A. S. V., Inc.

Caterpillar Sarl

Brad Lemke

Cary Safe

Gary Lemke

Edgar Hetteen

Brian R Dershem

Reid W Waitt

A tracked vehicle produces a pressure no more than 3 psi on the ground by increasing the number of contact points on the inner surface of the track. The stiffness of the track is also selected to minimize bowing between the idler wheels or rollers. The track is therefore kept substantially straight between the rollers to increase the efficiency associated with transferring power to track. The drive sprocket is positioned above the ground so as to eliminate complexity in the design and yet effectively transmit power to the tracks. Positioning the drive sprocket above ground also prevents derailing of the track. The track is also held in a constant state of tension on the driver sprocket and the roller. This too prevents derailment. The undercarriage of the vehicle includes torsion axles and sealed bearings to provide for a lower maintenance track. Components associated with the undercarriage do not require constant greasing and cleaning of the idler wheels. The track is beveled so that it does not rip up surfaces. The drive sprocket is provided with roller sleeves that accommodate the changes in the pitch line of an elastomeric flat track. The sprocket does not 'scrub' the areas between the driving lugs. The drive sprocket includes a pair of scrapers and a pair of conical shields which provide self cleaning and which remove debris from the sprocket area.

Suspension and drive mechanism for a multi-surface vehicle

A tracked vehicle capable of traversing a variety of surfaces without damaging the surface traversed includes a track having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a pitch line between the inner surface and the outer surface. Driving lugs are attached to the inner surface of the track. The vehicle also includes a driver sprocket assembly having a number of driving portions for engaging the driving lugs to drive the track. Each drive lug has at least one angled sidewall which, as the drive lug is engaged with the drive portion, presents a wall either substantially parallel to a line between the axis of rotation of the sprocket and the driving portion of the sprocket or slightly declined with respect to a line between the axis of rotation of the sprocket and the driving portion of the sprocket.

Track and drive mechanism for a vehicle

Skid steer loader exterior design

A tracked vehicle produces a pressure no more than 3 psi on the ground by increasing the number of contact points on the inner surface of the track. The stiffness of the track is also selected to minimize bowing between the idler wheels or rollers. The track is therefore kept substantially straight between the rollers to increase the efficiency associated with transferring power to track. The drive sprocket is positioned above the ground so as to eliminate complexity in the design and yet effectively transmit power to the tracks. Positioning the drive sprocket above ground also prevents derailing of the track. The track is also held in a constant state of tension on the driver sprocket and the roller. This too prevents derailment. The undercarriage of the vehicle includes torsion axles and sealed bearings to provide for a lower maintenance track. Components associated with the undercarriage do not require constant greasing and cleaning of the idler wheels. The track is beveled so that it does not rip up surfaces. The drive sprocket is provided with roller sleeves that accommodate the changes in the pitch line of an elastomeric flat track. The sprocket does not &ldquo;scrub&rdquo; the areas between the driving lugs. The drive sprocket includes a pair of scrapers and a pair of conical shields which provide self cleaning and which remove debris from the sprocket area.

A tracked vehicle produces a pressure no more than 3 psi on the ground by increasing the number of contact points on the inner surface of the track. The stiffness of the track is also selected to minimize bowing between the idler wheels or rollers. The track is therefore kept substantially straight between the rollers so increase the efficiency associated with transferring power to track. The drive sprocket is positioned above the ground so as to eliminate complexity in the design and yet effectively transmit power to the tracks. Positioning the drive sprocket above ground also prevents derailing of the track. The track is also held in a constant state of tension on the driver sprocket and the roller. This too prevents derailment. The undercarriage of the vehicle includes torsion axles and sealed bearings to provide for a lower maintenance track. Components associated with the undercarriage do not require constant greasing and cleaning of the idler wheels. The track is beveled so that it does not rip up surfaces. The drive sprocket is provided with roller sleeves that accommodate the changes in the pitch line of an elastomeric flat track. The sprocket does not &ldquo;scrub&rdquo; the areas between the driving lugs. The drive sprocket includes a pair of scrapers and a pair of conical shields which provide self cleaning and which remove debris from the sprocket area.

Growing community of inventors

Grand Rapids, MN, United States of America

Brad Lemke