Inflatable Means Patents (Class 305/34)
  • Patent number: 11572115
    Abstract: A tread pattern for a vehicle track, such as an endless track for earth-moving equipment, comprises a plurality of blocks. Each block includes two lateral traction portions extending in substantially opposite directions. The two lateral traction portions are longitudinally aligned and each define a pair of walls defining a plurality of steps. In some examples, each lateral traction portion may define an L-shape. For example, the lateral traction portions of each block may define a protrusion to define the “L” shape, and, in some examples, the protrusions may extend in opposite longitudinal directions. In some examples, the lateral traction portions of each block may be the same shape, where one lateral traction portion may be oriented at about 180 degrees relative to the other lateral traction portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: SRJ, Inc.
    Inventor: Woo Young Jee
  • Publication number: 20120225596
    Abstract: A traction cell for use in a track drive of an amphibious or all-terrain vehicle includes a rigid section for connection to a track drive and at least one semi-rigid compliant section which is connected to the rigid section. The semi-rigid compliant section has a bottom surface to which a penetration resistant sole is secured on a rear face which is raked relative to the vertical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: NAVATEK, LTD.
    Inventors: Terrence W. Schmidt, Jeffrey E. Kline, Gary Shimozono
  • Patent number: 7874387
    Abstract: A track extension in combination with a track system comprises a track system having a track frame, wheels mounted to the frame and adapted to allow cyclic movement of a track about the frame, drive means in the frame adapted to transmit a drive of a vehicle to the track to drive the track in a cyclic movement. An extension frame is releasably secured to an end of the track frame. An idler wheelset is mounted to an end of the extension frame. A track is mounted about the track frame and the extension frame such that a footprint of the track is delimited at an end by the engagement of the track with the idler wheelset. A method is provided to increase a footprint of a track system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Jean Després
  • Patent number: 7445299
    Abstract: A band track for a tracked vehicle having enhanced resistance to mines includes a plurality of track pad units disposed on the bearing surface of the track band. The track pad units have extended end walls of sufficient height to distance the vulnerable portion of the band track from the shearing force of an exploding mine. These end walls are sufficiently strong to support the vehicle as it traverses terrain, but are configured to collapse in controlled manner under the force of an exploding mine. Such explosion forces a specifically configured front end wall of a trailing track pad to engage the matingly configured end wall of the leading track pad. The resulting mating juxtaposition of the adjacent end walls forms a relatively continuous physical barrier protecting the vulnerable section of the band track from shrapnel and other entrained ejecta of the explosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: René G. Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 7077065
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to vehicular transportation for humans and freight by roadway and railway. More specifically, this invention relates to a unique combination of a novel roadway wheel and pneumatic tire assembly, incorporating a known automatic inflate-deflate system and a novel lightweight railway wheel; both wheels then coupled and concentrically assembled on a common axle with special provisions for the known automatic inflation and deflation of the pneumatic roadway tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventors: Richard B. Tremblay, James D. Larkin
  • Patent number: 4944353
    Abstract: An agricultural machine comprises a self-propelled chassis (1) and an arrangement for displacement of the working member (9) over the field surface, comprising a hermetic chamber (3) with a port (4), a source (2) of a fluid agent pumped into the chamber (3) under a pressure, and a flexible hose (7) wound onto a drum (5) and internally accommodating a tractive element (8). A section of the tractive element (8) projecting from a free end of the hose (7) mounts an attachment carrying the working member (9) and movably connected with the flexible hose (7). The free end of the hose (7) is passed through the chamber (3), turned inside out and hermetically secured in the port (4) of the chamber (3) so that it forms an annular space (A) communicating with the chamber (3) and by changing its volume under the action of the fluid agent moves the hose (7) over the field, which pushes in front of itself the attachment carrying the working member (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: Trest "Juzhvodoprovod"
    Inventors: Viktor V. Shishkin, Nikolai F. Kryazhevskikh, Jury P. Shapovalov
  • Patent number: 4846092
    Abstract: An amphibious vehicle is comprised of pontoons, a drive system and endless tracks. The endless tracks are comprised of drive chains and hollow drive cleats in the shape of truncated pyramids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Inventor: Paul Wilson
  • Patent number: 4778019
    Abstract: A sealed, air-containing vehicle suspension assembly. The assembly includes an endless track unit trained over a pair of wheel units each supported by the end portion of an axle, a pair of side plates, and a pair of dynamic seal assemblies. The dynamic seal assemblies each include a diaphragm portion with its outer margin secured to outer margins of the track unit and its inner margin carried by support units extending inwardly from the track. The primary seal unit has a tubular cross section and its inner sidewall affixed to the inner diaphragm margin. A part of the primary seal outer sidewall has a smooth sidewall sealing surfaces which engages an inwardly facing surface of its associated end plate along a path generally parallel to the travel path of the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Inventor: William R. Bertelsen
  • Patent number: 4762377
    Abstract: A mattress construction for a pneumatic mattress track system, through which the mattress can withstand higher pulling forces, the transmission between drive wheels and mattress be made more efficient and the whole system made lighter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Inventor: Fredrik K. Burmeister
  • Patent number: 4715668
    Abstract: Pneumatic mattress track system to be used as a construction element in vehicles. A soft air filled mattress formed for instance by mattress bags (5) is automatically rolled out and serves as running surface and means of propulsion. The hull (1) of the system is disposed over the mattress on an air cushion (4) and thus without mechanical friction. The mattress formed for instance by the mattress bags (5) is not air tight and filled once, but it is filled automatically when it runs under the system hull (1) and is kept under constant pressure in the carrying position. The air for the mattress is supplied from the air cushion (4) through inlet orifices (7) provided in the wall of the mattress facing the hull (1). The main area of use is transport in difficult and vulnerable terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1987
    Inventor: Fredrik K. Burmeister
  • Patent number: 4673050
    Abstract: In a crawler-type track, an endless flexible belt is stretched over a stator which includes fluid-receiving pressure-tight cells and is formed with a central fluid collecting tank connected to a revolving pump. The cells of the stator are supplied with pressure fluid via the channels or passages formed in the stator. The belt is radially spaced from the stator so that a gap, formed therebetween, is filled with pressure fluid. The belt is provided with an inner slide layer also formed with fluid-receiving cells. The fluid-containing system is enclosed in a pressure-tight circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1987
    Assignee: Akademie der Deutschen Demokratischen Republik
    Inventor: Christian Zschocke
  • Patent number: 4567957
    Abstract: An endless belt operatively mounted beneath a load carrying backing member has a lower run moving across a generally planar fixed support surface, in frictional contact therewith. The belt may comprise a woven belt with reinforcing threads. A plenum chamber intermediate of the backing member and the fixed support surface includes a thin-flexible film sheet as the bottom element thereof bearing a plurality of small diameter perforations. The plenum chamber being subject to low pressure air creates a frictionless air film between the film and the belt lower run and jacks the load and backing member. The endless belt may be positively driven by a motor carried by the air pallet structure to form a self-powered vehicle and the endless belt may have cleats on the outside as track members. Cleats on the inside of the belt cooperate with paired, elongated rollers bearing similar sized slots on their periphery for positive drive of the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1986
    Assignee: American Industrial Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Raynor A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4530545
    Abstract: A buoyant-wheeled vehicle for operation over difficult terrain utilizing low ground pressure supports combined in a crawler configuration. A plurality of individual air-pressurized, inflatable casing units are interconnected to each other and supported for movement in an endless path of movement to form the air-track crawler on which the vehicle is supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1985
    Inventor: William R. Bertelsen
  • Patent number: 4502736
    Abstract: A relatively low-cost, lightweight vehicle has a traction belt drive system, a force-spreading air bag suspension, and operational efficiency features. The traction belt cooperates with track wheel assemblies on each side of the vehicle to spread the suspension forces and to provide efficient steering ability. Each traction belt can be in the form of a Moebius strip. The air bag suspension uses integral air bags on each side of the vehicle cooperative with plural flaps pivotable on a central keel to spread varying suspension forces and to smooth the ride over a variety of terrains. The vehicle lends itself to efficient relatively low cost manufacturing techniques using standard materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1985
    Assignee: Traction Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Neil M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4429898
    Abstract: An improved suspension assembly for a seismic exploration vehicle having a substantially rigid main frame supported and moved by track assemblies disposed along opposing sides of the frame. The suspension assembly includes two bogies which engage the inner periphery of a track on one side of the vehicle and each of the two bogies is mounted on one end of a bogie arm that is pivotally connected, at the other end of the bogie arm, to a central portion of a walking beam pivotally connected to the vehicle frame. End portions of the walking beam overlay the distal ends of the bogie arms and air bags are mounted between the distal ends of the bogie arms and the ends of the walking beam to bias the bogie arms in a downward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1984
    Assignee: Mertz, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Bedenbender, Marvin C. Cook, Otis A. Johnston
  • Patent number: 4408646
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1983
    Inventor: Robert W. Forsyth
  • Patent number: 4283094
    Abstract: An air track device employing an air cushion principle to reduce ground pressure of a vehicle such as a tandem dual, utilizing an endless belt for operative connection to the tandem dual wheels and maintained at a predetermined internal pressure. The endless belt operates in connection with several embodiments of a tubular edge seal for sealing the interior of the chamber defined by the endless belt and for directing a peripheral air jet against a portion of the underside of the belt to create a proximity and lubricating effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1981
    Inventor: William R. Bertelsen
  • Patent number: 4227748
    Abstract: A continuous track assembly (12) has a frame (16) and a first element (18) pivotally connected to the frame (16). A second element (20) is pivotally connected to the first element (18). Each element (18,20) has a rotatable wheel (22,24) about both of which a track (30) is positioned. The wheel (22) of the first element (18) is rotated by power and driving apparatus (36,44) in an associated work vehicle (10) to drive the track (30). Tension in the track (30) is maintained at a preselected level by apparatus (50) which moves the second element (20) relative to the first element (18) to position the wheels (22,24) against the track (30). The wheels (22,24) are freely pivotally movable as a unit to enable the track assembly (12) to readily adapt to its environment and maximize tractive effort. Maintaining the desired track tension substantially overcomes problems associated with a track which is too loose or tight which can result in slipping or damage to the track assembly (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1980
