CA2182846C - Snowmobile drive track - Google Patents
Snowmobile drive trackInfo
- Publication number
- CA2182846C CA2182846C CA002182846A CA2182846A CA2182846C CA 2182846 C CA2182846 C CA 2182846C CA 002182846 A CA002182846 A CA 002182846A CA 2182846 A CA2182846 A CA 2182846A CA 2182846 C CA2182846 C CA 2182846C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- outer side
- fabric
- track
- series
- drive track
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D55/00—Endless track vehicles
- B62D55/08—Endless track units; Parts thereof
- B62D55/18—Tracks
- B62D55/24—Tracks of continuously flexible type, e.g. rubber belts
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Belt Conveyors (AREA)
- Vehicle Cleaning, Maintenance, Repair, Refitting, And Outriggers (AREA)
Abstract
The snowmobile drive track described consists of an endless body formed of an assembly of molded rubber base having, embedded therein, one or more layers of reinforcing fabric, one layer being disposed adjacent the face of the outer side of the track. The body includes a plurality of crossbar receiving areas, each displaying a series of integrally formed profiles defining a leading wall and a trailing wall. A series of laterally spaced reinforcing ribs extend upwardly at the intersections formed between the outer face of the track and at least one of the walls to protect the fabric at that intersection from shredding when this fabric is exposed due to wear.
Description
2t ~2846 TITLE OF THE INVENTION
Snowmobile drive track.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to a snowmobile drive track 5 and, more particularly, to a track for snowmobiles having an improved construction at the outer face of the outer side of the track.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Snowmobile tracks are formed of an assembly of a molded rubber base having, embedded therein, one or more layers of reinrorcing 10 fabric and a series of bars that extend crosswise of the track in central andlateral thereof. These crossbar portions display a series of raised profiles, each having a leading wall and a trailing wall and each defining a ground engaging pr~iection which provides traction and control to the track but which is also subject to all sorts of damaging conditions. Frequently, initial 15 wear on these tracks appears at the intersections of the profiles with the remaining flat outer face of the track, resulting in the exposure of the reinrorcing fabric that extends in an area of the track where there is less rubber male~ ial between the uossbars and the outer side of the track. Once this thin layer of rubber is wom, the fabric thus becomes subject to outside 20 conditions of ice and snow; very rapidly, the fabric shreds at this area thereby loosing its reinrorcei"ent function in the construction of the track.
OBJECTS AND STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is concerned with an improved track which overcomes the above problems by reinforcing those areas most s~ IbJect to wear. This is achieved by providing, in these areas, a series of 5 reinforcing vertical ribs which provide a greater distance between the reinforcing fabric and the outside conditions.
The present invention therefore relates to a snowmobile drive track which consists of an endless body having a ground engaging outer side and a suspension supporting inner side; the body defining a central 10 portion and opposite lateral portions interconnected by a plurality of longitudinally spaced suspension bearing portions; the body being formed of an assembly of a molded rubber base having, embedded therein, one or more layers of reinforcing fabric; at least one layer being disposed ~lj~cent an outer face of the outer side. The body further includes a plurality of 15 crossbar receiving areas extending crosswise of the body in the central, lateral and suspension bearing portions; each crossbar receiving area displaying, on the outer side, a series of integrally formed profiles each defining a leading wall and a trailing wall; a series of laterally spaced re;nrorc,ng ribs extending upwardly at intersections between the outer face 20 of the outer side and at least one of the walls to protect the fabric at the intersections from shredding when the outer fabric is exposed due to wear.
In one prere" ed form of the invention, these re;nror~;ng ribs are provided on both leading and trailing walls of the track.
Other objects and further scope of applicability of the present 2 5 invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. It should be u"der~ ood, however, that this detailed description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, is given by way of 2 1 82~46 illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a snowmobile 5 track made in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 is a top plan view showing part of the ground engaging outer side of the track;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 3-3 of figure 2; and Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of figure 3.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to figure 1, there is shown, in part, an endless snowmobile track, generally denoted 10, for propelling a snowmobile over snow, ice or other similar ground structure. The mounting of this track to a snowmobile is well known and needs not be detailed. The track has a ground engaging outer side 12 and an inner side 14 that receives and supports, on the lower run thereof, a suspension which may consist of a wheel asse",bly or a slide rail assembly, both of which are also well known 20 intheart.
Conventionally, the track rotates by means of a motor driven sprocket unit at the forward end of the vehicle and idle drive wheels are 2 ~$2~6 mounted at the aft end of the vehicle to support the rear end of the track.
Sprockets engage a series of lugs 15 integrally formed with the inner surface of the track.
As illustrated in figure 2, the track defines a pair of opposite lateral portions 16 and 18 and a central portion 20. These portions are interconnected by a plurality of longitudinally spaced suspension bearing portions 22 and 24 which are partially covered by metallic clips 26, 28.
These clips may have various forms; however, they are structured so that, in the case of a slide rail suspension system, the rails that support the chassis of the snowmobile slide on the rear faces 26', 28' of the clips. Such clips may be found described in U.S. patent No. 4,474,414 issued October 2, 1988 to Tokue.
The snowmobile track 10 also defines a plurality of crossbar receiving areas 30 that extend through the central, lateral and suspension bearing portions. Referring to figure 3, these areas 30 incorporate a crossbar 32 which preferably consists of a rod, made of composite material, having a shape as illustrated, with rounded corners.
As can also be seen in figure 4, the track is formed of an assembly of a molded rubber base 34 and two layers of reinforcing fabric 36 2 o and 38. Some tracks may also include a plurality of longitudinally extending cords.
The outer side of the track displays a tread configuration which is defined by a series of longitudinally spaced trapezoidal-shaped profiles, such as profiles 42 and 44 on crossbar areas 30', profiles 46 and 48 on crossbar areas 30" and profiles 50, 52 and 54 on crossbar areas 30"'. A
detailed description and purpose of these profiles are described in applicant's Canadian copending application serial no. 2,182,845 filed August 7, 1996.
Referring to figure 3, each profile includes a leading wall and a trailing wall; for example, profile 54 has a leading wall 56 and a trailing wall 58. As can be seen, the reinforcing fabric 36 at intersection areas 60 and 62 is very close to the outer faces 56 and 58, respectively, so that, whenever 5 wear appears on the track, it is at these areas where the fabric 36 is exposed to outside conditions, such as snow and ice. It has been found that, whenever such exposure occurs, the fabric shreds very quickly.
The present invention therefore provides the presence of a series of vertically extending reinforcing ribs 64 and 66 on the leading and 10 trailing walls of each profiles. As can be seen in figure 2, these reinforcing ribs extend aosswise of profiles 42, 44, 46, 48, 50 and 54. Such reinforcing ribs could also be provided on the central profile 52.
Although the reinforcing ribs have been shown on both the leading and trailing walls of the profiles, they could be provided only on the leading walls or only on the trailing walls.
The snowmobile track of the present invention also provides a series of traversally extending longitudinally spaced ribs 70 on the outer surface of the outer side of the track which also assist in protecting the reinforcing fabric 36 extending ~j?cent the outer face of the track.
2 o The r~inror~ng fabric is a woven fabric of synthetic fibers while cords, when present, may be plastic or metal.
Although the invention has been desaibed above with respect with one specific form, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that it may be mocJified and refined in various ways. It is therefore wished to have it understood that the present invention should not be limited in scope, except by the terms of the following claims.
Snowmobile drive track.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to a snowmobile drive track 5 and, more particularly, to a track for snowmobiles having an improved construction at the outer face of the outer side of the track.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Snowmobile tracks are formed of an assembly of a molded rubber base having, embedded therein, one or more layers of reinrorcing 10 fabric and a series of bars that extend crosswise of the track in central andlateral thereof. These crossbar portions display a series of raised profiles, each having a leading wall and a trailing wall and each defining a ground engaging pr~iection which provides traction and control to the track but which is also subject to all sorts of damaging conditions. Frequently, initial 15 wear on these tracks appears at the intersections of the profiles with the remaining flat outer face of the track, resulting in the exposure of the reinrorcing fabric that extends in an area of the track where there is less rubber male~ ial between the uossbars and the outer side of the track. Once this thin layer of rubber is wom, the fabric thus becomes subject to outside 20 conditions of ice and snow; very rapidly, the fabric shreds at this area thereby loosing its reinrorcei"ent function in the construction of the track.
OBJECTS AND STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is concerned with an improved track which overcomes the above problems by reinforcing those areas most s~ IbJect to wear. This is achieved by providing, in these areas, a series of 5 reinforcing vertical ribs which provide a greater distance between the reinforcing fabric and the outside conditions.
The present invention therefore relates to a snowmobile drive track which consists of an endless body having a ground engaging outer side and a suspension supporting inner side; the body defining a central 10 portion and opposite lateral portions interconnected by a plurality of longitudinally spaced suspension bearing portions; the body being formed of an assembly of a molded rubber base having, embedded therein, one or more layers of reinforcing fabric; at least one layer being disposed ~lj~cent an outer face of the outer side. The body further includes a plurality of 15 crossbar receiving areas extending crosswise of the body in the central, lateral and suspension bearing portions; each crossbar receiving area displaying, on the outer side, a series of integrally formed profiles each defining a leading wall and a trailing wall; a series of laterally spaced re;nrorc,ng ribs extending upwardly at intersections between the outer face 20 of the outer side and at least one of the walls to protect the fabric at the intersections from shredding when the outer fabric is exposed due to wear.
In one prere" ed form of the invention, these re;nror~;ng ribs are provided on both leading and trailing walls of the track.
Other objects and further scope of applicability of the present 2 5 invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. It should be u"der~ ood, however, that this detailed description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, is given by way of 2 1 82~46 illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a snowmobile 5 track made in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 is a top plan view showing part of the ground engaging outer side of the track;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 3-3 of figure 2; and Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of figure 3.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to figure 1, there is shown, in part, an endless snowmobile track, generally denoted 10, for propelling a snowmobile over snow, ice or other similar ground structure. The mounting of this track to a snowmobile is well known and needs not be detailed. The track has a ground engaging outer side 12 and an inner side 14 that receives and supports, on the lower run thereof, a suspension which may consist of a wheel asse",bly or a slide rail assembly, both of which are also well known 20 intheart.
Conventionally, the track rotates by means of a motor driven sprocket unit at the forward end of the vehicle and idle drive wheels are 2 ~$2~6 mounted at the aft end of the vehicle to support the rear end of the track.
Sprockets engage a series of lugs 15 integrally formed with the inner surface of the track.
As illustrated in figure 2, the track defines a pair of opposite lateral portions 16 and 18 and a central portion 20. These portions are interconnected by a plurality of longitudinally spaced suspension bearing portions 22 and 24 which are partially covered by metallic clips 26, 28.
These clips may have various forms; however, they are structured so that, in the case of a slide rail suspension system, the rails that support the chassis of the snowmobile slide on the rear faces 26', 28' of the clips. Such clips may be found described in U.S. patent No. 4,474,414 issued October 2, 1988 to Tokue.
The snowmobile track 10 also defines a plurality of crossbar receiving areas 30 that extend through the central, lateral and suspension bearing portions. Referring to figure 3, these areas 30 incorporate a crossbar 32 which preferably consists of a rod, made of composite material, having a shape as illustrated, with rounded corners.
As can also be seen in figure 4, the track is formed of an assembly of a molded rubber base 34 and two layers of reinforcing fabric 36 2 o and 38. Some tracks may also include a plurality of longitudinally extending cords.
The outer side of the track displays a tread configuration which is defined by a series of longitudinally spaced trapezoidal-shaped profiles, such as profiles 42 and 44 on crossbar areas 30', profiles 46 and 48 on crossbar areas 30" and profiles 50, 52 and 54 on crossbar areas 30"'. A
detailed description and purpose of these profiles are described in applicant's Canadian copending application serial no. 2,182,845 filed August 7, 1996.
Referring to figure 3, each profile includes a leading wall and a trailing wall; for example, profile 54 has a leading wall 56 and a trailing wall 58. As can be seen, the reinforcing fabric 36 at intersection areas 60 and 62 is very close to the outer faces 56 and 58, respectively, so that, whenever 5 wear appears on the track, it is at these areas where the fabric 36 is exposed to outside conditions, such as snow and ice. It has been found that, whenever such exposure occurs, the fabric shreds very quickly.
The present invention therefore provides the presence of a series of vertically extending reinforcing ribs 64 and 66 on the leading and 10 trailing walls of each profiles. As can be seen in figure 2, these reinforcing ribs extend aosswise of profiles 42, 44, 46, 48, 50 and 54. Such reinforcing ribs could also be provided on the central profile 52.
Although the reinforcing ribs have been shown on both the leading and trailing walls of the profiles, they could be provided only on the leading walls or only on the trailing walls.
The snowmobile track of the present invention also provides a series of traversally extending longitudinally spaced ribs 70 on the outer surface of the outer side of the track which also assist in protecting the reinforcing fabric 36 extending ~j?cent the outer face of the track.
2 o The r~inror~ng fabric is a woven fabric of synthetic fibers while cords, when present, may be plastic or metal.
Although the invention has been desaibed above with respect with one specific form, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that it may be mocJified and refined in various ways. It is therefore wished to have it understood that the present invention should not be limited in scope, except by the terms of the following claims.
Claims (3)
1. A snowmobile drive track consisting of an endless body having a ground engaging outer side and a suspension supporting inner side; said body defining a central portion and opposite lateral portions interconnected by a plurality of longitudinally spaced suspension bearing portions; said body being formed of an assembly of a molded rubber base having, embedded therein, one or more layers of reinforcing fabric; at least one layer being disposed adjacent an outer face of said outer side; said body including a plurality of crossbar receiving areas extending cross-wise of said body in said central, lateral and suspension bearing portions; each said crossbar receiving area displaying, on said outer side, a series of integrally formed profiles each defining a leading wall and a trailing wall; a series of laterally spaced reinforcing ribs extending upwardly at intersections between said outer face of said outer side and one of said walls to protect said fabric at said intersections from shredding when said outer fabric is exposed due to wear.
2. A snowmobile drive track as defined in claim 1, further comprising a series of laterally spaced reinforcing ribs extending upwardly at intersections between said outer face of said outer side and said leading and trailing walls.
3. A snowmobile drive track as defined in claim 1 or 2, wherein said outer face of said outer side further includes transversally extending longitudinally spaced ribs between said profiles in said central portion and in said lateral portions.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002182846A CA2182846C (en) | 1996-08-07 | 1996-08-07 | Snowmobile drive track |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002182846A CA2182846C (en) | 1996-08-07 | 1996-08-07 | Snowmobile drive track |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2182846A1 CA2182846A1 (en) | 1997-02-09 |
| CA2182846C true CA2182846C (en) | 1998-01-06 |
Family
ID=4158709
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002182846A Expired - Fee Related CA2182846C (en) | 1996-08-07 | 1996-08-07 | Snowmobile drive track |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2182846C (en) |
-
1996
- 1996-08-07 CA CA002182846A patent/CA2182846C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2182846A1 (en) | 1997-02-09 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |