Abstract:
A triangular continuous track device is disclosed for direct replacement of a conventional tire and wheel combination found commonly on cars, trucks and other vehicles. A hub on the device is provided for direct bolt onto vehicles with a standard wheel bolt pattern. A track tensioning feature allows the track to be installed or repaired without removing the device from the vehicle. Grooves on the wheels are provided that engage with ribs on the inside of the track to efficiently transfer power from a power wheel in direct communication with the vehicle&#39;s axle to the two bottom idle wheels. The two idle wheels are centered under the power wheel and are held in ground contact by the weight of the vehicle. Other features as shown and disclosed are also provided.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to motor vehicle wheels, and more particularly, to a continuous track wheel replacement for a conventional wheel and tire. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Several designs for continuous track vehicles have been designed in the past. None of them, however, includes a gravity stabilized track system with temporarily affixable stabilization arms to keep the device centered below a vehicle and that can be stowed when not needed, a bumper wheel to prevent damage when the track bottoms out under extreme use conditions and an easily tensionable continuous track that can also be replaced without removal of the entire device from the vehicle during service. 
         [0005]    Applicant believes that the closest reference corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,273 issued to Barbieri. However, it differs from the present invention because the Barbieri device lacks a means to effectively stabilize the tracks against the ground. Further, the present invention distinguishes itself from the prior art by providing a mechanical means to tension the continuous track while the device remains attached to the vehicle. This tension adjustability feature also allows the tension of the continuous track to be adjusted during a brief stop to accommodate changing ground conditions and to remove play from a worn or heated continuous track. The tension adjuster also permits replacement of the continuous track without removing the entire device from the vehicle also saving time and effort. 
         [0006]    Other patents describing the closest subject matter provide for a number of more or less complicated features that fail to solve the problem in an efficient and economical way. None of these patents suggest the novel features of the present invention. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    It is one of the main objects of the present invention to provide a direct replacement alternative to tire and wheel drive train systems for motorized vehicles that bolts onto a vehicle axle without modification to the vehicle. 
         [0008]    It is another object of this invention to provide an off road or inclement weather vehicle traction system that can be installed and maintained by a single person with basic, commonly available tools and equipment. 
         [0009]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide a triangle track wheel that permits the continuous track to be re-tensioned by a single person in a comparably short amount of down time. 
         [0010]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a device with minimal moving parts resulting in few points of potential failure. 
         [0011]    It is yet another object of this invention to provide such a device that is inexpensive to manufacture and maintain while retaining its effectiveness. 
         [0012]    Further objects of the invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein the detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    With the above and other related objects in view, the invention consists in the details of construction and combination of parts as will be more fully understood from the following description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  represents an elevation view of a pair of the devices, one each mounted to the front and rear axles of a vehicle. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the inside (vehicle side) of an example of the device. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of the outside of a variation of the device as it may be assembled with a protective cover. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a representation of a perspective view of the outside of an embodiment of the device as it may be assembled without a protective cover thus showing in more detail the several components. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a frame assembly. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an isolated track assembly. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is an elevational cross section view showing the device without the track assembly or the cover assembly. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0021]    Referring now to the drawings, where the present invention is generally referred to with numeral  10 , it can be observed that it basically includes a track assembly  26  and a frame assembly  15  that are further comprised of a power wheel  12 , an idle wheel  14 , an idle wheel  16 , a frame  18 , a hub  20 , a bearing  22  and bearing  24 , a handle  28 , an arch  30 , a handle  32 , apertures  33 , a fastener  34 , a fastener  36 , braces  38 , hinges  39 , brackets  40 , a cover  41 , an arch  42 , a fastener  43 , a post  44 , a post  46 , a post  48 , ribs  50 , grooves  52 , a track  54 , treads  56 , an axle  58 , an axle  60 , an axle  62 , a rim  63 , carriage  64 , a channel  65 , a retainer  66 , a rim  67 , a track  68 , a bearing  69 , a head  70 , a bracket  72 , a rod  74  and a bumper  76 . Vehicle  11  and wheel well  13  are not part of the claimed invention and are shown for contextual purposes. 
         [0022]    Referring now to  FIG. 1  where a triangle track vehicle wheel (sometimes referred to as the device or the invention) is mounted to the front axle of a vehicle  11  and another is mounted to the rear axle of the same vehicle  11 . It can now be readily understood that generally the device is a direct replacement for the ubiquitous rubber tire and metal rim combination found on most production cars, trucks and other vehicles made today. 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is useful in that it demonstrates the brace  38  that may be utilized to stabilize the device and to ensure that the bottom, ground contacting edge of the track  54  remains in contact with the ground while the device is in motion. Generally, a pair of braces  30  are available on each device although it may be effective for some applications to have a single brace  38  or no brace  38  at all. 
         [0024]    A hinge  39  is provided at one end of the brace  38  to allow the brace  38  to be folded and secured against the cover  41  when not in use or during transport or repair. At the opposite end of each brace  38  is a bracket  40 . The bracket  40  attaches to the vehicle  11  at wheel well  13  to provide optional support to the device ensuring that the track  54  remains in ground contact directly under the axle of the vehicle  11 . 
         [0025]    In some situations it may be necessary to use the brace  38  on the front steering axle of the vehicle  11 . The braces  38  may restrict steering to some degree and thus might only be used safely at low speeds and for limited distances. However, with the braces  38  folded against the cover  41  the normal steering and suspension of the vehicle is regained and normal operations can resume. 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIG. 2  where the device is shown removed from the vehicle  11  exposing the inside of the device. Generally, all components of the device are held into place relative to the frame assembly  15 . The power wheel  12  generally forms the apex of the triangle shape of the device. Idle wheel  16  and idle wheel  14  form the base of the triangle. The track assembly  26  wraps around the power wheel  12 , idle wheel  14  and idle wheel  16 . 
         [0027]    The power wheel  12  is directly connected to the hub  20  such that when the hub  20  makes one revolution the power wheel  12  makes exactly one revolution. An axle  58  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) transverses the frame  18  through the bearing  69  that decreases the rotary friction as the power wheel  12  turns and supports the power wheel  12 . Preferably, bearing  69  is sealed to keep out debris and moisture and is also replaceable when it becomes overly worn. Bearing  69  may be further characterized as being a ball bearing assembly, roller bearing assembly or other bearing assembly that may be known in the state of the art. 
         [0028]    Most civilian vehicles are powered by a motor that delivers rotational power through a transmission and differential to an axle which is in turn connected to a rubber tire and wheel combination. The present invention replaces the rubber tire and wheel combination. The invention directly connects to the axle of the vehicle by means of the same lugs that hold the tire and wheel to the axle. Hub  20  is provided with apertures  33  that match the lug pattern of the standard wheel and tire combination that it replaces. Therefore, the invention can directly replace the standard wheel and tire without modification of the vehicle  11 . In most applications the lug nuts used to fasten the standard wheel and tire to the axle may be used to fasten the hub  20  to the axle of the vehicle  11 . 
         [0029]    Various lug patterns of the apertures  33  may be utilized depending on the make and model of the vehicle to which the invention is to be attached so that the apertures  33  line up directly with the corresponding wheel attachment bolts at the terminus of the vehicle&#39;s axle. In an alternate variation the apertures  33  may be in a predetermined pattern and an adapter plate may be provided that on one end has a lug pattern that matches a specific make and model of vehicle and on the other end matches the pattern of apertures  33  on the hub  20 . 
         [0030]    Bearing  22  permits the idle wheel  14  to freely rotate relative to the frame  18  and track truly. Preferably the bearing  22  is sealed to keep out moisture and other foreign objects that could damage or corrode the bearing  22 . Bearing  22  may employ ball bearings, roller bearings or other suitable bearing that may be available in the art. 
         [0031]    The track assembly  26  is provided that performs the role of transferring the rotational energy from the vehicle, through the power wheel and around the idle wheel  14  and idle wheel  16 . The track assembly  26  has on the outside edge a series of treads  56  that are formed perpendicular to the length of the track assembly  26 . On the inside of the track assembly  26  are a series of ribs  50 . The ribs  50  mate with the grooves  52  around the idle wheel  14 , idle wheel  16  and similar grooves on the power wheel  12 . The grooves  52  and ribs  50  work in combination to prevent the track assembly  26  from slipping against the power wheel  12  and idle wheels  14  &amp;  16  thereby applying the maximum torque from the engine of the vehicle  11  to the track assembly  26 . 
         [0032]    Treads  56  may take the form of bars as demonstrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3  or may take on other forms depending on the application. For example a smooth, broad track may be suitable for use on a golf course where it is more important to avoid sinking into the ground and creating trenches. The treads  56  may take the form of scoops when used on surfaces such as sand. Icy or snowy surfaces may also require an alternate tread design to maximize traction on slippery surfaces. Other tread designs may be useful for a variety of other specialized applications beyond those disclosed here as needed. 
         [0033]    A tensioning means is also provided to facilitate easier removal and installation of the track assembly  26  onto the idle wheels  14  and  16  and the power wheel  12 . The bearing  24  connects the idle wheel  16  to the frame assembly  15  and allows unrestricted rotation of the idle wheel  16 . The bearing  24  is integral to a carriage  64 . The carriage  64  is dimensioned to fit in and ride along the track  68 . Generally, the track  68  spans from near the edge of the frame  18  towards the center of the frame  18  so that when the carriage  64  is nearer the edge of the frame  18  maximum tension is imparted into the track assembly  26 . Conversely, when the carriage  64  is at the opposite end of the track  68 , nearer the center of the frame  18 , then the tension on the track assembly  26  is at a minimum. The location of the track  68  and the length of the track assembly  26  should be predetermined to allow the appropriate amount of tension experienced by the track assembly  26 . 
         [0034]    Along the length of the rod  74  are threads that mate with female threads in the carriage  64 . The bracket  72  is permanently affixed to the frame  18  near the center end of the track  68 . The rod  74  passes through the bracket  72  and can freely rotate relative to the bracket  72 . The rod  74  is held and prevented from moving axially on either side of the bracket  72  by the head  70  on one side and by the retainer  66  on the other. One end of the rod  74  has a hex head  70  that can be turned by a common wrench. When rotated in a first direction the male threads on the rod  74  engage into the female threads of the carriage  64  thereby drawing the carriage  64  closer to the bracket  72  resulting in tension on the track assembly  26  to be reduced. When rotated in a second direction the rod  74  pushes the carriage  64  away from the bracket  72  resulting in tension on the track assembly  26  to be increased. 
         [0035]    The position of the carriage  64  along the length of the track is adjustably held into place by means of the rod  74 . The rod  74  is fixed into place by the bracket  72 . The rod  74  rotatably fits through the bracket  72  and is held in place relative to the bracket  72  on one end by the head  70  and retainer  66 . In a preferred embodiment, the head  70  of the rod  74  is hexagonally shaped similar to the hex head of a common bolt so that the head  70  and conjoined rod  74  can be rotated with a common wrench. To adjust the tension on the track assembly  26  the head  70  is rotated to draw toward or push the carriage  64  away from the bracket  72 . The distance between the carriage  64  and bracket  72  is directly related to the tension on the track assembly  26 . 
         [0036]    To install a track assembly  26  onto the frame assembly  15  the idle wheel  16  must be moved toward the center of the frame  18  by turning fastener  70  which causes the carriage  64 , onto which idle wheel  16  is rotatably affixed, to move along the track  68 . This effectively reduces the distance around the frame assembly  15  so that a track assembly  26  may be placed over the idle wheel  14 , idle wheel  16  and power wheel  12  and so that the ribs  50  on the inside surface of the track assembly  26  engage into the grooves  52  on the outside of all three of said wheels  12 ,  14  and  16 . The track assembly  26  is then tensioned by turning the head  70  so that the carriage  64  is moved, joined along with idle wheel  16 , away from the center of the frame assembly  15 . 
         [0037]    As clearly shown on  FIG. 2 , a bumper wheel  76  is provided. The bumper wheel  76  prevents damage on the track assembly  26  from contacting the frame  18  during extreme use. In normal operation the bumper wheel  76  does not touch nor interfere with any of the other moving parts on the device. For example, when the device is used to move over an obstacle, such as a log or rock, and the pressure from the weight of the vehicle  11  is borne by the track assembly  26  section between the idle wheel  14  and idle wheel  16  the track assembly  26  may deform and under extreme force may contact and spin the bumper wheel  76  instead of the frame  18  and thereby avoid damage to the frame assembly  15  and the track assembly  26 . 
         [0038]    Handle  28  on the frame assembly  15  and handle  32  on the cover  41  are provided to aid an installer of the invention to safely transport and attach the invention to a vehicle. 
         [0039]    A cover  41  is optionally provided to prevent the entry of foreign objects, such as rocks or other debris, into the moving parts of the frame assembly  15  during use. Fasteners  34 ,  36  and  43 , shown in  FIG. 3 , affix the cover  41  to the frame assembly  15  by threading onto posts  44 ,  46  and  48 , shown in  FIG. 4 . The posts  44 ,  46  and  48  are integral to the frame assembly  15  and work to keep the cover from contacting the wheels  12 ,  14  and  16 . An arch  42  is also provided to allow flex in the track assembly  26  without interfering with the cover  41 . 
         [0040]    The cover  41  may also be removed for maintenance so that the entire device need not be removed from the vehicle  11 . Axle  58 , axle  60  and axle  62  can be accessed easily when the cover  41  is removed. With the axle nut removed the wheels  12 ,  14  and  16  can be removed to facilitate repair and maintenance on the bearings  22 ,  24  and  69  that permit unrestricted rotation of the wheels  12 ,  14  and  16 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 5  shows a variation of the frame  18  with the wheels  12 ,  14  and  16  removed. The track  68  in which the carriage  64  rides, with the carriage  64  removed, is also visible. The arch  30  is present to provide clearance for the track assembly  26  when traversing over difficult terrain to avoid the track assembly from contacting the frame assembly  15  when the track  68  is under stress. 
         [0042]      FIG. 6  shows a variation of the track assembly  26  removed from the frame assembly  15  to more clearly show the track  54  and ribs  50  that interface with the grooves  52  on the wheels  12 ,  14  and  16 . An example of a treads  56  on the exterior of the track assembly is demonstrated that may be suited for general purpose. Other tread  56  designs are effective for other purposes such as sand scoops, snow treads or slicks for turf. 
         [0043]      FIG. 7  is a cross section showing an alternate view of an example of the interior elements including the axle  58  through the power wheel  12  that is supported by bearing  69 . The axle  58  transmits power from the vehicle  11  through the hub  20  and into the power wheel  12 . The power is further transferred to the idle wheels  14  and  16  and ultimately to the ground by means of the track assembly  26 . The track assembly  26  is prevented from slipping on the idle wheels  14  and  16  by means of the grooves  52  on the idle wheels  14  and  16  grabbing into the ribs  50  on the inside surface of the track assembly  26 . 
         [0044]    The power wheel  12  has a rim  67  on each edge of the perimeter and the idle wheel  16  has a rim  63  around its perimeter to help keep the track assembly  26  centered over the wheels  12  and  16 . Although idle wheel  14  is not shown in  FIG. 7  due to the cross section, it too has a rim to keep the track assembly  26  centered. A channel  65  on the inside of both edges of the track assembly  26  mates with the rim  63  and rim  67  to aid in keeping the track assembly  26  centered over the wheels  12 ,  14  and  16 . 
         [0045]    The foregoing description conveys the best understanding of the objectives and advantages of the present invention. Different embodiments may be made of the inventive concept of this invention. It is to be understood that all matter disclosed herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.