Member Substitutable For Wheel Type Support Structure Patents (Class 180/183)
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Patent number: 10822046Abstract: A rapidly detachable switch device for children's vehicles, including a handle assembly that selectively effects switching between plural scooter vehicle configurations, from a fixed-spread sporter configuration to a free-swinging flicker configuration, from the flicker configuration to a fixed scooter configuration, and back from the flicker configuration to the sporter configuration by moving a switch lever member between rearwardly lowered and near-vertically raised positions. The various configurations can be selected rapidly, realizing a three-in-one function for vehicles that can be switched by a rider of the vehicle, the lever being pivotally included in a conveniently removable handle lever assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2018Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: UPRIGHT MANUFACTURERS (SHENZHEN) LTDInventor: Zhong Huang
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Patent number: 10450029Abstract: A bicycle apparatus with interchangeable front fork is disclosed. The bicycle comprises a frame and a quick release assembly for securing the removable front fork attachment assembly to the bicycle frame's head tube. The interchangeable front fork attachment assembly and quick release assembly allows for the quick interchanging of front fork with varying attachments which utilize different methods to achieve motion.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2018Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Inventor: Robert Allen Erickson
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Patent number: 10392079Abstract: A snowmobile has a frame, a front and a rear suspension assembly connected thereto, at least one ski, an endless drive track, and a motor. The frame includes a longitudinally extending tunnel, the rear suspension assembly being connected thereto. The tunnel includes a top wall extending generally horizontally and comprising a left edge and a right edge. A planar left bevel wall extends downwardly and leftwardly from the left edge. A left side wall extends downwardly from the left bevel wall. A planar right bevel wall extends downwardly and rightwardly from the right edge. A right side wall extends downwardly from the right bevel wall. An upper rear support includes a left leg and a right leg, each having a lower end connected to the corresponding one of the left bevel wall and the right bevel wall and extending forwardly, upwardly and laterally inwardly therefrom to an upper end.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2015Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.Inventors: Sebastien Vezina, Yvon Bedard
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Patent number: 10358157Abstract: Quick-release skis couple to the front wheels of an ATV or other wheeled vehicle, to permit the ATV to travel over snow. The rear ATV wheels may be left unaltered, or more commonly, tracks may be substituted for the rear wheels. The ski coupling includes a drive-on runner and coupling having in one embodiment width-adjustable side walls, an over-center clamp, and a lock for securing the over-center clamp. In a second embodiment, a pivotal tire cage allows the ATV tire to be driven onto the ski, but simply by forward travel of the tire the cage pivots to constrain the tire thereon. A strap then binds the tire and cage to ensure the tire stays in place on the ski. In a third embodiment, an ATV track is converted to a runner by the application and tensioning of a ski. Additional embodiments are illustrated.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2018Date of Patent: July 23, 2019Inventors: Gregory A. Rivard, Justin G. Rivard
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Patent number: 10035533Abstract: Quick-release skis couple to the front wheels of an ATV or other wheeled vehicle, to permit the ATV to travel over snow. The rear ATV wheels may be left unaltered, or more commonly, tracks may be substituted for the rear wheels. The ski coupling includes a drive-on runner and coupling having in one embodiment width-adjustable side walls, an over-center clamp, and a lock for securing the over-center clamp. In a second embodiment, a pivotal tire cage allows the ATV tire to be driven onto the ski, but simply by forward travel of the tire the cage pivots to constrain the tire thereon. A strap then binds the tire and cage to ensure the tire stays in place on the ski. In a third embodiment, an ATV track is converted to a runner by the application and tensioning of a ski. Additional embodiments are illustrated.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2016Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Inventors: Gregory A. Rivard, Justin G. Rivard
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Patent number: 9988067Abstract: A front fork assembly of a snow bike is disclosed having left and right legs, each having an upper leg portion and a lower leg portion. The left leg upper and lower leg portions are linearly movable relative to each other. A right leg has an upper leg portion and a lower leg portion, the right leg upper and lower leg portions are linearly movable relative to each other. A ski mount has a lower end for coupling to a ski and an upper end for coupling to the left and right leg. A linear force element is coupled to the left and right legs with a first end adjacent the first ends of the forks and seconds ends coupled to the ski, the linear force element has a different linear force characteristic than the left and right legs.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2017Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Allen M. Mangum, Cody L. Telford
