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: A cambered surfaced tensioning block is provided that is used in conjunction with the rear suspension of a typical snowmobile when sufficient lateral force is applied. The tensioning block fits within an open ended block housing which is attached to the slide rail components of the rear suspension in a position that is just rearward of the point at which the spring arms are attached. The upper surface of the tensioning block is formed in a curve in a manner so that the radius of that curve lessens as you move rearward thus, creating a cambered surface. The cambered upper surface of the tensioning block is utilized to move the load point of the suspension spring arm closer to the point of force application as the lateral force applied to the suspension increases. Therefore, the use of the present invention provides a rear suspension spring characteristic that grows increasingly stiff as more and more lateral force is applied to it.

Abstract: A flexible ski which is molded in one piece entirely of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene plastic. The adjustable flex ski is made up of a ski body which forms the majority of the invention and provides the base from which the other components are formed. This ski body is molded in a flat configuration. The front portion of this ski is given a pre-load function by bending the forward most portion of the ski body in an upward fashion. It is then held in this position by the use of pre-load bar which extends pivotally rearward from the tip of the ski to a ski saddle located on the upper center surface of the ski body. This saddle provides various attachment points for the pre-load bar and can thus, vary the amount of pre-load on ski. The saddle is also supplied with an attachment point for mounting the ski on the vehicle.

Abstract: A mechanism that improves the steering characteristics of molded plastic skis is provided that employs the use of a flexible carbide steering cleat. This flexible carbide steering cleat is made up of a plurality of carbide tipped steering members that are attached individually to the lower surface of a plastic one piece snowmobile ski. Each of the individual cleat members is equipped with a mounting plate that has indentations on either side which, when a series of the cleats have been placed in the keel in succession, creates a space between them. This space allows the cleat members to flex independently of one another in response to the flexing of the ski without binding on one another. Therefore, the flexing ability of the present invention allows the individual cleat members to maintain the maximum contact with the snow surface, regardless of how much the ski itself flexes during its use.

Abstract: A flexible ski which is molded in one piece entirely of UHMW plastic. The adjustable flex ski is made up of a ski body which forms the majority of the invention and provides the base from which the other components are formed. This ski body is molded in a flat configuration. The front portion of this ski is given a pre-load function by bending the forward most portion of the ski body in an upward fashion. It is then held in this position by the use of pre-load bar which extends pivotally rearward from the tip of the ski to a ski saddle located on the upper center surface of the ski body. This saddle provides various attachment points for the pre-load bar and can thus, vary the amount of pre-load on ski. The saddle is also supplied with an attachment point for mounting the ski on the vehicle. This configuration allows the tip of the adjustable flex ski to flex in an upwardly fashion when confronting obstacles which provides the operator with a greater degree of control in rough terrain.

Abstract: An adjustable flex ski for snowmobiles and similar vehicles. This is molded in one piece entirely of ultra high molecular weight plastic or similar materials. The adjustable flex ski is made up of a ski body, which forms the majority of the invention and provides the base to which the other components are attached. The front portion of this ski is given a pre-load function by bending the forward most portion of the ski body in an upward fashion. It is then held in this position by the use of the gas pre-load shock or dampener, which extends pivotally rearward from the tip of the ski to a ski saddle located on the upper center surface of the ski body. This saddle provides various attachment points for the gas pre-load shock and thus, can vary the amount of pre-load on the ski. The adjustability of the ski body can also be enhanced by the use of internally adjustable gas shocks commonly found on the market today. These shocks may be adjustable on the body of the shock or by a remote mechanism.