Top Operating H Tightlock Coupler
AssigneeMicconway & Torley, LLC
InventorRichard G. McMillen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system comprising 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.
Claims20
A railway car coupler system, comprising:
- a coupler head comprising:
- a channel and an inner chamber, wherein the channel runs from a top side of the coupler head 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, wherein the plug is 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, wherein the link is configured to fit at least partially within the channel;
- and
- a lock comprising a slot operable to receive the hook, wherein the lock is configured to fit at least partially within the inner chamber and the link is configured to couple the lock to the plug.
A method, comprising:
- coupling a first railcar coupler to a second railcar coupler of an adjacent railcar, wherein the first railcar coupler comprises:
- a coupler head comprising:
- a channel and an inner chamber, wherein the channel runs from a top side of the coupler head 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, wherein the plug is 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, wherein the link is configured to fit at least partially within the channel;
- and
- a lock comprising a slot operable to receive the hook, wherein the lock is configured to fit at least partially within the inner chamber and the link is configured to couple the lock to the plug.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.