US 8,911,031 B2Granted

Track system

AssigneeSoucy International Inc.

InventorsRobert Bessette, Louis-Frédéric Marchildon, Steve Fréchette, Jonathan Thibault, André Léger

Life of this patent

Estimating the term…

Loading patent…

Abstract

This invention generally relates to track systems and traction assemblies for use as wheel replacement for normally wheeled vehicles. The track system uses a traction band disposed about a sprocket wheel, idler wheels and road wheels for propulsion. The idler wheels and road wheels are typically pivotally mounted to a support frame, itself configured to be coupled to the sprocket wheel via a support member. The track system also comprises a movement limiting link mounted both to the support member and to the vehicle frame. The movement limiting link limits longitudinal and lateral movements of the track system, such as to prevent contact between the track system and the vehicle.

Claims22

Dependent claims

A track system comprising:

a) a sprocket wheel configured to be mounted to a wheel hub of a vehicle;
b) a substantially longitudinally extending support frame having a front end and a rear end, the support frame comprising idler wheels pivotally mounted at the front and rear ends, and road wheels pivotally mounted in-between;
c) substantially vertically extending support member comprising an upper portion, a middle portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being non-drivingly mounted to the sprocket wheel, the middle portion comprising a first projection extending forwardly and a second projection extending rearwardly, the first projection comprising a first arm extending laterally inwardly, and the second projection comprising a second arm extending laterally inwardly, and the lower portion comprising a first shaft extending laterally inwardly and being pivotally mounted to the support frame, and;
d) a link comprising a first end rigidly coupled to the first and second arms of the middle portion of the support member and to the first shaft, and a second end configured to be rigidly mounted to the vehicle;
e) an endless traction band disposed around the sprocket wheel, the idler wheel and the road wheels.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 13/380,675Filed 30 Jun 2010 · us provisional application
Priority: 30 Jun 2009
Published: US 2012/0090903 A119 Apr 2012
Granted: 16 Dec 2014
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification3 codes

B62D 55/04
Endless track vehicles: with tracks and alternative ground wheels, e.g. changeable from endless track vehicle into wheeled vehicle and vice versa
B62D 55/084
Endless track units; Parts thereof: endless-track units or carriages mounted separably, adjustably or extensibly on vehicles, e.g. portable track…
B62D
Motor vehicles