Automatic coupler to connect convertible rail-highway vehicles end to end
US4311244A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 28, 1980 |
| Grant date | Jan 19, 1982 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 28, 2000 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D53/08
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A coupler to connect rail-highway vehicles end to end including a female member at the end of one vehicle into which extends a sensing member, a male member at the end of an adjacent vehicle adapted to enter the female member, the male member including a vertical hole therethrough, and linkage connecting the sensing member with a vertical locking pin so that as the male member approaches its fully inserted position in the female member it contacts the sensing member and actuates the linkage to automatically urge the vertical locking pin through the vertical hole, the assembly being such that the weight of the vertical locking pin cannot retract from the vertical hole and cause an unlocking action to occur. In the uncoupling action, the vertical locking pin is first retracted and upon full withdrawal of the male member, the sensing member re-enters the female member, the entire assembly then being reset for automatic coupling when necessary.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.