Patents by Inventor Richard Simard

Richard Simard has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11691701
    Abstract: A watercraft has an unsealed hull that is permeable such that, in use, water flows at least partly into an internal volume of the hull. The hull has at least one hull panel having inner and outer panel surfaces. At least one buoyant element is disposed within the internal volume of the hull. A conduit extends within the internal volume of the hull and defines at least one outlet for discharging water therethrough. An inlet connector of the conduit is configured to be connected to an external water source in order to supply water to the conduit. In response to the external water source being connected to the inlet connector, water flows through the conduit, out of the at least one outlet of the conduit, and onto at least a portion of at least one of the inner panel surface and the at least one buoyant element for rinsing thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventor: Richard Simard
  • Patent number: 11634195
    Abstract: A floor tile has arcuate slots formed on its upper surface and defined about a common center of curvature. A positioning cavity is formed on the upper surface and located radially outward from a common radius of curvature of the arcuate slots. An accessory comprises a base having a bottom section. An attachment member is pivotally mounted to the base and has two arcuate hooks extending under the bottom section of the base. A locating projection extends under the bottom section of the base, being located radially outward from a pivot axis of the attachment member. To mount the accessory on the floor tile, the arcuate hooks are received in the arcuate slots and the locating projection is received in the positioning cavity. Pivoting the attachment member causes locking or unlocking of the arcuate hooks in the arcuate slots for attaching or detaching the accessory on the floor tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Felix Dupuis, Richard Simard, Marc-Etienne Bessette
  • Patent number: 11459064
    Abstract: A method of assembling a watercraft of a family of watercraft includes, when assembling a first watercraft, attaching a front hull panel to a rear hull panel such that the front hull panel extends forwardly of the rear hull panel. The front hull panel and the rear hull panel form a hull of the first watercraft. The method also includes, when assembling the second watercraft: attaching a hull extension panel to the rear hull panel such that the hull extension panel extends forwardly of the rear hull panel; and attaching the front hull panel to the hull extension panel such that the front hull panel extends forwardly of the hull extension panel. The front hull panel, the hull extension panel and the rear hull panel form a hull of the second watercraft. The second watercraft has a second hull length greater than a first hull length of the first watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Richard Simard, Simon Erpelding
  • Patent number: 11420715
    Abstract: A watercraft includes: a central frame; a deck supported by the central frame; and first and second lateral hulls laterally spaced apart from one another, the central frame being disposed at least in part laterally between the first and second lateral hulls. Each of the lateral hulls includes: a plurality of lower hull panels mounted to the central frame, at least part of an outer surface of each lower hull panel forming a running surface of the watercraft; a plurality of braces connected between the central frame, the plurality of lower hull panels and the deck; and at least one buoyant element received in and substantially filling a space defined between the lower hull panels and the deck. Each brace includes: an inner mount connected to the central frame, a lower mount connected to at least one lower hull panel, and an upper mount connected to the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Richard Simard, Simon Erpelding
  • Publication number: 20220194530
    Abstract: A watercraft has an unsealed hull that is permeable such that, in use, water flows at least partly into an internal volume of the hull. The hull has at least one hull panel having inner and outer panel surfaces. At least one buoyant element is disposed within the internal volume of the hull. A conduit extends within the internal volume of the hull and defines at least one outlet for discharging water therethrough. An inlet connector of the conduit is configured to be connected to an external water source in order to supply water to the conduit. In response to the external water source being connected to the inlet connector, water flows through the conduit, out of the at least one outlet of the conduit, and onto at least a portion of at least one of the inner panel surface and the at least one buoyant element for rinsing thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Inventor: Richard SIMARD
  • Patent number: 10597121
    Abstract: A support structure for mounting an accessory assembly to a vehicle having a mounting surface defining a base mount and at least one brace mount includes a base having a connection portion being selectively connectable to the vehicle, and a support portion. The base is connectable to the accessory assembly. The support structure further includes a brace having a mating portion for engaging the support portion, and at least one arm extending from the mating portion toward the connection portion and away from the base when the mating portion engages the support portion. The at least one arm has a proximal end connected to the mating portion, and a distal end being spaced from the connection portion and being selectively engageable to the vehicle. The support structure further includes a lock selectively locking the mating portion to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Garrett Morgan, Marc-Etienne Bessette, Richard Simard, Simon Erpelding
  • Publication number: 20180346075
    Abstract: A support structure for mounting an accessory assembly to a vehicle having a mounting surface defining a base mount and at least one brace mount includes a base having a connection portion being selectively connectable to the vehicle, and a support portion. The base is connectable to the accessory assembly. The support structure further includes a brace having a mating portion for engaging the support portion, and at least one arm extending from the mating portion toward the connection portion and away from the base when the mating portion engages the support portion. The at least one arm has a proximal end connected to the mating portion, and a distal end being spaced from the connection portion and being selectively engageable to the vehicle. The support structure further includes a lock selectively locking the mating portion to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Garrett MORGAN, Marc-Etienne BESSETTE, Richard SIMARD, Simon ERPELDING
  • Patent number: 9365268
    Abstract: A fender for a watercraft which has an outwardly extending flange and a hole extending at least partially through the flange. The fender comprises a flexible fender body adapted to extend at least partially around the flange, and a pin extending from the fender body. The pin is adapted to be received in the hole for removably mounting the fender to the watercraft. Watercraft having fenders installed thereon and methods of installing fenders on a watercraft are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Colin Paccoud, Eric Fournier, Richard Simard
  • Patent number: 8555801
    Abstract: A watercraft has a hull and a deck disposed above the hull. A helm assembly disposed above the deck has a steering column and a handlebar. A pedestal is disposed on the deck at least in part rearwardly of the handlebar. A support structure bears the helm assembly. The support structure surrounds at least in part the steering column. The support structure has at least one rear connection portion connected to the pedestal. The support structure has at least one front connection arm connected to at least one of the deck and the hull forwardly from the at least one rear connection portion. A watercraft with a deck having at least two portions is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Rudwal, Christian Lepine, Philippe Petit, Joey Larouche, Sam Spade, Pierre Rondeau, Richard Simard, Etienne Girard, Rick Adamczyk
  • Patent number: 8491348
    Abstract: A lever position sensor assembly (90) has a main housing (92), a lever (48) pivotally connected to the housing about a first axis (100), and a lever position sensor (84). The lever has at least a portion thereof extending outside the housing. The lever position sensor has a fixed portion (120) and a pivoting portion (122). The fixed portion is connected to the housing. The pivoting portion is pivotally connected to the fixed portion about a second axis (124). The second axis is generally parallel to the first axis. The second axis is spaced from the first axis. The lever is operatively connected to the pivoting portion of the lever position sensor such that pivoting the lever about the first axis pivots the pivoting portion of the lever position sensor about the second axis. A vehicle having a lever position sensor assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Simard, Francois Giroux, Etienne Girard
  • Patent number: 8245657
    Abstract: A personal watercraft is disclosed, having a straddle-type seat disposed on a deck. The seat has a seat profile. A storage compartment is disposed rearwardly of the seat. A rear platform is pivotally connected to a rear portion of the watercraft. The rear portion has a raised portion protruding therefrom. The raised portion of the rear portion forms at least in part the storage compartment. The rear platform permits access to the storage compartment when in a raised position, and sealingly closes the storage compartment when in a lowered position. A highest point of the rear platform is disposed lower than the seat profile when the rear platform is in the lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Kim Ross, Sebastien Clement, Andre Cote, Richard Simard, Gilbert Lefrancois
  • Patent number: 8205903
    Abstract: Each side of an adjustable handlebar assembly has a hand grip assembly receiving portion having one of an elongated hollow member and an elongated member, a hand grip assembly and at least one releasable fastener. The hand grip assembly has the other of the elongated hollow member and the elongated member, and a hand grip disposed on the other of the elongated hollow member and the elongated member. The at least one releasable fastener is disposed on one of the elongated hollow member and the elongated member. The elongated member is received coaxially in the elongated hollow member. The hand grip is axially movable and pivotable relative to the hand grip assembly receiving portion. The at least one releasable fastener is operative to selectively and releasably fix the elongated member relative to the elongated hollow member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Simard, Etienne Girard, Andre Denis, Andre Cote, Steve Tetreault
  • Patent number: 8075355
    Abstract: A marine jet propulsion system has a jet pump, a venturi connected to the jet pump, and a steering nozzle rotationally mounted relative to the venturi about a first axis. The steering nozzle has a central longitudinal axis. The first axis intersects the central longitudinal axis. A first link has a first end rotationally mounted relative to the venturi about a second axis. The first link has a second end disposed generally rearwardly from the first end of the first link. A second link has a first end rotationally mounted to the first link about a third axis and a second end rotationally mounted to the steering nozzle about a fourth axis. The third axis intersects the second end of the first link. A steering arm is connected to the first link. The axes are generally parallel to each other. A watercraft having the jet propulsion system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Francois Giroux, Richard Simard, Andre Denis, Marc Schuler
  • Patent number: 7918176
    Abstract: A watercraft bumper has an elongate body. The elongate body has a generally C-shaped cross-section. A protrusion extends from one of the end portions of the cross-section and extends towards the other end portion. A watercraft having the bumper is also disclosed. The watercraft has a lip over which the bumper is disposed. The lip has a depression formed in an upper side thereof. The protrusion of the bumper is disposed in the depression and is biased against the upper side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Simard, Jonathan Lauzier
  • Publication number: 20110035039
    Abstract: A lever position sensor assembly (90) has a main housing (92), a lever (48) pivotally connected to the housing about a first axis (100), and a lever position sensor (84). The lever has at least a portion thereof extending outside the housing. The lever position sensor has a fixed portion (120) and a pivoting portion (122). The fixed portion is connected to the housing. The pivoting portion is pivotally connected to the fixed portion about a second axis (124). The second axis is generally parallel to the first axis. The second axis is spaced from the first axis. The lever is operatively connected to the pivoting portion of the lever position sensor such that pivoting the lever about the first axis pivots the pivoting portion of the lever position sensor about the second axis. A vehicle having a lever position sensor assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Richard Simard, Francois Giroux, Etienne Girard
  • Publication number: 20100327552
    Abstract: Each side of an adjustable handlebar assembly has a hand grip assembly receiving portion having one of an elongated hollow member and an elongated member, a hand grip assembly and at least one releasable fastener. The hand grip assembly has the other of the elongated hollow member and the elongated member, and a hand grip disposed on the other of the elongated hollow member and the elongated member. The at least one releasable fastener is disposed on one of the elongated hollow member and the elongated member. The elongated member is received coaxially in the elongated hollow member. The hand grip is axially movable and pivotable relative to the hand grip assembly receiving portion. The at least one releasable fastener is operative to selectively and releasably fix the elongated member relative to the elongated hollow member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Richard SIMARD, Etienne GIRARD, Andre DENIS, Andre COTE, Steve TETREAULT
  • Publication number: 20100186649
    Abstract: A personal watercraft is disclosed, having a straddle-type seat disposed on a deck. The seat has a seat profile. A storage compartment is disposed rearwardly of the seat. A rear platform is pivotally connected to a rear portion of the watercraft. The rear portion has a raised portion protruding therefrom. The raised portion of the rear portion forms at least in part the storage compartment. The rear platform permits access to the storage compartment when in a raised position, and sealingly closes the storage compartment when in a lowered position. A highest point of the rear platform is disposed lower than the seat profile when the rear platform is in the lowered position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Kim Ross, Sebastien Clement, Andre Cote, Richard Simard, Gilbert Lefrancois
  • Patent number: 7748334
    Abstract: A personal watercraft is disclosed, having a straddle-type seat disposed on a deck. The seat has a seat profile. A storage compartment is disposed rearwardly of the seat. A rear platform is pivotally connected to a rear portion of the watercraft. The rear platform is pivotable between a raised position and a lowered position. The rear platform permits access to the storage compartment when in the raised position, and sealingly closes the storage compartment when in the lowered position. The rear platform is lower than the seat profile when the rear platform is in the lowered position. A personal watercraft having left and right storage compartments and a rear channel defined therebetween, in which the rear platform extends laterally above the rear channel when in the lowered position is also disclosed. A personal watercraft with a rear platform having heel rests with angled portions is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Kim Ross, Sebastien Clement, Andre Cote, Richard Simard, Gilbert Lefrancois
  • Publication number: 20100081348
    Abstract: A marine jet propulsion system has a jet pump, a venturi connected to the jet pump, and a steering nozzle rotationally mounted relative to the venturi about a first axis. The steering nozzle has a central longitudinal axis. The first axis intersects the central longitudinal axis. A first link has a first end rotationally mounted relative to the venturi about a second axis. The first link has a second end disposed generally rearwardly from the first end of the first link. A second link has a first end rotationally mounted to the first link about a third axis and a second end rotationally mounted to the steering nozzle about a fourth axis. The third axis intersects the second end of the first link. A steering arm is connected to the first link. The axes are generally parallel to each other. A watercraft having the jet propulsion system is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Francois GIROUX, Richard SIMARD, Andre DENIS, Marc SCHULER
  • Publication number: 20100077953
    Abstract: A watercraft bumper has an elongate body. The elongate body has a generally C-shaped cross-section. A protrusion extends from one of the end portions of the cross-section and extends towards the other end portion. A watercraft having the bumper is also disclosed. The watercraft has a lip over which the bumper is disposed. The lip has a depression formed in an upper side thereof. The protrusion of the bumper is disposed in the depression and is biased against the upper side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Richard SIMARD, Jonathan LAUZIER