Track System with Adjustable Idler Wheels and Method of Using the Same

摘要

A track system for use as a wheel replacement on typically wheeled vehicle is disclosed. The track system comprises a drive wheel configured to be mounted to the vehicle, a support frame, front and rear idler wheels respectively pivotally mounted at the front and at the rear of the support frame, road wheels pivotally mounted along the support frame between the front and read idler wheels, and an endless track mounted about the wheels. The position of the front and/or rear idler wheels is adjustable in order to modify the overall shape of the perimeter of the track system generally defined by the endless track, thereby changing the riding behavior of the track system. A method to change the position of the adjustable idler wheels is also disclosed.

主权项

1) A track system for a vehicle, the track system comprising:
a) a drive wheel configured to be mounted to the vehicle; b) a support frame; c) front idler wheels pivotally mounted to the support frame; d) rear idler wheels pivotally mounted to the support frame; e) road wheels pivotally mounted to the support frame; f) an endless track disposed about the drive wheel, the front and rear idler wheels, and the road wheels, the endless track defining an overall perimeter of the track system;wherein the support frame comprises at least one adjustment mechanism to which one of the front and rear idler wheels are pivotally mounted, the at least one adjustment mechanism being configured to allow the one of the front and rear idler wheels to be in at least two different operating positions, each of the operating positions changing a shape of the overall perimeter of the track system.