Patent ID: 8152248
Filing Date: 2012-04-10
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. A track assembly for a vehicle comprising: a) a framework including a drive track, a drive sprocket and a plurality of idler wheels, wherein the drive track is trained to circumferentially rotate in endless fashion about said drive sprocket and idler wheels, wherein a plurality of drive lugs project from an interior surface of said track in laterally displaced parallel columns, wherein said idler wheels are arranged in a plurality of sets, wherein each set comprises a plurality of laterally displaced idler wheels, wherein said idler wheels contact said interior surface intermediate and laterally adjacent the columns of drive lugs; and b) wherein said drive sprocket comprises a hub piece adapted to mount to a supporting vehicle, wherein a plurality of drive teeth are secured to said hub piece, wherein said drive teeth radially project from said hub and span the columns of drive lugs, wherein each of said drive teeth is shaped to include a plurality of drive surfaces that project from a link piece to contact the drive lugs in each of said columns, wherein a recessed channel is defined between the link piece and drive surfaces of each drive tooth, and wherein the idler wheels are vertically interlaced and aligned with the drive surfaces to permit the link pieces to pass over the idler wheels and the idler wheels to pass in the channel between and adjacent the drive surfaces without contacting the drive teeth and drive lugs.