Patent attributes
An apparatus is disclosed for connecting a drive wheel axle and a track roller frame in a tracked vehicle. The apparatus includes an arm portion for attachment to the track roller frame; a yoke comprising a pivotal connection to the arm portion about a first pivot axis; a bearing housing comprising a pivotal connection to the yoke about a second pivot axis; a bearing assembly disposed adjacent the bearing housing; and a collet separated from the bearing housing by the bearing assembly, wherein the collet is configured for affixation to the drive wheel axle. A method is disclosed for accommodating forces in a vehicle on a drive wheel axle transmitted through a track roller frame, the method including providing an apparatus connecting the drive wheel axle and the track roller frame. The method further includes pivoting portions of the apparatus relative to each other about first and second pivot axes.