Linked tread apparatus for improved performance on loose surfaces

A tread link for use in a tread assembly comprising a plurality of linked tread links, the tread link comprising:

• a tread plate having first and second surfaces;
• a first linking structure associated with a first end of the tread link and a second linking structure associated with a second end of the tread link, wherein the first linking structure comprises a protrusion extending beyond the first end of the tread plate, and the second linking structure comprises a recess defined by the second end of the tread plate, the protrusion configured to fit into a corresponding recess of another tread link;
• an inner side plate and an outer side plate depending from the second surface of the tread plate and extending between the first and second ends the tread link, the first and second side plates spaced apart an amount sufficient to receive a portion of an outer circumference of a wheel onto which the tread link is to be mounted;
• a link fastener adapted to engage the first linking structure associated with the first end of the tread link and a second linking structure associated with a second end of the other tread link;
• inner and outer side plates depending from the second surface of the tread plate and lining first and second sides of the protrusion as well as first and second sides of the recess, the inner and outer side plates defining a first pair of link pin apertures adjacent the protrusion and a second pair of link pin apertures adjacent the recess;
• and
• a link fastener including a link pin insertable into one of the first and second pairs of link pin apertures and the other of a first and second pair of link pin apertures associated with the other tread link, wherein the fastener comprises a U-shaped member having first and second deflectable arms, the link pin defined by a pair of outwardly facing posts formed on the ends of the first and second arms.

An apparatus for improving a wheel's performance on loose surfaces, the apparatus comprising:

• a plurality of linked plates, the plates having an upper surface, a lower surface, a first end and a second end, an inner side and an outer side, the plates having a width greater than an axial width of the wheel;
• first link structures associated with the first ends of the plates, and second link structures associated with the second ends of the plates;
• link fasteners for securing the first link structures to the second link structures of adjacent plates such that the plates form a linked circuit around an outer circumference of the wheel;
• and
• a channel associated with the lower sides of the plates, the channel configured to receive a portion of the outer circumference of the wheel, preventing the plates from sliding laterally from the wheel,
• wherein the plates include male link structures extending from the first ends of the plates and female link structures recessed within the second ends of the plates, the plates further including inner and outer side plates depending from the lower surfaces of the plates, the inner and outer side plates lining inner and outer sides of the male link structures and the female link structures, the inner and outer side plates defining the channel, the channel being tapered such that the male link structures fit into the female link structures of adjacent plates, the inner and outer side plates defining first sets of link pin apertures adjacent the male link structures and second pairs of link pin apertures adjacent the female link structures, and wherein the link fasteners comprise link pins inserted through the first set of link pin apertures and the second set of link pin apertures of adjacent plates.