With Propulsion Element Of Endless Track Type Patents (Class 180/184)
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Patent number: 11897578Abstract: A snow vehicle is disclosed comprising a uni-body frame having a forward engine compartment, a propulsion unit coupled to the frame, and a front ski steered by a steering mechanism. The snow vehicle has a chain coupling the sprocket of the propulsion unit located outside of the frame and directly coupled to the belt drive.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2021Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Allen M. Mangum, Jimmy D. Brooks
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Patent number: 11718371Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a snow vehicle, comprising an engine mounted on a frame, a drive track, a drive train operatively interconnecting the engine with the drive track for delivering propulsive power to the drive track, and exhaust system. The exhaust system is positioned within an interior of the frame of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2021Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: Arctic Cat Inc.Inventor: David L. Vigen
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Patent number: 11364960Abstract: A vehicle comprises a chassis, a seat, a motor, an endless drive track, and a rear suspension assembly supporting the endless drive track. The rear suspension assembly includes a left slide and right slide rail, at least one rear suspension arm being operatively pivotally connected to one of the slide rails and the chassis, with at least one coupling block being connected thereto. A rear stopper is connected to one of the slide rails, the rear stopper being disposed within a range of motion of the at least one coupling block in a first position and being disposed out of the range of motion of the at least one coupling block in a second position. The vehicle includes a control cable and an actuator, the rear stopper moving between the first and second positions when moving the actuator between first and second actuator positions.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2017Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.Inventors: Jean-Simon Lavallee, Michel Bourassa
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Patent number: 10994796Abstract: A leaning vehicle includes an actuator, a left steerable front wheel, a right steerable front wheel, a steering mechanism and a leaning mechanism. The steering mechanism includes a first center steering shaft, a second center steering shaft disposed at the front side of the first center steering shaft, and a center steering shaft rotation interlocking mechanism that interlocks rotation of the first center steering shaft with rotation of the second center steering shaft. The actuator is provided between a left end and a right end of a link member of the leaning mechanism in the left-right direction. At least one part of the actuator is provided at a position that overlaps with a movable range of the center steering shaft rotation interlocking mechanism as viewed from the up direction or the down direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2018Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shuhei Kanehara, Tsunero Hamada, Yukihide Fukuhara, Takeshi Toyota, Nobuo Hara
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Patent number: 10960914Abstract: 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: January 3, 2020Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Allen M. Mangum, Cody L. Telford
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Patent number: 10538262Abstract: 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: May 9, 2018Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Allen M. Mangum, Cody L. Telford
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Patent number: 10202169Abstract: A snow vehicle is disclosed comprising a vehicle frame, a propulsion unit coupled to the frame, and a front ski steered by a steering mechanism. The front of the vehicle includes a first front suspension and a second front suspension coupled to the ski. The rear suspension includes a bumper assembly preventing bottoming out of the rear suspension. The rear suspension is coupled to the vehicle frame such that the longitudinal spacing between the vehicle frame and rear suspension is adjustably controllable.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2018Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Allen M. Mangum, Justin R. York
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Patent number: 10077088Abstract: A long-travel continuously-rising-rate track carriage and suspension mechanism for motive drive and cushioned support of a tracked land vehicle upon a ground-contacting lower run of an endless-loop track. A present practical application of the invention is to convert a motorcycle into a snowbike for over-snow use wherein the rear wheel and swingarm of the motorcycle are replaced by the track carriage and suspension mechanism of the present invention and the front wheel is replaced by one or more skis. The unique long-travel rising-rate track suspension is accomplished employing a single swingarm connected pivotally between the vehicle chassis and a track skid, and using a bell crank and connecting rod to provide progressive actuation of a shock absorber upon compression of the track suspension. The track is carried and driven by components mounted to the single swingarm.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2017Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Inventor: Vernal DeLloy Forbes
