Detachable general-purpose side track extension system

Abstract

The removable universal side track add-on system includes add-on track assemblies removably connectable to the outside of the original side tracks at a selected displacement range, the assemblies further including a track frame plate, first and second receiver hitches, and a drive coupler removably connectable to a corresponding drive sprocket of the track equipment, the drive coupler including a drive bearing assembly in line with the add-on track track rollers and the connected drive sprocket, an add-on shaft removably connectable from the drive sprocket coupler and drive sprocket connector to the drive bearing assembly, and a continuous track extending around the add-on track track rollers and drive coupler.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Priority claims This application claims priority in its entirety to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63,047,202, filed July 1, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a removable, universal lateral track add-on for temporarily increasing the track surface area of ​​tracked equipment. [Background technology]

[0003] background Agricultural and construction equipment often uses continuous tracks (often called "caterpillar" tracks) to reduce ground pressure and improve traction, with a single track on each side of the equipment (called a two-track system). However, the reduced ground pressure provided by such two-track systems is often not sufficient to ensure sufficient stability and / or to avoid extreme environmental damage in unstable wetlands or coastal areas. Furthermore, standard two-track systems for a given weight class of equipment are often not wide enough to laterally span typical irrigation and drainage channels to efficiently work around such obstacles (e.g., quickly dredging a silted channel).

[0004] Hydraulic track width adjustment systems have been used, but these systems generally only allow an operator to pull the two tracks together to move the tracked vehicle on or off a standard carrier or between obstacles. Such systems do not actually reduce ground pressure when operating in the field, nor do they improve the lateral stability of the tracked equipment.

[0005] Some equipment offers extended tracks, which are longitudinally extended, to replace standard tracks. These may reduce overall ground pressure but do not substantially improve lateral stability. Elongated tracks require replacement of the original track, drive gear, and suspension, i.e., the entire track system, which is costly. Furthermore, longer track systems reduce the maneuverability of the equipment and, in some cases, may actually reduce lateral stability when traversing obstacles and rough terrain due to the increased aspect ratio of the equipment.

[0006] It is also known to replace the original drive sprockets and track rollers with wider sets, or to add a second set of track rollers to the track system and then replace the original tracks with wider tracks that cover the wider set of track rollers. Wider tracks reduce ground pressure and minimally improve lateral stability, but have several drawbacks. For example, this type of system requires raising the equipment, removing the original tracks, replacing the original track rollers and drive sprockets (or adding a second set of track rollers), and re-tracking the equipment, which in turn requires re-tensioning the tracks and potential adjustments to the drive system. Such systems require separate tracks because the wider (and therefore more expensive and less widely available) tracks and track rollers and drive sprockets are not compatible with the original single-track system. Removing the wider tracks and track rollers involves the same cumbersome replacement and readjustment procedures, making the change essentially permanent. In addition to the difficulties associated with such a replacement, the improvement in lateral stability is small because the lateral track center of pressure is expanded only by the width of a single track roller. The minimal increase in lateral track spacing does not substantially improve the ability to straddle irrigation ditches and drainage channels laterally. Furthermore, because the wider tracks rest on the track rollers, there is no ability to provide lateral support for the wider track system, reducing strain on the suspension.

[0007] Pontoons have also been installed to provide flotation in marsh and coastal applications, but they are only useful for providing buoyancy in water: they offer no benefit in muddy soils, they do not provide wider spans or stability when used on land, and they generally impair onshore operation, making transit operations between shallow water and adjacent land more difficult to perform.

[0008] In addition to flotation and lateral span limitations, standard tracked equipment also limits lateral stability, especially in smaller weight / size classes. The ability to increase the lateral footprint of a given equipment greatly increases its stability when operating on slopes and lifting lateral loads. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] Thus, there is a need for an apparatus for continuous track equipment that (1) reduces ground pressure, (2) improves lateral stability for operation on soft ground, hill slopes, and / or lifting lateral loads, (3) increases lateral track spacing for spanning waterways and ditches, (4) is easily installed and removed so as not to interfere with the normal operation of the equipment, (5) utilizes standard size tracks and track rollers for that class of equipment, and (6) is universally adaptable to equipment using the same track size. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] Overview and Benefits The removable universal side track add-on system includes add-on track assemblies removably connectable to the outside of the original side tracks at a selected displacement range, the assemblies further including a track frame plate, first and second receiver hitches, and a drive coupler removably connectable to a corresponding drive sprocket of the track equipment, the drive coupler including a drive bearing assembly in line with the add-on track track rollers and the connected drive sprocket, an add-on shaft removably connectable from the drive sprocket coupler and drive sprocket connector to the drive bearing assembly, and a continuous track extending around the add-on track track rollers and drive coupler.

