Abstract: Current invention corresponds to a mobility vehicle that draws its properties from a special kind of a track that can change its rigidity. The track can become rigid on its lower part corresponding to a wheel shape with large diameter or become totally flexible as usual track on upper side for practical use. When rigid, the track correspond to circular wheel and thus plays a role of a wheel in contact with the ground. The upper part of the track remains flexible and allows to use space above a the track for practical reasons. More particularly, the invention relates to a mobile system including variable flexibility track and at least two rollers around which the variable flexibility track is wrapped, wherein the rollers are adapted to change the rigidity and the curvature of the track to adapt its shape to different functionalities as being a wheel or having a part of circular wheel with different curvature or being foldable.

Abstract: A caster of an endless structure is provided which is almost jam-proof even in the case of a bigger gap. The caster includes a first wheel supported on a mounting leg, a second wheel supported by an axle on one end of a suspension arm of which the other end is supported by an axle which also supports the first wheel, and a wrap-around member which is wrapped around the first and second wheels. The wraparound member is formed an endless belt form by connecting independent pieces to each other. The outer peripheral section of each piece is provided with a wider section and when the wraparound member is depressed and warps, the wider section is adapted to touch a wider section of the adjacent piece, thereby preventing further depression.

Abstract: A stud for a crawler pertaining to crawler-type vehicles, especially ski slope grooming vehicles or appliances for tracing cross-country ski runs, the stud having a carrier provided with a portion for mounting an inserted bar, wherein the mounting portion has two parallel legs interconnected by a connecting element arranged on the crawler, and arranged at an angle, at a distance from the bearing surface of the stud; wherein the bar is partially glued and/or welded in the mounting portion.

Abstract: An endless track is composed of a plurality of link sections embodying flexors which interconnect and permit flexure between adjacent links. Connected between confronting ends of the link sections outboard of the flexors are torsional restraint assemblies which include a combination of rigid and elastomeric members which resist forces tending to twist the flexors or tending to bend the flexors into an S-shape while permitting flexure between adjacent links about a normal center of articulation, as when the track passes around a drive sprocket, for example.

Abstract: A stop member limits deflection of the outer end portions of track shoes of endless track assemblies, which support and propel earthmoving vehicles. Track-type earthmoving vehicles which use wide track shoes often experience wear and structural failures within the track assemblies as a result of vertical loading at the outer end portions of the shoes. The vertical loading of the shoes produces twisting and deflection which is transmitted to the other components of the track assembly, such as the links, pins, bushings, and seals. The deflection stop of the present invention is secured to the trailing end of a first shoe and overlaps a portion of the leading end of a second shoe. As a vertical load is applied to the second shoe, the leading end contacts the deflection stop and the load applied to the second shoe is shared with the first shoe and deflection of the second shoe is minimized.

Abstract: A track assembly (11,11a) for a track-type vehicle comprises a plurality of wide low ground pressure track shoes (16) pivotally interconnected by a link assembly (17), disposed intermediate the widths of the track shoes (16). At least one chain (20) further interconnects the track shoes (16) and is disposed on an outboard end thereof. The chain (20) resists torsional loads imposed on the track assembly (11) which would otherwise cause damage to component parts thereof.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US79/00253 Sec. 371 Date Apr. 20, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date Apr. 20, 1979 PCT Filed Apr. 20, 1979 PCT Pub. No. WO80/02269 PCT Pub. Date Oct. 30, 1980.A crawler type vehicle including a main frame (10), a track frame (14), a continuous track (24) having upper and lower runs composed of plural rigid track links (26) mounting track shoes (28) and pivotally interconnected by pins (30) and bushings (42), an idler sprocket (16) on the track frame and a drive sprocket (20) engaging some of the bushings. The invention contemplates the improvement of a flexible belt (46) unattached to but supporting the upper run of the track assembly.

Abstract: A suspension for tracked vehicles includes at least one belt positioned along the inside pathway of the track, engaging the track, moving at the same speed as the track, and supporting the ground engaging portion of the track to provide a resistance to backbending as the track conforms to the terrain.

Abstract: A track chain has a plurality of links pivotally connected together in an endless train and a plurality of shoes connected to the links. A noise reduction device for the track chain has a spring connected to the back sides of adjacent shoes and is of a construction sufficient for applying an elastic resistance to pivotal movement of respective pairs of adjoining links.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing the noise made by circulation of an endless drive chain comprising a plurality of substantially identical links about a drive sprocket and idler is disclosed. According to the invention, a substantial portion of the energy present in pivotal movement of adjacent links with respect to each other, which occurs as the links are received on the drive sprocket and idler, is absorbed and returned to the pivotal movement therebetween which occurs when the links leave their engagement with the drive sprocket and idler. Specific embodiments of the invention particularly suited for use in reducing track noise in a track-type vehicle are described.

Abstract: Traveling support apparatus for supporting welding device or other apparatus for peripheral travel about a pipe. The support apparatus utilizes endless belts disposed around paired wheels at opposite sides of the apparatus to propel the apparatus along a track. The endless belts are pivotally supported for equal pressure engagements with the path along which the support apparatus travels. The support apparatus engages opposite sides of a track in the form of a strip or band spacedly surrounding a pipe to support a frame which is held firmly against movements toward or away from the track so that the supported apparatus is reliably held in position with relation to the pipe.

Abstract: An amusement device comprising a closed loop formed of a plurality of hingedly connected slats connected at facing edges to permit a user to walk along the top of the loop which moves in an opposite direction or to move the vehicle from inside the loop; another aspect resides in a user supporting roller-sled supported to roll over the lower surface of the interior of the loop to permit riding movement of the device down inclined surfaces while another embodiment employs a composite loop consisting of two relatively movable loops joined by a continuous slide bearing with either loop being movable to provide a steering effect.

Abstract: A resilient element is associated with an overlapping portion of a crawler tractor track shoe so that the adjacent shoe initially contacts the resilient element during back-bend flexure prior to the grouser of this same adjacent shoe contacting the overlap portion of the first shoe. The resilient element, by reducing impact velocity, serves to lessen operating noise and prolong shoe life.