Flip-flop track idlers
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorsKevin L. Steiner, Eric Bernard Weisbruch, Daniel I. Knobloch, Timothy Michael Nenne
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A track idler includes a body of revolution defining an axis of rotation, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction disposed about the axis of rotation. A first axial extremity and a second axial extremity are disposed along the axis of rotation. The body of revolution further includes an outboard track contact surface that is disposed axially proximate to the first axial extremity, and an inboard slot is disposed axially proximate to the second axial extremity.
Claims20
A track idler member comprising:
- a body of revolution defining an axis of rotation, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction disposed about the axis of rotation, the body of revolution defining
- a first axial end disposed along the axis of rotation and a second axial end disposed along the axis of rotation;
- and
- a half-tread portion including a first track contact region including a first track contact surface that is disposed proximate to the first axial end, and defining a first void disposed axially between the first track contact region and the second axial end.
A track idler member comprising:
- a body of revolution defining an axis of rotation, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction disposed about the axis of rotation, the body of revolution defining
- a proximate axial end disposed along the axis of rotation, and a distal axial end disposed along the axis of rotation;
- and
- a half-tread portion including a first track interface region including an interface surface that is disposed axially between the proximate axial end and the distal axial end, and defining a first aperture disposed axially between the first track interface region and the proximate axial end.
A track idler joint assembly comprising:
- a track idler including
- a body of revolution defining an axis of rotation, a circumferential direction disposed about the axis of rotation, a radial direction extending normal to the axis of rotation, a first axial extremity disposed along the axis of rotation, and a second axial extremity disposed along the axis of rotation, the body of revolution further including
- an outboard track contact surface disposed axially proximate to the first axial extremity;
- and the body of revolution further defining
- an exterior;
- an inboard slot that is disposed axially proximate to the second axial extremity;
- and
- an outboard link contacting the outboard track contact surface and an inboard link overhanging the inboard slot.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.