Endless drive track with improved drive lug configuration
US6193335A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 6, 1999 |
| Grant date | Feb 27, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 6, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D55/244
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An endless drive track system for use with a tracked vehicle includes a planetary drive system having drive rollers, a plurality of roller wheels, an endless track having an interior surface and a plurality of drive lugs attached to the interior surface. Each drive lug includes at least one drive face that is positively engaged by the drive rollers of the planetary drive system, and longitudinal faces that are engageable with the sides of the roller wheels. Each longitudinal face has an angled shape defined by upper and lower portions. The lower portion is substantially perpendicular to the interior surface while the upper portion is angled between about 5.degree. and 60.degree. with respect to the lower portion. This arrangement promotes lateral guidance of the endless track and reduces the potential of damaging contact between the longitudinal faces and the roller wheels. The endless track may include a reinforcing brace having flanges that protect the longitudinal faces. The reinforcing brace extends from the interior surface of the endless track and decreases the amount each of the drive lugs erodes from possible contact with the roller wheels.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.