US20050133281A1 - Track assembly for an all-terrain vehicle - Google Patents
Track assembly for an all-terrain vehicle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050133281A1 US20050133281A1 US10/967,245 US96724504A US2005133281A1 US 20050133281 A1 US20050133281 A1 US 20050133281A1 US 96724504 A US96724504 A US 96724504A US 2005133281 A1 US2005133281 A1 US 2005133281A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- wheel
- endless track
- track belt
- terrain vehicle
- outside
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D55/00—Endless track vehicles
- B62D55/04—Endless track vehicles with tracks and alternative ground wheels, e.g. changeable from endless track vehicle into wheeled vehicle and vice versa
Definitions
- the present invention relates to all-terrain vehicles. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with track assemblies for an all-terrain vehicle.
- a wheeled vehicle is more maneuverable than a tracked vehicle, but is not as efficient on uneven or soft terrain such as, for example snow.
- Tracked all-terrain vehicles have been proposed, which require complicated track assemblies comprising a track frame to maintain the tension of the endless track belt and prevent it from loosening. Furthermore, such vehicles have generally a large contact area with the ground, which results in a decreased maneuverability and an increased impact on the often soft terrain.
- An object of the present invention is therefore to provide improved track assemblies for an all-terrain vehicle.
- an all-terrain vehicle comprising at least two track assemblies to support the all-terrain vehicle onto a ground surface, each one of the at least two track assemblies comprising: a longitudinal endless track belt having with an inner surface provided with a plurality of inner lugs and an outer surface provided with a plurality of external lugs; a track driving wheel having a peripheral portion operatively engaged with the endless track belt to drive the endless track belt; at least one inside wheel and at least one outside wheel, each having a peripheral portion in contact with the endless track belt, the endless track belt being wounded around the track driving wheel, the at least one inside wheel, and the at least one outside wheel, the lower peripheral portion of the at least one inside wheel and the at least one outside wheel in contact with the endless track belt being above the lower peripheral portion of the track driving wheel in contact with the endless track belt; a mounting structure to mount the longitudinal endless track belt to the vehicle, the longitudinal endless track belt mounted on the mounting structure defining substantially a scalene triangle; whereby, when the vehicle
- an endless track belt assembly comprising: a track driving wheel having a peripheral portion provided with a plurality of teeth; an endless track belt provided with an inner surface having a plurality of inner lugs and an outer surface having a plurality of external lugs, the inner lugs of the endless track belt operatively engaging the teeth of the track driving wheel; and at least one inside wheel and at least one outside wheel, each having a peripheral portion in contact with the endless track belt, the endless track belt being wounded around the track driving wheel, the at least one inside wheel, and the at least one outside wheel and defining substantially a scalene triangle, the lower portion of the at least one inside wheel and the at least one outside wheel in contact with the endless track belt being above the lower portion of the track driving wheel in contact with the endless track belt.
- a method for mounting an endless track belt on a all-terrain vehicle comprising the acts of: providing an endless track belt having inner lugs and external lugs; providing a track driving wheel being operatively engaged with the endless track belt; interconnecting the track driving wheel to at least one inside wheel and at least one outside wheel, the at least one inside wheel being mounted closer to the track driving wheel than the at least one outside wheel; tensioning the endless track belt around the track driving wheel, the at least one inside wheel, and the at least one outside wheel, each having a peripheral portion in contact with the endless track belt, the lower peripheral portion of the at least one inside wheel and the at least one outside wheel in contact with the endless track belt being above the lower peripheral portion of the track driving wheel in contact with the endless track belt.
- FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an all-terrain vehicle provided with track assemblies according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the front track assembly of the vehicle of FIG. 1 , seen from of the outside of the all-terrain vehicle;
- FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the front track assembly of the vehicle of FIG. 1 , seen form the inside of the all-terrain vehicle;
- FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 4 - 4 of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view of an outside idler wheel attachment of the track assembly of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a rigid member of the track assembly of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the attachment of the front track assembly of FIG. 1 to the all-terrain vehicle;
- FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of a rear track assembly of FIG. 1 , seen from the inside of the all-terrain vehicle;
- FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the attachment of the rear track assembly of FIG. 1 to the all-terrain vehicle;
- FIG. 10 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 4 but illustrating a second type of endless track.
- FIG. 11 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 4 but illustrating a third type of endless track.
- FIG. 1 shows an all-terrain vehicle 10 comprising a body 12 and four track assemblies (only two shown) according to the present invention arranged in a plane adjacent to each side of the vehicle 10 .
- the front track assembly 14 is better seen in FIG. 2 . It comprises a longitudinal endless track belt 23 and a mounting structure to mount the endless track belt 23 to the vehicle 10 .
- the mounting structure includes a track driving wheel 24 , a pair of inside idler wheels 26 , a pair of outside idler wheels 28 and supports to interconnect the wheels 24 , 26 and 28 as will be described hereinbelow.
- the endless track belt 23 is provided with inner lugs 30 on its inner surface 31 and with external lugs 32 on its outer surface 33 . It is wounded around the track driving wheel 24 and the idler wheels 28 and 26 .
- the track driving wheel 24 is mounted to a conventional hub 35 of the all-terrain vehicle 10 .
- the wheel 24 includes a first mounting plate 37 mounted to the hub 35 and a second mounting plate 34 mounted to the first plate 37 via four bolt and spacer assemblies 36 .
- a circular disk 38 is mounted to the bolt and spacer assemblies 36 and includes equidistant wide teeth 40 contacting the inner surface 31 of the track 23 .
- the equidistant teeth 40 are so located as to cooperate with some of the inner lugs 30 of the endless track belt 23 . More precisely, as can be better seen from FIG. 2 , the teeth 40 are spaced so that the distance between two consecutive teeth 40 spans the distance separating consecutive inner lugs 30 of the endless track belt 23 , in a meshing engagement, in such a way as to drive the endless track belt 23 .
- Each of the inside idler wheels 26 includes a peripheral portion in contact with the internal surface 31 of the track 23 .
- the wheels 26 are interconnected by a spacing element (not shown).
- each outer idler wheel 28 includes a peripheral portion in contact with the internal surface 31 of the track 23 .
- the wheels 28 are interconnected by a spacing element 42 .
- the wheels 24 , 26 and 28 are interconnected, as seen from the outside of the track assembly 14 , by an angled connecting element 44 .
- the angled connecting element 44 has a center portion 46 provided with an aperture 48 in which bearings 50 are mounted.
- a fastener 52 connects the connecting element 44 to the second plate 34 while allowing the angled connecting element 44 to pivot about the fastener.
- the connecting element 44 has a short arm 54 having a free end to which the inside idler wheels 26 are rotatably mounted.
- the connecting element 44 also has a long arm 56 having a free end to which the inside idler wheels 28 are rotatably mounted as will be further discussed hereinbelow. Referring to FIG. 2 , it is seen that the endless track belt 23 is wounded around the wheels 24 , 26 , and 28 and defines a substantially scalene triangle since the connecting element 44 has a short and a long arms 54 , 56 .
- the connecting element 44 is better seen from the top plan view of FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 3 of the appended drawings as can be seen from the inside of the all-terrain vehicle 10 , the idler wheels 26 and 28 of the front track assembly 14 are also directly connected together by an elbowed connection element 58 .
- the inside idler wheels 26 are rotatably mounted to a first end of the elbowed connection element 58 while the outside idler wheels 28 are rotatably mounted to a second end of the elbowed connection element 58 .
- the tension of the endless track belt 23 is adjusted by the connection of the outside idler wheels 28 to the elements 44 and 58 .
- the connection of the wheels 28 to the elbowed connection element 58 will be described.
- a tension adjusting assembly according to another aspect of the present invention will be described.
- a distal end of the connection element 58 includes a slotted aperture 60 receiving a fastener 62 used to rotatably mount the wheels 28 to the assembly. By sliding the fastener 62 in the aperture 60 , it is possible to increase or decrease the tension on the track 23 .
- a cam element 64 having an outer periphery provided with notches 66 located at different distances from the attachment point of the element 64 , is mounted to the fastener 62 . By selecting which notch 66 is in contact with a fixed pin 68 of the element 58 , a predetermined tension may be maintained.
- the cam element 64 is provided with a handle 70 to facilitate the manipulation by a user.
- the overall profile of the track 23 is generally convex.
- the convex profile of the track 23 is created by a lug arrangement comprising two successive transverse rows of lugs arranged in a staggered relationship.
- a first transverse row of lugs contains three lugs 72 , 74 and 76 and a second row of lugs contains four lugs 78 , 80 , 82 and 84 . These lugs are symmetrical about a longitudinal axis (not shown).
- a first lateral lug 72 of the first row includes three ground-contacting surfaces separated by two indentations.
- the shape of lateral lug 72 is such that the ground contacting surfaces are generally transversally convex.
- a central lug 74 is centered about longitudinal axis and includes two ground-contacting surfaces separated by an indentation.
- the ground contacting surfaces are symmetrical about the longitudinal axis and are generally transversally convex.
- a second lateral lug 76 is a mirror image of lug 72 about the longitudinal axis.
- the first and second lateral lugs 72 and 76 are laterally spaced apart from the central lug 74 .
- a first intermediate lug 80 includes two ground-contacting surfaces separated by an indentation.
- the ground engaging surfaces are slightly transversally convex.
- a first external lug 78 includes two ground-contacting surfaces that are separated by an indentation and are transversally convex.
- the second intermediate lug 82 and the second external lug 84 are respectively mirror images of lugs 80 and 78 with respect to the longitudinal axis. For concision purposes, these lugs will not be further described herein.
- the endless track belt 23 further includes, for each row of lugs, a stiffening rod 71 , made of glass fibers for example.
- Each stiffening rod 71 is embedded in the material forming the track belt 23 so as to be generally parallel to the inner surface 31 thereof.
- the rods 71 provide enhanced rigidity to the endless track belt 23 .
- the enhanced rigidity of the track belt 23 has many advantages. For example, it helps the track to provide adequate traction even when the center portion of the track is not in direct contact with the ground, as illustrated in FIG. 4 . However, it has been found that this type of traction may be detrimental to the steering of the vehicle in some conditions.
- the ground contacting surfaces of symmetrical lugs 78 and 84 are not aligned with the outer surfaces of the other lugs to form a continuous profile. Indeed, the ground contacting surfaces of lugs 78 and 84 are more angled and exceed the convex profile defined by the other lugs. This configuration of the outer lugs is advantageous since it further prevents the vehicle from tipping over during sharp turns at high speed when the vehicle 10 is severely tilted.
- the way the front track assembly 14 is attached to the body 12 of the vehicle 10 differs from the way the rear track assembly 16 is attached to the body 12 of the vehicle 10 . These two attachments will be described hereinbelow.
- the front track assembly 14 is attached to the body 12 of the vehicle 10 in a fashion shown in FIGS. 4 and 7
- the rear track assembly 16 is attached to the body 12 of the vehicle 10 in a fashion shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 .
- the front track assembly 14 is mounted to a tubular wheel table 100 of the vehicle 10 by means of a generally triangular plate 102 fastened thereto by a plurality of U-bolts 104 , 106 , 108 and 110 .
- a rod 112 is connected between the elbowed connection element 58 and a pivot 114 of the tubular wheel table 100 .
- a first end of the rod 112 is attached to the elbowed connection element 58 by means of rubber damping elements 116 , in such a way as to allow a vertical movement at this point of the rod 112 in relation to the elbowed connection element 58 .
- a second end of the rod 112 is attached to the pivot 114 of the tubular wheel table 100 by means of an R-clip 120 , in such a way as to allow at this point a horizontal movement of the plate 102 holding the tubular wheel table 100 relative to the elbowed connection element 58 .
- the front track assembly 14 is further attached to the body 12 of the vehicle 10 through a conventional rod 150 of the suspension system of the vehicle 10 and a conventional rod 157 used for direction (see FIG. 4 ).
- the rear track assembly 16 is mounted to the body 12 of the vehicle 10 by a rod 212 .
- the rod 212 is connected on a first end to the elbowed connection element 58 ′ by means of a rubber damping attachment 216 . It is attached, on a second end, to a tubular chassis 130 of the body 12 of the vehicle 10 by means of a chipping joint 132 fastened thereto by an R-clip 134 .
- the present invention provides for track assemblies that are easily removed or mounted to the vehicle 10 , through using R-clips ( 120 and 134 ), which enable disconnecting the track assemblies from the vehicle in a simple manner.
- the interior surface 31 of the endless track belt 23 is provided with a plurality of equally spaced lugs 30 , which ensure a positive engagement with the teeth 40 provided on the outer circumference of the wheel 24 .
- the wheel 24 is coupled to a drive shaft, via the hub 30 , connected to an engine (not shown), in such a way that the engine drives the wheel 24 in rotation.
- the wheel 24 thus drives the endless track belt 23 by the meshing engagement of the teeth 40 with the internal lugs 30 of the endless track belt 23 .
- the external lugs 32 on the external circumference surface of the endless track belt 23 respectively exert a positive mechanical connection with the underlying ground surface that contributes to propel the vehicle 10 .
- FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show sectional views similar to that of FIG. 4 but illustrating variants of an endless track that may be mounted to the track assembly of the present invention.
- the overall profile of the endless track belt 23 a, from one side to the other, i.e. transversely, is generally convex.
- the convex profile of the endless track belt 23 a is created by the same lug arrangement as that described hereinabove in relation to FIG. 4 .
- the endless track belt 23 a does not include stiffening rods under each row of lugs. Consequently, the rigidity of the endless track belt 23 a is less than the rigidity of the endless track belt 23 ( FIG. 4 ) and the profile of the endless track belt 23 a conforms itself to the profile of the ground. Since the pressure is more localized in the center of the endless track belt 23 a, a more punctually localized contact zone between the endless track belt 23 a and the ground 29 is created. In many cases, this punctually localized contact zone makes the vehicle 10 more maneuverable.
- FIG. 11 a third version of an endless track belt 23 b will be described.
- the endless track belt 23 b is wounded around the track driving wheel 24 and the idler wheels 28 and 26 , is still provided with inner lugs 30 on its inner surface 31 . However, its outer surface is provided with rectangular lugs 86 . Since there are no stiffening rods in the endless track belt 23 b, the endless track belt 23 b is free to conform itself to the ground 29 , as seen in FIG. 11 . Furthermore, since the pressure is exerted only in the middle of the endless track belt 23 b by the wide teeth 40 , a punctually localized contact zone between the endless track belt 23 b and the ground 29 is created.
- the endless track belts 23 a has a particularly punctually localized contact surface with the ground 29 . Indeed, since it is transversally convex, it generally contacts the ground 29 with a limited surface at any given time when the ground 29 is hard.
- the external lugs only exert a pressure on the ground 29 , when it is hard, in the vicinity of the wide teeth 40 if the wheel 24 .
- FIGS. 1, 2 , 3 , and 8 it will be seen that the lower peripheral portion of the track driving wheel 24 in contact with the endless track belt 23 is below the lower peripheral portion of the idler wheels 26 , 28 in contact with the endless track belt 23 . Therefore, on flat ground surfaces, only a punctually localized surface of endless track belt 23 , under the track driving wheel; 24 , is in contact with ground 29 .
- one skilled in the art could designed another convex profile of the external lugs of the endless track belts 23 and/or another arrangement of the mounting assembly of the endless track belts 23 to the vehicle 10 to obtain this “one point contact” feature without departing from the spirit and nature of the present invention.
- the all-terrain vehicle of the present invention provided with four endless track assemblies, can be used for a wide range of operations and terrain, while being highly mobile and offering good running performance.
- the endless track structure maintains an adequate configuration over a variety of surfaces.
- the present invention can be applied both in the case of a two-wheel drive vehicle wherein the power is typically applied only to the rear track belt assemblies and the front track assemblies merely facilitate steering, and in the case of a four-wheel vehicle, wherein power is independently provided to each one of the four track assemblies.
- the all-terrain vehicle 10 equipped with track assemblies according to the present invention, may be viewed as a snow vehicle since it may be used on snow as efficiently as conventional snow vehicles such as snowmobiles, for example.
- the one-point contact feature of the present invention allows the use of the all-terrain vehicle on harder surface without the usual drawbacks of tracked vehicles.
- the present track assembly system can equip all four wheels of an all-terrain vehicle or only the front or rear wheels thereof, since it only weakly reduces the speed of the vehicle relative to the underground surface.
- a further possibility would be to use track assemblies according to the present invention in place of the rear wheels of a vehicle, while mounting skis in place of the front wheels thereof.
- the present invention can be carried out as a method, can be embodied in a system, a computer readable medium or an electrical or electro-magnetical signal.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Automatic Cycles, And Cycles In General (AREA)
- Tires In General (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/165,707 filed Jun. 6, 2002, now pending, which was a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/087,103 filed Feb. 27, 2002, now abandoned, the specifications of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
- The present invention relates to all-terrain vehicles. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with track assemblies for an all-terrain vehicle.
- Traditionally, two types of all-terrain vehicles are proposed either the wheel type or the tracked type.
- Generally, a wheeled vehicle is more maneuverable than a tracked vehicle, but is not as efficient on uneven or soft terrain such as, for example snow.
- Tracked all-terrain vehicles have been proposed, which require complicated track assemblies comprising a track frame to maintain the tension of the endless track belt and prevent it from loosening. Furthermore, such vehicles have generally a large contact area with the ground, which results in a decreased maneuverability and an increased impact on the often soft terrain.
- Therefore, there is still room for improvements toward an all-terrain vehicle provided with track assemblies, which is maneuverable and effective upon a variety of unstable or uneven surfaces, while designed to maintain tension upon the endless track belts to keep them in their due course and prevent accidental loosening, and at the same time reducing the damages inflicted on the terrain.
- An object of the present invention is therefore to provide improved track assemblies for an all-terrain vehicle.
- More specifically, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided an all-terrain vehicle comprising at least two track assemblies to support the all-terrain vehicle onto a ground surface, each one of the at least two track assemblies comprising: a longitudinal endless track belt having with an inner surface provided with a plurality of inner lugs and an outer surface provided with a plurality of external lugs; a track driving wheel having a peripheral portion operatively engaged with the endless track belt to drive the endless track belt; at least one inside wheel and at least one outside wheel, each having a peripheral portion in contact with the endless track belt, the endless track belt being wounded around the track driving wheel, the at least one inside wheel, and the at least one outside wheel, the lower peripheral portion of the at least one inside wheel and the at least one outside wheel in contact with the endless track belt being above the lower peripheral portion of the track driving wheel in contact with the endless track belt; a mounting structure to mount the longitudinal endless track belt to the vehicle, the longitudinal endless track belt mounted on the mounting structure defining substantially a scalene triangle; whereby, when the vehicle is disposed on a flat surface only a portion of the endless track bell under the track driving wheel is in contact with the flat surface.
- In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an endless track belt assembly comprising: a track driving wheel having a peripheral portion provided with a plurality of teeth; an endless track belt provided with an inner surface having a plurality of inner lugs and an outer surface having a plurality of external lugs, the inner lugs of the endless track belt operatively engaging the teeth of the track driving wheel; and at least one inside wheel and at least one outside wheel, each having a peripheral portion in contact with the endless track belt, the endless track belt being wounded around the track driving wheel, the at least one inside wheel, and the at least one outside wheel and defining substantially a scalene triangle, the lower portion of the at least one inside wheel and the at least one outside wheel in contact with the endless track belt being above the lower portion of the track driving wheel in contact with the endless track belt.
- In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for mounting an endless track belt on a all-terrain vehicle, comprising the acts of: providing an endless track belt having inner lugs and external lugs; providing a track driving wheel being operatively engaged with the endless track belt; interconnecting the track driving wheel to at least one inside wheel and at least one outside wheel, the at least one inside wheel being mounted closer to the track driving wheel than the at least one outside wheel; tensioning the endless track belt around the track driving wheel, the at least one inside wheel, and the at least one outside wheel, each having a peripheral portion in contact with the endless track belt, the lower peripheral portion of the at least one inside wheel and the at least one outside wheel in contact with the endless track belt being above the lower peripheral portion of the track driving wheel in contact with the endless track belt.
- Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following nonrestrictive description of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- In the appended drawings:
-
FIG. 1 . is a side elevational view of an all-terrain vehicle provided with track assemblies according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 . is a side elevational view of the front track assembly of the vehicle ofFIG. 1 , seen from of the outside of the all-terrain vehicle; -
FIG. 3 . is a side elevational view of the front track assembly of the vehicle ofFIG. 1 , seen form the inside of the all-terrain vehicle; -
FIG. 4 . is a sectional view taken along the line 4-4 ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 . is an enlarged side view of an outside idler wheel attachment of the track assembly ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 6 . is a sectional view of a rigid member of the track assembly ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 7 . is a top plan view of the attachment of the front track assembly ofFIG. 1 to the all-terrain vehicle; -
FIG. 8 . is a side elevational view of a rear track assembly ofFIG. 1 , seen from the inside of the all-terrain vehicle; -
FIG. 9 . is a top plan view of the attachment of the rear track assembly ofFIG. 1 to the all-terrain vehicle; -
FIG. 10 . is a sectional view similar toFIG. 4 but illustrating a second type of endless track; and -
FIG. 11 . is a sectional view similar toFIG. 4 but illustrating a third type of endless track. - It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals.
- A track assembly for an all-terrain vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described in details with reference to the appended drawings.
-
FIG. 1 shows an all-terrain vehicle 10 comprising abody 12 and four track assemblies (only two shown) according to the present invention arranged in a plane adjacent to each side of thevehicle 10. - There are two identical track assemblies in the front of the all-
terrain vehicle 10, of which only onetrack assembly 14 is visible inFIG. 1 , in place of conventional front wheels. Similarly, there are two identical track assemblies, of which only onetrack assembly 16 is visible inFIG. 1 , in place of the conventional rear wheels. - Only the track assemblies 14 and 16 visible in
FIG. 1 will be described hereinbelow. Furthermore, as they are symmetrical about a vertical axis 22 when viewed from the outside of the vehicle 10 (seeFIG. 1 ), only thetrack assemblies 14 will be described hereinbelow. It is also to be noted that the elements as seen from the outside of thevehicle 10 will bear the same numbers in therear track assembly 16 than the corresponding ones in thefront track assembly 14, with a prime. - However, since the attachment of rear and front track assemblies differs as seen from the inside of the
vehicles 10, they will be described separately. - The
front track assembly 14 is better seen inFIG. 2 . It comprises a longitudinalendless track belt 23 and a mounting structure to mount theendless track belt 23 to thevehicle 10. The mounting structure includes a track drivingwheel 24, a pair of insideidler wheels 26, a pair ofoutside idler wheels 28 and supports to interconnect thewheels - The
endless track belt 23 is provided withinner lugs 30 on itsinner surface 31 and withexternal lugs 32 on itsouter surface 33. It is wounded around the track drivingwheel 24 and theidler wheels - As can be better seen from
FIG. 4 , the track drivingwheel 24 is mounted to aconventional hub 35 of the all-terrain vehicle 10. Thewheel 24 includes afirst mounting plate 37 mounted to thehub 35 and asecond mounting plate 34 mounted to thefirst plate 37 via four bolt andspacer assemblies 36. Acircular disk 38 is mounted to the bolt andspacer assemblies 36 and includes equidistantwide teeth 40 contacting theinner surface 31 of thetrack 23. - As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, the
equidistant teeth 40 are so located as to cooperate with some of theinner lugs 30 of theendless track belt 23. More precisely, as can be better seen fromFIG. 2 , theteeth 40 are spaced so that the distance between twoconsecutive teeth 40 spans the distance separating consecutiveinner lugs 30 of theendless track belt 23, in a meshing engagement, in such a way as to drive theendless track belt 23. - Each of the
inside idler wheels 26 includes a peripheral portion in contact with theinternal surface 31 of thetrack 23. Thewheels 26 are interconnected by a spacing element (not shown). - Similarly, each
outer idler wheel 28 includes a peripheral portion in contact with theinternal surface 31 of thetrack 23. Thewheels 28 are interconnected by aspacing element 42. - The
wheels track assembly 14, by an angled connectingelement 44. The angled connectingelement 44 has acenter portion 46 provided with anaperture 48 in whichbearings 50 are mounted. Afastener 52 connects the connectingelement 44 to thesecond plate 34 while allowing the angled connectingelement 44 to pivot about the fastener. - The connecting
element 44 has ashort arm 54 having a free end to which theinside idler wheels 26 are rotatably mounted. The connectingelement 44 also has along arm 56 having a free end to which theinside idler wheels 28 are rotatably mounted as will be further discussed hereinbelow. Referring toFIG. 2 , it is seen that theendless track belt 23 is wounded around thewheels element 44 has a short and along arms element 44 is better seen from the top plan view ofFIG. 6 . - Turning now briefly to
FIG. 3 of the appended drawings, as can be seen from the inside of the all-terrain vehicle 10, theidler wheels front track assembly 14 are also directly connected together by an elbowedconnection element 58. Theinside idler wheels 26 are rotatably mounted to a first end of the elbowedconnection element 58 while theoutside idler wheels 28 are rotatably mounted to a second end of the elbowedconnection element 58. - The rotatable connection of the
outside idler wheels 28 to theangle connection element 44 and to the elbowedconnection element 58 will now be described with reference toFIG. 5 . - As will easily be understood by one skilled in the art upon inspection of
FIG. 5 , the tension of theendless track belt 23 is adjusted by the connection of theoutside idler wheels 28 to theelements wheels 28 to the elbowedconnection element 58 will be described. - With reference to the enlarged side view of
FIG. 5 , a tension adjusting assembly according to another aspect of the present invention will be described. As can be seen from this figure, a distal end of theconnection element 58 includes a slottedaperture 60 receiving a fastener 62 used to rotatably mount thewheels 28 to the assembly. By sliding the fastener 62 in theaperture 60, it is possible to increase or decrease the tension on thetrack 23. To adjust and maintain this track tension, acam element 64, having an outer periphery provided withnotches 66 located at different distances from the attachment point of theelement 64, is mounted to the fastener 62. By selecting whichnotch 66 is in contact with a fixedpin 68 of theelement 58, a predetermined tension may be maintained. It is to be noted that thecam element 64 is provided with ahandle 70 to facilitate the manipulation by a user. - Returning to
FIG. 4 of the appended drawings theendless track 23 will be described in greater detail. - As can be seen from
FIG. 4 , the overall profile of thetrack 23, from one side to the other, i.e. transversely, is generally convex. However, the convex profile of thetrack 23 is created by a lug arrangement comprising two successive transverse rows of lugs arranged in a staggered relationship. - A first transverse row of lugs contains three
lugs lugs - A
first lateral lug 72 of the first row includes three ground-contacting surfaces separated by two indentations. The shape oflateral lug 72 is such that the ground contacting surfaces are generally transversally convex. - A
central lug 74 is centered about longitudinal axis and includes two ground-contacting surfaces separated by an indentation. The ground contacting surfaces are symmetrical about the longitudinal axis and are generally transversally convex. - A
second lateral lug 76 is a mirror image oflug 72 about the longitudinal axis. - The first and second lateral lugs 72 and 76 are laterally spaced apart from the
central lug 74. - In the second transverse row of lugs, a first
intermediate lug 80 includes two ground-contacting surfaces separated by an indentation. The ground engaging surfaces are slightly transversally convex. - A first
external lug 78 includes two ground-contacting surfaces that are separated by an indentation and are transversally convex. - Finally, the second
intermediate lug 82 and the secondexternal lug 84 are respectively mirror images oflugs - Of course, the sequences described hereinabove of the lug arrangement defined by the rows of lugs are repeated onto the entire external surface of the
endless track 23. - The
endless track belt 23 further includes, for each row of lugs, a stiffeningrod 71, made of glass fibers for example. Each stiffeningrod 71 is embedded in the material forming thetrack belt 23 so as to be generally parallel to theinner surface 31 thereof. Therods 71 provide enhanced rigidity to theendless track belt 23. The enhanced rigidity of thetrack belt 23 has many advantages. For example, it helps the track to provide adequate traction even when the center portion of the track is not in direct contact with the ground, as illustrated inFIG. 4 . However, it has been found that this type of traction may be detrimental to the steering of the vehicle in some conditions. - As it is apparent from
FIG. 4 the ground contacting surfaces ofsymmetrical lugs lugs vehicle 10 is severely tilted. - As mentioned hereinabove, the way the
front track assembly 14 is attached to thebody 12 of thevehicle 10 differs from the way therear track assembly 16 is attached to thebody 12 of thevehicle 10. These two attachments will be described hereinbelow. - The
front track assembly 14 is attached to thebody 12 of thevehicle 10 in a fashion shown inFIGS. 4 and 7 , while therear track assembly 16 is attached to thebody 12 of thevehicle 10 in a fashion shown inFIGS. 8 and 9 . - As seen in
FIGS. 4 and 7 , thefront track assembly 14 is mounted to a tubular wheel table 100 of thevehicle 10 by means of a generallytriangular plate 102 fastened thereto by a plurality ofU-bolts rod 112 is connected between the elbowedconnection element 58 and apivot 114 of the tubular wheel table 100. A first end of therod 112 is attached to the elbowedconnection element 58 by means ofrubber damping elements 116, in such a way as to allow a vertical movement at this point of therod 112 in relation to the elbowedconnection element 58. A second end of therod 112 is attached to thepivot 114 of the tubular wheel table 100 by means of an R-clip 120, in such a way as to allow at this point a horizontal movement of theplate 102 holding the tubular wheel table 100 relative to the elbowedconnection element 58. - The
front track assembly 14 is further attached to thebody 12 of thevehicle 10 through aconventional rod 150 of the suspension system of thevehicle 10 and aconventional rod 157 used for direction (seeFIG. 4 ). - As seen in
FIGS. 8 and 9 , therear track assembly 16 is mounted to thebody 12 of thevehicle 10 by arod 212. Therod 212 is connected on a first end to the elbowedconnection element 58′ by means of arubber damping attachment 216. It is attached, on a second end, to atubular chassis 130 of thebody 12 of thevehicle 10 by means of a chipping joint 132 fastened thereto by an R-clip 134. - From the above description of the fashion in which the front and
rear track assemblies body 12 of thevehicle 10, in relation toFIGS. 4 and 7 , and 8 and 9 respectively, the present invention provides for track assemblies that are easily removed or mounted to thevehicle 10, through using R-clips (120 and 134), which enable disconnecting the track assemblies from the vehicle in a simple manner. - As stated hereinabove, the
interior surface 31 of theendless track belt 23 is provided with a plurality of equally spaced lugs 30, which ensure a positive engagement with theteeth 40 provided on the outer circumference of thewheel 24. In operation, thewheel 24 is coupled to a drive shaft, via thehub 30, connected to an engine (not shown), in such a way that the engine drives thewheel 24 in rotation. Thewheel 24 thus drives theendless track belt 23 by the meshing engagement of theteeth 40 with theinternal lugs 30 of theendless track belt 23. - It is further to be understood that the
external lugs 32 on the external circumference surface of theendless track belt 23 respectively exert a positive mechanical connection with the underlying ground surface that contributes to propel thevehicle 10. -
FIG. 10 andFIG. 11 show sectional views similar to that ofFIG. 4 but illustrating variants of an endless track that may be mounted to the track assembly of the present invention. - In
FIG. 10 , the overall profile of theendless track belt 23 a, from one side to the other, i.e. transversely, is generally convex. - The convex profile of the
endless track belt 23 a is created by the same lug arrangement as that described hereinabove in relation toFIG. 4 . In this specific embodiment however, theendless track belt 23 a does not include stiffening rods under each row of lugs. Consequently, the rigidity of theendless track belt 23 a is less than the rigidity of the endless track belt 23 (FIG. 4 ) and the profile of theendless track belt 23 a conforms itself to the profile of the ground. Since the pressure is more localized in the center of theendless track belt 23 a, a more punctually localized contact zone between theendless track belt 23 a and theground 29 is created. In many cases, this punctually localized contact zone makes thevehicle 10 more maneuverable. - Turning now to
FIG. 11 , a third version of anendless track belt 23 b will be described. Theendless track belt 23 b is wounded around thetrack driving wheel 24 and theidler wheels inner lugs 30 on itsinner surface 31. However, its outer surface is provided withrectangular lugs 86. Since there are no stiffening rods in theendless track belt 23 b, theendless track belt 23 b is free to conform itself to theground 29, as seen inFIG. 11 . Furthermore, since the pressure is exerted only in the middle of theendless track belt 23 b by thewide teeth 40, a punctually localized contact zone between theendless track belt 23 b and theground 29 is created. - As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, the
endless track belts 23 a has a particularly punctually localized contact surface with theground 29. Indeed, since it is transversally convex, it generally contacts theground 29 with a limited surface at any given time when theground 29 is hard. - Furthermore, since there are no guiding rails for the
endless track belts ground 29, when it is hard, in the vicinity of thewide teeth 40 if thewheel 24. Referring toFIGS. 1, 2 , 3, and 8, it will be seen that the lower peripheral portion of thetrack driving wheel 24 in contact with theendless track belt 23 is below the lower peripheral portion of theidler wheels endless track belt 23. Therefore, on flat ground surfaces, only a punctually localized surface ofendless track belt 23, under the track driving wheel; 24, is in contact withground 29. Even on uneven ground surfaces, the contact surface is reduced since only a portion of theendless track belt 23 is in contact withground 29. These three combined features improve the maneuverability of the vehicle since it emulates the contact of a conventional tire onto hard ground, given that a shortened length of contact of the endless track with the ground surface reduces the resistance to a turning force. - Of course, one skilled in the art could designed another convex profile of the external lugs of the
endless track belts 23 and/or another arrangement of the mounting assembly of theendless track belts 23 to thevehicle 10 to obtain this “one point contact” feature without departing from the spirit and nature of the present invention. For example, one could provide a guiding rail having a convex profile and transversally convex lugs to achieve similar results. - As people in the art will understand, the all-terrain vehicle of the present invention, provided with four endless track assemblies, can be used for a wide range of operations and terrain, while being highly mobile and offering good running performance.
- The endless track structure maintains an adequate configuration over a variety of surfaces.
- It will be obvious to people skilled in the art that the present invention can be applied both in the case of a two-wheel drive vehicle wherein the power is typically applied only to the rear track belt assemblies and the front track assemblies merely facilitate steering, and in the case of a four-wheel vehicle, wherein power is independently provided to each one of the four track assemblies.
- As will be further understood by one skilled in the art, the all-
terrain vehicle 10, equipped with track assemblies according to the present invention, may be viewed as a snow vehicle since it may be used on snow as efficiently as conventional snow vehicles such as snowmobiles, for example. However, the one-point contact feature of the present invention allows the use of the all-terrain vehicle on harder surface without the usual drawbacks of tracked vehicles. - Interestingly, the present track assembly system can equip all four wheels of an all-terrain vehicle or only the front or rear wheels thereof, since it only weakly reduces the speed of the vehicle relative to the underground surface.
- A further possibility would be to use track assemblies according to the present invention in place of the rear wheels of a vehicle, while mounting skis in place of the front wheels thereof.
- Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of preferred embodiments thereof, it can be modified, without departing from the spirit and nature of the subject invention as defined in the appended claims.
- While illustrated in the block diagrams as groups of discrete components communicating with each other via distinct data signal connections, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the preferred embodiments are provided by a combination of hardware and software components, with some components being implemented by a given function or operation of a hardware or software system, and many of the data paths illustrated being implemented by data communication within a computer application or operating system. The structure illustrated is thus provided for efficiency of teaching the present preferred embodiment.
- It should be noted that the present invention can be carried out as a method, can be embodied in a system, a computer readable medium or an electrical or electro-magnetical signal.
- The embodiment(s) of the invention described above is(are) intended to be exemplary only. The scope of the invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (28)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/967,245 US20050133281A1 (en) | 2002-02-27 | 2004-10-19 | Track assembly for an all-terrain vehicle |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/087,103 US20030159859A1 (en) | 2002-02-27 | 2002-02-27 | Track assembly for an all-terrain vehicle |
US10/165,707 US6874586B2 (en) | 2002-02-27 | 2002-06-06 | Track assembly for an all-terrain vehicle |
US10/967,245 US20050133281A1 (en) | 2002-02-27 | 2004-10-19 | Track assembly for an all-terrain vehicle |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/165,707 Continuation US6874586B2 (en) | 2002-02-27 | 2002-06-06 | Track assembly for an all-terrain vehicle |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20050133281A1 true US20050133281A1 (en) | 2005-06-23 |
Family
ID=34681090
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/165,707 Expired - Lifetime US6874586B2 (en) | 2002-02-27 | 2002-06-06 | Track assembly for an all-terrain vehicle |
US10/967,245 Abandoned US20050133281A1 (en) | 2002-02-27 | 2004-10-19 | Track assembly for an all-terrain vehicle |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/165,707 Expired - Lifetime US6874586B2 (en) | 2002-02-27 | 2002-06-06 | Track assembly for an all-terrain vehicle |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US6874586B2 (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2007101634A1 (en) * | 2006-03-06 | 2007-09-13 | Steve Heard | Track apparatus |
US20110074210A1 (en) * | 2006-09-22 | 2011-03-31 | Michel Paradis | Noiseless Elastomeric Tracks For Tracked Vehicles |
US8613332B2 (en) * | 2012-01-07 | 2013-12-24 | Oak Novations, Ltd. | Removable track drive |
US8776931B2 (en) | 2010-04-20 | 2014-07-15 | Denis Boivin | Track system for an all-wheel drive vehicle |
CN105626830A (en) * | 2015-10-18 | 2016-06-01 | 刘金松 | Combined chain wheel |
CN105644699A (en) * | 2016-03-26 | 2016-06-08 | 刘金松 | Combined chain wheel equipment |
US9676430B2 (en) | 2014-09-16 | 2017-06-13 | David Owen Mattson | Vehicle track assembly |
US10266216B2 (en) | 2010-04-20 | 2019-04-23 | Denis Boivin | Track system having anti-diving flaps |
Families Citing this family (33)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CA2412815A1 (en) * | 2002-11-27 | 2004-05-27 | Martin Deschambault | Mobile and modular robot platform with several means of locomotion for making advanced movements in three dimensions |
US20060060395A1 (en) * | 2004-06-09 | 2006-03-23 | Denis Boivin | Track assembly for an all-terrain vehicle |
JP2008518727A (en) * | 2004-11-03 | 2008-06-05 | イムラ・インターナショナル・ユーエスエイ・インコーポレーテッド | Pressure cooker |
CA2591755C (en) * | 2004-12-21 | 2009-05-26 | Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. | Endless belt drive for vehicle |
CA2533517C (en) * | 2005-01-28 | 2012-11-20 | Soucy International Inc. | Traction assembly for a vehicle |
CA2497365C (en) * | 2005-02-14 | 2012-08-14 | Ktrack Cycle Corp. | Rear drive assembly for a snow bicycle |
SE0501987L (en) * | 2005-09-08 | 2006-10-17 | Aake Olsson | Band-driven vehicle, especially a snowmobile, comprising two front drive belt assemblies |
US7513327B1 (en) * | 2005-10-13 | 2009-04-07 | Kent Peterson | System for converting a recreational vehicle |
CA2780105C (en) * | 2006-01-24 | 2013-09-24 | Soucy International Inc. | Anti-torque system for a traction assembly |
WO2008041879A1 (en) * | 2006-08-21 | 2008-04-10 | Eduard Arkadjevich Geraschenko | Tracked cross-country motor vehicle |
US20090255745A1 (en) * | 2007-01-24 | 2009-10-15 | Polaris Industries Inc. | Motorized snowboard |
CA2881209C (en) * | 2007-10-03 | 2016-09-20 | Camoplast Solideal Inc. | A track assembly for an all-terrain vehicle |
US20090266628A1 (en) * | 2008-04-24 | 2009-10-29 | Hagen Schempf | Stair climbing tread hardware for a robot |
KR101146092B1 (en) | 2009-12-11 | 2012-05-15 | 한국카모플라스트(주) | Rubber crawler that component shock suction a groove |
US8967737B2 (en) | 2010-06-30 | 2015-03-03 | Camoplast Solideal Inc. | Wheel of a track assembly of a tracked vehicle |
CA2756859C (en) | 2010-11-02 | 2020-01-21 | Camoplast Solideal Inc. | Track assembly for providing traction to an off-road vehicle such as an all-terrain vehicle (atv) or a snowmobile |
US8985250B1 (en) | 2010-12-14 | 2015-03-24 | Camoplast Solideal Inc. | Track drive mode management system and methods |
US9334001B2 (en) | 2010-12-14 | 2016-05-10 | Camso Inc. | Drive sprocket, drive lug configuration and track drive arrangement for an endless track vehicle |
US9162718B2 (en) | 2010-12-14 | 2015-10-20 | Camso Inc. | Endless track for traction of a vehicle |
US8695735B2 (en) * | 2011-02-18 | 2014-04-15 | Angelo Afanador | Triangle track vehicle wheel |
US8574021B2 (en) | 2011-09-23 | 2013-11-05 | Mattel, Inc. | Foldable toy vehicles |
US9981703B2 (en) * | 2013-10-16 | 2018-05-29 | Soucy International Inc. | Track system |
GB201502475D0 (en) * | 2015-02-13 | 2015-04-01 | Moorend Ltd | Apparatus arranged for attaching a continuous track to a drive hub of a vehicle |
US10538282B2 (en) * | 2015-02-13 | 2020-01-21 | Moorend Ltd. | Apparatus arranged for converting a wheeled vehicle to a tracked vehicle |
WO2016138592A1 (en) | 2015-03-04 | 2016-09-09 | Camso Inc. | Track system for traction of a vehicle |
WO2017000068A1 (en) | 2015-06-29 | 2017-01-05 | Camso Inc. | Systems and methods for monitoring a track system for traction of a vehicle |
US10252757B2 (en) | 2016-04-12 | 2019-04-09 | Soucy International Inc. | Track system for attachment to a vehicle |
US11097793B2 (en) | 2017-02-15 | 2021-08-24 | Soucy International Inc. | Rear track assembly for a vehicle |
CA3085012A1 (en) | 2017-12-08 | 2018-12-07 | Camso Inc. | Systems and methods for monitoring off-road vehicles |
US11780513B2 (en) * | 2018-02-15 | 2023-10-10 | Soucy International Inc. | Rear track assembly for a vehicle |
US10889322B2 (en) | 2018-07-30 | 2021-01-12 | Terra Drive Systems, Inc. | Oscillation limited driven steering track assembly |
CA3111042A1 (en) | 2018-08-30 | 2020-03-05 | Camso Inc. | Systems and methods for monitoring vehicles with tires |
US11148745B1 (en) * | 2019-02-26 | 2021-10-19 | Gregory Parker | Hydraulic drive powered endless track drive motorcycle |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1117640A (en) * | 1911-08-07 | 1914-11-17 | Charles B Coon | Combined traction-wheel and track. |
US1228687A (en) * | 1913-11-17 | 1917-06-05 | G W Parsons Company | Caterpillar-wheel. |
US2461850A (en) * | 1946-05-31 | 1949-02-15 | Goodrich Co B F | Tractor vehicle |
US3598454A (en) * | 1969-05-26 | 1971-08-10 | Textron Inc | Vehicle drive track stiffener |
US6626258B1 (en) * | 1998-02-25 | 2003-09-30 | Vernal D. Forbes | Snow vehicle |
Family Cites Families (28)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US916601A (en) * | 1908-03-14 | 1909-03-30 | David Roberts | Traction-engine. |
US1062318A (en) * | 1911-03-16 | 1913-05-20 | George C Berlin | Driving-gear. |
US1038569A (en) * | 1912-01-02 | 1912-09-17 | Fred V Grover | Attachment for automobile-wheels. |
US1031174A (en) * | 1912-01-30 | 1912-07-02 | Severo Campo Fregoso | Wheel. |
US1453782A (en) * | 1921-06-18 | 1923-05-01 | Bell John Thomas | Tractor appliance for trucks |
US1774835A (en) * | 1929-04-04 | 1930-09-02 | Alvin O Lombard | Traction device |
US2467947A (en) * | 1945-05-22 | 1949-04-19 | Goodrich Co B F | Traction apparatus |
US2496136A (en) * | 1948-01-02 | 1950-01-31 | Goodrich Co B F | Undercarriage for self-laying track type vehicles |
US3590935A (en) * | 1968-11-04 | 1971-07-06 | Angelo Celia | Clutch and attachment device for vehicle wheels |
US3688858A (en) * | 1969-09-12 | 1972-09-05 | Outboard Marine Corp | All-terrain vehicle |
US3841424A (en) * | 1971-12-27 | 1974-10-15 | Caterpillar Tractor Co | Triangular track resilient bogie suspension |
US3894778A (en) * | 1974-01-25 | 1975-07-15 | Us Army | Cable-actuated track tensioner |
US3938606A (en) * | 1974-11-04 | 1976-02-17 | Caterpillar Tractor Co. | Track-idler recoil suspension mechanism |
FI773232A (en) | 1977-10-28 | 1979-04-29 | Konetehdas Norcar | BANDDRIVET FORDON |
SE409678C (en) * | 1978-01-02 | 1986-06-09 | Skega Ab | VEHICLES BAND |
US4194584A (en) | 1978-07-17 | 1980-03-25 | Delany James F | Variable terrain vehicle |
US4483407A (en) | 1982-03-26 | 1984-11-20 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Variable configuration track laying vehicle |
US5474146A (en) | 1988-12-06 | 1995-12-12 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Snow vehicle |
US5340205A (en) * | 1992-11-13 | 1994-08-23 | Deere & Company | Suspension system for a tracked vehicle |
US5655615A (en) | 1994-01-06 | 1997-08-12 | Mick; Jeffrey | Wheeled vehicle for distributing agricultural materials in fields having uneven terrain |
US5607210A (en) | 1994-12-21 | 1997-03-04 | Brazier; Glen | Wheel mount track conversion assembly |
US5515936A (en) | 1995-07-10 | 1996-05-14 | Vehicules Ts Bellechasse Ltee | Track tensioning system for endless track propelled vehicle |
CA2188103C (en) | 1995-10-18 | 1999-08-10 | Kazumasa Okumura | Crawler apparatus for vehicle |
US6095275A (en) | 1995-12-19 | 2000-08-01 | Shaw; Charles T. | Conversion system for all terrain vehicles |
US6199646B1 (en) | 1996-08-01 | 2001-03-13 | Kubota Corporation | Working vehicle with semicrawlers |
US6006847A (en) | 1997-02-18 | 1999-12-28 | Knight; Doyle D | Endless track structure for light wheeled vehicle |
US6132287A (en) | 1997-08-19 | 2000-10-17 | Kuralt; Richard Blake | Transforming tracked toy vehicle |
US6129426A (en) * | 1998-02-25 | 2000-10-10 | Tucker Sno-Cat Corporation | Tracked vehicle with improved guide wheel assembly |
-
2002
- 2002-06-06 US US10/165,707 patent/US6874586B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2004
- 2004-10-19 US US10/967,245 patent/US20050133281A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1117640A (en) * | 1911-08-07 | 1914-11-17 | Charles B Coon | Combined traction-wheel and track. |
US1228687A (en) * | 1913-11-17 | 1917-06-05 | G W Parsons Company | Caterpillar-wheel. |
US2461850A (en) * | 1946-05-31 | 1949-02-15 | Goodrich Co B F | Tractor vehicle |
US3598454A (en) * | 1969-05-26 | 1971-08-10 | Textron Inc | Vehicle drive track stiffener |
US6626258B1 (en) * | 1998-02-25 | 2003-09-30 | Vernal D. Forbes | Snow vehicle |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2007101634A1 (en) * | 2006-03-06 | 2007-09-13 | Steve Heard | Track apparatus |
US20110074210A1 (en) * | 2006-09-22 | 2011-03-31 | Michel Paradis | Noiseless Elastomeric Tracks For Tracked Vehicles |
US8776931B2 (en) | 2010-04-20 | 2014-07-15 | Denis Boivin | Track system for an all-wheel drive vehicle |
US9688323B2 (en) | 2010-04-20 | 2017-06-27 | Denis Boivin | Track system for an all-wheel drive vehicle |
US10266216B2 (en) | 2010-04-20 | 2019-04-23 | Denis Boivin | Track system having anti-diving flaps |
US8613332B2 (en) * | 2012-01-07 | 2013-12-24 | Oak Novations, Ltd. | Removable track drive |
US9676430B2 (en) | 2014-09-16 | 2017-06-13 | David Owen Mattson | Vehicle track assembly |
US10137948B2 (en) | 2014-09-16 | 2018-11-27 | David Owen Mattson | Vehicle track assembly having track rotation indicator pole |
CN105626830A (en) * | 2015-10-18 | 2016-06-01 | 刘金松 | Combined chain wheel |
CN105644699A (en) * | 2016-03-26 | 2016-06-08 | 刘金松 | Combined chain wheel equipment |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6874586B2 (en) | 2005-04-05 |
US20030159860A1 (en) | 2003-08-28 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20050133281A1 (en) | Track assembly for an all-terrain vehicle | |
US7497530B2 (en) | Traction assembly for a vehicle | |
US5340205A (en) | Suspension system for a tracked vehicle | |
US9033430B2 (en) | Track assembly for an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or other tracked vehicle | |
CA2319934C (en) | Rubber-band track with various hardnesses | |
US5373909A (en) | Tracked vehicles and power drive apparatus for motivating tracked vehicles | |
US8007058B2 (en) | Traction assembly with endless track having variable ground-contacting area | |
US20030159859A1 (en) | Track assembly for an all-terrain vehicle | |
US20070063584A1 (en) | Snowmobile traction band | |
CA2414655C (en) | Traction band and sprocket for vehicles | |
CA2854554C (en) | Track assembly for an all-terrain vehicle | |
CA2825509C (en) | Track assembly for an all-terrain vehicle | |
US20020033643A1 (en) | Endless track for a vehicle | |
CA2612356C (en) | Traction assembly with trail compensating system | |
JPH09123953A (en) | Suspension structure for crawler type vehicle | |
CN118302357A (en) | Crawler chassis for a tracked vehicle | |
CA2495642A1 (en) | Traction assembly for a vehicle | |
US20040232767A1 (en) | Supporting disk | |
KR20020045982A (en) | front suspension apparatus for a vehicle |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: A & D BOIVIN DESIGN INC., CANADA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BOIVIN, DENIS;BIOVIN, ALAIN;REEL/FRAME:015651/0567 Effective date: 20020227 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CAMOPLAST INC., CANADA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:A & D BOIVIN DESIGN INC.;REEL/FRAME:017619/0559 Effective date: 20060502 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CAMOPLAST INC., CANADA Free format text: CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE APPLICATION NUMBER 11/165,707 THAT IS TO BE REMOVED FROM THE ASSIGNMENT PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 017619 FRAME 0559. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE APPLICATION NUMBER 11/165,707 WAS NOT TO BE ASSIGNED;ASSIGNOR:A & D BOIVIN DESIGN INC.;REEL/FRAME:025592/0182 Effective date: 20060502 |