Abstract: A receiver rack includes a main framework piece that is attached to a mounting surface of the personal recreational vehicle. The main framework may be flat and may be fashioned generally in the image of a cargo rack. The main framework may have mounting flanges for facilitating its connection to the recreational vehicle. The main framework includes at least one coupler mounted thereon. The coupler enables the main framework to be joined to one or more auxiliary frame pieces that contain at least one coupling member that mates with the coupler of the main framework. The coupler may also be used for joining a variety of seating and cargo units to the main framework.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an all terrain straddle-type vehicle for carrying a load including a rider. The vehicle includes a frame, a plurality of wheels, a rear fender, a front fender, and a body panel. The wheels, including front and rear wheels coupled to the frame. The fenders are secured to the frame for covering the wheels. The fenders are formed from a plastic material having a smooth portion and a textured portion thereon. The smooth and textured portions are disposed adjacent to one another and formed integrally on the fender. The textured portion is positioned on the fender in a location of frequent rider or other load contact. The body panel is secured to the frame forward of the rear fender. The body panel includes a textured portion situated in a location of frequent rider contact. A method of manufacturing a fender is also disclosed.

Abstract: A reverse system for an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) having an engine and an engine drive shaft, a reverse activator, an engine speed limiter, and an override switch. The reverse activator is coupled to the drive shaft. The reverse activator activates operation of the ATV in a reverse direction. The engine speed limiter limits engine speed to below a predetermined level while the reverse activation switch is engaged. The override switch allows engine speeds above the predetermined level only when the transmission is in four-wheel-drive. The method of carrying out the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a muffler for attenuating exhaust noise from an internal combustion engine. The muffler includes a main chamber, an intermediate pipe, a diffuser chamber, a spark arrester, and an exhaust pipe. Exhaust gases from the engine enter the main chamber after which they flow through the intermediate pipe. The intermediate pipe extends back through the main chamber to the diffuser chamber. The spark arrester is a screen held within the exhaust muffler and removably coupled to the exhaust pipe. Gases flow through the screen to separate hot particles. The exhaust pipe extends within the main chamber, completing a 180° bend within the chamber before exiting the main chamber and the muffler. An outer enclosure may surround the muffler. A method of attenuating exhaust gas noise is also disclosed.

Abstract: A throttle valve assembly is held within a passageway in a throttle body. The assembly includes a plate and a pivot shaft. The plate includes a contoured front surface, a contoured back surface, and a mounting receptacle. The mounting receptacle forms smooth bulges at the sides of the plate. The front and back surfaces are smoothly contoured to the bulges. The pivot shaft extends through the mounting receptacle and engages with the throttle body. A method of making a series of throttle bodies includes molding multiple like bodies having first and second passageway portions. The first portions are sized to receive butterfly valves of a standard size. The second portions, positioned downstream from the first portions, have cross sectional openings equal to or smaller than the first portions. The second portions are machined or molded to various sizes adapted to flow fluid into the in-take ports of various size engines.

Abstract: A sectional receiver rack includes a main framework piece that is attached to a mounting surface of the personal recreational vehicle. The main framework may be flat and may be fashioned generally in the image of a cargo rack. The main framework may have mounting flanges for facilitating its connection to the recreational vehicle. The main framework has couplers along one or more portions of its periphery. The couplers enable the main framework to be joined to one or more auxilliary frame pieces that contain coupling members that mate with the couplers of the main framework. The auxilliary frame pieces may be removed, thereby exposing the couplers to which they were attached. The exposed couplers may be used for joining cargo unit to the main framework. Accordingly, the cargo units may be secured to the main framework by joining their attached coupling members to the couplers attached to the main framework.

Abstract: A sectional receiver rack includes a main framework piece that is attached to a mounting surface of the personal recreational vehicle. The main framework may be flat and may be fashioned generally in the image of a cargo rack. The main framework may have mounting flanges for facilitating its connection to the recreational vehicle. The main framework has couplers along one or more portions of its periphery. The couplers enable the main framework to be joined to one or more auxilliary frame pieces that contain coupling members that mate with the couplers of the main framework. The auxilliary frame pieces may be removed, thereby exposing the couplers to which they were attached. The exposed couplers may be used for joining cargo unit to the main framework. Accordingly, the cargo units may be secured to the main framework by joining their attached coupling members to the couplers attached to the main framework.

Abstract: An adjustable shock absorber having a movable sealing piston located within the shock absorber for sealing fluid and a suspension adjuster connected to the shock absorber for moving fluid between the adjuster and the shock absorber so as to change the overall length of the shock absorber without changing the stroke length.

Abstract: A bilge pump control system for a personal watercraft which allows for the continuous pumping of the bilge whenever the vessel's engine is operating, but which also permits an operator to activate the bilge pump upon command even when the engine is not operating.