Abstract: A hinge-latch structure is provided for the hood of a lawn and garden vehicle. The hinge structure includes dual pivots at the forward end of the hood to move the hood forwardly, upwardly and then swing it above a lateral axis to provide access to the engine compartment. An over-center spring mechanism serves to assist the operator in opening or closing the hood and further serves as a latch to urge the hood towards its closed position. A sliding seat latch is carried between the rear of the vehicle and the hood to guide the hood into place and prevent contact with control levers carried about the rear of the hood seating area.

Abstract: A tilt steering mechanism having a latch plate fixed to the vehicle and having recesses corresponding to particular tilted positions of the steering column. A member is carried by the steering column for tilting motion therewith, and has a first portion engagable with the recesses. A mechanism is provided for biasing the member toward engagement with the recesses, and includes a compression spring carried concentrically with the member and having a straightened portion abutable with a notch formed in the member. The member has a second portion that can be pushed by the operator to shift the member against the force of the biasing mechanism to disengage the member from the recesses. A mechanism is provided for enclosing the steering column and tilt mechanism throughout the range of tilting, and includes a cowl carried by a spring mounted on the steering column.

Abstract: A brake mechanism particularly suited for snowmobile applications wherein an engine drives a primary clutch which is in belted communication with a secondary clutch mounted to secondary clutch shaft, the secondary clutch shaft has a brake disc fixably mounted thereon and has a radial extension into a brake carrier. The brake carrier is slidable on a chain housing having a pair of brake plates including brake pads suspended between opposing carrier walls. By causing one brake pad to contact one side of the brake disc, the carrier housing is moved to bring the other brake pad into contact with the other side of the brake disc.