Endless Track Type Element Patents (Class 180/190)
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Patent number: 9090297Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2012Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.Inventor: Bertrand Mallette
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Patent number: 9085231Abstract: A rough terrain vehicle capable of maintaining the cooling performance of a radiator is disclosed herein. A rough terrain vehicle in which a radiator is arranged between left and right front wheels and so as to be overlapped with the left and right front wheels in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the radiator is surrounded by a front cover, wherein: the front cover includes a grille configured to introduce traveling wind into the radiator, and extension portions extending toward the vehicle rear from both ends of the grille in the vehicle width direction; a bumper is attached to a body frame; the front end of the bumper is arranged closer to the vehicle front than the front ends of the left and right front wheels; the extension portions are arranged between the bumper and the radiator outside the radiator in the vehicle width direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2014Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroki Yoshino, Hajime Uchiyama
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Patent number: 9061732Abstract: A leaning vehicle has a shock tower, a frame pivotable relative to the shock tower, front left and right suspension assemblies, front left and right ground engaging members, a rear suspension assembly, and a rear ground engaging member. A pair of first stoppers is connected to one of the frame and the shock tower to limit pivoting of the frame relative to the shock tower. Each front suspension assembly has: a leg, upper and lower suspension arms, and a shock absorber having an upper end connected to the shock tower and a lower end connected to the lower suspension arm. A pair of second stoppers is connected to one of the frame and the lower suspension arms to limit leaning of the vehicle relative to vertical when the frame has pivoted relative to the shock tower and the shock absorber of one of the suspension assemblies is compressed.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2013Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.Inventor: Sebastien Vezina
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Patent number: 9038758Abstract: An ice scratcher for attachment to a snowmobile has a first ice scratcher end, a second ice scratcher end opposite the first ice scratcher end, a first coil spring having a first spring axis disposed at or near the first ice scratcher end, a first elongated member having a first end connected to the first coil spring, a second coil spring connected to a second end of the first elongated member, the second coil spring having a second spring axis, and a second elongated member having a first end connected to the second coil spring and a second end at or near the second ice scratcher end. Alternative embodiments of the ice scratcher are disclosed. A snowmobile having the ice scratcher is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2012Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.Inventor: Sebastien Vezina
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Patent number: 9022156Abstract: A snowmobile rear suspension assembly has a pair of slide rails and at least one suspension arm pivotally connected thereto and adapted to be pivotally connected to a tunnel. A shock absorber is adapted to be pivotally connected between the tunnel and the slide rails. A limiter strap, adapted to extend between the tunnel and the slide rails, is substantially inextensible to limit separation therebetween. A strap holder, connected between an end of the limiter strap and the slide rails or the tunnel when the at least one suspension arm is connected to the tunnel, is moveable between a first and a second strap holder position. A position of the end of the limiter strap, relative to the slide rails or the tunnel, is different in the first strap holder position compared to the second strap holder position. A method of adjusting the limiter strap is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2013Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.Inventors: Yvon Bedard, Nicolas Bedard
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Patent number: 9016420Abstract: A snowmobile has a frame with an engine compartment and a tunnel, a front suspension, at least one ski, an engine, a bracket having a first portion joined to the engine and a second portion having an aperture defined therein, an output shaft, a countershaft passing through the aperture, a motion decoupler disposed around the countershaft and being supported by the second portion of the bracket, the countershaft being rotationally supported in the motion decoupler, a driving pulley disposed on the output shaft, a driven pulley disposed on the countershaft, a drive belt looped around the driving and driven pulleys, and an endless drive track. The driving pulley, the driven pulley and the drive belt together form a continuously variable transmission.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2013Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.Inventors: Mathieu Gauthier, Sylvain Matte, Max Richer, Gaetan Lecours, Michel Lefebvre, Jean-Sebastien Pard
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Patent number: 8991541Abstract: A motorized snowboard having a board with a cut out section at the rear of the board, a motor, a downwardly biased track system, and a track housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Inventor: Jason N Maier
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Publication number: 20150068827Abstract: A snowmobile has a frame having a tunnel, an engine supported by the frame, at least one ski connected to the frame, a drive track operatively connected to the engine and disposed at least in part below the tunnel, and a fuel tank connected to a top of the tunnel. The fuel tank defines a passage extending therethrough from a top of the fuel tank to a bottom of the fuel tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2014Publication date: March 12, 2015Applicant: BRP FINLAND OYInventors: Kalevi MAKITALO, Esa VAISANEN, Jari JOKELAINEN
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Publication number: 20150034403Abstract: An ice scratcher for attachment to a snowmobile includes first and second ice scratcher end portions opposite to each other, an elongate member connected to the second ice scratcher end portion, and a spring connecting the first ice scratcher end portion to the elongate member. The spring has a plurality of coils defining a coil radius. The spring is movable between an unbent configuration, wherein a centerline passing through respective centers of each coil of the plurality of coils defines a coil axis, and a bent configuration, wherein at least a portion of the centerline is displaced from the coil axis. At least a portion of the first ice scratcher end portion is radially spaced from the coil axis by a distance less than the coil radius and adapted for attachment to the snowmobile. Ice scratcher assemblies, kits and snowmobiles having the ice scratcher are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventor: Yvon BEDARD
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Patent number: 8944204Abstract: 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. The snowmobile also includes a front suspension operably coupled to the pair of front skis. The front suspension includes a right control arm comprising a first right arm adhesively coupled to at least one right coupler, and a left control arm comprising a first left arm adhesively coupled to at least one left coupler. The first right arm and the left arm are comprised of a first material and the right and left couplers are comprised of a second material.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2012Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Anthony J Ripley, Richard D Kerner, Jeffrey D Conn
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Patent number: 8919477Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey D. Conn, Anthony J. Ripley, Andrew J. Mills
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Patent number: 8910738Abstract: A snow bike system includes a motorcycle converted for use in the snow with a rear suspension and belt track system. The belt track is relatively very wide and driven by a front wheel sprocket through a jackshaft. Matching shocks and struts in the rear suspension independently equalize the pressure applied to the ground. The rear strut is a sliding extension type that causes the front of the sliders to kick up when fully compressed during acceleration or climbing uphill. Increased weight on the rear track is shifted forward to keep the front ski down. The jackshaft provides both disc braking and moves the motorcycle engine drive power outboard to accommodate the wider belt track. A tubular subframe and tunnel rigidly mounts to the motorcycle's original rear swing arm pivots and shock mounts.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2011Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Inventor: Allen Mangum
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Publication number: 20140339004Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2014Publication date: November 20, 2014Inventors: James Walter Beard, Stephen Lee Canfield, David Andrew Bryant
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Publication number: 20140332298Abstract: A ski and front track assembly has a track assembly including: an endless track, and at least two wheels disposed inside the track. At least one of the at least two wheels is disposed forwardly of at least one other of the at least two wheels. The ski and front track assembly also has a front ski element connected to the track assembly and extending forwardly therefrom. The front ski element is pivotable about a steering axis together with the track assembly. A snowmobile having the ski and front track assembly is also disclosed. A track assembly having a braking system and a snowmobile having the track assembly are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2012Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.Inventors: Bruno Girouard, Daniel Mercier, Vincent Tognon
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Publication number: 20140302731Abstract: This disclosure describes a stable, high-speed utility vehicle. In an implementation, an example utility vehicle provides stable, fast transport over snow and ice. A chassis places the center of gravity of the entire vehicle low for stability during quick turns at high speed. The hull of the vehicle can float over snow or loose debris. The hull includes angular side panels that grip and grab snow when the vehicle tilts substantially to one side. The sides constitute a rail or riding surface for the vehicle to support the vehicle during sideways traverse on a steep slope. Multiple simultaneous steering mechanisms enable the vehicle to turn stably, in a tight radius, even at relatively high speeds. In an implementation, the vehicle features a 200-500 HP engine with speeds of 60 mph to transport work crews to remote utility sites.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2014Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: NORTHERN RAILSLED LLCInventors: MICHAEL DAVISSON, WILLIAM SCOTT DENHAM
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Publication number: 20140299399Abstract: An ice scratcher for attachment to a snowmobile has a first ice scratcher end, a second ice scratcher end opposite the first ice scratcher end, a first coil spring having a first spring axis disposed at or near the first ice scratcher end, a first elongated member having a first end connected to the first coil spring, a second coil spring connected to a second end of the first elongated member, the second coil spring having a second spring axis, and a second elongated member having a first end connected to the second coil spring and a second end at or near the second ice scratcher end. Alternative embodiments of the ice scratcher are disclosed. A snowmobile having the ice scratcher is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2012Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.Inventor: Sebastien Vezina
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Patent number: 8827291Abstract: Disclosed is an improved snowmobile ski suspension including a pair of airspring biasing mechanisms whose air volumes are interconnected by a cross linking conduit that incorporates an open and closed switch. In an alternative embodiment a simpler configuration is provided for which does not include the use of an open or closed switch manifold.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2011Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Inventors: Harold J. Cronquist, Troy L. Leiphart, Gerard John Karpik
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Patent number: 8813889Abstract: An all terrain endless track vehicle of the present invention comprises a front suspension assembly and a rear endless track assembly supported by a chassis. The front suspension assembly is engageable with the ground by a steerable set of skis or wheels. The endless track assembly supports an engine, transmission and first and second shock absorbers. The first shock absorber connects to the endless track assembly forward of the engine, while the second shock absorber connects to the endless track assembly rearward of the engine. A rear swing arm supports a rearwardly positioned main driver mechanically linked to the transmission by way of a chain or belt. A plurality of idler wheels disposed on the endless track assembly, along with the main driver, define an endless track contour. An endless track or belt disposes on the plurality of idler wheels and the main driver. The engine, transmission, and shock absorbers are each contained within the contour of the endless track.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2013Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: LRET, Inc.Inventor: Kristopher J. Jorgenson
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Publication number: 20140202784Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2012Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.Inventor: Bertrand Mallette
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Publication number: 20140182960Abstract: A drive track for a tracked vehicle comprises a belt having an inner side, an outer side, and two lateral sides. The belt has a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction. A plurality of internal lugs is distributed on the inner side of the belt. At least some of the plurality of internal lugs form two outer longitudinal rows, which are disposed next to a corresponding one of the two lateral sides of the belt. Regions of the belt disposed outwardly of the two outer longitudinal rows are deprived of internal lugs. A plurality of lateral rods is embedded within the belt. The plurality of lateral rods is extending in the lateral direction. Both ends of at least some of the plurality of lateral rods is disposed laterally inwardly of the regions of the belt disposed laterally outwardly of the two outer longitudinal rows. A tracked vehicle is also presented.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2011Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.Inventors: Yvon Bedard, Jean-Sebastien Pard
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Publication number: 20140182961Abstract: A muffler for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine has a muffler body, an inlet pipe, a primary exhaust pipe and an auxiliary exhaust pipe. The inlet pipe has an inlet outside the muffler body and an outlet inside the muffler body. The primary exhaust pipe has an inlet inside the muffler body, a main outlet outside the muffler body, and at least one auxiliary outlet defined in a side of the primary exhaust pipe between the inlet and the main outlet of the primary exhaust pipe. The auxiliary exhaust pipe fluidly communicates the at least one auxiliary outlet with an exterior of the muffler. A vehicle having a primary exhaust pipe and an auxiliary exhaust pipe is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2013Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.Inventor: Yvon BEDARD
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Patent number: 8763745Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2010Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tokinari Nagao, Atsushi Sawabuchi, Takashi Ashida, Manabu Kai
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Patent number: 8733490Abstract: An idler wheel assembly, for example a rear idler wheel assembly, for a snowmobile and includes at least one cross-member that permits load transfer and possible load damping as between a pair of rear idler wheels. The cross-member may be configured to transfer lateral loads, bending loads and other types of loads between the idler wheels. The cross-member is arranged between the wheels in such a manner that it is free to rotate with the idler wheels without interference to or from other structure of a skid frame assembly of the snowmobile. In one embodiment, each idler wheel includes a cross-member that extends inward to connect to the other wheel.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2011Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Arctic Cat Inc.Inventors: Andrew Beavis, Jonathon Edwards, Ken Fredrickson, Ronald Bergman
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Patent number: 8725381Abstract: The procedure of slip detection computes a right wheel speed Vr from a rotation speed Nm2 of a motor MG2 determined according to a detection result of a rotational position detection sensor 44 and from a left wheel speed Vl measured by a wheel speed sensor 64b attached to a left wheel 62b. A right wheel acceleration ar is calculated from the computed right wheel speed Vr. When the calculated right wheel acceleration ar exceeds a preset reference value arslip, the procedure detects the occurrence of a slip of a right wheel 62a. When a left wheel acceleration al calculated from the obtained left wheel speed Vl exceeds a preset reference value alslip, the procedure detects the occurrence of a slip of the left wheel 62b.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Eiji Maeda
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Patent number: 8695744Abstract: A snowmobile has a frame, a tunnel, an endless drive track, at least one ski, an engine, a handlebar being pivotable about a steering axis, a first throttle lever pivotably connected to the handlebar and operatively connected to the engine, the first throttle lever being disposed on a first side of the steering axis, and a second throttle lever pivotably connected to the handlebar and operatively connected to the engine, the second throttle lever being disposed on a second side of the steering axis. A throttle lever assembly is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.Inventors: Yvon Bedard, Rene Lemieux
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Patent number: 8695745Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.Inventors: Pascal Gagnon, Bertrand Mallette
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Publication number: 20140090914Abstract: A lightweight motorized and tracked sled for attachment to a variety of stair chairs is described. A power supply or power source provides power to a motor driving a track configured to engage a set of stairs. The motor and track can lift and support the stair chair and a patient thereon up or down one or more flights of stairs. The track driven by the motor has a length sufficient to simultaneously engage the lips or edges of a pair of sequential steps, but may be otherwise limited in length to reduce the weight of the track. To ensure that the sled and attached stair chair are stably supported while ascending or descending stairs, the sled may have rails, skis, or passive tracks having a length sufficient to ensure that the rails, skis, or passive tracks are always over the edge or lip of no fewer than two steps.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: Stryker CorporationInventors: Nathan R. Walkingshaw, Mark Wenzel
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Publication number: 20140076648Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Inventors: Timothy J. Giese, Darren J. Hedlund, Richard D. Kerner, Eric J. Borud, Cameron D. Fisher
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Patent number: 8657054Abstract: A front suspension and ski assembly for a snowmobile having a right and a left side, each side comprising an upper and a lower arm pivotally connected to the snowmobile frame and a spindle having an upper portion rotatably connected to the upper arm at a first connection point, a mid-portion rotatably connected to the lower arm at a second connection point, and a lower portion to which a ski is pivotally connected. A keel projects from and extends longitudinally along the ground facing surface of the ski, substantially along its outer surface. A runner projects from and extends longitudinally along the ground facing surface of the keel. A straight line extending through the first connection point and the second connection point extends to a point disposed within the ground engaging portion of the runner.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2010Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.Inventors: Bertrand Mallette, Pascal Gagnon
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Patent number: 8646559Abstract: An ice-particle spray generating device for use on snow vehicles is disclosed. The present invention provides an adapter having a locking device to prevent the connecting means of the ice-particle spray generating device to loosen when the snow vehicle is travelling.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2011Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Inventor: Denis Beaudoin
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Patent number: 8596399Abstract: A recreational vehicle that is a powered riding vehicle that is maneuvered by shifting the weight of the rider-occupant. The vehicle has a floating and suspension configured drive means and an independent front mounted ski that allows for easy maneuverability.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2007Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Inventor: Gale Gauld
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Patent number: 8590654Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2011Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Richard D. Kerner, Eric J. Borud