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Thomas C. Meisel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4203633
    Abstract: A high speed tracked vehicle has a sprocket extending from each side thereof coupled to an engine through which driving power is supplied to each of a pair of driving tracks. The driving tracks are supported on either side of the vehicle hull by an idler wheel and the driving sprocket. A plurality of ground wheels distributes the vehicle weight over that portion of the tracks in contact with the surface underlying the vehicle. The tracks include a plurality of interconnected shoes each of which includes an inner elastomeric insert disposed to contact the idler wheel at the rim. Idler wheel rim and track shoe contact being a source of mechanical vibrations causing internal hull noise, one or more continuous peripheral ridges or crowns are formed on the rims so that the area of contact between the rims and the elastomeric inserts is reduced and the compliance of the system is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1980
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald B. Hare
  • Patent number: 4102292
    Abstract: An amphibious vehicle for travel in water or on land with transversely spaced power driven buoyant drums fore and aft of the vehicle and intermediate buoyant idler drums likewise transversely spaced around which are reeved spaced flexible endless belt traction apparatus formed with buoyant cross tread such as elongated transversely mounted pneumatic tires or gas filled tubes to provide driving traction in the manner of a crawler type tractor. Also, a single steering control and system for directional control of the vehicle in water or on all forms of terrain surfaces is devised and power from a Diesel-Generator system is transmitted to an electric motor to drive the respective buoyant power drums at either the fore or aft end of the vehicle in each respective spaced belt or track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1978
    Inventors: Ralph W. Hunter, deceased, Marcia Hunter McLaulin, administrator
  • Patent number: 4102423
    Abstract: A ground traction device is disclosed which comprises ground engaging members including first and second parts, the parts being mounted for rotation on a fixed axis and being rotationally offset with respect to each other about the axis. The peripheral surface of each part includes three individual areas arranged in the form of an equilateral triangle with ends of adjacent areas being joined by lobe portions. The ground engaging portions are constructed of molded rubber and provide improved traction in soft ground. The properties of the rubber are selected in relation to the weight of a vehicle to be moved so that the ground engaging member rotates about a true rolling radius over hard ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1978
    Assignee: Westland Aircraft Limited
    Inventor: Peter Reid
  • Patent number: 4093318
    Abstract: An endless drive system suitable for use as an endless belt, an endless chain drive or an endless track vehicle drive system. The endless drive system includes endless drive sections, with sloped sides to shed dirt or other foreign objects, and fasten pivotably connecting the endless drive sections. In preferred embodiments, shields are provided to prevent entry of dirt or other foreign objects. As an endless track vehicle drive system, the invention provides improved operation on soft surfaces and increased strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1978
    Inventor: John W. Edwards
  • Patent number: 4056288
    Abstract: An endless track for a track-type vehicle such as a crawler vehicle or the like, including an endless, tire-like, flexible carcass including a fluid receiving chamber that is at least partially collapsible, the chamber being defined by at least two cells arranged in substantially side-by-side orientation and extending about the periphery of the carcass. The cells have substantially equal cross sections and the carcass is provided with irregularities on its interior and exterior surfaces. An endless, flexible, grouser carrying belt is disposed about the exterior surface and secured thereto in interlocked relation by the surface irregularities. A plurality of grousers are located about the periphery of the grouser-carrying belt and are secured thereto and extend outwardly from the exterior surface thereof. An endless, flexible, shield-carrying belt is disposed inwardly of the carcass and is secured thereto on the interior surface of the carcass in interlocked relation by the surface irregularities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1977
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Robert N. Stedman
  • Patent number: 3950038
    Abstract: A combination of a fluid bearing having the capability of lifting large loads off of a smooth surface so that they may be easily moved, with a track device having a transversely ribbed continuous belt, the belt being supported by two rollers. The fluid bearings are so situated on supporting elements within the area of the belt that the pressure from the fluid bearing is directed in a downward direction upon the inner surface of the continuous belt, the belt being free to revolve and thus move the load, once sufficient pressure is applied to lift the load off the inner surface of the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1972
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1976
    Assignee: Aero-Go Engineering & Development Co.
    Inventor: Kenneth G. Wood
  • Patent number: T980006
    Abstract: a track assembly has a continuous track and a tire is provided in contact with the track. A plurality of protrusions extends from one of the track and tire, and openings extend into the other of the track and tire. These protrusions and openings are mateable one within the other. The mating elements can be a multiplicity of configurations.Rotation of the tire by a power source progressively engages protrusions and openings, and the track is driven, as might be employed as drive mechanism for a track-type vehicle. The tire, for example, can be a pneumatic tire, preferably a tire of the beadless type.The flexible properties of the tire eliminates the need for a fixed distance between the track and drive axle and increases the contact area between the tire and track driving elements. Further, noise is reduced in the track system and the tire can provide an air suspension for the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1979
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Richard E. Livesay