GB1079031A - Improvements in or relating to endless track vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

1,079,031. Endless track vehicles. DUNLOP RUBBER CO. Ltd. March 24, 1964 [April 8, 1963], No. 13823/63. Heading B7H. An endless track vehicle comprises a central platform 2 upon which is mounted two pairs of channel section guide rails 5 having bearing surfaces of polytetrafluoroethylene upon which slide the side members 18 of channel section reinforced rubber endless tracks 17 which pass over driving drums 10, idler drums 8 and tensioner drums 9. Lateral extensions of the platform 2 extend between the drums 8 and 10 and are provided with air intakes 24, 25 in which are located fans 26 which maintain air pressure in the lower runs of the tracks sufficient to support the vehicle. The drums 10 are driven through shafts 15 and bevels 14 and the fans 26 through shafts 28 and bevels 27 from a driving motor 16 located on the platform upon which is also mounted the driver's seat 30 and controls 31. The endless tracks have corrugated walls, Fig. 4, reinforced by metal slats 20a and reinforcing cables 19 are looped through the corrugations near the edges. In a modification, Fig. 5 (not shown), the track has arcuate side walls. The bearing between the edges of the endless tracks and the guide channels 5 may alternatively be provided by compressed air. An additional pneumatic tyred bearing wheel may be supported from the frame at each end of the vehicle.