TRACK ASSEMBLY FOR AN ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE

CHENILLES POUR VEHICULE TOUT TERRAIN

English Abstract

The present invention is concerned with track assemblies for an all-terrain
vehicle,
which make it maneuverable and effective upon a variety of unstable, uneven,
stable
and even surfaces, while designed to maintain tension upon the endless track
belts to
keep them in their due course and prevent accidental loosening while having a
punctually localized surface contact with a ground surface, and at the same
time
reducing the damages inflicted on the terrain. For instance, a lower run of
each endless
track belt of the front track assemblies may be curved and/or may converge
toward
and diverge from the ground between respective leading and trailing idler
wheels of
the front track assemblies, and/or the endless track belts may be free of
stiffening
inserts extending transversally to the longitudinal direction of the endless
track belts
and disposed within a flexible material of the endless track belts.

French Abstract

La présente invention concerne des chenilles pour véhicule tout terrain, qui le rend manuvrable et efficace sur diverses surfaces instables, inégales, stables et lisses, bien quelles soient conçues pour maintenir une tension sur les courroies sans fin afin quils suivent leur cours et empêchent le desserrement accidentel tout en ayant une surface de contact ponctuellement localisée ayant une surface du sol, et en même temps réduisant les dommages infligés sur le terrain. Par exemple, une piste inférieure de chaque courroie sans fin des chenilles avant peut être courbée et/ou peut converger vers le sol et sécarter de celui-ci entre les roues libres avant et arrière respectives des chenilles avant, et/ou les courroies sans fin peuvent être exemptes dinserts de raidissement sétendant de manière transversale à la direction longitudinale des courroies sans fin et disposées dans un matériau souple des courroies sans fin.

Claims

17

CLAIMS:

1. A set of track assemblies for traction of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on a

ground, front ones of the track assemblies being configured to replace front
ground-engaging wheels of the ATV and being steerable by changing an
orientation of each of the front ones of the track assemblies with a steering
mechanism of the ATV, rear ones of the track assemblies being configured
to replace rear ground-engaging wheels of the ATV, each track assembly
of the track assemblies comprising:
a) a plurality of track-contacting wheels; and
b) a track disposed around the track-contacting wheels and
comprising flexible material to flex about the track-contacting
wheels, the track including an upper run extending over the track-
contacting wheels and a lower run extending under the track-
contacting wheels, the track comprising:
- a ground-engaging outer surface configured to engage the
ground;
- an inner surface opposite to the ground-engaging outer
surface;
- a plurality of drive projections projecting from the inner
surface and distributed in a longitudinal direction of the
track;
- a plurality of traction projections projecting from the
ground-engaging outer surface and distributed in the
longitudinal direction of the track;
wherein each front track assembly of the front ones of the track assemblies
is configured such that: the lower run of the track of the front track
assembly
is curved in a longitudinal direction of the front track assembly between an
axis of rotation of a leading idler one of the track-contacting wheels and an
axis of rotation of a trailing idler one of the track-contacting wheels; and
the


18

track of the front track assembly is free of stiffening inserts extending
transversally to the longitudinal direction of the track of the front track
assembly and disposed within the flexible material of the track of the front
track assembly, in order to increase maneuverability of the front track
assembly on the ground when steered with the steering mechanism of the
ATV.
2. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 1, wherein the plurality of

wheels of the front track assembly includes a drive wheel for imparting
movement to the track.
3. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 2, wherein the lower run of

the track of each front track assembly comprises:
- a load bearing section located between the leading idler wheel and the
trailing idler wheel and transferring to the ground surface a major
portion of a load carried by the front track assembly;
- a leading section extending between the leading idler wheel and the
load bearing section, the leading section being oriented such as to
converge toward the ground surface when the track is in motion and
propels the ATV in a forward direction; and
- a trailing section extending between the load bearing section and the
trailing idler wheel, the trailing section being oriented such as to
diverge from the ground surface when the track is in motion and
propels the ATV in the forward direction.
4. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 2 and 3,
wherein, for each front track assembly, the axis of rotation of the leading
idler wheel is a first axis of rotation, the axis of rotation of the trailing
idler
wheel is a second axis of rotation, the drive wheel rotates about a third axis

of rotation, and a first horizontal distance defined between the first axis of


19

rotation and the third axis of rotation is different from a second horizontal
distance defined between the second axis of rotation and the third axis of
rotation.
5. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 4, wherein each front track

assembly comprises a support structure having:
- a center portion rotatably supported at the third axis of rotation;
- a first support arm mounted to the center portion and extending along
a radial direction of the drive wheel toward a leading end of the track
assembly; and
- a second support arm mounted to the center portion and extending
along a radial direction of the drive wheel toward a trailing end of the
track assembly.
6. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 5, wherein, in each front
track assembly, the first support arm defines a first angle with an imaginary
horizontal axis which extends through the third axis of rotation, the second
support arm defines a second angle with the imaginary horizontal axis, and
the first angle is different from the second angle.
7. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 2 to 6,
wherein,
in each front track assembly, the drive wheel is in rolling contact with the
lower run of the track.
8. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 4 to 7,
wherein,
in each front track assembly, the drive wheel is in overlapping relationship
with one of the leading idler wheel and the trailing idler wheel, when viewed
in a plane that is normal to the third axis of rotation.


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9. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 8, wherein, in each front
track assembly, the drive wheel is in overlapping relationship with the
trailing idler wheel, when viewed in a plane normal to the third axis of
rotation.
10. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 3 to 9,
wherein,
in each front track assembly, the load bearing section is located closer to
one of the leading idler wheel and the trailing idler wheel than to the other
of the leading idler wheel and the trailing idler wheel.
11. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 5, wherein, in each front
track assembly, one of the first and second support arms is longer than the
other of the first and second support arms.
12. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 11, wherein, in each front

track assembly, the first support arm and the second support arm define an
obtuse angle therebetween.
13. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 5, 6, 11 and
12,
wherein each front track assembly comprises a tension adjusting
mechanism mounted to the support structure for adjusting a tension of the
track of the front track assembly.
14. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 13, wherein, in each front

track assembly, the tension adjusting mechanism is configured to allow
adjustment of a given one of the leading idler wheel and the trailing idler
wheel to any one of a plurality of predetermined positions.
15. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 13, wherein, in each front

track assembly, the tension adjusting mechanism comprises a cam.


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16. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 15, wherein, in each front

track assembly, the cam comprises a periphery defining a plurality of
notches.
17. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 15, wherein, in each front

track assembly, the cam comprises a handle for facilitating rotation of the
cam by a user.
18. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 4, wherein, in each front
track assembly, the third axis of rotation is located above the first axis of
rotation and the second axis of rotation.
19. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 2, wherein, in each front
track assembly, the drive wheel has a periphery bound between a first upper
horizontal imaginary plane and a first lower horizontal imaginary plane, one
of the leading idler wheel and the trailing idler wheel having a periphery
bound between a second upper horizontal imaginary plane and a second
lower horizontal imaginary plane, the first lower horizontal imaginary plane
being positioned below the second upper horizontal imaginary plane.
20. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 2, wherein, in each front
track assembly, the drive wheel has a periphery bound between a first
upper horizontal imaginary plane and a first lower horizontal imaginary
plane, the leading idler wheel having a periphery bound between a second
upper horizontal imaginary plane and a second lower horizontal imaginary
plane, the trailing idler wheel having a periphery bound between a third
upper horizontal imaginary plane and a third lower horizontal imaginary
plane, the first lower horizontal imaginary plane being positioned below the


22

second upper horizontal imaginary plane and below the third upper
horizontal imaginary plane.
21. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 1 to 20,
wherein,
in each front track assembly, the plurality of wheels impart a generally
triangular path of travel to the track.
22. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 3 to 21,
wherein,
in each front track assembly, the plurality of wheels define a track
supporting and guiding arrangement that is in rolling contact with the inner
surface at a plurality of locations, one of said locations being the load
bearing section.
23. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 3 to 22,
wherein,
in each front track assembly, the load bearing section extends below the
leading section.
24. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 3 to 23,
wherein,
in each front track assembly, the load bearing section extends below the
trailing section.
25. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 1 to 24,
wherein,
in each front track assembly, at least some of the traction projections slope
from a central area of the track toward lateral end portions of the track.
26. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 1 to 24,
wherein,
in each front track assembly, at least some of the traction projections are
generally convex in a transverse direction of the track.


23

27. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 1 to 24,
wherein,
in each front track assembly, at least some of the traction projections
include a row of traction lugs spaced apart in a transverse direction of the
track, the track including a central area and a pair of lateral end portions
on
either side of the central area, the row of traction lugs including at least
one
traction lug in the central area and having a first projection height and at
least one traction lug proximal one of the lateral end portions and having a
second projection height, the first projection height exceeding the second
projection height.
28. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 1 to 27,
wherein
in each front track assembly, at least some of the traction projections vary
in height in a transverse direction of the track.
29. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 1 to 28,
wherein,
in each front track assembly, at least some of the drive projections are
consecutive drive projections configured to simultaneously engage the drive
wheel.
30. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 1 to 29,
wherein
the steering mechanism of the ATV comprises handlebars.
31. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 1 to 30,
wherein
the ATV comprises a straddle seat for a driver of the ATV.
32.An ATV comprising The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of
claims 1 to 29.
33. The ATV as defined in claim 32, wherein the steering mechanism of the
ATV comprises handlebars.


