US3620318A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Track tightener and rear idler suspension system
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-04-02
•
Granted: 1971-11-16
•
Expires: 1990-04-02
Abstract
Abstract A track tightener and rear idler suspension system for an all terrain vehicle is provided which comprises two elongate brackets secured to opposing sides of the vehicle frame forwardly of the rear end. Leaf springs are secured to the brackets and extend rearwardly to proximate the rear end of the vehicle. The rear idler assembly is secured to the rear ends of the leaf springs. The brackets are movable forwardly and rearwardly to facilitate the adjustment of the track to the proper tension. Because the rear idler assembly is supported by the leaf springs, the idler assembly can be disposed rearwardly of the rear of the vehicle which prevents the vehicle from becoming hung up when crossing ditches and gullies. In addition, as more weight is added to the vehicle, the rear idler assembly is moved upwardly which automatically tightens the track and prevents slippage.
Inventors
- 👤 Frank T Gostomski
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 01:58
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D55/00; B62D55/08; B62D55/30; B62M; B62M27/00; B62M27/02; B62M2027/026
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
171 words
In an all terrain vehicle having a frame including a pair of laterally spaced veRtically extending sidewalls, a front end and a rear end, a drivable endless track disposed at least partially between the sidewalls for motive power and means for driving the track; a combined track tightener and rear idler suspension system comprising: two elongated brackets secured to the frame in lateral alignment and generally longitudinally of the frame; said brackets being adjustably secured along opposing sides of the frame forwardly of the rear end and movable forwardly and rearwardly a predetermined distance; means for adjustably moving said brackets forwardly and rearwardly; leaf spring means each having a front end and rear end, said leaf spring means being secured to said brackets proximate said front ends and extending rearwardly thereof to proximate the rear end of the vehicle; mounting means secured to the rear ends of said leaf spring means; an axle extending laterally between said mounting means; and idler wheels mounted on said axle for guiding the endless track.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
171 words
In an all terrain vehicle having a frame including a pair of laterally spaced veRtically extending sidewalls, a front end and a rear end, a drivable endless track disposed at least partially between the sidewalls for motive power and means for driving the track; a combined track tightener and rear idler suspension system comprising: two elongated brackets secured to the frame in lateral alignment and generally longitudinally of the frame; said brackets being adjustably secured along opposing sides of the frame forwardly of the rear end and movable forwardly and rearwardly a predetermined distance; means for adjustably moving said brackets forwardly and rearwardly; leaf spring means each having a front end and rear end, said leaf spring means being secured to said brackets proximate said front ends and extending rearwardly thereof to proximate the rear end of the vehicle; mounting means secured to the rear ends of said leaf spring means; an axle extending laterally between said mounting means; and idler wheels mounted on said axle for guiding the endless track.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The track tightener and rear idler suspension system of claim 1 wherein said brackets are disposed outside the frame.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The track tightener and rear idler suspension system of claim 1 wherein said brackets are disposed inside the frame.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
58 words
The track tightener and rear idler suspension system of claim 3 wherein: said brackets, in cross section, are of substantially L-shaped configuration with one leg depending downwardly along the side of the frame and the other leg extending inwardly of the frame; and said leaf spring means are each secured to the leg extending inwardly of the frame.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
53 words
The track tightener and rear idler suspension system of claim 4 wherein: two substantially horizontal slots are formed through each of the downwardly depending legs of said brackets; and a bolt extends through each of said slots and through an aperture formed in the frame thereby adjustably securing said brackets to the frame.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
66 words
The track tightener and rear idler suspension system of claim 5 wherein: a mounting axle extends laterally between said brackets and is secured to said brackets; a bogie wheel mounting assembly is rotatably secured to said mounting axle; bogie wheels are rotatably mounted on said bogie wheel mounting assembly and normally bear against the track; and second spring means urge said bogie wheels against the track.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
50 words
The track tightener and rear idler suspension system of claim 6 wherein: each of said mounting means comprises a mounting plate and a bushing, the bushing being secured to said plate and aligned to receive said axle; said plates being secured to the rear ends of said leaf spring means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
83 words
The track tightener and rear idler suspension system of claim 7 wherein each of said means for adjustably moving said brackets forwardly and rearwardly comprises: a guide member having an aperture formed therethrough secured to said brackets and extending outwardly of the frame; a threaded member secured to the frame, substantially horizontally disposed, and passing through said aperture in said guide member; and a nut threadably engaged on said threaded member for adjustably moving said guide member and said bracket forwardly and rearwardly.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
63 words
The track tightener and rear idler suspension system of claim 8 wherein: a helper spring is secured between each of said leaf spring means and said inwardly extending legs of said brackets; said helper springs extending along the upper surface of said leaf spring means from proximate said front ends to intermediate of said front and rear ends of said leaf spring means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
45 words
The track tightener and rear idler suspension system of claim 9 wherein shock absorbers each having an upper end and a lower end are secured at said upper ends to the frame and depend downwardly and are secured, at said lower ends, to said axle.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
53 words
The track tightener and rear idler suspension system of claim 10 wherein said brackets slope downwardly froM the front end to the rear end; and wherein a U-shaped strap is formed on each of said inwardly extending legs and utilized for securing said leaf spring means and said helper springs to said brackets.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-11-15 | 1975-05-17 | 1975-11-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-11-15 | 1979-05-17 | 1979-11-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-11-15 | 1983-05-17 | 1983-11-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |