Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a multi-purpose vehicle having a frame, a suspension secured to the frame, four wheels tires secured to the suspension, and handlebars for steering the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a straddle mount seat secured to the frame with seating positions for a driver and a passenger of the vehicle. The seating position for the passenger is located rearward on the vehicle relative to the seating position of the driver. The vehicle also has foot and hand positions for the passenger. Optionally, the vehicle includes a backrest and armrests for the passenger.

Abstract: A throttle valve assembly is held within a passageway in a throttle body. The assembly includes a plate and a pivot shaft. 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: 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 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: A throttle valve assembly is held within a passageway in a throttle body. The assembly includes a plate and a pivot shaft. 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 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: 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: 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: 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: The present invention relates to a transmission for a recreation vehicle, such as an all-terrain vehicle that includes a locking assembly for locking a differential joint in the front- or rear-end portion of the transmission. A vehicle having both front and rear differentials may include separate locking assemblies for each differential to lock and unlock the differentials for various combinations of power allocation to wheels of the vehicle. A differential joint according to the invention may include a ring gear and spider gears that drive a universal joint coupled to wheels of the vehicle. A coupler of the locking assembly includes an inner surface configured to engage outer surfaces of the ring gear and the universal joint, and an outer surface configured to be engaged by an actuator. The actuator adjusts the coupler between a locked position wherein the ring gear and the universal joint are locked together, and an unlocked position wherein the universal joint is free to rotate relative to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transmission for a recreation vehicle, such as an all-terrain vehicle that includes a locking assembly for locking a differential joint in the front- or rear-end portion of the transmission. A vehicle having both front and rear differentials may include separate locking assemblies for each differential to lock and unlock the differentials for various combinations of power allocation to wheels of the vehicle. A differential joint according to the invention may include a ring gear and spider gears that drive a universal joint coupled to wheels of the vehicle. A coupler of the locking assembly includes an inner surface configured to engage outer surfaces of the ring gear and the universal joint, and an outer surface configured to be engaged by an actuator. The actuator adjusts the coupler between a locked position wherein the ring gear and the universal joint are locked together, and an unlocked position wherein the universal joint is free to rotate relative to each other.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a multi-purpose vehicle having a frame, a suspension secured to the frame, four wheels tires secured to the suspension, and handlebars for steering the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a straddle mount seat secured to the frame with seating positions for a driver and a passenger of the vehicle. The seating position for the passenger is located rearward on the vehicle relative to the seating position of the driver. The vehicle also has foot and hand positions for the passenger. Optionally, the vehicle includes a backrest and armrests for the passenger.

Abstract: An edge trim piece for sealing the junction between top and bottom hull members of a watercraft includes a main body having a first end for engaging the top hull member, a second end for engaging the bottom hull member and a bridging section between the first and second ends for overlying the junction between the hull members. The edge trim piece has a sealing cover for the bridging section that has a first end secured to the first end of the main body and a second end that extends in the direction of but is not secured to the second end of the main body.