Overhead electric traction systems

An overhead electric traction system of the kind in which current is collected from an overhead contact wire by means of a collector carried on the roof of a vehicle and extending transversely of the contact wire, which collector, in its operative position, is pressed upwards into contact with the underside of the contact wire and in which, at at least one of a plurality of positions spaced along the route of the system, the contact wire is supported by an overhead structure comprising two transversely spaced upstanding members, and extending between and connected to said upstanding members, a transversely extending beam, wherein each of the upstanding members is so installed near its lowermost end as to permit limited pivotal movement of the member at least about an axis extending lengthwise of the route of the system;

• each end of the transversely extending beam is so connected to one of the upstanding members near the uppermost end of the member and limited relative movement is permitted between the beam and the upstanding member at least about an axis extending lengthwise of the route of the system;
• and each upstanding member is anchored to the ground by at least one tie connected to the member near its uppermost end.