GB191203478A - Improvements in Railway and Road Passenger Vehicles. - Google Patents

Abstract

3478. Huppert, L. C., Paul, A. F., and Tanner, A. J. Feb. 12. Ingress and egress of passengers, controlling; steps.-A railway, tramway, or other passenger vehicle is divided into two portions by a central platform which may be independently supported upon the truck that connects the two sections, and means for defining exit and entrance passageways may be provided on the platform. The central platform C, which is at a lower level than the car floor, is spring-supported upon a truck 12 pivoted to the two car sections by ring bolts 14. The floors of the car sections extend over the platform as shown at 18, and are curved to move within circular guards 20 on the platform. Springs 27 are provided between the truck 12 and rub-plates 26 on the body. The truck 12 is suspended below the axle boxes as described in Specification 6720/11, and may have a radial link suspension as described in Specifications 22,682/10 and 6720/11 [both in Class 103 (vi), Railway &c. vehicles, Undercarriage &c.]. The platform is provided on each side with gates 7, 7<1> swinging about stanchions 9, 9<1>, the gates on one side being closed when the car is in use. Rails 8 pivoted to stanchions 10 so that they can be swung over from side to side define exit and entrance passageways, and a rail 11 which can be fixed on the stanchions 9, 9 or 9<1>, 9<1>, forms a conductor's station. Lengths of chain 8<1> connect the rails 8 to stancions 10<1> on the floor extensions 18. The doors on the motorman's platform may be used as auxiliary or emergency exits. Fig. 6 shows a modification in which the central platform is either independently mounted on a separate truck as shown in dotted lines or mounted directly on the car frames, which are dropped at the centre to make the platform lower. Folding doors 7 and and sliding steps 6 are provided on both sides of and completely enclosing the platform. The conductor controls the doors and steps in use for the time being by means of handles 30 and connexions 33. The handles 30 can be moved with the rail 11 from side to side. The rails defining the exit and entrance passageways are reversible and arranged as shown. Two stairways 28 lead from within each car section to an upper deck and terminate above the platform, portions of the skirting being cut away to provide head-room for passengers walking beneath them.