Abstract: A vehicle track system to increase the contact patch of the tires on a vehicle for use in sand, snow, or soft soil is disclosed. The vehicle track system is a quickly installed vulcanized rubber sections draped over the tire and secured with very strong over-center latches. The over center latches are used for closing the wrapped rubber track with some fine threaded adjustment and an over center clamp. Steel pins are used to link the individual track to tread together. The over center clamp is adjustable in length, allowing for fine tuning of the fit of the track on the tire. The vehicle track system works for almost any size tire and provides more width for dual wheels. The vehicle track system is easily installable and provides a large footprint that enables a vehicle to cross terrain.

Abstract: A transformable wheel includes a wheel frame including a plurality of contact portions and a plurality of recessed portions. A plurality of transforming members is provided wherein one side of each transforming member is rotatably coupled to a corresponding one of the recessed portions and an outer surface of each transforming member forming a portion of the wheel frame. A rotating member is provided at one side surface of the wheel frame, and includes a plurality of transformation locking members arranged radially from the central axis of the wheel frame to correspond to the plurality of transforming members, respectively. A driving member is configured to rotate the rotating members by a preset angle about the central axis of the wheel frame.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle is provided with improved traction and mobility via a specially designed wheel apparatus including a relatively rigid wheel structure formed from two circular, coaxial sprocketed wheel plates separated by a central hub. The sprockets on the wheel plates are circumferentially aligned with one another, with axially facing sprocket pairs being received in areas defined between circumferentially adjacent pairs of tread links in a series of tread links, equal in number to the number of sprocket pairs, arranged in a circular array around the periphery of the wheel structure. The sprocket pairs are sized and configured in a manner such that substantial relative axial and circumferential movement between the wheel structure and the tread link array are blocked, with the axially facing sprockets in each sprocket pair being axially and resiliently deflected toward one another by surface portions of their associated tread link area.

Abstract: A car having a rotatable wheel, the car being able to run by rotating the wheel, the car having a leg used by the car for walking, and an attitude stabilization section for stabilizing an attitude of the car.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tire assembly for irrigation systems that prevents the formation of ruts caused by repeated travel along a path by tires of a mobile vehicle or structure. The tire assembly includes dual tires with a flexible belt member wrapped around the outer periphery of the two tires having a plurality of cleat members located on the outer surface of the flexible belt member. The cleat members direct water away from the center of the travel path. The flexible belt member further includes plural center guides to keep the belt in place. The tire assembly reduces soil compaction by providing a greater ground engaging surface area to more evenly distribute the weight of the equipment and by directing water away from the center of the travel path.

Abstract: A heavy duty dual tire assembly (10) for mounting on dual rims (2) is disclosed. The assembly has a pair of tires (14) and a pair of separate removable annular tread belts (12) for mounting over both tires (14) the pair of separate removable annual tread belts (12) bridge the gap between the tires (10) when they are laterally adjacent and coaxially aligned by mounting on a dual rim. In one embodiment there is a separated tread belt spacer (9) that is interposed between tread belts (12) to, in combination with the tread belts, bridge the gap between the tires.

Abstract: Low ground pressure tire chains for skid-steer loaders and other construction machinery. A track (12) for parallel drive wheeled vehicles (10) having spaced apart pairs of wheels (14,16) assembled with a plurality of base units (24) pivotally interconnected in series by opposing links (26), each base unit comprising a pair of opposing side supports (32) with a wedge portion (36) extending towards the opposing side support to wedgingly receive a portion of a tire in a gap between the opposing side support's. A pair of spaced-apart transverse cross members (34) extending between the side supports and define cavities (50) between a leading edge and the wedge portion for receiving fasteners to secure a bottom plate (52) to the base unit. The assembled track mounts around the tires of the loader to provide traction and floatation of the loader during operation in mud or sand.

Abstract: A device constituting a part of a band. The band being intended to be arranged around at least one wheel (2) of a vehicle for cooperation with a bed. The device comprising a grouser (1) intended to extend substantially across the envelope surface of the wheel (2), two members connected to the grouser and arranged at a mutually distance for forming a support for the grouser (1) on each side of the wheel (2). Connection members (4) including at least one opening (5) for receiving a part of a link element (6) fo connecting to devices being adjacent with respect to the longitudinal direction of the band. At least one of the support members (3) and one fo the connection members (4) are arranged in one piece to form a combination element (7). The opening (5) of the combination element (7) endings in a surface which is directed towards the grouser (1).

Abstract: A replaceable tire gripping system for endless track for extending the useful life and operation of an endless track with grouser members. The inventive device includes a grouser bar having a first side and a second side, a pair of side walls attached to opposing ends of the grouser bar, a plurality of openings within the grouser bar, a plurality of grip members positionable within the plurality of openings with a portion exposed through the second side of the grouser bar, and a wear plate attached to the first side of the grouser bar for retaining the grip members within the openings. The openings and the grip members are preferably tapered for allowing the broad end of the grip members to be substantially flush with the first side and the wear plate.

Abstract: An adjustable wheel assembly is provided and includes two pairs of oppositely disposed rim sections. The wheel assembly is normally biased in a circular configuration by a resilient tire disposed over the rim sections. A device for movably mounting the rim sections is employed to move the rims from their circular configuration to an oval configuration. When positioned in the oval configuration the wheel assembly applies maintaining and releasing device to prevent and permit movement of the rim sections between the circular and oval position.

Abstract: A traction device for wheels focusing on irrigation system wheels and the manufacturing process for making the traction device. Multiple traction device segments are joined to encompass a tire/wheel unit of an irrigation system tire/wheel drive system generally about the circumferential perimeter. The traction device segments are engaged by the tire/wheel unit at its circumferential perimeter causing the traction device segments to rotate as the tire/wheel unit rotates. The traction device segments have a surface which is interposed between the tire/wheel unit, at its circumferential perimeter, and the muddy ground of the irrigated field increasing the surface area of contact and decreasing the likelihood of the tire/wheel unit becoming stuck or mired in mud. A square of sheet metal is sheared at the corners along one diagonal with the two shear line forming the skirt edges of skirts. A pad is intermediate the skirts which is press formed with tread forms matching tread patterns of the tire/wheel unit.

Abstract: A vehicle drive includes pneumatic tires mounted on rims and includes a track which is engaged by and cooperates with the tires. Tire-supporting elements on the track position the tires on the track. Also, the tires, on at least the surfaces which come into contact with the tire-supporting elements, have an outer rubber layer which has a high wear resistance and low friction properties and in which 50-100% is butadiene rubber.

Abstract: A ground engaging apparatus in the form of a wheel for a vehicle, comprising a rim (11) and a plurality of ground engaging elements (13) mounted on the rim. Each ground engaging element (13) comprises a hollow body (31) having an inner face (32) in engagement against the rim and an outer face (33) for contacting the ground. The hollow body (31) also has side faces (34) extending between the inner and outer faces. The side faces (34) are constructed to be resiliently flexible for deflection under normal load conditions thereby to provide cushioning for the vehicle. The ground engaging elements are so positioned on the rim that confronting side faces of neighboring elements provide lateral support for each other when deflecting under load.

Abstract: A tire chain which has a plurality of anti-sliding members, each of which is attached to a base plate and a pivot pin. Wing-shaped members are hingeably attached to the bases and the pivot pins are connected by chain links to form an endless linkage.

Abstract: The invention provides a pneumatic tire for mounting on a wheel hub, the tire having a plurality of ground engaging pads disposed around the periphery of the tire. Each pad is capable of at least a limited degree of rotational displacement about a radial axis relative to the tire, so that the tire may turn through the limited rotation relative to any pad which is in ground contact. A means is provided for returning each pad to its undisplaced position when the pad has moved out of contact with the ground.

Abstract: A spherical element is disclosed having an external pivotably mounted bail counterbalance by an internal counterweight where the sphere is operable over plane surfaces and water supporting a variety of counterbalanced instrumentalities upon the bail and maintained upright by the counterweight when the spherical unit is moving, as well as when at rest.

Abstract: An improved support track assembly for both protecting and improving the flotation and mobility of the resilient wheels of a vehicle is disclosed herein that comprises both a manually operable retention assembly for fastening the track into an endless belt around the vehicle wheel, and a track storage reel that conveniently positions the track under the wheel and in alignment therewith prior to installation. The improved support track is formed from a plurality of track members that are pivotally interconnected by means of connector pins, and the retention assembly is formed from a retaining pin having a first end that is transversely insertable into a track member in a connector-pin capturing position, and a second pin formed from a resilient loop of spring steel. When the retaining pin is inserted into a pin-capturing position, the terminus of the loop is resiliently biased in a latching position.

Abstract: An add-on track system for an all-terrain vehicle is disclosed. ATV tires are very soft and flexible, and apt to climb out of a track if the track is not properly located. The invention has a track segment with arms protruding up from the slope-plate of the segment, and the arms converge inwards. The upper ends of the arms locate the segment against the tire side walls, but at a level on the sidewalls where the tire profile is free of the bulging under load which is so marked in ATV tires. The segments have holes through the sole-plate, through which the overhanging parts of the converging arms can be moulded, without movable cores. Retractable cleats occupy these holes, and are forced out when the tire bulges under load.

Abstract: An improved track belt assembly wherein the anchor plates have fastening means which are disposed axially inward of the reinforcing belt structure.

Abstract: A wheeled vehicle flotation augmentation device is disclosed herein having at least elongated segments releasably connected together in a continuous and endless series of track block guides so as to form a circular tread about the periphery of a single wheel of the vehicle. The plurality of track block guides in the series are hingably coupled together and the adjacent ends of each segment of track block guides are joined by releasable pins. Each track block guide includes a flat base having outwardly projecting and spaced apart side horns which are separated by the wheel of the vehicle. The terminating tips of the side horns are rounded to aid in projecting a load bearing track block beyond full tire contact and so provide increased ground contact length or aspect ratio in soft-soil or snow environments.

Abstract: Spaced elastomer ribs cooperating with the outer cylindrical surface of a flexible track belt within the confines of each track shoe site with a sufficient volume of elastomer in each rib will, when a track shoe is attached to the sites, be deformed to increase the stiffness of the belt in the flexing area between adjacent track shoes and improve the resistance to the ingress of dust and the like between the belt and the underside of each track shoe due to the resiliency of the elastomer in the ribs, allowing them to maintain continuous contact with the underside of the track shoe and the cylindrical belt.

Abstract: A vehicle tire with tractive elements for positive engagement with the ground surface is disclosed. The tire carcass has a tread including raised features. Means for positively linking tractive elements positioned radially outwardly of the tread to the raised features of the tread are provided in the form of a flexible but substantially inextensible belt positioned radially outwardly of the tread, and retainer elements positioned radially inwardly of the belt, the tractive elements being positioned radially outwardly of the belt and being releasably attached to the retainer elements for clamping the belt tightly therebetween. Inflation pressure within the carcass expands its crown region to maintain the belt in a taut condition. The retainer elements are sectionally constructed to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the tire.

Abstract: A vehicle tire with tractive elements for positive engagement with the ground surface is disclosed. The tire carcass has a tread including circumferentially spaced raised features. At least one flexible but substantially inextensible belt is positioned radially outwardly of the tread, and a respective plurality of retainer elements are positioned radially inwardly of the belt, the tractive elements being positioned radially outwardly of the belt and being releasably attached to the associated retainer elements for clamping the belt tightly therebetween. Inflation pressure within the carcass expands its crown region to maintain the belt in a taut condition, and at least one element of each set of associated tractive and retainer elements is positively mechanically linked to at least one of the raised features of the tread to limit circumferential displacement of the tractive elements relative to the tread.

Abstract: A flexible paddle wheel structure comprises a pair of axially spaced wheels, having flexible rims, such as, for example, pneumatic tires, with pairs of radially spaced, transverse, flexible members extending between, and attached to, the rims. A flexible membrane extends between the transverse members in each pair to form a flexible paddle. The wheels can tilt relative to each other and the whole structure can be arranged to be lifted and lowered.

Abstract: An improved fastener assembly includes an externally threaded member or bolt having a thread convolution with a relatively long trailing flank surface and a relatively short leading flank surface. An internally threaded member or nut also has a thread convolution with a relatively long trailing flank surface and a relatively short leading flank surface. The nut is grooved to provide an expandable section. When the nut and bolt are tightened, the relatively long trailing flank surfaces of the thread convolutions cause the grooved portion of the nut to expand to completely fill a hole. The opposite end of the nut is contracted to clamp against a thread convolution on the bolt. In one embodiment of the invention, a relatively short leading flank surface of the bolt extends at an acute angle to the relatively short leading flank surface of the nut to provide clearance between the internal and external thread convolutions.

Abstract: A removable track for an annular resilient tire having a plurality of elongated transversely extending traction shoes mounted on a belt at spaced-apart positions along the belt. Each of the shoes has a plurality of raised traction bars at the end portions of the shoes and a central raised traction bar at a central portion of the shoe. The traction bars extend generally in a direction from one end of the shoe to the other end with the end bars being positioned on the shoe at a distance from a side edge less than the distance of the central bar from the side edge to provide a flex area for cleaning of the shoes. The traction bars at the ends of the shoes may include transverse bars to reinforce the ends of the shoes and angular bars at an acute angle to the side edges to provide traction in the lateral direction.

