GB196086A - An improved method of and means for coupling vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

196,086. Payne, M. Jan. 16, 1922. Couplings for road vehicles. - In a ball- and-socket coupling, a ball member carried by one vehicle is guided into and engaged by a socket formed in two or more parts carried bv another vehicle when the two vehicles are brought together for the purpose of coupling them automatically, the guide being integral with one member of the socket. Both socket parts 2, 3 are pivoted to the frame 6 of one of the vehicles and movement from the position of engagement is resisted by springs. The socket 2 is pivoted at 5 and is acted upon by a plunger 7 and spring 8. The socket 3 is formed in one with a ball-guiding member 11 and is pivoted to the frame by side trunnions 12. It may tilt in counterclockwise direction against the pull of a spring 13. When the ball 1 is in position as shown, the two parts of the socket are locked by a small lever pivoted at 19 to the socket member 3, one arm 17 of the lever being adapted to abut against a shoulder 27 on the other socket 2 while the other arm 18 is pulled by a spring 20. The lever 17, 18 may be disengaged bv the driver by means of a cord 23. When the vehicles are brought together the ball 1 rides up the fixed converging guide 10 and the extension 11 of the socket until it passes the pivots 12 and tips the socket member down. The ball next engages the socket part 2 and pushes it sufficiently forward to allow the socket 3 to rise and engage the ball. The spring 8 then returns the socket part 2 and the locking lever 17, 18 jumps into position. The socket may be made in three parts, the middle part being stationary.