Patent Description:
During rail vehicle operations it is sometimes necessary to couple a rail vehicle to another rail vehicle. If the rail vehicles have couplers of different types or of different geometry, such as when there is a difference in height, width or other dimensions of the couplers, at least one adapter is required in order to perform the coupling. In most cases each rail vehicle will be fitted with an adapter and the adapters will be mechanically connected to each other such that a connection between the rail vehicles themselves is achieved.

The mounting of an adapter on a railway coupler is generally a cumbersome and sometimes dangerous process, since it is required that the human operator mounting the adapter stands beside the coupler and manually lifts the adapter into place. Depending on the height of the coupler, this lifting may cause injury to the operator. Also, in situations where other railway vehicles are moving on adjacent tracks or where other vehicles or machinery are moving in the area, there is a risk of the operator being injured or even killed. One especially dangerous environment is where a live rail (so-called third rail) is used for transmitting power to the vehicles and where the operator risks coming into contact with this rail during handling and mounting of the adapter.

Even if the environment around the railway vehicle may be rendered safe, there is another problem with prior art adapters in that they require a specific tool for mounting the adapter so that a coupling between the adapter and the railway vehicle takes place. This is due to the fact that the operator cannot manually apply sufficient force by pushing on the adapter in order for the coupling to take place. Instead, the use of the tool for pressing the adapter against the coupler together with the use of the manual uncoupling handle on the coupler are generally needed in order for the desired coupling to take place.

There is therefore a need for improvements within this area, both in view of reducing the risk of injury of death for the operator and in view of facilitating mounting of the adapter so that the need of separate tools is eliminated.

The object of the present invention is to eliminate or at least to minimize the problems discussed above. This is achieved by a train coupler adapter and a method for mounting a train coupler adapter according to the appended independent claims.

The train coupler adapter according to the present invention comprises an adapter body having a front end for connecting to the first coupler, wherein the front end comprises an interface for contacting the first coupler, and an adapter coupler for coupling to the first coupler, said adapter coupler being arranged at least partly inside the adapter body. Furthermore, the train coupler adapter comprises a first holder arranged in connection with an upper part of the front end of the adapter body, said first holder comprising at least one first engagement part for engaging with a first receiver of the first coupler. Also, the train coupler adapter comprises a second holder comprising at least two side portions and at least two second engagement parts, each of said side portions being arranged in connection with a side of the front end of the adapter body, and each of said side portions being connected to a second engagement part for engaging with a second receiver of the first coupler. The train coupler adapter further comprises a first tightening device that is configured to operate the first engagement part for moving the train coupler adapter towards the first coupler with the interface facing the first coupler, and a second tightening device that is configured to operate the second engagement parts for pressing the adapter body against the first coupler such that the adapter coupler engages with the first coupler.

Suitably, the side portions of the second holder are arranged on opposing sides of the front end of the adapter body.

Also, the first engagement part of the first holder may comprise at least one, preferably at least two, hooks for engaging with a first receiver of the first coupler.

Suitably, the first tightening device comprises a first handle that is operatively connected to the at least one first engagement part such that engaging the first handle causes the first engagement part to be pulled towards the adapter body.

Also, the second engagement part of the second holder may comprise a hook that is pivotably arranged on the side portion.

Suitably, the second tightening device comprises at least one lever for operating each of the second engagement parts of the second holder.

Also, the second tightening device may comprise one handle that is operatively connected to each of the second engagement parts of the second holder, such that operating said handle operates each of the second engagement parts simultaneously.

Furthermore, the first tightening device may be available from an upper side of the adapter body.

Suitably, the second tightening device is available from an upper side of the adapter body.

Also, the first holder may be movable between an operating position and a rest position, said rest position being a position in which the first engagement part is not able to engage with the first receiver of the train coupler.

The second holder may be movable to a rest position, said rest position being a position in which the second engagement part is not able to engage with the second receiver of the first coupler.

Suitably, the adapter body comprises a rear end configured for connecting to a second coupler or to a second adapter.

The method according to the present invention comprises providing a train coupler adapter according to the invention, and the method comprises placing the first engagement part into a first receiver of the first coupler, engaging the first tightening device in order to operate the first engagement part for moving the adapter towards the first coupler such that the interface approaches a front face of the first coupler. The method also comprises engaging a second tightening device in order to operate the second engagement part for pressing the adapter body against the first coupler such that the adapter coupler couples with the first coupler, wherein engaging the second tightening device takes place after engaging the first tightening device.

Suitably, the first tightening device comprises a first handle that is available from an upper side of the adapter body and wherein engaging the first tightening device comprises operating the first handle.

Also, the second tightening device may comprise at least one second handle connected to at least one of the second engagement parts, and wherein engaging the second tightening device comprises operating said at least one handle.

Furthermore, the second handle of the second tightening device may be available from an upper side of the adapter body.

Suitably, the second handle is configured to simultaneously operate a first side portion and a second side portion of the second holder, said first side portion and second side portion being arranged on opposing sides of the adapter body.

Also, the method may comprise bringing the first holder and/or the second holder to rest positions after the train coupler adapter has been coupled to the first coupler.

Suitably, the method further comprises connecting a rear end of the adapter body to a second coupler or to a second adapter before or after performing the method according to claim <NUM>.

The present invention may also comprise a coupler adapted for receiving an coupling to a train coupler adapter according to the invention. Also, the invention may comprise a train coupler arrangement comprising a coupler and a train coupler adapter.

Many additional benefits and advantages of the present invention will be readily understood by the skilled person in view of the detailed description below.

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the appended drawings, wherein.

All the figures are schematic, not necessarily to scale, and generally only show parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the respective embodiments, whereas other parts may be omitted or merely suggested. Any reference number appearing in multiple drawings refers to the same object or feature throughout the drawings, unless otherwise indicated.

In the following, the train coupler adapter according to the present invention will be disclosed in more detail and the method of mounting the inventive train coupler adapter on a front end of a coupler for a railway vehicle will be described and compared to the mounting of a prior art adapter on a similar coupler.

It is to be noted that the train coupler adapter of the present invention is suitable for use with any kind of coupler for a railway vehicle and also suitable for mounting on a second adapter of any kind. In the mounted state, the train coupler adapter according to the invention is mechanically coupled to the front end of the coupler in some embodiments described above, but it is to be noted that the train coupler adapter could alternatively be secured to the coupler in any other suitable way. Also, although the following description focusses on a mechanical coupling between the train coupler adapter and the coupler, other couplings such as a pneumatic coupling and/or an electrical coupling could alternatively also be made.

In the following, configuration and operation of couplers for rail vehicles will be discussed only inasmuch as they affect the present invention. In all other regards, it is to be assumed that the first coupler and second coupler discussed may be of any suitable type and may have both mechanical, electrical, pneumatic and any other type of couplers that are appropriate for any given application. The couplers may also be connected to or form part of any kind of railway vehicle.

<FIG> disclose a train coupler adapter <NUM> according to a first embodiment of the invention for connecting to a first coupler <NUM> in order for said first coupler <NUM> to be able to connect to a second coupler <NUM> that may in turn be connected to a second adapter <NUM>. By using the train coupler adapter <NUM>, the first coupler <NUM> may be connected to another coupler that is of another type and that may also have another geometry. Thus, due to the use of an adapter both the mode of coupling and other features such as height or width may differ, and the first coupler <NUM> may still form a reliable connection to the second coupler <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the train coupler adapter <NUM> is shown connected to the second adapter <NUM> but not connected to the first coupler <NUM>. The inventive method for mounting the adapter will be described further below. In one alternative mounting procedure, the train coupler adapter <NUM> may be mounted on the first coupler <NUM> after it has been mounted on the second adapter <NUM>. This generally takes place by the first coupler <NUM> and/or the second coupler <NUM> approaching at low speed such that the train coupler adapter <NUM> and the first coupler <NUM> are automatically coupled to each other. In this regard, it is advantageous that a first holder <NUM> is at a rest position such that interaction between the first holder <NUM> and the first coupler <NUM> is prevented during coupling. This will be explained in more detail further below.

The train coupler adapter <NUM> according to a first embodiment of the present invention thus comprises the first holder <NUM> that is mounted on an adapter body <NUM> having a front end <NUM> with an interface <NUM> that is configured to contact the first coupler <NUM> in a mounted state. The interface <NUM> is suitably designed to match a front face <NUM> of the first coupler <NUM> such that a mechanical coupler <NUM> of the coupler <NUM> can couple to an adapter coupler <NUM> held inside the adapter body <NUM> of the train coupler adapter <NUM>.

The first holder <NUM> of the train coupler adapter <NUM> comprises at least one first engagement part <NUM>, <NUM> for connecting to or engaging with a first receiver <NUM> of the first coupler <NUM>. The first holder <NUM> is arranged on an upper side of the train coupler adapter <NUM>, and in the first embodiment the first engagement part <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a first hook <NUM> and a second hook <NUM> that each protrude in a first direction D that is perpendicular to the interface <NUM>. A first tightening device <NUM> is also provided in connection with the first holder <NUM> and is configured to operate the first engagement part <NUM>, <NUM> for moving the train coupler adapter <NUM> towards the first coupler <NUM> such that the interface <NUM> is brought towards the first coupler <NUM> and in some embodiments also brought into contact with the front face <NUM> of the first coupler <NUM>. In the first embodiment, this means that the first tightening device <NUM> is operatively connected to the first hook <NUM> and the second hook <NUM> such that the first tightening device is able to pull the first hook <NUM> and the second hook <NUM> towards the adapter body <NUM>. If the first hook <NUM> and the second hook <NUM> engage with the first receiver <NUM>, this means in turn that the adapter body <NUM> is pulled towards the first coupler <NUM> so that the interface <NUM> is able to approach and in some cases also contact the front face <NUM>. It is advantageous to provide the first hook <NUM> and the second hook <NUM> symmetrically on either side of a central axis A through the adapter body <NUM> as will be discussed further below with reference to <FIG>.

The train coupler adapter <NUM> further comprises a second holder <NUM> having at least two side portions <NUM>, <NUM> forming a first side portion <NUM> and a second side portion <NUM> that are arranged on either side of the adapter body <NUM> at the front end <NUM> thereof. Each of the side portions <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a second engagement part <NUM>, <NUM> for engaging with a second receiver <NUM> on the first coupler <NUM>. In the first embodiment, there are two side portions <NUM>, <NUM> that are arranged on opposite sides of the adapter body <NUM> such that the side portions <NUM>,<NUM> extend from the adapter body <NUM> in directions that are perpendicular to the first direction D. The sides on which the side portions <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged each face away from the adapter body <NUM> in horizontal directions and are configured to connect the upper side on which the first holder <NUM> is arranged with a lower side that is underneath the adapter body <NUM> when the train coupler adapter <NUM> is in the mounted state.

In this embodiment, each of the side portions <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a second engagement part <NUM>, <NUM> that is in the form of a pivotable hook. A second tightening device <NUM> is operatively connected to the second engagement parts <NUM>, <NUM> such that operating the second tightening device <NUM> causes a pivoting movement of the second engagement parts <NUM>, <NUM>. In this embodiment, the second tightening device <NUM> comprises a single handle <NUM> such that operation of that handle <NUM> causes pivoting of both of the second engagement parts <NUM>, <NUM>.

The adapter body <NUM> of the train coupler adapter <NUM> also comprises a rear end <NUM> on which the second adapter <NUM> can be mounted. This can be done in any suitable way that is known in the art, and since it is not the main focus of the present invention the mounting of the second adapter <NUM> to the train coupler adapter <NUM> will not be disclosed in more detail.

The mounting of a prior art adapter <NUM>' will now be described briefly with reference to <FIG>, and the mounting of the train coupler adapter <NUM> according to the present invention will then be described in more detail. When describing <FIG>, features that are similar to those of the present invention will be denoted by similar reference numerals, but it is to be noted that this is not intended to give any particular technical information of the features but merely serves to assist in understanding functions of the prior art adapter.

Thus, <FIG> discloses a prior art adapter <NUM>' with a front end <NUM>' and a rear end <NUM>' of an adapter body <NUM>' before mounting on a coupler <NUM>'. The prior art adapter <NUM>' has a holder <NUM>' in the form of two hooks on an upper side of the adapter body <NUM>', and these hooks are configured to be able to fit into a first receiver <NUM>' on the coupler <NUM>'.

In <FIG>, the prior art adapter <NUM>' is shown in a first stage of mounting in which the hooks of the holder <NUM>' are inserted into the receiver <NUM>' of the coupler <NUM>'. In this stage, the prior art adapter <NUM>' can be pivoted into place with an interface <NUM>' of the adapter body <NUM>' facing a front face <NUM>' of the coupler <NUM>'.

In a second state of mounting shown in <FIG>, the prior art adapter <NUM>' has been pivoted into place against the coupler <NUM>' and although the interface <NUM>' faces the front face <NUM>' of the coupler <NUM>' the prior art adapter <NUM>' is not yet coupled to the coupler <NUM>' but is held in place only by the holder <NUM>'. In order to achieve a mounted state in which the prior art adapter <NUM>' is firmly attached to the coupler <NUM>' by an adapter coupler <NUM>', a force must be applied in which the prior art adapter <NUM>' is pushed against the coupler <NUM>'. This force may be applied either by a low speed confrontation with another vehicle or it may alternatively be applied manually by using a tool and often also by operating a manual uncoupling handle that is provided on the coupler <NUM>' in order to cause coupling of the coupler <NUM>' and the prior art adapter <NUM>'.

The mounted state is shown in <FIG> with the adapter coupler <NUM>' engaged with a mechanical coupler <NUM>' of the coupler <NUM>' and with the interface <NUM>' fully into contact with the front face <NUM>' of the coupler <NUM>'. In the mounted state, the hooks of the holder <NUM>' are disengaged from the first receiver <NUM>' by the movement of the prior art adapter <NUM>' towards the coupler <NUM>'. Generally, for prior art adapters such as that shown in <FIG> the holder <NUM>' is not movable in relation to the adapter body <NUM>' but merely serves to allow contact and correct alignment of the prior art adapter <NUM>' with the coupler <NUM>'.

As stated above in the background section, problems with prior art adapters include the need for a tool and often also operation of the uncoupling handle of the coupler in order to achieve the coupling of the prior art adapter to the coupler itself. This is due to the magnitude of force required to affect the mechanical coupling. The tightening of the adapter body against the coupler is also generally difficult to achieve correctly since any force applied needs to be applied symmetrically to prevent misalignment of the adapter body and the coupler and to also prevent the hooks of the holder from coming loose from the receivers on the coupler. This means that a second person is sometimes needed in order to mount the prior art adapter and that the mounting process can be cumbersome and difficult. Since adapters in general often weigh in the range of <NUM>-<NUM> there is also the risk of injury to personnel when lifting and handling the adapters.

The inventive method of mounting the train coupler adapter <NUM> according to the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to <FIG> and with particular focus on features that differ from the prior art adapters. In the following, the train coupler adapter <NUM> is shown without the second adapter <NUM> and the second coupler <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the adapter <NUM> before mounting on the first coupler <NUM> and comprises the features described above with reference to <FIG>.

In <FIG>, the first engagement parts <NUM>, <NUM> are inserted into the first receiver <NUM> of the first coupler <NUM> and in <FIG> the train coupler adapter <NUM> is pivoted down into place on the front end of the coupler <NUM>. In this position, the interface <NUM> faces the front face <NUM> of the coupler <NUM> and the first engagement parts <NUM>, <NUM> are connected to the first receiver <NUM>. In the first embodiment, the first engagement parts <NUM>, <NUM> comprise a first hook <NUM> and second hook <NUM> and the first receiver <NUM> comprises a first opening for the first hook <NUM> and a second opening for the second hook <NUM>. When the hooks <NUM>, <NUM> are held in the first receiver <NUM>, the train coupler adapter <NUM> is carried by the first engagement parts <NUM>, <NUM> such that the train coupler adapter <NUM> hangs on the coupler <NUM> without requiring further support. However, in the position shown in <FIG> the front part <NUM> of the train coupler adapter <NUM> is still not pressed against the front face <NUM> of the first coupler <NUM>, and the train coupler adapter <NUM> is also not coupled mechanically to the first coupler <NUM>.