Abstract: A track belt assembly is disclosed which includes an elastomeric belt, a shoe externally mounted on the belt, a keeper member internally mounted on the belt, a threaded bolt, and a removable retaining device which is interlockingly associated with the keeper member for screw threadably receiving the bolt therein and allowing the shoe and keeper member to be drawn clampingly together and tightly to the belt.

Abstract: A removable tread installed as an annular belt about the circumference of a tire carcass. The inner surface of the removable tread belt and the outer surface of the tire carcass have an interengaging pattern to interlock the two. The removable tread belt has a plurality of axially oriented metal bars and an inextensible circumferential belt radially outwardly from the bars. The cross-section of the bars is substantially T-shaped, and the bars are provided with enlarged portions at each end. The ends of the bars extend outwardly to a point at least equal to the widest portion of the tire carcass sidewall. The bars and the inextensible belt are encapsulated in a matrix of rubber, which has a tread pattern on its outer circumferential surface.

Abstract: A removable tread installed as an annular belt about the circumference of a tire carcass. The inner surface of the removable tread belt and the outer surface of the tire carcass have an interengaging pattern to interlock the two. The removable tread belt has a plurality of axially oriented metal bars and an inextensible circumferential belt radially outwardly of the bars. The bars and the inextensible belt are encapsulated in a matrix of rubber. The ends of the bars extend outwardly to a point beyond the widest portion of the tire carcass sidewall. The tread belt has a tread pattern on its outer circumferential surface.

Abstract: An elongated resilient sealing strip for sealing the space between a pair of adjacent articulated traction shoes of a removable track for tires having a flexible belt on which the shoes are mounted. The sealing strip has a base with edge portions located between the shoes and belt. In addition, a rib extends from the base into engagement with the surface of at least one of the shoes. The sealing strip may have an edge portion clamped between one of the shoes and the belt, or an edge portion may be adhered to a surface of one of the traction shoes. The rib may extend from the base at an angle to the belt-engaging surface and having a sealing edge engageable with the surface of one of the shoes.

Abstract: A ground engaging shoe for the cushioned track of an off-highway vehicle that is generally rectangular in shape and includes a V-shaped main grouser that is bounded on the opposite sides thereof by a pair of secondary grousers, each of which has a body portion that is substantially parallel to one of the arms of the main grouser.

Abstract: A pneumatic spacer and cushioning tire assembly, having an armored peripheral track fitted thereto is provided for use on construction and earthworking equipment. The track assembly has a non-uniform cross section tapered belt of elastomer insulated inextensible filaments constrained between anchor plates and traction plates.

Abstract: A pneumatic spacer and cushioning tire assembly is provided with a carcass component and a tread section component. A plurality of anchor plates are molded into the tire carcass in the crown section thereof. The anchor plates are further retained in position on the tire carcass by an elastomer insulated inextensible filament reinforced ply composed of a plurality of inextensible filaments which comprise a portion of the tread section component.The anchor plates are equipped with fastener receiving means which are provided to allow the fastening of traction plates to the anchor plates. Traction plates, once attached firmly to the anchor plates, protect the tire from damage as well as providing increased traction.The complete tire assembly provides an armored resilient ground engaging unit for use on construction equipment.

Abstract: A pneumatic spacer and cushioning tire assembly is provided with a carcass component and a tread section component. A plurality of anchor plates are molded into the tire carcass in the crown section thereof. The anchor plates are further retained in position on the tire carcass by an elastomer insulated inextensible filament reinforced ply composed of a plurality of inextensible filaments which comprise a portion of the tread section component.The anchor plates are equipped with fastener receiving means which are provided to allow the fastening of traction plates to the anchor plates. Traction plates, once attached firmly to the anchor plates, protect the tire from damage as well as providing increased traction.The complete tire assembly provides an armored resilient ground engaging unit for use on construction equipment.

Abstract: A track shoe with staggered grousers includes an elongated rectangular planar body portion with a predetermined leading edge, a trailing edge, a pair of side edges and a flat outer wear surface thereon and having a leading grouser extending integrally outwardly from the wear surface in parallel juxtaposed relation to the leading edge centrally thereof, and with a pair of laterally spaced trailing grousers extending integrally outwardly from the wear surface in parallel juxtaposed relation to the trailing edge and laterally inwardly from the side edges, to cause adhering mud or the like to be released from entrapment between the leading grouser, the trailing grousers and the wear surface of the planar body portion for improved penetration and traction.