Model train coupler with linear actuator
OwnerRobert Grubbainventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A model train coupler which can be opened using a remote signal. The coupler design includes an upper arm and a lower arm, both of which pivot around a common axis. The two arms are mounted in a coupler box which is attached to a piece of rolling stock. One of the arms includes a knuckle located outside the coupler box. The other arm includes a latch positioned to open and close against the knuckle. A linear actuator links the two arms together. When an electrical current is applied to the linear actuator, the latch is rotated away from the knuckle, thereby opening the coupler.
Claims20
A model railroad car coupler, comprising:
- a. a first arm, including a first end, a second end, and a middle therebetween;
- b. said first arm including a knuckle located on said first end of said first arm;
- c. said first arm including a first lever on said second end of said first arm;
- d. a second arm, including a first end, a second end, and a middle therebetween;
- e. said second arm including a latch on said first end of said second arm;
- f. said second arm including a second lever on said second end of said second arm;
- g. said middle of said second arm being pivotally connected to said middle of said first arm;
- h. a spring for biasing said latch toward said knuckle;
- and
- i. a linear actuator attaching said second lever to said first lever, said linear actuator contracting in response to an electrical signal, thereby pulling said first and second levers together.
A model railroad car coupler, comprising:
- a. an upper arm;
- b. a lower arm pivotally connected to said upper arm;
- c. one of said upper and lower arms including a knuckle;
- d. the other of said upper and lower arms including a latch positioned to bear against said knuckle;
- e. a spring for biasing said latch toward said knuckle;
- f. an upper lever attached to said upper arm;
- g. a lower lever attached to said lower arm;
- h. a linear actuator attaching said upper lever to said lower lever, said linear actuator contracting in response to an electrical signal, thereby pulling said upper and lower levers together;
- and
- i. said upper and lower levers positioned so that pulling said upper and lower levers together pulls said knuckle and said latch apart.
A model railroad car, comprising:
- a. a first arm with a knuckle;
- b. a second arm with a latch, said second arm being pivotally connected to said first arm so that when said second arm pivots in a first direction with respect to said first arm, said latch bears against said knuckle;
- c. a spring urging said second arm in said first direction with respect to said first arm;
- d. a first lever connected to said first arm;
- e. a second lever connected to said second arm;
- f. a linear actuator attaching said first lever to said second lever, said linear actuator contracting in response to an electrical signal, thereby pulling said first and second levers together;
- and
- g. said first and second levers positioned so that pulling said first and second levers together pivots said second arm in a second direction with respect to said first arm.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.