24

34. The ATV as defined in any one of claims 32 and 33, wherein the ATV
comprises a straddle seat for a driver of the ATV.
35.A set of track assemblies for traction of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on a

ground, front ones of the track assemblies being configured to replace front
ground-engaging wheels of the ATV and being steerable by changing an
orientation of each of the front ones of the track assemblies with a steering
mechanism of the ATV, rear ones of the track assemblies being configured
to replace rear ground-engaging wheels of the ATV, each track assembly
of the track assemblies comprising:
a) a plurality of track-contacting wheels; and
b) a track disposed around the track-contacting wheels and
comprising flexible material to flex about the track-contacting
wheels, the track including an upper run extending over the track-
contacting wheels and a lower run extending under the track-
contacting wheels, the track comprising:
- a ground-engaging outer surface configured to engage the
ground;
- an inner surface opposite to the ground-engaging outer
surface;
- a plurality of drive projections projecting from the inner
surface and distributed in a longitudinal direction of the
track;
- a plurality of traction projections projecting from the
ground-engaging outer surface and distributed in the
longitudinal direction of the track;
wherein each front track assembly of the front ones of the track assemblies
is configured such that: the lower run of the track of the front track
assembly
is curved in a longitudinal direction of the front track assembly between an


25

axis of rotation of a leading idler one of the track-contacting wheels and an
axis of rotation of a trailing idler one of the track-contacting wheels; and
the
track of the front track assembly is free of stiffening inserts extending
transversally to the longitudinal direction of the track of the front track
assembly and disposed within the flexible material of the track of the front
track assembly, in order to reduce resistance to a turning force to turn the
front track assembly on the ground when steered with the steering
mechanism of the ATV.
36. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 35, wherein the plurality
of
wheels of the front track assembly includes a drive wheel for imparting
movement to the track.
37. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 36, wherein the lower run
of
the track of each front track assembly comprises:
- a load bearing section located between the leading idler wheel and the
trailing idler wheel and transferring to the ground surface a major
portion of a load carried by the front track assembly;
- a leading section extending between the leading idler wheel and the
load bearing section, the leading section being oriented such as to
converge toward the ground surface when the track is in motion and
propels the ATV in a forward direction; and
- a trailing section extending between the load bearing section and the
trailing idler wheel, the trailing section being oriented such as to
diverge from the ground surface when the track is in motion and
propels the ATV in the forward direction.
38. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 36 and 37,
wherein: for each front track assembly, the axis of rotation of the leading
idler wheel is a first axis of rotation, the axis of rotation of the trailing
idler


26

wheel is a second axis of rotation, the drive wheel rotates about a third axis

of rotation, and a first horizontal distance defined between the first axis of

rotation and the third axis of rotation is different from a second horizontal
distance defined between the second axis of rotation and the third axis of
rotation.
39.The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 38, wherein each front
track
assembly comprises a support structure having:
- a center portion rotatably supported at the third axis of rotation;
- a first support arm mounted to the center portion and extending along
a radial direction of the drive wheel toward a leading end of the track
assembly; and
- a second support arm mounted to the center portion and extending
along a radial direction of the drive wheel toward a trailing end of the
track assembly.
40. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 39, wherein, in each front

track assembly, the first support arm defines a first angle with an imaginary
horizontal axis which extends through the third axis of rotation, the second
support arm defines a second angle with the imaginary horizontal axis, and
the first angle is different from the second angle.
41. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 36 to 40,
wherein, in each front track assembly, the drive wheel is in rolling contact
with the lower run of the track.
42. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 38 to 41,
wherein, in each front track assembly, the drive wheel is in overlapping
relationship with one of the leading idler wheel and the trailing idler wheel,

when viewed in a plane that is normal to the third axis of rotation.


27

43. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 42, wherein, in each front

track assembly, the drive wheel is in overlapping relationship with the
trailing idler wheel, when viewed in a plane normal to the third axis of
rotation.
44. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 37 to 43,
wherein, in each front track assembly, the load bearing section is located
closer to one of the leading idler wheel and the trailing idler wheel than to
the other of the leading idler wheel and the trailing idler wheel.
45. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 39, wherein, in each front

track assembly, one of the first and second support arms is longer than the
other of the first and second support arms.
46. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 45, wherein, in each front

track assembly, the first support arm and the second support arm define an
obtuse angle therebetween.
47. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 39, 40, 45 and

46, wherein each front track assembly comprises a tension adjusting
mechanism mounted to the support structure for adjusting a tension of the
endless track.
48. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 47, wherein. in each front

track assembly, the tension adjusting mechanism is configured to allow
adjustment of a given one of the leading idler wheel and the trailing idler
wheel to any one of a plurality of predetermined positions.


28

49. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 47, wherein. in each front

track assembly, the tension adjusting mechanism comprises a cam.
50. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 49, wherein, in each front

track assembly, the cam comprises a periphery defining a plurality of
notches.
51. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 49, wherein, in each front

track assembly, the cam comprises a handle for facilitating rotation of the
cam by a user.
52. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 38, wherein, in each front

track assembly, the third axis of rotation is located above the first axis of
rotation and the second axis of rotation.
53. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 36, wherein, in each front

track assembly, the drive wheel has a periphery bound between a first upper
horizontal imaginary plane and a first lower horizontal imaginary plane, one
of the leading idler wheel and the trailing idler wheel having a periphery
bound between a second upper horizontal imaginary plane and a second
lower horizontal imaginary plane, the first lower horizontal imaginary plane
being positioned below the second upper horizontal imaginary plane.
54. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 36, wherein, in each front

track assembly, the drive wheel has a periphery bound between a first
upper horizontal imaginary plane and a first lower horizontal imaginary
plane, the leading idler wheel having a periphery bound between a second
upper horizontal imaginary plane and a second lower horizontal imaginary
plane, the trailing idler wheel having a periphery bound between a third
upper horizontal imaginary plane and a third lower horizontal imaginary


29

plane, the first lower horizontal imaginary plane being positioned below the
second upper horizontal imaginary plane and below the third upper
horizontal imaginary plane.
55. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 35 to 54,
wherein, in each front track assembly, the plurality of wheels impart a
generally triangular path of travel to the track.
56. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 37 to 55,
wherein, in each front track assembly, the plurality of wheels define a track
supporting and guiding arrangement that is in rolling contact with the inner
surface at a plurality of locations, one of said locations being the load
bearing section.
57. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 37 to 56,
wherein, in each front track assembly, the load bearing section extends
below the leading section.
58. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 37 to 57,
wherein, in each front track assembly, the load bearing section extends
below the trailing section.
59. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 35 to 58,
wherein, in each front track assembly, at least some of the traction
projections slope from a central area of the track toward lateral end portions

of the track.
60. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 35 to 58,
wherein, in each front track assembly, at least some of the traction
projections are generally convex in a transverse direction of the track.


30

61. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 35 to 58,
wherein, in each front track assembly, at least some of the traction
projections include a row of traction lugs spaced apart in a transverse
direction of the track, the track including a central area and a pair of
lateral
end portions on either side of the central area, the row of traction lugs
including at least one traction lug in the central area and having a first
projection height and at least one traction lug proximal one of the lateral
end
portions and having a second projection height, the first projection height
exceeding the second projection height.
62. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 35 to 61,
wherein, in each front track assembly, at least some of the traction
projections vary in height in a transverse direction of the track.
63. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 35 to 62,
wherein, in each front track assembly, at least some of the drive projections
are consecutive drive projections configured to simultaneously engage the
drive wheel.
64. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 35 to 63,
wherein the steering mechanism of the ATV comprises handlebars.
65. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 35 to 64,
wherein the ATV comprises a straddle seat for a driver of the ATV.
66. An ATV comprising a set of track assemblies as defined in any one of
claims
1 to 63.


31

67. The ATV as defined in claim 66, wherein the steering mechanism of the
ATV comprises handlebars.
68. The ATV as defined in any one of claims 66 and 67, wherein the ATV
comprises a straddle seat for a driver of the ATV.
69. A set of track assemblies for traction of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on
a
ground, front ones of the track assemblies being configured to replace front
ground-engaging wheels of the ATV and being steerable by changing an
orientation of each of the front ones of the track assemblies with a steering
mechanism of the ATV, rear ones of the track assemblies being configured
to replace rear ground-engaging wheels of the ATV, each track assembly
of the track assemblies comprising:
a) a plurality of track-contacting wheels; and
b) a track disposed around the track-contacting wheels and
comprising flexible material to flex about the track-contacting
wheels, the track including an upper run extending over the track-
contacting wheels and a lower run extending under the track-
contacting wheels, the track comprising:
- a ground-engaging outer surface configured to engage the
ground;
- an inner surface opposite to the ground-engaging outer
surface;
- a plurality of drive projections projecting from the inner
surface and distributed in a longitudinal direction of the
track;
- a plurality of traction projections projecting from the
ground-engaging outer surface and distributed in the
longitudinal direction of the track;

32
wherein each front track assembly of the front ones of the track assemblies
is configured such that: the lower run of the track of the front track
assembly
converges toward and diverges from the ground in a longitudinal direction
of the front track assembly between an axis of rotation of a leading idler one

of the track-contacting wheels and a trailing idler one of the track-
contacting
wheels; and the track of the front track assembly is free of stiffening
inserts
extending transversally to the longitudinal direction of the track of the
front
track assembly and disposed within the flexible material of the track of the
front track assembly, in order to increase maneuverability of the front track
assembly on the ground when steered with the steering mechanism of the
ATV.
70. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 69, wherein the plurality
of
wheels of the front track assembly includes a drive wheel for imparting
movement to the track.
71. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 70, wherein the lower run
of
the track of each front track assembly comprises:
- a load bearing section located between the leading idler wheel and the
trailing idler wheel and transferring to the ground surface a major
portion of a load carried by the track assembly;
- a leading section extending between the leading idler wheel and the
load bearing section, the leading section being oriented such as to
converge toward the ground surface when the track is in motion and
propels the ATV in a forward direction; and
- a trailing section extending between the load bearing section and the
trailing idler wheel, the trailing section being oriented such as to
diverge from the ground surface when the track is in motion and
propels the ATV in the forward direction.

33
72. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 70 and 71,
wherein, for each front track assembly, the axis of rotation of the leading
idler wheel is a first axis of rotation, the axis of rotation of the trailing
idler
wheel is a second axis of rotation, the drive wheel rotates about a third axis

of rotation, and a first horizontal distance defined between the first axis of

rotation and the third axis of rotation is different from a second horizontal
distance defined between the second axis of rotation and the third axis of
rotation.
73.The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 72, wherein each front
track
assembly comprises a support structure having:
- a center portion rotatably supported at the third axis of rotation;
- a first support arm mounted to the center portion and extending along
a radial direction of the drive wheel toward a leading end of the track
assembly; and
- a second support arm mounted to the center portion and extending
along a radial direction of the drive wheel toward a trailing end of the
track assembly.
74. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 73, wherein, in each front

track assembly, the first support arm defines a first angle with an imaginary
horizontal axis which extends through the third axis of rotation, the second
support arm defines a second angle with the imaginary horizontal axis, and
the first angle is different from the second angle.
75. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 70 to 74,
wherein, in each front track assembly, the drive wheel is in rolling contact
with the lower run of the track.

34
76. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 72 to 75,
wherein, in each front track assembly, the drive wheel is in overlapping
relationship with one of the leading idler wheel and the trailing idler wheel,

when viewed in a plane that is normal to the third axis of rotation.
77. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 76, wherein, in each front

track assembly, the drive wheel is in overlapping relationship with the
trailing idler wheel, when viewed in a plane normal to the third axis of
rotation.
78. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 71 to 77,
wherein, in each front track assembly, the load bearing section is located
closer to one of the leading idler wheel and the trailing idler wheel than to
the other of the leading idler wheel and the trailing idler wheel.
79. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 73, wherein, in each front

track assembly, one of the first and second support arms is longer than the
other of the first and second support arms.
80. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 79, wherein, in each front

track assembly, the first support arm and the second support arm define an
obtuse angle therebetween.
81. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 73, 74, 79 and

80, wherein each front track assembly comprises a tension adjusting
mechanism mounted to the support structure for adjusting a tension of the
endless track.
82. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 81, wherein, in each front

track assembly, the tension adjusting mechanism is configured to allow

35
adjustment of a given one of the leading idler wheel and the trailing idler
wheel to any one of a plurality of predetermined positions.
83. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 81, wherein, in each front

track assembly, the tension adjusting mechanism comprises a cam.
84. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 83, wherein, in each front

track assembly, the cam comprises a periphery defining a plurality of
notches.
85. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 83, wherein, in each front

track assembly, the cam comprises a handle for facilitating rotation of the
cam by a user.
86. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 72, wherein, in each front

track assembly, the third axis of rotation is located above the first axis of
rotation and the second axis of rotation.
87. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 70, wherein, in each front

track assembly, the drive wheel has a periphery bound between a first upper
horizontal imaginary plane and a first lower horizontal imaginary plane, one
of the leading idler wheel and the trailing idler wheel having a periphery
bound between a second upper horizontal imaginary plane and a second
lower horizontal imaginary plane, the first lower horizontal imaginary plane
being positioned below the second upper horizontal imaginary plane.
88. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 70, wherein, in each front

track assembly, the drive wheel has a periphery bound between a first
upper horizontal imaginary plane and a first lower horizontal imaginary
plane, the leading idler wheel having a periphery bound between a second

36
upper horizontal imaginary plane and a second lower horizontal imaginary
plane, the trailing idler wheel having a periphery bound between a third
upper horizontal imaginary plane and a third lower horizontal imaginary
plane, the first lower horizontal imaginary plane being positioned below the
second upper horizontal imaginary plane and below the third upper
horizontal imaginary plane.
89.The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 69 to 88,
wherein, in each front track assembly, the plurality of wheels impart a
generally triangular path of travel to the track.
90.The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 71 to 89,
wherein, in each front track assembly, the plurality of wheels define a track
supporting and guiding arrangement that is in rolling contact with the inner
surface at a plurality of locations, one of said locations being the load
bearing section.
91.The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 71 to 90,
wherein, in each front track assembly, the load bearing section extends
below the leading section.
92.The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 71 to 91,
wherein, in each front track assembly, the load bearing section extends
below the trailing section.
93.The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 69 to 92,
wherein, in each front track assembly, at least some of the traction
projections slope from a central area of the track toward lateral end portions

of the track.

37
94.The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 69 to 92,
wherein, in each front track assembly, at least some of the traction
projections are generally convex in a transverse direction of the track.
95.The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 69 to 92,
wherein, in each front track assembly, at least some of the traction
projections include a row of traction lugs spaced apart in a transverse
direction of the track, the track including a central area and a pair of
lateral
end portions on either side of the central area, the row of traction lugs
including at least one traction lug in the central area and having a first
projection height and at least one traction lug proximal one of the lateral
end
portions and having a second projection height, the first projection height
exceeding the second projection height.
96.The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 69 to 95,
wherein, in each front track assembly, at least some of the traction
projections vary in height in a transverse direction of the track.
97.The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 69 to 96,
wherein, in each front track assembly, at least some of the drive projections
are consecutive drive projections configured to simultaneously engage the
drive wheel.
98.The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 69 to 97,
wherein the steering mechanism of the ATV comprises handlebars.
99.The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 69 to 98,
wherein the ATV comprises a straddle seat for a driver of the ATV.

38
100. An ATV comprising a set of track assemblies as defined in any one of
claims 69 to 97.
101. The ATV as defined in claim 100, wherein the steering mechanism of
the ATV comprises handlebars.
102. The ATV as defined in any one of claims 100 and 101, wherein the ATV
comprises a straddle seat for a driver of the ATV.
103. A set of track assemblies for traction of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on
a
ground, front ones of the track assemblies being configured to replace front
ground-engaging wheels of the ATV and being steerable by changing an
orientation of each of the front ones of the track assemblies with a steering
mechanism of the ATV, rear ones of the track assemblies being configured
to replace rear ground-engaging wheels of the ATV, each track assembly
of the track assemblies comprising:
a) a plurality of track-contacting wheels; and
b) a track disposed around the track-contacting wheels and
comprising flexible material to flex about the track-contacting
wheels, the track including an upper run extending over the track-
contacting wheels and a lower run extending under the track-
contacting wheels, the track comprising:
- a ground-engaging outer surface configured to engage the
ground;
- an inner surface opposite to the ground-engaging outer
surface;
- a plurality of drive projections projecting from the inner
surface and distributed in a longitudinal direction of the
track;

39
- a
plurality of traction projections projecting from the
ground-engaging outer surface and distributed in the
longitudinal direction of the track;
wherein each front track assembly of the front ones of the track assemblies
is configured such that: the lower run of the track of the front track
assembly
converges toward and diverges from the ground in a longitudinal direction
of the front track assembly between an axis of rotation of a leading idler one

of the track-contacting wheels and a trailing idler one of the track-
contacting
wheels; and the track of the front track assembly is free of stiffening
inserts
extending transversally to the longitudinal direction of the track of the
front
track assembly and disposed within the flexible material of the track of the
front track assembly, in order to reduce resistance to a turning force to turn

the front track assembly on the ground when steered with the steering
mechanism of the ATV.
104. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 103, wherein the
plurality
of wheels of the front track assembly includes a drive wheel for imparting
movement to the track.
105. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 104, wherein the lower
run of the track of each front track assembly comprises:
- a load bearing section located between the leading idler wheel and the
trailing idler wheel and transferring to the ground surface a major
portion of a load carried by the track assembly;
- a leading section extending between the leading idler wheel and the
load bearing section, the leading section being oriented such as to
converge toward the ground surface when the track is in motion and
propels the ATV in a forward direction; and
- a trailing section extending between the load bearing section and the
trailing idler wheel, the trailing section being oriented such as to

40
diverge from the ground surface when the track is in motion and
propels the ATV in the forward direction.
106. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 104 and 105,
wherein, for each front track assembly, the axis of rotation of the leading
idler wheel is a first axis of rotation, the axis of rotation of the trailing
idler
wheel is a second axis of rotation, the drive wheel rotates about a third axis

of rotation, and a first horizontal distance defined between the first axis of

rotation and the third axis of rotation is different from a second horizontal
distance defined between the second axis of rotation and the third axis of
rotation.
107. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 106, wherein each front
track assembly comprises a support structure having:
- a center portion rotatably supported at the third axis of rotation;
- a first support arm mounted to the center portion and extending along
a radial direction of the drive wheel toward a leading end of the track
assembly; and
- a second support arm mounted to the center portion and extending
along a radial direction of the drive wheel toward a trailing end of the
track assembly.
108. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 107, wherein, in each
front track assembly, the first support arm defines a first angle with an
imaginary horizontal axis which extends through the third axis of rotation,
the second support arm defines a second angle with the imaginary
horizontal axis, and the first angle is different from the second angle.

