U.S. patent number RE38,990 [Application Number 08/999,730] was granted by the patent office on 2006-02-28 for magnetically-actuated coupler for model railroad cars.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Bachmann Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to Robert H. Staat.
United States Patent |
RE38,990 |
Staat |
February 28, 2006 |
Magnetically-actuated coupler for model railroad cars
Abstract
A magnetically actuated coupling and uncoupling system for model
railroads comprised of a drawbar pivotally-mounted to one end of a
railroad car, wherein the drawbar contains an integral leaf spring
extending from the first end of the coupler to tend to center the
drawbar, a coupler body with cantilever springs secured to the
second end of the drawbar, a magnetically-actuated post
pivotally-secured to the drawbar extending downward from the
drawbar, and a pivotally-mounted coupler knuckle secured to the
post and pivotally secured to the drawbar such that the
pivotally-mounted coupler knuckle will interact with the cantilever
spring.
Inventors: |
Staat; Robert H. (Goshen,
KY) |
Assignee: |
Bachmann Industries, Inc.
(Philadelphia, PA)
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Family
ID: |
23126615 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/999,730 |
Filed: |
December 24, 1997 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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Reissue of: |
08292880 |
Aug 19, 1994 |
05509546 |
Apr 23, 1996 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
213/75TC;
213/212 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H
19/18 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B61G
3/04 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;213/75A,75TC,115,159,212,216 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
Product Insert for Kadee Quality Products Magne-Matic Coupler, MKD
5&10 Couplers. cited by other.
|
Primary Examiner: Morano; S. Joseph
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer &
Feld, L.L.P.
Claims
I claim:
.[.1. A magnetically-actuated coupler assembly for a model railroad
car comprising (a) a drawbar with first and second ends, capable of
being pivotally mounted within a coupler pocket in the end of a
model railroad car, (b) formed as an integral part of the first end
of the drawbar is a leaf spring extending from the first end of the
drawbar, (c) secured to the second end of the drawbar is a coupler
head, wherein the coupler head contains a pair of stops which limit
the movement of a pivotally mounted coupler knuckle; (d) a
cantilever spring formed as an integral part of the drawbar located
proximal from the coupler body, (e) a magnetically-actuated post
pivotally secured to the drawbar which extends downward from the
drawbar, and (f) the pivotally mounted coupler knuckle is pivotally
secured to the second end of the drawbar such that it is in
constant interaction with the cantilever spring to urge the coupler
knuckle to a closed or coupled position..].
2. The magnetically-actuated coupler assembly of claim .[.1.].
.Iadd.6 .Iaddend.wherein the leaf spring is secured to the first
end of the drawbar and extends outward and around the first end of
the drawbar to form generally a C-shape.
3. The magnetically-actuated coupler assembly of claim .[.1.].
.Iadd.6 .Iaddend.wherein an outer tip of the coupler knuckle
contains a lip which extends inward toward the post.
4. The magnetically-actuated coupler assembly of claim .[.1.].
.Iadd.6 .Iaddend.wherein the drawbar includes an extension lip,
extending from the drawbar.
5. The magnetically actuated coupler assembly of claim .[.1.].
.Iadd.6 .Iaddend.wherein the coupler knuckle contains a slot, an
edge of which interacts with one of the stops of the coupler head
to limit the capability of the coupler knuckle to open.
.Iadd.6. A magnetically-actuated coupler assembly for a model
railroad car comprising: (a) a drawbar with first and second ends,
capable of being pivotally mounted within a coupler pocket of a
model railroad car; (b) a leaf spring formed as an integral part of
the first end of the drawbar which extends from the first end of
the drawbar; (c) a coupler head secured to the second end of the
drawbar, (d) a cantilever spring formed as an integral part of the
drawbar located proximal from the coupler body, (e) a
magnetically-actuated post pivotally secured to the drawbar which
extends downward from the drawbar, and (f) a pivotally mounted
coupler knuckle, pivotally secured to the second end of the drawbar
such that it is in constant contact with the cantilever spring to
urge the coupler knuckle to a closed or coupled position, the
cantilever spring having a first portion which curves away from the
coupler head and a free end which curves back toward the coupler
knuckle to apply a tangential force to the coupler knuckle, the
coupler head containing a pair of stops which limit the movement of
the pivotally mounted coupler knuckle..Iaddend.
.Iadd.7. The magnetically-actuated coupler assembly of claim 6
wherein the cantilever spring is molded from engineering
plastic..Iaddend.
.Iadd.8. The magnetically-actuated coupler assembly of claim 6
wherein the cantilever spring and the leaf spring are molded from
engineering plastic as a unitary piece with the
drawbar..Iaddend.
.Iadd.9. A magnetically-actuated coupler assembly for a model
railroad car comprising: a drawbar capable of being pivotally
mounted within a coupler pocket of a model railroad car, the
drawbar including a first end having a leaf spring formed as an
integral part thereof which extends from the first end of the
drawbar, a coupler head formed on a second end of the drawbar, and
a cantilever spring formed as an integral part of the drawbar
extending from the drawbar adjacent to the coupler head; a
pivotable coupler knuckle secured to the coupler head; and a
magnetically-actuated post which pivotally secures the coupler
knuckle to the coupler head, the magnetically-actuated post being
pivotally connected to and extending downwardly from the coupler
head, the coupler knuckle being in constant contact with the
cantilever spring to urge the coupler knuckle to a closed or
coupled position, the cantilever spring having a first portion
which curves away from the drawbar and a free end which curves back
toward the coupler knuckle to apply a tangential force to the
coupler knuckle, such that the magnetically-actuated coupler is
assembled from three parts and the coupler head containing a pair
of stops which limit the movement of the pivotally mounted coupler
knuckle..Iaddend.
.Iadd.10. A magnetically-actuated coupler assembly for a model
railroad car comprising: (a) a drawbar with first and second ends,
the first end being configured for pivotal mounting within a
coupler pocket of a model railroad car; (b) a coupler head at the
second end of the drawbar, (c) a magnetically-actuated post
pivotally secured to the drawbar so as to extend downward from the
drawbar, (d) a coupler knuckle pivotally secured to the second end
of the drawbar with the post, the coupler head having a pair of
stops which limit the pivotal movement of the coupler knuckle on
the drawbar, and (e) a cantilever spring formed as an integral part
of the drawbar, the cantilever spring including a first portion
extending from the drawbar proximally the coupler head which curves
away from the drawbar and the coupler knuckle and a free end which
curves back toward the coupler knuckle sufficiently so as to
constantly apply a tangential force against the coupler knuckle and
urge the coupler knuckle to a closed or coupled position in all
positions of the coupler knuckle between the pair of
stops..Iaddend.
.Iadd.11. The magnetically-actuated coupler assembly of claim 10
wherein the outer tip of the coupler knuckle contains a lip which
extends inward toward the post..Iaddend.
.Iadd.12. The magnetically-actuated coupler assembly of claim 10
wherein the drawbar includes an extension lip, extending from the
drawbar..Iaddend.
.Iadd.13. The magnetically actuated coupler assembly of claim 10
wherein the coupler knuckle contains a slot, an edge of which
interacts with one of the stops of the coupler head to limit the
capability of the coupler knuckle to open..Iaddend.
.Iadd.14. The magnetically-actuated coupler assembly of claim 10
wherein the cantilever spring and the drawbar are molded together
as a unitary piece from engineering plastic..Iaddend.
.Iadd.15. The magnetically-actuated coupler assembly of claim 10
further comprising a leaf spring secured to the first end of the
drawbar and extending outward and around the first end of the
drawbar to form a C-shape..Iaddend.
