Abstract: An improved hose clasp for supporting a filter bag in a generally upright orientation on a pool cleaner as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,863,425; 4,558,479; and 3,822,754. The hose clasp includes a generally cylindrical split collar having separable free ends including a pair of radially outwardly extending clasp arms. The clasp arms are springably separable to permit placement of the split collar onto a supply hose or the like coupled to the pool cleaner. The clasp arms are notched to accommodate movement to an interlocked cross-over position, with a boss on one of the clasp arms protruding through a lock port in the other clasp arm. A leash member such as a ported tab carried by the filter bag is fitted over the boss in a position interposed between the interlocked clasp arms to support the filter bag relative to the supply hose.

Abstract: An adjustable storage seat for recreation and utility vehicles is disclosed. The adjustable storage seat may be used for snowmobiles, watercraft, all-terrain vehicles, or other similar small vehicle intended for entertainment and transportation. The adjustable storage seat comprises a cushion mounted over a frame which is attached to the chassis of the vehicle. The seat is provided with an adjustable backrest which can be adjusted forward or backward in increments to increase the comfort of the rider when a button on the seat is pushed, but otherwise remains fixed in place. The adjustable backrest can also be removed from the seat to reveal a storage compartment after turning it 90 degrees. The seat may be provided with a lock to secure the storage compartment. Additional embodiments of the adjustable storage seat are convertible for one or two person use, and may be provided with internal storage or item racks.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to the suspension and braking of all terrain vehicles (ATVs) are disclosed. An ATV having a frame and a wheel carrier coupled to the frame by a suspension is provided. A suspension in accordance with the present invention preferably has a side view instant center axis which intersects a strategic region. Methods in accordance with the present invention may be used to define the boundaries of the strategic region.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to the suspension and steering of all terrain vehicles (ATVs) are disclosed. An ATV having a frame and a wheel carrier for rotatably supporting a wheel is provided. A tie rod is coupled to the wheel carrier at an outer joint. An inner joint of the tie rod is preferably located in a desirable location. A method for identifying the desirable location may include the steps of defining a first reference plane associated with a full compression position of the suspension, defining a second reference plane associated with a full extension position of the suspension, identifying a reference line formed by an intersection of the first reference plane and the second reference plane, and selecting a location proximate the reference line as the desirable location for the inner joint.

Abstract: A system and method for warning an operator of a vehicle if the vehicle is operating in a condition that may result in drive belt failure. The ground speed of the vehicle, its engine speed and transmission gear placement are compared to determine if the engine speed is too high for a given ground speed and transmission gear placement. If it is too high, a warning is generated to alert the operator if the vehicle that the drive belt is in danger of failing.

Abstract: An improved motor-driven pump is provided for delivering a flow of water in a swimming pool or spa environment or the like. The improved pump includes a motor mounted within a motor housing having a seal plate mounted at one end thereof. The seal plate carries a shaft bearing for rotatably supporting a drive shaft having an outboard end connected to an impeller disposed within a pump chamber defined cooperatively by the seal plate and a volute housing mounted thereon. A primary seal assembly includes an axially spring-loaded dynamic seal ring carried on the drive shaft for rotation therewith and for running engagement with a stationary bushing carried by the seal plate. A secondary seal assembly is positioned axially between the primary seal assembly and motor bearing, and includes at least one slinger disk for radially outwardly slinging any water leaking past the primary seal assembly through a vent chamber.

Abstract: A snowmobile seat having a ventilation system for allowing moisture that enters the cushion portion of the seat to be wicked away through a base section that is disposed between the tunnel of the snowmobile and the cushion. The base section provides ventilation spaces between the base section and tunnel and has ventilation holes there through that allow the moisture to be drawn away from the cushion. Grooves formed in the underside of the cushion and channels formed in the top side of the base section also help promote this process.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle with a plurality of independent winches is provided. One winch may be mounted on the front of the all terrain vehicle. Another winch may be mounted at the rear of the all terrain vehicle. The winches are controlled independently of each other. For example, the front winch can be driven in a forward direction or a reverse direction independently of the rear winch, and the rear winch can be driven in a forward direction or a reverse direction independently of the front winch. Additionally, the front winch and the rear winch may be engaged to operate simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for a triple clamp with a central recess contained therein. In combination with a removable cover, the recess can be utilized to conceal a steering stem nut of the motorcycle, as well as to contain and hold a variety of items if so desired.

