A support assembly of track chain for undercarriage of a vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides a support assembly for an undercarriage (7) of a vehicle, comprising at least one cushion element (1), at least one holder (2) for connecting at least one cushion element (1) to the undercarriage (7), and at least one fastening means for enabling a releasable connection between the cushion (1) and the holder (2). The cushion elements (1) are releasably carried by the holder (2), and they extend longitudinally along a bottom of the undercarriage (7) and are positionally fitted therealong to mitigate flexing or distortion of at least one track chain carried by the undercarriage (7) during movement of the vehicle.

Description

[0001] A SUPPORT ASSEMBLY OF TRACK CHAIN FOR UNDERCARRIAGE OF A VEHICLE

[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to a support assembly for an undercarriage of a vehicle. More particularly, the invention relates to a support assembly to mitigate flexing or distortion of track chains carried by the undercarriage during movement of the vehicle.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Vehicles like excavators are commonly employed in mountainous and construction areas where obstacles like rocks and the like may be concealed beneath sand or mud and must be traversed. In such challenging terrains, it has been observed through practical experience that the continuous track chain flexes up and down as it navigates uneven surfaces. Consequently, this may damage the track chain and, in worst cases, damage the vehicle's undercarriage as well.

[0006] There are a few disclosed technologies over the prior art relating to the undercarriage of the vehicle. Among them is US10543876B2, which discloses a track support rail intended for a vehicle track assembly. The rail body comprises a crown section and an upper support surface featuring curved segments. When combined with a support frame, the rail facilitates the motion of the track assembly. Additionally, the inclusion of centre sliders, which can have either a flat or convex curved surface, ensures the seamless sliding and alignment of the track assembly while the vehicle is in operation.

[0007] Another disclosed technology is US3842785A, which discloses an amphibious marsh vehicle featuring undercarriages designed with support blocks and longitudinal channels. These support blocks are positioned between the endless chains on the channels, effectively forming smooth runways for the chains and track cleats. This design minimizes wear and decreases the power needed to propel the craft. Additionally, not all longitudinal channels incorporate the support blocks, leaving some protruding from the undercarriage with a gap between them and the track cleats.

[0008] However, the disclosed technology of US10543876B2 and US3842785 A only provided an undercarriage and track chain for use in a vehicle but without any layer of protection to the track chain when the vehicle traverses across uneven terrain. Accordingly, it is desirable for a vehicle to have a support assembly at its undercarriage that mitigates flexing or distortion of the vehicle’s track chain during movement of the vehicle.

[0009] SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0010] The main objective of the invention is to provide a support assembly for undercarriage of a vehicle. To achieve this objective, the support assembly implements a cushion element at the bottom of the undercarriage of a vehicle. More specifically, the cushion element is releasably connected between the undercarriage and track chain of the vehicle where a gap is kept between the cushion and the track chain. As a result of this invention, the cushion element will mitigate the flexing and distortion of the track chain to prevent any unnecessary damage to the undercarriage and track chain of the vehicle when the vehicle comes across any uneven surface.

[0011] The invention intends to provide a support assembly for an undercarriage of a vehicle, comprising at least one cushion element, at least one holder for connecting at least one cushion element to the undercarriage, and at least one fastening means for enabling a releasable connection between the cushion and the holder. The cushion elements are releasably carried by the holder, and they extend longitudinally along a bottom of the undercarriage. They are positionally fitted therealong to mitigate flexing or distortion of at least one track chain carried by the undercarriage during movement of the vehicle.

[0012] Preferably, the holder comprises a plurality of accepting members each arranged in intervals along a first axis of the holder. Preferably, the cushion elements comprise a plurality of recessed portions each arranged in intervals along a first axis of the cushion element.

[0013] Preferably, the plurality of accepting members of the holder is parallel to a third axis of the holder, and the plurality of recessed portions of the cushion element are parallel to a third axis of the cushion element. The plurality of accepting members of the holder and the plurality of recessed portions of the cushion element are each correspondingly aligned to allow the fastening means to penetrate therethrough to releasably connect the cushion element to the holder.

[0014] Preferably, the holder further comprises two accepting ends with an accepting member in between the two accepting ends, and at least one recessed portion of the cushion elements that are parallel to a second axis of the cushion elements. The cushion elements are partially submerged into the holder, through the accepting member, where the recessed portion of the cushion element is interlocked to each of the two accepting ends of the holder to releasably connect the cushion element to the holder with a remaining part of the cushion elements protruding outwardly from the holder.

