Adjustable tracks
AssigneeThe Charles Machine Works, Inc.
InventorsRoger T. Jones, Lelan Mack Powers
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A vehicle having two configurations. The vehicle has two track frames, one on each side of a vehicle frame. The position of the track frames is adjustable relative to the vehicle frame by removing a connector, such as a first bolt, from a hole in the vehicle frame and a plate extending from the track frame. Another bolt is disposed in the vehicle frame and a slot in the plate. The track frame may be moved inwardly or outwardly to change the vehicle's configuration, and the first bolt reattached through the plate at a different hole in the vehicle frame.
Claims21
A vehicle comprising:
- a vehicle frame having a plurality of attachment points disposed on a ground-facing surface;
- a first track assembly comprising:
- a track frame;
- a track disposed about the track frame;
- and
- a first attachment plate extending from the track frame, the first attachment plate having a slot and an aperture;
- and
- a plurality of connectors, each of the plurality of connectors configured to attach the first attachment plate to a one of the plurality of the attachment points through a selected one of the slot and the aperture;
- wherein the vehicle has a first orientation and a second orientation, in which:
- the first orientation is characterized by the vehicle frame and track frame being separated by a first distance;
- and
- the second orientation is characterized by the vehicle frame and track frame being separated by a second distance, wherein the first distance is shorter than the second distance;
- wherein the slot and aperture are each aligned with an attachment point in each of the first and second orientations.
A method of adjusting the width of a work machine comprising a track frame and a vehicle frame, the method comprising:
- loosening a first connector at a first connection point on the vehicle frame, wherein the first connector is disposed through a slot on the track frame;
- removing a second connector from an aperture on the track frame and a second connection point on the vehicle frame;
- changing a lateral position of the track frame relative to the vehicle frame such that the aperture on the track frame and a third connection point form a continuous passage;
- placing a selected one of the second connector and a substantially similar connector through the continuous passage;
- and
- tightening the first connector at the first connection point.
A vehicle comprising:
- a frame having a plurality of downwardly-disposed attachment points and defining opposed sides;
- two track assemblies, each track assembly attached to the frame at one of the opposed sides, each track assembly comprising:
- a first plate having at least one aperture disposed therethrough;
- and
- at least one bolt;
- wherein the at least one bolt is configured for being disposed through the at least one aperture in the plate and one of the plurality of downwardly-disposed attachment points in at least two configurations;
- wherein:
- the first configuration is defined by the two track assembly being located by a position of the at least one bolt position relative to the plurality of attachment points and at least one aperture at a position close to the frame;
- and
- the second configuration is defined by the two track assemblies being located further from the frame than the first configuration, due to the positioning of the at least one bolt through the at least one aperture and one or more of the plurality of attachment points.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.