Railway switches and signals – Switches
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-09
2001-06-12
Morano, S. Joseph (Department: 3617)
Railway switches and signals
Switches
C104S130010
Reexamination Certificate
active
06244543
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a track switch for a model railroad track and more particularly to a switch which has a spring to assist in the switching mechanism.
2. Description of the Related Art
Switches for model railroads are usually comparatively large, bulky devices which are connected to the track at a single predetermined location. The switches are electrically connected to the rail in the track and are activated when the model train approaches.
There is a need for a more compact, versatile switch.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a low profile switch device which does not interfere with the passage of model train equipment on the adjoining track.
It is another object of the invention to provide a switch device which is removably connected to an adjacent track at multiple positions and may be connected to either side of the track.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a switch with non-derailing action.
In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, there is disclosed a switching device adapted to be used with a model railroad track which has a track switch. The switching device has a base and a cover removably connected thereto. The base has a first portion and an adjoining second portion. A slide member is disposed in the base, the slide member being longitudinally slidable in the first portion of the base. The slide member has a slot formed diagonally therein. A hollow core is disposed in the second portion of the base longitudinally adjacent to the first portion of the base. The core has a first coil and a second coil of electrically conducting wire wound thereabout, the coils of wire being longitudinally juxtapositioned. A plunger rod is received in the hollow core, the plunger rod having a first end external of the core and a second end internal in the core. The first end of the plunger rod is connected to the slide member wherein longitudinal movement of the slide member within the base corresponds with longitudinal movement of the plunger within the core. A pivot assembly has a top and a spaced-apart bottom connected to one another. A pin is disposed between the top and the bottom, a spring attached to the pin. The pivot assembly has a first end and an opposite second end. The first end has a downward extending protrusion formed thereon, the protrusion being slidingly received in the diagonal slot in the sliding member. A link member is disposed in the base near the second end of the pivot assembly, and is connected to the spring in the pivot assembly. The link member extends outwardly from an opening in the base. The link member is connected to a throw bar disposed in the track, the throwbar being connected to the track switch. Means are provided for electrically energizing a selected one of the coils. Energization of one of the coils moves the first end of the plunger rod away from the core which moves the track switch to a first position and energization of the other of the coils moves the first end of the plunger rod toward the core which moves the track switch to a second position. The switching device has a low profile such that the switching device does not interface with model trains passing on the track.
In further accordance with the teaching of the present invention, there is disclosed a switching device adapted to be used with a model railroad track which has a track switch. The switching device has a base and a cover removably connected thereto. The cover has a longitudinal slot formed therein. A slide member is disposed in the base, the slide member being longitudinally slidable in a first portion of the base. The slide member has a pin connected to the slide member, the pin extending upwardly from the slide member and being received in the longitudinal slot in the cover. The slide member further is connected to a throwbar, the throwbar being connected to the track switch. Longitudinal movement of the pin within the slot produces concomitant movement of the slide member within the base to move the throwbar and the track switch.
In still further accordance with the teachings of the present invention, there is disclosed a switching device adapted to be used with a model railroad track which has a track switch. The device has a base with a cover removably connected thereto. A pivot assembly has a top and a spaced-apart bottom connected to one another. A pin is disposed between the top and the bottom. A spring is attached to the pin. The pivot assembly is slidably disposed in the base. A link member is disposed in the base and connected to the spring in the pivot assembly, the link member extending outwardly from an opening in the base. The link member is connected to a throwbar disposed in the track, the throwbar being connected to the track switch. Sliding movement of the pivot assembly away from the link member extends the spring and moves the track switch in one direction and sliding movement of the pivot assembly toward the link member compresses the spring and moves the back switch in an opposite direction.
These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the following specification taken in conjunction with the enclosed drawings.
REFERENCES:
Lionel, LLC, Chesterfield, Michigan, Catalog 1999, pp. 43-44.
MDK, Inc., Chapel Hill, NC, Catalog 1996, pp. 48-50.
Gugel Steven
Weaver James J.
White Timothy Edward
Atlas O, LLC
Bloom Leonard
McCarry, Jr. Robert J.
Morano S. Joseph
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