Abstract:
An all terrain vehicle is provided with one or more wheel fenders that double as storage compartments. The fenders define a hollow volume into which a variety of desired items can be placed for storage. An access opening provides access to the hollow volume. A door can be attached to releasably close the access opening. A door can be hinged such that it is readily accessible by a driver of the ATV while seated on the ATV.
Abstract:
A two-cycle internal combustion engine has an ignition timing that varies with engine speed. A plurality of ignition patterns (the relationship between ignition timing and engine speed) are used. The engine exhaust gas temperature is sensed and is used to determine the particular ignition pattern used at a particular time.
Abstract:
A watercraft of the jet propulsion type comprising a steering mechanism, a throttle control mechanism, a thrust mechanism, a throttle regulator and a controlled thrust steering system. The steering mechanism has a straight-ahead position. The steering mechanism is able to rotate in a clockwise direction from the straight-ahead position and in a counter-clockwise direction from the straight-ahead position. The throttle control mechanism is biased toward an idle position. The thrust mechanism provides jet propulsion thrust for the watercraft. The throttle regulator regulates thrust provided by the thrust mechanism. The controlled thrust steering system causes the throttle regulator to increase thrust upon the steering mechanism rotating from the straight-ahead position.
Abstract:
An all terrain vehicle having its chassis, its front suspension, its rear axle, its rear suspension, and its power transmission shaft interconnected in a manner that allows the rear axle to rotate about both the longitudinal and a transverse axis of the all-terrain vehicle to provide increased flexibility in its rear end so that the vehicle's rear tires remain on the ground at least as long as its front tires remain on the ground when traversing relatively even terrain so that the vehicle will not transition from understeer to oversteer.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to an off-road vehicle having different features such as an engine assembly, a frame having a frame structure, and a rear mount assembly facilitating easy installation of the engine assembly, and a method of installing the engine assembly. Embodiments of the present disclosure also describe a removable frame member facilitating the installation of the engine assembly from a seating area into a rearward portion of the vehicle. The removable frame member is positioned at least partially forward of the installed engine assembly and in a lateral direction of the vehicle. The frame structure and the rear mount assembly provide more efficient assembly of the engine and transmission assembly into a tight space envelope.
Abstract:
An exhaust valve includes a toroidal surface about an axis of rotation of the valve. The toroidal surface is positionable over a central exhaust port of an engine when lowered. The valve is raised by an actuator in response to increasing rotational speed of the crankshaft of the engine, thereby enlarging and raising the effective opening of the exhaust port. Lateral valve surfaces on either side of the toroidal surface close lateral exhaust ports when the valve is lowered. The lateral valve surfaces may be cylindrical and formed on fins. The position of the exhaust valve is adjusted continuously along its range of motion and the position of the exhaust valve may be calculated based on some or all of engine speed, engine loading, and exhaust temperature at a frequency up to once per revolution of the engine.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention describe a recreational vehicle spindle, including a spindle body having one or more sockets in the spindle body, and an upper attachment mechanism in contact with the spindle body and adapted to attach to a steering component. The spindle also includes a lower attachment mechanism in contact with the spindle body and adapted to attach to a ski or wheel. The one or more sockets are adapted to each receive a ball and stud forming one or more ball joints.
Abstract:
A method of assembling two snowmobiles with a common frame includes providing a common forward frame. A first common component is provided and positioned at a first orientation or at a second orientation with respect to the common forward frame. The first common component is secured at the first orientation or at the second orientation. The method includes selecting between a first set of first model components and a second set of second model components and securing the first set of first model components or the second set of second model components.
Abstract:
A seat suspension system for a seat of a lightweight vehicle, wherein the system comprises a seat frame to which a seat can be connected, one or more of seat frame mounting bracket mounted to a chassis of the vehicle; one or more mounting feet extending from a front portion of the seat frame and pivotally connectable to the one or more seat frame mounting bracket; a damping assembly mounting bracket mounted to a rear cross member of the seat frame; and a damping device assembly mounted between the chassis of the vehicle and the damping assembly mounting bracket, the damping device assembly structured and operable to dampen the transfer of movement from the chassis of the vehicle to the seat frame.
Abstract:
Embodiments relate to an off-road vehicle comprising a frame, including at a frame, a passenger compartment, a driveline that includes at least a drive system and a driven system, and a constant velocity (CV) joint for coupling the driven system to the drive system. The CV joint includes a housing, a coupling shaft, a detent, a plunge pin and an actuation pin, wherein the actuation pin has a first end that is accessible via an aperture in the housing, wherein actuation of the actuation pin determines whether the plunge pin is in the first position or the second position.