Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) has a frame having front and rear ends, an internal combustion engine connected to the frame, the engine including a front portion and a rear portion, a single cylinder defining a cylinder axis, an air intake port defined in the front portion facing towards the front end of the frame, and an exhaust port defined in the rear portion facing towards the rear end of the frame. The ATV further has an exhaust assembly fluidly connected to the exhaust port. The exhaust assembly extends from the engine towards the rear end of the frame. The ATV further has a continuously variable transmission operatively connected to the engine, which includes a primary pulley being operatively connected to the engine, a secondary pulley, a drive belt looped around the primary and secondary pulleys, and a housing enclosing the primary pulley, the secondary pulley, and the drive belt.

Abstract: A method for controlling engine braking in a vehicle comprises: determining a position of a throttle operator; determining a speed of the vehicle; and determining an engine braking mode selected. In response to the position of the throttle operator being a fully released position and the selected braking mode being a first engine braking mode: controlling an engine and a position of a throttle valve according to the first engine braking mode for applying a first level of engine braking. In response to the position of the throttle operator being the fully released position and the selected braking mode being the second engine braking mode: controlling the engine and the position of the throttle valve according to the second engine braking mode based at least on the speed of the vehicle for applying a second level of engine braking. A vehicle implementing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for controlling engine braking in a vehicle comprises: determining a position of a throttle operator; determining a speed of the vehicle; and determining an engine braking mode selected. In response to the position of the throttle operator being a fully released position and the selected braking mode being a first engine braking mode: controlling an engine and a position of a throttle valve according to the first engine braking mode for applying a first level of engine braking. In response to the position of the throttle operator being the fully released position and the selected braking mode being the second engine braking mode: controlling the engine and the position of the throttle valve according to the second engine braking mode based at least on the speed of the vehicle for applying a second level of engine braking. A vehicle implementing the method 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: 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 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: 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: The field-repair assembly is used for temporarily repairing a ruptured or otherwise damaged elastomeric track mounted on a vehicle and generally allows the vehicle to proceed, preferably on its own, to a maintenance site located nearby where replacement or permanent repair of the track can be undertaken. The assembly comprises a plurality of spaced-apart and generally parallel support members, each of which being generally transversely disposed on the ground engaging outer surface of the track. The transverse members are secured to each side of the track via retention brackets. The transverse members are further linked together via flexible cables which are fixedly mounted to retention brackets. The assembly further comprises a bridging element generally mounted to a subset of the transverse members. The bridging element is generally located over the damaged area of the track and on the outer surface thereof for providing continuity and support to the damaged track.

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 traction chain assembly for providing improved traction to elastomeric tracks is provided. The traction chain assembly comprises two side brackets adapted to be mounted on each side of the track and generally to the drive lugs thereof. The traction chain assembly further comprises generally two laterally extending chains which are attached to the side brackets and which further extend at least partially over the traction lugs located on the outer surface of the track and over which the assembly is disposed. Some of the chain links of the chains of the traction chain assembly are also generally equipped with outwardly projecting grousers for increasing the traction thereof.

Abstract: A deflector for reducing the ingestion of snow and/or other debris in one of the sprocket wheel and the idler wheel area of a vehicle equipped with endless tracks is provided. The deflector generally comprises a rigid plate associated with the vehicle and positioned near the sprocket wheel or the idler wheel thereof, and a resilient pad having an upper portion coupled with the rigid plate and a lower portion freely extending from the upper portion and extending toward the inner surface of the track to limit the ingestion of snow and/or other debris in the sprocket wheel or idler wheel area of the vehicle during its operation. The lower portion of the resilient pad is generally provided with reinforcing elements which allow the resilient pad to be essentially rigid in the direction of ingestion yet pivotable in the opposite direction.

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.

Abstract: The field-repair assembly is used for temporarily repairing a ruptured or otherwise damaged elastomeric track mounted on a vehicle and generally allows the vehicle to proceed, preferably on its own, to a maintenance site located nearby where replacement or permanent repair of the track can be undertaken. The assembly comprises a plurality of spaced-apart and generally parallel support members, each of which being generally transversely disposed on the ground engaging outer surface of the track. The transverse members are secured to each side of the track via retention brackets. The transverse members are further linked together via flexible cables which are fixedly mounted to retention brackets. The assembly further comprises a bridging element generally mounted to a subset of the transverse members. The bridging element is generally located over the damaged area of the track and on the outer surface thereof for providing continuity and support to the damaged track.

