US706139A - Switch for overhead tubular trolley-tracks. - Google Patents

Description

Nu. 7us,|a9. Patented Aug. 5, 1902.

. P. F. WERNER.

SWITCH FOB OVERHEAD TUBULAR TROLLEY TRACKS.

(Application filed July 1-1, 1901.)

(No Model.)

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

PAUL F. WERNER, OF WILLIMANSETT, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO OOBURN TROLLEY TRACKMANUFAOTURING COMPANY, OF I-IOL- YOKE, MASSACHUSETTS, A CORPORATION.

SWITCH FOR OVERHEAD TUBULAR TROLLEY-TRACKS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters PatentNo. 706,139, dated August 5, 1902.

Application filed July 11, 1901. SerialNo. 67,860. (No model.)

' To all whom, it may concern:

sett, in the county of Hampden and State of Massachusetts, have invented new and useful Improvements in Switches for Overhead Tubular Trolley-Tracks, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to switches for overhead trolleytracks, and has especial reference to the tubular track construction, the object of the invention being to provide a switch for a track of this description which obviates the necessity of using a pivoted track-section swinging from the main line to one or more side tracks; and the invention consists in providing a plate transversely slidable across the main track and having tubular track-sections thereon adapted to bridge the space between two ends-ofthe main track or between one end of the main track and the end of a side track on either side of the main track.

In the drawings forming part of this application, Figure 1 is a perspective view of an overhead tubular trolley-track having my improved switch applied thereto. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a plate slidable transversely of the main track. Fig. 3 is a. supporting-frame in which said plate slides, also shown in perspective.

Referring now to the drawings, 2 indicates two ends of a divided main track, the extremities of which are supported, respectively, in the brackets ,3 and 4 on a frame 5. This frame is preferably made of cast-iron and has the brackets 3 andpreferably cast integrally therewith, as shown in Fig. 1, and bolted to the ceiling. On said frame, if there be one side track, as 6,- there is provided a suitable bracket 7 therefor, cast on theframe 5 on the right or left hand side of r the bracket 1-,according to whether the side track 6 be a right or a left hand track. The use of the term side track applies to any track entering the'main line 2 The frame 5 is provided with a rectangular opening therein for the reception of a plate 8, two opposite edges of which are provided with the flanges 9, which rest on the lodges 10 of the frame 5, the top frame. On the plate 8 there are cast the track-sections, 11 indicating that for completing the broken main line 2, and 12 indicating that for closing the break between one end of the main line and the end of a branch line, as 6. The dimensions of the rectangular opening in the frame 5 are such that the plate 8 in its sliding movements in said frame may move these track-sections 11 and 12 so that one end of either of these sections may register with the end of the track in the bracket 3, and when one is in registration therewith the end of the other section will be blocked by its abutment against the flange 13 on the frame 5. This is a flange lying at right angles to the surface of the frame, which is screwed against the ceiling. Where there are two side tracks entering the main track at the same point, then the frame 5 is made wider and has another bracket, as 7, cast on the other side of the bracket 4, and the plate 8 has another track-section, as 12, cast thereon.

Any suitable means may be employed for imparting to the plate 8 a suitable traverse motion which will bring any one of the tracksections thereon into registration with that end of the main line supported in the bracket 3. In the drawings the means shown consist of a pulley-14, supported on an arm 15, secured to the ceiling. A rope 16 is passed a number of times around the pulley l t, the

opposite ends of the rope hanging down within convenient reach of the hand. A crank 17 is secured to the pulley,and a connecting-rod 18extends fromthe end of said crank to the side of the plate 8,'with which it is pivotally connected at 19. By pulling on one end or the other of the rope the plate 8 may be moved in its frame.

It has beenfound that in tracks of ,this description which aredesigned to carry heavy loads the ordinary form of switch swinging from the main to the side tracks is incapable of withstanding the load put upon it; but the device herein described is quite as rigid as the main track itself, and the construction permits of attaining an accurate registration between the ends of the track-sections on the switch-plate and the ends of the track, a furof said plate 8 being flush with the top of the ther advantage being that unless the switchengagement on said ledges, and slidable in plate is in place the passage of a hanger will said frame 5, and the track-sections 11 and be blocked. 12 under said plate 8, registrable with said I 5 Having thus described my invention, what brackets 3 and 4, through sliding movements 5 I claim, and desire to secure byLetters Patent of the frame 8 in the frame 5, and means for of the United States, ismoving said frame 8, substantially as set Switch devices for overhead trolleys coinforth. prising the main frame 5 having a rectangular opening therein and the pending brackets to 3 and 4, a side bracket 7 thereunder, and the ledges 10 in the opposite borders thereof, combined with the plate 8 having borders for 1 PAUL F. WERNER.

Witnesses:

H. A. CHAPIN, K. I. CLEMoNs.

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