Description:FORM 2

THE PATENT ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10, Rule 13)

TITLE: ROLLER REPLACEMENT SUPPORT TOOL

NAME AND ADRESS OF APPLICANT:
TATA STEEL LIMITED,
Jamshedpur, 831001, Jharkhand, India
Nationality: Indian

The following specification particularly describes the nature of the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a roller replacement support tool and more particularly, to the roller replacement support tool to replace/remove rollers associated with tracks of a tracked vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[0002] A tracked vehicle such as track-type tractor or track-type excavator, is typically supported and propelled by a pair of track assemblies. Each of the pair of track assemblies include endless track chain interconnected by links/or connectors. The endless track chain is entrained about a drive sprocket, an idler roller, and a series of track rollers. These rollers require regular repair/maintenance and/or replacement as substantial weight of the tracked vehicle is supported on these rollers.
[0003] Repair/maintenance and/or replacement these rollers is a risky job as weight of each of these rollers is around 220 Kgs and usually requires several hours’ time by workmen with jacks and blocks, if only one roller is to be changed. Conventional changing process of these rollers involves the use of cranes and forklift trucks. Even with the help of crane when the roller is fitted/removed, the roller remains in a hanging position, and fitting technician with help of his hands removes/inserts the bolts, there is always a risk of potential injury. Even with forklift as shown in Figure 1 the rollers can either be placed directly on the forks or on a flatbed attachment. However, the drawback of using forklift truck is that cordless impact wrench cannot be used as the required space is blocked due to fork attachments. Also, while using forklifts the roller needs to be centered by pulling and pushing the rollers with bare hands. This process requires great physical strength and skill. There is always a chance of slippage of the roller from the fork attachment which can cause serious injury to the persons centering the roller. Therefore, there is a requirement for a tool whereby it becomes easier to repair/maintenance and/or replace these rollers.
OBJECTIVE OF INVENTION
[0004] It is an object of the invention to provide a roller replacement support tool to replace/remove rollers associated with tracks of a tracked vehicle.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0005] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to roller replacement support tool. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, a roller replacement support tool for removing or replacing a roller of a track assembly is provided. The roller replacement support tool comprises a base member having a first attachment member. The roller replacement support tool also comprises a chain link mechanism including a base end and a distal end. The base end is pivotably coupled to the first attachment member of the base member. The roller replacement support tool further comprises a roller holding member rotatably coupled to distal end of the chain link mechanism. The chain link mechanism facilitates movement of the roller holding member relative to base member.
[0007] In an embodiment, the base member is configured to be removably coupled to a fork of a forklift.
[0008] In an embodiment, the chain link mechanism comprises a plurality of chain members and a plurality of connecting members. The plurality of chain members comprise multiple pair of links, where the links of each respective pair are spaced apart from each other.
[0009] In an embodiment, the chain link mechanism comprises a joining member for allowing rotatory motion of the roller holding member relative to the distal end of the chain link mechanism in every direction about a vertical axis.
[0010] In an embodiment, a locking member made of steel is used to restrict the movement of the chain link mechanism.
[0011] In an embodiment, the base member, the chain link mechanism, and the roller holding member are made of steel.
[0012] In an embodiment, the roller holding member is a substantially U-shaped member configured to hold the roller of the track assembly.
[0013] In an embodiment, the roller holding member includes a pair of U-profile holding brackets, a flat portion, and a rotary portion.
[0014] In another aspect of the present invention, a roller replacement support tool for removing or replacing a roller of a track assembly is provided. The roller replacement support tool comprises a base member and a chain link mechanism pivotably coupled to the base member. The roller replacement support tool also comprises a roller holding member rotatably coupled to the chain link mechanism. The chain link mechanism facilitates movement of the roller holding member relative to base member.
[0015] Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Figure 1 illustrates an image of replacement/removal of a roller from a track of a tracked vehicle using a forklift (known in the art).
[0017] Figure 2 illustrates a track assembly of a track type vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] Figure 3 illustrates a top view of a roller replacement support tool comprising a base member, a chain link mechanism and a roller holding member, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] Figure 4 illustrates a front view of the roller replacement support tool, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the roller replacement support tool, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] Figure 6a, and 6b illustrates a base member of the roller replacement support tool, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] Figure 7a, and 7b illustrates a chain link mechanism of the roller replacement support tool, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] Figure 8a, 8b, and 8c illustrate a roller holding member of the roller replacement support tool, according to an embodiment of the present invention
[0024] Figure 9a, 9b, and 9c illustrate a locking member of the roller replacement support tool, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] Figure 10 illustrates a contracted position of the roller replacement support tool, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0026] Figure 11 illustrates an extended position of the roller replacement support tool, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0029] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0030] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
[0031] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0033] Figure 2 illustrates a track assembly (100) of a track-type vehicle (not shown) including, but not limited to track-type tractor, skid steer loader, bulldozer, excavator, backhoe excavator etc. The track assembly (100) may be a standard track drive system known in the art and includes a track (103), a roller frame (107), a drive sprocket (108) and one or more idler pulleys (109) pivotally connected thereto. The track (103) is supported by the drive sprocket (108) and idler pulley (109). The track assembly (100) comprises a plurality of rollers (102, 104) including an upper roller (102) and a lower roller (104). Track rollers (102, 104) pivotally connected to the roller frame (107) support the track-type vehicle on the work surface. During operation of the track-type vehicle, these track rollers (102, 104) of the track assembly (100) gets damaged and are to either repaired or replaced.
[0034] Figure 3 illustrates a roller replacement support tool (110), according to an embodiment of the present invention. The roller replacement support tool (110) is configured to be removably coupled to a fork of a forklift to remove and/or replace the rollers (102, 104) of a track assembly (100) during maintenance or removal.
[0035] Referring to Figure 3, 4, and 5, the roller replacement support tool (110) comprises a base member (112), a chain link mechanism (114), and a roller holding member (116). The base member (112) is configured to be removably coupled to the fork of the forklift. The base member (112) (shown in Figure 6a and 6b) is a substantially rectangular hollow member. In the illustrated example, the base member (112) is coupled to the fork using a plurality of screws (121). The base member (112) having a first attachment member (113). In an embodiment, the base member (112) is made of steel. Alternatively, the base member (112) may be made of cast iron, alloy, fiber reinforced plastic etc., without limiting the scope of the invention.
[0036] The chain link mechanism (114) (shown in Figures 7a and 7b) facilitates movement of the roller holding member (116) relative to base member (112). The chain link mechanism (114) including a base end (114a) and a distal end (114b) (shown in Figure 3). The base end (114a) is pivotably coupled to the first attachment member (113) of the base member (112). The chain link mechanism (114) comprises the joining member (118) (shown in Figure 5) provided at distal end (114b). The chain link mechanism (114) comprises a plurality of chain members (115a, 115b, 115c, 115d) and a plurality of connecting members (117a, 117b, 117c, 117d) (shown in Figure 5). In the illustrated example, the chain link mechanism (114) comprises four chain members (115a, 115b, 115c, 115d) and four connecting members (117a, 117b, 117c, 117d). Alternatively, the chain link mechanism (114) comprise one or chain members (115a, 115b, 115c, 115d) and one or more connecting members (117a, 117b, 117c, 117d), without limiting the scope of the invention. The plurality of chain members (115a, 115b, 115c, 115d) comprise multiple pair of links, where the links of each respective pair are spaced apart from each other. In the one example, each of the link is made of materials such as steel, cast iron, alloy materials, or fiber reinforced plastic (FRP).
[0037] In the illustrated example, the chain member (115a) is coupled to the first attachment member (113) via the connecting member (117a). The chain member (115a) is coupled to the chain member (115b) via the connecting member (117b). The chain member (115b) is coupled to the chain member (115c) via the connecting member (117c). The chain member (115c) is coupled to the chain member (115d) via the connecting member (117d). The joining member (118) is provided on the chain member (115d).
[0038] The roller replacement support tool (110) comprises the roller holding member (116) (shown in Figures 8a, 8b, and 8c). The roller holding member (116) is rotatably coupled to distal end (114b) of the chain link mechanism (114). More particularly, the roller holding member (116) is rotatably coupled to the joining member (118) (shown in Figure 5). The joining member (118) allows rotatory motion of the roller holding member (116) relative to the distal end of the chain link mechanism (114) in every direction about a vertical axis (X-X’). In the illustrated example, the roller holding member (116) is made of steel, without any limitations. Alternatively, the roller holding member (116) may be made from materials, including, but not limited to cast iron, alloy materials, fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) without limitations.
[0039] Referring to Figures 4, 8a, 8b, and 8c, the roller holding member (116) is a substantially U-shaped member configured to hold the roller (102, 104) of the track assembly (100). The roller holding member (116) includes a pair of U-profile holding brackets (125), a flat portion (126), and a rotary portion (127). The flat portion (126) is disposed between the U-profile holding brackets (125) and the rotary portion (127) extends from bottom of the flat portion (126) (shown in Figure 4).
[0040] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, a retracted and an extended position of the roller replacement support tool (110) are depicted. In the retracted position (as shown in Figure 10), the plurality of chain members (115a, 115b, 115c, 115d) move relative to the plurality of connecting members (117a, 117b, 117c) and contracts the chain link mechanism (114), thereby reducing the distance between the roller holding member (116) and the base member (112). In the extended position (as shown in Figure 11), the plurality of chain members (115a, 115b, 115c, 115d) move relative to the plurality of connecting members (117a, 117b, 117c) and extends the chain link mechanism (114) to reach the maximum distance.
[0041] Referring to Figures 9a, 9b, and 9c, the roller replacement support tool (110) comprises a locking member (120). The locking member (120) is configured to restrict the movement of the chain link mechanism (114). In the illustrated example, the locking member (120) is made of steel. In another example, the locking member (120) may be made of aluminium, alloy materials, cast iron, fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), without limiting the scope of the invention.
[0042] A steel washer (129) (shown in Figure 4) is used to couple the rotary portion (127) to the joining member (118). Additional members (not shown) may be used to couple the pair of U-profile holding brackets (125) to provide additional rigidity to hold the roller, without limiting the scope of the invention.
[0043] The present invention relates to the roller replacement support tool (110) for removing or replacing the roller (102, 104) of the track assembly (100). The roller holding member (116) of the roller replacement support tool (110) facilitates holding of the roller (102, 104) during the replacement/repair of the roller. The roller holding member (116) keeps the roller (102, 104) intact and there is no chance of slippage ensuring complete safety. Further as the roller holding member (116) moves relative to base member (112) coupled to at least one fork of the forklift and there is enough space to utilize cordless impact wrench. The rotary portion (127) allows the rotation of the roller holding member (116) about the joining member (118), thereby facilitating alignment during the attachment and detachment of the roller (102, 104) to the roller frame (107). As it facilitates in alignment the roller replacement support tool (110) eliminates potential injury and skill requirement of the maintenance person. Further, the design of roller replacement support tool (110) is ergonomically safe and economic. It saves the time during attachment of the roller (102, 104) to the roller frame (107) as lot of time goes in ensuring alignment if done visually.
[0044] The track assembly (100) illustrated herein is a low sprocket-type undercarriage, but those skilled in the art will understand that the concepts disclosed herein may be implemented in other types of track assemblies such as elevated sprocket undercarriages, without limiting the scope of the invention.
[0045] Furthermore, the terminology used herein is for describing embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.
[0046] The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.
[0047] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
, Claims:CLAIMS
We claim:
1. A roller replacement support tool (110) for removing or replacing a roller (102, 104) of a track assembly (100), the roller replacement support tool (110) comprising:
a base member (112) having a first attachment member (113);
a chain link mechanism (114) including a base end (114a) and a distal end (114b), wherein the base end (114a) is pivotably coupled to the first attachment member (113) of the base member (112); and
a roller holding member (116) rotatably coupled to distal end (114b) of the chain link mechanism (114), wherein the chain link mechanism (114) facilitates movement of the roller holding member (116) relative to base member (112).
2. The roller replacement support tool (110) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the base member (112) is configured to be removably coupled to a fork of a forklift.
3. The roller replacement support tool (110) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the chain link mechanism (114) comprises a plurality of chain members (115a, 115b, 115c, 115d) and a plurality of connecting members (117a, 117b, 117c), wherein the plurality of chain members (115a, 115b, 115c, 115d) comprise multiple pair of links, where the links of each respective pair are spaced apart from each other.
4. The roller replacement support tool (110) as claimed in the claim 3, wherein the chain link mechanism (114) comprises a joining member (118) for allowing rotatory motion of the roller holding member (116) relative to the distal end of the chain link mechanism (114) in every direction about a vertical axis.
5. The roller replacement support tool (110) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein a locking member (120) made of steel is used to restrict the movement of the chain link mechanism (114).
6. The roller replacement support tool (110) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the base member (112), the chain link mechanism (114) and the roller holding member (116) are made of steel.
7. The roller replacement support tool (110) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the roller holding member (116) is a substantially U-shaped member configured to hold the roller (102, 104) of the track assembly (100).
8. The roller replacement support tool (110) as claimed in the claim 7, wherein the roller holding member (116) includes a pair of U-profile holding brackets (125), a flat portion (126), and a rotary portion (127).
9. A roller replacement support tool (110) for removing or replacing a roller (102, 104) of a track assembly (100), the roller replacement support tool (110) comprising:
a base member (112);
a chain link mechanism (114) pivotably coupled to the base member (112); and
a roller holding member (116) rotatably coupled to the chain link mechanism (114), wherein the chain link mechanism (114) facilitates movement of the roller holding member (116) relative to base member (112).

Dated this 22nd day of September 2022

Gopinath Arenur Shankararaj
IN/PA 1852
OF K&S PARTNERS
AGENT FOR THE APPLICANT