Track assembly for snowmobiles

Claim 2

Apparatus for movably supporting tracked vehicles including snowmobiles and the like including a pair of elongated, parallel frame members, a pair of idler wheels generally adjacent either end of said frame members, and a flexible, endless track extending longitudinally around said frame members and supported for movement therearound on said idler wheels; each of said frame members including at least one pair of bogie wheels and means for mounting each of said pairs of bogie wheels relative to one of said frame members; said bogie wheels in each pair mOunted coaxially with each other adjacent opposite sides of and intermediate the ends of said respective frame members longitudinally between said pairs of idler wheels; each of said pairs of bogie wheels spacing a portion of said track adjacent said bogie wheels a predetermined distance beneath the respective one of said frame members for support of said vehicle above a supporting surface portions of said track being engageable intermittently with said rails during use thereof; said pairs of bogie wheels being secured at spaced intervals along each of said frame members whereby uneven wearing of the frame members by uneven contact with said track is prevented.

Claim 3

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said track includes an exterior surface for engaging a supporting surface and an opposing inside surface having rail-receiving guide means adapted to receive rails; said frame members comprising rails including bottom and side surfaces, said rails slidingly received within said guide means; said pairs of bogie wheels contacting and spacing the inside surface of said track a predetermined distance from the bottom of said respective rails to thereby control the amount of said rail received within said guide means whereby only the contact of said rail side surfaces with the walls of said guides is permitted for maintaining lateral alignment of said track with said rails.

Claim 4

The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said guide means includes protrusions extending above said inside surface thereof immediately adjacent said side surfaces of said rails; said protrusions receiving at least a portion of said rails for maintaining said track in alignment with said rails; said pairs of bogie wheels extending below the plane of said rail bottoms and contacting said inside surface of said track laterally adjacent said protrusions; said pairs of bogie wheels continuously spacing said track a distance below the plane of said rail bottoms beneath said bogie wheels but allowing contact of said rail side surfaces with said protrusions to retain said track in alignment with said rails.

Claim 5

The apparatus of claim 2 including means for securing each of said pairs of bogie wheels in various positions along the length of said respective rails.

Claim 6

The apparatus of claim 2 wherein each of said rails includes an arcuate portion extending upwardly away from the plane including the bottom surface of the remainder of said rail from a location between the ends of said rail toward the end of said rail which is forwardmost when said apparatus is installed in said vehicle.

Claim 7

The apparatus of claim 1 including means for maintaining lateral alignment of said track with said frame members.

Claim 8

The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said track has an exterior surface for engaging a supporting surface and an opposing inside surface; said track including continuous, parallel grooves on said inside surface on either side of each of said frame member; said grooves being in alignment with and receiving said bogie wheels on either side of said frame members for maintaining lateral alignment of said track with said frame members.

Claim 9

Apparatus for movably supporting tracked vehicles including snowmobiles and the like including a pair of elongated, parallel frame members, a pair of idler wheels generally adjacent either end of said frame members, and a flexible, endless track extending longitudinally around said frame members and supported for movement therearound on said idler wheels; each of said frame members including a plurality of pairs of bogie wheels and means for mounting each of said pairs of bogie wheels relative to one of said frame members; said bogie wheels in each pair mounted coaxially with each other adjacent opposite sides of and intermediate the ends of said respective frame members longitudinally between said pairs of idler wheels; each of said pairs of bogie wheels spacing a portion of said track adjacent said bogie wheels a predetermined distance beneath the respective one of said frame Members for support of said vehicle above a supporting surface; said track including an exterior surface for engaging a supporting surface and an opposing inside surface having rail-receiving guide means adapted to receive rails; said frame members comprising rails including bottom and side surfaces, said rails slidingly received within said guide means; said pairs of bogie wheels contacting and spacing the inside surface of said track a predetermined distance from the bottom of said respective rails to thereby control the amount of said rail received within said guide means whereby only the contact of said rail side surfaces with the walls of said guides is permitted for maintaining lateral alignment of said track with said rails; said means for mounting said pairs of bogie wheels including means for adjusting the position of each of said pairs of bogie wheels with respect to said bottoms of said rails in a direction normal to said inside surface of said track.

Claim 10

Apparatus for movably supporting tracked vehicles including snowmobiles and the like including a pair of elongated, parallel frame members, a pair of idler wheels generally adjacent either end of said frame members, and a flexible, endless track extending longitudinally around said frame members and supported for movement therearound on said idler wheels; each of said frame members including a plurality of pairs of bogie wheels and means for mounting each of said pairs of bogie wheels relative to one of said frame members; said bogie wheels in each pair mounted coaxially with each other adjacent opposite sides of and intermediate the ends of said respective frame members longitudinally between said pairs of idler wheels; each of said pairs of bogie wheels spacing a portion of said track adjacent said bogie wheels a predetermined distance beneath the respective one of said frame Members for support of said vehicle above a supporting surface; said track including an exterior surface for engaging a supporting surface and an opposing inside surface having rail-receiving guide means adapted to receive rails; said frame members comprising rails including bottom and side surfaces, said rails slidingly received within said guide means; said pairs of bogie wheels contacting and spacing the inside surface of said track a predetermined distance from the bottom of said respective rails to thereby control the amount of said rail received within said guide means whereby only the contact of said rail side surfaces with the walls of said guides is permitted for maintaining lateral alignment of said track with said rails; said means for mounting said pairs of bogie wheels including means for adjusting the position of each of said pairs of bogie wheels with respect to said bottoms of said rails in a direction normal to said inside surface of said track.

Claim 11

Apparatus for movably supporting tracked vehicles including snowmobiles and the like including a pair of elongated, parallel frame members, a pair of idler wheels generally adjacent either end of said frame members, and a flexible, endless track extending longitudinally around said frame members and suppported for movement therearound on said idler wheels; each of said frame members including a plurality of pairs of bogie wheels and means for mounting each of said pairs of bogie wheels relative to one of said frame members; said bogie wheels in each pair mounted coaxially with each other adjacent opposite sides of and intermediate the ends of said respective frame members longitudinally between said pairs of idler wheels; each of said pairs of bogie wheels spacing a portion of said track adjacent said bogie wheels a predetermined distance beneath the respective one of said frame members for support of said vehicle above a supporting surface; said track including an exterior surface for engaging a supporting surface and an opposing inside surface having rail-receiving guide means adapted to receive rails; said frame members comprising rails including bottom and side surfaces, said rails slidingly received within said guide means; said pairs of bogie wheels contacting and spacing the inside surface of said track a predetermined distance from the bottom of said respective rails to thereby control the amount of said rail received within said guide means whereby only the contact of said rail side surfaces with the walls of said guides is permitted for maintaining lateral alignment of said track with said rails; each of said rails including an arcuate portion extending upwardly away from the plane including the bottom surface of the remainder of said rail from a location between the ends of said rail toward the end of said rail which is forwardmost when said apparatus is installed in said vehicle; said means for mounting said pairs of bogie wheels including means for adjusting the position of each of said pairs of bogie wheels with respect to said bottoms of said rails in a direction normal to said inside surface of said track.

Claim 12

Apparatus for movably supporting tracked vehicles including snowmobiles and the like including a pair of elongated, parallel frame members, a pair of idler wheels generally adjacent either end of said frame members, and a flexible, endless track extending longitudinally around said frame members and suppported for movement therearound on said idler wheels; each of said frame members including a plurality of pairs of bogie wheels and means for mounting each of said pairs of bogie wheels relative to one of said frame members; said bogie wheels in each pair mounted coaxially with each other adjacent opposite sides of and intermediate the ends of said respective frame members longitudinally between said pairs of idler wheels; each of said pairs of bogie wheels spacing a portion of said track adjacent said bogie wheels a predetermined distance beneath the respective one of said frame members for support of said vehicle above a supporting surface; said track including an exterior surface for engaging a supporting surface and an opposing inside surface having rail-receiving guide means adapted to receive rails; said frame members comprising rails including bottom and side surfaces, said rails slidingly received within said guide means; said pairs of bogie wheels contacting and spacing the inside surface of said track a predetermined distance from the bottom of said respective rails to thereby control the amount of said rail received within said guide means whereby only the contact of said rail side surfaces with the walls of said guides is permitted for maintaining lateral alignment of said track with said rails; each of said rails including an arcuate portion extending upwardly away from the plane including the bottom surface of the remainder of said rail from a location between the ends of said rail toward the end of said rail which is forwardmost when said apparatus is installed in said vehicle; said means for mounting said pairs of bogie wheels including means for adjusting the position of each of said pairs of bogie wheels with respect to said bottoms of said rails in a direction normal to said inside surface of said track.

Claim 13

Apparatus for movably supporting tracked vehicles including snowmobiles and the like including a pair of elongated, parallel frame members, a pair of idler wheels generally adjacent either end of said frame members, and a flexible, endless track extending longitudinally around said frame members and supported for movement therearound on said idler wheels; each of said frame members including a plurality of pairs of bogie wheels and means for mounting each of said pairs of bogie wheels relative to one of said frame members; said bogie wheels in each pair mounted coaxially with each other adjacent opposite sides of and intermediate the ends of said respective frame members longitudinally between said pairs of idler wheels; each of said pairs of bogie wheels spacing a portion of said track adjacent said bogie wheels a predetermined distance beneath the respective one of said frame members For support of said vehicle above a supporting surface; said track including an exterior surface for engaging a supporting surface and an opposing inside surface having rail-receiving guide means adapted to receive rails; said frame members comprising rails including bottom and side surfaces, said rails slidingly received within said guide means; said pairs of bogie wheels contacting and spacing the inside surface of said track a predetermined distance from the bottom of said respective rails to thereby control the amount of said rail received within said guide means whereby only the contact of said rail side surfaces with the walls of said guide is permitted for maintaining lateral alignment of said track with said rails; each of said rails including an arcuate portion extending upwardly away from the plane including the bottom surface of the remainder of said rail from a location between the ends of said rail toward the end of said rail which is forwardmost when said apparatus is installed in said vehicle; said means for mounting said pairs of bogie wheels including means for adjusting the position of each of said pairs of bogie wheels with respect to said bottoms of said rails in a direction normal to said inside surface of said track.

Claim 14

Apparatus for movably supporting tracked vehicles including snowmobiles and the like including a pair of elongated, parallel frame members, a pair of idler wheels generally adjacent either end of said frame members, and a flexible, endless track extending longitudinally around said frame members and supported for movement therearound on said idler wheels; each of said frame members including a plurality of pairs of bogie wheels and means for mounting each of said pairs of bogie wheels relative to one of said frame members; said bogie wheels in each pair mounted coaxially with each other adjacent opposite sides of and intermediate the ends of said respective frame members longitudinally between said pairs of idler wheels; each of said pairs of bogie wheels spacing a portion of said track adjacent said bogie wheels a predetermined distance beneath the respective one of said frame members For support of said vehicle above a supporting surface; said track including an exterior surface for engaging a supporting surface and an opposing inside surface having rail-receiving guide means adapted to receive rails; said frame members comprising rails including bottom and side surfaces, said rails slidingly received within said guide means; said pairs of bogie wheels contacting and spacing the inside surface of said track a predetermined distance from the bottom of said respective rails to thereby control the amount of said rail received within said guide means whereby only the contact of said rail side surfaces with the walls of said guide is permitted for maintaining lateral alignment of said track with said rails; each of said rails including an arcuate portion extending upwardly away from the plane including the bottom surface of the remainder of said rail from a location between the ends of said rail toward the end of said rail which is forwardmost when said apparatus is installed in said vehicle; said means for mounting said pairs of bogie wheels including means for adjusting the position of each of said pairs of bogie wheels with respect to said bottoms of said rails in a direction normal to said inside surface of said track.

Claim 15

Apparatus for movably supporting tracked vehicles including snowmobiles and the like including a pair of elongated, parallel frame members, a pair of idler wheels generally adjacent either end of said frame members, and a flexible, endless track extending longitudinally around said frame members and supported for movement therearound on said idler wheels; each of said frame members including a plurality of pairs of bogie wheels and means for mounting each of said pairs of bogie wheels relative to one of said frame members; said bogie wheels in each pair mounted coaxially with each other adjacent opposite sides of and intermediate the ends of said respective frame members longitudinally between said pairs of idler wheels; each of said pairs of bogie wheels spacing a portion of said track adjacent said bogie wheels a predetermined distance beneath the respective one of said frame members for support of said vehicle above a supporting surface; said means for mounting each of said pairs including means for slidably positioning each of said pairs in various positions along the length of said respective rails and means for adjusting the position of each of said pairs of bogie wheels with respect to said respective frame members in a direction normal to said inside surface of said track; each of said rails including an arcuate portion extending upwardly away from the plane including said bottom surface of the remainder of said rail from a location between the ends of said rail toward the end of said rail which is forwardmost when said apparatus is installed in said vehicle; at least one of said pairs of bogie wheels being positionable along said arcuate portion whereby said pair of wheels is adjustable to selectively maintain a greater and lesser amount of said track into contact with said supporting surface.

Claim 16

Apparatus for movably supporting tracked vehicles including snowmobiles and the like including a pair of elongated, parallel frame members, a pair of idler wheels generally adjacent either end of said frame members, and a flexible, endless track extending longitudinally around said frame members and supported for movement therearound on said idler wheels; each of said frame members including a plurality of pairs of bogie wheels and means for mounting each of said pairs of bogie wheels relative to one of said frame members; said bogie wheels in each pair mounted coaxially with each other adjacent opposite sides of and intermediate the ends of said respective frame members longitudinally between said pairs of idler wheels; each of said pairs of bogie wheels spacing a portion of said track adjacent said bogie wheels a predetermined distance beneath the respective one of said frame members for support of said vehicle above a supporting surface; said means for mounting each of said pairs including means for slidably positioning each of said pairs in various positions along the length of said respective rails and means for adjusting the position of each of said pairs of bogie wheels with respect to said respective frame members in a direction normal to said inside surface of said track; each of said rails including an arcuate portion extending upwardly away from the plane including said bottom surface of the remainder of said rail from a location between the ends of said rail toward the end of said rail which is forwardmost when said apparatus is installed in said vehicle; at least one of said pairs of bogie wheels being positionable along said arcuate portion whereby said pair of wheels is adjustable to selectively maintain a greater and lesser amount of said track into contact with said supporting surface.

Claim 17

Apparatus for movably supporting tracked vehicles including snowmobiles and the like including a pair of elongated, parallel frame members, a pair of idler wheels generally adjacent either end of said frame members, and a flexible, endless track extending longitudinally around said frame members and supported for movement therearound on said idler wheels; each of said frame members including a plurality of pairs of bogie wheels and means for mounting each of said pairs of bogie wheels relative to one of said frame members; said bogie wheels in each pair mounted coaxially with each other adjacent opposite sides of and intermediate the ends of said respective frame members longitudinally between said pairs of idler wheels; each of said pairs of bogie wheels spacing a portion of said track adjacent said bogie wheels a predetermined distance beneath the respective one of said frame members for support of said vehicle above a supporting surFace; means for securing each of said pairs of bogie wheels in various positions along the length of each of said respective frame members.

Claim 18

Apparatus for movably supporting tracked vehicles including snowmobiles and the like including a pair of elongated, parallel frame members, a pair of idler wheels generally adjacent either end of said frame members, and a flexible, endless track extending longitudinally around said frame members and supported for movement therearound on said idler wheels; each of said frame members including a plurality of pairs of bogie wheels and means for mounting each of said pairs of bogie wheels relative to one of said frame members; said bogie wheels in each pair mounted coaxially with each other adjacent opposite sides of and intermediate the ends of said respective frame members longitudinally between said pairs of idler wheels; each of said pairs of bogie wheels spacing a portion of said track adjacent said bogie wheels a predetermined distance beneath the respective one of said frame members for support of said vehicle above a supporting surFace; means for securing each of said pairs of bogie wheels in various positions along the length of each of said respective frame members.

Claim 19

Apparatus for movably supporting tracked vehicles including snowmobiles and the like including a pair of elongated, parallel frame members, a pair of idler wheels generally adjacent either end of said frame members, and a flexible, endless track extending longitudinally around said frame members and supported for movement therearound on said idler wheels; each of said frame members including a plurality of pairs of bogie wheels and means for mounting each of said pairs of bogie wheels relative to one of said frame members; said bogie wheels in each pair mounted coaxially with each other adjacent opposite sides of and intermediate the ends of said respective frame members longitudinally between said pairs of idler wheels; each of said pairs of bogie wheels spacing a portion of said track adjacent said bogie wheels a predetermined distance beneath the respective one of said frame members for support of said vehicle above a supporting surface; said track including an exterior surface for engaging a supporting surface and an opposing inside surface; said means for mounting said pairs of bogie wheels including means for adjusting the position of each of said pairs of bogie wheels with respect to said respective frame members in a direction normal to said inside surface of said track.

Claim 20

Apparatus for movably supporting tracked vehicles including snowmobiles and the like including a pair of elongated, parallel frame members, a pair of idler wheels generally adjacent either end of said frame members, and a flexible, endless track extending longitudinally around said frame members and supported for movement therearound on said idler wheels; each of said frame members including a plurality of pairs of bogie wheels and means for mounting each of said pairs of bogie wheels relative to one of said frame members; said bogie wheels in each pair mounted coaxially with each other adjacent opposite sides of and intermediate the ends of said respective frame members longitudinally between said pairs of idler wheels; each of said pairs of bogie wheels spacing a portion of said track adjacent said bogie wheels a predetermined distance beneath the respective one of said frame members for support of said vehicle above a supporting surface; said track including an exterior surface for engaging a supporting surface and an opposing inside surface; said means for mounting said pairs of bogie wheels including means for adjusting the position of each of said pairs of bogie wheels with respect to said respective frame members in a direction normal to said inside surface of said track.

Claim 21

Apparatus for movably supporting tracked vehicles including snowmobiles and the like including a pair of elongated, parallel frame members, a pair of idler wheels generally adjacent either end of said frame members, and a flexible, endless track extending longitudinally around said frame members and supported for movement therearound on said idler wheels; each of said frame members including a plurality of pairs of bogie wheels and means for mounting each of said pairs of bogie wheels relative to one of said frame members; said bogie wheels in each pair mounted coaxially with each other adjacent opposite sides of and intermediate the ends of said respective frame members longitudinally between said pairs of idler wheels; each of said pairs of bogie wheels spacing a portion of said track adjacent said bogie wheels a predetermined distance beneath the respective one of said frame members for support of said vehicle above a supporting surface; said track including an exterior surface for engaging a supporting surface and an opposing inside surface; said means for mounting said pairs of bogie wheels including means for securing each of said pairs of bogie wheels in various positions along the length of said respective frame members and means for adjusting the position of each of said pairs of bogie wheels with respect to said respective frame members in a direction normal to said inside surface of said track.

Claim 22

Apparatus for movably supporting tracked vehicles including snowmobiles and the like including a pair of elongated, parallel frame members, a pair of idler wheels generally adjacent either end of said frame members, and a flexible, endless track extending longitudinally around said frame members and supported for movement therearound on said idler wheels; each of said frame members including a plurality of pairs of bogie wheels and means for mounting each of said pairs of bogie wheels relative to one of said frame members; said bogie wheels in each pair mounted coaxially with each other adjacent opposite sides of and intermediate the ends of said respective frame members longitudinally between said pairs of idler wheels; each of said pairs of bogie wheels spacing a portion of said track adjacent said bogie wheels a predetermined distance beneath the respective one of said frame members for support of said vehicle above a supporting surface; said track including an exterior surface for engaging a supporting surface and an opposing inside surface; said means for mounting said pairs of bogie wheels including means for securing each of said pairs of bogie wheels in various positions along the length of said respective frame members and means for adjusting the position of each of said pairs of bogie wheels with respect to said respective frame members in a direction normal to said inside surface of said track.

Claim 23

Apparatus for movably supporting tracked vehicles including snowmobiles and the like including a pair of elongated, parallel frame members, a pair of idler wheels generally adjacent either end of said frame members, and a flexible, endless track extending longitudinally around said frame members and supported for movement therearound on said idler wheels; each of said frame members including a plurality of pairs of bogie wheels and means for mounting each of said pairs of bogie wheels relative to one of said frame members; said bogie wheels in each pair mounted coaxially with each other adjacent opposite sides of and intermediate the ends of said respective frame members longitudinally between said pairs of idler wheels; each of said pairs of bogie wheels spacing a portion of said track adjacent said bogie wheels a predetermined distance beneath the respective one of said frame members for support of said vehicle above a supporting surface; said means for mounting said pairs of bogie wheels including a mounting member having flanges extending from the bottom thereof and defining en elongated channel therebetween along the entire length of said mounTing member and having a longitudinal axis, a first aperture extending transversely of said mounting member entirely through said flanges and channel, and a cylindrical aperture extending transversely of said mounting member perpendicular to said axis of said channel and spaced from said channel; said frame member received in said channel such that said mounting member is slidable along the length thereof; a pin means received through both said first aperture and an aligning, correspondingly sized aperture in said frame member for securing said mounting member with respect to said frame member; a cylinder rotatably received in said cylindrical aperture and including axles extending from eccentric positions on the ends of said cylinder for mounting said wheels on either side of said mounting member; and means for positioning said cylinder within said cylindrical aperture to vary the position of said eccentric axles relative to said frame member and for locking said cylinder in a preselected rotational position.

Claim 24

Apparatus for movably supporting tracked vehicles including snowmobiles and the like including a pair of elongated, parallel frame members, a pair of idler wheels generally adjacent either end of said frame members, and a flexible, endless track extending longitudinally around said frame members and supported for movement therearound on said idler wheels; each of said frame members including a plurality of pairs of bogie wheels and means for mounting each of said pairs of bogie wheels relative to one of said frame members; said bogie wheels in each pair mounted coaxially with each other adjacent opposite sides of and intermediate the ends of said respective frame members longitudinally between said pairs of idler wheels; each of said pairs of bogie wheels spacing a portion of said track adjacent said bogie wheels a predetermined distance beneath the respective one of said frame members for support of said vehicle above a supporting surface; said means for mounting said pairs of bogie wheels including a mounting member having flanges extending from the bottom thereof and defining en elongated channel therebetween along the entire length of said mounTing member and having a longitudinal axis, a first aperture extending transversely of said mounting member entirely through said flanges and channel, and a cylindrical aperture extending transversely of said mounting member perpendicular to said axis of said channel and spaced from said channel; said frame member received in said channel such that said mounting member is slidable along the length thereof; a pin means received through both said first aperture and an aligning, correspondingly sized aperture in said frame member for securing said mounting member with respect to said frame member; a cylinder rotatably received in said cylindrical aperture and including axles extending from eccentric positions on the ends of said cylinder for mounting said wheels on either side of said mounting member; and means for positioning said cylinder within said cylindrical aperture to vary the position of said eccentric axles relative to said frame member and for locking said cylinder in a preselected rotational position.

Claim 25

In an apparatus for movably supporting tracked vehicles including snowmobiles and the like including a pair of elongated, substantially parallel frame members having bottom and side surfaces, idler wheels rotatably mounted generally adjacent either end of said frame members, and a flexible, endless track having exterior and interior surfaces for continuous engagement with a supporting surface for said vehicle, said track extending longitudinally around said frame members in a closed path and supported for movement therearound on said idler wheels; at least one bogie wheel and means for mounting said bogie wheel along the length of at least one of said frame members, said track having opposing upper and lower inside surfaces spaced apart a predetermined distance when in said closed path; the improvement comprising said bogie wheel being of a diameter less than the distance between the opposing inside surfaces of said track in said closed path; and adjustment means for securing said bogie wheel in different positions with respect to said frame member whereby said track is selectively adjustable between a first position in which said bogie wheel spaces said track a predetermined distance from said frame member bottom at the position where said bogie wheel is located and a second position in which said track contacts said frame member bottom at said position of said bogie wheel and said frame member bottom acts as a track guide whereby said vehicle is convertible from a bogie wheel vehicle system when said track is adjusted in said first position and a rail vehicle system when said track is adjusted in said second position.

Claim 26

In an apparatus for movably supporting tracked vehicles including snowmobiles and the like including a pair of elongated, substantially parallel frame members having bottom and side surfaces, idler wheels rotatably mounted generally adjacent either end of said frame members, and a flexible, endless track having exterior and interior surfaces for continuous engagement with a supporting surface for said vehicle, said track extending longitudinally around said frame members in a closed path and supported for movement therearound on said idler wheels; at least one bogie wheel and means for mounting said bogie wheel along the length of at least one of said frame members, said track having opposing upper and lower inside surfaces spaced apart a predetermined distance when in said closed path; the improvement comprising said bogie wheel being of a diameter less than the distance between the opposing inside surfaces of said track in said closed path; and adjustment means for securing said bogie wheel in different positions with respect to said frame member whereby said track is selectively adjustable between a first position in which said bogie wheel spaces said track a predetermined distance from said frame member bottom at the position where said bogie wheel is located and a second position in which said track contacts said frame member bottom at said position of said bogie wheel and said frame member bottom acts as a track guide whereby said vehicle is convertible from a bogie wheel vehicle system when said track is adjusted in said first position and a rail vehicle system when said track is adjusted in said second position.

Claim 27

The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said frame members are slide rails adapted to slidingly engage at least a portion of said track to support said track against said supporting surface; said adjustment means for securing said bogie wheel including means for securing said bogie wheel in a position out of contact with said track whereby said track is allowed to slidingly engage said rail bottom and said predetermined distance is zero.

Claim 28

The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the ends of said rails which are forwardmost when said apparatus is installed in said vehicle are curved upwardly out of the plane including the bottoms of the remainder of said rails; said bogie wheel being positioned along said curved end portion of said rail; said securing means providing a means for selectively forcing greater or lesser amounts of said track against said supporting surface.

Claim 29

The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the bottom surface of said rails which is adapted to selectively slidingly engage at least a portion of said track comprises high density polyethylene providing a minimal friction producing, wear-resistant, sliding surface.

Claim 30

The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said securing means includes means for mounting a continuous axle between said pair of frame members, said axle having at least one bogie wheel mounted thereon, said mounting means for said continuous axle including means mounted on both frame members and generally opposing one another for securing said continuous axle in different positions with respect to said frame members whereby the distance between said axle and the bottoms of said frame members is selectively adjustable.

Claim 31

The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said means for securing said bogie wheel includes a mounting member having a movable, axle-receiving element, an axle received in said element, and means for securing said element in different positions with respect to said mounting member; said bogie wheel being rotatably mounted on said axle; said apparatus further including means for fastening said mounting member at various positions along the length of said frame member.

Claim 32

In an apparatus for movably supporting tracked vehicles including snowmobiles and the like including a pair of elongated, substantially parallel frame members having bottom and side surfaces, idler wheels rotatably mounted generally adjacent either end of said frame members, and a flexible, endless track having exterior and interior surfaces for continuous engagement with a supporting surface for said vehicle, said track extending longitudinally around said frame members and supported for movement therearound on said idler wheels; at least one bogie wheel and means for mounting said bogie wheel along the length of at least one of said frame members; said bogie wheel rotatably engaging and spacing a portion of said track adjacent thereto a predetermined distance away from said bottom of said frame member for support of said vehicle above said supporting surface; the improvement comprising means for securing said bogie wheel in different positions with respect to said frame member whereby the space between said track and said frame member bottom at the position where said bogie wheel is located is selectively adjustable; said means for securing said bogie wheel including a mounting member having flanges extending from the bottom thereof and defining an elongated channel therebetween along the entire length of said mounting member and having a longitudinal axis, a first aperture extending transversely of said mounting member entirely through said flanges and channel, and a cylindrical aperture extending transversely of said mounting member perpendicular to said axis of said channel and spaced from said channel; said frame member received in said channel such that said mounting member is slidable along the length thereof; a pin means received through both said first aperture and an aligning, correspondingly sized aperture in said frame member for securing said mounting member with respect to said frame member; a cylinder rotatably received in said cylindrical aperture and including axles extending from eccentric positions on the ends of said cylinder for mounting said wheels on either side of said mounting member; and means for positioning said cylinder within said cylindrical aperture to vary the position of said eccentric axles relative to said frame member and for locking said cylinder in a preselected rotational position.

Claim 33

In an apparatus for movably supporting tracked vehicles including snowmobiles and the like including a pair of elongated, substantially parallel frame members having bottom and side surfaces, idler wheels rotatably mounted generally adjacent either end of said frame members, and a flexible, endless track having exterior and interior surfaces for continuous engagement with a supporting surface for said vehicle, said track extending longitudinally around said frame members and supported for movement therearound on said idler wheels; at least one bogie wheel and means for mounting said bogie wheel along the length of at least one of said frame members; said bogie wheel rotatably engaging and spacing a portion of said track adjacent thereto a predetermined distance away from said bottom of said frame member for support of said vehicle above said supporting surface; the improvement comprising means for securing said bogie wheel in different positions with respect to said frame member whereby the space between said track and said frame member bottom at the position where said bogie wheel is located is selectively adjustable; said means for securing said bogie wheel including a mounting member having flanges extending from the bottom thereof and defining an elongated channel therebetween along the entire length of said mounting member and having a longitudinal axis, a first aperture extending transversely of said mounting member entirely through said flanges and channel, and a cylindrical aperture extending transversely of said mounting member perpendicular to said axis of said channel and spaced from said channel; said frame member received in said channel such that said mounting member is slidable along the length thereof; a pin means received through both said first aperture and an aligning, correspondingly sized aperture in said frame member for securing said mounting member with respect to said frame member; a cylinder rotatably received in said cylindrical aperture and including axles extending from eccentric positions on the ends of said cylinder for mounting said wheels on either side of said mounting member; and means for positioning said cylinder within said cylindrical aperture to vary the position of said eccentric axles relative to said frame member and for locking said cylinder in a preselected rotational position.

Claim 34

Apparatus for movably supporting tracked vehicles including snowmobiles and the like including a pair of elongated, substantially parallel frame members having bottom and side surfaces, a pair of idler wheels generally adjacent either end of said frame members, and a flexible, endless track having exterior and interior surfaces for continuous engagement with a supporting surface, said track extending longitudinally around said frame members and supported for movement therearound on said idler wheels; each of said frame members including at least one pair of bogie wheels and means for mounting said bogie wheels in said pair coaxially with each other adjacent either side of and intermediate the ends of said respective frame members; each of said pairs of bogie wheels spacing a portion of said track adjacent thereto a predetermined distance away from said bottoms of said respectivE frame members for support of said vehicle above said supporting surface; said bogie wheel mounting means including means for slidably positioning each of said pairs of bogie wheels in various positions along the length of said respective frame members.

