Patent ID: 7896140
Filing Date: 2011-03-01
Classification: B60T,B61H

Abstract:
1. A portion of a handbrake operating linkage for a railroad freight car, comprising: (a) a brake rod having a pulling end; (b) a length of chain including a plurality of links; (c) a single-piece connector defining a connecting eye engaged with a selected link of the length of chain, the connector being fastened to the pulling end of the brake rod, thereby fastening the length of chain to the pulling end of the brake rod, the connecting eye including a bow engaged within a loop of the selected link with which the connecting eye is engaged, and the connector also including a pair of legs, extending from respective sides of the bow, at least one of the pair of legs of the connector being small enough to pass through the loop of the selected link of the length of chain, and each of the legs of the connector being welded to a respective one of a pair of opposite sides of the pulling end of the brake rod; and (d) a monolithic connecting link having a pair of parallel apart-spaced arms connected to an end link of the length of chain by a pin extending between the arms and through an opening defined by the end link of the length of chain, the monolithic connecting link also having a pair of parallel legs extending away from the arms and defining a slot between the legs, each of the parallel legs defining a respective one of a pair of coaxial pin-receiving bores oriented transversely across the slot.