Abstract: A snowmobile construction wherein the components are laid out so as to improve the center of gravity of the snowmobile and position the major components so that they will exert a large portion of their weight on the drive belt. The snowmobile includes a built-up frame assembly that defines a cradle in which the engine is positioned and which drives the drive belt through a pair of transmissions. One of these transmissions is disposed within the frame assembly and in a casing carried by an opening in one side of the frame assembly. The snowmobile is steered by a steering shaft that extends across the top of the engine and through a space between the exhaust manifold of the engine and the engine so as to provide a compact assembly. The positioning of the transmission inboard of the frame permits the use of a forwardly positioned seat with foot rests disposed outwardly of the transmission but closely adjacent the sides of the frame.

Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting vehicle handlebars includes a lower hub intergral with a vehicle steering column, and an upper hub formed as an integral part of the handlebars. Two opposed diamond-shaped plates rotationally receive both hubs. Two locking gears, one integral with each hub, form various interlocking engagement with one of the plates, corresponding to different handlebar position settings. A release lever, pivotally attached to one of the plates, is pivotable to urge the plates away from one another to release the locking engagment of the gears and projection groove, enabling movement of the handlebars to different settings. A spring loaded detent prevents inadvertent release of the mechanism, and must be moved against the force of a torsion spring prior to the pivoting of the release lever.

Abstract: A motor-powered lawn mower is described which includes provisions for converting same from a walk-behind mower to a stand-up riding mower. A driven shaft associated with the rear wheels is journaled for rotation at the lower ends of a pair of pivot arms which are hinged to opposed sides of the mower's frame. Also coupled to the pivot arms is a riding platform. When the rear wheel assembly is swung forward relative to the frame, the riding platform is tucked beneath the frame so as not to obstruct the feet of the operator walking behind the mower and guiding its path of travel. By swinging the rear wheel assembly to extend rearward of the frame, the riding platform becomes deployed in a horizontal position so that the operator may stand upon it as he manipulates the controls to steer the vehicle.