Abstract: A track system for use as a replacement of a steerable wheel on a normally wheeled vehicle, is configured to improve the handling of the vehicle when operated over hard surface (e.g. packed dirt, pavement, concrete, etc.). The track system generally comprises a drive wheel configured to be mounted to the vehicle, a support frame mounted to the drive wheel or to the vehicle, front and rear idler wheels respectively pivotally mounted at the front and at the rear of the support frame, road wheels pivotal mounted along the length of the support frame, and a traction band disposed about the wheels and configured to be driven by the drive wheel. The road wheels are particularly configured to improve the handling of the vehicle when the track systems are operated over hard surface.

Abstract: A frame for supporting an implement (e.g. a plow) on a vehicle is disclosed. The support frame extends longitudinally and generally comprises, at its rear end, a rear attachment mechanism for removably mounting the support frame to the underside of the vehicle, and at its front end, a front attachment assembly for supporting the implement. The frame comprises a rear section and a front section hingedly connected together such that the front section can pivot upwardly with respect to the rear section. The support frame also comprises a biasing assembly or mechanism, generally comprising a resilient member engaging the front and rear sections, such as to downwardly bias the front portion. By overcoming the downward bias of the biasing assembly, the front section can be further raised with respect to the ground surface, thereby providing greater clearance.

Abstract: A semi-generic steering knuckle adapter assembly provides predetermined attachment locations for installing a wheel-replacing track system on a steering knuckle. The adapter assembly comprises one or more customized adapting members (e.g. frame(s), plate(s)) configured to be mounted to the steering knuckle of a vehicle, and a generic supporting member (e.g. frame, plate) configured to be mounted to the adapting member(s) and comprising the predetermined attachment locations where the support frame of the track system can be releasably yet rigidly secured. By providing predetermined and preconfigured attachment locations where the wheel-replacing track system can be secured, the adapter assembly allows the track system to be mounted to the vehicle while avoiding attachment at inconvenient and/or weak locations.

Abstract: A track system for use as a wheel replacement on a vehicle comprises a first drive wheel configured to be mounted to the vehicle, a first frame pivotally yet non-drivingly mounted to the first drive wheel, a second frame mounted to the first frame, at least a second drive wheel pivotally mounted to the second frame, at least an idler wheel pivotally mounted to the second frame at a second extremity, and at least an endless traction band disposed about the second drive wheel and the idler wheel. The second drive wheel is configured to drivingly engage the traction band. The first drive wheel is operatively coupled to the second drive wheel via a transmission mechanism (e.g. a loop) such that rotation of the first drive wheel causes the rotation of the second drive wheel.

Abstract: A track system for use as a wheel replacement on typically wheeled vehicle is disclosed. The track system comprises a drive wheel configured to be mounted to the vehicle, a support frame, front and rear idler wheels respectively pivotally mounted at the front and at the rear of the support frame, road wheels pivotally mounted along the support frame between the front and read idler wheels, and an endless track mounted about the wheels. The position of the front and/or rear idler wheels is adjustable in order to modify the overall shape of the perimeter of the track system generally defined by the endless track, thereby changing the riding behavior of the track system. A method to change the position of the adjustable idler wheels is also disclosed.

Abstract: A segmented track made of a plurality of elastomeric track segments is provided. Each track segment is made of reinforced elastomeric material and is provided, at each end thereof, with a joint element adapted to be connected to the joint element of adjacent track segments. Each track segment comprises longitudinally extending reinforcing elements which are embedded into the elastomeric material and which are extending between and coupled to both joint elements.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to vehicle and machinery in agriculture, construction, forestry, mining and powersport. It further generally relates to track systems and traction assemblies used with such vehicles. The track assembly includes components having particular features that, alone or in combination, participate in decreasing the vibrations 5 undergone by the vehicle. According to embodiments, split frames are used with suspension, tandem subassemblies, “tridem subassemblies”, adjustable damping components, drive shaft openings, lowering of resulting the track band tension and rosta assemblies.

Abstract: A guide rail configured to be mounted in a track system used to support and drive an endless track comprises at least one resilient deformable portion which is rigid enough to guide the track during normal operation of the track system but which is flexible enough to temporarily deform under the impact of hard or immovable obstacles. The at least one resilient deformable portion of the guide rail can be made thinner than the remaining of the guide rail, can be made of a material more flexible than the material of the remaining of the guide rail, or both. During operation of the vehicle on which the track system is mounted, the at least one resilient deformable portion of the guide rail will allow the track system to absorb at least some shocks and vibrations without transmitting them to the vehicle and its operator.

Abstract: An attachment system for securing an accessory to a vehicle is disclosed. The attachment system generally comprises at least a locking mechanism mountable to, or integral with, the accessory, and a base mounted to, or integral with, the vehicle. The locking mechanism generally comprises an actuator configured to actuate or displace at least a pair of locking elements between an inoperative (or unlocked) position and an operative (or locked) position. The base generally comprises at least one opening configured to at least partially receive the locking mechanism. The attachment system generally allows the installation and removal of the accessory by actuating the actuator of the at least one locking mechanism.

Abstract: A track system for use as a wheel replacement on typically wheeled vehicle is disclosed. The track system comprises a drive wheel configured to be mounted to the vehicle, a support frame, front and rear idler wheels respectively pivotally mounted at the front and at the rear of the support frame, road wheels pivotally mounted along the support frame between the front and read idler wheels, and an endless track mounted about the wheels. The position of the front and/or rear idler wheels is adjustable in order to modify the overall shape of the perimeter of the track system generally defined by the endless track, thereby changing the riding behavior of the track system. A method to change the position of the adjustable idler wheels is also disclosed.

Abstract: A windshield assembly generally configured to be used on off-road vehicles such as utility-terrain vehicles (UTVs) and side-by-side vehicles (SSVs) comprises a flexible and slidable windshield panel. The windshield assembly generally comprises at least two guide rails configured to be mounted to the vehicle and more particularly to the front and top portions of the cabin structure, and a flexible windshield panel which side edges are slidably mounted to the guide rails. By virtue of its sliding engagement with the guide rails, the windshield panel can be slid between an operative position, i.e. in front of the driver, and an inoperative position, i.e. into the top of the vehicle.

Abstract: A segmented track made of a plurality of elastomeric track segments is disclosed. Each track segment is made of reinforced elastomeric material and is provided, at each end thereof, with a joint element adapted to be connected to the joint element of adjacent track segments. Each track segment generally comprises alternating series of substantially rigid sections and substantially flexible sections. The joint elements of the track segments are substantially located within rigid sections located at the extremities of the track segments. The segment track also comprises inner and outer plates configured to secure the joint elements of adjacent track segments together.

Abstract: A track system configured to be mounted to a vehicle comprises a drive wheel, a frame assembly, front and rear idler wheels respectively pivotally mounted at the front and rear extremities of the track system, road wheels pivotally mounted along the length of the track system, between the front and rear idler wheels, and an endless traction band disposed about the drive wheel, the idler wheels and the road wheels. The idler wheels and the road wheels are pivotally mounted on tandem frames such that adjacent tandem frames are overlapping. The tandem frames are pivotally mounted to the frame assembly via longitudinally spaced pivoting points.

Abstract: A system for mounting a windshield to a small vehicle such as an all-terrain vehicle (“ATV”), a utility-terrain vehicle (“UTV”), or a snowmobile comprising a pair of receiving members configured to be mounted to, or integrated with, the vehicle and a corresponding pair of mounting members mounted to, or integrated with, the windshield panel or panel assembly. The receiving member may be integrated to the lighting pod of the vehicle. The mounting members of the system are configured to be respectively releasably received into the receiving members. Each receiving member comprises a receiving cavity and at least one locking opening, and each mounting member comprises at least one resilient locking arm configured to releasably engage the at least one locking opening such that the mounting members can respectively engage the receiving members in a releasable locking engagement.

Abstract: A steering knuckle to be used with the steering assembly of a vehicle such as a farming tractor is disclosed. The steering knuckle comprises preconfigured attachment areas where attachment element(s) or bracket(s) can be releasably yet rigidly secured. The attachment areas may be further reinforced with additional knuckle material (e.g. metal, metallic alloy). The steering knuckle therefore provides predetermined and preconfigured attachment location(s) where a wheel-replacing track system can be secured, thereby allowing the track system to be mounted to the vehicle while avoiding attachment at inconvenient or weak locations.

Abstract: A segmented track made of a plurality of elastomeric track segments is provided. Each track segment is made of reinforced elastomeric material and is provided, at each end thereof, with a joint element adapted to be connected to the joint element of adjacent track segments. Each track segment comprises longitudinally extending reinforcing elements which are embedded into the elastomeric material and which are extending between and coupled to both joint elements.

Abstract: A support frame assembly for supporting a plow, or another front-mounted implement, on a small vehicle such as an all-terrain vehicle (“ATV”) is provided. The frame assembly comprises a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion is typically raised with respect to the rear portion, allowing the plow to be pivotally attached to the front of the frame assembly at a higher location. The rear portion comprises a locking mechanism allowing the frame assembly to be easily mounted to the underside of the vehicle. A releasing mechanism, operatively connected to the locking mechanism, allows for the easy removal of the frame assembly from the vehicle.

Abstract: A steering knuckle to be used with the steering assembly of a vehicle such as a farming tractor is disclosed. The steering knuckle comprises several preconfigured attachment areas where attachment element(s) or bracket(s) can be releasably yet rigidly secured. The attachment areas may be further reinforced with additional knuckle material (e.g. metal, metallic alloy). The steering knuckle therefore provides predetermined and preconfigured attachment locations where a wheel-replacing track system can be secured, thereby allowing the track system to be mounted to the vehicle while avoiding attachment at inconvenient or weak locations.

Abstract: A semi-generic underframe assembly configured to be mounted to an underside of a vehicle is disclosed. The underframe assembly provides preconfigured mounting locations where track systems used to replace wheels can be properly mounted. The underframe assembly comprises at least one customized adapter frame particularly configured to be mounted at specific locations on the underside of a specific model of vehicle, and at least one generic adapter frame configured to be mounted to the customized adapter frame, the at least one generic adapter frame generally comprising the preconfigured mounting locations. The underframe assembly generally allows track systems to be mounted to the vehicle while avoiding attachment at inconvenient and/or weak locations.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to track systems and traction assemblies for use as wheel replacement for normally wheeled vehicles. The track system uses a traction band disposed about a sprocket wheel, idler wheels and road wheels for propulsion. The idler wheels and road wheels are typically pivotally mounted to a support frame, itself configured to be coupled to the sprocket wheel via a support member. The track system also comprises a movement limiting link mounted both to the support member and to the vehicle frame. The movement limiting link limits longitudinal and lateral movements of the track system, such as to prevent contact between the track system and the vehicle.