US1896713A - Drawbar and coupling - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 7, 1933. w. B. LYON DRAWBAR AND COUPLING Filed Oct 23, 1929 swam kw Patented Feb. 7, 1933 UNITED STATES WIII'JLIAIM.v BOGART LYON. OF LAKEWOOD, OHIO nRAwBA'n Ann COUPLING Application filed October 23, 1929. Serial No; 401,869.

This invention relates to draw bars and couplings and particularly to those of the pin and link or bar type. In some couplers of this character, the pin constitutes the only means for holding the link in locked position. In other cases, a latch has been utilized for transferring the stresses from the link directly to the body of the coupler, but the latch alone is objectionable in that it may be jerked out of position or broken while in use.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a double lock for a coupler of this type and particularly to use the latch and pin, so that one acts as a safety lock in the event of breakage of the other during use.

A further object of this invention is to provide means whereby the latch and pin may be set in much the same manner as the present type of knuckle coupler is set prior to the coupling operation, and whereby the impact of coacting couplers will function automatically to move the latch and pin into locking position. In this connection, myinvention contemplates the use of a. latch mechanism which will compensate automatically for wear on either the latch or pin.

Referring now to the drawing, Fig. 1 is a perspective View of a coupler with which my invention is adapted for use; Fig.2 is a longitudinal section through a coupler, embodying my invention and illustrating a locking bar associated therewith; Fig. 3 is a similar longitudinal sectional view, showing the looking pin in position prior to the coupling, and showing a link in place of the locking bar; Fig. 4 is a perspective viewof the locking bar, Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a locking pawl, and Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional view through the pawl and the open end of the coupler.

A coupler, with which my invention is adapted for use, is shown as embodying a shank 1, which has a hollow passageway 3 extending therethrough and providing a compartment within which a locking bar 4; may be positioned when not in use. The active bar is shown in Fig. 2 adjacent the head end of the coupler and as having an upwardly projecting lip 16 at each end thereof. The

inner surface of each lip forms a shoulder, which is adapted to be engaged by thelower edge of a pawl 9. Such pawl is disposed within the head and is pivotally mounted thereon as by a pin, which extends transversely of the coupler and through openings 18 in the pawl. Such pivotal connection allows the pawl to be oscillated about the upper portion thereof;

To permit actuation of the locking pawl, I have shown a pin that projects upwardly through the center of the'head, as shown in Fig. .1, and isconnected at the top thereof to a chain 11. The lower end of such pin is pivotally connected to the pawl at 20, so that when the pin is raised by operation of the usual coupling pin rod, the pawl is. swung upwardly about its pivotal connection with the head. Fig. 2 shows the pawl in locking position at which time the lower edge of the pawl engages one of the shoulders on the bar. It is apparent therefore, that any pulling stresses exerted on the bar will be transmitted directly through the pawl to the coupler head. This is a desirable feature, as the load transmitting memberis placed substantially entirely under compression.

To provide a double look, I insert a pin 8 through an aperture 5 in the forward part and top of the head, and I provide a plurality of spaced openings in the bar, as are indicated at 12, 18, 14 and 15 respectively in Fig. 4. One

of such openings is adapted to register with the opening 5 in the head, as the bar is moved into the head during the coupling operation.

Prior to the coupling operation, the pawl hangs substantially vertically and part of the pawl intercepts a continuation of the passageway 5. Itherefore, utilize such intercepting portion for holding the locking pin 8 suspended in an opening in the forward top part of thecoupler head, as is shown in Fig. 3. There is. sufiicient friction between the pawl and the tapered end of the pin, to hold the pin suspended against the action ofgravity,until the pawl is swung upwardly about its pivot by the bar of'a coacting coupler. To permit free descent ofthe locking pin 8 at such time,Ichamferthe pawl as is indicated at 17 in Fig. 5 Such chamfered portion creates suflicient friction to hold the pin in suspended position, and yet allows suiiicient clearance to permit free downward movement thereof, as soon as the pawl has been swung upwardly by a coacting bar. Such downward movement of the locking pin continues until the pin strikes one of the openings, as at 12 or 13 in the bar, whence the pin passes through the bar and engages an opening in the bottom wall of the head. The openings 12, 13, 14- and 15 provide sufficient clearance, so that load stresses may be transmitted directly to the head through the pawl, wherefore such stresses are only imparted to the pin in case of emergency.

The chamfered portion 17 on the latch is so arranged that the pin is held in suspended position solely by lateral pressure against the side of the pin. The curvature of the chamfered portion is also so arranged that the latch is normally held in oblique position, as is shown in Fig. 3, prior to the coupling operation. Thus, if any wear should occur on either the pin or latch, the latch will still function to hold the pin in suspended position, for any wear upon either the latch or pin would only cause the latch to approach a vertical position while the pin is suspended thereby.

To uncouple the cars, it is only necessary to pull upwardly on the chain 11. This raises the pin 8 and also lifts the pawl out of engagement with the bar and allows it to be removed from the head.

An advantage of my invention is the fact that I have provided a double lock, which may be operated automatically upon cou pling, and that substantially all of the load stresses are transmitted to the head through a relatively heavy member.

A further advantage of my invention is the fact that automatic compensation for a reasonable amount of wear is provided for between the pawl and pin, for any wear on either the pawl or pin will still permit the pawl to hold the pin so long as the pawl is in engagement therewith. By making the pawl materially heavier than the pin, it is apparent that the automatic feature of setting the coupler and for operating it will be maintained substantially throughout the life of the coupler.

What I claim is:

In a device of the character'deseribed, the combination with a car coupler head, of a locking member adapted to extend into the head, said member having a shoulder thereon, a pivoted pawl having a ehamfered portion at its upper end providing an engaging face below the pivot mounted within the head and being adapted when locked in position, to have one end in engagement with the shoulder on the locking member and the other end in engagement with the head, said member having an opening extending therethrough specification;

WILLIAM BOGAR-T LYON.

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