[0011] The system described and claimed herein offers numerous advantages over existing devices and methods. The track add-ons double the track surface area in contact with the ground under normal circumstances, thereby reducing ground pressure by 50%. The track add-ons increase lateral stability by both reducing ground pressure (and therefore reducing the risk of one side sinking into soft ground) and increasing the effective track width, which increases the vehicle's righting leverage and moment of inertia, which is especially important when the vehicle is side loaded or operating on slopes. The track add-ons allow the vehicle to span wider channels and ditches, greatly improving the efficiency of operations such as dredging irrigation canals and digging irrigation and drainage channels. The track add-ons are easily installed and removed so as not to interfere with the normal operation of the equipment. The system utilizes standard size tracks and track rollers for the equipment class, using continuous tracks and track rollers the same size as the equipment. The system is universally adaptable to equipment using the same track size, for retrofitting equipment pre-configured to accept removable add-on tracks, or for OEM equipment.

[0012] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles and implementations of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 shows a partial left rear view of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a partial left rear view of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 shows a left side view of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 shows a left rear view of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 shows an enlarged view of the receiver hitch of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 2 shows an enlarged view of the driving coupler of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 shows a partial front left side view of the first embodiment, including a drive coupler. [Figure 8] 1 shows the left add-on track assembly of the first embodiment separated from the equipment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 shows a front inner side view of the left add-on track assembly. [Figure 10] 1 shows an enlarged view of the male portion of the receiver hitch. [Figure 11] 1 shows an additional plate of a crawler track according to a first embodiment. [Figure 12] 1 shows an additional plate of a crawler track according to a first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 shows an enlarged view of the drive coupler hub cover of the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 shows a close-up view of the drive coupler hub cover of the first embodiment disassembled. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 shows a close-up view of the drive coupler hub cover of the first embodiment disassembled. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 shows a partial exploded view of the drive coupler hub cover of the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 shows an inside view of the drive coupler hub cover along with the connector bolts. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 shows an inside view of the drive coupler hub cover along with the connector bolts. [Figure 19] 1 shows a close-up view of the original track drive sprocket assembly. [Figure 20]1 shows a view of the drive coupler torque plate and additional shaft receiver of the first embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 illustrates a partial exploded view of the drive coupler torque plate assembly of the first embodiment. [Figure 22] 1 shows a drive bearing assembly of an add-on track assembly of the first embodiment. [Figure 23] 1 shows a drive bearing assembly of an add-on track assembly of the first embodiment. [Figure 24] 1 shows an overhead view of the receiver hitch and D-ring of the first embodiment, where the pusher / disassembly bolt can be seen during disassembly of the first embodiment. [Figure 25] 1 shows an enlarged view of the female portion of the left rear receiver hitch of the partially disassembled track add-on system of the first embodiment. [Figure 26] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a track augmentation system having a horizontal stiffener according to a first embodiment. [Figure 27] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a track augmentation system having a vertical stiffener according to a first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Detailed Description Before commencing the detailed description of the present invention, the following remarks are appropriate: Where appropriate, like reference materials and characters are used to indicate identical, corresponding, or similar components in different figures. The figures associated with this disclosure are typically not drawn to scale; i.e., such drawings are drawn with a focus on clarity of presentation and understanding rather than dimensional accuracy.

