Abstract: A footrest for a snowmobile comprises relatively large openings and a cover plate attached therebeneath to form a snow discharging passage in communication with the openings permitting snow on the footrests to be forced down therethrough and prohibiting snow from traveling upwardly therethrough and onto the footrest as a result of snowmobile motion. The footrests of the present invention allow the snow and ice to be effectively discharged while the driver is riding the snowmobile, and thereby eliminates the need to stop the snowmobile to remove the snow and ice on the footrests using hands or other tools.

Abstract: A snowmobile slide includes a slide member having specific guide members therein for guiding, supporting, and contacting single runner and multiple runner snowmobile skis. The guide members including pairs of raised vertical ribs and a groove. The vertical ribs defining pairs of upwardly facing surfaces with the groove therebetween. The guide member is dimensioned to engage, support, and guide runners of the snowmobile skis without a portion of the snowmobile ski resting on the upwardly facing surfaces of the vertical ribs. Snowmobile slide kits are also included.

Abstract: The snow ski is pivotally attached to a snowmobile in order for it to be pivotable about its longitudinal, steering and transversal axes that intersect each other. The ski has a ski sole from which integrally project first and second elongated front lateral keels and an elongated rear central keel. Moreover, rear ski sole depressions are made in the ski sole, at the vicinity of the rear keel. When the ski is in a straight-line position for allowing the snowmobile to move forward in a straight line, it adopts a flat ground-engaging position in which all three keels rest on the ground surface. When the ski is in a turn-carving position for allowing the snowmobile to move forward while turning in a desired direction, the ski is tilted sidewardly with only the central keel and a selected one of the first and second lateral keels resting on the ground, to carve the ground surface in order for the ski to exhibit a self-steering behavior with enhanced gripping effect.

Abstract: A snowmobile is described having a frame, at least one steerable ski disposed at a forward end of the frame, and an endless drive track disposed beneath a rearward end of the frame to propel the frame. A seat is mounted on the frame, which may accommodate at least one person. A fairing is disposed behind the seat, and a storage compartment is defined interiorly to the fairing. Variations are also described.

Abstract: A snowmobile seat having a ventilation system for allowing moisture that enters the cushion portion of the seat to be wicked away through a base section that is disposed between the tunnel of the snowmobile and the cushion. The base section provides ventilation spaces between the base section and tunnel and has ventilation holes there through that allow the moisture to be drawn away from the cushion. Grooves formed in the underside of the cushion and channels formed in the top side of the base section also help promote this process.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved snowmobile ski having a vertical fin on the topside of the ski with a surface area large enough to minimize or prevent sideways slippage of the ski during a turn. The fin, if a single fin is used, is located adjacent the outboard edge of the ski. A snowmobile ski with dual topside fins having outwardly projecting lips along the upper edges of said fins has improved performance in deep snow.

Abstract: A novel mountain snowmobile comprises a frame, an engine disposed on the frame, at least one ski disposed on the frame, a seat disposed on the frame, a steering device disposed on the frame forward of the seat that is operatively connected to the at least one ski for steering the snowmobile, and a novel long length drive track disposed below the frame and connected operatively to the engine for propulsion of the snowmobile. The novel drive track comprises an endless body having a ground-engaging outer surface with a central portion flanked by first and second lateral portions, a plurality of longitudinally spaced reinforcing rods disposed in the body along a transverse direction of the body. The rods define a plurality of pitches, and a plurality of profiles project from the outer surface of the body along the plurality of pitches. A plurality of non-profile regions is defined along the plurality of pitches, and the profiles and profile-free regions define a pattern for each pitch.

Abstract: A ski for a snow vehicle includes a ski body, a ski mounting bracket, and a keel. The ski body includes a generally horizontal surface that contacts the snow when the ski is in use. The ski mounting bracket is located on a top side of the ski body. The keel includes a forward portion and a rearward portion. The keel depends from and is adjustable with respect to the ski body.

Abstract: A snowmobile ski with a pair of outboard keels and laterally projecting, upwardly slanting, lateral wings attached proximate the outboard keels is disclosed. A ski of this structure has improved flotation and resistance to side slippage in turns.

Abstract: A snowmobile having an adjustable ski stance. The snowmobile including a central chassis from which an endless track is suspended and straddle type seat is supported. A pair of skis are coupled to a front suspension and are operatively linked to a handlebar assembly for steering the snowmobile. The skis are coupled to the snowmobile by spindles coupled to the suspension and each ski. A bushing with an offset flange couples the spindle to the ski and provides for ski stance adjustment.

Abstract: In a snowmobile, a four-cycle engine has an alternator as a generator while the snowmobile body has heat exchangers through which the cooling water of the engine is cooled by heat exchange with external air and snow, in a front part and at the ceiling of a crawler house. The alternator is positioned between the four-cycle engine and the front heat exchanger. Further, an exhaust manifold is arranged at an upper position in front of the engine body while an approximately cylindrical oil filter is provided under the exhaust manifold and inclined forwards in the vehicle's direction of travel.

Abstract: The snowmobile having a longitudinal axis, a chassis, a pair of skis each having a steering spindle, and a suspension system. The suspension system comprises, for each ski, a first control arm pivotally mounted to the chassis for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis and having a first pivotal connection to the spindle and a second control arm pivotally mounted to the chassis for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis and having a second pivotal connection to the spindle spaced from the first connection. The pivot axis of each control arm and the connection of that control arm to the spindle define a control arm plane; the control arm planes intersect to define a control line that intersects a vertical plane containing said longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a snow vehicle, i.e., so-called snowmobile, includes: a four cycle engine having a cylinder head at the top thereof, arranged at the approximate center of an engine room formed in the front body of the snow vehicle; a steering post having a pair of steering bars for maneuvering the snow vehicle attached at the top end thereof, projectively arranged in the rear of the engine with respect to the vehicle's direction of travel in the engine room, with the steering side slightly inclined to the rear. In this snowmobile, a speed reducing mechanism for reducing the output speed of rotation from the engine is provided in front of the engine with respect to the vehicle's direction of travel.

Abstract: This actuated ski suspension provides a method of raising and lowering a vehicle to which it is attached by raising and lowering the ski assembly in a vertical plane. Additionally, the process of raising and lowering the vehicle also incorporates a mechanism which effectively breaks frozen skis loose from the surface of snow or ice without causing damage to the skis and without requiring effort from the operator.

Abstract: A snowmobile is described having a frame with left and right sides with left and right suspension assembly disposed thereon. Left and right spindles are connected to the left and right suspension assemblies. A left ski is pivotally attached to the left spindle and a right ski is attached to the right spindle. Rotation of the left and right spindles alters the ski stance of the snowmobile. The stance may also be altered in other ways, which are also disclosed.

Abstract: A snow vehicle which is capable of increasing the cooling efficiency of an intercooler thereof by reducing the influence of intense heat from a supercharger thereof, while suppressing the overall height of an engine thereof. An engine hood covers a front part of the body frame from above, and an engine room is formed under the engine hood. A supercharger is disposed in the engine room at a location forward of the engine, and an intercooler is disposed rightwardly of the engine. High-temperature air from the supercharger is cooled by the intercooler and supplied to the engine. An air inlet port is formed through a front left half of the engine hood, for taking in air for cooling the supercharger etc., and another air inlet port is formed through a front right half of the engine hood separately from the air inlet port, for taking in air for cooling mainly the intercooler and a battery.

Abstract: A snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement, includes: a four-cycle engine arranged in an engine compartment formed in the front body of a snowmobile with its crankshaft laid substantially parallel to the body width and having a cylinder case inclined forwards with respect to the vehicle's direction of travel. The engine employs a dry sump oil supplying system and an oil tank separate from the engine is provided. Another snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement includes: a four-cycle engine having a cylinder head at its top, arranged in the engine compartment and inclined forwards with respect to the vehicle's direction of travel with an intake path provided on the upper portion of the engine body. An intercooler for cooling the intake air is arranged in a tunnel created inside the body frame for accommodating a track belt.

