Composite fittings plate

Abstract

According to some embodiments, a fittings plate for attaching railcar fittings to a railcar comprises: a plate consisting of a non-metallic, fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite material. The plate comprises: a first set of one or more openings for attaching railcar fittings to the plate and a second set of one or more openings for attaching the plate to a railcar.

1 . A fittings plate for attaching railcar fittings to a railcar comprising:
 a plate consisting of a non-metallic, fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite material, wherein the plate comprises:   a first set of one or more openings for attaching railcar fittings to the plate; and   a second set of one or more openings for attaching the plate to a railcar.   
     
     
         2 . The fittings plate of  claim 1 , wherein an opening of the first set of one or more openings comprises an integral spool and flange. 
     
     
         3 . The fittings plate of  claim 2 , wherein the integral spool is bonded to the plate. 
     
     
         4 . The fittings plate of  claim 3 , wherein the integral spool comprises one or more keyways. 
     
     
         5 . The fittings plate of  claim 2 , wherein the plate, spool and flange are integrally fused as a single piece. 
     
     
         6 . The fittings plate of  claim 2 , wherein the integral spool is coupled to the fittings plate via a secondary overlay. 
     
     
         7 . The fittings plate of  claim 2 , wherein the integral spool is coupled to the fittings plate via a grout ring. 
     
     
         8 . The fittings plate of  claim 2 , wherein the integral spool and flange facilitate joining of a fitting to the fittings plate. 
     
     
         9 . The fittings plate of  claim 1 , wherein the composition of the FRP material is based on a use of the railcar. 
     
     
         10 . The fittings plate of  claim 1 , wherein the composition of the FRP material is based on a corrosiveness associated with an intended lading of the railcar. 
     
     
         11 . The fittings plate of  claim 1 , wherein the FRP material is resistant to ultraviolet (UV) rays. 
     
     
         12 . The fittings plate of  claim 1 , wherein the fittings plate is coupled to the railcar via bolts. 
     
     
         13 . A railway tank car comprising:
 a tank for transporting a commodity, and a nozzle coupled to the tank and providing access to the tank, and a fittings plate coupled to the nozzle for attaching railcar fittings to the railcar, the fittings plate comprising:
 a plate consisting of a non-metallic, fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite material, wherein the plate comprises: 
 a first set of one or more openings for attaching railcar fittings to the plate; and 
 a second set of one or more openings for attaching the plate to the nozzle. 
   
     
     
         14 . The railway tank car of  claim 12 , wherein an opening of the first set of one or more openings comprises an integral spool and flange. 
     
     
         15 . The railway tank car of  claim 14 , wherein the integral spool is bonded to the plate. 
     
     
         16 . The railway tank car of  claim 15 , wherein the integral spool comprises one or more keyways. 
     
     
         17 . The railway tank car of  claim 14 , wherein the plate, spool and flange are integrally fused as a single piece. 
     
     
         18 . The railway tank car of  claim 14 , wherein the integral spool is coupled to the fittings plate via a secondary overlay. 
     
     
         19 . The railway tank car of  claim 14 , wherein the integral spool is coupled to the fittings plate via a grout ring. 
     
     
         20 . The railway tank car of  claim 14 , wherein the integral spool and flange facilitate joining of a fitting to the fittings plate.