[0015] In the interest of clarity, not all of the particular features of the implementations described herein are shown and described. Of course, it will be understood that in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions will need to be made to achieve the developer's particular objectives, such as compliance with application- and business-related constraints, and that these particular objectives will vary from implementation to implementation and from developer to developer. Moreover, it will be understood that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0016] The first and second (in the embodiment, left and right) add-on track assemblies 12a and 12b are mirror images of each other. The first add-on track assembly 12a is labeled "a" and will be shown and described in detail in the embodiment corresponding to the left side of the equipment. It will be understood that the second add-on track assembly 12b includes corresponding elements labeled "b." The existing installed left and right tracks on the equipment used in normal operation will be referred to hereinafter as the "original tracks" or "equipment side tracks" for simplicity, although they may not be unique to the equipment.

[0017] The first add-on track assembly 12a (corresponding to the right) is described in detail, with the corresponding components of the second add-on track assembly 12b indicated in parentheses.

[0018] 1-27, a first embodiment of a removable universal side track add-on system 10 is provided, including first and second add-on track assemblies 12a and 12b, which are identical mirror images of each other and mountable on opposite sides of the track equipment outboard of the original side tracks T1 and T2. Each add-on track assembly 12a(b) includes a frame plate 70a(b), a plurality of track rollers 64a(b), a drive coupler assembly 96a(b), a continuous track 108a(b), and first and second receiving hitches 24a(b) and 26a(b), respectively.

[0019] The add-on track frame 14a(b) includes a frame plate 70a(b) rigidly attached to the track frame 14a(b) to provide rigidity and connectivity. In embodiments, the frame plate 70a(b) extends from the first (forward) portion 60a(b) to the second (rearward) portion 62a(b), although the forward and rearward portions may comprise separate sections. In embodiments, the frame plate 70a(b) is welded integrally with the add-on track frame 14a(b), but may be connected by other means or may be integrally formed as part of the add-on track frame 14a(b). The add-on track frame plate 70a(b) is disposed inside the add-on track frame 14a(b). First and second threaded alignment a(b) channels 16a(b), 18a(b) extend through add-on track frame outer plates 71a(b) and 70a(b) to receive threaded pusher rods R, which aid in aligning and separating / mating add-on track assembly 12a(b) relative to original track assembly T1, including the ability to use common motorized rotary tools for assembly and disassembly. In embodiments, first and second alignment cups 20a(b), 22a(b) corresponding to first and second threaded alignment channels 16a(b), 18a(b) are attached to the original track assembly T1 frame plates, with each cup 20a(b), 22a(b) positioned to receive the end of a threaded pusher rod extending through its respective first and second alignment channel 16a(b), 18a(b). This allows the operator to jack the add-on track assembly 12a(b) into position and maintain alignment using a standard rotary tool / driver.

[0020] In this embodiment, the first and second receiver hitches 24a(b), 26a(b) each include a female portion 28a(b), 30a(b) and a male portion 32a(b), 34a(b), respectively. Each female portion 28a(b), 30a(b) includes a receiving channel extending from a first end 36a(b), 38a(b) to a second end 40a(b), 42a(b), respectively, and first and second connecting flanges 44a(b), 46a(b) and 48a(b), 50a(b). Each of the second connecting flanges 48a(b), 50a(b) includes a receiving opening 52a(b), 54a(b) having a cross-section corresponding to the respective receiver hitch male portion 32a(b), 34a(b). Each male portion 32a(b), 34a(b) is connected to an add-on track frame inner plate 70a(b) by a flange plate 128a(b), 130a(b) and a corresponding top follower plate 132a(b), 134a(b). In the illustrated embodiment, the female portions 28a(b), 30a(b) are generally triangular in cross-section with a tip pointing downward. Each female portion 28a(b), 30a(b) includes a top add-on flange plate 56a(b), 58a(b) extending from its respective first end 36a(b), 38a(b) to its respective second end 40a(b), 42a(b), the top flange plate 56a(b), 58a(b) being wider than its triangular cross-section to increase its strength against bending and torque forces due to misalignment. The cross-sections, flanges, and bolt placement are configured to avoid interference with the suspension components of the original track T1 (T2), while at the same time providing sufficient strength for the connection members. In embodiments, the male portions 32a(b), 34a(b) are square-section rods, and the non-circular cross-sections help ensure proper alignment when connecting the add-on track 12a(b) to the original track T1 (T2). Furthermore, the engagement of the male portions 32a(b), 34a(b) within the female portions 28a(b), 30a(b) acts as a torque arm that distributes torque loads through the first and second receiver hitches 24a(b), 26a(b), rather than concentrating such loads on the flange faces and bolts to reduce the risk of fatigue failure.

[0021] Each female portion 28a(b), 30a(b) includes first and second mounting flanges 44a(b), 46a(b) and 48a(b), 50a(b), each having a plurality of threaded couplers 68a(b) for rigidly connecting the receiver hitch female portion 28a(b), 30a(b) to the original track frame plate P1 (P2) and add-on track frame inner plate 70a(b), respectively. Each of the first mounting flanges 44a(b), 46a(b), which are directly coupled to the original track frame plate P1(P2), includes a top follower plate 72a(b), 74a(b) extending along the top edge of the first mounting flange 44a(b), 46a(b), which is bolted to the top horizontal portion of the original track frame plate P1(P2), to provide reinforcement and assist with alignment and transfer of torque loads from the add-on track connector to the original track suspension. In an embodiment, the first (front) mounting flange 44a(b) and corresponding top follower plate 72a(b) are wider than the second (rear) mounting flange 46a(b) and second mounting flange follower plate 74a(b) to absorb the additional forces normally imposed by impacts to the front of the track suspension.

[0022] The assembled length of the receiving hitches 24 a ( b ) and 26 a ( b ) defines the lateral displacement of the lateral track augmentation system 10 .

[0023] In an embodiment, the engagement points 68a(b) are threaded nuts welded to the underside of the track frame plate P1 (P2) to accept threaded bolts. In an embodiment, the threaded bolts are selected to match the original track T1 (T2) mounting bolts as much as possible for ease of logistics. First and second truss bolt add-on plates 76a(b), 78a(b) are added to the original track frame plate P1 (P2) to provide connection points for corresponding first and second truss bolts 80a(b), 82a(b) without interfering with the original track suspension layout. This depends on the specific configuration of the original track suspension.

[0024] First and second truss bolts 80a(b), 82a(b) pass through the first and second receiver hitches 24a(b), 26a(b) and engage corresponding first and second truss bolt receivers 84a(b), 86a(b), respectively, on the original track frame plates P1 (P2). The truss bolts 80a(b), 82a(b) pass through the receiver hitch male portions 32a(b), 34a(b). In this embodiment, the original track T1 (T2) was modified by drilling holes in the first and second truss bolt receivers 84a(b), 86a(b) and welding backing nuts onto the holes to provide sufficient strength and thread depth. In this embodiment, the first and second truss bolts 80a(b), 82a(b) are 7 / 8-inch stainless steel bolts to provide sufficient strength and corrosion resistance.

[0025] Each of the first and second receiver hitches 24a(b), 26a(b) includes first and second locking lugs 88a(b), 90a(b) and 92a(b), 94a(b), respectively, which help hold the male portions 32a(b), 34a(b) of the first and second receiver hitches 24a(b), 26a(b) in place and reduce vibration during operation.

[0026] In an embodiment, the male portion 34a(b) of the second receiver hitch 26a(b) is slightly longer than the male portion 32a(b) of the first receiver hitch 24a(b), which in turn is slightly longer than the drive shaft extension axle 102a(b) of the drive coupler 96a(b), making alignment during installation easier. Each portion connects at a different moment, so it is not necessary to line up all the parts exactly when beginning the connection procedure.

[0027] In an embodiment, D-rings 140a(b) are coupled to the first and second receiver hitch female portions 28a(b), 30a(b), which allows for the use of overhead support to assist in installation and removal.

[0028] The add-on track system 10 includes a drive coupler 96a(b), a hub cover 98a(b) that couples to the drive sprocket D1(D2) of the original track on the equipment side, a drive bearing assembly 100a(b) of the add-on track assembly 12a(b), and an add-on shaft 102a(b) that rotatably couples the hub cover / torque plate 98a(b) / 116a(b) to the drive bearing assembly 100a(b). In an embodiment, the drive bearing assembly 100a(b) includes a bearing hub / race and double bearing 106a(b) (not visible) that couples to the drive sprocket, replacing the planetary gear assembly of the stock replacement track assembly. The drive bearing assembly 100a(b) transfers torque received from the original track drive sprocket D1(D2) through the add-on shaft 102a(b) to the continuous track 108a(b) of the add-on track assembly 12a(b) via the add-on track assembly drive sprocket 110a(b). The add-on shaft 102a(b) is keyed to a rotation bearing coupled to the add-on track drive sprocket 110a(b). The add-on shaft 102a(b) includes a square end block 112a(b) that corresponds to the square receiver 114a(b) of the drive coupler torque plate 116a(b). While the square shape transfers torque to the add-on shaft 102a(b), other shapes, such as oval, star, and other shapes, may be used.

[0029] In an embodiment, the drive coupler 96a(b) includes a hub cover 98a(b) that connects to the rotating portion of the original track drive sprocket D1(D2) over the drive sprocket. The hub cover 98a(b) includes an internal connection flange 118a(b) that connects directly to the base of the drive sprocket D1(D2), a spacer / sidewall 120a(b) that extends outward from the internal connection flange 118a(b), and an external connection flange 122a(b). In an embodiment, the external connection flange 122a(b) is closed, but may be open to provide direct access to the drive sprocket D1(D2) for inspection and maintenance without having to remove the hub cover 98a(b). However, having the external connection flange 122a(b) closed prevents debris from entering the drive sprocket / hub assembly. When the add-on track assemblies 12a(b) are not installed, the hub cover assemblies 98a(b) can remain installed without interfering with the normal operation of the equipment.

[0030] The drive coupler torque plate 116a(b) is coupled to the hub cover outer connection flange 122a(b) by threaded bolts 126a(b). The threaded bolt holes align with the hub cover inner flange 118a(b) retainer bolts and are sized to provide access through the bolt holes for the bolts connecting the hub cover inner flange 118a(b) to the drive sprocket assembly D1(D2). The retainer bolts 136a(b) connecting the hub cover 98a(b) to the drive sprocket D1(D2) through the inner flange 118a(b) utilize the original drive sprocket retainer bolt holes and therefore have the same threads but are longer than the original drive sprocket connector bolts.

[0031] The drive coupler hub cover 98a(b) may include bolt sleeves (not shown) extending between the hub cover inner connection flange 118a(b) and the outer connection flange 122a(b) to retain the connector bolts and make installation and removal easier.

[0032] The add-on track assembly 12a(b) can be used for any piece of equipment having an original track T1(T2) with a matching track pitch. The connector arrangement for the first mounting flanges 44a(b), 46a(b) of the first and second receiver hitch female portions, as well as the connector / bolt pattern and size of the drive coupler hub cover 98, may be modified to accommodate specific models / internal arrangements of the original track T1(T2), which vary for families of track equipment, such that the specific size of the add-on track assembly 12a(b) may be universally compatible with any similarly dimensioned track equipment.

[0033] In an embodiment, the add-on track assemblies 12a(b) are displaced laterally from the original tracks T1(T2) by approximately 6 inches. While this displacement substantially increases lateral stability, the inventors have found that this spacing, slightly less than the continuous track width, also provides additional effective flotation due to compression of the firmable / slightly firmable ground / surface material between the tracks. Thus, the increased flotation effect (i.e., reduced ground pressure) is greater than would be exhibited by simply adding additional track surface area (sometimes referred to as a "bridge effect"). However, the selected lateral displacement of the add-on track system 10 may be varied for particular applications. Greater lateral displacement may require additional support members. The add-on track system may include horizontal stiffeners 136a and 136b connecting the first receiver hitch 24a of the first add-on track to the second receiving hitch 26a of the first add-on track and the first receiver hitch 24b of the second add-on track to the second receiving hitch 26b of the second add-on track, respectively, to increase the stiffness of the system.

[0034] The add-on track system may include vertical stiffeners 138a and 138b to the equipment superstructure connectable between the first and second receiving hitches 24a and 26a of the first add-on track and the first and second receiving hitches 24b and 26b of the second add-on track, respectively, to increase the load support of the system, particularly for applications where the equipment is being used to span an open waterway, whereby the add-on track assemblies 12a, 12b are expected to engage the original tracks T1 (T2) on both sides of the waterway, which are not supported over the open portion of the waterway.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1-27, the removable track add-on system 10 can be installed and removed without the need to use a jack to lift the equipment completely off the floor; simply removing the suspension is sufficient to allow the add-on assemblies to be moved into alignment with and connected to their respective side tracks.

[0036] 1-27, a removable universal add-on track system may include a tracked vehicle provided with opposing first and second side tracks having first and second alignment cups 18a(b) and 20a(b) and attachment points 68a(b) in combination with first and second add-on track assemblies 12a and 12b.

[0037] Those skilled in the art will understand that many modifications and variations may be made to the preferred embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. It will be understood that modifications of the invention in its various aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, some of which will become apparent only after study, and others of which will be matters of routine mechanical, chemical, and electronic design. No feature, function, or characteristic of the preferred embodiment is essential. Other embodiments are possible, the specific design of which will depend on the particular application. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited by the specific embodiments described herein, but should be defined only by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] Drawing Reference Number 10 First Illustrated Embodiment 12a First additional track assembly 14a First additional track frame and frame plate 16a: First threaded alignment channel of first track add-on 18a Second threaded alignment channel of first track add-on 20a First alignment cup of first additional track 22a Second alignment cup for first track extension 24a First receiver hitch for first track add-on 26a Second receiver hitch for first track add-on 28a First receiver hitch female part of first additional track 30a: Second receiver hitch female part of first additional track 32a First receiver hitch male part of first additional track 34a Second receiver hitch male part of first additional track 36a: First end of the first receiver hitch female part of the first additional track 38a: First end of the second receiver hitch female part of the first add-on track 40a: Second end of the first receiver hitch female part of the first additional track 42a: Second end of the second receiver hitch female part of the first add-on track 44a: First connecting flange of the first receiver hitch female part of the first additional track 46a: First connecting flange of the second receiver hitch female part of the first additional track 48a: Second connecting flange of the first receiver hitch female part of the first additional track 50a: Second connecting flange of second receiver hitch female part of first additional track 52a: Receiving opening for the first receiver hitch female part of the first additional track 54a Receiving opening for the second receiver hitch female part of the first additional track 56a Top additional flange plate of the first receiver hitch female part of the first additional track 58a Top additional flange plate of the second receiver hitch female part of the first additional track 60a: First portion of first additional track frame plate 62a: Second portion of first additional track frame plate 64a First additional track roller 66a (unused) 68a Receiver hitch female engagement point of first additional track 70a Inner frame plate of the first additional track 71a Outer frame plate of first additional track 72a: First mounting flange top follower plate of first receiver hitch female part of first additional track 74a: First mounting flange top follower plate of second receiver hitch female part of first additional track 76a First truss bolt extension plate 78a Second truss bolt extension plate 80a First Truss Bolt 82a Second truss bolt 84a First Truss Bolt Receiver 86a Second truss bolt receiver 88a: first locking lug of first receiver hitch of first add-on track 90a: First locking lug of second receiver hitch of first add-on track 92a: second locking lug of first receiver hitch of first add-on track 94a: second locking lug of second receiver hitch of first add-on track 96a First additional track drive coupler 98a 1st additional track drive coupler hub cover 100a First additional track drive bearing assembly 102a: Drive shaft additional shaft of first additional track 104a (unused) 106a Bearing race and bearing of the drive bearing assembly of the first additional track 108a First additional track continuous track 110a Drive sprocket of first additional track 112a: Drive shaft extension shaft end block of first extension track 114a First additional track drive shaft additional shaft receiver 116a First additional track drive coupler torque plate 118a First additional track drive coupler hub cover internal connection flange 120a First additional track drive coupler hub cover spacer / side wall 122a First additional track drive coupler hub cover external connection flange 124a (unused) 126a 1st Track Add-on Drive Coupler Torque Plate Bolt 128a First receiver hitch male connecting plate of first additional track 130a: Second receiver hitch male connecting plate of first additional track 132a Top follower plate of first receiver hitch male connecting plate of first additional track 134a Top follower plate of the male connecting plate of the first additional track and second receiver hitch 136a First additional track horizontal stiffener 138a Vertical stiffener of first additional track 140a D-ring 12b Second add-on track assembly 14b Second additional track frame and frame plate 16b Second add-on track first threaded alignment channel 18b Second threaded alignment channel for second track add-on 20b First alignment cup of second track add-on 22b Second alignment cup for second track add-on 24b Second add-on track first receiver hitch 26b Second receiver hitch for second track add-on 28b First receiver hitch female part of second additional track 30b Second receiver hitch female part of second additional track 32b Second add-on track first receiver hitch male part 34b Second receiver hitch male part of second additional track 36b: First end of the first receiver hitch female portion of the second add-on track 38b: First end of the second receiver hitch female portion of the second additional track 40b: second end of the first receiver hitch female portion of the second additional track 42b: second end of the second receiver hitch female part of the second additional track 44b: First connecting flange of the first receiver hitch female part of the second additional track 46b First connecting flange of second receiver hitch female part of second additional track 48b: second connecting flange of the first receiver hitch female part of the second additional track 50b: Second connecting flange of second receiver hitch female part of second additional track 52b Receiving opening for the first receiver hitch female part of the second additional track 54b Receiving opening for the second receiver hitch female part of the second additional track 56b Top additional flange plate of the first receiver hitch female part of the second additional track 58b Top additional flange plate of second receiver hitch female part of second additional track 60b: first portion of second additional track frame plate 62b Second portion of second additional track frame plate 64b Second additional track roller 66b (unused) 68b Second add-on track receiver hitch female engagement point 70b Second additional track inner frame plate 71b Second track outer frame plate 72b First mounting flange top follower plate of first receiver hitch female part of second additional track 74b First mounting flange top follower plate of second receiver hitch female part of second additional track 76b First truss bolt extension plate 78b Second truss bolt extension plate 80b First truss bolt 82b Second truss bolt 84b First truss bolt receiver 86b Second truss bolt receiver 88b: first locking lug of first receiver hitch of second add-on track 90b: first locking lug of second receiver hitch of second add-on track 92b second locking lug of first receiver hitch of second add-on track 94b: second locking lug of second receiver hitch of second add-on track 96b Second track drive coupler 98b Second add-on track drive coupler hub cover 100b Second additional track drive bearing assembly 102b Drive shaft additional shaft of second additional track 104b (unused) 106b Second add-on track drive bearing assembly bearing race and bearing 108b Second additional track continuous track 110b Drive sprocket of second additional track 112b Second additional track drive shaft additional shaft end block 114b Second additional track drive shaft additional shaft receiver 116b Second add-on track drive coupler torque plate 118b Second additional track drive coupler hub cover internal connection flange 120b Second add-on track drive coupler hub cover spacer / sidewall 122b Second additional track drive coupler hub cover external connection flange 124b (unused) 126b Second add-on track drive coupler torque plate bolt 128b First receiver hitch male connecting plate of second additional track 130b Second receiver hitch male connecting plate of second additional track 132b Top follower plate of the first receiver hitch male connecting plate of the second add-on track 134b Top follower plate of second receiver hitch male connecting plate of second additional track 136b Second track horizontal stiffener 138b Second track vertical stiffener 140b D-ring

Claims

1. 1. A removable side track add-on system for a track equipment, the track equipment including a front end and a rear end, a first side track having a first side track frame plate, a plurality of track rollers, a drive sprocket assembly, and a continuous track, a first add-on track assembly extending from the front end to the rear end and removably connectable to and outboard of the first side track at a selected displacement range, the first add-on track assembly comprising: a first add-on track frame and a first add-on track frame plate, the first add-on track frame and the first add-on track frame plate extending from a first portion of the first add-on track frame plate corresponding to a front portion of the first add-on track frame to a second portion of the first add-on track frame plate corresponding to a rear portion of the first add-on track frame, the first add-on track frame plate including first and second threaded alignment channels disposed in the first and second portions of the first add-on track frame plate, respectively; a plurality of first add-on track rollers rotatably coupled to the first add-on track frame plate; a first receiving hitch of a first add-on track connectable between a first portion of the first add-on track frame plate and the first lateral track frame plate, and a second receiving hitch of a first add-on track connectable between a second portion of the first add-on track frame plate and the first lateral track frame plate, wherein the first and second receiving hitches of the first add-on track have the same length, defining a lateral displacement of the lateral track add-on system; a drive coupler for a first add-on track removably connectable to the drive sprocket assembly of the first side track, a first add-on track drive bearing assembly aligned with the first add-on track roller, a first add-on track drive sprocket connected thereto, and an add-on shaft having a non-circular cross section; a first add-on track drive sprocket connector connectable to the first side track drive sprocket assembly, the first add-on track drive sprocket connector having a hub cover and a torque plate mountable to the first side track drive sprocket assembly, the torque plate having a non-circular receiver for receiving the add-on shaft; a first add-on track drive coupler removably connectable from the first add-on track drive sprocket connector to the first add-on track drive bearing assembly; a continuous track of the first additional track extending around the drive coupler and track roller of the first additional track; Equipped with the first receiving hitch and the second receiving hitch each include a first portion connected to the first side track frame plate and a second portion connected to the first additional track frame plate; one of the first portion and the second portion is a rod having a non-circular cross section, and the other of the first portion and the second portion has an opening having a cross section corresponding to the non-circular cross section; system.

2. first and second alignment cups connected to the first side track frame plate adjacent the front and rear ends, respectively; Furthermore, the first and second alignment cups are positioned to align with the first and second threaded alignment channels of the corresponding first add-on track; The system of claim 1 .

3. the track equipment further includes a second side track that is a mirror image of the first side track on the opposite side and includes a second side track frame plate, a plurality of track rollers, a second side track drive sprocket assembly, and a second side track continuous track; a second add-on track assembly comprising a mirror image of the first add-on track, extending from a front end to a rear end, and removably connectable to the second side track and outboard of the second side track at the selected displacement range; Furthermore, The second add-on track assembly is a second add-on track frame and a second add-on track frame plate, the second add-on track frame and the second add-on track frame plate extending from a first portion of the second add-on track frame plate corresponding to a front portion of the second add-on track frame to a second portion of the second add-on track frame plate corresponding to a rear portion of the second add-on track frame, the second add-on track frame plate including first and second threaded alignment channels disposed in the first and second portions of the second add-on track frame plate, respectively; first and second alignment cups of a second add-on track connected to the second side track frame plates proximate the front and rear ends, respectively, the first and second alignment cups of the second add-on track being positioned such that the first and second alignment cups of the second add-on track are aligned with the first and second threaded alignment channels of the corresponding second add-on track; a plurality of second add-on track rollers rotatably coupled to the second add-on track frame plate; a first receiving hitch of a second add-on track connectable between a first portion of the second add-on track frame plate and the second lateral track frame plate, and a second receiving hitch of a second add-on track connectable between a second portion of the second add-on track frame plate and the second lateral track frame plate, wherein the first and second receiving hitches of the second add-on track have the same length, defining a lateral displacement of the lateral track add-on system; a second add-on track drive coupler connectable to the second side track drive sprocket assembly, the second add-on track drive coupler including a second add-on track drive bearing assembly aligned with the second add-on track roller and a connected second add-on track drive sprocket, a second add-on track drive sprocket connector connectable to the second side track drive sprocket assembly, and a second add-on track axle removably connectable from the second add-on track drive sprocket connector to the second add-on track drive bearing assembly; a continuous track of the second additional track extending around the drive coupler and roller wheel of the second additional track; Further provided with The system of claim 2 .

4. a tracked vehicle including said first and second opposing side tracks configured to removably receive said first and second add-on track assemblies; Further provided with The system of claim 3.

5. the first and second add-on track assemblies further including horizontal stiffeners for the respective first and second add-on tracks. Furthermore, each horizontal stiffener comprising first and second stiffener members connectable between the side track and a frame plate of an add-on track assembly; The first and second stiffener members of the horizontal stiffeners of the respective first and second additional tracks are connected in a horizontal cross-shaped orientation. The system of claim 3.

6. the first and second add-on track assemblies further including vertical stiffeners for the respective first and second add-on tracks. Furthermore, each of the respective first and second add-on track vertical stiffeners including one or more stiffener members connectable between the respective first and second add-on track assembly frame plates and respective lateral locations on the tracked vehicle to receive the respective first and second track add-ons; each of the respective lateral locations being disposed higher than each of the first and second add-on track frame plates; The system of claim 3.

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