Master link for a track chain
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorsRoy L. Maguire, Thomas E. Oertley, Kevin M. Egle
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A master link for a track chain assembly is provided. The master link includes a body portion having first and second spaced apart apertures extending therethough. A gap extends radially outward from one of the first and second apertures. At least one fastener operatively engages an aperture that extends through the gap. As the fastener is secured the width of the gap is reduced thereby reducing the diameter of one of the first and second apertures providing a clamping force.
Claims17
A master link for a track chain assembly comprising:
- a unitary body portion having a first side, a second side positioned opposite the first side, a shoe surface adapted to receive a track shoe, and a rail surface positioned opposite the shoe surface;
- a first end portion defining a first aperture extending through the body portion from the first side to the second side;
- a second end portion defining a second aperture extending through the body portion from the first side to the second side, said second aperture being spaced from said first aperture;
- and
- said unitary body portion including a gap extending radially from said first and said second apertures.
A track chain assembly having opposite ends capable of being coupled together to form a closed loop, said track chain assembly comprising:
- a plurality of subassemblies each being connected to an adjacent subassembly;
- a one-piece inner master link and a one-piece outer master link connecting the opposite ends of the track chain assembly together;
- wherein each of said one-piece inner master link and said one-piece outer master link, each includes:
- a body portion having a first side, a second side positioned opposite the first side, a shoe surface adapted to receive a track shoe positioned opposite a rail surface;
- said body portion having a first end portion defining a first aperture extending from the first side to the second side;
- said body portion having a second end portion defining a second aperture extending from the first side to the second side, said second aperture being spaced from the first aperture;
- and
- said body portion including a gap extending radially from said first and said second apertures.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.