FRICTION DRAFT GEAR HOUSING HAVING A REMOVABLE END WALL

摘要

A friction-type draft gear assembly (10) includes a housing (12) having an open front end (50) and a partially closed rear end (14) with a first and second rear portions (16, 18) and a pair of ledge members (20) for enabling the draft gear assembly to fit into a draft gear pocket (108). A first rear portion is adapted to receive a compressible cushioning element (80) with a seating arrangement abutting one end thereof. A removable bottom wall (22) is attachable either to the first or second rear portions for enabling installation of the compressible cushioning element. The open front end is adapted to receive a friction cushioning means (90) which has a spring release mechanism for continuously urging the friction cushioning means outwardly from the compressible cushioning element thereby releasing such friction cushioning means after compression of such draft gear assembly. The open front end is configured for direct attachment to a coupler with a coupler key.