Improvements in Railway Coupling Links.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 9th Apr., 1895-Accepted, 24th May, 1895
.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Railway Coupling Links.
I JOHN CLARKE YEISER, of 1802 Lavaca Street, Austin in the County of
Travis and State of Texas, United States of America, Attorney do hereby
declare the nature of this invention' and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement :-
T
My invention is in the nature of an improved railway coupling link for use in
the ordinary link and pin coupling heads and it has primarily for its object to
provide a link of this character which will remain set in a coupling position
at all times, so that the coupling of the cars can be effected in an automatic
manner.
It has also for its object to provide a coupling link which can be conveniently
adjusted so as to couple drawheads of different heights.
A further object is to provide a coupling link so constructed and arranged that
it will have a leverage portion which will serve to regulate the up and down
motion thereof and effectually prevent jerking when the cars are in motion.
With further minor objects in view which hereinafter will appear, my invention
consists in a car coupling constructed substantially in the manner first described
in detail and then specifically pointed out in the appended claims, reference being
had to the accompanying drawings, in which
Figure 1 is a perspective view of two coupling heads, showing my improved link
applied.
Figure 2 is a longitudinal section of two drawheads showing the link arranged
for coupling with a high opposing draw-head.
Figure 3 is a similar view showing the link adjusted to couple with a low
draw-head.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the link and
Figures 5 and 6 are cross sections taken respectively on the lines 5-5 and 6—6
of Figure 4.
In its practical construction my improved coupling link is so arranged that when
once seated in position in one draw-head, it will be always in a position to couple
automatically with an opposing draw-head whether such opposing head be higher
or lower, its free or coupling end being peculiarly shaped to form a convenient
handle portion whereby it can be conveniently grasped in the hand.
Referring now to the detailed construction of my improved link, A indicates
what I term the body portion and B the combined coupling member and handle
portion. The front end of portion B, has a straight upper face, which curves on
the edges, and which forms the outer draw member, which in practice is somewhat
heavier than the ordinary link. Cindicates the front or outer section of the pin
receiving slot, and C³ the inner portion thereof. Such outer section C it will be
seen from Figure 4, is somewhat wider than the inner portion C¹, such section C
ending about midway of the link. D indicates foot portions or lugs formed on the
under face of the link at a point just to the rear of the meeting point of the slot
sections CC, the purpose of which will presently appear.
The side members B' B' of the coupling end are cut down or reduced in thickness
as at 6, from the shoulder to the flat face and such side members are curved
upward as best illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, so that the draw portion b will be in
a plane higher than the draw portion a at the inner end.

page_text: By constructing the end B of the link in the manner stated a three-fold result
is attained. First, such end of the link is made much higher than the rear end,
thereby rendering the coupling action of the link automatic, as the body A when
inserted in a draw-head will seat itself by gravity with its end B projected
outward, and when arranged to. couple with a higher draw bar, the foot portions D
will act as a fulcrum thereby causing the front end to project upward as indicated
in Figure 2.
Secondly, when coupled with a higher draw-head, the foot portions D act as a
fulcrum when the cars are in motion; and prevent jerking, as the pull on the outer
draw portion being on a plane higher than the draw on, the rear, portion, the link
will have as it were, a slight rocking, inotion, which produces a slight change of
bearing surface on the pins, as indicated in dotted lines in Figure 2.
Thirdly, as the members B' are reduced in diameter to a point ending at the
shoulder (produced by the upper cut away portion) and the foot members, such end
will form a convenient hand hold.
It is manifest that as the section C of the slot is wider than the other portion C¹
the coupling pin of the opposing draw-head, will easily drop into place when jarred
by the contact of the draw-heads.
When it is desired to couple with a lower opposing draw-head, the link is
turned to the position shown in Figure 3.
My improved link is made much shorter and heavier than the ordinary hand
operated link, and will couple cars up closer than the ordinary link. Being
shorter and heavier it will last longer and is not so easily broken, as the slack or
jerk 'motion is reduced to a minimum. It is always in position for coupling
automatically.⠀⠀⠀
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-.
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-
An improved coupling link comprising a body portion A, having foot members D
on its under face, outwardly and upwardly extending side portions B' B¹ cut away
as at to form handle members, said portions B₁ B₁ terminating in a draw
portion at a point above the draw end of the body portion, substantially as and
for the purposes described.
Dated this 9th day of April 1895.
A. M. & WM. CLARK,
53, Chancery Lane, London, Chartered Patent Agents.