US3712687A - Dual pitch track links for adjustment of cushioned tracks - Google Patents

Dual pitch track links for adjustment of cushioned tracks Download PDF

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Publication number
US3712687A
US3712687A US00091489A US3712687DA US3712687A US 3712687 A US3712687 A US 3712687A US 00091489 A US00091489 A US 00091489A US 3712687D A US3712687D A US 3712687DA US 3712687 A US3712687 A US 3712687A
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United States
Prior art keywords
links
link
track assembly
pitch length
pivot means
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Expired - Lifetime
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US00091489A
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English (en)
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G Alexander
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Caterpillar Inc
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Caterpillar Tractor Co
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Publication date
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Assigned to CATERPILLAR INC., A CORP. OF DE. reassignment CATERPILLAR INC., A CORP. OF DE. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: CATERPILLAR TRACTOR CO., A CORP. OF CALIF.
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D55/00—Endless track vehicles
    • B62D55/08—Endless track units; Parts thereof
    • B62D55/18—Tracks
    • B62D55/20—Tracks of articulated type, e.g. chains
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
    • B60C27/00—Non-skid devices temporarily attachable to resilient tyres or resiliently-tyred wheels
    • B60C27/20—Non-skid devices temporarily attachable to resilient tyres or resiliently-tyred wheels having ground-engaging plate-like elements

Definitions

  • An adjustable track assembly fora cushioned track system comprising a plurality of shoe-bearing links, said track assembly being mounted circumferentially around a resilient spacer means. Some of said links in the track assembly have one pitch length and the others have a second pitch length. By coupling together a selected number of links of each pitch length, a closed track chain of any given circumferential length is obtained. The particular number of links of each length is conveniently determinedby use of a nomogram.
  • Cushioned track systems'for earth-working vehicles generally comprise a track assembly made from aplurality of shoe-bearing links coupled :together and mounted for rotation upon a resilient spacerlmeans which in turn isdrivingly mounted upon an. earth-working vehicle.
  • a cushioned tracksystem is shown in U.S. Pat. application, Ser. No. 884,903, filed'Dec. I5, 1969, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,601,212, of common assignment with the present invention.
  • This system utilizes link connecting pivot pins which have eccentric cam means formed thereon. By rotatably adjusting the pivot pin cams, one may vary the effective pitchlength between any given set of links.
  • the present invention is principally directed to another system'for adjusting the composite length of a cushioned track assembly which couples a plurality of links of two differentpitch lengths in various combinations to achieve any desired composite track assembly length. Additionally, the present invention provides a method for determining the proper number of links of each length required fora particular track assembly length. r 1
  • One of the objects of this invention is to provide a cushioned track adjustment system which utilizes a plurality of track links which have the same nominal pitch length and which can be manufactured from identical forgings. 1
  • Another object of this invention is to provide a cushioned track adjustment system which utilizes track links having the same nominal pitch length but which have been machined to have two different actual pitch lengths.
  • Still another object of this invention is to provide a plurality of track links having pin and bushing bores which have been machined an incremental amount to either side of their nominal centersto provide links having two different actual pitch lengths.
  • Yet another object of this invention is to provide a method for rapidly determining the number of track links having long and short pitch lengths which are required to produce a given fit with a given spacer means.
  • Another object is provide meansjto accurately control the fit of a track assembly in relation to a resilient spacer in a cushioned track.
  • FIG. I is a side elevational view of a cushioned track system which embodies the track assembly adjustment means of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is an enlarged side elevational view of a portion of the track assembly employed in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a top elevation showingone form of the link means utilized in the cushioned track system shown in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 4 is a side elevational view, similar to the one shown in FIG. 2, which shows a modified form of track shoe to be utilized in the present invention
  • FIG. Sis another top elevation, similar to the one shown in FIG. 3, which shows an alternate form of a track link means for use in the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 shows a nomogram which may be used to 3 determine the required number of short and long pitch length links required to produce a cushioned track having any given circumferential dimension.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a cushioned track system 10 which is adapted to replace conventional tires, crawler tracks, or the like, which are employed on standard earth-moving vehicles.
  • the cushioned track system comprises an annular resilient spacer means ll which is circumnavigated by an endless track assembly, a portion of which is shown at 12.
  • the resilient spacer means 11 may comprise an air-inflated rubber tire or anair bag mounted on a'conventional rim assembly 13.
  • Other suitable types of resilient spacer means are disclosed in the above-referenced U.S. Pat/application, Ser. No. 884,903.
  • the endless track assembly 12 comprises a plurality of closely coupled shoes 14 having ground-engaging grousers 14a which shoes are suitably attached to a chain of link members 15 which completely circumnavigates said resilient spacer means 1 I.
  • the preferred embodiment of the linkchain of the present invention includes a plurality of links 16, 17, and 18 coupled together by means of pins 19 suitably received in bushings 20.
  • Each individual link is provided with bores for mounting a pin and a bushing, respectively, at each opposite end thereof.
  • the ground-engaging track shoes 14 are secured by bolts or other suitable fasteners to the link chain formed by the coupled links.
  • each of the links 16, 17, and 18 has the same nominal pitch length because each link is made from an identical forging. That is, the distance between the nominal centers of the pin and bushing bores of each link is the same. However, by properly machining the link bores, links having two different pitch lengths may be obtained.
  • link 17 in FIG. 2 will be designated as a link having a long pitch length and link 18 will be designated as a link having a short pitch length.
  • the letter N is used to designate the nominal pitch length of the link. This is the distance which would separate the centers of the pin and bushing bores on either end of the link if said bores were located uniformly on all links.
  • the actual centers of the pin and bushing bores of link 17 have been machined a small amount off center with respect to said nominal centers so that the actual distance between the centers of the pin and bushing bores of link 17 is a distance L, which is incrementally greater than the distance N.
  • the pitch length of the link 18 has been shortened by the same amount.
  • the nominal pitch length is again designated by the letter N, and the pin and bushing bores have been machined off center to the inside of the nominal centers so as to create a shorter actual pitch length S.
  • links of different actual pitch length can be created from forgings having the same nominal pitch length.
  • a link chain of any composite length, or when closed, of any circumferential dimension can be created.
  • an actual pitch length differential between the long and short links of 0.250 inches may be obtained. This is done by machining both the pin bore and the bushing bore of the link 18 to 0.062 inches off-center to the inside of the nominal length N providing the link with an actual pitch length of 7.875 inches. Conversely, link 17 has its pin bore and bushing bore each machined 0.063 inches to the outside of the nominal length N, giving it a pitch length L of 8.125 inches. This results in a pitch length differential of 0.250 inches between the two links.
  • FIG. 4 also shows a modified form ofgrouser 14b which may be utilized.
  • FIGS. 3 and show alternate forms of the link chain which may incorporate the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 shows alternate forms of the link chain which may incorporate the present invention.
  • a single-link chain is shown.
  • One of these single-link chains would be adopted for disposition on each side of the resilient spacer means shown in FIG. 1.
  • the shoes 14 would extend transversely across the peripheral surface of said spacer means and would connect the respective link chains at fastening points 30 provided in each link.
  • Each link is provided with a pin bore 31 and a bushing bore 32 at opposite ends which may be machined off-center with respect to their nominal centers to provide either a long or short pitch length, as previously described.
  • the links are provided with blade portions 45 to mate with complementing fork portions 46, as shown.
  • FIG. 5 shows a double link chain which may be utilized in lieu of the single link chain of FIG. 3.
  • This chain would be disposed in the same position as the single-link chain, and includes pins 42 and bushings 43 for coupling each set of laterally disposed rail members 44.
  • a means and method for determining the proper number of short pitch and long pitch links, sections, or the like which must be articulated to produce a track assembly of the desired circumference is provided.
  • the first scale labeled INTER- FERENCE FIT, is graduated from 0 to I0 inches.
  • interference fit is used herein to describe the desired tightness of fit between the track assembly and the spacermeans in any particular application. It refers to the difference between the circumference of the resilient spacer means 11 with and without the track assembly mounted thereupon.
  • a resilient spacer means has a circumference of 270.0 inches prior to installation of the track assembly and has a circumference of 265.0 inches when the track assembly is mounted, then the interference fit is 5.0 inches, or the difference between the two circumferential dimensions.
  • the scale at the right of the nomogram is graduated in inches and indicates the measured circumference of the resilient spacer means prior to track assembly installation.
  • the scale at the center of the nomogram indicates both the total number of links and the number of links of each pitch length required to make up a track assembly of a given circumferential dimension.
  • the utility of the nomogram is best illustrated by way of example.
  • the particular spacer used is a 24 X 35 earth-mover tire, and the tire has a measured circumference of 258.5 inches when inflated to operating pressure.
  • an interference fit of 5.0 inches is desired. That is, assume that the tire circumference will be 253.5 inches when the track assembly is mounted thereupon.
  • the line crosses the center scale at a point C. It can be seen that this point is within the confines of the area marked 30 on the total number scale. This means that a total number of 30 links will be required to produce a track chain of the desired fit.
  • the particular number of links of each pitch length is found on each of the scales marked LONG and SHORT in the nomogram. It can be seen that the point C lies on the center line at the graduation marked 25, reading upwardly from 'to 30 on the LONG scale. This means that 25 long pitch links will be required in this particular combination. Also, reading downwardly from the 0 mark on the SHORT scale, it can be seen that the point C is on the fifth graduation. This means that five short pitch links will be required in the given combination.
  • the number of short and long pitch length links can be readily determined by drawing a line between the plots on the spacer circumference scale and the interference fit scale, and that a track assembly with almost any desired length, in increments of 0.250 inches, can be assembled to produce any desired interference fit.
  • An adjustabletrack assembly comprising a plurality of closely coupled, ground-engaging shoes, at least one articulated link assembly having adjacent links closely coupled together and connected to said shoes, said link assembly comprised of substantially identical links havingpivot means connecting each pair of adjacent links together for articulated movement about the pivot means axes to define a predetermined pitch length between each pairof adjacent pivot means axes, each link having bore means disposed at opposite ends thereof for receiving said pivot means, the spacing between said oppositely disposed bore means being fixed for each respective link, the spacing between said oppositely disposed bore means for at least one of said links being different from the corresponding spacing for another .of said links so that at least one of said,
  • defined pitch lengths is different from another of said defined pitch lengths.
  • the adjustable track assembly of claim 1 including an annular resilient spacer means rotatable about the central axis thereof, said spacer means having a peripheral surface and side surfaces, and said track assembly being mounted completely around said spacer means for unitizing said spacer means therewith.
  • each of said links has a blade portion formed at one end thereof and a forked portion formed at the opposite end thereof, and the blade portion of one of said links is positioned within and pivotably connected to the forked portion of another of said links by said pivot means.
  • each of said links is formed with a plurality of laterally-spaced members which are connected together by transverse spacer means.
  • each of said links is constructed from forged link members of the same size, and wherein each of said members is provided with pivot means receiving bores in each opposite end thereof.
  • An adjustable track assembly comprising a plurality of closely coupled, ground-engaging shoes, at least one articulated link assembly having adjacent links constructed of forged link members of equal size with pivot means receiving bores in each opposite end thereof, said link members being closely coupled together, and connected to said shoes, said link assembly having pivot means comprising pin means and bushing means, said pivot means receiving'bores comprising a bushing means receiving bore at one end of each of said link members and a pin means receiving bore at the opposite end of each of said link members, said pivot meansconnecting each pair of adjacent links together for articulated movement about the pivot means axes to define a predetermined pitch length between each pair of adjacent pivot means axes, and said bores being machined into said equal-sized link members at a first distance apart in links having a first predetermined pitch length and at a second distance apart in links having a second predetermined pitch length.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Devices For Conveying Motion By Means Of Endless Flexible Members (AREA)
  • Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
US00091489A 1970-11-20 1970-11-20 Dual pitch track links for adjustment of cushioned tracks Expired - Lifetime US3712687A (en)

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US9148970A 1970-11-20 1970-11-20

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US (1) US3712687A (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html)
JP (1) JPS5641467B1 (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html)
BE (1) BE775598A (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html)
CA (1) CA948088A (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html)
DE (1) DE2156745C3 (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html)
FR (1) FR2115296B1 (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html)
GB (1) GB1353214A (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html)

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002085691A1 (en) * 2001-04-20 2002-10-31 Camoplast Inc. Endless belt for use with heavy duty track vehicles
US20100089508A1 (en) * 2008-10-08 2010-04-15 Jeff Kolb Armored tire and wheel assembly
CN103660815A (zh) * 2013-12-12 2014-03-26 陈瑜秋 一种汽车冰雪路面自动防滑装置
USD737338S1 (en) 2014-03-19 2015-08-25 Tire Protection Solutions, Llc Tire track shoe
USD737337S1 (en) 2014-03-19 2015-08-25 Tire Protection Solutions, Llc Tire track shoe
USD737868S1 (en) 2014-03-19 2015-09-01 Tire Protection Solutions, Llc Tire track shoe
USD737867S1 (en) 2014-03-19 2015-09-01 Tire Protection Solutions, Llc Tire track shoe
USD751609S1 (en) 2012-06-29 2016-03-15 Caterpillar Inc. Undercarriage track link for mobile earthmoving machine
WO2018067287A1 (en) * 2016-10-07 2018-04-12 Caterpillar Inc. Track chain assembly of undercarriage with link having increased pitch

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2598355A1 (fr) * 1986-05-12 1987-11-13 Cailleau Gerard Dispositif de desensablement de vehicules terrestres
CN108297633B (zh) * 2018-03-15 2023-07-14 罗富强 包轮式车轮防滑防陷履带

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1063493A (en) * 1911-08-07 1913-06-03 William P Allen Chain-link.
US1278150A (en) * 1917-10-13 1918-09-10 Frederick C Austin Endless track-band for motor-vehicles.
US2273950A (en) * 1940-05-14 1942-02-24 Camille P Galanot Traction device
US3601212A (en) * 1969-12-15 1971-08-24 Caterpillar Tractor Co Cushioned track

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1063493A (en) * 1911-08-07 1913-06-03 William P Allen Chain-link.
US1278150A (en) * 1917-10-13 1918-09-10 Frederick C Austin Endless track-band for motor-vehicles.
US2273950A (en) * 1940-05-14 1942-02-24 Camille P Galanot Traction device
US3601212A (en) * 1969-12-15 1971-08-24 Caterpillar Tractor Co Cushioned track

Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002085691A1 (en) * 2001-04-20 2002-10-31 Camoplast Inc. Endless belt for use with heavy duty track vehicles
US20100089508A1 (en) * 2008-10-08 2010-04-15 Jeff Kolb Armored tire and wheel assembly
US20130025754A1 (en) * 2008-10-08 2013-01-31 Jeff Kolb Armored tire and wheel assembly
USD751609S1 (en) 2012-06-29 2016-03-15 Caterpillar Inc. Undercarriage track link for mobile earthmoving machine
CN103660815B (zh) * 2013-12-12 2016-01-20 陈瑜秋 一种汽车冰雪路面自动防滑装置
CN103660815A (zh) * 2013-12-12 2014-03-26 陈瑜秋 一种汽车冰雪路面自动防滑装置
USD737338S1 (en) 2014-03-19 2015-08-25 Tire Protection Solutions, Llc Tire track shoe
USD737867S1 (en) 2014-03-19 2015-09-01 Tire Protection Solutions, Llc Tire track shoe
USD737868S1 (en) 2014-03-19 2015-09-01 Tire Protection Solutions, Llc Tire track shoe
USD737337S1 (en) 2014-03-19 2015-08-25 Tire Protection Solutions, Llc Tire track shoe
WO2018067287A1 (en) * 2016-10-07 2018-04-12 Caterpillar Inc. Track chain assembly of undercarriage with link having increased pitch
US20180099709A1 (en) * 2016-10-07 2018-04-12 Caterpillar Inc. Track chain assembly of undercarriage with link having increased pitch
CN109789901A (zh) * 2016-10-07 2019-05-21 卡特彼勒公司 一种具有节距增大的链节的底架的履带链组件
US10457343B2 (en) * 2016-10-07 2019-10-29 Caterpillar Inc. Track chain assembly of undercarriage with link having increased pitch
CN109789901B (zh) * 2016-10-07 2022-09-30 卡特彼勒公司 一种具有节距增大的链节的底架的履带链组件
AU2017340272B2 (en) * 2016-10-07 2022-12-15 Caterpillar Inc. Track chain assembly of undercarriage with link having increased pitch

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB1353214A (en) 1974-05-15
DE2156745A1 (de) 1972-05-25
FR2115296A1 (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html) 1972-07-07
JPS5641467B1 (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html) 1981-09-28
CA948088A (en) 1974-05-28
DE2156745C3 (de) 1980-08-28
DE2156745B2 (de) 1979-12-20
BE775598A (fr) 1972-05-19
FR2115296B1 (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html) 1976-09-03

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AS Assignment

Owner name: CATERPILLAR INC., A CORP. OF DE.,ILLINOIS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:CATERPILLAR TRACTOR CO., A CORP. OF CALIF.;REEL/FRAME:004669/0905

Effective date: 19860515

Owner name: CATERPILLAR INC., 100 N.E. ADAMS STREET, PEORIA, I

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:CATERPILLAR TRACTOR CO., A CORP. OF CALIF.;REEL/FRAME:004669/0905

Effective date: 19860515