Apparatus for converting a wheeled vehicle to a tracked vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a self-propelled, wheeled vehicle that may be converted into a multi-track self-propelled vehicle using one or more track assemblies. Each track assembly includes a carriage with a main frame that support forward and rearward idler wheels and a plurality of centrally located, inner bogey wheels, and an outrigger beam that supports a plurality of centrally located, outer bogey wheels. A sprocket is operatively connected to a wheel hub of the spindle either directly or indirectly by way of a spacer element. A flexible endless track is entrained about the idler wheels, the bogey wheels and the sprocket.

1 . A track assembly in combination with a self-propelled vehicle having a plurality of power driven tires or support wheels, with each tire or support wheel removably connectable to a wheel hub of a spindle housing, the track assembly comprising:
 an attachment assembly, having a portion that is connectable to the spindle housing of the vehicle, and a portion that is connectable to a carriage;   a carriage comprising:
 main frame having a first end and a second end; 
 a first idler wheel rotatably connected to the first end of the main frame; 
 a second idler wheel rotatably connected to the second end of the main frame, 
 a first bogey wheel rotatably attached to the main frame; 
 a beam spaced from and generally parallel to the main frame; and 
 a second bogey wheel rotatably attached to the beam, with the first and second bogey wheels being substantially parallel to each other and defining an open space therebetween, the first and second bogey wheels located between rotational axes of the first and second idler wheels; 
   a sprocket operatively connected to the vehicle; and,   an endless track having an inner surface and an outer surface, the track installed about the carriage so that an inner surface contacts the plurality of idler and bogey wheels and the sprocket.   
     
     
         2 .- 28 . (canceled)