Importance

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Abstract

A slackless drawbar or coupler head rotary connection between adjacent cars of a train which is movable along a fixed trackway, is described as having a ball and socket swivel-type connection which allows the elongated shank of a drawbar or coupler head to swivel freely in any direction, contrary to existing devices which employ a cylindrical connector which rotates in a cylindrical recess, thereby allowing the shank to rotate about its longitudinal axis rather than the center of a ball-shaped connector. In the existing designs, angling is achieved by distorting the shape of the pin hole in the shank of the drawbar or coupler head. This is undesirable and causes greater wear of the shank. The swivel connection eliminates the need for such a distorted pin hole which can be cylindrical and only slightly larger, in diameter, than that of the pin. A plurality of tapered wedges are provided to exert pressure against a front follower to maintain it in compressive engagement with stops in the striker or housing and take up any slack which develops between these parts. A second wedging mechanism can be employed between the front follower and rear end of the shank to maintain pressure against the shank and eliminate any slack which develops between these components.

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First Claim