Patent Grant
8950606
Some people enjoy modeling the day-to-day operational activities of railroads, assembling trains of rolling stock and moving them through a model landscape. However, it can be challenging to replicate some train operations and train appearance because of the size differences between the model and reality. For example, it can be difficult to replicate uncoupling and removing rail cars from a model train. Some past approaches rely on manually manipulating a rail car to uncouple it form a train, but such action may damage the car. Some other past approaches rely on the interaction of a model coupler with an uncoupling device mounted to the model railroad track. However, these approaches may limit where a rail car may be uncoupled and the appearance of the train, potentially limiting the user's enjoyment of modeling prototypical railroad activities and objects.
Various embodiments are disclosed herein that relate to a self-contained coupler for model railroad rolling stock. For example, one embodiment provides a self-contained coupler comprising a coupler assembly including a knuckle and an uncoupling assembly configured to operate the coupler assembly. The example uncoupling assembly includes a signal input for receiving a signal and a motivator coupled to the coupler assembly via a movable link, the motivator operative to adjust the knuckle from a first position to a second position responsive to the signal. The example uncoupling assembly also includes a housing including the motivator and a rolling stock mounting location for mounting the uncoupling assembly to an item of the model railroad rolling stock.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure.
Many hobbyists build models of trains and the railroads on which those trains run. Some people take pleasure in achieving, with great fidelity, models of the rolling stock (e.g., rail cars and locomotives) used on railroads in the present or at some point in history. Some people enjoy modeling the day-to-day operational activities of railroads, assembling trains of rolling stock and moving them through a model landscape. Regardless of the source of enjoyment that a modeler may find in the hobby, at some point the hobbyist may confront the interface of the model world with the non-model world, whether it is the abrupt end of a modeled sky or the difficulty of simulating the behavior of large, heavy equipment in a smaller model.
For example, modeling railroad operations can be difficult. As businesses, railroads move passengers and/or freight between locations. In some settings, a railroad may assemble a train of rail cars in one city to be hauled to another city, picking up and dropping off rail cars en route. Adding a rail car to a train may be managed by railroad personnel working on the ground near the train to operate the couplers that connect the rail car to the train, to connect the air brake hoses, and so on. However, it can be challenging to replicate these physical activities because of the size differences between the model train and the train on which it is modeled. For example, one common model railroading scale represents approximately 87 scale feet in one U.S. foot. In such settings, it can be difficult to fit a finger between coupled rolling stock, potentially making uncoupling operations difficult.
One approach to uncoupling cars involves lifting one of the coupled cars so that the cars are uncoupled by vertical separation of the couplers. However, this approach may harm delicate details on the rolling stock and/or may derail the train. Another approach involves inserting a tool into the locked couplers to wrench them apart. However, this approach may also derail the train. Moreover, both of these manual uncoupling approaches require that the operator be able to physically access the coupler to perform the uncoupling action. Some model locomotives may be equipped with automatic couplers so that the locomotive may be coupled and uncoupled from a train. However, being locomotive-equipped, such devices may not allow rail cars to be uncoupled from one another, potentially diminishing the user experience. Moreover, because such devices may be built-in to the locomotive and be powered by the locomotive, it may be difficult for the modeler to equip other locomotives with interoperable couplers. In turn, the modeler may face difficult decisions about how to integrate a locomotive so-equipped into an existing fleet.
Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein are related to a self-contained coupler for model railroad rolling stock. In one example, a self-contained coupler comprises a coupler assembly including a knuckle and an uncoupling assembly configured to operate the coupler assembly. The example uncoupling assembly includes a signal input for receiving a signal and a motivator coupled to the coupler assembly via a movable link, the motivator operative to adjust the knuckle from a first position to a second position responsive to the signal. The example uncoupling assembly also includes a housing including the motivator and a rolling stock mounting location for mounting the uncoupling assembly to an item of the model railroad rolling stock.
The embodiments disclosed herein are also related to a self-contained coupler kit for retrofitting an uncoupling mechanism to model railroad rolling stock. In one example, the self-contained coupler kit comprises a coupler assembly including a knuckle and an uncoupling assembly. The example uncoupling assembly includes a signal input, a motivator operative to adjust the knuckle from a first position to a second position, and a housing including the motivator, a rolling stock mounting location for mounting the self-contained coupler kit to an item of model railroad rolling stock, and a coupler attachment location for pivotally mounting the coupler assembly to the uncoupling assembly between the motivator and the knuckle.
The embodiments disclosed herein are also related to a model railroad rolling stock coupling/uncoupling system. In one example, the model railroad rolling stock coupling/uncoupling system comprises a rolling stock wireless communicator configured to receive wireless communication and a coupler in operative communication with the rolling stock wireless communicator. The example coupler includes a coupler assembly and an uncoupling assembly including a motivator coupled to the coupler assembly via a movable link, the motivator operative to adjust the coupler assembly from a first position to a second position responsive to a signal received from the rolling stock wireless communicator.
In the embodiment shown in
In some embodiments, trip pin 208 may participate in an uncoupling action motivated by uncoupling assembly 106. For example,
In some embodiments, trip pin 208 may also allow coupler assembly 104 to be uncoupled using magnetic and/or mechanical uncoupling devices. For example, in some embodiments, trip pin 208 may be magnetically-sensitive, so that a suitable magnetic field causes knuckle 206 to pivot about trip pin 208 into an uncoupled position. As another example, trip pin 208 may be configured to interact with a railroad track-mounted uncoupling ramp, so that mechanical interaction with the ramp causes an uncoupling action. While the examples of trip pin 208 shown in
As shown in
Further, in the examples shown in
Further, in the examples shown in
Coupling assembly 104 is attached to uncoupling assembly 106 at one or more suitable coupler attachment locations. In some embodiments, a coupler attachment location may include one or more suitable structures configured to secure, temporarily or permanently, coupling assembly 104 to uncoupling assembly 106. In some embodiments, such structures may permit movement of coupling assembly 104 relative to uncoupling assembly 106. For example, in some embodiments, coupling assembly 104 may be pivotally mounted to uncoupling assembly 106.
In some embodiments, a coupler centering mechanism may be included in self-contained coupler 100. Inclusion of a coupler centering mechanism may allow the coupler to self-center (with respect to a centerline of the rolling stock) in a lateral direction so that a pair of couplers on different items of rolling stock may be properly self-aligned and centered prior to coupling the rolling stock. Any suitable mechanism for allowing coupler assembly 104 to laterally swing and then return to a preselected center position may be employed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the embodiment shown in
As introduced above, uncoupling assembly 106 includes motivator 414 which generates motion for transmission to coupler assembly 104 via movable link 416 to cause knuckle 206 to move from a first position to a second position. In the embodiment shown in
In some embodiments, coupler attachment location 402 may be provided at a position between coupler assembly 104 and motivator 414. Positioning coupler attachment location 402 between motivator 414 and coupler assembly 104 may avoid undesirable electrical disconnections that may result from including the motivator 414 in the portions of self-contained coupler 100 that might swing laterally or vertically during the course of train operation. Moreover, separating motivator 414 and coupler assembly 104 in this way may also protect motivator 414 from slack action as described above.
While the embodiment shown in
For example,
The embodiment of movable link 416 shown in
As another example,
As yet another example,
As introduced above, some embodiments of the self-contained coupler disclosed herein may be retrofitted to existing rolling stock. The ability to retrofit rolling stock with self-contained couplers may extend a user's enjoyment of the model railroad hobby. However, because some items of rolling stock may have different styles and types of model railroad couplers, it can be difficult to convert a fleet of rolling stock to a common style and be confident of coupler interoperability. Accordingly, some embodiments of the self-contained coupler described herein may be configured so that a modeler may readily retrofit a kit of parts to an existing item of rolling stock.
As introduced above, some model railroad couplers may involve miniaturized application settings. Therefore, installation of some model railroad couplers can be difficult. For example, in some scenarios, a small dimensional tolerance in coupler installation may make the difference between a successful coupling and a frustrating collision. Moreover, it may be difficult to install couplers that include small sub-assemblies, as installation may involve mechanical and/or electrical connections made in constrained spaces with poor visibility.
Accordingly, some of the embodiments disclosed herein may include aspects that are directed toward model railroad couplers that are self-contained. By including small parts and/or connections within an integrated housing, such couplers may be easier to install and maintain. For example, in some embodiments, self-contained coupler 100 may include a housing configured to retain one or more portions of coupler assembly 104 and/or uncoupling assembly 106. In turn, delicate sub-assemblies and/or connections included with the housing may be protected from damage during installation and/or operation. Moreover, such protection may improve the operability of self-contained coupler 100 and its interoperability with other couplers. Further, in some embodiments, self-contained coupler 100 may include one or more mounting locations configured to affix the coupler to rolling stock. Providing a mounting location may speed retrofitting and allow a user to outfit a fleet of rolling stock with ease. For example, such mounting locations may be configured so that, on installation, self-contained coupler 100 is placed into a pre-determined position on the rolling stock. So-positioned, self-contained coupler 100 may be accurately aligned (within an acceptable tolerance) to couple with another coupler.
