Abstract: A resistance to wear, “edge-cutting” or other deterioration of a track for a vehicle and/or other aspects of the track may be enhanced, including by enhancing internal reinforcements (e.g., cores) of the track, such as by providing certain flexibility characteristics to these internal reinforcements of the track, and/or by monitoring the track and controlling the vehicle, notifying a user, etc.

Abstract: A snow vehicle having a combined brake and clutch handle is herein disclosed. Further, the snow vehicle can include a controller for managing operation of the snow vehicle, including shifting and engine management regiments, which can be selected by the operator depending upon operator preferences. Additionally, the snow vehicle can include an engine cooling heat exchanger for cooling liquid which is circulated through the engine.

Abstract: A skid frame for a snowmobile is disclosed including a generally planar skid surface extending between front and rear idler wheels. The front and rear idler wheel are offset from one another and define a longitudinal direction. A track encircles the skid frame having the skid surface positioned over a center of the track such that a major longitudinally extending portion of the track that is coextensive with the skid surface has first and second unsupported lateral portions on either side of the skid surface. The first and second unsupported lateral portions extend in the horizontal direction at least 25 percent of a width of the track. A suspension arm member may mount the skid rail and include mount portions for mounting to a tunnel and spanning a distance at least twice the width of the longitudinal beam.

Abstract: A track assembly mountable to a rotatable rear axle of a vehicle includes a frame, a drive wheel rotationally mounted to the frame and being structured to be attached to the axle of the vehicle, a front idler wheel and a rear idler wheel assemblies mounted to the frame, and a track. The track has an inner surface facing the drive wheel, and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. The outer surface has a plurality of traction lugs distributed along the outer surface. The track includes a plurality of longer transverse reinforcement rods distributed therethrough and a plurality of shorter transverse reinforcement rods distributed therethrough. The shorter transverse reinforcement rods are shorter in length than the longer transverse reinforcement rods. Each of the longer and shorter transverse reinforcement rods is aligned along at least a part of its length with at least one of the traction lugs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surface cleaning robot and a process for manufacturing a track thereof. The surface cleaning robot includes a body, where a walking unit is provided at the bottom of the body, the walking unit includes a track and a gear driving the track, the track includes a hard layer in the inner ring engaging with the gear and a soft layer in the outer ring contacting a cleaning surface, and the hard layer and the soft layer are nested and combined as a whole. The present disclosure adopts a composite track that closely nests and combines inner and outer rings of different materials.

Abstract: In some aspects, an endless track for traction of an off-road vehicle (e.g., an agricultural vehicle, an industrial vehicle, a construction vehicle, or a military vehicle) includes an elastomeric belt-shaped body having an inner surface for facing wheels of the vehicle and a ground-engaging outer surface. The endless track also includes elastomeric lugs, such as drive/guide lugs projecting from the inner surface and/or traction lugs projecting from the ground-engaging outer surface. The elastomeric lug may have a material defining an arrangement of zones of different materials (e.g., different elastomeric materials) to exhibit a desired variation of a material property (e.g., a modulus of elasticity) across the arrangement of zones of different materials. A zone of the elastomeric lug may have a dedicated function, such as a wear indicator zone. An elastomeric drive lug can include an uneven drive surface for engaging a drive member of a drive wheel.

Abstract: A snow traction unit to replace a wheel of an all wheel drive vehicle which includes a frame supporting two carrier wheels; said carrier wheels being spaced apart a distance greater than their combined radii; an endless snow contacting track mounted for rotation on said carrier wheels; a track contacting surface provided between the lower extremities of said carrier wheels; a drive engagement means for engaging the drive shaft of the vehicle and for driving at least one of said carrier wheels; the arrangement of the width of the track, the spacing between the carrier wheels and the track contacting surface resulting in the vehicle having a force imprint less than 250 Kg/square meter.

Abstract: The invention is a conversion kit for converting a conventional two-wheeled vehicle, such as a bicycle or motorcycle, into a tracked vehicle for use on snow, mud and sand. The kit converts the vehicle without major modifications to the vehicle, and the vehicle may be converted back to two-wheeled use easily. The tracked version is powered by the original vehicle drive system, and uses the vehicles braking and suspension system.

Abstract: This invention relates to an endless traction band that is used to propel band laying vehicles [i.e., vehicles which use endless traction bands rather than tires to contact the terrain over which they are driven, e.g., tractors, tanks, bulldozers, etc.]. A novel sprocket wheel having a plurality of radially extending and offset teeth cooperates with an endless traction band having a plurality of holes. Longitudinally consecutive holes define either meshing areas or clip areas. The meshing areas are adapted to be engaged by the sprocket wheel and the clip areas are adapted to support clips.

Abstract: The endless track is made of a reinforced rubber material with longitudinally spaced and transversely disposed stiffeners embedded in the rubber material. The body defines a central band portion and opposite lateral band portions that are located on the sides of the central band portion. The central band portion is delimited from the two lateral band portions by two corresponding suspension bearing portions, each defining a plurality of clipping sites that are adapted to receive a metallic clip. The track is characterized in that the clips that are mounted in an arrangement of mixed clip sequences on each suspension bearing portion. Each [[c lip]] clip sequence comprises one or more successive clipping sites with clips immediately followed by one or two successive clipping sites without a clip. This arrangement of mixed clip sequences lowers the overall noise level generated by the track while rotating. It also lowers the overall weight of the track and the manufacturing costs thereof.

Abstract: A motor driven or pedal powered snow vehicle designed to emulate the steering and balancing characteristics of motorcycles and bicycles. The snow vehicle includes a frame, a swing arm, a track carriage, an endless loop track, a snow compacting ramp, an elongated steering member and a ski. The swing arm pivots upon the frame and angles downward behind the frame. The track circulates a fixed path around the track carriage. The track carriage extends forward from a pivot connection with the rear of the swing arm, and pivots vertically under the swing arm in scissors-fashion. The snow vehicle is suspended upon the track carriage using a single shock absorber and load-distributing bell crank. A snow compacting ramp attached to the track carriage compresses the snow ahead of the track. The steering member is like the front suspension fork of a motorcycle or bicycle, and is connected to the frame so that it rotates about a steering axis. The ski is mounted to the lower portion of the steering member.

Abstract: A novel mountain snowmobile comprises a frame, an engine disposed on the frame, at least one ski disposed on the frame, a seat disposed on the frame, a steering device disposed on the frame forward of the seat that is operatively connected to the at least one ski for steering the snowmobile, and a novel long length drive track disposed below the frame and connected operatively to the engine for propulsion of the snowmobile. The novel drive track comprises an endless body having a ground-engaging outer surface with a central portion flanked by first and second lateral portions, a plurality of longitudinally spaced reinforcing rods disposed in the body along a transverse direction of the body. The rods define a plurality of pitches, and a plurality of profiles project from the outer surface of the body along the plurality of pitches. A plurality of non-profile regions is defined along the plurality of pitches, and the profiles and profile-free regions define a pattern for each pitch.

Abstract: The endless track is made of a reinforced rubber material with longitudinally spaced and transversely disposed stiffeners embedded in the rubber material. The body defines a central band portion and opposite lateral band portions that are located on the sides of the central band portion. The central band portion is delimited from the two lateral band portions by two corresponding suspension bearing portions, each defining a plurality of clipping sites that are adapted to receive a metallic clip. The track is characterized in that the clips that are mounted in an arrangement of mixed clip sequences on each suspension bearing portion. Each clip sequence comprises one or more successive clips immediately followed by one or two successive clipping sites without clip. This arrangement of mixed clip sequences lowers the overall noise level generated by the track while rotating. It also lowers the overall weight of the track and the manufacturing costs thereof.

Abstract: A clip for use on a track of a snowmobile of the type having a suspension system equipped with one or more elongated slide runners, the track consisting of an endless body having an outer face with transverse ground engaging profiles spaced longitudinally thereof and inner surface adapted to receive, on portions of the lower run thereof, a slide runner of the suspension system. The clip has an inner wall and a pair of side walls engaging the body of the track. The inner wall includes a flat face receiving a slide runner thereon during use of the snowmobile. The flat face displays a series of holes whereby snow or ice over which the snowmobile travels, when lodged in these holes during use, provides lubrication for the sliding contact of the slide runner on a clip and cooling of the clip body from heat generated by the frictional contact of the slide runner on the clip.

Abstract: The invention relates to a snowmobile endless track belt of the type having a body made of an elastomeric material, an outer surface for contact with the ground and an inner surface provided with lugs for engagement with the snowmobile driving system and with at least one endless pathway that contacts a corresponding slide rail of the snowmobile suspension. The elastomeric material, in at least the area which is contacted by the slide rail, is composed of rubber and of a lubricating material so that friction generated between the slide rail and a driven belt is greatly reduced by the presence of such lubricating material in the elastomeric material.

Abstract: A clip for use on a track of a snowmobile of the type having a suspension system equipped with one or more elongated slide runners, the track consisting of an endless body having an outer face with transverse ground engaging profiles spaced longitudinally thereof and inner surface adapted to receive, on portions of the lower run thereof, a slide runner of the suspension system. The clip has an inner wall and a pair of side walls engaging the body of the track. The inner wall includes a flat face receiving a slide runner thereon during use of the snowmobile. The flat face displays a series of holes whereby snow or ice over which the snowmobile travels, when lodged in these holes during use, provides lubrication for the sliding contact of the slide runner on a clip and cooling of the clip body from heat generated by the frictional contact of the slide runner on the clip.

Abstract: Metallic clips are provided on the endless track of a snowmobile equipped with one or more elongated slide runners forming part of its suspension system. The clips are formed with a first portion adapted to be slidably and frictionally contacted by the slide runners during rotation of the track and with a second portion extending slightly above profiles integrally formed on the outer surface of the track so that heat generated as a result of the sliding friction of the runners on the clips is transferred directly to the snow or ice over which the snowmobile travels so as to cool the clips.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the provision of metallic clips mounted on the endless track of a snowmobile equipped with one or more elongated slide runners forming part of its suspension system. The clips are so formed that a first portion thereof is slidably and frictionally contacted by the slide runners during rotation of the track with a second portion thereof extending slightly above profiles integrally formed on the outer surface of the track so that the heat generated by the sliding friction of the slide runners on the clips is transferred directly to the ground, such as snow or ice, over which the snowmobile travels.

Abstract: A bearing for use with a snowmobile track is disclosed. The bearing includes an axle surrounded by a sleeve which is free to rotate when the snowmobile track is driven by the machine. The rails of the suspension systems of the snowmobile ride on the rolling surface resulting in reduced friction. The bearing can be used in a clip on the track or can be included in the track itself. A lubricious coating is utilized to reduce friction between the axle and the sleeve or bushing rotating about the axle.

Abstract: Metallic clips are provided on the endless track of a snowmobile equipped with one or more elongated slide runners forming part of its suspension system. The clips are formed with a first portion adapted to be slidably and frictionally contacted by the slide runners during rotation of the track and with a second portion extending slightly above profiles integrally formed on the outer surface of the track so that heat generated as a result of the sliding friction of the runners on the clips is transferred directly to the snow or ice over which the snowmobile travels so as to cool the clips.

Abstract: A drive tower for a self-propelled irrigation system is described which is of the track type. The drive tower includes an elongated frame having opposite ends. A drive pulley is mounted at one end of the frame while a tail pulley is mounted at the other end of the frame. The drive pulley comprises a pair of spaced-apart, disc-shaped plates having spaced-apart rods secured thereto and extending therebetween at the periphery thereof for engagement with the interior surface of the belt. The interior surface of the traction belt is provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart lugs which are received between the rods on the drive wheel. The tail pulley and the idler pulleys have peripheries which receive the lugs on the inner surface of the belt. The exterior surface of the belt is also provided with a plurality of transversely extending traction lugs. The belt is driven by means of a double reduction gear drive.

Abstract: The stamped-metal clip is suitable for use with an endless track belt cooperating with slide rails. The clip comprises a main portion having a hardened bearing surface to be engaged against at least one of the slide rails. The bearing surface has a hardness greater than 35 HRC, preferably between 40 and 60 HRC. The clip further comprises an unhardened fastening portion comprising two curved wings to clamp the main portion to the track belt without rupture. These curved wings have a hardness smaller than the hardness of the bearing surface, preferably smaller than 35 HRC. The hardness of the bearing surface makes it resistant to wear and friction and the smaller hardness of the wings enables the clip to be clamped to the track belt without rupture.

Abstract: A bearing for use with a snowmobile track is disclosed. The bearing includes an axle surrounded by a sleeve which is free to rotate when the snowmobile track is driven by the machine. The rails of the suspension systems of the snowmobile ride on the rolling surface resulting in reduced friction. The bearing can be used in a clip on the track or can be included in the track itself.

Abstract: A snowmobile drive track includes an endless body having a ground engaging outer side on which is displayed, on every three successive crossbar receiving areas, a tread pattern which is repeated over the entire outer side. This profile configuration allows for a reduction of rubber material on the track and, therefore, a reduction of noise produced by the track as it rotates.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improvement in an endless track belt of the type comprising, a body made of an elastomeric material, an outer surface for contact with the ground and an inner surface provided with lugs or openings for engagement with driving system and at least one endless pathway having a sliding surface contacting a corresponding slide rail of a slide rail suspension. This pathway is devoid of lugs or openings for engagement with driving system. The endless sliding surface is provided with a plurality of slide clips that are spaced apart from each other by a segment of the endless sliding surface. This segment is divided in at least a first and a second distinct part. The first part is made of elastomeric material and the second part defines at least one cavity through the body.

Abstract: A snowmobile track comprises an endless belt of reinforced rubber composition and includes on its exterior surface an array of projecting ribs which form traction elements for engaging the snow surface. The ribs have a height of between 11/4 and 2 inches and are angled between 0.degree. and 45.degree. (preferably about 20.degree.) to the transverse direction of the track to provide maximum traction effect in powder snow.

Abstract: A slide rail structure for a snow vehicle includes a main slide rail disposed at the middle of a crawler belt with respect to the width of the crawler belt. A pair of side slide rails are disposed near the opposite side ends, respectively, of the crawler belt. The guide wheels are disposed between the main slide rail and the side slide rails. An appropriate contact load is maintained between the snow vehicle and the snow to thereby enhance the turning ability of the snow vehicle. One or more edges can be provided on a lower surface of the body cover of the snow vehicle. These edges can dig into the snow to compensate for a reduction in the contact force of the affront ski of the snow vehicle with the snow during turning. The front ski of the snow vehicle can be mounted using an elastic, biasing member. This member helps improve timing and responsiveness for turning of the snow vehicle.