US3916708A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Replaceable insert for the drive sprocket of a track-type vehicle
Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
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Filing: 1974-09-06
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Granted: 1975-11-04
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Expires: 1994-09-06
Abstract
Abstract A drive sprocket for driving an endless track of a track-type vehicle comprises a hub having a plurality of circumferentially disposed teeth on the periphery thereof to define a notch between each pair of adjacent teeth. A U-shaped metallic insert is disposed in each of the notches and is secured to the hub by retaining means comprising a plurality of tabs formed on the underside of the insert. Each of the tabs may be retained on the hub solely by a like-shaped retaining notch formed therein or by a releasable plate attached to the hub or by a pin engaging each of the tabs. A layer of elastomeric material may be disposed between each of the inserts and the hub to absorb shock loads imposed on the sprocket during vehicle operation.
Inventors
- 👤 James C Durand
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 02:40
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16H; F16H55/00; F16H55/02; F16H55/30; B; B62; B62D; B62D55/00; B62D55/08; B62D55/096; B62D55/0963; B62D55/12; B62D55/135; B62D55/18; B62D55/20; B62D55/202; F16H55/14; F16H2055/306; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S474/00; Y10S474/901; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/19; Y10T74/1987; Y10T74/19893; Y10T74/19907; Y10T74/19921; Y10T74/19926
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
20 words
The drive sprocket of claim 1 further comprising elastomeric cushioning means sandwiched between each of said inserts and said hub.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
19 words
The drive sprocket of claim 2 wherein said cushioning means at least substantially covers an underside of said insert.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The drive sprocket of claim 1 wherein a pair of laterally spaced tabs are integrally formed on each of said inserts adjacent to each circumferential end thereof.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
The drive sprocket of claim 4 wherein a plane defined by a chord of an imaginary circle, all of which at least approximately intersect said pairs of tabs, is disposed substantially inwardly of the insert from a center of said circle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The drive sprocket of claim 4 wherein each of said tabs is generally V-shaped and wherein said retaining means further comprises a like-shaped retaining notch defined in said hub and accommodating a respective tab therein.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The drive sprocket of claim 6 wherein each of said retaining notches is formed solely on said hub.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The drive sprocket of claim 6 wherein each of said retaining notches is defined in said hub and by a plate releasably attached to said hub.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The drive sprocket of claim 8 wherein each pair of said tabs straddle said hub to expose said tabs on either side thereof.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
39 words
The drive sprocket of claim 8 wherein a said plate is attached by releasable fastening means on an outer end of each of said teeth to aid in defining one of said retaining notches beneath each circumferential end thereof.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The drive sprocket of claim 4 wherein said retaining means further comprises a pin attaching each of said tabs to said hub.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The drive sprocket of claim 1 wherein a single pin extends through aligned bores formed through each pair of tabs and through a respective tooth.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
43 words
The drive sprocket of claim 1 wherein only one pair of said tabs is formed integrally on said insert to extend thereunder and wherein said retaining means further comprises a pin extending through aligned bores formed through said tabs and through said hub.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
The drive sprocket of claim 12 wherein said tabs are disposed intermediate the ends of said insert.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The drive sprocket of claim 1 further comprising an endless track assembly of a track-type vehicle entrained therearound.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
60 words
A replaceable insert in combination with a of a track-type vehicle, said insert being composed of a hardened metallic material and having a general U-shape to define a substantially smooth and uninterrupted root profile thereon, and a plurality of retaining tabs integrally formed on said insert, attaching and resiliently biasing said insert within a U-shaped notch of said drive sprocket.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
The combination of claim 16 wherein a pair of laterally spaced tabs are formed integrally on an underside of said insert, adjacent to each end thereof.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
13 words
The combination of claim 17 wherein each of said tabs is generally V-shaped.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
24 words
The combination of claim 16 wherein only one pair of said tabs are formed integrally on an underside of said insert to extend thereunder.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
16 words
The combination of claim 19 wherein said tabs are disposed intermediate the ends of said insert.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
17 words
The combination of claim 20 further comprising means forming a pair of aligned bores through said tabs.
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) | 1978-11-03 | 1979-05-05 | 1979-11-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-11-03 | 1983-05-05 | 1983-11-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-11-03 | 1987-05-05 | 1987-11-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |