Abstract: A track chain has a master link joining together a pair of axis-defining shafts. This master link has a pair of like link parts each mounted on a respective shaft and pivotal about its axis. The link parts have axially confronting inner faces formed with meshing teeth each having an inner flank that faces back toward the respective shaft, that flatly engages the inner flank of the respective tooth of the other link parts, and that forms with the axis of the respective shaft an acute angle. Thus forces urging the shafts radially apart have at these inner flanks have force components urging the parts axially together. No bolts extending axially between the two parts are necessary and the respective track shoe can be bolted to both of the parts of the master link so as to inhibit relative pivoting thereof.

Abstract: A seal assembly for the pivot of a track of a tracklaying vehicle comprises an annular U-section nonmetallic and elastomeric seal and a metallic load ring received in the groove formed between the sides of the seal which bear in turn on a pair of axially confronting flanks of a pair of relatively pivotal members each belonging to a respective track segment. The metallic load ring has a pair of sides each bearing axially against a respective surface of a respective side of the seal and is received between the sides of the seal. This load ring may be of U-section, or may be constituted by a pair of oppositely dished metal washers.

Abstract: A bumper for a suspension of a tracklaying vehicle has a first plate formed with a throughgoing hole through which engages one longitudinal end of a bolt. The other longitudinal end of this bolt is screwed into a second plate that is therefore held at a maximum spacing from the first plate. A helical compression spring having in unstressed condition an overall length greater by a predetermined distance than this maximum spacing is braced in compressed condition between the plates. Two telescoping sleeves, one fixed to each of the plates, coaxially surrounds the rod and have free ends extending past each other. Each of these ends has a respective abutment and these two abutments are spaced apart by a distance substantially equal to the difference between the length of the spring in the compressed and uncompressed condition. Thus should this rod break the two abutments will engage each other and prevent the first plate from being violently ejected.

Abstract: A seal for endless tracks formed of alternating first and second link sides articulated to one another at joints; each joint including a bushing affixed to the first link side and a pin surrounded by the bushing and affixed to the second link side and an annular recess provided in the second link side and surrounding the pin. The seal is formed by a resilient sealing ring received in the recess and surrounding the pin. The sealing ring has a first radial side and a second radial side and is axially compressed by a radial edge face of the bushing and a radial base of the recess. As a result, the first radial side is in engagement with the radial edge face of the bushing and the second radial side is in engagement with the radial base of the recess. The first radial side is concave and defines with the radial edge face of the bushing a sealed chamber. The outer peripheral face of the sealing ring sealingly engages the axial inner wall of the recess.