CA2537703C - A multi-edge traction lug track - Google Patents

A multi-edge traction lug track Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2537703C
CA2537703C CA2537703A CA2537703A CA2537703C CA 2537703 C CA2537703 C CA 2537703C CA 2537703 A CA2537703 A CA 2537703A CA 2537703 A CA2537703 A CA 2537703A CA 2537703 C CA2537703 C CA 2537703C
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CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
ground
endless track
tread
snowmobile
engaging
Prior art date
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Active
Application number
CA2537703A
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French (fr)
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CA2537703A1 (en
Inventor
Jules Dandurand
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Camso Inc
Original Assignee
Camoplast Solideal Inc
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from CA002505307A external-priority patent/CA2505307A1/en
Application filed by Camoplast Solideal Inc filed Critical Camoplast Solideal Inc
Priority to CA2537703A priority Critical patent/CA2537703C/en
Publication of CA2537703A1 publication Critical patent/CA2537703A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2537703C publication Critical patent/CA2537703C/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62DMOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D55/00Endless track vehicles
    • B62D55/08Endless track units; Parts thereof
    • B62D55/18Tracks
    • B62D55/26Ground engaging parts or elements
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62DMOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D55/00Endless track vehicles
    • B62D55/08Endless track units; Parts thereof
    • B62D55/18Tracks
    • B62D55/24Tracks of continuously flexible type, e.g. rubber belts
    • B62D55/244Moulded in one piece, with either smooth surfaces or surfaces having projections, e.g. incorporating reinforcing elements

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Tires In General (AREA)

Abstract

A track comprising treads with at least one uneven surface and a decreasing cross section from a top part thereof to a bottom part thereof, the top part having a section smaller than the bottom part thereof, thereby allowing a multi-edge ground contacting surface as well as a reduced noise generation.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

A multi-edge traction lug track FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to rubber tracks. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with a multi-edge traction lug track.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A propulsion system generally found on tracked vehicles such as snowmobiles consists of a pair of longitudinally spaced apart wheel structures arranged on opposite sides of the vehicle chassis, which is driven by a pair of endless, substantially inextensible belts, each having an inner surface and a ground-engaging surface.
[0003] The inner surface is provided with a series of longitudinally spaced members, which guide the track relative to driving and tracking wheels forming part of the wheel structures. The ground-engaging surface of the belt is formed of a plurality of longitudinally spaced tread members that provide traction to the vehicle when traveling on various ground conditions. The ground-engaging surface of the track may comprise a series of integral profiles having various configurations to provide traction to the snowmobile.
[0004] Therefore, a track is usually formed of a body of elastomeric material, the ground-engaging surface thereof displaying a series of transverse profiles that provide traction for the snowmobile as it travels over a surface, while the inner surface of the track displays a series of integral lugs, which are contacted by sprocket wheels that drive the snowmobile track in rotation.
[0005] In spite of a number of developments in the field of tracks, there is still a need in the art for a track allowing efficient traction of a tracked vehicle over a range of surface conditions, while reducing noise generation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006A] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an endless track for a recreational vehicle. The endless track comprises: an inner side for engaging at least one driving wheel of the recreational vehicle to move the endless track to propel the recreational vehicle on the ground; and a ground-engaging outer side for engaging the ground. The ground-engaging outer side comprises a plurality of treads distributed longitudinally along the endless track for traction of the recreational vehicle on the ground. Each tread comprises: a bottom part; a top part spaced from the bottom part; and an uneven face between the top part and the bottom part. The uneven face includes a plurality of formations that extend transversally along the uneven face. When the tread engages the ground as the recreational vehicle moves on the ground, the top part bends relative to the bottom part such that at least some of the formations face and engage the ground, extend transversally to a direction of motion of the recreational vehicle and are spaced from one another along the direction of motion of the recreational vehicle to enhance traction of the endless track on the ground.