For example,
The embodiment of housing 902 depicted in
Cover 904 may be secured to base 906 in any suitable manner. In the embodiment shown in
Housing 902 also includes a cavity 912 configured to retain the motivator. The embodiment of housing 902 shown in
In some embodiments, housing 902 may be configured to enclose other portions of self-contained coupler 100. For example, in the embodiment depicted in
Housing 902 also includes one or more locations adapted so that self-contained coupler 100 may be mounted to an item of model railroad rolling stock. For example, the embodiment shown in
As introduced above, once installed on an item of rolling stock, self-contained coupler 100 may be controlled so that the coupler moves from a coupled position to an uncoupled position and/or an uncoupled position to a coupled position responsive to a signal. For example,
Control module 1004 is configured to receive a radio signal from antenna 1006 and send a signal to the coupler via the signal input. In turn, the uncoupling mechanism adjusts a portion of the coupler assembly from a first position to a second position. It will be appreciated that control module 1004 may control coupling/uncoupling action at one or more couplers with which control module 1004 communicates. Further, while the example control module 1004 is shown in
Control module 1004 supplies/exchanges signals with self-contained coupler 100 via signal input 210. For example, control signals may be supplied from control module 1004 to a motivator included in self-contained coupler 100 via a suitable connection header 1008 in some embodiments. It will be appreciated that any suitable connection header 1008 may be provided without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, connection header 1008 may include an eleven-pin press-fit connection. In some embodiments, one or more suitable crimp and/or solder connections may be made between control module 1004 and signal input 210 via connection header 1008. In some other embodiments, connection header 1008 may be omitted, and control module 1004 provide signals directly to signal input 210 via one or more suitable connections (e.g. a crimp or solder connection).
In some embodiments, connection header 1008 may also receive power from a power supply and, in some embodiments, provide power to the respective self-contained couplers, potentially saving space within the self-contained coupler. For example, connection header 1008 may include one or more power supply connections configured to receive power from a power supply to power control module 1004 and to supply power to one or more self-contained couplers 100.
It will be appreciated that any suitable power supply may provide power to rolling stock wireless communicator 108 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, rolling stock wireless communicator 108 may receive power from an onboard power supply. For example, control module 1004 may receive power from 4 AAA batteries and provide power at 200 mA and 6 V DC to a pair of couplers with which control module 1004 is electrically connected. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, rolling stock wireless communicator may receive power from a power supply located external to the rolling stock. For example, control module 1004 may receive power collected from one or more energized rails of a model railroad layout using a pick-up electrically coupled with control module 1004.
In some embodiments, control module 1004 may be configured to enter a lower power standby state after a preset delay (e.g., as controlled by a suitable programmable relay) or in response to a command received from signal source 110, and then re-enter a higher power active state in response to another command received from signal source 110. Low power operation may preserve power source lifetime, potentially enhancing the user experience while reducing maintenance time.
Coupler control subsystem 1102 controls the operation of one or more motivators in respective self-contained couplers communicating with control module 1004. In some embodiments, coupler control subsystem 1102 may include a servo control including servo speed and servo position control. In some embodiments, coupler control subsystem 1102 may include suitable motor control logic and hardware (e.g., pulse width modulation logic and hardware) and may also include sensors and/or logic for determining the position, speed and/or direction of a motor. For example, current feedback sensors and current feedback logic may be employed to determine information about a motor included in a motivator.
In the embodiment shown in
In some embodiments, communication module 1104 may include a transceiver 1112. Transceiver 1112 is operative to receive and transmit signals via the antenna. Consequently, rolling stock wireless communicator 108 may confirm that an operation requested by the signal source has been performed and/or provide status updates to the signal source at predetermined intervals. For example, in one scenario, rolling stock wireless communicator 108 may update the signal source about a power supply status (e.g., remaining battery life). In another scenario, rolling stock wireless communicator 108 may transmit a signal to the signal source at a predetermined interval that may allow the signal source to determine whether rolling stock wireless communicator 108 is within a predetermined communication range of the signal source.
In some embodiments, communication module 1104 may include a filter 1114 operative to process signals received via the antenna. In some embodiments, filter 1114 may remove one or more selected signals. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, filter 1114 may enhance one or more selected signals. It will be appreciated that any suitable filter 1114 may be included in communication module 1104 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, filter 1114 may include a surface acoustic wave filter.
Signal source 110 includes user input 1202 operative to receive input from a user and a display 1304. In the embodiment shown in
In some embodiments, signal source 110 may be operative to transmit and receive signals to and from selected rolling stock wireless communicator according to an address or other manner of directing a signal to a particular rolling stock wireless communicator. For example, a signal source 110 may be configured to transmit and receive signals from up to 99 rolling stock wireless communicators and/or accessory receivers.
As introduced above, in some embodiments, a signal source may also be used to operate various accessory controllers. For example, an accessory controller may be used to operate railroad track turnouts so that a user may select train routing using the signal source. In another example, an accessory controller may be used to control locomotive operation, so that locomotive speed and/or sound effects may be controlled using the signal source. In yet another example, an accessory controller may be used to control animated accessories on a model railroad, such as windmills, waterwheels, and the like.
In some embodiments, accessory controller 1300 may be configured to operate eight relays at up to 5 A output using one or more relay controllers, though it will be appreciated that some embodiments may be configured to operate more or less than eight relays. In some embodiments, accessory controller 1300 may be configured to operate one or more motorized accessories via a motor controller.
In some embodiments, accessory controller 1300 may be expanded to control any suitable number of accessories of any suitable type by adding expansion modules. For example, in some embodiments, a single accessory controller 1300 configured to control eight relays may be expanded to control 64 relays by connecting seven expansion modules capable of controlling eight relays each to accessory controller 1400.
In some embodiments, accessory operation may be controlled according to any suitable number of preselected groups of accessory actions. For example, in some embodiments, up to ten groups may be triggered concurrently, potentially allowing a user to activate up to 64 accessory actions concurrently.
In some embodiments, accessory operation may be controlled according to preselected time settings. For example, accessory controller 1300 may be programmed to operate an accessory for a preselected time and then turn the accessory off using an accessory timer 1306. For example, a model of a rollercoaster may be operated at preselected intervals to simulate individual trips thereon. As another example, accessory controller 1300 may be programmed to cause groups of accessories to operate in a preselected sequence. In one scenario, groups of lights in a model town may be turned on in sequence to simulate nightfall on the model railroad. As yet another example, an electromagnetic uncoupling ramp may be turned off without user intervention.
While the examples of accessory controller 1300 and rolling stock wireless communicator 108 are described in the context of a model railroad setting, it will be appreciated that any suitable application where wireless remote control of visual, audio, or animation effects may be contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, a suitable wireless communicator may be coupled with suitable motivators included in a figurine, toy animal, or vehicle to provide wireless remote motion control for such models. Thus, suitable wireless communicators and/or accessory communicators may be employed to control operation of one or more robots and/or robotic effects. Similarly, suitable accessory controllers may be used with light, sound, and animation effects in dollhouses, potentially enhancing the user experience.
It is to be understood that the configurations and/or approaches described herein are exemplary in nature, and that these specific embodiments or examples are not to be considered in a limiting sense, because numerous variations are possible. The specific routines or methods described herein may represent one or more of any number of processing strategies. Thus, the various acts illustrated may be performed in the sequence illustrated, in other sequences, or omitted in some cases.
The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and nonobvious combinations and subcombinations of the various processes, systems and configurations, and other features, functions, acts, and/or properties disclosed herein, as well as any and all equivalents thereof.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3939989 | Thomson | Feb 1976 | A |
| 5316158 | Dunham et al. | May 1994 | A |
| 5775524 | Dunham | Jul 1998 | A |
| 7659834 | Young et al. | Feb 2010 | B2 |
| 7775385 | Dudley | Aug 2010 | B2 |
| 7810660 | Dunham | Oct 2010 | B1 |
| 20050126838 | Vaughan | Jun 2005 | A1 |
| 20080110845 | Edwards et al. | May 2008 | A1 |
| Entry |
|---|
| “HO Operating Couplers,” M.T.H. Electric Trains, http://www.mthtrains.com/news/393, Feb. 4, 2009, 2 pages. |
| Lionel J Class and B&A Tender Electrocoupler Kit (Product No. 6-22955), Lionel Corporation, Jul. 1998, 6 pages. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20140001141 A1 | Jan 2014 | US |
