MXPA99010711A - One piece cover member for use in railway hitching devices - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connection assembly for use in one of an articulated coupling installation and a non-clearance engaging bar assembly used in connecting together in a substantially semi-permanent manner, the ends placed adjacent to a pair of wagons rail, such an articulated hitch installation and latch bar assembly without slack include at least one male connection member and at least one female connection member, said connection assembly member comprising: (a) a substantially spherical member with a diameter (b) a male connection member with an end, said end having an opening formed therein with a predetermined configuration to form an inner surface within said male connection member; (c) a retaining member, at least one portion of said clutch retainer member with at least a portion of said inner surface of said male connecting member forming a substantially spherical internal surface that includes at least a portion of said inner surface of said male connecting member and at least a portion of said retaining member; (d) a secure means for securing said retaining member within at least a portion of said inner surface of said male connecting member: (e) a one piece facing member with a substantially spherical inner surface for positioning about a predetermined portion of said spherical member, said facing member having of one piece an outer spherical surface for engaging said substantially spherical internal surface formed by such a male connecting member having such a retainer member engaged therewith, allowing movement of such a male connecting member in relation to such a female connecting member both in a vertical direction like in a direction ho horizontally over a range of predetermined angles; (f) a means for securing said one-piece liner member within said opening of said male connection member, and (g) a joining means for attaching said spherical member to said connecting member. female to connect the adjacent end of such a pair of railway vehicles

Description

MEMBER OF ONE PIECE COVERING FOR USE IN RAILWAY ENGAGEMENT DEVICES FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to rail-engaging devices and, more particularly, this invention relates to connection assemblies that include one-piece lining members for use in connection assemblies used in articulated coupling installations. and latch bar assemblies without gaps that are used in the railroad industry to couple together the ends of a pair of rail type freight cars positioned adjacently in a substantially semi-permanent manner. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Articulating hitch installations and latch bar assemblies without gaps have generally been well known in the railroad industry for several years, prior to the development of the present invention, as a means of connecting the ends of a pair together of railway type freight wagons placed adjacently in a substantially semi-permanent manner. In other words, these railway freight wagons will not usually require frequent separation during service. Normally, they will only be separated during a required repair and / or routinely scheduled maintenance performed on one or more of them. These railway wagons are particularly suited to what is most commonly referred to in the railroad industry as a wagon semi-trailer service loaded on platform wagons and / or a specialized service where wagons can be joined in a semi-permanent manner. Railway wagons that are joined in such a semipermanent manner are also commonly referred to in the railroad industry as either a "5-pac" or a "10-pack" unit. These 5-pack or 10-pack units do not require the use of a standard coupling, except between units. The main reason that such standard couplings are not required is because these units only break periodically. Normally, this occurs when the maintenance of an individual component must be carried out. Obviously, considerable cost savings are obtained by the use of this semi-permanent coupling facility. These cost savings are mainly derived from the lower weight of the wagon, few rail cars, reduced maintenance and, in general, lower equipment costs. Achieving such lower cost of equipment by the elimination of coupling devices and by the reduction in the number of wagons required. With the use of these semi-permanent coupling facilities and with the higher loads currently carried by modern railway trains, it is of the utmost importance that a tight closed relationship be maintained between the numerous coupling traction components. Such close closed relationship is required in order to reduce the damaging effects of the impact forces, which are found by a wagon under firm conditions of train operations. An earlier type of articulated hook device used for the purpose of connecting the adjacent ends of a pair of railway wagons, in a semi-permanent manner, is shown in the U.S. Patent. Number 5,172,819, with this, incorporating the teachings of such a patent in the present application for reference thereto. This particular articulated latching device includes a male connecting member secured to one end of a first rail car body and a female connection member secured to an adjacent end of a second rail car body. The male connection member includes an opening therein. A bearing assembly, which includes a substantially spherical member, is positioned within this opening for attaching such a male connection member to the female connection member. A race ring assembly is provided, formed by at least two members, within the opening and positioned around a predetermined portion of the substantially spherical member. The rolling ring assembly allows the necessary movement of the male connecting member in relation to the female connecting member in each of a vertical direction and a horizontal direction over a range of predetermined angles measured from each central line of the spherical member placed in a vertical direction and a longitudinal axis of the articulated hitch installation placed in a horizontal direction. A fastening means is provided, which is engageable with each of the raceway assembly and the male connection member to secure the raceway assembly and the spherical member to the male connection member. A well-known type of no-gap-type latch bar assembly generally utilizing a ball-channel type connection includes the following elements: a wagon connecting member or female connecting member, engageable within the central portion of a vehicle's beam rail, an insurable spherical member within the wagon connecting member, a male connecting member having a curved handle and an opening which is placed around the secured spherical member within the wagon connecting member, and a ring assembly of two-piece bearing secured within the opening of the male connecting member and disposed between the spherical member and such an aperture and a latching rod connected to such a male connection member. A disadvantage of the articulated latching facilities and the latch-free latch bar assemblies described above is the provision of at least two separate members to form the raceway assembly and the care that must be taken to secure these two separate members within. of the opening of the male connecting member about a predetermined portion of the spherical member. These factors add additional material costs, assembly time and work for the manufacture of the articulated coupling installation and / or coupling bar assembly without play. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a connection assembly that includes a one-piece lining member for use in an articulated latching installation and / or a latch-free latch assembly to connect the disposed ends together adjacently of a pair of railway type freight wagons in a substantially semi-permanent manner. Another object of the present invention is to provide a one-piece lining member for use in a connection assembly used in an articulated latching installation and / or a latch-free latch assembly for connecting together the ends arranged adjacently to each other. a pair of railway type freight wagons in a substantially semi-permanent manner. A further object of the present invention is to replace the two-piece tread assembly with a one-piece liner which provides sufficient lubrication to allow rotation of the spherical member within the substantially spherical internal surface formed by at least one portion of an inner surface formed by an opening in the male connecting member and at least a portion of a retaining member engaged with the inner surface of the male connecting member. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a connection assembly that is easily assembled thereby providing a significant reduction in time and labor.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a connection assembly that requires fewer component parts thereby providing a significant reduction in manufacturing cost. Briefly, and in accordance with the foregoing objects, the present invention comprises a connection assembly that utilizes a one-piece facing member and a facing member for use in a connection assembly used in an articulated type hitch installation and / or a latching bar type assembly without play to connect together, in a substantially semi-permanent manner, the ends positioned adjacently of a pair of railway cars. The one-piece lining member comprises a substantially solid member with a substantially spherical internal surface to be placed around a predetermined portion of a spherical member of a connection assembly. The male connecting member of the rail engaging device includes an opening with a predetermined configuration and an inner surface formed by this opening. A retainer member is provided to engage at least a portion of the inner surface of the male connecting member to form a substantially spherical internal surface. An outer surface of the one-piece facing member engages this substantially spherical inner surface and allows movement of the male connecting member relative to the female connecting member in both a vertical and a horizontal direction over a predetermined range of angles. A means is provided for securing the one-piece liner member within the opening of the male connection member as well as means for securing the retainer member within the opening of the male connection member. Additionally, a joining means is provided for attaching the spherical member to the female connection member in order to connect the adjacent ends of a pair of railway vehicles. Although various objects and advantages of the present invention have been described in some detail above, several additional objects and advantages of the connection assembly according to the present invention will be more readily apparent to those persons skilled in the art of rail engaging from the following more detailed description of the invention, particularly when such a detailed description of the invention is taken in conjunction with both the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a raised, partially transverse side view illustrating a currently preferred embodiment of a connecting assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention for use in an articulated type hitch installation. Figure 2 is a top view, partially transverse of the connection assembly illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a top view illustrating an alternative embodiment of a connection assembly for use in a type hooking installation. articulate. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the bearing assembly illustrated in Figure 3. Figure 5 is an extended view of a latch-type latch bar assembly using the connection assembly of the present invention prior to insertion of the latch member. male connection of the latch bar assembly within the female connection member. Figure 6 is a top view of the connection assembly of a latch-free latch bar assembly where the male connection member of the latch bar assembly joins the female connection member. Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the connection assembly of a latch-type latch bar assembly without play. Figure 8 is a partial view of the connection assembly of the present invention which can be used either in an articulated type hitch installation or in a non-slack type hitch bar assembly. Figures 9A and 9B show alternative embodiments of the one-piece facing member that can be inserted between the spherical member and the spherical surface formed by the inner surface of the male connecting member and the retaining member. Figure 10 is a partial view of the connection assembly of the present invention that includes a one-piece lining member which can be used in either an articulated type hitch installation or a non-slack type hitch bar assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Before proceeding to the more detailed description of the various embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, for reasons of clarity, identical components are identified that have identical functions with identical reference numbers throughout several views that are illustrated in the drawings. Reference is now made, more particularly, to the drawings of Figures 1-2 in which a preferred embodiment of a connection assembly for use in an articulated type hitch installation, generally designated 10, is illustrated which is constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. This articulated hitch installation 10 can be modified for existing railway wagons, if desired, and is capable of connecting together, in a substantially semi-permanent manner, at least one predetermined end of a first railway wagon (not shown) to a predetermined adjacent end. of a second railway car (not shown). Such an articulated hitch installation 10 generally includes a male connection member, generally designated 20, a female connection member, generally designated 30, a connection assembly, constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally designated 40, and a means, generally designated 50 for attaching the connection assembly 40 to such an articulated type hitch 10 in a semi-permanent manner. the male connecting member 20 is adapted to a first end 12 thereof in a manner that will allow such male connecting member 20 to mesh with and connect to a predetermined end of a central member of the stringer (not shown) substantially positioned to along a longitudinal center line of one of such first railway car or such second railway car. Before being secured in place, preferably by welding, the first end 12 of the male connecting member 20 is placed within the central portion of the longitudinal member by a predetermined distance. Usually this predetermined distance will be approximately 6 to 10 inches, and being approximately 8 inches preferred and typical. Because the first end 12 of the male connecting member 20 is to fit within the central portion of the rail car rail, its outer dimensions are controlled substantially by the internal dimensions of such a central portion of the rail. The second end 14 of the male connection member 20 is generally an elongated rectangular shaped element. The outermost end 18 of the second end 14 of the male connection member 20, preferably, has a convex shape in a plane that extends both in a vertical direction and in a horizontal direction. In addition, the lower wall portion 22 of the second end 14 of the male connecting member 20 is sharpened upward starting from a predetermined portion and extending towards said first end 12. Such a sharp portion has a taper of at least about 10 degrees. The purpose of this sharp portion of the lower wall 22 of the male connecting member 20 is to allow bending in a horizontal plane when the wagons move over mountainous terrain. Positioned within the second end 14 of the male connection member 20 is an opening 16. At least a portion of the opening 16 forms a substantially spherical internal surface 15 within the male connection member. The opening 16 includes a predetermined size and a predetermined shape. This opening 16 is formed through a predetermined portion of the second end 14 of such male connecting member 20. This opening 16 has a longitudinal axis placed transverse to a longitudinal axis of the male connecting member 20 and is in a substantially horizontal plane . At least a portion of the inner surface of the male connecting member is removed from the plane formed by the substantially spherical internal surface 15 in order to provide sufficient space so that the spherical member can be positioned within this opening and at least a portion of the outer surface of the spherical member clutches the substantially spherical internal surface 15 of the male connecting member. For example, a slotted portion 17 with an edge 19 can be formed along the inner surface of the male connecting member 14. This slotted portion 17 can extend longitudinally along the inner surface of the male connecting member so as to provide a only edge 19 extending continuously as shown in Figure 8. This slotted portion 17 can be formed by any well-known technique such as machining, grinding, casting and the like. The female connection member 30 includes a first end 24 which is configured in a manner that will allow such a female connection member 30 to engage with and connect to a predetermined adjacent end of a central member of the stringer (not shown) positioned substantially as along a longitudinal center line of the opposite of such a first rail car and such a second rail car (not shown). A cavity 26 is formed at a second end of the female connection member 30. This cavity 26 receives therein at least a portion of each second end 14 of the male connection member 20 and such an aperture 16 formed through the predetermined portion. of said second end 14 of the male connecting member 20. This cavity 26 is formed by a lower wall portion 32 positioned substantially horizontally, a rear wall portion 34 positioned substantially