Improvements in Car Couplers.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 4th Apr., 1893-Accepted, 2nd June, 1893
Improvements in Car Couplers.
I, JOSEPH LECONTON MYERS, a citizen of the United States, residing at
Mathis, in the County of San Patricio, and State of Texas, U.S.A., Mechanic, 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 :-
The object of my invention is to produce an improved form of safety coupler,
which may be operated at all times without passing between cars.
In the accompanying drawings:
Figure 1 is an end view of a car provided with my coupler;
Figure 2 is a side view of the same, showing two draw-heads in juxtaposition;
Referring to the figures on the drawings, 1 indicates a car, and 2 a draw-head.
3 indicates a link, and 4 a pin. 5 indicates a spring-actuated pin-supporting plate,
preferably carried upon top of the draw-head and adapted to sustain the weight
of a pin. 6 indicates an arm which carries the pin-supporting plate, and is
adapted to be operated by a projection 7, extending from the side of the draw-
head. The arms are preferably located upon opposite sides in adjacent cars, so
that the pin-supporting plates may be conveniently operated by the projection.
Suitable means for actuating the arm is to make the arm itself of spring metal,
and fasten it upon the outside of the car, as illustrated. 9 indicates a pin-guide,
which consists preferably of a suitable cylindrical bracket provided with an inside
longitudinal slit 10. 11 indicates a lever provided with a pivoted pin puller 12
provided with a circular opening 13, through which the pin passes, and which is of
such dimensions as to catch the head of the pin and to lift it. The pivot-pin of
the lever is preferably to one side of the car.
14, 15 and 16 indicate handles for operating the lever, one for each side of the
car, and one for the top. 17 indicates a catch for holding the lever in the
elevated position, for the purpose of sustaining the pin and preventing coupling
to the car.
The operation of my device is as follows: It will be observed that when the cars
are forced against each other, the projections upon opposite sides of the draw-
heads will strike the levers that carry the pin supports, and slip them from
underneath the pins, which, by their own weight, will descend into position. When
in this position, and it is desired to uncouple the cars, it may be easily done by
operating the lever on top or either side of the car.
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 :-
1. In a car coupler, the combination with a car and draw-head, of a pin and
guide, a pin-supporting plate, and a spring arm fastened at one end to the side
of the car and carrying the plate on its inner end underneath the pin, substantially
as set forth.
2. In an uncoupling device, the combination with a pin, of a lever pivoted to

page_text: one side of a car, and having handles upon both sides and upon the top of the
car for operating the lever to raise or depress the pin, substantially as specified.
Mathis, Texas, December 19th 1892.
JOSEPH LECONTON MYERS
Signed in the presence of
R. C. EEDS.
H. M. EEDS.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this the 19th day of December 1892
R. C. EEDS,