Abstract: A snowmobile includes a side panel that is mounted to the snowmobile's frame about a generally vertically extending side panel axis. In a closed position, the side panel protects and encloses a lateral side of the snowmobile's engine. In an open position, the side panel facilitates easy access to the engine. The side panel includes a lower leg support that includes a knee rest, a lower front leg support, and an inner leg support. The lower leg support improves the rider's comfort and ability to actively position himself on the snowmobile. The snowmobile also includes a rewind starter operatively connected to the engine. The rewind starter is accessible through a hole formed in the side panel.

Abstract: A snowmobile provided comprises a chassis including a tunnel, an engine disposed on the chassis at a forward end thereof and a seat disposed on the tunnel behind the engine. The tunnel has an upper surface and a portion extending rearwardly beyond the seat. The seat has an inclined rear end face extending upwardly and rearwardly from the upper surface of the tunnel, a cavity being defined beneath the seat between the inclined rear end face and the upper surface of the tunnel. The cavity is adapted to receive at least a portion of a transportable object therein, such that the transportable object is locatable above the tunnel at least partially beneath the seat.

Abstract: A cover assembly for covering an object subjected to an airstream due to transportation of the object in open air. The cover comprises a flexible cover adapted to fit over the object so as to conceal a portion of the object. An aperture is provided in the cover. A deflector is provided on an exterior surface of the cover and forward of the aperture with respect to a direction of transportation. The deflector is positioned such that a low pressure zone is created proximate to the aperture during transportation of the object in the direction by an airstream being deflected by the deflector, whereby air located between an interior of the cover and the object being transported exhausts through the aperture to an exterior of the cover to cause the cover to at least partially conform to the object.

Abstract: An engine control unit enablement circuit is disclosed that selectively closes a conductive path between a chargeable electrical energy source and electronics of an engine/motor. An engine position sensor provides feedback as to the rotational position of a rotating component of an engine to the enablement circuit. When the rotating component, e.g. crankshaft or flywheel, is rotating, the enablement circuit closes the conductive path and allows the transference of electrical energy from the energy source to the engine and motor electronics. Conversely, when feedback is received indicative of non-rotation of the rotating component, the enablement circuit opens the conductive path. As such, energy stored in the energy source remains stored. With a subsequent detection of rotation of the rotating component, the conductive is closed and the stored energy is allowed to pass to the engine and motor electronics thereby allowing faster powering of the engine and motor electronics.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle (“ATV”) is disclosed having a frame with front, rear, right, and left sides. The frame defines a frame centerline extending longitudinally between the front and the rear sides. The ATV includes an engine with at least one cylinder having an axis that defines an engine centerline. The all terrain vehicle also includes an output shaft defining an output shaft centerline. A continuously variable transmission (“CVT”) operatively connects the engine to the output shaft and defines a CVT centerline. The engine centerline, output shaft centerline, and CVT centerline are positioned with respect to one another and the frame centerline. In one embodiment, the engine centerline is disposed between the output shaft centerline and the CVT centerline. In this embodiment, the engine centerline also may lie between the frame centerline and the CVT centerline.

Abstract: A watercraft has a pivoting, shock absorbing component that absorbs forces applied to its hull. The watercraft includes a hull, a deck coupled to the hull, an engine, and a jet propulsion system movably coupled to the engine. In one embodiment, a forward hull portion couples to the deck and a rearward hull portion movably couples to the deck and/or the forward hull portion. The jet propulsion system mounts to the rearward hull portion, while the engine mounts to the deck. A suspension element is disposed between the hull rear portion and either the deck or the hull forward portion. In another embodiment, the hull and deck are movably coupled to each other.

Abstract: An all terrain or straddle type vehicle is provided with an air intake system having an air intake pipe with reduced length thereby avoiding unnecessary vibration which may adversely affect the fuel-to-air ratio of the engine, thereby improving engine performance. Also an inlet end of the air intake pipe is positioned so that the vehicle's capability for traversing water of a predetermined depth is improved. The height of the inlet end of the intake pipe is greater than the predetermined depth of the water to protect against water entering the air intake pipe due to encountering a water wave created in front of the vehicle that has a depth greater than the predetermined depth of the water. Additionally, openings in rear fenders of the vehicle channel intake air to both a radiator/fan assembly and the air intake system.

Abstract: A decompressor for use in an internal combustion engine is disclosed The decompressor is at least partially located within the venting passageway in response to pressure in the combustion chamber for selectively opening the venting passageway such that combustion gas located within the chamber is vented to the induction passageway. The decompressor opens the venting passageway when the engine is off and during an engine start up operation. The decompressor includes an expansible cavity operatively connected to the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. A bowl-shaped recess is constructed in the combustion face of the piston. The recess has a w-shaped cross-section. The w-shaped cross-section is unsymmetrical and has at least one side that is mostly vertical. The recess is positioned off-center in the face of the piston so that fuel that is injected into the cylinder is redirected by the recess toward a center space of the cylinder thereby improving combustion of fuel in the cylinder and preventing fuel from accumulating about a periphery of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: Combined herein are the benefits of a flat deck pontoon boat and the speed and versatility of a jet propelled watercraft. The watercraft is equipped with a propulsion source sufficient to move the watercraft at a substantial speed through the water. The seating layout on the deck provides the amenities of an extremely comfortable watercraft capable of seating multiple passengers while providing sufficient storage space for all necessary items for such a voyage. The watercraft is equipped with a substantially flat deck area with an upper bow deck and a lowered recess area which, when filled with water, provides cooling and amusement for the passengers. The watercraft is equipped with a privacy compartment or toilet, a kitchen area, and a double driver seat, which can be rotated from a relaxing position to a driving position. A rear sundeck can be converted into upright seats. Under the kitchen area an ice chest or some other item can be stowed.

Abstract: A watercraft includes a towing bar that allows the tow line connection point to move with respect to the watercraft. This movement of the point of force application reduces moments created on the watercraft resulting in pitch, yaw, and roll. The towing bar can be formed as an inverted V-shape. The towing bar can also be formed as a flexible beam that bends in the lateral direction of the object being towed. The watercraft may also include a pylon that can be moved between an operative position and a stowed position. The pylon is selectively supported on one of two longitudinally and vertically displaced mounts and at an upper lateral support member formed by the grab handle.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine for an aircraft is described. The internal combustion engine includes a crankshaft defining first and second ends, a propeller, and a transmission disposed between the first end of the crankshaft and the propeller, operatively connecting the propeller to the crankshaft. A torsion bar is disposed between the first end of the crankshaft and the transmission, operatively connecting the crankshaft to the transmission. A torsional vibration damper is operatively connected at one of the first and the second ends of the crankshaft.

Abstract: A brake system is provided for a straddle-type ATV. The brake system includes a brake caliper configured to mount to a gear box of the ATV and a brake disk configured to connect to a coupling member of the gear box coupled to a shaft and positioned in operative relation relative to the caliper. The brake system additionally includes a brake-actuating control mechanism in communication with the brake caliper. The brake-actuating control mechanism controls the brake caliper to provide selective frictional engagement between the brake caliper and the brake disk.

Abstract: The present invention provides a jet pump assembly that includes a rotatable shaft adapted to be operationally coupled to a power source. An impeller is operationally connected to the rotatable shaft. A housing surrounds at least a portion of the rotatable shaft operationally coupled to the impeller. In addition, a single bearing is disposed between the housing and the rotatable shaft, permitting rotation of the rotatable shaft therein. The bearing has at least an inner race operationally coupled to the rotatable shaft and an outer race operationally coupled to the housing. The bearing also includes at least two sets of rolling components disposed, side-by-side between the inner and outer races, permitting rotation of the inner and outer races with respect to one another.