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.

Abstract: A three-wheeled vehicle is designed for road use and has an internal combustion engine that drives a single rear wheel and a pair of steerable front wheels. The front wheels are partially covered by a fender assembly that includes a fender body and a fender support. The fender support moves in correspondence with the front wheels independent of the main frame. The fender also includes a lamp that is flush with the fender body.

Abstract: A three-wheeled vehicle is designed for road use. The three-wheeled vehicle has a four stroke internal combustion engine that drives a single rear wheel and a pair of steerable front wheels. The engine is connected to a continuously variable transmission that transmits torque to the rear wheel.

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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A snowmobile is described having a frame and an engine disposed on the frame. A drive track is disposed below the frame and connected operatively to the engine for propulsion of the snowmobile. At least one ski is disposed on the frame. A seat is disposed rearwardly of the engine, suitable for a rider with a center of gravity, and a steering device is disposed above the engine and forward of the seat, the steering device being operatively connected to the at least one ski for steering the snowmobile. The snowmobile has a center of gravity positioned such that a distance between a vertical line passing through the center of gravity of the snowmobile and a vertical line passing through the center of gravity of the rider is within a predetermined range. Also, the distance between the steering position of the snowmobile and the seat position of the rider falls within a predetermined range.

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.

Abstract: A snowmobile has a frame with a tunnel, a straddle seat, an engine-propelled drive track, and two skis. A steering device operatively connects to the at least one ski to steer the snowmobile. The steering device is positioned such that when the standard rider sits in a standard position on the seat, his knees are disposed in front of his ankles and below his hips. The rider's knees are also disposed sufficiently far below the steering device that the rider's knees do not interfere with steering the snowmobile. This rider positioning enables the rider to easily absorb bumps and to actively position himself on the snowmobile.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes a chassis having a generally reduced length and a snow flap pivotally attached to the rear portion of the chassis, above the track system. The track system extends rearwardly beyond the chassis, and the snow flap shields the track system above and behind from spraying snow. The snow flap is linked to the track system so that as the track system moves through a range of travel relative to the chassis, the snow flap pivots relative to the chassis with the track system. This configuration prevents damaging contact between the tread and the undersurface of the snow flap and/or the chassis. The reduced length of the chassis decreases the weight of the snowmobile and the polar moment of inertia, thereby improving turning performance. A bumper extends from the snow flap and can be used to lift the rear of the snowmobile more easily.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes a chassis having a generally reduced length and a snow flap pivotally attached to the rear portion of the chassis, above the track system. The track system extends rearwardly beyond the chassis, and the snow flap shields the track system above and behind from spraying snow. The snow flap is linked to the track system so that as the track system moves through a range of travel relative to the chassis, the snow flap pivots relative to the chassis with the track system. This configuration prevents damaging contact between the tread and the undersurface of the snow flap and/or the chassis. The reduced length of the chassis decreases the weight of the snowmobile and the polar moment of inertia, thereby improving turning performance. A bumper extends from the snow flap and can be used to lift the rear of the snowmobile more easily.

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.