Improvements in or relating to automatic couplings for vehicles, rolling stock or the like

364,969. Automatic couplings for vehicles ; draw-gear. LANDER, G. J., Carbis Villa, Carbis Bay, Cornwall. April 17, 1931, No. 11433. -[Class 103 (v).] Relates to duplicate automatic couplings for vehicles of the type in which each vehicle is fitted with a pivoted shackle 18 adapted to ride up the inclined face 3 of a coupling- hook 2 before dropping into engagement therewith, the coupling elements being mounted on a resiliently supported draw-bar 1 and being uncoupled by mechanism operated from the side of the vehicle. According to the invention, the slidable draw-bar 1 has an enlarged portion 8 slotted at 7 for the passage of a transversely disposed draw-spring 6 and is normally pressed forwards by a rear coil spring 13, while the forward end of the draw-bar forms the hook 2 and is fitted with a spring 20 to assist the drop action of the shackle, the uncoupling mechanism comprising a rotatable cam or lever 26 adapted to engage a projecting arm 25 of the shackle 18 and formed integral with a curved rack 30 which is actuated from a hand-wheel 31 at the side of the vehicle through the medium of a worm shaft 32, worm wheel 34 and a second worm 29 on a shaft 28. In order to allow for the movement of the draw-bar 1 the shaft 28 is provided with a square-sectioned portion that slides within a corresponding aperture through the worm wheel 34.