BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20150360713 | ADJUSTABLE HANDLEBAR RISER ASSEMBLY - An adjustable handlebar riser assembly has an outer member, an inner member, a pin, a retainer member and a locking member. The inner member and the outer member have mating flat-bottom V-shaped faces. The inner member slides at least in part within the outer member. Each of the outer and inner members has at least one aperture through their flat-bottom V-shaped faces. The pin is inserted in an aperture of the outer member and in an aperture of the inner member. The retaining member is connected to the pin at one end while the locking member is connected to an opposed end of the pin. The locking member can exert a tension on the pin, pressing the outer member onto the inner member for locking these members at a selected position relative to one another. | 12-17-2015 |
20150122567 | AIR VENTILATION SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES - A straddle-seat vehicle has a frame, and connected thereto, a pair of front wheels, at least one rear wheel, a pair of footrests, an engine, a radiator connected to the engine for cooling the engine, and a cowling. The cowling encloses at least a portion of the radiator and includes an inlet in fluid communication with the portion of the radiator, a lateral outlet on a first side, and a downward outlet on a lower surface, both outlets rearward of the inlet. The inlet is adapted to direct air to enter through the portion of the radiator into the cowling. A cowling wall disposed between the inlet and one of the pair of footrests deflects air away from the pair of footrests. The lateral and downward outlets, each in fluid communication with the inlet, are adapted to direct air exiting the cowling away from the pair of footrests. | 05-07-2015 |
20140349792 | COUNTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION DRIVE PULLEY - A drive pulley for a continuously variable transmission includes a fixed sheave and a movable sheave rotationally fixed relative to the fixed sheave. A housing is axially and rotationally fixed relative to the fixed sheave. At least one centrifugal actuator includes an arm pivotally connected to one of the movable sheave and the housing of the fixed sheave at a first pivot axis. The arm pivots away from the one of the movable sheave and the housing about the first pivot axis as a speed of rotation of the drive pulley increases and pushes against another one of the movable sheave and the housing thereby moving the movable sheave axially toward the fixed sheave. The arm is movable relative to the first pivot axis by pivoting the at least one arm about a second pivot axis. The second pivot axis is offset from the first pivot axis. | 11-27-2014 |
20140332298 | SKI AND FRONT TRACK ASSEMBLY FOR A SNOWMOBILE - 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. | 11-13-2014 |
20140299399 | ICE SCRATCHER FOR A SNOWMOBILE - 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. | 10-09-2014 |
20140210195 | WHEELED VEHICLE HAVING A SEAT WITH A LATERAL RESTRAINING MEMBER - A vehicle has a frame, at least three wheels, a motor, a cockpit area, and a seat. The seat has a seat base and a backrest and is movable along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle between first and second positions. The first position is closer to a front of the vehicle than the second position. A lateral restraining member is fixed to the seat on one side of the seat. At least a portion of the lateral restraining member is disposed higher than the seat base and forward of the backrest. The lateral restraining member is movable with the seat between the first and second positions. | 07-31-2014 |
20140203627 | TRACK AND DRIVE SPROCKETS FOR A TRACKED VEHICLE - A sprocket wheel and drive track assembly of a tracked vehicle includes at least one drive sprocket having a sprocket wheel. A plurality of internal teeth extending laterally therefrom is distributed in a circumferential direction on a periphery thereof at a sprocket pitch from each other. A belt in contact with the at least one drive sprocket has an inner side, an outer side, a longitudinal and a lateral direction. At least two of a plurality of internal lugs distributed on the inner side thereof are engaged by at least two of the plurality of internal teeth of the at least one drive sprocket. The plurality of internal lugs is disposed to form at least one longitudinal row. At least two consecutive internal lugs are disposed at a first pitch from each other. The first pitch is longer than an arc length corresponding to the sprocket pitch. | 07-24-2014 |
20140202784 | SNOWMOBILE SUSPENSION - 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. | 07-24-2014 |
20140182961 | VEHICLE HAVING AN AUXILIARY EXHAUST PIPE - 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. | 07-03-2014 |
20140182960 | DRIVE TRACK FOR A TRACKED VEHICLE - 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. | 07-03-2014 |
20140131131 | VEHICLE FOOT BOARD AND PEDAL ASSEMBLY - A straddle-type tracked vehicle comprises a frame and a foot board pivotally connected to the frame. A retainer selectively prevents the foot board from pivoting with respect to the frame. An actuator, operatively connected to at least one operative system of the vehicle, has a pedal disposed at least in part vertically above the foot board. In a first state of the retainer, the foot board is fixed in a default position by the retainer. The pedal is movable between a first position and a second position. The second position is vertically below the first position and vertically above the default position of the foot board. In a second state of the retainer, the foot board pivots such that at least a front of the foot board is at a position vertically below the default position. The pedal is movable to a third position vertically below the second position. | 05-15-2014 |
20140117653 | TOP FOR A VEHICLE - A top for a vehicle having a roll cage. The top includes a rigid cover, and a flexible cover having a first end and a second end defining a length of the flexible cover therebetween. The first end of the flexible cover is attached to the rigid cover. The second end of the flexible cover has at least one fastener for attaching the second end to the roll cage. The flexible cover has an open configuration and a storage configuration. In the open configuration, the flexible cover extends along the roll cage from the first end attached to the rigid cover to the second end attached to a portion of the roll cage spaced from the rigid cover. In the storage configuration, the entire length of the flexible cover including the second end is removably secured against the rigid cover. Roll cage and top assemblies, and vehicles are also disclosed. | 05-01-2014 |
20140116796 | VEHICLE EXHAUST SYSTEM - A vehicle exhaust system has a first exhaust pipe adapted to be connected to a first exhaust port of an engine, a first expansion chamber connected to the first exhaust pipe, a second exhaust pipe adapted to be connected to a second exhaust port of an engine, a second expansion chamber connected to the second exhaust pipe, a collector connected to the first and second expansion chambers, a third exhaust pipe connected to the collector, and a first muffler connected to the third exhaust pipe. A vehicle having the vehicle exhaust system is also disclosed. | 05-01-2014 |
20140114546 | THREE WHEEL VEHICLE ELECTRONIC STABILITY SYSTEM AND CONTROL STRATEGY THEREFOR - A method for enhancing stability of a three wheel vehicle having a pair of front wheels and a single rear wheel, each of the wheels having a tire with a tire grip threshold. The method including deploying an electronic stability system (ESS) on the vehicle, providing the ESS with input from various vehicle sensors related to the longitudinal and lateral acceleration of the vehicle, causing the ESS to determine whether (i) a precursory condition indicative of a wheel lift exists and (ii) the tire grip threshold of any of the tires has been exceeded; and when a precursory condition indicative of a wheel lift exists and the tire grip threshold of none of the tires has been exceeded, causing the ESS to reduce the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle by a first amount less than that which would cause the tire grip threshold of any of the tires to be exceeded. | 04-24-2014 |
20140112800 | ELECTRONIC OIL PUMP - A method of controlling an engine includes the steps of: applying a current to the electromagnetic coil to move the at least one piston from the fully retracted position toward the full stroke position; sending a signal to an electronic control unit (ECU) when the at least one piston reaches the full stroke position; determining a time taken to reach the full stroke position from the fully retracted position based on the signal; determining a power-on time based on the determined time taken to reach the full stroke position from the fully retracted position; and returning the at least one piston to the fully retracted position by stopping to apply the current to the electromagnetic coil once the power-on time has elapsed. | 04-24-2014 |
20140097032 | SNOWMOBILE SUSPENSION - 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. | 04-10-2014 |
20140090917 | CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT WITH COOLING RING - A constant velocity joint includes an outer housing and an inner race disposed inside the outer housing and spaced therefrom. The outer housing and inner race are respectively rotatable about a first and second rotation axes, and moveable relative to one another to change an angle between the rotation axes. A cage, disposed between the outer housing and the inner race, has cage windows defined therethrough. A plurality of balls, each retained in a corresponding cage window roll along corresponding outer housing grooves and inner race grooves, respectively defined on an inner surface of the outer housing and an outer surface of the inner race. Rotation of one of the outer housing and the inner race about their respective rotation axis, causes rotation of the other. A cooling member disposed on the outer housing contacts at least a portion of its outer surface. Powertrains and vehicles are also disclosed. | 04-03-2014 |
20140090915 | SNOWMOBILE SUSPENSION - 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. | 04-03-2014 |
20140084644 | BACKREST FOR A STRADDLE-SEAT VEHICLE - A kit for assembling a backrest on a saddle-type vehicle seat selectively connected to the frame and including at least one seat passage extending therethrough. A mounting plate is adapted to be disposed between the seat and the frame. An adapter, adapted to be connected to the mounting plate or integrally formed therewith, includes at least one adapter passage having an open end facing away from the mounting plate. An inverted U-shaped seat mount includes two posts and a connection member connected between their respective first end portions. A second end portion is adapted to be selectively received in the at least one adapter passage through the open end thereof. A back support is adapted to be pivotally connected to the seat mount. At least one fastener for attaching the mounting plate to the seat. Methods for assembling the backrest onto the seat are disclosed. | 03-27-2014 |
20140012482 | LOAD SENSOR FOR A VEHICLE ELECTRONIC STABILITY SYSTEM - A method of controlling a three-wheeled vehicle comprises: determining a state of a load sensor associated with a portion of vehicle; selecting a first start mass when the load sensor is in a non-loaded state; selecting a second start mass when the load sensor is in a loaded state; determining at least one vehicle parameter during operation of the vehicle; determining a calculated mass based at least in part on the at least one vehicle parameter; determining an effective mass based at least in part on the calculated mass and a selected one of the first and second start masses; defining an output of an electronic stability system of the vehicle based at least in part on the effective mass; and controlling a stability of the vehicle using the output of the electronic stability system. | 01-09-2014 |
20140004984 | CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION DRIVING PULLEY | 01-02-2014 |
20130270020 | SNOWMOBILE SUSPENSION LOAD ADJUSTING MECHANISM - 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. | 10-17-2013 |
20130248269 | SNOWMOBILE HAVING ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED LUBRICATION - 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. | 09-26-2013 |
20130240275 | OFF-ROAD VEHICLE HAVING A COOLING TUNNEL - An off-road vehicle has a frame, at least four wheels, a left seat and a right seat disposed in a side-by-side configuration, a steering assembly, an engine having an upper portion, and a console mounted between the left seat and the right seat. The console covers at least the upper portion of the engine. The console includes side walls and an upper portion connected to the side walls to define a central cooling tunnel. The central cooling tunnel includes a frontal opening and a rear opening allowing air flow through the central cooling tunnel from the frontal opening to the rear opening. | 09-19-2013 |
20130238221 | ELECTRONIC OIL PUMP - An electronic oil pump has at least one lubricant inlet, at least one lubricant outlet, at least one piston being movable between a full stroke position and a fully retracted position, an electrical actuator operatively connected to the at least one piston, a first electrical lead connected to a first element of the pump for electrically connecting the first element to an electronic control unit (ECU), and a second electrical lead connected to a second element of the pump for electrically connecting the second element to the ECU. When the at least one piston is in the full stroke position, an electrical path between the first and second electrical leads is closed. When the at least one piston is in a position other than the full stroke position, the electrical path is opened. A method of controlling an engine having the oil pump is also disclosed. | 09-12-2013 |
20130238191 | VEHICLE SUSPENSION AND PNEUMATIC SYSTEMS - A vehicle has a frame, at least one front wheel connected to the frame, at least one front suspension assembly connecting the at least one front wheel to the frame, at least one rear wheel connected to the frame, and at least one rear suspension assembly connecting the at least one rear wheel to the frame. At least one of the at least one front and at least one rear suspension assemblies includes an air spring. A seat is connected to the frame. An engine is connected to the frame and is operatively connected to at least one of the wheels. An air compressor is connected to the frame and fluidly communicates with the at least one air spring for supplying air to the at least one air spring. A control unit is electrically connected to the air compressor for controlling an operation of the air compressor. | 09-12-2013 |
20130186701 | THREE-WHEEL VEHICLE - An three-wheel vehicle including a modular front structure having a storage compartment therein. The modular front structure is adapted to be mounted onto the chassis of the three-wheel vehicle and to support bodywork elements thereby providing ease of assembly of the vehicle and ease of disassembly for packaging the vehicle. | 07-25-2013 |
20130180793 | VEHICLE HAVING A VARIABLE ASSIST POWER STEERING ASSEMBLY - A recreational utility vehicle has a frame, four wheels, a pair of seats mounted laterally beside each other, a cage, a steering assembly, an engine, a front differential, a rear differential, an actuator selectively operatively connecting the engine to the front differential, and a vehicle drive mode switch for selecting between a first and second drive mode. When the first drive mode is selected, the actuator operatively connects the engine to the front differential, and when the second drive mode is selected, the actuator operatively disconnects the engine from the front differential. An electric motor is operatively connected to the steering assembly. A steering control unit is electrically connected to the electric motor, determines an output torque to be applied by the electric motor based at least in part on a speed of the vehicle, and controls the electric motor to apply the output torque to the steering assembly. | 07-18-2013 |
20130175106 | SNOWMOBILE HAVING A FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY WITH AT LEAST ONE PROTRUSION - 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. | 07-11-2013 |
20130133964 | SYSTEM FOR TRANSPORTING ITEMS ON A VEHICLE - An anchor and an attachment base assembly comprises a base having at least one base aperture, and an anchor selectively operatively connected to the base. The anchor is selectively inserted at least partially into the at least one base aperture and optionally into an aperture of an accessory. The anchor has a base part movable between a locked position where the anchor is secured to the base and an unlocked position where the anchor is free from the base. An accessory part is operatively connected to the base part. The accessory part is adapted to selectively connect at least partially to a brim of the aperture of the accessory for bracing at least partially the accessory to the base when the anchor is in the locked position. The anchor has other features. A vehicle having an anchor and an attachment base assembly is also presented. | 05-30-2013 |
20130113174 | CONTROL SYSTEM FOR LEANING VEHICLE - A leaning vehicle has a frame, a straddle seat, an engine, and a shock tower having a lower end pivotally connected to a front portion of the frame about a pivot axis. Front left and right suspension assemblies operatively connect to the front portion of the frame. A steering assembly has a steering column and a handlebar. A rear suspension is connected to the rear portion of the frame. Each front suspension assembly has a spindle, a lower suspension arm having an end pivotally connected to the frame and another end pivotally connected to the lower end of the spindle, a leaning rod having an end pivotally connected to the frame and another end pivotally connected to the upper end of the spindle via a ball joint, and a shock absorber having an upper end connected to the shock tower and a lower end connected to the lower suspension arm. | 05-09-2013 |
20130105237 | Front Suspension and Ski Assembly for a Snowmobile | 05-02-2013 |
20130094920 | ANCHOR - An anchor comprises first, second and third flanges. A surface of the first flange facing the second flange defines a plane. A contour of the first flange projected onto the plane extending beyond a contour of the second flange projected onto the plane. A base connecting part includes the third flange and the second flange. An accessory connecting part operatively connected to the base connecting part includes the first flange. The third flange is movable relative to at least one of the first and second flanges between a first position and a second position. In the first position, a contour of the third flange projected onto the plane is contained within the contour of the second flange projected onto the plane. In the second position, the contour of the third flange projected onto the plane extends beyond the contour of the second flange projected onto the plane. | 04-18-2013 |
20130088041 | OFF-ROAD VEHICLE HAVING A CARGO BOX - An off-road vehicle has a frame, at least four wheels, a seat, a steering assembly, an engine, and a cargo box pivotally mounted to the frame rearwardly of the seat. The cargo box includes: a cargo box body having a front wall, a pair of side walls, a lower floor, and an opened rear side; an upper floor supported inside the cargo box body above the lower floor; an upper tailgate for selectively closing an upper opened portion of the opened rear side; a lower cargo space defined at least in part between the front wall, the pair of side walls, the lower floor, and the upper floor; and an upper cargo space defined between the front wall, the pair of side walls, the upper floor, and the upper tailgate when the upper tailgate closes the upper opened portion of the opened rear side. | 04-11-2013 |
20130087394 | LATERAL COVER FOR A WHEELED VEHICLE - A vehicle has a cockpit area and lateral passages for the ingress and egress of a rider to and from the cockpit area. At least one lateral flexible cover selectively extends at least partially across at least one of the lateral passages. The cover has at least one upper attachment point connected to the roll cage, at least one lower attachment point connected to one of the frame and the roll cage, and a forward attachment point selectively connected to one of the frame and the roll cage. When the forward attachment point is connected to the one of the frame and the roll cage, the at least one lateral flexible cover extends forwardly and downwardly from the at least one upper attachment point to the forward attachment point, and forwardly and upwardly from the at least one lower attachment point to the forward attachment point. | 04-11-2013 |
20130054091 | VEHICLE SUSPENSION AND PNEUMATIC SYSTEMS - A vehicle has a frame, at least two wheels, at least one front and one rear suspension assembly, at least one of the suspension assemblies including an air spring, an air compressor, at least one air spring valve selectively fluidly communicating the air compressor with the at least one air spring, an auxiliary air output, an auxiliary valve selectively fluidly communicating the auxiliary air output with the air compressor, a control unit electrically connected to the air compressor, the at least one air spring valve, the auxiliary valve, and a vehicle condition sensor. The condition sensor senses an operating condition of the vehicle. The control unit only opens the auxiliary valve to fluidly communicate the auxiliary air output with the air compressor when a predetermined operating condition of the vehicle is sensed by the condition sensor. A method of controlling a pneumatic system of a vehicle is also disclosed. | 02-28-2013 |
20130041566 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A WHEELED VEHICLE - A method for controlling a vehicle having at least one driving wheel is disclosed. The method comprises operating the vehicle in a normal operation mode when at least one driving wheel is in contact with a ground on which the vehicle operates. The method further comprises operating the vehicle in a limit mode when a speed of the vehicle is above a first vehicle speed and an acceleration of the at least one driving wheel is above a first wheel acceleration. Operating the vehicle in the limit mode includes controlling an engine of the vehicle to at least reduce the | 02-14-2013 |
20130015006 | SNOWMOBILE HAVING FRONT TRACKS WITH BRAKES - 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. | 01-17-2013 |
20120283918 | Load Sensor for a Vehicle Electronic Stability System - A vehicle comprising a seat defining a driver seat portion and a passenger seat portion, an electronic stability system, adapted to receive inputs from a load sensor, a wheel rotation sensor and a lateral acceleration sensor, the electronic stability system adapted to provide outputs to at least one of the brake system for braking the vehicle, and the engine control unit to change the power output transmitted to the wheels by the engine, the electronic stability system using a first calibration to determine the outputs when the load sensor is in a non-loaded state and a second calibration to determine the outputs when the load sensor is in a loaded state. | 11-08-2012 |
20120267870 | CONTROL SYSTEM FOR LEANING VEHICLE - A leaning vehicle has a frame, a straddle seat, an engine, and a shock tower having a lower end pivotally connected to a front portion of the frame about a pivot axis. Front left and right suspension assemblies operatively connect to the front portion of the frame. A steering assembly has a steering column and a handlebar. A rear suspension is connected to the rear portion of the frame. Each front suspension assembly has a knuckle, a spindle passing through the knuckle and being rotatable relative to the knuckle about a steering axis, a lower suspension arm having an end pivotally connected to the frame and another end pivotally connected to the lower end of the spindle about a tilting axis parallel to the pivot axis, and a shock absorber having an upper end connected to the shock tower and a lower end connected to the lower suspension arm. | 10-25-2012 |
20120247852 | Snowmobile Suspension - 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. | 10-04-2012 |
20120241236 | VEHICLE SUSPENSION AND PNEUMATIC SYSTEMS - A vehicle has a frame, at least one front wheel, at least one front suspension assembly, at least one rear wheel, and at least one rear suspension assembly, a seat, a steering assembly, an engine, and an air intake system fluidly communicating with the engine. At least one of the front and rear suspension assemblies includes an air spring. An air compressor selectively supplies air to the at least one air spring. An inlet of the air compressor fluidly communicates with the air intake system. During operation of the air compressor to supply air to the at least one air spring, the air compressor draws air from the air intake system and simultaneously supplies the air to the at least one air spring. A control unit is electrically connected to the air compressor for controlling an operation of the air compressor. | 09-27-2012 |
20120232758 | Leaning Vehicle with Tilting Front Wheels and Suspension Therefor - A leaning vehicle has a frame pivotally connected to the lower end of a shock tower, the pivotal connection defining a frame leaning axis wherein the frame is adapted to lean to a right side and to a left side relative to the shock tower about the frame leaning axis. The leaning vehicle includes an actuator operatively connected to the frame and to the shock tower which is adapted to impart a leaning motion to the frame relative to the shock tower about the frame leaning axis. | 09-13-2012 |
20120205174 | THREE-WHEEL VEHICLE - An three-wheel vehicle including a modular front structure having a storage compartment therein. The modular front structure is adapted to be mounted onto the chassis of the three-wheel vehicle and to support bodywork elements thereby providing ease of assembly of the vehicle and ease of disassembly for packaging the vehicle. | 08-16-2012 |
20120205173 | SNOWMOBILE SUSPENSION - 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. | 08-16-2012 |
20120197510 | SNOWMOBILE HAVING ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED LUBRICATION - 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. | 08-02-2012 |
20120193979 | TRACK AND DRIVE SPROCKETS FOR A TRACKED VEHICLE - A drive track of a tracked vehicle includes a belt having an inner side and an outer side. The belt has a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction. The inner side has a plurality of internal lugs forming at least one longitudinal row. The outer side has a plurality of external lugs forming a plurality of lateral rows. The plurality of lateral rows is disposed at a first pitch from each other. The plurality of internal lugs of the at least one longitudinal row is disposed so as to form a repeating sequence where some consecutive internal lugs are disposed at a second pitch from each other, and other consecutive internal lugs are disposed at a third pitch from each other. The second pitch is smaller than at least one of the first pitch and the third pitch. A sprocket wheel and drive track assembly is also presented. | 08-02-2012 |
20120181843 | OFF-ROAD VEHICLE HAVING A CARGO BOX - An off-road vehicle has a frame, at least four wheels, each including a tire, a seat, a steering assembly, an engine, and a cargo box pivotally mounted to the frame rearwardly of the seat. The cargo box includes a cargo box body having a front wall, a pair of side walls extending from the front wall, a first floor connected to a lower end of the front and the pair of side walls, and an at least partially opened rear side. A second floor is supported inside the cargo box body above the first floor. At least one tailgate selectively closes the at least partially opened rear side. | 07-19-2012 |
20120181814 | COVER FOR A VEHICLE - A cover for covering at least partially a vehicle comprises a cover body and at least two clips connected the cover body. Each of the at least two clips includes a first portion connected at least partially to the cover body. The first portion is adapted to bias the cover body toward the vehicle when the cover covers the vehicle. A second portion has a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the first portion. The second portion is adapted to selectively connect to a first vehicle portion. A third portion has a first end and a second end. The third portion is adapted to selectively abut against a second vehicle portion. The first end of the third portion is connected to the second end of the second portion. The third portion is at an angle with respect to the first portion. | 07-19-2012 |
20120179334 | VEHICLE HAVING A VARIABLE ASSIST POWER STEERING ASSEMBLY - A recreational utility vehicle has a frame, four wheels, a pair of seats mounted laterally beside each other, a cage, a steering assembly, an engine, a front differential, a rear differential, an actuator selectively operatively connecting the engine to the front differential, and a vehicle drive mode switch for selecting between a first and second drive mode. When the first drive mode is selected, the actuator operatively connects the engine to the front differential, and when the second drive mode, the actuator operatively disconnects the engine from the front differential. An electric motor is operatively connected to the steering assembly. A steering control unit is electrically connected to the electric motor, determines an output torque to be applied by the electric motor based at least in part on a speed of the vehicle, and controls the electric motor to apply the output torque to the steering assembly. | 07-12-2012 |
20120132125 | SPONSONS FOR A WATERCRAFT - A sponson for a watercraft has a sponson body having a front end, a rear end, a top edge and a bottom edge, and a vane connected to a side of the sponson body and extending away therefrom. The vane has a front end and a rear end. The front end of the vane is disposed closer to the bottom edge of the sponson than the rear end of the vane. A watercraft having sponsons of this type is also disclosed. | 05-31-2012 |
20120119462 | LEANING VEHICLE WITH TILTING FRONT WHEELS AND SUSPENSION THEREFOR - A leaning vehicle has a frame pivotally connected to the lower end of a shock tower, the pivotal connection defining a frame leaning axis wherein the frame is adapted to lean to a right side and to a left side relative to the shock tower about the frame leaning axis. An actuated lock locks the frame to the shock tower and prevents relative movement between the frame and the shock tower about the frame leaning axis. | 05-17-2012 |
20120119453 | CONTROL SYSTEM FOR LEANING VEHICLE - A method of operating a leaning vehicle is described. The method includes: determining a steering torque exerted on a steering assembly; determining a speed of travel of the vehicle; determining a leaning angle of a frame of the vehicle with respect to a reference angle; and exerting a leaning torque on the frame relative to a pivotable frame member about a pivot axis in a first direction using an actuator in response to a steering torque exerted on the steering assembly in a second direction opposite the first direction when a speed of travel of the vehicle is above a threshold speed, thereby causing the vehicle to turn in the first direction. | 05-17-2012 |
20120079976 | WATERCRAFT WITH BOW SPONSONS - A watercraft has a hull having a bow, a deck disposed on the hull, an engine connected to the hull, a propulsion system operatively connected to the engine, a first bow sponson disposed on a starboard side of the bow, and a second bow sponson disposed on a port side of the bow. A sponson suitable for use on a bow of a watercraft is also disclosed. | 04-05-2012 |
20120061160 | Three-Wheel Vehicle Electronic Stability System and Control Strategy Therefor - A method for enhancing stability of a three wheel vehicle having a pair of front wheels and a single rear wheel, each of the wheels having a tire with a tire grip threshold. The method including deploying an electronic stability system (ESS) on the vehicle, providing the ESS with input from various vehicle sensors related to the longitudinal and lateral acceleration of the vehicle, causing the ESS to determine whether (i) a precursory condition indicative of a wheel lift exists and (ii) the tire grip threshold of any of the tires has been exceeded; and when a precursory condition indicative of a wheel lift exists and the tire grip threshold of none of the tires has been exceeded, causing the ESS to reduce the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle by a first amount less than that which would cause the tire grip threshold of any of the tires to be exceeded. | 03-15-2012 |
20120056389 | VEHICLE SUSPENSION AND PNEUMATIC SYSTEMS - A vehicle has a frame, at least one front wheel connected to the frame, at least one front suspension assembly connecting the at least one front wheel to the frame, at least one rear wheel connected to the frame, and at least one rear suspension assembly connecting the at least one rear wheel to the frame. At least one of the at least one front and at least one rear suspension assemblies includes an air spring. A seat is connected to the frame. An engine is connected to the frame and is operatively connected to at least one of the wheels. An air compressor is connected to the frame and fluidly communicates with the at least one air spring for supplying air to the at least one air spring. A control unit is electrically connected to the air compressor for controlling an operation of the air compressor. | 03-08-2012 |
20120003886 | DRIVESHAFT SEALING FOR A MARINE PROPULSION SYSTEM - A sealing unit longitudinally comprises first and second sealing sub-units disposed around first and second portions of a driveshaft of a marine propulsion system of a watercraft. The first sealing sub-unit is sealingly connected to a front wall of the hull and the engine casing. The second sealing sub-unit is sealingly connected to the driveshaft and a crankshaft. The second sealing sub-unit is disposed at least partially inside the first sealing sub-unit. An inside of the first sealing sub-unit is in fluid communication with a water intake ramp. An inside of the second sealing sub-unit is in fluid communication with an interior of an engine. The first sealing sub-unit prevents fluid communication between the water intake ramp and a portion of an inside of the hull. The second sealing sub-unit prevents fluid communication between the engine, the inside of the hull, and the water intake ramp. | 01-05-2012 |
20110290574 | SNOWMOBILE - A snowmobile ( | 12-01-2011 |
20110284305 | SIDE SUPPORTS FOR STRADDLE-TYPE SEAT - A vehicle has a straddle-type seat disposed on a frame. The straddle-type seat has at least one seating portion. A steering device is disposed forwardly of the seat. Left and right side supports are disposed laterally of the seating portion. The side supports have respective support surfaces facing laterally inwardly. The left and right support surfaces move in a direction of a current lateral acceleration of the vehicle in response to a current lateral acceleration of the vehicle. The left and right support surfaces move in a direction of a current rotation of the steering device in response to a current degree of rotation of the steering device. The support surfaces move in a direction of the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle when a force is exerted thereon in a direction opposite a current lateral acceleration of the vehicle. A method of supporting a rider is also described. | 11-24-2011 |
20110265705 | WATERCRAFT HULL - A hull for a watercraft has a port side, a starboard side, and a keel disposed between the port side and the starboard side. Each of the port and starboard sides has a first portion having a first deadrise angle, and a second portion having a second deadrise angle. The first portion is disposed laterally between the second portion and the keel. A first chine is connected to the first portion. The first portion is disposed laterally between the keel and the first chine. A second chine is connected to the second portion. The second portion is disposed laterally between the first chine and the second chine. The second chine is a soft chine. The first chine has a smaller radius of curvature than the second chine. | 11-03-2011 |
20110240398 | Snowmobile Frame - A snowmobile frame ( | 10-06-2011 |
20110209937 | OFF-ROAD VEHICLE HAVING A COOLING TUNNEL - An off-road vehicle is disclosed having a frame ( | 09-01-2011 |
20110194946 | ELECTRONIC OIL PUMP - An electronic oil pump has at least one lubricant inlet, at least one lubricant outlet, at least one piston being movable between a full stroke position and a fully retracted position, an electrical actuator operatively connected to the at least one piston, a first electrical lead connected to a first element of the pump for electrically connecting the first element to an electronic control unit (ECU), and a second electrical lead connected to a second element of the pump for electrically connecting the second element to the ECU. When the at least one piston is in the full stroke position, an electrical path between the first and second electrical leads is closed. When the at least one piston is in a position other than the full stroke position, the electrical path is opened. A method of controlling an engine having the oil pump is also disclosed. | 08-11-2011 |
20110181019 | WATERCRAFT TRAILER - A method of securing a watercraft to a watercraft trailer is disclosed. The method includes driving the watercraft in a watercraft receiving portion of the trailer, moving a lever towards a front of the trailer in response to a hull of the watercraft coming into contact with the lever, and retaining a pin connected to the hull of the watercraft in response to the lever moving towards the front of the trailer. A method of releasing a watercraft from a watercraft trailer is also disclosed. | 07-28-2011 |
20110181017 | WATERCRAFT TRAILER - A watercraft trailer has a watercraft receiving portion and a lower frame adapted to support a watercraft in the watercraft receiving portion. The lower frame has at least one longitudinally extending lower frame member. The trailer also has a hitch coupler connected to a front of the lower frame, a first wheel and a second wheel operatively connected to the lower frame, and a walk board connected to the lower frame. | 07-28-2011 |
20110168473 | THREE-WHEEL VEHICLE - An three-wheel vehicle including a modular front structure having a storage compartment therein. The modular front structure is adapted to be mounted onto the chassis of the three-wheel vehicle and to support bodywork elements thereby providing ease of assembly of the vehicle and ease of disassembly for packaging the vehicle. | 07-14-2011 |
20110147107 | TRAILER HITCH FOR A VEHICLE HAVING A SINGLE REAR WHEEL - A trailer hitch for a single rear wheeled vehicle having a single rear wheel mounted between left and right arms comprises left and right hitch arms having first and second ends. The first ends have first apertures. The second ends are connected together. Shock absorbing bushings are disposed inside the first apertures. Left and right mounting brackets have first and second ends. The first ends of the mounting brackets have first apertures and are fastened to the hitch arms, and the second ends connect to the arms. Fasteners pass through the shock absorbing bushings and through the first aperture of the first end of the mounting brackets to fasten the mounting brackets to the hitch arms. A trailer connector is connected to the second ends of the left and right hitch arms. A vehicle having a trailer hitch is also disclosed. | 06-23-2011 |
20110101743 | STRADDLE-TYPE SEAT FOR A VEHICLE - A straddle-type seat has an elongated seat portion and a backrest connected to the elongated seat portion. The backrest has an inner side and an outer side opposite the inner side. The inner side is configured to provide support to at least the pelvic region of a user. The backrest contacts the surface of the elongated seat portion. At least one passage is located near a junction of the backrest and the elongated seat portion. The passage extends from at least the inner side to the outer side of the backrest. A vehicle having the straddle-type seat is also disclosed. | 05-05-2011 |
20110074689 | VEHICLE WITH A DISPLAY DEVICE OPERATED FROM A HANDLEBAR - A vehicle is disclosed. having at least one sound output device to receive an output of at least one audio signal transmitting device. A display device has a plurality of display modes. A first plurality of buttons ( | 03-31-2011 |
20110049931 | OFF-ROAD VEHICLE HAVING A CARGO BOX - An off-road vehicle has a frame, at least four wheels, each including a tire, a seat, a steering assembly, an engine, and a cargo box ( | 03-03-2011 |
20110049205 | SYSTEM FOR MOUNTING A BOX OR BAG TO A VEHICLE - A vehicle comprising a frame having a front portion and a rear portion. An engine is supported by the frame. At least two wheels are connected to the frame, and at least one of the at least two wheels is operatively connected to the engine to propel the vehicle. A steering assembly is supported by the frame and is operatively connected to at least one of the at least two wheels to steer the vehicle. Intermediate brackets are connected to the rear portion of the frame. A rack has rack brackets. At least one of the rack brackets is removably connected to the intermediate brackets for removably connecting the rack to the rear portion of the frame. The rack is adapted to attach at least one of a cargo box and a bag to the vehicle. A kit for mounting a cargo box to a vehicle is also described. | 03-03-2011 |
20110048840 | VEHICLE HAVING A VARIABLE ASSIST POWER STEERING ASSEMBLY - A wheeled vehicle ( | 03-03-2011 |
20110048833 | VEHICLE SUSPENSION SYSTEM HAVING ADJUSTABLE TRACK WIDTH - A vehicle is disclosed having front and rear suspension systems adapted to change the track width of the vehicle. | 03-03-2011 |
20110042908 | ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT SUSPENSION SYSTEM - An adjustable height suspension system for a vehicle is disclosed. A pivot arm has a first end pivotably connected to the vehicle frame about a pivot axis. A shock absorber assembly is connected to the frame at a first connection point and connected to the pivot arm at a second connection point. An air spring is connected to the frame at a third connection point and connected to the pivot arm at a fourth connection point. The fourth connection point is closer to the pivot axis than the second connection point. The air spring has at least one inlet and at least one outlet provided by at least one opening. A valve selectively communicates the interior of the air spring to the atmosphere via the outlet. An adjustable height suspension system having first and second pivot arms and first and second air springs is also described. | 02-24-2011 |
20110042160 | DRIVELINE FOR OFF-ROAD VEHICLE - An off-road vehicle is disclosed which comprises a driveline assembly unit operative Iy connecting the propeller shaft to the front or rear wheel assemblies. The driveline assembly unit includes a main housing, a slip clutch torque limiting mechanism, and a wet brake clutch assembly. The slip clutch torque limiting mechanism and the wet brake clutch assembly being housed within the main housing and are coaxial with the propeller shaft of the off-road vehicle. A driveline unit is also disclosed that combines torque limiting and brake functions. | 02-24-2011 |
20110042158 | VEHICLE HAVING A SHIFT LEVER ON A HANDLEBAR THEREOF - A vehicle ( | 02-24-2011 |
20110042157 | VEHICLE WITH A SEMI-AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAVING A REVERSE GEAR - A vehicle ( | 02-24-2011 |
20110035111 | THREE WHEEL VEHICLE ELECTRONIC STABILITY SYSTEM AND CONTROL STRATEGY THEREFOR - A method for enhancing stability of a three wheel vehicle having a pair of front wheels and a single rear wheel, each of the wheels having a tire with a tire grip threshold. The method including deploying an electronic stability system (ESS) on the vehicle, providing the ESS with input from various vehicle sensors related to the longitudinal and lateral acceleration of the vehicle, causing the ESS to determine whether (i) a precursory condition indicative of a wheel lift exists and (ii) the tire grip threshold of any of the tires has been exceeded; and when a precursory condition indicative of a wheel lift exists and the tire grip threshold of none of the tires has been exceeded, causing the ESS to reduce the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle by a first amount less than that which would cause the tire grip threshold of any of the tires to be exceeded. | 02-10-2011 |
20110035039 | LEVER POSITION SENSOR - A lever position sensor assembly ( | 02-10-2011 |
20110006498 | CONTROL SYSTEM FOR LEANING VEHICLE - A leaning vehicle has a frame that pivots relative to a pivotable frame member about a pivot axis. A torque exerted on a steering assembly in a first direction causes the frame to pivot relative to the pivotable frame member in a second, opposite direction at least when the speed of the vehicle is above a first threshold speed, to steer the vehicle in the second direction. An actuator urges the frame toward an upright position when the frame is in a leaning position and a speed of the vehicle is below a second threshold speed. A method is also described, in which a torque is exerted on the frame in the direction opposite the steering torque when the speed above the first threshold speed. The torque exerted by the actuator is opposite the leaning angle when the speed of travel is below the second threshold speed. | 01-13-2011 |
20100327552 | ADJUSTABLE HANDLEBAR FOR A VEHICLE - Each side of an adjustable handlebar assembly has a hand grip assembly receiving portion having one of an elongated hollow member and an elongated member, a hand grip assembly and at least one releasable fastener. The hand grip assembly has the other of the elongated hollow member and the elongated member, and a hand grip disposed on the other of the elongated hollow member and the elongated member. The at least one releasable fastener is disposed on one of the elongated hollow member and the elongated member. The elongated member is received coaxially in the elongated hollow member. The hand grip is axially movable and pivotable relative to the hand grip assembly receiving portion. The at least one releasable fastener is operative to selectively and releasably fix the elongated member relative to the elongated hollow member. | 12-30-2010 |
20100304930 | BRAKING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A VEHICLE - A vehicle comprises a plurality of wheels is supported by a frame. At least one of the plurality of wheels is operatively connected to an engine for propelling the vehicle. A limited slip differential is supported by the frame. A first half-shaft and a second half-shaft are operatively connected to the limited slip differential. The first half-shaft supports a first wheel of the plurality of wheels. The second half-shaft supports a second wheel of the plurality of wheels. A brake is operatively connected to the limited slip differential. The brake selectively exerts a braking torque on the first and second wheels via at least one portion of the limited slip differential to reduce the speed of the vehicle. A method of operating a vehicle is also described. | 12-02-2010 |
20100288574 | Modular Snowmobile Platform - The present invention concerns a method for designing and manufacturing a snowmobile platform. The method entails designing and manufacturing a group of tunnel subassemblies, designing and manufacturing a group of engine cradle subassemblies, and designing and manufacturing a group of front suspension subassemblies. Next, one tunnel subassembly, one engine cradle subassembly, and one front suspension subassembly are selected from each respective group. Then, the tunnel subassembly is connected to the engine cradle subassembly at a rear portion thereof. Finally, the front suspension subassembly is connected to the engine cradle subassembly at a front portion thereof to create the snowmobile platform. The present invention also concerns a snowmobile platform constructed according to this method, which combines, among other elements, a tunnel subassembly, an engine cradle subassembly, and a front suspension subassembly. | 11-18-2010 |
20100288572 | SNOWMOBILE AND FEATURES THEREOF ALLOWING FOR DIFFERENT TUNNEL WIDTHS - A family of snowmobiles having different tunnel widths is disclosed. A snowmobile having spacers between the tunnel and the sides of the engine compartment and a method of manufacturing such a snowmobile are also disclosed. A snowmobile having a countershaft which is disposed rearwardly of the engine, vertically higher than the air intake opening, and forwardly of the air intake controller is also disclosed. | 11-18-2010 |
20100263956 | THREE-WHEEL VEHICLE - An three-wheel vehicle including a modular front structure having a storage compartment therein. The modular front structure is adapted to be mounted onto the chassis of the three-wheel vehicle and to support bodywork elements thereby providing ease of assembly of the vehicle and ease of disassembly for packaging the vehicle. | 10-21-2010 |
20100230185 | ENDLESS BELT DRIVE FOR A VEHICLE - A drive system has a drive-system frame operatively connectable to a vehicle. The drive-system frame is capable of pivotal movement relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle to steer the vehicle. The drive-system frame is incapable of pivotal movement with respect to the frame of the vehicle in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis and normal to the ground when the vehicle is on flat level terrain and steered straight. A rail is pivotally mounted to the drive-system frame. A ground-engaging endless belt is in sliding engagement with the rail. The belt is operatively connectable to an engine to propel the vehicle. The drive system is operatively connectable to the steering device of the vehicle. A steering angle stopper is disposed on the vehicle such that a steering linkage of the vehicle does not bear a force created when the stopper is engaged. A vehicle is also described. | 09-16-2010 |
20100222992 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A VEHICLE - A vehicle is disclosed, including a startup switch electrically connected to the ECU. Actuation of the startup switch causes a signal to be sent to the ECU indicative of a desired operation of the vehicle. A display device is disposed forwardly of the seat for displaying information to the rider. Actuation of a confirmation switch causes a confirmation signal to be sent to the ECU indicative of a display of information to a rider. Upon actuation of the startup switch, the ECU prevents the vehicle from moving until information is displayed by the display device and the confirmation signal is received by the ECU. A method of operating a vehicle is also disclosed. | 09-02-2010 |
20100186649 | PERSONAL WATERCRAFT WITH PIVOTABLE PLATFORM - A personal watercraft is disclosed, having a straddle-type seat disposed on a deck. The seat has a seat profile. A storage compartment is disposed rearwardly of the seat. A rear platform is pivotally connected to a rear portion of the watercraft. The rear portion has a raised portion protruding therefrom. The raised portion of the rear portion forms at least in part the storage compartment. The rear platform permits access to the storage compartment when in a raised position, and sealingly closes the storage compartment when in a lowered position. A highest point of the rear platform is disposed lower than the seat profile when the rear platform is in the lowered position. | 07-29-2010 |
20100178815 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING A PERSONAL WATERCRAFT - A personal watercraft comprises at least one seat including a driver seating portion and at least one passenger seating portion. At least one sensor is disposed on the watercraft for detecting at least one of a presence and an absence of a passenger on the watercraft. A control unit is electrically connected to the at least one sensor. The control unit enters a first control mode in response to a signal received from the at least one sensor indicative of the presence of a passenger on the watercraft. The control unit prevents at least one performance characteristic of the watercraft from exceeding a predetermined value when in the first control mode. | 07-15-2010 |
20100163327 | SNOWMOBILE HAVING ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED LUBRICATION - A snowmobile ( | 07-01-2010 |
20100109284 | WATERCRAFT TRAILER HAVING AN INTAKE PROTECTOR - A watercraft trailer has a watercraft receiving portion and a lower frame adapted to support a watercraft in the watercraft receiving portion. The lower frame has at least one a longitudinally extending member, a front portion, and a rear portion, a rearmost part of the rear portion being a rear end. The trailer also has a hitch coupler connected to the front portion of the lower frame, a first wheel, having a rotation axis, and a second wheel operatively connected to the lower frame. The trailer has a longitudinally extending intake protector connected to the rear portion of the lower frame. At least a portion of the intake protector is disposed between the rotation axis and the rear end of the lower frame, such that when the watercraft is received in the watercraft receiving portion, the intake protector is disposed below at least a portion of the watercraft. | 05-06-2010 |
20100108427 | Snowmobile Exhaust System - A snowmobile has a four-stroke engine mounted in an engine cradle and an exhaust system connected to the engine. The exhaust system includes a generally U-shaped exhaust pipe extending forwardly from the engine to a first point disposed forwardly of the engine cradle, and of suspension assemblies of the skis, and extending rearwardly from the first point to a second point disposed rearwardly of a front of the engine cradle. | 05-06-2010 |
20100081348 | MARINE JET PROPULSION STEERING SYSTEM - A marine jet propulsion system has a jet pump, a venturi connected to the jet pump, and a steering nozzle rotationally mounted relative to the venturi about a first axis. The steering nozzle has a central longitudinal axis. The first axis intersects the central longitudinal axis. A first link has a first end rotationally mounted relative to the venturi about a second axis. The first link has a second end disposed generally rearwardly from the first end of the first link. A second link has a first end rotationally mounted to the first link about a third axis and a second end rotationally mounted to the steering nozzle about a fourth axis. The third axis intersects the second end of the first link. A steering arm is connected to the first link. The axes are generally parallel to each other. A watercraft having the jet propulsion system is also disclosed. | 04-01-2010 |
20100077953 | WATERCRAFT BUMPER - A watercraft bumper has an elongate body. The elongate body has a generally C-shaped cross-section. A protrusion extends from one of the end portions of the cross-section and extends towards the other end portion. A watercraft having the bumper is also disclosed. The watercraft has a lip over which the bumper is disposed. The lip has a depression formed in an upper side thereof. The protrusion of the bumper is disposed in the depression and is biased against the upper side. | 04-01-2010 |
20100041286 | JET PROPULSION TRIM AND REVERSE SYSTEM - A watercraft has a jet pump and a venturi. A variable trim system (VTS) support and a reverse gate are rotationally mounted relative to the venturi. A steering nozzle is rotationally mounted to the VTS support. A rotary actuator has an output portion operatively connected to at least one of the VTS support and the reverse gate. Rotation of the output portion between a first angle and a second angle causes a rotation of the VTS support while the reverse gate remains in a stowed position relative to the steering nozzle. Rotation of the output portion between the second angle and a third angle causes a rotation of the reverse gate between the stowed position and a second position while the VTS support remains in a fixed position. A jet propulsion system and a method of operating a jet propulsion system are also disclosed. | 02-18-2010 |
20100022145 | WATERCRAFT REVERSE GATE OPERATION - A method of controlling a watercraft is disclosed which comprises actuating a reverse gate operator, sensing a speed of the watercraft, controlling a thrust generated by a jet propulsion system differently depending on whether the speed of the watercraft is above or below a predetermine watercraft speed when the reverse gate operator is actuated, and moving the reverse gate to a position in which the reverse gate redirects a jet of water expelled from the jet propulsion system in response to the actuation of the reverse gate operator. A watercraft implementing the above method is also disclosed. | 01-28-2010 |
20090325431 | METHOD OF INDICATING A DECELERATION OF A WATERCRAFT - A method of indicating a deceleration of a watercraft is disclosed. The method comprises creating a spray of water using a reverse gate of the watercraft. The spray of water extends above a water level of a body of water in which the watercraft operates. The spray of water is created when the reverse gate of the watercraft is in a lowered position and the watercraft is decelerating. An alternate method comprises creating a spray of water using a reverse gate of the watercraft only when decelerating the watercraft. A watercraft for carrying out at least one of the methods is also disclosed. | 12-31-2009 |
20090322045 | SNOWMOBILE SKI - A snowmobile ski has an upturned front portion, a middle portion, and a rear portion. A longitudinally extending rib protrudes from a top of the middle portion and is laterally spaced from a longitudinal centerline of the ski. An aperture is disposed in the longitudinally extending rib for permitting attachment of the ski to a snowmobile. A ramp extends from a first point to at least a second point. The first point is disposed longitudinally between the front portion and the aperture, and closer to the top of the middle portion than the aperture. The second point is disposed longitudinally between the first point and the rear portion, and further away from the top of the middle portion than a lower end of the aperture. The longitudinally extending rib is disposed between the longitudinal centerline and the ramp. A snowmobile having a pair of the above-described skis is also described. | 12-31-2009 |
20090321169 | THREE-WHEEL VEHICLE - An three-wheel vehicle including a modular front structure having a storage compartment therein. The modular front structure is adapted to be mounted onto the chassis of the three-wheel vehicle and to support bodywork elements thereby providing ease of assembly of the vehicle and ease of disassembly for packaging the vehicle. | 12-31-2009 |
20090275248 | WATERCRAFT REVERSE GATE OPERATION - A method of controlling a watercraft comprises actuating a lever, controlling a speed of rotation of an engine to be at or below a reverse gate actuation speed in response to the actuation of the lever, moving the reverse gate in response to the actuation of the lever without further driver intervention once the speed of rotation of the engine is at or below the reverse gate actuation speed, and controlling the speed of rotation of the engine in order to decelerate the watercraft in response to the actuation of the lever and the reverse gate moving without further driver intervention. A watercraft and a method of controlling the watercraft based at least in part on an angle of a helm assembly are also disclosed. | 11-05-2009 |
20090273158 | WATERCRAFT TRAILER - A watercraft trailer has a releasable connector for releasably connecting a watercraft to the trailer. The releasable connector has a lever pivotally connected to a connector support and a hook connected to the lever. Pivoting of the lever towards a front of the trailer moves the releasable connector to a locked position and pivots the hook towards the front of the trailer. A locking mechanism prevents the releasable connector from moving to an unlocked position by applying forces to any one of the lever and the hook that would otherwise pivot the lever and the hook towards a rear of the trailer. Unlocking the locking mechanism moves the releasable connector to the unlocked position and pivots the hook towards the rear of the trailer. A method of securing a watercraft to a watercraft trailer and a method of releasing a watercraft from a watercraft trailer are also disclosed. | 11-05-2009 |
20090269996 | REVERSE GATE FOR JET PROPELLED WATERCRAFT - A watercraft has a hull, a deck, an engine, a steering assembly, a jet pump, a venturi, a steering nozzle, and a reverse gate pivotable between a fully stowed position and a fully lowered position. The reverse gate includes a reverse gate body having inner and outer arcuate surfaces, and reverse gate upper and lower edges. First and second side walls are connected to the sides of the reverse gate body. At least one deflector is connected to at least one of the outer arcuate surface, the first side wall, and the second side wall. The at least one deflector is spaced from the outer arcuate surface. A deflector trailing edge is disposed upwardly and rearwardly from a deflector leading edge at least when the reverse gate is in the fully lowered position. Water deflecting surfaces and turning deflectors connected to a reverse gate are also disclosed. | 10-29-2009 |
20090264029 | WATERCRAFT WITH STEER-RESPONSIVE REVERSE GATE - A method of operating a watercraft is disclosed. The watercraft includes an engine, a jet propulsion system operatively connected to the engine, the jet propulsion system includes a reverse gate, and a steering assembly for steering the watercraft. The method comprises: determining if the steering assembly is turned; sensing an operating parameter of the watercraft, the operating parameter being related to a thrust generated by the propulsion system; determining if the operating parameter of the watercraft is within a predetermined range; and moving the reverse gate to a lowered position when the steering assembly is turned and the operating parameter of the watercraft is within the predetermined range. A watercraft capable of performing the method is also disclosed. | 10-22-2009 |
20090241822 | PERSONAL WATERCRAFT BALLAST - A personal watercraft has a hull and a deck. The deck includes a pedestal, two gunnels, two footrests, and a rear platform. A straddle-type seat is disposed on the pedestal. A steering assembly is disposed at least in part forwardly of the seat. An engine is supported by the hull. A propulsion system is connected to the hull and is operatively connected to the engine. A ballast tank is disposed at least in part on the rear platform. The ballast tank includes a rigid ballast tank body, and at least two apertures in the ballast tank body. A connector releasably connects the ballast tank to one of the hull and the deck. A pump fluidly communicates with one of the at least two apertures in the ballast tank body. A ballast tank having a generally L-shaped rigid ballast tank body is also disclosed. | 10-01-2009 |
20090240399 | Three-Wheel Vehicle Electronic Stability System and Control Strategy Therefor - A method for enhancing stability of a three wheel vehicle having a pair of front wheels and a single rear wheel, each of the wheels having a tire with a tire grip threshold. The method including deploying an electronic stability system (ESS) on the vehicle, providing the ESS with input from various vehicle sensors related to the longitudinal and lateral acceleration of the vehicle, causing the ESS to determine whether (i) a precursory condition indicative of a wheel lift exists and (ii) the tire grip threshold of any of the tires has been exceeded; and when a precursory condition indicative of a wheel lift exists and the tire grip threshold of none of the tires has been exceeded, causing the ESS to reduce the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle by a first amount less than that which would cause the tire grip threshold of any of the tires to be exceeded. | 09-24-2009 |
20090233499 | SYSTEM FOR MOUNTING A MARINE JET PROPULSION SYSTEM - A watercraft has a hull and a deck disposed above the hull. A ride plate is mounted below a rear portion of the hull. A jet pump assembly includes a jet pump disposed at least in part between the ride plate and the hull. A front wall is formed at least in part by the hull and disposed forwardly of the jet pump. The jet pump assembly is mounted on a top surface of the ride plate via a plurality of resilient mounts At least one sealing member forms a seal between the portion of the jet pump and the portion of the front wall. The jet pump is mounted to the watercraft only via a plurality of mounting points. The jet pump is resiliently mounted to the watercraft via each of the plurality of mounting points. | 09-17-2009 |
20090229903 | SNOWMOBILE AND FEATURES THEREOF ALLOWING FOR DIFFERENT TUNNEL WIDTHS - A family of snowmobiles having different tunnel widths is disclosed. A snowmobile having spacers between the tunnel and the sides of the engine compartment and a method of manufacturing such a snowmobile are also disclosed. A snowmobile having a countershaft which is disposed rearwardly of the engine, vertically higher than the air intake opening, and forwardly of the air intake controller is also disclosed. | 09-17-2009 |
20090218153 | STRADDLE-TYPE WHEELED VEHICLE AND FRAME THEREOF - A straddle-type three-wheeled vehicle has a frame having an upper frame member, a lower frame member, a forward cross member interconnecting a forward portion of the upper frame member with a forward portion of the lower frame member, and a rearward cross member interconnecting a rearward portion of the upper frame member with a rearward portion of the lower frame member. A strut extends diagonally from the forward cross member to the lower frame member. The vehicle has an engine mounted to the frame. An air box of the vehicle has at least a portion thereof disposed above at least a portion of the engine. A fuel tank of the vehicle is disposed rearwardly of the air box. | 09-03-2009 |
20090211827 | SNOWMOBILE WITH ACTIVE RIDER POSITIONING - A snowmobile has a frame with a tunnel, a straddle seat, an engine-propelled drive track, and two skis. A steering device operatively connects to the at least one ski to steer the snowmobile. The steering device is positioned such that when the standard rider sits in a standard position on the seat, his knees are disposed in front of his ankles and below his hips. The rider's knees are also disposed sufficiently far below the steering device that the rider's knees do not interfere with steering the snowmobile. This rider positioning enables the rider to easily absorb bumps and to actively position himself on the snowmobile. | 08-27-2009 |
20090194010 | PERSONAL WATERCRAFT WITH DEFLECTOR - A personal watercraft is disclosed having a hull and a sub-deck disposed on the hull. The hull and sub-deck together form a hull and sub-deck (HSD) assembly. An engine is disposed in the HSD assembly. A propulsion system is connected to the hull and operatively connected to the engine. A deck is disposed above the sub-deck. The deck has a pedestal. A straddle-type seat is disposed on the pedestal. A helm assembly is operatively connected to the propulsion system and disposed at least in part forwardly of the straddle-type seat. A deflector is disposed on the HSD assembly and extends outwardly therefrom. The deflector is disposed at least in part forwardly of a forward-most portion of the deck. A personal watercraft having only a hull and a deck is also disclosed. | 08-06-2009 |
20090158982 | PERSONAL WATERCRAFT WITH PIVOTABLE PLATFORM - A personal watercraft is disclosed, having a straddle-type seat disposed on a deck. The seat has a seat profile. A storage compartment is disposed rearwardly of the seat. A rear platform is pivotally connected to a rear portion of the watercraft. The rear platform is pivotable between a raised position and a lowered position. The rear platform permits access to the storage compartment when in the raised position, and sealingly closes the storage compartment when in the lowered position. The rear platform is lower than the seat profile when the rear platform is in the lowered position. A personal watercraft having left and right storage compartments and a rear channel defined therebetween, in which the rear platform extends laterally above the rear channel when in the lowered position is also disclosed. A personal watercraft with a rear platform having heel rests with angled portions is also disclosed. | 06-25-2009 |
20090152940 | THREE-WHEEL VEHICLE ELECTRONIC STABILITY SYSTEM - The present invention provides a three-wheel vehicle ( | 06-18-2009 |
20090139437 | REAR PLATFORM GEOMETRY - A personal watercraft is disclosed having a hull and a sub-deck together forming a hull and sub-deck (HSD) assembly. Left and right gunnels have generally vertical inner walls. The HSD assembly has a pedestal disposed on a longitudinal centerline of the watercraft generally between the forward portion of the left inner wall and the forward portion of the right inner wall. The pedestal has generally vertical left and right lateral walls. Left and right side channels are defined between the lateral walls of the pedestal and the forward portions of the inner walls. A rear channel is defined between the rearward portions of the left and right inner walls, and is disposed rearwardly of the pedestal on the longitudinal centerline of the watercraft. The width of the rear channel is narrower than the width of the pedestal. A personal watercraft having only a hull and a deck is also disclosed. | 06-04-2009 |
