SUSPENSION SYSTEM FOR A TRACKED VEHICLE
First Claim
1. A track suspension system for a vehicle, comprising:
- a main axle beam having first and second beam ends forming pivot shafts;
at least one attachment beam extending from the main axle beam toward the forward of the vehicle;
a track assembly pivotally connected to each of the pivot shafts;
a vehicle chassis coupled by a spherical bearing to the at least one attachment beam;
a first shock absorbing member having a first end coupled by a spherical bearing to the main axle beam near the first beam end and a second end coupled by a spherical bearing to the chassis;
a second shock absorbing member having a first end coupled by a spherical bearing to the main axle beam near the second beam end and a second end coupled by a spherical bearing to the chassis; and
a centralizer coupled between the main axle beam and the chassis.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A suspension system for a tracked vehicle, preferably having rubber tracks. The track assembly is mounted on a pivot shaft such that it can oscillate about the axis of the pivot shaft. The suspension system allows the track assembly to move vertically relative to the vehicle chassis to compensate for uneven terrain. For instance the track assembly can compensate for depressions or bumps in the terrain and preclude the chassis of the vehicle from tilting with each minor change in the terrain. In addition, the track assembly movement in the vertical direction provides a much smoother ride than do traditional tracked vehicles. The suspension system of the present invention is provided for use with a pair of track assemblies.
39 Citations
16 Claims
-
1. A track suspension system for a vehicle, comprising:
-
a main axle beam having first and second beam ends forming pivot shafts;
at least one attachment beam extending from the main axle beam toward the forward of the vehicle;
a track assembly pivotally connected to each of the pivot shafts;
a vehicle chassis coupled by a spherical bearing to the at least one attachment beam;
a first shock absorbing member having a first end coupled by a spherical bearing to the main axle beam near the first beam end and a second end coupled by a spherical bearing to the chassis;
a second shock absorbing member having a first end coupled by a spherical bearing to the main axle beam near the second beam end and a second end coupled by a spherical bearing to the chassis; and
a centralizer coupled between the main axle beam and the chassis. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
-
Specification