Abstract: A tensioner for adjusting a tension in an endless track of a track system is disclosed. The tensioner includes a resilient portion and a wheel connecting portion. The resilient portion is connectable to a frame of the track system, the resilient portion being oriented generally vertically. The wheel connecting portion is pivotally connectable to the frame of the track system, is connected to the resilient portion and is configured to connect to an idler wheel assembly. A track system having the tensioner is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automobile suspension includes a side rail extending in a front-rear direction of a vehicle body, a lower arm, and a bracket linking the lower arm to the side rail. A front end of the side rail and a rear end of the side rail are linked to a frame of the vehicle body, and the side rail curves such that a middle of the side rail is lower than at least one of the front end and the rear end. The bracket includes a pair of side plates that supports a shaft of the lower arm and is joined to a side face of the side rail, and an upper plate that links the side plates and is joined to an upper face of the side rail.

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: A track for traction of an off-road vehicle such as an agricultural vehicle, a construction vehicle, a snowmobile, or another vehicle operable off-road. The track is mountable around a track-engaging assembly including a drive wheel for driving the track. The track is elastomeric to be flexible around the track-engaging assembly. The track includes an inner surface for facing the track-engaging assembly, a ground-engaging outer surface for engaging the ground, and a plurality of traction projections projecting from the ground-engaging outer surface. The track may have various features to enhance its traction, its floatation, and/or other aspects relating to use and performance of a track system of the vehicle.

Abstract: A snow vehicle includes a frame comprising an upper frame portion and a lower frame portion, a handlebar comprising a handlebar axis, said handlebar coupled to said upper frame portion and said lower frame portion and a tunnel comprising having a driven track shaft and a track rotatably coupled to the driven track shaft within the tunnel. A two-stroke engine includes a crankshaft and a tuned pipe coupled to the engine. The engine and the tuned pipe are positioned between the handlebar axis and the driven track shaft. A continuously variable transmission is disposed between the handlebar axis, the upper frame portion of the frame and the lower frame portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control module for use in motor vehicles, comprising a plurality of signal inputs, a plurality of signal outputs, a central storage unit which is connected to at least one functional unit for further processing incoming signals. A signal identification number can be assigned to the at least one signal coming into the central storage unit such that the signal can be identified and further used by the at least one functional unit. The at least one functional unit can be exchanged in a modular manner. The invention additionally relates to a system for configuring the control module, to a method for using the control module, and to a motor vehicle control unit comprising the control module.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a straddle type vehicle that uses resin seat rails, and in which attachment parts of footrests for an occupant of a rear seat of a tandem seat are provided to fastening parts of a member connecting right and left seat rails. The straddle type vehicle may include: resin right and left seat rails extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction; a middle connection member connecting the seat rails to each other; a tandem seat assembled to the seat rails and footrests for an occupant of the tandem seat respectively coupled to the right and left seat rails. A connection part of the middle connection member of the seat rails is provided within a range obtained by vertically extending an outer edge of an attachment part of the footrest coupled to each of the seat rails in side view.

Abstract: A snow vehicle is disclosed comprising a vehicle frame, a propulsion unit coupled to the frame, and at least one front ski steered by a steering mechanism. The front of the vehicle includes a first front suspension and a second front suspension coupled to the ski. The rear suspension includes a bumper assembly preventing bottoming out of the rear suspension. The rear suspension is coupled to the vehicle frame such that the longitudinal spacing between the vehicle frame and rear suspension is adjustably controllable.

Abstract: A snowmobile has a frame including a tunnel, at least one ski, an engine having an engine air inlet and a drive track operatively connected thereto and disposed at least partly below the tunnel around a rear suspension. A heat exchanger connected to the tunnel has a heat exchanger air inlet and a heat exchanger air outlet fluidly communicating with the heat exchanger air inlet and the engine air inlet. A snowmobile has a frame including an inverted U-shaped tunnel having top, left and right portions at least partly enclosing a space. A drive track, operatively connected to an engine, is disposed around a rear suspension and at least partly in the space. An air intake system has a heat exchanger surface disposed in or adjacent to the space. Air flowing through the intake system contacts the heat exchanger surface to be cooled thereby before entering the engine.

Abstract: A snowmobile has a suspension with a spring. The spring has a central loop portion and an elastomeric bushing disposed in the central loop portion. A limiting cable is disposed adjacent to the spring. The snowmobile also has a rear snowmobile suspension with a torsion link structure. A control arm is pivotally connected to a first end of the torsion link structure. A wheel assembly is pivotally connected to a second end of the torsion link structure. A first slide rail is attached to the wheel assembly with a sliding mechanism. A track around the rear snowmobile suspension has a paddle oriented substantially perpendicular to the track. A first gripping element is disposed on the face of the paddle.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to remote control over a number of degrees of freedom of coupling between a first suspension member and a second suspension member. In an illustrative embodiment, when in an uncoupled state, the first suspension member may move substantially independently of any motion of the second suspension member. When in a coupled state, for example, the first suspension member may move in response to movement of the second suspension member. In some embodiments, the coupling between members may be altered by selectively permitting at least one degree of freedom of motion of the suspension system. For example, in some systems, a variable shock absorber may be selectively set to a fixed length in response to a control system signal. A remotely coupled suspension system may advantageously provide dynamically controllable suspension configurations for various riding conditions.

Abstract: A suspension for a tracked utility vehicle is provided. The trailing link suspension for the tracked utility vehicle has at least two trailing links. Each of said trailing links has a shock and a walking beam. The first end of the trailing link is pivotably connected to the tracked utility vehicle chassis. The second end of said trailing link is pivotably connected to the walking beam. The first end of the shock is pivotably connected to the chassis and the second end is pivotably connected to the trailing link. The walking beam has a plurality of axle mounted bogey wheels for engaging one or both of the track of said tracked utility vehicle or the track lug or guide. The shocks are independently adjustable to permit more of the tracked utility vehicle's weight to be supported at the suspension midpoint.

Abstract: A snowmobile comprises a plurality of ground engaging members, a frame supported by the ground engaging members, and a powertrain assembly supported by the frame. The snowmobile further comprises a rear suspension assembly supported by the frame which includes a plurality of slide rails, at least one linear force element operably coupled to the slide rails, and at least one rear idler wheel operably coupled to the slide rails with a rear shaft. The rear shaft is operably coupled to the slide rails with a single fastener received into one end of the rear shaft.

Abstract: A suspension for a tracked utility vehicle is provided. The trailing link suspension for the tracked utility vehicle has at least two trailing links. Each of said trailing links has a shock and a walking beam. The first end of the trailing link is pivotably connected to the tracked utility vehicle chassis. The second end of said trailing link is pivotably connected to the walking beam. The first end of the shock is pivotably connected to the chassis and the second end is pivotably connected to the trailing link. The walking beam has a plurality of axle mounted bogey wheels for engaging one or both of the track of said tracked utility vehicle or the track lug or guide. The shocks are independently adjustable to permit more of the tracked utility vehicle's weight to be supported at the suspension midpoint.

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 front of the vehicle includes a first front suspension and a second front suspension coupled to the ski. The rear suspension includes a bumper assembly preventing bottoming out of the rear suspension. The rear suspension is coupled to the vehicle frame such that the longitudinal spacing between the vehicle frame and rear suspension is adjustably controllable.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A rear suspension architecture is provided for coupled rear suspension systems.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to displacement-independent remote adjustable coupling of a first suspension member to a second suspension member. In an illustrative embodiment, the first suspension member may move substantially independently of any motion of the second suspension member, when in an uncoupled state. When in a coupled state, for example, the first suspension member may move in response to movement of the second suspension member. In some embodiments, the coupling between members may be performed by removing and/or stiffening one or more degrees of motion of the suspension system. For example, in some systems, a variable shock absorber may be stiffened in response to a control system signal. A remotely coupled suspension system may advantageously provide optimal suspension configuration for various riding conditions.

Abstract: A suspension system for a snowmobile has a rail for engagement with an endless drive track, and first and second suspension arms having upper ends adapted for pivotally connecting to the chassis and lower ends pivotally connected to the rail. The upper end the second suspension arm includes a shaft. A first shock absorber is operatively pivotally connected between the first suspension arm and the rail. A second shock absorber is operatively pivotally connected between the rail and the second suspension arm. Left and right brackets are connected to the shaft on either side of the second shock absorber. The shaft has a bent portion between the left and right brackets.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A suspension assembly adapted for use in a snowmobile having a closed-loop track includes at least one ground contact engaged with the closed-loop track. An elongated swing arm is angularly disposed in the closed-loop track and extends between a front end portion adapted to be coupled to the chassis, and a rear end portion coupled to the at least one ground contact. A front resilient member is disposed in the closed-loop track and has an upper end pivotably coupled to the front end portion of the swing arm, and a lower end pivotably coupled to the at least one ground contact. A rear resilient member is disposed in the closed-loop track and has an upper end adapted to be pivotally coupled to the chassis, and a lower end pivotally coupled to the at least one ground contact. A pivot arrangement is connected to the swing arm for permitting at least rotation of the swing arm about a pivot axis extending longitudinally of the at least one ground contact.

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 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.

Abstract: A suspension system for a snowmobile comprises first and second suspension arms pivotally connected to a chassis and to a rail, and extending forwardly and upwardly from the rail. A bracket arm is fixedly connected to the first suspension arm. A link is pivotally connected to the bracket arm. A first shock absorber is pivotally connected to the first suspension arm and to the rail. The lower end of the first shock absorber is disposed forwardly of the lower end of the first suspension arm. A second shock absorber is pivotally connected to the link and to second suspension arm. The lower end of the second shock absorber is disposed rearwardly of the lower end of the first shock absorber. A tie rod is pivotally connected to the link, and to the second suspension arm. A snowmobile having such suspension system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A skid steered light all terrain vehicle (LATV), including two driving units for the wheels or tracks on both sides of the vehicle and a differential steering device with a differential gear. The differential steering device is designed to produce a defined differential speed of the two drive units of the vehicle related to the steering angle of the steering device regardless to the surface condition where the vehicle is driving. The LATV also includes an additional steering drive acting on the differential gear.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A snowmobile rear suspension is shown comprised of a linear force element (LFE) positioned outside the envelope of the snowmobile endless track. The LFE is attached at one end to the frame and at the other end to a bell crank. The bell crank is operatively connected to the slide rails. When the slide rails collapse in normal operation, the bell crank strokes the LFE, and the suspension is progressive throughout the range.

Abstract: 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.

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 suspension system for a snowmobile comprises first and second suspension arms pivotally connected to a chassis and to a rail, and extending forwardly and upwardly from the rail. A bracket arm is fixedly connected to the first suspension arm. A link is pivotally connected to the bracket arm. A first shock absorber is pivotally connected to the first suspension arm and to the rail. The lower end of the first shock absorber is disposed forwardly of the lower end of the first suspension arm. A second shock absorber is pivotally connected to the link and to second suspension arm. The lower end of the second shock absorber is disposed rearwardly of the lower end of the first shock absorber. A tie rod is pivotally connected to the link, and to the second suspension arm. A snowmobile having such suspension system is also disclosed.

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 suspension system for a snowmobile has a rail and first and second suspension arms having lower ends pivotally connected to the rail. A first shock absorber pivotally connected between the first suspension arm and the rail. A second shock absorber operatively pivotally connected between the first suspension arm and the rail. Left and right brackets are connected to the second suspension arm. Left and right tie rods have lower ends operatively pivotally connected to the first suspension arm and upper ends pivotally connected to their corresponding brackets about a first pivot axis. The second shock absorber is disposed laterally between the left and right tie rods. The suspension is movable between a first position where the first pivot axis intersects the second shock absorber and a second position where the first pivot axis is spaced from the second shock absorber.

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 rear suspension architecture is provided for coupled rear suspension systems.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Snowmobile suspension components for use in a snowmobile having a snowmobile suspension, the suspension components include at least two torlateral link arms connected rigidly at one end to a pivot shaft and at the other ends slideably received within slide bushings. The pivot shaft is connected pivotally to a frame member of a snowmobile and the slide bushings connected to a slide rail of the snowmobile suspension. Preferably the pivot shaft further including shock flanges rigidly connected thereto for receiving one end of a shock, wherein the other end of the shock connected to the slide rail.

Abstract: A suspension system for a snowmobile comprises first and second suspension arms pivotally connected to a chassis and to a rail, and extending forwardly and upwardly from the rail. A bracket arm is fixedly connected to the first suspension arm. A link is pivotally connected to the bracket arm. A first shock absorber is pivotally connected to the first suspension arm and to the rail. The lower end of the first shock absorber is disposed forwardly of the lower end of the first suspension arm. A second shock absorber is pivotally connected to the link and to second suspension arm. The lower end of the second shock absorber is disposed rearwardly of the lower end of the first shock absorber. A tie rod is pivotally connected to the link, and to the second suspension arm. A snowmobile having such suspension system is also disclosed.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A suspension system for a snowmobile has a rail and first and second suspension arms having lower ends pivotally connected to the rail. A first shock absorber pivotally connected between the first suspension arm and the rail. A second shock absorber operatively pivotally connected between the first suspension arm and the rail. Left and right brackets are connected to the second suspension arm. Left and right tie rods have lower ends operatively pivotally connected to the first suspension arm and upper ends pivotally connected to their corresponding brackets about a first pivot axis. The second shock absorber is disposed laterally between the left and right tie rods. The suspension is movable between a first position where the first pivot axis intersects the second shock absorber and a second position where the first pivot axis is spaced from the second shock absorber.

Abstract: A rear suspension architecture is provided for coupled rear suspension systems.

Abstract: A suspension assembly for a snowmobile is provided that rotatably supports a closed-loop track in the rear tunnel of the snowmobile and also supports both vertical and horizontal travel of said closed-loop track during suspension system travel. The suspension assembly includes at least one elongated ground contact that supports rotational travel of the closed loop track and at least one swing arm angularly disposed in the closed-loop track and having a front end portion pivotably coupled to the rear tunnel and a rear end portion coupled to the at least one ground contact. In the preferred arrangement, a front resilient member is arranged to bias against displacement between the chassis and the at least one ground contact during suspension assembly travel and a rear resilient member arranged to bias against displacement between the chassis and the swing arm during suspension assembly travel. A tensioner couples the rear end portion of the swing arm to the at least one ground contact.

Abstract: A rear suspension architecture is provided for coupled rear suspension systems.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an improved snowmobile assembly yielding increased energy absorption in its suspension, improved handling, optimized engine positioning and lower center of gravity. In one embodiment, a rear snowmobile suspension comprises a frame comprising a pair of opposing, longitudinally extending, transversely spaced fixed rails, a pair of rear swing arms pivotably connected on respective first ends to a rear portion of the frame, one on each of a first and a second fixed rail, a front swing arm pivotably connected on a first end to a front portion of the frame on the first fixed rail, and a front drive arm pivotably connected on a first end to a front portion of the frame on the second fixed rail, opposing the front swing arm, wherein the front drive arm houses a portion of the drive assembly for driving the snowmobile.

Abstract: A suspension system for a tracked vehicle providing a wide range of performance characteristics via a user-adjustable overload spring assembly which engages a rear suspension element. An optimum spring force can depend on the both operator characteristics and local operating conditions. A user is afforded the ability to adjust a rear suspension system to provide desired ride characteristics. A suspension system including a movable stop to define a mechanical relation between a rear suspension arm and a front suspension arm is also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an improved snowmobile assembly yielding increased energy absorption in its suspension, improved handling, optimized engine positioning and lower center of gravity. In one embodiment, a rear snowmobile suspension comprises a frame comprising a pair of opposing, longitudinally extending, transversely spaced fixed rails, a pair of rear swing arms pivotably connected on respective first ends to a rear portion of the frame, one on each of a first and a second fixed rail, a front swing arm pivotably connected on a first end to a front portion of the frame on the first fixed rail, and a front drive arm pivotably connected on a first end to a front portion of the frame on the second fixed rail, opposing the front swing arm, wherein the front drive arm houses a portion of the drive assembly for driving the snowmobile.

Abstract: A rear suspension of a snow vehicle is provided with a slide rail which guides a track belt. The slide rail is made of metal and formed by extrusion. A bent portion is provided on an end of the slide rail to extend to a tip end thereof with a position toward the end being a starting point of bending. A projection, to which one end side of a torque arm supporting a vehicle body is connected, is arranged toward the end of the slide rail so as to project upwards. The projection includes a bracket provided separately from the slide rail and the starting point of bending is positioned in a length range of the projection.

Abstract: A snowmobile rear suspension is shown comprised of a linear force element (LFE) positioned outside the envelope of the snowmobile endless track. The snowmobile frame includes a chassis mounted to a tunnel, where the chassis includes a central mounting bracket. The LFE is attached at one end to the bracket and at the other end to a bell crank. The bell crank is operatively connected to the slide rails. When the slide rails collapse in normal operation, the bell crank strokes the LFE, and the suspension is progressive throughout the range.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to snowmobiles. More particularly, the present invention relates to the components of a snowmobile such as the frame, skis, motor, and endless belt assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rear suspension systems for snowmobiles have endless belt assemblies. Specifically, the present invention relates to rear suspension architecture for coupled rear suspension systems for snowmobiles and belt tensioning assemblies.