US562810A

US562810A - Car-coupling

Info

Publication number: US562810A
Authority: US
Publication date: 1896-06-30
Anticipated expiration: 1913-06-30

Description

(No Modl.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 1. J. O. DONA HUE. GAR COUPLING.

No. 562,810. Patented June 30, 1896-.

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J. O. DONAHUE. GAR COUPLING.

No. 562,810. Patented June 30, 1896.

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UNITED STATES I PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN C. DONAHUE, OF \VARREN, PENNSYLVANIA.

CAR-COUPLING.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 562,810, dated June 30, 1896.

Application filed November 21, 1895. enial No 569,638. 'No mortal.)

To CLZZ whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, JOHN C. DONAHUE, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of \Varren, in the county of Warren and State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Car-Couplers, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part thereof, in which similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.

This invention relates to car-couplers, and the object thereof is to provide a safety attachment for automatic couplers which may readily be attached to almost any form of automatic coupler now in use, and which is very simple in construction and inexpensive, and by means of which the couplers or drawheads cannot be drawn out and become separated and fall on the track; and with this and other objects in view, the invention consists in the construction, combination, and arrangement of parts hereinafter described and claimed.

The invention is fully disclosed in the following specification, of which the accompanying drawings form a part, in which- Figure 1 is a perspective view of two similar draw-heads, one of which is adapted to be connected with each of the cars to be coupled. Figs. 2, 3, at, and 5 represent details of the construction. vided with an improved coupling-pin which I employ, and Figs. 7 and 8 represent different side views of said pin.

In the practice of my invention I provide the usual draw-heads A and B, which are similar in form, and each of which is provided with a short side jaw G and a longer segmental and outwardly-curved side jaw D. Each of the sides 0 is provided about midway of its vertical length with a recess E, in which is pivoted the usual jaw or knuckle F, having a side extension G, which projects into said central recess E, and each of said knuckles or jaws is provided about midway of its outer surface with a link-slot II, and formed in the jaws above and below said linkslot is a vertical bore or passage h, in which the coupling-pins are adapted to be placed. These features of construction are substantially the same as heretofore employed, and

Fig. 6 shows a draw-head pro in themselves form no part of this invention, which consists in the attachment connected therewith, as hereinafter described.

In the practice of my invention I employ a pin K, by means of which the knuckles F are connected with the draw-heads A, and this pin K is provided at its upper end with a circular head 76, which is adapted to entera corresponding recess 7.7 formed in the upper surface of the draw-head, and above the circular head 70 the pin K is provided with a shaft or extension 76*, above which is a red uced extension 75. The lower end of the pin K is also reduced in size, as shown at h and is adapted to receive a nut or bur L, which is secured in place by means of a pin L, which passes therethrough and through a slot in the extension in, and the object of this nut or bur is to clearly hold the pin K within the draw-head.

Mounted on the extension or shaft 762, above the circular head 70, is an arm M, provided with a hub m, on which is mounted a spring N, one end of which projects into a hole in the arm M, as shown at m, and the other end of which is connected with the circular head It, as shown at m Formed on the upper surface of the head 7.; are two lugs or shoulders 11, and formed on the hub m, at the lower end thereof, is a projection m, the object of which is to limit the movement of the hub m on the shaft or extension 76 of the pin K.

In place of the shoulder or projection m on the circular head 7c, I may form a segmental cavity or recess in the upper surface of said head, in which event the projection m on the hub m, would be directed downwardly, and it is evident that other changes may be made in this construction without departing from the general scope of the invention.

The object in providing a slot in the extension is, on the pin K, is to provide for drawheads of different thicknesses, as it is well known that these draw-heads differ in size, and, as hereinbefore stated, my improvement is adapted to be connected with almost any of the couplers of this class.

The arm M may be made in any desired form, but should be made very heavy, in order to sustain the weight of the parts, if the same should become necessary, and, as will hereinafter appear, this arm may be called upon to support the weight of a car, and said arm M is held in place by means of a nut or bur O, mounted on. the extension k of the pin K, and said bur or nut is held in place by a pin 0, which passes therethrough and through a slot or hole 0 in said extension in. I also form on the lower side of the circular head 7c of the pin K small lugs or projections P, which are adapted to enter corresponding holes or recesses in the head, the object of which is to prevent the pin. K from turning when it has once been placed in position and secured by the nut or bur L.

The arm M projects overthe space occupied by the knuckles or pivoted jaws F, and when two draw-heads are coupled, which are of even height, if one of. said heads should become detached from its car, and start to fall onto the track, the arm M will catch upon the opposite knuckle or pivoted jaw and force the coupler to cling to the opposite one until it was loosened in the regular way.