In order to move the train coupler adapter <NUM> against the front face <NUM> of the first coupler <NUM>, the first tightening device <NUM> is used to engage the first engagement parts <NUM>, <NUM>. In this embodiment, the first tightening device <NUM> comprises a first lever <NUM> that is operatively connected to the first hook <NUM> and a second lever <NUM> that is operatively connected to the second hook <NUM>, and the first lever <NUM> and second lever <NUM> are joined by a handle <NUM> that is available from the upper side of the adapter body <NUM> such that a person standing on the first coupler <NUM>, suitably on a platform <NUM>, is able to grip the handle <NUM> and pull to pivot the first lever <NUM> and second lever <NUM> in a counterclockwise direction as shown when comparing <FIG> with <FIG>. The first lever <NUM> and the second lever <NUM> are each attached to a first frame member <NUM> and second frame member <NUM> such that the first lever <NUM> and second lever <NUM> may pivot on pivots at the attachment of the levers <NUM>, <NUM> to the frame members <NUM>, <NUM>. Also attached to the levers <NUM>, <NUM> are a first connecting member <NUM> and second connecting member <NUM> that are in turn connected to the first hook <NUM> and the second hook <NUM>, respectively. The attachment between the first connecting member <NUM> and the first lever <NUM>, and between the second connecting member <NUM> and the second lever <NUM>, are preferably at a distance from the pivot such that a pivoting of the first lever <NUM> and second lever <NUM> causes a movement of the first and second connecting members <NUM>, <NUM> so that the first hook <NUM> and second hook <NUM> are pulled in a direction opposite to the first direction D. The first hook <NUM> and second hook <NUM> each comprise slots <NUM>, <NUM> that are mounted on pins <NUM>, <NUM> such that the first hook <NUM> and second hook <NUM> are slidable in the first direction D and the direction opposite. Thus, by pivoting the first lever <NUM> and second lever <NUM> in the counterclockwise direction, the first hook <NUM> and second hook <NUM> are pulled in the direction opposite to the first direction D and by their connection to the first receiver <NUM> of the first coupler <NUM> this causes the adapter body <NUM> to be pulled towards the first coupler <NUM>.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the first holder <NUM> and the first tightening device <NUM> may be realized in different ways as long as the first tightening device <NUM> is operatively connected to the at least one first engagement part <NUM>, <NUM> and is able to operate it/them in order to cause the train coupler adapter <NUM> to move towards the first coupler <NUM>.

As can be seen when comparing a position of the train coupler adapter <NUM> in <FIG> with a position in <FIG>, the second holder <NUM> is also brought into a position closer to the first coupler <NUM> by a movement of the second tightening device <NUM> so that the second holder <NUM> is able to engage with the second receiver <NUM> on the side of the first coupler <NUM>.

As mentioned above, the second holder <NUM> comprises at least one side portion <NUM>, <NUM> on either side of the adapter body <NUM> and it is advantageous that the side portions <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged symmetrically on the adapter body <NUM> so that a movement pulling each of the side portions <NUM>, <NUM> towards the second receivers <NUM> on the first coupler <NUM> causes the front end <NUM> of the adapter body <NUM> to press symmetrically against the first coupler <NUM>. This aids in causing the coupling of the first coupler <NUM> and the train coupler adapter <NUM>.

The second holder <NUM> thus further comprises a second engagement part <NUM>, <NUM> on either side of the adapter body <NUM> so that each side portion <NUM>, <NUM> is connected to one second engagement part <NUM>, <NUM>. In the first embodiment, the second engagement parts <NUM>, <NUM> are in the form of pivotable hooks <NUM>, <NUM> that are each arranged to pivot each around an attachment point where the pivotable hook <NUM>, <NUM> is mounted on the side portion <NUM>, <NUM>. The pivotable hook is advantageously shaped with a curved surface such that a pivoting of the pivotable hook <NUM>, <NUM> in the counterclockwise direction causes the second receiver <NUM> on the first coupler <NUM> to be pulled towards the side portion <NUM>, <NUM> of the second holder <NUM>. The pivotable hook <NUM> on one side of the adapter body is operatively connected with a third lever <NUM> and the pivotable hook <NUM> on the other side of the adapter body <NUM> is operatively connected with a fourth lever <NUM> such that operating either of the third and fourth levers <NUM>, <NUM> causes a corresponding pivoting of the pivoting hook <NUM>, <NUM> that is connected to the levers <NUM>, <NUM>. In this embodiment, the third lever <NUM> and fourth lever <NUM> are each joined to or integral with a second handle <NUM> such that operating the second handle <NUM> causes a symmetrical movement of the third lever <NUM> and the fourth lever <NUM>. It is advantageous that the second handle <NUM> is available from above so that an operator standing on the platform <NUM> may grip the second handle <NUM> and pull it in the counterclockwise direction and thereby pivot the pivotable hooks <NUM>, <NUM>.

In other embodiments, the second holder <NUM> and the second tightening device <NUM> may be designed in other ways as long as the second holder <NUM> is able to contact the second receiver <NUM> of the first coupler <NUM> and the second tightening device <NUM> is able to operate the second engagement parts <NUM>, <NUM> such that the adapter body <NUM> is pressed towards the first coupler <NUM> with sufficient force to cause the mechanical coupling. In some embodiments, the second engagement parts <NUM>, <NUM> could instead be hooks similar to the first and second hook <NUM>, <NUM> of the first holder <NUM> and a mechanism similar to the first holder <NUM> and the first tightening device <NUM> could be used. Alternatively, other ways of connecting the second holder to the second receiver <NUM> could be used. It is especially to be noted that the third and fourth levers <NUM>, <NUM> may be unconnected to each other such that they may be operated independently. However, it is advantageous to be able to operate them symmetrically such that the third and fourth levers <NUM>, <NUM> move simultaneously.

In the manner described above, a person standing on the platform <NUM> of the first coupler <NUM> is able to operate both the first tightening device <NUM> and the second tightening device <NUM> by pulling on the first handle <NUM> and the second handle <NUM> so that the adapter body <NUM> is first pulled towards the front face <NUM> of the first coupler <NUM> and then pressed towards the first coupler <NUM> with sufficient force to cause the mechanical coupling of the adapter coupler <NUM> and the mechanical coupler <NUM> of the first coupler <NUM>.

It is especially advantageous to be able to operate the first tightening device <NUM> and the second tightening device <NUM> while standing on the platform <NUM> of the coupler <NUM> since this eliminates the need of standing beside the first coupler <NUM>. This is particularly beneficial in locations where it is necessary to stay on the coupler for safety reasons.

It is also advantageous that the third lever <NUM> and fourth lever <NUM> have a sufficient length to be able to transfer a considerable force from the operator to the pivotable hooks <NUM>, <NUM>. This allows for the mechanical coupling of the train coupler adapter <NUM> and the first coupler <NUM> without requiring tools or external force.

Although the movement of the levers is described herein as a counterclockwise movement, it is obvious that the first holder <NUM>, second holder <NUM>, first tightening device <NUM> and second tightening device <NUM> could alternatively be altered such that clockwise movements are instead used.

In <FIG>, the train coupler adapter <NUM> has been brought close to the front face <NUM> of the first coupler <NUM> and the operation of the second handle <NUM> to the position shown in this figure has caused the second receiver <NUM> to be brought close to the side portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the second holder <NUM>. In this position, the adapter coupler <NUM> is mechanically coupled to the first coupler <NUM>. Once the second tightening device <NUM> is operated such that the pivotable hooks <NUM>, <NUM> engage with the second receiver <NUM>, the first tightening device <NUM> is no longer needed to keep the adapter body <NUM> in place and the first handle <NUM> may be released and allowed to fall back to the position shown in <FIG>. This causes the first and second hooks <NUM>, <NUM> to move in the first direction D to their end positions.

In <FIG>, the first holder <NUM> and the second holder <NUM> are brought to rest positions where they no longer engage with the first coupler <NUM>. This is advantageous in preventing wear and damage to them during operation of the first coupler <NUM> with the train coupler adapter <NUM> in the coupled state. The first holder <NUM> is brought to its rest position by the first and second levers <NUM>, <NUM> being pushed downwards such that the first and second hooks <NUM>, <NUM> are raised to the position shown in <FIG>. The second holder <NUM> is in turn brought to its rest position by the pivotable hooks <NUM>, <NUM> being released from the third and fourth levers <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, and being reattached in the position shown in <FIG>. In this way, the third and fourth levers <NUM>, <NUM> may be brought to rest on the adapter body <NUM> as shown in the figure. In one advantageous way of reaching the rest position, the second tightening device is brought to its rest position and causes the second holder <NUM> to also reach the rest position by pressing down onto the first and second levers <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the train coupler adapter <NUM> in the mounted state coupled to the first coupler <NUM> and with the second adapter <NUM> mounted on its rear end <NUM>. The second coupler is in turn attached to the second adapter <NUM> in any suitable way.

<FIG> shows the train coupler adapter <NUM> in the mounted state on the first coupler <NUM>, and <FIG> shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of <FIG>, disclosing in particular the mechanical coupler <NUM> of the first coupler <NUM> connected to the adapter coupler <NUM>. Also, the second holder <NUM> is shown to be symmetrical with the side portions <NUM>, <NUM> on either side of the adapter body <NUM> and with one pivotable hook <NUM>, <NUM> attached to each of the side portions <NUM>, <NUM>. It also shows the interface <NUM> of the adapter body <NUM> in contact with the front face <NUM> of the first coupler <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the second holder <NUM> could comprise more than two side portions <NUM>, <NUM> distributed along the sides of the adapter body <NUM>. It is advantageous that a force in the first direction D is generated and causes the interface <NUM> of the adapter body <NUM> to move towards the front face <NUM> of the first coupler with the interface <NUM> being held parallel to the front face <NUM> during the movement. This may be created by one side portion <NUM>, <NUM> on either side of the adapter body <NUM> but could alternatively be created by a plurality of side portions that are distributed in any suitable way as long as the interface <NUM> is able to move towards the first coupler <NUM> in this way.

<FIG> shows the train coupler adapter <NUM> from above and especially shows the second holder <NUM> and the first holder <NUM> to be symmetrical in view of a first axis A that extends through a center of the train coupler adapter <NUM> in the first direction D. The design of the first holder <NUM>, second holder <NUM>, first tightening device <NUM> and second tightening device <NUM> are also shown in detail.

<FIG> shows the train coupler adapter <NUM> during mounting when the first holder <NUM> is engaged and the second holder <NUM> is not yet operated by the second tightening device <NUM>.

<FIG> show in more detail the operation of the first tightening device <NUM> and the second tightening device <NUM> and the resulting movement of the first holder <NUM> and second holder <NUM>, respectively.

In <FIG>, the first holder <NUM> and the first tightening device <NUM> are shown in a perspective view from above, to more clearly illustrate both their design and their interaction.

The first coupler <NUM> suitably comprises the first receiver <NUM> and the second receivers <NUM> such that the train coupler adapter <NUM> according to the invention may be mounted as disclosed herein. Since many prior art couplers already comprise the first receiver <NUM> (see the text above with reference to the mounting of the prior art adapter in <FIG>), few modifications are required in order to adapt the coupler <NUM> to be suitable for use with the present invention. With only an addition of the second receiver <NUM> to sides of the coupler <NUM>, the train coupler adapter <NUM> according to the present invention may be mounted and used as described herein. Also, in events where the second receiver <NUM> is already present on the coupler <NUM>, only very minor or no modifications at all are required.

Claim 1:
Train coupler adapter for connecting a first coupler of a first type to a second coupler of a second type, the train coupler adapter (<NUM>) comprising
- an adapter body (<NUM>) having a front end (<NUM>) for connecting to the first coupler, wherein the front end (<NUM>) comprises an interface (<NUM>) for contacting the first coupler,
- an adapter coupler (<NUM>) for coupling to the first coupler, said adapter coupler (<NUM>) being arranged at least partly inside the adapter body (<NUM>),
- a first holder (<NUM>) arranged in connection with an upper part of the front end (<NUM>) of the adapter body (<NUM>), said first holder (<NUM>) comprising at least one first engagement part (<NUM>, <NUM>) for engaging with a first receiver of the first coupler,
characterized in that it comprises:
- a second holder (<NUM>) comprising at least two side portions (<NUM>, <NUM>) and at least two second engagement parts (<NUM>, <NUM>), each of said side portions (<NUM>, <NUM>) being arranged in connection with a side of the front end (<NUM>) of the adapter body (<NUM>), and each of said side portions (<NUM>, <NUM>) being connected to a second engagement part (<NUM>, <NUM>) for engaging with a second receiver of the first coupler,
wherein the train coupler adapter (<NUM>) further comprises a first tightening device (<NUM>) that is configured to operate the first engagement part (<NUM>, <NUM>) for moving the train coupler adapter (<NUM>) towards the first coupler with the interface (<NUM>) facing the first coupler, and wherein the train coupler adapter (<NUM>) further comprises a second tightening device (<NUM>) that is configured to operate the second engagement parts (<NUM>, <NUM>) for pressing the adapter body (<NUM>) against the first coupler such that the adapter coupler (<NUM>) engages with the first coupler.