Low ground pressure track shoe
AssigneeCaterpillar Tractor Co.
InventorsDanny J. Becker, Roger L. Boggs, Kenneth E. Vaughn, James Richard Shuler
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A track-type vehicle comprises a plurality of articulated track shoes each comprising a pair of downwardly converging sidewalls terminating at the grouser extending the full width thereof. The sidewalls define a V-shaped trough-like configuration and a track link is releasably attached thereto. A pair of parallel lugs are formed on the upper ends of the sidewalls.
Claims23
An endless track assembly for a track-type vehicle comprising a plurality of pivotally interconnected ground engaging track shoes,
- each track shoe comprising a pair of downwardly converging sidewalls forming an open-ended, trough-like construction having a V-shaped cross section throughout the entire width thereof, end portions of said sidewalls extending laterally in converging relationships at each lateral end of said track shoe when viewed in top plan,
- a common grouser portion formed at lower apex ends of said sidewalls to extend the entire width of said track shoe,
- generally horizontally disposed first and second lugs each formed on an upper end of a respective one of said sidewalls to extend the entire width of said track shoe, the first lug of one track shoe overlapping the second lug of an adjacent track shoe in overlapping relationship therewith,
- link means disposed intermediate the lateral ends of each of said track shoes and straddling said sidewalls between said first and second lugs,
- pivot means pivotally connecting each end of each of said link means to an end of an adjacent link means, and
- attachment means attaching each of said link means to a respective one of said track shoes.
A ground engaging track shoe adapted for use in a track assembly of a track-type vehicle comprising
- a pair of downwardly converging side walls forming an unobstructed trough-like construction having a V-shaped cross section throughout the entire width of said track shoe and further extending laterally in converging relationship at each lateral end of said track shoe when viewed in top plan,
- a common grouser portion formed at lower apex ends of said sidewalls to extend the entire width of said track shoe,
- a generally horizontally disposed lug formed on an upper end of each of said sidewalls to extend the entire width of said track shoe and
- a triangularly shaped and substantially flat portion disposed at each corner of said track shoe between a respective sidewall and lug.
The track shoe of claim 20 wherein a straight mid-portion of said grouser portion is at least substantially parallel relative to said lugs and each laterally disposed end portion thereof diverges upwardly towards said lugs at an acute angle relative to the straight mid-portion of said grouser, when said track shoe is viewed in front elevation.
A ground engaging track shoe for use in a track assembly,
- each track shoe comprising a pair of downwardly converging sidewalls having upper and lower ends forming an open-ended, trough-like construction of generally V-shaped cross section,
- a grouser portion formed at an apex of the lower ends of said sidewalls comprising a straight mid-portion substantially parallel with the upper ends throughout the entire width of said shoe with the outer end portions of said grouser diverging upwardly at an acute angle relative to the midportion, and
- a triangularly shaped and substantially flat portion disposed at each corner of said track shoe between a respective side and upper end.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.