Patent Description:
Continuous tracks are often used on off-road vehicles to provide ground contact and traction for large vehicles. Standard continuous tracks are formed from a number of rigid shoes that are joined to each other by hinges. Another type of standard track is a continuous rubber track. Each track typically has one or more ground engaging features to provide traction. Standard continuous tracks provide traction in general situations. However, those standard tracks do not provide adequate traction on steep slopes, or slopes that are slippery from mud, water or ice. In particular, those standard tracks do not provide adequate traction on steep or slippery slopes for larger, heavier vehicles.

Typically, to increase the traction of a tracked vehicle, additional traction devices are welded to the track. However, those traction devices can only be removed by being cut free, which can damage the track and/or the device. Welding the traction devices to the track and cutting the devices free from the track can be difficult and time consuming.

There are a number of devices for use with the continuous track of a tracked vehicle. Examples of such devices are described in <CIT> that describes a detachable elastic pad to protect a road surface from damage caused by a tracked vehicle; <CIT> that describes a padded track for a track belt; and <CIT> that describes an elastic pad for a crawler track. The pads described in those documents are designed to reduce damage to the ground and would not provide good stability to a vehicle on a steep or slippery slope.

<CIT> describes a grouser structure that provides traction and shock absorption and <CIT> describes a detachable grouser for a track. Both those documents describe using fasteners that extend through the track, which can be awkward to assemble if the track is already installed on a vehicle.

<CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT> each describes a detachable grouser assembly for use with vehicles having continuous tracks. Those documents describe attaching the grousers with fasteners that extend through the track or with chains that extend over the track. As described above, attaching a grouser assembly with fasteners can be awkward if the track is already installed on a vehicle. Attaching a grouser assembly using a chain is not very secure and the assembly could be ripped off when the vehicle is used.

<CIT> describes a replaceable tyre gripping system for an endless track to extend the life of a track. The system described in this document would not enhance the traction of a tracked vehicle.

<CIT> discloses the preamble of the independent claim and describes a traction device attachable to a wheel having a rim to which a tire is mounted. The traction device includes first and second gripping elements facing each other, the second gripping element being longitudinally movable between an extended position and a retracted position, the first and second gripping elements being closer to each other in the retracted position than in the extended position. When the traction device is operatively mounted to the wheel with the second gripping element in the retracted position, the traction device extends across the tire thread and the first and second gripping elements grip the wheel therebetween at the rim, and, when the second gripping element is in the extended position, the traction device is removable from the wheel.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents or such sources of information is not to be construed as an admission that such documents or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

It is an object of at least preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide a device to enhance the traction of a vehicle having a continuous track, and/or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for use with a continuous track of a tracked vehicle to enhance the traction of the vehicle, the track having a tread with recesses, the device comprising:
a first component and a second component, each of the first component and the second component having:.

The term 'comprising' as used in this specification means 'consisting at least in part of';
that is to say when interpreting statements in this specification which include 'comprising', the features prefaced by this term in each statement all need to be present but other features can also be present. Related terms such as 'comprise' and 'comprised' are to be interpreted in a similar manner.

In one embodiment, the U-shaped bracket is at or near the end of the elongate body.

In one embodiment, the first slot and the second slot are at the same end of the elongate body as the U-shaped bracket.

In one embodiment, the first slot and/or the second slot are located above the U-shaped bracket.

In one embodiment, the elongate body extends at a non-parallel angle to a centre line of the U-shaped bracket.

In one embodiment, a substantial portion of the elongate body of the first component is configured to overlap with a substantial portion of the elongate body of the second component when the first component and second component are assembled together.

In one embodiment, the elongate body of the first component extends to a location above the bracket of the second component when the first component and second component are assembled together.

In one embodiment, the U-shaped bracket is integrally formed with the elongate body.

In one embodiment, the ground engaging features are integrally formed with the elongate body.

In one embodiment, when the first and second components are fastened together, the fastener generally extends in a running direction of the track.

In one embodiment, the track engaging surface of the inwardly extending portion faces the track engaging surface of the outwardly extending portion and extends in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of the track engaging surface of the outwardly extending portion.

In one embodiment, the device further comprises additional ground contacting features to further enhance the traction of the device.

In one embodiment, the elongate body is substantially rigid.

In one embodiment, the device is releasably secured to the continuous track.

In one embodiment, the plurality of ground engaging features each have a generally chevron or inverted V-shaped portion of a ground engaging surface, when viewed from above the elongate body.

In one embodiment, the device further comprises one or more spacers or packers.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for use with a continuous track of a tracked vehicle to enhance the traction of the vehicle, the track having a tread with recesses, the device comprising:
a first component and a second component, each of the first component and the second component having:.

In one embodiment, the substantial portion of the elongate body of the first component is configured to overlap with a substantial portion of the elongate body of the second component when the first component and second component are assembled together.

In one embodiment, wherein, when the first and second components are fastened together, the fastener generally extends in a running direction of the track.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a combination of a track and at least one device of any the first aspect or the second aspect secured to the track.

To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting. Where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

As used herein the term '(s)' following a noun means the plural and/or singular form of that noun.

As used herein the term 'and/or' means 'and' or 'or', or where the context allows both.

The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only.

The present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:.

With reference to <FIG>, an embodiment of the device <NUM> for use with a continuous track <NUM> of a tracked vehicle is shown. The device may be used on any tracked vehicle to enhance traction, such as a digger, bulldozer, snowmobile, crawler, or tank, for example. In particular, the device is useful for tracked vehicles having rubber tracks. <FIG> shows the device <NUM> in use with a continuous track <NUM> of the tracked vehicle. The device is releasably secured to the continuous track.

Unless otherwise specified, it should be appreciated that references to directions in the following description such as top, upper, and lower are for reference only, and should not be considered limiting. Further, those directions refer to a device when it is in the position shown in <FIG>, that is, on the top part of the track.

The device <NUM> comprises a first component <NUM> and a second component <NUM>. Each of the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> are identical and each component has the same features. The following description will describe the first component <NUM>, but it will be appreciated that the second component <NUM> has the same features.

The first component <NUM> has an elongate body <NUM>, a plurality of ground engaging features <NUM> extending upwardly from the elongate body <NUM>, a U-shaped bracket <NUM>, and fastening mechanism <NUM> configured to connect the first component <NUM> and second component <NUM> together. The elongate body <NUM>, plurality of ground engaging features <NUM>, and the bracket <NUM> are substantially rigid features. The U-shaped bracket <NUM> is at or near the end of the elongate body <NUM>.

The device <NUM> is a multi-fit device that may be used for different tracked vehicles. That is, the same device <NUM> can be used for different tracked vehicles. There are a variety of different tracked vehicles, with a range of different widths and tread profiles. The device <NUM> described herein can be used on a wide range of different tracks. It is not necessary to have a different version of the device for different sized tracks and/or different treads. <FIG> shows an embodiment of the device <NUM> in use with a continuous track <NUM> of a tracked vehicle having a different tread to the tread shown in <FIG>. <FIG> shows an embodiment of the device <NUM> in use with a continuous track <NUM> of a tracked vehicle having another different tread to the tread shown in <FIG>.

The multi-fit features of the device <NUM> include having a first configuration configured for use with a relatively narrow track (for example a <NUM> wide track) and a second configuration configured for use with a relatively wide track (for example a <NUM> wide track). Another multi-fit feature is the bracket <NUM> having one or more tapered surfaces for engaging with the tread of the track. A further multi-fit feature is the bracket <NUM> having one or more spacers <NUM> or packers. Details of the various multi-fit features are described in more detail below.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the elongate body <NUM> has a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile with the bracket <NUM> at one end. The bracket <NUM> has an outwardly extending portion <NUM> with a track engaging surface <NUM> for engaging a top surface <NUM> of the track, a downwardly extending portion <NUM>, and an inwardly extending portion <NUM> with a track engaging surface <NUM> for engaging a lower surface (not visible) of the track. With reference to <FIG>, the track engaging surface <NUM> of the inwardly extending portion <NUM> faces the track engaging surface <NUM> of the outwardly extending portion <NUM>. Those surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> extend in a direction substantially parallel to each other. In alternative embodiment, those surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> may extend at an angle relative to each other.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the elongate body <NUM> extends at a non-parallel angle to a centre line of the U-shaped bracket <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the angle is about <NUM>°. In alternative embodiments, the angle may be about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, or about <NUM>°.

A portion of the outwardly extending portion <NUM> proximal the downwardly extending portion <NUM> is wider than a portion of the outwardly extending portion <NUM> distal the downwardly extending portion <NUM>. This creates a tapered engagement surface <NUM> on the sides of the brackets <NUM>. The tapered engagement surfaces <NUM> are configured to engage a surface of the track, such as a tread of the track. For example, the tapered engagement surfaces <NUM> are configured to engage the walls <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> of recess <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the tread of the track <NUM> such that engagement surfaces <NUM> of the first and second component abut side walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the recesses <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The taper is a constant taper. In alternative embodiments, the taper may be non-constant. For example, the tapered surface <NUM> may be a curved and/or stepped surface. The tapered engagement surface <NUM> is one of the features that allows the device <NUM> to be used on a variety of different tracks. In particular, the tapered engagement surface <NUM> is compatible with a track having angled tread features, such as the tread shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The tapered engagement surface <NUM> is also compatible with a track having non-angled tread features (perpendicular to the edge of the track <NUM>), such as the tread shown in <FIG>. It will be understood that a tread having an angle that is similar to the angle of the tapered engagement surface 24will have greater engagement than a tread having a different angle. However, the device is also compatible with a tread having a different angle to the angle of the tapered surface.

In the embodiment shown, the inwardly extending portion <NUM> is the same width at each end. The inwardly extending portion <NUM> has a constant width. In an alternative embodiment, the inwardly extending portion <NUM> may also have a taper. The taper angle may be the same as the taper angle of the outwardly extending portion, or may be a different taper angle.

The device may also include one or more spacers <NUM> or packers. The spacers <NUM> may be about <NUM> thick, about <NUM> thick, about <NUM> thick, about <NUM> thick, or about <NUM> thick, for example. The device may be provided with a variety of spacers <NUM>. The spacers <NUM> are preferably attached to the brackets using fasteners, such as bolts. The bolts engage with apertures <NUM> in the spacers <NUM>. The spacers <NUM> are one of the features that allows the device <NUM> to be used on a variety of different tracks. In particular, the spacers <NUM> allow the device <NUM> to be used with tracks having different thicknesses. If the track <NUM> is relatively thin, a larger spacer <NUM> can be used.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the fastening mechanism <NUM> has a first fastener and a second fastener. In the embodiment shown, the fasteners are bolts <NUM> that are secured with nuts <NUM>. The nut <NUM> is preferably a lock nut or stop nut, such as a nyloc nut. Each bolt has a shaft <NUM> configured to extend through the slots <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in the elongate body <NUM>. The first component <NUM> and second component <NUM> are connected by the fasteners <NUM> at the centre of the device <NUM> with portions of the elongate bodies <NUM> overlapping. A substantial portion of the elongate body <NUM> of the first component <NUM> is configured to overlap with a substantial portion of the elongate body <NUM> of the second component <NUM> when the first component <NUM> and second component <NUM> are assembled together. The overlap is present in both the first configuration and the second configuration.

The elongate body <NUM> has a first slot <NUM> and a second slot <NUM> at or near one end of the elongate body <NUM> and a third slot <NUM> at or near the other end of the elongate body <NUM>. Each of the slots <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is configured to receive a fastener <NUM>. The slots <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> have a length of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, allowing the relative position of the first and second components to be adjusted to suit the width of the track <NUM>, in addition to the first and second configurations that allow the device to be used with narrow or wide tracks.

The elongate body <NUM> of the first component <NUM> extends to a location above the bracket <NUM> of the second component <NUM> when the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> are assembled together. The first slot <NUM> and the second slot <NUM> are at the same end of the elongate body as the U-shaped bracket. In the embodiment shown, the first slot <NUM> and the second slot <NUM> are located above the U-shaped bracket <NUM>. The second component <NUM> has corresponding features. When the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> are assembled together, there is a substantial overlap between the elongate bodies <NUM>.

The device <NUM> has a first configuration (<FIG>) in which the first fastener <NUM> extends through the first slot <NUM> of the first component and the third slot <NUM> of the second component, and the second fastener <NUM> extends through the first slot <NUM> of the second component and the third slot <NUM> of the first component <NUM>. The fasteners <NUM> secure the first and second components together. The device <NUM> has a second configuration (<FIG>) in which the first fastener <NUM> extends through the second slot <NUM> of the first component and the third slot <NUM> of the second <NUM> component and the second fastener <NUM> extends through the second slot <NUM> of the second component and the third slot <NUM> of the first component, the fasteners <NUM> securing the first and second components together. The first configuration is a relatively narrow configuration in which the brackets <NUM> are closer to each other than the second configuration.

When the first and second components are fastened together, the fastener <NUM> extends generally in a running direction of the track <NUM>. In both the first configuration and the second configuration, there is a substantial overlap between the elongate bodies <NUM>. That is, the majority of the elongate body <NUM> of the first component <NUM> overlaps with the majority of the elongate body <NUM> of the second component <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown, the U-shaped bracket <NUM> is integrally formed with the elongate body <NUM>. In particular, the elongate body <NUM> and bracket <NUM> are welded together. Alternatively, the elongate body <NUM> and bracket <NUM> may be cast as a single component.

In the embodiment shown, the ground engaging features <NUM> are integrally formed with the elongate body <NUM>. The device may have additional ground engaging or contacting features to further enhance the traction of the device.

The plurality of ground engaging features <NUM> each have a generally chevron or inverted V-shaped portion of a ground engaging surface, when viewed from above the elongate body. In the embodiment shown, each of the ground engaging features are in the form of teeth <NUM>. Each tooth <NUM> is generally triangular. Each of the spaces <NUM> between the teeth is also generally triangular. The teeth form a saw tooth-like part. The teeth may be evenly or unevenly spaced along the length of the elongate body <NUM>.

Further, the ground engaging features, or other parts of the device, may be formed with further tread or rough surface to further improve the traction of the tracked vehicle with the device. The device may further have spikes (not shown) attached to the elongate body <NUM>. Those spikes can also be useful for icy or snowy conditions, for example.

The elongate body <NUM>, brackets <NUM> and teeth <NUM> may be formed from a suitable metallic material, such as mild steel. The brackets may be formed from steel plate and bent into the required shape. Alternatively, the brackets may be cast into the required shape. In an alternative embodiment, the bracket may be formed as a separate component and fixed to the elongate body <NUM> by fasteners, for example.

With reference to <FIG>, the device is shown secured to the track <NUM>. The bracket <NUM> of the first component <NUM> is arranged to secure one end of the elongate body <NUM> to one side of the continuous track <NUM> and the bracket <NUM> of the second component <NUM> is arranged to secure the other end of the elongate body <NUM> to other side of the continuous track <NUM>. That is, the device extends across the transverse length of the track <NUM>, from one side of the track to the other side of the track.

The elongate body <NUM> is adapted to be positioned in a recess <NUM> of the track <NUM>, that is, between protrusions <NUM> of the continuous track <NUM>. The elongate body <NUM> may be positioned between two protrusions <NUM> and extend over an intermediate protrusion. The top surface of each of the brackets <NUM> may be the same height as the top surface of track, higher than the top surface of track, or lower than the top surface of track.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of the device <NUM> in use with a continuous track <NUM> of a tracked vehicle having a different tread to the tread shown in <FIG>. The track <NUM> has recesses <NUM>, with walls <NUM>, and protrusions <NUM> similar to the track <NUM> of <FIG>, except the tread pattern is different. <FIG> shows an embodiment of the device <NUM> in use with a continuous track <NUM> of a tracked vehicle having another different tread to the tread shown in <FIG>. The track <NUM> has recesses <NUM>, with walls <NUM>, and protrusions <NUM> similar to the track <NUM> of <FIG>, except the tread pattern is different.

The recesses <NUM> of the track <NUM> of <FIG> are substantially L-shaped when viewed from above.

The recesses <NUM> of the track <NUM> of <FIG> are wider close to the edge of the track <NUM> and narrower further away from edge of the track, when viewed from above. The recesses <NUM> have a step. In addition, the walls are tapered such that a portion of the recess near the edge of the track is wider than a portion of the recess closer to the centre of the track <NUM>.

