in such nut means, whereby such side plate
means may be immovably connected with such base plate means.
Further, this invention provides such a portable cradle system
further comprising cushioning means in such interior work space and
abutting such side plate means; and, further, wherein such
cushioning means comprises a resilient sheet material having a
shallow egg crate patterned surface. It also provides such a
portable cradle system further comprising a longitudinal cover means
for abutting such upper edges of such side plate means, such cover
means being connected to transverse end means for attaching such
cover means to such base plate in such manner that such interior
work space is fully enclosed. Additionally, this invention provides
such a portable cradle system further comprising: a latching means
for releasably latching such end means to such base plate; and
handle means for assisting in the carrying of such portable cradle
system, connected to such cover means. It also provides such a
portable cradle system wherein such connection between such cover
means and such end means comprises a reinforcement having a right
triangle cross-section. And it provides such a portable cradle
system wherein such nut is generally rectangular and is sized small
enough to permit movement through a such bottom portion of a such
T-slot; and, further, wherein such bottom portion of such T-slot is
about 11/16 inches wide and such nut is about one inch wide; and,
further, wherein such nut is about 1/4 inch deep, about one inch
wide and about 11/2 inches long.
Moreover, the present invention provides such a portable cradle
system wherein: such bolt means comprises bolt-head means, below a
level of such upper edges, for tightening and loosening such bolt
means from above; and such side plate means comprises notch means,
along such upper edges and in line with such vertical hole, for
permitting such bolt-head means to be tightened and loosened from
above. It also provides such a portable cradle system wherein: such
nut is generally rectangular and is sized small enough to permit
movement through a such bottom portion of a such T-slot; and such
cradle system further comprises cushioning means in such interior
work space and abutting such side plate means. And it provides such
a portable cradle system, for use with model trains of about Garden
Scale size, wherein such interior work space is about (on average) 6
to 7 inches wide, about 6 inches high, and about 2 feet long; and,
also, further comprising, cradled in such interior work space in
such cushioning means, a piece of model train rolling stock.
Still further, according to a preferred embodiment thereof, this
invention provides a portable cradle system for use in repairing
model train rolling stock, comprising, in combination: a flat
rectangular longitudinal base plate having an upper surface; a pair
of transverse upside-down T-slots in such upper surface, each such
T-slot having an upper portion narrower than a bottom portion of
such T-slot; a pair of longitudinal vertical side plates abutting
such upper surface of such base plate and having upper edges, a
location of such pair of side plates defining an interior work space
having adjustable widths; a pair of vertical holes in each such side
plate, each such hole being aligned over a such T-slot; a bolt
passing through each such vertical hole; a rectangular nut situate
in and in sloppy fit with each such T-slot; each such bolt being
tightenable with a corresponding such nut, whereby each such side
plate may be releasably immovably connected with such base plate at
a such location.
In addition, this invention provides such a portable cradle system
further comprising: cushioning means in such interior work space and
abutting such side plates and base plate; and, cradled in such
interior work space in such cushioning means, an upside down piece
of model train rolling stock. And it provides such a portable cradle
system further comprising: a longitudinal cover constructed and
arranged for abutting such upper edges of such side plates, such
cover further comprising a pair of transverse ends for attaching
such cover to such base plate in such manner that such interior work
space is fully enclosed; and a latch on each such end for releasably
latching each such end to such base plate. Also, it provides such a
portable cradle system wherein such interior work space is about (on
average) 6 to 7 inches wide, about 6 inches high, and about 2 feet
long.
Yet additionally, according to a preferred embodiment thereof, this
invention provides a portable cradle system comprising the steps of:
providing a first flat rectangular plywood sheet having a pair of
ends and an upper surface; providing four identical rectangular
metal nuts and four corresponding fitting identical bolts each about
6 inches long; near each such end, cutting a large transverse notch
into such upper surface, such large transverse notch being about
1/16 inch wider than the width of a such nut and 1/16 inch deeper
than the height of a such nut; providing a second flat rectangular
plywood sheet having a lower surface and having the same length and
width as such first flat rectangular plywood sheet; superimposing
and adhesively fixing such lower surface of such second plywood
sheet upon such upper surface of such first plywood sheet; and,
centered on each such large transverse notch, cutting a small
transverse notch through such second plywood sheet, the width of
such notch being about 1/16 inch more than the diameter of a such
bolt.
Even further, this invention provides such a portable cradle system
further comprising the steps of: providing a pair of third flat
rectangular plywood sheets; aligning each such third plywood sheet
vertically atop a corresponding longitudinal edge of such second
plywood sheet; in each such third plywood sheet, drilling a pair of
vertical bolt-holes, each such vertical bolt-hole being centered on
a such small transverse notch; placing a pair of such nuts in each
such large transverse notch, a such nut under each such vertical
bolt-hole; in each such third plywood sheet, cutting a top notch,
through such third plywood sheet, large enough to permit a bolt-head
manipulation from above; and placing a such bolt in each such
bolt-hole and loosely affixing each such bolt in each such
corresponding nut. And it provides such a portable cradle system
further comprising the steps of: by sliding such third plywood
sheets along such second plywood sheet, cradling a model train
rolling stock piece, of about Garden Scale, within cushioning
members, until such piece is safely snug enough for repair; and
tightening each such bolt in each such corresponding nut for secure
cradling.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view, with a partial cut away, of a cradle,
for the repair of model trains, according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention, shown holding a model train engine.
FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the cradle.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cradle and its cover.
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-section elevation view of a cradle
with a model train engine.
FIG. 5 is a cross-section elevation view of a cradle with a model
train engine.
FIG. 6 is a perspective detail view of the T-slot and nut plate of a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a cross-section elevation view of the side holding means.
FIG. 8 is a cross-section elevation view of the cover corner
construction.
FIG. 9 is a plan view of a cradle with a model train engine.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND THE BEST MODE OF
PRACTICE
Illustrated in perspective in FIG. 1, is a cradle 10, shown with a
partial cut away for clarity, holding an engine 11 of a model train.
The cradle 10 is comprised of longitudinal base plate means embodied
by base plate 12; longitudinal vertical side plate means embodied by
the pair of side plates 13, which are identical and movable;
connection means for releasably connecting base plate 12 with said
side plates 13, embodied by connection 14; and cushioning means
embodied by base cushion 15, two side cushions 16, and spacer
cushions 17 (which are not illustrated in FIG. 1). Additionally, the
cradle 10 incorporates longitudinal cover means embodied by cover 23
(not shown in FIG. 1) which is not used while the cradle 10 is in
use; the cover 23 is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.
The engine 11 is cushioned by the base cushion 15 and a side cushion
16 on either side, and is gently yet firmly grasped and supported by
these cushions. The side plates 13, by appropriate positioning as
later herein described, apply appropriate pressure to the side
cushions 16 for this cradling action. As illustrated, the engine 11
is usually being held by the cradle 10 in an inverted manner,
presenting the bottom portion 18 of the engine 11 available for the
work which is to be performed on it. In this case, the engine 11 is
also resting upon the base cushion 15, but if greater accessibility
to the engine 11 is needed, the engine 11 may be positioned higher
within the cradle 10, not resting upon the base cushion 15, yet
amply grasped by the side cushions 16. This would be more common
with shorter rolling stock, such as a flat bed car. Additional
smaller spacer cushions 17 (not shown) may be strategically located
on the base cushion 15 to offer a greater elevated or enhanced
contour for support of irregularly shaped engines 11 or cars. The
base cushion 15, side cushion 16, and spacer cushions 17 are
preferably composed of synthetic foam with the engaging surface 20
shaped in a shallow egg crate pattern. The base cushion 15, side
cushions 16 and spacer cushions 17 are of ample thickness and
softness to conform to the irregular exterior shape of the engine 11
or car, while gently protecting any delicate protruding details 21,
yet providing overall required support.
The side plates 13 may be adjustably positioned inwardly, pressing
the side cushions 16 against the engine 11 (or a car of the train),
the amount needed to hold such engine 11, or car, firmly in place.
Once the side plates 13 are appropriately positioned, they are
rigidly secured in place, to the base plate 12 using the connections
14. The base plate 12, both side plates 13 and the cover (not shown)
are preferably constructed of wood, more particularly plywood. There
are four small rubber feet 22 attached to the underside of the base
plate 12, one near each corner. These rubber feet 22 protect any
surface on which the cradle 10 is resting and may prevent the cradle
10 from sliding when such engine 11, or car, is being worked on.
An exploded view of the cradle 10 is shown in perspective in FIG. 2.
The shallow-egg-crate-patterned-foam base cushion 15, side cushions
16, and spacer cushions 17 are loose items and are stored within the
cradle 10 and retained by the cover 23 when the cradle 10 is not in
use. Transverse end means embodied by the end panels 24 of the cover
23 incorporate latch first halves 25 for engaging with latch second
halves 26 for securing the base plate 12 to the cover 23 when the
cradle 10 is not in use, thereby embodying the latching means of the
present invention. The top panel 27 of the cover 23 incorporates
handle means embodied by a handle 30, centrally located for balanced
carrying of the cradle 10. A detail of a preferred method of joining
of the end panels 24 to the top panel 27 is shown in FIG. 8.
The connection 14 incorporates two T-slots 31, each running crossway
(i.e., transversely) near opposing ends of the base plate 12 for
accepting a nut plate 32 and bolt 33 at each end of each side 13. A
hole 34 is drilled through each end of the side plates 13 for a bolt
33 along with a recess or notch 35 for a flat washer 36 and the bolt
head 37. When the bolts 33 of the side plates 13 are loosened, the
side plates 13 may be moved inwardly or outwardly as desired, yet
remain attached to the base plate 12. When the bolts 33 are
tightened, the side plates 13 are secured tightly to the base plate
12.
In FIG. 3 the cradle 10 with its cover 23 attached is shown. To
prepare the cradle 10 for carrying as shown, the connection 14 of
the side plates 13 would be tightened, and with the foam cushions
inside, the cover 23 would be attached to the base plate 12 with the
securing of the latch first halves 25 to the latch second halves 26.
A longitudinal cross-section elevation view of a cradle 10 with an
engine 11 contained is illustrated in FIG. 4. The bottom portion 18
of the inverted engine 11 is extending upward out of the cradle 10.
This bottom portion 18 is generally the portion of the engine 11, or
the car, that contains the majority of the mechanisms and mechanical
and electrical components that require periodic maintenance and
repair. And the sides and top of the engine 11, or the car,
generally contain decorative surfaces and delicate protruding
details 21 which are easily broken or damaged. The base cushion 15
is shown supporting the engine 11, yet at the same time gently
conforming to the shape of the delicate protruding details 21
without exerting undue pressure on them. If desired, additional
support may be provide for the engine 11, or car, by strategic
placement of spacer cushions 17.
The inward pressure of the side plates 13 on the side cushions 16
and the resultant clamping pressure on the engine 11, or car, is
adjusted by the positioning of the side plates 13 before they are
immovably tightened in place to the base plate 12. As shown in FIG.
5, an engine 11 with sides 41 that are substantial may allow for a
tight grip by the side cushions 16. The bottom portion 18 of the
engine 11 is shown in a favorable position for servicing. If it is
advantageous to work on the bottom portion 18 while it is orientated
on its side, the cradle 10 may be tipped on its side while still
offering firm, protected holding of the engine 11. While being used
in an upright position the cradle 10 rests on its rubber feet 22.
To provide an adjustable, rigid attachment of side plates 13 to the
base plate 12, the connection 14 is provided as shown in detail in
FIGS. 6 and 7. As previously shown in FIG. 2, two T-slots 31 extend
the full width of the base plate 12, perpendicular to the
longitudinal dimension and near each end of the base plate 12. The
T-slot 31 is comprised of a bolt slot 42 and a nut plate relief 43
with a clamp surface 44. To provide for T-slot 31 of improved
quality and simplified construction, the base plate 12 is fabricated
from a lower plywood portion 45, which is preferably a sheet of 3/4
inch thickness, and an upper plywood 46 portion, preferably a sheet
of 3/8 inches thickness with length and width matching the lower
plywood 45 portion. The order and method of construction is as
follows:
A nut plate relief or notch 43 is milled into the lower plywood 45
at the required location. The upper plywood 46 is glued atop the
lower plywood 45 using a suitable wood glue. A bolt slot 42 is
milled through the upper plywood 46, centered above and parallel to
the nut plate relief 43. This resulting T-slot 31 results in a clamp
surface 44 which is the bottom surface of the upper plywood portion
46.
The nut plate 32 is preferably steel, rectangular in shape,
preferably with dimensions of 1".times.11/2" and 1/4" in thickness.