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Patent number: 9969457Abstract: A bicycle apparatus with interchangeable front fork is disclosed. The bicycle comprises a frame and a quick release assembly for securing the removable front fork attachment assembly to the bicycle frame's head tube. The interchangeable front fork attachment assembly and quick release assembly allows for the quick interchanging of front fork with varying attachments which utilize different methods to achieve motion.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Inventor: Robert Allen Erickson
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Patent number: 9873475Abstract: The present invention relates to a scooter having revolving footboards comprising: a head tube; a stem rotatbly held in said head tube; a fork connected to the lower end of said stem; at least one front wheel rotatably connected to said fork of said stem; a handle connected to the upper end of said stem; two rear tubes connected to said head tube; two swivel rear wheels, where each of said swivel wheels is pivotally connected to the rear of one of said rear tubes; and at least two revolving footboards which are rotatably connected on said rear tubes.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2015Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: Smart Trike MNF PTE LTD.Inventors: Yoram Baron, Gil Nachmany, Alexey Rubinchik
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Patent number: 9834279Abstract: Traction systems for snowmobile skis producing traction on snow and ice covered surfaces; consisting a pair of snowmobile skis each having an assembly of parts; driven by an hydraulic rotor that pivots the skis, adjusting their position when cornering, providing traction, according to a snowmobile steering system . And is powered and controlled by at least one of: hydraulic steering system, an electro-hydraulic steering system; an electric power steering system using an electric motor instead of hydraulic rotor.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2017Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Inventor: Jean Brault
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Patent number: 9776654Abstract: A system and method for mounting one or more accessories to a vehicle with forks is disclosed. The system can include a frame comprising mounting plates, the mounting plates including at least an axle hole and a fork stop hole. The frame can also include frame rails to connect the mounting plate to an accessory mount. The system can be mounted to the forks of the vehicle using the axle hole and an axle. A fork stop can be placed in the fork stop hole and can include one or more interface points to fit the bottom of the forks. The fork stop can transmit forces from the accessory to the forks in a linear manner and to a location where the forks have additional strength. The fork stop can be designed such that it bends in response to an impact rather than breaking the forks.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2016Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Mototrax, LLCInventor: Randy Gentry
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Patent number: 9663178Abstract: An electric powered personal mobility vehicle that includes at least one front wheel and an electric motor that provides rotational force to a wheel of the vehicle. The electric motor is supported by the vehicle and is powered by a rechargeable battery that is also supported by the vehicle. The vehicle can also include swivel caster wheels each configured to rotate about a wheel axis.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2015Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: RAZOR USA LLCInventors: Robert Chen, Robert Hadley, William Griggs
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Patent number: 9643684Abstract: A narrow-profile straddle-type motorized snow vehicle specially configured and adapted for traversing inclined mountain slopes, having a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the primary and secondary pulleys thereof mounted rearwardly of the motor and not on the side of the motor to thereby reduce the width of the vehicle in the critical region between the operator's legs where the engine is located and typically straddled by the operator. A single ski is further provided to utilize the narrow profile of the vehicle in the region of the operator's legs, which in conjunction with the re-configured positioning of the vehicle CVT transmission allows the operator to better lean the vehicle when traversing an inclined slope and be able to simultaneously avoid contact with the up slope and/or snow thereon by protruding legs or transmission components which would otherwise impede passage of the vehicle across an inclined slope.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2015Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: BRC ENGINEERING LTD.Inventors: Riley Will, Steven Lorne Buffel
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Patent number: 9643679Abstract: A scooter device that can be propelled by side to side movement of a user is disclosed. The scooter device includes at least a first front wheel, at least a second and a third rearward located wheel, a frame structure through which the first wheel is coupled to the second and third wheels, wherein the second and third rearward located wheels are mounted in a biased direction arrangement and a steering mechanism that has a vertically ascending control member and is coupled to the first wheel such that turning of the steering mechanism achieves a turning of the first wheel, the steering mechanism further coupled to the frame structure such that the steering mechanism may be tilted relative to the frame structure. The frame structure can includes a first foot placement platform extending above the second wheel and a second foot placement platform extending above the third wheel.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2016Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: RAZOR USA LLCInventors: Ian Desberg, William Griggs
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Patent number: 9567034Abstract: A foldable and portable electric vehicle for the transport of a single person comprises a foldable chassis with a support plate, a folding system for folding the chassis, a front driving wheel, a rear wheel, a foldable handlebar, an integrated system of command, control, monitoring and signaling, a mechanical brake on the rear wheel, a suspension on the rear wheel and a suspension on the front wheel, and a steering column.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2015Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: NEXTROM INDUSTRIES SRLInventor: Sorin Sirbu
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Patent number: 9457831Abstract: Quick-release skis couple to the front wheels of an ATV or other wheeled vehicle, to permit the ATV to travel over snow. The rear ATV wheels may be left unaltered, or more commonly, tracks may be substituted for the rear wheels. The ski coupling includes a drive-on runner and coupling having in one embodiment width-adjustable side walls, an over-center clamp, and a lock for securing the over-center clamp. In a second embodiment, a pivotal tire cage allows the ATV tire to be driven onto the ski, but simply by forward travel of the tire the cage pivots to constrain the tire thereon. A strap then binds the tire and cage to ensure the tire stays in place on the ski. In a third embodiment, an ATV track is converted to a runner by the application and tensioning of a ski. Additional embodiments are illustrated.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2015Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Inventors: Gregory A. Rivard, Justin G. Rivard
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Patent number: 8915501Abstract: The wheel-ski system is for use with a vehicle adapted for travel on road and snow-covered surfaces. The system has a ski-engaging travel mode and a wheel-engaging travel mode. It includes an elongated ski, a supporting leg pivotally coupled to the vehicle, a wheel, an actuator mounted between a back plate and a first lever arm, and a positioning device for positioning a wheel-supporting axle into an upper position when the supporting leg is in a first position, and positioning the wheel-supporting axle into a bottom position when the supporting leg is in a second position.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2013Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Scierie Bois St—Francois Inc.Inventor: Mario Forcier
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Patent number: 8739913Abstract: Quick-release skis couple to the front wheels of an ATV or other wheeled vehicle, to permit the ATV to travel over snow. The rear ATV wheels may be left unaltered, or more commonly, tracks may be substituted for the rear wheels. The ski coupling includes a drive-on runner and coupling having in one embodiment width-adjustable side walls, an over-center clamp, and a lock for securing the over-center clamp. In a second embodiment, a pivotal tire cage allows the ATV tire to be driven onto the ski, but simply by forward travel of the tire pivots to constrain the tire thereon. A strap then binds the tire and cage to ensure the tire stays in place on the ski. In a third embodiment, an ATV track is converted to a runner by the application and tensioning of a ski.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2013Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Inventor: Gregory A. Rivard
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Publication number: 20140097032Abstract: A suspension system for a snowmobile has a rail for engagement with an endless drive track, and first and second suspension arms having upper ends adapted for pivotally connecting to the chassis and lower ends pivotally connected to the rail. The upper end the second suspension arm includes a shaft. A first shock absorber is operatively pivotally connected between the first suspension arm and the rail. A second shock absorber is operatively pivotally connected between the rail and the second suspension arm. Left and right brackets are connected to the shaft on either side of the second shock absorber. The shaft has a bent portion between the left and right brackets.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2013Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.Inventors: Bertrand MALLETTE, Berthold FECTEAU, Sebastien THIBAULT
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Patent number: 8418792Abstract: Quick-release skis couple to the front wheels of an ATV or other wheeled vehicle, to permit the ATV to travel over snow. The rear ATV wheels may be left unaltered, or more commonly, tracks may be substituted for the rear wheels. The ski coupling includes a drive-on runner and coupling having in one embodiment width-adjustable side walls, an over-center clamp, and a lock for securing the over-center clamp. In a second embodiment, a pivotal tire cage allows the ATV tire to be driven onto the ski, but simply by forward travel of the tire pivots to constrain the tire thereon. A strap then binds the tire and cage to ensure the tire stays in place on the ski. In a third embodiment, an ATV track is converted to a runner by the application and tensioning of a ski.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2011Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Inventor: Gregory A. Rivard