[0006B] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an endless track for a snowmobile. The endless track defines a ground-engaging run that is generally parallel to the ground when the snowmobile rides on the ground. The ground-engaging run lays in an imaginary horizontal reference plane and has a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis. The ground-engaging run is driven in a direction that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis by an engine of the snowmobile to cause movement of the snowmobile on the ground. The ground-engaging run comprises a ground-engaging outer side for engaging the ground. The ground-engaging outer side has a tread pattern.
The tread pattern includes a plurality of treads projecting outwardly from the ground-engaging outer side. Each tread has: a bottom portion; a top portion spaced from the bottom portion; and a pair of main faces generally opposite to one another extending between the top portion and the bottom portion. The tread has a thickness profile such that, under the weight of the snowmobile and traction efforts applied by the engine of the snowmobile, a region of the tread adjacent the top portion is induced to bend in a longitudinal direction to a greater extent than a region of the tread adjacent the bottom portion, whereby the tread acquires a curved configuration in which part of a first one of the main faces adjacent the top portion is oriented to face and engage the ground. The part of the first one of the main faces adjacent the top portion has a surface pattern to enhance traction of the first one of the main faces. The surface pattern includes a plurality of elongated relief components running in a direction that is substantially different from the longitudinal direction such that engagement of the surface pattern with the ground results into the elongated relief components extending generally crosswise to a direction of movement of the snowmobile.

[0006C] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for enhancing traction of a snowmobile on the ground. The method comprises using an engine of the snowmobile to move the snowmobile on the ground. The snowmobile comprises an endless track defining a ground-engaging run that is generally parallel to the ground and that comprises a ground-engaging outer side for engaging the ground. The ground-engaging outer side has a tread pattern that includes a plurality of treads projecting outwardly from the ground-engaging outer side. Each tread has: a bottom portion; a top portion spaced from the bottom portion; and a pair of main faces generally opposite to one another extending between the top portion and the bottom portion. The method also comprises inducing the treads of the ground-engaging run to bend in a longitudinal direction under the weight of the snowmobile and the movement of the snowmobile on the ground. Each tread that is bent has a curved configuration in which part of a given one of its main faces adjacent its top portion is oriented to face and engage the ground and has a surface pattern to enhance traction of the given one of its main faces. The surface pattern includes a plurality of elongated relief components running in a direction that is substantially different from the longitudinal direction such that engagement of the surface pattern with the ground results into the elongated relief components extending generally crosswise to a direction of movement of the snowmobile.

[0007] Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] In the appended drawings:

[0009] Figure 1 show a cross section of a tread according to an embodiment of the present invention, a) when unfold in absence of traction of the ground; and b) when fold, during traction on the ground;

[0010] Figure 2 shows cross sections of treads according to further embodiments of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 3 is a cross section of a track according to an embodiment of the present invention; and [0012] Figure 4 is a top perspective view of the track of Figure 3.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0013] A tracked vehicle typically comprises an endless drive belt trained around drive sprockets or wheels (not shown) for driving the belt in an endless path. As illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the belt has an inner surface face 12 and a ground-engaging surface 14, which, as it passes along a lower run of the belt, engages a surface (not shown) to be traversed.

[0014] The inner track surface 12 is typically provided with spaced drive lugs 16, as shown in Figure 3, which are spaced along the length of the inside of the belt for engaging the drive wheels (not shown) as is well known in the art.
[0015] The ground-engaging surface 14 typically comprises a series of transversally extending treads 18 extending generally from a center of the ground-engaging surface 14 to lateral edges thereof.

[0016] The treads 18 may be made of a rubber material. The endless belt may be made of flexible rubber or flexible rubber reinforced by rods (not seen) to strengthen the track, as is well known in the art. Typically, conventional tracks include, embedded in the rubber material of the body of the belt and in the region of the treads 18, such reinforcing rods, either metallic or plastic, to provide transverse rigidity to the track. Moreover, the track may comprise longitudinal perforated bands (not shown) supporting steal fasteners, as known in the art.
[0017] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the face of the treads 18 is uneven, either in a step like manner (Figures 1A, 113) or by presenting indentations 34 (Figure 2A) or projections 36 (Figures 2B, 2C, 2D). These formations may be provided on the front face or/and on the rear of the treads in a continuous or discontinuous way. These formations, either on the front face, i.e. facing frontward in relation to the vehicle, or on the rear face, i.e. on the face facing backwards, or both (FIGS. 2E to 2H), provide an increased number of ground engaging surfaces.

[0018] Furthermore, the treads have a non-uniform cross-section, from a top part 22 thereof to a bottom part 24 thereof, an outer edge 32 of the top part 22 being generally flat. The top part 22 has a section smaller than the bottom part thereof 24, the bottom part 24 thus being more massive and rigid.

[0019] In Figures 1A and 113, the cross-section of a face of the treads 18 decreases in width by steps 30 and 32, the steps 30 and 32 providing formations on the face of the treads 18.

[0020] During traction, as the top parts 22 of the treads 18 tend to bend, as illustrated in Figure 1 B, uneven front faces of the treads 18 provides a number of surfaces of contact with the ground as the tread bends, the bottom parts 24 further achieving a grabbing action, thereby enhancing traction, especially during acceleration, for example. Uneven rear faces of the treads 18 provide a number of surfaces of contact with the ground as the tread bends during breaking, thereby improving braking.

[0021] Uneven faces of the treads 18 therefore allow an increased driving control and stability.

[0022] It is further found that such a cross section, providing tread of reduced height in a region 40 of the track where idle wheels pass as shown in Figure 3, further results in a reduction of noise generation.

[0023] Such a track may be used for recreational vehicles, snowmobiles or ATV for example.

[0024] Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of embodiments thereof, it may be modified, without departing from the nature and teachings of the subject invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (27)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. An endless track for a recreational vehicle, said endless track comprising:

- an inner side for engaging at least one driving wheel of the recreational vehicle to move said endless track to propel the recreational vehicle on the ground; and - a ground-engaging outer side for engaging the ground, said ground-engaging outer side comprising a plurality of treads distributed longitudinally along said endless track for traction of the recreational vehicle on the ground, each tread comprising:
- a bottom part;
- a top part spaced from said bottom part; and - an uneven face between said top part and said bottom part, said uneven face including a plurality of formations that extend transversally along said uneven face, wherein, when said tread engages the ground as the recreational vehicle moves on the ground, said top part bends relative to said bottom part such that at least some of said formations face and engage the ground, extend transversally to a direction of motion of the recreational vehicle and are spaced from one another along the direction of motion of the recreational vehicle to enhance traction of said endless track on the ground.
2. The endless track claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of formations comprises a plurality of steps.
3. The endless track claimed in claim 2, wherein said plurality of steps includes at least three steps.
4. The endless track claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of formations comprises a plurality of projections.
5. The endless track claimed in claim 4, wherein said plurality of projections comprises at least three projections.
6. The endless track claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of formations comprises a plurality of indentations.
7. The endless track claimed in claim 6, wherein said plurality of indentations comprises at least three indentations.
8. The endless track claimed in claim 1, wherein said uneven face is a front face facing frontward of the recreational vehicle.
9. The endless track claimed in claim 1, wherein said uneven face is a rear face facing rearward of the recreational vehicle.
10. The endless track claimed in claim 8, wherein said plurality of formations is a first plurality of formations of said tread, said tread comprising an uneven rear face between said top part and said bottom part, said uneven rear face including a second plurality of formations that extend transversally along said uneven rear face to enhance braking of the recreational vehicle.
11. The endless track claimed in claim 1, wherein said top part of said tread has a cross-section that is smaller than a cross-section of said bottom part of said tread such that said tread tapers from said bottom part to said top part.
12. The endless track claimed in claim 1, wherein said inner side comprises a plurality of drive lugs for engaging the at least one driving wheel of the recreational vehicle.
13. The endless track claimed in claim 1, wherein said treads are distributed from a center portion of said ground-engaging outer side to lateral edge portions of said ground-engaging outer side.
14. The endless track claimed in claim 1, wherein different ones of said treads are positioned at different angles relative to a widthwise axis of said endless track.
15. A recreational vehicle comprising an endless track as claimed in claim 1.
16. The recreational vehicle claimed in claim 15, wherein said recreational vehicle is a snowmobile.
17. The recreational vehicle claimed in claim 15, wherein said recreational vehicle is an all-terrain vehicle (ATV).
18. An endless track for a snowmobile, the endless track defining a ground-engaging run that is generally parallel to the ground when the snowmobile rides on the ground, the ground-engaging run laying in an imaginary horizontal reference plane and having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, the ground-engaging run being driven in a direction that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis by an engine of the snowmobile to cause movement of the snowmobile on the ground, the ground-engaging run comprising a ground-engaging outer side for engaging the ground, said ground-engaging outer side having a tread pattern, the tread pattern including a plurality of treads projecting outwardly from the ground-engaging outer side, each tread having:

- a bottom portion;
- a top portion spaced from the bottom portion;
- a pair of main faces generally opposite to one another extending between the top portion and the bottom portion;
wherein the tread has a thickness profile such that, under the weight of the snowmobile and traction efforts applied by the engine of the snowmobile, a region of the tread adjacent the top portion is induced to bend in a longitudinal direction to a greater extent than a region of the tread adjacent the bottom portion, whereby the tread acquires a curved configuration in which part of a first one of the main faces adjacent the top portion is oriented to face and engage the ground;
wherein the part of the first one of the main faces adjacent the top portion has a surface pattern to enhance traction of the first one of the main faces, the surface pattern including a plurality of elongated relief components running in a direction that is substantially different from the longitudinal direction such that engagement of the surface pattern with the ground results into the elongated relief components extending generally crosswise to a direction of movement of the snowmobile.
19. The endless track claimed in claim 18, wherein the plurality of elongated relief components comprise a plurality of projections.
20. The endless track claimed in claim 18, wherein the plurality of elongated relief components comprise a plurality of indentations.
21. The endless track claimed in claim 18, wherein the plurality of elongated relief components define a step-like structure.
22. The endless track claimed in claim 18, wherein the tread tapers from the bottom portion to the top portion.
23. The endless track claimed in claim 18, wherein the first one of the main faces is a front face.
24. The endless track claimed in claim 18, wherein the first one of the main faces is a rear face.
25. The endless track claimed in claim 18, wherein a second one of the main faces includes a surface pattern including a plurality of elongated relief components running crosswise to the direction of movement of the snowmobile.
26. A snowmobile comprising an endless track as claimed in claim 18.
27. A method for enhancing traction of a snowmobile on the ground, said method comprising:
- using an engine of the snowmobile to move the snowmobile on the ground, the snowmobile comprising an endless track defining a ground-engaging run that is generally parallel to the ground and that comprises a ground-engaging outer side for engaging the ground, the ground-engaging outer side having a tread pattern that includes a plurality of treads projecting outwardly from the ground-engaging outer side, each tread having:
- a bottom portion;
- a top portion spaced from the bottom portion; and - a pair of main faces generally opposite to one another extending between the top portion and the bottom portion;
and - inducing the treads of the ground-engaging run to bend in a longitudinal direction under the weight of the snowmobile and the movement of the snowmobile on the ground, each tread that is bent having a curved configuration in which part of a given one of its main faces adjacent its top portion is oriented to face and engage the ground and has a surface pattern to enhance traction of the given one of its main faces, the surface pattern including a plurality of elongated relief components running in a direction that is substantially different from the longitudinal direction such that engagement of the surface pattern with the ground results into the elongated relief components extending generally crosswise to a direction of movement of the snowmobile.
CA2537703A 2005-04-26 2006-02-27 A multi-edge traction lug track Active CA2537703C (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2537703A CA2537703C (en) 2005-04-26 2006-02-27 A multi-edge traction lug track

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002505307A CA2505307A1 (en) 2005-04-26 2005-04-26 A multi-edge traction lug track
CA2,505,307 2005-04-26
CA2537703A CA2537703C (en) 2005-04-26 2006-02-27 A multi-edge traction lug track

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2537703A1 CA2537703A1 (en) 2006-10-26
CA2537703C true CA2537703C (en) 2012-03-20

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