Patent · US Expired

Drive sprocket for a tracked vehicle

US6976742B2 · kind B2 · utility

11Cited by
13References
36Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 8, 2003
Grant dateDec 20, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 8, 2023

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB62D55/125
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A snowmobile is propelled by an endless track that is operatively connected to the snowmobile's engine by two drive sprockets. Each drive sprocket includes one set of external teeth and two sets of internal teeth that engage three corresponding sets of track teeth formed on the track. Alignment cleats are mounted on the inside of each of one of the sets of track teeth. During low-load operation, contact between the cleats (and the track teeth on which the cleats are mounted) is minimized or eliminated, which reduces or eliminates noise caused by collisions between the metal sprocket and the metal cleats. During higher load operation, the track deforms such that the set of external sprocket teeth engage the cleats and associated set of track teeth.

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