Importance

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Abstract

A latch for holding down the hinged hatch covers of railroad hopper cars. A hinge latch plate can be swung out of the way when not in use and is provided with a latch opening for receiving a tongue projecting from the hatch cover. A pivotal latch bar engages the tongue to hold it in the latch opening. The latch bar is shaped and mounted to provide an over center effect requiring it to be swung through a pivot arc greater than 90.degree. before it releases the hatch cover. A heavy duty form of the latch has double latch plates and double latch bars and includes a roller which facilitates the latching and release operations. The latch is useful to hold down the main hatch covers and also porthole hatch covers of the type found on sugar cars.

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First Claim