Patent ID: 9663122
Date: 2017-05-30
CPC Classifications: B61G

Claim:
1. A coupling buffer or buffer capsule comprising a first, elongate, hollow buffer element inside which is moveably received a second, elongate buffer element such that the first and second buffer elements overlap over part of their length, such that the buffer elements define a hollow interior of the buffer and such that at an end of the buffer at least the first buffer element is exposed for coupling with a respective, further member, the first and second buffer elements being moveable between a first, extended or intermediate configuration of the buffer or buffer capsule and a second, compressed configuration, compression of the buffer more energetically than a threshold energy level causing the second buffer element to energise a non-recoverable energy absorbing member, forming part of the buffer or buffer capsule, to cause deformation of one or more plastically deformable parts of the non-recoverable energy absorbing member, characterized in that the non-recoverable energy absorbing member lies between the ends of the buffer or capsule at least in the region energised by the second buffer element; and in that the buffer includes at least a first energy absorber acting between the first and second buffer elements to absorb buff forces, and the first buffer element is at least partially slidably received in the non-recoverable energy absorbing member before the threshold energy level is reached.