Abstract: Disclosed is a heavy duty retractable traction intensifyer for adding utility and maximizing performance of agricultural tractors, harvesting combines and the like. The device has a series of aggressive and thin spades, which in fields slice into stronger subsurface layer of soil, thereby increasing drawbar pull and decreasing wheel slip and soil compaction. The series of spades is arranged in groups, each secured to a length of sturdy wire rope which is threaded through a series of tubes, whereby each group can be rotated and thus expeditiously retracted for driving on roads. The series of tubes is the outermost portion of a flexible frame, bolted to an accompanying powered tire-wheel assembly via a spacer. For obtaining a comfortable ride during heavy pulling in fields said frame includes a series of resilient semicircle-shaped loops, formed from flat stock of high-strength spring-like steel, extending radially outward from a circular band forming the innermost portion thereof.

Abstract: There is disclosed a traction enhancing device for a wheeled agricultural tractor, in which a flexible frame comprises a circular band, to which are welded a series of spade holders. The frame is bolted to the rim of the wheel by spacers, so that the frame is in non-contacting relationship with the tire. The spade holders are fabricated from flat stock of high strength spring-like steel, formed into a semicircles, and have outer tubular anchors. These anchors encircle a plurality of wire ropes that lie in mutual end-to-end relationship and described a circle that is concentric with the wheel. A series of spade assemblies are rigidly fastened on the wire ropes. The wire ropes are preloaded, and can be rotated within the anchors so that the spades assemblies alternate between a ground-engaging position and a ground-avoiding position. The spades each include lugs that slice into the strong subsurface layers of the soil, and provide a significant degree of traction improvement as the wheel turns.

Abstract: A lightweight device for obtaining improved performance of rubber tired vehicles. The arrangement has high-strength, thin-gauged traction intensifying means secured to the driving member for a tire, having a smooth or shallow tread, providing improved drawbar performance in fields when said traction intensifying means are engaged and improved traction and riding characteristics on hard grounds and pavements when said traction intensifying means are disengaged; and includes actuating means for rapid and convenient conversion between "steel-drive" for fields and "rubber-drive" for hard surfaces, and vice versa.

Abstract: A lightweight retractable track-wheel for obtaining less soil compaction and improved traction efficiency of rubber tired vehicles. The track-wheel provides high-strength, thin-gauged spade-lugs, rotatably secured to a main frame for providing higher drawbar pull at higher rate of travel speed by utilizing stronger sub-surface layer of soil; and includes an actuator for extending and retracting the traction spade-lugs for expedient and effortless conversion of the track-wheel to allow travel on pavement.

Abstract: A lightweight device for obtaining improved traction efficiency of rubber tired vehicles without adding ballast weight. The device has high-strength, thin-gauged traction intensifying means secured to a driving tire, providing higher drawbar pull at higher rate of travel speed by utilizing stronger sub-surface soil and extended tire life; and includes actuating means, for engaging and disengaging the traction enhancing means for convenient conversion to allow travel on pavement.

Abstract: A lightweight device for obtaining improved traction efficiency of rubber tired vehicles without adding ballast weight. The device has resilient traction intensifying means secured to a driving tire, including auxiliary means for utilizing stronger sub-surface soil, providing higher drawbar pull at a higher rate of travel speed; and means for convenient attachment and removal.

Abstract: Vehicle traction devices for passenger cars and alike including a flexible belt-like traction mat with transverse corrugations on one side and substantially smooth on the other side. In one embodiment, one end of the mat is secured to anchoring means including a flexible anchoring pad and ground gripping element. In another embodiment, the mat is secured to a bridge having cleats for anchoring the device to the ground.In use, the traction mat is first arranged to form a loop relative to the anchoring means. With its corrugations facing a tire and its smooth side facing the ground, the traction mat will easily be drawn under a spinning wheel until that end of it, which is secured to the anchoring means, becomes choked by the anchoring means. The tractive effort then developed causes the anchoring means to become wedged and thus assuring its fixed position, whereby the traction mat is prevented from being propelled away by the driven wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle traction device for passenger cars and alike including a flexible belt-like traction mat with transverse corrugations on one side and substantially smooth on the other side. One end of the mat is pivotally secured to anchoring means including a flexible anchoring pad and ground gripping element.In use, the traction mat is first arranged to form a loop relative to the anchoring means. With its corrugations facing a tire and its smooth side facing the ground the traction mat will easily be drawn under a spinning wheel until that end of it, which is secured to the anchoring means becomes choked by the anchoring means. The tractive effort then developed causes the anchoring means to become wedged and thus assuring its fixed position, whereby the traction mat is prevented from being propelled away by the driven wheel.

Abstract: A winching and traction intensifying device for extricating an immobilized rubber tired vehicle. The device has a traction intensifying portion secured to a driving tire and an anchoring portion connected to the traction intensifying portion. A corresponding non-driving tire secures the anchoring portion through the weight of the vehicle itself to establish a necessary fixed point for the winching device while, simultaneously, the traction intensifying portion is coupled to the driving tire.

Abstract: An anti-wheel spin device for rubber tired vehicles including a pair of mattings or pads of different lengths coupled together to prevent them from propelling against the vehicle by a spinning wheel. A winching accessory is also provided for securing one of the mattings or pads to a wheel to be extricated when the force required to move the vehicle exceeds the tractive force developed between the matting or pad and the wheel.

Abstract: A track-type vehicle comprising novel means for obtaining propulsion, superior maneuverability and improved riding characteristics through four individually-driven sprocket wheels providing power for its track chain assembly. The vehicle is powered by two engines transversely mounted at either end of the vehicle. By controlling the speed and direction of each track chain assembly independently of the other, various turning radii are possible, ranging from a quick pivot to a gradual curve. Each track chain assembly is supported by a plurality of pivotal bogie wheel assemblies. The bogies move in a reciprocal manner and are pivoted at the point of attachment to the vehicle and at the wheel assembly itself. The track chain assembly is automatically adjusted to a suitable tension for a smooth ride and a long wear life of the chain assembly.