Elastomeric bushings
AssigneeBurke Industries, Inc.
InventorAdrian Ruddell
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An elastomeric bushing especially useful in the construction of track-type vehicles. Track links of such vehicles are formed with circular openings and joined by octagonal link pins. A metal pin sleeve having an octagonally shaped internal opening slides onto the pin. The pin sleeve is formed with an elliptical cross sectional shape. An elastomeric bushing having an elliptical shape is bonded to the elliptical metal sleeve with their major axes at right angles to each other. The bushing is forced into the circular opening in the track link so that the elastomeric bushing is under compression.
Claims5
In an endless track for vehicles including track links formed with cross bores, articulately connected by track pins, the improvement comprising:
- a. a non-elastic pin sleeve having an elliptical cross sectional shape with a major axis removably mounted on said pin so that said major axis is normal to the direction of maximum force exerted on said sleeve;
- and
- b. an elastomeric bushing dimensioned for force fit mounting within said cross bores and having a molded elliptical cross sectional shape with a major axis and bonded to said sleeve so that said major axis is positioned parallel to the direction of maximum compressive force exerted on said bushing wherein there is a greater thickness of elastomer to resist said maximum force.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.