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Patent number: 9409079Abstract: A wheeled device, and method of making thereof, that simulates the feel and performance of alpine skiing/snowboarding on dry land is provided. Features of embodiments include: (1) a deck having flex similar to that of a ski/snowboard; (2) placement of wheels in a geometry mimicking the side cut of a shaped alpine ski/snowboard, and that with feature (1), enables a user to turn the device in an arc; and (3) wheels constructed of materials of varied coefficients of friction, which enable a user to skid the device in a braking mechanism similar to that of an alpine ski/snowboard, with the placement and design of the wheels emulating the base edge bevel of a typical snow-ski/snowboard. In an embodiment, the device is affixed to a user's feet using a binding device similar to that used for alpine skiing/snowboarding, and the user primarily relies on gravity on an inclined plane for locomotion.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2015Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Inventor: David Park
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Patent number: 8961361Abstract: A wheel drive unit includes: a planetary gear mechanism including a planetary gear and an internally-toothed gear; a casing integrated with the internally-toothed gear, a wheel being attached to the casing, and the casing transmitting rotation of the internally-toothed gear to the wheel; a bearing nut configured to prevent axial movement of the casing; and an oil seal provided more toward an interior of a vehicle than the planetary gear mechanism and axially fixed with respect the casing. An inner diameter of the detachment prevention member is smaller than an outer diameter of the externally-toothed gear.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2013Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Masayuki Ishizuka
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Patent number: 8813889Abstract: An all terrain endless track vehicle of the present invention comprises a front suspension assembly and a rear endless track assembly supported by a chassis. The front suspension assembly is engageable with the ground by a steerable set of skis or wheels. The endless track assembly supports an engine, transmission and first and second shock absorbers. The first shock absorber connects to the endless track assembly forward of the engine, while the second shock absorber connects to the endless track assembly rearward of the engine. A rear swing arm supports a rearwardly positioned main driver mechanically linked to the transmission by way of a chain or belt. A plurality of idler wheels disposed on the endless track assembly, along with the main driver, define an endless track contour. An endless track or belt disposes on the plurality of idler wheels and the main driver. The engine, transmission, and shock absorbers are each contained within the contour of the endless track.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2013Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: LRET, Inc.Inventor: Kristopher J. Jorgenson
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Patent number: 8695745Abstract: A snowmobile has a tunnel and a rear suspension assembly. The rear suspension assembly includes at least one rail for engagement with the endless drive track and at least one suspension arm. At least one torsion spring is coupled to the at least second suspension arm. The at least one torsion spring has a first end contacting the rail and a second end. A torsion spring adjuster is fixedly connected to the at least one suspension arm. The torsion spring adjuster receives the second end of the at least one torsion spring. An actuator is operatively connected to the torsion spring adjuster. The actuator is located at least partially outside the tunnel. The actuator operates the torsion spring adjuster to move the second end of the at least one torsion spring relative to the first end of the at least one torsion spring.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.Inventors: Pascal Gagnon, Bertrand Mallette
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Patent number: 8479860Abstract: An all terrain endless track vehicle of the present invention comprises a front suspension assembly and a rear endless track assembly supported by a chassis. The front suspension assembly is engageable with the ground by a steerable set of skis or wheels. The endless track assembly supports an engine, transmission and first and second shock absorbers. The first shock absorber connects to the endless track assembly forward of the engine, while the second shock absorber connects to the endless track assembly rearward of the engine. A rear swing arm supports a rearwardly positioned main driver mechanically linked to the transmission by way of a chain or belt. A plurality of idler wheels disposed on the endless track assembly, along with the main driver, define an endless track contour. An endless track or belt disposes on the plurality of idler wheels and the main driver. The engine, transmission, and shock absorbers are each contained within the contour of the endless track.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2011Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: LRET, Inc.Inventor: Kristopher J. Jorgenson
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Patent number: 8430197Abstract: A snow vehicle includes a track belt unit having an endless track belt, an engine arranged to drive the track belt unit, a steering mechanism to which a pair of steerable skis positioned in a forward direction of the track belt unit and being steerable to the left and right are attached, and a handlebar section coupled to the steerable skis via the steering mechanism and adapted to be gripped by a rider. The handlebar section and the rear end of the cylinder head are in generally the same position in a longitudinal direction of the snow vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shinichi Matsudo
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Patent number: 8245808Abstract: A snowmobile has a four-stroke engine mounted in an engine cradle and an exhaust system connected to the engine. The exhaust system includes a generally U-shaped exhaust pipe extending forwardly from the engine to a first point disposed forwardly of the engine cradle, and of suspension assemblies of the skis, and extending rearwardly from the first point to a second point disposed rearwardly of a front of the engine cradle.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2008Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.Inventor: Max Richer
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Patent number: 7802646Abstract: A snow vehicle includes a track belt unit having an endless track belt, an engine arranged to drive the track belt unit, a steering mechanism to which a pair of steerable skis positioned in a forward direction of the track belt unit and being steerable to the left and right are attached, a rod-shaped steering shaft coupled to the pair of steerable skis via the steering mechanism, a rod-shaped handlebar section coupled to the steering shaft and adapted to be gripped by a rider, and a pair of left and right footrests which allow the rider to rest the rider's feet thereon. A straight line that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the steering shaft extends from an upper end of the steering shaft to each footrest, as seen in a side view of the snow vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shinichi Matsudo
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Patent number: 7740094Abstract: A snow groomer having a frame extending along a longitudinal axis; ten supporting wheels connected to the frame by respective axle shafts to form a row of five supporting wheels on each longitudinal side of the frame, each supporting wheel on one longitudinal side of the frame facing a supporting wheel on the opposite longitudinal side of the frame, so that facing pairs of supporting wheels define a first, second, third, fourth, and fifth axle; two tracks, each looped about the supporting wheels aligned along a respective longitudinal side of the frame; an engine assembly of over 430 HP; and a mass distributed as follows: 16%+/?2% on the first axle; 20%+/?2% on the second axle; 20%+/?2% on the third axle; 22%+/?2% on the fourth axle; and 22%+/?2% on the fifth axle.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2008Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Rolic Invest S.A.R.L.Inventor: Michel Pelletier
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Patent number: 7591332Abstract: An integrated heat exchanger and engine mount for a snowmobile that reinforces the snowmobile chassis is disclosed. The heat exchanger is formed with an internal passage through which a vehicle fluid may be circulated and cooled. The heat exchanger is also formed with increased rigidity to strengthen the chassis and support an engine mount.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2008Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventor: Richard H Bates, Jr.
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Patent number: 7581615Abstract: An improved saddle-ride type vehicle in which heat radiation of a body is improved while the exterior appearance of the body is enhanced, and an exhaust pipe and a muffler are free from interference from the outside while a hose, a cable and the like are designed to be easily retained in place in a simple structure. A saddle-ride type vehicle provides a side cover disposed on the side of a body frame, a foot board disposed below the side cover and an exhaust pipe extending in the forward and rearward direction of a vehicle body disposed inside the body frame. The exhaust pipe is disposed as viewed laterally so as to be exposed to the exterior through an opening surrounded by an upper slat frame, the side cover and the side plate of a foot board, and the guard member is disposed at the opening.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2005Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinichi Karube, Rei Shioya, Masahiro Inoue, Yuji Maki
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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: 7353898Abstract: An integrated heat exchanger and engine mount for a snowmobile that reinforces the snowmobile chassis is disclosed. The heat exchanger is formed with an internal passage through which a vehicle fluid may be circulated and cooled. The heat exchanger is also formed with increased rigidity to strengthen the chassis and support an engine mount.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2005Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventor: Richard H Bates, Jr.
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Patent number: 7249647Abstract: A snowmobile steering mechanism adapted to place higher pressure on the outside ski than on the inside ski when the snowmobile enters and exits turns, said steering mechanism being adapted to include the suspension in the steering action of the snowmobile causing the snowmobile to automatically lean into a turn improving the ability of the snowmobile to enter and exit turns in comparison to a snowmobile without the inclusion of the suspension in the steering action of the snowmobile.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2004Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Inventor: Peter Nietlispach
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Patent number: 7232130Abstract: A rear drive assembly for a snow bicycle includes a body adapted to be supported by an axle which rotatably supports a rear wheel of a bicycle. An upper arm is rigidly affixed to and extends upwardly from the body. A lower arm is rigidly affixed to and extends at an angle downwardly and rearwardly from the body. A track tensioning and guide assembly is positioned at the remote attachment end of the lower arm. An extendible and retractable attachment member is positioned at a remote attachment end of the upper arm and is, preferably, attached to a seat post of the bicycle. As the bicycle begins to ascend a slope the attachment member retracts to maintain the track in ground contact and as the bicycle begins to descend the slope the attachment member extends to maintain the track in ground contact.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2006Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Inventor: Kyle Reeves
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Patent number: 7213669Abstract: A snowmobile positions riders close to the center of gravity of the snowmobile, reduces jostling forces, and improves the comfort and ridability of the snowmobile. The snowmobile has a steering position on a steering device that is disposed forward of the forward-most drive axle and center of gravity of the snowmobile. A steering shaft, which operatively connects the steering device to the skis, forms an angle of less than 45 degrees with vertical. The seat may have seat positions for one, two, or three riders, the first seat position being disposed less than 590 mm behind the forward-most drive track axle. The seat may be divided into two sections, the second seat section being removably attached to the frame behind the first seat section. The back of the seat and the rearward-most seat position may be disposed behind the back end of the snowmobile's frame.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2001Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.Inventors: Berthold Fecteau, Bruno Girouard
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Patent number: 7188693Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 12, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.Inventors: Bruno Girouard, Berthold Fecteau, Jérôme Wubbolts, Anne-Marie Dion
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Patent number: 7124848Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 12, 2005Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.Inventors: Bruno Girouard, Berthold Fecteau, Jérôme Wubbolts, Anne-Marie Dion
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Patent number: 7124847Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 12, 2005Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.Inventors: Bruno Girouard, Berthold Fecteau, Jérôme Wubbolts, Anne-Marie Dion
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Patent number: 7121370Abstract: A snowmobile includes a pivotally mounted motor cover that moves between open and closed positions relative to the snowmobile's frame. A latch fastener selectively secures the motor cover in its closed position. The latch fastener includes a pin that is rigidly mounted to the frame and positioned such that the pin extends through an opening in the motor cover when the motor cover is in the closed position. A resilient latch mounts to the frame and selectively engages the pin to hold the motor cover in the closed position. When the motor cover is in the closed position, the pin engages the peripheral edge of the opening to discourage the motor cover from moving relative to the frame. The latch covers the tip of the pin to discourage clothing, debris, etc. from catching on the pin.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2003Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.Inventors: Yvon Bedard, Jean-François Desmarais
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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: 7063639Abstract: Disclosed is a snowmobile including a reduction drive system including planetary gears. In an alternate embodiment, a reversing unit is provided. In a further alternate embodiment, an offset is provided in the drive system.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2004Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Arctic Cat Inc.Inventors: Raymond A. Schoenfelder, Dennis Zulawski
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Patent number: 6923287Abstract: A drive mechanism for a snow vehicle, i.e., so-called snowmobile, includes: a four cycle engine having a cylinder head at the top thereof, arranged at the approximate center of an engine room formed in the front body of the snow vehicle; a steering post having a pair of steering bars for maneuvering the snow vehicle attached at the top end thereof, projectively arranged in the rear of the engine with respect to the vehicle's direction of travel in the engine room, with the steering side slightly inclined to the rear. In this snowmobile, a speed reducing mechanism for reducing the output speed of rotation from the engine is provided in front of the engine with respect to the vehicle's direction of travel.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2003Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventor: Hideshi Morii
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Patent number: 6742618Abstract: Disclosed is a snowmobile including a reduction drive system including planetary gears. In an alternate embodiment, a reversing unit is provided. In a further alternate embodiment, an offset is provided in the drive system.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2001Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Arctic Cat, Inc.Inventors: Raymond A. Schoenfelder, Dennis Zulawski
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Patent number: 6708791Abstract: A snow vehicle includes a frame having a longitudinal axis, a pair of rear suspension assemblies, a pair of front suspension assemblies, a pair of drive tracks, and a pair of ski assemblies. Each rear suspension assembly pivotally connects a drive track to a rearward portion of the frame. Each front suspension assembly pivotally connects a ski assembly to a forward portion of the frame. The rear suspension assemblies, the front suspension assemblies, the drive tracks, and the ski assemblies are symmetric about the longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2003Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Inventor: James L. Alexander
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Patent number: 6626258Abstract: A motor driven or pedal powered snow vehicle designed to emulate the steering and balancing characteristics of motorcycles and bicycles. The snow vehicle includes a frame, a swing arm, a track carriage, an endless loop track, a snow compacting ramp, an elongated steering member and a ski. The swing arm pivots upon the frame and angles downward behind the frame. The track circulates a fixed path around the track carriage. The track carriage extends forward from a pivot connection with the rear of the swing arm, and pivots vertically under the swing arm in scissors-fashion. The snow vehicle is suspended upon the track carriage using a single shock absorber and load-distributing bell crank. A snow compacting ramp attached to the track carriage compresses the snow ahead of the track. The steering member is like the front suspension fork of a motorcycle or bicycle, and is connected to the frame so that it rotates about a steering axis. The ski is mounted to the lower portion of the steering member.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2000Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Inventor: Vernal D. Forbes
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Patent number: 6612388Abstract: There is a self-propelled mobile sled which can be maneuvered over various terrains such as earth, slopes, hills, rocks, snow, and ice. The sled, in various modifications, can be used as a toy; as a rescue vehicle; and an observation vehicle. The size of the sled can vary to adjust to the desired task.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2001Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Inventor: Leland Henderson
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Publication number: 20030034190Abstract: There is a self-propelled mobile sled which can be maneuvered over various terrains such as earth, slopes, hills, rocks, snow, and ice. The sled, in various modifications, can be used as a toy; as a rescue vehicle; and an observation vehicle. The size of the sled can vary to adjust to the desired task.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2001Publication date: February 20, 2003Inventor: Leland Henderson
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Patent number: 6450280Abstract: An improved torsion type rear suspension system for a snowmobile. The suspension includes a pair of rails movable with respect to the snowmobile body and a pair of torsion springs disposed between the body and the rails for biasing the suspension toward its extended position. Also included is a cam block having a contoured cam surface which engages a leg of the torsion spring at a variable point of contact. As the suspension moves from the extended to the collapsed position, the effective length of the spring leg is reduced, resulting in a nonlinear change in spring force as a function of deflection. The cam block may be adjusted with respect to the suspension rails with an eccentric to permit additional adjustment of the spring force function to compensate for varying terrain, vehicle speed, and operator weight.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2000Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Renton Coil Spring CompanyInventors: Charles F. Pepka, Michael Warren Thibert
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Patent number: 6412582Abstract: A novel solution for converting a snowmobile for use as a four-wheeled vehicle for transport or recreation when there is no snow cover on the ground. The present invention consists of an integrated chassis frame to which four wheels are attached. The front wheels are pivotally attached to the frame and interconnected by a steering linkage. The rear wheels are attached to an axle that is rotated by a chain drive linkage that is in turn driven by an arrangement of frictionally connected rubber wheels. The present invention is employed by first driving a snowmobile onto the top of the chassis. The skis at the front of the snowmobile engage into channels formed at the front of the chassis that are pivotally connected to the chassis and integrally connected to the steering linkage for translating the steering action of the snowmobile to the carts front tires.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2001Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Inventor: Robert B. Leavitt
