Back to results
US 2007/0181351 A1Published application
Swivel mounted track frame
OwnerGlen Brazierinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Track frame assemblies wherein one assembly provides a multi-section sub-frame that supports a series of idler wheel suspensions. Each section is mounted to pivot laterally from stub axles longitudinally secured to a drive frame. In another assembly, resilient bushings support idler wheel suspension axles to the track frame. The track frame also supports a detachable track tensioner containing idler wheels that facilitate track removal and replacement. A detachable hub at a track drive sprocket/drum further enhances frame mounting. Elastomer shim and air bag assemblies also torsionally control and limit rotation of the track assemblies.
Claims35
A vehicle track comprising:
- a) an endless track having a ground engaging exterior surface spanning opposed first and second circumferential peripheral edges;
- b) a framework includes a drive sprocket and a plurality of rotatively mounted idler wheels, wherein said track is trained around said sprocket and idler wheels, wherein said idler wheels are mounted to support an interior surface of said track as said track rotates around said framework, wherein said idler wheels are coupled to a plurality of members that transversely project from a longitudinal frame portion, and wherein said plurality of members are each mounted to pivot relative to each other in lateral relation to said longitudinal frame portion, such that said idler wheels can rise and fall about said longitudinal frame portion and in concert with said track and as said track follows changing terrain contours.
A vehicle track comprising:
- a) an endless track having a ground engaging exterior surface spanning opposed first and second circumferential peripheral edges;
- b) a framework mounted to a vehicle chassis and including i) a drive sprocket, ii) a plurality of idler wheels, iii) a plurality of first axles mounted to pivot a first longitudinal frame portion in transverse lateral relation to a second longitudinal frame portion coupled to a vehicle, and iv) a plurality of second axles mounted parallel to said first longitudinal frame portion, wherein said track is trained around said sprocket and idler wheels and said idler wheels are mounted to support an interior surface of said track as said track rotates around said framework, wherein a plurality of first and second suspensions mount to opposite ends of each of said plurality of second axles, wherein said first and second suspensions respectively contain first and second idler wheels and third and fourth idler wheels, wherein said second axles permit said first and second suspensions to longitudinally pivot, and wherein said first axles are mounted to laterally pivot each of said first and second suspensions about said second longitudinal frame portion, whereby said plurality of first and second suspensions independently rise and fall along longitudinal and lateral axes to sustain contact with said interior track surface with changing terrain contours;
- and
- c) resiliently compressible and expansible means for torsionally limiting rotation of said framework relative to said vehicle chassis.
1 more element
A vehicle track comprising:
- a) an endless track having a ground engaging exterior surface spanning opposed first and second circumferential peripheral edges;
- b) a framework mounted to a vehicle chassis and including i) a drive sprocket, ii) a plurality of idler wheels, and iii) a plurality of first axles transversely mounted to said framework and supporting said plurality of idler wheels;
- c) means coupling said plurality of axles to said framework for resiliently supporting said idler wheels to laterally pivot;
- and
- d) resiliently compressible and expansible means for torsionally limiting rotation of said framework relative to said vehicle chassis, whereby said plurality of first and second suspensions independently rise and fall along multiple axes to sustain contact with said interior track surface with changing terrain contours.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.