Patents by Inventor Michael A. Hedlund
Michael A. Hedlund has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20230382494Abstract: A snowmobile has an air intake system integrated into the snowmobile body, and with air intake vents facing rearwardly towards the rider. The air intake system includes a plenum defined by a portion of the body and ducting extending within the body. The ducting is porous to allow the air input noise to be dissipated within the engine compartment. The snowmobile further comprises couplings which may be realigned to accommodate wear. A frame coupler allows multiple differently configured frame tubes to be connected to the tunnel. The chassis of the snowmobile includes a casing for receiving the gears which drive the belt.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2023Publication date: November 30, 2023Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Jan R. Vistad, Dustin A. Mertens, Andrew J. Mills, Michael A. Hedlund
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Publication number: 20230339408Abstract: A snowmobile including: a frame including a tunnel configured to accommodate a drive track; a connector mounted to the frame over the tunnel; and a seat configured to be removably connected to the snowmobile by way of the connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2023Publication date: October 26, 2023Inventors: Michael A. HEDLUND, Evan M. ROSEMORE, Michel E. EATON, Barry A. JOHNSON
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Patent number: 11753114Abstract: A snowmobile has an air intake system integrated into the snowmobile body, and with air intake vents facing rearwardly towards the rider. The air intake system includes a plenum defined by a portion of the body and ducting extending within the body. The ducting is porous to allow the air input noise to be dissipated within the engine compartment. The snowmobile further comprises couplings which may be realigned to accommodate wear. A frame coupler allows multiple differently configured frame tubes to be connected to the tunnel. The chassis of the snowmobile includes a casing for receiving the gears which drive the belt.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2022Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Jan R. Vistad, Dustin A. Mertens, Andrew J. Mills, Michael A. Hedlund
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Patent number: 11753112Abstract: A snowmobile includes a frame assembly having a tunnel, a powertrain assembly supported by the frame assembly, and a braking assembly positioned within the tunnel.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2021Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Daniel K. Krings, Luke A. Guderjohn, Michael A. Hedlund, Jesse J. Laugen, Christopher D. Harwood
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Publication number: 20230271661Abstract: A snowmobile including a warming element at a handlebar of the snowmobile. The warming element is configured to generate heat in response to electrical current driven therethrough. A user interface is configured to receive inputs from an operator of the snowmobile. The inputs include a first temperature input setting a first predetermined temperature for the warming element. A control assembly includes a warmer control button configured for setting the warming element at the first predetermined temperature. A control module is included with the control assembly and in receipt of inputs from the user interface and the control assembly. The control module is configured to, when the first predetermined temperature is selected by way of the warmer control button, direct sufficient electrical current to the warming element to generate heat equal to the first predetermined temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2023Publication date: August 31, 2023Inventors: Trevor F. Rhodes, Benjamin T. Edwards, Michael A. Hedlund, Joseph D. Tharadson
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Publication number: 20230182832Abstract: A snowmobile extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a frame, a powertrain coupled to the frame and a track operatively coupled to the powertrain, the track having an upper run and a lower run. The snowmobile includes a rear suspension having at least one slide rail having a hyfax defining a plane, at least one front idler wheel in contact with the lower run of the track, at least one center idler wheel positioned adjacent the at least one front idler wheel, and at least one rear idler wheel positioned adjacent the at least one center idler wheel, and wherein the positioning of the at least center idler wheel is configured such that the at least one rear idler wheel is positioned at an angle relative to the plane having a value that is greater than zero.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2022Publication date: June 15, 2023Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Hedlund, Matthew J. Prusak, Joseph P. Wood, Corey D. Omdahl, Jeremy R. Eichenberger
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Publication number: 20230052282Abstract: A snowmobile includes a chassis comprising a bulkhead and a tunnel, a front suspension coupled to bulkhead, a rear suspension coupled to the tunnel, and slide rails coupled to the rear suspension.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2022Publication date: February 16, 2023Inventors: Michael A. Hedlund, Michael L. Fugleberg, Matthew J. Prusak, Jeffrey A. Eaton
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Publication number: 20230049333Abstract: A vehicle is provided and includes a frame including a tunnel and a front portion, an endless track at least partially positioned within the tunnel, a ski supporting the front portion of the frame, a spindle coupled to the ski, and a front suspension coupled to the spindle. The ski defines a central plane extending vertically and longitudinally, the central plane defining an inboard lateral side and an outboard lateral side, the ski having a bottom surface and a keel extending therefrom on the outboard lateral side. The spindle is coupled to the ski at a first position on the outboard lateral side of the ski. The front suspension is coupled to the spindle at a second position outboard from the central plane of the ski.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2022Publication date: February 16, 2023Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Matthew J. Prusak, Michael A. Hedlund, Dean A. Wensloff, Jeffrey A. Eaton, Joseph P. Wood
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Publication number: 20220411019Abstract: An endless track for propelling a snowmobile. The endless track includes an inner drive surface, and an outer ground-engaging surface opposite to the inner drive surface. A plurality of reinforcing rods each extend along a track width in rod rows and are spaced apart at a drive pitch length along a track length. A plurality of treads each extend from the outer ground-engaging surface and are spaced apart at a tread pitch length along the track length. At least two of the plurality of reinforcing rods have different lengths.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2022Publication date: December 29, 2022Inventors: Eric J. BORUD, Matthew J. PRUSAK, Jeffrey N. JOHNSON, Michael A. HEDLUND
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Patent number: 11511820Abstract: A footrest system for use on a snowmobile. The footrest system includes a footrest that extends from a first proximal end to a second distal end. A fender covers a proximal portion of the footrest to define a toe pocket. A snow evacuation bore passes through the proximal portion of the footrest and the fender. The snow evacuation bore is configured to pass snow out of the toe pocket and through the footrest and fender.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2019Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventor: Michael A. Hedlund
