Track pin striking system

Abstract

A system for striking a track pin connecting two adjacent links of a caterpillar track, configured to operate in conjunction with one or more auxiliary striking pins. The system comprises: a propelled striking hammer comprising: a housing including proximal and distal ends; a piston including a striking head for striking the track pin, the piston being at least partially contained in the housing and configured to forcibly move between the distal and proximal ends of the housing along a striking axis; an anchoring element configured for anchoring the housing to at least one of the two adjacent links of the caterpillar track in an operational position of the housing, in which the track pin is aligned along the striking axis; and an auxiliary pin loading arrangement enabling, at said housing operational position, loading of at least one of said auxiliary striking pins between the track pin and the striking head.

Description

[0001] TRACK PIN STRIKING SYSTEM

[0002] TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a track pin striking system, and in particular to a system for removing a track pin from a continuous, e.g. caterpillar, track of heavy machinery, such as a bulldozer, an armored personnel carrier (APC) or tank.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Track pins for continuous tracks, such as a caterpillar tracks for tanks require replacement over time due to wear and tear, as well as instances of breakage. The existing approach for removing the track pins from tanks in the field involves manually striking the track pins with a hammer, which presents several disadvantages, including limitations in generating sufficient force to extract a broken track pin, high risk of injury, and considerable time consumption.

[0006] Hydraulic pin removers and inserters are heavy and awkward, and are therefore not suitable for in the field use. Furthermore, slow moving hydraulic pistons have limited use in removing or inserting track pins, which are typically covered in mud and damaged from use, since they are unable to induce vibrations in the pin which is in many cases, especially when the pin is jammed, necessary for its release. Further, track pins of the kind discussed are typically long, e.g. 50 cm to 60 cm, which makes removing them using a pin of the same length risky as the chances of jamming of the releasing pin due to bending of the pin or the track are high.

[0007] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a system for effectively striking track pins so as to at least release them from the track to which they are mounted.

[0008] GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0009] According to one aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a system for striking a track pin configured to connect between two adjacent links of a caterpillar track, the system being configured to operate in conjunction with one or more auxiliary striking pins comprising: a propelled striking hammer comprising: a housing including a proximal end and a distal end; a piston including a striking head for striking the track pin, the piston being at least partially contained in the housing and configured to forcibly move between the distal end of the housing and the proximal end of the housing along a striking axis; an anchoring element configured for anchoring the housing to at least one of the two adjacent links of the caterpillar track in an operational position, in which the track pin is aligned along the striking axis; and an auxiliary pin loading arrangement enabling, at said operational position of the housing, loading of at least one of the one or more auxiliary striking pins between the track pin and the striking head.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a system for striking a track pin configured to connect between two adjacent links of a caterpillar track, the system comprising: a propelled striking hammer comprising: a housing including a proximal end and a distal end; a piston including a striking head for striking the track pin, the piston being at least partially contained in the housing and configured to forcibly move between the distal end of the housing and the proximal end of the housing along a striking axis; an anchoring element configured for anchoring the housing to at least one of the two adjacent links of the caterpillar track in an operational position, in which the track pin is aligned along the striking axis; and wherein the propelled striking hammer is a pneumatic striking hammer operating in conjunction with a pneumatic pressure feed assembly for providing discrete air blasts to the housing for forcibly propelling the piston along the striking axis.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a kit comprising any one of the above systems and a set of auxiliary pins of said one or more auxiliary pins.

[0012] The term “auxiliary striking pin” can denote any pin made of metal or other rigid material used to extend the range of the striking head. A set of such auxiliary pins, which together are substantially the length of the track pin, can be used sequentially to fill the channel in which the track pin is held before removal therefrom. The pins can have a diameter smaller than that of the track pin. A series of short pins is less likely to jam inside the channel compared to one long pin, as a long pin is more likely to be bent and stuck inside the channel, or the channel, which is typically formed by interdigitated knuckles extending from adjacent metal links, can be bent / shifted and thus cause jamming of the one long pin.

[0013] The term “pin loading arrangement” denotes any structural solution incorporated in the system which allows insertion of an auxiliary pin by a user in between the striking head and the pin, including, but not limited to, a spacer element, a door, a slide, etc.

[0014] The term “pneumatic pressure feed assembly” denotes any air pressure supply system used to operate a pneumatic propelled hammer, specifically, selectively feed the housing of the pneumatic hammer with air blasts.

[0015] Compared to prior art, where hydraulics is used to extract track pins, using pneumatic pressure, and particularly air blasts, induces vibrations in the pin which contribute to its release from the channel in which it is held, as induced during strike of an ordinary hammer used in the art.

[0016] The embodiments presented below may be related to any one of the above aspects, individually or in combination therewith.

[0017] It should be appreciated that the anchoring element is dimensioned for fitting to a particular caterpillar track type, e.g., Merkava 5. In some embodiments, the anchoring element is detachably attachable to the housing, which allows using a single housing for multiple types of caterpillar tracks. However, in some embodiments, the housing is integral with the anchoring element, which allows reduction of mistakes, i.e., misfits, between an anchoring element and a particular track.

[0018] The system can further comprise an alignment mechanism configured for aligning the striking head with the track pin. The alignment mechanism ensures that the impact of the striking head is directed on the track pin.

[0019] The alignment mechanism can be a gravitational alignment mechanism comprising a vertical alignment component slidable atop an upper surface of at least one of the two adjacent links positioned in register with the track pin to gravitationally align the striking head in front of the track pin. The gravitational alignment mechanism allows utilizing of the upper surface of the track for achieving alignment only by placing, even throwing, the anchoring element atop the links of the track. The channel formed by interconnected knuckles of the adjacent links provides a fixed reference surface in close proximity to the track pin. The vertical alignment component can comprise an arcuate abutting surface configured for engaging a curved portion of the upper surface of the caterpillar track. The upper surface of the channel in which the track pin is received is typically curved, so the alignment component bears against the same portion.

[0020] The anchoring element can comprise prongs configured to fit within respective apertures of adjacent metal links with the track pin therebetween.

[0021] The prongs can extend perpendicular to the striking axis, and can be slidably fitable by gravitation into respective apertures in each of the two adjacent links of metal links on either side of the track pin.

[0022] Each of the prongs can include two oppositely facing counter walls perpendicular to the striking axis, connectable by a lower facing tapered wall facilitating the slidable fitting by gravitation of the prongs into their respective apertures.

[0023] The gravitational sliding fit allows utilizing of the upper surface of the track for achieving alignment only by placing, even throwing, the anchoring element atop the links of the track. In general, mounting the prongs within the metal links instead of over the entire track provide a much smaller anchoring element than the conventional track pin removers. Dropping the prongs into the apertures in a direction perpendicular to the hitting direction provides a simple mounting process with a firm hold of the track pin removal system, which utilizes the strength of the continuous track itself to hold the housing in place.

[0024] The housing can comprise a striking aperture at the proximal end thereof through which the striking head protrudes during striking, and wherein the auxiliary pin loading arrangement can comprise a bridging element bridging between the anchoring element and the housing in spaced apart relations, said bridging element can comprise a spacer portion defining a gap in front of the striking aperture, in operational position, enabling one or more auxiliary pins to be received in front of the striking aperture, between the striking aperture and the track pin.

[0025] The gap can be between 6 cm and 12 cm.

[0026] The auxiliary pin loading arrangement can comprise an auxiliary pin supporting element for supporting the one or more auxiliary pins being received in the gap.

[0027] The auxiliary pin supporting element holds the auxiliary pins in the correct position and prevents the auxiliary pins from falling onto the ground. Optionally, the auxiliary pin also prevents access to a dangerous area for a user in front of the striking head and allows dropping of each auxiliary striking pin from above thereonto.

[0028] The auxiliary pin supporting element can comprise a bed disposed within said gap along and at least partially below the striking axis.

[0029] The bed can be a V-shaped bed converging towards the striking axis, for gravitationally aligning an auxiliary pin of the one or more auxiliary pins in front of the striking aperture, along the striking axis.

[0030] The auxiliary pin loading arrangement can further comprise a sloped auxiliary pin slide extending above the striking axis, for sliding each of the one or more auxiliary pins into alignment with the striking axis.

[0031] The auxiliary slide can define a sliding axis intersecting with said bed.

[0032] The sliding axis can intersect with said striking axis.

[0033] The propelled striking hammer can be a pneumatic striking hammer operating in conjunction with a pneumatic pressure feed assembly for providing air blasts for forcibly propelling the piston along the striking axis, and the housing can comprise a first pressure receiving port disposed at said proximal end thereof, and a second pressure receiving port disposed at said distal end thereof.

[0034] The pressure feed assembly can be adapted to selectively provide, in each operation thereof, a first predetermined amount of air to the first pressure receiving port and a second predetermined amount of air to the second pressure receiving port, the second amount of air being greater than the first amount of air thereby achieving faster movement of the piston from towards the proximal end of the housing than towards the distal end.

[0035] The pressure feed assembly can comprise a pressure generator, a pressure accumulation chamber, a tap fluidly connected to the pressure accumulation chamber, a first pressure channel connectable between the tap and the first pressure receiving port, and a second pressure channel connectable between the tap and the second pressure receiving port, the first channel having a diameter smaller than the second channel. The pressure feed assembly enables the retraction of the piston with the striking head to be much slower and therefore less damaging to the housing. The different sized channels enable the same pneumatic pressure tank to provide both movements of the piston towards and away from the proximal end. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional continuous track;

[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a pneumatic track pin striker system;

[0039] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the track pin striker system of Fig. 2;

[0040] FIG. 4 is an end view of another exemplary embodiment of a track pin striker system;

[0041] FIG. 5 illustrates an auxiliary pin loading system of the exemplary embodiment of the track pin striker system of Fig. 4;

[0042] FIG. 6 is a side view of the auxiliary pin loading system of FIG. 5; and

[0043] FIG. 7 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a track pin striker system with a track pin catcher.

[0044] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0045] A continuous track 1, such as caterpillar track illustrated in FIG. 1, is a continuous loop of interconnected metal links 3 that wrap around the wheels of heavy machinery, such as a bulldozer, an APC or a tank, providing traction and mobility on various terrains. The metal links 3 are pivotally connected by a track pin 4 extending through a barrel 5 formed by interdigitated knuckles 6 extending from adjacent metal links 3, which enable the links 3 to pivot with respect to each other throughout the movement of the continuous track 1. The metal links 3 can include raised sections 9 extending outwardly from an upper surface 8 of the metal links 3 providing traction, and apertures 7 extending through the metal links 3 enabling debris to pass through.

[0046] The track pins 4 in the continuous tracks 1 require replacement over time due to wear and tear, as well as instances of breakage. The existing approach for removing the track pins 4 involves manually striking the track pins 4 with a hammer, which presents several disadvantages, including limitations in generating sufficient force to extract a broken track pin, high risk of injury, and considerable time consumption. With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, exemplary embodiments of a pin striker system 11 for striking the track pin 4 is provided. The pin striker system 11 comprises: a propelled striking hammer 12; and an anchoring element 16 configured for anchoring to the links 3 of the caterpillar track and use them as anchor to provide counterforce to the forces induced while the hammer strikes the pin. A striking head 13 of the hammer is substantially short, and the pin 4 is substantially long in the present example, particularly 60 cm long, so that in order to release the pin 4 the hammer must utilize an extension of some sort. In the present example, the system is configured to operate in conjunction with one or more auxiliary striking pins 42 adapted to provide that extension. Particularly the auxiliary striking pins are much shorter the track pin, 6 to 12 cm long, and should be sequentially introduced in front of the striking head one after the other to provide a gradually lengthening extension for the striking head as the track pin distances therefrom. In some embodiments a set of such auxiliary striking pins can be provided as a kit along with the system in accordance with any of the presented embodiments.

[0047] In the present example, the striking head 13 is connected to a piston 23, forcibly movable within a housing 20 along a striking axis 10 and The anchoring element 16 is configured for anchoring the housing 20 to at least one of the two adjacent links 3 of the caterpillar track 1, particularly both of them, in operational position, in which the track pin 4 is aligned along the striking axis 10 with the proximal end 21 of the housing 20 is at a minimal distance from the track pin 4.

[0048] To sequentially introduce each auxiliary striking pin into position, the pin striker system 11 further comprises an auxiliary pin loading arrangement 41 enabling, at said operational position of the housing 20, loading of at least one of the one or more auxiliary striking pins 42 between the track pin 4 and the striking head 13.

[0049] In the present embodiment, the propelled striking hammer 12 is a pneumatic striking hammer operating in conjunction with a pneumatic pressure feed assembly 27 for providing discrete air blasts to the housing 20 for forcibly propelling the piston 23 along the striking axis 10. In other embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter other force movement mechanisms can be used, e.g., electric.

[0050] The housing 20 includes a proximal end 21 and a distal end 22. The piston 23, connected with the striking head 13 on one end thereof, is at least partially contained in the housing 20 and configured to forcibly move between the distal end 22 of the housing 20 and the proximal end 21 of the housing 20 along the striking axis 10. The housing 20is in the form of a cylinder. A piston 23 including the striking head 13 on one end thereof, is configured to reciprocate between a ready position in the distal end 22 and an impact position in the proximal end 21. Throughout most of the way between the ready and striking positions, the striking head 13 is wholly accommodated in the housing 20, while at the impact position it protrudes through a striking aperture 26 of the housing positioned along the striking axis 10. Specifically, the piston 23 and the striking head 13 are withdrawn fully within the housing 20 into a ready position, whereby the piston 23 and the striking head 13 travel a substantial distance, e.g. the length of the housing 20, which may be between 50 cm and 1 m, into an impact position with the track pin 4, providing enough momentum and force to dislodge and move the track pin 4.

[0051] The striking hammer 12 further includes a first pressure receiving port 24 in the distal end 22 of the housing 20 for receiving a forward fluid blast of air or hydraulic fluid to propel the piston 23 in a hitting direction along the striking axis 10 towards the track pin 4 into the impact position, and a second pressure receiving port 25 in the proximal end 21 of the housing 20 for receiving a rearward fluid blast of fluid, e.g. air or hydraulic fluid, to retract the piston 23 in the direction opposite the hitting direction, i.e. retracting direction, along the striking axis 10 into the ready position. Pneumatic pressure takes time, although short, to be released from the housing, thereby ensuring the piston 23 is maintained in any of the ready and impact positions and does not bounce back.

[0052] In some embodiments, the forward fluid blast and the rearward fluid blast are generated from a pressure feed assembly 27 adapted to selectively provide, in each operation thereof, a first predetermined amount of air to the first pressure receiving port 24 and a second predetermined amount of air to the second pressure receiving port 25, the second amount of air being greater than the first amount of air thereby achieving faster movement of the piston 23 towards the proximal end 21 of the housing 20 than towards the distal end 22.

[0053] In some embodiments, the pressure feed assembly 27 comprises a pressure generator 30, a pressure accumulation chamber, 28 a tap 35 fluidly connected to the pressure accumulation chamber, a first pressure channel 29a connectable between the tap and the first pressure receiving port, and a second pressure channel 29b connectable between the tap and the second pressure receiving port, the first channel having a diameter smaller than the second channel.

[0054] In some embodiments, the pressure feed generator is in the form of a compressor, 30 for pressurizing the air. The compressor 30 may have a pressure accumulation chamber 28, which can be integral or separate therefrom. The pressure accumulation chamber 28 has an outlet which is connected to a tap 35 via a hub 35. The tap 35 controls pressure supply from the pressure accumulation chamber 28 into each of the channels 29a and 29b, and is particularly adapted to provide each of them with air blasts, i.e., to be opened and rapidly close soon after.

[0055] Each of the channels 29 receives, in turn, a pressure blast from the pressure accumulation chamber 28, and conveys that pressure to the respective port in order to propel the piston 23 in the respective direction. In fact, the channels 29 receive the same degree of pressure in each blast , and due to their different diameters they transmit different amounts of air to their respective port 24,25. The different amount of air contributes to different forces being applied on the piston, particularly, smaller force during retraction to the ready position than during striking to the impact position. Particularly, the pressure feed assembly 27 is configured to provide a force to the piston 23 via the first port 24 for propelling the piston in the hitting direction along the striking axis above an impact speed of above 10 m / s, preferably above 15 m / s, more preferably between 15 m / s and 25 m / s, and via the second port for retracting the piston below that impact speed. In some embodiments, the first channel 29a may have a larger area, e.g. 1.5x to 3x, particularly 2x, than the second channel 29b to enable a larger amount of pressured air into the housing 20, which results in a greater force on the piston 23 in the forward direction than in the rearward direction, and a greater striking force applied by the striking head 13 on the track pin 4.

[0056] In some embodiments, the striking hammer 12 may comprise only two parts, the housing 20, and the piston 23, while the pressure feed assembly 27 is separate therefrom. Accordingly, the piston 23 and the striking head 13 has a much simpler and light weight design than other pneumatic hammers, and tailored to this specific use which requires a large force to hit the track pin 4 in the continuous track 1 for either removal or insertion of the track pin 4.

[0057] Compared to prior art, where hydraulics is used to extract track pins 4, using pneumatic pressure and particularly air blasts induce vibrations in the track pin 4 which contribute to its release from the channel, e.g. barrel 5, in which the track pin 4 is held, as induced during strike of an ordinary hammer used in the art.

[0058] The anchoring element 16 is configured to be mounted on the continuous track 1 and to provide a counter force to the striking head 13 and keep the striking hammer 12 fixed in operational position after the strike has been performed. In some embodiments the anchoring element 16 is configured to engage with the metal links 3 of the continuous track 1, e.g. via the raised sections 9 or the apertures 7.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiments of Figures 2-7, the anchoring element 16 comprises prongs 31, which extend perpendicular to the piston 23, i.e. perpendicular to the striking axis 10, and are configured to engage the apertures 7 of the metal links 3 in between which the track pin 4 is held. The prongs 31 include a tapered end to facilitate mounting in respective apertures 7, and shaft dimensioned to frictionally engage sides of the aperture 7 for holding the prongs 31 in place during use. The prongs 31 are slidably fitable by gravitation into respective apertures 7 in each of the two adjacent links 3 on either side of the track pin 4. In embodiment, each of the prongs 31 include two oppositely facing counter walls 36 perpendicular to the striking axis 10, connectable by a lower facing tapered wall 37 facilitating the slidable fitting by gravitation of the prongs 31 into their respective apertures 7. Accordingly, the anchoring element 16 can easily be mounted on the continuous track 1 by positioning the prongs 31 over the continuous track 1 with the rounded or tapered wall 37 of the prongs 31 aligned, or even mis aligned to some degree, with the apertures 7, and then inserting the prongs 31 into the apertures 7, e.g. using gravitational forces, without any further manipulations. The structure of the prongs 31 and the upper surface of the apertures 7 is such that even unaccurate “throwing” of the anchoring mechanism with the housing atop the upper surface can achieve proper positioning of the prongs 31 in the apertures 7. In the present embodiment, the anchoring element 16 comprises two prongs 31 configured to frictionally fit within respective apertures 7 of adjacent metal links 3 on either side of the barrel 5 with the track pin 4 therebetween, but more or less prongs 31 are possible. The prongs 31 can be symmetrically disposed on either side of the striking head 13.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the prongs 31 are mounted on the ends of arms 32, which extend parallel to the piston 23 and the housing 20 from a mounting bracket 33 fixed to the housing 20, but other configurations are possible. Accordingly, the prongs 31 hook into the apertures 7 of the continuous track 1 proximal to the side of the continuous track 1 at which the track pin 4 is being struck, as opposed to gripping the entire width of the continuous track 1 as seen in the pin pushing systems of the prior art. Furthermore, the track pin striking system 11 is free of tightening means or need. This allows for a certain degree of freedom of motion between the striking head 13 and the continuous track 1, as opposed to the prior art which requires tightening and a secure fixation. This degree of freedom contributes to fewer wear and tear of the system, as well as does not hold back vibrations from taking place.

[0061] It should be appreciated that each mounting bracket 33 has a parallelogram crosssection. The length of the parallelogram runs parallel to the piston 23, i.e., parallel to the striking axis 10, while the height extends from the housing 20 toward the arms 32. The bracket 33 has a first end 33a proximal to the proximal end 21 of the housing and a second end 33b spaced apart by the length of the bracket, both ends having the same height. The first end is slanted such that a first connection point 33a between the bracket and the arms 32 is positioned closer to the proximal end 21 of the housing than a second connection point 33b between the bracket 33 and the housing 20. The second end 33b can be slanted such that it is parallel to the first end. This slanted configuration of the mounting bracket can enhance the structural integrity of the assembly by effectively managing the forces transferred from the arms 32 to the housing 20, providing greater stability and strength. Other cross-sections and configurations of mounting brackets are also possible. For example, the first and second ends may extend perpendicular to the piston 23, i.e., they may not be slanted. Alternatively, each mounting bracket 33 may comprise two or more elements.

[0062] It should be appreciated that the anchoring element 16 is dimensioned for operation with a particular caterpillar track type. In some embodiments, the anchoring element 16 is detachably attachable to the housing 20, which allows using a single housing 20 for multiple types of caterpillar tracks 1. However, in some embodiments, the housing 20 is integral with the anchoring element 16, which allows reduction of mistakes, i.e., misfits, between an anchoring element 16 and a particular caterpillar track 1.

[0063] A handle 34 extending from the mounting bracket 33 or some other location along the housing 20 is provided in some embodiments to facilitate manipulation and transportation of the track pin striking system 11, and even said “throwing”.

[0064] The arms 32 also form part of an auxiliary pin loading arrangement 41, which enables auxiliary pins 42 to be loaded between the striking head 13 and the track pin 4 as the track pin 4 is progressively moved during repeated impacts from the striking head 13. Since the striking head 13 only extends out of the housing 20 a finite amount, e.g. 6 cm to 12 cm, the auxiliary pins 42 enable the striking head 13 to repeatedly apply an impact force to the track pin 4, even when the track pin is recessed within the channel 5 of the continuous track 1. Accordingly, as the track pin 4 is incrementally moved by repeated impacts of the striking head 13, within the barrel 5 another one of the auxiliary pins 42 is inserted into the barrel 5 into engagement with the end of the track pin 4, whereby subsequent impacts by the striking head 13 transfer the force of the striking head 13 to the track pin 4.

[0065] The auxiliary pin loading arrangement 41 comprises a bridging element, e.g. the arms 32, bridging between the anchoring element 16 and the housing 20 in spaced apart relations, the bridging element comprises a spacer portion defining a gap 45 in front of the striking aperture 26, in operational position of the housing, i.e., , enabling one or more auxiliary pins 42 to be received in front of the striking aperture 26, between the striking aperture 26 and the track pin 4.

[0066] The arms 32 are configured to hold the proximal end 21 of the housing 20 at a predetermined minimal distance, e.g. 6 cm to 12 cm, particularly 9.5 cm, from the caterpillar track 1, providing the gap 45, such that an auxiliary pin 42 can be fed in between the striking hammer 12 and the caterpillar track 1 when the striking hammer 12 is anchored to the continuous track 1.

[0067] The auxiliary pins 42 have a smaller diameter, e.g. 2.4 cm, than the track pin 4, e.g. 2.5 cm, and a much shorter length, e.g. 6 cm to 12 cm, preferably 11 cm, in contrast to the 50 cm to 60 cm track pin 4. Accordingly, the auxiliary pins 42 will not get stuck in the barrel 5, like the track pin 4, but will provide a continuous link between the track pin 4 and the striking head 13. In some embodiments, the auxiliary pins 42 are longer than the gap, since a portion of the auxiliary pin 42 extends into the barrel 5 into engagement with the track pin 4 or a previous auxiliary pin 42.

[0068] In certain embodiments, the auxiliary pin loading arrangement 41 also includes an auxiliary pin supporting element 43 configured for supporting the auxiliary pins 42 in the gap 45 between the housing 20 and the track pin 4 or other auxiliary pins 42 already in place. In the certain embodiments, the auxiliary pin supporting element 43 comprises a bed disposed within the gap 45 at least partially below the striking axis 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the bed is V-shaped bed with opposite sides 46 and 47 thereof extending downwardly from the arms 32, converging towards the striking axis 10 at a rounded bottom 48 for gravitationally aligning an auxiliary pin 42 along the striking axis 10 in front of the striking aperture 26.

[0069] The rounded bottom 48 is configured with a radius of curvature the same or less than the auxiliary pins 42, whereby the auxiliary pin 42 is held in position in alignment between the striking head 13 and the track pin 4 or other auxiliary pins 42 already in place.

[0070] With reference to FIG. 6, the auxiliary pin loading arrangement 41 may also include a sloped auxiliary pin slide 49 extending above the striking axis 10, e.g. at an acute angle to the auxiliary pin supporting element 43, for feeding, e.g. sliding, auxiliary pins 42 into the auxiliary pin supporting element 43 and alignment with the striking axis 10 without risking injury by placing the user’s hand into the gap 45 while the striking head 13 is potentially active. In some embodiments, the sloped auxiliary pin slide 29 defines a sliding axis 50 intersecting with the bed, e.g. the auxiliary pin supporting element 43, and intersecting with the striking axis 10.

[0071] In the illustrated example, the auxiliary pin slide 49 is cylindrical, but other suitable shapes, e.g. U-shaped, V-shaped etc. are within the scope of the invention. The auxiliary pin slide 49 may be contiguous with the handle 34.

[0072] In various embodiments the auxiliary pin loading arrangement 41 can include any one or more of: a spacer, such as the arms 32 to define the gap between the housing 20 and the track 1, an arrangement of the auxiliary pin slide 49 and the auxiliary pin supporting element 43, just the auxiliary pin supporting element 43, just the auxiliary pin slide 49, a door or access port in the housing 20 or on the arms 32, or anything else that can be used to load, place, align or hold the auxiliary pins 42. Further, in various embodiments, the auxiliary pin loading arrangement 41 can include a barrier designed to prevent inadvertent access of a user's hand into the gap 45, thereby enhancing safety during operation. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2, a barrier 44 is mounted to the upper surface of the arms 32. This barrier can be constructed from a lightweight material to minimize the additional weight it adds to the system and can include perforations or holes to further minimize its weight. In certain embodiments, an alignment mechanism 51 is configured for aligning the striking head 13 with the track pin 4. In some embodiments the alignment mechanism 51 is a gravitational alignment mechanism comprising a vertical alignment component 52 slidable atop an upper surface 8 of at least one of the two adjacent links 3 positioned in register with the track pin 4 to gravitationally align the striking head 13 in front of the track pin 4. In some embodiments, the vertical alignment component 52 comprises a vertical guide 53 including an arcuate abutting surface configured for engaging a curved portion, e.g. the barrel 5 or one of the knuckles 6, of the upper surface 8 of the continuous track 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the vertical center line of the vertical alignment component 52 and the vertical guide 53 is aligned with the center of the striking head 13, and the abutting surface is spaced above the track pin 4 for engaging the barrel 5 into which the track pin 4 extends, to precisely center the striking head 13 in front of the track pin 4, thereby automatically centering of the striking head 13 with the track pin 4 in the continuous track 1.

[0073] With reference to FIG. 7, the track pin striking system 11 may also include a track pin catcher 61 mounted on an opposite side of the continuous track 1 as the track pin striking hammer 12. In some embodiments, the track pin catcher 61 includes the anchoring element 16 for mounting the track pin catcher 61 on the continuous track 1, the same way as the track pin striking hammer 12. In the illustrated example, the track pin catcher 61 comprises an enclosed cylindrical container the same length as the track pin 4; however, other shapes, e.g. rectangular, sizes and open / closed configurations are within the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A system for striking a track pin configured to connect between two adj acent links of a caterpillar track, the system being configured to operate in conjunction with one or more auxiliary striking pins comprising: a propelled striking hammer comprising: a housing including a proximal end and a distal end; a piston including a striking head for striking the track pin, the piston being at least partially contained in the housing and configured to forcibly move between the distal end of the housing and the proximal end of the housing along a striking axis; an anchoring element configured for anchoring the housing to at least one of the two adjacent links of the caterpillar track in an operational position of the housing, in which the track pin is aligned along the striking axis; and an auxiliary pin loading arrangement enabling, at said operational position of the housing, loading of at least one of the one or more auxiliary striking pins between the track pin and the striking head.

2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising an alignment mechanism configured for aligning the striking head with the track pin.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the alignment mechanism is a gravitational alignment mechanism comprising a vertical alignment component slidable atop an upper surface of at least one of the two adjacent links positioned in register with the track pin to gravitationally align the striking head in front of the track pin.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the vertical alignment component comprises an arcuate abutting surface configured for engaging a curved portion of the upper surface of the caterpillar track.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the anchoring element comprises prongs configured to fit within respective apertures of adjacent metal links with the track pin therebetween.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the prongs extend perpendicular to the striking axis, and are slidably fitable by gravitation into the respective apertures in each of the two adjacent links of metal links on either side of the track pin.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein each of the prongs include two oppositely facing counter walls perpendicular to the striking axis, connectable by a lower facing tapered wall facilitating slidable fitting by gravitation of the prongs into the respective apertures.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the housing comprises a striking aperture at the proximal end thereof through which the striking head protrudes during striking, and wherein said auxiliary pin loading arrangement comprises a bridging element bridging between the anchoring element and the housing in spaced apart relations, said bridging element comprises a spacer portion defining a gap in front of said striking aperture, in operational position, enabling one or more auxiliary pins to be received in front of the striking aperture, between the striking aperture and the track pin.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the gap is between 6 cm and 12 cm.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the auxiliary pin loading arrangement comprises an auxiliary pin supporting element for supporting the one or more auxiliary pins being received in the gap.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the auxiliary pin supporting element comprises a bed disposed within said gap along and at least partially below the striking axis.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the bed is a V-shaped bed converging towards the striking axis, for gravitationally aligning an auxiliary pin of the one or more auxiliary pins in front of the striking aperture, along the striking axis.

13. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said auxiliary pin loading arrangement further comprising a sloped auxiliary pin slide extending above thestriking axis, for sliding each of the one or more auxiliary pins into alignment with the striking axis.

14. The system according to claim 13, when dependent on each of claims 11 and 12, wherein the sloped auxiliary pin slide defines a sliding axis intersecting with said bed.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein the sliding axis intersects with said striking axis.

16. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the propelled striking hammer is a pneumatic striking hammer operating in conjunction with a pneumatic pressure feed assembly for forcibly propelling the piston along the striking axis, and wherein the housing comprises a first pressure receiving port disposed at said proximal end thereof, and a second pressure receiving port disposed at said distal end thereof.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the pressure feed assembly is adapted to selectively provide, in each operation thereof, a first predetermined amount of air to the first pressure receiving port and a second predetermined amount of air to the second pressure receiving port, the second amount of air being greater than the first amount of air thereby achieving faster movement of the piston towards the proximal end of the housing than towards the distal end.

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein the pressure feed assembly comprises a pressure generator, a pressure accumulation chamber, a tap fluidly connected to the pressure accumulation chamber, a first pressure channel connectable between the tap and the first pressure receiving port, and a second pressure channel connectable between the tap and the second pressure receiving port, the first pressure channel having a diameter smaller than the second pressure channel.

19. A kit comprising the system according to any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising a set of auxiliary pins of said one or more auxiliary pins.

