CA1326694C - Ground engaging surface for endless tracks and wheels - Google Patents
Ground engaging surface for endless tracks and wheelsInfo
- Publication number
- CA1326694C CA1326694C CA000559938A CA559938A CA1326694C CA 1326694 C CA1326694 C CA 1326694C CA 000559938 A CA000559938 A CA 000559938A CA 559938 A CA559938 A CA 559938A CA 1326694 C CA1326694 C CA 1326694C
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- ground
- support
- engaging
- support system
- side walls
- Prior art date
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Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
Running surface for wheels and endless tracks provided by a plurality of elongated, hollow, ground engaging elements (12) carried on a base (15). The ground engaging elements (12) extend transversely of the direction of travel of the running surface and are so constructed as to resiliently deform under load. Various constructions of the ground engaging elements (12) are also described and claimed.
Running surface for wheels and endless tracks provided by a plurality of elongated, hollow, ground engaging elements (12) carried on a base (15). The ground engaging elements (12) extend transversely of the direction of travel of the running surface and are so constructed as to resiliently deform under load. Various constructions of the ground engaging elements (12) are also described and claimed.
Description
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THIS INVENTION relates to means providing a running surface for wheels, endless tracks and ~he like.
. The present invention seeks to pxovide a running surface for wheels, endless tracks and ~he like which can resiliently flex so as to offer some resistance to shock and which is not pneumatic in nature and thereby not susceptible to puncturing as is the case with pneumatic tyres.
In one form the inv4ntion resides in means providing a runnîng surface comprising a base and a plurality of elongated, hollow ground engaging elements carried ~n the base, the ground eng~ging elements extending transversely of the direction of travel of the running surface and being of a con~truction so as to xesiliently deform under load.
While the ground engaging elements may extend in a direction orthogonal to the direction of travel of the running surface, it is preferable that they are inclined to such direction. Purthermore,~while each ~round engaging element may extent the full widt:h of the running surface, it is preferable that the elements are arranged in a fashion which does not impose a resultant ~ide thru~ on the running surface ~such as circumfexential ro~s arranged to define a chevron pattern). Wi$h a chevron pattern, there is in use no resultant side thrust imposed upon the running ~urface as would be the case with tubular elements extending in an inclined f~shion across the full width of the running surface.
In circumstances where a running surface according to the invention is for use with a wheel, the base may simply be the rim of the wheel or a band adapted : to be itted onto the rim. In circumstances where a : : runnlng surface according to the invention is for use with an endless track, the base may comprise a flexible endle~s band passing around end rollers thereby to constltute the endless track.
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The ground engaging elements may be formedintegral with the base t but for preerence are formed separately of the base and fixed thereto. Preferably, the ground engaging elements are detachably fixed to the ba~e S by removable fixing means.
The ground engaging elements may be in the form of tubular elements which are preferably open at their ends. ~y being open at their ends, the tubular elements are ventilated to facilitate dissipation of heat.
In one arrangement, the tubular elements may be of a cross-section which presents an outwardly facing convex surface. With this arrangement, it is convenient for the tubular element to be partly circular in cross-section, having an arcuate portion and a generally flat web portion. The arcuate portion define~ said con~ex surface and the web portion facilitates fixing of the element to said base. The generally flat web porkion may be profiled to conform with curvature of the base.
Alternatively, the tubular elelments may be circular in cross section.
In another arrangement, tha tubular elements may be of a cross-section which provides an inner longitudinal face for engagement ayainsk the base, an outer longi~udinal f~ce for contacting the ground and longi~udinal side faces between the inner and ou~er faces, the side faces being constructed to be resiliently flexible under normal load conditions. Each side face may - be of angular or other construction o as to provide a line about whieh it can flex. The outer face may be provided with a tread formation.
~ he tubular elements may be formed from rubber or other elastomeric material. The rubbsr or other elastomeric ~naterial may be provided with reinforcement.
In still another arrangement, the elongated hollow tubular elements may be in the form of loops which are preferably formed from a length of resilient material arranged in 5inuous formation having alternating cres~
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and trouqhs, the length of material being secured to the base at locations corresponding to at leai~t some of the troughs.
There may be provided at least one further row of said loops, the loops of each row being staygered with respect to the loops in a neighbouring row. In this way, the ground engaging surface can travel over the ground in ~-a more uniform manner. ~-~
Where ~he ground engaging surface is as~ocîated 10 with a tyre, the length of resilient material may b~ -anchored to the peripheral surf~ce of a wheel on which the tyre is to be mounted or onto a band which can be located onto the rim of such a wheel. Where the ground engaging ~urface is associated with an endless track, the length of material is secured to an inner band of flexible material so as to constitute an endless track which in use is fitted around spaced rollers forming part of the endless track drive system.
The hollow ground engaging elements may be deined by a plurality of segments located one adjacent another around the running surfacP with each segment being detachably fîxed to said base.
Each segment may carry one or more tubular elements.
In one embodiment, each segmen~ has a pair of oppositely extending mounting flanges each adapted to co-operate with the neighbouring flange on the next ad~acent segment in such a manner that the co-operating flanges are positioned one upon th~ other to receive common anchoring mieans. The common anchoring means may comprise one or more ~olt~ each extending through aligned mounting holes in the co-operating flanges and the base.
In a further embodiment, each segment carri4s one tubular element and include~ an opening extending along the tubular element, a mounting flange provided on each longitudinal ~ide of the openin~, each mounting flange being constructed of a plurality of spaced flange ~ .,.:. '~
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section~, th~ flange sections and spacings therebetween of one mounting flange being complementary ~o the flange sections and spacings therebetween of the other mounting flange, each flange section including an outwardly extending portion extending away f~om said opening and an inwardly extending portion extending into said opening, whereby the flange sections of co-operating mounting flange~ inter-engage in a manner such that the flange ~ections of ea~h mounting flange located in ~he spacings between flange sections of the other mounting flange.
Preferably said segment is detachably fixed to said base by anchoring means disposed in said tubular element and engaging said inwardly extending flange sections of said segment and further engaging outwardly extending flange ~ection~ of co-operating flanges of respective neighbouring segments.
In another form the invention resides in a ground engaging member for a wheel or endles6 ~rack comprising a tubular element of resiliently flexible construction having a cross-section presenting an outwardly facing convex surface~
The tubular element of the ground engaging .. . . .
me~ber may comprise an arcuate portion defining said : :
convex surface and a generally flat web portion extending across said convex portion.
In still another form the invention resides in a ground engaging member for a wheel or endless track compxising a tubular element having an inner longitudinal :~: :
face for engagement again~t part of the wheel or endless ::
30 track, an outer longitudinal face for contacting the ;-ground and longitudinal side face~ between he inner and ; outer faces, the si~e face~ being constructed to be resili~ntly flexible.
In still another form the invention resides in -:~
a segment carrying at least one elongated ground engaging : element, the segment comprises a body including said at -~ ~
~t lea~t one elongated ground engaging element, the body~.
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having a mounting face a pair of mounting flanges provide on opposed sides vf the body and extending longi~udinally with respect to said at least one ground engaging element, one fla~ge having a face co-planar wi~h said mounting face and the other flange having a corr~sponding face spaced from said mounting face by an amount correspondi.ng ~o the thickness of said one flange. ~
Preferably the interior of said at l~ast one .:
elongated ground engaging element opens onto said mounting face.
Preferably the interior of said at least one elongated ground engaging element opens onto said mounting -~
face for ~he entire length of the ground engagin~ element.
In still another form the invention resides in a segment carrying a ground engaging element for a wheel or endlesis track, said se~ment including an opening extending along the tubular element, a mounting flange ~:
provided on each longitudinal ~iide of the opening, each mounting flange being constructed of a plurality of spaced flange section~, the flanse sections and spacings therebekween of one mounting flange being complementary to the flange sections and spacings therebetween of the other mounting flange, each flange section including an outwardly extending portion extending away from said opening and an inwardly extending portion extending into said opening.
The invention will he better under~tood by reference to the following de~cription of several ispecific embodiments thereof a~ shown in the accompanying drawings, 30 in which: :~
Figure 1 is an i~ometric vi~w of a wheel fitted with means providing a running surface according to the first embodiment;
Flgure 2 i~ an end view of the running surface of Figuxe 1, Figure 3 i~ a view of part of the running surface of the first embodiment, showing the profile of .. , ~
_ 7 _ ~ ~2 the tubular elements, Figure 4 i5 a view similar to Figure 3I showiny the profile of another form of tubular element;
Figure 5 is also a vie~ similar to Figure 3, showing the profile of still another form of tubular element;
Figure 6 is a fragmentary view showing a pattern in which tubular elements may be arranged as an alternative to the pattern in the first embodiment as illustrated in ~igure 2;
Figure 7 is a fragmentary view illustrating a further pattern in which ~he ~ubular element may be arranged; ~ -Figure 8 is a fragmentary view illustrating a 1~ still further pattern in which the tubular element~ may he ~:~
arranged; -~
Figure 9 is an end view of a further foxm of tubular element;
Figure 10 is a plan view of the tubular element ~
20 ~hown in Figure 9; ~-Figure 11 is a cross-seckion on line 11-11 of Figure 10;
Figure 12 is a schematic perspectiYe view of a ~ .
wheel fitted with means pxoviding running surface 25 construc~ed according to a further embodimsnt~ ~-Figure 13 is a fragmentary view showing part of -::
the running surface of the wheel of Figure 12 in more detail;
: Figure 14 is an end view of a ~egment which forms part of the running surface shown in Fisure 12~
Figure 15 i5 a perspective view of the segment ~hown in Figuxe 14;
Figure 16 is a schematic side view of the wheel ~:
~hown in Fisure 12 wi~h the running surface deformsd on 35 encount~ring an obstacle; :
Figure 17 is a fxagmentary view of part of a n.~ running surface of a ~heel, the running surface being :, - 8 - ~ 3 2 ~
constructed according to a still further embodiment;
Figure 18 is a section on line 18-18 of Figure 17, with segment anchoring means removed to reveal the rnounting flanges, SFigure 19 is a perspective view of a segment fxom which running surface according to the embodiment of Figure 17 i5 constructed; ~
Figure 20 is a section on line 20-20 of Figure :. .
19; '`, '. .. :
Figure 21 is a per~pective ~iew of a running surface according to a still embodiment mounted on a wheel so as to provide a tyre for the wheel; ~:
Figure 22 i8 a side view of Figure 21;
Figure 23 is an end view of the arrangemen~ of 15 Figure 21; `.
Figure 24 i~ a sectic>n along the line 24-24 of .
Figure 22;
Figure 25 is a part-sectional elevational of one form of endless track according to a further embodiment; :~
20 and, -:
Figure 26 is a part-sectional elevation of a : ~:
: second form of a track accorcling to the embodiment of .
Figure 25.
The embodiment shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 of 2~ the drawings is directed to a means 10 providing a running surface ll for a wheel of a work vehicle such as an earth moving machine or agricultural machine. ~ ;
: The running surface 11 comprises a plurality of : ;~ : spaced tubular elements 12 mounted on the outer periphery ..
of an endless base 15 which in u~e is fitted onto the rim ~; 16 of the vehicle wheel. The tubular elements 1~ extend : tran~versely of the direction of traYel of the running ~ :
: :surfacel as best seen in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawing~
The tu~ular elements are of a construction so as :
35 to deform resiliently under normal load conditions. In ~:
this embodiment, the tubular element are each of circular .
.f` ~ cros~section and formed from a length of heavy duty ,, - 9 - ~ 3 2 i~
mining hose. ~ach tuhular element is fixed to the base 15 by means of a reinforcing strip 17 which is positioned within the tubular element and secured to the base 1~ and the rim 16 by fixing elements 18 in the form nut and bolt assemblies, as best seen in Figure 3 of the drawings.
Referring now to Figure 4 of the drawings, the running surface according to the second embodiment is similar to that of the first em~odiment with the exception that the ~ubular elements 12 are substantially triangular in cross-section xather than circular.
Referring now to Fiyure 5 of the drawings, the --running surface according to the third embodiment is also similar to that of the first embodiment with the exception that the tubular elements 12 are part circular in cross-section, having an arcuate poxtion 13 and a web portion 14 at which the tubular element is fixed to the base lS.
In the running surf acPs according to the embodiments described previously, the tubular elements 12 - -extends transversely of the dlrection of travel of the 20 running surface for the full width of the running surface, ~-as besit shown in Figure 2 of the drawings. This arrangement has a deficiency in travel in that a side thrust is imposed upon the portion of the running surface in contact with the ground owing to the particular 25 arrangemen~ of the tubular elements. ~-Figure 6 of the drawings shows an alternative arrangement vf tubular element in which elements are arranged in a chevron pattern. This arrangement has the bene~it that in travel there is no resultant side thrusit imposed upon the portion of the running surface in contact with the ground. A separate tubular element may provide each arm of th~ chevron or each tubular element may be so configured as to provide two arms of the chevron.
Figures 7 and 8 of the drawings illustrate still further alternative arrangements for the tubular elements.
Because the tubular elements 1~ are constructed ~to resiliently deform under normal load conditions, the ': .. ,:,.~
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running surface ha~i the ability to at least partly cushion bumps an~ surface irregularities encountPred as it travels over ~he ground~ The resilient natur~ of the tubular elements permits the running surface to operate on finished road surfaces, while also providing traction in circumstances where unstable ground, such as loose soil, is encountered.
The tubular element shown in Fig~lres 9, 10 and 11 comprises an inner longitudinal face 20 for detachable engagement against the base, an outer longitudinal face 21 for contacting the ground and longitudinal side faces 22 between the inner and outer faces.
The side faces 22 ar0 construct~d to deform resilient:Ly under normal load condition~i. In particular, each side ~ace 22 is of angular construction to provide a line at 23 extending along th~ length of the face about which the face can flex.
Tha outer face 21 is provided with a tread formation ~not shown~.
The tubular element is provided with internal reinforcement meansi 24 (as shown in Figure 11) which reinforces th~ element wh;le allowing resilient deformation in the mannex descr:ibed.
The tubular element is confi~ured into a V-formation (as be6t s~en in Figure 10) so a~i to provide a chevron pattern on the wheel.
The embodiment shown in Figures 12 to 16 of the drawings is directed to means providing a running surface for a wheel having a rim 27. ~he running ~urface is 3G provided by a plurality of tubular element~ 30 adapted to be detachably mounted onto the rim 270 The tubular elemen~s 30 extend transversely of the direction of travel of the running surface and are confi~ured in a V-formation chevron pattern so as to provide a chevron pattern on the wheel.
The tubular elements 30 are formed of resiliently flexible material so as to deform resiliently c~
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~ 3 ~ 2 under load thereby to provide cushioning~ They are of generally circular cross-section, with an opening 34 extending longitudinally along the bottom ~hereof. The ends of the tubular elements are also open.
The tubular elements 30 are defined by segments 35 releasably mo~nted on the wheel rim 27 one adjacent another circumferentially around the running surface, with the inner face 35 of each segment located against the rim.
In this embodiment, each segment 35 defines one tubular elem~nt 30 although it may be constructed to define a plurality of elements. Each segm~nt is provided with a pair of oppositely projecting flanges 37, 38 each adapted to co-operate with the neighbouring flange on the next adjacent segment in ~uch a manner that the co-operating flanges are positioned one upon the other to recei~e a common anchoring means (not shown). More particularly, the 1anges 37, 38 extend longitlldinally with respect to the tubular element. The flange 37 i8 SO positioned as ~o provide a mounting face 39 ~hich is co-planar with the inner face 36 of the ~egment 35 and which is adapted to locate against the rim 27. Flange 38 provides a mounting face 41 which is outwardly spaced from the inner face 36 of the segment by an amount corr~esponding to the thicknass of flange 37. Thus, ~pace 43 defined between mounting face 41 of flange 38 and the plane of the inner f~ce 36 of the segment 35 provides a longitudinal cavity for receiving flange 37 of the immediately adjacent segment. In this way, flange 38 of any one segment and the flange 37 of the immediately ad~acent segment co-operate in the manner described previou~ly.
ThP flanges 37 and 38 are each provided with longitudinally spaced mounting holes 45. Corresponding mounting holes 45 of co-operating flanges are arranged to align with one another to receive said common anchoring means in the form of bolts which anchor the co-operating flan~es to the rim 27. With this mounting arrangement, the segments can be easily replaced on an individual ba~is in . :
- 12 - ~32~9~ :
the event of damage.
Figure 16 illustrates several tubular elements 30 in a deformed stat~ as a result of 0ncountering an obstacle in the path of the wheal.
~he embodiment shown in Figures 17 to 20 is directed to ~ running surface which is somewhat similar to that of the last precediny embodim~nt with the exception of diff~rences in the construction of the segment 35.
In this embodiment, the segment~ 35 each comprise a tubular element 51 having an opening 53 extending longitudinally along the tubular element. On both longitudinal sides of the opening 53 there are mounting flanges 55, 57. The mounting flanges 55, 57, which are ~eparated by space 58, co-op~rate to define a mounting face 59 for engagement against the outer periphe~y of the wheel rim 27.
The mounting flange 55 i~ defined by a plurali~y of flang~ sections 61 spaced regularly along the line of the flange. The spacing between successive flange section~
61 are identified by reference numeral 71. Similarly, the mounting flange 57 i5 defined by a plurality o~ ~lange saetions 63 spaced regularly along the length of the flange and in complementary relationship to flange section~ 61 of flange 55. The spacings ~etween successive 1ange sections 63 are identiied by reference numexal 72.
Each mounting flange section 61 ha~ outwardly extending pvrtion 65 ~hich extends away from the opening 53 in the tubular element and an inwardly extending portion 67 which extends into the opening. Similarly, e~ch mounted flange section 63 has an outwardly extending portion 66 which extends away ~rom the opening 53 and an inwardly extending porkion 6S which extends into the openin~.
Wh n the ~egment~ are mounted one adjacent another around the periphery o-the wheel rim, flange 55 of each segment inter-engages with complementary flange 57 ~, of the neighbouring segment. More particularly, flange .~ ~
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sections of each flange locate in the spacings between the flange sections of the other flange, wi$h the outwardly directed flange portions each flange locating ad~acent, and co-operating with, the inwardly directed flangP
portions of the complementary flange. Thus, on each side of the space 58 there is a set of co-operating flange portions~ one ~et being co-operating flange portions 66 and 67 and the other set bein~ co-operating flange portions 65 and 68, as best seen in ~i~ure 18.
The co-operating flange portions are detachably fixed to the wheel rim by an anchoring means 73 in the form of an anchoring strap 74 which extends along the tubular element and bridges the two sets of co~operating flanges.
The anchoring strap 74 is bolted or otherwise secured to th0 periphery of the wheel rim. It will be noted that the anchoring means are not shown in Figure 18 to permit illustration of the co-operating flange portions.
Each flange 55, 57 is i.ormed with rais~d rib 75 ad~acent the free edge on the face opposite to the mounting face 59. The raised ribs 75 facilitate positive engagement between the anchoring strap 74 and the flanges.
llhe outwardly directed flange portions 65~ 66 are also profiled at 76 to provide a seat for the portion 77 of ~he tubular element which bridges the spaced flange sections 61, 63.
The mounting arrangement permits any ~gment to be replaced ea~ily if it becomes damaged.
The embodîment shown in Figures 21 to 24 of th drawings is directed to a ground engaging sur~ace in the form of a tyrs 81 for a wheel 83.
The tyre 81 comprises a plurality of rows of hollow, ground engaging elements 85, there being three such rows shown in this embodiment. Each element 85 is pxovided by a loop of resilient material.
.... .
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The loops in each row are formed by a length of elastomeric material 87 arranged in sinuous formation having a plurality ~f crests and troughs. The length of the material is anchored to the peripheral rim of the wheel 83 by fixin~ means 89 at locations corresponding to each of the troughs. The fixing means 89 are each in the form of a reinforcing plate 90 anchored to the rim of the wheel by bolts.
The ground enqaging elements of each row are offse~ wi~h respect to the ground engaging elements in neighbouring rows, as best seen in Figure 21 of the drawings. In ~his way, the tyre has a peripheral surface which can roll in a more uniform manner than i~ would be capable of if the txead elements in each row were transversely ali~ned.
While the sinuous length of material may be located directly on the peripheral rim of the wheel, in this embodiment they are located on an inner ban 9l which is fitted onto the xim of the whe21.
The ground engaging element3 85 provide the wheel with traction when operating on un~table ground~
Because o their resilient nature, the tread elements can defo~m when the wheel is operating on finished road surfaces. This is beneficial in that it r~duces the likelihood of damage to the finished road surface and provides a degree of springing which at least partially absorbs shock forces resulting from bumps and other surface irregularities encountered in the part of the wheel.
The embodimen~ ~hown in Figure 25 and 26 is directed to a ground engaging element which can be applied to the exi~ting tracks of vehicles which are supported by endless ~racks such as eax~h moving equipmen~ and mili~ary equipment. It i~ a function of the embodiment to prsvide a means for converting the tracks of endle~ tracks vehicles for such vehicles to be able to run on roads without causinq damage to the road. It is believed that - 15 - ~3 such conversion will enable the vehicle to be used in off-road circumstance with a reduced possibility of bogging than with present con~er~ion systems. According to current techniques of converting~ndless tracks to a form suitable for running on roads, the aggression provided by the track is greatly eliminated and in order for a vehicle to be able to be used again in off road conditions it is necessary that the tracks be reconverted.
The presen~ embodiment comprises utilisation of ground engaging elements which are of a tubular configuration and partly circular cross-section. The elements 101 are formed with an arcuate portion 102 interconnected by a substantially flat web portion 103. - -~
The interior face of the flat web portion is associated 15 with a reinforcing strip 134 which extends substantially ~i~
with full width of the web 103. A number of hol~as (not shown) are provided in the length o~ the flat web 103 an~
the reinforcing plate 104 to facilitate fixing to an endless track. As shown in the drawings, the ground engaging elements 101 are applied in side by side parallel relationship transversely across an endless track 105 whereby the arcuate portion 102 provides the support surface for the track.
In the case of vehicles form~ad with a grouser plate 106, the ground engaging elements 101 are fixed between the upstanding ribs 105 of the grouser plates. In -~
this case of earth moving equipment which utilise chain elements 108 the elements are ~ounted to the chains of the endless track of the vehicle. -~
As a result of the embodiment a resilient ground engaging surface is provided which avoids the damage to 2 road surface that ~ould be otherwise caused by the use of unprotected conventional endless tracks utilised with military~ and earth moving vehicles. In addition, in the ~ -event that the converted vehicle is required for immediate off road use the converted track has inherent aggression ~ which facilitates such utilisation with a reduced ,,~'` .' . ~ .
. .. . .. . . ....
- 16 - ~3~
possibility of bogging. In the case of military vehicles, there is no time lost in converting a vehicle for use from off road to on road use or vice versa.
It should be appreciated that the scope of the ~ --S invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiment described. It should in particular be understood embodiments described can be applied to either wheels or endless tracks even though they may have been described in relation to only one application.
: ~ ' ', .
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,.~
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THIS INVENTION relates to means providing a running surface for wheels, endless tracks and ~he like.
. The present invention seeks to pxovide a running surface for wheels, endless tracks and ~he like which can resiliently flex so as to offer some resistance to shock and which is not pneumatic in nature and thereby not susceptible to puncturing as is the case with pneumatic tyres.
In one form the inv4ntion resides in means providing a runnîng surface comprising a base and a plurality of elongated, hollow ground engaging elements carried ~n the base, the ground eng~ging elements extending transversely of the direction of travel of the running surface and being of a con~truction so as to xesiliently deform under load.
While the ground engaging elements may extend in a direction orthogonal to the direction of travel of the running surface, it is preferable that they are inclined to such direction. Purthermore,~while each ~round engaging element may extent the full widt:h of the running surface, it is preferable that the elements are arranged in a fashion which does not impose a resultant ~ide thru~ on the running surface ~such as circumfexential ro~s arranged to define a chevron pattern). Wi$h a chevron pattern, there is in use no resultant side thrust imposed upon the running ~urface as would be the case with tubular elements extending in an inclined f~shion across the full width of the running surface.
In circumstances where a running surface according to the invention is for use with a wheel, the base may simply be the rim of the wheel or a band adapted : to be itted onto the rim. In circumstances where a : : runnlng surface according to the invention is for use with an endless track, the base may comprise a flexible endle~s band passing around end rollers thereby to constltute the endless track.
,',,',''.
''`"''.'-~ 3 ~ ~ 3 % ~
The ground engaging elements may be formedintegral with the base t but for preerence are formed separately of the base and fixed thereto. Preferably, the ground engaging elements are detachably fixed to the ba~e S by removable fixing means.
The ground engaging elements may be in the form of tubular elements which are preferably open at their ends. ~y being open at their ends, the tubular elements are ventilated to facilitate dissipation of heat.
In one arrangement, the tubular elements may be of a cross-section which presents an outwardly facing convex surface. With this arrangement, it is convenient for the tubular element to be partly circular in cross-section, having an arcuate portion and a generally flat web portion. The arcuate portion define~ said con~ex surface and the web portion facilitates fixing of the element to said base. The generally flat web porkion may be profiled to conform with curvature of the base.
Alternatively, the tubular elelments may be circular in cross section.
In another arrangement, tha tubular elements may be of a cross-section which provides an inner longitudinal face for engagement ayainsk the base, an outer longi~udinal f~ce for contacting the ground and longi~udinal side faces between the inner and ou~er faces, the side faces being constructed to be resiliently flexible under normal load conditions. Each side face may - be of angular or other construction o as to provide a line about whieh it can flex. The outer face may be provided with a tread formation.
~ he tubular elements may be formed from rubber or other elastomeric material. The rubbsr or other elastomeric ~naterial may be provided with reinforcement.
In still another arrangement, the elongated hollow tubular elements may be in the form of loops which are preferably formed from a length of resilient material arranged in 5inuous formation having alternating cres~
'.':.:
_ 4 _ ~ 3 2 ~
and trouqhs, the length of material being secured to the base at locations corresponding to at leai~t some of the troughs.
There may be provided at least one further row of said loops, the loops of each row being staygered with respect to the loops in a neighbouring row. In this way, the ground engaging surface can travel over the ground in ~-a more uniform manner. ~-~
Where ~he ground engaging surface is as~ocîated 10 with a tyre, the length of resilient material may b~ -anchored to the peripheral surf~ce of a wheel on which the tyre is to be mounted or onto a band which can be located onto the rim of such a wheel. Where the ground engaging ~urface is associated with an endless track, the length of material is secured to an inner band of flexible material so as to constitute an endless track which in use is fitted around spaced rollers forming part of the endless track drive system.
