Abstract: A mounting system for mounting an accessory to a vehicle is disclosed. The mounting system generally comprises a receiving hub configured to be secured to the vehicle, typically to the handlebar thereof, and a mounting element, mounted to, or integral with, the accessory, configured to be releasably received into the receiving hub. The receiving hub generally comprises an internal receiving cavity configured to receive a male portion of the mounting element.

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 wheel replacement on typically wheeled vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles (ATV) or farming equipments, having more than four wheels, is disclosed. The track system described provides independent suspension elements for at least two traction wheels.

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 system and a method for controllably tensioning a traction band mounted to a traction assembly, and a traction assembly comprising such a system, are disclosed. The system is typically mounted at the front or at the rear of the support frame of the traction assembly such as to support one or more idler wheels. The tensioning system generally comprises a clamping ring assembly having received therein a rotatable cylindrical member. The cylindrical member supports an axle which is eccentrically located with respect to the center axis of the cylindrical member, and which pivotally supports one or more idler wheels. By rotating the cylindrical member within the clamping ring assembly using a torquing tool, the tension of the traction band about the wheels (i.e. drive wheel, idler wheels, and support wheels) of the traction assembly can be controllably adjusted.

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 plow substantially made from polymeric material is generally configured to be used with all-terrain vehicles (“ATV”) or other similar vehicles. The design and shape of the plow generally cause the snow to move toward the middle of the plow instead of being pushed out of the snow removal path or toward the sides of the plow.

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 system for mounting a windshield to a small vehicle such as an all-terrain vehicle (“ATV”), a utility-terrain vehicle (“UTV”), or a snowmobile, is disclosed. The system typically comprises a pair of receiving members configured to be mounted to, or integrated with, the vehicle, typically the lighting pod thereof, and a corresponding pair of mounting members mounted to, or integrated with, the windshield panel or panel assembly. The mounting members 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 system for mounting a windshield to a small vehicle such as an all-terrain vehicle (“ATV”), a utility-terrain vehicle (“UTV”), or a snowmobile is disclosed. The system typically comprises a pair of receiving elements, each of them configured to be secured to the vehicle, typically the handlebar(s) thereof, and a corresponding pair of mounting elements secured to a windshield panel or panel assembly and configured to be respectively releasably received in the receiving elements. Each receiving element comprises a rotatable cam and each mounting element comprises a groove on an outwardly extending protrusion such that the cams can selectively engage the grooves in a locking engagement when the mounting elements are received in the receiving elements.

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 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: An attachment system for securing an accessory (e.g. a bumper) to a vehicle (e.g. an all-terrain vehicle) is disclosed. The attachment system generally comprises at least one locking mechanism mounted to, or integral with, the accessory, and at least one receiving member, mounted to, on integral with, the vehicle. The locking mechanism generally comprises an actuator configured to actuate or displace at least one locking arm between an inoperative (or unlocked) position and an operative (or locked) position. The receiving member generally comprises at least one opening configured to receive therein at least a portion of 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 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 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 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: This invention generally relates to the configuration of the inner surface of a traction band which increases the protection of the embedded reinforcing elements without reducing the flexibility of the band or increasing the generation of heat. The outer surface of the band generally comprises a plurality traction lugs while the inner surface generally comprises a plurality of drive and/or guide lugs. According to the present invention, each group of traction lugs, drive lugs and guide lugs, which are generally laterally aligned, defines generally non-flexible lug areas and each of these lug areas are separated by flexible and generally lug-less hinge areas. The lug areas, on the inner surface thereof, further comprise projections located between the drive lugs and the guide lugs and along the wheel paths defined therebetween.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for limiting the displacement of a track system mounted to the axle of a vehicle. The assembly generally comprises an anchor bracket and a stabilizing rod. The anchor bracket is configured to be fixedly mounted to the chassis of the vehicle whereas the stabilizing rod is pivotally and slidingly mounted, at one end, to the anchor bracket, and generally only pivotally mounted, at the other end, to the track system. While allowing limited rotation, the limiting assembly generally prevents excessive rotation of the track system about the axle.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a wheel replacing traction assembly which uses, for propulsion, a longitudinally extending endless track disposed around and cooperating with a sprocket wheel, idler and road wheels, and a guide rail.

Abstract: This invention relates to an endless traction band that is used to propel tracked vehicles and, more particularly, to an improved traction band made from a polymer adapted to travel over a drive sprocket, a plurality of guide wheels and a tension wheel. The inner surface of the endless traction band includes a different lug configuration which allows for the endless traction band to be installed more efficiently on a tracked vehicle.