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US3776291A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Track-over-tire driving arrangement
Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
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Filing: 1972-04-28
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Granted: 1973-12-04
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Expires: 1992-04-28
Abstract
Abstract The tread of a rubber tire has circumferentially extending continuous grooves and transversely disposed notches formed thereon. A track assembly, comprising a plurality of closely coupled track shoes, circumferentially surrounds the tire and has drive lugs secured thereon which engage the notches. Circumferentially extending flexible belts are secured to the track shoes and engage the grooves.
Inventors
- 👤 R Boggs
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 03:17
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60C; B60C27/00; B60C27/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
155 words
An annular spacer means mounted for rotation about its central axis and having a generally transversely flat outer periphery with means forming a plurality of laterally spaced, circumferentially extending continuous grooves and transversely disposed notches on said periphery, said notches extending across said periphery in the direction of said central axis, and an endless track assembly mounted on said spacer means comprising a plurality of generally flat and closely coupled ground engaging track shoes circumferentially surrounding said spacer means with each track shoe having at least one drive lug secured thereon to extend radially inwardly toward said axis to engage a respective one of said notches and an endless flexible belt means attached to each of said track shoes and extending circumferentially about said spacer means to engage each of said grooves, each of said drive lugs and notches being trapezoidal shaped with the apexes thereof positioned to point radially inwardly toward said central axis.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
155 words
An annular spacer means mounted for rotation about its central axis and having a generally transversely flat outer periphery with means forming a plurality of laterally spaced, circumferentially extending continuous grooves and transversely disposed notches on said periphery, said notches extending across said periphery in the direction of said central axis, and an endless track assembly mounted on said spacer means comprising a plurality of generally flat and closely coupled ground engaging track shoes circumferentially surrounding said spacer means with each track shoe having at least one drive lug secured thereon to extend radially inwardly toward said axis to engage a respective one of said notches and an endless flexible belt means attached to each of said track shoes and extending circumferentially about said spacer means to engage each of said grooves, each of said drive lugs and notches being trapezoidal shaped with the apexes thereof positioned to point radially inwardly toward said central axis.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein three of said grooves and three flexible belt means are equally spaced intermediate lateral sides of said spacer means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said spacer means comprises an air-inflated, rubber-like tire member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
54 words
The invention of claim 1 further comprising a lug means formed on each end of each shoe to be substantially parallel with respect to said central axis for continuously and completely overlapping a lug means of an adjacent shoe whereby the entire peripheral portion of said spacer means is completely masked during rotation thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein at least one grouser is secured to radially outeR surface portions of each of said shoes to extend radially outwardly therefrom and away from said central axis.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The invention of claim 5 wherein said grouser extends laterally in the direction of said central axis and at least substantially fully across the width of said shoe.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said drive lugs each extend laterally fully across the periphery of said spacer means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein one of said drive lugs is secured to each of said shoes.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein each of said lugs and notches has a width extending at least one-half of the circumferential length of a respective one of said shoes.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein the radial height of each of said drive lugs and notches is approximately one-half of the radial thickness of the tread section of said spacer means.
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) | 1976-12-03 | 1977-06-04 | 1977-12-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-03 | 1981-06-04 | 1981-12-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-03 | 1985-06-04 | 1985-12-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |