Patent Document

PRIORITY INFORMATION 
     The present application is a U.S. National Stage Filing under 35 U.S.C. §371 of International Patent Application Serial No. PCT/US2014/026433 filed Mar. 13, 2014 and entitled “TOP OPERATING H TIGHTLOCK COUPLER” and claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/793,963, filed Mar. 15, 2013, and incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a coupler for a rail car and in particular to systems and methods for using a top operating configuration in a type H tightlock coupler. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The railroad industry uses a variety of technologies to facilitate moving rail cars. A coupler allows a locomotive to be coupled to an adjacent car. Similarly, couplers allow freight and passenger cars to be coupled to adjacent cars. 
     Couplers that fail to operate as designed may result in the de-coupling of rail cars while in use, which can create significant safety hazards for railroad customers and personnel as well as significant logistical problems. Further, couplers that are difficult to operate, that malfunction, or that fail to operate as designed may require greater involvement from industry personnel to couple and decouple adjacent cars, which can increase the risk of injury and death. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a system comprises a type H tightlock coupler comprising a channel and an inner chamber, the channel running from a top side of the type H tightlock coupler to the inner chamber, and an anti-creep shelf disposed on an interior surface of the inner chamber, a plug comprising a first surface operable to contact the anti-creep shelf, the plug configured to fit at least partially within the channel, a link comprising a second surface operable to contact the anti-creep shelf and a hook, the link configured to fit at least partially within the channel, and a lock comprising a slot operable to receive the hook, the lock configured to fit at least partially within the inner chamber. 
     Technical advantages of various embodiments may include reduced risk of wear and/or damage to a top operating lock lift assembly, reduced failure rates and/or improved operation of the top operating lock lift assembly, reduced manufacturing and/or maintenance costs, reduced risk of injury and/or death to rail industry personnel involved with the coupling and decoupling of rail cars, and/or other various advantages. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, its features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a type H tightlock coupler in accordance with a conventional approach; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a cut-away view of a type H tightlock coupler in accordance with a conventional approach; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a type H tightlock coupler in accordance with particular embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate another type H tightlock coupler in accordance with particular embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates another type H tightlock coupler in accordance with particular embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate a lock in accordance with particular embodiments of the disclosure; and 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate a link in accordance with particular embodiments of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a type H tightlock coupler  100  in accordance with a conventional approach. Type H tightlock coupler  100  comprises a shank  110 , a head  112 , a knuckle  114 , and a knuckle pivot pin  116 . Knuckle  114  is coupled to head  112  by pivot pin  116  on the knuckle-arm side  120  of head  112 , opposite a guard arm side  122 . Knuckle  114  may pivot generally about knuckle pivot pin  116  such that knuckle  114  may close (as illustrated) and open (not illustrated) in order to couple and decouple adjacent rail cars, respectively. 
     Type H tightlock coupler  100  comprises a channel  132 . Channel  132  is located at the opposite end of shank  110  from head  112 . Channel  132  may be used to facilitate coupling type H tightlock coupler  100  to other components, including, for example a radial connector, a yoke, a coupler carrier, draft gear, and/or a centering device. 
     Type H tightlock coupler  100  may be distinguished from a type E or type F coupler, or other couplers by the dimensional contour of coupler head  112 , which is set forth by the Mechanical Committee of Standard Coupler Manufacturers. The contour of head  112  allows a reduction in slack, e.g. the amount of free movement of a particular car. Reducing slack between adjacent cars allows type H tightlock couplers to be used in applications where a rail operator may desire particular performance indicators. For example, type H tightlock couplers may be used to couple passenger cars in order to reduce objectionable shocks and/or noise often attributed to couplers. 
     Type H tightlock coupler  100  may include a variety of other components not visible in this illustration. For example, type H tightlock coupler  100  may include a lock that is operable to prevent knuckle  114  from opening during transit or during rest. In various embodiments, type H tightlock couplers may include a lock lift assembly, which includes one or more components operable to lift the lock within a chamber in the coupler head. Moving the lock within the chamber may allow the knuckle to move and thus couple or decouple an adjacent car. Conventional type H tightlock couplers typically employ bottom operating lock lift assemblies. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a cut-away view of a conventional type H tightlock coupler. Type H tightlock coupler  200  comprises a coupler head  212 . Coupler head  212  comprises a chamber  234 , an upper surface  224  and a back surface  226 . Chamber  234  is formed in part by the interior surfaces of upper surface  224  and back surface  226 . As is illustrated, the transition from upper surface  224  to back surface  226  includes a sloped portion. Chamber  234  has a corresponding, sloped interior surface. 
     Other conventional couplers, such as type E and type F couplers, have coupler heads and interior chambers that differ from the illustrated type H tightlock coupler in various regards. Type E and type F couplers, for example, include a generally more rectangular coupler head and, as a result, the transition between an upper surface and a back surface is more angular. Correspondingly, an interior chamber in a type E or type F coupler is more rectangular as well. 
     Similar to conventional type H tightlock couplers, type E and type F couplers often employ bottom operating lock lift assemblies. Certain type E and type F couplers may alternately employ a top operating lock lift assembly. The geometry of the type E and type F coupler heads facilitates the application of a top operating lock lift assembly in that the generally flat upper surface of these couplers easily allows for a channel necessary for a top operating lock lift assembly. Additionally, the angular dimensions of the head more easily allow for the inclusion of an anti-creep shelf. An anti-creep shelf is a surface that extends into an interior chamber of a coupler head that may prevent inadvertent movement of a lock lift assembly by limiting movement of one or more components of the assembly. 
     Conventional wisdom holds that type H tightlock couplers are ill-suited for top operating lock lift assemblies because the sloped dimensions of the type H tightlock coupler head make inclusion of a top channel and an anti-creep shelf within an interior chamber difficult and/or impossible. However, contrary to conventional wisdom, the teachings of the disclosure recognize that it is possible to use a top operating configuration with a type H tightlock coupler.  FIGS. 3 through 7  illustrate this new approach. In various embodiments, a type H tightlock coupler may be configured to include a channel into an interior chamber and an anti-creep shelf within the interior chamber, as well as components for a lock lift assembly that include a surface or surfaces to interface with the anti-creep shelf. Departing from the traditional method and employing a top operating type H tightlock coupler may reduce risks of wear and/or damage to the lock lift assembly, may reduce failure rates and/or improve operation of the lock lift assembly, may reduce manufacturing and/or maintenance costs, may reduce risk of injury and/or death to rail industry personnel involved with the coupling and decoupling of rail cars, and may provide additional or alternative benefits. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a type H tightlock coupler in accordance with particular embodiments of the disclosure and includes an exploded view of a type H tightlock coupler  300 . Type H tightlock coupler  300  comprises a shank  310 , a head  312 , a knuckle thrower  313 , a knuckle  314 , a knuckle tail  315 , a knuckle pivot pin  316 , a wear plate  318 , a lock  340 , a link  350 , and a plug  360 . Type H tightlock coupler also comprises a channel  330 , a channel  332 , and a chamber  334 . Channel  330  is located on an upper surface  324  of head  312  and forms an opening into chamber  334 . When coupler  300  is in use, upper side  324  faces skyward. 
     When type H tightlock coupler  300  is constructed, lock  340  is positioned essentially behind knuckle  314  within chamber  334 . Link  350  and plug  360  together comprise a top operating lock lift assembly that is operable to lift lock  340  within chamber  334 . Plug  360  is coupled to link  350  and link  350  is coupled to lock  340 . To operate the top operating lock lift assembly when type H tightlock coupler  300  is constructed, plug  360 , which is partially fitted within channel  330 , is lifted upward from upper surface  324  causing link  350  to move upward from within chamber  334  into channel  330 , which in turn, causes lock  340  to move upward within chamber  334 . Lifting lock  340  within chamber  334  may cause knuckle thrower  313  to throw knuckle  314  open. 
     In various embodiments, type H tightlock coupler  300  may comprise additional components. For example, in various embodiments, coupler  300  may also include an operating mechanism that is operable to lift plug  360  upward within channel  330  so as to operate the lock lift assembly. Suitable operating mechanisms may comprise levers, rods, and/or a variety of other components. In various embodiments, the operating mechanism may be operated mechanically, electronically, or by hand. In particular embodiments, the operating mechanism may be intended to be operated mechanically or electronically, and may also be operated by hand. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate another type H tightlock coupler in accordance with particular embodiments of the disclosure.  FIG. 4A  illustrates a cut-away view of a type H tightlock coupler  400  that comprises a head  412 , a knuckle  414 , a knuckle arm side  420 , a guard arm side  422 , a top surface  424 , an anti-creep shelf  425 , a channel  430 , and a chamber  434 . Type H tightlock coupler  400  further comprises a lock  440  with a lock bar  445 , and a top operating lock lift assembly, which includes a link  450 , a link hook  452 , a link channel  456 , a plug  460 , a plug ledge  462 , and a plug pin  464 . Accordingly, inside chamber  434  at the bottom of link  450 , link  450  is coupled to lock  440  by hooking link hook  452  to lock bar  445 . At the top of link  450 , link  450  is also coupled to plug  460  by virtue of plug pin  464 , which is inserted in link channel  456 . 
     As illustrated, lock  440  and the lock lift assembly are illustrated in the closed or locked position. In the locked position, knuckle  414  is closed such that it will not decouple from an adjacent car if coupled or couple with an adjacent car if decoupled. In the locked position, lock  440  is located between one side of a knuckle tail  415  and an interior wall (not illustrated) of chamber  434  on the guard arm side  422 . In various embodiments, lock  440  may be supported or seated partly on a support ledge of the knuckle tail and partly on a knuckle thrower (not illustrated). 
     In the locked position, plug  460  rests in part on upper surface  424  and extends through channel  430  into chamber  434 . Anti-creep shelf  425  extends from the sloped portion of the interior surface of chamber  434  into chamber  434  and includes a bottom surface that is generally horizontal. In various embodiments, the anti-creep shelf may extend only from the top surface of chamber  434  or only from the back surface of chamber  434 . In certain embodiments, anti-creep shelf  425  may or may not have any edges within chamber  434  and it may be larger or smaller than illustrated. Plug ledge  462  includes a generally horizontal surface that, in locked position, is opposite the bottom surface of anti-creep shelf  425 . In the locked position, plug  460  may not be accidently pulled upward or bounce upward through channel  430  due to oscillations attributable to jostling, bumpiness, or other disturbances encountered during rail transit. Should type H tightlock coupler  400  encounter, for example, a bump during transit, plug  460  may be prevented from moving upward through channel  430  because plug ledge  462  will move upward and make contact with anti-creep shelf  425 , which in turn prevents further upward movement of plug  460 . 
     In particular embodiments, a longitudinal axis of channel  430  may be angled with respect to a line perpendicular to top surface  424 . For example, as illustrated, channel  430  may angle slightly away from anti-creep shelf  425  and towards knuckle  414 . When a generally upward force is exerted on plug  460 , the angle of channel  430  may facilitate movement of plug  460  through channel  530  such that plug ledge  462  does not come into contact (or minimizes contact) with anti-creep shelf  425 . 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates another view of type H tightlock coupler  400  and includes a lock slot  444  and a link ledge  454 . Link  450  comprises hook  452  (not illustrated) located at the bottom of link  450  and link ledge  454  located at the top of link  450 . Link  450  is coupled to lock  440  by hook  452 . In particular, when link  450  moves upward within chamber  434 , hook  452  hooks, or catches, bar  445  within lock slot  444  located in the back of lock  440  and pulls lock  440  upward as well. Link ledge  454  is a generally horizontal surface that, in locked position, is opposite the bottom surface of anti-creep shelf  425 . In this position, link  450  may not be accidently pulled upward or bounce upward through channel  430  (not illustrated) due to oscillations of a rail car as described above with respect to plug  460 . 
     Link  450  is also coupled to plug  460  via plug pin  464 . The bottom portion of plug  460  includes a channel or hole (not illustrated) that is adjacent to link channel  456 . Plug pin  464  is inserted through these openings so as to couple link  450  and plug  460 . In various embodiments, link  450  and plug  460  may be coupled together in any suitable fashion. In some embodiments, plug pin  464  may be integral with plug  460 . In certain embodiments, link  450  and plug  460  may be one contiguous or jointed component. Further, in particular embodiments, plug  460  may be slotted, such that the bottom portion of plug  460  is configured to receive the upper portion of link  450  and is adjacent to both sides of the upper portion of link  450 . 
     As described here, when top operating type H tightlock coupler  400  is in a locked configuration, both plug ledge  462  (not illustrated) and link ledge  454  may come into contact with anti-creep shelf  425  in order to prevent the upward movement of the lock lift assembly, which could move the lock from a locked position to a lockset or unlock position. Reducing the likelihood of inadvertently moving the lock into the lockset or unlock position may decrease or eliminate the chance of accidental and/or unanticipated decoupling of adjacent rail cars. The risk of unintended movement of the lock lift assembly may be further reduced by virtue of the location of the top operating configuration. For example, the coupler head may shield the plug from debris and other agents present on certain rail tracks that would otherwise have the potential to strike and/or move the plug. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates another type H tightlock coupler in accordance with particular embodiments of the disclosure.  FIG. 5  illustrates type H tightlock coupler  500  that comprises a coupler head  512 , a knuckle  514 , an anti-creep shelf  525 , a guide rib  529 , a channel  530 , a chamber  534 , a lock  540 , a link  550 , and a plug  560 . Lock  540  comprises an upper lock body portion  542 , a lock bar  545 , a fulcrum  546  (partially illustrated), a leg portion  548 , and a lock set seat  549 . Link  550  comprises a hook  552 , a link ledge  554 , and a channel  556 . Plug  560  comprises a plug ledge  562  and a plug pin  564 . 
     Lock  540 , as illustrated, is in an unlocked or open position. In the unlocked position, plug  560  has been pulled fully and link  550  has been pulled partially through channel  530 . In order to pull plug  560  through channel  530  without engaging plug ledge  562  with anti-creep shelf  525  as described in conjunction with  FIG. 4 , plug  560  is pulled upward out of channel  530 . In various embodiments, the hole located at the top of plug  560  is not centered over channel  530  (see  FIG. 4A ), thus, when a generally upward force is exerted via this hole in plug  560 , plug  560  will move through channel  530  such that plug ledge  562  does not come into contact with anti-creep shelf  525 . As plug  560  moves upward through channel  530 , plug pin  564  will move from the bottom to the top of channel  556  in link  550 . This movement causes link  550  to shift from a generally angled position with respect to plug  560  to a less angled, more in-line position, which allows link  550  to move through channel  530  with limited or no contact between link ledge  554  and anti-creep shelf  425 . Because link  550  is coupled to lock  540  by lock bar  545 , the upward force that moves plug  560  and link  550  through channel  530  also moves lock  540  upward within chamber  534 . Guide rib  529  extends into chamber  534  from the knuckle side wall, starting at the top wall of chamber  534  and extending downward toward the bottom of the chamber. Guide rib  529  serves to limit lateral displacement of lock  540  in chamber  534  during its upward and downward travel. 
     In the unlocked position, upper lock body portion  542  is located in the upper-most portion of chamber  534 . In this position, fulcrum  546  engages with a shoulder of a front wall of chamber  534 . The continued application of an upward force causes lock  540  to rotate about fulcrum  546 , driving leg portion  548  rearward in chamber  534 . This shift in orientation of lock  540  also shifts the orientation of link  560 . In particular, as lock  540  rotates about its fulcrum  546 , lock bar  545  pushes hook  552  rearward in chamber  534 , which may cause link  550  to pivot about plug pin  564 , such that link ledge  554  moves away from plug ledge  562 . In contrast, as discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 4 , when link ledge  554  and plug ledge  562  are located inside chamber  534 , the ledges may be aligned and/or may both operate to prevent unintended movement of the lock lift assembly by engaging with anti-creep wall. In various embodiments, plug  560 , link  550 , and lock  540  may be coupled and/or configured in any suitable way such that lock  540  may be pulled upward and out of lock position. 
     In addition to the lock and unlock position described above, lock  540  may also be positioned in a lock set position (not illustrated). In the lock set position, upper body portion  542  is located at a mid-point within chamber  534 , e.g., between its locked and unlocked position. Lock set seat  549  rests on a top surface of a knuckle thrower (not illustrated). Knuckle  514  may revolve about a knuckle pin (not illustrated) such that knuckle  514  may swing into an open position, for example, when a nose, or front, of an adjacent, coupled knuckle exerts a forward pull as its corresponding rail car pulls away. When lock  540  is moved from the lock set position to the unlock position by an upward force exerted by link  550 , leg  548  engages the knuckle thrower and causes it to rotate. This rotation produces movement of knuckle  514  about the knuckle pin into the open position, so as to allow for decoupling of an adjacent car. Conversely, in various embodiments, when knuckle  514  moves from an open to a closed position, lock  540  will drop due to gravity from the unlocked or lock set position to the lock position and lock knuckle  514  in place as described in conjunction with  FIGS. 4A and 4B . Utilizing a top operating lock lift assembly in a type H tightlock coupler may improve coupling and decoupling by reducing the incidence of malfunctioning components and/or by reducing the time required to move a lock into a desired position. In addition, utilizing a top operating lock lift assembly may be more convenient for rail personnel or other operators who are in a corresponding rail car. A bottom operating assembly, in contrast, may require personnel to exit the rail car in order to access the assembly. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate a lock in accordance with particular embodiments of the disclosure. Lock  600  comprises an upper body portion  642  and a leg portion  648 . Upper body portion  642  comprises back portions  643 , a slot  644 , a lock bar  645 , and a fulcrum  646 . Leg  648  comprises a protrusion  647  and a lock set seat  649 . 
     To work with a top operating lock lift assembly for a type H tightlock coupler, lock  600  must be modified from the locks conventionally used in type H tightlock couplers. In particular, lock  600  is modified to include slot  644  and lock bar  645 . Slot  644  is an open channel formed between back portions  643 . Within slot  644 , lock bar  645  extends from one back portion  643  to another back portion  643 . As discussed in conjunction with  FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 5 , lock bar  645  is configured to allow a hook to couple a lock lift assembly to lock  600 . In various embodiments, the slot may omit the bar and alternately include a surface operable to receive and couple a link hook. In certain embodiments, the slot may occupy a greater or lesser portion of the upper body portion of lock  600 . 
