Wheel substitutes for land vehicles – Tracks or treads
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-20
2001-11-27
Stormer, Russell D. (Department: 3617)
Wheel substitutes for land vehicles
Tracks or treads
C305S200000, C305S201000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06322173
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to track chain assemblies for a track type work machine, and more particularly to a link of a track chain assembly.
BACKGROUND ART
Track type work machines typically have a sprocket, an idler, and a track chain assembly. During use of the work machine the sprocket rotates and engages the track chain assembly, thereby causing the track chain assembly to rotate around a path defined by the sprocket and the idler. The rotation of the track chain assembly causes the work machine to be propelled over the ground so as to perform various work functions.
Track chain assemblies generally include a pair of parallel chains, with each parallel chain being made up of a series of entrained track links. Track chain assemblies further include a series of bushings and track pins interposed between and connected to the parallel chains. The bushings and the entrained track links cooperate to form a number of track joints which allow the necessary movement of the bushings relative to the track links during use of the track chain assembly, for example, when the track chain assembly rotates about the sprocket and the idler.
Heretofore, the links used in track chain assemblies generally have a pair of apertures defined therein with the apertures being disposed in two different planes, in other words the apertures are off-set from one another. The track chain assembly is constructed so that the track pin disposed in one aperture of the link and the bushing disposed in the other aperture. The off-set design of the link causes several problems. For example, the off-set design creates challenges in distribution and flow of material during the forging process of the link. In particular, having an off-set design requires a larger number of stages in forge dies. In addition, the off-set design increases the complexity of the forge and trim dies. Moreover, machining the off-set links is further complicated by the off-set geometry.
What is needed therefore is a link for a track chain assembly which overcomes one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a link for a track chain assembly of a track type work machine. The track chain assembly includes a body member having (i) a first side, (ii) a second side, (iii) a first aperture defined therethrough, and (iv) a second aperture defined therethrough. The link also includes a first extension member extending outwardly from the first side of the body member. The first extension member has a point P
1
defined thereon. The link also includes a second extension member extending outwardly from the first side of the body member. The second extension member has a point P
2
defined thereon. The link also includes a third extension member extending outwardly from the first side of the body member. The third extension member has a point P
3
defined thereon. The first extension member, the second extension member, and the third extension member are spaced apart from each other. In addition, the point P
1
defined on the first extension member, the point P
2
defined on the second extension member, and the point P
3
defined on the third extension member define a first plane.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a link for a track chain assembly. The link includes a body member having (
1
) a first side, (ii) a second side, (iii) a first aperture defined therethrough, and (iv) a second aperture defined therethrough. The link also includes a first extension member extending outwardly from the first side of the body member. The first extension member has a point P
1
defined thereon. The link also includes a second extension member extending outwardly from the first side of the body member. The second extension member has a point P
2
defined thereon. The link further includes a third extension member extending outwardly from the first side of the body member. The third extension member has a point P
3
defined thereon. The first extension member, the second extension member, and the third extension member are spaced apart from each other. In addition, (ii) the point P
1
defined on the first extension member, the point P
2
defined on the second extension member, and the point P
3
defined on the third extension member define a first plane. The first side of the body member has a first outer surface. The first outer surface has a point P
4
defined thereon, a point P
5
defined thereon, and a point P
6
defined thereon. The point P
4
, the point P
5
, and the point P
6
define a second plane which is in a substantially parallel relationship with the first plane. The second side of the body member has a second outer surface. The second outer surface has a point P
7
defined thereon, a point P
8
defined thereon, and a point P
9
defined thereon, and the point P
7
, the point P
8
, and the point P
9
define a third plane which is in a substantially parallel relationship with the first plane.
In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a link for a track chain assembly of a track type work machine. The link includes a body member having (i) a first side, (ii) a second side, (iii) a first aperture defined therethrough, and (iv) a second aperture defined therethrough. The link also includes a first extension member extending outwardly from the first side of the body member. The first extension member has a point P
1
defined thereon. The link also includes a second extension member extending outwardly from the first side of the body member. The second extension member has a point P
2
defined thereon. The link further includes a third extension member extending outwardly from the first side of the body member. The third extension member has a point P
3
defined thereon. Each of the first extension member, the second extension member, and the third extension member are spaced apart from each other. The point P
1
defined on the first extension member, the point P
2
defined on the second extension member, and the point P
3
defined on the third extension member define a first plane. The second side of the body member has a second outer surface. The second outer surface has a point P
7
defined thereon, a point P
8
defined thereon, and a point P
9
defined thereon. The point P
7
, the point P
8
, and the point P
9
define a third plane which is in a substantially parallel relationship with the first plane. No portion of the body member extends outwardly from the second side so as to traverse the third plane.
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Maguire Roy L.
Robertson Darby R.
Addison Bradford G.
Caterpillar Inc.
Stormer Russell D.
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