vertically connected along a lower edge of the wall. the same to a trailing edge of such lower wall portion 32 and a pair of vertically positioned side wall portions 36 connected along a lower edge thereof to the lower wall portion 32 and along a trailing edge of the wall. the same to such portion of rear wall 34. A vertically placed plane intersecting a geometric centerline of each respective one of such pair of portions d and lateral wall 36 being substantially parallel to each other. An inner surface of each lower wall portion 32 and such rear wall portion 34 and such a pair of side wall portions 36 define a predetermined size and a predetermined shape of the cavity 26 which is open adjacent to the upper portion and front surface of it. An orifice 38 is formed through a predetermined portion of each of the pair of sidewall portions 36. The articulated latching installation 10 includes a connection assembly 40. Such a connection assembly 40 includes a substantially spherical member 42. At least a predetermined portion of such a spherical member 42 is placed within such an aperture 16 formed through the predetermined portion of the second end 14 of the male connecting member 20. Such a spherical member 42 has a predetermined diameter. In the presently preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the substantially spherical internal surface 15 of such a male connecting member 14 is positioned adjacent a first predetermined portion of the spherical member 42. A retaining member 21 with an internal surface of substantially spherical shape is engages with at least a portion of the inner surface of such male connecting member 20. This retaining member may be of any shape as needed in order to fit in the space provided within the opening of the male connecting member in order to engaging with and / or engaging the inner surface of the male connecting member to form a substantially spherical internal surface upon which the spherical member rotates counter to. For example, depending on the size of the space provided, this retaining member may have a substantially rectangular shape with at least one arcuate side engagable with the spherical member. Another example would be that the retaining member had a flat upper surface that rests against an edge 19 formed by providing a slotted portion 17 on the inner surface of the male connecting member to form the substantially spherical internal surface that includes at least a portion of the inner surface 15 of such a male connection member 14 and of the retainer member 21. At least a portion of the retainer member is placed around a second one. predetermined portion of the spherical member 42. The substantially spherical inner surface formed by at least a portion of the inner surface 15 of the male connecting member and at least a portion of the retaining member 21 provide a surface that allows movement of such a male connection member 20 in relation to such a female connection member 30 both in the vertical direction and in the horizontal direction over a range of predetermined angles measured from a center line of the spherical member 42 placed in a vertical direction and from a longitudinal axis of such an installation of articulated hitch placed in a horizontal direction l. As shown in Figure 8, the retaining member 21 is formed from a circular member in one piece and which is sufficiently inserted into the slotted portion 17 of the male connecting member to form a smooth surface on which the spherical member can rotate against. The retaining member 21 can be formed from any well-known material which has sufficient force to withstand the forces generated by the rotation of the spherical member against it. For example, the retaining member may be formed from a metal that is molten, ground or molded substantially to size. Alternatively, retainer member 21 can be formed from a composite and / or polymeric material. For example, retainer member 21 can be formed by filament winding of a reinforced material impregnated with resin, such as epoxy-impregnated glass fiber, around a weft of weft yarns.

Teflon® / Dacron®, the resin hardening in the fibers and machining the retainer member 21 to the desired size. Teflon® also known as PTFE and / or polytetrafluoroethylene and Dacron®, also known as polyester, are registered trademarks of E.l. Dupont De Nemours. Dacron® yarns allow resin impregnated fibers to join the desired shape while Teflon® yarns provide a non-stick surface. This type of material has especially good strength and lubrication abilities that allow unrestricted movement of the spherical member against it. Other polymeric materials, well known in the art, can be used to form the retainer member 21 and such materials provide sufficient strength and lubrication to such retainer member 21. Figure 10 shows an alternative embodiment for the use of the substantially spherical internal surface formed by the internal surface of the male connecting member and the retaining member as the surface on which it rotates against the spherical member 21. This embodiment illustrates the use of a one-piece facing member 150 placed between the spherical member and the inner surface substantially spherical formed by the male connecting member and the retaining member 21. This one-piece lining member 150 has a substantially spherical internal surface 152 on which the spherical member 42 rotates against allowing the movement of such a male connecting member 20 in relation to the member of c female connection 30 both in a vertical direction and in a horizontal direction over a predetermined range of angles. As discussed above with respect to the preferred retainer member 21, this one-piece liner member 150 can be formed from any well-known material that has sufficient strength to withstand the forces generated by the service on the track and the rotation of the spherical member. 42 against it. For example, the one piece lining member 150 can be formed from a metal that is molten, ground or molded to size.

Alternatively, the one-piece lining member 150 can be formed from a composite and / or polymeric material. An example of the materials and processes for forming a composite and / or polymeric retainer member 21 has been described in detail above and are likewise equally applicable for the formation of this one-piece liner member 150. a piece 150 can be partially separated along its circular length as shown at 154 in Figure 9A. A portion 155 of the liner member 150 will remain undivided. Alternatively, the one-piece lining member 150 can be separated in a horizontal direction through its amplitude, as shown at 156 in Figure 9B. The one piece lining member 150 can be secured within the opening of the male connection member / retainer member by any well known means such as adhesive, brazing, welding, melting, mechanical means and the like. An alternative technique to possibly secure a composite and / or polymeric coating material impregnated with thermosetting resin within the opening would partially solidify the thermosetting resin in the coating material during production. Then, during the assembly of the liner member into the connection assembly, place the liner 150 within the opening and fully cure the resin so that this resin is bonded to the liner within the opening. Also, there is preferably a security means 43 provided to secure the retainer member 21 within the opening of the male connection member or within the slotted portion 17 of such a male connection member 20. This security means 43 may be a means of mechanical safety such as in the form of a circular ring which is secured along the interconnecting surface area 49 of the male connecting member 20 and the retaining member 21. Alternatively, an adhesive material, strong solder material or any type of well-known security material can be used to secure the retainer member within the opening of the male connection member. In the embodiment where the slotted portion 17 is provided, the security material can be inserted between the retainer member and the inner surface of the slotted portion to secure the retainer member 21 within the slotted portion 17. An additional option would be that the retainer member 21 will be welded or fused within the slotted opening or portion 17 of the male connecting member 20. A pair of shaft members 46 extend outwardly a predetermined length from axially opposed surfaces of such spherical member 42. One of such pair of shaft members 46 is engaged in the respective one of such openings 38 formed through each of said pair of lateral wall portions 36 of such cavity 26 formed in the second end of such female connection member 30. At least a portion of each pair of shaft members 46 have a substantially identical configuration as at least a portion of such a predetermined configuration of such ab hole 38 formed through such side wall portions 36. A joining means, generally designated 50, engages with at least one of such a pair of shaft members 46 and a portion of such opening 38 formed through such portions of side wall 36 for securing the connection assembly 40 to such a female connection member 30 and thereby securing the male connection member 20 to such a female connection member 30 to form the articulated type hitch installation 10 of the present invention. In one form of the invention, the substantially spherical internal surface formed by the male connecting member 20 with the retaining member 21 positioned therein will have a radius substantially identical to that of the spherical member 42. Alternatively, the substantially spherical internal surface formed by the one-piece lining member 150 will have a radius substantially identical to that of the spherical member 42. In another embodiment of the invention, the substantially spherical internal surface formed by the male connecting member 20 with a retaining member 21 positioned thereon or the substantially spherical inner surface formed by the one-piece lining member 150 will be slightly larger than the radius of the spherical member 42. In this case the articulated latch installation 10 further includes a lubricating liner 48 positioned adjacent the outer surface of the member. Spherical 42. Agree to the present invention, the lower wall portion 32 of the cavity 26 formed in the second end of the female connection member 30 further includes a central plate member 52 which engages in a coupled manner a central recess (not shown) of a portion of support (not shown) of a railway freight wagon (not shown). Such a central plate member 52 includes a hole 54 positioned vertically adjacent the bottom surface 56 thereof. Such a hole 54 is located substantially in the center of the central plate member 52. Additionally, the articulated latching installation 10 further includes a vertically positioned pin member (not shown) which is engageable in the hole 54 in the center plate member. 52 and a vertically positioned hole (not shown) in the central recess of the support. It is currently preferred that the bottom surface 56 of the center plate member 52, which is a bearing surface, hardens to at least about 375 Brinells for a depth of at least about one-eighth of an inch. In addition, the central plate member 52 is substantially round and a vertically positioned side 58 thereof hardens to a Brinell hardness of at least about 300 for a distance of at least about one inch from the lower surface 56 and at a depth of about an eighth of an inch. In the currently preferred embodiment of this invention, the second end 14 of the male connection member 20 has a predetermined configuration adjacent to the outermost end 18 thereof. This predetermined configuration of the outermost end 18 of the second end 14 of the male connection member 20 is a substantially convex shape in each plane positioned vertically and a plane placed horizontally. Further, it is preferred that the vertically positioned rear wall portion 34 of the cavity 26 formed in the second end of the female connection member 30 has a predetermined configuration. This predetermined configuration of the vertically positioned rear wall portion 34 of the cavity 26 is a substantially concave shape in at least one of a vertical plane and a horizontal plane. It is also preferred that the spherical member 42 and the pair of shaft members 46 forming a portion of the connecting member 40 of the articulated latching device 10 be formed as a single piece. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the pair of vertically positioned side wall portions 36 includes a sharpened portion adjacent to the front surface of the cavity 26 and adjacent the rear wall portion 34 positioned vertically of the cavity 26 to allow it to rotate the second end 14 of the male connecting member 20 about the spherical member 42 in a horizontal direction. Finally, the presently preferred predetermined configuration of the opening 38 formed through each pair of such vertically disposed side wall portions 36 includes a generally round engagable portion with a portion of the respective one of such pair of shaft members 46. In the embodiment alternative to the connection assembly 40 illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the connection assembly 40 includes a substantially spherical member 42. At least a predetermined portion of such a spherical member 42 is placed within such aperture 16 formed through the predetermined portion of the second end 14 of the male connecting member 20. The spherical member 42 has a predetermined diameter. An inner surface 41 is formed through the spherical member 42. Such an inner surface 41 has both a predetermined size and a predetermined shape. A longitudinal axis of such inner surface 41 is in a substantially horizontal plane. A pin member 45 is provided, which has a horizontally positioned shaft. The pin member 45 extends through the inner surface 41 in the spherical member 42 for a predetermined length on each side of the axially opposed surfaces of the spherical member 42. A portion of the pin member 45 is placed within the inner surface 41 of the spherical member 42 and has a substantially identical size and a substantially identical shape as the predetermined size and the predetermined shape of the inner surface 41, thereby enabling a snap fit. At least a portion of the predetermined length on each side of the spherical member 42 that engages at least a portion of the opening 38 formed through the pair of side wall portions 36, has a substantially identical size and a substantially identical configuration as the configuration predetermined opening 38. In a presently preferred embodiment, the inner surface 15 of the male connecting member 20 is formed with a slotted portion 17 with at least one edge 19 for engaging in a coupled manner at least one retaining member 21 for the purpose of forming a substantially spherical inner surface for encircling at least a portion of the spherical member 42. The positioning of the spherical member 42 within this substantially spherical inner surface allows movement of the male connecting member 20 in relation to the female connecting member 30 both in a vertical direction as in a horizontal direction over a range default Although they have been described in detail above, a number of embodiments of the connection assembly for use in an articulated type hitch installation, constructed in accordance with the present invention, should be obvious to those skilled in the railroad engagement art that the connection assembly of the present invention can also be used effectively in type-free latch bar assemblies. Reference is now made, more particularly, to Figures 5-7. Illustrated therein are the essential components of a non-slack type bar assembly, generally designated as 60, used to connect together in a substantially semi-permanent manner the adjacently placed ends of a pair of rail cars (not shown). ). This latch-free latch bar assembly 60 includes a rail connecting member or a female connecting member, generally designated 64, which is engageable through a carrier plate 62 at one end of a central member of the longitudinal member 61. The carrier plate 62 can be secured with such a central member of the spar 61 by any well-known means, such as, for example, with a bolt or fastening nut assembly. The central member of the stringer 61 is secured to a lower portion of a wagon body member (not shown) of a rail car (not shown). The wagon connection member 64 generally includes a pair of front and rear traction stops 86, 88, locking wedges 90, a pair of shaft members 146 and shaft member supports 96. The locking wedges 90 can be separate members or may be a single cast or machined piece where the closing wedges are connected by a bridge member (not shown). Filling blocks (not shown) may be included between rear traction stops 88 and closing wedges 90 to modify some of the older and larger tie bar systems to systems capable of using the connection assembly of the present invention . A spherical member 142 is secured to the shaft members 146 by any well-known means. These shaft members 146 are insurable with the wagon connection member 64 through the supports of the shaft member 96. A male connecting member, generally designated 120, is provided with a first end, generally designated 112, and a second end, generally designated 114. An aperture 116, with a predetermined size and a predetermined shape is formed through a predetermined portion of a second end 114 of the male connecting member 120 to form a substantially spherical inner surface 115 within of the male connection member. This opening 116 has a longitudinal axis that is positioned transverse to a longitudinal axis of the male connection member 120 and is in a substantially horizontal plane. In one embodiment, a slotted portion 117 with an edge 119 is formed along the inner surface 115 of the male connecting member 114. This slotted portion 117 extends longitudinally along the inner surface of the male connecting member in a manner that a single edge 119 extending continuously is provided as shown in Figures 8 and 10. This opening 116 forms an inner surface 115 within such a male connection member which is capable of being positioned around at least a portion of the member. spherical 142. Male connecting member 120 includes means 95 attached thereto for connecting together an end of a second rail car (not shown) with an adjacently placed end of a first rail car (not shown). This means 95 may be in the form of a latch bar assembly that includes a second male connection member, similar to that described above, which is capable of being adjusted with a corresponding wagon connecting member or connecting means, also similar to that described above in the second rail car or the rotary type connection assembly (not shown).

The latch type latch bar assembly 60 includes a connection assembly 140 which is similar to the articulated type latch installation 10, as shown in FIGS. 1-4 and discussed in detail above. Such connection assembly 140 includes a substantially spherical member 142. At least a predetermined portion of such a spherical member 142 is positioned within such opening 116 formed through a predetermined portion of a second end 114 of male connecting member 120. Such Spherical member 142 has a predetermined diameter. In the presently preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the substantially spherical inner surface 115 of such male connecting member 114 is positioned adjacent a predetermined portion of the spherical member 142. A retaining member 121 with a substantially spherical shape is engagable within the slotted portion 117 of such a male connection member 120. One end of this retainer member 121 bears against the edge 119 of the slotted portion 117 to form a substantially spherical internal surface that includes at least a portion of such inner surface 115 of such member male connection 114 and retaining member 121. This substantially spherical inner surface is positioned around a predetermined portion of such a spherical member 142 and provides a surface that permits movement of such a male connection member 120 in connection with such a connecting member of wagon 64 both in a vertical direction as in a horizontal direction over a predetermined range of angles measured from a center line of the spherical member 142 positioned in a vertical direction and from a longitudinal axis of such an articulated latching installation placed in a horizontal direction. The retainer member 121 is formed as a single piece from any well known material as described in detail above. Additionally, any well-known and / or previously mentioned security means 143 can be used to secure the retainer member 121 within the slotted portion 117 of such a male connection member 120. Also, note that the internal surface of the male connecting member is not it limits to surfaces with a "grooved" portion removed therefrom and may include other surfaces formed as described in detail above. Although a number of embodiments of the connection assembly for use in an articulated type hitch installation and / or a non-slack hitch bar assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention have been described in detail, it should be obvious to those skilled in the art. railway engagement technique that various other modifications and adaptations of such an articulated hitch installation can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (22)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention, it is considered as novelty and therefore what is described in the following claims is claimed as property. A connection assembly for use in one of an articulated coupling installation and a non-clearance engagement bar assembly used in connecting together in a substantially semi-permanent manner, the adjacently placed ends of a pair of railway wagons, such installation of articulated latch and latch bar assembly without slack include at least one male connection member and at least one female connection member, said connection assembly member comprising: (a) a substantially spherical member with a predetermined diameter; (b) a male connection member with an end, said end having an opening formed therein with a predetermined configuration to form an inner surface within said male connection member; (c) a retainer member, at least a portion of said clutch retainer member having at least a portion of said inner surface of said male connecting member forming a substantially spherical internal surface that includes at least a portion of said internal surface said male connecting member and at least a portion of said retaining member; (d) a safety means for securing said retainer member within at least a portion of said internal surface of said male connection member; (e) a one piece facing member with a substantially spherical inner surface for positioning around a predetermined portion of said spherical member, said one piece facing member having an outer spherical surface for engaging said substantially spherical inner surface formed by such a spherical member. male connection member having such retainer member engaged therewith, allowing movement of such a male connection member in relation to such a female connection member both in a vertical direction and in a horizontal direction over a predetermined range of angles; (f) means for securing said one piece liner member within said opening of said male connection member; and (g) a joining means for attaching said spherical member to such a female connection member for connecting the adjacent ends of such a pair of railway vehicles. A connection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that said retaining member comprises a substantially rectangular member with at least one arcuate surface. A connection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a portion of said inner surface of said male connecting member includes a slotted portion and said retaining member is positioned within said slotted portion. A connection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that said one piece lining member is separated in a horizontal direction through its amplitude. A connection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that said one-piece lining member is partially separated along its circular length. A connection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that said means for joining said spherical member to such a female connection member includes a pair of shaft members extending outwardly a predetermined length from axially opposite surfaces of said spherical member. , a longitudinal axis of said pair of shaft members being in a substantially horizontal plane, one of said pair of clutch shaft members being with the respective one of an opening formed through each pair of