The present invention relates to an endless track suspension and particularly, but not exclusively, for use with all-terrain vehicles.
Specifically, the endless track structure of the present invention is of the type wherein a suspension support beam is provided with idler wheels at opposed ends thereof with one of the wheels being adjustable to tension an endless track. A drive sprocket is connected to the support beam and adapted to connect to the drive axle of a vehicle whereby to impart rotation to the endless track supported about the idler wheels and the drive sprocket. Generally, this type of endless track structure is known in the art as disclosed, for example, by U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,318,484, 6,006,847 and 5,388,656. However, known prior art structures do not provide the flexibility, shock-damping features and adjustability that is required when such endless track structures are used on all-terrain vehicles where the vehicle is displaced at high speed over hard, rough terrain or snow. They also require many parts in their assembly and this leads to frequent break-downs and repairs. Some of these structures also use leaf-spring structures for shock absorption, therefore contributing to a heavy suspension assembly.
It is a feature of the present invention to provide an endless track suspension which substantially overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.
Another feature of the present invention is to provide an endless track suspension assembly which is comprised of few component parts and which provides for a smooth shock-absorbing ride of a vehicle equipped with such endless track suspension.
Another feature of the present invention is to provide an endless track suspension which is easy to assemble and disassemble and which provides ease of adjustment for the tensioning of the endless belt.
Another feature of the present invention is to provide an endless track suspension wherein the drive sprocket is supported by a side arm which is secured to the support beam by a torsion pivot connection to provide shock damping.
Another feature of the present invention is to provide an endless track suspension wherein the support wheels secured to the suspension support beam are secured by a torsion connection to provide shock damping.
Another feature of the present invention is to provide an endless track suspension wherein an adjustable idler wheel is biased by an adjustable tensioning spring mechanism which is easily adjustable.
Another feature of the present invention is to provide a drive sprocket coupling having an adaptor ring whereby the drive sprocket may be secured to different types of drive shaft connections.
According to the above features, from a broad aspect, the present invention provides an endless track suspension having a suspension support beam provided with idler wheel assemblies at respective one of opposed ends of the support beam. At least one of the idler wheel assemblies has an endless track binding means. Support wheels are secured to the suspension support beam and project from a lower face of the support beam. A drive sprocket is secured elevated above the suspension support beam by a support means. Coupling means is connectable to the drive sprocket for securing same to a vehicle drive axle. The drive sprocket, the support wheels and idler wheels constitute an endless track support assembly for supporting an endless track in drivable engagement thereabout. Flexible suspension means is provided to absorb shocks and vibrations transmitted to the vehicle drive axle by the displacement of the endless track over a rough ground surface.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to
The endless track suspension further comprises a drive sprocket 14 secured at an elevated position above the suspension support beam 11 by support means, herein a support arm 16. A plurality of support wheels 17 are secured to the suspension support beam 11 and project from a lower face 18 thereof. These support wheels 17 are provided on opposed sides of the support beam 11. As herehinshown there are two support wheels 17 on each side of the support beam. As also hereinshown the drive sprocket 14 is provided with sprocket teeth 14′ which are in engagement with sprocket receiving holes 19 provided all along a central longitudinal axis of the endless track 15. Each idler wheel assembly 12 and 13 is comprised of a pair of wheels 12′ and 13′ each pair of wheels is supported on an axle 20 and 21, respectively. The support arm is also secured to the suspension support beam 11 by a torsion pivot connection 22. The upper end of the support arm is secured to a connecting shaft of a cap secured to the drive sprocket, as will be described, later and a cover 23 shields this connection from outside elements.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
As hereinshown the adaptor ring 36 is provided with coupling locking formations 37 which are shaped for close fit reception in coupling cavities 38 provided on a connecting side wall 29 of the drive sprocket. The adaptor ring 36 is secured to projecting threaded bolts 34′ of the connecting end plate 34 which are received in holes 41 provided in the adaptor ring. Nuts, not shown, are used to secure the adaptor ring 36 to the bolts 34′ of the connecting end plate 34. The drive sprocket is then fitted on the adaptor ring and secured thereto by a connecting cap 40. The connecting cap 40 is secured in a cavity 42 formed in the opposed connecting hub side wall 39′. Securing bolts 43 secure the cap to the adaptor ring through the sprocket. As hereinshown the cap is also provided with a connecting shaft 45 to which the upper end of the support arm 16 is secured.
Referring now to
Referring now to
As previously described the endless track suspension of the present invention was designed particularly to be coupled to the drive shafts of all terrain vehicles such as four wheel vehicles or vehicles having rear traction wheels and a front steering ski for use on snow. However, it is intended not to restrict the invention to these vehicles as it is conceivable that such suspension can be used on other types of land vehicles for recreational or industrial use.
It is within the ambit of the present invention to cover any obvious modifications of the preferred embodiment described herein provided such modifications fall within the scope of the appended claims.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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2552119 | Jul 2006 | CA | national |
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6557953 | Kahle et al. | May 2003 | B1 |
6615939 | Karales et al. | Sep 2003 | B1 |
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7296862 | Albright et al. | Nov 2007 | B2 |
Number | Date | Country |
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2214474 | Mar 1998 | CA |
2004148872 | May 2004 | JP |
Number | Date | Country | |
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20080011524 A1 | Jan 2008 | US |