GB626594A - Improvements in or relating to track links for endless track vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

626,594. Endless-track vehicles. DUNLOP RUBBER CO., Ltd., and LACEY, B. W. D. Aug. 13, 1947, No. 22474. [Class 79 (i)] A track link for an endless track vehicle has a resilient tread in the form of a ring which contacts the ground and can rotate, transversely of the link around a bearing plate fixed within the link, when the vehicle is steered. The link 1, Fig. 1, has lugs 6 and depending side members 5 each of which is slotted at 11. A bearing plate 3, Fig. 3, extends between the side members 5 and is fixed in the slots 11, e.g. by welds 8. A rubber ring 2, Fig. 2, which may have a ring 10 of inextensible but flexible material embedded therein, surrounds the plate 3 which plate has rounded edges 4 which engage with the inner face of the ring 2. The opposing faces of the side members 5, Fig. 3, are recessed and have lower inwardly directed flanges 7. The edges 12 of the ring 2 are contoured so as to be complementary with the recesses and the inner edges of the flanges. When the vehicle is driven in a straight line one edge 12 of the ring 2 abuts the recess in the side member 5 and no transverse movement is imparted to the ring. During steering movements, when parts of the track are forced to move sideways on the ground, the rings 2 rotate on their bearing plates 3 transversely of the link and thus reduce wear on the track.