Patent · US Expired

Replacement endless vehicle tracks

US5368376A · kind A · utility

23Cited by
92References
34Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 10, 1992
Grant dateNov 29, 1994
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 10, 2012

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB62D55/24
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A replacement endless drive track for use on a heavy duty tracked vehicle such as a bulldozer or tank includes a reinforced polymeric drive belt, two parallel sets of closely spaced rail blocks adjacent the drive belt, a plurality of drive pins extending between opposing ones of the rail blocks, and supporting members adjoining the drive belt and the rail blocks. The rail blocks are substantially Z-shaped, such that a forward portion of one rail block is offset and overlaps the rearward portion of a directly adjacent rail block. The rail blocks, drive pins and drive treads may be comprised of a polymeric material which is harder than the polymeric material of the drive belt. The drive pins may alternatively be disposed at a lateral end of the supporting members to accommodate a tracked vehicle with peripherally disposed drive sprockets. In addition, the frame of the tracked vehicle may be adapted to provide for attachment of widened rollers which roll directly on the track for smoother and quieter travel.

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