.Iadd.16. A magnetically-actuated coupler assembly for a model
railroad car comprising: (a) a drawbar with first and second ends,
the first end being configured for pivotal mounting within a
coupler pocket of a model railroad car; (b) a coupler head at the
second end of the drawbar, (c) a magnetically-actuated post
pivotally secured to the drawbar so as to extend downward from the
drawbar, (d) a coupler knuckle pivotally secured to the second end
of the drawbar with the post, the coupler head having a pair of
stops which limit the pivotal movement of the coupler knuckle on
the drawbar, (e) a cantilever spring formed as an integral part of
the drawbar, the cantilever spring including a first portion
extending from the drawbar proximally the coupler head which curves
away from the drawbar and the coupler knuckle and a free end which
curves back toward the coupler knuckle sufficiently so as to
constantly apply a tangential force against the coupler knuckle and
urge the coupler knuckle to a closed or coupled position in all
positions of the coupler knuckle between the pair of stops, and (f)
a leaf spring secured to the first end of the drawbar and extending
outward and around the first end of the drawbar to form a
C-shape..Iaddend.
.Iadd.17. A magnetically-actuated coupler assembly for a model
railroad car comprising: a drawbar having a first end adapted to be
pivotally mounted within a coupler pocket of a model railroad car
and an opposing, second end, a coupler head formed on the second
end of the drawbar, a cantilever spring formed as an integral part
of the drawbar extending from the drawbar adjacent to the coupler
head; a coupler knuckle pivotally secured to the coupler head; and
a magnetically-actuated post pivotally securing the coupler knuckle
to the coupler head, the magnetically-actuated post being pivotally
connected to and extending at least downwardly from the coupler
head, the coupler knuckle being in constant contact with the
cantilever spring to urge the coupler knuckle to a closed or
coupled position, the cantilever spring having a first portion
which curves away from the drawbar and a free end which curves back
toward the coupler knuckle to apply a tangential force to the
coupler knuckle, such that the magnetically-actuated coupler is
assembled from three parts, and the coupler head containing a pair
of stops which limit the movement of the pivotally mounted coupler
knuckle..Iaddend.
.Iadd.18. The magnetically-actuated coupler assembly of claim 17
wherein the outer tip of the coupler knuckle contains a lip which
extends inward toward the post..Iaddend.
.Iadd.19. The magnetically actuated coupler assembly of claim 17
wherein the coupler knuckle contains a slot, an edge of which
interacts with one of the stops of the coupler head to limit the
capability of the coupler knuckle to open..Iaddend.
.Iadd.20. A magnetically-actuated coupler assembly for a model
railroad car comprising: a drawbar having a first end adapted to be
pivotally mounted within a coupler pocket of a model railroad car
and an opposing, second end, a coupler head formed on the second
end of the drawbar, a cantilever spring formed as an integral part
of the drawbar extending from the drawbar adjacent to the coupler
head; a coupler knuckle pivotally secured to the coupler head; and
a magnetically-actuated post pivotally securing the coupler knuckle
to the coupler head, the magnetically-actuated post being pivotally
connected to and extending at least downwardly from the coupler
head, the coupler knuckle being in constant contact with the
cantilever spring to urge the coupler knuckle to a closed or
coupled position, the cantilever spring having a first portion
which curves away from the drawbar and a free end which curves back
toward the coupler knuckle to apply a tangential force to the
coupler knuckle, such that the magnetically-actuated coupler is
assembled from three parts, and the coupler head containing a pair
of stops which limit the movement of the pivotally mounted coupler
knuckle; and a leaf spring secured to the first end of the drawbar
and extending outward and around the first end of the drawbar to
form a C-shape..Iaddend.
.Iadd.21. The magnetically-actuated coupler assembly of claim 20
wherein the cantilever spring and the drawbar are molded together
as a unitary piece from engineering plastic..Iaddend.
