Track end connector

US6290313A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army · US

Inventor

• John G. Korpi · Livonia, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 22, 2000
• Grant date: Sep 18, 2001
• Expiry date: May 22, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B62D55/21
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An improved track end connector for a double-pin track assembly of a tracked vehicle includes a novel connector body, a bolt in the connector body, track pins held by the bolt, and a retainer ring engaging both the body and the bolt. The connector body defines a smooth bore having a relief groove holding the retainer ring. The bolt is inserted through the smooth bore until threads at one end of the bolt engage a second, threaded bore in the connector body. As the bolt screws into the threaded bore, a ramp near the bolt's head expands the retainer ring. As the bolt screws further into the threaded bore, a retention groove on the bolt is clinched by the retainer ring, so that the bolt can not unscrew from the threaded bore. A smooth shank portion of the bolt seats with concave depressions in the track pins, so that the track pins do not escape from the connector body.