Abstract: This invention relates to multiple driven axle vehicles, and particularly to all-terrain vehicles equipped for rear wheel drive, four wheel drive, and on-demand front wheel drive. The invention is directed toward a system of switchable traction options allowing the vehicle operator to easily choose between different modes, such as rear wheel drive with an open or unlocked differential, rear wheel drive with a locked differential, four wheel drive with open differentials, four wheel drive with one locked differential, four wheel drive with two locked differentials, or rear wheel drive with on-demand four wheel drive.

Abstract: Access opening seal for attachment to the lip of an access opening having an exposed edge, particularly an access opening of a personal watercraft. The seal includes a top portion and a side portion and may further include a bottom portion with the side portion being between the top and bottom portions. The seal portions cooperate to define an interior surface and exterior surfaces. The seal may be affixed to the lip of an access opening with the interior surface of the top portion abutting the outer wall of a personal watercraft top deck or other structure and with the side portion positioned along and covering the exposed edge. Where a bottom portion is provided, the bottom portion abuts the inner wall of the top deck or other structure. The seal may be formed of a polymeric or other material and cooperates with a storage compartment and/or cover to form a watertight seal. The seal may be affixed to the lip of the access opening, with an adhesive or mechanical fastener.

Abstract: A snowmobile having an adjustable ski stance. The snowmobile including a central chassis from which an endless track is suspended and straddle type seat is supported. A pair of skis are coupled to a front suspension and are operatively linked to a handlebar assembly for steering the snowmobile. The skis are coupled to the snowmobile by spindles coupled to the suspension and each ski. A bushing with an offset flange couples the spindle to the ski and provides for ski stance adjustment.

Abstract: The snowmobile having a longitudinal axis, a chassis, a pair of skis each having a steering spindle, and a suspension system. The suspension system comprises, for each ski, a first control arm pivotally mounted to the chassis for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis and having a first pivotal connection to the spindle and a second control arm pivotally mounted to the chassis for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis and having a second pivotal connection to the spindle spaced from the first connection. The pivot axis of each control arm and the connection of that control arm to the spindle define a control arm plane; the control arm planes intersect to define a control line that intersects a vertical plane containing said longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method for determining the location of a mobile unit (mobile unit) in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The illustrative embodiment provides a computationally-efficient technique for reducing the number of possible positions that have to be analyzed. In particular, the illustrative embodiment eliminates possible positions for the mobile unit from consideration by considering which signals the mobile unit can—and cannot—receive and the knowledge of where those signals can and cannot be received.

Abstract: The invention provides for cooling an endless belt in a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT is comprised of a drive clutch, a driven clutch, and an endless belt disposed about the drive and driven clutches. Both the drive and driven clutches include an axially stationary sheave and an axially movable sheave. A central hub extends from an inner surface of at least one of the sheaves, and further includes at least one bore. The one bore defines an air path extending from an outer face of the hub through the one sheave to the outer face of the one sheave. At least one recessed channel is located on an inner surface of at least one of the sheaves. The one recessed channel defines an air path around a side of the endless belt in contact with the inner face of the one sheave. The invention will cool the belt as it rides about the drive clutch and driven clutches. In addition, the invention will provide at least one reduced-slip sheave surface for the belt in the CVT.

Abstract: Protective helmet comprising a two piece shell, an electric motor and impeller useful for creating a positive pressure environment in the head space, and a filter for removing particulates and other substances. The impeller introduces atmospheric air into an air channel defined by two detachably attached shell pieces. The air is pushed through a particulate filter in the air channel and then through at least one aperture into the head space. A heating element may be used to heat the air flow.

Abstract: An improved snowmobile steering ski attachable to the steering spindles of a snowmobile and, generally, including a frame, which may be integrally molded as part of the ski, and having multiple protruding keels that emerge from the horizon running surface of the ski proximal the ski's front end and gradually increase in protrusion with respect to the bottom running surface to a point of maximum protrusion at a point on the ski runner near to the steering spindle of the snowmobile is disclosed. The keel then gradually decreases in protrusion from its maximum protrusion to merge back into the bottom surface proximal the rear end of the ski.