The recesses <NUM> of the track of <FIG> are a mirrored L-shape (backwards L) when viewed from above, except the side walls extend at a non-perpendicular angle to the side of the track <NUM>, when viewed from above. That is, the recesses <NUM> are a mirrored L-shape, but angled. The overall shape of the device <NUM> is complementary to, or compatible with, the shape of all the recesses <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, without necessarily matching the shape of the recesses <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The device <NUM> nests within the recesses <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the tread of the track <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> such that engagement surfaces of the first and second component abut side walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the recesses <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the engagement surfaces are the sides <NUM> of the outwardly extending portion of the bracket <NUM>. Depending on the tread of the track <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, only a part of the engagement surfaces may abut the side walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the recesses <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or the entire engagement surface may side abut or contact the walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the recesses <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

A method of placing the device <NUM> on a track <NUM> will now be described with reference to <FIG>. A similar method would be used for the track <NUM>, <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The first component <NUM> is placed on the track <NUM>. The bracket <NUM> of the first component is pushed onto the track <NUM> by hand. Spacers <NUM> may be placed on the brackets <NUM>. The bracket <NUM> (with or without spacers) preferably fits tightly onto the track <NUM>, without substantially compressing the rubber track. The bracket <NUM> can be hammered to reduce the gap between the track engaging surfaces of the bracket, if the gap is too big. The second component <NUM> is placed on the track <NUM> in a similar manner. The fasteners <NUM> are inserted into the slots. Depending on the width of the track <NUM>, the fasteners <NUM> will be inserted into the first slots <NUM> and the third slots <NUM> or the second slots <NUM> and the third slots <NUM>. The slots <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> formed in the elongate body <NUM> allow the components to move relative to the each other across the width of the track <NUM>. Over time, tracks can become worn and the width of the track can decrease. The fasteners <NUM> are then tightened manually using a spanner. When the fasteners <NUM> are tightened, the first component <NUM> and second component <NUM> are drawn together in the running direction of the track <NUM>. The secured device <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The device <NUM> is releasably secured to the continuous track.

In use, more than one device <NUM> would be used on the continuous track <NUM>. For example, a continuous track <NUM> may have about five or six devices <NUM> along the track <NUM>, spaced about one metre apart. The number of devices <NUM> used on a track <NUM> can be chosen depending on the traction required for any situation.

The device <NUM> may also be useful in situations where the vehicle is stuck, such as in very muddy situations. One end of a chain can be attached to the device <NUM> and the other end can be secured. The vehicle can then be driven forward by the vehicle pulling on the chain.

The device <NUM> can be removed by loosening the fasteners <NUM>, which will release the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> from each other. The device <NUM> can then be removed from the track <NUM>.

Embodiments of the invention have been described by way of example only and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, the device <NUM> may be formed with a textured surface and/or other outwardly extending features to further enhance the traction of the device and the continuous track.

For example, the ground engaging features <NUM> have been described as teeth having triangular or chevron shaped components. Alternatively, the teeth may have any other suitable shape, such as rectangular or square, for example.

Claim 1:
A device (<NUM>) for use with a continuous track of a tracked vehicle to enhance the traction of the vehicle, the track having a tread with recesses, the device (<NUM>) comprising:
a first component (<NUM>) and a second component (<NUM>), each of the first component (<NUM>) and the second component (<NUM>) having:
an elongate body (<NUM>) having a first slot (<NUM>) and a second slot (<NUM>) at or near one end of the elongate body (<NUM>) and a third slot (<NUM>) at or near the other end of the elongate body (<NUM>), each of the slots (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to receive a fastener (<NUM>);
a plurality of ground engaging features (<NUM>) extending upwardly from the elongate body (<NUM>); characterized in that the device further comprises
a U-shaped bracket (<NUM>) having an outwardly extending portion (<NUM>) with a track engaging surface (<NUM>) for engaging a top surface (<NUM>) of the track, a downwardly extending portion (<NUM>), and an inwardly extending portion (<NUM>) with a track engaging surface (<NUM>) for engaging a lower surface of the track, a portion of the outwardly extending portion (<NUM>) proximal the downwardly extending portion (<NUM>) is wider than a portion of the outwardly extending portion (<NUM>) distal the downwardly extending portion (<NUM>); and
a fastening mechanism (<NUM>) configured to connect the first component (<NUM>) and second component (<NUM>) together.