Caterpillar Tractor Co.

Caterpillar Inc.

James G Neal

Robert J Purcell

Brent C Bargfrede

Carl W Carter

Warren Jess Stafford

A belted undercarriage assembly for a vehicle, such as a non-powered towed trailer, includes first and second endless belt assemblies, one positioned on each side of the vehicle, first and second wheel supporting frame assemblies associated respectively with the first and second belt assemblies, and a supporting axle connected to each of the frame assemblies and to the vehicle. Each of the frame assemblies includes first and second rectangular shaped tubes which are adapted to telescope together. A first threaded adjusting mechanism controls the telescopic relationship of the first and second tubes and a second threaded adjusting mechanism controls lateral movement of the first tube relative to the second tube. Providing proper belt tension and alignment of the belt on the guide wheels are important to efficient and economical operation of a belted undercarriage assembly. If proper tension is not maintained, or if the belt drifts to one side or the other, undesirable heat buildup and wear are produced. The subject belted undercarriage incorporates simple and economical apparatus and methods for controlling the tension and lateral movement of the belt.

Belted undercarriage assembly

A flexible hose assembly (10) transmits fluid between relatively movable components, such as a drive motor (16) secured to the main frame (14) of a vehicle (12) and pressurized fluid supply ports (13) resiliently supported on the main frame (14), in a constricted region where typical hose motions could result in chafing or cutting from contacts with adjacent structure. A flexed portion (39) of the hose (38) extends within a curved tubular rigid sleeve (47) which is fixed relative to one (16) of the fluid transmitting components (16, 13) and free of rigid attachment to the other (13). The diameter of the inside passage (51) of the sleeve (47) is greater than that of the hose (38) enabling limited necessary flexing while preventing more sizable and potentially damaging hose (38) movements. The curved hose portion (39) may have a radius of curvature smaller than the normal minimum bending radius as the sleeve (47) restrains kinking by preventing concentration of bending forces at one point on the hose (38).

Stabilized hose assembly for transmitting fluid

Guard for tilt cylinder hoses and fittings

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Peoria, IL, United States of America

James G Neal