If two cars were coupled, the draw-heads of which were not even, or one car should be higher than the other, the connection, of course, can still be made; but if the arm M was attachedrigidly or was not capable of a partial revolution, it would be broken off by the knuckle of the opposite coupler; but in my invention it gives way to make room for said opposite knuckle, but is held tight against it by the spring N, and should one of the draw-heads pull out of its car, while it is coupled at this uneven height, it could only drop until the arm M came to the link-slot II of the opposite knuckle, and then the spring N will throw the arm into this slot and prevent it from dropping any farther. It will therefore be seen that the difference in the height of different cars or the couplers connected therewith will make no difference in the working of this invention.

A train of cars equipped with automatic couplers and this device are practically locked together, and my improved device may be made so strong that it will hold up the weight of the end of a car, and if an axle should break the weight of the car would be sustained by the opposite coupler until the danger was discovered.

All that is necessary to attach this device to an automatic coupler is to take out the old pin, which now holds the knuckle in place, and chip out two small pieces in the coupler to make room for the projections P P, and my improved device is then inserted in place of the old pin and serves a double purpose, acting as a pin for the knuckle and a safety device for the whole coupler.

In Fig. 6 I have shown a draw-head provided with my improved coupling-pin, which may be used in connection with the form of coupler hereinbefore described, or with other forms of couplers now in use, and Figs. 7 and 8 represent the construction of this improved coupling-pin.

The draw-head shown in Fig. 6 is substantially the same as that shown in Fig. 1, as are also the other portions of the device hereinbefore described, including the knuckle F: but in this construction I have shown said knuckle as provided with an inwardly-directed arm F and said draw-head is provided with a vertical opening F", through which my improved coupling-pin is adapted to pass.

My improved coupling-pin A is provided with a head a in which is formed a central opening a and formed in one side of the pin is a vertical slot 13 in which is mounted a pin b the upper end of which is provided with ahead in which is formed a slot 12, and through said slot and through the opening a. in the head of the coupling-pin is passed a ring 61 The pin b is pivoted at about the center thereof, and projects into a transverse slot C formed in the side of the pin A and mounted in said transverse slot is a sliding tumbler or bolt G in which is formed a slot 9 through which pass two pins 9, which serve as a support for said tumbler or bolt and to guide the same. The tumbler or bolt G4 is provided with an upwardly-directed head or projection H in connection with which the lower end of the pin Z) operates, and said tumbler or bolt is also provided in its lower side and near its inner end with a notch or recess K", in connection with which a pawl L operates. The pawl L is provided with a downwardly-directed projection L". which extends below an inclined shoulder L, formed by cutting out the lower end of the pin, and secured to said pin adjacent to the vertical slot 13 is a spring M which operates to project or throw out the tumbler or bolt G The tumbler or bolt G in the operation of the device is adapted to catch beneath a shoulder formed in the draw-head B, at B, and the operation will be readily understood from the foregoing description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that, in couplers of this class, two of the draw-heads B are employed. one connected with each car, and when the cars are run together the knuckles F are thrown inwardly and interlock, and in this operation, the coupling-pins A having been placed in position, when the knuckles F are driven inwardly the arms F strike the lower end of the pawl L, which draws inwardly the tumbler or bolt G and the arm F passing over the inclined shoulder L, raises the coupling-pin so that said arm can pass behind the same, after which the pin drops back into position, and will be securely held therein by the tumbler or bolt G \Vhen it is necessary to uncouple the cars, the ring D is operated so as to draw the upper end of the pin 1) outwardly, and the lower end of said pin in this movement will draw back the tumbler or bolt G, so that the coupling-pin may be removed from the draw-head, and it will thus be seen that my improved coupling-pin may always be left in position and that the operation thereof is automatic, except when it is necessary to uncouple the cars.

My invention is not limited to the exact form, construction, and arrangement of parts herein shown and described, and I therefore reserve the right to make all such alterations therein, and modifications thereof, as fairly come within the scope of the invention.

Having fully described my invention, I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patcut- 1. The combination with the draw head of a car-coupler, having a short jaw on one side, and a long segmental jaw on the other, and a knuckle pivoted to one of the jaws, of a pin as K, by which said pivotal connection is made, said pin being secured in said head and provided with an extension above the head on which is mounted an arm, provided with a drum on which is mounted a spring, said arm being adapted to extend across the space back of the knuckle and being also adapted to turn a part of a revolution, substantially as shown and described.

2. The combination with the draw-head of a car-coupler, having a short jaw on one side, and a long segmental jaw on the other, and a knuckle pivoted to one of the jaws, of a pin as K, by which said pivotal connection is made, said pin being secured in said head and provided with an extension, above the head on which is mounted an arm, provided with a drum on which is mounted a spring, said arm being adapted to extend across the space back of the knuckle and being also adapted to turn a part of a revolution said spring being connected at one end with said arm, and at the lower end with said pin, and said pin being provided with means, whereby it cannot be revolved or turned within the head, substantially as shown and described.

In a car-coupler, the combination with a draw-head, provided with jaws as O and I), one of which is longer than the other and outwardly and inwardly curved, a knuckle pivotally connected with the short jaw, by means of a pin as K, said pin being provided with a head, adapted to enter a recess formed in the top of the draw-head, and with means to prevent the total revolution thereof, said pin being also provided with an upwardly-directed shaft or extension, an arm mounted on said extension and provided with a hub, a spring mounted on said hub, one end of which is secured to said arm, and the other end of which is secured to the pin, and means whereby said arm may be turned on said shaft or extension. through a portion of a revolution, substantially as shown and described.

l. "In a car-coupler, the combination with a drawhead, provided with jaws as G and D, one of which is longer than the other and outwardly andinwardly curved, a knuckle pivotally connected with one of the jaws, by means of a pin as K, said pin being provided with a head, adapted to enter a recess formed in the top of the draw-head, and with means to prevent the revolution thereof, said pin being also provided with an upwardly-directedshaft or extension, an arm mounted on said extension and provided with a hub, a spring mounted on said hub, one end of wliich'is secured to said arm, and the other end of which is secured to the pin, and means whereby said arm may be turned on said shaft or extension through a portion of a revolution, said knuckle or pivoted jaw being provided with the usual link-slot in its outer side or edge, substantially as shown and described.

5. The combination with the draw-head of a OQJY'COHPIGI, having a short jaw on one side and a long segmental jaw on the other, and a knuckle pivoted to the short jaw, of a pin as K, by which said pivotal connection is made, said pin being secured in said head and pro vided with an extension, above the same, on which is mounted a spring-arm, said arm being adapted to project across the knuckle and to be partially revolved, substantially as shown and described.

6. A coupling-pin provided with a head having an opening formed therein, a vertical slot formed in one side thereof, and a transverse slot near the middle thereof, a pin pivoted in said vertical slot, the head of which projects upwardly and is provided with a slot and a ring which passes therethrough, and through the opening in the head of the coupling-pin, and a sliding tumbler or bolt mounted in said transverse slot and means for operating the same, substantially as shown and described.

7. A coupling-pin provided with a head having an opening formed therein, a vertical slot formed in one side thereof, and a transverse slot near the middle thereof, a pin pivoted in said vertical slot, the head of which projects upwardly and is provided with a slot, and a ring which passes therethrough, and through the opening in the head of the coupling-pin, and a sliding bolt or tumbler mounted in said transverse slot and means for operating the same consisting of a spring which is adapted to project said tumbler or bolt, said tumbler or bolt'being also provided with an upwardly-directed shoulder or projection on its inner end in connection with which said pivoted pin operates, and a notch or recess on its under side, and said couplingpin being provided with a pivoted pawl, one end of which rests in said notch or recess, and the other end of which projects below an inclined shoulder formed in the side of the coupling-pin, substantially as shown, and described.

8. A coupling-pin provided with a head having an opening formed therein, a vertical slot formed in one side thereof, and a trans verse slot near the middle thereof, a pin pivoted in said vertical slot, the head of which projects upwardly and is provided with a slot, and a ring which passes therethrough, and through the opening in the head of the coupling-pin, and a sliding bolt or tumbler mounted in said transverse slot and means for operating the same consisting of a spring which is adapted to project said tumbler or bolt, said tumbler or bolt beingalso provided with an upwardly-directed shoulder or projection on its inner end in connection with which said pivoted pin operates, and a notch or recess on its under side, and said couplingpin being provided with a pivoted pawl one end of which rests in said notch or recess, and the other end of which projects below an inclined shoulder formed in the side of the couplingpin, said pawl and said tumbler or bolt being adapted to be operated by an arm formed on the knuckle of the coupler, substantially as shown and described.

9. The combination with a draw-head provided with. a knuckle having an inwardlydirected arm, of a coupling-pin mounted in a vertical bore in said head, said pin being provided with a head, having an opening formed therein, and a vertical slot formed in one side thereof, and a transverse slot near the middle thereof, a pin pivoted in said vertical slot, the head of which projects upwardly, and is provided with a slot and a ringwhich passes therethrough, and through the head in the coupling-pin, a sliding bolt or tumbler mounted in said transverse slot, a pawl pivoted below said bolt or tumbler and operating in connection therewith, and the lower end of which projects below an inclined shoulder formed in the side of said coupling pin, and a spring adapted to project said tumbler or bolt, substantially as shown and described.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my invention I have signed my name, in presence of the subscribing witnesses, this 10th day of October, 1895.

JOHN C. DONAHUE.

Witnesses:

JAMES P. DONAH'UE, L. M. PHILLIPS.