straight side wall portions of a cavity formed at one end of such a male connection member, at least a first portion of each pair of shaft members with a substantially identical configuration as at least a portion of a predetermined configuration of such an aperture formed through such side wall portions of such cavity, at least a second portion of each said pair of shaft members with a substantially planar surface area to be engaged by a wedge member to secure said pair of shaft members to such a female connection member. A connection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that said movement of such a male connection member with respect to such a female connection member over a predetermined range of angles is measured from a center line of said spherical member placed in a vertical direction and from a longitudinal axis of such an articulated hitch installation and such a hitch bar assembly without play placed in a horizontal direction. A connection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that said one-piece lining member is formed from a composite or polymeric material. A connection assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that said one piece lining member is formed by a filament winding of fibers impregnated with resin around a polymeric composite material. A connection assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that said one-piece lining member is formed by filament winding of fibers impregnated with thermosetting resin around a polytetrafluoroethylene / polyester weft material and at least partially solidifying said thermosetting resin. . A connection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that said means for fixing said one piece lining member within said opening of said male connection member, is one of joining, brazing, welding, fusion and safety means mechanic. A connection assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that said means for fixing includes a circular ring for mechanically securing said one-piece lining member within said opening of said male connection member. A connection assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that said means for securing said one piece liner member within said opening of said male connection member includes fully solidifying said one piece liner member after placing it within said ligation member. opening so that said thermosetting resin assists in securing said one piece facing member within said opening of said male connection member. A connection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that said substantially spherical inner surface formed by said one-piece lining member is slightly larger than the radius of said spherical member, and said connection assembly for use in said installation. The articulated hitch further includes a lubricating liner positioned intermediate said one-piece liner member and said spherical member. 15. A connection assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that said lubricating coating member is attached to said substantially spherical internal surface formed by said one-piece facing member. A connection assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that said spherical member and said pair of shaft members forming a portion of said connection assembly are formed as a single piece. A connection assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that said spherical member includes an inner surface formed therethrough and said pair of shaft members are formed by a pin member extending through said inner surface. 18. A one-piece lining member for use in a connection assembly in one of an articulated latching installation and a latch-free latch assembly used to connect together, in a substantially semi-permanent manner, the adjacently placed ends of a pair of railway wagons, such an articulated coupling installation and latching rod assembly without play with at least one male connection member and at least one female connection member such that at least one member male connection including an opening having a predetermined configuration and an internal surface formed by such an opening and a clutch retaining member with a portion of such internal surface of such male connecting member forming a substantially spherical inner surface for retaining a spherical member in an operative position within such an aperture of such a male connection member, said one-piece facing member comprising a substantially solid member with an external substantially spherical surface to be placed around a predetermined portion of such a spherical member, an external surface of said member. coating member d a piece for engaging such a substantially spherical inner surface formed by such an inner surface of such a male connecting member with such a retaining member engaged therewith, said lining member allowing in one piece the movement of such a male connecting member in relation to such a member. female connection member both in a vertical direction and in a horizontal direction over a predetermined range of angles. A one-piece facing member for use in a connection assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that said substantially solid member is separated in one of a horizontal direction through its amplitude and partially along its circular length. 20. A one piece liner member for use in a connection assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that said substantially solid member is formed from a composite or polymeric material. A one-piece liner member for use in a connection assembly according to claim 20, characterized in that said substantially solid member is formed by filament winding of fibers impregnated with resin around a composite base material. 22. A one-piece liner member for use in a connection assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that said substantially solid member is secured within said opening of such a male connection member by one of joining, brazing, welding, fusion and mechanical safety means.