Claim 35

Apparatus for movably supporting tracked vehicles including snowmobiles and the like including a pair of elongated, substantially parallel frame members having bottom and side surfaces, a pair of idler wheels generally adjacent either end of said frame members, and a flexible, endless track having exterior and interior surfaces for continuous engagement with a supporting surface, said track extending longitudinally around said frame members and supported for movement therearound on said idler wheels; each of said frame members including at least one pair of bogie wheels and means for mounting said bogie wheels in said pair coaxially with each other adjacent either side of and intermediate the ends of said respective frame members; each of said pairs of bogie wheels spacing a portion of said track adjacent thereto a predetermined distance away from said bottoms of said respectivE frame members for support of said vehicle above said supporting surface; said bogie wheel mounting means including means for slidably positioning each of said pairs of bogie wheels in various positions along the length of said respective frame members.

Claim 36

The apparatus of claim 23 wherein said frame members are slide rails adapted to slidingly engage at least a portion of said track to support said track against said supporting surface; the ends of said rails which are forwardmost when said apparatus is installed in said vehicle being curved upwardly out of the plane including the bottoms of the remainder of said rails.

Claim 37

The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the bottom surface of said rails which is adapted to slidingly engage at least a portion of said track comprises high density polyethylene providing a minimal friction-producing, wear-resistant sliding surface.

Claim 38

The apparatus of claim 23 wherein said means for mounting said pairs of bogie wheels comprises a mounting member having flanges extending from the bottom thereof and defining an elongated channel therebetween along the entire length of said mounting member and having a longitudinal axis, a first aperture extending transversely of said mounting member entirely through said flanges and channel, and a cylindrical aperture extending transversely of said mounting member perpendicular to said axis of said channel and spaced from said channel; said frame member received in said channel such that said mounting member is slidable along the length thereof; a pin means received through both said first aperture and an aligning, correspondingly sized aperture in said frame member for securing said mounting member with respect to said frame member; a cylinder rotatably received in said cylindrical aperture and including axles extending from eccentric positions on the ends of said cylinder for mounting said wheels on either side of said mounting member; and means for positioning said cylinder within said cylindrical aperture to vary the position of said eccentric axles relative to said frame member and for locking said cylinder in a preselected rotational position.

Claim 39

Apparatus for mounting bogie wheels on an elongated frame member of a snowmobile track assembly, said frame member having side and bottom surfaces and adapted to support idler means at either end thereof for movably supporting a flexible, endless track in a closed loop longitudinally around the ends of said frame member; said apparatus comprising means for rotatably mounting at least one bogie wheel on such a frame member intermediate the ends thereof, said bogie wheel contacting said track at one portion of its periphery only; said mounting means including adjustment means for securing said bogie wheel in different positions with respect to such a frame member when mounted thereon whereby the position of said bogie wheel including said one portion thereof relative to said bottom surface of said frame member is selectively adjustable to control the amount of engagement between said track and frame member.

Claim 40

Apparatus for mounting bogie wheels on an elongated frame member of a snowmobile track assembly, said frame member having side and bottom surfaces and adapted to support idler means at either end thereof for movably supporting a flexible, endless track in a closed loop longitudinally around the ends of said frame member; said apparatus comprising means for rotatably mounting at least one bogie wheel on such a frame member intermediate the ends thereof, said bogie wheel contacting said track at one portion of its periphery only; said mounting means including adjustment means for securing said bogie wheel in different positions with respect to such a frame member when mounted thereon whereby the position of said bogie wheel including said one portion thereof relative to said bottom surface of said frame member is selectively adjustable to control the amount of engagement between said track and frame member.

Claim 41

The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said mounting means includes a rotatable member having an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the planes of rotation of said bogie wheels; said rotatable member receiving an axle on which is rotatably mounted said bogie wheel; said axle extending on either side of said mounting means from positions located eccentrically of said axis of rotation; said mounting means including means for positioning said rotatable member and securing said rotatable member in various rotational positions.

Claim 42

The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said mounting means also includes means for slidably adjusting the position of said mounting means along the length of such a frame member.

Claim 43

The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said adjustment means for securing said bogie wheel includes a mounting member having a movable, axle-receiving element, an axle received in said element, and means for securing said elemEnt in different positions with respect to said mounting member; said bogie wheel being rotatably mounted on said axle.

Claim 44

Apparatus for mounting bogie wheels on an elongated frame member of a snowmobile track assembly, said frame member having side and bottom surfaces and adapted to support means for movably supporting a flexible endless track in a closed loop longitudinally around the ends of said frame member; said apparatus comprising means for rotatably mounting at least one bogie wheel on such a frame member; said mounting means including means for securing said bogie wheel in different positions with respect to such a frame member when mounted thereon whereby the position of said bogie wheel relative to said bottom surface of said frame member is selectively adjustable; said mounting means also including means for slidably adjusting the position of said mounting means along the length of such a frame member; said mounting means including a mounting member having flanges extending from the bottom thereof and defining an elongated channel therebetween extending along the entire length of said mounting member, and first and second apertures extending transversely of said mounting member entirely through said flanges and channel; said frame member received in said channel whereby said mounting means is slidable along the length thereof; pin means received through said first and second apertures as well as apertures corresponding in size to and in alignment with said first and second apertures extending through said frame member for securing said mounting means in a position along said frame member.

Claim 45

Apparatus for mounting bogie wheels on an elongated frame member of a snowmobile track assembly, said frame member having side and bottom surfaces and adapted to support means for movably supporting a flexible endless track in a closed loop longitudinally around the ends of said frame member; said apparatus comprising means for rotatably mounting at least one bogie wheel on such a frame member; said mounting means including means for securing said bogie wheel in different positions with respect to such a frame member when mounted thereon whereby the position of said bogie wheel relative to said bottom surface of said frame member is selectively adjustable; said mounting means also including means for slidably adjusting the position of said mounting means along the length of such a frame member; said mounting means including a mounting member having flanges extending from the bottom thereof and defining an elongated channel therebetween extending along the entire length of said mounting member, and first and second apertures extending transversely of said mounting member entirely through said flanges and channel; said frame member received in said channel whereby said mounting means is slidable along the length thereof; pin means received through said first and second apertures as well as apertures corresponding in size to and in alignment with said first and second apertures extending through said frame member for securing said mounting means in a position along said frame member.

Claim 46

Apparatus for mounting bogie wheels on an elongated frame member of a snowmobile track assembly, said frame member having side and bottom surfaces and adapted to support means for movably supporting a flexible, endless track in a closed loop longitudinally around the ends of said frame member; said apparatus comprising means for rotatably mounting at least one bogie wheel on such a frame member; said mounting means including means for securing said bogie wheel in different positions with respect to such a frame member when mounted thereon whereby the position of said bogie wheel relative to said bottom surface of said frame member is selectively adjustable; said means for mounting said axle and bogie wheel including a mounting member having flanges extending from the bottom thereof and defining an elongated channel therebetween along the entire length of said mounting member and having a longitudinal axis, a first aperture extending transversely of said mounting member entirely through said flanges and channel, and a cylindrical aperture extending transversely of said mounting member perpendicular to said axis of said channel and spaced from said channel; said frame member received in said channel such that said mounting member is slidable along the length thereof; a pin means received through both said first aperture and an aligning, correspondingly sized aperture in said frame member for securing said mounting member with respect to said frame member; a cylinder rotatably received in said cylindrical aperture and including axles extending from eccentric positions on the ends of said cylinder for mounting said wheels on either side of said mounting member; and means for positioning said cylinder within said cylindrical aperture to vary the position of said eccentric axles relative to said frame member and for locking said cylinder in a preselected rotational position.

Claim 47

Apparatus for mounting bogie wheels on an elongated frame member of a snowmobile track assembly, said frame member having side and bottom surfaces and adapted to support means for movably supporting a flexible, endless track in a closed loop longitudinally around the ends of said frame member; said apparatus comprising means for rotatably mounting at least one bogie wheel on such a frame member; said mounting means including means for securing said bogie wheel in different positions with respect to such a frame member when mounted thereon whereby the position of said bogie wheel relative to said bottom surface of said frame member is selectively adjustable; said means for mounting said axle and bogie wheel including a mounting member having flanges extending from the bottom thereof and defining an elongated channel therebetween along the entire length of said mounting member and having a longitudinal axis, a first aperture extending transversely of said mounting member entirely through said flanges and channel, and a cylindrical aperture extending transversely of said mounting member perpendicular to said axis of said channel and spaced from said channel; said frame member received in said channel such that said mounting member is slidable along the length thereof; a pin means received through both said first aperture and an aligning, correspondingly sized aperture in said frame member for securing said mounting member with respect to said frame member; a cylinder rotatably received in said cylindrical aperture and including axles extending from eccentric positions on the ends of said cylinder for mounting said wheels on either side of said mounting member; and means for positioning said cylinder within said cylindrical aperture to vary the position of said eccentric axles relative to said frame member and for locking said cylinder in a preselected rotational position.

Claim 48

In a tracked vehicle having a continuous track extending around spaced idler wheels, said idler wheels being spaced longitudinally by a frame member and at least one bogie wheel rotatably secured to said frame for engaging said track, the improvement comprising: adjustment means for securing said bogie wheel in at least two positions, a first position wherein said track is spaced from said frame member and said vehicle operates as a bogie system, and a second position wherein said track cOntacts said frame and said vehicle operates as a rail system.

Claim 49

In a tracked vehicle having a continuous track extending around spaced idler wheels, said idler wheels being spaced longitudinally by a frame member and at least one bogie wheel rotatably secured to said frame for engaging said track, the improvement comprising: adjustment means for securing said bogie wheel in at least two positions, a first position wherein said track is spaced from said frame member and said vehicle operates as a bogie system, and a second position wherein said track cOntacts said frame and said vehicle operates as a rail system.