Abstract: An article retention band includes a ring, a lever, and a clasp. The ring has an inner circumference and is configured to encircle and apply a compressive force around an exterior circumference of an article. The lever is attached to the ring and has an end surface. The lever is moveable between a first position in which the end surface is spaced from the ring and a second position in which the end surface is adjacent to the ring. Movement of the lever from the first position to the second position results in a reduction of the inner circumference of the ring. A clasp is configured for selectively retaining the lever in the second position such that the clasp at least partially covers the end surface of the lever. A drive assembly and a vehicle having a drive assembly are also provided.

Abstract: A half-track vehicle includes a frame, first and second beams having forward and rearward wheels attached thereto, and first and second suspension systems. The frame includes a first side and a second side, and the first suspension system suspends the first beam from the frame adjacent the first side of the frame and the second suspension system suspends the second beam from the frame adjacent the second side of the frame. Each suspension system includes at least one element, such as a trailing arm, and A-arm, and a transverse suspension member, that is attached to one of frame and an associated one of the first and second beams in a manner that permits three degrees of rotational movement and that transmits motive force from the first and second beams to the frame.

Abstract: An equalized suspension system for a vehicle includes a first trailing arm, a second trailing arm, first and second wheels, and a cushion. The first trailing arm has a lower end pivotally secured to the first wheel, and an upper end pivotally secured to the frame. The second trailing arm has a lower end pivotally secured to the second wheel, a free upper end, and an intermediate portion pivotally secured to the frame. The cushion extends between the lower end of the first trailing arm and the free, upper end of the second trailing arm and serves to transfer and equalize pressures between the first and second wheels. When the first wheel engages an obstacle and moves in a first direction, the cushion forces the second wheel, via the second trailing arm, in a second direction.

Abstract: A half-track multi-use vehicle having an independent suspension system that reduces body roll during operation in rough or sloping terrain. The vehicle includes a frame, a pair of beams that each holds mid and rear wheels, and a suspension system extending between the each beam and the frame. The suspension system includes a plurality of cushions and a stabilizer bar. The stabilizer bar is secured to each beam at a predetermined position between the mid and rear wheels. The predetermined position is selected such that each wheel's wheel rate, which is the combined spring rate contributed by an associated cushion and the stabilizer bar, is equal.

Abstract: A half-track all-terrain vehicle having an independent suspension system that provides an improved vehicle ride and facilitates traversing obstacles. The vehicle includes a frame, a pair of beams that each holds front and rear wheels, and a suspension system extending between the each beam and the frame. The suspension system includes a plurality of cushions. The cushions are tuned such that forward cushions have a relatively greater suspension stroke than the rearward cushions and thereby permit the front wheels to engage the ground sequentially before the rear wheels when the vehicle goes over a step or drop off. The suspension system is further tuned to permit the vehicle to traverse an obstacle having a height that is slightly lower than the frame clearance by permitting the front wheels to lift vertically to a distance essentially equal to the frame clearance.

Abstract: A half-track vehicle includes a frame, first and second beams having forward and rearward wheels attached thereto, and first and second suspension systems. The frame includes a first side and a second side, and the first suspension system suspends the first beam from the frame adjacent the first side of the frame and the second suspension system suspends the second beam from the frame adjacent the second side of the frame. Each suspension system includes at least one element, such as a trailing arm, and A-arm, and a transverse suspension member, that is attached to one of frame and an associated one of the first and second beams in a manner that permits three degrees of rotational movement and that transmits motive force from the first and second beams to the frame.

Abstract: A half-track all-terrain vehicle having an independent suspension system that provides an improved vehicle ride and facilitates traversing obstacles. The vehicle includes a frame, a pair of beams that each holds front and rear wheels, and a suspension system extending between the each beam and the frame. The suspension system includes a plurality of cushions. The cushions are tuned such that forward cushions have a relatively greater suspension stroke than the rearward cushions and thereby permit the front wheels to engage the ground sequentially before the rear wheels when the vehicle goes over a step or drop off. The suspension system is further tuned to permit the vehicle to traverse an obstacle having a height that is slightly lower than the frame clearance by permitting the front wheels to lift vertically to a distance essentially equal to the frame clearance.

Abstract: An equalized suspension system for a vehicle includes a first trailing arm, a second trailing arm, first and second wheels, and a cushion. The first trailing arm has a lower end pivotally secured to the first wheel, and an upper end pivotally secured to the frame. The second trailing arm has a lower end pivotally secured to the second wheel, a free upper end, and an intermediate portion pivotally secured to the frame. The cushion extends between the lower end of the first trailing arm and the free, upper end of the second trailing arm and serves to transfer and equalize pressures between the first and second wheels. When the first wheel engages an obstacle and moves in a first direction, the cushion forces the second wheel, via the second trailing arm, in a second direction.

Abstract: A half-track multi-use vehicle having an independent suspension system that reduces body roll during operation in rough or sloping terrain. The vehicle includes a frame, a pair of beams that each holds mid and rear wheels, and a suspension system extending between the each beam and the frame. The suspension system includes a plurality of cushions and a stabilizer bar. The stabilizer bar is secured to each beam at a predetermined position between the mid and rear wheels. The predetermined position is selected such that each wheel's wheel rate, which is the combined spring rate contributed by an associated cushion and the stabilizer bar, is equal.

Abstract: A shifter assembly for use in a motor vehicle includes a shifter operatively connected to a transmission of the motor vehicle to shift the transmission between a plurality of operating positions. The shifter assembly also includes a shift position indicator located adjacent to the shifter to indicate one of the operating positions, a light box located beneath the shift position indicator having a parabolic base and side walls, and a light bulb inset in the light box for illuminating the shift position indicator. The light bulb casts a first shadow around a circumference of a base of the light bulb and a second shadow from a tip of the light bulb. The light bulb emits light radially from a body of the light bulb. The light bulb is inset in the light box at an angle a from the base between 0 degrees and 45 degrees. The light bulb is oriented to emit light on the shift position indicator.

Abstract: An escutcheon and vehicle console assembly characterized by an assembly arrangement wherein resilient locking tabs serve to facilitate locking and disengagable cooperation between an escutcheon and console and prevent rattling of the escutcheon relative to the console.

Abstract: A shifter for a vehicle includes a base for attachment to the vehicle, and a transmission shift lever having a slidably connectable pivot for pivoting shift lever to the base. The base includes configured sidewalls defining opposing sockets having a first diameter and inlets to the sockets having a first width less than the first diameter. The shift lever includes an integrally molded pivot member with protruding flat-sided rod sections. The rod sections define a second diameter about equal to the first diameter, and the flat sides of the rod sections define a second width about equal to the first width. By positioning the shift lever in an assembly-permitting angular position, the flat sides align with the inlet and the pivot member can be slid through the inlets into releasable pivotal engagement with the sockets.