20090107380 | PERSONAL WATERCRAFT HAVING AN ADJUSTABLE SUSPENSION - A personal watercraft has a hull and sub-deck (HSD) assembly, a deck above the sub-deck, and a suspension member pivotally connected therebetween. A suspension element, including a spring assembly, is connected between any two of the deck, the HSD assembly, and the suspension member. The spring assembly has first and second portions having first and second spring rates respectively. The second spring rate is greater than the first. A controller controls a lifting device to set an initial distance between the deck and the sub-deck to one of a first distance and a second distance greater than the first. The suspension element moves through a majority of a full stroke with the first portion of the spring assembly at least partially expanded when the initial distance is the first distance, and with the first portion of the spring assembly fully compressed when the initial distance is the second distance. | 04-30-2009 |
20090107379 | PERSONAL WATERCRAFT HAVING A SUSPENSION SYSTEM - A personal watercraft has a hull and sub-deck (HSD) assembly. A deck is disposed above the sub-deck. A first suspension member has a first end pivotally connected to the deck and a second end disposed rearwardly and downwardly of the first end pivotally connected to the HSD assembly. A second suspension member, disposed rearwardly of the first suspension member, has a first end pivotally connected to the deck and a second end disposed rearwardly and downwardly of the first end pivotally connected to the HSD assembly. The first and second suspension members each have a fixed length. A suspension element is connected between any two of: the deck, the HSD assembly, and one of the suspension members. The HSD assembly is movable relative to the deck between a first position and a second position that is upward and rearward of the first position. A watercraft suspension geometry is also disclosed. | 04-30-2009 |
20090107378 | PERSONAL WATERCRAFT SUPENSION ARRANGEMENT - A personal watercraft has a hull and sub-deck (HSD) assembly. The sub-deck defines at least one first opening therein. A deck is disposed above the sub-deck. A suspension member passes through the at least one first opening and is disposed at least in part inside the HSD assembly. The suspension member has a first end pivotally connected to the deck. The suspension member has a second end pivotally connected to the HSD assembly. The suspension member has a fixed length. A suspension element has a first end connected to one of the deck, the HSD assembly, and the suspension member. The suspension element has a second end connected to another one of the deck, the HSD assembly, and the suspension member. | 04-30-2009 |
20090107377 | PERSONAL WATERCRAFT - A personal watercraft is disclosed, having a hull and sub-deck (HSD) assembly with left and right gunnels. A deck is disposed above the sub-deck. The left and right lateral edges of the deck are disposed vertically at least as low as the upper end of the left and right gunnels. The left lateral edge and the left gunnel define a left gap therebetween. The right lateral edge and the right gunnel define a right gap therebetween. A left seal member extends laterally outwardly from the left lateral edge. The left seal member extends into the left gap generally toward the left gunnel. A right seal member extends laterally outwardly from the right lateral edge. The right seal member extends into the right gap generally toward the right gunnel. | 04-30-2009 |
20090085398 | VEHICLE TRACK AND TRACK SYSTEM - A vehicle track has a belt, a plurality of terrain lugs distributed circumferentially about an outer side of the belt, and a plurality of drive lugs distributed circumferentially about an inner side of the belt. A first and a second strip are disposed on the inner side of the belt. The first strip extends along an entire circumference of the inner side of the belt. The first strip is configured for engaging at least one wheel of a track system when the track is in use with the track system. The second strip is laterally spaced from the first strip and extends along an entire circumference of the inner side of the belt. The second strip is configured for engaging at least one other wheel of the track system when the track is in use with the track system. A vehicle track system is also disclosed. | 04-02-2009 |
20090084623 | LOAD SENSOR FOR A VEHICLE ELECTRONIC STABILITY SYSTEM - A vehicle comprising a seat defining a driver seat portion and a passenger seat portion, an electronic stability system, adapted to receive inputs from a load sensor, a wheel rotation sensor and a lateral acceleration sensor, the electronic stability system adapted to provide outputs to at least one of the brake system for braking the vehicle, and the engine control unit to change the power output transmitted to the wheels by the engine, the electronic stability system using a first calibration to determine the outputs when the load sensor is in a non-loaded state and a second calibration to determine the outputs when the load sensor is in a loaded state. | 04-02-2009 |
20090078518 | POSITION SENSITIVE SHOCK ABSORBER - A position-sensitive shock absorber is disclosed. The position-sensitive shock absorber includes a choking member positioned within the housing at a specific point along the stroke of the working piston that cooperates with the working piston to increase the resistance to fluid flow when the working piston reaches the specific point along its stroke thereby defining a second damping characteristic of the position-sensitive shock absorber from the specific point along the stroke of the working piston onward. | 03-26-2009 |
20090050390 | ARTICULATED SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY FOR A TRACKED VEHICLE - A suspension assembly for a vehicle having an endless drive track is disclosed. The suspension assembly has a slide frame assembly and a rail extension assembly pivotably connected to a rear portion of the slide frame assembly and pivots about a first axis. The rail extension assembly is pivotable between a raised position and a lowered position with respect to the slide frame assembly. A spring biases the rail extension assembly toward the lowered position. The magnitude of the biasing force of the spring is adjustable. The rail extension assembly can be prevented from pivoting from the lowered position to the raised position independently of the magnitude of the biasing force. | 02-26-2009 |
20090021043 | COVER FOR A VEHICLE - A family of vehicle cover sections is disclosed, including at least one first cover section comprising a flexible material at least two second cover sections comprising a flexible material. One of the at least two second cover sections is non-permanently connectable to the at least one first cover section to form therewith a first vehicle cover configured to generally fit the contour of at least an upper portion of a first vehicle having a first configuration. Another of the at least two second cover sections is non-permanently connectable to the at least one first cover section to form therewith a second vehicle cover configured to generally fit the contour of at least the upper portion of a second vehicle having a second configuration, the second vehicle cover being removably attachable to the second vehicle. A method of forming a vehicle cover and a cover formed by the method are also disclosed. | 01-22-2009 |
20080277184 | FRAME FOR AN ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE - A frame for a vehicle has a first pyramidally-shaped frame portion and a second pentahedrally-shaped frame portion. The first frame portion has a first apex and a first base. The first apex is disposed vertically above the first base. The second frame portion has a first vertex and a second base. The first vertex is disposed vertically below the second base. The second frame portion is disposed vertically below the first frame portion. At least three wheel attachment portions are connected to the second pentahedrally-shaped frame portion. Each of the at least three wheel attachment portions is adapted to permit attachment of one of at least three wheels to be mounted to the frame. An all-terrain vehicle including the frame is also disclosed. | 11-13-2008 |
20080246300 | FLIP-DOWN FOOTREST FOR AN ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE - A two-seater all-terrain vehicle (ATV) has straddle-type driver and rear passenger seats, and a pair of movable rear footrests to support the feet of a rear passenger. The rear footrests pivot from a stowed non-supporting position to a supporting position. When folded into the non-supporting position, the rear footrests become substantially flush with side paneling of the vehicle. The all-terrain vehicle may further include a pair of vertical and horizontal adjustment mechanisms for independently vertically adjusting each of the rear passenger footrests so that passengers of varying height can be comfortably accommodated on the rear seat. A cargo space is provided under the passenger's footrest, the cargo space being enlarged when the passenger's footrests are in the stowed position. Restraints and other holding mechanisms are also provided. The flip-down adjustable rear footrests may be used on other types of straddle-type recreational vehicles. | 10-09-2008 |
20080217081 | All-Terrain Vehicle - An all-terrain vehicle comprising a rear platform between the rear wheels providing standing room and access to the straddle seat of the all-terrain vehicle. The all-terrain vehicle may also featuring a rear passageway and a side passageway for the rider of the all-terrain vehicle to access to the straddle seat. The all-terrain vehicle also features rear wheel track which is smaller than the front wheel track. | 09-11-2008 |
20080196958 | SNOWMOBILE FOOTREST HAVING FOOT GRIPPING ELEMENTS - A snowmobile footrest has a top surface, a first foot gripping element extending upwardly and forwardly from the top surface, and a second foot gripping element extending upwardly and rearwardly from the top surface. A snowmobile frame and a snowmobile having the footrest are also disclosed. | 08-21-2008 |