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Patent number: 11505263Abstract: A snowmobile includes a chassis comprising a bulkhead and a tunnel, a front suspension coupled to bulkhead, a rear suspension coupled to the tunnel, and slide rails coupled to the rear suspension.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2016Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Hedlund, Michael L. Fugleberg, Matthew J. Prusak, Jeffrey A. Eaton
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Publication number: 20220363340Abstract: An endless track for propelling a snowmobile. The endless track includes an inner drive surface and an outer ground-engaging surface opposite to the inner drive surface. A first side surface is opposite to a second side surface. A plurality of first side lugs are adjacent to the first side surface. A plurality of second side lugs are adjacent to the second side surface. The plurality of first side lugs and the plurality of second side lugs provide traction when the snowmobile is operated off-axis and tilted on its side as well as provides traction surfaces on additional planes other than the outer carcass of the endless track when the track is submerged in the snow.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2022Publication date: November 17, 2022Inventors: Joshua J. MICKELSON, Michael A. HEDLUND
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Publication number: 20220340233Abstract: A snowmobile including a chassis, a main body panel, and a first trim panel. The main body panel is removably coupled to the chassis by way of a fastener assembly. The first trim panel is removably coupled to the main body panel. The first trim panel has a first thickness and extends a first distance from a side of the snowmobile.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2022Publication date: October 27, 2022Inventors: Benjamin T. EDWARDS, Michael A. HEDLUND, Ronald W. BACHLEITNER, Cameron D. FISHER, James E. ROGALA
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Patent number: 11427283Abstract: A snowmobile including a hood, a hood cap connected to the hood, and a door, which together define a storage compartment. An antenna is mounted to an upper portion of the hood cap above a headlight. A main body panel is removably coupled to a chassis of the snowmobile by way of a fastener assembly. A first trim panel is removably coupled to the main body panel. The first trim panel has a first thickness and extends a first distance from a side of the snowmobile. A second trim is configured to be coupled to the main body panel in place of the first trim panel. The second trim panel has a second thickness that is different from the first thickness and extends a second distance from the side of the snowmobile that is different than the first distance.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2019Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Benjamin T. Edwards, Michael A. Hedlund, Ronald W. Bachleitner, Cameron D. Fisher, James E. Rogala
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Publication number: 20220212754Abstract: A tunnel is configured to cover at least a portion of an endless track of a snow vehicle. The tunnel has a top plate extending longitudinally. The top plate has a first flange extending from a first side edge and a second side flange extending from a second side edge. The tunnel further has a first sidewall coupled to the first flange extending generally parallel with the first flange. A second sidewall is coupled to the second flange extending generally parallel with the second flange.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2021Publication date: July 7, 2022Inventors: Jacob L. Stock, Timothy W. Stenlund, David W. Christian, John B. Pircon, Michael A. Hedlund, Matthew J. Prusak, Cody S. Kofstad
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Publication number: 20220177077Abstract: A snowmobile has an air intake system integrated into the snowmobile body, and with air intake vents facing rearwardly towards the rider. The air intake system includes a plenum defined by a portion of the body and ducting extending within the body. The ducting is porous to allow the air input noise to be dissipated within the engine compartment. The snowmobile further comprises couplings which may be realigned to accommodate wear. A frame coupler allows multiple differently configured frame tubes to be connected to the tunnel. The chassis of the snowmobile includes a casing for receiving the gears which drive the belt.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2022Publication date: June 9, 2022Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Jan R. Vistad, Dustin A. Mertens, Andrew J. Mills, Michael A. Hedlund
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Publication number: 20220144182Abstract: A snowmobile including a chassis, a driver's seat mounted to the chassis, and an accessory. The accessory includes a first locking member and a second locking member disconnected from the first locking member. The first locking member and the second locking member are configured to couple the accessory to the chassis behind the driver's seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2022Publication date: May 12, 2022Inventors: Michael A. HEDLUND, Evan M. ROSEMORE
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Patent number: 11286019Abstract: A snowmobile has an air intake system integrated into the snowmobile body, and with air intake vents facing rearwardly towards the rider. The air intake system includes a plenum defined by a portion of the body and ducting extending within the body. The ducting is porous to allow the air input noise to be dissipated within the engine compartment. The snowmobile further comprises couplings which may be realigned to accommodate wear. A frame coupler allows multiple differently configured frame tubes to be connected to the tunnel. The chassis of the snowmobile includes a casing for receiving the gears which drive the belt.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2019Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Hedlund, Matthew J. Prusak, Jeffrey A. Eaton
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Patent number: 11267407Abstract: A snowmobile including a support member mounted to a chassis of the snowmobile and configured to support at least one of a seat and a fuel tank of the snowmobile. A first accessory is in cooperation with the support member and is mounted to the chassis behind the support member.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2019Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Hedlund, Evan M. Rosemore
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Patent number: 11208168Abstract: A snowmobile tunnel stop protection system to provide protection to a tunnel from a studded endless track used on a snowmobile. The tunnel includes at least one slot formed into an undersurface of the tunnel. At least one protection rail extends from a first end to a second end and includes a plurality of holes passing through the protection rail. A plurality of fasteners are used to attach the protection rail to the tunnel where each fastener has a first fastener portion that passes through the at least one slot. Each fastener includes the first fastener portion that passes through one of the plurality of holes and a second fastener portion that couples to the corresponding first fastener portion to couple the protection rail to the slot formed in the tunnel.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2019Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Hedlund, Matthew J. Prusak