Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a snow vehicle including an engine mounted on a frame, a drive track in contact with the frame, a drive train operatively interconnecting the engine with the drive track for delivering propulsive power to the drive track, a fork connected to the frame, one or more skis connected to the fork, a drop fork component positioned between a fork and handlebars, and an exhaust system. The drive train includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) positioned within a CVT housing.

Abstract: A snow ski assembly for a snow vehicle includes a ski body, a ski spindle, a ski stopper and a ski keel pressure adjuster. The ski body has an upper surface with a ski spindle attachment and a bottom surface with a keel. The ski spindle has a lower end pivotally connected to the ski spindle attachment of the ski body about a pivot axis. The ski stopper is disposed between the upper surface of the ski body and the lower end of the ski spindle. The ski keel pressure adjuster includes at least one adjustment member and at least one user input. The at least one adjustment member is movably disposed with respect to the ski body between a first position in which the ski stopper has a first compression characteristic and a second position in which the ski stopper has a second compression characteristic. The at least one user input is operatively coupled to the at least one adjustment member to move the at least one adjustment member in response to operation of the at least one user input.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a snow vehicle including an engine mounted on a frame, a drive track in contact with the frame, a drive train operatively interconnecting the engine with the drive track for delivering propulsive power to the drive track, a fork connected to the frame, one or more skis connected to the fork, a drop fork component positioned between a fork and handlebars, and an exhaust system. The drive train includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) positioned within a CVT housing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a single-ski assembly being configured to convert a double-ski conventional snowmobile to a single-ski snowmobile while improving the steerability, the maneuverability and the floatation of snowmobiles and thus by providing an adjustable angular front orientation of the ski. The single-ski assembly comprises a damping system adapted to control the longitudinal direction of the snowmobile and a steering mechanism adapted to control the upward and downward rotation of the ski.

Abstract: A snow vehicle having a combined brake and clutch handle is herein disclosed. Further, the snow vehicle can include a controller for managing operation of the snow vehicle, including shifting and engine management regiments, which can be selected by the operator depending upon operator preferences. Additionally, the snow vehicle can include an engine cooling heat exchanger for cooling liquid which is circulated through the engine.

Abstract: A snow vehicle is disclosed comprising a vehicle frame, a propulsion unit coupled to the frame, and a front ski steered by a steering mechanism. The snow vehicle has a chain coupling the sprocket of the propulsion unit and a chain tensioning device to take up the chain tension. The chain has a chain guide positioned below a lower run of the chain which directs the chain towards an upper run of the chain.

Abstract: Structural arrangement for a water ski or underwater ski comprising essential mechanisms for significantly improving the user experience in underwater wake bodyboarding. The ski is characterized by the addition of novel and different attachable items that enable the ski to be used without a powered vehicle. The ski is also characterized in that it has various different items that can be attached to the cowling to improve the performance and comfort of the equipment, combined with a personalized steering system and an essential safety system, providing a model that is unique on the underwater ski/water ski market.

Abstract: A snowmobile has a frame having a motor module, a tunnel connected to the motor module, a suspension module connected to the motor module, a motor, a handlebar, a ski operatively connected to the handlebar and a front suspension assembly operatively connecting the ski to the suspension module and to the motor module. The front suspension assembly has a suspension arm having a proximal end positioned longitudinally between the motor module and the suspension module. The proximal end pivots about a pivot axis extending through an interior portion of the suspension module. A proximal fastener passes through the proximal end of the suspension arm and extends from the interior portion of the suspension module to the motor module. The proximal fastener thereby pivotally connects the suspension arm to the suspension module and to the motor module about the pivot axis.

Abstract: A lift apparatus for a snowmobile and a kit for constructing same. The lift apparatus includes a rear bumper and first and second slides attachable to a tunnel of the snowmobile. The rear bumper includes a transverse bumper portion connected to first and second slide members. The first and second slide members are slidable along the first and second slides, respectively, to position the transverse bumper portion in a riding position or a deployed position. The transverse bumper portion is positioned farther from the snowmobile when the transverse bumper portion is in the deployed position than when it is in the riding position. The transverse bumper portion is configured to be gripped and lifted by a user when the transverse bumper portion is in the deployed position. The rear bumper is configured to lift a rear portion of the snowmobile when the transverse bumper portion is lifted.

Abstract: A snowmobile has a frame having a tunnel; at least one ski operatively connected to the frame; a motor supported by the frame; an endless drive track disposed at least in part below the tunnel and operatively connected to the motor for propulsion of the snowmobile; a suspension assembly operatively connected to the frame, the suspension assembly supporting and tensioning the endless drive track, the suspension assembly having a least one rear idler wheel, the at least one idler wheel defining an idler wheel rotation axis; and a snow guard connected to the suspension assembly. The snow guard has a deflector. The deflector has a leading edge and a trailing edge. The leading edge is rearward and upward of the idler wheel rotation axis. The trailing edge is rearward and upward of the idler wheel rotation axis.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A vehicle has a frame, a ski, an endless track, a motor, a rear suspension assembly supporting the endless track, and a continuously variable transmission operatively connecting the motor to the endless track for driving the endless track. The continuously variable transmission has a primary pulley operatively connected to the motor, a transmission belt, and a secondary pulley operatively connected to the primary pulley via the transmission belt. The secondary pulley is operatively connected to the endless track. The continuously variable transmission is positioned forwardly of the motor.

Abstract: Dollies support steered skis of a snowmobile on wheels to enable the snowmobile to be moved along an underlying surface with carbides on the bottom surfaces of the skis free of contact with the underlying surface.

Abstract: A method for replacing a roll cage of an off-road vehicle is provided. The off-road vehicle has a frame and the roll cage affixed to the frame. The frame has a plurality of roll cage supports. The roll cage has a plurality of legs, and each of the legs is welded to a respective one of the roll cage supports of the frame. The method includes cutting off the roll cage from the frame, providing a replacement roll cage for removably affixing to the frame, positioning the replacement roll cage onto the frame such that legs of the replacement roll cage are supported on the roll cage supports, aligning an opening of a mounting flange of each leg of the replacement roll cage with a corresponding opening of each roll cage support, and fastening the legs of the replacement roll cage to the roll cage supports.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a snowmobile are disclosed. The lower arm is arranged below the upper arm. The lower arm includes proximal portions and connected to the ski support frame. The lower arm extends outwardly from the proximal portions and in the vehicle width direction and connects the ski support frame and the ski. The proximal portions and of the lower arm are positioned higher than the lower end of the engine. At least a portion of the lower arm is positioned higher than the rotational center of the crank shaft. This structure can prevent the center of gravity of the vehicle body from becoming high and reduce running resistance when the vehicle traveling in deep snow.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes an engine including a crankshaft, a driving shaft rotatable together with the crankshaft, an endless track belt drivable by the driving shaft, and a vehicle body frame including a wall portion defining an engine room accommodating the engine and engine support portions and supporting the engine. At least a portion of the wall portion is made of a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic material and overlaps the engine as seen in a side view.

Abstract: The present specification relates to a snowmobile. The upper arm includes two proximal portions connected to the vehicle frame and the upper arm extends outwardly from the two proximal portions in the vehicle width direction and the upper arm is connected to the knuckle. The two proximal portions are rotatable so that the knuckle and the skis can move up and down relative to the vehicle frame. The axis Ax2, passing through the rotation center C2 of the two proximal portions of the upper arm, goes through a position of the rotation center of the secondary shaft or through a position above the rotation center of the secondary shaft. This structure can reduce the force acting on the vehicle body frame via the upper arm and prevent an increase in the force.

Abstract: A shock-absorbent anti-tilt structure of an electric carrier coordinates with a steering system, which includes a steering axis and two sets of wheels. The shock-absorbent anti-tilt structure of an electric carrier includes a frame and an anti-tilt assembly. The frame includes a wheel axle, a first extension section pivotally connected to the wheel axle, a second extension section pivotally connected to the first extension section, and a bushing bridging the second extension section and the steering axis. The anti-tilt assembly includes two clamping members connected to the wheel axle and extending along the same direction as the first extension section, and two dampers respectively clamped by the clamping members and located closely to two sides of the first extension section. When the wheel axle receives a force and becomes unleveled with the ground, each of the dampers produces a reverse torque on the first extension section.

Abstract: A snowmobile rear suspension assembly has a first and second suspension arms, a pair of slide rails pivotally connected to lower ends of the suspension arms and at least one shock absorber, a pair of extension arms pivotally connected to a rear portion of the pair of slide rails about a lateral axis and being pivotable between raised 5 and lowered positions about the lateral axis, a pair of rear idler wheels rotationally connected to a rear portion of the pair of extension arms, and at least one spring biasing the pair of extension arms toward the lowered position. At least a portion of at least one of the suspension arms is pivotable about a longitudinally extending axis relative to the pair of slide rails. A snowmobile having the rear suspension, a method 10 of replacing the slide rails of the rear suspension and a slide rails replacement kit are also disclosed.

Abstract: A leaning vehicle has a frame, a straddle seat, a motor, a shock tower pivotally connected the frame, the frame being pivotable relative to the shock tower, and front left and right suspension assemblies connected the frame. Each of the front left and right suspension assemblies comprises a leg operatively connected to a corresponding front left or right ground engaging member and being rotatable about a steering axis, an upper suspension arm having a first end pivotally connected to the frame and a second end pivotally connected to the leg, a lower suspension arm having a first end pivotally connected to the frame and a second end pivotally connected to the leg and a shock absorber having an upper end connected to the shock tower and a lower end connected to the lower suspension arm and a brake assembly connected to the frame and the shock tower.

Abstract: A ski for a snow vehicle has a ski body having an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface has a lift surface and a central runner. The central runner extends along a length of the ski body. The central runner depends from the ski body below the lift surfaces. There is a spindle with a first end and a second end. A ski attachment attaches the first end of the spindle to the ski body. The ski attachment has a pivot point that is positioned below a portion of the lift surface and in line with the central runner.

Abstract: A snowmobile has a snowmobile body and an arm assembly pivotally coupled to the snowmobile body. The arm assembly is configured to pivot on an axis through the snowmobile body. A first hydraulic actuator has a first end coupled to the snowmobile body and a second end coupled to the arm assembly. A hydraulic system is coupled to the first hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic system includes a hydraulic pump in fluid communication with the first hydraulic actuator. A hydraulic valve is coupled between the hydraulic pump and first hydraulic actuator. An axle is disposed through the first end of the first hydraulic actuator. The axle includes a hydraulic pathway through the axle coupled between the hydraulic system and first hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic system is configured to operate the first hydraulic actuator. A second hydraulic actuator is coupled to the first hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to snowmobiles. More particularly, the present invention relates to the components of a snowmobile such as the frame, running boards and various other assemblies.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, an input portion including an input gear, an idler portion including an idler gear, and an output portion including an output gear and an output member disposed outside of the housing and substantially coplanar with a drive portion of a rear wheel assembly. The housing can couple to an engine assembly such that rotation of an engine output member rotates the input gear. The input gear can move within the housing between a first position, in which the input gear engages the idler gear and is spaced apart from the output gear to indirectly rotate the output gear in a first direction via the idler gear, and a second position, in which the input gear engages the output gear and is spaced apart from the idler gear to directly rotate the output gear in a second direction. The output member rotates with the output gear.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes a frame and a plurality of skis operably coupled to the frame. Each ski has an outer edge and a first width is defined between the outer edges of the skis. The snowmobile also includes a body assembly generally surrounding the frame. The body assembly includes a hood panel and fenders. A second width is defined between outermost surfaces of the fenders. The second width is less than the first width.

Abstract: An improved personal propulsion device that imparts thrust directly to the user when operating a human powered vehicle to improve mobility thereof. The device allows hands free control of thrust magnitude and direction so both hands can grasp and control bicycle handlebars and brakes, watercraft paddles, ski poles or other apparatuses. In another embodiment, the device can be attached directly to the vehicle. The device can be provided with a collapsible shrouded propeller assembly comprising a shroud made up of interlocking panels that are each removably attached to the end of an elongated strut, with each the struts being pivotally and/or telescopically disposed relative to the propulsion mechanism. The panels can be slidably engaged with the struts. A gradiently flexible garment can be worn by a user and utilized with a gradiently flexible fairing attached to the user and a bicycle to improve aerodynamics when riding the bicycle.

Abstract: This patent discloses a climbing vehicle capable of high payload to weight ratio and capable of climbing surfaces with geometric variations. The climbing vehicle makes contact with the climbing surface through a suspension that is able to conform to a large range of surface irregularities while providing push and pulling forces between the adhering members and the climbing vehicle chassis to uniformly distribute the climbing loads on the adhering members. The result is a climbing machine that can accommodate large surface irregularities while maximizing the climbing payload with a minimum number and size of adhering members.

Abstract: A snowmobile has a structure that reduces and minimizes adverse affects of snow on a throttle motor. The snowmobile includes a snowmobile body including an engine room therein, an engine which is disposed inside the engine room, a throttle valve arranged to adjust intake air supplied to the engine, a throttle motor arranged to drive the throttle valve and disposed ahead of the engine, and an air box arranged to pass the intake air through toward the engine, disposed ahead of the engine and including a portion located ahead of the throttle motor.

Abstract: A snowmobile comprises a chassis with a front portion and a tunnel, and a power train unit supported by the chassis. The snowmobile further includes a plurality of ground-engaging members cooperating with the power train unit to operate the snowmobile. The plurality of ground-engaging members includes a pair of front skis and an endless track assembly. A snowmobile is also depicted which has a raised front chassis relative to the drives haft, which raises the clearance of the front chassis for deep snow.

Abstract: A snowmobile has a snowmobile body and an arm assembly pivotally coupled to the snowmobile body. The arm assembly is configured to pivot on an axis through the snowmobile body. A first hydraulic actuator has a first end coupled to the snowmobile body and a second end coupled to the arm assembly. A hydraulic system is coupled to the first hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic system includes a hydraulic pump in fluid communication with the first hydraulic actuator. A hydraulic valve is coupled between the hydraulic pump and first hydraulic actuator. An axle is disposed through the first end of the first hydraulic actuator. The axle includes a hydraulic pathway through the axle coupled between the hydraulic system and first hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic system is configured to operate the first hydraulic actuator. A second hydraulic actuator is coupled to the first hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: A runner and method of making a runner for mounting on a snow ski including a runner body fabricated of one piece of stamped metal which includes a central base portion and a pair of longitudinally extending runner portions which are bent downwardly from the base portions in laterally spaced relationship to one another. Carbide wear strips are secured to the lower edges of the runner portions, while the base portion 18 is fitted with mounting structure 48 which extends upwardly from the base portion and does not extend into the channel 36. The mounting structure 48 may be formed as one piece with the runner body 16 of the same material, has one or more tab features, and may be threaded and/or pierced to accommodate an associated net or mounting pin as desired for mounting the runner.

Abstract: A runner for a snowmobile ski is fabricated from flat metal plate stock and incorporates mounting features for securing the runner to the ski and a wear strip of a relatively harder material provided on and projecting from a lower surface of the runner body. A quick release mounting system is provided for attaching the runner to the ski, including quick installation and release wedge mounting systems. The thin runner blade and wear strip are of the same thickness and are joined by a brazed joint. The invention contemplates a method of fabricating the runner and a method of mounting the runner.

Abstract: A fan for a drive clutch includes a disk having several vanes that can attach to a drive clutch to direct air toward the clutch to cool the clutch and belt of a CVT transmission. The disk can be injection-molded or otherwise formed and can be bolted onto a clutch drive with the vanes facing toward the clutch drive. An inward-facing surface can be concave to direct air toward the clutch. The disk can attach to the clutch drive using preexisting bolts of the clutch drive.

Abstract: An engine heat transfer system for a snowmobile in which hot air at generated inside the engine compartment is transferred through a hole formed in the dashboard and redirected. A bracket is positioned over the hole in the dashboard that contains openings that re-directs said heated air.

Abstract: Quick-release skis couple to the front wheels of an ATV or other wheeled vehicle, to permit the ATV to travel over snow. The rear ATV wheels may be left unaltered, or more commonly, tracks may be substituted for the rear wheels. The ski coupling includes a drive-on runner and coupling having in one embodiment width-adjustable side walls, an over-center clamp, and a lock for securing the over-center clamp. In a second embodiment, a pivotal tire cage allows the ATV tire to be driven onto the ski, but simply by forward travel of the tire pivots to constrain the tire thereon. A strap then binds the tire and cage to ensure the tire stays in place on the ski. In a third embodiment, an ATV track is converted to a runner by the application and tensioning of a ski.

Abstract: A snowmobile has a tunnel and a rear suspension assembly. The rear suspension assembly includes at least one rail for engagement with the endless drive track and at least one suspension arm. At least one torsion spring is coupled to the at least second suspension arm. The at least one torsion spring has a first end contacting the rail and a second end. A torsion spring adjuster is fixedly connected to the at least one suspension arm. The torsion spring adjuster receives the second end of the at least one torsion spring. An actuator is operatively connected to the torsion spring adjuster. The actuator is located at least partially outside the tunnel. The actuator operates the torsion spring adjuster to move the second end of the at least one torsion spring relative to the first end of the at least one torsion spring.

Abstract: A snowmobile ski comprises a body having a pair of rails laterally spaced from one another and interconnected at a tip. A spindle assembly connects the ski to suspension elements of the snowmobile. The spindle assembly has a pair of legs connected to respective rails to allow snow to pass between the legs.

Abstract: A gauge mounting bracket for a snowmobile that allows hot gas in the engine compartment to circulate and escape through a plurality of side vent openings formed thereon. The mounting bracket allows the user to adjust the angular position of a speedometer or tachometer gauge on the dashboard of a snowmobile to accommodate riders who sit or stand while driving. The mounting bracket includes lower dashboard mounting surface and an upper gauge mounting surface. The lower dashboard mounting surface is flush mounted on the existing dashboard of a snowmobile while the upper gauge mounting surface is tilted upward and aligned 5 to 50 degrees from the dashboard mounting surface. During assembly, the mounting bracket is mounted over an existing or newly created hole in the dashboard that leads to the engine compartment. Heated air created in the compartment travels upward and rearward and then escapes through the vent openings.

Abstract: A snowmobile has an engine mounted with an exhaust port facing forwardly. A steering post extends substantially along a longitudinal centerline of the vehicle and over a top of the engine. An exhaust outlet is coupled to exhaust port and projects vertically upwardly to a position higher than the engine, and projecting rearwardly between the steering post and frame members. The rider position is re-defined relative to the snowmobile center of gravity.

Abstract: A runner and method of making a runner for mounting on a snow ski including a runner body fabricated of one piece of stamped metal which includes a central base portion and a pair of longitudinally extending runner portions which are bent downwardly from the base portions in laterally spaced relationship to one another. Carbide wear strips are secured to the lower edges of the runner portions, while the base portion 18 is fitted with mounting structure 48 which extends upwardly from the base portion and does not extend into the channel 36. The mounting structure 48 may be formed as one piece with the runner body 16 of the same material, has one or more tab features, and may be threaded and/or pierced to accommodate an associated net or mounting pin as desired for mounting the runner.

Abstract: A vehicle is shown such as a snowmobile, where a frame includes a tunnel and a front frame portion comprised of cast halves. A suspension system is comprised of upper and lower control arms connected to the front frame portion. Some of the frame components are adhesively fixed together. A powertrain is supported by the frame, and is comprised of an engine and a clutch. The clutch includes a clutch guard supporting an oil container. The engine has an exhaust system which extends through the front frame portion. The snowmobile also has a rear snow deflector.

Abstract: A snowmobile has a front suspension and ski assembly having a right side and a left side. The right and left sides each have an upper arm, a lower arm and a spindle. A ski is connected to the lower portion of each spindle. At least one of the upper arms has a least one protrusion extending therefrom.

Abstract: A snowmobile frame (106) is described, with a tunnel (108) having an inverted U-shape. An engine cradle (110) is attached to a forward portion of the tunnel. A suspension assembly (112) is disposed forwardly of the engine cradle. At least one support member (142) supports the suspension assembly on the engine cradle. The at least one support member forms a crumple zone between the suspension assembly and the engine cradle. The at least one support member resists plastic deformation in response to the first predetermined force exerted on the suspension assembly. The at least one support member undergoes plastic deformation in response to a second predetermined force being exerted on the suspension assembly. The second predetermined force is greater in magnitude than the first predetermined force. The tunnel resists plastic deformation in response to the second predetermined force.

Abstract: A snow vehicle includes a track belt unit having an endless track belt, an engine arranged to drive the track belt unit, a steering mechanism to which a pair of steerable skis positioned in a forward direction of the track belt unit and being steerable to the left and right are attached, and a handlebar section coupled to the steerable skis via the steering mechanism and adapted to be gripped by a rider. The handlebar section and the rear end of the cylinder head are in generally the same position in a longitudinal direction of the snow vehicle.

Abstract: Quick-release skis couple to the front wheels of an ATV or other wheeled vehicle, to permit the ATV to travel over snow. The rear ATV wheels may be left unaltered, or more commonly, tracks may be substituted for the rear wheels. The ski coupling includes a drive-on runner and coupling having in one embodiment width-adjustable side walls, an over-center clamp, and a lock for securing the over-center clamp. In a second embodiment, a pivotal tire cage allows the ATV tire to be driven onto the ski, but simply by forward travel of the tire pivots to constrain the tire thereon. A strap then binds the tire and cage to ensure the tire stays in place on the ski. In a third embodiment, an ATV track is converted to a runner by the application and tensioning of a ski.

Abstract: A snowmobile having improved drive stability of the vehicle body during steering includes a pair of left and right skis on a front side of the vehicle body, a steering shaft disposed on a front of a saddle type seat for steering the skis, an engine mounted in a cowling that covers the front side of the vehicle body, and a crawler disposed on a rear side of the vehicle body for driving the snowmobile. The engine is mounted by inclining a cylinder axis thereof forward, and the steering shaft is disposed on the front of a cylinder head of the engine.

Abstract: A cabin for a work vehicle comprises: a driver's seat positioned within the cabin; cabin frames including at least a transverse frame located in a rear region of the cabin; a roof supported by at least some of the cabin frames; at least one air-conditioning duct located within the roof; an air conditioning unit located rearwardly with respect to a rearward end of a seat portion of the driver's seat and adjacent the transverse frame for conditioning air and for feeding air-conditioned air into the at least one air-conditioning duct.

Abstract: A starting device of an occupant protective system includes an angular velocity or acceleration sensor 11 for detecting the behavior of a vehicle, processing sections 131 and 132 for performing two or more computations using different subtrahends on a physical quantity based on the output from the sensor 11, a comparing section 133 for comparing absolute values of outputs from the processing sections 131 and 132, a selecting section 134 for selecting the output value of the processing sections 131 and 132 with the minimum absolute value, and a decision section 135 for making a decision as to the necessity for starting the occupant protective system in accordance with the output value selected.

Abstract: A snowmobile comprises a chassis with a front portion and a tunnel, and a power train unit supported by the chassis. The snowmobile further includes a plurality of ground-engaging members cooperating with the power train unit to operate the snowmobile. The plurality of ground-engaging members includes a pair of front skis and an endless track assembly.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle has a chassis including a tunnel. An engine is connected to the chassis. An endless drive track is disposed below the tunnel and operatively connected to the engine. A suspension assembly supports and tensions the endless drive track. The suspension assembly has a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction. The suspension assembly includes a rail engaging the endless drive track. The rail extends in the longitudinal direction. A suspension arm has an upper end pivotally connected to the chassis about a first lateral axis, and a lower end pivotally connected to the rail about a second lateral axis. At least one shock absorber is connected between the chassis and the rail for biasing the rail away from the chassis. The chassis is pivotally connected to the rail via the suspension assembly about a longitudinally extending axis. A suspension assembly is also disclosed.