Track tensioning system
AssigneeThe Charles Machine Works, Inc.
InventorsLevi M. Johnson, David A. Rorabaugh
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A tensioning system for a tracked vehicle. The present invention provides for adjusting tension of a track by moving the sprocket relative to the rollers in a substantially vertical direction. The system comprises a sprocket assembly, a roller assembly, a track, and a tension adjustment assembly. The tension adjustment assembly includes a tension bolt threaded through a tension nut. The bolt threads through the nut and contacts the roller assembly. As the bolt is threaded or unthreaded, the sprocket assembly is moved relative to the roller assembly in a substantially vertical direction. As the assemblies move relative to each other, tension in the track is resultantly adjusted.
Claims11
A track system for a tracked vehicle, the system comprising:
- a sprocket;
- a frame;
- at least one roller supported on the frame;
- a track disposed about the sprocket and the at least one roller;
- a first adjustment member connected to the sprocket and pivotal relative to the frame;
- a bolt disposed through both an opening in the frame and an opening in the first adjustment member to secure the first adjustment member;
- wherein pivotal movement of the first adjustment member relative to the frame moves the sprocket relative to the at least one roller in a substantially vertical direction.
A track system for a tracked vehicle, the system comprising:
- a sprocket;
- a frame;
- and
- a plurality of rollers rotatably supported on the frame;
- a track disposed around the sprocket and the plurality of rollers;
- and
- a tension adjustment assembly connected to the sprocket to move the sprocket relative to the plurality of rollers in a substantially vertical direction;
- a bolt disposed through both an opening in the frame and an opening in the tension adjustment assembly to secure the tension adjustment assembly.
A method for adjusting tension in a track system, the track system comprising a sprocket, at least one roller, a tension adjustment assembly connected to the sprocket, and a track, the method comprising:
- disposing the track about the at least one roller and the sprocket;
- pivoting the tension adjustment assembly to adjust a vertical position of the at sprocket relative to the roller;
- and
- tensioning an adjustment nut to adjust the vertical position of the sprocket relative to the roller.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.