Patent Grant
7118384
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to electric powered models, for example, model trains, and more particularly to a coupling for mechanically and electrically coupling two or more model cars together.
2. Description of Related Art
It is known to provide an electric powered model vehicle, such as a model train, that comprises a plurality of cars coupled together by mechanical couplings. Such mechanical couplings may be designed to readily couple and decouple different cars or locomotives of a train assembly. A model train hobbyist may thus readily construct a variety of different trains using various interchangeable model locomotives and cars.
Locomotives and cars often contain various controllers, accessories, and engines that should be maintained in an electrically connected state for proper operation. Accordingly, it is also known to couple electrical signals between different cars of a model train assembly, for example between a locomotive and a tender, using wires from each car terminating in complementary connectors.
Notwithstanding their advantages, existing mechanical and electrical coupling arrangements are subject to certain limitations. For instance, existing arrangements require separate mechanical and electrical connections to couple a pair of train cars together. That is, separate “hardwire” connections are used to electrically connect the circuit(s) of the train cars so that signals such as power, ground and other similar electric pulses may be transmitted between cars. Such connections may be tedious to make, and may undesirably delay the process of coupling and decoupling cars of a train assembly. More convenient electrical connectors, however, may appear out-of-place or not to scale with other elements of a model train. For example, a plug-and-socket connector as used on actual train cars may be difficult to scale to a model size while providing adequate strength, manipulability and functionality.
In addition, the characteristics of model train couplings have heretofore prevented maintaining a reliable electrical connection, except via a hardwired connection. Relative movement between coupling pieces may disrupt electrical contact connections between the couplings as the train moves around a model track. For example, adjacent cars of a model train may move vertically with respect to one another as a train moves across a track, due to changes or unevenness in track elevation. To prevent undesired downward or upward forces through the coupling, many model train couplings are designed to permit relative vertical movement without decoupling. Likewise, many couplings are designed to permit a degree of slack in horizontal movement, that is, to permit relative horizontal movement within a limited range. Couplings are also designed to be readily coupled and decoupled. Such requirements for relative freedom of movement and ease of coupling and decoupling have heretofore militated against the maintenance of an electrical contact connection through the coupling itself.
Accordingly, a need exists for a coupling that overcomes these and other limitations of the prior art.
The invention provides a coupling with an integrated electrical contact for coupling cars of a model train together. Using a coupling according to the invention, a hobbyist may avoid a need for extra hardwire connections to transmit signals, such as power, ground or other electrical signals between two or more electric model train cars, and more conveniently and reliably establish such connections.
In an embodiment of the invention, a resilient conductive contact supported by a coupling member on a first train car (such as a locomotive or a tender) makes contact with an electrical contact of a coupling for an adjacent train car, thereby completing an electrical connection between the cars. Mechanical coupling members establish a mechanical connection between the cars, while the integrated contacts maintain the electrical connection as the train moves around the track. Conductive elements of the coupling may serve as both electrical conductors and mechanical components.
In one embodiment, a locomotive obtains an electrical connection to ground through this coupling to an adjacent train car, which in turn connects to ground using its rolling wheel contacts with a track rail. This arrangement may improve electrical reliability during operation, especially for locomotives configured for minimal connections to the ground track rail, for example, a locomotive having rubberized wheels for improved traction. In the alternative, or in addition, the flexible connector may include an aperture to allow IR communication between the locomotive and the train car. Electrical signals other than ground may also be communicated by the inventive connection, including but not limited to power and/or control signals. The coupling may be used in AC or DC powered systems.
Accordingly, an integrated coupling incorporating a resilient electrical contact with mechanical coupling elements is disclosed. The integrated coupling includes a first and a second coupling member associated with a first and a second model train car, respectively. The second coupling member is configured for engagement with the first coupling member. The integrated coupling further comprises a resilient electrical contact supported by the first coupling member and disposed to make an electrical connection to an electrical contact of the second coupling member when the coupling members are engaged together. The resilient electrical contact is configured to maintain an electrical connection during relative vertical and horizontal movement of the first and second coupling members.
The coupling as described herein allows two-way communication between two or more train cars without the need of secondary physical connectors, wires, or other devices to couple the cars together. A coupling according to the invention may be used for a number of purposes, such as, for example, between two intelligent cars allowing communication or control of physical devices such as, for example, lights, sound and movement. For example, a locomotive may receive a signal to trigger the lights or sounds associated with the train cars. The locomotive may transmit a signal to a lighting circuit or sound circuit on a tender car coupled to the locomotive by way of an integrated mechanical/electrical coupling, thereby causing the activation or deactivation of lights or sound of the tender car.
Similarly, an integrated mechanical/electrical coupling may be used to transfer some or all of the electrical power or a connection to electrical ground as needed to operate model trains. For example, a locomotive may receive power or ground via a rolling connection to a powered rail of a model train track, and distribute power as desired via one or more integrated mechanical/electrical couplings to run motors or other electrical devices located on any train car coupled (directly or indirectly) to the locomotive. Conversely, power or ground from a trailing car or cars may be provided to a locomotive, to enhance the reliability and stability of the locomotive's power supply. One of ordinary skill may develop a number of other applications for this inventive coupler.
A more complete understanding of the model train coupling with an integrated electrical contact will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as a realization of additional advantages and objects thereof, by a consideration of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment. Reference will be made to the appended sheets of drawings which will first be described briefly.
The present invention provides a coupling for connecting model cars together with an integrated flexible contact. In the detailed description that follows, like reference numerals are used to denote like elements appearing in one or more of the figures.
First coupling member 102 includes a horizontal portion 103a having a top and a bottom side, and a vertical portion 103b having an inner and an outer side. Vertical portion 103b may be located at a distal end of horizontal portion 103a, and may be configured to be perpendicular therewith so as to form a generally J-shaped drawbar in a portion proximal to coupling member 104. In an exemplary embodiment, first coupling member 102 further includes an electrically conductive material 118 disposed on the upper and the outer sides of portions 103a and 103b, respectively. Material 118 may comprise a first electrical conductor 119a connected to an electrical contact 119b and extending to a distal portion of the first coupling member for connecting to a circuit 124 of car 110. Material 118 may comprise a layer of sheet material, or may comprise conductive wires, rods, traces, in portion 119a, for connecting contact 119b to circuit 124. In an embodiment of the invention, material 118 comprises a sheet of metallic material contoured to conform to coupling member 102. Optionally, material 118 and coupling member 102 may be integrated as a single piece serving both as a mechanical drawbar and an electrical contact and connector.
First coupling member 102 may further include an electrically insulating material 120 disposed between conductive layer 118 and the upper and outer sides of coupling member 102, as shown. If drawbars 102 and 104 are made of a non-conductive material, or if the coupling 100 is used for a connection to ground, insulating layer 120 may not be necessary. Electrically conductive material 118 and electrically insulating material 120 may comprise conventional materials as known in the art. For example, material 118 may comprise copper or its alloys and material 120 may comprise an organic polymer material or any suitable electrical insulator.
Second coupling member 104 may comprise a horizontal portion 116a having a top and a bottom side, and an aperture 116b on an end portion proximal to coupling member 102 (more clearly shown in
In an exemplary embodiment, second coupling member 104 further includes an electrically conductive material 122 supported by coupling member 104. Conductive material 122 comprises a generally elongated portion 123a connected to an extending resilient contact 123b. Portion 123a may comprise an electrical conductor connected to resilient electrical contact 123b and extending to a distal portion of the second coupling member 104 for connecting to a circuit 126 of car 112. Conductive layer 122 may comprise a phosphor bronze material for its suitability with respect to springiness, and ability for elastic deformation (i.e., that will retain its shape). Second coupling member 104 may still further include a layer of electrically insulating material 124 disposed between conductive material 122 and the bottom side of second coupling member 104, as shown.
Resilient contact 123b may comprise a cylindrical segment shape in a cantilevered configuration, as shown. This configuration should facilitate insertion and removal of J-bar 103b with respect to aperture 116b, and should also maintain contact with electrical contact 119b during relative vertical or horizontal motion of coupling pieces 102, 104. More particularly, the resilient electrical contact 123b may be configured to remain resiliently biased against the electrical contact 119b while sliding vertically during the permitted vertical movement. Contact 123b may comprise at least one finger curved in a substantially vertical plane to define an intermediate portion for contacting the adjoining contact 119b between a base of the finger and its distal end, as shown. Advantageously, the curved shape of contact 123b may reduce stress concentration in material 122 from contact forces. Many other configurations and shapes may also be suitable for resilient contact 123b, for example, cantilever, two-point supported, or three-point supported mounts, and various different shapes such as straight, serpentine, helical, spiral, disk, and so forth.
Flexible resilient contact 123b of conductive layer 122 may project into aperture 116b and be biased against contact 119b such that electrical contact is made at any suitable point 125 between the layers of electrically conducting material 118 and 122. Contact 119b may be substantially rigid (non-resilient), or may comprise a resilient member or portion. Connection point 125 may provide electrical connectivity between a circuit 124 (e.g., a ground input for a motor drive or motor input terminal) and a circuit 126 (e.g., a coupling to the ground track rail such as a truck axle via a conductive wheel). Other power and/or control signals may be passed via coupling 100 for various electronic circuits (e.g., circuits 124 and 126). Accordingly, when first and second coupling members 102 and 104 are engaged, train cars 110 and 112 (e.g., locomotive and tender) may be both mechanically and electrically coupled together using one single coupling without any additional hardwire connections or additional connectors.
With reference to
With reference to
Coupling member 104 may likewise comprise a conductor 122 with a resilient portion 123b proximal to contact 103b, and a connecting portion 123b for completing a connection to a circuit in an adjoining car. Connection portion 123b may be disposed between or in portions 304a, 304b. Portions 304a, 304b may comprise separate pieces joined by a fastener 333 or any other suitable method, or may comprise parts of a single piece. As shown in
Blocks 337, 338 may comprise essentially decorative or optional structural components that are not of particular significance to the invention described herein. In the alternative, these blocks may be used to house desired electronic or magnetic components for any purpose disclosed herein (e.g., making an infrared connection between cars), or for any other purpose known in the art. Other details of coupling 300 may be as described elsewhere herein, or may be adapted as desired by one of ordinary skill.
Conductors 418 and 422 are depicted in a horizontal orientation in the region between coupling members 402, 404. In the alternative, the conductors may be oriented vertically in this region, as in couplings 100 and 200 described above, or in some orientation intermediate between horizontal and vertical. Yet another alternative may provide contact elements between the coupling members that are circularly symmetrical in their plane of operation, and thus, present the same geometry regardless of orientation. Whatever the orientation of the contacts, at least one contact of either member 402 or 404 should comprise a resilient contact that is configured to be biased against an opposing contact on the opposite coupling member, when the couplings members are engaged. Contacts may be connected to circuits in adjoining cars in a manner similar to that described above for coupling 100.
As shown in
Conductors 418 and 422 of coupling 400 may also be configured with a plurality of electrically conducting elements. A four-conducting element configuration is shown, but any other number of conductors may also be suitable. Conductive elements 419a through 419b are in engagement with a corresponding plurality of conductive portions 423a through 423b when first and second coupling portions 402 and 404 are engaged. This arrangement may be used to connect any number of individual electric circuits between coupled train cars. In each of the foregoing embodiments, each of the plurality of conductive elements in first and second layers of conductive material 418 and 422 may be separated from each other to provide distinct electrical circuits. In addition, intervening portions of electrically insulating material may be disposed in between electrical elements.
Accordingly, with respect to
With respect to
At step 504, the first car is coupled to a second car. The second car should comprise a circuit for receiving the power, ground, control, or data signal from the first car. The second car should further comprise an integrated coupling having a coupling mechanism and one or more contacts complementary to the coupling mechanism and one or more contacts of the first car. Coupling may be accomplished using any method as known in the art. Than is, with such couplers, mechanically coupling the cars maybe accomplished in the same way as prior art mechanical couplers. The first and second cars may thus be coupled without a need for additional steps to establish an electrical connection between them. Once coupled, power, ground, control or data signals may be communicated between the first and second cars via one or more resilient contacts of the integrated coupling.
At step 506, any number of additional cars may be connected to the first or second car to form a longer train. If desired, additional cars may be connected to the first or second car or to one another using an integrated mechanical/electrical coupling as described herein. Power, ground, control or data signals may thus be provided between any desired number of connected cars.
At step 508, the train may be operated on the model track. Circuits in one or more connected cars may be powered or controlled via power or signals passing through the inventive couplings. For example, a single receiver in a locomotive or tender unit may be used to receive control signals that are then distributed to the entire train via the couplings. In the alternative, or in addition, wheels of an adjacent car (such as a tender) may be used to provide or enhance rolling connections to the rails for power, ground, or control signals provided to a locomotive or other car. Another application may comprise signaling data between cars. For example, when a freight car has moved into position at a model freight terminal or loading accessory, a sensor, such as a switch, may be triggered in the freight car. A signal from the sensor may be communicated through one or more cars and inventive couplings to the locomotive, which upon receiving the signal may automatically stop the train in position. Similarly, the locomotive may automatically start or reverse the train in response to signals received from trailing cars. One of ordinary skill may devise other applications for inter-car communication, power distribution, or ground connections.
When operation of the train is completed, any desired number of cars may be decoupled at step 510. Decoupling may comprise the reverse of coupling. Advantageously, the ease with which cars may be coupled and decoupled may increase hobbyists' enjoyment and satisfaction in assembling trains using a variety of different cars.
Having thus described a preferred embodiment of an integrated mechanical/electrical coupling for a model train, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain advantages of the within system have been achieved. It should also be appreciated that various modifications, adaptations, and alternative embodiments thereof may be made within the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, particular configurations of mechanical couplers, resilient contacts, and other components of a coupling have been illustrated, but it should be apparent that the inventive concepts described above would be equally applicable to other configurations of integrated mechanical/electrical coupling for a model train. The invention is defined by the following claims.
This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/802,226, filed Mar. 17, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,942,492 which claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/455,180, filed Mar. 17, 2003. Both of the foregoing applications are specifically incorporated herein, in their entirety, by reference.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1602297 | Becker | Oct 1926 | A |
| 2223905 | Beyer et al. | Dec 1940 | A |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20050255721 A1 | Nov 2005 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60455180 | Mar 2003 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 10802226 | Mar 2004 | US |
| Child | 11106946 | US |
