GB594767A - Improvements in or relating to tracks for self-laying track-type vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

594,767. Endless tracks for vehicles. GOODRICH CO., B. F. March 7, 1944, No. 4232. Convention date, Feb. 3, 1943. [Class 79 (i)] A vehicle endless track comprises a flexible band with a reinforcing flexible tension structure, e.g., wire cables, and connection means on the ends of the flexible tension structure including, a body of rubber-like material and a housing therefor.. The housing may include an inner member with a separating layer of rubber-like material, the inner member being connected to the other end of the flexible band. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the track comprises flexible cables 13 terminating in ferrules 14 held in the hinge member 15, e.g., by making the latter in two parts 15a, 15b and riveting them together with the ferrules between, the whole being embedded in a resilient material such as rubber, extra clamping member 18 for maintaining the cables 13 in their correct spacing being provided at intervals. Each hinge member 15 contains a bush 33 of rubber-like material and an inner metal bush 32. The hinge members of the two ends 10, 11 interlock and a metal rod 35, preferably splined on the outside, is forced through the inner bushes 32. In a modification, Figs. 8 and 9, the flexible cables 60 and their ferrules 61 are secured in a hinge member 64 which traverses the full width of the flexible track, and each end of the track is similar. The hinge member 64 contains a rubber bush 67 and an inner bush 68 which extends on either side of the track, the ends thereof being secured by links 71 to the corresponding parts on the other end of the track. Instead of the arrangement shown for clamping the cable ferrules to the outer hinge member, the latter may be of simple cylindrical shape and drilled to receive the shanks of the ferr.ules.