Vehicle track providing enhanced steerability
US7018005B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 7, 2003 |
| Grant date | Mar 28, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 7, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D55/244
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle track includes an endless belt. A plurality of laterally-elongated propulsive lugs and longitudinally-elongated turning lugs extend outwardly from an outer side of the endless belt. The propulsive lugs provide substantially longitudinally facing surfaces that dig into the snow to give the vehicle track propulsion and braking traction. However, the gripping force of the propulsive lugs impedes the longitudinally-elongated track's ability to pivot about a generally vertical axis as the tracked vehicle turns. The turning lugs include longitudinally-elongated side surfaces that substantially face in the lateral direction of the track. When the tracked vehicle is steered, the turning lugs form laterally-facing ramps that push the track upwardly away from the snow in response to lateral forces exerted by the snow on the turning lugs. The resulting upward track movement partially disengages the propulsion and turning lugs from the snow to enhance the track's steerability.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.