Guide horn structure for endless track of high speed multi-terrain vehicles
This invention relates to endless tracks and systems used to propel track laying vehicles [i.e., vehicles which use endless tracks rather than tires to contact the terrain over which they are driven, e.g., tractors, tanks, bulldozers, etc.] and, more particularly, to an improved rubber track design and system allowing the endless track to be driven more efficiently at highway speeds. The track is made from a polymer adapted to travel over a drive sprocket, a plurality of guide wheels and a tensioning wheel, the track having a first exterior ground engaging surface and a second interior drive sprocket engaging surface, the track comprising: a carcass portion in which reinforcements are embedded into the polymer; a plurality of tread lugs disposed on the first engaging surface; a plurality of drive lugs disposed on the second engaging surface and a plurality of guide horns disposed on the second engaging surface.
1. A track for use on a tracked vehicle made from a polymer adapted to travel over a sprocket wheel, a plurality of guide wheels and a tensioning wheel, said track having a first exterior ground engaging surface and a second interior sprocket wheel engaging surface, said track comprising:
a) a carcass portion in which reinforcing means are embedded into said polymer;
b) a plurality of tread lugs disposed on said first engaging surface;
c) a plurality of drive lugs disposed on said second engaging surface;
d) a plurality of guide horns disposed on said second engaging surface, each said guide horn having a forward surface, a rear surface, a top surface and two lateral surfaces;
wherein the upper forward portion of each said lateral surface is bevelled and said top surface tapers toward said front surface.
2. A track as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said upper rear portion is not bevelled.
3. A track as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said guide horns comprise reinforcing means.
4. A track as claimed in claim 3 , wherein said reinforcing means are rigid inserts.
5. A track as claimed in claim 3 , wherein said reinforcing means are fibres.
6. A track as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said guide horns have a height and width and wherein the ratio between said height and said width is approximately two.
7. A track for use on a tracked vehicle made from a polymer adapted to travel over a sprocket wheel, a plurality of guide wheels and a tensioning wheel, said track having a first exterior ground engaging surface and a second interior sprocket wheel engaging surface, said track comprising:
a) a carcass portion in which reinforcing means are embedded into said polymer;
b) a plurality of tread lugs disposed on said first engaging surface;
c) a plurality of drive lugs disposed on said second engaging surface;
d) a plurality of guide horns disposed on said second engaging surface;
wherein each said guide horn comprises de-tracking prevention means.
8. A track as claimed in claim 7 , wherein each said guide horns further comprise reinforcing means.