20. The kit according to claim 19, wherein at least one pin in the set has a length between 6 cm to 12 cm.

21. A system for striking a track pin configured to connect between two adj acent links of a caterpillar track, the system comprising: a propelled striking hammer comprising: a housing including a proximal end and a distal end; a piston including a striking head for striking the track pin, the piston being at least partially contained in the housing and configured to forcibly move between the distal end of the housing and the proximal end of the housing along a striking axis; an anchoring element configured for anchoring the housing to at least one of the two adjacent links of the caterpillar track in an operational position, in which the track pin is aligned along the striking axis; and wherein the propelled striking hammer is a pneumatic striking hammer operating in conjunction with a pneumatic pressure feed assembly for providing discrete air blasts to the housing for forcibly propelling the piston along the striking axis.

22. The system according to claim 21, further comprising an alignment mechanism configured for aligning the striking head with the track pin.

23. The system according to claim 22, wherein the alignment mechanism is a gravitational alignment mechanism comprising a vertical alignment component slidable atop an upper surface of at least one of the two adjacent links positioned in register with the track pin to gravitationally align the striking head in front of the track pin.

24. The system according to claim 23, wherein the vertical alignment component comprises an arcuate abutting surface configured for engaging a curved portion of the upper surface of the caterpillar track.

25. The system according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the anchoring element comprises prongs configured to fit within respective apertures of adjacent metal links with the track pin therebetween.

26. The system according to claim 25, wherein the prongs extend perpendicular to the striking axis, and are slidably fitable by gravitation into the respective apertures in each of the two adjacent links of metal links on either side of the track pin.

27. The system according to claim 26, wherein each of the prongs include two oppositely facing counter walls perpendicular to the striking axis, connectable by a lower facing tapered wall facilitating slidable fitting by gravitation of the prongs into the respective apertures.

28. The system according to any one of claims 21 to 27, further comprising an auxiliary pin loading arrangement enabling, at an operational position of the housing, loading of at least one or more auxiliary striking pins between the track pin and the striking head, and wherein the housing comprises a striking aperture at the proximal end thereof through which the striking head protrudes during striking, and wherein said auxiliary pin loading arrangement comprises a bridging element bridging between the anchoring element and the housing in spaced apart relations, said bridging element comprises a spacer portion defining a gap in front of said striking aperture, in operational position, enabling the one or more auxiliary pins to be received in front of the striking aperture, between the striking aperture and the track pin.

29. The system according to claim 28, wherein the gap is between 6 cm and 12 cm.

30. The system according to claim 29, wherein the auxiliary pin loading arrangement comprises an auxiliary pin supporting element for supporting the one or more auxiliary pins being received in the gap.

31. The system according to claim 30, wherein the auxiliary pin supporting element comprises a bed disposed within said gap along and at least partially below the striking axis.

32. The system according to claim 31, wherein the bed is a V-shaped bed converging towards the striking axis, for gravitationally aligning an auxiliary pin of the one or more auxiliary pins in front of the striking aperture, along the striking axis.

33. The system according to any one of claims 28 to 32, wherein said auxiliary pin loading arrangement further comprising a sloped auxiliary pin slide extending above the striking axis, for sliding each of the one or more auxiliary pins into alignment with the striking axis.

34. The system according to claim 33, when dependent on each of claims 31 and 32, wherein the sloped auxiliary pin slide defines a sliding axis intersecting with said bed.

35. The system according to claim 34, wherein the sliding axis intersects with said striking axis.

36. The system according to any one of claims 21 to 35, wherein the housing comprises a first pressure receiving port disposed at said proximal end thereof, and a second pressure receiving port disposed at said distal end thereof.

37. The system according to claim 36, further comprising the pressure feed assembly, and wherein the pressure feed assembly is adapted to selectively provide, in each operation thereof, a first predetermined amount of air to the first pressure receiving port and a second predetermined amount of air to the second pressure receiving port, the second amount of air being greater than the first amount of air thereby achieving faster movement of the piston towards the proximal end of the housing than towards the distal end.

38. The system according to claim 37, wherein the pressure feed assembly comprises a pressure generator, a pressure accumulation chamber, a tap fluidly connected to the pressure accumulation chamber, a first pressure channel connectable between the tap and the first pressure receiving port, and a second pressure channel connectable between the tap and the second pressure receiving port, the first pressure channel having a diameter smaller than the second pressure channel.

39. A kit comprising the system according to any one of claims 21 to 38, further comprising a set of auxiliary pins of said one or more auxiliary pins.

40. The kit according to claim 39, wherein at least one pin in the set has a length between 6 cm to 12 cm.

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