     Other features of lock  600  may facilitate improved and/or optimal deployment of the top operating lock lift assembly. For example, fulcrum  646  allows for additional pivoting by lock  600  and/or the link coupled to lock  600 . Protrusion  647  allows lock  600  to rest on a knuckle thrower during lock set as described in conjunction with  FIG. 5 . In certain embodiments, lock  600  may include additional or alternate features. In various embodiments, lock  600  may be further modified to alter or improve its performance within a type H tightlock coupler with a top operating configuration. 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate a link in accordance with particular embodiments of the disclosure. Link  700  comprises a hook  752 , a link ledge  754 , and a channel  756 . Channel  756  includes generally circular portions  757  and  759 , and a joining portion  758 . 
     To work with a top operating lock lift assembly for a type H tightlock coupler, link  700  had to be modified from the links conventionally used in type H tightlock couplers. In particular, the dimensions of link  700  were altered. For example, in certain embodiments, the length of link  700  was reduced in comparison to type E and type F links in order to allow use within a chamber of a type H tightlock coupler. Hook  752  allows link to couple and to lift a lock as described in conjunction with  FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5, 6A and 6B . Link ledge  754  may engage with an anti-creep shelf within a coupler head to reduce the chance of inadvertent lock lift assembly operation and/or resulting decoupling. Channel  756  is operable to receive a pin in order to couple link  700  with a plug as discussed in conjunction with  FIGS. 3 ,  4 A,  4 B, and  5 . Channel  756  is an irregular shape and includes two generally circular portions  757  and  759  connected by a joining portion  758 . Channel  756  permits link  700  to move about a coupling pin within a lock lift assembly. For example, when link  700  is in lock position, the coupling pin is located in portion  757 . As a plug in the lock lift assembly moves upward, the coupling pin will move from portion  757  to portion  758  and then to portion  759 . The movement of the coupling pin within channel  756  allows lock  700  to move from a generally angled position with respect to the plug in the lock lift assembly, to a generally less angled, more in-line position. This movement helps to ensure that link ledge  754  does not engage with the anti-creep shelf within the coupler head. This additional mobility may also increase various other performance characteristics in a type H tightlock coupler with a top operating configuration. In various embodiments, any or all of these three portions are sized sufficiently to receive a pin for coupling. In certain embodiments, channel  756  may be any suitable size or shape. In certain embodiments, link  700  may include additional or alternate features. In various embodiments, lock  700  may be further modified to alter or improve its performance within a type H tightlock coupler with a top operating configuration. 
     Contrary to conventional thinking, this disclosure evidences that it is possible to overcome the challenges associated with deploying a top operating lock lift assembly within a type H tightlock coupler. Despite the sloped dimensions of the type H coupler head, it is possible to include a channel for top operating components and an anti-creep shelf. Further, it is possible to modify various components of a type H coupler, in particular a plug, link, and/or lock, in order to utilize a top operating configuration. Technical advantages of using a top operating type H tightlock coupler may include reduced risk of wear and/or damage to the lock lift assembly, reduced failure rates and/or improved operation of the lock lift assembly, reduced manufacturing and/or maintenance costs, reduced risk of injury and/or death to rail industry personnel involved with the coupling and decoupling of rail cars, or other advantages. Additional and/or alternative advantages may include various direct or indirect economic benefits, for example reduced worker compensation costs, various reputational benefits associated with a smoother, quieter, or more enjoyable ride for passengers, and/or various logistical benefits associated with more reliable coupling and decoupling of rail cars, and in particular, passenger rail cars. Top operating type H tightlock couplers may also satisfy rail industry demand based on safety concerns and convenience interests for a top operating system that does not require rail personnel to dismount a rail car to operate the system. 
     Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to particular embodiments, it should be understood that various other changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, although particular embodiments of the disclosure have been described with reference to a number of elements included within a top operating type H tightlock coupler, these elements may be combined, rearranged or positioned in order to accommodate particular requirements or needs. For instance, the anti-creep shelf may be larger or smaller or situated at any suitable location within the chamber of the coupler head. In particular embodiments, the coupling between various components such as the plug and link or link and lock may be configured differently. Further, in certain embodiments, the lock lift assembly may be configured differently within the chamber of the coupler head. Various embodiments contemplate great flexibility in the arrangement of the lock lift assembly and other components.

Technology Category: b