Abstract: A swing arm for a snowmobile has an upwardly curved, stepped, or angled intermediate portion that increases the swing arm's ground clearance relative to conventional, straight swing arms. The increased ground clearance permits more snow and other elements to pass underneath the swing without contacting the swing arm.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an air box assembly for a snowmobile. The air box assembly is capable of being positioned frontward of the snowmobile engine, relative to a front end of the snowmobile. In this position, throttle noise being dampened by the air box assembly is further removed from an operator of the snowmobile sitting in an operator position on the snowmobile.

Abstract: A novel mountain snowmobile comprises a frame, an engine disposed on the frame, at least one ski disposed on the frame, a seat disposed on the frame, a steering device disposed on the frame forward of the seat that is operatively connected to the at least one ski for steering the snowmobile, and a novel long length drive track disposed below the frame and connected operatively to the engine for propulsion of the snowmobile. The novel drive track comprises an endless body having a ground-engaging outer surface with a central portion flanked by first and second lateral portions, a plurality of longitudinally spaced reinforcing rods disposed in the body along a transverse direction of the body. The rods define a plurality of pitches, and a plurality of profiles project from the outer surface of the body along the plurality of pitches. A plurality of non-profile regions is defined along the plurality of pitches, and the profiles and profile-free regions define a pattern for each pitch.

Abstract: Disclosed is a snowmobile including a reduction drive system including planetary gears. In an alternate embodiment, a reversing unit is provided. In a further alternate embodiment, an offset is provided in the drive system.

Abstract: A snowmobile has an engine with a compact arrangement that includes a crankshaft, an output shaft, and an auxiliary shaft. The crankshaft extends along a first axis, the output shaft extends along a second axis, and the auxiliary shaft extends along a third axis. Two of the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis are disposed in a common plane. The other of the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis is offset from the common plane.

Abstract: A snow vehicle includes a frame having a longitudinal axis, a pair of rear suspension assemblies, a pair of front suspension assemblies, a pair of drive tracks, and a pair of ski assemblies. Each rear suspension assembly pivotally connects a drive track to a rearward portion of the frame. Each front suspension assembly pivotally connects a ski assembly to a forward portion of the frame. The rear suspension assemblies, the front suspension assemblies, the drive tracks, and the ski assemblies are symmetric about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A snowmobile ski with a pair of outboard keels and laterally projecting, upwardly slanting, lateral wings attached proximate the outboard keels is disclosed. A ski of this structure has improved flotation and resistance to side slippage in turns.

Abstract: A fuel tank for a motored vehicle featuring a main body portion and an oblong neck portion coupled to the main body portion. The oblong neck portion extends diagonally upward away from the main body portion. The main body portion is configured and positioned to provide a wave interference portion therein.

Abstract: A snowmobile (20) having an engine (34) with an air charging system (70). The air charging system (70) is connected to an intercooler assembly (57), which includes a heat exchanger (56) mounted adjacent to an intercooler opening (48) in the track tunnel (36). A snow retention area (54) is located above the heat exchanger (56) allowing for snow/ice to be thrown from a snowmobile drive track (38) and build up on top of the heat exchanger (56), allowing the snow/ice to absorb heat from intercooler assembly (57).

Abstract: The present invention provides a snowmobile suspension system comprising a slide frame for engagement with an endless track, a suspension arm, a bracket arm, and a rocker arm. The suspension arm has an upper portion adapted to be pivotally mounted relative to a chassis on a snowmobile and a lower portion adapted to be pivotally mounted relative to the slide frame. The bracket arm has an end fixedly connected to the lower portion of the suspension arm. The rocker arm has an upper end pivotally connected to the other end of the bracket arm and a lower end supporting a lower end of a shock absorber, the lower end of said shock absorber being pivotally attached thereto. The upper end of the shock absorber is pivotally interconnected to the chassis. The rocker arm is constructed and arranged such that a lower end thereof is disposed beneath the lower portion of the suspension arm.

Abstract: A slide rail system of a snowmobile vehicle includes a pair of substantially parallel elongated front slide rails, each front slide rail having a forward end and a rear end, the forward end pivotally connected to a chassis or a front drive axle of the snowmobile. The system also includes a pair of substantially parallel elongated rear slide rails, each rear slide rail having a forward end pivotally connected to the rear end of each front slide rail.

Abstract: A cross-country ski path tracer attachment for ATV or snowmobiles that is small, stable, lightweight and economical to run.

Abstract: A drive sprocket for a snowmobile, a drive train using the sprocket, and a method of using the sprocket to drive a track for a snowmobile. The drive sprocket includes a round base, a plurality of convolute lugs on the base, and a plurality of involute lugs on both sides of the base. The base is preferably disk shaped, and the convolute lugs are preferably aligned with the involute lugs. In the preferred embodiment, a number of convolute lugs is one half a number of involute lugs. The convolute lugs should line up with windows in a track for the snowmobile, and the involute lugs should line up with gaps between knobs on the track for the snowmobile. Preferably, the sprocket also includes a hub with a through hole for a drive shaft and stiffening arms radiating from the hub. The stiffening arms can include braces for the involute lugs. Further stiffening can be achieved with raised rims on each side of the base. Likewise, the convolute lugs can include stiffening ridges.

Abstract: A cooling extrusion for a vehicle such as a snowmobile having a liquid-cooled engine includes an elongate tube made from a single piece of material having at least one end comprising an integrally formed fitting. The elongate tube also may include at least one integrally formed bend. The bend may be located in close proximity to an end of the elongate tube. The cooling extrusion may be secured to a running board of a snowmobile.

Abstract: A reversible wear bar for a snowmobile steering ski, comprising a central mounting plate having front and rear ends selectively bendable upwardly and downwardly, top and bottom faces both adapted to extend underneath the snowmobile ski, and opposite lateral sides extending substantially in parallel with each other between the front and rear ends. The mounting plate is provided with elements for fastening the plate under the snowmobile steering ski in alignment therewith with a desired one of the top and bottom faces directed toward the snowmobile steering ski. Two blade members extend respectively on the lateral sides of the central mounting plate. The blade members have similar portions projecting above and below the central mounting plate and provide parallel bearing edges on both faces of the central mounting plate.

Abstract: A steering ski for a snowmobile is disclosed. The steering ski comprises a ski body and a wear bar connected to a ski bracket. The ski bracket is used to attach the ski to the balance of the snowmobile. The ski body also receives a reinforcing member that reinforces a portion of the ski body which is curved upwardly. Reinforcing ribs travel along the length of the ski body on an upper portion of the ski body. The sole of the ski body or lower surface includes a keel that expand in width from a forward-most portion and then decreases in width rearward of a juncture between a snow contacting portion of the ski body and the upwardly-extending portion of the ski body. A wear bar is positioned along the keel and depends below a lowermost portion of the keel rearward of the widest portion of the keel. The wear bar extends into the ski body through a forward aperture and a rearward aperture.

Abstract: A land vehicle includes an improved construction that can space a steering linkage from the terrain even though an engine for the vehicle has an oil pan positioned at a lower portion of the engine and the steering linkage passes below the engine. The land vehicle includes a drive unit that depends from a body frame and abuts the terrain. The body frame carries the engine. The oil pan is positioned generally at a bottom of the engine and lubricant oil temporarily accumulates in the oil pan. A steering assembly is connected to the body frame for steering movement. The steering assembly includes a pair of skis and a steering linkage extending through the body frame and arranged to steer the skis. The steering linkage and the oil pan, at least in part, are generally horizontally juxtaposed with each other.

Abstract: A novel mountain snowmobile comprises a frame, an engine disposed on the frame, at least one ski disposed on the frame, a seat disposed on the frame, a steering device disposed on the frame forward of the seat that is operatively connected to the at least one ski for steering the snowmobile, and a novel long length drive track disposed below the frame and connected operatively to the engine for propulsion of the snowmobile. The novel drive track comprises an endless body having a ground-engaging outer surface with a central portion flanked by first and second lateral portions, a plurality of longitudinally spaced reinforcing rods disposed in the body along a transverse direction of the body. The rods define a plurality of pitches, and a plurality of profiles project from the outer surface of the body along the plurality of pitches. A plurality of non-profile regions is defined along the plurality of pitches, and the profiles and profile-free regions define a pattern for each pitch.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes a chassis having a generally reduced length and a snow flap pivotally attached to the rear portion of the chassis, above the track system. The track system extends rearwardly beyond the chassis, and the snow flap shields the track system above and behind from spraying snow. The snow flap is linked to the track system so that as the track system moves through a range of travel relative to the chassis, the snow flap pivots relative to the chassis with the track system. This configuration prevents damaging contact between the tread and the undersurface of the snow flap and/or the chassis. The reduced length of the chassis decreases the weight of the snowmobile and the polar moment of inertia, thereby improving turning performance. A bumper extends from the snow flap and can be used to lift the rear of the snowmobile more easily.

Abstract: A snowmobile design, including a modular front suspension system and a stabilizer assembly, a lightweight frame structure and a drive train that reduces the center of gravity of the snowmobile. The modular front suspension system for a snowmobile that is substantially self-contained and self-supporting. The present modular front suspension system is assembled around a primary support structure, such as an extrusion or other structural member. The primary support structure can be easily attached to, or detached from, the snowmobile frame. The modularity of the present suspension system decreases assembly costs. A stabilizer assembly extends through the center opening and is mechanically coupled to the ski spindle housings.

Abstract: A snowmobile ski suspension system for increasing the overall performance and adjustability of a snowmobile front suspension. The snowmobile ski suspension system includes a collar member attached to the chassis of the snowmobile, a torsion spring attached about the collar member, a first arm extending radially from the torsion spring engaging the ski support structure, a second arm extending radially from the torsion spring, and an adjustment member attached to the second arm for allowing adjustment of the stiffness of the torsion spring. The first arm may be attached at various locations along the ski support structure in various manners.

Abstract: A ski that attaches to the front of a motorcycle. The ski is designed to pivot, allowing it to be used automatically when needed to keep the front tire from sinking. Unlike other skis, this ski does not interfere with normal operations of the motorcycle. The ski is easily attached to the motorcycle by bolting it to the front fork of the motorcycle. Normally, the front of the ski is angled upward to prevent the ski from digging into snow or sand. In soft ground conditions, the ski pivots down. This pivoting action maintains a constant pressure on the back of the ski that lifts the front tire as it moves up and down in different densities of ground or snow. A pair of springs helps to maintain the balance of forces on the ski as it travels over varied terrain. The springs also return the ski in the elevated “attack” position when the motorcycle returns to solid ground.

Abstract: An angularly-adjustable steering system is provided for an off-road vehicle such as a snowmobile or an ATV. The steering system employs a modular handlebar-angling mechanism interfaced between the steering column and the handlebar apparatus of the steering system. The angling mechanism operates by pivotal mechanics to enable a user to position the handlebar apparatus of the steering system to any desired angle of tilt along a radial tilt range, and then to lock the apparatus into position using a cable-assisted lever or other mechanical control. The steering system is utilized in side-hilling and other difficult maneuvers for the purpose of improving stabilization of the vehicle over sloping terrain, improving the balance of a user operating the vehicle from a running-board position, and decreasing muscular strain on the user.

Abstract: To provide a structure for stably supporting an engine in which front and rear portions of the engine are elastically supported. A drive pulley of a V-belt type transmission is mounted on an end portion of a crank shaft of the engine. A driven pulley of the V-belt type transmission is mounted to an input shaft of a gear box. The engine and the gear box are separately supported on the body side. A crank case of the engine is supported on the body side through a front side elastic mount and a rear side elastic mount disposed at front and rear portions. A ring bushing is fitted in a front side body mounting portion provided on a front portion of the crank case, and a mount rubber is fitted in a rear side body mounting portion. The front side elastic mount of the front side body mounting portion is higher in hardness than the rear side elastic mount of the rear side body mounting portion.

Abstract: A suspension well covering device for use with a snowmobile, the snowmobile including a cowling defining a belly pan and a suspension well, the suspension well defining an opening through which a suspension system extends outwardly. The suspension well covering device includes a skirt adapted to be attached to the cowling to substantially cover the opening in the suspension well.

Abstract: A snowmobile drive train employing a drive belt and an endless track is provided. The snowmobile comprises an engine including an output shaft, with a support member located adjacent to the engine. A drive pulley and a driven pulley are mounted on the support member so that the drive belt can be removed from the snowmobile by passing the drive belt over the pulleys. An isolation member couples the engine output shaft to the driven pulley, and the support member maintains the drive and driven pulleys in a constant positional relationship relative to each other. The support member also includes reduction gears for driving the endless track.

Abstract: Disclosed is a snowmobile including a reduction drive system including planetary gears. In an alternate embodiment, a reversing unit is provided. In a further alternate embodiment, an offset is provided in the drive system.

Abstract: A remote throttle control device for snowmobiles includes a throttle coupler for releasable mounting to a snowmobile throttle controller. The throttle coupler mounts to a first end of a flexible push/pull cable. A manually operable remote actuator is mounted to an opposite second end of the push/pull cable. The remote actuator is for pushing or pulling the push/pull cable, so as to respectively push or pull the throttle coupler for actuation of the throttle controller when the throttle coupler is mounted to the throttle controller. The remote actuator is mounted to a pull handle. A strap is mountable at one end to the handle and at its opposite end to the ski of the snowmobile so that the ski may be pulled on by a user while the user simultaneously remotely controls the snowmobile throttle.

Abstract: A suspension well covering device for use with a snowmobile, the snowmobile including a cowling defining a belly pan and a suspension well, the suspension well defining an opening through which a suspension system extends outwardly. The suspension well covering device includes a skirt adapted to be attached to the cowling to substantially cover the opening in the suspension well.

Abstract: An ice-fishing house system for providing trouble-free movement of an ice-fishing house upon various types of surfaces. The inventive device includes a frame, a plurality of rear wheels rotatably attached to the frame, a motor mechanically connected to the rear wheels, a pair of skis attached to the front portion of the frame, and a central control unit for allowing control of the ice-fishing house system. The rear wheels are attached to a rear evener arm wherein the rear evener arm is pivotally attached to a rear lifting arm. A rear cylinder is connected to the rear lifting arm to facilitate lifting and lowering of the rear portion of the frame with respect to a surface. A pair of front lifting arms are pivotally attached to the front portion of the frame and extend outwardly to support and engage the skis. A front cylinder is pivotally connected between the pair of front lifting arms to facilitate lifting and lower of the front portion of the frame with respect to a surface.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a braking or steering mechanism that is located near the steering pivot point of a runner of a ski vehicle. In a conventional snowmobile, for example, the steering pivot point is near the middle of the longitudinal axis of the runner, and, hence, the preferred braking and steering mechanism extends from near, but not at the rear end of, the runner, to contact the snow or ground to slow or stop the snowmobile movement relative to the snow or ground. The preferred braking or steering mechanism comprises a brake that is a retractable, protruding member that extends down from the runner bottom surface near the steering pivot point a sufficient distance to frictionally engage the snow/ground significantly more than does the bottom of the runner. The protruding member may take the forms of a prong or spike, a blade or plate, or other single, plural, smooth or toothed member(s) that can make frictional contact with the snow/ground.

Abstract: A novel solution for converting a snowmobile for use as a four-wheeled vehicle for transport or recreation when there is no snow cover on the ground. The present invention consists of an integrated chassis frame to which four wheels are attached. The front wheels are pivotally attached to the frame and interconnected by a steering linkage. The rear wheels are attached to an axle that is rotated by a chain drive linkage that is in turn driven by an arrangement of frictionally connected rubber wheels. The present invention is employed by first driving a snowmobile onto the top of the chassis. The skis at the front of the snowmobile engage into channels formed at the front of the chassis that are pivotally connected to the chassis and integrally connected to the steering linkage for translating the steering action of the snowmobile to the carts front tires.

Abstract: A snowmobile design, including a modular front suspension system and a stabilizer assembly, a lightweight frame structure and a drive train that reduces the center of gravity of the snowmobile. The modular front suspension system for a snowmobile that is substantially self-contained and self-supporting. The present modular front suspension system is assembled around a primary support structure, such as an extrusion or other structural member. The primary support structure can be easily attached to, or detached from, the snowmobile frame. The modularity of the present suspension system decreases assembly costs. A stabilizer assembly extends through the center opening and is mechanically coupled to the ski spindle housings.