US3907382A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Mounting for idler sprocket
Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
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Filing: 1974-08-02
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Granted: 1975-09-23
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Expires: 1994-08-02
Abstract
Abstract An improved mounting for an idler sprocket on the track roller frame of a crawler-type tractor. The improved mounting incorporates a readily accessible slide bearing structure provided on the exterior surfaces of the legs of a yoke which mounts the idler sprocket for movement on a subjacent track frame. Secured to the track frame are clamps having horizontally elongated fingers received in recesses defining the bearing surfaces on the outer sides of the legs. The slide bearing surfaces can be readily inspected and serviced by reason of their location on the exterior of the construction.
Inventors
- 👤 Jr Orville E Kessinger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 21:58
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D55/00; B62D55/08; B62D55/14; B62D55/15; B62D55/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
152 words
A mounting for an idler sprocket on a track roller frame for crawler-type tractors, comprising: a bifurcated track roller frame; a yoke having spaced apart legs mounted for movement on said frame; an idler sprocket disposed between said legs and in the bifurcated portion of said frame; means rotatably mounting said idler sprocket on the ends of said legs; said legs on the surfaces thereof laterally remote from said sprocket, each including a generally horizontally extending recess having at least one bearing surface; and a pair of clamps, one for each recess, removably secured to opposite sides of said frame laterally remote from said sprocket, each said clamp including a horizontally elongated finger directed laterally inwardly towards said sprocket and being provided with a bearing surface disposed in a corresponding one of said recesses with the bearing surface of each finger in sliding engagement with the bearing surface of the corresponding recess.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
152 words
A mounting for an idler sprocket on a track roller frame for crawler-type tractors, comprising: a bifurcated track roller frame; a yoke having spaced apart legs mounted for movement on said frame; an idler sprocket disposed between said legs and in the bifurcated portion of said frame; means rotatably mounting said idler sprocket on the ends of said legs; said legs on the surfaces thereof laterally remote from said sprocket, each including a generally horizontally extending recess having at least one bearing surface; and a pair of clamps, one for each recess, removably secured to opposite sides of said frame laterally remote from said sprocket, each said clamp including a horizontally elongated finger directed laterally inwardly towards said sprocket and being provided with a bearing surface disposed in a corresponding one of said recesses with the bearing surface of each finger in sliding engagement with the bearing surface of the corresponding recess.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
53 words
A mounting according to claim 1 wherein said bearing surfaces are generally horizontal and wherein the legs of said yoke overlie a portion of the frame; each said leg further including vertically adjustable means for slidably engaging an underlying portion of the frame whereby pressure on said bearing surfaces can be selectively adjusted.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
261 words
A mounting for an idler sprocket on a track roller frame for crawler-type tractors, comprising: a bifurcated track roller frame; a yoke having spaced apart legs mounted for movement on said frame; an idler sprocket disposed between said legs and in the bifurcated portion of said frame; means rotatably mounting said idler sprocket on the ends of said legs; said legs, on the surfaces thereof laterally remote from said sprocket, each including a generally horizontally extending recess having at least one bearing surface; a pair of clamps, one for each recess, removably secured to opposite sides of said frame laterally remote from said sprocket, each said clamp including a horizontally elongated finger directed laterally inwardly towards said sprocket and being provided with a bearing surface disposed in a corresponding one of said recesses with the bearing surfaces of each finger in sliding engagement with the bearing surface of the corresponding recess; said bearing surfaces being generally horizontal and the legs of said yoke overlying a portion of the frame; each said leg further including vertically adjustable means for slidably engaging an underlying portion of the frame whereby pressure on said bearing surfaces can be selectively adjusted; each of said vertically adjustable means including a downwardly open bore in the corresponding leg of said yoke, piston means disposed in said bore and having a portion extending outwardly thereof to engage the underlying frame portion; and means whereby a fluid under pressure may be selectively introduced and retained in said bore to urge said piston means into engagement with the underlying frame portion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
261 words
A mounting for an idler sprocket on a track roller frame for crawler-type tractors, comprising: a bifurcated track roller frame; a yoke having spaced apart legs mounted for movement on said frame; an idler sprocket disposed between said legs and in the bifurcated portion of said frame; means rotatably mounting said idler sprocket on the ends of said legs; said legs, on the surfaces thereof laterally remote from said sprocket, each including a generally horizontally extending recess having at least one bearing surface; a pair of clamps, one for each recess, removably secured to opposite sides of said frame laterally remote from said sprocket, each said clamp including a horizontally elongated finger directed laterally inwardly towards said sprocket and being provided with a bearing surface disposed in a corresponding one of said recesses with the bearing surfaces of each finger in sliding engagement with the bearing surface of the corresponding recess; said bearing surfaces being generally horizontal and the legs of said yoke overlying a portion of the frame; each said leg further including vertically adjustable means for slidably engaging an underlying portion of the frame whereby pressure on said bearing surfaces can be selectively adjusted; each of said vertically adjustable means including a downwardly open bore in the corresponding leg of said yoke, piston means disposed in said bore and having a portion extending outwardly thereof to engage the underlying frame portion; and means whereby a fluid under pressure may be selectively introduced and retained in said bore to urge said piston means into engagement with the underlying frame portion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
A mounting according to claim 3 wherein said means for selectively introducing and retaining grease in said bore includes a grease fitting.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
57 words
A mounting according to claim 1 wherein each of said recesses includes a vertically extending surface and each of said fingers further includes a vertically extending surface in close proximity to the corresponding vertical surface of the corresponding recess whereby said vertical surfaces may engage each other to limit lateral movement of said yoke on said frame.
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) | 1978-09-22 | 1979-03-24 | 1979-09-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-09-22 | 1983-03-24 | 1983-09-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-09-22 | 1987-03-24 | 1987-09-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |