Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/CA2289805C/en
Timestamp: 2018-05-22 23:48:03
Document Index: 795937910

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 50', 'art 52', 'art 50', 'art 52', 'art 50', 'art 50', 'art 52']

CA2289805C - Snowmobile track with heat transfer clips - Google Patents
CA2289805C
CA2289805C CA 2289805 CA2289805A CA2289805C CA 2289805 C CA2289805 C CA 2289805C CA 2289805 CA2289805 CA 2289805 CA 2289805 A CA2289805 A CA 2289805A CA 2289805 C CA2289805 C CA 2289805C
CA 2289805
CA2289805A1 (en )
The present invention concerns the provision of metallic clips mounted on the endless track of a snowmobile equipped with one or more elongated slide runners forming part of its suspension system.
The clips are so formed that a first portion thereof is slidably and frictionally contacted by the slide runners during rotation of the track with a second portion thereof extending slightly above profiles integrally formed on the outer surface of the track so that the heat generated by the sliding friction of the slide runners on the clips is transferred directly to the ground, such as snow or ice, over which the snowmobile travels.
At present, many snowmobile tracks are equipped with metallic clips which are located in one or more rows of longitudinally spaced holes provided along the endless track. The purpose of these clips is to provide a sliding surface for the slide runners that bear on the inner face of the lower run on the track. The highly rotational drive of the track causes extreme heat to be generated on the contacting surfaces of the slide runners and of the clips. This heat is transferred to the rubber material of the track to which the metallic elements are clipped, greatly affecting its structure. In some cases, the heat will cause the runners to be bound to the clips.
In another form of the invention , the metallic clips are elements integrally formed with the body of the track.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a clip made in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 is a top perspective view showing part of a snowmobile track equipped with clips such as shown in figure 1;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of figure 2; and Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of figure 3.
Referring to figures 1 and 2, there is shown a metallic element, generally denoted 10, which is shaped to form part of a snowmobile endless track, generally denoted 12, made in accordance with the present invention.
Referring also to figures 3 and 4, the snowmobile track 12 comprises an outer surface 14 and an inner surface 16. The outer surface comprises a series of transverse rows, (three being shown as 18, and 22) which are longitudinally spaced along the endless track. The profiles have different forms to provide ground traction to the track when 20 driven by the transmission system of a snowmobile (not shown).
5 On most snowmobile tracks, the metallic elements are clipped onto the rubber material that form part of the profiles. It is possible to have some tracks where the clips are present at every second, third or more profile. Reinforcing rods 34 usually extends transversally of the track within the profiles. The construction of a snowmobile track is well known and a detailed description of its method of manufacturing needs not be described. It should be mentioned however that, in one co-pending application of applicant, a new method of making a snowmobile track is described where the metallic elements are not clipped on the tracks after the track is vulcanized and cured, but where they are integrally formed to the track prior to the vulcanizing and curing steps.
The embodiment illustrated in figure 1 consists of a two part clip which achieves the intended purpose of the present invention.
The clip 10 comprises a first part 50 and a second part 52. As can be seen in figure 4, the first part 50 comprises a flat horizontal portion 56 and a pair of opposite hook portions 52 and 60.
The second part 52 comprises a top portion 62 that lies over the top edge of the profile 20 and opposite side portions 64 and 66 which follow generally the contour of the profile and which display lower hook portions 68 and 70. The latter are shaped to lockingly engage the hook portions 58 and 60 of the lower part 50 of the clip. The top portion 62 has opposite triangular shaped pointed ends 70 and 72 which extend beyond a plane that extends through the top edges 18', 20' and 22' of the profiles 18, 20 and 22.
Referring to figure 4, it can be seen that the heat generated by the frictional contact of the slide runners on the surface 56 of the lower part 50 of the clip will be thermally transferred to the upper clip part 52 and to its pointed ends 70, 72 which will contact the ice or snow on which bears the lower run of the snowmobile track during operation of the snowmobile.
said track including one or more rows of longitudinally spaced metal clips secured to said profiles of said body of said track;
said second portion having ends extending in a plane beyond the plane extending through top edges of the profiles of the track, whereby heat generated by the sliding track of said slide runners on said first portion of said clip is thermally transferred to the ground being of a temperature lower than that of the heat generated by the sliding friction of said slide runners on said clips.
4. A track for use on a snowmobile having a suspension system equipped with one or more elongated slide runners, said track comprising an endless body having an outer surface with transverse ground engaging profiles spaced longitudinally thereof and an inner surface adapted to receive, on the lower run thereof, said slide runners of said suspension system;
each said clip having a first flat portion extending substantially in the plane of said inner surface and so disposed thereon as to be frictionally contacted by said slide runner, and a second portion extending above said outer surface of said track so as to contact the ground over which said snowmobile travels whereby heat generated by frictional sliding contact of said slide runners on said first portion of said clip is thermally transferred to the ground being of a temperature lower than that of said heat generated by said frictional sliding contact of said slide runners on said clips.
5. A track as defined in claim 4 wherein said second portion of said clip includes ends extending beyond a plane that includes top edges of the profiles of the track.
6. A snowmobile as defined in claim 4 or 5 wherein said clips are metallic elements engaging said profiles adjacent openings of said track.
7. A track as defined in claim 4 or 5 wherein said clips are metallic elements integrally formed with the body of said track.
CA 2289805 1999-11-16 1999-11-16 Snowmobile track with heat transfer clips Expired - Fee Related CA2289805C (en)
CA 2289805 CA2289805C (en) 1999-11-16 1999-11-16 Snowmobile track with heat transfer clips
US09713685 US6422665B1 (en) 1999-11-16 2000-11-15 Snowmobile track with heat transfer clips
US09790474 US6431666B2 (en) 1999-11-16 2001-02-22 Snowmobile track with heat transfer clips
CA2289805A1 true CA2289805A1 (en) 2001-05-16
CA2289805C true CA2289805C (en) 2006-10-17
ID=4164618
CA 2289805 Expired - Fee Related CA2289805C (en) 1999-11-16 1999-11-16 Snowmobile track with heat transfer clips
US (2) US6422665B1 (en)
CA (1) CA2289805C (en)
CA2345819C (en) * 2000-02-10 2004-05-04 Bombardier Inc. A long track mountain snowmobile and a track therefor
CA2319934C (en) * 2000-09-18 2004-11-09 Soucy International Inc. Rubber-band track with various hardnesses
US3756668A (en) * 1971-06-16 1973-09-04 Gates Rubber Co Endless track
US5685621A (en) 1996-09-11 1997-11-11 Nugent; David Scott Snowmobile stud with replaceable tip
CA2194082A1 (en) * 1996-10-02 1998-04-03 Maurice Beaudoin Stamped-metal clip for use with an endless track belt cooperating with slide rails
US5921642A (en) 1997-08-11 1999-07-13 Tschida; Kelly Snowmobile stud retainer
US6422665B1 (en) 2002-07-23 grant
US6431666B2 (en) 2002-08-13 grant
US20010007398A1 (en) 2001-07-12 application
CA2289805A1 (en) 2001-05-16 application
2007-11-16 MKLA Lapsed