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Publication number: 20020060102Abstract: The present invention provides a apparatus as an after-market, upgrade kit constructed and arranged to be installed onto an coupled snowmobile suspension system that, when installed, provides for quick and easily accessible coupling adjustment. Specifically, the upgrade kit of the present invention is configured to be installed onto the Polaris® line of snowmobiles. The upgrade kit includes a shaft having an axis of rotation, a pair of coupling blocks, and an indexer plate. The coupling blocks are adapted to be fixedly connected relative to the axis of rotation at each end of the shaft so that a torque in the shaft will be transmitted to the coupling blocks. The coupling blocks have a plurality of sides corresponding to a plurality of positions of the coupling blocks, each of the sides being located at a different distance from the axis of the shaft when the coupling blocks are connected to the shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2001Publication date: May 23, 2002Inventors: Alain Boivin, Denis Boivin
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Patent number: 6260648Abstract: A linking system for linking a steering rod to a steering gear in a steerable vehicle. In particular, the steerable vehicle is a snowmobile having a frame, a pair of skis pivotally mounted on the frame, a handlebar rotatably mounted onto the frame, and a linking system for linking the handlebar to the skis for steering the snowmobile. The linking system comprises a drive sprocket mounted for common rotation with the steering rod. It also comprises a chain having a first end and a second end. The chain is trained about the drive sprocket. A pair of driven sprockets redirect the first and second ends of the chain. The chain is trained about the pair of driven sprockets. The system further comprises a sliding rod having a middle portion connected to the first and second ends of the chain, and a pair of end portions connected to the steering gear of the steerable vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2000Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Robert Bessette Technologie Inc.Inventor: Robert Bessette
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Patent number: 6234263Abstract: A single seater snowmobile type recreational vehicle and a steering assembly for such as vehicle is described herein. The recreational vehicle includes a longitudinal frame, a suspension mounted to a rear portion of the frame, an endless track rotatably mounted to the suspension, an engine mounted to the frame and associated to the endless track to selectively rotate the endless track about the suspension thereby allowing displacement of the vehicle. The recreational vehicle also includes a steering assembly provided with a handlebar portion mounted to the frame and pivoting about a first pivot axis, a fork portion mounted to the frame and pivoting about a second pivot axis, a direction bar having a proximate end linked to the handlebar portion and a distal end linked to the fork portion, the direction bar being offset from the first and second pivot axis. A rotation of the handlebar portion thereby causes a rotation of the fork portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1999Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Assignee: A & D Boivin DesignInventors: Alain Boivin, Denis Boivin
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Patent number: 6193003Abstract: The device is a portable tractor with attachments for powering skiers, skaters, snowboarders, and the like. It employs a rigid pole to deliver the thrust to a belt which converts the thrust to a pull on the skier's lower back, leaving the skier's arms, hands, legs and feet free to perform their usual skiing functions. The pole also provides leverage to turn the tractor so that it follows the skier's movements. The device provides controls over the tractor's engine to the skier's hands, or to other parts of the skier's body. The tractor has crawler treads bearing retractable cleats which automatically convert into sled runners so the skier can travel downhill pulling the tractor without dismounting the tractor. The tractor can be folded up and transported by backpack. Various attachments enable use of the tractor to power skates, sleds, snowboards and similar vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1996Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Inventor: Harry E Dempster
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Patent number: 5964311Abstract: The weight and cost of a steerable ski can be reduced by providing a steerable ski formed of resin as a whole and which includes a hollow portion. The hollow portion is filled with a foamed material as required. Accordingly, the height in cross section of the steerable ski can be increased to thereby increase the modulus of section. As a result, the wall thickness of the steerable ski can be reduced to thereby prevent an increase in the weight and cost.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 1997Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuhiro Yamamoto, Shizuo Kawano
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Patent number: 5611572Abstract: A splash guard for a tracked vehicle, the tracked vehicle comprising a track unit which comprises a frame, a track wheel, and a track, the splash guard being placed in an immediate vicinity of the track and attached to the track unit by means of a support, the splash guard comprising on a side facing the track, two slide rails extending in a direction parallel to a direction of movement of the track, and the track being fitted to slide against the slide rails as the splash guard touches the track due to up and down motions of the track unit during travel.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1994Date of Patent: March 18, 1997Inventor: Hannu Alava
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Patent number: 5474146Abstract: A snow vehicle of the saddle-riding type utilizes essentially the same upper structure as a motorcycle but mounts a ski on the front fork for steering and an engine-driven endless belt track assembly for powering the device. The endless belt track assembly is arranged for mounting on a rear arm structure in order to maintain surface contact between the endless belt and the snow and thereby improve the operating efficiency of the vehicle. The arm may be pivotally mounted or integral with a rear fork pivotally mounted to the vehicle. An improved endless belt construction is described in which the belt is strengthened by core members and the driving cogs of particular configuration and disposed at prescribed locations with respect to the propelling lugs in order to maintain surface contact between the belt edge and the snow surface during cornering. Also disclosed are various forms of cover structures for the track assembly that prevent the scattering of snow from the belt onto the rider or vehicle parts.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1993Date of Patent: December 12, 1995Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Toshiharu Yoshioka, Takashi Ohzeki, Hideaki Suzuki, Takumi Tottori, Munehito Nakamura, Mamoru Matsui, Michio Ohkubo, Kanau Iwashita
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Patent number: 5435408Abstract: A snow cart having a main body, a caterpillar drive on the main body, a pair of skis each extending along a side of the main body, a seat for a driver of the cart on the main body, a ski holder attaching each ski to the main body to allow vertical displacement of the ski attached thereby relative to the main body, each ski being removably attached to the ski holding means, and means on each ski for selectively relieving the main body from the weight of the driver.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1991Date of Patent: July 25, 1995Assignee: Jacstron CorporationInventor: Masaaki Sekinobu
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Patent number: 5421611Abstract: A self positioning elevating and supporting device carried at the rearward end portion of a snowmobile which upon being released from an inoperative position self positions itself to elevate and support in elevated position the rearward end portion of a snowmobile raising the underlying track arrangement thereof above the supporting ground surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1993Date of Patent: June 6, 1995Inventors: Michael Peterson, Douglas Koppy, Michael Anderson
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Patent number: 5038881Abstract: The present invention provides a snowmobile with a reverse-shift lever. A shift cable extends between a transmission which is shiftable from a forward condition to a reverse condition and a lever means of the invention. The lever means is mounted on the snowmobile and includes a lever arm having first and second sides which may be moved from a first, forward position displaying its first side and second, reverse position displaying its second side. So moving the lever arm causes the cable to move, thereby shifting the transmission between its forward and reverse conditions. The first side of the lever arm may include an indicator indicating a forward condition of the transmission and the second side of the lever arm may be provided with an indicator indicating a reverse condition.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1990Date of Patent: August 13, 1991Assignee: Polaris Industries, L. P.Inventors: Timothy Wysocki, Byron Danielson
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Patent number: 5014805Abstract: A snow vehicle having a frame, a body, a windscreen on the frame, two front steerable skis and two rear crawler tracks. An engine and drive train are located at the rear for driving both of the tracks. The drive train includes two fluid couplings, each coupling a crawler track, respectively. Two seats are positioned forwardly of the engine at the intersection of two lines seen in plan to extend from the geometric centers of front skis to the geometric center of opposite rear crawler tracks. A steering ski is located between the rear crawler tracks and extends downwardly just below the lower surfaces of the tracks. The ski is mounted to the crawler track suspension and pivots about a substantially vertical axis in a direction opposite to the motion of the front skis.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 1989Date of Patent: May 14, 1991Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroyuki Uchida
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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