Track-module apparatus

Abstract

A track-module apparatus comprising: (a) idler-arm axle structure for a vehicle and having leading and trailing idler-arm axles; (b) a leading idler arm rotatably attached to the leading idler-arm axle and extending forwardly to a leading-arm distal end at which a leading ground-engaging idler wheel is rotatably attached and rearwardly to a rearward suspension end; (c) a trailing idler arm rotatably attached to the trailing idler-arm axle and extending rearwardly to a trailing-arm distal end at which a trailing ground-engaging idler wheel is rotatably attached and forwardly to a forward suspension end; (d) bogie-axle structure (i) affixed to one of the idler arms, (ii) having at least one bogie-arm axle, and (iii) positioning the at least one bogie-arm axle adjacent to and below the idler-arm axle of the idler arm to which it is affixed; (e) leading-arm and trailing-arm suspension elements rotatably attached to and extending downwardly from the rearward and forward suspension ends, respectively, and each having a lower end; (f) front and rear bogie connecting arms rotatably attached to the front and rear axles, respectively, and extending forwardly and rearwardly to rotatable attachments at the leading-arm and trailing-arm suspension-element lower ends, respectively; (g) front and rear ground-engaging bogie-wheel sets rotatably attached to distal ends of the front and rear bogie connecting arms, respectively; and (h) an endless track extending around the wheels.