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Publication number: 20100044134Abstract: A conversion kit for converting a snowmobile into a wheeled road vehicle, includes first and second front wheel assemblies. First and second spindle plates have a mount bracket, a strut bracket, a torsion bar bracket, and first and second kingpin assemblies. The kingpin assemblies on the first and second spindle plates connect with the first and second front wheel assemblies. A trailing arm is integrally connected with the spindle plate and extends rearwardly therefrom. A rear wheel assembly is rotatably connected with the snowmobile and has a rear wheel sprocket fixedly connected thereto. A drive shaft is connected to a power source on the snowmobile and a drive belt connects the drive shaft to the rear wheel sprocket.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2008Publication date: February 25, 2010Inventor: James Kevin Feutz
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Patent number: 7513327Abstract: A system for converting a snowmobile into a wheeled vehicle is disclosed, and comprises a pair of wheel mounting assemblies for each being mounted on one of the front skid support assemblies of the snowmobile, and a swing arm for mounting on the snowmobile in a manner such that the swing arm is pivotable with respect to the frame. The swing arm has a forward end and a rearward end, and is mountable on the drive shaft such that the swing arm is pivotable with respect to the drive shaft. An axle is mounted on the swing arm toward the rearward end thereof, and a suspension mounting assembly is provided for mounting on the frame of the snowmobile and controlling pivot movement of the swing arm.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2005Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Inventor: Kent Peterson
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Patent number: 7451846Abstract: A snowmobile frame includes a tunnel, the tunnel includes a left structure having a front portion and a rear portion, a right side structure having a front portion and a rear portion, a radiator interconnecting the rear portion and the left side structure with the rear portion of the right side structure, and an engine cradle forward of the tunnel. The engine cradle includes a front wall connecting the front portion of the left side structure and the front portion of the right side structure, a rear wall interconnecting the left side structure and the right side structure, and a bottom plate intermediate the front wall and the rear wall and interconnecting the left side structure with the right side structure. A snowmobile including the snowmobile frame includes an engine and a fastener passing through a hole in one of the left side structure and the right side structure to fasten the engine thereto.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2006Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.Inventors: Jerome Wubbolts, Anne-Marie Dion
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Patent number: 7360617Abstract: A snowmobile comprises a left-right pair of skis, an engine and a track belt provided on a vehicle body. The track belt is driven by the engine, and the skis are steered by an operation on a steering handlebar. The vehicle body frame is formed by connecting intermediate frame sections, which are U-shaped in side view, to a front portion of a rear frame section, the rear frame section having a roughly U-shaped section and connecting a front frame section to front portions of the intermediate frame sections. In the vehicle body frame, detachable side frame sections are used to connect the portions between the upper ends of front suspension members for supporting the skis and a front portion of a rear cushion for supporting the track belt. The reinforcing side frame sections include portions which are protuberant to the upper side and curved downwards, respectively. The resulting snowmobile frame structure is rigid enough to accommodate an engine of increased weight.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2005Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tomohisa Abe, Kozo Yamada
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Patent number: 7096988Abstract: A snowmobile comprises a frame assembly. An internal combustion engine is mounted to the frame assembly. A steering assembly is mounted to the frame assembly. The steering assembly comprises a steering shaft having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the steering shaft is coupled to a steering input mechanism. The second portion of the steering shaft is coupled to a power steering device. The power steering device is coupled to a steering linkage. The steering linkage is coupled to a steering ski.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2004Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takashi Moriyama
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Patent number: 7055779Abstract: A wheel-through ski for the landing gear of an aircraft is disclosed. The ski has an airfoil shape, and the ski and its attachments are aerodynamically clean. The ski is provided with a three sided recess that permits the mounting of the ski on the aircraft without lifting the landing gear off the ground. The members of the articulated attachment between the ski and the aircraft are joined by a removable pin and are fixedly attached to the ski and landing gear. The ski is of aircraft construction. It has a thin skin, air frame-like internal structures, foam material internal cores that provide stiffness to the ski and wear strips on the bottom of the ski.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2005Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Inventor: Richard A. Discher
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Patent number: 7021413Abstract: A foldable electric motorcycle structure includes primarily a body, a front and rear frames, and a cap, wherein the cap is located at a front part of the front frame, a seat is located at a top edge of the rear frame, and latching mechanisms are located respectively at the front and rear frames, such that the front and rear frames can be unfolded into a riding condition, and a shielding effect can be constituted by the cap during riding. Whereas a box is formed for carrying upon folding the front and rear frames, which enables pulling in walk by the means of auxiliary wheels at two sides of the rear frame and a pulling bar at a front edge of the body, thereby causing more convenience in using an electric motorcycle.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2005Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Inventor: Shuei-Yuan Lee
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Patent number: 6942051Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle includes an upper A-arm and a lower A-arm. A leg with an axis is rotatably connected to both the upper A-arm and the lower A-arm. A mechanical link is rotatably connected to the leg so that movement of the mechanical link applies rotational force to the leg to cause the leg to rotate about the axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2005Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc.Inventors: Bertrand Mallette, Bruno Girouard, Berthold Fecteau, Mario Côté
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Patent number: 6866110Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle includes an upper A-arm and a lower A-arm. A leg with an axis is rotatably connected to both the upper A-arm and the lower A-arm. A mechanical link is rotatably connected to the leg so that movement of the mechanical link applies rotational force to the leg to cause the leg to rotate about the axis.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2003Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.Inventors: Bertrand Mallette, Bruno Girouard, Berthold Fecteau, Mario Côté
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Patent number: 6758497Abstract: A fuel tank for a recreational vehicle such as a snowmobile is described. The fuel tank includes a fuel tank main body, side wings, and an upper steering post mount. The side wings provide support for mounting components of a vehicle thereto. The side wings extend outward from the fuel tank main body and are in fluid communication with the fuel tank reservoir of the main body. Additionally, the side wings extend downward creating a fuel pick-up recess area and a reserve. The fuel pick-up recess area and reserve independently create a toe hold or a footrest on an outer surface of the side wings. A snowmobile including a fuel tank having side wings is also described.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2002Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: Arctic Cat Inc.Inventor: Ron Bergman
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Publication number: 20040026146Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle includes an upper A-arm and a lower A-arm. A leg with an axis is rotatably connected to both the upper A-arm and the lower A-arm. A mechanical link is rotatably connected to the leg so that movement of the mechanical link applies rotational force to the leg to cause the leg to rotate about the axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2003Publication date: February 12, 2004Applicant: Bombardier Inc.Inventors: Bertrand Mallette, Bruno Girouard, Berthold Fecteau, Mario Cote
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Publication number: 20030201127Abstract: A frame assembly is described including a tunnel, an engine cradle disposed forward of the tunnel and connected thereto, and a sub-frame disposed forward of the engine cradle and connected thereto. A forward support assembly extends upwardly from the subframe. An upper column extends upwardly from the engine cradle to connect with the forward support assembly. A rear brace assembly extends upwardly from the tunnel to connect with the forward support assembly and the upper column. In one embodiment, the frame assembly further includes an engine disposed in the engine cradle. An endless track is operatively connected to the engine and disposed beneath the tunnel for propulsion. A pair of skis is operatively connected to a steering device for steering. In another embodiment, the frame assembly further includes an engine disposed in the engine cradle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2001Publication date: October 30, 2003Applicant: Bombardier Inc.Inventors: Bruno Girouard, Berthold Fecteau
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Publication number: 20020129984Abstract: An engine cradle adapted for receiving an engine includes a left side wall defining a C-shaped opening therein. The engine cradle also includes a right side wall, which is essentially a solid wall that provides a reflective surface for reflecting heat to the engine when contained within the engine cradle. The engine cradle also includes a front wall connected between forward portions of the left and right side walls. The engine cradle also includes a bottom panel and a rear panel connected between bottom portions of the front, left side, and right side walls.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2002Publication date: September 19, 2002Inventors: Jerome Wubbolts, Anne-Marie Dion
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Publication number: 20020129983Abstract: An engine cradle adapted for receiving an engine includes a left side wall defining a C-shaped opening therein. The engine cradle also includes a right side wall, which is essentially a solid wall that provides a reflective surface for reflecting heat to the engine when contained within the engine cradle. The engine cradle also includes a front wall connected between forward portions of the left and right side walls. The engine cradle also includes a bottom panel and a rear panel connected between bottom portions of the front, left side, and right side walls.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2002Publication date: September 19, 2002Inventors: Jerome Wubbolts, Anne-Marie Dion
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Publication number: 20010040064Abstract: A frame assembly is described including a tunnel, an engine cradle disposed forward of the tunnel and connected thereto, and a sub-frame disposed forward of the engine cradle and connected thereto. A forward support assembly extends upwardly from the subframe. An upper column extends upwardly from the engine cradle to connect with the forward support assembly. A rear brace assembly extends upwardly from the tunnel to connect with the forward support assembly and the upper column. In one embodiment, the frame assembly further includes an engine disposed in the engine cradle. An endless track is operatively connected to the engine and disposed beneath the tunnel for propulsion. A pair of skis is operatively connected to a steering device for steering. In another embodiment, the frame assembly further includes an engine disposed in the engine cradle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2001Publication date: November 15, 2001Inventors: Bruno Girouard, Berthold Fecteau, Jerome Wubbolts, Anne-Marie Dion
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Publication number: 20010040063Abstract: An engine cradle adapted for receiving an engine includes a left side wall defining a C-shaped opening therein. The engine cradle also includes a right side wall, which is essentially a solid wall that provides a reflective surface for reflecting heat to the engine when contained within the engine cradle. The engine cradle also includes a front wall connected between forward portions of the left and right side walls. The engine cradle also includes a bottom panel and a rear panel connected between bottom portions of the front, left side, and right side walls.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2001Publication date: November 15, 2001Inventors: Jerome Wubbolts, Bruno Girouard, Berthold Fecteau, Anne-Marie Dion
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Patent number: 6308966Abstract: A braking and steering mechanism that is located near, but behind the steering pivot point of a runner of a ski vehicle. In a conventional snowmobile, for example, the steering pivot point is near the middle of the longitudinal axis of the runner, and, hence, the preferred braking and steering mechanism extends from behind the middle of the runner, but not at the rear end of the runner, to contact the snow or ground to slow or stop the snowmobile movement relative to the snow or ground. The preferred braking and steering mechanism has a brake that is a retractable, protruding member that extends down from the runner bottom surface near, but behind the steering pivot point a sufficient distance to frictionally engage the snow/ground significantly more than does the bottom of the runner. The protruding member may take the forms of a prong or spike, a blade or plate, or other single, plural, smooth or toothed member(s) that can make frictional contact with the snow/ground.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1999Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Inventors: Travis A. Cook, Joseph L. Putney
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Patent number: 6267190Abstract: A small electric vehicle is provided including a frame formed of a plurality of tubular elements, a tubular element connected to the front of the frame and supporting a handle bar and steerable front wheel or runner, a pair of driven rear wheels connected to the rear of the frame, a board fixed to the frame between the rear wheels for supporting a standing occupant, a switch having a contact pin protruding from an upper surface of the board, an electric motor connected to the rear wheels, and a microprocessor connected to the motor, the switch, a battery, a battery charger and a knob on the handle bar for controlling the motor in response to rotation of the knob.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2000Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Assignee: Biga' Italia S.r.l.Inventor: Edi Micheletti
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Patent number: 5564517Abstract: A snowmobile conversion frame kit including a frame member arranged for securement to a roll bar, that in turn is secured to an associated snowmobile, such that the frame member includes a steering assembly at its forwardmost end and the steering assembly includes a wheel member at each end of the steering assembly, with each wheel member having a brake system secured thereto, with a swing arm pivotally mounted to a rearwardmost end of the frame member, with the swing arm assembly having an axle mounting a tire member thereto, and a sprocket secured to the axle, such that upon power directed to the sprocket rotation of the rear wheel member is effected effecting motivation of the thusly converted snowmobile, wherein towing of the snowmobile is permitted by employing a coupling assembly arranged for grasping and securing the swing arm assembly, with the tow bar assembly having a coupling for securement to a tow vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1994Date of Patent: October 15, 1996Inventor: Gary R. Levasseur
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Patent number: 4719983Abstract: A device comprising a rear adapter frame with an idle crawler track and adapted to be mounted, together with a front steering skid, in lieu of the rear and front wheels, respectively, of a motor-scooter so as to enable a quick conversion thereof, when desired, into a vehicle suitable to travel on snowy ground.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1986Date of Patent: January 19, 1988Inventor: Riccardo Bruzzone
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Patent number: 4719982Abstract: A conversion arrangement for converting a conventional rear wheel drive road vehicle to a snowmobile comprises a subframe upon the sides of which are mounted track support wheels and tracks with the subframe attached to the vehicle through the conventional rear suspension springs. At the front end of the subframe is a pair of forwardly extending levers which are attached to the front wheel hubs of the vehicle and carry skis. The skis are vertically movable under control of the vehicle front suspension by pivotal movement about a shaft at the front edge of the subframe with the amount of movement limited by the addition of an arcuate stop arrangement which cooperates with a tongue extension on the lever system. The rear drive axle of the vehicle is moved from its conventional position on the springs rearwardly to a position at a rearmost edge of the subframe with an additional drive shaft added between the vehicle drive shaft and the vehicle back axle for communication of drive.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1986Date of Patent: January 19, 1988Inventor: Allen L. Shaver
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Patent number: 4699229Abstract: An off-road vehicle is equipped with an endless articulated steel band drive system including a drive wheel, a plurality of idle wheels and an endless belt extending around the drive wheel and the idle wheel. A back slider plate extends along the inner surface of the endless belt to urge the ground contact surface of the endless belt against the ground. The leading portion of the back plate rises upwardly at an angle of with respect to the ground. One of the idle wheels is rotatably mounted to the rear end of the back plate and the back plate is mounted to the vehicle frame by a leaf spring.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1985Date of Patent: October 13, 1987Assignee: Suzuki Motor Company LimitedInventors: Takeo Hirose, Shinobu Tsutsumikoshi, Tomomi Machii
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Patent number: 4476907Abstract: An antiskid device and its fittings for a tire including a side chain, a cross chain, a connector, an end link, a hook and a stopper. The side chain includes a side link formed as a two-piece link having two links, one a long link and the other a short link, which are integral with each other. The stopper is angled in transverse cross section and formed with a transverse web of a width large enough to contact a lower portion of the end link and a groove of a width large enough to receive the hook. The cross chain is formed as a cross link of bar material, and the connector is in the form of a link on either end and in the form of a rod in its intermediate portion so that the connector is connected at one end to the cross link and at the other end to the side link.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1982Date of Patent: October 16, 1984Inventor: Chuichiro Odawara
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Patent number: 4390151Abstract: A ski mounting assembly for an aircraft landing gear having a ski with a pedestal attached to it to be placed on each side of the landing gear wheel and fork, an extended wheel axle to serve as an axle for the wheel, a mounting for the wheel in the landing gear fork and to serve as a pivotable support for the ski by extending through journals in the ski pedestals, a ski attitude control arm pivotably mounted on one end of the extended wheel axle and provided with a clamp to secure the ski attitude control arm to the landing gear fork, a stop attached to the ski attitude arm so as to act against the ski to limit the downward motion of the ski nose and a spring acting between the ski and the ski attitude control arm to urge the ski against the stop.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1981Date of Patent: June 28, 1983Inventor: Richard J. Schneider
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Patent number: 4204582Abstract: Conversion kit for converting a snow vehicle into a wheeled vehicle in which the snow vehicle has a transverse beam adjacent the front of the vehicle body. Skis on ski pivots adjacent the front and a powered track assembly adjacent the rear of the vehicle are removed from the snow vehicle and the kit substituted. The kit includes a front axle assembly for mounting a pair of steerable front wheels, and a rear axle assembly adapted to be powered for mounting a pair of rear wheels. The kit also includes front axle mounting structure adapted to be secured to the transverse beam and to mount the front axle assembly on the body, which structure includes at least one axle bracket having a pair of flanges. The flanges straddle the front axle assembly to receive an axle attaching bolt passing through the flanges and the front axle assembly to secure the front axle assembly to the axle bracket.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1978Date of Patent: May 27, 1980Inventor: Gerrit J. van Soest
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Patent number: 4195702Abstract: A wheel kit is disclosed for converting snowmobiles into wheeled vehicles. The kit is mounted on the chassis of a snowmobile after removal of the front skis and endless track. The conversion device comprises a front wheel drive assembly including a frame secured to the front end of the chassis of the snowmobile and a pair of laterally spaced wheels rotatably mounted on the frame and powered by the snowmobile engine, and a rear wheel steering assembly including a frame secured to the rear end of the snowmobile chassis, a single wheel pivotally mounted on the rear frame and steering means interconnecting the rear wheel to the regular steering mechanism of the snowmobile.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1978Date of Patent: April 1, 1980Inventor: Michel Denis