Abstract: As shown in FIGS. 3 through 7, the first step within the manufacturing process is to mold an elongate body 20 having a relatively straight structure when compared to the final manipulated ski structure. The elongate body 20 is preferably comprised of a resilient and flexible material such as but not limited to ultra high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene (plastic). It can be appreciated that various other types of resilient and flexible materials may be utilized to construct the elongate body 20. Furthermore, the elongate body 20 may be created utilizing various molding processes such as but not limited to injection molding. Once the elongate body 20 has solidified, the elongate body 20 is removed from the respective mold by various conventional removal means.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a ski for creating a preload force upon a front portion of a ski combination with a resilient preload member. The method basically including the steps of molding an elongate ski body having a front portion in a position P1, removing the elongate ski body from the mold after solidified, applying a force upon a front portion of the elongate ski body thereby bowing the front portion into position P2, securing a preload member to the front portion and a middle portion of the elongate ski body, and releasing the force applied to the front portion whereby the resiliency of the front portion deforms the preload member until the front portion is into position P3. Position P1 of the elongate ski body is preferably less than 20 degrees with respect to a longitudinal axis of the elongate ski body.

Abstract: A vehicle snow ski system for creating a preload force upon a front portion of a ski in combination with a resilient preload member. The method basically comprising an elongate ski body having a front portion in a position P1, applying a force upon a front portion of the elongate ski body thereby bowing the front portion into position P2, securing a preload member to the front portion and a middle portion of the elongate ski body, and releasing the force applied to the front portion whereby the resiliency of the front portion deforms the preload member until the front portion is into position P3. Position P1 of the elongate ski body is preferably less than 20 degrees with respect to a longitudinal axis of the elongate ski body. The preload member is preferably comprised of a first segment and a second segment having an obtuse angle between one another. The first segment is preferably longer than the second segment thereby deforming an amount greater than the second segment.

Abstract: An endless track drive sprocket system for reducing slippage between a drive sprocket and an endless track. The endless track drive sprocket system includes a main body having a generally circular structure, a plurality of first flat portions within an outer perimeter of the main body, a plurality of second flat portions within the outer perimeter of the main body positioned between the first flat portions at an angle, and a first engaging member and a second engaging member extending outwardly from the main body adjacent to the second flat portions. The intersection of the first flat portions and the second flat portions creates a pressure ridge for reducing the chance of the engaging members slipping upon the lugs of the endless track.

Abstract: A snowmobile ski suspension system for increasing the overall performance and adjustability of a snowmobile front suspension. The snowmobile ski suspension system includes a collar member attached to the chassis of the snowmobile, a torsion spring attached about the collar member, a first arm extending radially from the torsion spring engaging the ski support structure, a second arm extending radially from the torsion spring, and an adjustment member attached to the second arm for allowing adjustment of the stiffness of the torsion spring. The first arm may be attached at various locations along the ski support structure in various manners.

Abstract: A snowmobile ski suspension system for increasing the overall performance and adjustability of a snowmobile front suspension. The snowmobile ski suspension system includes a collar member attached to the chassis of the snowmobile, a torsion spring attached about the collar member, a first arm extending radially from the torsion spring engaging the ski support structure, a second arm extending radially from the torsion spring, and an adjustment member attached to the second arm for allowing adjustment of the stiffness of the torsion spring. The first arm may be attached at various locations along the ski support structure in various manners.

Abstract: A snowmobile ski system for reducing frictional resistance and improving overall control of a snowmobile ski. The snowmobile ski system includes a ski having a body, a lower surface, an upper surface, a saddle, and a plurality of dimples within the lower surface of the ski. The plurality of dimples may have various shapes, sizes, depths, designs and patterns to assist in reducing the frictional resistance of the ski upon a snow surface. The plurality of dimples within the lower surface of the ski create a plurality of air pockets between the lower surface and the snow surface during forward travel.

Abstract: A vehicle snow ski system for creating a traverse curve within a front portion of a snow ski. The snow ski comprised an elongate body having a rear portion, a middle portion and a front portion wherein the front portion has a traverse curved structure. The front traverse curvature directs snow inwardly toward the keel member thereby improving the handling of the ski. The snow ski may be manufactured with the traverse curvature permanently molded within the front portion. However, the snow ski may also be manufactured in an initially straight structure thereafter applying a force upon a front portion of the elongate ski body which longitudinally bows the front portion into position P2 and traversely bows the front portion creating the desired traverse curvature within the front portion of the ski member.

Abstract: A flexible ski support system for increasing the overall flexibility of a snowmobile ski through the elimination of a metal saddle. The flexible ski support system consists of a ski having an elongate body and a support portion having a first member and a second member, a first aperture extending within the first member, a second aperture extending within the second member, a first bushing member positioned within the first aperture, and a second bushing member positioned within the second aperture. The elongate body and the support portion are both molded into a one-piece structure from a relatively highly flexible material such as plastic. The bushing members each have a concentric bore for receiving a connecting pin for allowing attachment to a suspension arm of a snowmobile. The bushing members distribute the vertical and horizontal forces over a relatively broad area within the support portion thereby preventing damage or breakage to the support portion.

Abstract: A flexible ski loop system for allowing a loop member for a ski to easily pivot at opposing ends thereof. The flexible ski loop system comprises a ski having an elongate body having a front portion, middle portion and a rear portion, a receiver cavity within the front end of the front portion, a front aperture extending through the front end within the receiver cavity, a loop member having a first end pivotally attached to a middle portion of the elongate body by a first fastener and a second end pivotally attached within the receiver cavity by a second fastener. The receiver cavity has a curved structure and the second end of the loop member has a curved end that is pivotally positionable within the receiver cavity. The front aperture is preferably broader in diameter than the second fastener thereby allowing movement of the second fastener when the second end of the loop member is pivoted within the receiver cavity.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a ski for creating a preload force upon a front portion of a ski in combination with a resilient preload member. The method basically comprising the steps of molding an elongate ski body having a front portion in a position P1, removing the elongate ski body from the mold after solidified, applying a force upon a front portion of the elongate ski body thereby bowing the front portion into position P2, securing a preload member to the front portion and a middle portion of the elongate ski body, and releasing the force applied to the front portion whereby the resiliency of the front portion deforms the preload member until the front portion is into position P3. Position P1 of the elongate ski body is preferably less than 20 degrees with respect to a longitudinal axis of the elongate ski body.