Importance

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Abstract

A three-part telescoping uncoupling lever assembly is disclosed for railroad cars which are equipped with standard draft gear cushioning. The assembly includes a plastic sleeve formed from ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (U.H.M.W.) and a pair of unitary extension bars in sliding engagement within the sleeve. One end of each extension bar is bent to form a lock lifter hook or a handle for performing the uncoupling function. Each extension bar includes a shaft and an integral bent retainer, the bent retainers being positioned within the sleeve. The retainers are maintained in parallel sliding arrangement within juxtaposed channels extruded in the U.H.M.W. polyethylene sleeve. The hook and the handle are located on opposite ends of the assembly, the total length of which can be varied automatically between maximum and minimum lengths, dependent upon the corresponding distance between the coupler and sill bracket as that distance changes due to coupler impact and side swing. The assembly includes a pair of pins secured across respective channels to engage the bent retainers to prevent the extension bars from sliding free of the sleeve.

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First Claim