US3741331A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Close coupled frame steered all crawler tractor
Assignee: International Motors LLC
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Filing: 1970-08-21
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Granted: 1973-06-26
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Expires: 1990-08-21
Abstract
Abstract Frame-steered, all crawler tractor having articulated frame sections end-to-end, and crawler tracks provided on one section which can be retracted from those confronting crawler tracks in tandem therewith which are provided on the other section. In driving the tractor into a turn I thus afford a retractive endless track, say a rear track which, as I make the turn, takes the inside of the turn, but at all times keeps its distance from the front track at the inside of the turn. There is no interference because the retractive track, in the case of the rear track for instance, does not try to climb up on the front track, and the resulting close-coupled articulated vehicle is not train-like in length.
Inventors
- 👤 J Kowalik
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 10:47
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D55/00; B62D55/06; B62D55/065; B62D55/0655; E; E02; E02F; E02F9/00; E02F9/08; E02F9/0841
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
102 words
In a track frame: a cantilever mounting (165) for a track idler normally carried in a longitudinally protruding position therefrom; an endless track chain (122) disposed in a longitudinal vertical plane and trained at an end over the track idler; hydraulic chain tensioner means for yieldably retracting the idler on its mounting toward said frame, including relief valve means opening to relieve pressure at or above a predetermined hydraulic pressure; and a raise-lower power cylinder (169) for swinging the idler upwardly to insure a compound movement whereby the retracting idler rises in a generally retractive elliptical path keeping the chain tension constant.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
102 words
In a track frame: a cantilever mounting (165) for a track idler normally carried in a longitudinally protruding position therefrom; an endless track chain (122) disposed in a longitudinal vertical plane and trained at an end over the track idler; hydraulic chain tensioner means for yieldably retracting the idler on its mounting toward said frame, including relief valve means opening to relieve pressure at or above a predetermined hydraulic pressure; and a raise-lower power cylinder (169) for swinging the idler upwardly to insure a compound movement whereby the retracting idler rises in a generally retractive elliptical path keeping the chain tension constant.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
106 words
A method of negotiating turns with vehicle body units laterally articulately steered about pivotal connecting means, and with frames having substantially laterally and longitudinally aligned endless crawler tracks individual to the frames, each track having one crawler track end disposed adjacent and in steering interfering relation to the adjacent longitudinally aligned crawler track end on the other unit, said method characterized by the steps of: forcibly longitudinally separating at least one adjacent crawler track end portion of at least one endless crawler track from the adjacent crawler track end; and steering the vehicle with articulation and without interference from the crawler tracks while so forcibly separated.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
106 words
A method of negotiating turns with vehicle body units laterally articulately steered about pivotal connecting means, and with frames having substantially laterally and longitudinally aligned endless crawler tracks individual to the frames, each track having one crawler track end disposed adjacent and in steering interfering relation to the adjacent longitudinally aligned crawler track end on the other unit, said method characterized by the steps of: forcibly longitudinally separating at least one adjacent crawler track end portion of at least one endless crawler track from the adjacent crawler track end; and steering the vehicle with articulation and without interference from the crawler tracks while so forcibly separated.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-06-25 | 1976-12-25 | 1977-06-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-06-25 | 1980-12-25 | 1981-06-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-06-25 | 1984-12-25 | 1985-06-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |