Abstract: A track apparatus of the type mountable on a rotatable axle of a vehicle is provided with a frame having excellent rigidity. The frame, which is preferably of unique uni-body construction, includes first and second portions that define a drive wheel receipt well therebetween for receiving the drive wheel of the track apparatus.

Abstract: A tensioning device is provided for maintaining the tension on a continuous flexible track of a track apparatus. The track apparatus includes an idler wheel which engages the flexible track and which is movable between a first non-deflected position and a second deflected position. A dampening mechanism extends between an idler axle which supports the idler wheel and the frame of the track apparatus in order to exert a force on the idler axle to urge the idler wheel towards the non-deflected position. The dampening mechanism progressively increases the force on the idler axle as the idler wheel moves towards the deflected position.

Abstract: A drive wheel is provided for mounting on a rotatable axle of a vehicle for driving a continuous flexible track. The flexible track includes an inner surface having a plurality of lugs and terminating at terminal surfaces. The drive wheel includes a central hub mountable on the axle of the vehicle for rotational movement therewith. First and second side-surfaces extend radially from the central hub and an outer rim interconnects the radial outer edges of the side-surfaces. It is intended that the terminal surfaces of the lugs engage the outer rim of the drive wheel such that the lugs are supported when the flexible track is driven by the drive wheel.

Abstract: A drive wheel engaged with flexible track of track apparatus mountable on a vehicle axle, the drive wheel including a peripheral portion which, between radially-extending drive members, has outwardly-facing lug-engagement surfaces in position for engagement with the distal surfaces of the track lugs, to extend the useful life of flexible track. Preferred embodiments have spaces facilitating removal of debris. Certain preferred lug-engaging surfaces are provided by peripherally-spaced cross-members. The drive wheel is preferably free of side structure, allowing track lugs to adjust precise positions of engagement with lug-engagement surfaces.

Abstract: A guide wheel for a track apparatus is provided. The guide wheel includes a central hub rotatably mounted to a frame of a track apparatus. A first guide wall extends radially from the central hub and terminates at an outer edge. A second guide wall also extends radially from the central hub and terminates at an outer edge. The first and second guide walls define a circumferentially extending channel in the guide wheel. The channel in the guide wheel sequentially receives a plurality of lugs extending from the inner surface of a flexible track of the track apparatus so as to prevent lateral movement of the track.

Abstract: A track apparatus having a frame is provided. The track apparatus is mountable on a rotatable axle of a vehicle and includes a continuous flexible track and a drive wheel mountable to the rotatable axle of the vehicle for rotational movement therewith. The drive wheel drives the flexible track in response to rotation of the axle of the vehicle. The leading and trailing pairs of idler wheels and the pairs of bogie wheels of the track apparatus are mounted on stub axles so as to allow the drive wheel to pass therebetween. This, in turn, allows for the drive wheel to have an increased diameter.

Abstract: A track apparatus is provided for mounting on a rotatable axle of a vehicle. The track apparatus includes a flexible track having an upper length and a ground-engaging lower length. A drive wheel is mountable to the rotatable axle so as to drive the flexible track in response to rotation of the axle. Leading and trailing idler assemblies are attached to the frame. Each idler assembly includes a non-pneumatic idler wheel having a plurality of voids therein. In addition, a bogie assembly is also supported by the frame. The bogie assembly includes a non-pneumatic bogie wheel having a plurality of voids therein. The idler wheels and the bogie wheels have increased dimensional reliability and provide shock absorption and self-cleaning features to the track apparatus.

Abstract: A drive wheel mounted on a rotatable axle of a vehicle is provided for driving a continuous flexible track. The drive wheel includes a central hub mountable on the axle for rotational movement therewith. First and second rim walls extend radially from the central hub and define a circumferentially extending void in the drive wheel. A plurality of circumferentially spaced rollers are rotatably supported in the void for engaging a portion of the track.

Abstract: A mounting device is provided for mounting a drive wheel of a track apparatus to a rotatable axle of the vehicle. The mounting device includes a generally cylindrical sleeve having first and second opposite ends. The cylindrical sleeve includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots therein. An attachment device interconnects the cylindrical sleeve and the axle of the vehicle and also interconnects the cylindrical sleeve and the drive wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus for sharpening a chain saw includes a frame, a file guide carriage having at least one guide bore capable of receiving a file therethrough, and a guide bar attached to the frame. The file guide carriage is mounted with respect to the frame so as to allow for sliding movement along an axis and an elongate opening in the carriage is coincident with the axis. The improvement includes at least one easy-to-remove adjustment screw that has spaced-apart inward and outward bearing surfaces threaded into the elongate opening. A bearing member extends from the guide bar and is interposed between the bearing surfaces. This bearing member includes a first aperture aligned with the axis and having a first diameter that allows for the receiving of the adjustment screw, and a second aperture overlapping the first aperture and having a second diameter greater than the first diameter.

Abstract: A four pivot point track suspension apparatus for a vehicle. The track suspension apparatus includes a frame, a drive wheel, an undercarriage, and a continuous flexible track. The continuous flexible track is engaged by and driven by the drive wheel which is rotatably attached to the vehicle and operably attached to the frame. The undercarriage includes a leading equalizer pivotally mounted to the frame and having leading and trailing idler rollers rotatably attached thereto and a trailing equalizer pivotally mounted to the frame having an intermediate idler roller assembly and trailing idler rollers rotatably attached thereto. The leading equalizer is spring biased against the frame to maintain constant tension on the track and to ensure that all the idler rollers are in constant engagement with the track.

Abstract: A track suspension apparatus for a vehicle having a frame and a continuous flexible track is provided and is turned by a drive wheel operably attached to the frame for engaging and driving the flexible track. Structure is provided for rotatably mounting the drive wheel to the vehicle and an adaptive device is associated with the mounting structure is provided for permitting the mounting structure to be attached directly to a first vehicle at times and, alternatively, to a second vehicle at other times.

Abstract: A track suspension system for a vehicle having a frame and a continuous flexible track. A drive wheel is attached to the frame for engaging and driving the continuous flexible track. A leading idler arm is pivotally attached to the frame on each side thereof and a leading idler wheel is rotatably mounted for engagement with the track. A trailing idler arm is provided on each side of the vehicle and is pivotally attached to the frame and a trailing idler wheel engagement with the track is rotatably mounted to one end of each idler trailing arm. A leading mid-roller assembly engagement with the track is operably attached to the leading idler arm and a trailer mid-roller assembly is in engagement with the track and is attached to the trailing idler arm. A cushioning device interconnects the leading and trailer idler arms for providing shock absorbing function.