Fluid-pressure and analogous brake systems – Multiple control
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-18
2001-12-04
Rodriguez, Pam (Department: 3613)
Fluid-pressure and analogous brake systems
Multiple control
C188S033000, C188S107000, C188S15300R, C074S523000, C074S528000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06325465
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates, in general, to a railcar hand brake, and more particularly, to a quick release mechanism for a vertical wheel hand brake. The present invention prevents the quick release handle from remaining extended beyond the hand brake housing when a force is applied to the quick release handle to release the brakes by allowing the handle to freely return to its original position when the force is removed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Prior to the present invention, when a free quick release of the brake is desired on a railcar with a vertical wheel hand brake, a quick release mechanism is activated. An upward force is exerted on the release lever to move the attached brake release shaft, whereby disengaging and releasing the brake. The release lever is typically welded to the release shaft. This upward force moves the handle away from, and outside the envelope of the hand brake housing. After the handle is released, the weight will bring it back to the brake application position. However, in a typical operating environment, external factors such as debris or internal component interference result in preventing the quick release mechanism from returning to its application position. The brake release handle thus remains extended out from the hand brake housing. This can be a safety issue on railcars that are supplied with ladders attached close to the hand brake.
An example of this type hand brake is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 3,668,944, and the Universal 7400 Model Hand Brake. The teachings of these references are incorporated herein by reference thereto.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a first aspect, the present invention provides a quick release mechanism for a railcar hand brake, comprising a release shaft having a first end and a second end. The first end includes a cavity of a predetermined size and shape. The quick release lever has a hub journaled on the first end of the quick release shaft. A stop of a predetermined size and shape is disposed on the circumference of the hub of the quick release lever and engageable with the cavity on the release shaft to rotate the release shaft and cause free release of the brakes. A projection of a predetermined size and shape is disposed on the second end of the release shaft. An attachment of a predetermined size and shape is mounted on the inside wall of the hand brake housing. A tension member having a first end secured to the projection, and a second end secured to the attachment is used to return the release shaft to the brake application position when brake application is desired. In a further aspect, the present invention provides for a quick release mechanism in combination with a railcar hand brake. The invention has a release shaft rotatably mounted in a railcar hand brake, with a first end including a cavity of a predetermined size and shape, and a second end. A quick release lever having a hub is journaled on the first end of the quick release shaft. A stop of a predetermined size and shape is disposed on the circumference of the hub of the quick release lever and engageable with the cavity to rotate the release shaft and cause free release of the brakes. A projection of a predetermined size and shape is disposed on the second end of the release shaft. An attachment of a predetermined size and shape is mounted to the inside wall of the hand brake housing, and a tension member having a first end and a second end is secured to the projection and the attachment, respectively, to return the release shaft to the brake application position when brake application is desired.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a device for allowing the release handle of a quick release mechanism to return to the brake application position independent of the release shaft after the force applied to the handle to activate the quick release mechanism is removed.
Another object of the present invention is to minimize the potential for the quick release handle to remain extended into the path of the railcar ladder.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a mechanism for applying a force to the release shaft to place the moveable cam in position with the winding gear for future brake application when required.
In addition to the various objects of the invention that have been described above, various other objects and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent to those persons skilled in the relevant art from the following more detailed description of the invention, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing figures and the appended claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3668944 (1972-06-01), Natschke
patent: 3923287 (1975-12-01), Weseloh et al.
patent: 3988944 (1976-11-01), Klasing
patent: 6179093 (2001-01-01), Daugherty, Jr.
Labriola Angelo M.
Ring Everett G.
Sommerfeld Howard
James Ray & Associates
Rodriguez Pam
Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation
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