The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 31, 2002
Filed:
Dec. 30, 1999
Curtiss A. Grau, Duncan, SC (US);
George C. Mullis, Greer, SC (US);
Westinghouse Air Brake Company, Wilmerding, PA (US);
Abstract
A vehicular coupler comprises a head for coupling to an opposed, generally identical coupling head of a vehicle for mechanically connecting two vehicles together. Such coupler includes a beam member for connecting to the underside of one of such vehicles. A housing is slideably connected to the beam member and a cushioning device is connected to the coupling head. The coupling head has a rearward extension located in the housing. Primary shear bolts or pins extend through walls of the housing and into the rearward extension of the cushioning device. Secondary shear bolts or pins extend through the beam member and into the housing. Retaining bolts are secured to the housing and have upper portions located above an upper surface of the housing. A longitudinal relief area is provided in the beam member, with the upper portions of the retaining bolts being located in the relief area. The relief area terminates at a predetermined location in the beam member to provide a ledge for engagement with and retention of the upper portions of the retaining bolts when the primary and secondary shear bolts or pins are sheared in two and the coupling head and housing are moved forwardly relative to the beam member.