.Iadd.22. A magnetically-actuated coupler assembly for a model
railroad car comprising: a drawbar capable of being pivotally
mounted within a coupler pocket in the end of a model railroad car,
the drawbar including a first end having a leaf spring formed as an
integral part thereof which extends from the first end of the
drawbar, a coupler head formed on a second end of the drawbar, and
a cantilever spring formed as an integral part of the drawbar
extending from the drawbar adjacent to the coupler head; a
pivotable coupler knuckle secured to the coupler head; and a
magnetically-actuated post which pivotally secures the coupler
knuckle to the coupler head, the magnetically-actuated post being
pivotally connected to and extending downwardly from the coupler
head, the coupler knuckle being in constant contact with the
cantilever spring to urge the coupler knuckle to a closed or
coupled position, the cantilever spring having a first portion
which curves away from the drawbar and a free end which curves back
toward the coupler knuckle to apply a tangential force to the
coupler knuckle, such that the magnetically-actuated coupler is
assembled from three parts and the coupler head containing a pair
of stops which limit the movement of the pivotally mounted coupler
knuckle..Iaddend.
.Iadd.23. A magnetically-actuated coupler assembly for a model
railroad car comprising: (a) a drawbar with first and second ends,
the first end being configured for pivotal mounting within a
coupler pocket in the end of a model railroad car; (b) a coupler
head at the second end of the drawbar; (c) a magnetically-actuated
post pivotally secured to the drawbar so as to extend downward from
the drawbar; (d) a coupler knuckle pivotally secured to the second
end of the drawbar with the post, the coupler head having a pair of
stops which limit the pivotal movement of the coupler knuckle on
the drawbar; (e) a leaf spring being formed as an integral part of
the first end of the drawbar and extending from the first end of
the drawbar; and (f) a cantilever spring formed as an integral part
of the drawbar, the cantilever spring including a first portion
extending from the drawbar proximally the coupler head which curves
away from the drawbar and the coupler knuckle and a free end which
curves back toward the coupler knuckle sufficiently so as to
constantly apply a tangential force against the coupler knuckle and
urge the coupler knuckle to a closed or coupled position in all
positions of the coupler knuckle between the pair of
stops..Iaddend.
.Iadd.24. The magnetically-actuated coupler assembly of claim 23
further comprising the leaf spring secured to the first end of the
drawbar extending outward and around the first end of the drawbar
to form a C-shape..Iaddend.
.Iadd.25. The magnetically-actuated coupler assembly of claim 23
wherein the outer tip of the coupler knuckle contains a lip which
extends inward toward the post..Iaddend.
.Iadd.26. The magnetically-actuated coupler assembly of claim 23
wherein the drawbar includes an extension lip, extending from the
drawbar..Iaddend.
.Iadd.27. The magnetically actuated coupler assembly of claim 23
wherein the coupler knuckle contains a slot, an edge of which
interacts with one of the stops of the coupler head to limit the
capability of the coupler knuckle to open..Iaddend.
.Iadd.28. The magnetically-actuated coupler assembly of claim 23
wherein the cantilever spring and the drawbar are molded together
as a unitary piece from engineering plastic..Iaddend.
.Iadd.29. A magnetically-actuated coupler assembly for a model
railroad car comprising: a drawbar having a first end adapted to be
pivotally mounted within a coupler pocket in the end of a model
railroad car and an opposing, second end; a coupler head formed on
the second end of the drawbar; a leaf spring being formed as an
integral part of the first end of the drawbar and extending from
the first end of the drawbar; a cantilever spring formed as an
integral part of the drawbar and extending from the drawbar
adjacent to the coupler head; a coupler knuckle pivotally secured
to the coupler head; a magnetically-actuated post pivotally
securing the coupler knuckle to the coupler head, the
magnetically-actuated post being pivotally connected to and
extending at least downwardly from the coupler head, the coupler
knuckle being in constant contact with the cantilever spring to
urge the coupler knuckle to a closed or coupled position, the
cantilever spring having a first portion which curves away from the
drawbar and a free end which curves back toward the coupler knuckle
to apply a tangential force to the coupler knuckle, such that the
magnetically-actuated coupler is assembled from three parts; and
the coupler head containing a pair of stops which limit the
movement of the pivotally mounted coupler knuckle..Iaddend.
.Iadd.30. The magnetically-actuated coupler assembly of claim 29
further comprising the leaf spring secured to the first end of the
drawbar extending outward and around the first end of the drawbar
to form a C-shape..Iaddend.
.Iadd.31. The magnetically-actuated coupler assembly of claim 30
wherein the cantilever spring and the drawbar are molded together
as a unitary piece from engineering plastic..Iaddend.
.Iadd.32. The magnetically-actuated coupler assembly of claim 29
wherein the outer tip of the coupler knuckle contains a lip which
extends inward toward the post..Iaddend.
.Iadd.33. The magnetically-actuated coupler assembly of claim 29
wherein the drawbar includes an extension lip, extending from the
drawbar..Iaddend.
.Iadd.34. The magnetically actuated coupler assembly of claim 29
wherein the coupler knuckle contains a slot, an edge of which
interacts with one of the stops of the coupler head to limit the
capability of the coupler knuckle to open..Iaddend.
.Iadd.35. A magnetically-actuated coupler assembly for a model
railroad car comprising: (a) drawbar with first and second ends,
the first end being configured for pivotal mounting within a
coupler pocket of a model railroad car; (b) a coupler head at the
second end of the drawbar; (c) a magnetically-actuated post
pivotally secured to the drawbar so as to extend downward from the
drawbar; (d) a coupler knuckle pivotally secured to the second end
of the drawbar with the post, the coupler head having a pair of
stops which limit the pivotal movement of the coupler knuckle on
the drawbar; (e) a cantilever spring formed as an integral part of
the drawbar, the cantilever spring including a first portion
extending from the drawbar proximally the coupler head which curves
away from the drawbar and the coupler knuckle and a free end which
curves back toward the coupler knuckle sufficiently so as to
constantly apply a tangential force against the coupler knuckle and
urge the coupler knuckle to a closed or coupled position in all
positions of the coupler knuckle between the pair of stops; and (f)
a spring operably coupled with the first end of the drawbar and
configured to be received with the first end of the drawbar in the
coupler pocket of the model railroad car..Iaddend.
.Iadd.36. A magnetically-actuated coupler assembly for a model
railroad car comprising: a drawbar having a first end adapted to be
pivotally mounted within a coupler pocket of a model railroad car
and an opposing, second end; a coupler head formed on the second
end of the drawbar; a cantilever spring formed as an integral part
of the drawbar extending from the drawbar adjacent to the coupler
head; a coupler knuckle pivotally secured to the coupler head; a
magnetically-actuated post pivotally securing the coupler knuckle
to the coupler head, the magnetically-actuated post being pivotally
connected to and extending at least downwardly from the coupler
head, the coupler knuckle being in constant contact with the
cantilever spring to urge the coupler knuckle to a closed or
coupled position, the cantilever spring having a first portion
which curves away from the drawbar and a free end which curves back
toward the coupler knuckle to apply a tangential force to the
coupler knuckle, such that the magnetically-actuated coupler is
assembled from three parts; the coupler head containing a pair of
stops which limit the movement of the pivotally mounted coupler
knuckle; and a spring operably coupled with the first end of the
drawbar and configured to be received with the first end of the
drawbar in the coupler pocket of the model railroad car..Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to model railroad equipment. More
specifically, this invention relates to model railroad couplers
which automatically couple and magnetically uncouple model railroad
cars.
2. Prior Art
Model railroaders have developed various couplers for use in the
coupling and uncoupling of model railroad equipment. One commonly
used coupler is a hook-type coupler. Couplers of this type have
been used with all scales of model railroad equipment including the
more popular models adapted for use with "HO" gauge.
With the hook-type coupler coupling is normally relatively simple.
When one coupler is thrust against an opposing coupler, the
couplers pivot on pivot pins to the side to allow the hook on the
end of each coupler to interact and thus engage the couplers of the
model railroad equipment. However, uncoupling presents somewhat
more of a problem. In an attempt to provide remote control and
authenticity to the coupling of model railroad equipment, magnetic
uncoupling systems have been developed as exemplified by U.S. Pat.