Centered on the nut plate 32, near one end is a through-hole 47,
tapped 1/4-28 N.F. thread, for accepting bolt 33. The clearance
between the dimensions of the nut plate 32, the bolt 33 and the
T-slot 31 is such that the T-slot 31 is approximately 1/32" larger
all around. This clearance allows for greater adjustment of the
positioning of side plates 13 as described in FIG. 9.
In interest of economy, the bolt 33 is made from the appropriate
length of 1/4-28 N.F. all-thread with two 1/4-28 N.F. hex nuts 51
jammed together at one end to serve as bolt head 37. A flat washer
36 under the hex nut 51 prevents the galling and collapse of the
wood of the side plates 13 where the bolt 33 enters holes 34.
Recesses 35 prevent the bolt head 37 of bolts 33 from interfering
with cover 23. The bolts 33 of connection 14 are tightened and
loosened with a mating size nut driver 52 which is stored under
cover 23 when the cradle 10 is not being used. When a bolt 33 is
tightened, nut plate 32 is raised upward against clamp surface 44,
and drawing the side down tightly against the top of the base plate
12.
The method of joining the end panels 24 to the top panel 27 of the
cover 23 is shown in FIG. 8. The components are glued together with
a suitable wood glue and reinforced with two wooden gussets 53 of
triangular cross-section, one for each end panel 24. Gussets 53 run
the width of top panel 27 but are shorter than the width top panel
27 to provide clearance for side plates 13 when cover 23 is
installed.
When side plates 13 and side cushion 16 are positioned to best grip
the engine 11, or car, each end may be positioned to best suit the
gripping requirements. FIG. 9 shows side plates 13 adjusted to a
narrow dimension A at one end and wider dimension B at the opposite
end to best fit to the sides 41 of engine 11.
A typical Garden Scale engine may be about 4 to 5 inches wide at the
widest parts, so the interior work space defined by side plates 13
should preferably be about (on average) 6 to 7 inches wide, about 6
inches high, and about 2 feet long; and applying those preferred
dimensions to the drawings will help in the teaching of the
preferred dimension of the preferred embodiment of this invention,
as shown in the drawings.
As a method, the cradle system of the present invention, as
described herein, includes the steps of: providing a first flat
rectangular plywood sheet (element 45, see FIGS. 6 and 7) having a
pair of ends and an upper surface (as shown); providing four
identical rectangular metal nuts 32 and four corresponding fitting
identical bolts 33 each about 6 inches long; near each such end (of
this first plywood sheet, as shown in the drawings), cutting a large
transverse notch 43 into such upper surface, such large transverse
notch being about 1/16 inch wider than the width of a such nut and
1/16 inch deeper than the height of a such nut; providing a second
flat rectangular plywood sheet 46 having a lower surface 44 and
having the same length and width as such first flat rectangular
plywood sheet; superimposing and adhesively fixing such lower
surface 44 of such second plywood sheet upon the upper surface of
the first plywood sheet (see FIG. 6); centered on each such large
transverse notch 43, cutting a small transverse notch 42 through the
second plywood sheet, the width of notch 42 being about 1/16 inch
more than the diameter of a bolt 33; providing a pair of third flat
rectangular plywood sheets 13; aligning each third plywood sheet 13
vertically atop a corresponding longitudinal edge of the second
plywood sheet 46; in each third plywood sheet, drilling a pair of
vertical bolt-holes 34, each vertical bolt-hole 34 being centered on
a small transverse notch 42; placing a pair of nuts 32 in each large
transverse notch 43, a nut 32 under each vertical bolt-hole 34; in
each third plywood sheet 13, cutting a top notch 35, through such
third plywood sheet, large enough to permit a bolt-head manipulation
from above (see FIG. 7); placing a bolt 33 in each bolt-hole 34 and
loosely affixing each bolt 33 in each corresponding nut 32; by
sliding the third plywood sheets 13 along second plywood sheet 46
(see drawings, esp. FIG. 9), cradling a model train rolling stock
piece 11, of about Garden Scale, within cushioning members (like
elements 15, 16, and 17), until such piece 11 is safely snug enough
for repair; and tightening each bolt 33 in each corresponding nut 32
for secure cradling.
Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments
of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of
this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and
sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims
as read in connection with the above specification.
Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and
the below claims.
* * * * *
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