GROUND ENGAGING SURFACE FOR ENDLESS TRACKS AND WHEELS

SURFACE DE ROULEMENT POUR VEHICULES SUR ROUES OU SUR CHENILLES

English Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
Running surface for wheels and endless tracks
provided by a plurality of elongated, hollow, ground
engaging elements (12) carried on a base (15). The ground
engaging elements (12) extend transversely of the
direction of travel of the running surface and are so
constructed as to resiliently deform under load. Various
constructions of the ground engaging elements (12) are
also described and claimed.

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Means providing a running surface for wheels and endless
tracks comprising a base and a plurality of elongated, hollow
ground engaging elements carried on the base, the ground engaging
elements extending transversely of the direction of travel of the
running surface and being of a construction so as to resiliently
deform under load, said ground engaging elements being defined
by a plurality of segments located one adjacent another around
the running surface, wherein each segment has a pair of
oppositely extending mounting flanges each adapted to co-operate
with the neighboring flange on the next adjacent segment in such
a manner that the co-operating flanges are positioned one upon
the other to receive common anchoring means.
2. Means according to claim 1 wherein the ground engaging
elements are each inclined to the direction of travel of the
running surface.
3. Means according to claim 2 wherein the ground engaging
elements are arranged in a chevron pattern.
4. Means according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the ground
engaging elements are detachably fixed to the base by removable
fixing means.
5. Means according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein each ground
engaging element is in the form of a tubular element.
6. Means according to claim 5 wherein the tubular elements are
open at their ends.
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7. Means according to claim 6 wherein the tubular elements are
each of a cross-section which presents an outwardly facing convex
surface.
8. Means according to claim 7 wherein each tubular element
comprises an arcuate portion defining said convex surface and a
generally flat web portion for engagement against said base.
9. Means according to claim 7 wherein each tubular element is
substantially circular in cross-section.
10. Means according to claim 6 wherein each tubular element is
substantially triangular in cross-section.
11. Means according to claim 6 wherein each tubular element is
of a construction which provides an inner longitudinal face for
engagement against the base, an outer longitudinal face for
contacting the ground and longitudinal side faces between the
inner and outer faces, the side faces being constructed to be
resiliently flexible under normal load conditions.
12. Means according to claim 11 wherein each side face is of
angular or other construction so as to provide a line about which
it can flex.
13. Means according to claim 12 wherein the outer face is
provided with a tread formation.
14. Means according to claim 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9, 12 or 13 wherein
each segment is detachably fixed to said base and carries at
least one ground engaging element.
15. Means according to claim 14 wherein each segment carries one
tubular element, the segment including an opening extending along
the tubular element, one of said mounting flanges provided on
18

each longitudinal side of the opening, each mounting flange being
constructed of a plurality of spaced flange sections, the flange
sections and spacings therebetween of one mounting flange being
complementary to the flange sections and spacings therebetween
of the other mounting flange, each flange section including an
outwardly extending portion extending away from said opening and
an inwardly extending portion extending into said opening,
whereby the flange sections of co-operating mounting flanges
inter-engage in a manner such that the flange sections of each
mounting flange are located in the spacings between flange
sections of the other mounting flange.
16. Means according to claim 15 wherein said segment is
detachably fixed to said base by anchoring means disposed in said
tubular element and engaging said inwardly extending flange
sections of said segment and further engaging outwardly extending
flange sections of co-operating flanges of respective
neighbouring segments.
17. Means according to claim 15 or 16 wherein the mounting
flanges are provided with raised ribs to facilitate positive
engagement with the anchoring means.
18. Means according to claim 15 or 16 wherein said outwardly
directed flange portions are each provided with a seat to receive
the portion of the tubular element of the neighbouring segment
which bridges the spaced flange sections of said neighbouring
segment.
19. Means according to claim 1 wherein the elongated hollow
ground engaging tubular elements are in the form of loops.
20. Means according to claim 19 wherein the loops are formed
from a length of resilient material arranged in sinuous formation
having alternating crests and troughs, the length of material
being secured to the base at locations corresponding to at least
some of the troughs.
19

21. Means according to claims 19 or 20 wherein there is provided
at lease one further row of said loops, the loops of each row
being staggered with respect to the loops in a neighbouring row.
22. A wheel having means providing a running surface according
to claim 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 19 or 20.
23. A wheel according to claim 22 wherein said base comprises
the outer periphery of the rim of the wheel.
24. A wheel according to claim 23 wherein said base comprises
a band fitted onto the rim of the wheel.
25. An endless track having means providing a running surface
according to claim 1, 2, 31 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16,
19, 20, 23 or 24.
26. An endless track according to claim 25 wherein said base
comprises an endless flexible band passing around end rollers.
27. A segment carrying a tubular ground engaging element for a
wheel or endless track, said segment including an opening
extending along the tubular element, a mounting flange provided
on each longitudinal side of the opening, each mounting flange
being constructed of a plurality of spaced flange sections, the
flange sections and spacings therebetween of one mounting flange
being complementary to the flange sections and spacings
therebetween of the other mounting flange, each flange section
including an outwardly extending portion extending away from said
opening and an inwardly extending portion extending into said
opening.

28. A segment according to claim 27 wherein the mounting flanges
are provided with raised ribs to facilitate positive engagement
with anchoring means.
29. A segment according to claim 27 wherein said outwardly
directed flange portions are each provided with a seat to receive
the portion of the tubular element of the neighbouring segment
which bridges the spaced flange sections of said neighbouring
segment.
30. A ground engaging member for a wheel or endless track
configured as a hollow, v-shaped tubular element, comprising a
v-shaped longitudinal inner face configured for engagement with
part of said wheel or endless track, a v-shaped longitudinal
outer face for contacting the ground, forward and rearward
longitudinal side faces each extending between respective sides
of said inner face and said outer face, each of said longitudinal
side faces comprising an upper portion adjacent to the respective
sides of said outer face and a lower portion adjacent to the
respective sides of said inner face, each said upper portion
being oriented at an angle to a respective lower portion, said
upper and lower portions meeting to form a juncture about which
flexure may occur, said side faces being configured to define
together with said inner and outer faces ends open to the
atmosphere, wherein said upper portions meet together at an angle
and form a juncture in accordance with the v-shape of said outer
face and said lower portion of each of said longitudinal side
faces meeting at an angle and forming a juncture in accordance
with the v-shape of said inner face and meeting with the juncture
between said upper portion of each of said longitudinal side
faces.
31. A ground engaging element as in Claim 30 further comprising
an internal reinforcing member of sufficient flexibility to allow
21

for resilient flexing along the juncture of said longitudinal
side faces.
32. A closed loop mobile multiple element support system,
comprising:
a) a closed loop member adapted to be mounted for cyclical
movement about a support structure, said closed loop member
having a support face; and
b) a plurality of ground-engaging load-bearing elements mounted
on said support face, each of said ground-engaging elements
comprising:
i) an inner support mounted on said support face to transmit
ground-engaging loads to said support face;
ii) a substantially rigid outer element portion with a discrete
outer surface for engaging the ground, said outer element
portion being positioned in a direction outwardly of said
support face and of the inner support and in facing spaced
relationship to said inner support;
iii) load-bearing bendable side walls in facing spaced
relationship to each other and extending from said outer
element portion toward said support face; and
iv) a ventilation cavity defined between said side walls, said
cavity having a volume and being open to the ambient at a
first orifice, said bendable sidewalls being configured and
dimensioned to reduce the dimension of said cavity in the
inward direction in response to the application of an
inward force to said outer element.
22

33. A support system as in Claim 32, wherein said outer face
is substantially flat.
34. A support system as in Claim 32, wherein said ventilation
cavity extends transversely between said first orifice and a
second orifice, said first and second orifices opening to
opposite sides of said support system.
35. A support system as in Claim 32, wherein both of said
sidewalls are integrally connected to said inner support.
36, A support system as in Claim 33, wherein said sidewalls
have a volume substantially less than the volume of said outer
element portion.
37. A support system as in Claim 32, wherein said dimension of
said cavity is at least twice as great as the dimension of said
outer element in the same direction and said orifice is of
similar dimension.
38. A support system as in Claim 32, wherein said outer element
comprises a substantially chevron shaped portion.
39. A support system as in Claim 32, wherein said sidewalls are
configured with an angular bend in shape at an intermediate
length along said sidewalls along the direction from said outer
element toward said support face.
23

40. A support system as in Claim 39, wherein both of said
sidewalls are integrally connected to said inner support.
41. A support system as in Claim 40 wherein said ventilation
cavity extends transversely between said first orifice and a
second orifice, said first and second orifices opening to
opposite sides of said support system.
42. A support system as in Claim 41, wherein said outer element
comprises a substantially chevron shaped portion.
43. A support system as in Claim 42, wherein said dimension of
said cavity is at least twice as great as the dimension of said
outer element in the same direction and said orifices are of
similar dimension.
44. A support system as in Claim 32, wherein at least one of
said sidewalls is integrally connected to said inner support.
45. A support system as in Claim 44, wherein said ventilation
cavity extends transversely between said first orifice and a
second orifice, said first and second orifices opening to
opposite sides of said support system.
46. A support system as in Claim 44, wherein said dimension of
said cavity is at least twice as great as the dimension of said
outer element in the same direction and said orifice is of
similar dimension.
24

47. A support system as in Claim 44, wherein said sidewalls have
a volume substantially less than the volume of said outer
element.
48. A support system as in Claim 47, wherein said ventilation
cavity extends transversely between said first orifice and a
second orifice, said first and second orifices opening to
opposite sides of said support system.
49. A support system as in Claim 47, wherein said sidewalls are
configured with an angular bend in shape at an intermediate
length along said sidewalls along the direction from said outer
element toward said support face.
50. A support system as in Claim 49, wherein said ventilation
cavity extends transversely between said first orifice and a
second orifice, said first and second orifices opening to
opposite sides of said support system.
51. A support system as in Claim 50, wherein said outer element
comprises a substantially chevron shaped portion.
52. A support system as in Claim 50, wherein said dimension of
said cavity is at least twice as great as the dimension of said
outer element in the same direction and said orifice is of
similar dimension.

53. A support system as in Claim 49, wherein both of said
sidewalls are integrally connected to said inner support.
54. A support system as in Claim 53, wherein said dimension of
said cavity is at least twice as great as the dimension of said
outer element in the same direction and said orifices are of
similar dimension.
55. A support system as in Claim 43, wherein said sidewalls
extend substantially perpendicularly to said support face and
extend toward each other at points relatively removed from said
support face and said load-bearing elements are positioned
relatively proximate to each other.
56. A support system as in Claim 55, wherein said sidewalls are
configured with an angular bend in shape at an intermediate
length along said sidewalls along the direction from said outer
element toward said support face.
57. A support system as in Claim 56, wherein both of said
sidewalls are integrally connected to said inner support.
58. A support system as in Claim 56, wherein said ventilation
cavity extends transversely between said first orifice and a
second orifice, said first and second orifices opening to
opposite sides of said support system.
26

59. A support system as in Claim 58, wherein said outer element
comprises a substantially chevron shaped portion.
60. A support system as in Claim 59, wherein said dimension of
said cavity is at least twice as great as the dimension of said
outer element in the same direction and said orifice is of
similar dimension.
61. A support system as in Claim 32, wherein said sidewalls
extend substantially perpendicularly to said support face and
extend toward each other at points relatively removed from said
support face and said load-bearing elements are positioned
relatively proximate to each other.
62. A hollow resilient ground-engaging load-bearing element for
a closed loop support structure, said support structure being
cyclically movable about a support member mechanically coupled
to a mobile apparatus, said support structure being provided with
a peripheral support surface for receiving a plurality of said
ground-engaging load-bearing elements, one or a number of which
elements support the mobile apparatus in a ground-engaging
position, said ground-engaging element comprising:
a) an inner element portion mountable on and engageable with
said peripheral support surface to transmit ground-engaging
loads to said support structure;
b) an outer element portion with a discrete outer surface for
engaging the ground, said outer element portion being
positioned in a direction outwardly of said support member
27

and outwardly of the inner element portion in spaced
relationship to said inner element portion;
c) load-bearing side walls positioned in facing spaced
relationship to each other and extending between said inner
and outer element portions; and
d) a substantial ventilation cavity included between said
inner and outer element portions and said side walls, said
cavity having an opening, said opening being positioned to
put said cavity in pneumatic communication with ambient air
adjacent said ground-engaging element for ventilating said
element;
which discrete outer surfaces of said plurality of ground-
engaging elements extend along and define an outer ground-
contacting periphery of the support structure/ said element being
constructed, arranged and adapted to retain substantial
dimensional stability of said ground-engaging discrete outer
surface in response to normal-condition straight-line direction-
of travel loads on the element and to absorb ground-engaging
loads in said outward direction in a resilient, cushioning
manner.
63. An element according to Claim 62, wherein said outer surface
has a ground-contact area and said element is constructed,
arranged and adapted so that said contact area remains
substantially constant over a wide range of static loads.
64. An element according to claim 62, wherein the side walls are
configured to flex outwardly of the ventilation cavity in
28

response to a ground-engaging load directed substantially
perpendicularly from said outer surface towards said support
member.
65. An element according to claim 64, wherein each side wall has
an inner side wall surface and an outer side wall surface, said
inner side wall surface having a profile and a region on said
profile intermediately of the height of said outer side wall
surface in said direction outwardly of the support member, said
region being displaced outwardly of the ventilation cavity to
encourage flexing of the side walls at said region.
66. An element according to claim 65, wherein sail side walls
each have an angular profile and two outer longitudinal surfaces
defining said angular profile, said longitudinal surface, meeting
at a line about which said side walls can flex.
67. An element according to claim 62, wherein the side walls
have outer surfaces diverging outwardly from said inner surface
of said inner portion of the the element.
68. An element according to claim 67, said element having an
inner structure including said inner portion and including said
divergent outer side wall surfaces and having an outer structure
including said outer element portion, said outer structure being
positioned, configured and dimensioned to operate to transmit
said ground-engaging loads to urge said side wall surfaces apart.
29

69. An element according to claim 62, including a resilient side
wall inclined to the direction of travel, said side wall being
constructed arranged and adapted to operate to retain dimensional
stability and peripheral positioning of the discrete outer
ground-engaging surface of the element in response to steering
loads.
70. An element according to claim 69, wherein each side wall has
at least two faces each of which is angled with respect to the
direction of travel.
71. An element according to claim 69, carrying on its outer
portion tread means presenting a tread edge inclined to the
direction of movement of said support structure.
72. An element according to claim 71, wherein the outer surface
of the element has a perimeter to which the side walls extend and
wherein one of the side walls extends parallel to said tread
edge.
73. An element according to claim 69, said element being v-
shaped to have a chevron-like appearance.
74. An element according to claim 62, being a tubular element
open at one end.

75. An element according to claim 62, wherein said discrete
outer ground-engaging surface is arcuate and presents an
outwardly facing convex surface.
76. An element according to claim 62, wherein said inner element
portion has an inner surface shaped to lie snugly against said
element support surface of the support structure.
77. An element according to claim 76, having a block-like shape
in section taken transversely of the ventilation cavity to
provide structural integrity resisting rotational ground-engaging
forces on the element about an axis perpendicular to said section
and transmitting said rotational forces to said element support
surface.
78. An element according to claim 62, wherein said ventilation
cavity has a dimension between the side walls which is greater
than the sum of the side wall thicknesses.
79. An element according to claim 62, wherein said ventilation
cavity has a dimension between the inner and outer element
portions which is greater than the sum of the inner and outer
element portion thicknesses in said outward direction.
80. An element according to claim 62, having openings in said
inner portion to receive clamping means to hold the element on
said support surface.
31

81. An element according to claim 62, in combination with
mounting means for detachably mounting the element on the support
surface.
82. An element according to claim 62, wherein said side walls
are resiliently flexible under normal-condition loads.
83. An element according to claim 62, wherein said outer element
portion with its discrete ground-engaging surface comprises a
durable thick pad and said side walls are thin in comparison to
said durable thick pad.
84. An element according to claim 83, constructed integrally out
of a resilient material so that ground-engaging loads are
transmitted to said side walls and dissipated thereby
substantially without resilient deformation of said outer element
portion.
85. An element according to claim 62, constructed integrally out
of a resilient material so that ground-engaging loads are
transmitted to said side walls and dissipated thereby
substantially without resilient deformation of said outer element
portion.
86. In combination a closed loop support structure for a mobile
apparatus said support structure being cyclically movable about
a support member and having a peripheral support surface for a
plurality of hollow resilient ground-engaging elements and a
32

plurality of hollow resilient ground-engaging elements mounted
in a side-by-side relationship on said support surface to provide
a continuous resilient supportive cushion for the apparatus, said
ground-engaging elements being configured and mounted in a
symmetrical manner so that ground engagement generates a
laterally balanced load on the support structure, wherein each
element comprises:
a) an inner element portion mountable on and engageable with
said peripheral support surface to transmit ground engaging
loads to said support structure;
b) an outer element portion with a discrete outer surface for
engaging the ground, said outer element portion being
positioned in a direction outwardly of said support member
and outwardly of the inner element portion in spaced
relationship to said inner element portion;
c) load-bearing side walls positioned in facing spaced
relationship to each other and extending between said inner
and outer element portions; and
d) a substantial ventilation cavity included between said
inner and outer element portions and said side walls, said
cavity having an opening, said opening being positioned to
put said cavity in pneumatic communication with ambient air
adjacent said ground-engaging element for ventilating said
element;
which discrete outer surfaces of said plurality of ground-
engaging elements extend along and define an outer ground-
contacting periphery of the support structure, said element being
constructed, arranged and adapted to retain substantial
33

dimensional stability of said ground engaging discrete outer
surface in response to normal-condition straight-line direction-
of travel loads on the element and to absorb ground-engaging
loads in said outward direction in a resilient, cushioning manner
and wherein said element is further constructed, arranged and
adapted to operate so that said side walls are urged laterally
in response to said ground-engaging loads.
87. A structure according to claim 86, wherein said structure
is a wheel, said support surface comprises a rim on said wheel
and wherein the ground-engaging elements are arranged in at least
one row in side-by-side relationship around the wheel.
88. A structure according to claim 87, wherein each element has
a symmetrical chevron shape arranged across the rim of the wheel
with their peaks leading along the direction of travel.
89. A structure according to claim 86, wherein said ground-
engaging elements are arranged in a manner which does not impose
any net side thrust on the structure during straight line
movement along the intended direction of travel of the apparatus.
90. A structure according to claim 89, comprising a plurality
of rows of ground-engaging elements arranged symmetrically along
the support surface.
34

91. A structure according to claim 86, in which a plurality of
circumferentially distributed ground-engaging elements is in
contact with the ground at any one time.
92. A structure according to claim 86, having a plurality of
circumferentially distributed ground engaging elements closely
disposed in side-by-side relationship so that their side walls
can deform to provide mutual lateral support under load.
93. A hollow non-pneumatic ground-engageable load-transmitting
tire element integrally constructed of resilient material,
wherein a plurality of said elements are mountable around a
wheel rim to provide a continuous support cushion for a mobile
apparatus equipped with wheels, said tire element comprising:
a) a ground-engaging outer element portion with a
discrete outer ground-engaging surface;
b) thin load-bearing side walls supporting said ground-
engaging portion; and
c) a ventilation cavity between the side walls which
cavity is open to atmosphere to ventilate the element;
wherein said side walls can deform resiliently with lateral
urging to dissipate ground-engagement loads.
94. A hollow non-pneumatic ground-engageable load-transmitting
tire element integrally constructed of resilient material,
wherein a plurality of said elements are mountable around a wheel
rim to provide a continuous support cushion for a mobile
apparatus equipped with wheels, said tire element comprising:

a) a sturdy, wear-resistant ground-engaging outer pad
portion having a well-defined shape along the
circumference of the wheel in both an unloaded
condition and a statically loaded condition which
shape provides a clearly defined contact patch with
flat ground;
b) resilient support means for the pad portion to support
the pad portion on the wheel rim which resilient
support means is constructed arranged and adapted to
operate to absorb radially directed loads on said pad
portion while permitting radially inward movement
thereof; and
c) ventilation means associated with said resilient
support means and opening to atmosphere to cool said
element.
95. A non-pneumatic resilient vehicle tire comprising:
a) a rim having a circumference and an axis about which
it is rotatable and radii between said axis and
circumference;
b) a plurality of circumferentially discretely demarked
axially extending ground-engaging outer tire portions
disposed around said rim;
c) a plurality of individual radially deformable
resilient support means one for each tire portion each
said support means being disposed radially inwardly of
36

its respective tire portion and being aligned
therewith, and
d) a plurality of ventilation cavities one for each
resilient support means;
wherein the ventilation cavity opens to atmosphere at a side wall
of the tire to ventilate it.
96. A hollow resilient longitudinal ground-engaging element for
a wheel of a vehicle said wheel having a rim providing a base on
which a plurality of such ground-engaging load-bearing elements
can be mounted transversely of the rim in a side-by-side manner
to provide a continuous tire to support and cushion the vehicle,
said element comprising.
a) an inner element portion mountable on the wheel rim and
having a longitudinal inner surface mateable with the
wheel rim;
b) in a radially outward direction of the inner element
portion and outwardly spaced therefrom an outer element
portion with a discrete longitudinal outer surface for
engaging the ground;
c) load-bearing longitudinal side walls extending
between said inner and outer element portions; and
d) a substantial ventilation cavity included by said
inner and outer element portions and said sidewalls
which cavity opens transversely of the wheel for
ventilating the element to remove heat therefrom;
37

wherein said longitudinal side walls are resiliently flexible to
be urged laterally in response to normal-condition ground-
engaging loads.
97. An element according to claim 62 wherein said element is
further constructed, arranged and adapted to operate so that said
side walls are urged laterally in response to said ground-
engaging loads.
38

Description

_ 2 - ~326~
THIS INVENTION relates to means providing a
running surface for wheels, endless tracks and ~he like.
. The present invention seeks to pxovide a running
surface for wheels, endless tracks and ~he like which can
resiliently flex so as to offer some resistance to shock
and which is not pneumatic in nature and thereby not
susceptible to puncturing as is the case with pneumatic
tyres.
In one form the inv4ntion resides in means
providing a runnîng surface comprising a base and a
plurality of elongated, hollow ground engaging elements
carried ~n the base, the ground eng~ging elements
extending transversely of the direction of travel of the
running surface and being of a con~truction so as to
xesiliently deform under load.
While the ground engaging elements may extend in
a direction orthogonal to the direction of travel of the
running surface, it is preferable that they are inclined
to such direction. Purthermore,~while each ~round engaging
element may extent the full widt:h of the running surface,
it is preferable that the elements are arranged in a
fashion which does not impose a resultant ~ide thru~ on
the running surface ~such as circumfexential ro~s arranged
to define a chevron pattern). Wi$h a chevron pattern,
there is in use no resultant side thrust imposed upon the
running ~urface as would be the case with tubular elements
extending in an inclined f~shion across the full width of
the running surface.
In circumstances where a running surface
according to the invention is for use with a wheel, the
base may simply be the rim of the wheel or a band adapted
: to be itted onto the rim. In circumstances where a
: : runnlng surface according to the invention is for use with
an endless track, the base may comprise a flexible endle~s
band passing around end rollers thereby to constltute the
endless track.
,',,',''.
''`"''.'-

~ 3 ~ ~ 3 % ~
The ground engaging elements may be formedintegral with the base t but for preerence are formed
separately of the base and fixed thereto. Preferably, the
ground engaging elements are detachably fixed to the ba~e
S by removable fixing means.
The ground engaging elements may be in the form
of tubular elements which are preferably open at their
ends. ~y being open at their ends, the tubular elements
are ventilated to facilitate dissipation of heat.
In one arrangement, the tubular elements may be
of a cross-section which presents an outwardly facing
convex surface. With this arrangement, it is convenient
for the tubular element to be partly circular in cross-
section, having an arcuate portion and a generally flat
web portion. The arcuate portion define~ said con~ex
surface and the web portion facilitates fixing of the
element to said base. The generally flat web porkion may
be profiled to conform with curvature of the base.
Alternatively, the tubular elelments may be circular in
cross section.
In another arrangement, tha tubular elements may
be of a cross-section which provides an inner longitudinal
face for engagement ayainsk the base, an outer
longi~udinal f~ce for contacting the ground and
longi~udinal side faces between the inner and ou~er faces,
the side faces being constructed to be resiliently
flexible under normal load conditions. Each side face may
- be of angular or other construction o as to provide a
line about whieh it can flex. The outer face may be
provided with a tread formation.
~ he tubular elements may be formed from rubber
or other elastomeric material. The rubbsr or other
elastomeric ~naterial may be provided with reinforcement.
In still another arrangement, the elongated
hollow tubular elements may be in the form of loops which
are preferably formed from a length of resilient material
arranged in 5inuous formation having alternating cres~
'.':.:

_ 4 _ ~ 3 2 ~
and trouqhs, the length of material being secured to the
base at locations corresponding to at leai~t some of the
troughs.
There may be provided at least one further row
of said loops, the loops of each row being staygered with
respect to the loops in a neighbouring row. In this way,
the ground engaging surface can travel over the ground in ~-
a more uniform manner. ~-~
Where ~he ground engaging surface is as~ocîated
10 with a tyre, the length of resilient material may b~ -
anchored to the peripheral surf~ce of a wheel on which the
tyre is to be mounted or onto a band which can be located
onto the rim of such a wheel. Where the ground engaging
~urface is associated with an endless track, the length of
material is secured to an inner band of flexible material
so as to constitute an endless track which in use is
fitted around spaced rollers forming part of the endless
track drive system.
The hollow ground engaging elements may be
deined by a plurality of segments located one adjacent
another around the running surfacP with each segment being
detachably fîxed to said base.
Each segment may carry one or more tubular
elements.
In one embodiment, each segmen~ has a pair of
oppositely extending mounting flanges each adapted to co-
operate with the neighbouring flange on the next ad~acent
segment in such a manner that the co-operating flanges are
positioned one upon th~ other to receive common anchoring
mieans. The common anchoring means may comprise one or more
~olt~ each extending through aligned mounting holes in the
co-operating flanges and the base.
In a further embodiment, each segment carri4s
one tubular element and include~ an opening extending
along the tubular element, a mounting flange provided on
each longitudinal ~ide of the openin~, each mounting
flange being constructed of a plurality of spaced flange
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~ 3 ~
section~, th~ flange sections and spacings therebetween of
one mounting flange being complementary ~o the flange
sections and spacings therebetween of the other mounting
flange, each flange section including an outwardly
extending portion extending away f~om said opening and an
inwardly extending portion extending into said opening,
whereby the flange sections of co-operating mounting
flange~ inter-engage in a manner such that the flange
~ections of ea~h mounting flange located in ~he spacings
between flange sections of the other mounting flange.
Preferably said segment is detachably fixed to said base
by anchoring means disposed in said tubular element and
engaging said inwardly extending flange sections of said
segment and further engaging outwardly extending flange
~ection~ of co-operating flanges of respective
neighbouring segments.
In another form the invention resides in a
ground engaging member for a wheel or endles6 ~rack
comprising a tubular element of resiliently flexible
construction having a cross-section presenting an
outwardly facing convex surface~
The tubular element of the ground engaging
.. . . .
me~ber may comprise an arcuate portion defining said : :
convex surface and a generally flat web portion extending
across said convex portion.
In still another form the invention resides in
a ground engaging member for a wheel or endless track
compxising a tubular element having an inner longitudinal :~: :
face for engagement again~t part of the wheel or endless ::
30 track, an outer longitudinal face for contacting the ;-
ground and longitudinal side face~ between he inner and
; outer faces, the si~e face~ being constructed to be
resili~ntly flexible.
In still another form the invention resides in -:~
a segment carrying at least one elongated ground engaging
: element, the segment comprises a body including said at -~ ~
~t lea~t one elongated ground engaging element, the body~.
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- 6 - ~3~ L~
having a mounting face a pair of mounting flanges provide
on opposed sides vf the body and extending longi~udinally
with respect to said at least one ground engaging element,
one fla~ge having a face co-planar wi~h said mounting face
and the other flange having a corr~sponding face spaced
from said mounting face by an amount correspondi.ng ~o the
thickness of said one flange. ~
Preferably the interior of said at l~ast one .:
elongated ground engaging element opens onto said mounting
face.
Preferably the interior of said at least one
elongated ground engaging element opens onto said mounting -~
face for ~he entire length of the ground engagin~ element.
In still another form the invention resides in
a segment carrying a ground engaging element for a wheel
or endlesis track, said se~ment including an opening
extending along the tubular element, a mounting flange ~:
provided on each longitudinal ~iide of the opening, each
mounting flange being constructed of a plurality of spaced
flange section~, the flanse sections and spacings
therebekween of one mounting flange being complementary to
the flange sections and spacings therebetween of the other
mounting flange, each flange section including an
outwardly extending portion extending away from said
opening and an inwardly extending portion extending into
said opening.
The invention will he better under~tood by
reference to the following de~cription of several ispecific
embodiments thereof a~ shown in the accompanying drawings,
30 in which: :~
Figure 1 is an i~ometric vi~w of a wheel fitted
with means providing a running surface according to the
first embodiment;
Flgure 2 i~ an end view of the running surface
of Figuxe 1,
Figure 3 i~ a view of part of the running
surface of the first embodiment, showing the profile of
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_ 7 _ ~ ~2
the tubular elements,
Figure 4 i5 a view similar to Figure 3I showiny
the profile of another form of tubular element;
Figure 5 is also a vie~ similar to Figure 3,
showing the profile of still another form of tubular
element;
Figure 6 is a fragmentary view showing a pattern
in which tubular elements may be arranged as an
alternative to the pattern in the first embodiment as
illustrated in ~igure 2;
Figure 7 is a fragmentary view illustrating a
further pattern in which ~he ~ubular element may be
arranged; ~ -
Figure 8 is a fragmentary view illustrating a
1~ still further pattern in which the tubular element~ may he ~:~
arranged; -~
Figure 9 is an end view of a further foxm of
tubular element;
Figure 10 is a plan view of the tubular element ~
20 ~hown in Figure 9; ~-
Figure 11 is a cross-seckion on line 11-11 of
Figure 10;
Figure 12 is a schematic perspectiYe view of a ~ .
wheel fitted with means pxoviding running surface
25 construc~ed according to a further embodimsnt~ ~-
Figure 13 is a fragmentary view showing part of -::
the running surface of the wheel of Figure 12 in more
detail;
: Figure 14 is an end view of a ~egment which
forms part of the running surface shown in Fisure 12~
Figure 15 i5 a perspective view of the segment
~hown in Figuxe 14;
Figure 16 is a schematic side view of the wheel ~:
~hown in Fisure 12 wi~h the running surface deformsd on
35 encount~ring an obstacle; :
Figure 17 is a fxagmentary view of part of a
n.~ running surface of a ~heel, the running surface being
:,

- 8 - ~ 3 2 ~
constructed according to a still further embodiment;
Figure 18 is a section on line 18-18 of Figure
17, with segment anchoring means removed to reveal the
rnounting flanges,
SFigure 19 is a perspective view of a segment
fxom which running surface according to the embodiment of
Figure 17 i5 constructed; ~
Figure 20 is a section on line 20-20 of Figure :. .
19; '`, '. .. :
Figure 21 is a per~pective ~iew of a running
surface according to a still embodiment mounted on a wheel
so as to provide a tyre for the wheel; ~:
Figure 22 i8 a side view of Figure 21;
Figure 23 is an end view of the arrangemen~ of
15 Figure 21; `.
Figure 24 i~ a sectic>n along the line 24-24 of .
Figure 22;
Figure 25 is a part-sectional elevational of one
form of endless track according to a further embodiment; :~
20 and, -:
Figure 26 is a part-sectional elevation of a : ~:
: second form of a track accorcling to the embodiment of
.
Figure 25.
The embodiment shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 of
2~ the drawings is directed to a means 10 providing a running
surface ll for a wheel of a work vehicle such as an earth
moving machine or agricultural machine. ~ ;
: The running surface 11 comprises a plurality of
: ;~ : spaced tubular elements 12 mounted on the outer periphery ..
of an endless base 15 which in u~e is fitted onto the rim
~; 16 of the vehicle wheel. The tubular elements 1~ extend
: tran~versely of the direction of traYel of the running ~ :
: :surfacel as best seen in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawing~
The tu~ular elements are of a construction so as :
35 to deform resiliently under normal load conditions. In ~:
this embodiment, the tubular element are each of circular .
.f` ~ cros~section and formed from a length of heavy duty
,,

- 9 - ~ 3 2 i~
mining hose. ~ach tuhular element is fixed to the base 15
by means of a reinforcing strip 17 which is positioned
within the tubular element and secured to the base 1~ and
the rim 16 by fixing elements 18 in the form nut and bolt
assemblies, as best seen in Figure 3 of the drawings.
Referring now to Figure 4 of the drawings, the
running surface according to the second embodiment is
similar to that of the first em~odiment with the exception
that the ~ubular elements 12 are substantially triangular
in cross-section xather than circular.
Referring now to Fiyure 5 of the drawings, the --
running surface according to the third embodiment is also
similar to that of the first embodiment with the exception
that the tubular elements 12 are part circular in cross-
section, having an arcuate poxtion 13 and a web portion 14
at which the tubular element is fixed to the base lS.
In the running surf acPs according to the
embodiments described previously, the tubular elements 12 - -
extends transversely of the dlrection of travel of the
20 running surface for the full width of the running surface, ~-
as besit shown in Figure 2 of the drawings. This
arrangement has a deficiency in travel in that a side
thrust is imposed upon the portion of the running surface
in contact with the ground owing to the particular
25 arrangemen~ of the tubular elements. ~-
Figure 6 of the drawings shows an alternative
arrangement vf tubular element in which elements are
arranged in a chevron pattern. This arrangement has the
bene~it that in travel there is no resultant side thrusit
imposed upon the portion of the running surface in contact
with the ground. A separate tubular element may provide
each arm of th~ chevron or each tubular element may be so
configured as to provide two arms of the chevron.
Figures 7 and 8 of the drawings illustrate still
further alternative arrangements for the tubular elements.
Because the tubular elements 1~ are constructed
~to resiliently deform under normal load conditions, the
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~ 3 ~
- 10 --
running surface ha~i the ability to at least partly cushion
bumps an~ surface irregularities encountPred as it travels
over ~he ground~ The resilient natur~ of the tubular
elements permits the running surface to operate on
finished road surfaces, while also providing traction in
circumstances where unstable ground, such as loose soil,
is encountered.
The tubular element shown in Fig~lres 9, 10 and
11 comprises an inner longitudinal face 20 for detachable
engagement against the base, an outer longitudinal face 21
for contacting the ground and longitudinal side faces 22
between the inner and outer faces.
The side faces 22 ar0 construct~d to deform
resilient:Ly under normal load condition~i. In particular,
each side ~ace 22 is of angular construction to provide a
line at 23 extending along th~ length of the face about
which the face can flex.
Tha outer face 21 is provided with a tread
formation ~not shown~.
The tubular element is provided with internal
reinforcement meansi 24 (as shown in Figure 11) which
reinforces th~ element wh;le allowing resilient
deformation in the mannex descr:ibed.
The tubular element is confi~ured into a V-
formation (as be6t s~en in Figure 10) so a~i to provide a
chevron pattern on the wheel.
The embodiment shown in Figures 12 to 16 of the
drawings is directed to means providing a running surface
for a wheel having a rim 27. ~he running ~urface is
3G provided by a plurality of tubular element~ 30 adapted to
be detachably mounted onto the rim 270 The tubular
elemen~s 30 extend transversely of the direction of travel
of the running surface and are confi~ured in a V-formation
chevron pattern so as to provide a chevron pattern on the
wheel.
The tubular elements 30 are formed of
resiliently flexible material so as to deform resiliently
c~
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" ' . ,,' . ; i ~

~ 3 ~ 2
under load thereby to provide cushioning~ They are of
generally circular cross-section, with an opening 34
extending longitudinally along the bottom ~hereof. The
ends of the tubular elements are also open.
The tubular elements 30 are defined by segments
35 releasably mo~nted on the wheel rim 27 one adjacent
another circumferentially around the running surface, with
the inner face 35 of each segment located against the rim.
In this embodiment, each segment 35 defines one tubular
elem~nt 30 although it may be constructed to define a
plurality of elements. Each segm~nt is provided with a
pair of oppositely projecting flanges 37, 38 each adapted
to co-operate with the neighbouring flange on the next
adjacent segment in ~uch a manner that the co-operating
flanges are positioned one upon the other to recei~e a
common anchoring means (not shown). More particularly, the
1anges 37, 38 extend longitlldinally with respect to the
tubular element. The flange 37 i8 SO positioned as ~o
provide a mounting face 39 ~hich is co-planar with the
inner face 36 of the ~egment 35 and which is adapted to
locate against the rim 27. Flange 38 provides a mounting
face 41 which is outwardly spaced from the inner face 36
of the segment by an amount corr~esponding to the thicknass
of flange 37. Thus, ~pace 43 defined between mounting face
41 of flange 38 and the plane of the inner f~ce 36 of the
segment 35 provides a longitudinal cavity for receiving
flange 37 of the immediately adjacent segment. In this
way, flange 38 of any one segment and the flange 37 of the
immediately ad~acent segment co-operate in the manner
described previou~ly.
ThP flanges 37 and 38 are each provided with
longitudinally spaced mounting holes 45. Corresponding
mounting holes 45 of co-operating flanges are arranged to
align with one another to receive said common anchoring
means in the form of bolts which anchor the co-operating
flan~es to the rim 27. With this mounting arrangement, the
segments can be easily replaced on an individual ba~is in
. :

- 12 - ~32~9~ :
the event of damage.
Figure 16 illustrates several tubular elements
30 in a deformed stat~ as a result of 0ncountering an
obstacle in the path of the wheal.
~he embodiment shown in Figures 17 to 20 is
directed to ~ running surface which is somewhat similar to
that of the last precediny embodim~nt with the exception
of diff~rences in the construction of the segment 35.
In this embodiment, the segment~ 35 each
comprise a tubular element 51 having an opening 53
extending longitudinally along the tubular element. On
both longitudinal sides of the opening 53 there are
mounting flanges 55, 57. The mounting flanges 55, 57,
which are ~eparated by space 58, co-op~rate to define a
mounting face 59 for engagement against the outer
periphe~y of the wheel rim 27.
The mounting flange 55 i~ defined by a plurali~y
of flang~ sections 61 spaced regularly along the line of
the flange. The spacing between successive flange section~
61 are identified by reference numeral 71. Similarly, the
mounting flange 57 i5 defined by a plurality o~ ~lange
saetions 63 spaced regularly along the length of the
flange and in complementary relationship to flange
section~ 61 of flange 55. The spacings ~etween successive
1ange sections 63 are identiied by reference numexal 72.
Each mounting flange section 61 ha~ outwardly
extending pvrtion 65 ~hich extends away from the opening
53 in the tubular element and an inwardly extending
portion 67 which extends into the opening. Similarly, e~ch
mounted flange section 63 has an outwardly extending
portion 66 which extends away ~rom the opening 53 and an
inwardly extending porkion 6S which extends into the
openin~.
Wh n the ~egment~ are mounted one adjacent
another around the periphery o-the wheel rim, flange 55
of each segment inter-engages with complementary flange 57
~, of the neighbouring segment. More particularly, flange
.~ ~

- 13 - ~32~
sections of each flange locate in the spacings between the
flange sections of the other flange, wi$h the outwardly
directed flange portions each flange locating ad~acent,
and co-operating with, the inwardly directed flangP
portions of the complementary flange. Thus, on each side
of the space 58 there is a set of co-operating flange
portions~ one ~et being co-operating flange portions 66
and 67 and the other set bein~ co-operating flange
portions 65 and 68, as best seen in ~i~ure 18.
The co-operating flange portions are detachably
fixed to the wheel rim by an anchoring means 73 in the
form of an anchoring strap 74 which extends along the
tubular element and bridges the two sets of co~operating
flanges.
The anchoring strap 74 is bolted or otherwise
secured to th0 periphery of the wheel rim. It will be
noted that the anchoring means are not shown in Figure 18
to permit illustration of the co-operating flange
portions.
Each flange 55, 57 is i.ormed with rais~d rib 75
ad~acent the free edge on the face opposite to the
mounting face 59. The raised ribs 75 facilitate positive
engagement between the anchoring strap 74 and the flanges.
llhe outwardly directed flange portions 65~ 66
are also profiled at 76 to provide a seat for the portion
77 of ~he tubular element which bridges the spaced flange
sections 61, 63.
The mounting arrangement permits any ~gment to
be replaced ea~ily if it becomes damaged.
The embodîment shown in Figures 21 to 24 of th
drawings is directed to a ground engaging sur~ace in the
form of a tyrs 81 for a wheel 83.
The tyre 81 comprises a plurality of rows of
hollow, ground engaging elements 85, there being three
such rows shown in this embodiment. Each element 85 is
pxovided by a loop of resilient material.
.... .
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- 14 - ~2~
The loops in each row are formed by a length of
elastomeric material 87 arranged in sinuous formation
having a plurality ~f crests and troughs. The length of
the material is anchored to the peripheral rim of the
wheel 83 by fixin~ means 89 at locations corresponding to
each of the troughs. The fixing means 89 are each in the
form of a reinforcing plate 90 anchored to the rim of the
wheel by bolts.
The ground enqaging elements of each row are
offse~ wi~h respect to the ground engaging elements in
neighbouring rows, as best seen in Figure 21 of the
drawings. In ~his way, the tyre has a peripheral surface
which can roll in a more uniform manner than i~ would be
capable of if the txead elements in each row were
transversely ali~ned.
While the sinuous length of material may be
located directly on the peripheral rim of the wheel, in
this embodiment they are located on an inner ban 9l which
is fitted onto the xim of the whe21.
The ground engaging element3 85 provide the
wheel with traction when operating on un~table ground~
Because o their resilient nature, the tread elements can
defo~m when the wheel is operating on finished road
surfaces. This is beneficial in that it r~duces the
likelihood of damage to the finished road surface and
provides a degree of springing which at least partially
absorbs shock forces resulting from bumps and other
surface irregularities encountered in the part of the
wheel.
The embodimen~ ~hown in Figure 25 and 26 is
directed to a ground engaging element which can be applied
to the exi~ting tracks of vehicles which are supported by
endless ~racks such as eax~h moving equipmen~ and mili~ary
equipment. It i~ a function of the embodiment to prsvide
a means for converting the tracks of endle~ tracks
vehicles for such vehicles to be able to run on roads
without causinq damage to the road. It is believed that

- 15 - ~3
such conversion will enable the vehicle to be used in off-
road circumstance with a reduced possibility of bogging
than with present con~er~ion systems. According to current
techniques of converting~ndless tracks to a form suitable
for running on roads, the aggression provided by the track
is greatly eliminated and in order for a vehicle to be
able to be used again in off road conditions it is
necessary that the tracks be reconverted.
The presen~ embodiment comprises utilisation of
ground engaging elements which are of a tubular
configuration and partly circular cross-section. The
elements 101 are formed with an arcuate portion 102
interconnected by a substantially flat web portion 103. - -~
The interior face of the flat web portion is associated
15 with a reinforcing strip 134 which extends substantially ~i~
with full width of the web 103. A number of hol~as (not
shown) are provided in the length o~ the flat web 103 an~
the reinforcing plate 104 to facilitate fixing to an
endless track. As shown in the drawings, the ground
engaging elements 101 are applied in side by side parallel
relationship transversely across an endless track 105
whereby the arcuate portion 102 provides the support
surface for the track.
In the case of vehicles form~ad with a grouser
plate 106, the ground engaging elements 101 are fixed
between the upstanding ribs 105 of the grouser plates. In -~
this case of earth moving equipment which utilise chain
elements 108 the elements are ~ounted to the chains of the
endless track of the vehicle. -~
As a result of the embodiment a resilient ground
engaging surface is provided which avoids the damage to 2
road surface that ~ould be otherwise caused by the use of
unprotected conventional endless tracks utilised with
military~ and earth moving vehicles. In addition, in the ~ -
event that the converted vehicle is required for immediate
off road use the converted track has inherent aggression
~ which facilitates such utilisation with a reduced
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. .. . .. . . ....

- 16 - ~3~
possibility of bogging. In the case of military vehicles,
there is no time lost in converting a vehicle for use from
off road to on road use or vice versa.
It should be appreciated that the scope of the ~ --
S invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiment
described. It should in particular be understood
embodiments described can be applied to either wheels or
endless tracks even though they may have been described in
relation to only one application.
: ~ '
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:

Representative Drawing