AN IMPROVED AIR BRAKE HOSE COUPLING MEMBER HAVING AN EXTENDED LOCKING LUG

摘要

A coupling member for detachably connecting together two sections of airbrake hose between railroad cars. Each coupling member has a hollow tubularbody with one end attached to a section of hose and with an opposite endhavingan arcuate body portion extending circumferentially about and outwardly of thetubular body, and has an arcuate locking lug with a guide and protectionsurfacefollowed by a locking surface extending generally axially from the bodyconcentricwith and projecting along substantially the entire arcuate body portion. An L-shapedarcuate flange projects outwardly and forwardly from a rear portion of thetubular body and is provided with a lip which engages a similar lip formed onthearcuate locking lug of the other of two coupling members to secure the membersincoupled position where the lip projects from only a locking portion of the lugwhilea guide portion has a smooth surface. An elastomeric gasket is mounted withinthebore of the tubular body and forms an airtight seal with a similar gasketmountedon the other coupling member. A finger is pivotally mounted within a radiallyextending slot formed in an arcuate end body portion of the tubular body. Aprotective flap is secured over the finger to protect the finger from weatherrelatedand environmental hazards, while providing a slit to allow for locking andunlockingmotion.