Multi-stage spring for track tensioning system
First Claim
1. A multi-stage spring for a track tensioner for a tracked vehicle, wherein the multi-stage spring has a rest position associated therewith, wherein the multi-stage spring is positionable in a first range of positions, a second range of positions and a third range of positions, wherein the first range of positions is closer to the rest position than is the second range of positions, and wherein the third range of positions is closer to the rest position than is the first range of positions, wherein the multi-stage spring is movable from an initial position in the first range of positions in a direction away from the rest position by a first range initial force, and wherein the multi-stage spring is movable from an initial position in the second range of positions in the direction away from the rest position by a second range initial force, wherein the first range initial force is greater than the second range initial force, and wherein the multi-stage spring is movable in the third range of positions to a third range final position by a third range final force, wherein the first range initial force is greater than the third range final force.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A multi-stage spring for maintaining tension in a track of a tracked vehicle is provided. The multi-stage spring can urge the idler wheel in a first manner when the vehicle is accelerated or decelerated. The multi-stage spring can urge the idler wheel in a second manner when debris is caught between the track and a wheel on the vehicle. The multi-stage spring can urge the idler wheel in a third manner when the suspension of the vehicle is compressed.
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Citations
28 Claims
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1. A multi-stage spring for a track tensioner for a tracked vehicle, wherein the multi-stage spring has a rest position associated therewith, wherein the multi-stage spring is positionable in a first range of positions, a second range of positions and a third range of positions, wherein the first range of positions is closer to the rest position than is the second range of positions, and wherein the third range of positions is closer to the rest position than is the first range of positions,
wherein the multi-stage spring is movable from an initial position in the first range of positions in a direction away from the rest position by a first range initial force, and wherein the multi-stage spring is movable from an initial position in the second range of positions in the direction away from the rest position by a second range initial force, wherein the first range initial force is greater than the second range initial force, and wherein the multi-stage spring is movable in the third range of positions to a third range final position by a third range final force, wherein the first range initial force is greater than the third range final force.
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15. A multi-stage spring for a track tensioner for a tracked vehicle, wherein the multi-stage spring has a rest position associated therewith, wherein the multi-stage spring is positionable in a first range of positions, a second range of positions and a third range of positions, wherein the first range of positions is closer to the rest position than is the second range of positions, and wherein the third range of positions is closer to the rest position than is the first range of positions,
wherein in the first range of positions the multi-stage spring exerts a resistive force to movement in a direction away from the rest position that increases with distance away from the rest position from a first range initial force to a first range final force, and wherein in the second range of positions the multi-stage spring exerts a resistive force to movement in a direction away from the rest position that increases linearly with distance away from the rest position from a second range initial force to a second range final force, and wherein in the third range of positions the multi-stage spring exerts a resistive force to movement in a direction away from the rest position that increases linearly with distance away from the rest position from a third range initial force to a third range final force, and wherein the first range initial force is greater than the second range initial force and the third range final force.
Specification