US3963278A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Track roller frame and final case mounting
Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
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Filing: 1975-01-23
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Granted: 1976-06-15
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Expires: 1995-01-23
Abstract
Abstract In a track-type vehicle adapted for movement along a longitudinal axis thereof which comprises a track roller frame having a pair of laterally spaced outer and inner rails, a track which moves over said frame and about a sprocket and a final drive within a housing adjacent said sprocket, the improvement of protecting the final drive housing and the sprocket from accumulation of dirt and providing a mounting for the final drive housing. The improvement is accomplished utilizing a structure comprising a guard member secured to a rearward end of said rails to protect and reduce accumulation of dirt on said final drive housing and said sprocket and mounting means for securing said housing to said guard member.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles M. G. Van Wuytswinkel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 12:13
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D55/00; B62D55/08; B62D55/12; B62D55/125; B62D55/13
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
171 words
In track-type vehicle adapted for movement along a longitudinal axis thereof, which comprises a track roller frame having a pair of laterally spaced outer and inner rails, a track which moves over said frame, a sprocket, a sprocket shaft cover and a final drive having a housing, the improvement of mounting the final drive housing while protecting it and the sprocket from accumulation of dirt, comprising: a guard member secured to a rearward end of said rails and including a sleeve extending rearwardly from the rearward end of the inner of said rails and a support secured to said sleeve and to an inner side of said inner rail, said sleeve being axially disposed about said housing to protect and reduce accumulation of dirt on said final drive housing and on said track; and a flange extending from adjacent the periphery of one side of said sleeve inwardly radially secured between said sprocket shaft cover and said final drive housing, said flange serving to secure said housing to said guard member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
171 words
In track-type vehicle adapted for movement along a longitudinal axis thereof, which comprises a track roller frame having a pair of laterally spaced outer and inner rails, a track which moves over said frame, a sprocket, a sprocket shaft cover and a final drive having a housing, the improvement of mounting the final drive housing while protecting it and the sprocket from accumulation of dirt, comprising: a guard member secured to a rearward end of said rails and including a sleeve extending rearwardly from the rearward end of the inner of said rails and a support secured to said sleeve and to an inner side of said inner rail, said sleeve being axially disposed about said housing to protect and reduce accumulation of dirt on said final drive housing and on said track; and a flange extending from adjacent the periphery of one side of said sleeve inwardly radially secured between said sprocket shaft cover and said final drive housing, said flange serving to secure said housing to said guard member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
An improvement as in claim 1, wherein said housing is detachably securable to said flange.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
An improvement as in claim 2, wherein said guard member includes an arcuate sprocket-protecting wall extending from said one side of said sleeve and being secured to a rearward end of said outer rail, said wall including a cut-out portion therethrough which said sprocket passes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
An improvement as in claim 3, including a pair of gussets, each attached to said flange and to said wall to increase the rigidity of said guard member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
An improvement as in claim 4, wherein said vehicle comprises a hydraulic excavator.
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) | 1979-06-15 | 1979-12-15 | 1980-06-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-06-15 | 1983-12-15 | 1984-06-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-06-15 | 1987-12-15 | 1988-06-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |