Inventors:
Angelo M. Labriola - Blue Island IL
Everett G. Ring - Gary IN
Assignee:
Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation - Wilmerding PA
International Classification:
B60T 1702
US Classification:
303 13, 188 33, 188107, 188153 R, 74523, 74528, 74505
Abstract:
An apparatus for a quick release mechanism in a railcar hand brake. The hand brake has a housing having a front casing with an inside wall of a predetermined size and shape, and a back plate. An operating shaft is rotatably mounted in the housing. The operating shaft includes a first end and a second end. The operating shaft further includes a ratchet wheel rotatable with the operating shaft intermediate the first and second ends thereof, and a release shaft rotatably mounted in the housing. The apparatus comprises a projection of a predetermined size and shape disposed substantially perpendicular to the ratchet wheel, and a flexible clamp of a predetermined size and shape mounted inside the housing. A member is disposed substantially perpendicular to, and about the circumference of the release shaft, having a first element disposed on the member wherein the first element interposes with the flexible clamp when the release shaft is rotated to achieve and maintain full brake release, and a second element disposed on the member and engageable with the projection when the operating shaft is rotated to disengage the first element from the flexible clamp to allow for brake application.