Abstract: A traction chain assembly for providing improved traction to elastomeric tracks is provided. The traction chain assembly comprises two side brackets adapted to be mounted on each side of the track and generally to the drive lugs thereof. The traction chain assembly further comprises generally two laterally extending chains which are attached to the side brackets and which further extend at least partially over the traction lugs located on the outer surface of the track and over which the assembly is disposed. Some of the chain links of the chains of the traction chain assembly are also generally equipped with outwardly projecting grousers for increasing the traction thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device to deflect debris and to reduce the accumulation thereof in the guide lug receiving space defined between the inner and outer portions of a wheel of a tracked vehicle. The device generally comprises a resilient band structure having a loop or collar portion partially disposed around the wheel of the vehicle and inside the guide lug receiving space thereof, a connecting portion adapted to be mounted into a support element fixed to the tracked vehicle and located about the wheel, and a deflecting portion extending between the loop portion and the connecting portion. The loop portion at least partially embraces the wheel and generally remains in a slipping contact therewith in order to support the deflecting portion. The deflecting portion effectively deflects debris away from the guide lug receiving space of the wheel and also prevents excessive accumulation of debris therein.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device to deflect debris and to reduce the accumulation thereof in the guide lug receiving space defined between the inner and outer portions of a wheel of a tracked vehicle. The device generally comprises a resilient band structure having a loop or collar portion partially disposed around the wheel of the vehicle and inside the guide lug receiving space thereof, a connecting portion adapted to be mounted into a support element fixed to the tracked vehicle and located about the wheel, and a deflecting portion extending between the loop portion and the connecting portion. The loop portion at least partially embraces the wheel and generally remains in a slipping contact therewith in order to support the deflecting portion. The deflecting portion effectively deflects debris away from the guide lug receiving space of the wheel and also prevents excessive accumulation of debris therein.

Abstract: A deflector for reducing the ingestion of snow and/or other debris in one of the sprocket wheel and the idler wheel area of a vehicle equipped with endless tracks is provided. The deflector generally comprises a rigid plate associated with the vehicle and positioned near the sprocket wheel or the idler wheel thereof, and a resilient pad having an upper portion coupled with the rigid plate and a lower portion freely extending from the upper portion and extending toward the inner surface of the track to limit the ingestion of snow and/or other debris in the sprocket wheel or idler wheel area of the vehicle during its operation. The lower portion of the resilient pad is generally provided with reinforcing elements which allow the resilient pad to be essentially rigid in the direction of ingestion yet pivotable in the opposite direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a deflector reducing debris, snow and soft soil ingestion in a sprocket or idler area of a vehicle equipped with tracks. The deflector comprises a rigid plate associated with this vehicle and a resilient pad which has an upper part customized to be in the conjunction with the rigid plate and a lower part freely extended from the upper part to limit the ingestion of debris in a sprocket or idler area in a driving condition of the vehicle. The resilient pad preferably has a plurality of longitudinal reinforcing elements which are projected from at least one of its surfaces.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device to reduce and preferably avoid the accumulation of snow, ice, mud, soil and other debris in the idler and/or sprocket wheels of tracked vehicles. The device comprises a support adjustably associated with the tracked vehicle and having a fastening located about the track wheel, a band having a connecting part customized to be adjustably secured by the fastening into position about the track wheel and a collar part freely extending from the connecting part and at least partially embracing the wheel for remaining in a constant slipping contact or near contact with at least part of the wheel to reduce the packing of snow, ice, mud, soil or other debris in the idler and/or sprocket wheels.

Abstract: The driving pulley (12) is used in a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and comprises two flanges (22,24) around which a drivebelt (20) is partially wound. The first flange (22) is fixed in translation with reference to the drive shaft (16) while the second flange (24) is movable, with reference to the first flange (22), between a distal position and a proximal position. The driving pulley (12) is provided with an arrangement which allows the return force on the second flange (24) to be maximum when the second flange (24) is at the distal position, and minimum when the second flange (24) is at the proximal position. The driving pulley (12) is also capable of being disengaged from the drivebelt (20) at a low rotation speed. This driving pulley (12) is particularly well adapted for use on a scooter.