US Patent 9346497 Variable tread width vehicle

A system and method for varying the tread width of a vehicle. The system includes extensible shafts coupled to the wheels of the vehicle. Eccentric cylinders rotate out of frictional locking engagement with the extensible shafts to allow the extensible shafts to be extended or refracted to adjust the tread width of the vehicle. The eccentric cylinders rotate into frictional locking engagement with the extensible shafts to reduce undesired travel of the extensible shafts during vehicle operation.