CA1210797A - Track-laying mechanism for use in combination with motor vehicles of all types - Google Patents
Track-laying mechanism for use in combination with motor vehicles of all typesInfo
- Publication number
- CA1210797A CA1210797A CA000419248A CA419248A CA1210797A CA 1210797 A CA1210797 A CA 1210797A CA 000419248 A CA000419248 A CA 000419248A CA 419248 A CA419248 A CA 419248A CA 1210797 A CA1210797 A CA 1210797A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- track
- vehicle
- laying mechanism
- set forth
- wheels
- 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.)
- Expired
Links
Landscapes
- Non-Deflectable Wheels, Steering Of Trailers, Or Other Steering (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The invention refers to a track-laying mechanism for providing traction to a vehicle mounted thereon. The mechanism comprises caterpillar traction and a platform for removably mounting a vehicle thereon. The vehicle provides the mechanism with driving power through a trans-mission device coupled to the vehicle's tires. Steering is controlled by means of a brake system coupled to and actuated by the vehicle's steering system. The vehicle can be of any type and needs no adaptations. The operator drives the complete system inside the vehicle and operates it as he would any vehicle using the accelerator, brakes and steering wheel in a normal manner.
The invention refers to a track-laying mechanism for providing traction to a vehicle mounted thereon. The mechanism comprises caterpillar traction and a platform for removably mounting a vehicle thereon. The vehicle provides the mechanism with driving power through a trans-mission device coupled to the vehicle's tires. Steering is controlled by means of a brake system coupled to and actuated by the vehicle's steering system. The vehicle can be of any type and needs no adaptations. The operator drives the complete system inside the vehicle and operates it as he would any vehicle using the accelerator, brakes and steering wheel in a normal manner.
Description
lZl(~7 TRACK-LAYING MECHANISM FOR USE IN COMBINATION WITH MOTOR
VEHICLES OF ALL TYPES
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Present day vehicles used in transporting goods and in operations such as picking up harvest products in plowed and often muddy fields are generally unable to meet tough, off-the-road conditions and still provide swift, high speed, cargo transportation. On the other hand, vehicles used in difficult terrain are not readily adaptable to highway conditions.
The present invention inoor~orates the marriage between any three or four-wheel vehicle and a track-laying mechanism to be powered by the vehicle. This should prove to be of a great advantage wherQver and whenever there are difficult, off the road, chores to be done, and under various conditions such as in snow, swamps and it should proved useful in sand, river wading, rocky terrain trans-portation, mountain climbing and the like.
The concept of providing caterpillar traction to four or three wheel vehicles is not entirely new. In fact, diverse related products are currently being marketed by firms such as Loegering Manufacturing, Inc. and others.
The scope of available tracks and track systems known to the inventor does not foreshadow or even come close to the present invention since not one of the aormentioned provides a platform for piggyback-riding the vehicle that will provide power and steering. It is also considered to be altogether new insofar as it requires no dismantling or disassembly of the vehicle. No coupling, connecting or adapting of any kind are needed. This provid~s for a~uni~rsal use of .~ ~`~.
`' ;~`"
~ .
~Zl(~797 this inven~tion since the vehicle need only be f~tened atop the mecha~lsm to initiate work.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
The primary object o~ the present invention is that of providing a track-laying mechanism for optional on-the-field assemblying to facilitate all-terrain trans-portation for motor vehicles such as trucks, automobiles and the like without there being any need of adaptations other than driving the vehicle atop said mechanism.
Another object is an improved caterpillar track having contour-adapting characteristics that provide improved traction capabilities.
Still another object is a traction-to-trans-5 portation adaptability of the track-laying mechanism.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention consists of two parallel tracks held together by two spacer bars forming a chassis upon which two ramps axe located upon which a vehicle is to be fastèned.
In the preferred modality of the invention, each track consists of two sets of wheels, each set forming a basculated tandem. There is a sprocket located at each end of the track. The front end sprocket being horizontally adjustable to provide for tensioning of the track. The rear sprocket powers the track.
