Patent Publication Number: US-2021188377-A1

Title: Track Cleat for Endless Track Vehicle

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosure relates to the field of traction for endless track vehicles or track equipment. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Certain weather and conditions of the environment make successful, efficient operation of an endless track vehicle or track equipment difficult or impossible. For example, a tracked digger or loader may slide or slip when operated on ice, snow, or mud. Rubber pads have been installed in the past for enhancing the traction of the endless track vehicle or track equipment (e.g. a bulldozer track, or any other tracked construction vehicle). These prior installations have attachment bolts that are embedded into the pads in vulcanized rubber. The vulcanized rubber separates from the traction or track pad (e.g. the bolt strips out of the rubber when tightening or torqueing). Moreover the prior pads may be slippery on ice, snow, mud, etc. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure relates to embodiments of a track cleat or apparatus for traction. The present disclosure relates to embodiments of methods for increasing traction and/or installation, modification, and/or use of track cleat for traction. 
     As used herein the term “counterbore” includes counterbores, countersinks, tapered holes, and/or other counterbores/countersinks/holes, and/or includes counterbores/countersinks/holes having, in part or in whole, cylindrical shapes, hexagonal prism shapes, conical shapes and/or other shapes, and/or includes counterbores/countersinks/holes having irregular shapes. As used herein the term “cleat/bolt” may be referred to generally as “cleat” and is inclusive of the group of terms cleat, bolt, chisel, and hybrid bolt with chisel end. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The embodiments may be better understood, and numerous objects, features, and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings. These drawings are used to illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention, and are not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic in the interest of clarity and conciseness. 
         FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of a portion of an endless track of an endless track vehicle featuring traction apparatus or track cleat configured for use during non-freezing or non-slippery weather conditions. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of a portion of an endless track of an endless track vehicle featuring traction apparatus or track cleat configured for use during freezing or muddy, snowy, and/or icy or otherwise slippery weather conditions. 
         FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of a traction apparatus or track cleat configured for use during freezing or muddy, snowy, and/or icy or otherwise slippery weather conditions. 
         FIG. 4  depicts an end view of a traction apparatus or track cleat configured for use during freezing or muddy, snowy, and/or icy or otherwise slippery weather conditions. 
         FIG. 5  depicts a side view of a traction apparatus or track cleat configured for use during freezing or muddy, snowy, and/or icy or otherwise slippery weather conditions. 
         FIG. 6  depicts a top view of a traction apparatus or track cleat configured for use during freezing or muddy, snowy, and/or icy or otherwise slippery weather conditions. 
         FIG. 7  depicts a bottom view of a traction apparatus or track cleat configured for use during freezing or muddy, snowy, and/or icy or otherwise slippery weather conditions. 
         FIG. 8  depicts a perspective view of a traction apparatus or track cleat configured for use during non-freezing or non-slippery weather conditions. 
         FIG. 9  depicts a side view of a traction apparatus or track cleat configured for use during non-freezing or non-slippery weather conditions. 
         FIG. 10  depicts a side view of a track apparatus or track cleat configured for use during non-freezing or non-slippery weather conditions, wherein the body defines a bore and counterbore, the bore and counterbore being outlined by dashed lines. 
         FIG. 11  depicts a side view of a track apparatus or track cleat configured for use during freezing or muddy, snowy, and/or icy or otherwise slippery weather conditions, wherein the body defines a bore and counterbore, the bore and counterbore being outline by dashed lines. 
         FIG. 12  depicts a perspective view of an inner portion of an endless track having a track apparatus or track cleat mounted to a mating channel and configured for use during freezing of muddy, snow, and/or icy or otherwise slippery weather conditions. 
         FIG. 13  depicts a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a cleat/bolt or piercing protuberance for use during freezing of muddy, snow, and/or icy or otherwise slippery weather conditions. 
         FIG. 14  depicts a top view of the exemplary embodiment of cleat/bolt of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  depicts a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of cleat/bolt of  FIG. 13  mounted in a track cleat. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     The description that follows includes exemplary apparatus, methods, techniques, and instruction sequences that embody techniques of the inventive subject matter. However, it is understood that the described embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a portion of an endless track  20  of an endless track vehicle  10  featuring apparatus for traction or track cleat  40  configured for use during non-freezing or non-slippery weather conditions. The apparatus for traction  40  may comprise a body  30 , wherein the body  30  is shaped to mount externally to an endless track  20  and may be t-shaped  31 . The body  30  may define a first bore  42   a  extending from a first end  32  of the body  30  to a second end  34  of the body  30 , wherein the first bore  42   a  further has a first counterbore  44   a  defined by the body  30  (shown in  FIG. 10 ). The body  30  may define a second bore  42   b  extending from the first end  32  of the body  30  to the second end  34  of the body  30 , wherein the second bore  42   b  further has a second counterbore  44   b  defined by the body  30  (shown in  FIG. 10 ). A first cleat/bolt  46   a  having a first cleat/bolt head  47   a  may be mounted in the first bore  42   a  and may extend out a distance D 4  out of the second end  34  of the body  30  (shown in  FIG. 10 ). The first cleat/bolt head  47   a  may seat on the first counterbore  44   a  (shown in  FIG. 10 ). A second cleat/bolt  46   b  having a second cleat/bolt head  47   b  may be mounted in the second bore  42   b  and may extend out a distance D 4  out of the second end  34  of the body  30  (shown in  FIG. 10 ). The second cleat/bolt head  47   b  may seat within the second counterbore  44   b  (shown in  FIG. 10 ). 
     Track cleat  40  mounts to and within mating channel  24 , which, by way of example only, may be u-shaped, via first cleat/bolt  46   a  and second cleat/bolt  46   b . The first cleat/bolt  46   a  and the second cleat/bolt  46   b  may mount through a pair of holes/voids (see  FIG. 12  for exemplary hole/void  25   a ) in the mating channel  24  to mount/fasten the track cleat  40  to mating channel  24 . A nut (see  FIG. 12  for exemplary nut  28   a ) may be threaded on the end of each of the first cleat/bolt  46   a  and the second cleat/bolt  46   b  to secure the track cleat  40  to the mating channel  24 . Individual mating channels  24  are mounted to belts  22  of endless track  20 . 
     The body  30  of a track cleat  40  may be rubber. The body  30  of a track cleat  40  may be a composite material for durability. The body  30  of a track cleat  40  may be a more rigid or more flexible rubber or plastic. The body  30  of a track cleat  40  is preferably a recycled material and/or eco-friendly or environmentally friendly. 
     When the cleat/bolt head  47   a ,  47   b  is below or about even with the first end surface  32  of the body  30  of the track cleat  40 , the track cleat may be in a non-slippery position or configuration  100 . The non-slippery position or configuration  100  of track cleat  40  is configured for use during non-freezing or non-slippery weather conditions. 
       FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a portion of an endless track  20  of an endless track vehicle  10  featuring apparatus for traction or track cleat  40  configured for use during freezing or muddy, snowy, and/or icy or otherwise slippery weather conditions. The apparatus for traction  40  may comprise a body  30  wherein the body  30  may be t-shaped. The body  30  may define a first bore  42   a  extending from a first end  32  of the body  30  to a second end  34  of the body  30 , wherein the first bore  42   a  further has a first counterbore  44   a  defined by the body  30  (shown in  FIG. 11 ). The body  30  may define a second bore  42   b  extending from the first end  32  of the body  30  to the second end  34  of the body  30 , wherein the second bore  42   b  further has a second counterbore  44   b  defined by the body  30  (show in  FIG. 11 ). A first cleat/bolt  46   a  having a first cleat/bolt head  47   a , wherein a first nut  48   a  is fastened to the first cleat/bolt  46   a , may be mounted in the first bore  42   a  and may extend out a distance D 4  out of the second end of the body  34  (shown in  FIG. 11 ). The first nut  48   a  may seat on the first counterbore  4   a , and the first cleat/bolt head  47   a  may extend a distance D 5  out of the first end of the body  32  (shown in  FIG. 11 ). A second cleat/bolt  46   b  having a second cleat/bolt head  47   b , wherein a second nut  48   b  is fastened to the second cleat/bolt  46   b , may be mounted in the second bore  42   b  and may extend a distance D 4  out of the second end of the body  34  (shown in  FIG. 11 ). The second nut  48   b  may seat on the second counterbore  44   b , and the second cleat/bolt head  47   b  may extend a distance D 5  out of the first end of the body  32 . The first cleat/bolt  46   a  and second cleat/bolt  47   b , by way of example only, may each be a bolt having a flat end bolt head  47   a ,  47   b , or be a cleat/bolt  246  having cleat bolt head  247  having cleat/bolt head end  250 , which may be, by way of example only, pointed or conical or frustoconical  247  (see  FIG. 13  &amp;  FIG. 14 ). 
