TRACTION ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

This invention relates to a traction assembly for a vehicle which uses an endless traction band and a plurality of wheels for propulsion. More particularly, the traction assembly comprises a sprocket wheel which has a different size and number of sprocket teeth depending on whether the traction kit replaces the front wheels or the rear wheels of the vehicle. The sprocket wheel of the traction kit can also be configured such that its sprocket teeth are laterally offset. The traction kit can also comprise an anti-torque system that prevent physical contact between the traction kit and the vehicle and that can bias the position of the traction kit in order to improve the steering performance. Finally, the traction assembly can comprise a pivotable extension which lengthens the traction assembly and improves its traction capabilities.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a front view of the underside of an ATV equipped with traction kit with the anti-torque system.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the anti-torque system.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the anti-torque system as installed on the traction assembly.

FIG. 4 is a close up view of the ball joint assembly of the anti-torque system.

FIGS. 5 a-5c are schematic views of the functioning of the anti-torque system.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the power train and wheels of an ATV equipped with traction assemblies.

FIGS. 7 a and 7b are partial top views of the traction assemblies of the prior art and of the present invention.

FIG. 8 contains side and sectional views of the sprocket wheel of the prior art.

FIG. 9 contains side and sectional views of the sprocket wheel of the present invention.

FIG. 10 presents an exploded perspective view of the traction kit with the frame extension.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the traction with the frame extension in low position.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the traction with the frame extension in high position.

Claims

1. A system of traction assemblies for use on a vehicle having a motor connected to a power train, said power train transmitting power to at least a front axle and a rear axle according to a predetermined power transmission ratio, said system comprising a first and second traction assemblies, each of said traction assemblies comprising: a) a frame structure;b) a sprocket wheel, mounted to said front or rear axle and having sprocket teeth;c) at least one additional wheel mounted on said frame;d) a longitudinally extending traction band tensioned around said sprocket wheel, said frame structure and said at least one additional wheel and cooperating with same;wherein the number of said sprocket teeth of said sprocket wheel of said first traction assembly differs from the number of said sprocket teeth of said sprocket wheel of said second traction assembly.

2. A vehicle, having a motor connected to a power train, said power train transmitting power to at least a front axle and a rear axle according to a predetermined power transmission ratio, said vehicle being equipped with at least one front traction assembly operatively attached to said front axle and at least one rear traction assembly operatively attached to said rear axle, each of said traction assemblies comprising: a) a frame structure;b) a sprocket wheel, mounted to said axle and having sprocket teeth;c) at least one additional wheel mounted on said frame;d) a longitudinally extending traction band tensioned around said sprocket wheel, said frame structure and said at least one additional wheel and cooperating with same;wherein the number of said sprocket teeth of said sprocket wheel of said front traction assembly differs from the number of said sprocket teeth of said sprocket wheel of said rear traction assembly, thereby altering said power transmission ratio.

3. A traction assembly for use on a vehicle having at least one traction axle, said assembly comprising: a) a frame structure;b) a sprocket wheel adapted to be mounted to said axle and having sprocket teeth;c) at least one additional wheel mounted on said frame;d) a longitudinally extending traction band, having a width and being tensioned around said sprocket wheel, said frame structure and said at least one additional wheel and cooperating with same;wherein said sprocket teeth of said sprocket wheel are radially extending and laterally offset.

4. An anti-torque device for a traction assembly for use on a vehicle having a frame, said traction assembly comprising a frame structure, a sprocket wheel mounted on said frame structure, at least one additional wheel mounted on said frame and a longitudinally extending traction band tensioned around said sprocket wheel, said frame structure and said at least one additional wheel and cooperating with same, said anti-torque device comprising: a) a first elongated bracket having first end and second end, said first end comprising first pivotable attachment means and said second end comprising first generally transverse abutting means;b) a second elongated bracket having third end and fourth end, said second bracket being slidingly mounted on said first bracket, said third end comprising second generally transverse abutting means and said fourth end comprising second pivotable attachment means, said third end being generally located between said first and second end of said first bracket;c) a first resilient means located between said first generally transverse abutting means and said second generally transverse abutting means;d) a third generally transverse abutting means located between said second end of said first bracket and said fourth end of said second bracket;e) a second resilient means located between said first generally transverse abutting means and said third generally transverse abutting means;wherein extension of said anti-torque device is countered by said first resilient means and wherein compression of said anti-torque device is countered by said second resilient means.

5. An anti-torque device for a traction assembly for use on a vehicle having a frame, said traction assembly comprising a frame structure, a sprocket wheel mounted on said frame structure, at least one additional wheel mounted on said frame and a longitudinally extending traction band tensioned around said sprocket wheel and said at least one additional wheel and cooperating with same, said anti-torque device comprising: a) first elongated resilient means having a first end and a second end, said first end being pivotally attached to said frame structure;b) second elongated resilient means having a third end and a fourth end, said fourth end being pivotally attached to said vehicle frame;wherein said first resilient means cooperates with said second resilient means to limit the relative movement of said traction assembly in relation to said vehicle frame.

6. A device as claimed in claim 5 wherein said first resilient means comprises a spring.

7. A device as claimed in claim 6 wherein said second resilient means comprises a compressible material.

8. A device as claimed in claim 6 wherein said second resilient means comprises a rubber bushing.

9. A traction assembly for use on a vehicle having at least one traction axle, said assembly comprising: a) a frame structure;b) a sprocket wheel, mounted on said frame and having sprocket teeth;c) at least one tension wheel;d) at least one additional wheel mounted on said frame;e) a longitudinally extending traction band tensioned around said sprocket wheel, said frame structure, said at least one tension wheel and said at least one additional wheel, and cooperating with same;wherein said traction assembly further comprises a frame extension assembly, mounted on said frame structure, said frame extension extending the length of said traction assembly.

10. A frame extension assembly for a traction assembly for use on a vehicle having at least one traction axle, said traction assembly comprising a frame structure, a sprocket wheel, at least one tension wheel, at least one additional wheel, and a traction band having a first circumference, said frame extension assembly comprising: a) a traction band having a second circumference;b) a frame extension member;c) mounting means for mounting said frame extension member on said frame structure;wherein said second circumference is greater than said first circumference.

11. A method to install a frame extension assembly on a traction assembly for use on a vehicle having at least one traction axle, said traction assembly comprising a frame structure, a sprocket wheel, at least one tension wheel, at least one additional wheel and a traction band of a first circumference, said frame extension assembly comprising a traction band of a second circumference, a frame extension member and mounting means, said method comprising the following steps: a) releasing the tension in said traction band having said first circumference;b) removing said traction band having said first circumference from said traction assembly;c) removing said tension wheel;d) mounting said frame extension member on said frame structure using said mounting means;e) installing said tension wheel;f) installing said traction band having said second circumference on said traction assembly and frame extension assembly;g) tensioning said traction band having said second circumference.