41
109. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 104 to 108,
wherein, in each front track assembly, the drive wheel is in rolling contact
with the lower run of the track.
110. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 106 to 109,
wherein, in each front track assembly, the drive wheel is in overlapping
relationship with one of the leading idler wheel and the trailing idler wheel,

when viewed in a plane that is normal to the third axis of rotation.
111. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 110, wherein, in each
front track assembly, the drive wheel is in overlapping relationship with the
trailing idler wheel, when viewed in a plane normal to the third axis of
rotation.
112. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 105 to 111,
wherein, in each front track assembly, the load bearing section is located
closer to one of the leading idler wheel and the trailing idler wheel than to
the other of the leading idler wheel and the trailing idler wheel.
113. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 107, wherein, in each
front track assembly, one of the first and second support arms is longer than
the other of the first and second support arms.
114. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 113, wherein, in each
front track assembly, the first support arm and the second support arm
define an obtuse angle therebetween.
115. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 107, 108,
113 and 114, wherein each front track assembly comprises a tension

42
adjusting mechanism mounted to the support structure for adjusting a
tension of the endless track.
116. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 115, wherein, in each
front track assembly, the tension adjusting mechanism is configured to allow
adjustment of a given one of the leading idler wheel and the trailing idler
wheel to any one of a plurality of predetermined positions.
117. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 115, wherein, in each
front track assembly, the tension adjusting mechanism comprises a cam.
118. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 117, wherein, in each
front track assembly, the cam comprises a periphery defining a plurality of
notches.
119. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 117, wherein, in each
front track assembly, the cam comprises a handle for facilitating rotation of
the cam by a user.
120. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 106, wherein, in each
front track assembly, the third axis of rotation is located above the first
axis
of rotation and the second axis of rotation.
121. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 104, wherein, in each
front track assembly, the drive wheel has a periphery bound between a first
upper horizontal imaginary plane and a first lower horizontal imaginary
plane, one of the leading idler wheel and the trailing idler wheel having a
periphery bound between a second upper horizontal imaginary plane and a
second lower horizontal imaginary plane, the first lower horizontal imaginary
plane being positioned below the second upper horizontal imaginary plane.

43
122. The set of track assemblies as defined in claim 104, wherein, in each
front track assembly, the drive wheel has a periphery bound between a first
upper horizontal imaginary plane and a first lower horizontal imaginary
plane, the leading idler wheel having a periphery bound between a second
upper horizontal imaginary plane and a second lower horizontal imaginary
plane, the trailing idler wheel having a periphery bound between a third
upper horizontal imaginary plane and a third lower horizontal imaginary
plane, the first lower horizontal imaginary plane being positioned below the
second upper horizontal imaginary plane and below the third upper
horizontal imaginary plane.
123. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 103 to 122,
wherein, in each front track assembly, the plurality of wheels impart a
generally triangular path of travel to the track.
124. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 105 to 123,
wherein, in each front track assembly, the plurality of wheels define a track
supporting and guiding arrangement that is in rolling contact with the inner
surface at a plurality of locations, one of said locations being the load
bearing section.
125. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 105 to 124,
wherein, in each front track assembly, the load bearing section extends
below the leading section.
126. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 105 to 125,
wherein, in each front track assembly, the load bearing section extends
below the trailing section.

44
127. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 103 to 126,
wherein, in each front track assembly, at least some of the traction
projections slope from a central area of the track toward lateral end portions

of the track.
128. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 103 to 126,
wherein, in each front track assembly, at least some of the traction
projections are generally convex in a transverse direction of the track.
129. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 103 to 126,
wherein, in each front track assembly, at least some of the traction
projections include a row of traction lugs spaced apart in a transverse
direction of the track, the track including a central area and a pair of
lateral
end portions on either side of the central area, the row of traction lugs
including at least one traction lug in the central area and having a first
projection height and at least one traction lug proximal one of the lateral
end
portions and having a second projection height, the first projection height
exceeding the second projection height.
130. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 103 to 129,
wherein, in each front track assembly, at least some of the traction
projections vary in height in a transverse direction of the track.
131. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 103 to 130,
wherein, in each front track assembly, at least some of the drive projections
are consecutive drive projections configured to simultaneously engage the
drive wheel.
132. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 103 to 131,
wherein the steering mechanism of the ATV comprises handlebars.

45
133. The set of track assemblies as defined in any one of claims 103 to 132,
wherein the ATV comprises a straddle seat for a driver of the ATV.
134. An ATV comprising a set of track assemblies as defined in any one of
claims 103 to 131.
135. The ATV as defined in claim 134, wherein the steering mechanism of
the ATV comprises handlebars.
136. The ATV as defined in any one of claims 134 and 135, wherein the ATV
comprises a straddle seat for a driver of the ATV.

Description

CA 02886719 2015-03-31
1
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
Track assembly for an all-terrain vehicle
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to all-terrain vehicles. More
specifically, the present invention is concerned with track assemblies for an
all-
terrain vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Traditionally, two types of all-terrain vehicles are proposed
either the wheel type or the tracked type.
[0003] Generally, a wheeled vehicle is more maneuverable than a
tracked vehicle, but is not as efficient on uneven or soft terrain such as,
for
example snow.
[0004] Tracked all-terrain vehicles have been proposed, which
require complicated track assemblies comprising a track frame to maintain the
tension of the endless track belt and prevent it from loosening. Furthermore,
such vehicles have generally a large contact area with the ground, which
results in a decreased maneuverability and an increased impact on the often
soft terrain.
[0005] Therefore, there is still room for improvements toward an all-
terrain vehicle provided with track assemblies, which is maneuverable and
effective upon a variety of unstable or uneven surfaces, while designed to
maintain tension upon the endless track belts to keep them in their due course

CA 02886719 2015-03-31
2
and prevent accidental loosening, and at the same time reducing damages
inflicted
on the terrain.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An object of the present invention is therefore to provide improved

track assemblies for an all-terrain vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006A] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is
provided an endless track for a track assembly providing traction to an all-
terrain
vehicle (ATV). The track assembly is substitutable to a ground-engaging wheel
of
the ATV and is steerable by changing an orientation of the track assembly by a

steering mechanism of the ATV. The track assembly comprises a plurality of
wheels
and the endless track is mountable around the plurality of wheels. The
plurality of
wheels includes a drive wheel for imparting motion to the endless track. The
endless
track comprises an inner surface for facing the plurality of wheels, a ground-
engaging outer surface opposite to the inner surface, and a plurality of
traction
projections projecting from the ground-engaging outer surface and spaced apart
in a
longitudinal direction of the endless track. The endless track is free of
stiffening
members extending in a transversal direction of the endless track at locations
of
respective ones of the traction projections in the longitudinal direction of
the endless
track.
[0006B] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there
is
provided a track assembly for providing traction to an all-terrain vehicle
(ATV). The
track assembly is substitutable to a ground-engaging wheel of the AN and is
steerable by changing an orientation of the track assembly by a steering
mechanism
of the ATV. The track assembly comprises a plurality of wheels and an endless
track
mounted around the plurality of wheels. The plurality of wheels includes a
drive

CA 02886719 2015-03-31
2A
wheel, a leading idler wheel and a trailing idler wheel spaced apart from the
leading
idler wheel in a longitudinal direction of the track assembly. The endless
track
comprises an inner surface for facing the plurality of wheels, a ground-
engaging
outer surface opposite the inner surface and a plurality of traction
projections
projecting from the ground-engaging outer surface and spaced apart in a
longitudinal
direction of the endless track. The drive wheel is rotatable to impart motion
to the
endless track. The endless track is free of stiffening members extending in a
transversal direction of the endless track at locations of respective ones of
the
traction projections in the longitudinal direction of the endless track.
[0006C] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there
is
provided an endless track for a track assembly providing traction to an all-
terrain
vehicle (ATV). The track assembly is substitutable to a ground-engaging wheel
of
the ATV and is steerable by changing an orientation of the track assembly by a

steering mechanism of the ATV. The track assembly comprises a plurality of
wheels
around which the endless track is mountable. The plurality of wheels includes
a drive
wheel for imparting motion to the endless track. The endless track comprises
an
inner surface for facing the plurality of wheels, a ground-engaging outer
surface
opposite to the inner surface, a plurality of wheel-contacting lugs projecting
from the
inner surface to contact the plurality of wheels, and a plurality of traction
projections
projecting from the ground-engaging outer surface and spaced apart in a
longitudinal
direction of the endless track. The endless track is free of stiffening
members
extending in a transversal direction of the endless track at locations of
respective
ones of the wheel-contacting lugs in the longitudinal direction of the endless
track.
[0006D] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there
is
provided a track assembly for providing traction to an all-terrain vehicle
(ATV). The
track assembly is substitutable to a ground-engaging wheel of the ATV and is
steerable by changing an orientation of the track assembly by a steering
mechanism
of the AN. The track assembly comprises a plurality of wheels and an endless
track
mounted around the plurality of wheels. The plurality of wheels includes a
drive

CA 02886719 2015-03-31
2B
wheel, a leading idler wheel and a trailing idler wheel spaced apart from the
leading
idler wheel in a longitudinal direction of the track assembly. The endless
track
comprises an inner surface for facing the plurality of wheels, a ground-
engaging
outer surface opposite to the inner surface, a plurality of wheel-contacting
lugs
projecting from the inner surface to contact the plurality of wheels, and a
plurality of
traction projections projecting from the ground-engaging outer surface and
spaced
apart in a longitudinal direction of the endless track. The drive wheel is
rotatable to
impart motion to the endless track. The endless track is free of stiffening
members
extending in a transversal direction of the endless track at locations of
respective
ones of the wheel-contacting lugs in the longitudinal direction of the endless
track.
[0006E] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there
is
provided an endless track for a reduced-size vehicle designed primarily for
off-
highway usage, over undeveloped roads or other unprepared surfaces. The
endless
track is steerable by changing an orientation of the endless track by a
steering
mechanism of the vehicle. The endless track comprises flexible material to
flex
around a plurality of wheels including a drive wheel for imparting motion to
the
endless track. The endless track comprises a ground-engaging outer surface, an

inner surface opposite to the ground-engaging outer surface, and a plurality
of
traction projections projecting from the ground-engaging outer surface and
distributed in a longitudinal direction of the track. The endless track is
free of
stiffening inserts extending in a transversal direction of the endless track
and
disposed within the flexible material at locations of respective ones of the
traction
projections in the longitudinal direction of the endless track.
[0006F] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there
is
provided a track assembly for a reduced-size vehicle designed primarily for
off-
highway usage, over undeveloped roads or other unprepared surfaces. The track
assembly is steerable by changing an orientation of the track assembly by a
steering
mechanism of the vehicle. The track assembly comprises a plurality of wheels
and
an endless track mounted around the plurality of wheels. The plurality of
wheels

