TRACTION ASSEMBLY FOR VEHICLE

• US 20120242141A1
• Filed: 03/24/2011
• Published: 09/27/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 03/24/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kimpex, Inc. (Soucy Holding Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Kimpex, Inc. (Soucy Holding Incorporated)
• Inventors: BESSETTE, Robert, Handfield, Robert
• Granted Patent: US 8,955,925 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 305/142
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2204/30 In-wheel mountings
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2300/32 Track vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 3/20 all arms being rigid
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 55/084 Endless-track units or carriages mounted separably, adjustably or extensibly on vehicles, e.g. portable track units B62D55/07 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 55/108 with mechanical springs, e.g. torsion bars
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 55/14 Arrangement, location, or adaptation of rollers
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 55/24 of continuously flexible type, e.g. rubber belts

Abstract

The present invention generally provides a wheel replacing traction assembly which uses, for propulsion, a longitudinally extending traction band disposed around and cooperating with a sprocket wheel, a supporting structure, and idler and/or road wheels. The supporting structure of the traction assembly comprises an independent suspension generally replacing the suspension of the vehicle. In use, the suspension of the vehicle is replaced by a rigid member that can be adjustable in length in a further embodiment. The presence of a suspension in the supporting structure of the traction assembly decreases its unsprung mass.

Claims

1. ) A traction assembly for use on a vehicle, said traction assembly having a traction band, a sprocket wheel, idler wheels and road wheels, said traction assembly comprising:

a) a guide rail on which are connected said idler wheels and said road wheels;

b) a plurality of linkage connected to said frame and to said guide rail, wherein said linkage are articulated and pivotally connected to said guide rail;

c) a frame pivotally connected to said axle and to one of said linkage;

d) a suspension comprising a spring assembly and a dampener, said suspension being pivotally connected to said frame and to said guide rail;

wherein said linkage and said suspension are partly suspended and wherein said

2. ) The traction assembly of claim 1, wherein said vehicle has a suspension and wherein said vehicle suspension is replaced by a rigid bar.

3. ) The traction assembly of claim 2, wherein said rigid bar is adjustable in length.

4. ) The traction assembly of claim 1, wherein an important proportion of the mass of said linkage and of said suspension is sprung mass and wherein said mass of said sprocket wheel and of said frame is sprung mass.

5. ) A traction assembly for use on a vehicle, said traction assembly having a traction band, a sprocket wheel, idler wheels, road wheels, said traction assembly comprising:

a) a guide rail on which are connected said idler wheels and said road wheels;

b) a supporting structure comprising articulated linkage, wherein said linkage is connected to said guide rail;

c) a suspension comprising a spring assembly and a dampener, said suspension being pivotally connected to said supporting structure and to said guide rail;

wherein an important proportion of the mass of said linkage and of said suspension is sprung mass and wherein said mass of said sprocket wheel and of said frame is sprung mass.