Nos. 3,111,229 and 3,115,255 Delayed action magnetic couplers were
introduced to overcome certain inadequacies in these early couplers
as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,117,676 and 3,469,713. In each
of these devices a magnetically-activated pin extends downward from
the hook of the coupler. As the pin is acted upon by a stationary
magnet located between the tracks, the hook of the couplers opens
to release one model railroad car from engagement with a second
model railroad car.
A number of other similar magnetically activated uncoupling systems
for use with model railroad equipment have been disclosed for
example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,335,820, 3,942,648, 3,840,127,
3,564,766 and 3,469,713.
Another method for coupling and uncoupling model railroad equipment
commonly used with "N" gauge equipment uses a pivoting claw
coupling device which operates vertically by means of a coupling
cam of an uncoupling rail, such that during coupling and
uncoupling, the claw coupling device is lifted out of its coupling
position in an upward direction. Coupling devices of this type are
disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,893,716, 4,768,663,
4,765,496, 4,650,081 and 4,512,483.
A number of problems exist with these coupling and uncoupling
systems including the large number of parts necessary for each
system, the difficulty of working with the small size of these
parts, specific problems associated with some of the metallic
spring elements which are key to some of the uncoupling systems,
the unrealistic look of some of these uncoupling systems when
compared with existing railroad equipment and the unreliability of
some of the elements of these uncoupling systems.
Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide a magnetic
uncoupling system for use with model railroad equipment.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a magnetic
uncoupling system which is easy to assemble and use.
It is a still further object of this invention to provide a
magnetic uncoupling system which is realistic looking when compared
with existing full scale train equipment.
It is a still further object of this invention to provide a
magnetic uncoupling system which contains a reliable centering
system for the uncoupling system.
It is a still further object of this invention to provide a
magnetic uncoupling system which uses a pivoting knuckle system
urged to a closed position by a cantilever spring.
These and other objects and features of the present invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of
the following detailed description, drawings and claims. The
description along with the accompanying drawings, provides a
preferred selected example of construction of the device to
illustrate the invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a
magnetically-actuated coupling and uncoupling coupler (10) for
attachment to existing model railroad equipment comprised of a
drawbar (12) with first (14) and second (16) ends, wherein said
drawbar is pivotally mounted at one end of a model railroad car,
wherein an integral element of the drawbar which is secured to the
first end of the drawbar is an integral leaf spring (18) to center
the drawbar (12) within a coupler pocket (20) in an end of said
model railroad car, a coupler head (22) with integral cantilever
spring (24) secured to the second end (16) of said drawbar, a
coupler knuckle (26) pivotally attached to the second end (16) of
the drawbar such that the coupler knuckle (26) interacts with the
cantilever spring (24) of the coupler head (22) to urge the coupler
knuckle to a centered, closed position, and a
magnetically-activated pivot post (28) descending from said second
end (16) of the drawbar, wherein said post is secured to the
coupler knuckle (26) such that when said magnetically-activated
pivot post (28) is pivoted by magnetic activation it opens the
coupler knuckle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
This invention will now be described with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which
FIG. 1 is a view of a model railroad car with coupler system in
place.
FIG. 2 is a top view of the drawbar.
FIG. 3 is a side view of the drawbar.
FIG. 4 is an end view of the drawbar.
FIG. 5 is a top view of the coupler knuckle.
FIG. 6 is a left side view of the coupler knuckle.
FIG. 7 is a top view of the coupler knuckle attached to the
drawbar.
FIG. 8 is a left side view of the coupler knuckle attached to the
drawbar.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Although the invention is adaptable to a wide variety of uses, it
is shown in the drawings for purpose of illustration as embodied in
a magnetically-actuated coupler system for model railroad cars
comprised of a magnetically-actuated coupler (10) attached to one
end of a model railroad car. See FIG. 1.
The magnetically-actuated coupler (10) is generally comprised of a
coupler body comprised of a drawbar (12) with first (14) and second
(16) functional ends, (these are referred to mesial and distal
respectively), a coupler knuckle (26) and a magnetically-actuated
pivot post (28). See FIG. 8. The complete coupler assemble will be
mounted to a model railroad car or locomotive through the use of a
coupler pocket (20) usually found on both ends of the car or
locomotive.
Mounted in the coupler pocket (20) of the model railroad car is the
first (14) or mesial end of the drawbar. The mesial end of the
drawbar is attached to a central pivot post (38) within the coupler
pocket (20) by placing an opening (36) in the first end (14) of the
drawbar over the central pivot post (38) to secure it in place. The
first end (14) of the drawbar is urged to a central or coupling
position by an integral leaf spring (18) which extends away from
the first end (14) of the drawbar (12) and then wraps back around
both sides of the first end (14) of the drawbar and forms the shape
of a "C" within the coupler pocket (20). See FIG. 2. This C-shaped
leaf spring (18) which extends to both side edges of the coupler
pocket (30) returns the drawbar (12) to center in response to any
lateral thrust or movement. This leaf spring (18) is an improvement
over earlier combination leaf springs and spurs as it is of
one-piece construction and is an integral component of the drawbar
(12).
The terminus of the second (16) or distal end of the drawbar has
secured thereto the coupler head (22). The coupler head (22) is an
integral element of the distal end (16) of the drawbar (12). The
coupler head (22) has a general "C" shape which follows the
full-scale prototype closely. Major functions of the coupler head
include forming the attachment point for the coupler knuckle (26)
and to limit or control the movement of the coupler knuckle.
Limitation of the pivotal movement of the coupler knuckle (26) is
accomplished by a pair of stops (40, 42) incorporated as integral
elements of the coupler head (22). The first stop (40) extends out
from the body of the coupler head (22) at an approximate angle of
approximately 70.degree.-90.degree. from the body of the drawbar.
This stop prevents excessive opening of the coupler knuckle by
interacting with the edge (44) of the coupler knuckle opposite from
the tip (46) of the coupler knuckle. As the coupler opens, the edge
(44) interacts with the first stop (40) to prevent additional
opening of the coupler knuckle. The second stop (42) contained
within the coupler head (22) is parallel to the drawbar (12) and
interacts with the inside of the coupler knuckle to prevent
excessive closing of the coupler knuckle. See FIG. 7. Opposite from
the first and second stops is an extension lip (48) forming the
opposite side of the c-shape distal end of the coupler head. This
extension lip (48) extends preferably about 0.05 to about 2.0
millimeters from the remainder of the body of the coupler head
(22). It extends out at an angle of about 30.degree. from the body
of the drawbar (12) and is used for pushing of model railroad cars
after they are magnetically decoupled.
An integral element of the drawbar, which is secured to the drawbar
just back of the coupler head, is the cantilever spring (24) which
curves slightly away from the coupler body. See FIGS. 2 and 7. This
cantilever spring is manufactured as an integral element of the
drawbar (12) and is comprised of a thin, resilient piece which
extends forward approximately 6.0 mm to about 1.0 mm of the end of
the coupler knuckle. This cantilever spring is preferably prepared
from engineering plastic and is an integral part of the casting
comprising the drawbar (12).
Extending through the coupler head is the magnetically sensitive
pivot post (28) which extends upward through both the second end
(16) of the drawbar and the coupler knuckle (26). It pivots freely
within the drawbar (12) but is firmly secured to the coupler
knuckle (26). See FIGS. 3, 4 and 8. This pivot post (28) descends
downward away from the coupler body. As the post descends downward
it bends forward so that it extends laterally to the model railroad
car and is positioned just off center of the longitudinal center
line of any magnet which may be placed between the rails of the
railroad track when the coupler knuckle (26) is in the closed
position. See FIG. 3. When magnetically activated, the pivot post
pivots outwardly toward the rails of the track.