CA 02886719 2015-03-31
includes a drive wheel as well as a leading idler wheel and a trailing idler
wheel
spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction of the track
assembly. The
endless track comprises flexible material to flex around the plurality of
wheels. The
endless track comprises an inner surface for facing the plurality of wheels.
The drive
wheel is rotatable to impart motion to the endless track. The endless track
further
comprises a ground-engaging outer surface opposite to the inner surface and a
plurality of traction projections projecting from the ground-engaging outer
surface
and spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the endless track. The endless
track is
free of stiffening inserts extending in a transversal direction of the endless
track and
disposed within the flexible material at locations of respective ones of the
traction
projections in the longitudinal direction of the endless track.
[0006G] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there
is
provided an endless track for a reduced-size vehicle designed primarily for
off-
highway usage, over undeveloped roads or other unprepared surfaces. The
endless
track is steerable by changing an orientation of the endless track by a
steering
mechanism of the vehicle. The endless track comprises flexible material to
flex
around a plurality of wheels including a drive wheel for imparting motion to
the
endless track. The endless track comprises a ground-engaging outer surface, an

inner surface opposite to the ground-engaging outer surface, a plurality of
wheel-
contacting lugs projecting from the inner surface to contact the plurality of
wheels,
and a plurality of traction projections projecting from the ground-engaging
outer
surface and distributed in a longitudinal direction of the track. The endless
track is
free of stiffening inserts extending in a transversal direction of the endless
track and
disposed within the flexible material at locations of respective ones of the
wheel-
contacting lugs in the longitudinal direction of the endless track.
[0006H] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there
is
provided a track assembly for a reduced-size vehicle designed primarily for
off-
highway usage, over undeveloped roads or other unprepared surfaces. The track
assembly is steerable by changing an orientation of the track assembly by a
steering

CA 02886719 2015-03-31
2D
mechanism of the vehicle. The track assembly comprises a plurality of wheels
and
an endless track mounted around the plurality of wheels. The plurality of
wheels
includes a drive wheel as well as a leading wheel and a trailing idler wheel
spaced
apart from one another in a longitudinal direction of the track assembly. The
endless
track comprises flexible material to flex around the plurality of wheels. The
endless
track comprises an inner surface for facing the plurality of wheels. The drive
wheel is
rotatable to impart motion to the endless track. The endless track further
comprises
a ground-engaging outer surface opposite to the inner surface, a plurality of
wheel-
contacting lugs projecting from the inner surface to contact the plurality of
wheels,
and a plurality of traction projections projecting from the ground-engaging
outer
surface and spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the endless track. The

endless track is free of stiffening inserts extending in a transversal
direction of the
endless track and disposed within the flexible material at locations of
respective
ones of the wheel-contacting lugs in the longitudinal direction of the endless
track.
[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there
is
provided an all-terrain vehicle comprising at least two track assemblies to
support
the all-terrain vehicle onto a ground surface, each one of said at least two
track
assemblies comprising: a longitudinal endless track belt provided with an
inner
surface provided with a plurality of inner lugs and an outer surface provided
with a
plurality of external lugs; a mounting structure to mount said longitudinal
endless
track belt to said vehicle, wherein, when mounted to said mounting structure,
said
longitudinal endless track belt has a punctually localized surface contact
with the
ground surface.
[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there
is
provided an endless track belt assembly comprising: a track driving wheel
provided
with a plurality of teeth; an endless track belt provided with an inner
surface having a
plurality of inner lugs and an outer surface having a plurality of external
lugs, said

CA 02886719 2017-01-31
3
endless track belt being wounded around said track driving wheel; wherein a)
said
teeth are so spaced that a distance between two consecutive teeth spans a
distance
separating two consecutive inner lugs of said endless track belt and b) said
endless
track belt, when mounted to said track driving wheel, has a punctually
localized
contact with a ground surface.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is
provided a method for mounting an endless track belt on a all-terrain vehicle,

comprising the acts of: providing an endless track belt having inner lugs and
external
lugs; providing a track driving wheel having a plurality of teeth so spaced
that a
distance between two consecutive of the plurality of teeth spans a distance
separating two consecutive of a plurality of inner lugs of the endless track
belt;
interconnecting the track driving wheel to an inside idler wheel and to an
outside idler
wheel; and tensioning the endless track belt around the track driving wheel,
the inside
idler wheel and the outside idler wheel so that the endless track belt has a
punctually
localized surface contact with a ground surface.
[0009a] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is
provided an endless track for a track assembly providing traction to an all-
terrain
vehicle (KW), the track assembly being substitutable to a ground-engaging
wheel of
the ATV, the track assembly being steerable by changing an orientation of the
track
assembly by a steering mechanism of the ATV, the track assembly comprising a
plurality of wheels, the endless track being mountable around the plurality of
wheels,
the plurality of wheels including a drive wheel for imparting motion to the
endless
track, the endless track comprising: an inner surface for facing the plurality
of wheels;
a ground-engaging outer surface opposite to the inner surface; and a plurality
of
traction projections projecting from the ground-engaging outer surface and
spaced
apart in a longitudinal direction of the endless track; the endless track
being free of
stiffening members extending in a transversal direction of the endless track
at
locations of respective ones of the traction projections in the longitudinal
direction of
the endless track to facilitate changing the orientation of the track assembly
on the
ground.

CA 02886719 2017-01-31
3a
[0009b] In
accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a track assembly for providing traction to an all-terrain vehicle
(AN), the
track assembly being substitutable to a ground-engaging wheel of the AN, the
track
assembly being steerable by changing an orientation of the track assembly by a

steering mechanism of the AN, the track assembly comprising: a) a plurality of

wheels including: i.a drive wheel; and ii. a leading idler wheel and a
trailing idler
wheel spaced apart from the leading idler wheel in a longitudinal direction of
the track
assembly; and b) an endless track mounted around the plurality of wheels and
comprising: i.an inner surface for facing the plurality of wheels, the drive
wheel being
rotatable to impart motion to the endless track; ii.a ground-engaging outer
surface
opposite to the inner surface; and iii. a plurality of traction projections
projecting from
the ground-engaging outer surface and spaced apart in a longitudinal direction
of the
endless track; the endless track being free of stiffening members extending in
a
transversal direction of the endless track at locations of respective ones of
the
traction projections in the longitudinal direction of the endless track to
facilitate
changing the orientation of the track assembly on the ground.
[0009c] In
accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided an endless track for a track assembly providing traction to an all-
terrain
vehicle (AN), the track assembly being substitutable to a ground-engaging
wheel of
the ATV, the track assembly being steerable by changing an orientation of the
track
assembly by a steering mechanism of the AN, the track assembly comprising a
plurality of wheels, the endless track being mountable around the plurality of
wheels,
the plurality of wheels including a drive wheel for imparting motion to the
endless
track, the endless track comprising: a) an inner surface for facing the
plurality of
wheels; b) a ground-engaging outer surface opposite to the inner surface; c) a

plurality of wheel-contacting lugs projecting from the inner surface to
contact the
plurality of wheels; and d) a plurality of traction projections projecting
from the
ground-engaging outer surface and spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of
the
endless track; the endless track being free of stiffening members extending in
a

CA 02886719 2017-01-31
3b
transversal direction of the endless track at locations of respective ones of
the wheel-
contacting lugs in the longitudinal direction of the endless track to
facilitate changing
the orientation of the track assembly on the ground.
[0009d] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there
is
provided a track assembly for providing traction to an all-terrain vehicle
(ATV), the
track assembly being substitutable to a ground-engaging wheel of the ATV, the
track
assembly being steerable by changing an orientation of the track assembly by a

steering mechanism of the ATV, the track assembly comprising: a) a plurality
of
wheels including: i. a drive wheel; and ii. a leading idler wheel and a
trailing idler
wheel spaced apart from the leading idler wheel in a longitudinal direction of
the track
assembly; and b) an endless track mounted around the plurality of wheels and
comprising: i. an inner surface for facing the plurality of wheels, the drive
wheel being
rotatable to impart motion to the endless track; ii. a ground-engaging outer
surface
opposite to the inner surface; iii. a plurality of wheel-contacting lugs
projecting from
the inner surface to contact the plurality of wheels; and iv. a plurality of
traction
projections projecting from the ground-engaging outer surface and spaced apart
in a
longitudinal direction of the endless track; the endless track being free of
stiffening
members extending in a transversal direction of the endless track at locations
of
respective ones of the wheel-contacting lugs in the longitudinal direction of
the
endless track to facilitate changing the orientation of the track assembly on
the
ground.
[0009e] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there
is
provided an endless track for a reduced-size vehicle designed primarily for
off-
highway usage, over undeveloped roads or other unprepared surfaces, the
endless
track being steerable by changing an orientation of the endless track by a
steering
mechanism of the vehicle, the endless track comprising flexible material to
flex
around a plurality of wheels, the plurality of wheels including a drive wheel
for
imparting motion to the endless track, the endless track comprising: - a
ground-
engaging outer surface: - an inner surface opposite to the ground-engaging
outer
surface; and - a plurality of traction projections projecting from the ground-
engaging

CA 02886719 2017-01-31
3c
outer surface and distributed in a longitudinal direction of the track; the
endless track
being free of stiffening inserts extending in a transversal direction of the
endless track
and disposed within the flexible material at locations of respective ones of
the traction
projections in the longitudinal direction of the endless track to facilitate
changing the
orientation of the track assembly on the ground.
[0009f] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is
provided a track assembly for a reduced-size vehicle designed primarily for
off-
highway usage, over undeveloped roads or other unprepared surfaces, the track
assembly being steerable by changing an orientation of the track assembly by a

steering mechanism of the vehicle, the track assembly comprising: a) a
plurality of
wheels including: i. a drive wheel; and ii. a leading idler wheel and a
trailing idler
wheel spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction of the track
assembly;
and b) an endless track mounted around the plurality of wheels, the endless
track
comprising flexible material to flex around the plurality of wheels, the
endless track
comprising: i. an inner surface for facing the plurality of wheels, the drive
wheel being
rotatable to impart motion to the endless track; ii. a ground-engaging outer
surface
opposite to the inner surface; and iii. a plurality of traction projections
projecting from
the ground-engaging outer surface and spaced apart in a longitudinal direction
of the
endless track; the endless track being free of stiffening inserts extending in
a
transversal direction of the endless track and disposed within the flexible
material at
locations of respective ones of the traction projections in the longitudinal
direction of
the endless track to facilitate changing the orientation of the track assembly
on the
ground.
[0009g] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is
provided an endless track for a reduced-size vehicle designed primarily for
off-
highway usage, over undeveloped roads or other unprepared surfaces, the
endless
track being steerable by changing an orientation of the endless track by a
steering
mechanism of the vehicle, the endless track comprising flexible material to
flex
around a plurality of wheels, the plurality of wheels including a drive wheel
for
imparting motion to the endless track, the endless track comprising: a ground-

CA 02886719 2017-01-31
3d
engaging outer surface: - an inner surface opposite to the ground-engaging
outer
surface; - a plurality of wheel-contacting lugs projecting from the inner
surface to
contact the plurality of wheels; and - a plurality of traction projections
projecting from
the ground-engaging outer surface and distributed in a longitudinal direction
of the
track; the endless track being free of stiffening inserts extending in a
transversal
direction of the endless track and disposed within the flexible material at
locations of
respective ones of the wheel-contacting lugs in the longitudinal direction of
the
endless track to facilitate changing the orientation of the track assembly on
the
ground.
[0009h] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is
provided a track assembly for a reduced-size vehicle designed primarily for
off-
highway usage, over undeveloped roads or other unprepared surfaces, the track
assembly being steerable by changing an orientation of the track assembly by a
steering mechanism of the vehicle, the track assembly comprising: a) a
plurality of
wheels including: i. a drive wheel; and ii. a leading idler wheel and a
trailing idler
wheel spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction of the track
assembly;
and b) an endless track mounted around the plurality of wheels, the endless
track
comprising flexible material to flex around the plurality of wheels, the
endless track
comprising: i. an inner surface for facing the plurality of wheels, the drive
wheel being
rotatable to impart motion to the endless track; ii. a ground-engaging outer
surface
opposite to the inner surface; iii. a plurality of wheel-contacting lugs
projecting from
the inner surface to contact the plurality of wheels; and iii. a plurality of
traction
projections projecting from the ground-engaging outer surface and spaced apart
in a
longitudinal direction of the endless track; the endless track being free of
stiffening
inserts extending in a transversal direction of the endless track and disposed
within
the flexible material at locations of respective ones of the wheel-contacting
lugs in the
longitudinal direction of the endless track to facilitate changing the
orientation of the
track assembly on the ground.
[0009i] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is
provided a method of facilitating steering of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV),
the ATV

CA 02886719 2017-01-31
3e
comprising a track assembly replacing a ground-engaging wheel of the ATV, the
track assembly being steerable by changing an orientation of the track
assembly by a
steering mechanism of the ATV, the track assembly comprising a track and a
plurality
of wheels for driving and guiding the track around the plurality of wheels,
the plurality
of wheels including a drive wheel for imparting motion to the track, the
method
comprising: a) making the track such that the track (i) comprises an inner
surface for
facing the plurality of wheels, a ground-engaging outer surface opposite to
the inner
surface, and a plurality of traction projections projecting from the ground-
engaging
outer surface and spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the endless
track and (ii)
is free of stiffening members extending in a transversal direction of the
track at
locations of respective ones of the traction projections in the longitudinal
direction of
the track; and b) providing the track assembly comprising the track for
mounting to
the ATV in place of the ground-engaging wheel of the ATV.
[0009b] In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention,
there is
provided A method of facilitating steering of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV),
the ATV
comprising a track assembly replacing a ground-engaging wheel of the ATV, the
track assembly being steerable by changing an orientation of the track
assembly by a
steering mechanism of the ATV, the track assembly comprising a track and a
plurality
of wheels for driving and guiding the track around the plurality of wheels,
the plurality
of wheels including a drive wheel for imparting motion to the track, the track

comprising flexible material to flex around the plurality of wheels, the
method
comprising: a) making the track such that the track (i) comprises an inner
surface for
facing the plurality of wheels, a ground-engaging outer surface opposite to
the inner
surface, and a plurality of traction projections projecting from the ground-
engaging
outer surface and spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the endless
track and (ii)
is free of stiffening inserts extending transversally to the longitudinal
direction of the
track and disposed within the flexible material at locations of respective
ones of the
traction projections in the longitudinal direction of the endless track; and
b) providing
the track assembly comprising the track for mounting to the ATV in place of
the
ground-engaging wheel of the AN.

3f
[0009k] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention, there is
provided a track assembly for an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), the track assembly

comprising: a) an endless track having an inner side and a ground-engaging
outer side;
b) a driving wheel for imparting motion to the endless track, the driving
wheel engaging
an upper run of the endless track and a lower run of the endless track, the
upper run
of the endless track extending over the driving wheel, the lower run of the
endless track
extending under the driving wheel; and c) an idler wheel contacting the inner
side of
the endless track.
[00091] In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention,
there is
provided an assembly for an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), the assembly
comprising: a) a
driving wheel for imparting motion to an endless track, the endless track
having an
inner side and a ground-engaging outer side, the driving wheel being
configured to
engage an upper run of the endless track and a lower run of the endless track,
the
upper run of the endless track extending over the driving wheel, the lower run
of the
endless track extending under the driving wheel; and b) an idler wheel for
contacting
the inner side of the endless track.
[0009m] In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a set of
track
assemblies for traction of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on a ground, front
ones of the
track assemblies being configured to replace front ground-engaging wheels of
the ATV
and being steerable by changing an orientation of each of the front ones of
the track
assemblies with a steering mechanism of the ATV, rear ones of the track
assemblies
being configured to replace rear ground-engaging wheels of the ATV. Each track
assembly of the track assemblies comprises: a plurality of track-contacting
wheels; and
a track disposed around the track-contacting wheels and comprising flexible
material
to flex about the track-contacting wheels, the track including an upper run
extending
over the track-contacting wheels and a lower run extending under the track-
contacting
wheels. The track comprises: a ground-engaging outer surface configured to
engage
the ground; an inner surface opposite to the ground-engaging outer surface; a
plurality
of drive projections projecting from the inner surface and distributed in a
longitudinal
direction of the track; a plurality of traction projections projecting from
the ground-
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-06-24

3g
engaging outer surface and distributed in the longitudinal direction of the
track. Each
front track assembly of the front ones of the track assemblies is configured
such that:
the lower run of the track of the front track assembly is curved in a
longitudinal direction
of the front track assembly between an axis of rotation of a leading idler one
of the
track-contacting wheels and an axis of rotation of a trailing idler one of the
track-
contacting wheels; and the track of the front track assembly is free of
stiffening inserts
extending transversally to the longitudinal direction of the track of the
front track
assembly and disposed within the flexible material of the track of the front
track
assembly, in order to increase maneuverability of the front track assembly on
the
ground when steered with the steering mechanism of the ATV.
[0009n] In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a set of
track
assemblies for traction of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on a ground, front
ones of the
track assemblies being configured to replace front ground-engaging wheels of
the ATV
and being steerable by changing an orientation of each of the front ones of
the track
assemblies with a steering mechanism of the ATV, rear ones of the track
assemblies
being configured to replace rear ground-engaging wheels of the ATV. Each track

assembly of the track assemblies comprises: a plurality of track-contacting
wheels; and
a track disposed around the track-contacting wheels and comprising flexible
material
to flex about the track-contacting wheels, the track including an upper run
extending
over the track-contacting wheels and a lower run extending under the track-
contacting
wheels. The track comprises: a ground-engaging outer surface configured to
engage
the ground; an inner surface opposite to the ground-engaging outer surface; a
plurality
of drive projections projecting from the inner surface and distributed in a
longitudinal
direction of the track; a plurality of traction projections projecting from
the ground-
engaging outer surface and distributed in the longitudinal direction of the
track. Each
front track assembly of the front ones of the track assemblies is configured
such that:
the lower run of the track of the front track assembly is curved in a
longitudinal direction
of the front track assembly between an axis of rotation of a leading idler one
of the
track-contacting wheels and an axis of rotation of a trailing idler one of the
track-
contacting wheels; and the track of the front track assembly is free of
stiffening inserts
extending transversally to the longitudinal direction of the track of the
front track
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-06-24

3h
assembly and disposed within the flexible material of the track of the front
track
assembly, in order to reduce resistance to a turning force to turn the front
track
assembly on the ground when steered with the steering mechanism of the ATV.
[00090]
In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a set of track
assemblies for traction of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on a ground, front
ones of the
track assemblies being configured to replace front ground-engaging wheels of
the ATV
and being steerable by changing an orientation of each of the front ones of
the track
assemblies with a steering mechanism of the ATV, rear ones of the track
assemblies
being configured to replace rear ground-engaging wheels of the ATV. Each track

assembly of the track assemblies comprises: a plurality of track-contacting
wheels; and
a track disposed around the track-contacting wheels and comprising flexible
material
to flex about the track-contacting wheels, the track including an upper run
extending
over the track-contacting wheels and a lower run extending under the track-
contacting
wheels. The track comprises: a ground-engaging outer surface configured to
engage
the ground; an inner surface opposite to the ground-engaging outer surface; a
plurality
of drive projections projecting from the inner surface and distributed in a
longitudinal
direction of the track; a plurality of traction projections projecting from
the ground-
engaging outer surface and distributed in the longitudinal direction of the
track. Each
front track assembly of the front ones of the track assemblies is configured
such that:
the lower run of the track of the front track assembly converges toward and
diverges
from the ground in a longitudinal direction of the front track assembly
between an axis
of rotation of a leading idler one of the track-contacting wheels and a
trailing idler one
of the track-contacting wheels; and the track of the front track assembly is
free of
stiffening inserts extending transversally to the longitudinal direction of
the track of the
front track assembly and disposed within the flexible material of the track of
the front
track assembly, in order to increase maneuverability of the front track
assembly on the
ground when steered with the steering mechanism of the ATV.
[0009p] In
accordance with another aspect, there is provided a set of track
assemblies for traction of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on a ground, front
ones of the
track assemblies being configured to replace front ground-engaging wheels of
the ATV
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-06-24

3i
and being steerable by changing an orientation of each of the front ones of
the track
assemblies with a steering mechanism of the ATV, rear ones of the track
assemblies
being configured to replace rear ground-engaging wheels of the ATV. Each track

assembly of the track assemblies comprises: a plurality of track-contacting
wheels; and
a track disposed around the track-contacting wheels and comprising flexible
material
to flex about the track-contacting wheels, the track including an upper run
extending
over the track-contacting wheels and a lower run extending under the track-
contacting
wheels. The track comprises: a ground-engaging outer surface configured to
engage
the ground; an inner surface opposite to the ground-engaging outer surface; a
plurality
of drive projections projecting from the inner surface and distributed in a
longitudinal
direction of the track; a plurality of traction projections projecting from
the ground-
engaging outer surface and distributed in the longitudinal direction of the
track. Each
front track assembly of the front ones of the track assemblies is configured
such that:
the lower run of the track of the front track assembly converges toward and
diverges
from the ground in a longitudinal direction of the front track assembly
between an axis
of rotation of a leading idler one of the track-contacting wheels and a
trailing idler one
of the track-contacting wheels; and the track of the front track assembly is
free of
stiffening inserts extending transversally to the longitudinal direction of
the track of the
front track assembly and disposed within the flexible material of the track of
the front
track assembly, in order to reduce resistance to a turning force to turn the
front track
assembly on the ground when steered with the steering mechanism of the ATV.
[0010] Other objects, advantage and features of the present invention
will
become more apparent upon reading of the following nonrestrictive description
of
preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to
the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] In the appended drawings:
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-06-24

CA 02886719 2015-03-31
4
[0012] Figure 1 is a side elevational view of an all-terrain vehicle
provided with track assemblies according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0013] Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the front track assembly
of the vehicle of Figure 1, seen from of the outside of the all-terrain
vehicle;
[0014] Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the front track assembly
of the vehicle of Figure 1, seen form the inside of the all-terrain vehicle;
[0015] Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of Figure
3;
[0018] Figure 5 is an enlarged side view of an outside idler wheel
attachment of the track assembly of Figure 2;
[0017] Figure 6 is a sectional view of a rigid member of the track
assembly of Figure 2;
[0018] Figure 7 is a top plan view of the attachment of the front track
assembly of Figure 1 to the all-terrain vehicle;
[0019] Figure 8 is a side elevational view of a rear track assembly of
Figure 1, seen from the inside of the all-terrain vehicle;
[0020] Figure 9 is a top plan view of the attachment of the rear track
assembly of Figure 1 to the all-terrain vehicle;

CA 02886719 2015-03-31
[0021] Figure 10 is a sectional view similar to Figure 4 but
illustrating
a second type of endless track; and
[0022] Figure 11 is a sectional view similar to Figure 4 but
illustrating
a third type of endless track.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT
[0023] A track assembly for an all-terrain vehicle according to an
embodiment of the present invention will now be described in details with
reference to the appended drawings.
[0024] Figure 1 shows an all-terrain vehicle 10 comprising a body 12
and four track assemblies (only two shown) according to the present invention
arranged in a plane adjacent to each side of the vehicle 10.
[0025] There are two identical track assemblies in the front of the all-
terrain vehicle 10, of which only one track assembly 14 is visible in Figure
1, in
place of conventional front wheels. Similarly, there are two identical track
assemblies, of which only one track assembly 16 is visible in Figure 1, in
place
of the conventional rear wheels.
[0026] Only the track assemblies 14 and 16 visible in Figure 1 will be
described hereinbelow. Furthermore, as they are symmetrical about a vertical
axis 22 when viewed from the outside of the vehicle 10 (see Figure 1), only
the
track assemblies 14 will be described hereinbelow. It is also to be noted that

the elements as seen from the outside of the vehicle 10 will bear the same

CA 02886719 2015-03-31
6
numbers in the rear track assembly 16 than the corresponding ones in the front

track assembly 14, with a prime.
[0027] However, since the attachment of rear and front track
assemblies differs as seen from the inside of the vehicles 10, they will be
described separately.
[0028] The front track assembly 14 is better seen in Figure 2. It
comprises a longitudinal endless track belt 23 and a mounting structure to
mount the endless track belt 23 to the vehicle 10. The mounting structure
includes a track driving wheel 24, a pair of inside idler wheels 26, a pair of

outside idler wheels 28 and supports to interconnect the wheels 24, 26 and 28
as will be described hereinbelow.
[0029] The endless track belt 23 is provided with inner lugs 30 on its
inner surface 31 and with external lugs 32 on its outer surface 33. It is
wounded
around the track driving wheel 24 and the idler wheels 28 and 26.
[0030] As can be better seen from Figure 4, the track driving wheel
24 is mounted to a conventional hub 35 of the all-terrain vehicle 10. The
wheel
24 includes a first mounting plate 37 mounted to the hub 35 and a second
mounting plate 34 mounted to the first plate 37 via four bolt and spacer
assemblies 36. A circular disk 38 is mounted to the bolt and spacer assemblies

36 and includes equidistant wide teeth 40 contacting the inner surface 31 of
the
track 23.
[0031] As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, the equidistant
teeth 40 are so located as to cooperate with some of the inner lugs 30 of the
endless track belt 23. More precisely, as can be better seen from Figure 2,
the

CA 02886719 2015-03-31
7
teeth 40 are spaced so that the distance between two consecutive teeth 40
spans the distance separating consecutive inner lugs 30 of the endless track
belt 23, in a meshing engagement, in such a way as to drive the endless track
belt 23.
[00321 Each of the inside idler wheels 26 includes a peripheral
portion in contact with the internal surface 31 of the track 23. The wheels 26

are interconnected by a spacing element (not shown).
[0033] Similarly, each outer idler wheel 28 includes a peripheral
portion in contact with the internal surface 31 of the track 23. The wheels 28

are interconnected by a spacing element 42.
[0034] The wheels 24, 26 and 28 are interconnected, as seen from
the outside of the track assembly 14, by an angled connecting element 44. The
angled connecting element 44 has a center portion 46 provided with an
aperture 48 in which bearings 50 are mounted. A fastener 52 connects the
connecting element 44 to the second plate 34 while allowing the angled
connecting element 44 to pivot about the fastener.
[0035] The connecting element 44 has a short arm 54 having a free
end to which the inside idler wheels 26 are rotatably mounted. The connecting
element 44 also has a long arm 56 having a free end to which the inside idler
wheels 28 are rotatably mounted as will be further discussed hereinbelow. The
connecting element 44 is better seen from the top plan view of Figure 6.
[0036] Turning now briefly to Figure 3 of the appended drawings, as
can be seen from the inside of the all-terrain vehicle 10, the idler wheels 26
and
28 of the front track assembly 14 are also directly connected together by an

CA 02886719 2015-03-31
8
elbowed connection element 58. The inside idler wheels 26 are rotatably
mounted to a first end of the elbowed connection element 58 while the outside
idler wheels 28 are rotatably mounted to a second end of the elbowed
connection element 58.
[0037] The rotatable connection of the outside idler wheels 28 to the
angle connection element 44 and to the elbowed connection element 58 will
now be described with reference to Figure 5.
[0038] As will easily be understood by one skilled in the art upon
inspection of Figure 5, the tension of the endless track belt 23 is adjusted
by
the connection of the outside idler wheels 28 to the elements 44 and 58. For
concision purpose, only the connection of the wheels 28 to the elbowed
connection element 58 will be described.
[0039] With reference to the enlarged side view of Figure 5, a
tension adjusting assembly according to another aspect of the present
invention will be described. As can be seen from this figure, a distal end of
the
connection element 58 includes a slotted aperture 60 receiving a fastener 62
used to rotatably mount the wheels 28 to the assembly. By sliding the fastener

62 in the aperture 60, it is possible to increase or decrease the tension on
the
track 23. To adjust and maintain this track tension, a cam element 64, having
an outer periphery provided with notches 66 located at different distances
from
the attachment point of the element 64, is mounted to the fastener 62. By
selecting which notch 66 is in contact with a fixed pin 68 of the element 58,
a
predetermined tension may be maintained. It is to be noted that the cam
element 64 is provided with a handle 70 to facilitate the manipulation by a
user.

CA 02886719 2015-03-31
9
[0040] Returning to Figure 4 of the appended drawings the endless
track 23 will be described in greater detail.
[0041] As can be seen from Figure 4, the overall profile of the track
23, from one side to the other, i.e. transversely, is generally convex.
However,
the convex profile of the track 23 is created by a lug arrangement comprising
two successive transverse rows of lugs arranged in a staggered relationship.
[0042] A first transverse row of lugs contains three lugs 72, 74 and
76 and a second row of lugs contains four lugs 78, 80, 82 and 84. These lugs
are symmetrical about a longitudinal axis (not shown).
[0043] A first lateral lug 72 of the first row includes three ground-
contacting surfaces separated by two indentations. The shape of lateral lug 72

is such that the ground contacting surfaces are generally transversally
convex.
[0044] A central lug 74 is centered about longitudinal axis and
includes two ground-contacting surfaces separated by an indentation. The
ground contacting surfaces are symmetrical about the longitudinal axis and are

generally transversally convex.
[0045] A second lateral lug 76 is a mirror image of lug 72 about the
longitudinal axis.
[0046] The first and second lateral lugs 72 and 76 are laterally
spaced apart from the central lug 74.

CA 02886719 2015-03-31
[0047] In the second transverse row of lugs, a first intermediate lug
80 includes two ground-contacting surfaces separated by an indentation. The
ground engaging surfaces are slightly transversally convex.
[0048] A first external lug 78 includes two ground-contacting
surfaces that are separated by an indentation and are transversally convex.
[0049] Finally, the second intermediate lug 82 and the second
external lug 84 are respectively mirror images of lugs 80 and 78 with respect
to
the longitudinal axis. For concision purposes, these lugs will not be further
described herein.
[0050] Of course, the sequences described hereinabove of the lug
arrangement defined by the rows of lugs are repeated onto the entire external
surface of the endless track 23.
[0051] The endless track belt 23 further includes, for each row of
lugs, a stiffening rod 71, made of glass fibers for example. Each stiffening
rod
71 is embedded in the material forming the track belt 23 so as to be generally

parallel to the inner surface 31 thereof. The rods 71 provide enhanced
rigidity
to the endless track belt 23. The enhanced rigidity of the track belt 23 has
many
advantages. For example, it helps the track to provide adequate traction even
when the center portion of the track is not in direct contact with the ground,
as
illustrated in Figure 4. However, it has been found that this type of traction
may
be detrimental to the steering of the vehicle in some conditions.
[0052] As it is apparent from Figure 4 the ground contacting surfaces
of symmetrical lugs 78 and 84 are not aligned with the outer surfaces of the
other lugs to form a continuous profile. Indeed, the ground contacting
surfaces

CA 02886719 2015-03-31
11
of lugs 78 and 84 are more angled and exceed the convex profile defined by
the other lugs. This configuration of the outer lugs is advantageous since it
further prevents the vehicle from tipping over during sharp turns at high
speed
when the vehicle 10 is severely tilted.
(0053] As mentioned hereinabove, the way the front track assembly
14 is attached to the body 12 of the vehicle 10 differs from the way the rear
track assembly 16 is attached to the body 12 of the vehicle 10. These two
attachments will be described hereinbelow.
(0054] The front track assembly 14 is attached to the body 12 of the
vehicle 10 in a fashion shown in Figures 4 and 7, while the rear track
assembly
16 is attached to the body 12 of the vehicle 10 in a fashion shown in Figure 8

and 9.
[0055] As seen in Figures 4 and 7, the front track assembly 14 is
mounted to a tubular wheel table 100 of the vehicle 10 by means of a generally

triangular plate 102 fastened thereto by a plurality of U-bolts 104, 106, 108
and
110. A rod 112 is connected between the elbowed connection element 58 and
a pivot 114 of the tubular wheel table 100. A first end of the rod 112 is
attached
to the elbowed connection element 58 by means of rubber damping elements
116, in such a way as to allow a vertical movement at this point of the rod
112
in relation to the elbowed connection element 58. A second end of the rod 112
is attached to the pivot 114 of the tubular wheel table 100 by means of an R-
clip 120, in such a way as to allow at this point a horizontal movement of the

plate 102 holding the tubular wheel table 100 relative to the elbowed
' connection element 58.

CA 02886719 2015-03-31
,
12
[0056] The front track assembly 14 is further attached to the body
12
of the vehicle 10 through a conventional rod 150 of the suspension system of
the vehicle 10 and a conventional rod 157 used for direction (see Figure 4).
[0057] As seen in Figures 8 and 9, the rear track assembly 16 is
mounted to the body 12 of the vehicle 10 by a rod 212. The rod 212 is
connected on a first end to the elbowed connection element 58' by means of a
rubber damping attachment 216. It is attached, on a second end, to a tubular
chassis 130 of the body 12 of the vehicle 10 by means of a chipping joint 132
fastened thereto by an R-clip 134.
[0058] From the above description of the fashion in which the front

and rear track assemblies 14 and 16 are mounted to the body 12 of the vehicle
10, in relation to Figures 4 and 7, and 8 and 9 respectively, the present
invention provides for track assemblies that are easily removed or mounted to
the vehicle 10, through using R-clips (120 and 134), which enable
disconnecting the track assemblies from the vehicle in a simple manner.
[0059] As stated hereinabove, the interior surface 31 of the
endless
track belt 23 is provided with a plurality of equally spaced lugs 30, which
ensure
a positive engagement with the teeth 40 provided on the outer circumference of

the wheel 24. In operation, the wheel 24 is coupled to a drive shaft, via the
hub
30, connected to an engine (not shown), in such a way that the engine drives
the wheel 24 in rotation. The wheel 24 thus drives the endless track belt 23
by
the meshing engagement of the teeth 40 with the internal lugs 30 of the
endless track belt 23.
[0080] It is further to be understood that the external lugs 32 on
the
external circumference surface of the endless track belt 23 respectively exert
a

CA 02886719 2015-03-31
13
positive mechanical connection with the underlying ground surface that
contributes to propel the vehicle 10.
[0061] Figure 10 and Figure 11 show sectional views similar to that
of Figure 4 but illustrating variants of an endless track that may be mounted
to
the track assembly of the present invention.
[0062] In Figure 10, the overall profile of the endless track belt 23a,
from one side to the other, i.e. transversely, is generally convex.
[0063] The convex profile of the endless track belt 23a is created by
the same lug arrangement as that described hereinabove in relation to Figure
4. In this specific embodiment however, the endless track bell 23a does not
include stiffening rods under each row of lugs. Consequently, the rigidity of
the
endless track belt 23a is less than the rigidity of the endless track belt 23
(Figure 4) and the profile of the endless track belt 23a conforms itself to
the
profile of the ground. Since the pressure is more localized in the center of
the
endless track belt 23a, a more punctually localized contact zone between the
endless track belt 23a and the ground 29 is created. In many cases, this
punctually localized contact zone makes the vehicle 10 more maneuverable.
[0064] Turning now to Figure 11, a third version of an endless track
belt 23b will be described. The endless track belt 23b is wounded around the
track driving wheel 24 and the idler wheels 28 and 26, is still provided with
inner lugs 30 on its inner surface 31. However, its outer surface is provided
with
rectangular lugs 86. Since there are no stiffening rods in the endless track
belt
23b, the endless track belt 23b is free to conform itself to the ground 29, as

seen in Figure 11. Furthermore, since the pressure is exerted only in the
middle

14
of the endless track belt 23b by the wide teeth 40, a punctually localized
contact
zone between the endless track belt 23b and the ground 29 is created.
[0065] As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, the endless
track
belts 23a has a particularly punctually localized contact surface with the
ground 29.
Indeed, since it is transversally convex, it generally contacts the ground 29
with a
limited surface at any given time when the ground 29 is hard.
[0066] Furthermore, since there are no guiding rails for the endless
track
belts 23, 23a or 23b, the external lugs only exert a pressure on the ground
29,
when it is hard, in the vicinity of the wide teeth 40 if the wheel 24. These
two
combined features improve the maneuverability of the vehicle since it emulates
the
contact of a conventional tire onto hard ground, given that a shortened length
of
contact of the endless track with the ground surface reduces the resistance to
a
turning force.
[0067] Of course, one skilled in the art could designed another convex

profile of the external lugs of the endless track belts 23 and/or another
arrangement of the mounting assembly of the endless track belts 23 to the
vehicle
to obtain this "one point contact" feature. For example, one could provide a
guiding rail having a convex profile and transversally convex lugs to achieve
similar
results.
[0068] As people in the art will understand, the all-terrain vehicle
of the
present invention, provided with four endless track assemblies, can be used
for a
wide range of operations and terrain, while being highly mobile and offering
good
running performance.
CA 2886719 2018-09-17

CA 02886719 2015-03-31
[0069] The endless track structure maintains an adequate
configuration over a variety of surfaces.
[0070] It will be obvious to people skilled in the art that the present
invention can be applied both in the case of a two-wheel drive vehicle wherein

the power is typically applied only to the rear track belt assemblies and the
front
track assemblies merely facilitate steering, and in the case of a four-wheel
vehicle, wherein power is independently provided to each one of the four track

assemblies.
[0071] As will be further understood by one skilled in the art, the all-
terrain vehicle 10, equipped with track assemblies according to the present
invention, may be viewed as a snow vehicle since it may be used on snow as
efficiently as conventional snow vehicles such as snowmobiles, for example.
However, the one-point contact feature of the present invention allows the use

of the all-terrain vehicle on harder surface without the usual drawbacks of
tracked vehicles.
[0072] Interestingly, the present track assembly system can equip all
four wheels of an all-terrain vehicle or only the front or rear wheels
thereof,
since it only weakly reduces the speed of the vehicle relative to the
underground surface.
[0073] A further possibility would be to use track assemblies
according to the present invention in place of the rear wheels of a vehicle,
while
mounting skis in place of the front wheels thereof.
[0074] Although the present invention has been described
hereinabove by way of preferred embodiments thereof, it can be modified,

CA 02886719 2015-07-17
16
,
without departing from the subject invention as defined in the appended
claims.

Representative Drawing