Motor vehicles – Special driving device – Portable track
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-08
2001-10-09
Hurley, Kevin (Department: 3619)
Motor vehicles
Special driving device
Portable track
C180S009460
Reexamination Certificate
active
06298933
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates generally to suspension systems for track-type tractors and other work machines utilizing an equalizer bar which allows for the oscillation of each side track relative to the main frame and, more particularly, to an equalizer bar employing stop assemblies which transfer the load away from the bearing joints associated with the equalizer bar.
BACKGROUND ART
Currently, suspension systems for track-type tractors and other work machines use an equalizer bar design that allows each side track of the tractor to oscillate and pivot relative to the main frame in order to negotiate uneven or irregular terrain. The known equalizer bar designs typically include a spherical bearing joint at each opposite end of the equalizer bar for coupling to the side roller frames of the tractor, the equalizer bar attaching the main frame of the track-type machine to the respective track-type roller frames.
When the left side portion of the equalizer bar contacts the main frame stop, the pivotal motion of the equalizer bar is prohibited and most of the machine load is thereafter directly supported by the left spherical bearing. This can provide undue load and impact on the left bearing. The same is true with respect to the right spherical bearing when the right side portion of the equalizer bar contacts the main frame of the machine.
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect of this invention, a work machine having a main frame, at least one laterally spaced roller frame, and an equalizer bar movably mounted to the main frame for attaching to the at least one roller frame, at least one stop assembly for limiting movement of the equalizer bar relative to the main frame is disclosed. The stop assembly includes a first member attached to the at least one roller frame, and a second member associated with the main frame of the work machine, the second member being positioned and located to engage the first member when the equalizer bar moves a predetermined distance relative to the main frame of the work machine, the first and second members engaging each other prior to the equalizer bar engaging the main frame of the work machine.
In another aspect of the present invention, a method for assembling at least one stop assembly for limiting movement of an equalizer bar relative to a main frame in a work machine, having at least one laterally spaced roller frame and an equalizer bar movably mounted to the main frame for attaching to the at least one roller frame is disclosed. The method includes the steps of attaching a first member to the at least one roller frame, positioning and locating a second member, associated with the main frame of the work machine, to engage the first member when the equalizer bar moves a predetermined distance relative to the main frame of the work machine, and engaging the first and second members with each other prior to the equalizer bar engaging the main frame of the work machine.
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Buchanan Christopher
Caterpillar Inc.
Digirolamo Samuel
Glastetter Calvin E.
Hurley Kevin
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