Pivotally connected to the post is the hook-shaped coupler knuckle
(26). See FIGS. 5 and 6. The hook-shaped coupler knuckle is
preferably of one-piece construction and is secured via a knurled
friction fit to the post such that it will pivot as the pivot post
(28) pivots. See FIGS. 3 and 4. The tip (46) of the hook-shaped
coupler knuckle located away from the post contains a lip (50) to
resist the decoupling of the model railroad cars and locomotives
when the train is under tension of movement. This lip (50) tends to
keep the cars coupled except when there is no tension on the
opposing couplers and when the pivot posts are magnetically
activated to draw the coupler knuckles apart and decouple the model
railroad cars or locomotives.
The coupler pocket (20) is provided preferable on both ends of a
model railroad car or locomotive into which the complete coupler
(10) will be attached. The bottom side of the coupler pocket
opening is closed by means of a cover plate (32). The magnetically
actuated coupler (10) is generally secured into the coupler pocket
(20) by placing the opening in the mesial end (14) of the drawbar
(12) over a coupler pocket post (38) which extends downward within
the coupler pocket. The complete assembly can be affixed to the
model railroad car or locomotive by a number of systems including a
screw (34) which extends upward through the coupler pocket post
(38) into the lower body of the car or locomotive, a pair of screws
through cars on each side of the coupler box or by adhesive
securing of the pocket to the underside of the model.
In operation, the cantilever spring (24) which is an integral part
of the drawbar (12) tends to force the hook-shaped coupler knuckle
(26) to a closed position and thus, assist in keeping the
hook-shaped coupler knuckle (26) coupled with an opposite directed
coupler knuckle of an opposing model railroad car or locomotive
unless acted on by a magnet to open the hook-shaped coupler knuckle
(26) by the movement of the magnetically-actuated pivot post (28).
The cantilever spring (24) is a significant improvement over the
coiled spring returns used on previous products because the force
of the cantilever spring is applied tangentially to the coupler
head rather than circumferentially. Additionally, the spring is an
integral part of the coupler body facilitating ease of manufacture
and greatly reducing or eliminating the model maker's frustration
of continual replacement of dislodged and/or lost metallic coil
springs.
To effectively decouple the models equipped with the device
described herein, a laterally polarized magnet is preferably placed
stationarily between the rails of model railroad track. The
polarity of the magnets preferably is parallel to the rails with
the poles being continuous along the side edges thereby causing the
magnetically-actuated post to pivot outwardly when activated by the
magnet. As the pivot post pivots outwardly, it rotates the
hook-shaped coupler knuckle (26) outwardly thus opening the coupler
(10). The opposing pole of the magnet located between the tracks
concomitantly urges the post of the interrelated coupler to
decouple in the opposite direction from the first coupler. As the
hook-shaped coupler knuckle (26) pivots away from the oppositely
directed coupler, the body of the hook-shaped coupler impacts the
cantilever spring (24) of the coupler head (22). The amount of
pressure placed on the coupler head (22) by the cantilever spring
(24) increases as the distance that the hook-shaped coupler is
pivoted increases. When not activated by a magnet, the cantilever
spring (24) tends to urge the coupler knuckle (26) inwardly toward
a closed position, thus maintaining the coupled integrity of the
train.
The leaf spring (18), which is an integral part of the drawbar
(12), located at an opposite end from the coupler knuckle permits
the coupler (10) to pivot back and forth within the coupler pocket
either as the coupler is acted upon by a magnetic force or as the
model railroad car moves along the tracks even on curved sections.
Thus, the model railroad cars stay coupled while still moving along
the tracks until the uncoupling system is activated by magnets
located between the tracks. When decoupled and no longer subject to
a magnetic force from between the rails, the leaf spring (18)
centers the coupler head in a position for interaction with a
second opposing coupler to achieve the coupled condition as the two
couplers are gently nudged together.
* * * * *