Device for facilitating connection of terminal ends of vehicle track to form closed loop

摘要

A device for engaging first and second terminal ends of a vehicle track and drawing the terminal ends together in order to facilitate their connection to form a closed loop of track. The device comprises first and second coupling ends for engaging respective terminal ends of the track; a terminal guide plate; and two guide rods and a threaded drive rod extending between the first coupling end and the terminal guide plate and passing through the second coupling end. Fittings are provided at both ends of the drive rod. Turning either or both of the fittings causes the drive rod to turn, which causes the second coupling end to move toward the first, thereby drawing the first and second terminal ends together. In alternative embodiments, this screw-type drive mechanism is replaced by ratchet-type and hydraulic/pneumatic-type drive mechanisms.