     Track cleat  40  mounts to mating channel  24 , which by way of example only may be u-shaped, via first cleat/bolt  46   a  and second cleat/bolt  46   b . The first cleat/bolt  46   a  and the second cleat/bolt  46   b  may mount through a pair of holes/voids (see  FIG. 12  for exemplary hole/void  25   a ) in/defined by the mating channel  24  to mount/fasten the track cleat  40  to mating channel  24 . A nut (see  FIG. 12  for exemplary nut  28   a ) may be threaded on the end of each of the first cleat/bolt  46   a  and the second cleat/bolt  46   b  to secure the track cleat  40  to the mating channel  24 . Individual mating channels  24  are mounted to belts  22  of endless track  20 . 
     The body  30  of a track cleat  40  may be rubber. The body  30  of a track cleat  40  may be a composite material for durability. The body  30  of a track cleat  40  may be a more rigid or more flexible rubber or plastic. The body  30  of a track cleat  40  is preferably a recycled material and/or eco-friendly or environmentally friendly. 
     When the cleat/bolt head  47   a ,  47   b  extends a distance D 5  out of the first end surface  32  of the body  30  of the track cleat  40 , the track cleat  40  may be in a slippery position or configuration  200 . The slippery position or configuration  200  of track cleat  40  is configured for use during freezing or muddy, snowy, and/or icy or otherwise slippery weather conditions. 
       FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the traction apparatus or track cleat  40  of  FIG. 2  configured for use during freezing or muddy, snowy, and/or icy or otherwise slippery weather conditions. The apparatus for traction  40  may comprise a body  30  wherein the body  30  may t-shaped. The body  30  may define a first bore  42   a  extending from a first end  32  of the body  30  to a second end  34  of the body  30 , wherein the first bore  42   a  further has a first counterbore  44   a  defined by the body  30  (shown in  FIG. 11 ). The body  30  may define a second bore  42   b  extending from the first end  32  of the body  30  to the second end  34  of the body  30 , wherein the second bore  42   b  further has a second counterbore  44   b  defined by the body  30  (show in  FIG. 11 ). A first cleat/bolt  46   a  having a first cleat/bolt head  47   a , wherein a first nut  48   a  is fastened to the first cleat/bolt  46   a , may be mounted in the first bore  42   a  and may extend out a distance D 4  out of the second end of the body  34  (shown in  FIG. 11 ). The first nut  48   a  may seat on the first counterbore  44   a , and the first cleat/bolt head  47   a  may extend a distance D 5  out of the first end of the body  32  (shown in  FIG. 11 ). A second cleat/bolt  46   b  having a second cleat/bolt head  47   b , wherein a second nut  48   b  is fastened to the second cleat/bolt  46   b , may be mounted in the second bore  42   b  and may extend a distance D 4  out of the second end of the body  34  (shown in  FIG. 11 ). The second nut  48   b  may seat on the second counterbore  44   b , and the second cleat/bolt head  47   b  may extend a distance out D 5  of the first end of the body  32  (shown in  FIG. 11 ). 
       FIG. 4  shows an end view of a traction apparatus or track cleat  40  of  FIG. 2  configured for use during freezing or muddy, snowy, and/or icy or otherwise slippery weather conditions. Referring to the track cleat  40  of both  FIG. 1  and/or  FIG. 2 , the body  30  of a track cleat  40  is shaped to mount externally to an endless track  20  and may be t-shaped  31 . By way of example only, a t-shaped  31  body  30  may be substantially t-shaped  31 , may have rounded or bevelled edges, may have 90 degree edges, may have greater or smaller than 90 degree edges and/or may have a combination of rounded or bevelled edges or 90 degree edges or greater or smaller than 90 degree edges. The body  30  of a track cleat  40  may have a first end  32  and a second end  34 . By way of example only, a t-shaped body  30  may have tail  36 . Tail  36  may comprise a first side of tail  36   a , a second side of tail  36   b , and a third side of tail  36   c . First side of tail  36   a  and second side of tail  36   b  may be parallel or substantially parallel, but must not necessarily be parallel or substantially parallel. By way of example only, a t-shaped body  30  may have head  38 . Head  38  may comprise a first side of head  38   a , a second side of head  38   b , a third side of head  38   c , a fourth side of head  38   d , and a fifth side of head  38   e . First side of head  38   a  and second side of head  38   b  may be parallel or substantially parallel, but must not necessarily be parallel or substantially parallel. Third side of head  38   c  and third side of tail  36   c  may be parallel or substantially parallel, but must not necessarily be parallel or substantially parallel. 
       FIG. 5  shows a side view of a traction apparatus or track cleat  40  of  FIG. 2  configured for use during freezing or muddy, snowy, and/or icy or otherwise slippery weather conditions. By way of example only, the first cleat/bolt head  47   a  may extend a distance D 5  in the range of about 0.75 to about 1 inch out of the first end  32  of the body  30 , and the second cleat/bolt head  47   b  may extend a distance D 5  in the range of about 0.75 to about 1 inch out of the first end  32  of the body  30 . 
       FIG. 6  shows a top view of a traction apparatus or track cleat  40  of  FIG. 2  configured for use during freezing or muddy, snowy, and/or icy or otherwise slippery weather conditions. The first cleat/bolt head  47   a  of first cleat/bolt  46   a  extends out a distance D 5  from first end  32  of body  30  of track cleat  40 . The second cleat/bolt head  47   b  of the second cleat/bolt  46   b  extends out a distance D 5  from first end  32  of body  30  of track cleat  40 . 
       FIG. 7  shows a bottom view of a traction apparatus or track cleat  40  of  FIG. 2  configured for use during freezing or muddy, snowy, and/or icy or otherwise slippery weather conditions. The first cleat/bolt  46   a  extends out a distance D 4  from the second end  34  of body  30  of track cleat  40 . The second cleat/bolt  46   b  extends out a distance D 4  from the second end  34  of body  30  of track cleat  40 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of a traction apparatus or track cleat  40  of  FIG. 1  configured for use during non-freezing or non-slippery weather conditions. The apparatus for traction  40  may comprise a body  30 , wherein the body  30  may be t-shaped. The body  30  may define a first bore  42   a  extending from a first end  32  of the body  30  to a second end  34  of the body  30 , wherein the first bore  42   a  further has a first counterbore  44   a  defined by the body  30  (shown in  FIG. 10 ). The body  30  may define a second bore  42   b  extending from the first end  32  of the body  30  to the second end  34  of the body  30 , wherein the second bore  42   b  further has a second counterbore  44   b  defined by the body  30  (shown in  FIG. 10 ). A first cleat/bolt  46   a  having a first cleat/bolt head  47   a  may be mounted in the first bore  42   a  and may extend out a distance D 4  out of the second end  34  of the body  30  (shown in  FIG. 10 ). The first cleat/bolt head  47   a  may seat on the first counterbore  44   a  (shown in  FIG. 10 ). A second cleat/bolt  46   b  having a second cleat/bolt head  47   b  may be mounted in the second bore  42   b  and may extend out a distance D 4  out of the second end  34  of the body  30  (shown in  FIG. 10 ). The second cleat/bolt head  47   b  may seat on the second counterbore  44   b  (shown in  FIG. 10 ). By way of example only, the shape of the opening of the counterbore  45   a ,  45   b  may be hexagonal. 
       FIG. 9  shows a side view of a traction apparatus or track cleat  40  of  FIG. 1  configured for use during non-freezing or non-slippery weather conditions. Track cleat  40  has body  30 . Body  30  has first end  32  and second end  34 . First cleat/bolt  46   a  and second cleat/bolt  46   b  each extend a distance D 4  out of second end  34 . 
       FIG. 10  shows a side view of a track apparatus or track cleat  40  of  FIG. 1  configured for use during non-freezing or non-slippery weather conditions, where bores  42   a ,  42   b  and counterbores  44   a ,  44   b  are outlined with dashed lines. The track cleat  40  may be in a non-slippery position or configuration  100 . The body  30  defines counterbore  44   a  having depth D 1  from the first end  32  of body  30 . The body defines counterbore  44   a  having width D 2 . The body defines bore  42   a  having width D 3 . The body  30  defines counterbore  44   b  having depth D 1  from the first end  32  of body  30 . The body defines counterbore  44   b  having width D 2 . The body defines bore  42   b  having width D 3 . Bore  42   a  width D 3  is less than counterbore  44   a  width D 2 . Bore  42   b  width D 3  is less than counterbore  44   b  width D 2 . Depth D 1  of counterbores  44   a ,  44   b  may depend upon the height of nut  48   a ,  48   b  and/or cleat/bolt head  47   a ,  47   b , or may be approximately equivalent to the height of nut  48   a ,  48   b  and/or cleat/bolt head  47   a ,  47   b . By way of example only, depth D 1  of counterbores  44   a ,  44   b  may extend half the distance of the first end  32  of body  30 . Width D 2  of counterbores  44   a ,  44   b  may depend upon the width of nut  48   a ,  48   b  and/or cleat/bolt head  47   a ,  47   b  (e.g. the design tolerance for stability may have a narrow clearance fit, slight interference fit, or transitional fit with the rubber). By way of example only, the shape of the opening of the counterbore  45   a ,  45   b  may be hexagonal (shown in  FIG. 8 ). Shape  45   a ,  45   b  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) of counterbores  44   a ,  44   b  may depend upon the shape of nut  48   a ,  48   b  and or cleat/bolt head  47   a ,  47   b . Width D 3  of bores  42   a ,  42   b  may depend upon the width of the cleat/bolt  46   a ,  46   b.    
       FIG. 11  shows a side view of a track apparatus or track cleat  40  of  FIG. 2  configured for use during freezing or muddy, snowy, and/or icy or otherwise slippery weather conditions, where bores  42   a ,  42   b  and counterbores  44   a ,  44   b  are outlined with dashed lines. The track cleat  40  may be in a slippery position or configuration  200 . The body  30  defines counterbore  44   a  having depth D 1  from the first end  32  of body  30 . The body defines counterbore  44   a  having width D 2 . The body defines bore  42   a  having width D 3 . The body  30  defines counterbore  44   b  having depth D 1  from the first end  32  of body  30 . The body defines counterbore  44   b  having width D 2 . The body defines bore  42   b  having width D 3 . Bore  42   a  width D 3  is less than counterbore  44   a  width D 2 . Bore  42   b  width D 3  is less than counterbore  44   b  width D 2 . Depth D 1  of counterbores  44   a ,  44   b  may depend upon the height of nut  48   a ,  48   b  and/or cleat/bolt head  47   a ,  47   b , or may be approximately equivalent to the height of nut  48   a ,  48   b  and/or cleat/bolt head  47   a ,  47   b . By way of example only, depth D 1  of counterbores  44   a ,  44   b  may extend half the distance of the first end  32  of body  30 . Width D 2  of counterbores  44   a ,  44   b  may depend upon the width of nut  48   a ,  48   b  and/or cleat/bolt head  47   a ,  47   b  (e.g. the design tolerance for stability may have a narrow clearance fit, slight interference fit, or transitional fit with the rubber). By way of example only, the tolerance for slippery and/or non-slippery condition between the counterbores  44   a ,  44   b  and respective cleat/bolt head  47   a ,  47   b  may be from about 0.64 to about 0.32 inches clearance fit, and for example, having hex-shaped counterbores  44   a ,  44   b . Shape  45   a ,  45   b  of counterbores  44   a ,  44   b  may depend upon the shape of nut  48   a ,  48   b  and or cleat/bolt head  47   a ,  47   b . Width D 3  of bores  42   a ,  42   b  may depend upon the width of the cleat/bolt  46   a ,  46   b.    
       FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of an inner portion of an endless track  20  having a track apparatus or track cleat  40  mounted to a mating channel  24  and configured for use during freezing of muddy, snow, and/or icy or otherwise slippery weather conditions. Track cleat  40  has body  30 . Track cleat  40  mounts to mating channel  24 , which by way of example only may be u-shaped, via first cleat/bolt  46   a  and second cleat/bolt  46   b  (not illustrated in  FIG. 12 ). Mating channel  24  has guide structure or guide groove  26 . The first cleat/bolt  46   a  and the second cleat/bolt  46   b  (not illustrated in  FIG. 12 ) may mount through a first hole/void  25   a  and a second hole/void (not illustrated in  FIG. 12 ) in/defined by the mating channel  24  to mount/fasten the track cleat  40  to mating channel  24 . A first channel mounting nut  28   a  may be threaded on the end of the first cleat/bolt  46   a  and a second channel mounting nut (not illustrated in  FIG. 12 ) may be threaded on the end of the second cleat/bolt  46   b  (not illustrated in  FIG. 12 ) to secure the track cleat  40  to the mating channel  24 . Individual mating channels  24  are mounted to belts  22  of endless track  20 . By way of example only, a track cleat  40  may be securely mounted to mating channel  24  via nuts  28   a  when at least two (2) threads of cleat/bolts  46   a ,  46   b  are exposed after fastening nuts onto ends of cleat/bolts  46   a ,  46   b.    
     A track cleat  40  may comprise two countersunk cleat/bolts  46   a ,  46   b  in the summer or during non-freezing or non-slippery weather conditions. The track cleat  40  may comprise two of the combination of a nut  48   a ,  48   b  and protruding cleat/bolt  46   a ,  46   b  in the winter during freezing or muddy, snowy, and/or icy or otherwise slippery weather conditions or for improved traction. Maintenance on the exemplary embodiments of a track cleat  40  is inexpensive, for example, maintenance may include replacement of cleat/bolts  46   a ,  46   b  or nuts  48   a ,  48   b  which by way of the present design are directly accessible. Further, the exemplary embodiments of track cleat  40  may endure a long period of use without need for repair and/or replacement; moreover, the exemplary embodiments resist detrimental changes to the integrity of the track cleat  40  or track cleat body  30 . 
     The cleat/bolt head  47   a ,  47   b  may be below or about even with the first end surface  32  of the body  30  of the track cleat  40  during summer weather (i.e. non-slippery conditions) when just the rubber pad of the first end  32  of the body  30  of the track cleat  40  may suffice on a bulldozer  10  track  20 , or any other tracked construction vehicle  10 . When the cleat/bolt head  47   a ,  47   b  is below or about even with the first end surface  32  of the body  30  of the track cleat  40 , the track cleat  40  may be in a non-slippery position or configuration  100 . During winter snow, ice, and mud season (i.e. slippery conditions) additional traction may be needed. The cleat/bolt(s)  46   a ,  46   b  used during the summer season (i.e. non-slippery conditions) can be removed and stored, and a third and fourth cleat/bolt  52   a ,  52   b  (not shown but akin to  46   a,b ), which by way of example only, may be a longer cleat/bolt can be installed along with a nut  48   a ,  48   b  that will permit the hardened cleat/bolt head  47   a ,  47   b  and nut  48   a ,  48   b , which acts as a spacer, to cause the cleat/bolt head  47   a ,  47   b  and nut  48   a ,  48   b  to protrude above the first end  32  of the rubber track cleat  40  to provide “bite” into/traction on a slippery surface (e.g. ice or an otherwise snow-packed job site location). The cleat/bolt  46   a ,  46   b  may thread into the same sub-structure or mating channel  24  or portion of the track  20 . When the cleat/bolt head  47   a ,  47   b  extends a distance out of the first end surface  32  of the body  30  of the track cleat  40 , the track cleat  40  may be in a slippery position or configuration  200 . By way of example only, in another embodiment, the same cleat/bolt(s)  46   a ,  46   b  used during the summer season (non-slippery conditions) can be used in the winter season (slippery conditions) if the cleat/bolt(s)  46   a ,  46   b  are long enough for addition of spacer nuts  48   a ,  48   b  and still are able to securely mount track cleat  40  to mating channel  24 . By way of example only, a track cleat  40  may be securely mounted to mating channel  24  via nuts (see  FIG. 12  for exemplary nut  28   a ) when at least two (2) threads  49  of cleat/bolts  46   a ,  46   b  are exposed after fastening nuts onto ends of cleat/bolts  46   a ,  46   b  (in essence the cleat/bolts  46   a ,  46   b  may be double nutted, e.g., via nuts  28   a ,  48   a ). 
     In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for traction  40  for an endless track  20  of an endless track vehicle  10  may comprise a body  30  mountable to an endless track  20  exterior; wherein the body  30  defines a first bore  42   a  extending from a first end  32  of the body  30  to a second end  34  of the body  30 , wherein the first bore  42   a  further has a first counterbore  44   a  defined by the body  30 ; wherein the body  30  defines a second bore  42   b  extending from the first end  32  of the body  30  to the second end  34  of the body  30 , wherein the second bore  42   b  further has a second counterbore  44   b  defined by the body  30 ; a first slippery condition position  200  wherein a first cleat/bolt  46   a  having a first cleat/bolt head  47   a , wherein a first nut  48   a  is fastened to the first cleat/bolt  46   a , the first cleat/bolt  46   a  mounted in the first bore  42   a  and extending out a distance out of the second end  34  of the body  30 , wherein the first nut  48   a  seats within the first counterbore  44   a , wherein the first cleat/bolt head  47   a  protrudes out of the first end  32  of the body  30 ; the first slippery condition position  200  further comprising a second cleat/bolt  46   b  having a second cleat/bolt head  47   b , wherein a second nut  48   b  is fastened to the second cleat/bolt  46   b , the second cleat/bolt  46   b  mounted in the second bore  42   b  and extending out a distance out of the second end  34  of the body  30 , wherein the second nut  48   b  seats within the second counterbore  44   b , wherein the second cleat/bolt head  47   b  protrudes out of the first end  32  of the body  30 ; a second non-slippery condition position  100  wherein another cleat/bolt, selected from the group consisting of the first cleat/bolt  46   a  and a third cleat/bolt  52   a , is mounted in the first bore  42   a  and extending out a distance out of the second end  34  of the body  30 , wherein a head of the other cleat/bolt seats within the first counterbore  44   a ; and the second non-slippery condition position  100  further comprising wherein an additional cleat/bolt, selected from the group consisting of the second cleat/bolt  46   b  and a fourth cleat/bolt  52   b , is mounted in the second bore  42   b  and extending out of the second end  34  of the body  30 , wherein the head of the additional cleat/bolt seats within the second  44   b  counterbore. 
       FIG. 13  shows a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a cleat/bolt (or ice-pick-type or piercing protuberance)  246  for use during winter, freezing, muddy, snow, and/or icy or otherwise slippery weather conditions (and may be adjustable for non-slippery conditions). A cleat/bolt  246  may be mounted in each of a first bore  42   a  and a second bore  42   b  respectively of track cleat or apparatus for traction  40  (not shown). Cleat/bolt  246  may have cleat/bolt head  247 . The top end  250  of cleat/bolt head  247  may be conical or frustoconical, or have conical or frustoconical portions or segments. Cleat/bolt  246  may be, in part or in whole, carbide, tungsten steel, or tungsten carbide. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for traction  40  may comprise a body  30 , wherein the body  30  may be t-shaped (not shown in  FIG. 13 ). The body  30  may define a first bore  42   a  extending from a first end  32  of the body  30  to a second end  34  of the body  30 , wherein the first bore  42   a  further has a first counterbore  44   a  defined by the body  30  (not shown in  FIG. 13 ). The body  30  may define a second bore  42   b  extending from the first end  32  of the body  30  to the second end  34  of the body  30 , wherein the second bore  42   b  further has a second counterbore  44   b  defined by the body  30  (not shown in  FIG. 13 ). The pair of cleat/bolt heads  247  may seat on respective counterbores  44   a ,  44   b  (not shown in  FIG. 13 ). By way of example only, the shape of the opening of the counterbore  45   a ,  45   b  may be hexagonal (not shown in  FIG. 13 ). A cleat/bolt  246  may be mounted in each of a first bore  42   a  and a second bore  42   b  respectively of track cleat or apparatus for traction  40  (not shown in  FIG. 13 ). Cleat/bolt  250  may have cleat/bolt head  247 . The top end  250  of cleat/bolt head  247  may be pointed, conical or frustoconical, substantially pointed, conical or frustoconical, or have pointed, conical or frustoconical segments or stacked portions or substantially pointed, conical or frustoconical segments or stacked portions. Cleat/bolt heads  247  may extend a distance D 5  out of the first end surface  32  of the body  30  of the track cleat  40  (not shown in  FIG. 13 ). In this exemplary embodiment, nuts are not used/not necessary to mount to cleat/bolt(s)  247  in bores  42   a ,  44   b  such that cleat/bolt heads  247  extend a distance D 5  out of the first end surface  32  of the body  30  of the track cleat  40 . In other embodiments, nuts may be used to mount to cleat/bolt(s)  247  in bores  42   a ,  44   b  such that cleat/bolt heads  247  extend a distance D 5  out of the first end surface  32  of the body  30  of the track cleat  40 . Cleat/bolt  246  may be used when track cleat  40  may be in a slippery position or configuration  200 . 
       FIG. 14  shows a top view and  FIG. 15  shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of cleat/bolt  246  of  FIG. 13 . Cleat/bolt  246  has cleat/bolt head  247 . The cleat/bolt head  247  may be hex-shaped for enabling connection, and (excluding the top end  250 ) may have an elevation roughly equivalent to a nut and bolt head of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . The top end  250  of cleat/bolt head  247  may comprise a frustoconical segment or portion  252 , which may have a hexagonal base  248 , and a conical portion  254 , wherein a groove  256  separates the frustoconical portion  252  from the conical portion  254 . Portions or segments of the top end  250  of cleat/bolt head  247  may be stacked and/or concentric. The top end  250  of cleat/bolt head  247  may have one slope or many different slopes ( FIG. 15  represents a greater angle of inclination for the conical portion  254  for piercing/picking, e.g., ice relative to the angle of inclination of the frustoconical portion  252 ). The opposite end may have threading akin to threads  49 . The top end  250  of cleat/bolt head  247  may be made, in part or in whole, of carbide, tungsten steel, or tungsten carbide may be coated, and, by way of example only, may be 0.5 inches in length. Such a cleat/bolt  246  cleat may be commercially available or customizable from Betek GMBH located in Germany. 
     In one working example of one exemplary embodiment, the length of cleat/bolt  246  from the apex of the conical portion  254  at the top end  250  of cleat/bolt head  247  to opposite end of cleat/bolt  246  may be 88.9 mm. The thread length of the threaded portion  260  of cleat/bolt  246  may be 33±1 mm. The length of bolt head  247  may be 26 mm to the apex of the conical portion  254 . The diameter of the base of conical portion  254  of top end  250  of bolt head  247  proximate groove  256  may be 9.1 mm. The hexagonal base  248  may have a width of 21.94 mm. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for traction  40  for an endless track  20  of an endless track vehicle  10  comprises a body  30  mountable to an endless track  20  exterior; wherein the body  30  defines a first bore  42   a  extending from a first end  32  of the body  30  to a second end  34  of the body  30 , wherein the first bore  42   a  further has a first counterbore  44   a  defined by the body  30 ; wherein the body  30  defines a second bore  42   b  extending from the first end  32  of the body  30  to the second end  34  of the body  30 , wherein the second bore  42   b  further has a second counterbore  44   b  defined by the body  30 ; a first slippery condition position  200  wherein a first cleat/bolt  146  having a first cleat/bolt head  147 , the first cleat/bolt  146  mounted in the first bore  42   a  and extending out a distance D 5  out of the second end  34  of the body  30 , wherein the first cleat/bolt head  147  seats within the first counterbore  44   a , wherein the first cleat/bolt head  147  protrudes out of the first end  32  of the body  30 ; and the first slippery condition position  200  further comprises a second cleat/bolt  146  having a second cleat/bolt head  147 , the second cleat/bolt  146  mounted in the second bore  44   b  and extending out a distance D 5  out of the second end  34  of the body  30 , wherein the second cleat/bolt head  147  seats within the second counterbore  44   b , wherein the second cleat/bolt head  147  protrudes out of the first end  32  of the body  30 . The apparatus for traction  40  for the endless track  20  of the endless track vehicle  10  may further comprise a second non-slippery condition position  100  wherein another cleat/bolt, selected from the group consisting of the first cleat/bolt  146  and a third cleat/bolt  52   a , is mounted in the first bore  42   a  and extending out a distance D 4  out of the second end  34  of the body  30 , wherein a head of the other cleat/bolt seats within the first counterbore  44   a ; and the second non-slippery condition position  100  further comprising wherein an additional cleat/bolt, selected from the group consisting of the second cleat/bolt  147  and a fourth cleat/bolt  52   b , is mounted in the second bore  42   b  and extending out a distance D 4  of the second end  34  of the body  30 , wherein the head of the additional cleat/bolt seats within the second counterbore  44   b . It is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the particular applications and embodiments described and illustrated herein, but covers all such variations thereof as come within the scope of the claims. While the embodiments are described with reference to various implementations and exploitations, it will be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the inventive subject matter is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions and improvements are possible. 
     Plural instances may be provided for components, operations or structures described herein as a single instance. In general, structures and functionality presented as separate components in the exemplary configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the inventive subject matter.