The hollow ground engaging elements may be deined by a plurality of segments located one adjacent another around the running surfacP with each segment being detachably fîxed to said base.
Each segment may carry one or more tubular elements.
In one embodiment, each segmen~ has a pair of oppositely extending mounting flanges each adapted to co-operate with the neighbouring flange on the next ad~acent segment in such a manner that the co-operating flanges are positioned one upon th~ other to receive common anchoring mieans. The common anchoring means may comprise one or more ~olt~ each extending through aligned mounting holes in the co-operating flanges and the base.
In a further embodiment, each segment carri4s one tubular element and include~ an opening extending along the tubular element, a mounting flange provided on each longitudinal ~ide of the openin~, each mounting flange being constructed of a plurality of spaced flange ~ .,.:. '~
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section~, th~ flange sections and spacings therebetween of one mounting flange being complementary ~o the flange sections and spacings therebetween of the other mounting flange, each flange section including an outwardly extending portion extending away f~om said opening and an inwardly extending portion extending into said opening, whereby the flange sections of co-operating mounting flange~ inter-engage in a manner such that the flange ~ections of ea~h mounting flange located in ~he spacings between flange sections of the other mounting flange.
Preferably said segment is detachably fixed to said base by anchoring means disposed in said tubular element and engaging said inwardly extending flange sections of said segment and further engaging outwardly extending flange ~ection~ of co-operating flanges of respective neighbouring segments.
In another form the invention resides in a ground engaging member for a wheel or endles6 ~rack comprising a tubular element of resiliently flexible construction having a cross-section presenting an outwardly facing convex surface~
The tubular element of the ground engaging .. . . .
me~ber may comprise an arcuate portion defining said : :
convex surface and a generally flat web portion extending across said convex portion.
In still another form the invention resides in a ground engaging member for a wheel or endless track compxising a tubular element having an inner longitudinal :~: :
face for engagement again~t part of the wheel or endless ::
30 track, an outer longitudinal face for contacting the ;-ground and longitudinal side face~ between he inner and ; outer faces, the si~e face~ being constructed to be resili~ntly flexible.
In still another form the invention resides in -:~
a segment carrying at least one elongated ground engaging : element, the segment comprises a body including said at -~ ~
~t lea~t one elongated ground engaging element, the body~.
' '' ' ~'.: :' ..
- 6 - ~3~ L~
having a mounting face a pair of mounting flanges provide on opposed sides vf the body and extending longi~udinally with respect to said at least one ground engaging element, one fla~ge having a face co-planar wi~h said mounting face and the other flange having a corr~sponding face spaced from said mounting face by an amount correspondi.ng ~o the thickness of said one flange. ~
Preferably the interior of said at l~ast one .:
elongated ground engaging element opens onto said mounting face.
Preferably the interior of said at least one elongated ground engaging element opens onto said mounting -~
face for ~he entire length of the ground engagin~ element.
In still another form the invention resides in a segment carrying a ground engaging element for a wheel or endlesis track, said se~ment including an opening extending along the tubular element, a mounting flange ~:
provided on each longitudinal ~iide of the opening, each mounting flange being constructed of a plurality of spaced flange section~, the flanse sections and spacings therebekween of one mounting flange being complementary to the flange sections and spacings therebetween of the other mounting flange, each flange section including an outwardly extending portion extending away from said opening and an inwardly extending portion extending into said opening.
The invention will he better under~tood by reference to the following de~cription of several ispecific embodiments thereof a~ shown in the accompanying drawings, 30 in which: :~
Figure 1 is an i~ometric vi~w of a wheel fitted with means providing a running surface according to the first embodiment;
Flgure 2 i~ an end view of the running surface of Figuxe 1, Figure 3 i~ a view of part of the running surface of the first embodiment, showing the profile of .. , ~
_ 7 _ ~ ~2 the tubular elements, Figure 4 i5 a view similar to Figure 3I showiny the profile of another form of tubular element;
Figure 5 is also a vie~ similar to Figure 3, showing the profile of still another form of tubular element;
Figure 6 is a fragmentary view showing a pattern in which tubular elements may be arranged as an alternative to the pattern in the first embodiment as illustrated in ~igure 2;
Figure 7 is a fragmentary view illustrating a further pattern in which ~he ~ubular element may be arranged; ~ -Figure 8 is a fragmentary view illustrating a 1~ still further pattern in which the tubular element~ may he ~:~
arranged; -~
Figure 9 is an end view of a further foxm of tubular element;
Figure 10 is a plan view of the tubular element ~
20 ~hown in Figure 9; ~-Figure 11 is a cross-seckion on line 11-11 of Figure 10;
Figure 12 is a schematic perspectiYe view of a ~ .
wheel fitted with means pxoviding running surface 25 construc~ed according to a further embodimsnt~ ~-Figure 13 is a fragmentary view showing part of -::
the running surface of the wheel of Figure 12 in more detail;
: Figure 14 is an end view of a ~egment which forms part of the running surface shown in Fisure 12~
Figure 15 i5 a perspective view of the segment ~hown in Figuxe 14;
Figure 16 is a schematic side view of the wheel ~:
~hown in Fisure 12 wi~h the running surface deformsd on 35 encount~ring an obstacle; :
Figure 17 is a fxagmentary view of part of a n.~ running surface of a ~heel, the running surface being :, - 8 - ~ 3 2 ~
constructed according to a still further embodiment;
Figure 18 is a section on line 18-18 of Figure 17, with segment anchoring means removed to reveal the rnounting flanges, SFigure 19 is a perspective view of a segment fxom which running surface according to the embodiment of Figure 17 i5 constructed; ~
Figure 20 is a section on line 20-20 of Figure :. .
19; '`, '. .. :
Figure 21 is a per~pective ~iew of a running surface according to a still embodiment mounted on a wheel so as to provide a tyre for the wheel; ~:
Figure 22 i8 a side view of Figure 21;
Figure 23 is an end view of the arrangemen~ of 15 Figure 21; `.
Figure 24 i~ a sectic>n along the line 24-24 of .
Figure 22;
Figure 25 is a part-sectional elevational of one form of endless track according to a further embodiment; :~
20 and, -:
Figure 26 is a part-sectional elevation of a : ~:
: second form of a track accorcling to the embodiment of .
Figure 25.
The embodiment shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 of 2~ the drawings is directed to a means 10 providing a running surface ll for a wheel of a work vehicle such as an earth moving machine or agricultural machine. ~ ;
: The running surface 11 comprises a plurality of : ;~ : spaced tubular elements 12 mounted on the outer periphery ..
of an endless base 15 which in u~e is fitted onto the rim ~; 16 of the vehicle wheel. The tubular elements 1~ extend : tran~versely of the direction of traYel of the running ~ :
: :surfacel as best seen in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawing~
The tu~ular elements are of a construction so as :
35 to deform resiliently under normal load conditions. In ~:
this embodiment, the tubular element are each of circular .
.f` ~ cros~section and formed from a length of heavy duty ,, - 9 - ~ 3 2 i~
mining hose. ~ach tuhular element is fixed to the base 15 by means of a reinforcing strip 17 which is positioned within the tubular element and secured to the base 1~ and the rim 16 by fixing elements 18 in the form nut and bolt assemblies, as best seen in Figure 3 of the drawings.
Referring now to Figure 4 of the drawings, the running surface according to the second embodiment is similar to that of the first em~odiment with the exception that the ~ubular elements 12 are substantially triangular in cross-section xather than circular.
Referring now to Fiyure 5 of the drawings, the --running surface according to the third embodiment is also similar to that of the first embodiment with the exception that the tubular elements 12 are part circular in cross-section, having an arcuate poxtion 13 and a web portion 14 at which the tubular element is fixed to the base lS.
In the running surf acPs according to the embodiments described previously, the tubular elements 12 - -extends transversely of the dlrection of travel of the 20 running surface for the full width of the running surface, ~-as besit shown in Figure 2 of the drawings. This arrangement has a deficiency in travel in that a side thrust is imposed upon the portion of the running surface in contact with the ground owing to the particular 25 arrangemen~ of the tubular elements. ~-Figure 6 of the drawings shows an alternative arrangement vf tubular element in which elements are arranged in a chevron pattern. This arrangement has the bene~it that in travel there is no resultant side thrusit imposed upon the portion of the running surface in contact with the ground. A separate tubular element may provide each arm of th~ chevron or each tubular element may be so configured as to provide two arms of the chevron.
Figures 7 and 8 of the drawings illustrate still further alternative arrangements for the tubular elements.
Because the tubular elements 1~ are constructed ~to resiliently deform under normal load conditions, the ': .. ,:,.~
' "', :-~ 3 ~
running surface ha~i the ability to at least partly cushion bumps an~ surface irregularities encountPred as it travels over ~he ground~ The resilient natur~ of the tubular elements permits the running surface to operate on finished road surfaces, while also providing traction in circumstances where unstable ground, such as loose soil, is encountered.
The tubular element shown in Fig~lres 9, 10 and 11 comprises an inner longitudinal face 20 for detachable engagement against the base, an outer longitudinal face 21 for contacting the ground and longitudinal side faces 22 between the inner and outer faces.
The side faces 22 ar0 construct~d to deform resilient:Ly under normal load condition~i. In particular, each side ~ace 22 is of angular construction to provide a line at 23 extending along th~ length of the face about which the face can flex.
Tha outer face 21 is provided with a tread formation ~not shown~.
The tubular element is provided with internal reinforcement meansi 24 (as shown in Figure 11) which reinforces th~ element wh;le allowing resilient deformation in the mannex descr:ibed.
The tubular element is confi~ured into a V-formation (as be6t s~en in Figure 10) so a~i to provide a chevron pattern on the wheel.
The embodiment shown in Figures 12 to 16 of the drawings is directed to means providing a running surface for a wheel having a rim 27. ~he running ~urface is 3G provided by a plurality of tubular element~ 30 adapted to be detachably mounted onto the rim 270 The tubular elemen~s 30 extend transversely of the direction of travel of the running surface and are confi~ured in a V-formation chevron pattern so as to provide a chevron pattern on the wheel.
The tubular elements 30 are formed of resiliently flexible material so as to deform resiliently c~
. ,,:
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" ' . ,,' . ; i ~
~ 3 ~ 2 under load thereby to provide cushioning~ They are of generally circular cross-section, with an opening 34 extending longitudinally along the bottom ~hereof. The ends of the tubular elements are also open.
The tubular elements 30 are defined by segments 35 releasably mo~nted on the wheel rim 27 one adjacent another circumferentially around the running surface, with the inner face 35 of each segment located against the rim.
In this embodiment, each segment 35 defines one tubular elem~nt 30 although it may be constructed to define a plurality of elements. Each segm~nt is provided with a pair of oppositely projecting flanges 37, 38 each adapted to co-operate with the neighbouring flange on the next adjacent segment in ~uch a manner that the co-operating flanges are positioned one upon the other to recei~e a common anchoring means (not shown). More particularly, the 1anges 37, 38 extend longitlldinally with respect to the tubular element. The flange 37 i8 SO positioned as ~o provide a mounting face 39 ~hich is co-planar with the inner face 36 of the ~egment 35 and which is adapted to locate against the rim 27. Flange 38 provides a mounting face 41 which is outwardly spaced from the inner face 36 of the segment by an amount corr~esponding to the thicknass of flange 37. Thus, ~pace 43 defined between mounting face 41 of flange 38 and the plane of the inner f~ce 36 of the segment 35 provides a longitudinal cavity for receiving flange 37 of the immediately adjacent segment. In this way, flange 38 of any one segment and the flange 37 of the immediately ad~acent segment co-operate in the manner described previou~ly.
ThP flanges 37 and 38 are each provided with longitudinally spaced mounting holes 45. Corresponding mounting holes 45 of co-operating flanges are arranged to align with one another to receive said common anchoring means in the form of bolts which anchor the co-operating flan~es to the rim 27. With this mounting arrangement, the segments can be easily replaced on an individual ba~is in . :
- 12 - ~32~9~ :
the event of damage.
Figure 16 illustrates several tubular elements 30 in a deformed stat~ as a result of 0ncountering an obstacle in the path of the wheal.
~he embodiment shown in Figures 17 to 20 is directed to ~ running surface which is somewhat similar to that of the last precediny embodim~nt with the exception of diff~rences in the construction of the segment 35.
In this embodiment, the segment~ 35 each comprise a tubular element 51 having an opening 53 extending longitudinally along the tubular element. On both longitudinal sides of the opening 53 there are mounting flanges 55, 57. The mounting flanges 55, 57, which are ~eparated by space 58, co-op~rate to define a mounting face 59 for engagement against the outer periphe~y of the wheel rim 27.
The mounting flange 55 i~ defined by a plurali~y of flang~ sections 61 spaced regularly along the line of the flange. The spacing between successive flange section~
61 are identified by reference numeral 71. Similarly, the mounting flange 57 i5 defined by a plurality o~ ~lange saetions 63 spaced regularly along the length of the flange and in complementary relationship to flange section~ 61 of flange 55. The spacings ~etween successive 1ange sections 63 are identiied by reference numexal 72.
Each mounting flange section 61 ha~ outwardly extending pvrtion 65 ~hich extends away from the opening 53 in the tubular element and an inwardly extending portion 67 which extends into the opening. Similarly, e~ch mounted flange section 63 has an outwardly extending portion 66 which extends away ~rom the opening 53 and an inwardly extending porkion 6S which extends into the openin~.
Wh n the ~egment~ are mounted one adjacent another around the periphery o-the wheel rim, flange 55 of each segment inter-engages with complementary flange 57 ~, of the neighbouring segment. More particularly, flange .~ ~
- 13 - ~32~
sections of each flange locate in the spacings between the flange sections of the other flange, wi$h the outwardly directed flange portions each flange locating ad~acent, and co-operating with, the inwardly directed flangP
portions of the complementary flange. Thus, on each side of the space 58 there is a set of co-operating flange portions~ one ~et being co-operating flange portions 66 and 67 and the other set bein~ co-operating flange portions 65 and 68, as best seen in ~i~ure 18.
The co-operating flange portions are detachably fixed to the wheel rim by an anchoring means 73 in the form of an anchoring strap 74 which extends along the tubular element and bridges the two sets of co~operating flanges.
The anchoring strap 74 is bolted or otherwise secured to th0 periphery of the wheel rim. It will be noted that the anchoring means are not shown in Figure 18 to permit illustration of the co-operating flange portions.
Each flange 55, 57 is i.ormed with rais~d rib 75 ad~acent the free edge on the face opposite to the mounting face 59. The raised ribs 75 facilitate positive engagement between the anchoring strap 74 and the flanges.
llhe outwardly directed flange portions 65~ 66 are also profiled at 76 to provide a seat for the portion 77 of ~he tubular element which bridges the spaced flange sections 61, 63.
The mounting arrangement permits any ~gment to be replaced ea~ily if it becomes damaged.
The embodîment shown in Figures 21 to 24 of th drawings is directed to a ground engaging sur~ace in the form of a tyrs 81 for a wheel 83.
The tyre 81 comprises a plurality of rows of hollow, ground engaging elements 85, there being three such rows shown in this embodiment. Each element 85 is pxovided by a loop of resilient material.
.... .
''',''.. .' .: :..
- 14 - ~2~
The loops in each row are formed by a length of elastomeric material 87 arranged in sinuous formation having a plurality ~f crests and troughs. The length of the material is anchored to the peripheral rim of the wheel 83 by fixin~ means 89 at locations corresponding to each of the troughs. The fixing means 89 are each in the form of a reinforcing plate 90 anchored to the rim of the wheel by bolts.
The ground enqaging elements of each row are offse~ wi~h respect to the ground engaging elements in neighbouring rows, as best seen in Figure 21 of the drawings. In ~his way, the tyre has a peripheral surface which can roll in a more uniform manner than i~ would be capable of if the txead elements in each row were transversely ali~ned.
While the sinuous length of material may be located directly on the peripheral rim of the wheel, in this embodiment they are located on an inner ban 9l which is fitted onto the xim of the whe21.
The ground engaging element3 85 provide the wheel with traction when operating on un~table ground~
Because o their resilient nature, the tread elements can defo~m when the wheel is operating on finished road surfaces. This is beneficial in that it r~duces the likelihood of damage to the finished road surface and provides a degree of springing which at least partially absorbs shock forces resulting from bumps and other surface irregularities encountered in the part of the wheel.
The embodimen~ ~hown in Figure 25 and 26 is directed to a ground engaging element which can be applied to the exi~ting tracks of vehicles which are supported by endless ~racks such as eax~h moving equipmen~ and mili~ary equipment. It i~ a function of the embodiment to prsvide a means for converting the tracks of endle~ tracks vehicles for such vehicles to be able to run on roads without causinq damage to the road. It is believed that - 15 - ~3 such conversion will enable the vehicle to be used in off-road circumstance with a reduced possibility of bogging than with present con~er~ion systems. According to current techniques of converting~ndless tracks to a form suitable for running on roads, the aggression provided by the track is greatly eliminated and in order for a vehicle to be able to be used again in off road conditions it is necessary that the tracks be reconverted.
The presen~ embodiment comprises utilisation of ground engaging elements which are of a tubular configuration and partly circular cross-section. The elements 101 are formed with an arcuate portion 102 interconnected by a substantially flat web portion 103. - -~
The interior face of the flat web portion is associated 15 with a reinforcing strip 134 which extends substantially ~i~
with full width of the web 103. A number of hol~as (not shown) are provided in the length o~ the flat web 103 an~
the reinforcing plate 104 to facilitate fixing to an endless track. As shown in the drawings, the ground engaging elements 101 are applied in side by side parallel relationship transversely across an endless track 105 whereby the arcuate portion 102 provides the support surface for the track.
In the case of vehicles form~ad with a grouser plate 106, the ground engaging elements 101 are fixed between the upstanding ribs 105 of the grouser plates. In -~
this case of earth moving equipment which utilise chain elements 108 the elements are ~ounted to the chains of the endless track of the vehicle. -~
As a result of the embodiment a resilient ground engaging surface is provided which avoids the damage to 2 road surface that ~ould be otherwise caused by the use of unprotected conventional endless tracks utilised with military~ and earth moving vehicles. In addition, in the ~ -event that the converted vehicle is required for immediate off road use the converted track has inherent aggression ~ which facilitates such utilisation with a reduced ,,~'` .' . ~ .
. .. . .. . . ....
- 16 - ~3~
possibility of bogging. In the case of military vehicles, there is no time lost in converting a vehicle for use from off road to on road use or vice versa.
It should be appreciated that the scope of the ~ --S invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiment described. It should in particular be understood embodiments described can be applied to either wheels or endless tracks even though they may have been described in relation to only one application.
: ~ ' ', .
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,.~
:
Claims (97)
1. Means providing a running surface for wheels and endless tracks comprising a base and a plurality of elongated, hollow ground engaging elements carried on the base, the ground engaging elements extending transversely of the direction of travel of the running surface and being of a construction so as to resiliently deform under load, said ground engaging elements being defined by a plurality of segments located one adjacent another around the running surface, wherein each segment has a pair of oppositely extending mounting flanges each adapted to co-operate with the neighboring flange on the next adjacent segment in such a manner that the co-operating flanges are positioned one upon the other to receive common anchoring means.
2. Means according to claim 1 wherein the ground engaging elements are each inclined to the direction of travel of the running surface.
3. Means according to claim 2 wherein the ground engaging elements are arranged in a chevron pattern.
4. Means according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the ground engaging elements are detachably fixed to the base by removable fixing means.
5. Means according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein each ground engaging element is in the form of a tubular element.
6. Means according to claim 5 wherein the tubular elements are open at their ends.
7. Means according to claim 6 wherein the tubular elements are each of a cross-section which presents an outwardly facing convex surface.
8. Means according to claim 7 wherein each tubular element comprises an arcuate portion defining said convex surface and a generally flat web portion for engagement against said base.
9. Means according to claim 7 wherein each tubular element is substantially circular in cross-section.
10. Means according to claim 6 wherein each tubular element is substantially triangular in cross-section.
11. Means according to claim 6 wherein each tubular element is of a construction which provides an inner longitudinal face for engagement against the base, an outer longitudinal face for contacting the ground and longitudinal side faces between the inner and outer faces, the side faces being constructed to be resiliently flexible under normal load conditions.
12. Means according to claim 11 wherein each side face is of angular or other construction so as to provide a line about which it can flex.
13. Means according to claim 12 wherein the outer face is provided with a tread formation.
14. Means according to claim 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9, 12 or 13 wherein each segment is detachably fixed to said base and carries at least one ground engaging element.
15. Means according to claim 14 wherein each segment carries one tubular element, the segment including an opening extending along the tubular element, one of said mounting flanges provided on each longitudinal side of the opening, each mounting flange being constructed of a plurality of spaced flange sections, the flange sections and spacings therebetween of one mounting flange being complementary to the flange sections and spacings therebetween of the other mounting flange, each flange section including an outwardly extending portion extending away from said opening and an inwardly extending portion extending into said opening, whereby the flange sections of co-operating mounting flanges inter-engage in a manner such that the flange sections of each mounting flange are located in the spacings between flange sections of the other mounting flange.
16. Means according to claim 15 wherein said segment is detachably fixed to said base by anchoring means disposed in said tubular element and engaging said inwardly extending flange sections of said segment and further engaging outwardly extending flange sections of co-operating flanges of respective neighbouring segments.
17. Means according to claim 15 or 16 wherein the mounting flanges are provided with raised ribs to facilitate positive engagement with the anchoring means.
18. Means according to claim 15 or 16 wherein said outwardly directed flange portions are each provided with a seat to receive the portion of the tubular element of the neighbouring segment which bridges the spaced flange sections of said neighbouring segment.
19. Means according to claim 1 wherein the elongated hollow ground engaging tubular elements are in the form of loops.
20. Means according to claim 19 wherein the loops are formed from a length of resilient material arranged in sinuous formation having alternating crests and troughs, the length of material being secured to the base at locations corresponding to at least some of the troughs.
21. Means according to claims 19 or 20 wherein there is provided at lease one further row of said loops, the loops of each row being staggered with respect to the loops in a neighbouring row.
22. A wheel having means providing a running surface according to claim 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 19 or 20.
23. A wheel according to claim 22 wherein said base comprises the outer periphery of the rim of the wheel.
24. A wheel according to claim 23 wherein said base comprises a band fitted onto the rim of the wheel.
25. An endless track having means providing a running surface according to claim 1, 2, 31 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 19, 20, 23 or 24.
26. An endless track according to claim 25 wherein said base comprises an endless flexible band passing around end rollers.
27. A segment carrying a tubular ground engaging element for a wheel or endless track, said segment including an opening extending along the tubular element, a mounting flange provided on each longitudinal side of the opening, each mounting flange being constructed of a plurality of spaced flange sections, the flange sections and spacings therebetween of one mounting flange being complementary to the flange sections and spacings therebetween of the other mounting flange, each flange section including an outwardly extending portion extending away from said opening and an inwardly extending portion extending into said opening.
28. A segment according to claim 27 wherein the mounting flanges are provided with raised ribs to facilitate positive engagement with anchoring means.
29. A segment according to claim 27 wherein said outwardly directed flange portions are each provided with a seat to receive the portion of the tubular element of the neighbouring segment which bridges the spaced flange sections of said neighbouring segment.
30. A ground engaging member for a wheel or endless track configured as a hollow, v-shaped tubular element, comprising a v-shaped longitudinal inner face configured for engagement with part of said wheel or endless track, a v-shaped longitudinal outer face for contacting the ground, forward and rearward longitudinal side faces each extending between respective sides of said inner face and said outer face, each of said longitudinal side faces comprising an upper portion adjacent to the respective sides of said outer face and a lower portion adjacent to the respective sides of said inner face, each said upper portion being oriented at an angle to a respective lower portion, said upper and lower portions meeting to form a juncture about which flexure may occur, said side faces being configured to define together with said inner and outer faces ends open to the atmosphere, wherein said upper portions meet together at an angle and form a juncture in accordance with the v-shape of said outer face and said lower portion of each of said longitudinal side faces meeting at an angle and forming a juncture in accordance with the v-shape of said inner face and meeting with the juncture between said upper portion of each of said longitudinal side faces.
31. A ground engaging element as in Claim 30 further comprising an internal reinforcing member of sufficient flexibility to allow for resilient flexing along the juncture of said longitudinal side faces.
32. A closed loop mobile multiple element support system, comprising:
a) a closed loop member adapted to be mounted for cyclical movement about a support structure, said closed loop member having a support face; and b) a plurality of ground-engaging load-bearing elements mounted on said support face, each of said ground-engaging elements comprising:
i) an inner support mounted on said support face to transmit ground-engaging loads to said support face;
ii) a substantially rigid outer element portion with a discrete outer surface for engaging the ground, said outer element portion being positioned in a direction outwardly of said support face and of the inner support and in facing spaced relationship to said inner support;
iii) load-bearing bendable side walls in facing spaced relationship to each other and extending from said outer element portion toward said support face; and iv) a ventilation cavity defined between said side walls, said cavity having a volume and being open to the ambient at a first orifice, said bendable sidewalls being configured and dimensioned to reduce the dimension of said cavity in the inward direction in response to the application of an inward force to said outer element.
a) a closed loop member adapted to be mounted for cyclical movement about a support structure, said closed loop member having a support face; and b) a plurality of ground-engaging load-bearing elements mounted on said support face, each of said ground-engaging elements comprising:
i) an inner support mounted on said support face to transmit ground-engaging loads to said support face;
ii) a substantially rigid outer element portion with a discrete outer surface for engaging the ground, said outer element portion being positioned in a direction outwardly of said support face and of the inner support and in facing spaced relationship to said inner support;
iii) load-bearing bendable side walls in facing spaced relationship to each other and extending from said outer element portion toward said support face; and iv) a ventilation cavity defined between said side walls, said cavity having a volume and being open to the ambient at a first orifice, said bendable sidewalls being configured and dimensioned to reduce the dimension of said cavity in the inward direction in response to the application of an inward force to said outer element.
33. A support system as in Claim 32, wherein said outer face is substantially flat.
34. A support system as in Claim 32, wherein said ventilation cavity extends transversely between said first orifice and a second orifice, said first and second orifices opening to opposite sides of said support system.
35. A support system as in Claim 32, wherein both of said sidewalls are integrally connected to said inner support.
36, A support system as in Claim 33, wherein said sidewalls have a volume substantially less than the volume of said outer element portion.
37. A support system as in Claim 32, wherein said dimension of said cavity is at least twice as great as the dimension of said outer element in the same direction and said orifice is of similar dimension.
38. A support system as in Claim 32, wherein said outer element comprises a substantially chevron shaped portion.
39. A support system as in Claim 32, wherein said sidewalls are configured with an angular bend in shape at an intermediate length along said sidewalls along the direction from said outer element toward said support face.
40. A support system as in Claim 39, wherein both of said sidewalls are integrally connected to said inner support.
41. A support system as in Claim 40 wherein said ventilation cavity extends transversely between said first orifice and a second orifice, said first and second orifices opening to opposite sides of said support system.
42. A support system as in Claim 41, wherein said outer element comprises a substantially chevron shaped portion.
43. A support system as in Claim 42, wherein said dimension of said cavity is at least twice as great as the dimension of said outer element in the same direction and said orifices are of similar dimension.
44. A support system as in Claim 32, wherein at least one of said sidewalls is integrally connected to said inner support.
45. A support system as in Claim 44, wherein said ventilation cavity extends transversely between said first orifice and a second orifice, said first and second orifices opening to opposite sides of said support system.
46. A support system as in Claim 44, wherein said dimension of said cavity is at least twice as great as the dimension of said outer element in the same direction and said orifice is of similar dimension.
47. A support system as in Claim 44, wherein said sidewalls have a volume substantially less than the volume of said outer element.
48. A support system as in Claim 47, wherein said ventilation cavity extends transversely between said first orifice and a second orifice, said first and second orifices opening to opposite sides of said support system.
49. A support system as in Claim 47, wherein said sidewalls are configured with an angular bend in shape at an intermediate length along said sidewalls along the direction from said outer element toward said support face.
50. A support system as in Claim 49, wherein said ventilation cavity extends transversely between said first orifice and a second orifice, said first and second orifices opening to opposite sides of said support system.
51. A support system as in Claim 50, wherein said outer element comprises a substantially chevron shaped portion.
52. A support system as in Claim 50, wherein said dimension of said cavity is at least twice as great as the dimension of said outer element in the same direction and said orifice is of similar dimension.
53. A support system as in Claim 49, wherein both of said sidewalls are integrally connected to said inner support.
54. A support system as in Claim 53, wherein said dimension of said cavity is at least twice as great as the dimension of said outer element in the same direction and said orifices are of similar dimension.
55. A support system as in Claim 43, wherein said sidewalls extend substantially perpendicularly to said support face and extend toward each other at points relatively removed from said support face and said load-bearing elements are positioned relatively proximate to each other.
56. A support system as in Claim 55, wherein said sidewalls are configured with an angular bend in shape at an intermediate length along said sidewalls along the direction from said outer element toward said support face.
57. A support system as in Claim 56, wherein both of said sidewalls are integrally connected to said inner support.
58. A support system as in Claim 56, wherein said ventilation cavity extends transversely between said first orifice and a second orifice, said first and second orifices opening to opposite sides of said support system.
59. A support system as in Claim 58, wherein said outer element comprises a substantially chevron shaped portion.
60. A support system as in Claim 59, wherein said dimension of said cavity is at least twice as great as the dimension of said outer element in the same direction and said orifice is of similar dimension.
61. A support system as in Claim 32, wherein said sidewalls extend substantially perpendicularly to said support face and extend toward each other at points relatively removed from said support face and said load-bearing elements are positioned relatively proximate to each other.
62. A hollow resilient ground-engaging load-bearing element for a closed loop support structure, said support structure being cyclically movable about a support member mechanically coupled to a mobile apparatus, said support structure being provided with a peripheral support surface for receiving a plurality of said ground-engaging load-bearing elements, one or a number of which elements support the mobile apparatus in a ground-engaging position, said ground-engaging element comprising:
a) an inner element portion mountable on and engageable with said peripheral support surface to transmit ground-engaging loads to said support structure;
b) an outer element portion with a discrete outer surface for engaging the ground, said outer element portion being positioned in a direction outwardly of said support member and outwardly of the inner element portion in spaced relationship to said inner element portion;
c) load-bearing side walls positioned in facing spaced relationship to each other and extending between said inner and outer element portions; and d) a substantial ventilation cavity included between said inner and outer element portions and said side walls, said cavity having an opening, said opening being positioned to put said cavity in pneumatic communication with ambient air adjacent said ground-engaging element for ventilating said element;
which discrete outer surfaces of said plurality of ground-engaging elements extend along and define an outer ground-contacting periphery of the support structure/ said element being constructed, arranged and adapted to retain substantial dimensional stability of said ground-engaging discrete outer surface in response to normal-condition straight-line direction-of travel loads on the element and to absorb ground-engaging loads in said outward direction in a resilient, cushioning manner.
a) an inner element portion mountable on and engageable with said peripheral support surface to transmit ground-engaging loads to said support structure;
b) an outer element portion with a discrete outer surface for engaging the ground, said outer element portion being positioned in a direction outwardly of said support member and outwardly of the inner element portion in spaced relationship to said inner element portion;
c) load-bearing side walls positioned in facing spaced relationship to each other and extending between said inner and outer element portions; and d) a substantial ventilation cavity included between said inner and outer element portions and said side walls, said cavity having an opening, said opening being positioned to put said cavity in pneumatic communication with ambient air adjacent said ground-engaging element for ventilating said element;
which discrete outer surfaces of said plurality of ground-engaging elements extend along and define an outer ground-contacting periphery of the support structure/ said element being constructed, arranged and adapted to retain substantial dimensional stability of said ground-engaging discrete outer surface in response to normal-condition straight-line direction-of travel loads on the element and to absorb ground-engaging loads in said outward direction in a resilient, cushioning manner.
63. An element according to Claim 62, wherein said outer surface has a ground-contact area and said element is constructed, arranged and adapted so that said contact area remains substantially constant over a wide range of static loads.
64. An element according to claim 62, wherein the side walls are configured to flex outwardly of the ventilation cavity in response to a ground-engaging load directed substantially perpendicularly from said outer surface towards said support member.
65. An element according to claim 64, wherein each side wall has an inner side wall surface and an outer side wall surface, said inner side wall surface having a profile and a region on said profile intermediately of the height of said outer side wall surface in said direction outwardly of the support member, said region being displaced outwardly of the ventilation cavity to encourage flexing of the side walls at said region.
66. An element according to claim 65, wherein sail side walls each have an angular profile and two outer longitudinal surfaces defining said angular profile, said longitudinal surface, meeting at a line about which said side walls can flex.
67. An element according to claim 62, wherein the side walls have outer surfaces diverging outwardly from said inner surface of said inner portion of the the element.
68. An element according to claim 67, said element having an inner structure including said inner portion and including said divergent outer side wall surfaces and having an outer structure including said outer element portion, said outer structure being positioned, configured and dimensioned to operate to transmit said ground-engaging loads to urge said side wall surfaces apart.
69. An element according to claim 62, including a resilient side wall inclined to the direction of travel, said side wall being constructed arranged and adapted to operate to retain dimensional stability and peripheral positioning of the discrete outer ground-engaging surface of the element in response to steering loads.
70. An element according to claim 69, wherein each side wall has at least two faces each of which is angled with respect to the direction of travel.
71. An element according to claim 69, carrying on its outer portion tread means presenting a tread edge inclined to the direction of movement of said support structure.
72. An element according to claim 71, wherein the outer surface of the element has a perimeter to which the side walls extend and wherein one of the side walls extends parallel to said tread edge.
73. An element according to claim 69, said element being v-shaped to have a chevron-like appearance.
74. An element according to claim 62, being a tubular element open at one end.
75. An element according to claim 62, wherein said discrete outer ground-engaging surface is arcuate and presents an outwardly facing convex surface.
76. An element according to claim 62, wherein said inner element portion has an inner surface shaped to lie snugly against said element support surface of the support structure.
77. An element according to claim 76, having a block-like shape in section taken transversely of the ventilation cavity to provide structural integrity resisting rotational ground-engaging forces on the element about an axis perpendicular to said section and transmitting said rotational forces to said element support surface.
78. An element according to claim 62, wherein said ventilation cavity has a dimension between the side walls which is greater than the sum of the side wall thicknesses.
79. An element according to claim 62, wherein said ventilation cavity has a dimension between the inner and outer element portions which is greater than the sum of the inner and outer element portion thicknesses in said outward direction.
80. An element according to claim 62, having openings in said inner portion to receive clamping means to hold the element on said support surface.
81. An element according to claim 62, in combination with mounting means for detachably mounting the element on the support surface.
82. An element according to claim 62, wherein said side walls are resiliently flexible under normal-condition loads.
83. An element according to claim 62, wherein said outer element portion with its discrete ground-engaging surface comprises a durable thick pad and said side walls are thin in comparison to said durable thick pad.
84. An element according to claim 83, constructed integrally out of a resilient material so that ground-engaging loads are transmitted to said side walls and dissipated thereby substantially without resilient deformation of said outer element portion.
85. An element according to claim 62, constructed integrally out of a resilient material so that ground-engaging loads are transmitted to said side walls and dissipated thereby substantially without resilient deformation of said outer element portion.
86. In combination a closed loop support structure for a mobile apparatus said support structure being cyclically movable about a support member and having a peripheral support surface for a plurality of hollow resilient ground-engaging elements and a plurality of hollow resilient ground-engaging elements mounted in a side-by-side relationship on said support surface to provide a continuous resilient supportive cushion for the apparatus, said ground-engaging elements being configured and mounted in a symmetrical manner so that ground engagement generates a laterally balanced load on the support structure, wherein each element comprises:
a) an inner element portion mountable on and engageable with said peripheral support surface to transmit ground engaging loads to said support structure;
b) an outer element portion with a discrete outer surface for engaging the ground, said outer element portion being positioned in a direction outwardly of said support member and outwardly of the inner element portion in spaced relationship to said inner element portion;
c) load-bearing side walls positioned in facing spaced relationship to each other and extending between said inner and outer element portions; and d) a substantial ventilation cavity included between said inner and outer element portions and said side walls, said cavity having an opening, said opening being positioned to put said cavity in pneumatic communication with ambient air adjacent said ground-engaging element for ventilating said element;
which discrete outer surfaces of said plurality of ground-engaging elements extend along and define an outer ground-contacting periphery of the support structure, said element being constructed, arranged and adapted to retain substantial dimensional stability of said ground engaging discrete outer surface in response to normal-condition straight-line direction-of travel loads on the element and to absorb ground-engaging loads in said outward direction in a resilient, cushioning manner and wherein said element is further constructed, arranged and adapted to operate so that said side walls are urged laterally in response to said ground-engaging loads.
a) an inner element portion mountable on and engageable with said peripheral support surface to transmit ground engaging loads to said support structure;
b) an outer element portion with a discrete outer surface for engaging the ground, said outer element portion being positioned in a direction outwardly of said support member and outwardly of the inner element portion in spaced relationship to said inner element portion;
c) load-bearing side walls positioned in facing spaced relationship to each other and extending between said inner and outer element portions; and d) a substantial ventilation cavity included between said inner and outer element portions and said side walls, said cavity having an opening, said opening being positioned to put said cavity in pneumatic communication with ambient air adjacent said ground-engaging element for ventilating said element;
which discrete outer surfaces of said plurality of ground-engaging elements extend along and define an outer ground-contacting periphery of the support structure, said element being constructed, arranged and adapted to retain substantial dimensional stability of said ground engaging discrete outer surface in response to normal-condition straight-line direction-of travel loads on the element and to absorb ground-engaging loads in said outward direction in a resilient, cushioning manner and wherein said element is further constructed, arranged and adapted to operate so that said side walls are urged laterally in response to said ground-engaging loads.
87. A structure according to claim 86, wherein said structure is a wheel, said support surface comprises a rim on said wheel and wherein the ground-engaging elements are arranged in at least one row in side-by-side relationship around the wheel.
88. A structure according to claim 87, wherein each element has a symmetrical chevron shape arranged across the rim of the wheel with their peaks leading along the direction of travel.
89. A structure according to claim 86, wherein said ground-engaging elements are arranged in a manner which does not impose any net side thrust on the structure during straight line movement along the intended direction of travel of the apparatus.
90. A structure according to claim 89, comprising a plurality of rows of ground-engaging elements arranged symmetrically along the support surface.
91. A structure according to claim 86, in which a plurality of circumferentially distributed ground-engaging elements is in contact with the ground at any one time.
92. A structure according to claim 86, having a plurality of circumferentially distributed ground engaging elements closely disposed in side-by-side relationship so that their side walls can deform to provide mutual lateral support under load.
93. A hollow non-pneumatic ground-engageable load-transmitting tire element integrally constructed of resilient material, wherein a plurality of said elements are mountable around a wheel rim to provide a continuous support cushion for a mobile apparatus equipped with wheels, said tire element comprising:
a) a ground-engaging outer element portion with a discrete outer ground-engaging surface;
b) thin load-bearing side walls supporting said ground-engaging portion; and c) a ventilation cavity between the side walls which cavity is open to atmosphere to ventilate the element;
wherein said side walls can deform resiliently with lateral urging to dissipate ground-engagement loads.
a) a ground-engaging outer element portion with a discrete outer ground-engaging surface;
b) thin load-bearing side walls supporting said ground-engaging portion; and c) a ventilation cavity between the side walls which cavity is open to atmosphere to ventilate the element;
wherein said side walls can deform resiliently with lateral urging to dissipate ground-engagement loads.
94. A hollow non-pneumatic ground-engageable load-transmitting tire element integrally constructed of resilient material, wherein a plurality of said elements are mountable around a wheel rim to provide a continuous support cushion for a mobile apparatus equipped with wheels, said tire element comprising:
a) a sturdy, wear-resistant ground-engaging outer pad portion having a well-defined shape along the circumference of the wheel in both an unloaded condition and a statically loaded condition which shape provides a clearly defined contact patch with flat ground;
b) resilient support means for the pad portion to support the pad portion on the wheel rim which resilient support means is constructed arranged and adapted to operate to absorb radially directed loads on said pad portion while permitting radially inward movement thereof; and c) ventilation means associated with said resilient support means and opening to atmosphere to cool said element.
a) a sturdy, wear-resistant ground-engaging outer pad portion having a well-defined shape along the circumference of the wheel in both an unloaded condition and a statically loaded condition which shape provides a clearly defined contact patch with flat ground;
b) resilient support means for the pad portion to support the pad portion on the wheel rim which resilient support means is constructed arranged and adapted to operate to absorb radially directed loads on said pad portion while permitting radially inward movement thereof; and c) ventilation means associated with said resilient support means and opening to atmosphere to cool said element.
95. A non-pneumatic resilient vehicle tire comprising:
a) a rim having a circumference and an axis about which it is rotatable and radii between said axis and circumference;
b) a plurality of circumferentially discretely demarked axially extending ground-engaging outer tire portions disposed around said rim;
c) a plurality of individual radially deformable resilient support means one for each tire portion each said support means being disposed radially inwardly of its respective tire portion and being aligned therewith, and d) a plurality of ventilation cavities one for each resilient support means;
wherein the ventilation cavity opens to atmosphere at a side wall of the tire to ventilate it.
a) a rim having a circumference and an axis about which it is rotatable and radii between said axis and circumference;
b) a plurality of circumferentially discretely demarked axially extending ground-engaging outer tire portions disposed around said rim;
c) a plurality of individual radially deformable resilient support means one for each tire portion each said support means being disposed radially inwardly of its respective tire portion and being aligned therewith, and d) a plurality of ventilation cavities one for each resilient support means;
wherein the ventilation cavity opens to atmosphere at a side wall of the tire to ventilate it.
96. A hollow resilient longitudinal ground-engaging element for a wheel of a vehicle said wheel having a rim providing a base on which a plurality of such ground-engaging load-bearing elements can be mounted transversely of the rim in a side-by-side manner to provide a continuous tire to support and cushion the vehicle, said element comprising.
a) an inner element portion mountable on the wheel rim and having a longitudinal inner surface mateable with the wheel rim;
b) in a radially outward direction of the inner element portion and outwardly spaced therefrom an outer element portion with a discrete longitudinal outer surface for engaging the ground;
c) load-bearing longitudinal side walls extending between said inner and outer element portions; and d) a substantial ventilation cavity included by said inner and outer element portions and said sidewalls which cavity opens transversely of the wheel for ventilating the element to remove heat therefrom;
wherein said longitudinal side walls are resiliently flexible to be urged laterally in response to normal-condition ground-engaging loads.
a) an inner element portion mountable on the wheel rim and having a longitudinal inner surface mateable with the wheel rim;
b) in a radially outward direction of the inner element portion and outwardly spaced therefrom an outer element portion with a discrete longitudinal outer surface for engaging the ground;
c) load-bearing longitudinal side walls extending between said inner and outer element portions; and d) a substantial ventilation cavity included by said inner and outer element portions and said sidewalls which cavity opens transversely of the wheel for ventilating the element to remove heat therefrom;
wherein said longitudinal side walls are resiliently flexible to be urged laterally in response to normal-condition ground-engaging loads.
97. An element according to claim 62 wherein said element is further constructed, arranged and adapted to operate so that said side walls are urged laterally in response to said ground-engaging loads.
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUP10560 | 1987-02-26 | ||
| AU1056087 | 1987-02-26 | ||
| AUP14756 | 1987-10-06 | ||
| AU1475687 | 1987-10-06 | ||
| AUP15224 | 1987-11-03 | ||
| AU1522487 | 1987-11-03 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1326694C true CA1326694C (en) | 1994-02-01 |
Family
ID=27151852
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000559938A Expired - Fee Related CA1326694C (en) | 1987-02-26 | 1988-02-26 | Ground engaging surface for endless tracks and wheels |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1326694C (en) |
-
1988
- 1988-02-26 CA CA000559938A patent/CA1326694C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |