Abstract: A light weight pre-stressed antiballistic article including a monolith ceramic plate/tile bonded to a thin lightweight thermal expansion material with an adhesive, characterized, in that the thermal expansion material has a thermal expansion coefficient at least 50% higher than the ceramic plate/tile, and the thermal expansion material is bonded to either the front face, back face or both faces of the ceramic plate/tile at a bonding temperature of between 50° C. and 250° C. with adhesive and subsequently cooled, whereby upon cooling, the bonded thermal expansion material contracts to a greater extent than the ceramic plate/tile, exerting compression stress on the ceramic plate/tile.

Abstract: A light weight pre-stressed antiballistic article including a monolith ceramic plate/tile bonded to a thin lightweight thermal expansion material with an adhesive, characterized, in that the thermal expansion material has a thermal expansion coefficient at least 50% higher than the ceramic plate/tile, and the thermal expansion material is bonded to either the front face, back face or both faces of the ceramic plate/tile at a bonding temperature of between 50° C. and 250° C. with adhesive and subsequently cooled, whereby upon cooling, the bonded thermal expansion material contracts to a greater extent than the ceramic plate/tile, exerting compression stress on the ceramic plate/tile.

Abstract: A light weight pre-stressed antiballistic article including a monolith ceramic plate/tile bonded to a thin lightweight thermal expansion material with an adhesive, characterized, in that the thermal expansion material has a thermal expansion coefficient at least 50% higher than the ceramic plate/tile, and the thermal expansion material is bonded to either the front face, back face or both faces of the ceramic plate/tile at a bonding temperature of between 50° C. and 250° C. with adhesive and subsequently cooled, whereby upon cooling, the bonded thermal expansion material contracts to a greater extent than the ceramic plate/tile, exerting compression stress on the ceramic plate/tile.

Abstract: The top wall of a snowmobile tunnel, which accommodates the endless drive track of the snowmobile, is provided with recesses at locations corresponding to the path followed by studs carried by the endless track. In another aspect of the invention, the rear of the tunnel is connected to a molded rear member. The rear member provides a downwardly curving back portion for the tunnel. The rear member may have a shape corresponding to that of the tunnel, e.g. having a pattern of recesses matching that of the top wall of the tunnel. In yet another aspect of the invention, a heat exchanger for cooling engine coolant may be provided at the rear of the tunnel. The heat exchanger may be mounted to and partially spaced from the molded rear member, thereby permitting snow thrown by the endless track to pass on both sides of the heat exchanger. In another aspect of the invention, a tunnel for a snowmobile may be narrower in the front than in the rear.

Abstract: A steering post for use with a recreational vehicle, particularly a snowmobile or ATV, is described. The steering post includes a steering shaft having upper and lower ends; at least two steering arms, the two steering arms being positioned at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the steering shaft; a ball joint assembly positioned at the lower end of the steering shaft; and a stop. An upper bearing for supporting a steering post on a recreational vehicle may have a radiused inner surface that can accept some misalignment of the shaft. A steering system also can include a double ball joint linkage that permits an easier and simpler adjustment of the steering system. A recreational vehicle such as snowmobile or ATV making use of these features also is described.

Abstract: A vehicle seat with a rigid seat base, and at least one foam portion disposed on the seat base. The seat defines at least one cavity therein. The cavity is accessible from the bottom surface of the seat, and accepts cargo, such as a shovel, therein. The cavity may be shaped to conform to a specific, predetermined cargo. The seat may be molded by disposing the seat base in a mold, and introducing settable foam into the mold so as to fill the portion of the mold not occupied by the seat base. The foam portion so produced conforms to the shape of the mold, such that a cavity may be formed by providing the mold with an internal projection. The seat may be removably attached to a vehicle using a quick-release mechanism, such as a pin and spring catch.

Abstract: An engine mount system for connecting an engine to a chassis, includes a mounting plate and first, second and third engine mounts. The first engine mount secures a first engine side to a first side of the chassis. The second and third engine mounts secure the mounting plate to the chassis. The mounting plate is also secured to a second side of the engine and is configured to mount a drive shaft of the engine and a driven shaft of a vehicle transmission system.

Abstract: An air intake system for a vehicle, having a hood that defines at least one intake aperture therethrough. The hood may be configured such that the intake apertures have substantially zero exposed area in the upper surface of the hood, such that debris cannot fall from directly above the hood into the intake apertures. A screen is engaged with the hood. The screen may define at least one screen aperture therethrough. A screen mount may be disposed within the screen aperture, and is engaged with the lower surface of the hood and with the screen. The air flow path may be shaped such that air must rise near the intake apertures and fall near the outflow aperture. The air intake system may include an air plenum adapted to supply air to an engine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle headlight assembly having a lamp housing that is pivotally mounted to the vehicle body. One embodiment of the invention includes a lamp housing that is pivotally mounted to the vehicle body and includes a threaded aperture for receiving a threaded adjustment mechanism that is inserted through an aperture in the vehicle body and into the housing aperture. Rotation of the adjustment mechanism adjusts a position of the lamp housing relative to the vehicle body. Typically, a head portion of the adjustment mechanism is positioned on an exterior of the vehicle and is accessible by an operator of the vehicle from a normal operating position of the vehicle for adjusting the position of the housing relative to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A track for a tracked vehicle, consisting of a track substrate. Terrain lugs are distributed about the circumference the track substrate on its outer surface. Drive profiles, each consisting of at least one drive lug arranged across the width of the track substrate, are distributed about the circumference of the track substrate on its inner surface. The drive profiles may consist of at least two drive lugs spaced apart across the width of the track substrate. Projections are distributed on the inner surface of the track substrate, arranged so as to engage a wheel in a track system that includes the track. The projections are disposed circumferentially between two drive profiles, and may also be disposed laterally between two drive lugs. The projections have a height such that the noise generated when the track moves in a track system is less than the noise generated when a track without such projections moves in a track system. A noise reduction of at least 6 to 8 dB is achievable.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an integrally formed skid plate and bumper for a motorized vehicle. The integrally formed skid plate and bumper member is particularly useful for a snowmobile. One embodiment of the invention includes a bumper and a skid plate that are integrally formed as a single member and capable of being secured to a vehicle frame. The skid plate may include hollow rib members that extend longitudinally along a downward facing side of the skid plate. The skid plate also may include a roll-up feature at a rear portion of the skid plate that curves upward to mate with a lower portion of the vehicle frame. As applied to snowmobiles, the integrally formed skid plate and bumper may define a nose cone between the bumper and the skid plate.

Abstract: The top wall of a snowmobile tunnel, which accommodates the endless drive track of the snowmobile, is provided with recesses at locations corresponding to the path followed by studs carried by the endless track. In another aspect of the invention, the rear of the tunnel is connected to a molded rear member. The rear member provides a downwardly curving back portion for the tunnel. The rear member may have a shape corresponding to that of the tunnel, e.g. having a pattern of recesses matching that of the top wall of the tunnel. In yet another aspect of the invention, a heat exchanger for cooling engine coolant may be provided at the rear of the tunnel. The heat exchanger may be mounted to and partially spaced from the molded rear member, thereby permitting snow thrown by the endless track to pass on both sides of the heat exchanger. In another aspect of the invention, a tunnel for a snowmobile may be narrower in the front than in the rear.

Abstract: A track for a tracked vehicle, consisting of a track substrate. Terrain lugs are distributed about the circumference the track substrate on its outer surface. Drive profiles, each consisting of at least one drive lug arranged across the width of the track substrate, are distributed about the circumference of the track substrate on its inner surface. The drive profiles may consist of at least two drive lugs spaced apart across the width of the track substrate. Projections are distributed on the inner surface of the track substrate, arranged so as to engage a wheel in a track system that includes the track. The projections are disposed circumferentially between two drive profiles, and may also be disposed laterally between two drive lugs. The projections have a height such that the noise generated when the track moves in a track system is less than the noise generated when a track without such projections moves in a track system. A noise reduction of at least 6 to 8 dB is achievable.

Abstract: A unitary drop case and caliper housing for a personal recreational vehicle is disclosed. The housing includes a caliper housing section and a drop case section. The drop case section includes an interior section and an outer wall. The caliper housing section extends from the outer wall of the drop case section. The caliper housing section secures a braking arrangement. The braking arrangement includes brake pads for engaging a braking disc mounted on a bearing in the drop case section. The braking disc is connected to a track shaft. The drop case section includes openings for receiving a bearing assembly. A first bearing assembly connects to a track shaft. A second bearing assembly connects to a drive shaft. The track and drive shafts are coupled via a driving chain in the drop case section. The drop case section also receives a cover for sealing the interior section of the drop case.

Abstract: A fuel tank for a recreational vehicle such as a snowmobile is described. The fuel tank includes a fuel tank main body, side wings, and an upper steering post mount. The side wings provide support for mounting components of a vehicle thereto. The side wings extend outward from the fuel tank main body and are in fluid communication with the fuel tank reservoir of the main body. Additionally, the side wings extend downward creating a fuel pick-up recess area and a reserve. The fuel pick-up recess area and reserve independently create a toe hold or a footrest on an outer surface of the side wings. A snowmobile including a fuel tank having side wings is also described.

Abstract: A chain and sprocket mechanism having a first sprocket, a second sprocket, and a chain engaged with the first and second sprockets, such that rotating the first sprocket moves the second sprocket via the chain. A tensioner is engaged with the chain between the first and second sprockets so as to apply tension to the chain. The tensioner is at least partly made of an elastic material, such as rubber or flexible plastic. The flexible material isolates the tensioner from vibrations, cushioning the tensioner and inhibiting the conduction of vibrations such as engine noise through the chain and the tensioner. The tensioner may be made partially or entirely of elastic material. The tensioner may be adjustable in a linear motion, to adjust the tension in the chain. The tensioning mechanism may be made so as to be mechanically simple, using translational motion only, without pivotal motion. The tensioning mechanism also may be functional without the use of springs or other elastic structures.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for a personal recreational vehicle is disclosed. The clutch assembly includes a stationary shave including a central shaft-receiving portion for receiving a shaft. The shaft-receiving portion includes first and second ends. Each of the first and second ends includes a seal receiving section. Sealing members are received into a respective seal receiving section. A volume is created between the shaft and the have receiving portion when the seals are received into their respective seal receiving section. Optionally, a lubricant can be confined within the sealed volume.

Abstract: The top wall of a snowmobile tunnel, which accommodates the endless drive track of the snowmobile, is provided with recesses at locations corresponding to the path followed by studs carried by the endless track. In another aspect of the invention, the rear of the tunnel is connected to a molded rear member. The rear member provides a downwardly curving back portion for the tunnel. The rear member may have a shape corresponding to that of the tunnel, e.g. having a pattern of recesses matching that of the top wall of the tunnel. In yet another aspect of the invention, a heat exchanger for cooling engine coolant may be provided at the rear of the tunnel. The heat exchanger may be mounted to and partially spaced from the molded rear member, thereby permitting snow thrown by the endless track to pass on both sides of the heat exchanger. In another aspect of the invention, a tunnel for a snowmobile may be narrower in the front than in the rear.

Abstract: A steering post for use with a recreational vehicle, particularly a snowmobile or ATV, is described. The steering post includes a steering shaft having upper and lower ends; at least two steering arms, the two steering arms being positioned at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the steering shaft; a ball joint assembly positioned at the lower end of the steering shaft; and a stop. An upper bearing for supporting a steering post on a recreational vehicle may have a radiused inner surface that can accept some misalignment of the shaft. A steering system also can include a double ball joint linkage that permits an easier and simpler adjustment of the steering system. A recreational vehicle such as snowmobile or ATV making use of these features also is described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a headlight system. The apparatus includes a control yoke control unit having a brake control, a dimmer switch, an actuating mechanism, and at least one control support for supporting the brake control and dimmer switch. Both controls are incorporated into the control unit. The control unit may have only a single control support with both controls therein, or it may have two control supports each with one control. The control unit also includes an electrical connector for connecting the dimmer switch to a headlight and a source of electrical power. The actuating mechanism is movable in first and second directions from a neutral position, such that moving the actuating mechanism from the neutral position in the first direction actuates the brake control, and moving the actuating mechanism from the neutral position in the second direction actuates the dimmer switch.