Patent · US Expired

Snow travel vehicle

US5113958A · kind A · utility

40Cited by
12References
16Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMay 23, 1990
Grant dateMay 19, 1992
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 23, 2010

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB62D55/0655
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A snow travel vehicle for movement through deep snow which is characterized by a two-part articulated chassis, independent beam suspension for tracks on opposite sides of each of the chassis parts and a hydraulic drive system for the vehicle. The two parts of the articulated chassis are pivotally connected about a vertical axis for limited relative movement for steering and about a horizontal axis for limited relative movement to accommodate ground irregularities. Each track includes a longitudinal "walking" beam pivotally connected at the end of a transverse crossbeam. A cleated tread is tautly supported by a plurality of in-line wheels, one of those wheels being a drive sprocket supported by the "walking" beam. A direct drive hydraulic motor is connected to the drive sprocket. A hydraulic power system is provided connected to each of the hydraulic motors and an internal combustion power system is provided to energize the hydraulic power system.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.