US 7,255,184 B2 · Track assembly

Abstract

A track assembly having first and second hub assemblies that are operatively connected to a support frame by first and second attachment members, respectively. The first and second attachment members include resilient or movable mounts that are configured so that the track assembly can be attached to vehicles whose axles or wheel flanges are misaligned or have irregular rotational movement such as runout or wobble. The attachment members may be adjustably positioned relative to the support frame to accommodate vehicles having different wheelbase lengths and axle lengths. An endless track encircles the first and second hub assemblies, and the support frame, and is drivingly engaged by one of the hub assemblies. First and second rollers, which define the longitudinal extent of the endless track, are positioned at either end of the support frame. A tensioning member, with at least one upper idler roller, positions the endless track so that it is spaced from one of the hub assemblies in a spaced relation. The track assembly increases traction and stability by providing a vehicle with an independent front suspension, a larger footprint, and a longer wheelbase. In use, each track assembly is bolted onto wheel flanges of a vehicle using existing wheel lugs and nuts.

Claims41

Dependent claims

An apparatus suitable for use in converting a wheeled vehicle to a tracked vehicle, the apparatus comprising:

a first hub assembly configured and arranged to be fastened to a first axle of a vehicle whose wheel has been removed;
a second hub assembly configured and arranged to be fastened to a second axle of a vehicle whose wheel has been removed;
a support frame having a plurality of support rollers, with at least two of the support rollers spaced apart from each other by a distance that is substantially equal to or greater than a distance between the first and second hub assemblies;
a first attachment member configured and arranged to operatively connect the first hub assembly to the support frame;
and, a second attachment member configured and arranged to operatively connect the second hub assembly to the support frame;
wherein two wheels on one side of a wheeled vehicle may be removed and replaced by the apparatus.

3 more elements

A method of converting a wheeled vehicle to a tracked vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:

a. removing a first wheel from a first wheel flange on one side of a vehicle;
b. removing a second wheel from a second wheel flange on said side of a vehicle;
and,
c. attaching a first track assembly to said first and second wheel flanges of the vehicle, the first track assembly comprising:
a first hub assembly attachable to a first wheel flange of the vehicle;
a second hub assembly attachable to a second wheel flange of the vehicle;
a support frame operatively supporting the first and second hub assemblies, with the first and second hub assemblies rotatable with respect to the support frame;
and,
an endless track encircling the first and second hub assemblies, with the endless track engaged by only one of the first or second hub assemblies.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Track assembly

Life of this patent

Track assembly

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims41