GB699423A - Improvements in endless tracks for vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

699,423. Endless tracks for vehicles. BEKKER, M. G. April 10, 1951 [April 14, 1950] No. 8336/51 Class 79 (i) In a vehicle endless - track mechanism comprising resilient support means, a frame member carried by the support means, curved guide means supported by the frame adjacent each end thereof, an endless track trained round the guide means and under the support means, flexible diaphragms are provided between the sides of the track and the frame, the diaphragms being fixed to one and slidable relative to the other and serving to retain lubricant within the track. As shown in Fig. 1 the track frame comprises side members 3 interconnected by members 2 and carries guide drums 4, 5 at the end, the drum 5 being preferably toothed for driving the track 6 which passes round the drums and under the resilient support means formed as a pneumatic cushion 1 which bears against the members 2. The sides of the track 6 are sealed by the diaphragms 7 and belts 8 passing around rollers 9 The outer faces of the belts for groove and flange seals with corresponding shaped members 11 secured to the members 3. The rubbing surfaces of the cushion 1 and track 6 are lubricated, the cushion having wedge shaped ribs 12 and the track having guides 13. The diaphragms 7 may be formed integral with the track or, as shown in Fig. 5, may be connected thereto by seals. In Fig. 5 the guides 13 are secured to the track 6 by bolts 17 which also secure thereto pads 18, each of which pads have a curved plate 20 and a metallic insert 19. The edge 16 of the diaphragm 7 has a trapezoidal projection matching a corresponding groove in the edge of the track 6 and the projection is held in the groove by an inflatable hose 21 between the curved plate 20 and the edge 16. In a modification, Fig. 4 (not shown),the drum 4 is replaced by a semi-circular pneumatic cushion.