An endless track assembly that mounts to a wheeled vehicle. The assembly
provides 1) a track suspension having fixed or adjustable, independently
biased sets of idler wheels to vary the track contour without affecting
track tension, 2) an eccentric bearing housing at a drive sprocket
controls track tension, 3) a contoured peripheral edge at the drive
sprocket prevents ice and mud buildup, 4) rubber-coated, plastic idler
wheels facilitate track movement, 5) a multi-vehicle compatible adapter
mounting plate accommodates a variety of vehicles, 6) a rotation limited
torsion coupler and/or rotation limiting coupler arms prevent track
contact with the vehicle, 7) a locking steering arm coupler prevents loss
of steering control, 8) shaped track lugs and channels clear and direct
debris away from the track suspension and drive assembly, and 9) a
center, spring biased coupling suspension stabilizes and enhances the
contour following and load handling capabilities in the center region of
the track. The improved suspension particularly supports sets of idler
wheels in pivotal relation to the track support frame and resiliently
biases a pre-tensioned rocker arm that links adjacent suspension arms
mounted to the adjoining idler wheels. Suspension arm movement induces
expansion and contraction of tension springs coupled to the rocker arms
to augments shape changes at the track contact surface to optimize
traction and steering control.