The track can be any type, but in the modality being herein described, it consists of a series of linked pads. Each pad consists of an inverted U-shaped lower side and a generally planar upper surface having two semi-tubular side end projections defining a central track for the said tandemed wheels and to increase wheel-track traction; i.e. a non-slip relation for the inner track system.
Each side ramp is designed for receiving a vehicle to be driven atop both said ramps. At the front end of each ramp there is a wheel-receiving mechanism 121(~797 which locks the vehicle' 5 front-end wheels into a releasably locked position. Said wheel-receiving mechanism comprises other specific characte~istics and functions to be described further on for the sake of clearness.
The rear end of each ramp comprises a pair of rolls or cylinders upon which the vehicle's rear tire(s) will rest. In this modality. The system is described for use with a rear-wheel drive vehicle; said cylinders are rotatably interconnected and are driven by the vehicle's own wheels. Each pair of cylinders is connected to its corresponding track belt for the transmission of power supplied by the vehicle. Each said pair Of rollers or cylinders has specific characteristics to be set forth in more specific detail further ahead.
Each said ramp can comprise means to allow the vehicle to be driven atop same. Said means can be lifted into a non-obstructing position once the vehicle is in place, atop the mechanism. There is also provided an additional means for securing the vehicle in place. Also, the complete structure can be easily assembled and dis-assembled for easy transportation or for storage. It is also designed with the object of providing easy, on-the-field repairs.
Its general operating characteristics provide for: independent track belt suspensioni inner-track in-dependent suspension; forward-backward motioni 360 turning capabilit~ for absolute maneuverability and general characteristics that provide for an easy adaptation of additional equipment such as dozer blades, front loaders, plows, etc.
To provide for a better understanding of the in-vention, a set of drawings is attached, wherein:
Figure 1 is a side or elevation view of the invention.
Figure 2 is an upper or plan~ view of the mechanism.
121(~797 Figure 3 is a front view of the track in cross section, showing the wheels in the track.
Figure 4 is a partial side view of the truck.
Fi~ure 5 shows selected portions of the padded track.
Figure 6 is a front view of the right-hand track and of truck mounted thereon.
Figure 7 is a rear view of the right hand track and of truck mounted thereon.
Figure 8 is a side view of the platform-mounted, position adjustable front-wheel receiving cart and steering system.
Figure 9 is a front view of the steering system.
Figure 10 is an upper plant view of the front-wheel receiving cart and steering system.
Figure 11 is a perspective of the ramp.
Figure 12 is an upper plant view of the mechanismpartially assembled.
Figure 13 is a side view of on embodiment showing adaptions mounted thereon.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION F THE IN~7ENTION
The track-laying mechanism 11 comprises two tracks 12 and 13, a chassis 14 and a platform 15 having two ramps 16 and 17. The roller transmission system sets 18 and 19 provide each driving power to its corresponding chain or track 12 and 13. Steering is accomplished by the use of a braking system for stopping rotation of each one of the set of twin rollers 30 and 31. Said braking system is actuated by the steering mechanisms 20 and 21 connected each one to the corresponding front steering wheel of the vehicle 33. ~y turning the vehicle's steering wheel, a brake is gradually and correspondingly activated which keeps a roller set from turning, thereby interrupting transmission to the corresponding track which stops moving, while the other chain or track keeps on receiving power by the use of vehicles's own differential system.
Track 12 comprises a plurality of pads 22; each ~Zl(~797 pad may hàve a lower-side inverted U-shaped section 23 and two semi-tubular sections 24 for providing grip or traction between the said pad 22 and the wheels. A pre-ferred embodiment comprises two sets of wheels for each track 12 and 13. Each set is a basculated tandem~ but a combination of a tandem and an independent wheel, or any other combination is possible. Each track is driven by a sprockets 29a and b connected to its corresponding.roller tran mission set 18 and/or 19. Sprockets 28 and 29 provide a front track termination and are also used for controlling the track's tension. Each track may consist o the aforesaid multiplicity of linked pads 22, or else be a continuous belt of a su:itable material such as rubber, reinforced canvas material, etc.
The roller transmission system sets 18 and 19, comprise each a pair of cylinders 30 and 31 upon which the vehicle's drive wheels are mounted, and upon rotation of the wheels, said cylinders transmit the power of vehicle 33 output to both ~racks 12 and 13. Each one of both roller transmission syst:em sets 18 and 19 is connected to its corresponding sprocket 28 and 29 through a torque-reductor which provides a predetermined torque to its corresponding track or c:hain 12 and/or 13.
The steering ~ystem comprises two steering mechanisms 20 and 21, each one controlling its corres-ponding track 12 and/or 13. Steering mechanisms 20 and 21 comprise each a braking system actuated by the steering motion of the vehicle's front wheels 34. When, for example, the vehicle's wheels are turned left, wheel 34 actuates a brake that stops rotat.ion of the left track's twin rollers or cylinders 30 and 31 and thereby motion o the left track 12 is stopped. The right track 13 keeps on moving since the vehicle's own differential system keaps on providing power to the said other track 13. Thereore, each steering mechanism comprises a hydraulic master cylinder connected to the roller system. Each steering mechanism, moreover, is provided with locking means 32 to 121(~797 secure the vehicle in place. Each steering mechanism 20 and 21 is a slidable wheel-receiving cart that may be secured in any desired location for an immediate adaption to the vehicle's own axle or wheel to wheel distance, and to its length or f~ont.rear axle separation.
The foregoing specification is limited ~o an embodiment of the invention and should be understood as a voluntary limitation to a preferred modality for the sake of clearness, but the general scope of the invention should be limited only by the following:
VEHICLES OF ALL TYPES
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Present day vehicles used in transporting goods and in operations such as picking up harvest products in plowed and often muddy fields are generally unable to meet tough, off-the-road conditions and still provide swift, high speed, cargo transportation. On the other hand, vehicles used in difficult terrain are not readily adaptable to highway conditions.
The present invention inoor~orates the marriage between any three or four-wheel vehicle and a track-laying mechanism to be powered by the vehicle. This should prove to be of a great advantage wherQver and whenever there are difficult, off the road, chores to be done, and under various conditions such as in snow, swamps and it should proved useful in sand, river wading, rocky terrain trans-portation, mountain climbing and the like.
The concept of providing caterpillar traction to four or three wheel vehicles is not entirely new. In fact, diverse related products are currently being marketed by firms such as Loegering Manufacturing, Inc. and others.
The scope of available tracks and track systems known to the inventor does not foreshadow or even come close to the present invention since not one of the aormentioned provides a platform for piggyback-riding the vehicle that will provide power and steering. It is also considered to be altogether new insofar as it requires no dismantling or disassembly of the vehicle. No coupling, connecting or adapting of any kind are needed. This provid~s for a~uni~rsal use of .~ ~`~.
`' ;~`"
~ .
~Zl(~797 this inven~tion since the vehicle need only be f~tened atop the mecha~lsm to initiate work.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
The primary object o~ the present invention is that of providing a track-laying mechanism for optional on-the-field assemblying to facilitate all-terrain trans-portation for motor vehicles such as trucks, automobiles and the like without there being any need of adaptations other than driving the vehicle atop said mechanism.
Another object is an improved caterpillar track having contour-adapting characteristics that provide improved traction capabilities.
Still another object is a traction-to-trans-5 portation adaptability of the track-laying mechanism.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention consists of two parallel tracks held together by two spacer bars forming a chassis upon which two ramps axe located upon which a vehicle is to be fastèned.
In the preferred modality of the invention, each track consists of two sets of wheels, each set forming a basculated tandem. There is a sprocket located at each end of the track. The front end sprocket being horizontally adjustable to provide for tensioning of the track. The rear sprocket powers the track.
The track can be any type, but in the modality being herein described, it consists of a series of linked pads. Each pad consists of an inverted U-shaped lower side and a generally planar upper surface having two semi-tubular side end projections defining a central track for the said tandemed wheels and to increase wheel-track traction; i.e. a non-slip relation for the inner track system.
Each side ramp is designed for receiving a vehicle to be driven atop both said ramps. At the front end of each ramp there is a wheel-receiving mechanism 121(~797 which locks the vehicle' 5 front-end wheels into a releasably locked position. Said wheel-receiving mechanism comprises other specific characte~istics and functions to be described further on for the sake of clearness.
The rear end of each ramp comprises a pair of rolls or cylinders upon which the vehicle's rear tire(s) will rest. In this modality. The system is described for use with a rear-wheel drive vehicle; said cylinders are rotatably interconnected and are driven by the vehicle's own wheels. Each pair of cylinders is connected to its corresponding track belt for the transmission of power supplied by the vehicle. Each said pair Of rollers or cylinders has specific characteristics to be set forth in more specific detail further ahead.
Each said ramp can comprise means to allow the vehicle to be driven atop same. Said means can be lifted into a non-obstructing position once the vehicle is in place, atop the mechanism. There is also provided an additional means for securing the vehicle in place. Also, the complete structure can be easily assembled and dis-assembled for easy transportation or for storage. It is also designed with the object of providing easy, on-the-field repairs.
Its general operating characteristics provide for: independent track belt suspensioni inner-track in-dependent suspension; forward-backward motioni 360 turning capabilit~ for absolute maneuverability and general characteristics that provide for an easy adaptation of additional equipment such as dozer blades, front loaders, plows, etc.
To provide for a better understanding of the in-vention, a set of drawings is attached, wherein:
Figure 1 is a side or elevation view of the invention.
Figure 2 is an upper or plan~ view of the mechanism.
121(~797 Figure 3 is a front view of the track in cross section, showing the wheels in the track.
Figure 4 is a partial side view of the truck.
Fi~ure 5 shows selected portions of the padded track.
Figure 6 is a front view of the right-hand track and of truck mounted thereon.
Figure 7 is a rear view of the right hand track and of truck mounted thereon.
Figure 8 is a side view of the platform-mounted, position adjustable front-wheel receiving cart and steering system.
Figure 9 is a front view of the steering system.
Figure 10 is an upper plant view of the front-wheel receiving cart and steering system.
Figure 11 is a perspective of the ramp.
Figure 12 is an upper plant view of the mechanismpartially assembled.
Figure 13 is a side view of on embodiment showing adaptions mounted thereon.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION F THE IN~7ENTION
The track-laying mechanism 11 comprises two tracks 12 and 13, a chassis 14 and a platform 15 having two ramps 16 and 17. The roller transmission system sets 18 and 19 provide each driving power to its corresponding chain or track 12 and 13. Steering is accomplished by the use of a braking system for stopping rotation of each one of the set of twin rollers 30 and 31. Said braking system is actuated by the steering mechanisms 20 and 21 connected each one to the corresponding front steering wheel of the vehicle 33. ~y turning the vehicle's steering wheel, a brake is gradually and correspondingly activated which keeps a roller set from turning, thereby interrupting transmission to the corresponding track which stops moving, while the other chain or track keeps on receiving power by the use of vehicles's own differential system.
Track 12 comprises a plurality of pads 22; each ~Zl(~797 pad may hàve a lower-side inverted U-shaped section 23 and two semi-tubular sections 24 for providing grip or traction between the said pad 22 and the wheels. A pre-ferred embodiment comprises two sets of wheels for each track 12 and 13. Each set is a basculated tandem~ but a combination of a tandem and an independent wheel, or any other combination is possible. Each track is driven by a sprockets 29a and b connected to its corresponding.roller tran mission set 18 and/or 19. Sprockets 28 and 29 provide a front track termination and are also used for controlling the track's tension. Each track may consist o the aforesaid multiplicity of linked pads 22, or else be a continuous belt of a su:itable material such as rubber, reinforced canvas material, etc.
The roller transmission system sets 18 and 19, comprise each a pair of cylinders 30 and 31 upon which the vehicle's drive wheels are mounted, and upon rotation of the wheels, said cylinders transmit the power of vehicle 33 output to both ~racks 12 and 13. Each one of both roller transmission syst:em sets 18 and 19 is connected to its corresponding sprocket 28 and 29 through a torque-reductor which provides a predetermined torque to its corresponding track or c:hain 12 and/or 13.
The steering ~ystem comprises two steering mechanisms 20 and 21, each one controlling its corres-ponding track 12 and/or 13. Steering mechanisms 20 and 21 comprise each a braking system actuated by the steering motion of the vehicle's front wheels 34. When, for example, the vehicle's wheels are turned left, wheel 34 actuates a brake that stops rotat.ion of the left track's twin rollers or cylinders 30 and 31 and thereby motion o the left track 12 is stopped. The right track 13 keeps on moving since the vehicle's own differential system keaps on providing power to the said other track 13. Thereore, each steering mechanism comprises a hydraulic master cylinder connected to the roller system. Each steering mechanism, moreover, is provided with locking means 32 to 121(~797 secure the vehicle in place. Each steering mechanism 20 and 21 is a slidable wheel-receiving cart that may be secured in any desired location for an immediate adaption to the vehicle's own axle or wheel to wheel distance, and to its length or f~ont.rear axle separation.
The foregoing specification is limited ~o an embodiment of the invention and should be understood as a voluntary limitation to a preferred modality for the sake of clearness, but the general scope of the invention should be limited only by the following:
Claims (11)
1. Track-laying mechanism for use with motor vehicles of all types having two independently powered chains or tracks for track-laying traction, characterized in that it is meant for transporting a vehicle thereon, which vehicle provides driving power, steering control and braking action; and wherein said mechanism comprises two independent-suspension tracks powered by a roller trans-mission system coupled to the vehicle's drive wheels and further comprises a steering system coupled to, and actuated by, the vehicle's own steering system.
2. Track-laying mechanism as set forth in claim 1, further characterized in that each one of both tracks comprises two sets of pneumatic and/or solid wheels in a tandem disposition and two end sprockets for, respectively tensioning of the track and for providing power to said track.
3. Track-laying mechanism as set forth in claim 2, characterized in that each set of wheels in tandem is basculated.
4. Track-laying mechanism as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that the vehicle transmits power to each track by means of a roller transmission system set for each track.
5. Track-laying mechanism as set forth in claim 4, characterized in that each roller transmission set comprises two twin cylinders which are powered by the vehicle's drive wheels which are connected through a torque converter to a corresponding track-driving sprocket.
6. Track-laying mechanism as set forth in claim 4, characterized in that the twin cylinders are inter-connected for simultaneous rotation.
7. Track-laying mechanism as set forth in claim 6, characterized in that the steering control comprises a braking system for each track actuated by the vehicle's steering wheels, movement said braking system being connected to a brake set which, when primed, stops move-ment of the twin roller set, thus depriving its corres-ponding track of driving power.
8. Track-laying mechanism as set forth in claim 7, further characterized in that each steering control system set is contained in a cart-like device which is position-adjustable and comprises a wheel locking device to secure the vehicle in place and thus provide for differently-sized vehicles.
9. Track-laying mechanism as set forth in claim 2 characterized in that a front said sprocket is horizontally adjustable to provide for tensioning of the track and in that a rear said sprocket provides power to the track and is connected to its corresponding roller transmission system set.
10. Track-laying mechanism as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that each track comprises the combination of a set of wheels in tandem and independent wheels for providing support to the track.
11. Track-laying mechanism as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that each track comprises a series of independent wheels for providing support to the track.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US38436382A | 1982-06-02 | 1982-06-02 | |
| US384,363 | 1989-07-25 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1210797A true CA1210797A (en) | 1986-09-02 |
Family
ID=23517040
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000419248A Expired CA1210797A (en) | 1982-06-02 | 1983-01-11 | Track-laying mechanism for use in combination with motor vehicles of all types |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1210797A (en) |
-
1983
- 1983-01-11 CA CA000419248A patent/CA1210797A/en not_active Expired
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |