Abstract: A one-piece track comprising, along each opposite edge thereof, regions having an accordion-type structure, which allows these regions to have a variable longitudinal length along each opposite edge of the track according to a movement of the tracked vehicle and to a corresponding inclination of the track.

Abstract: An elastic crawler having a crawler body formed of a rubber elastic material into an endless belt so that rollers rotatively move on right and left side regions on an inner surface of the crawler body is provided with a reinforcement provided extending outwardly in a thickness direction of the crawler body in an area of the crawler body extending at least partially under said right and left ends of each of the rollers. The prevents the elastically bendable side regions from being cracked when either of the side regions of the elastic crawler is bent about an axis that extends in a circumferential direction of the crawler.

Abstract: A drive track is for a wheel train for mobilizing a paving vehicle upon a ground surface, the wheel train including a drive wheel and a bogie wheel. The track includes an endless body disposable about the wheel train and having a driven portion engageable by the drive wheel such that the drive wheel circulates the track about the wheel train. A generally annular rail portion is connected with the drive portion and has a continuous inner circumferential surface contactable with the bogie wheel, such that the bogie wheel rolls along the inner surface, and a continuous outer circumferential surface contactable with the ground surface. The rail portion supports the bogie wheel above the ground surface such that when the track circulates about the wheel train, a distance between the bogie wheel axis and the ground surface remains substantially constant as the bogie wheel rolls along the rail inner surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to endless tracks and systems used to propel track laying vehicles [i.e., vehicles which use endless tracks rather than tires to contact the terrain over which they are driven, e.g., tractors, tanks, bulldozers, etc.] and, more particularly, to an improved rubber track design and system allowing the endless track to be driven more efficiently at highway speeds. The track is made from a polymer adapted to travel over a drive sprocket, a plurality of guide wheels and a tensioning wheel, the track having a first exterior ground engaging surface and a second interior drive sprocket engaging surface, the track comprising: a carcass portion in which reinforcements are embedded into the polymer; a plurality of tread lugs disposed on the first engaging surface; a plurality of drive lugs disposed on the second engaging surface and a plurality of guide horns disposed on the second engaging surface.

Abstract: A core-less rubber crawler has a guide protrusion protruding from an internal surface of a rubber main body in the shape of an endless belt, and the protrusion extends in the lengthwise direction of the rubber main body at the center with respect to the widthwise direction thereof, and ground contacting lugs are provided on the rubber main body characterized in that non-ground contacting areas are formed on the ground contacting lugs correspondingly to a region where the guide protrusion is provided. By the existence of the non-ground contacting area of the ground contacting lugs correspondingly to the place where the guide protrusion is provided, no ground contacting repulsive force is received in the non-ground contacting area. Therefore, it is possible to restrict the shearing force in the vicinity of the basal part of the guide protrusion.

Abstract: An endless track for a recreational vehicle, such as a snowmobile on all-terrain vehicle, is formed of an endless body made of rubber material having a ground engaging side and an inner side, the outer side displaying a series of longitudinally spaced profiles extending along the track; the track is characterized in that the rubber material of one profile has a hardness which is greater than the hardness of the rubber material of one or more of the succeeding profiles.

Abstract: The ground engaging outer side of an endless track of a track-propelled vehicle displays a series of longitudinally spaced profiles which are defined by a central portion and two opposite lateral portions; the rubber material of the lateral portions of the body has a hardness which is greater than the hardness of the rubber material of the central portion of the body.

Abstract: A vehicle track includes an endless belt. A plurality of laterally-elongated propulsive lugs and longitudinally-elongated turning lugs extend outwardly from an outer side of the endless belt. The propulsive lugs provide substantially longitudinally facing surfaces that dig into the snow to give the vehicle track propulsion and braking traction. However, the gripping force of the propulsive lugs impedes the longitudinally-elongated track's ability to pivot about a generally vertical axis as the tracked vehicle turns. The turning lugs include longitudinally-elongated side surfaces that substantially face in the lateral direction of the track. When the tracked vehicle is steered, the turning lugs form laterally-facing ramps that push the track upwardly away from the snow in response to lateral forces exerted by the snow on the turning lugs. The resulting upward track movement partially disengages the propulsion and turning lugs from the snow to enhance the track's steerability.

Abstract: An elastic crawler having a crawler body formed of a rubber elastic material into an endless belt so that rollers rotatively move on right and left side regions in an inner surface of the crawler body is provided with a reinforcement rising in a thickness direction of the crawler body in an area on an outer peripheral surface of the crawler body corresponding to right and left ends of the roller.

Abstract: A track for a vehicle travelling on all terrain, especially those displaying ruts, is formed of an endless longitudinal body displaying a series of longitudinally spaced drive lugs on its inner surface and a series of longitudinally spaced profiles on its outer surface. Each profile displays a height decreasing in value from the center of the body to the outer edge thereof. The body is formed of flexible rubber material and is free of conventional transversally extending reinforcing embedded rods thus providing reduced transverse rigidity to the body and allowing the body to curvingly flex when engage in ruts.

Abstract: A track for a tracked vehicle, consisting of a track substrate. Terrain lugs are distributed about the circumference the track substrate on its outer surface. Drive profiles, each consisting of at least one drive lug arranged across the width of the track substrate, are distributed about the circumference of the track substrate on its inner surface. The drive profiles may consist of at least two drive lugs spaced apart across the width of the track substrate. Projections are distributed on the inner surface of the track substrate, arranged so as to engage a wheel in a track system that includes the track. The projections are disposed circumferentially between two drive profiles, and may also be disposed laterally between two drive lugs. The projections have a height such that the noise generated when the track moves in a track system is less than the noise generated when a track without such projections moves in a track system. A noise reduction of at least 6 to 8 dB is achievable.

Abstract: A track assembly for moving a vehicle which includes a track having lugs including both drive and guide portions on its inner surface. The guide portions substantially abut against the track rollers of the assembly. Such abutment maintains alignment of the track between those rollers so as to prevent it from moving from side to side and interfering with feeding of the drive portions onto the assembly drive sprocket. Further, the guide portions grab against the drive sprocket to maintain contact of the drive portions therewith. Each of the above functions permits uninterrupted movement of the vehicle since the track is enabled to move in a continued path.

Abstract: This invention relates to an endless traction band that is used to propel snowmobiles and more particularly, to an improved ground-engaging side of the traction band, which helps reduce the noise and vibration levels during the operation of the snowmobile. The various protruding lug configurations defines a predetermined number of different lug profiles, from which the sequence of profiles on the endless band are generated in such a way so that every sequence of profiles is different from one another.

Abstract: This invention relates to the guide lugs of reinforced elastomeric endless traction bands, which are used on heavy vehicles like defence vehicles. More specifically, the invention relates to guide lugs which are partly nested into each other around the curved portion of the traction band in order to minimize de-tracking occurrences.

Abstract: This invention refers to the traction lugs of reinforced elastomeric endless traction bands, and more particularly to those which are used on heavy vehicles like defense vehicles or for skid steer vehicles. More specifically, the invention relates to traction lugs which are angled with respect to the transversal axis of the traction band and preferably disposed in chevrons, which optimize the band's traction while reducing the occurrences of teeth skipping and the level of vibrations and noise induced by the interaction of the traction band with the sprocket.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endless vehicular rubber track designed for extreme cold temperature working environment. The invention particularly relates to such track having a combination of tread, supporting carcass and guide lug components of rubber compositions intended for such purpose.

Abstract: This invention relates to an endless traction band that is used to propel tracked vehicles and, more particularly, to an improved traction band made from a polymer adapted to travel over a drive sprocket, a plurality of guide wheels and a tension wheel. The inner surface of the endless traction band includes a different lug configuration which allows for the endless traction band to be installed more efficiently on a tracked vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a two part endless vehicular rubber track comprised of a polyurethane based tread component and a rubber carcass component. In one aspect, the tread component may be comprised of a sulfur curable polyurethane or blend of sulfur curable polyurethane and sulfur curable elastomer. The invention includes a vehicle containing such track.

Abstract: This invention relates to annular or endless elastomeric track 10 for use in vehicles for civil engineering, construction works and agricultural works. The track 10 has a thin belt 20 which includes a primary table 59 made of corrosion resistant galvanized steel. The track 10 further has a plurality of spaced rubber traction tread lugs 30, on the outer surface oriented generally inclined, transverse or substantially perpendicular to the circumferential direction and guide lugs 32 on the internal surface 31.

Abstract: A screw-in stud has a self-tapping thread on a shank, and a head portion that has a cone shaped protrusion that will extend outwardly from a lug of an off road tire or a snowmobile track in which the screw is threaded. The cone shaped protrusion has a carbide pin at the outer end that is sharpened for increasing traction.

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: The endless track is made of a reinforced rubber material with longitudinally spaced and transversely disposed ridges or lugs. It is particularly well-adapted for recreational snowmobiles having a single track. The ground-engaging side of the track features a tread pattern that is repeated uniformly or not over the entire length of the track. The tread pattern comprises a plurality of projecting traction lugs each having an upper edge. The internal side of the track features a plurality of protuberances called drive lugs which engage in the sprockets. These sprockets are driven by the snowmobile engine and transmit its power to the endless track. The braking power is also transmitted by the sprockets to the track. It is characterized in that the drive lugs have a pitch distance half of the pitch distance of the tread pattern therefore doubling the number of lugs engaged in the sprocket. Such tracks reduce noise and rolling resistance.

Abstract: This invention relates to an endless traction band that is used to propel snowmobiles and more particularly, to an improved ground-engaging side of the traction band, which helps reduce the noise and vibration levels during the operation of the snowmobile. The various protruding lug configurations defines a predetermined number of different lug profiles, from which the sequence of profiles on the endless band are generated in such a way so that every sequence of profiles is different from one another.

Abstract: A vehicle track includes an endless belt. A plurality of laterally-elongated propulsive lugs and longitudinally-elongated turning lugs extend outwardly from an outer side of the endless belt. The propulsive lugs provide substantially longitudinally facing surfaces that dig into the snow to give the vehicle track propulsion and braking traction. However, the gripping force of the propulsive lugs impedes the longitudinally-elongated track's ability to pivot about a generally vertical axis as the tracked vehicle turns. The turning lugs include longitudinally-elongated side surfaces that substantially face in the lateral direction of the track. When the tracked vehicle is steered, the turning lugs form laterally-facing ramps that push the track upwardly away from the snow in response to lateral forces exerted by the snow on the turning lugs. The resulting upward track movement partially disengages the propulsion and turning lugs from the snow to enhance the track's steerability.

Abstract: The endless track is made of a reinforced rubber material with longitudinally spaced and transversely disposed ridges or lugs. It is particularly well-adapted for recreational snowmobiles having a single track. The, ground-engaging side of the track features a tread pattern that is repeated uniformly or not over the entire length of the track. The tread pattern comprises a plurality of projecting traction lugs each an upper edge having which together delimit the general outline of a cross-sectional transversal traction lug profile when viewed along a longitudinal direction. The track is characterized in that the traction lug profile comprises a substantially flat central or interior section and two opposite exterior or lateral sections located on the sides of the interior section and that taper toward the exterior. Such track facilitates the steering capabilities of a snowmobile, particularly when the snowmobile is traveling on hard and abrasive surfaces. It also improves the durability of the track.

Abstract: The endless track is made of a reinforced rubber material with longitudinally spaced and transversely disposed ridges or lugs. It is particularly well-adapted for recreational snowmobiles having a single track. The ground-engaging side of the track features a tread pattern that is repeated uniformly or not over the entire length of the track. The tread pattern comprises a plurality of projecting traction lugs each having an upper edge. The internal side of the track features a plurality of protuberances called drive lugs which engage in the sprockets. These sprockets are driven by the snowmobile engine and transmit its power to the endless track. The braking power is also transmitted by the sprockets to the track. It is characterized in that the drive lugs have a pitch distance half of the pitch distance of the tread pattern therefore doubling the number of lugs engaged in the sprocket. Such tracks reduce noise and rolling resistance.

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: A rubber track T has a plurality of guide lugs 50 arranged in two rows, one row being on each lateral edge. The guide lugs 50 of the first row are circumferentially offset from the guide lugs 50 of the second row. The track T is molded on an axially separating mold core D that is designed to form the radially inner guide lugs 50 without requiring a radially collapsible core.

Abstract: In a resilient crawler of this invention, sufficient flexibility at the portion between the lugs is obtained and such problems as separation of rubber are prevented while improving riding comfort by reducing the difference in rigidity between the portion where the lug is formed and the portion between the lugs, and improving lateral rigidity to assure the tractive force. Therefore, a resilient crawler of the present invention comprises a crawler body formed of a resilient material in the shape of an endless belt and having a multiplicity of lugs projecting from the outer peripheral surface at intervals longitudinally along the crawler body; and a multiplicity of linear lateral reinforcing members disposed in the crawler body so as to extend laterally thereof and be arranged longitudinally therealong.

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: 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: A track for a snow vehicle is described herein. The track is provided with a lug arrangement defined by two different rows of lugs that together define a generally smooth convex profile. The lugs of the first and second rows are staggered, thereby allowing an adequate traction even when the vehicle is severely tilted, without defining a ski-like outer profile that could cause the snow vehicle to slide sideways.

Abstract: A control system for controlling mobile robots provides a way to control mobile robots, connected in tandem with coupling devices, to navigate across difficult terrain or in closed spaces. The mobile robots can be controlled cooperatively as a coupled system in linked mode or controlled individually as separate robots.

Abstract: A rubber crawler belt having a pattern of a lug provided on an outer circumferential side of a rubber belt has a central lug portion provided to continuously extend around a center portion in a width direction of the outer circumference of the rubber belt, in a waveform, and a plurality of branch lug portions each having a predetermined width and provided from the central lug portion toward left and right end portions of the rubber belt to be away therefrom diagonally in a circumferential direction, and an interval between the branched lug portions adjacent to each other being the same as an interval between drive protrusions, in the circumferential direction of the rubber belt.

Abstract: The present invention provides an elastic crawler having an improved flexing properties in which arrangement of lugs are improved so as to prevent deterioration of the flexing properties due to rigidity of a crawler body increased by providing lugs. The crawler includes a crawler body 2, a plurality of core members 3 having right and left wings 3R, 3L, respectively, and provided in the crawler body laterally with respect to the crawler and in parallel to each other with a space therebetween in the longitudinal direction of the crawler, and a plurality of right and left lugs including small lugs provided correspondingly to one of the wings 3R or 3L and large lugs provided correspondingly to two of the wings 3R or 3L adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the crawler.

Abstract: This present invention provides a novel form of endless drive track for snow vehicles and the like, comprising: an endless underlying drive support belt with a flat inner surface with lateral edges having a drive mechanism thereon. An outer surface comprising a plurality of tread blocks moulded transversely to the endless underlying drive support belt, the tread blocks having a greater length than the width of the endless underlying drive support belt. The tread blocks have inward angles extending outward from the lateral edges of the endless underlying drive support belt. The lower portion of the tread blocks has a solid base extending upwardly to a point where the tread blocks have a plurality of slots. The slots are strategically located in the tread blocks to cause a staggered pattern of tread sections with adjacent blocks.

Abstract: An endless belt for use with a heavy duty track vehicle comprises a body made of polymeric material wherein a series of longitudinally spaced guide members are integrally formed to the inner surface thereof while two rows of longitudinally spaced tread members are integrally formed to the outer surface thereof. Each tread member in each row has an outer edge area adjacent the outer edge of the body and an inner edge area terminating substantially at mid-section of the body. Each tread member of the first row is longitudinally offset relative to an adjacent tread member of the second row. Each inner edge area of the tread members is in vertical alignment with a corresponding one of the guide members of the inner surface of the body. Also, the pitch defined by two successive guide members differs in value from other pitches along the outer surfaces of the belt. This particular geometry of tread members and drive members is such as to reduce slitting damages to the track when driven as well as vibration.

Abstract: The endless track is made of a reinforced rubber material with longitudinally spaced and transversely disposed ridges or lugs. It is particularly well-adapted for recreational snowmobiles having a single track. The ground-engaging side of the track features a tread pattern that is repeated uniformly or not over the entire length of the track. The tread pattern comprises a plurality of projecting traction lugs each an upper edge having which together delimit the general outline of a cross-sectional transversal traction lug profile when viewed along a longitudinal direction. The track is characterized in that the traction lug profile comprises a substantially flat central or interior section and two opposite exterior or lateral sections located on the sides of the interior section and that taper toward the exterior. Such track facilitates the steering capabilities of a snowmobile, particularly when the snowmobile is travelling on hard and abrasive surfaces. It also improves the durability of the track.

Abstract: This invention relates to an annular elastic track 10 for use in vehicles for civil engineering, construction works and agricultural works. The track 10 has a plurality of spaced rubber tread lugs 30, each having a first lateral end portion 30B, a middle portion 30M and a second lateral end portion 30C, each portion 30B, 30M and 30C being oriented perpendicular to the circumferential direction wherein the middle portion 30M is projected forward relative to the lateral end portions 30B and 30C.

Abstract: A rubber crawler belt with preferable riding quality without the fear of breakage is provided. For this purpose, a pattern of a lug (4) provided on an outer circumferential side of a rubber belt (2) has a central lug portion (5) provided to continuously extend around a center portion in a width direction of the outer circumference of the rubber belt (2), in a waveform, and a plurality of branch lug portions (6) each having a predetermined width and provided from said central lug portion (5) toward left and right end portions of the rubber belt (2) to be away therefrom diagonally in a circumferential direction, and an interval between the branched lug portions (6) adjacent to each other being the same as an interval between the drive protrusions (3), in the circumferential direction of the rubber belt (2).

Abstract: The present invention provides an elastic crawler having an improved flexing properties in which arrangement of lugs are improved so as to prevent deterioration of the flexing properties due to rigidity of a crawler body increased by providing lugs.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endless vehicular rubber track. The invention particularly relates to such track having a ground-contacting tread component of a rubber composition.

Abstract: A one-piece stud mount for mounting a traction stud on a reinforcing rod adapted to be embedded in a yieldable drive track. The stud mount includes an elongated, stud receiving receptacle having a threaded opening therein for threadedly receiving a traction stud and a transversely disposed head defining an aperture which has a shape complemental to the shape of the rod for slidably receiving the rod prior to the molding of the track. The invention contemplates a method of manufacturing the stud mount and mounting the stud mount on a track reinforcing bar. The invention also contemplates a method of manufacturing a track in which the stud mount is embedded after being mounted on a reinforcing rod which is also embedded in the track.

Abstract: A traction stud and method of making and mounting a one-piece traction stud having a mounting end, a ground engaging end and an intermediate section therebetween which has an outer surface that flares radially outwardly in an axially outward direction to provide a self locking surface for detachably locking the stud to a snowmobile track. A stud mount is provided for mounting the stud on a snowmobile track including a threaded cylinder for threadedly receiving the threaded mounting end of the stud and a skirt, which radially outwardly flares in axially outer direction, to provide an internal self locking bearing surface against which the tapered surface on the traction stud bears to detachably lock the stud to the drive track. The stud mount is embedded in the track and may include a hollow transverse mounting head which is disposed on a reinforcing bar that is embedded in the track.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle produces a pressure no more than 3 psi on the ground by increasing the number of contact points on the inner surface of the track. The stiffness of the track is also selected to minimize bowing between the idler wheels or rollers. The track is therefore kept substantially straight between the rollers so increase the efficiency associated with transferring power to track. The drive sprocket is positioned above the ground so as to eliminate complexity in the design and yet effectively transmit power to the tracks. Positioning the drive sprocket above ground also prevents derailing of the track. The track is also held in a constant state of tension on the driver sprocket and the roller. This too prevents derailment. The undercarriage of the vehicle includes torsion axles and sealed bearings to provide for a lower maintenance track. Components associated with the undercarriage do not require constant greasing and cleaning of the idler wheels.

Abstract: An endless belt for use with a heavy duty track vehicle comprises a body made of polymeric material wherein a series of longitudinally spaced guide members are integrally formed to the inner surface thereof while two rows of longitudinally spaced tread members are integrally formed to the outer surface thereof. Each tread member in each row has an outer edge area adjacent the outer edge of the body and an inner edge area terminating substantially at mid-section of the body. Each tread member of the first row is longitudinally offset relative to an adjacent tread member of the second row. Each inner edge area of the tread members is in vertical alignment with a corresponding one of the guide members of the inner surface of the body. This particular geometry of tread members and drive members is such as to reduce slitting damages to the track when driven.

Abstract: In a conventional rubber track of the type supported and driven by wheels mounted on a vehicle, the terrain-contacting lugs are modified specially for use on high speed multi-terrain vehicles to increase energy efficiency of track operation. The thickness of each terrain-contacting lug is only tapered outboard of the central portion of the basic carcass/belt that is in direct contact with the rubber-tired supporting wheels so that, when traversing flat and hard terrain (e.g., when on pavement), these tapered portions are substantially out of contact with the terrain, thereby reducing the frictional drag of the lugs. However, as the terrain softens, the contact between these same tapered portions and the terrain increases to provide additional traction when traversing uneven, wet, or snow-covered surfaces.

Abstract: A submersible self-propelled pool or tank cleaner that includes a pair of moving driven endless belts or drive tracks is provided with moving side-projecting elements that extend from either the moving drive track or the drive wheels, or both, in order to contact the side wall of the pool and other projecting structural elements in the pool, to thereby prevent the stationary structural elements of the pool cleaner from being damaged by scraping the side of the pool and to prevent the hard plastic of the cleaner housing from damaging light-weight swimming pool liners. The drive track or belt is provided with raised transverse rib members that terminate in a tip that projects beyond the edge of the belt and extends beyond the projected line of structural elements along the side of the pool cleaner.

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.