Patent GB-1069114-A (GB)
Title: A hitch
IPC: B61D45/00
Filed: 1964-07-08
Abstract: 1,069,114. Wagons for transporting vehicles. GENERAL AMERICAN TRANSPORTATION CORPORATION. July 8, 1964 [July 10, 1963], No. 28233/64. Heading B7L. [Also in Division B8] A hitch for securing a semi-trailer on a rail vehicle platform comprises a standard 113, Fig. 8, fixed to a trunnion 112 journalled in the side members 102 of a hollow box-like base structure which is fixed to the rail vehicle underframe; the standard can be pivoted from a storage position within the base structure to an erected position in which a fifth wheel mechanism 150 engages the semi-trailer. A strut 114 pivoted at 115 to the standard, has two shoes 117, on shaft 116, slidably mounted in channels 118 fixed to the webs of base members 102. The strut 114 also carries two latches 132 on pivot pin 131 which engage a latch bar 122 when the standard is erect. The bar is slidably mounted between pairs of guides 123, 124 on base members 102 and extends through slots 105b in members 102, the ends being carried by yokes 130, Fig. 7, on the intermediate sections of two rails 125 connected by plates 129, 128 and an elastomeric body 127 to the base members 102. The bodies 127 bias the standard 113 through latches 132 and strut 114 to a normal erected position. Spring-loaded plungers 133 bias the latches into engagement with the bar 122. The latches are released by pressing a button 136 which acts through rods &c. 135, 137, 139 to raise the latches 132 and the standard is thereafter biased by gravity to its storage position; in this position the latches rest on a plate 140. In operation, a tractor and trolley are reversed over the hitch and the tractor is coupled at 142 to the standard 113 which is raised on forward movement of the tractor. The trailer king-pin enters a gap in mechanism 150 and automatically actuates catches to lock it in position; the latches 132 hold the standard in its erected position. To unload the trolley, the tractor is reversed to strike button 136 which, through linkage 156, 155, 153 first unlocks the king-pin and then releases latches 132 through linkage 135, 137, 139. Further rearward movement of the tractor transfers the trolley to the fifth wheel mechanism on the trailer. The rear wheels of the tractor ride up on to ramps adjacent the hitch to ensure actuation of button 136 and easy transfer of the trolley. A buffer mechanism for absorbing the kinetic energy of the hitch falling to its storage position, comprises a head 160 and rod 161 slidably mounted in a member 163 rigidly mounted at the ends of channels 118; a spring 164 surrounds the rod 161 and a spring-loaded piston and cylinder 171, 172 connects a strap 165 on rod 161 to a strap 166 on a post 167 fixed to hollow base structure. As the standard moves to its storage position, shoes 117 slide in channels 118 and the lower end of strut 114 strikes head 160, whereby spring 164 and the piston and cylinder 171, 172 absorb the shock. The base structure can be fixed in a well in a rail vehicle floor and be carried on plates fixed to the centre sill; guide rails along the edge of the rail vehicle prevent the semi-trailer from leaving the vehicle, Fig. 6 (not shown).