Swivel fitting
A brake hose support comprises: a bracket fixedly attached to the yoke of the coupling apparatus of a rail car and a swivel fitting attached to the bracket which is rotatable around a pivot center. The swivel fitting can be rotated so that the angle of the end hose opening with respect to the angle cock is adjustable.
1. In a rail car having a coupler, a yoke and a brake hose assembly, a brake hose support comprising:
a bracket fixedly attached to the yoke of the rail car;
a swivel fitting attached to the bracket and rotatable around a pivot center;
the swivel fitting having openings at opposite sides thereof to receive an intermediate hose at one side and an end hose at the opposite side;
a first through hole at the pivot center;
a first bolt passing through the first through hole attaching the swivel fitting to the bracket;
a first spacer between the sides of the first through hole and the first bolt, permitting rotation of the swivel fitting around the pivot center;
a second elongated through hole having a curved shape;
a second bolt passing through the second through hole; and
a second spacer between the sides of the second through hole and the second bolt; wherein
opposite ends of the curved shape of the second elongated through hole define the extent of rotation of the swivel fitting around the pivot center, so that movement of the swivel fitting stops when the second bolt meets a respective end of the curved second through hole,
whereby the opening in the swivel fitting receiving the end hose can be adjusted to different angles with respect to an angle cock attached to the brake hose assembly.
2. The brake hose support of claim 1 , wherein nuts attaching the first and second bolts to secure the swivel fitting to the bracket are tack welded.
3. The brake hose support of claim 1 , wherein the different angles of the opening receiving the end hose with respect to the angle cock valve range from −10 degrees to +20 degrees, measured from a longitudinal axis of the rail car, with positive being in the direction of the angle cock.
4. The brake hose support of claim 1 , wherein the bracket is an F bracket.
5. The brake hose support of claim 1 , wherein the bracket is an E bracket.
6. The brake hose support of claim 1 , wherein the swivel fitting has a flange for connecting to the intermediate hose and a threaded connection for receiving the end hose.
7. The brake hose support of claim 1 , wherein the swivel fitting is bolted and tack welded to the bracket.