US704813A - Spring-cushioning device. - Google Patents

Description

Patented lul C. P. BYRNES.

SPRING CUSHIONING DEVICE.

(Application filed Mar. 5, 1901.)

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UNITED STATES PATENT OEEICE.v

CLARENCE P. BYRNES, OF PITTSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA.

Sii'RlNG-CUSHIONINGl DEVlCE..

sPEoIFroA'rIoN fel-ming part of Letters Paraninfo. 704,813, dated July 15, 1902 application met Meer 5,1901. seria No. 49,915. (nu man.:

Fig. 2 is a sectionalside elevationv of the4 Same. Fig. 3 is a sectional plan view of a car-buffer constructed in accordance'with myy invention. Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view of the same. Fig. 5 is a partial planlview of a modified form of cushioning device, and

Fig. 6 is a broken detail showing armor or.

wear plates I may use forthe-spring.

My invention relates to cushioning devices for receiving shocks or strains-such asl springs for car-truck holsters, car-buffers, draft-riggings, recoil devices for ordnance, &c.-and is designed to increase the resisting power of a coiled spring by changing its diameter and causing it to thus bring a friction device into action, the spring preferably forming one member of the friction device.

In Figs. l and-2 of the drawings I show my invention as applied to a draft-rigging of the type shown in the Oase patent, N o. 585,639, dated July 29, 1897. In this form 2 is the draw-bar shank, which l is connected to the draft-rigging by a strap 34 of U-forrn and which strap may be replaced by a tailbolt extending longitudinally and centrally through the draft-rigging. 4 a are the draftirons, having lugs or stop-shoulders 5 and 6, against which bear some of the followers of the device. The coiled springs 7 and 8 of the draft-rigging are set in line with each other and with the draw-bar, and the spring 7 encircles a hollow stein 9, having a head or follower 10, bearing against the front end of the spring 8 within the box ll. 12 is a follower Which bears against the forward end of the spring 7 and iits around the stein 9,*it having preferably a rearwardly-extending cylindrical stop portion 13 surrounding the spring. I-i is a follower which lits around the stem 9 between the follower l() and the rear end of the spring 7. At the rear end of the spring 8 is a follower l5, formed as part of 'the box ll, and this box bears at its front end against the follower I4. The box Il is preferably rectangular in cross-section, as are the followers 12, 14, and l5, so that they may fit between and be vguided by the draft- The box ll is, however, provided with an interior cylindrical or partly cylindrical portion, forming a barrel around the spring S. The follower l0 is preferably, though not necessarily, integral with the stern 9, and the same is thecase with the followerl and the box Il.

The parts above described are similar to those of the patent referred to and forln no part of my invention, which lies in the means for increasing the resistance of the spring or springs by causing them to forxnparts of friction devices. To edect this result, Ipro- Vide eachend of the spring 7 with a lug 16, which projects inwardly toward the axis of the coil, and these lugs are held within slots 17 of the hollow stern 9, the slots being inclined in opposite directions to the axis of the stern, as shown in Fig. I, and for the saine purpose the spring S is provided at its front end with an extension orlug 18, which projects outwardly and lits within a slot 19 in the barrel portion of the'box 11. This slot 19 is inclined relatively to the axis of the sprin g, the inclination being such that when a buffing strain is received by the draft-rigging the spring projection, being forced along in the slot by follow'erlO, will expand the spring and cause it to frictionally engage the inner faces of the barrel Il. At the saine time that this action is taking place the compression of the spring 7 and the endwise movement of the stem 9 causes its end lugs to inove within the slots I7, and' thus contract and decrease the diameter of the spring, causing it to clasp and frictionally engage the hollow stem 9. Thus under bufting strain I not only secure the resisting power of the two springs, but also the frictional resistance generated by their engaging and pressing against the outer surface of the stem and the inner surface of the barrel, respectively.

Under pulling strain the spring Sis not com- IOO pressed, and the compressing of the spring 7 again causes it to engage its contained stem, and thus obtain frictional resistance in addition to resistance of the spring itself.

If desired, the parts can be easily changedV to bring both springs into play under pulling strain-as, for example, by interposing a washer-stop, which will cause the end of the stem 9 to bear against the end of the follower 12.

In Figs. 3 and 4 I show my invention as applied to a car-buffer. In this form 2O is a spring box Aor barrel of cylindrical form, having a base-flange 21 for securing it to the car. This box has at its other end a laterally-projecting ange 22, with slots or recesses to allow the passage of similarly-shaped lugs on a ring or collar 23 and which further engage osets or ribs on the inner face of the cup friction-plate 24. This friction-plate 24: is provided with an inwardly-projectin g plate or cylinder 25, having an inclined slot 26, which engages an inward projection at the front end of the spiral spring 27. 'Ihe other end of the spring is provided with a lug or projection, which engages a recess in boss or projection 28 and holds the spring against turning in the barrel. 29 is a small spiral spring within cylinder 25 to return the parts to Itheir normal position. When a bufiing shock is imparted to the plate 24, the spring 27 is compressed and at the same time is expanded or enlarged in diameter, so that it frictionally engages the inside of the barrel 20. lVhen the parts resu me their normal position, the spring will contract toits original diameter.

Instead of changing the diameter of the spiral spring during compression of the spring the spring may remain of the same diameter during compression and be expanded or contracted during the lengthening of the spring on recoil. Thus in Fig. 5 I show a springcushion which may form a portion of a draftrigging and wherein the squared front end of the spring is provided with a cylindrical extension fitting and guided in a groove in the inner face of the inclosing barrel. This groove takes the place of the screw-slot, as shown in Fig. l, and is provided with a springpressed switch device 30, which is pressed aside as the spring is compressed and the cylindrical end is forced back in the groove. After this round end or lug 3l has passed the switch device the switch is drawn back by its spring to close this portion of the groove, and in the recoil of the spring the lug is forced to travel back through an inclined or curved path, constituting a branch groove which leads back into the head end of the axiallyextending groove. The spring is thus expanded during the recoil only, and hence the recoil is retarded and slowed down, and after this action has taken place the contraction of the spring brings its lug or stub end back into the normal position shown. It is thus seen that the friction may be easily regulated on either or both strokes of the spring-that is, during either expansion or compression, or both.

As the outer face of the spring may wear in practice, I may provide armor for the springs, so that any wear may take place upon this armor instead of upon the coils themselves. Thus in Fig. 6 I show each turn or coil as having small arc-shaped wear-plates 32,which fit neatly within the surrounding barrel and are sufficiently narrow so that they will not interfere with the compression of the spring.

It will be understood that the invention may be readily applied to the springs ofy cartrucks and will prevent the vibrations which occur in the use of spiral springs. The amount of friction developed can be readily regulated by changing the shape of the slot or other device which alters the diameter of the spring.

The advantages of myinvention result from the change of diameter of the spring, which brings the friction device into play, the spring forming a part of the friction system. The friction is obtained Without addedparts and can be secured by slight alterations in existing forms of cushioning devices.

The means for changing the diameter of the spring or a part thereof may be changed, as well as the other parts of the cushioning device, in Whatever connection it is used. The spring-lugs 'where used may extend inwardly or outwardly and engage slots either in the friction-plate or another plate. The friction-surface may be formed of plates which are stationary relatively to the drawbar and springs. The spring may remain of normal length, the friction-faces traveling longitudinally of it. In case of an involute the friction may gather between the several turns of the coil, and many other variations may be made without departing from my invention.

I claiml. In a spring-cushion, the combination with a coiled spring, of mechanism for changing the diameter of at least a part of the spring, and a friction device of which the spring is a member, said friction device being brought into action by changing the diameter of the spring; substantially as described.

2. In a spring-cushion, a coiled spring, a friction-surface adjacent thereto, and a connection with the compressing member for the spring arranged to change the diameter of the spring and force a friction device into contact with its coacting surface; substantially as described.

3. In a spring-cushion, a spiral spring, a friction-surface adjacent thereto, an endwisemovable member, and a connection between said member and the spring arranged to change the diameter of the spring and a fric,

tion device arranged to be forced against the said friction-surface by the spring when its IOO IIO

scribed.

4. In a spring-cushion, a coiled spring, a diameter-changing device engaging the spring, and a friction-surface arranged to frictionally contact with the spring when its diameter is changed; substantially as described.

5. In a spring-cushion, a coiled spring arranged to force friction-surfaces together by changing its diameter, and mechanism for diameter is changed; substantially as dechanging its diameter during at least one the spring, and a slot-and-lug connection ar-` ranged to change'the diameter of the spring upon at least one stroke thereof; substantially as described. Y

9. In a spring-cushion, an armor-clad spring forming one member of a friction device; subi stantially as described.

l0. In a spring-cushion, a spiral spring, mechanism for holding the same against rotation, a friction device arranged to frictionally engage the outer faces of the spring-coils, and mechanism for actuating'the friction device during at least one stroke of the spring substantially as described.

11. In a spring-cushion, a coiled spring, mechanism for preventing rotation thereof, mechanism for changing the diameter of the spring during at least one stroke thereof, and a friction device arranged to be brought into action by changing the diameter of the spring; substantially as described. i

12. In a spring-cushion, a spring forming one member of a friction device, mechanism for changing the diameter of the spring, and thereby actuating the friction device during a stroke of the spring in one direction, and mechanism for reducing the amount of friction during the stroke in the opposite direction; substantially as described.

13. In a spring-cushion, a coiled spring,

mechanism for changing the diameter of the same, and a friction device arranged to engage the outer faces of the coils on the recoilstroke, and brought into action bythe change in diameter; substantially as described.

14. A spring-cushion containing a coiled spring forming one member of a friction device, and mechanism for actuating thefriction device during the recoil only of the spring; substantially as described.

15. In a spring-cushion a coiled spring arranged to force friction-surfaces together by a change in its diameter, and mechanism for changing the length of the spring and simultaneously changing its diameter; substantially as described.

,16. In a spring-cushioma coiled spring, means for changing the length of the spring, mechanism for changing the diameter of the spring on its recoil-stroke, and a friction device arranged to be brought into action by said change in diameter; substantially as described.

17. A spring-cushion havinga coiled spring, a friction-surface extending longitudinally of the spring-axis, and mechanism for changing the diameter of the spring and thereby forcing a friction device against said surface; substantially as described.

1S. A spring-cushion containing .a lcoiled,

spring, a friction device of which the spring forms a member, and means for actuatingthe i friction device on one stroke only of the spring, the other stroke beingsubstantially free and unretarded; substantially as described. y

. 1'9. Aspring-cushion containinga coiled spring concentric with the axis of the cushion, a friction device of which the spring forms a member, mechanism for compressing the spring and thereby actuating the friction device, and means for increasing the amount of friction of ,the recoil-stroke over that of the compression-stroke; substantially as de scribed.

20. A'spring-cushion containing a coiled spring, a friction device of which thespring forms a member, mechanism for compressing the spring,and mechanism for simultaneously actuating the friction device, the amount of friction aty any point of compression of the spring being independent of the endwise pressure exerted by the spring; substantially as described. p

2l. A spring-cushion containing a coiled spring,mechanismfor compressingthespring,

means for Varying the diameter ofthe sprin g at one point ofthe compression from that at another point of compression, and a friction devicebrought into action by the change in diameter; substantially as described.

22. A draft-rigging containing a spring, a friction device arranged to engage the outer faces of the spring-coils, and 4mechanism for changing the length of the spring and actuating the friction device on both the pulling and buffing strains; substantially as described. l

23. A draft -rigging containing a coiled spring, means for compressing the spring, a friction device extending longitudinally of the spring, and located exterior to its coils, and mechanism for actuating simultaneously the spring and friction device on both the pulling and buffing strain; substantially as described.L .i

24.151 draft-rigging.containing a spiral spring, a friction device arranged to be actuated by changing the diameter of the spring,

IOO

IIO

andmeans for actuating the spring and changing its diameter on either a pulling' or a bufng strain; substantially as described.

ward the other on both buffing and pullingV strains; substantially as described.

2S. A draft-rigging having a spiral spring concentric with its axis, a friction device within and at least partially inclosed by said spring, followers arranged to compress the spring on both bufng and pulling strains, and connections independent of the endwise pressure of the spring, said connections being arranged to actuate the said friction device simultaneously with compression of the spring in either' direction; substantially as described.

29. A draft-rigging having a spiral spring, a friction device within the spring, end followers arranged to compress the spring on both bufting and pulling strains, and mechanism actuated by said followers and independent of the endwise pressure of the spring, said mechanism arranged to simultaneously actuate the friction device on compression of the fspring in either bung or pulling strains; substantially as described.

30. A spring-cushion having a coiled spring interposed between the elements to be cushey ioned, a friction device arranged to contact frictionally with the spring, and an incline arranged to force one of said parts toward the other; substantially as described.

3l. A draft-rigging having a coiled spring, a friction device arranged to frictionally contact with the spring, and inclines arranged to force one of said parts toward the other on both bui-fing and pulling strains; substantially as described. i

32. A draft-rigging containing a pair of spring-cushions, each containing a coiled spring, a friction device arranged to frictionally contact therewith, an incline arranged to force the parts of one cushion toward each other during bufng strain, and an incline arranged to force the parts of the other cushion toward each other during pulling strain; substantially as described.

33. A draft-rigging having a pair of springcushions each containing a spring concentric with the axis, and friction elements, one arranged around or including the other, an incline in one cushion arranged to move one of its friction elements radially during bufing, an incline for the other cushion arranged to move one of its friction elements radially during pulling, and followers for compressing the springs; substantially as described.

34. A Aspring-cushion having friction elements, one arranged around or including the other, one of said elements being concentric with the axis of the cushion, a spiral spring within the cushion, a follower arranged to compress the spring, and an incline arranged to move at least one of the friction elements radially when the spring is compressed by the follower; substantially as described.

35. A spring-cushion containing friction elements, one arranged around or including the other, at least one of said elements being concentric with the axis of the cushion, a spiral spring concentric with the said axis and arranged between the follower and one of the friction elements, and an incline arranged to move at least one of the friction elements radially when the spring is compressed; substantially as described.

36. A spring-cushion having a central longitudinal friction element, another friction element arranged around or including the same, and inclines arranged to force one of said elements radially; substantially as described.

37. A draft-rigging having a longitudinal friction element central of its axis, another friction element located around or including the first, and inclines arranged to force one of said elements radially on both bufng and pulling strains; substantially as described.

38. A spring-cushion having friction elements, one located around or including the other, one of said elements being concentric with the axis of the cushion, a spiral spring also concentric with the axis, and an incline arranged to move one of the friction devices radially; substantially as described.

39. A draftrigging having friction elements, one located around or including the other, one of said elements being concentric with the axis of the rigging, a spiral spring also concentric with the axis, and inclines arranged to move at least one of the friction devices radially on both bung and pulling strains; substantially as described.

40. A spring-cushion having friction elements, one located around or including the other, one of said elements being concentric with the axis of the cushion, an incline arranged to move one of the friction devices radially, a coil-spring concentric with the axis of the cushion, and a follower arranged to exert a force through the spring to actuate the friction device; substantially as described.

4l. A spring-cushion having a central longitudinal stem,a spiral spring around the stem, and forming part of an including friction device, and an incline arranged to force said friction device toward the axis of the draft-rigging; substantially as described.

42. A draft-rigging having a central longitudinal friction element, another friction element arranged around or including the same IOO mechanism for moving said elements longitudinally of each other, and an incline arranged to force at least one of the friction elements radially in contact With the other;

- substantially as described.

43. A draft-rigging having a lorxgitudinal frictional element substantially concentric with the axis of the rigging, another friction element also concentrically arranged, one of said elements being arranged around or including the other, one of the elements being radially movable, and an incline arranged to force the movable'friction element in a radial direction; substantially as described.

44. A draft-rigging having a longitudinal frictional element concentric with its axis, another friction element also concentrically arranged, one of said elements being located around or including the other, an incline arranged to move at least one of the elements in a radial direction, and a coiled spring forming a part of said system; substantially as described.

45. A draft-rigging having a main concentric coiled spring, a friction system arranged to be brought into action'when said spring is compressed'on bufdng or pulling strain, and a device actuated by the pressure of said main draft-rigging spring, and arranged to relieve the friction devicegsubstantially as described. A 46. Adraft-rigging containinga main coiled spring, and a friction system having moving parts, the said spring having a connection with oneof the parts arranged to relieve the friction; substantially as described.

47. Asprng-cushion containing a coiled spring, a friction device arranged to act simultaneously with the spring, and mechan- Y CLARENCE P. BYRNES.

Vitnesses:

H. M. CORWIN, G. B. BLEMING.

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