US3722708A - Reduced slack coupler - Google Patents

Reduced slack coupler Download PDF

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Publication number
US3722708A
US3722708A US00205917A US3722708DA US3722708A US 3722708 A US3722708 A US 3722708A US 00205917 A US00205917 A US 00205917A US 3722708D A US3722708D A US 3722708DA US 3722708 A US3722708 A US 3722708A
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United States
Prior art keywords
coupler
center line
over
opposite
angling
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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US00205917A
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English (en)
Inventor
R Altherr
F Ion
W Polanin
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Amsted Industries Inc
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Amsted Industries Inc
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Assigned to AMSTED INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED, A CORP. OF DE. reassignment AMSTED INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED, A CORP. OF DE. RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO, AS AGENT
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Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B61—RAILWAYS
    • B61G—COUPLINGS; DRAUGHT AND BUFFING APPLIANCES
    • B61G3/00—Couplings comprising mating parts of similar shape or form which can be coupled without the use of any additional element or elements
    • B61G3/04—Couplings comprising mating parts of similar shape or form which can be coupled without the use of any additional element or elements with coupling head having a guard arm on one side and a knuckle with angularly-disposed nose and tail portions pivoted to the other side thereof, the nose of the knuckle being the coupling part, and means to lock the knuckle in coupling position, e.g. "A.A.R." or "Janney" type

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT A modified type E" coupler having a knuckle with a [52] US. Cl. ..213/151, 213/109, 213/152 horizontal contour extending forwardly and angularly [51] Int. Cl. ..B6lg 1/06, 861g 3/04 f r r ducing slack when coupled with either an E or [58] Field of Search ..213/109, 151, 152 p d a rti al Contour tapering and curving for allowing vertical angling in area contact condition.
  • modified type E coupler which may be mated interchangeably with a standard type F coupler, a standard type B coupler, or another modified type B coupler, and which will reduce slack in each case.
  • the slack is reduced to the normal slack obtained when two type F" couplers are mated. This reduction is considered optimum.
  • slack is reduced by approximately 42 percent of this optimum.
  • the modification involves extending the coupler knuckle in its horizontal contour so that when in buff with the head of a mated coupler it extends beyond the standard knuckle. To compensate for this extension, a unique multiple taper has been incorporated in the vertical contour of the knuckle.
  • FIG. 1 is a top elevational view of the modified type 15" couplers showing their relationship when mated;
  • FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the modified type E" knuckle shown in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the modified type 15" knuckle shown in FIG. 2.
  • Our modified type 13" coupler 10 includes the standard coupler head 12 to which coupler knuckle 14 is pivotally connected. As shown in FIG. 1, coupler knuckle I4 is in buff with the coupler head of another coupler, to which it is mated. This mating is along a coupling center line which extends along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the train when it is on a straight section of track.
  • the front face 16 of the standard type E" coupler has been extended forwardly in our modified type E" coupler and has been angularly contoured in the horizontal direction to provide maximum slack reduction.
  • the forward extension in our modified type E" coupler is determined by this angular horizontal contour. We have found the optimum extension to be 5/32 inch.
  • the modified front face 16 of our coupler knuckle 14 along its horizontal contour extends from the heel l8 forwardly and inwardly toward the coupling center line C.L. angularly over a first portion 20 thereof.
  • this angle A is in the range of 77 17 to 47' with the coupling center line, the optimum angle being 79 35'
  • the first portion 20 merges with a second portion 22 of the front face 16, which we have found gives satisfactory slack reduction when it extends forwardly and inwardly towards the coupling center line at an angle B in the range of 87 47 to 88 47 with the coupling center line. This is very close to being perpendicular to the coupling center line; yet we have found a significant improvement in slack reduction characteristics resulting from its adoption.
  • the second portion 22 merges with a third portion 24 of the front face 16, third portion 24 extending rearwardly toward the coupling center line to merge with the nose 26 of knuckle 14.
  • Two knuckles either or both of which are modified by forwardly extending 5/32 inch, would result in a reduction of the vertical angling maneuverability of mated couplers.
  • Vertical angling characteristics are improved by the tapers shown in FIG. 3.
  • Each face of knuckle l4 tapers away from an associated coupler at its end sections.
  • the front face of knuckle l4 tapers from its central section 28 inwardly at an angle of 4 43' over a first portion 30 thereof.
  • This tapered first portion 30 merges with a pronounced curved taper having a large radius of curvature over a second portion 32 thereof.
  • Curved section portion 32 merges with a curved taper having a small radius of curvature over a third portion 34 thereof.
  • Curved third portion 34 then merges with end surface 36 of knuckle 14.
  • the pulling face of knuckle l4 tapers away from its central section 38 at an angle of 4 43' along a first portion 40 thereof.
  • This tapered first portion 40 merges with a second and larger taper along the second portion 42 thereof.
  • This larger taper 42 merges with a curved taper over a third portion 43 thereof, which in turn merges with end surface 36.
  • the 4 43' taper along the first portions 30 and 40 of the end sections of knuckle 14 in vertical contour provides the nominal vertical movability established as standard by the A.A.R.
  • the relatively large and small curved portions 32 and 34 at the ends of the front face of knuckle 14 allow smooth area contact with the opposite coupler head. This results in three advantages; first, there is bearing area contact rather than line contact, resulting in areduction of stress concentration; second, the force moment is reduced as the bearing area is closer to the center of the knuckle than would be the case with line contact, resulting in lower stresses on the knuckle; and third, due to'the large radius of curvature 32, less damage results from miscoupling or telescoping.
  • a coupler arrangement adapted for coupling engagement through a coupling center line; the combination of opposing couplers each having a coupler head and knuckle engageable in draft and buff; each of said knuckles defining a front face engageable in buff with said opposite coupler head, and a pulling face engageable in draft with said opposite knuckle; each of said front faces having a horizontal contour angling toward said opposite coupler head and the coupling center line at an angle in the range of 77 17 to 80 47' with the coupling center line over a first portion thereof, angling toward said opposite coupler head and the coupling center line at an angle in the range of 87 47' to 88 47' with the coupling center line over a second portion thereof, and angling away from said opposite coupler head toward the coupling center line over a third portion thereof.
  • each of said knuckles having tapered ends; each of said front faces having a vertical contour at each end angling away from said opposite coupler head at an angle of approximately 4 43' with the vertical over a first portion thereof, curving away from said opposite coupler head with a relatively large radius of curvature over a second portion thereof, and curving away from said opposite coupler head with a relatively small radius of curvature over a third'portion thereof.
  • each of said pulling faces having a vertical contour at each end angling away from said opposite knuckle at an angle of approximately 4 43 with the vertical over a first portion thereof, angling away from said opposite knuckle at an angle larger than approximately 4 43' with the vertical over a second portion thereof, and
  • a coupler arrangement adapted for coupling engagement through a coupling center line
  • the improvement comprising a modified type E knuckle defining front and rear faces adapted for coupling engagement respectively in buff and draft, said front face having a horizontal contour angling forwardly toward the coupling center line at an angle therewith in the range of 77 17 to 80 47 over a first portion thereof, angling forwardly toward the coupling center line at an angle therewith in the range of 87 47' to 88 47' over a second portion thereof, and angling rearwardly toward the coupling center line over a third portion thereof.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Vehicle Body Suspensions (AREA)
  • Polishing Bodies And Polishing Tools (AREA)
US00205917A 1971-12-08 1971-12-08 Reduced slack coupler Expired - Lifetime US3722708A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US20591771A 1971-12-08 1971-12-08

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3722708A true US3722708A (en) 1973-03-27

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ID=22764200

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US00205917A Expired - Lifetime US3722708A (en) 1971-12-08 1971-12-08 Reduced slack coupler

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US3722708A (pt)
JP (1) JPS4864611A (pt)
AU (1) AU453570B2 (pt)
BE (1) BE792376A (pt)
BR (1) BR7208605D0 (pt)
CA (1) CA968752A (pt)
GB (1) GB1376810A (pt)

Cited By (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3856156A (en) * 1973-08-06 1974-12-24 Midland Ross Corp Railway car coupler
US5360124A (en) * 1993-07-27 1994-11-01 Mcconway & Torley Corporation Slackless buff gear connection system with sliding yoke casting
US5582307A (en) * 1995-05-08 1996-12-10 Amsted Industries Incorporated Railway car coupler knuckle
US5954212A (en) * 1998-01-20 1999-09-21 National Castings Incorporated Lightweight knuckle for a railroad car coupler
US20030127412A1 (en) * 2002-01-07 2003-07-10 Mcconway & Torley Group Railway car coupler knuckle having improved bearing surface
US20060113267A1 (en) * 2002-01-07 2006-06-01 Mcconway & Torley Corporation Railway car coupler knuckle having improved bearing surface
US20080128377A1 (en) * 2006-12-05 2008-06-05 Mautino P Scott Railcar Coupler System and Method
US20090289024A1 (en) * 2008-05-23 2009-11-26 Nibouar F Andrew Railway coupler core structure for increased strength and fatigue life of resulting knuckle
US20090289022A1 (en) * 2008-05-22 2009-11-26 Smerecky Jerry R Railway coupler body improvements to improve knuckle rotation
US20090289023A1 (en) * 2008-05-23 2009-11-26 Marchese Thomas A Knuckle formed from pivot pin and kidney core and isolated finger core
US20090294396A1 (en) * 2008-05-22 2009-12-03 Smerecky Jerry R Central datum feature on railroad coupler body and corresponding gauges
US20090327416A1 (en) * 2008-06-26 2009-12-31 Ca, Inc. Information technology system collaboration
US8196762B2 (en) 2008-05-23 2012-06-12 Bedloe Industries Llc Knuckle formed without a finger core
US8544662B2 (en) 2008-05-22 2013-10-01 Bedloe Industries Llc Central datum feature on railroad coupler body and corresponding gauges
US9038836B1 (en) 2012-11-15 2015-05-26 Pennsy Corporation Lightweight coupler
US9199652B1 (en) 2012-11-15 2015-12-01 Pennsy Corporation Lightweight, fatigue resistant knuckle
US9452764B2 (en) 2012-11-15 2016-09-27 Pennsy Corporation Railway vehicle coupler
US9604276B2 (en) 2014-02-03 2017-03-28 Pennsy Corporation Coupler and method for production of a coupler with selectable configuration options
US9701323B2 (en) 2015-04-06 2017-07-11 Bedloe Industries Llc Railcar coupler
US10322732B1 (en) 2015-11-11 2019-06-18 Pennsy Corporation Coupler knuckle, cores and method of production
US11345374B1 (en) 2012-11-15 2022-05-31 Pennsy Corporation Lightweight coupler

Cited By (33)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3856156A (en) * 1973-08-06 1974-12-24 Midland Ross Corp Railway car coupler
US5360124A (en) * 1993-07-27 1994-11-01 Mcconway & Torley Corporation Slackless buff gear connection system with sliding yoke casting
US5582307A (en) * 1995-05-08 1996-12-10 Amsted Industries Incorporated Railway car coupler knuckle
US5954212A (en) * 1998-01-20 1999-09-21 National Castings Incorporated Lightweight knuckle for a railroad car coupler
US20030127412A1 (en) * 2002-01-07 2003-07-10 Mcconway & Torley Group Railway car coupler knuckle having improved bearing surface
US20060113267A1 (en) * 2002-01-07 2006-06-01 Mcconway & Torley Corporation Railway car coupler knuckle having improved bearing surface
US7337826B2 (en) 2002-01-07 2008-03-04 Mcconway & Torley, Llc Railway car coupler knuckle having improved bearing surface
US7757871B2 (en) * 2006-12-05 2010-07-20 Mcconway & Torley, Llc Railcar coupler system and method
US20080128377A1 (en) * 2006-12-05 2008-06-05 Mautino P Scott Railcar Coupler System and Method
US8056741B2 (en) * 2006-12-05 2011-11-15 Mcconway & Torley, Llc Railcar coupler system and method
US20100326943A1 (en) * 2006-12-05 2010-12-30 Mcconway & Torley, Llc Railcar Coupler System and Method
US8746473B2 (en) 2008-05-22 2014-06-10 Bedloe Industries Llc Railway coupler body improvements to improve knuckle rotation
US8408406B2 (en) 2008-05-22 2013-04-02 Bedloe Industries Llc Central datum feature on railroad coupler body and corresponding gauges
US20090294396A1 (en) * 2008-05-22 2009-12-03 Smerecky Jerry R Central datum feature on railroad coupler body and corresponding gauges
US8544662B2 (en) 2008-05-22 2013-10-01 Bedloe Industries Llc Central datum feature on railroad coupler body and corresponding gauges
US20090289022A1 (en) * 2008-05-22 2009-11-26 Smerecky Jerry R Railway coupler body improvements to improve knuckle rotation
US8196762B2 (en) 2008-05-23 2012-06-12 Bedloe Industries Llc Knuckle formed without a finger core
US8201613B2 (en) 2008-05-23 2012-06-19 Bedloe Industries Llc Knuckle formed from pivot pin and kidney core and isolated finger core
US20090289023A1 (en) * 2008-05-23 2009-11-26 Marchese Thomas A Knuckle formed from pivot pin and kidney core and isolated finger core
US8631952B2 (en) 2008-05-23 2014-01-21 Bedloe Industries Llc Knuckle formed without a finger core
US8646631B2 (en) 2008-05-23 2014-02-11 Bedloe Industries, LLC Knuckle formed from pivot pin and kidney core and isolated finger core
US8662327B2 (en) 2008-05-23 2014-03-04 Bedloe Industries Llc Railway coupler core structure for increased strength and fatigue life of resulting knuckle
US20090289024A1 (en) * 2008-05-23 2009-11-26 Nibouar F Andrew Railway coupler core structure for increased strength and fatigue life of resulting knuckle
US20090327416A1 (en) * 2008-06-26 2009-12-31 Ca, Inc. Information technology system collaboration
US9199652B1 (en) 2012-11-15 2015-12-01 Pennsy Corporation Lightweight, fatigue resistant knuckle
US9038836B1 (en) 2012-11-15 2015-05-26 Pennsy Corporation Lightweight coupler
US9452764B2 (en) 2012-11-15 2016-09-27 Pennsy Corporation Railway vehicle coupler
US11345374B1 (en) 2012-11-15 2022-05-31 Pennsy Corporation Lightweight coupler
US9604276B2 (en) 2014-02-03 2017-03-28 Pennsy Corporation Coupler and method for production of a coupler with selectable configuration options
US9701323B2 (en) 2015-04-06 2017-07-11 Bedloe Industries Llc Railcar coupler
US10532753B2 (en) 2015-04-06 2020-01-14 Bedloe Industries Llc Railcar coupler
US10322732B1 (en) 2015-11-11 2019-06-18 Pennsy Corporation Coupler knuckle, cores and method of production
US10906568B2 (en) 2015-11-11 2021-02-02 Pennsy Corporation Coupler knuckle, cores and method of production

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA968752A (en) 1975-06-03
GB1376810A (en) 1974-12-11
AU4936372A (en) 1974-05-30
BE792376A (fr) 1973-06-06
JPS4864611A (pt) 1973-09-06
BR7208605D0 (pt) 1974-08-22
AU453570B2 (en) 1974-10-03

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Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: AMSTED INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED, A CORP. OF DE., IL

Free format text: RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO, AS AGENT;REEL/FRAME:005070/0731

Effective date: 19880831