GB485368A - Improvements in automatic couplings for vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

485,368. Automatic couplings for vehicles. MORRIS COMMERCIAL CARS, Ltd., ROSE, P. G., and LEEDING, E. J. Dec. 17, 1937, No. 34943. [Class 103 (v)] In an automatic coupling for vehicles of the kind in which a pivoted hook 1 on one vehicle is adapted to be swung down to receive or release a draw-bar 11 on the other vehicle and to be raised by the draw-bar into a coupling position, in which position the hook is locked by a spring-loaded locking-member 13, the lock 13 is also adapted to serve as a closure for the mouth of the hook and thus prevents accidental release of the draw-bar. In the construction shown, the hook 1 has a general U-shape, and the inner or forward limb 1a thereof is engaged by the locking-member 13, which is constituted by a sliding plunger pressed rearwardly by springs 18. In effecting a coupling, if the hook is initially in its downward position, the limb 1a will force the plunger 13 inwardly and then be retained by the plunger being projected outwardly by the springs 18, whereas, if the hook is already in its upright condition, the draw-bar 11 will push the plunger 13 inwardly without actually disengaging it from the limb 1a. For uncoupling purposes, the plunger 13 can be drawn inwardly by operation of a lever 19 under the control of the driver. In a modification, Fig. 7, the sliding plunger 13 is replaced by a lever 23 pivoted at 24 under the influence of a controlling spring 25.