Member Substitutable For Wheel Type Support Structure Patents (Class 180/183)
  • Patent number: 10822046
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: UPRIGHT MANUFACTURERS (SHENZHEN) LTD
    Inventor: Zhong Huang
  • Patent number: 10450029
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Inventor: Robert Allen Erickson
  • Patent number: 10392079
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Sebastien Vezina, Yvon Bedard
  • Patent number: 10358157
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Inventors: Gregory A. Rivard, Justin G. Rivard
  • Patent number: 10035533
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Inventors: Gregory A. Rivard, Justin G. Rivard
  • Patent number: 9988067
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Allen M. Mangum, Cody L. Telford
  • Patent number: 9969457
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Robert Allen Erickson
  • Patent number: 9873475
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Smart Trike MNF PTE LTD.
    Inventors: Yoram Baron, Gil Nachmany, Alexey Rubinchik
  • Patent number: 9834279
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Inventor: Jean Brault
  • Patent number: 9776654
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Mototrax, LLC
    Inventor: Randy Gentry
  • Patent number: 9663178
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: RAZOR USA LLC
    Inventors: Robert Chen, Robert Hadley, William Griggs
  • Patent number: 9643684
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: BRC ENGINEERING LTD.
    Inventors: Riley Will, Steven Lorne Buffel
  • Patent number: 9643679
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: RAZOR USA LLC
    Inventors: Ian Desberg, William Griggs
  • Patent number: 9567034
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: NEXTROM INDUSTRIES SRL
    Inventor: Sorin Sirbu
  • Patent number: 9457831
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventors: Gregory A. Rivard, Justin G. Rivard
  • Patent number: 8915501
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Scierie Bois St—Francois Inc.
    Inventor: Mario Forcier
  • Patent number: 8739913
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Gregory A. Rivard
  • Publication number: 20140097032
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Bertrand MALLETTE, Berthold FECTEAU, Sebastien THIBAULT
  • Patent number: 8418792
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Gregory A. Rivard
  • Publication number: 20100044134
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: James Kevin Feutz
  • Patent number: 7513327
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventor: Kent Peterson
  • Patent number: 7451846
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome Wubbolts, Anne-Marie Dion
  • Patent number: 7360617
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohisa Abe, Kozo Yamada
  • Patent number: 7096988
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Moriyama
  • Patent number: 7055779
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventor: Richard A. Discher
  • Patent number: 7021413
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Shuei-Yuan Lee
  • Patent number: 6942051
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Bertrand Mallette, Bruno Girouard, Berthold Fecteau, Mario Côté
  • Patent number: 6866110
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Bertrand Mallette, Bruno Girouard, Berthold Fecteau, Mario Côté
  • Patent number: 6758497
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Arctic Cat Inc.
    Inventor: Ron Bergman
  • Publication number: 20040026146
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: Bombardier Inc.
    Inventors: Bertrand Mallette, Bruno Girouard, Berthold Fecteau, Mario Cote
  • Publication number: 20030201127
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Bombardier Inc.
    Inventors: Bruno Girouard, Berthold Fecteau
  • Publication number: 20020129984
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Jerome Wubbolts, Anne-Marie Dion
  • Publication number: 20020129983
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Jerome Wubbolts, Anne-Marie Dion
  • Publication number: 20010040064
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventors: Bruno Girouard, Berthold Fecteau, Jerome Wubbolts, Anne-Marie Dion
  • Publication number: 20010040063
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventors: Jerome Wubbolts, Bruno Girouard, Berthold Fecteau, Anne-Marie Dion
  • Patent number: 6308966
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventors: Travis A. Cook, Joseph L. Putney
  • Patent number: 6267190
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Biga' Italia S.r.l.
    Inventor: Edi Micheletti
  • Patent number: 5564517
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Inventor: Gary R. Levasseur
  • Patent number: 4719983
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Inventor: Riccardo Bruzzone
  • Patent number: 4719982
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Inventor: Allen L. Shaver
  • Patent number: 4699229
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Company Limited
    Inventors: Takeo Hirose, Shinobu Tsutsumikoshi, Tomomi Machii
  • Patent number: 4476907
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1984
    Inventor: Chuichiro Odawara
  • Patent number: 4390151
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1983
    Inventor: Richard J. Schneider
  • Patent number: 4204582
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1980
    Inventor: Gerrit J. van Soest
  • Patent number: 4195702
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1980
    Inventor: Michel Denis