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Patent number: 8584781Abstract: A snowmobile has a frame with an engine compartment and a tunnel, a front suspension, at least one ski, an engine, a bracket having a first portion joined to the engine and a second portion having an aperture defined therein, an output shaft, a countershaft passing through the aperture and being supported by the second portion of the bracket, a motion decoupler disposed in the aperture around the countershaft, the countershaft being rotationally supported in the motion decoupler, a driving pulley disposed on the output shaft, a driven pulley disposed on the countershaft, a drive belt looped around the driving and driven pulleys, and an endless drive track. The driving pulley, the driven pulley and the drive belt together form a continuously variable transmission.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2012Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.Inventors: Mathieu Gauthier, Sylvain Matte, Max Richer, Gaetan Lecours, Michel Lefebvre
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Patent number: 8567546Abstract: A vehicle is shown such as a snowmobile, where a frame includes a cooling system operating therein having a plurality of heat exchangers. The cooling system may comprise a front radiator, a front tunnel cooler, a top tunnel cooler, and a rear cooler mounted rearwardly of the tunnel.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2011Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey J Berg, Troy A Pierce
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Publication number: 20130248269Abstract: A snowmobile having an electronic oil pump fluidly connected to an oil tank thereof is disclosed. The electronic oil pump is fluidly connected to an engine of the snowmobile for delivering lubricant to the engine. An electronic control unit is electrically connected to the electronic oil pump for controlling actuation of the electronic oil pump. A method of operating an electronic oil pump is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.Inventors: Michel BERNIER, Bruno SCHUEHMACHER
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Patent number: 8528683Abstract: A snowmobile chassis includes dual panels that form a lighter weight and stronger tunnel preferably without the need for structural doublers, plates or other attachable reinforcement devices. The dual panels take the form of inner and outer panels coupled together with selective gaps or spaces located between the panels. The gaps laterally separate the panels and may be continuous and take a variety of shapes as defined by each panel's configuration. The arrangement of the gaps may advantageously define a desired structural load path through the tunnel, increase a section modulus with respect to a centerline of the tunnel, and reduce an overall weight of the tunnel as compared with conventional tunnels that utilize added reinforcement devices.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2011Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Artic Cat Inc.Inventors: Andrew Beavis, Jonathon Edwards, Ken Fredrickson, Ronald Bergman
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Patent number: 8505664Abstract: A snowmobile includes a throttle motor that is protected from brake dust. The snowmobile includes a snowmobile body including an engine room therein, an engine disposed inside the engine room, brake equipment disposed inside the engine room, a throttle valve arranged to adjust intake air supplied to the engine, and a throttle motor which is disposed at a more forward position than the brake equipment inside the engine room and arranged to drive the throttle valve.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2012Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tokinari Nagao, Atsushi Sawabuchi, Takashi Ashida, Kazuhiro Ishizawa, Takayuki Yamada
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Patent number: 8499877Abstract: A rear suspension architecture is provided for coupled rear suspension systems.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2012Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventor: Timothy J. Giese
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Patent number: 8499876Abstract: A central endless drive track is disposed below the seat of a snowmobile. At least two left wheels are operatively connected to a left track frame disposed forwardly of the seat. A left track engages the left wheels. A left brake is connected to the left track frame and selectively engages one of a first left wheel and the left track to brake the left track. At least two right wheels are operatively connected to a right track frame disposed forwardly of the seat. A right track is disposed around the right wheels. A right brake is connected to the right track frame and selectively engages one of a first right wheel and the right track to brake the right track. A brake lever causes the left and right brakes to brake the left and right tracks respectively.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2012Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.Inventors: Daniel Mercier, Guillaume Longpre, Alain Massicotte, Etienne Guay
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Patent number: 8490984Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2012Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Inventor: Robert S. Musselman
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Patent number: 8490731Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2011Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey A Eaton, Eric J Borud, Richard D Kerner, Jake Anderson
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Publication number: 20130175106Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2010Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.Inventors: Yvon Bedard, Jean-Francois Lambert
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Patent number: 8479860Abstract: An all terrain endless track vehicle of the present invention comprises a front suspension assembly and a rear endless track assembly supported by a chassis. The front suspension assembly is engageable with the ground by a steerable set of skis or wheels. The endless track assembly supports an engine, transmission and first and second shock absorbers. The first shock absorber connects to the endless track assembly forward of the engine, while the second shock absorber connects to the endless track assembly rearward of the engine. A rear swing arm supports a rearwardly positioned main driver mechanically linked to the transmission by way of a chain or belt. A plurality of idler wheels disposed on the endless track assembly, along with the main driver, define an endless track contour. An endless track or belt disposes on the plurality of idler wheels and the main driver. The engine, transmission, and shock absorbers are each contained within the contour of the endless track.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2011Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: LRET, Inc.Inventor: Kristopher J. Jorgenson
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Patent number: 8459392Abstract: A snowmobile (10) having an electronic oil pump (72) fluidly connected to an oil tank (70) thereof is disclosed. The electronic oil pump (72) is fluidly connected to an engine (24) of the snowmobile (10) for delivering lubricant to the engine (24). An electronic control unit (150) is electrically connected to the electronic oil pump (72) for controlling actuation of the electronic oil pump (72). A method of operating an electronic oil pump (72) is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2008Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.Inventors: Michel Bernier, Bruno Schuehmacher
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Patent number: 8453779Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2008Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc.Inventor: Sebastien Vezina
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Publication number: 20130133967Abstract: An idler wheel assembly, for example a rear idler wheel assembly, for a snowmobile and includes at least one cross-member that permits load transfer and possible load damping as between a pair of rear idler wheels. The cross-member may be configured to transfer lateral loads, bending loads and other types of loads between the idler wheels. The cross-member is arranged between the wheels in such a manner that it is free to rotate with the idler wheels without interference to or from other structure of a skid frame assembly of the snowmobile. In one embodiment, each idler wheel includes a cross-member that extends inward to connect to the other wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2011Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: Arctic Cat Inc.Inventors: Andrew Beavis, Johnathon Edwards, Ken Fredrickson, Ronald Bergman
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Publication number: 20130105237Abstract: A front suspension and ski assembly for a snowmobile having a right and a left side, each side comprising an upper and a lower arm pivotally connected to the snowmobile frame and a spindle having an upper portion rotatably connected to the upper arm at a first connection point, a mid-portion rotatably connected to the lower arm at a second connection point, and a lower portion to which a ski is pivotally connected. A keel projects from and extends longitudinally along the ground facing surface of the ski, substantially along its outer surface. A runner projects from and extends longitudinally along the ground facing surface of the keel. A straight line extending through the first connection point and the second connection point extends to a point disposed within the ground engaging portion of the runner.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2010Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.Inventors: Bertrand Mallette, Pascal Gagnon
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Patent number: 8430197Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shinichi Matsudo
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Patent number: 8408560Abstract: A saddle riding vehicle that allows the amount of roll to be reduced includes a vehicle body, a handle, and a suspension mechanism. The suspension mechanism is provided at a front portion of the vehicle body and supports a pair of left and right front wheels or a pair of left and right skis. The suspension mechanism includes a pair of left and right arm members and a pair of left and right air shock absorbers. The pair of left and right arm members supports the pair of front wheels or the pair of skis in a vertically movable manner. The pair of left and right air shock absorbers is coupled to the pair of arm members. The pair of left and right air shock absorbers each includes a cylinder, a piston, a piston rod, a first gas chamber, and a second gas chamber.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takamasa Kamioka, Kotaro Ogura
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Patent number: 8408348Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2009Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventors: Hideto Nakamura, Toshio Hayashi