Abstract: A method of using an apparel power system is disclosed. The method uses an apparel accessory to be powered and an apparel adaptor to create an electrical contact between a vehicle and the apparel accessory. The apparel power system provides a source of electrical energy for electrically powered accessories attached or integrated to the apparel accessory worn by the user of the vehicle without requiring the use of wires and plugs connections between the user and the vehicle. Contact between connecting elements of each of the apparel accessory, apparel adaptor and vehicle allow the electrical power to be transmitted between the vehicle to the apparel accessory and thereof the electrically powered accessories.

Abstract: Systems and methods for distributing one or more products are described herein. The systems include at least one communication network; a distribution server and a device for refilling a container with the one or more products. The device includes a supply tank configured to retain the one or more products; a sensor configured to detect a level of the one or more products in the supply tank; a device communication interface operable to communicate with the distribution server; and a device processing unit. The device processing unit is operable to: receive a signal from the sensor indicating the level of the one or more products, determine whether the level is below a minimum threshold level; when the level is below the minimum threshold level, generate a request for a distributor to distribute more of the one or more products to the device; and communicate the request to the distribution server.

Abstract: An apparel power system and method of using such system is disclosed. The power system provides a source of electrical energy for electrically powered accessories attached or integrated to apparel worn by the user of a vehicle without requiring the use of wires and plugs connections between the user and the vehicle. The vehicle may be a snowmobile, ATV, UTV, motorcycle, watercraft and the like. The electrical power of the vehicle is transferred from the steering means such as a steering wheel or handlebars to a handwear such as a glove or mitt or a wearable adaptor.

Abstract: A system and a method for sawing control joints in concrete barriers is provided. The system includes a barrier mounting frame slidably mountable about the barrier, on the top, first and second lateral faces of the barrier. The system also includes a saw attachment having a circular saw attached thereto, the circular saw being manually operable. A linkage assembly connects the frame mounting barrier to the saw attachment, and allows to manually move the circular saw up or down, and towards or away from the barrier, when in use, to create the control joint transversally along the top, first and second lateral faces of the barrier.

Abstract: A system and a method for sawing control joints in concrete barriers is provided. The system includes a barrier mounting frame slidably mountable about the barrier, on the top, first and second lateral faces of the barrier. The system also includes a saw attachment having a circular saw attached thereto, the circular saw being manually operable. A linkage assembly connects the frame mounting barrier to the saw attachment, and allows to manually move the circular saw up or down, and towards or away from the barrier, when in use, to create the control joint transversally along the top, first and second lateral faces of the barrier.

Abstract: An apparel power system and method of using such system is disclosed. The power system provides a source of electrical energy for electrically powered accessories attached or integrated to apparel worn by the user of a vehicle without requiring the use of wires and plugs connections between the user and the vehicle. The vehicle may be a snowmobile, ATV, UTV, motorcycle, watercraft and the like. The electrical power of the vehicle is transferred from the handlebar to a glove or a wearable adaptor. Holding of the handlebar by the user creates a contact allowing electrical energy transfer from the handlebar to the glove which is subsequently transferred from the glove to accessories attached or integrated to an item of clothing such as a coat using embedded wires or overlying connection to provide the apparel with the ability to power various accessories such as heated gloves, heated vest, power visor, visibility lights, cell phone, and the like.

Abstract: A snowmobile steering ski comprises a longitudinally extending body having a front portion, a central portion, a rear portion, a top surface configured to be secured to a snowmobile, and a bottom running surface configured to travel or glide over snow. The steering ski comprises at least one keel blade typically removably mounted to the body and downwardly extending from the bottom surface and generally extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the bottom surface. The bottom surface is further slightly upwardly arched, generally along the central portion thereof, such that the bottom surface defines a generally front pressure zone and a generally rear pressure zone. The rear pressure zone is located longitudinally behind the at least one keel blade, and is configured for substantially filling the trace(s) formed in the snow by the at least one keel blade such that the steering ski leaves little or no trace(s) in its wake.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a wheel replacing traction assembly which uses, for propulsion, a longitudinally extending traction band disposed around and cooperating with a sprocket wheel, a supporting structure, and idler and/or road wheels. The supporting structure of the traction assembly comprises an independent suspension generally replacing the suspension of the vehicle. In use, the suspension of the vehicle is replaced by a rigid member that can be adjustable in length in a further embodiment. The presence of a suspension in the supporting structure of the traction assembly decreases its unsprung mass.

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.

Abstract: A membrane applying apparatus comprises a wheeled frame adapted to ride on a surface to be covered with the membrane. The rear end of the wheeled frame is generally configured to support a roll of membrane. The apparatus also comprises a roller support frame pivotally mounted to the wheeled frame at the rear end thereof. The roller support frame pivotally supports an idler roller and a pressing roller for respectively guiding and pressing the membrane as the membrane is unrolled during its application. The roller support frame is pivotable between an operative position in which the idler roller and pressing roller respectively guides and presses the membrane, and an inoperative position. In the inoperative position, the roller support frame is pivoted substantially upwardly, thereby providing access to the rear end of the wheeled frame to allow the installation or removal of the roll of membrane.

Abstract: A traction assembly for replacing a wheel on a vehicle is disclosed. The traction assembly uses a traction band disposed about a sprocket wheel, idler wheels and road wheels for propulsion. The idler wheels and road wheels are pivotally mounted to a support frame which is coupled to the sprocket wheel via a support arm. The support arm is pivotally yet non-drivingly connected to the sprocket wheel and is pivotally connected to the support frame. The support arm is able to pivot forwardly and rearwardly, albeit in a limited fashion, with respect to the support frame. Such forward and rearward pivotal movements allow the weight of the vehicle to be transferred on the trailing portion, i.e. either the front or the rear portion, of the support frame depending on the direction of movement of the vehicle, thereby generally preventing the leading portion from diving or digging into the ground.

Abstract: A snowmobile steering ski comprises a longitudinally extending body having a front portion, a central portion, a rear portion, a top surface configured to be secured to a snowmobile, and a bottom running surface configured to travel or glide over snow. The steering ski comprises at least one keel blade typically removably mounted to the body and downwardly extending from the bottom surface and generally extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the bottom surface. The bottom surface is further slightly upwardly arched, generally along the central portion thereof, such that the bottom surface defines a generally front pressure zone and a generally rear pressure zone. The rear pressure zone is located longitudinally behind the at least one keel blade, and is configured for substantially filling the trace(s) formed in the snow by the at least one keel blade such that the steering ski leaves little or no trace(s) in its wake.

Abstract: A membrane applying apparatus comprises a wheeled frame adapted to ride on a surface to be covered with the membrane. The rear end of the wheeled frame is generally configured to support a roll of membrane. The apparatus also comprises a roller support frame pivotally mounted to the wheeled frame at the rear end thereof. The roller support frame pivotally supports an idler roller and a pressing roller for respectively guiding and pressing the membrane as the membrane is unrolled during its application. The roller support frame is pivotable between an operative position in which the idler roller and pressing roller respectively guides and presses the membrane, and an inoperative position. In the inoperative position, the roller support frame is pivoted substantially upwardly, thereby providing access to the rear end of the wheeled frame to allow the installation or removal of the roll of membrane.

Abstract: A hitch, which can be rigidly yet removably attached to a vehicle-mounted sleeve, comprises a longitudinally extending member which is configured to slide into the sleeve and which locks therewith with a transverse locking device in a conventional manner. The member is divided into two sections along a plane which is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the member. The sections are connected together by a bolt threading into one section while being operable from the outside of the other section. Due to the inclined plane separating both sections, tightening of the bolt causes the sections to slide in opposite directions within the sleeve until they abut and press on opposite inner walls of the sleeve, thereby eliminating play between the member and sleeve. The hitch is conceived such to prevent a user to drive without the locking device in place.

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 traction band disposed around and cooperating with a sprocket wheel, a supporting structure, and idler and/or road wheels. The supporting structure of the traction assembly comprises an independent suspension generally replacing the suspension of the vehicle. In use, the suspension of the vehicle is replaced by a rigid member that can be adjustable in length in a further embodiment. The presence of a suspension in the supporting structure of the traction assembly decreases its unsprung mass.

Abstract: A hitch for a trailer, or other hitch-mounted accessories, which can be rigidly yet removably attached to a vehicle-mounted sleeve, is disclosed. The hitch comprises a longitudinally extending member which is configured to slide into the sleeve and which locks therewith with a transverse locking device in a conventional manner. The member is divided into two sections along a plane which is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the member. The sections are connected together by a bolt threading into one section while being operable from the outside of the other section. Due to the inclined plane separating both sections, tightening of the bolt causes the sections to slide in opposite directions within the sleeve until they abut and press on opposite inner walls of the sleeve, thereby eliminating play between the member and sleeve. The hitch is conceived such to prevent a user to drive without the locking device in place.

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: 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: 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.