Patent ID: 6564956
Filing Date: 2003-05-20
Classification: B61G

Abstract:
A retainer member for retaining a spherical member in an operating position within a male connection member for use in one of an articulated coupling arrangement and a slackless drawbar arrangement, such male connection member including an aperture having a predetermined configuration in one end thereof to form an inner surface, such inner surface including an integrally formed continuously extending ledge, said retainer member comprising:a circular component having an inner surface and an outer surface, said circular component being engageable with at least a portion of such inner surface within such slotted portion of such male connection member and in contact with such continuously extending ledge so as to form a substantially spherical inner surface including at least a portion of such inner surface of such male connection member and at least a portion of said inner surface of said circular component, such substantially spherical inner surface formed by said inner surface of said male connection member and said inner surface of said circular component being capable of being positioned around a predetermined outer portion of such spherical member and cooperating together to retain such spherical member therein and provide a surface against which such spherical member can rotate against so as to enable such male connection member to move in relation to a railway car connection member in both a vertical direction and a horizontal direction over a predetermined range of angles.