Patent GB-190414368-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in and relating to Automatic Coupling Devices for Railway and similar Vehicles
Inventor: IBBOTSON ALFRED BUCKINGHAM
Filed: 1904-06-25
Granted: 1905-06-15
Abstract: 14,368. Ibbotson, A. B. June 25, Couplings, automatic.-Relates to means for effecting the automatic and other coupling of three-link, screw, and similar couplings, which, after being moved into position by levers pivoted to the coupling-book, and operated from the sides of the vehicle, are supported, so as to fall over or rise up the coupling-hook of the on-coming vehicle, by wedges, shelves, props, and other devices resting upon sleeves, brackets, or ledges slipped over or formed on the coupling-hooks. Fig. 1 shows a coupling consisting of two plate links A, B connected by a hinge C, and supported by a chained wedge M. A sickle - shaped or other spring G upholds the link B, which is kept in line with the link A by the stops D, Fig. 2, but the spring yields or slips through the link B when the hinge C moves upwards or downwards under end-on compression when adjacent vehicles approach. If the links A are open and longer, they are stiffened by cross-bars, as shown at J, Fig. 7. In the modification shown in Fig. 1<a> the links A are fitted with heels I, between which and the sides of the hook E are placed small springs. The main hinge H is formed in a stirrup K. The heels I may be connected by a cross-bar. Fig. 7 shows a coupling supported by a prop S attached to the pin of the hinge C. The foot of the prop is supported by the chained "glove" or sleeve T, Fig. 1<a>, or by the bracket c, Fig. 8, or by the nose of the hook shown in Fig. 7. The in-coming hook strikes first the end of the propped link, which falls into it and couples the vehicles ; then the hook strikes the plate V, hanging from quadrantal arms W on the link, and resting on the head S<2> of the prop S, and forces up the hinge C, which lifts the foot of the prop S from its support. The hinge C then falls, and completes the coupling operation. When not in use, the couplings may be suspended by their hinge bolts Z, and held back underneath the buffer beam by a hook attached to its underside. The shelf or bracket c, Fig 8, consists of two sideplates connected by a bridge g, which fits into the mouth of the hook. In the couplings shown in Fig. 1, the hanging plates are replaced by spring plates K. Screw and three-link couplings are supported by the brackets n<8>, n<9>, n<10>, Figs. 15, 19, and 23, or by that shown in Fig. 27, which brackets fit over or into the hooks, as shown. The shelves or jaws o<1>, for holding the outermost coupling. links, are formed with lugs o for upholding the hanging plates k, which are clamped to the links. The brackets may be removed from the hook by a vice-handled spanner-like tool, which is fitted over the projections n<1>, Figs. 15 and 19, or over the projections r, Fig. 27. In another modification, the brackets are supported, as shown in Fig. 31, by means of a projection s dovetailing into the sockets t. To facilitate coupling on curves, the outer links are fitted with forks w, Figs. 15, 19, &c., similar to walrus tusks, secured by spring clamps. Fig. 35 shows a means for removing a tight coupling-link from the hook. It consists of a forked lever y which is pivoted on bolts 4 in a socket 8, shown in dotted lines, slipped upon the hook, and is operated by a handle 6. In a modification, the link is lifted by the noses 14, Fig. 41, of the levers 8 suspended on pins 10 projecting from the sides of a pair of clamping tools or plates 11, which are secured by a hinged cross-piece 13. The lower ends of the levers 8 are connected by a horizontal bar which extends across the permanent way. In a modification of one of the couplings described in Specification No. 9550, A.D. 1894, the outer ends 16<a>, Fig. 45, of the links 16 are sharpened and upturned, and their heels 17 bear against the projections 18 of a sliding guide 19<1>, up which slides the end of the link 16 on the adjacent vehicle. The guide 19<1> is fitted with parts 18<2> which cover the rear parts of the mouth of the hook. It is mounted in guides on the end of the vehicle, and is fitted with the releasing-pins 23 described in the prior Specification. The lug 25 prevents the link from flying away from the hook under end-on compression. The coupling-links are also fitted with metal bridges 21. Coupling, hand-poles for. -The links may be lifted and the vehicles uncoupled by a tool consisting of a cross-bar P, Fig. 6, with rods Q, R, one of which is placed in the heel of the coupling-hook, so that the other, operated by the loose handle O in the spindle N, lifts the link T from the hook, or into position for coupling. A shelf may be fitted as a temporary support for the tool while uncoupling. Buffers.-Spring plates m, Fig. 13, are suspended by means of shelves m<1> over the ends of dead buffers.