US3721477A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Endless track
Assignee: Dayco Products LLC
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Filing: 1970-08-20
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Granted: 1973-03-20
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Expires: 1990-08-20
Abstract
Abstract An endless track is provided that is comprised of band-like body made of an elastomeric material and a plurality of cleats securely bonded thereto by partial embedment therein, and the body has a suitable drive mean enabling the track to be driven by an associated drive. Each cleat has a substantially U-shaped configuration comprised of a bight and a pair of outwardly extending legs having exposed outer ends and the cleats provide both improved lateral stability and traction for the track.
Inventors
- 👤 J Haley
- 👤 R Ensley
- 👤 J Cooper
- 👤 L Williams
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 16:19
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D55/00; B62D55/08; B62D55/18; B62D55/24; B62D55/244
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
An endless track adapted for movement in an endless path and comprising, a band-like body comprised of an elastomeric material, a plurality of substantially U-shaped cleats extending across said track with each cleat having a bight and a pair of outwardly extending legs, each cleat being partially embedded in said body and thus securely bonded thereto with the outer end portions of its legs exposed to provide optimum traction, each cleat having a volume defined by its bight and its outwardly extending legs substantially filled with elastomeric material to thereby assure said legs are prevented from collapsing toward said bight, and drive means comprising said body and enabling said track to be driven by an associated drive, said cleats providing both improved lateral stability and traction for said track.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
129 words
An endless track adapted for movement in an endless path and comprising, a band-like body comprised of an elastomeric material, a plurality of substantially U-shaped cleats extending across said track with each cleat having a bight and a pair of outwardly extending legs, each cleat being partially embedded in said body and thus securely bonded thereto with the outer end portions of its legs exposed to provide optimum traction, each cleat having a volume defined by its bight and its outwardly extending legs substantially filled with elastomeric material to thereby assure said legs are prevented from collapsing toward said bight, and drive means comprising said body and enabling said track to be driven by an associated drive, said cleats providing both improved lateral stability and traction for said track.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
A track as set forth in claim 1 in which each of said cleats comprises a metal cleat which is coated to provide an optimum bond between it and the elastomeric material comprising said body.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
A track as set forth in claim 1 in which said elastomeric material comprises a polymer and said body comprises a strengthening cord extending in said endless path and a fabric layer arranged on each side of said strengthening cord.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
58 words
A track as set forth in claim 1 in which said body has an inside surface provided with a plurality of equally spaced integral ribs made of said elastomeric material, said ribs being arranged substantially perpendicular to said endless path and increasing the lateral stability of said track yet assuring adequate flexibility during movement in said endless path.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
41 words
A track as set forth in claim 1 in which said drive means comprises a plurality of lugs on said body and said drive comprises a drive wheel having driving members each adapted to engage associated lugs and drive said track.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
73 words
A track as set forth in claim 1 in which said drive means comprises a plurality of openings provided in said body in equally spaced relation along the endless path with each opening exposing a portion of a cleat and said drive comprises a drive sprocket having drive teeth, each opening exposing a portion of a cleat to enable an associated tooth of said sprocket to engage said portion and drive the track.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
52 words
A track as set forth in claim 1 in which each of said outwardly extending legs has a roughly L-shaped extension extending from the terminal end thereof with each extension having a leg portion pointing toward the bight of its associated cleat, said L-shaped extensions providing added strength for their associaTed cleats.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
68 words
A track as set forth in claim 1 in which each of said outwardly extending legs has opposite end portions which are severed from their bight and formed inwardly in an arcuate path to define substantially semicylindrical end portions for each of said cleats which help prevent inward collapse of said outwardly extending legs, said semicylindrical end portions also preventing said track from slipping transverse said endless path.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
62 words
A track as set forth in claim 1 in which each outwardly extending leg of each U-shaped cleat is comprised of a plurality of cooperating sections each having a hooking end which extends toward the center of its associated bight, each of said hooking ends providing added strength and rigidity for its associated leg section while preventing side slippage of said track.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
53 words
A track as set forth in claim 1 in which each U-shaped cleat has a volume defined by its bight and outwardly extending legs substantially filled with elastomeric material and further comprising strengthening means provided between the outwardly extending legs of each cleat while being embedded in the elastomeric material in said volume.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
A track as set forth in claim 1 and further comprising strengthening means provided between the outwardly extending legs of each cleat to prevent flattening of said legs.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
28 words
A track as set forth in claim 11 in which said strengthening means comprises a plurality of spacer members fixed between the outwardly extending legs of each cleat.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
38 words
A track as set forth in claim 11 in which said strengthening means comprises a plurality of substantially V-shaped projections formed in said legs with the apex of each projection arranged toward the center of its associated cleat.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
131 words
An endless track having a substantially uniform width and being adapted to be moved in an endless path, said track comprising, a band-like body comprised of an elastomeric material, a plurality of substantially U-shaped cleats extending across practically the full width of said track with each cleat having a bight and a pair of outwardly extending legs, each cleat being partially embedded in said body and thus securely bonded thereto with the outer end portions of its legs exposed to provide optimum traction, each cleat having a volume defined by its bight and its outwardly extending legs substantially filled with elastomeric material, and drive means comprising said body and enabling said track to be driven by an associated drive, said cleats providing both improved lateral stability and traction for said track.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
131 words
An endless track having a substantially uniform width and being adapted to be moved in an endless path, said track comprising, a band-like body comprised of an elastomeric material, a plurality of substantially U-shaped cleats extending across practically the full width of said track with each cleat having a bight and a pair of outwardly extending legs, each cleat being partially embedded in said body and thus securely bonded thereto with the outer end portions of its legs exposed to provide optimum traction, each cleat having a volume defined by its bight and its outwardly extending legs substantially filled with elastomeric material, and drive means comprising said body and enabling said track to be driven by an associated drive, said cleats providing both improved lateral stability and traction for said track.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
28 words
A track as set forth in claim 14 in which each of said cleats comprises a metal cleat which is made from a single flat strip of metal.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
56 words
A track as set forth in claim 14 and further comprising strengthening means provided as an integral part of and extending between the outwardly extending legs of each cleat in an embedded manner within the elastomeric material in said volume, said strengthening means and elastomeric material in said volume providing optimum strength for the associated cleat.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
47 words
A track as set forth in claim 16 in which each of said outwardly extending legs of each cleat has opposite end portions which are severed from their bight and formed inwardly in an arcuate path to define substantially semicylindrical end portions for each of said cleats.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
50 words
A track as set forth in claim 17 in which each of said cleats is made from a single flat strip of metal and further comprising a plurality of openings through the bight of each cleat allowing elastomeric material to extend therethrough and help hold each cleat firmly in position.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-03-19 | 1976-09-18 | 1977-03-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-03-19 | 1980-09-18 | 1981-03-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-03-19 | 1984-09-18 | 1985-03-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |