Track segments for split tracks, vehicles having split tracks, and methods of using track segments - Patents.com

Abstract

A track segment for a split track includes a first track section, an inner coupling portion, and an outer coupling portion. A first coupling portion is disposed at one end of a body of the track section and defines a first inner section coupling portion, a first outer section coupling portion opposite the first inner section coupling portion, and a first engagement surface configured to abut a second engagement surface of a second coupling portion of a second track section. The inner coupling portion has two inner coupling portion connections configured to respectively connect to the first inner section coupling portion of the first track section and the second inner section coupling portion of the second track section. The outer coupling portion has two outer coupling portion connections configured to respectively connect to the first outer section coupling portion of the first track section and the second outer section coupling portion of the second coupling portion of the second track section.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] cross reference This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 289,945, entitled “Track Segment For A Segmented Track, Vehicle Having Segmented Tracks, And Method Of Using The Same,” filed December 15, 2021, and is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

[0002] The present technology relates to track systems. More precisely, the present technology relates to track segments for split tracks and vehicles having split tracks. [Background technology]

[0003] For example, certain vehicles, such as agricultural vehicles (e.g., harvesters, combines, tractors, etc.), construction vehicles (e.g., bulldozers, front end loaders, etc.), all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility vehicles (UTVs), and military vehicles, are used on surfaces that are soft, slippery, and / or uneven (e.g., dirt, mud, sand, ice, snow, etc.).

[0004] Traditionally, such vehicles have had large wheels with tires attached to them to move the vehicle along the ground. Under certain conditions, such tires may provide insufficient traction on certain types of ground, and because these vehicles are generally heavy, the tires may compact the ground in an undesirable manner due to the weight of the vehicle.

[0005] To alleviate the aforementioned shortcomings, track systems have been developed to replace at least some of the wheels and tires on vehicles to increase traction and distribute the weight of the vehicle over a larger area on the ground. For example, under certain conditions, track systems allow construction vehicles to be used in wet site conditions as opposed to wheeled vehicles. It has long been recognized that single endless elastomeric tracks have a fundamental problem in that they become nearly unusable when damaged. Indeed, when such tracks become damaged, they typically need to be completely replaced with new elastomeric tracks.

[0006] To alleviate this problem while retaining the main benefits of elastomeric tracks (i.e. reduced noise, reduced weight, reduced damage to pavement), elastomeric tracks are sometimes made from multiple interconnected elastomeric segments instead of a single piece.

[0007] Although elastomeric split tracks have their own inherent advantages, such as providing the ability to replace only damaged or worn segments, split tracks also have problems.

[0008] For example, joints are provided in each segment to connect the segments together. However, the joints create discontinuities in the elastomeric material and longitudinal reinforcement (e.g., reinforcing cables or cords) where failure typically occurs. Several split tracks have been proposed over the years to attempt to alleviate this and other problems, including, for example, U.S. Patent No. 6,399,433 to St-Pierre et al., issued April 19, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0009] However, due to their inherent large size and weight, heavy tracked vehicles need to have tracks that, on the one hand, provide a large ground contact surface, but, on the other hand, are flexible enough to wrap around the various wheels of the vehicle (e.g., sprocket wheels, driven wheels and road wheels) and to absorb some temporary deformations.

[0010] As a result, elastomeric tracks used in heavy tracked vehicles typically comprise several longitudinally extending track segments, each of which includes one or more substantially rigid sections (where the inner and outer lugs are generally located) interconnected by shorter, flexible, pliable sections (where bending generally occurs). Furthermore, to maximize the ground contact surface of the track, the length of the flexible sections is usually significantly shorter than the length of the rigid sections.

[0011] Additionally, the joint elements interconnecting the track segments must be strong enough to support the longitudinal forces exerted by the vehicle during operation and durable enough to prevent premature wear. Despite recent advances in the development of track systems, track segments may fail under severe conditions and may need to be replaced. Traditional solutions for replacing track segments may involve the use of special tools in a workshop. However, as such track systems may be used on farms, battlefields, or construction sites, it is desirable to provide the ability to quickly repair or replace track segments in the field without special tools. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0012] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 9,315,225 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] Therefore, there is a need for a track system that can alleviate at least some of the aforementioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] According to one aspect of the present technology, a track segment for a split endless track is provided. The track segment includes a first track section, an inner coupling portion, and an outer coupling portion. The first track section includes a section body and a first connection portion disposed at a first longitudinal end of the section body. The first connection portion has a first inner connection surface defining a first inner section connection portion, a first outer connection surface opposite the first inner connection surface defining a first outer section connection portion, and a first engagement surface extending between the first inner connection surface and the first outer connection surface and configured to abut a second engagement surface of a second connection portion of a second track section. The inner coupling portion has a first inner coupling portion connection portion and a second inner coupling portion connection portion, and the first inner coupling portion and the second inner coupling portion are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. The first inner link connection portion is configured to connect to a first inner section connection portion of a first connection portion of the first track section, and the second inner link connection portion is configured to connect to a second inner section connection portion of a second connection portion of the second track section. The outer link has a first outer link connection portion and a second outer link connection portion, and the first outer link connection portion and the second outer link connection portion are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. The first outer link connection portion is configured to connect to a first outer section connection portion of the first connection portion of the first track section, and the second outer link connection portion is configured to connect to a second outer section connection portion of the second connection portion of the second track section.

[0015] In some embodiments, the track segment further comprises a second track section.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first track section includes a second connection portion at a second longitudinal end of the section body opposite the first longitudinal end, the second connection portion configured to be connected to a third track section using an auxiliary inner connection and an auxiliary outer connection. In some embodiments, the track segments are reinforced with a longitudinal reinforcing cable. The first track section includes a cable attachment section at a second longitudinal end of the section body opposite the first longitudinal end, the cable attachment section configured to receive a first end of the longitudinal reinforcing cable. The longitudinal reinforcing cable has a second end configured for attachment to another track segment.

[0017] In some embodiments, the section body is made from an elastomeric material.

[0018] In some embodiments, the section body comprises an inner surface having at least one inner body lug and an outer surface opposite the inner surface having at least one outer body lug, the inner link comprises at least one inner link lug and the outer link comprises at least one outer link lug.

[0019] In some embodiments, the at least one inner body lug comprises at least one drive lug and at least one guide lug, and the at least one inner link lug comprises at least one drive lug and at least one guide lug.

[0020] In some embodiments, at least one outer body lug comprises at least one ground engaging lug and at least one outer link lug comprises at least one ground engaging lug.

[0021] In some embodiments, the at least one inner body lug and the at least one inner coupling lug are longitudinally spaced apart, and the at least one outer body lug and the at least one outer coupling lug are longitudinally spaced apart.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion extend laterally along at least about 70% of the width of the first track section.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first inner section connection portion and the second inner section connection portion each form one of the inner mortise and the inner tenon, and the first inner link connection portion and the second inner link connection portion each form the other of the inner mortise and the inner tenon, and each pair of one of the inner mortises and one of the inner tenons is configured to form an inner dovetail joint when the inner link is assembled with the first and second track sections.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first and second outer section connections each form one of the outer mortises and outer tenons, and the first and second outer link connections each form the other of the outer mortises and outer tenons, and each pair of one of the outer mortises and one of the outer tenons is configured to form an outer dovetail joint when the outer link is assembled with the first and second track sections.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first engagement surface has a first anchoring portion and the second engagement surface has a second anchoring portion.

[0026] In some embodiments, one of the first anchoring portion and the second anchoring portion includes a plurality of laterally distributed tenons and the other of the first anchoring portion and the second anchoring portion includes a plurality of laterally distributed mortises, wherein the plurality of laterally distributed mortises and the plurality of laterally distributed tenons are configured to form a plurality of laterally distributed dovetail joints when the first track section and the second track section are assembled.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first connecting portion has a first hook portion and the second connecting portion has a second hook portion.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first hook portion and the second hook portion are configured to temporarily hold the first connection portion of the first track section in alignment with the second connection portion of the second track section prior to connection of the inner and outer links to the first and second track sections.

[0029] In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second track sections further includes fastening means for locking the inner and outer links to the first and second track segments.

[0030] In some embodiments, the inner link and the outer link are configured to form a rigid connection between the first track section and the second track section.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first connection portion comprises a flexible portion between the first longitudinal end of the section body and the first inner section connection portion and the first outer section connection portion, thereby allowing an assembly formed by connecting the inner link portion, the outer link portion, the first inner section connection portion and the first outer section connection portion to bend relative to the section body.

[0032] According to another aspect of the present technology, a track segment for a split track is provided. The track segment includes a first track section, at least one second track section, a first inner coupling, and a first outer coupling. The first track section includes a first section body and a first connection portion disposed at a first longitudinal end of the first section body. The first connection portion includes a first inner connection surface, a first outer connection surface, a first engagement surface, and a first cable attachment section. The first inner connection surface defines a first inner section connection portion. The first outer connection surface is opposite the first inner connection surface, and the first outer connection surface defines a first outer section connection portion. The first engagement surface extends between the first inner connection surface and the first outer connection surface. The first cable attachment section is at a first longitudinal end of the first section body opposite the first longitudinal end and is configured to receive an end of at least one first longitudinal reinforcing cable. The at least one second track section includes a second section body, a second connection portion disposed at a second longitudinal end of the second section body, and a third connection portion disposed at a third longitudinal end of the third section body. The second connection portion includes a second inner connection surface, a second outer connection surface, and a second engagement surface. The second inner connection surface defines a second inner section connection portion. The second outer connection surface is opposite the second inner connection surface and defines a second outer section connection portion. The second engagement surface extends between the second inner connection surface and the second outer connection surface. A third connection portion disposed at a third longitudinal end of the third section body includes a third inner connection surface, a third outer connection surface, and a third engagement surface. The third inner connection surface defines a third inner section connection portion. The third outer connection surface is opposite the third inner connection surface and defines a third outer section connection portion. The third engagement surface extends between the third inner connection surface and the third outer connection surface. The first inner coupling portion comprises a first inner coupling portion connection portion and a second inner coupling portion connection portion, the first inner coupling portion and the second inner coupling portion being spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction.The first inner link connection portion is configured to connect to the first inner section connection portion of the first connection portion of the first endless track section, and the second inner link connection portion is configured to connect to the second inner section connection portion of the second connection portion of the at least one second endless track section when the first engagement surface of the first endless track section abuts the second engagement surface of the at least one second endless track section. The first outer link comprises a first outer link connection portion and a second outer link connection portion, the first outer link connection portion and the second outer link connection portion being spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. The first outer link connection portion is configured to connect to the first outer section connection portion of the first connection portion of the first endless track section, and the second outer link connection portion is configured to connect to the second outer section connection portion of the second connection portion of the at least one second endless track section when the first engagement surface of the first endless track section abuts the second engagement surface of the at least one second endless track section.

[0033] In some embodiments, the at least one second track section comprises two or more second track sections, a first of the second track sections connected to the first track section by a first inner coupling and a first outer coupling, and a second of the two or more second track sections connected to a first of the two or more second track sections by a second inner coupling and a second outer coupling. In some embodiments, the track segment further comprises a third track section including a third section body and a fourth connection portion disposed at a fourth longitudinal end of the third section body. The fourth connection portion has a fourth inner connection surface, a fourth outer connection surface, a fourth engagement surface, and a second cable attachment section. The fourth inner connection surface defines a fourth inner section connection portion. The fourth outer connection surface is opposite the fourth inner connection surface and defines a fourth outer section connection portion. The fourth engagement surface extends between the fourth inner connection surface and the fourth outer connection surface. The second cable attachment section is at a second longitudinal end of the third section body opposite the fourth longitudinal end and configured to receive a first one of the at least one second longitudinal reinforcing cable. The third inner link has a third inner link connection portion and a fourth inner link connection portion, the third inner link and the fourth inner link being longitudinally spaced apart from one another. The third inner link connection portion is configured to connect to the third inner section connection portion of the third connection portion of the at least one second endless track section, and the fourth inner link connection portion is configured to connect to the second inner section connection portion of the second connection portion of the at least one second endless track section when the third engagement surface of the at least one second endless track section abuts the fourth engagement surface of the third endless track section. The third outer link has a third outer link connection portion and a fourth outer link connection portion, the third outer link connection portion and the fourth outer link connection portion being longitudinally spaced apart from one another.The third outer link connection portion is configured to connect to the third outer section connection portion of the third connection portion of the at least one second endless track section, and the fourth outer link connection portion is configured to connect to the second outer section connection portion of the second connection portion of the at least one second endless track section when the third engagement surface of the at least one second section abuts the fourth engagement surface of the third endless track section.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a segmented track including a plurality of track segments according to the above aspect or according to one or more of the above aspects and embodiments.

[0035] According to another aspect of the present technology, a vehicle is provided that includes a frame, an engine supported by the frame, and at least two track systems operably connected to the engine, each track system including a split track. According to another aspect of the present technology, a track linkage assembly for a split track is provided. The track linkage assembly includes a first connection portion of a first track section, a second connection portion of a second track section, an inner link, and an outer link. The first connection portion has a first inner connection surface, a first outer connection surface, and a first engagement surface extending between the first inner connection surface and the first outer connection surface. The second connection portion has a second inner connection surface, a second outer connection surface, and a second engagement surface extending between the second inner connection surface and the second outer connection surface. The second engagement surface of the first track section is configured to abut the first engagement surface of the second track section. The inner coupling portion is configured to connect to the first inner connection surface of the first track section and the second inner connection surface of the second track section. The outer coupling portion is configured to connect to the first outer connection surface of the first track section and the second outer connection surface of the second track section. Connection of the inner coupling portion and the outer coupling portion with the first connection portion and the second connection portion results in abutment of the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface, coupling the first track section with the second track section.

[0036] In accordance with another aspect of the present technology, a method is provided for selectively and removably connecting a first track section of a split endless track to a second track section of the split endless track, the first and second track sections having first and second inner section connection portions and first and second outer section connection portions, respectively, the method including the steps of aligning the first track section with the second track section, connecting a first inner link connection portion of the inner link to the first inner section connection portion of the first track section, connecting a second inner link connection portion of the inner link to the second inner section connection portion of the second track section, connecting a first outer link connection portion of the outer link to the first outer section connection portion of the first track section, and connecting a second outer link connection portion of the outer link to the second outer section connection portion of the second track section.

[0037] In some embodiments, the connection of the first inner link connection portion to the first inner section connection portion of the first track section is made by lateral translation, the connection of the second inner link connection portion to the second inner section connection portion of the second track section is made by lateral translation, the connection of the first outer link connection portion to the first outer section connection portion of the first track section is made by lateral translation, and the connection of the second outer link connection portion to the second outer section connection portion of the second track section is made by lateral translation.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first track section is aligned with the second track section by a first hook portion of the first track section and a second hook portion of the second track section.

[0039] In some embodiments, the inner link and the outer link are secured to the first and second track sections such that the inner link and the outer link are secured generally transversely to the first and second track sections.

[0040] In some embodiments, the connection between the first track section and the second track section is performed manually.

[0041] In some embodiments, the first track section and the second track section are connected without specialized tools.

[0042] In accordance with another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a track section for a segmented endless track, the track section comprising a section body made from an elastomeric material, a linkage assembly, the section body comprising an inner surface having at least one inner lug, an outer surface opposite the inner surface having at least one outer lug, a first body end, and a second body end opposite the first body end.

[0043] The first connection portion is connected to the first body end of the section body and is configured to connect to the second connection portion of the paired track section. The first connection portion defines an inner interface surface including an inner section interface portion, an outer interface surface opposite the inner interface surface including an outer section interface portion, and a first engagement surface extending from the inner interface surface to the outer interface surface. The linkage assembly includes an inner linkage and an outer linkage. The inner linkage has an inner lug portion and an inner connection portion opposite the inner lug portion and complementary to the inner section connection portion of the first connection portion of the track section and the second inner section connection portion of the paired track section. The outer linkage has an outer lug portion and an outer connection portion opposite the outer lug portion and complementary to the outer section connection portion of the first connection portion of the track section and the second outer section connection portion of the paired track section. The inner coupling portion and the outer coupling portion are configured to connect, via lateral translation, to (i) the inner section connection portion of the first connection portion of the endless track section and the second inner section connection portion of the paired endless track section, and (ii) the outer section connection portion of the first connection portion of the endless track section and the second outer section connection portion of the paired endless track section, respectively, when the first engagement surface of the endless track section abuts the second engagement surface of the paired endless track section, thereby forming a rigid joint between the first connection portion and the second connection portion.

[0044] In some embodiments, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion extend across at least 80% of the width of the section body.

[0045] In some embodiments, at least one of the inner lugs of the section body and the inner lug portion of the inner link is a drive lug or a guide lug.

[0046] In some embodiments, at least one of the inner lug of the section body and the outer lug portion of the outer link is a ground lug.

[0047] In some embodiments, the inner connecting portion includes a first metal portion and the inner lug portion is connected to the first metal portion.

[0048] In some embodiments, the outer connection portion includes a second metal portion and the outer lug portion is connected to the second metal portion.

[0049] In some embodiments, the first connecting portion is different from the second connecting portion.

[0050] In some embodiments, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion each further comprise a complementary hook portion configured to hold the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion together in temporary alignment during installation of the link assembly.

[0051] In some embodiments, the inner section connections of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are configured to form one or more dovetail joints.

[0052] In some embodiments, the link assembly further comprises at least one error-proofing feature.

[0053] In some embodiments, one of the at least one error prevention feature comprises a mortise formed in one of the inner and outer couplings and a tenon formed in the other of the inner and outer couplings, and a corresponding tenon and mortise formed in the first and second connecting portions, thereby preventing installation of the outer coupling to the inner section connection and installation of the inner coupling to the outer section connection.

[0054] In some embodiments, one of the at least one error prevention feature is formed by laterally tapering the mortise on one of the first and second engagement surfaces and laterally tapering the tenon on the other of the first and second engagement surfaces to prevent sliding the inner or outer coupling in the wrong direction on the first and second connection portions of the track sections.

[0055] In some embodiments, the link assembly further comprises a fastening means for selectively preventing lateral translation of the inner link and the outer link relative to the track section.

[0056] In some embodiments the fastening means comprises a separate part.

[0057] In some embodiments, the fastening means are integrated in the track sections and at the inner and outer links.

[0058] In some embodiments, a first one of the engagement surfaces further includes a first anchoring portion and a second one of the engagement surfaces further includes a second anchoring portion complementary to the first anchoring portion.

[0059] In some embodiments, the anchoring portion is configured to form a dovetail joint.

[0060] In accordance with another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a split track for a tracked vehicle, the split track including a plurality of track sections according to the above aspect or according to one or more of the above aspects and embodiments, the track sections being joined end to end to form a closed loop.

[0061] According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a vehicle equipped with a split endless track of the above aspect.

[0062] In accordance with another aspect of the present technique, a method for releasably joining track sections, each track section having an inboard section connection portion and an outboard section connection portion, is provided, the method including aligning the track sections in an end-to-end configuration, engaging an inboard linkage via lateral translation with each pair of inboard section connection portions of adjacent track sections, and engaging an outboard linkage via lateral translation with each pair of outboard section connection portions of adjacent track sections.

[0063] In some embodiments, each pair of track sections is temporarily aligned by a hook portion.

[0064] In some embodiments, the method further comprises fixing the inner and outer links against lateral movement with a fixing means.

[0065] In some embodiments, the sections are connected without special tools.

[0066] According to another aspect of the present technology, a track segment for a split endless track is provided. The track segment includes a first track section having a section body and a first connection portion disposed at one end of the section body. The first connection portion defines a first inner section connection portion, a first outer section connection portion opposite the first inner section connection portion, and a first engagement surface configured to abut a second engagement surface of the second connection portion of the second endless track section. The track segment also includes an inner coupling portion and an outer coupling portion. The inner coupling portion has a first inner coupling portion and a second inner coupling portion configured to respectively connect to the first inner section connection portion of the first endless track section and the second inner section connection portion of the second endless track section. The outer coupling portion has a first outer coupling portion and a second outer coupling portion configured to respectively connect to the first outer section connection portion of the first endless track section and the second outer section connection portion of the second connection portion of the second endless track section.

[0067] For a better understanding of the present technology, as well as other aspects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0068] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with a pair of split endless tracks. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the outside of a track segment of the split track of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the inside of a track segment of the split track of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partial plan view of the inner surface of the two portions of the track segment of FIGS. 2 and 3 without the plates and fasteners. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic and functional diagram of a section of a track segment in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology; [Figure 6]6 is a schematic and functional diagram of a section of the track segment of FIG. 5 interconnecting with another section of the track segment through the use of inner and outer connections in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 7] 1 is a perspective view of an exterior of a track segment comprising two sections in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology; FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the track segment of FIG. 7 in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the track segment of FIG. 7 illustrating a first interconnection technique in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 10] 8 is an exploded perspective view of the track segment of FIG. 7 illustrating a second interconnection technique in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a detailed diagram of a second interconnection technique, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a detailed diagram of a second interconnection technique, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 13] 1 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a track segment comprising three sections in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology; [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a perspective detail view of a snap-fit ​​connection between the inner coupling and the connecting portion of the track section. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a detailed view of a hook portion that can be used for temporary alignment of two track sections. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0069] It should be noted that unless expressly specified otherwise in this specification, the drawings are not to scale.

[0070] In the context of this specification, unless expressly stated otherwise, the words "first", "second", "third", etc. are used as adjectives only for the purpose of enabling distinction between different nouns from one another, and not for the purpose of describing a specific relationship between those nouns.

[0071] It must be noted that as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0072] As used herein, the term "about" in the context of a given value or range refers to a value or range that is within 20%, preferably within 10%, and more preferably within 5% of the given value or range.

[0073] As used herein, the term "and / or" is to be understood as a specific disclosure of each of two particular features or components with or without the other feature or component. For example, "A and / or B" is to be understood as a specific disclosure of (i) A, (ii) B, and (iii) each of A and B, as if each were individually set forth herein.

[0074] Each implementation of the present technology will have at least one, but not necessarily all, of the foregoing objectives and / or aspects. It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology that arise from attempts to achieve the above-mentioned objectives may not meet the objectives and / or may meet other objectives not expressly set forth herein.

[0075] Additional and / or alternative features, aspects, and advantages of implementations of the present technology will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

[0076] The present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details and arrangement of the components described in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and can be practiced or carried out in various ways. Moreover, the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be construed as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," "involving," and variations thereof herein are meant to encompass not only the items listed thereafter, but also, optionally, additional items. In the following description, like reference numerals refer to similar elements.

[0077] In the context of the following description, "longitudinal" means a direction parallel to the direction of forward travel of the vehicle, and "lateral" means a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehicle. In the same context, "outward" or "outer" means a direction away from the longitudinal center plane of the track system, and "inward" or "inward" means a direction toward the longitudinal center plane. Also, in the context of the following description, "lateral" means a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal center plane in a plane parallel to the flat horizontal ground, and "generally vertical" means a direction included in the longitudinal center plane along the height of the track system generally perpendicular to the flat horizontal ground. Also, the term "wheel assembly" includes all the necessary structures (bearing structures, pins, axles, and other components) for pivoting / rotating the structure / wheel about an axis, as the case may be. In the accompanying description and accompanying figures, the track system is configured to be mounted on the right and left side of the vehicle chassis. In the context of the present technology, the requirement of a wheel assembly as "at least indirectly connected" includes not only wheel assemblies that are directly connected to at least one wheel bearing frame member, but also wheel assemblies that are connected to the frame member that they carry through an intermediate structure, whether an intermediate frame member or other.

[0078] The present technology will be presented in the context of a specific application of split tracks on military vehicles. However, it should be understood that this example does not limit the present technology. The disclosed split track technology can be applied to a variety of other types of tracked vehicles, including, by way of example and not limitation, agricultural vehicles (e.g., harvesters, combines, tractors, etc.), construction vehicles (e.g., bulldozers, front-end loaders, etc.), all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and utility vehicles (UTVs).

[0079] 1, a segmented track 100 is shown mounted on a vehicle 10. In the present non-limiting example, the vehicle 10 is an armored personnel carrier and is provided with a wheel assembly on each side thereof including a sprocket wheel 20 mounted at the front end of the vehicle 10, a driven wheel 30 mounted at the rear end of the vehicle 10, and a number of road wheels 40 mounted along the length of the vehicle 10.

[0080] The sprocket wheels 20 are generally configured to engage the split track 100 and transfer motive power from an engine (not shown) of the vehicle 10 to the split track 100. The driven wheels 30 are configured to pull and guide the split track 100 at the rear end of the vehicle 10. Finally, in the illustrated example, the road wheels 40 are generally configured to guide the lower running portion of the split track 100 that engages the ground during use.

[0081] In FIG. 1, arrow 50 indicates the direction of forward travel of vehicle 10 .

[0082] Segmented track 100 comprises at least one, but typically several, track segments 200 connected end-to-end to define an endless loop, as best seen in FIG.

[0083] 2 and 3, a conventional track segment 200 is shown in greater detail. Each track segment 200 is made from a reinforced elastomeric material and generally includes a base body or carcass 205 having an outer ground engaging surface 300 and an inner wheel engaging surface 400.

[0084] Body 205 defines first and second opposite ends 207 and 209, and first and second opposite side edges 211 and 213. As can be appreciated, track segments 200 can be of various lengths, as indicated by the dashed lines in Figures 2 and 3. Each track segment 200 includes one or more longitudinally aligned rigid track sections 202 with a flexible track section 204 disposed between and connecting each pair of adjacent track sections 202.

[0085] The exterior surface 300 includes one or more tread or traction lugs 310 (collectively referred to as outer lugs), by way of example and not limitation, one traction lug 310 in each rigid track section 202. The traction lugs 310 are configured to engage the ground upon which the vehicle 10 operates. The traction lugs 310 of the track segments 200 generally define a tread pattern.

[0086] The inner surface 400 includes one or more rows of longitudinally aligned drive and / or guide lugs (collectively referred to as inner lugs). In this non-limiting example, each track section 202 includes one guide lug 410 that is substantially centrally located on the inner surface 400, and two drive lugs 420 and 430 that are substantially located along the side edges 211 and 213, respectively, of the track segment 200. It will be understood that in certain embodiments, the centrally located guide lug 410 is the drive lug and the drive lugs 420 and 430 are guide lugs. In some other embodiments, the drive lugs 420 and 430 can be omitted, and thus the centrally located guide lug 410 acts as both the drive lug and the guide lug.

[0087] The guide lugs 410 are generally configured to guide the split track 100 over the various wheels 20, 30, and 40 of the vehicle 10 and to prevent off-track occurrences. The guide lugs 410 are typically not actively driven and are not engaged by the sprocket wheels 20. For their part, the drive lugs 420 and 430 are configured to be drivingly engaged by the sprocket wheels 20 of the vehicle 10. It is understood that different configurations of engagement between the split track 100 and the sprocket wheels 20 are contemplated as well.

[0088] In the example of FIGS. 2 and 3, the row of guide lugs 410 and the rows of drive lugs 420 and 430 are laterally spaced apart to define wheel paths 440 and 450 for the different wheels 20 , 30 and 40 of the vehicle 10 .

[0089] In other examples, there may be more or less than two rows of drive lugs 420, 430, and the rows of drive lugs 420, 430 may be positioned elsewhere along the width of the track segment 200. Similarly, in other examples, there may be more than two rows of guide lugs 410, and the rows of guide lugs 410 may be positioned elsewhere along the width of the track segment 200.

[0090] Also, while in this example, the guide lugs 410 are typically not actively driven or engaged by the sprocket wheel 20, in other examples, the guide lugs 410 may optionally be driven by the sprocket wheel 20. In such examples, the guide lugs 410 act as both guide lugs and drive lugs.

[0091] The track segment 200 also includes a first joint member 250 positioned at the first end 207 and a second joint member 270 positioned at the second end 209 .

[0092] As shown, the first mating member 250 includes five outwardly extending tail portions 256 spaced apart by four recesses 258. Complementarily, the second mating member 270 defines five recesses 278 configured to receive the five tail portions 256 of an adjacent track segment 200, and four tail portions 276 configured to be received in the four recesses 258 of an adjacent track segment 200.

[0093] 4, the joining members 250 and 270 are configured to form a common rigid joint 290 when engaged with one another and fastened using plates and fasteners, such as bolts (not shown), inserted through openings 257 in the first joining member 250 and openings 277 in the second joining member 270. During operation, as the vehicle 10 is moving, shear and bending forces are applied to these bolts which will eventually cause them to fail.

[0094] Generally speaking, the track segments are modified from the configuration of Figures 2-4 to define track sections that can be selectively connected to one another and disconnected from one another by use of a coupling arrangement, for example when there is a need to repair or replace a portion of the segmented track 100. Such modified track segments include a first track section and typically include a plurality of longitudinally arranged track sections. Each track section includes a section body and at least one connecting portion disposed at one end of the section body. Another connecting portion may be disposed at the opposite end of the section body, except when the track section is at the end of the track segment. The connecting portion has an inner section connecting portion, an outer section connecting portion opposite the inner section connecting portion, and an engagement surface configured to abut an engagement surface of another connecting portion of another track section. Two adjacent track sections having abutting engagement surfaces may be connected using an inner coupling portion and an outer coupling portion of the coupling arrangement. The inner coupling portion has two inner coupling portion connecting portions configured to respectively connect to the inner section connecting portions of the two adjacent track sections. The outer link has two outer link connections configured to respectively connect to the outer section connections of two adjacent track sections. In some embodiments, the entire segmented track 100 can be constructed using these track sections that are assembled into track segments that are joined end-to-end to form a closed loop. In the same or other embodiments, the vehicle 10 can be equipped with a segmented track 100 that is constructed in whole or in part using these track sections.

[0095] In an embodiment, a repair kit for the split track 100 may include one inner link, one outer link, and one track section. If a portion of the split track 100 breaks while in the field, one or more repair kits can be used to replace the damaged parts of the split track 100, such as one section, two sections, or all sections of a track segment.

[0096] FIG. 5 is a schematic and functional diagram of a section of a track segment according to an embodiment of the present technology. FIG. 6 is a schematic and functional diagram of a section of the track segment of FIG. 5 interconnecting with another section of the track segment by use of an inner link and an outer link according to an embodiment of the present technology. With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, an arrow 50 indicates a direction of forward travel of a vehicle 10 on which the split track 100 is mounted, and a track segment for the split track 100 includes a first track section 500, an inner link 540, and an outer link 550. The first track section 500 includes a section body 502 and a first connecting portion 516 disposed at a first longitudinal end 512 of the section body 502. The first connecting portion 516 may extend laterally along at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, or at least about 90% of the width of the first track section 500. In some cases, the first connecting portion 516 may extend laterally along at least between about 70% and about 90% of the width of the first track section 500.

[0097] The first track section 500 may include a second connection portion 518 disposed at the opposite second longitudinal end 514 of the section body 502. The first connection portion 516 has a first inner connection surface 520 defining a first inner section connection portion 524, a first outer connection surface 528 opposite the first inner connection surface 520 and defining a first outer section connection portion 532, and a first engagement surface 536 extending between the first inner connection surface 520 and the first outer connection surface 528 and configured to abut a second engagement surface 538 of the second connection portion 518 of the second track section 500. The inner coupling 540 has a first inner coupling connection portion 546 and a second inner coupling connection portion 548 mounted on the inner connection portion 544, the first inner coupling portion 546 and the second inner coupling portion 548 being spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, the first inner coupling connection portion 546 being configured to connect to the first inner section connection portion 524 of the first connection portion 516 of the first endless track section 500, and the second inner coupling connection portion 548 being configured to connect to the second inner section connection portion 526 of the second connection portion 518 of the second endless track section 500. The outer link 550 has a first outer link connection portion 556 and a second outer link connection portion 558 mounted to the outer connection portion 554, the first outer link connection portion 556 and the second outer link connection portion 558 being longitudinally spaced apart from one another, the first outer link connection portion 556 being configured to connect to the first outer section connection portion 532 of the first connection portion 516 of the first track section 500, and the second outer link connection portion 558 being configured to connect to the second outer section connection portion 534 of the second connection portion 518 of the second track section 500. The inner link 540 and the outer link 550 form a rigid connection between the first and second track sections 500, 500 when assembled.

[0098] 5, where the first track section 500 includes the second connecting portion 518, the second connecting portion 518 is configured to be connected to the third track section 500 using an auxiliary inner link 540 and an auxiliary outer link 550. Like the first connecting portion 516, the second connecting portion 518 may extend laterally along at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, or at least about 90% of the width of the first track section 500. In some cases, the first connecting portion may extend laterally along between at least about 70% and about 90% of the width of the first track section 500.

[0099] 5 and 6 show an embodiment in which the section body 502 includes an inner surface 504 having at least one inner body lug 506 and an outer surface 508 opposite the inner surface 504 having at least one outer body lug 510. Similarly, the inner link 540 includes at least one inner link lug 542 mounted to an inner connection portion 544, and the outer link 550 includes at least one outer link lug 552 mounted to an outer connection portion 554. The at least one inner body lug 506 can include at least one inner lug and the at least one inner link lug 542 can include at least one inner lug. The at least one outer body lug 510 can include at least one ground engaging lug and the at least one outer link lug 552 can include at least one ground engaging lug. As they are longitudinally spaced apart, the inner body lug 506 and the inner link lug 542 can act as guide lugs and drive lugs. Also spaced longitudinally, the outer body lugs 510 and the outer link lugs 552 may form a thread pattern for the segmented track 100 .

[0100] In a non-limiting embodiment, the section body 502 and the first connecting portion 516 can be made from an elastomeric material. In the same or another non-limiting embodiment, the inner connecting portion 544 of the inner link 540 and / or the outer connecting portion 554 of the outer link 550 can include metal components, and the inner link lug 542 and / or the outer link lug 552 can be connected to these metal components.

[0101] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the exterior of a two-section track segment in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. In Figure 7, two track sections 500 are assembled using an inner link 540 (shown in transparency) and an outer link 550. The inner body lug 506 and one of the outer link lugs 552 are clearly visible, while the inner link lug 542 is not clearly visible due to the inner link 540 being shown in transparency.

[0102] In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the track segments are reinforced with longitudinal reinforcing cables 560. Some of the track sections 500 include a cable attachment section at a second longitudinal end (or terminal end) 562 of the section body 502 opposite the first longitudinal end 512, as shown in FIG. 7. For example, an array of cables 560 may be attached to the second longitudinal end 562 of the track section 500. The cable attachment section is where a first end of the longitudinal reinforcing cables is received in the track section 500. The longitudinal reinforcing cables have a second end (not shown) for attachment to a track section 500 of another track segment.

[0103] 8 is a side elevational view of the track segment of FIG. 7 in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The inner link 540 and the outer link 550 are shown transparent to reveal the metal components of the inner connection portion 544 and the outer connection portion 554 to which the inner link lugs 542 and / or the outer link lugs 552 may be connected. The connection portions 516, 518 may each include flexible portions between the longitudinal ends 512, 514 of the section body 502 and the inner section connection portions 524, 526 and the outer section connection portions 532, 534 to allow the assembly formed by connecting the inner link 540, the outer link 550, the inner section connection portions 524, 526, and the outer section connection portions 532, 534 to flex relative to each section body 502 of the track section 500.

[0104] 9 is an exploded perspective view of the track segment of FIG. 7 illustrating a first interconnection technique in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. As shown in FIG. 9, in an embodiment, the first and second connecting portions 516, 518 each form a mortise 572 on the outer surfaces 528, 530, and the inner link 540 forms a pair of tenons 570. Although not shown, the first and second connecting portions 516, 518 each form a mortise on the inner surfaces 520, 522, and the outer link forms a pair of tenons. When the inner and outer links 540, 550 are assembled with the first and second track sections 500, a dovetail joint may be formed between the respective pairs including one of the mortises and one of the tenons. 9, the inner link 540 has a pair of tenons 570 configured to slidably fit into a corresponding pair of mortises (not shown) in the first inner section connection portion 524 and the second inner section connection portion 526. Similarly, the outer link 550 has a pair of tenons (not shown) configured to slidably fit into a corresponding pair of mortises 572 in the first outer section connection portion 532 and the second outer section connection portion 534. It is also contemplated to form tenons in the first inner section connection portion 524 and the second inner section connection portion 526, as well as mortises in the inner link 540 and the outer link 550. In an embodiment, the tenons and corresponding mortises can be configured to snugly connect the inner link 540 and the outer link 550 to the first and second track sections with an interference fit to prevent accidental relative movement between these parts once assembled. It is also contemplated that a mortise can be formed in one of the inner and outer coupling portions 540 and 550, and a tenon can be formed in the other of the inner and outer coupling portions 540 and 550, with corresponding tenons and mortises formed in the first and second coupling portions 516 and 518, thereby forming an error prevention feature that prevents the inner coupling portion 540 from being placed on the outside and the outer coupling portion from being placed on the inside.Another error-proofing feature may be formed by tapering the mortise and tenon laterally to prevent attempts to slide the inner link 540 or the outer link 550 in the wrong (i.e., opposite) direction at the first and second connecting portions 516, 518 of the track sections 500. Other configurations for forming the mechanical interlocking connection between the inner link 540 and the two track sections 500 are also contemplated.

[0105] The embodiment of Figure 9 also shows that the first engagement surface 536 has a first anchoring portion 574, and the second engagement surface 538 has a corresponding second anchoring portion 576. The first anchoring portion 574 and the second anchoring portion 576 may be engaged by sliding the first engagement surface 536 and the second engagement surface 538 over one another.

[0106] 9 also shows fastening means including a U-shaped plate 580 and bolts 582 that can be attached to the assembly formed by the two track sections 500, the inner link 540, and the outer link 550 to lock the inner link 540 and the outer link 550 into recesses 584 (FIG. 8) in the first and second track segments when assembled. In an embodiment such as that shown in FIG. 14, the U-shaped plate 580 and bolts 582 may be omitted since a biasing lip 586 may be integrally formed at the end of the inner link 540 or the outer link 550, which is configured to mate in a snap-fit ​​connection with a recess 588 integrally formed near the end of the first and second connecting portions 516, 518. The recess 588 may possibly be the same as the recess 584. It is also alternatively possible to form biasing lips at the ends of the first and second connecting portions 516, 518 and to form recesses at the ends of the inner and outer connecting portions 540, 550 to allow for the formation of snap-fit ​​connections to maintain the inner and outer connecting portions 540, 550 in place at the first and second connecting portions 516, 518. In the same or another embodiment, one fastening means constructed by any one of these techniques may be mounted on each of the opposite ends of the assembly. Other types of fastening means are also contemplated.

[0107] The split track 100 can be quite heavy. To facilitate assembly of the track sections 500, the inner link 540, and the outer link 550, the first connecting portion 516 may have a first hook portion 590 and the second connecting portion 518 may have a second hook portion 592. FIG. 15 provides details of the first hook portion 590 and the second hook portion 592. The hook portions 590, 592 may be positioned at opposite ends of the first connecting portion 516 and the second connecting portion 518. The first hook portion 590 and the second hook portion 592 may be complementary and configured to align the first connecting portion 516 of the first track section 500 with the second connecting portion 518 of the second track section 500 before the inner link 540 and the outer link 550 connect to the first and second track sections 500. The engagement of the first hook portion 590 with the second hook portion 592 temporarily holds the first and second track sections 500 together in an aligned arrangement while the inner link 540 and the outer link 550 are installed. Temporarily supporting the first and second track sections 500 in this aligned arrangement facilitates insertion of the inner link 540 and the outer link 550 in the first connecting portion 516 and the second connecting portion 518, making the process more time efficient. Once assembly is complete, the first hook portion 590 and the second hook portion 592 still engage with each other but no longer support the first and second track sections 500. It may be noted that the first connecting portion 516 may have a hook portion similar to the hook portion 592, while the second connecting portion 518 may have a hook portion similar to the hook portion 590. A different hook portion 590 or 592 may be formed at an opposite end of each of the first connecting portion 516 and the second connecting portion 518 .

[0108] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the track segment of FIG. 7 illustrating a second interconnection technique according to an embodiment of the present technology. FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are detailed views of the second interconnection technique according to an embodiment of the present technology. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, FIG. 11, and FIG. 12, one of the first anchoring portion 574 and the second anchoring portion 576 includes a plurality of laterally distributed tenons, and the other of the first anchoring portion 574 and the second anchoring portion 576 includes a plurality of laterally distributed mortises. The laterally distributed mortises and the laterally distributed mortises form a plurality of laterally distributed mechanical interlocking joints (e.g., dovetails) when the first and second track sections 500 are assembled. In this non-limiting embodiment, the two anchoring portions 574, 576 are mirror images of each other, although other configurations are contemplated. Embodiments having first and second interconnection techniques provide particularly stiff joints between the inner link 540 and outer link 550 and the first and second track sections 500 with excellent track durability in heavy duty / vehicle applications.

[0109] 13 is a plan view of the exterior of a track segment with three sections according to an embodiment of the present technology. The track segment includes a first track section 500a, at least one second track section 500b (one second track section 500b is shown), and a third track section 500c. The track segment may include the first track section 500a and the third track section 500c at both ends and a plurality of interconnected second track sections 500b therebetween. All track sections 500a, 500b, 500c are constructed in the same manner, except for the first track section 500a and the third track section 500c, each of which has a connection portion such as 516 or 518 at one longitudinal end and a cable attachment section 560 at the opposite longitudinal end (or terminal end) 562. One inner link 540 and one outer link 550 are used to connect each pair of adjacent track sections 500a, 500b, 500c.

[0110] Without limiting the scope of the present technology, a first track section 500 of a split track 100 may be selectively and removably connected to a second track section 500 of the split track 100 in the following manner: The first track section is aligned with the second track section in an end-to-end configuration. The first track section 500 may be aligned with the second track section 500 by engaging a first hook portion 590 of the first track section 500 with a second hook portion 592 of the second track section 500. Thus, the first and second track sections 500 are temporarily held together in an aligned arrangement in an end-to-end configuration, which facilitates subsequent assembly operations. The first inner link connection portion 546 of the inner link 540 is connected to the first inner section connection portion 524 of the first track section 500. The second inner link connection 548 of the inner link 540 is connected to the second inner section connection 526 of the second track section 500. The first outer link connection 556 of the outer link 550 is connected to the first outer section connection 532 of the first track section. The second outer link connection 558 of the outer link 550 is connected to the second outer section connection 534 of the second track section 500. The connection of the first inner link connection 546 to the first inner section connection 524 of the first track section 500 may be made by lateral translation. Similarly, the connection of the second inner link connection 548 to the second inner section connection 526 of the first track section 500 may be made by lateral translation. The same is true for the connection of the first outer link connection 556 to the first outer section connection 532 of the first track section 500 and the connection of the second outer link connection 558 to the second outer section connection 534 of the first track section 500, all by lateral translation. The inner link 540 and the outer link 550 may be locked to the first and second track sections 500 with fastening means such that they are generally laterally fixed relative to the first and second track sections 500.The connection or disassembly of the first and second track sections 500 can be performed manually without requiring the use of specialized tools.

[0111] It should be noted that some of the above operations are optional, and the order of some of these operations can be changed.

[0112] Terms Clause 1: A track segment for a split endless track, the track segment comprising a first track section, the first track section comprising a section body and a first connection portion disposed at a first longitudinal end of the section body, the first connection portion having a first inner connection surface defining a first inner section connection portion, a first outer connection surface opposite the first inner connection surface, the first outer connection surface defining the first outer section connection portion, and a first engagement surface extending between the first inner connection surface and the first outer connection surface and configured to abut a second engagement surface of a second connection portion of a second endless track section, the track segment further comprising an inner coupling portion having a first inner coupling portion connection portion and a second inner coupling portion connection portion, the first inner coupling portion and the second inner coupling portion being spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. an inner link, the inner link connection portions being spaced apart from one another, the first inner link connection portion being configured to connect to a first inner section connection portion of a first connection portion of a first endless track section and the second inner link connection portion being configured to connect to a second inner section connection portion of a second connection portion of a second endless track section; and an outer link having a first outer link connection portion and a second outer link connection portion, the first outer link connection portion and the second outer link connection portion being spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction, the first outer link connection portion being configured to connect to the first outer section connection portion of the first connection portion of the first endless track section and the second outer link connection portion being configured to connect to the second outer section connection portion of the second connection portion of the second connection portion of the second endless track section.

[0113] Clause 2: The track segment of clause 1, further comprising a second track section.

[0114] Clause 3: The track segment of clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the first track section includes a second connection portion at a second longitudinal end of the section body opposite the first longitudinal end, the second connection portion configured to be connected to the third track section using an auxiliary inner connection portion and an auxiliary outer connection portion.

[0115] Clause 4: The track segment of clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the track segment is reinforced with a longitudinal reinforcing cable, and the first track section includes a cable attachment section at a second longitudinal end of the section body opposite the first longitudinal end, the cable attachment section configured to receive a first end of the longitudinal reinforcing cable, and the longitudinal reinforcing cable has a second end configured for attachment to another track segment.

[0116] Clause 5: An endless track segment as described in any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the section body is made of an elastomeric material.

[0117] Clause 6: The track segment of any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the section body has an inner surface having at least one inner body lug and an outer surface opposite the inner surface having at least one outer body lug, the inner coupling portion having at least one inner coupling lug and the outer coupling portion having at least one outer coupling lug.

[0118] Clause 7: The track segment of clause 6, wherein the at least one inner body lug comprises at least one drive lug and at least one guide lug, and the at least one inner link lug comprises at least one drive lug and at least one guide lug.

[0119] Clause 8: The track segment of clause 6 or clause 7, wherein at least one outer body lug comprises at least one ground engaging lug and at least one outer link lug comprises at least one ground engaging lug.

[0120] Clause 9: The track segment of any one of clauses 6 to 8, wherein at least one inner body lug and at least one inner coupling lug are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, and at least one outer body lug and at least one outer coupling lug are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction.

[0121] Clause 10: The track segment of any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the first connection portion and the second connection portion extend laterally along at least about 70% of the width of the first track section.

[0122] Clause 11: The track segment of any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein each of the first inner section connection portion and the second inner section connection portion forms one of an inner mortise and an inner tenon, and each of the first inner link connection portion and the second inner link connection portion forms the other of an inner mortise and an inner tenon, and each pair of one of the inner mortises and one of the inner tenons is configured to form an inner dovetail joint when the inner link is assembled with the first and second track sections.

[0123] Clause 12: The track segment of any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein each of the first outer section connection portion and the second outer section connection portion forms one of an outer mortise and an outer tenon, and each of the first outer link connection portion and the second outer link connection portion forms the other of an outer mortise and an outer tenon, and each pair of one of the outer mortises and one of the outer tenons is configured to form an outer dovetail joint when the outer link is assembled with the first and second track sections.

[0124] Clause 13: The track segment of any one of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the first engagement surface has a first anchoring portion and the second engagement surface has a second anchoring portion.

[0125] Clause 14: The track segment of clause 13, wherein one of the first anchoring portion and the second anchoring portion includes a plurality of laterally distributed tenons and the other of the first anchoring portion and the second anchoring portion includes a plurality of laterally distributed mortises, the plurality of laterally distributed mortises and the plurality of laterally distributed tenons configured to form a plurality of laterally distributed dovetail joints when the first track section and the second track section are assembled.

[0126] Clause 15: An endless track segment described in any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the first connection portion has a first hook portion and the second connection portion has a second hook portion.

[0127] Clause 16: The track segment of clause 15, wherein the first hook portion and the second hook portion are configured to temporarily hold the first connection portion of the first track section in alignment with the second connection portion of the second track section prior to connection of the inner and outer coupling portions to the first and second track sections.

[0128] Clause 17: An endless track segment as described in any one of clauses 1 to 16, wherein at least one of the first endless track section and the second endless track section further includes fastening means for engaging the inner coupling portion and the outer coupling portion to the first endless track segment and the second endless track segment.

[0129] Clause 18: The track segment of any one of clauses 1 to 17, wherein the inner and outer coupling portions are configured to form a rigid connection between the first and second track sections.

[0130] Clause 19: An endless track segment as described in any one of clauses 1 to 18, wherein the first connection portion comprises a flexible portion between the first longitudinal end of the section body and the first inner section connection portion and the first outer section connection portion, whereby an assembly formed by connecting the inner connection portion, the outer connection portion, the first inner section connection portion and the first outer section connection portion can bend relative to the section body.

[0131] Clause 20: An endless track segment for a split endless track, the endless track segment comprising a first endless track section, the first endless track section comprising a first section body and a first connection portion disposed at a first longitudinal end of the first section body, the first connection portion comprising a first inner connection surface defining a first inner section connection portion, a first outer connection surface opposite the first inner connection surface defining a first outer section connection portion, a first engagement surface extending between the first inner connection surface and the first outer connection surface, and a first longitudinal end of the first endless track section comprising a first connection portion defining a first inner section connection portion, a first outer connection surface opposite the first inner connection surface defining a first outer section connection portion, and a first cable attachment section at a first longitudinal end of the first section body opposite the end of the first longitudinal reinforcing cable, the first cable attachment section being configured to receive an end of the at least one first longitudinal reinforcing cable, and the track segment further comprises at least one second track section, each second track section comprising a second section body, a second connection portion disposed at a second longitudinal end of the second section body, the second connection portion having a second inner connection surface defining a second inner section connection portion, and a second inner connection surface defining a second inner section connection portion. a second connecting portion having a second outer connecting surface opposite the third connecting surface defining a second outer section connection portion and a second engagement surface extending between the second inner connecting surface and the second outer connecting surface; and a third connecting portion disposed at a third longitudinal end of the third section body, having a third inner connecting surface defining a third inner section connection portion and a third outer connecting surface opposite the third inner connecting surface defining a third outer section connection portion and a third engagement surface extending between the third inner connecting surface and the third outer connecting surface. and a third connection portion having a third engagement surface located on the at least one second track section, the track segment further comprising a first inner link portion having a first inner link connection portion and a second inner link connection portion, the first inner link portion and the second inner link portion being spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction, the first inner link connection portion being configured to connect to the first inner section connection portion of the first connection portion of the first track section, and the second inner link connection portion being configured to engage the first inner section connection portion of the first connection portion of the first track section when the first engagement surface of the first track section abuts the second engagement surface of the at least one second track section.the track segment further comprising a first outer link having a first outer link connection portion and a second outer link connection portion, the first outer link connection portion and the second outer link connection portion being spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction, the first outer link connection portion being configured to connect to the first outer section connection portion of the first connection portion of the first track section, and the second outer link connection portion being configured to connect to the second outer section connection portion of the second connection portion of the at least one second track section when the first engagement surface of the first track section abuts the second engagement surface of the at least one second track section.

[0132] Clause 21: The track segment of clause 20, wherein the at least one second track section comprises two or more second track sections, a first of the second track sections connected to the first track section by a first inner coupling and a first outer coupling, and a second of the two or more second track sections connected to a first of the two or more second track sections by a second inner coupling and a second outer coupling.

[0133] Clause 22: A third track section, comprising: a third section body; a fourth connection portion disposed at a fourth longitudinal end of the third section body, the fourth connection portion having a fourth inner connection surface defining a fourth inner section connection portion; a fourth outer connection surface opposite the fourth inner connection surface, the fourth outer connection surface defining a fourth outer section connection portion; a fourth engagement surface extending between the fourth inner connection surface and the fourth outer connection surface; and a second cable attachment at a second longitudinal end of the third section body opposite the fourth longitudinal end. a third track section including a fourth connection portion having a second cable attachment section configured to receive a first one of the at least one second longitudinal reinforcing cables; and a third inner link having a third inner link connection portion and a fourth inner link connection portion, the third inner link and the fourth inner link being spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction, the third inner link connection portion being connected to a third inner section connection portion of the third connection portion of the at least one second track section. a third inner link configured to connect to the second inner section connection portion of the second connection portion of the at least one second endless track section when the third engagement surface of the at least one second endless track section abuts the fourth engagement surface of the third endless track section; and a third outer link having a third outer link connection portion and a fourth outer link connection portion, the third outer link connection portion and the fourth outer link connection portion being spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. and a third outer coupling portion configured to connect to the third outer section connection portion of the third connection portion of the at least one second endless track section, and a fourth outer coupling portion configured to connect to the second outer section connection portion of the second connection portion of the at least one second endless track section when the third engagement surface of the at least one second section abuts the fourth engagement surface of the third endless track section.

[0134] Clause 23: A segmented endless track for an endless track system, comprising a plurality of endless track segments as described in any one of clauses 1 to 22.

[0135] Clause 24: A vehicle comprising a frame, an engine supported by the frame, and at least two track systems operatively connected to the engine, each track system including a segmented track as described in clause 23.

[0136] Clause 25: A track connection assembly for a split endless track, the track connection assembly comprising: a) a first connection portion of a first endless track section, the first connection portion having a first inner connection surface, a first outer connection surface, and a first engagement surface extending between the first inner connection surface and the first outer connection surface; and b) a second connection portion of a second endless track section, the second connection portion having a second inner connection surface, a second outer connection surface, and a second engagement surface extending between the second inner connection surface and the second outer connection surface, the second engagement surface of the first endless track section being in contact with the first engagement surface of the second endless track section. a) a second connection portion configured to abut the first inner connection surface of the first track section and the second inner connection surface of the second track section; c) an inner coupling portion configured to connect to the first inner connection surface of the first track section and the second inner connection surface of the second track section; and d) an outer coupling portion configured to connect to the first outer connection surface of the first track section and the second outer connection surface of the second track section, wherein connection of the inner and outer coupling portions with the first and second connection portions results in abutment of the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface, coupling the first track section with the second track section.

[0137] Clause 26: A method for selectively and removably connecting a first track section of a split endless track to a second track section of the split endless track, the first and second track sections having first and second inner section connection portions and first and second outer section connection portions, respectively, the method including the steps of aligning the first track section with the second track section; connecting a first inner link connection portion of the inner link to the first inner section connection portion of the first track section; connecting a second inner link connection portion of the inner link to the second inner section connection portion of the second track section; connecting a first outer link connection portion of the outer link to the first outer section connection portion of the first track section; and connecting a second outer link connection portion of the outer link to the second outer section connection portion of the second track section.

[0138] Clause 27: The method of clause 26, wherein the connection of the first inner link connection section to the first inner section connection section of the first track section is effected by lateral translation, the connection of the second inner link connection section to the second inner section connection section of the second track section is effected by lateral translation, the connection of the first outer link connection section to the first outer section connection section of the first track section is effected by lateral translation, and the connection of the second outer link connection section to the second outer section connection section of the second track section is effected by lateral translation.

[0139] Clause 28: The method of clause 26 or clause 27, wherein the first track section is aligned with the second track section by a first hook portion of the first track section and a second hook portion of the second track section.

[0140] Clause 29: The method of any one of clauses 26 to 28, wherein the inner and outer couplings are secured to the first and second track sections such that they are fixed generally transversely to the first and second track sections.

[0141] Clause 30: The method according to any one of clauses 26 to 29, wherein the connection between the first and second track sections is performed manually.

[0142] Clause 31: The method of clause 30, wherein the first track section and the second track section are connected without a special tool.

[0143] Clause 32: A track section for a split endless track, the track section comprising a section body made of an elastomeric material, the section body having an inner surface having at least one inner lug, an outer surface opposite the inner surface and having at least one outer lug, a first body end, and a second body end opposite the first body end, and a first connecting portion connected to the first body end of the section body and configured to connect to a second connecting portion of a paired endless track section, the first connecting portion defining an inner interface surface including an inner section connection portion, an outer interface surface opposite the inner interface surface including an outer section connection portion, and a first engagement surface extending from the inner interface surface to the outer interface surface, the track section further comprising a coupling assembly, the coupling assembly comprising an inner coupling portion having an inner lug portion and an inner section connection portion of the first connecting portion of the endless track section opposite the inner lug portion, and an inner section connection portion of the second inner lug portion of the paired endless track section. an inner coupling portion having an inner connection portion complementary to the side section connection portion, and an outer coupling portion having an outer lug portion and an outer connection portion opposite the outer lug portion complementary to the outer section connection portion of the first connection portion of the track section and the second outer section connection portion of the paired track section, wherein the inner coupling portion and the outer coupling portion are configured to connect, via lateral translation, to (i) the inner section connection portion of the first connection portion of the track section and the second inner section connection portion of the paired track section, and (ii) the outer section connection portion of the first connection portion of the track section and the second outer section connection portion of the paired track section, respectively, when the first engagement surface of the track section abuts the second engagement surface of the paired track section, thereby forming a rigid joint between the first connection portion and the second connection portion.

[0144] Clause 33: The track section according to clause 32, wherein the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion extend across at least 80% of the width of the section body.

[0145] Clause 34: The track section according to clause 32 or clause 33, wherein at least one inner lug of the section body and the inner lug portion of the inner coupling portion is a drive lug or a guide lug.

[0146] Clause 35: An endless track section as described in any one of clauses 32 to 34, wherein at least one inner lug of the section body and an outer lug portion of the outer connection section are ground lugs.

[0147] Clause 36: An endless track section as described in any one of clauses 32 to 35, wherein the inner connection portion includes a first metal portion and the inner lug portion is connected to the first metal portion.

[0148] Clause 37: An endless track section as described in any one of clauses 32 to 36, wherein the outer connection portion includes a second metal portion and the outer lug portion is connected to the second metal portion.

[0149] Clause 38: A track section as described in any one of clauses 32 to 37, wherein the first connecting portion is different from the second connecting portion.

[0150] Clause 39: The track section of any one of clauses 32 to 38, wherein the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion each further comprise a complementary hook portion configured to temporarily hold the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion together in alignment during installation of the coupling assembly.

[0151] Clause 40: The track section of any one of clauses 32 to 39, wherein the inner section connections of the first connection portion and the second connection portion are configured to form one or more dovetail joints.

[0152] Clause 41: The track section of clause 40, wherein the linkage assembly further comprises at least one error prevention feature.

[0153] Clause 42: The track section of clause 41, wherein one of the at least one error prevention feature comprises a mortise formed in one of the inner coupling portion and the outer coupling portion and a tenon formed in the other of the inner coupling portion and the outer coupling portion, and a corresponding tenon and mortise formed in the first connection portion and the second connection portion, thereby preventing installation of the outer coupling portion on the inner section connection portion and installation of the inner coupling portion on the outer section connection portion.

[0154] Clause 43: The track section of clause 41 or clause 42, wherein one of the at least one error prevention feature is formed by tapering a mortise in a transverse direction on one of the first and second engagement surfaces and by tapering a tenon in a transverse direction on the other of the first and second engagement surfaces to prevent sliding of the inner or outer coupling in an incorrect direction at the first and second connection portions of the track section.

[0155] Clause 44: The track section of any one of clauses 32 to 43, wherein the link assembly further comprises a fastening means for selectively preventing lateral translation of the inner link and the outer link relative to the track section.

[0156] Clause 45: Track sections as described in clause 44, the fixing means comprising separate parts.

[0157] Clause 46: A track section according to clause 44, in which the fastening means are integrated in the track section and in the inner and outer couplings.

[0158] Clause 47: The track section of any one of clauses 32 to 46, wherein a first one of the engagement surfaces further includes a first anchoring portion and a second one of the engagement surfaces further includes a second anchoring portion complementary to the first anchoring portion.

[0159] Clause 48: The track section according to clause 47, wherein the anchoring portion is configured to form a dovetail joint.

[0160] Clause 49: Split tracks for tracked vehicles, comprising a plurality of track sections as defined in any one of Clauses 32 to 48, joined end to end to form a closed loop.

[0161] Article 50: Vehicles equipped with split tracks as provided for in Article 49.

[0162] Clause 51: A method for releasably joining track sections, each track section having an inner section connection portion and an outer section connection portion, the method including the steps of aligning the track sections in an end-to-end configuration; engaging the inner coupling portions via lateral translation with each pair of inner section connection portions of adjacent track sections; and engaging the outer coupling portions via lateral translation with each pair of outer section connection portions of adjacent track sections.

[0163] Clause 52: The method of clause 51, wherein each pair of track sections is temporarily aligned by a hook portion.

[0164] Clause 53: The method of clause 51, further comprising the step of fixing the inner and outer links against lateral movement using a fixing means.

[0165] Clause 54: The sections are connected without special tools using the method described in clause 51.

[0166] Clause 55: A track segment for a split endless track, the track segment comprising a first track section, the first track section comprising a section body and a first connection portion disposed at one end of the section body, the first connection portion defining a first inner section connection portion, a first outer section connection portion opposite the first inner section connection portion, and a first engagement surface configured to abut a second engagement surface of the second connection portion of the second endless track section, the track segment further comprising an inner coupling portion having a first inner coupling portion and a second inner coupling portion configured to connect to the first inner section connection portion of the first track section and the second inner section connection portion of the second track section, respectively, and an outer coupling portion having a first outer coupling portion and a second outer coupling portion configured to connect to the first outer section connection portion of the first track section and the second outer section connection portion of the second connection portion of the second track section, respectively.

[0167] Modifications and improvements to the above implementations of the technology may be apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. As such, the scope of the technology is intended to be limited only by the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0168] 10 Vehicles 20 Sprocket Wheel 30 Driven Wheel 40 Road Wheel 50 Forward direction of travel 100 segment endless track 200 Track segmented body 202 Rigid Track Section 204 Flexible Track Section 205 Foundation body, carcass 207 First End 209 Second opposite end 211 First side edge 213 Second opposite side edge 250 First joining member 256 Tail 257 Aperture 258 Recess 270 Second Joint Member 276 Tail section 277 Aperture 278 Recess 290 Common Rigid Joints 300 Ground Engaging Surface, External Surface 310 tread lugs, traction lugs, outer lugs 400 Wheel Engagement Surface, Inner Surface 410 Guide lug 420, 430 Drive lug 440, 450 Wheel Path 500 Tracked Section 500a 1st track section 500b Second track section 500c 3rd track section 502 Section Body 504 Inside 506 Inner body lug 508 External surface 510 Outer body lug 512 first longitudinal end 514 Second Longitudinal End 516 First connecting part 518 Second connecting part 520 first inner connection surface 524 First inner section connection 526 Second Inner Section Connection 528 first outer connection surface 530 Outer connecting surface 532 first outer section connection 534 Second outer section connection 536 first engagement surface 538 Second Engagement Surface 540 Inner connection 542 Inner joint lug 544 Inner connection part 546 First inner joint connection 548 Second inner joint connection 550 Outer connection part 552 Outer joint lug 554 Outer connection part 556 First outer joint connection part 558 Second outer joint connection 560 Longitudinal reinforced cable 562 second longitudinal end 570 Mortice 572 Mortise 574 First anchor fixing part 576 Second Anchor Fixing Part 580 U-shaped board 582 Volts 584 Hollow 586 Actuating Lip 588 Hollow 590 First hook part 592 Second hook part

Claims

1. A track segment for a segmented track, the track segment comprising: a first endless track section, the first endless track section comprising: A section body, a first connecting portion disposed at a first longitudinal end of the section body, the first connecting portion comprising: a first inner connection surface defining a first inner section connection; a first outer connection surface opposite the first inner connection surface, the first outer connection surface defining a first outer section connection; a first engagement surface extending between the first inner connection surface and the first outer connection surface and configured to abut a second engagement surface of a second connection portion of a second track section; and The endless track segment further comprises: an inner link having a first inner link connection portion and a second inner link connection portion, the first inner link and the second inner link being spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction, the first inner link connection portion configured to connect to the first inner section connection portion of the first connection portion of the first track section, and the second inner link connection portion configured to connect to the second inner section connection portion of the second connection portion of the second track section; an outer link having a first outer link connection portion and a second outer link connection portion, the first outer link connection portion and the second outer link connection portion being longitudinally spaced from one another, the first outer link connection portion being configured to connect to the first outer section connection portion of the first connection portion of the first track section, and the second outer link connection portion being configured to connect to the second outer section connection portion of the second connection portion of the second track section; An endless track segment comprising:

2. The track segment of claim 1 further comprising the second track section.

3. 2. The track segment of claim 1, wherein the first track section comprises a second connection portion at a second longitudinal end of the section body opposite the first longitudinal end, the second connection portion configured to be connected to a third track section using an auxiliary inner connection and an auxiliary outer connection.

4. The track segments are reinforced with longitudinal reinforcing cables; the first track section includes a cable attachment section at a second longitudinal end of the section body opposite the first longitudinal end, the cable attachment section configured to receive a first end of the longitudinal reinforcement cable; The track segment of claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal reinforcement cable has a second end configured for attachment to another track segment.

5. The track segment of claim 1 , wherein the section body is made from an elastomeric material.

6. The section body comprises: an inner surface having at least one inner body lug; an outer surface opposite the inner surface, the outer surface having at least one outer body lug; Equipped with the inner link comprises at least one inner link lug; The track segment of claim 1 , wherein the outer link comprises at least one outer link lug.

7. the at least one inner body lug comprises at least one drive lug and at least one guide lug; The track segment of claim 6 , wherein the at least one inner link lug comprises at least one drive lug and at least one guide lug.

8. the at least one outer body lug comprises at least one ground engaging lug; The track segment of claim 6 , wherein the at least one outer hitch lug comprises at least one ground engaging lug.

9. the at least one inner body lug and the at least one inner joint lug are longitudinally spaced apart; The track segment of claim 6 , wherein the at least one outer body lug and the at least one outer link lug are longitudinally spaced apart.

10. The track segment of claim 1 , wherein the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion extend laterally along at least about 70% of a width of the first track section.

11. each of the first inner section connection portion and the second inner section connection portion forms one of an inner mortise and an inner tenon; each of the first inner link connection portion and the second inner link connection portion forms the other of the inner mortise and the inner tenon; 2. The track segment of claim 1, wherein each pair of one of the inner mortises and one of the inner tenons is configured to form an inner dovetail joint when the inner connector is assembled with the first track section and the second track section.

12. each of the first outer section connection portion and the second outer section connection portion forms one of an outer mortise and an outer tenon; each of the first outer tie connection portion and the second outer tie connection portion forms the other of the outer mortise and the outer tenon; 2. The track segment of claim 1, wherein each pair of one of the outer mortises and one of the outer tenons is configured to form an outer dovetail joint when the outer link is assembled with the first track section and the second track section.

13. The track segment of claim 1 , wherein the first engagement surface has a first anchoring portion and the second engagement surface has a second anchoring portion.

14. one of the first anchoring portion and the second anchoring portion includes a plurality of laterally distributed tenons; the other of the first anchoring portion and the second anchoring portion includes a plurality of laterally distributed mortises; 14. The track segment of claim 13, wherein the transversely distributed plurality of mortises and the transversely distributed plurality of tenons are configured to form a transversely distributed plurality of dovetail joints when the first track section and the second track section are assembled.

15. The track segment of claim 1 , wherein the first connecting portion has a first hook portion and the second connecting portion has a second hook portion.

16. 16. The track segment of claim 15, wherein the first hook portion and the second hook portion are configured to temporarily hold the first connection portion of the first track section in alignment with the second connection portion of the second track section before the inner link portion and the outer link portion connect to the first and second track sections.

17. 2. The track segment of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first track section and the second track section further includes fastening means for locking the inner link and the outer link to the first track segment and the second track segment.

18. The track segment of claim 1 , wherein the inner link and the outer link are configured to form a rigid connection between the first track section and the second track section.

19. 2. The track segment of claim 1, wherein the first connection portion comprises a flexible portion between the first longitudinal end of the section body and the first inner section connection portion and the first outer section connection portion, thereby allowing an assembly formed by connecting the inner link portion, the outer link portion, the first inner section connection portion and the first outer section connection portion to flex relative to the section body.

20. A track segment for a segmented track, the track segment comprising: a first endless track section, the first endless track section comprising: A section body, a first connecting portion disposed at one end of the section body, the first connecting portion comprising: a first inner section connection; and a first outer section connection portion opposite the first inner section connection portion; a first engagement surface configured to abut a second engagement surface of the second connecting portion of the second track section; The endless track segment further comprises: an inner link having a first inner link connection portion and a second inner link connection portion configured to connect to the first inner section connection portion of the first track section and the second inner section connection portion of the second track section, respectively; an outer link having a first outer link connection portion and a second outer link connection portion configured to connect to the first outer section connection portion of the first endless track section and the second outer section connection portion of the second connection portion of the second endless track section, respectively.

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