Apex Track Shoe and Method for Making the Same

Apex-type track shoes are oftentimes employed in the endless track assemblies of a track-type vehicle to increase the tractive capabilities of the vehicle, particularly when it is operated over "soft" soils. Conventional track shoes of this type, having a triangular cross section, normally comprise a separate base and a V-shaped track plate secured to the base by a pair of welds. The welds are subjected to severe loading during operation of the vehicle and thus must exhibit a high degree of structural integrity.

The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the above problems as set forth above.

In one aspect of this invention, an improved track shoe comprises a base having a pair of sidewalls formed integrally thereon. The sidewalls terminate at adjacent edge portions which may be welded together and a lug is formed on each lateral side of the base to extend outwardly therefrom. In another aspect of this invention, the track shoe has a substantially uniform cross section and the edge portions of the sidewalls define a V-shaped groove having a weld deposited therein for securing the sidewalls together. In carrying forth the method for making the track shoe, a blank is first formed to comprise the base and sidewalls and the sidewalls are bent towards each other to form a hollow track shoe and may be welded together.

Other objects of this invention will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view partially illustrating a track shoe embodying this invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a blank employed to form the FIG. 1 track shoe; and

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the track shoe and form rollers employed to bend sidewalls thereof towards each other.

FIG. 1 partially illustrates a track shoe 10, having a triangular cross section, comprising a substantially flat base 11 having a pair of sidewalls 12 and 13 formed integrally with the base. The sidewalls extend away from the base and towards each other in converging relationship to terminate at closely adjacent end portions defining an apex portion of the track shoe. End edges of the sidewall define a V-shaped trough 14 therebetween, having a continuous weld 15 deposited therein to preferably secure the sidewalls together. Alternatively, the sidewalls could be maintained and utilized in unsecured relationship without the use of the weld or other suitable securing means.

A plurality of reinforcing bosses 16 are formed integrally on an interior surface of base 11 of the track shoe and a bore 17 is formed through each of the bosses and the base to adapt it for reception of a bolt 18. The bolt is utilized to secure the track shoe to a track link of an endless track assembly (not shown) of a track-type vehicle in a conventional manner. A plurality of access openings 19 are formed through sidewalls 12 and 13 to each overlie a respective bore 17 to provide access to the head of a bolt 18 whereby a workman can readily secure the track shoe to the endless track assembly.

The method for making the track shoe will now be described. FIG. 2 illustrates a generally U-shaped blank comprising a prefabricated base 11' and upstanding sidewalls 12' and 13', disposed in perpendicular relationship relative to the base. Although the blank is preferably cast in a conventional manner to provide bosses 16, it should be understood that the blank could likewise be roll-formed or extruded in a conventional manner. The blank is further formed with a pair of integral lugs 20 and 21, disposed on opposite sides of base 11'. The lugs of each adjacent pair of track shoes of an endless track assembly will function in a conventional manner to continuously overlap each other during operation thereof.

Referring to FIG. 3, a pair of form rollers 22 and 23, suitably movably mounted in a conventional forming apparatus, are adapted to gradually bend and form sidewalls 12' and 15' into their final configuration whereby the track shoe exhibits a triangular cross section. Alternatively, a plurality of such rollers disposed at gradually increased inclinations relative to the line of flight of the track shoe blank could be employed to effect the bending step. Subsequent to such forming operation, it should be understood that bores 17 and access openings 110 may be suitably formed in the blank.

Upon final bending of sidewalls 12 and 17 to their FIG. 3 dispositions to place edges 14 thereof in close proximity, weld 15 (FIG. 1) may be deposited in V-shaped groove 14, defined by such edges, to secure the sidewalls together as suggested above, the weld could be omitted to maintain the sidewalls in unsecured relationship relative to each other. The completed track shoe is thus adapted for securance to the link assembly of an endless track assembly by means of bolts 18 and nuts (not shown) threadably mounted thereon.