[0015] Preferably, the holder is formed with a hollow body throughout the first axis of the holder.

[0016] Preferably, the holder further comprises a transverse flange, and its accepting members comprises first accepting members and second accepting members, and the recessed portions of the cushion element comprise first recessed portions and second recessed portions. The first recessed portions are each correspondingly aligned to each first accepting members, and the second recessed portions are each correspondingly aligned to each second accepting members to allow the fastening means to penetrate through each first recessed portion and corresponding first accepting members, and / or each second recessed portions and corresponding second accepting members, to releasably connect the cushion elements to the transverse flange.

[0017] Preferably, the holder further comprises a first vertical member and a second vertical member, the cushion element further comprises a plurality of grooves, parallel to the first axis of the cushion elements, with each arranged in intervals along the second axis of the cushion elements, the first vertical member comprises the plurality of first- accepting members, and the second vertical member comprises the plurality of second- accepting members. The cushion elements are attached in between the first vertical member and the second vertical member of the holder with the fastening means penetrating from each of the plurality of first accepting members, traversing each of the plurality of grooves of the cushion elements, to each of the plurality of second accepting members to releasably connect the cushion elements to the holder.

[0018] Preferably, an undercarriage for a vehicle, comprising a track chain, and a support assembly comprising cushion element and at least one holder. The support assembly has its cushion elements releasably carried by its holder, with its cushion elements and holder extending longitudinally along a bottom of the undercarriage and positionally fitted therealong to mitigate flexing or distortion of the track chain during movement of the vehicle.

[0019] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments described herein are not intended as limitations on the scope of the invention.

[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] To facilitate an understanding of the invention, there is illustrated in the accompanying drawings the preferred embodiments from an inspection of which when considered in connection with the following description, the invention, its construction, and operation and many of its advantages would be readily understood and appreciated.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of an undercarriage of a vehicle having the support assembly of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a side view of the undercarriage of a vehicle having the support assembly of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a bottom view of the undercarriage of a vehicle having the support assembly of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a front view of the undercarriage of a vehicle having the support assembly of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an exploded view of the support assembly.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the perspective view of an assembled support assembly.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of the support assembly that includes its cross-sectional view and its implementation on the undercarriage of the vehicle.

[0029] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the support assembly that includes its cross-sectional view and its implementation on the undercarriage of the vehicle.

[0030] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a third embodiment of the support assembly that includes its cross-sectional view and its implementation on the undercarriage of the vehicle.

[0031] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a fourth embodiment of the support assembly that includes its cross-sectional view and its implementation on the undercarriage of the vehicle.

[0032] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an undercarriage without the support assembly of the present invention, which experiences flexing or distortion of its track chain upon impacting an irregular object on a surface during movement of the vehicle.

[0033] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an undercarriage having the support assembly of the present invention, which substantially experiences lesser flexing or distortion of its track chain upon impacting an irregular object on a surface during movement of the vehicle.

[0034] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Hereinafter, the invention shall be described according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention and by referring to the accompanying description and drawings. However, it is to be understood that limiting the description to the preferred embodiments of the invention is merely to facilitate discussion of the present invention and it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications without departing from the scope of the appended claim.

[0036] From hereon, it will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

[0037] FIGS 1 - 4 illustrate an undercarriage (7) of a vehicle having a support assembly of the present invention. More specifically, FIG 1 illustrates a perspective view of the undercarriage (7) of a vehicle having the support assembly of the present invention, FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the undercarriage (7) of a vehicle having the support assembly of the present invention, FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of the undercarriage (7) of a vehicle having the support assembly of the present invention, and FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the undercarriage (7) of a vehicle having the support assembly of the present invention.

[0038] Preferably, the vehicle may be, but shall not be limited to, an excavator, a tank, a tractor, a bulldozer, or the like. Furthermore, the vehicle may be configured to be amphibious to operate mixed terrains such as swampland. In particular, the undercarriage (7) may be, but shall not be limited to, a pontoon, or the like. Moreover, the undercarriage (7) may include at least one track chain for driving surface-engaging track plates.

[0039] The support assembly is located at a bottom of the undercarriage (7). More specifically, the support assembly is located between the bottom of the undercarriage (7) and track chain of the vehicle where a gap is kept between the support assembly and the track chain. The support assembly is positionally fitted therealong to mitigate flexing or distortion of the track chain during movement of the vehicle. In particular, the support assembly comprises at least one cushion element (1) that is releasably carried by at least one holder (2). With this, the support assembly may be said to be a wear pad or block as it prevents wear and tear of the track chain.

[0040] From hereon, is to be noted that the undercarriage (7) may be described to have orthogonal axes that include a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis, with the first axis corresponding to an x-axis or an axis that is along a lateral extent of the undercarriage (7); the second axis corresponding to a y-axis or an axis that is along a longitudinal extent of the undercarriage (7); and the third axis corresponding to a z-axis or an axis that is along a vertical extent of the undercarriage (7).

[0041] From hereon, is to be noted that the cushion element (1) may be described to have orthogonal axes that include a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis, with the first axis corresponding to an x-axis or an axis that is along a lateral extent of the cushion element (1); the second axis corresponding to a y-axis or an axis that is along a longitudinal extent of the cushion element (1); and the third axis corresponding to a z- axis or an axis that is along a vertical extent of the cushion element (1).

[0042] From hereon, is to be noted that the holder (2) may be described to have orthogonal axes that include a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis, with the first axis corresponding to an x-axis or an axis that is along a lateral extent of the holder (2); the second axis corresponding to an y-axis or an axis that is along a longitudinal extent of the holder (2); and the third axis corresponding to a z-axis or an axis that is along a vertical extent of the holder (2).

[0043] It is to be noted that the aforementioned axes are to be referential and relative terms and are not intended to be interpreted as limitations to the undercarriage (7), cushion element (1), and holder (2) in terms of their relation or orientation. Furthermore, it should be noted that axes of the undercarriage (7), cushion element (1), and holder (2) may also be expressed in any other permissible geometrical or coordinate systems.

[0044] As shown in FIGS 1 - 4, the cushion element (1) and holder (2) are located at a bottom of the undercarriage (7), and extend along the first axis of the undercarriage (7). FIGS 5 - 6 illustrate the support assembly. More specifically, FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the support assembly, and FIG. 6 illustrate the cross-sectional view of an assembled support assembly.

[0045] Generally, embodiments of the support assembly may comprise at least one cushion element (1) that is located at the bottom of the undercarriage (7), and extends along the first axis of the bottom of the undercarriage (7). With this, the cushion element mitigates flexing and distortion of the track chain during the movement of the vehicle. Preferably, the cushion element (1) may be made up of, but shall not be limited to, nylon, Sorbothane, acryl base resins, silicone base resins, or the like. The cushion element (1) may comprise a plurality of recessed portions (4), with each recessed portion (4) arranged in intervals on the cushion element (1) along the first axis of the cushion element (1). In certain embodiments as per the embodiment shown in FIGS 1 - 6, each of the recessed portions (4) comprises a slot to provide a pathway for a fastening means (3) to pass through.

[0046] Furthermore, embodiments of the support assembly may generally further comprise at least one holder (2) to releasably carry at least one cushion element (1) to the undercarriage (7). The holder (2) is located at the bottom of the undercarriage (7), and extends along the first axis of the undercarriage (7). The holder (2) is to be securely fixed to the undercarriage (7). The holder (2) may be provided in the shape of, but shall not be limited to, a cuboid, a sphero-cuboid, or the like. Preferably, the holder (2) may be made up of, but shall not be limited to, steel, magnalium, or the like. The holder (2) comprises a plurality of accepting members (5), with each accepting member (5) arranged in intervals on the holder (2) along the first axis of the holder (2). Preferably, the plurality of accepting members (5) may be, but shall not be limited to, either a rivet nut or a threaded hole.

[0047] Furthermore, within embodiments of the support assembly, each of the plurality of the recessed portions (4) of the cushion element (1) and each of the plurality of the accepting members (5) of the holder (2) are to be correspondingly aligned throughout the first axis of the cushion element (1) and the first axis of the holder (2).

[0048] Furthermore, embodiments of the support assembly may generally further comprise at least one fastening means to releasably connect the cushion element (1) to the holder (2). In certain embodiments as per the embodiment illustrated in FIGS 1 - 6, the fastening means (3) is in the form of the first embodiment, and it shall interact with the cushion element (1) by penetrating through both the recessed portion and the slot of the cushion element (1). This allows the fastening means (3) to reach the accepting member (5) of the holder (2) for fastening the fastening means (3) to the accepting member so that the cushion element (1) releasably connects to the holder (2). With this, the cushion element (1) is able to mitigate damage to the track plates and / or track chain carried by the undercarriage (7). Preferably, the fastening means (3) may be, but shall not be limited to, a screw, a bolt, or the like.

[0049] Furthermore, embodiments of the support assembly may generally further comprise a washer (6) that is located within each of the plurality of recessed portions (4) of the cushion element (1) to evenly distribute a force applied by the fastening means to the cushion element (1). Preferably, the washer (6) may be, but shall not be limited to, a flat washer, a fender washer, a dock washer, or the like.

[0050] Furthermore, within certain embodiments of the support assembly, their holder (2) may be formed with a hollow body. When an external impact force or shock is applied to the support assembly by the track chain, a hollow cavity within the holder (2) can absorb some of the impact force. This energy absorption can reduce the transmission of shock or vibration throughout the support assembly, thereby protecting sensitive components of the undercarriage (7).

[0051] From hereon, it will be understood that the fastening means within all the four embodiments may be in the form of two different embodiments. The first embodiment of the fastening means is one where it is a separate element, unit, or feature that is apart from the holder and the cushion, which enables a releasable connection between the holder and the cushion. The first embodiment of the fastening means may be, by way of example, a screw, a bolt, a rivet, a stud, or the like, which enables the cushion to be fastened to the holder in a releasably connectable manner. The second embodiment of the fastening means is one where it is an element, or elements, that are integrated into the holder, the cushion, or both, which enables a releasable connection between the holder and the cushion. The second embodiment of the fastening means may be, by way of example, (i) an accepting portion, which may be an accepting end that may be integrated with or part of the holder, and (ii) a receiving portion, which may be a recessed portion that may be integrated with or part of the cushion. This allows the receiving portion to be interlocked to the accepting portion which enables the cushion to be fastened to the holder in a releasably connectable manner.

[0052] FIG. 7 illustrates a first embodiment of the support assembly of the present invention, which may be structurally similar to the support assembly illustrated in FIGS 5 - 6.

[0053] Within this first embodiment, its cushion element (1) may be regarded as first- embodiment cushion element (11), and its holder (2) may be regarded as first- embodiment holder (12)). Furthermore, within the first embodiment of the support assembly, its fastening means (13) are of the first embodiment wherein the fastening means (13) are a separate element, unit, or feature that is apart from the holder (12) and the cushion element (11).

[0054] Within this first embodiment, its cushion element (11) may have recessed portions that are parallel to the third axis of the cushion element (11), and its holder (12) may have accepting members that are parallel to the third axis of the holder (12). The holder (12) may have a shape that may be, but shall not be limited to, a sphero-cuboid, or the like. Each of the plurality of accepting members of the holder (12) and each of the plurality of recessed portions of the cushion (11) are correspondingly aligned to allow the fastening means (13) to penetrate therethrough for releasably connecting the cushion element (11) to the holder (12).

[0055] Regarding the first embodiment of the support assembly, it is located between the undercarriage (7) and track chain (8) of the vehicle where a gap is kept between its cushion element (11) and the track chain (8).

[0056] FIG. 8 illustrates a second embodiment of the support assembly of the present invention.

[0057] Within this second embodiment, its cushion element (1) may be regarded as second- embodiment cushion element (21), and its holder (2) may be regarded as second- embodiment holder (22). Furthermore, within the second embodiment of the support assembly, its fastening means are of the second embodiment, wherein the fastening means (13) are elements integrated to or part of the holder (22) and the cushion (21). More specifically, within the second embodiment of the support assembly, its holder (22) has accepting ends (221), and its cushion (21) has recessed portions that shall allow the cushion (21) to be fastened to the holder (22), via the accepting ends (221) of the holder (22), in a releasably connectable manner.

[0058] Within this second embodiment, its cushion element (21) has at least one recessed portion that is parallel to the third axis of the cushion element (21). The number of recessed portions may be in a range from 1 to 4 recessed portions. But most preferably, the cushion element (21) has two recessed portions formed symmetrically along the third axis of the cushion element (21).

[0059] Within this second embodiment, its holder (22) may have two accepting ends (221). Furthermore, the holder (22) may have a shape that may be, but shall not be limited to, a sphero-cuboid with an accepting member located between the two accepting ends (221).

[0060] Within this second embodiment, the cushion element (21) is partially submerged into the holder (22), through the accepting member. The recessed portions of the cushion element (21) are interlocked to each of the two accepting ends (221) of the holder (22) to releasably connect the cushion element (21) to the holder (22), with the remaining part of the cushion element (21) protruding outwardly from the holder (22). With this, the recessed portions of the cushion element (21) is fastened to the holder (22) via the accepting ends (221) of the holder (22).

[0061] Regarding the second embodiment of the support assembly, it is located between the undercarriage (7) and track chain (8) of the vehicle where a gap is kept between its cushion element (21) and the track chain (8).

[0062] FIG. 9 illustrates a third embodiment of the support assembly of the present invention. The third embodiment of the support assembly is located between the undercarriage (7) and track chain (8) of the vehicle where a gap is kept between the third embodiment of the support assembly and the track chain (8).

[0063] Within this third embodiment, its cushion elements (1) may be regarded as third- embodiment cushion elements (31), and its holders (2) may be regarded as third- embodiment holders (32). Furthermore, within the third embodiment of the support assembly, its fastening means (33) are of the first embodiment wherein the fastening means (33) are a separate element, unit, or feature that is apart from the holder (32) and the cushion element (31).

[0064] Within this third embodiment, its cushion element (31) may have recessed portions that comprise first recessed portions and second recessed portions that are parallel to the third axis of the cushion element (31).

[0065] Within this third embodiment, its holder (32) may have a transverse flange (321) with its accepting members comprising first accepting members and second accepting members that are parallel along to a third axis of the transverse flange (321). Preferably, the first accepting members are located on the left side of the transverse flange (321) and the second accepting members are located on the right side of the transverse flange (321). The first accepting members and the second accepting members may be formed symmetrically along the third axis of the transverse flange (321). Furthermore, the holder (32) may have a shape that may be, but shall not be limited to, a sphero-cuboid, or the like.

[0066] Within this third embodiment, the first recessed portions are each correspondingly aligned to each first accepting member, and the second recessed portions are each correspondingly aligned to each second accepting member to allow the fastening means (33) to penetrate through each first recessed portion and corresponding first accepting member, and / or each second recessed portion and correspondingly second accepting member, to releasably connect the cushion element (31) to the transverse flange (321).

[0067] Regarding the third embodiment of the support assembly, it is located between the undercarriage (7) and track chain (8) of the vehicle where a gap is kept between its cushion element (31) and the track chain (8).

[0068] FIG. 10 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the support assembly of the present invention.

[0069] Within this fourth embodiment, its cushion elements (1) may be regarded as fourthembodiment cushion elements (41), and its holders (2) may be regarded as fourth- embodiment holders (42). Furthermore, within the fourth embodiment of the support assembly, its fastening means (43) are of the first embodiment wherein the fastening means (43) are a separate element, unit, or feature that is apart from the holder (42) and the cushion element (41).

[0070] Within this fourth embodiment, its cushion element (41) has a plurality of grooves, parallel to the first axis of the cushion element (41), with each arranged in intervals along the second axis of the cushion element (41).

[0071] Within this fourth embodiment, its holder (42) may have a first vertical member and a second vertical member that extends perpendicularly from each end of the holder (42). The first vertical member comprises the plurality of first accepting members and the second vertical member comprises the plurality of second accepting members. Furthermore, the holder (42) may have a shape that may be, but shall not be limited to, a sphero-cuboid. Furthermore, the holder (42) may have a shape that may be, but shall not be limited to, a sphero-cuboid, or the like.

[0072] Within this fourth embodiment, the cushion element (41) is partially attached between the first vertical member and the second vertical member of the holder (42). The fastening means (43) will then penetrate from each of the plurality of first accepting members, traversing each of the plurality of grooves of the cushion element (41), to each of the plurality of second accepting members to releasably connect the cushion element (41) to the holder (42), with the remaining part of the cushion element (41) protruding outwardly from the holder (42).

[0073] Regarding the fourth embodiment of the support assembly, it is located between the undercarriage (7) and track chain (8) of the vehicle where a gap is kept between its cushion element (41) and the track chain (8). FIG. 11 is a illustrates an undercarriage (7) without the support assembly of the present invention, which experiences flexing or distortion of its track chain (8) upon impacting an irregular object on a surface during movement of the vehicle. FIG. 12 illustrates an undercarriage (7) having the support assembly of the present invention, with the support assembly being any one of the previously described embodiments. A shown, upon impacting an irregular object on a surface during movement of the vehicle, its track chain (8) shall experience lesser flexing or distortion since the force from the impact is substantially mitigated or reduced by the cushion element (1) of the support assembly.

[0074] The present disclosure includes as contained in the appended claims, as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangements of parts may be resorted to without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A support assembly for an undercarriage (7) of a vehicle, comprising at least one cushion element (1); at least one holder (2) for connecting at least one cushion element (1) to the undercarriage (7); and at least one fastening means for enabling a releasable connection between the cushion (1) and the holder (2); wherein the cushion elements (1) are releasably carried by the holder (2), and they extend longitudinally along a bottom of the undercarriage (7) and are positionally fitted therealong to mitigate flexing or distortion of at least one track chain carried by the undercarriage (7) during movement of the vehicle.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the holder (2) comprises a plurality of accepting members (5) each arranged in intervals along a first axis of the holder (2).

3. The assembly according to claim 2 wherein the cushion elements (1) comprise a plurality of recessed portions (4) each arranged in intervals along a first axis of the cushion element (1).

4. The assembly according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of recessed portions (4) of the cushion elements (1) and the plurality of accepting members (5) of the holder (2) are each correspondingly aligned.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of accepting members of the holder (2) is parallel to a third axis of the holder (2); and the plurality of recessed portions of the cushion element are parallel to a third axis of the cushion element (1);wherein the plurality of accepting members of the holder (2) and the plurality of recessed portions of the cushion element (1) are each correspondingly aligned to allow the fastening means to penetrate therethrough to releasably connect the cushion element (1) to the holder (2).

6. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the holder (2) further comprises two accepting ends (221) with an accepting member in between the two accepting ends (221); and at least one recessed portion of the cushion elements (1) that are parallel to a second axis of the cushion elements (1); wherein the cushion elements (1) are partially submerged into the holder (2), through the accepting member, where the recessed portion of the cushion element (1) is interlocked to each of the two accepting ends (221) of the holder (2) to releasably connect the cushion element (1) to the holder (2) with a remaining part of the cushion elements (1) protruding outwardly from the holder (2).

7. The apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the holder (2) is formed with a hollow body throughout the first axis of the holder (2).

8. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the holder (2) further comprises a transverse flange (321), and its accepting members comprising first accepting members and second accepting members; and the recessed portions of the cushion element (1) comprise first recessed portions and second recessed portions; wherein the first recessed portions are each correspondingly aligned to each first accepting members, and the second recessed portions are each correspondingly aligned to each second accepting members to allow thefastening means to penetrate through each first recessed portions and corresponding first accepting members, and / or each second recessed portions and corresponding second accepting members, to releasably connect the cushion elements (1) to the transverse flange (321).

9. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the holder (2) further comprises a first vertical member and a second vertical member; the cushion element (1) further comprises a plurality of grooves, parallel to the first axis of the cushion elements (1), with each arranged in intervals along the second axis of the cushion elements (1); the first vertical member comprises the plurality of first-accepting members; and the second vertical member comprises the plurality of second-accepting members; wherein the cushion elements (1) are attached in between the first vertical member and the second vertical member of the holder (2) with the fastening means penetrating from each of the plurality of first accepting members, traversing each of the plurality of grooves of the cushion elements (1), to each of the plurality of second accepting members to releasably connect the cushion elements (1) to the holder (2).

10. An undercarriage (7) for a vehicle, comprising a track chain (8); and a support assembly comprising cushion element (1) and at least one holder (2); wherein the support assembly has its cushion elements (1) releasably carried by its holder (2), with its cushion elements (1) and holder (2) extending longitudinally along a bottom of the undercarriage (7) and positionally fittedtherealong to mitigate flexing or distortion of the track chain during movement of the vehicle.

Images