CA2375653A1 - A utility vehicle for transporting cargo - Google Patents
A utility vehicle for transporting cargo Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2375653A1 CA2375653A1 CA 2375653 CA2375653A CA2375653A1 CA 2375653 A1 CA2375653 A1 CA 2375653A1 CA 2375653 CA2375653 CA 2375653 CA 2375653 A CA2375653 A CA 2375653A CA 2375653 A1 CA2375653 A1 CA 2375653A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- supported
- shaft
- crawler tracks
- support
- elongated
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62M—RIDER PROPULSION OF WHEELED VEHICLES OR SLEDGES; POWERED PROPULSION OF SLEDGES OR SINGLE-TRACK CYCLES; TRANSMISSIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SUCH VEHICLES
- B62M27/00—Propulsion devices for sledges or the like
- B62M27/02—Propulsion devices for sledges or the like power driven
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D61/00—Motor vehicles or trailers, characterised by the arrangement or number of wheels, not otherwise provided for, e.g. four wheels in diamond pattern
- B62D61/10—Motor vehicles or trailers, characterised by the arrangement or number of wheels, not otherwise provided for, e.g. four wheels in diamond pattern with more than four wheels
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2200/00—Indexing codes relating to suspension types
- B60G2200/10—Independent suspensions
- B60G2200/14—Independent suspensions with lateral arms
- B60G2200/144—Independent suspensions with lateral arms with two lateral arms forming a parallelogram
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2200/00—Indexing codes relating to suspension types
- B60G2200/40—Indexing codes relating to the wheels in the suspensions
- B60G2200/44—Indexing codes relating to the wheels in the suspensions steerable
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2202/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of spring, damper or actuator
- B60G2202/30—Spring/Damper and/or actuator Units
- B60G2202/31—Spring/Damper and/or actuator Units with the spring arranged around the damper, e.g. MacPherson strut
- B60G2202/312—The spring being a wound spring
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2204/00—Indexing codes related to suspensions per se or to auxiliary parts
- B60G2204/10—Mounting of suspension elements
- B60G2204/12—Mounting of springs or dampers
- B60G2204/129—Damper mount on wheel suspension or knuckle
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2204/00—Indexing codes related to suspensions per se or to auxiliary parts
- B60G2204/10—Mounting of suspension elements
- B60G2204/14—Mounting of suspension arms
- B60G2204/148—Mounting of suspension arms on the unsprung part of the vehicle, e.g. wheel knuckle or rigid axle
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2300/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of vehicle
- B60G2300/32—Track vehicles
- B60G2300/322—Snowmobiles
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
A utility vehicle comprising: an elongated chasis supporting a forwardly slopping cowling followed by a foot supporting platform, a midsection engine compartment a rearwardly extending cargo box. The elongated chasis having two skis at the front for steering and support and two crawler tracks at the rear for support and propulsion. An engine and drive train is located in the midsection engine compartment for propelling the vehicle. A drivers seat supported by the top portion of the midsection engine compartment. A forwardly slopping cowling having a wind screen and gas tank supported by the elongated chasis, a rearwardly extending cargo box supported by the elongated chasis for carrying heavy loads. An optional conversion kit having four rear wheels and two front wheels for converting the vehicle to be used on surfaces other than snow.
Description
l3achgroand of the invention:
There are several types of small utility vehicles on the market for transporting cargo. All of these vehicles have wheels with rubber tires and are best suited to terrains that are not snow covered. Some of these vehicles such as the popular four wheel ATV's do not have means for carrying substantial amounts of cargo and can only tow a trailer as a means of transporting cargo.
There are other four and six wheel utility vehicles on the market for carrying cargo. These vehicles function well on most all terrains but is limited to what they can do in snow. There are snow conversion kits for four wheel ATV's but they are not suitable for carrying cargo. There are eight wheel all terrain vehicles on the market in a limited number that can function on land and water, these vehicles have a track conversion kit for soft terrains. These vehicles are very slow moving and have a small cargo compartment that would not be suitable for carrying heavy loads.
Some snowmobiles have a small cargo area. behind the seat for carrying small items such as a luggage bag. These snow vehicles are not suitable for carrying long and heavy loads. Reference is made to United States Patent 5,014,805 wherein a snow vehicle having two steerable skis at the front and two crawler tracks at the rear of the vehicle propelled by as engine and drive train located in the rear section of the vehicle. Two passenger seats are located forward of the engine for transporting two passengers over snow. Whereas the vehicle described in the present invention has a drivers seat for operating the vehicle and a large cargo box for transporting cargo over snow.
The cargo box can accommodate an optional removable seat for transporting two passengers instead of cargo when necessary. This type of vehicle is beneficial for transporting cargo and personnel over snow and ice. It can be beneficial to utility companies such as hydro electric, pipeline construction and patrolling and maintaining navigation equipment in remote areas. It will serve a purpose in northern climates for fishermen and hunters, especially during the winter season for transporting their equipment and bringing home their catch. It can be used in rural areas for hauling home firewood. Farmers will find this type of vehicle beneficial for doing chores around the farm,.it is an excellent winter vehicle for wildlife officers and forest patrol. It is a useful vehicle for trappers in the north for transporting their supplies and furs. It will even be an attractive vehicle for military and police use in northern areas. It has a conversion kit for converting to all wheels or to crawler tracks on the rear and wheels on the front for other than snow use.
Reference to Figures:
Fig, l is a side view of the utility vehicle having a slopping cowling, an elongated chasis, a midsection engine compartment, a rearwardly extending cargo box. and crawler tracks and skis.
Fig,. 2 is a back view of the cargo box showing the tailgate, the tail and brake lights and a cross sectional view of the elongated chasis.
Fig. 3 is a plan view of the utility vehicle in Fig. l showing the chasis with an engine aad drive mechanism for propelling the crawler tracks and having two skis in the front for steering and support.
h'Ig. 4 is a plan view of the utility vehicle in Fig. l showing a detailed view of the crawler tracks drive mechanism Fig. 5 is an enlarged front view of the elongated chasis bulkhead and skis suspension, and the skis control mechanism.
Fig. 6 is a side view of the utility vehicle chasis and cargo box showing the crawler tracks drive shaft bearings and bearing support brackets, and a rear stationary support shaft support brackets.
The support brackets are mounted in the sots in the cheers.
Fig. 7 is a cross sectional view of the front section of the elongated cheers.
Fig. 8 is a cross sectional view of the rear section of the elongated cheers.
Fig. 9 is a side view of the utility vehicle cheers and cargo box showing the crawler tracks drive shaft and crawler track rear stationary support shaft mounted to the vehicle cheers.
Fig.10 is a side view of the bolts and locknuts for mounting the crawler tracks drive shaft brackets and the crawler tracks stationary support shaft brackets to the vehicle chasis. Different types of bolts and locknuts can be used for mounting the support brackets to the vehicle chasis.
Fig. l l is a side view of another embodiment of the utility vehicle having a front engine compartment.
Fig.12 is a plan view of the utility vehicle in Fig.11 shaving the chasis with an engine and drive mechanism for propelling the crawler tracks and having two skis in the front for steering and support.
Fig.13 is a plan view of tt~e utility vehicle in Fig. 1l showing a detailed view of the crawler tracks drive mechanism.
Fig.14 is an enlarged front view of the elongated chasis bulkhead and skis suspension and skis control mechanism.
Ffg.15 is a side view of the utility vehicle in Ftg. l showing the vehicle converted to a wheel conversion kit.
Fig. l6 is a plan view of the utility vehicle in Fig.15 showing the chasis with an engine and drive mechanism for propelling a set of first rear vvl~els, a set of second rear wheels are free wheeling and are used for support for travelling over soft terrain. A set of front wheels provide steering and support for the front of the vehicle.
Fig.17 is a view of the utility vehicle crawler tracks drive shaft 230 being interchangeable with drive shaft 411 for propelling and supporting the conversion kit first rear wheels.
Fig.18 is a side view of the stationary stub support shafts and integral support brackets for supporting the top end of crawler tracks swing arm assemblies. The stationary stub support shafts and integral support brackets will be removed from the chasis when converting to the wheel conversion kit.
Fi& 19 is a view of the utility vehicle crawler tracks support shaft 242 being interchangeable with a support shaft 424 for supporting the conversion kit second rear wlarels.
Fig. 20 is a front view of the elongated chasis bulkhead and wheels suspension and wheels control mechanism.
Fig. 21 is a side view of the utility vehicle in Fig.1 showing the cargo box having a duimping mechanism.
Fig. 22 is a side vicw of a hinged spring supporting splash flap for cargo boxes having a dwnping mechanism.
Flg. 23 is a side view of the utility vehicle in Fig. l showing a camber at the lower run of the crawler tracks for improved maneuvering, and having a set of front wheels having low pressure tires for steering and support for travelling over soft terrains.
Fig. 24 is a plan view of the utility vehicle in Fig. 23 showing the crawler tracks and front wheels Fig. 25 is a plan view of the utility vehicle in Fig,. l showing a detailed view of the crawler tracks mechanism.
Specifications:
Reference is made firstly to Fig. l which illustrates a utility vehicle having an elongated chassis 202 supporting a forwardly slopping cowling 204 followed by a foot supporting platform 206, a midsection engine compartment 208, and a rearwardly extending cargo box 292. Said midsection engine compartment 208 having a plurality of cooling vents 210 on the left and right side for cooling an air-cooled engine 212. Said engine 212 is shown in Fig. 3.
A cooling fan 214 is mounted in the midsection engine compartment 208, as shown in Fig. 3. Said cooling fan 214 is used in conjunction with said cooling vents 210 for increased cooling of said engine 212. An optional liquid cooled engine can be substituted for an air-cooled engine further having a radiator and air vents located in the front portion of said elongated chassis 202 and said slopping cowling 204 for cooling the radiator and said engine 212 by the relative air flow.
Said radiator and air vents are not shown in the drawings. Said engine 2I2 is coupled to a gear box 216 by a variable speed transmission 218 as shown in Fig. 3. Said gear box 216 drives a driven shaft 220 in a forward or reverse rotation for a forward or reverse movement of the vehicle.
Said driven shaft 220 having its first end supported by said gear box 216 and its second end supported by a bearing 222 supported by said midsection engine compartment 208 side wall. Said driven shaft 220 supports a sprocket 224 and a brake disc 226. A brake caliper 228 is supported by the back end of said midsection engine compartment 208. A crawler track drive shaft 230 is rotatably mounted to said elongated chasis 202 by bearings 205 and bearing support brackets 207 in slots 203 by bolt holes 213, bolts 217 and lockouts 219 as shown in Figs. 6 and 9. Said drive shaft 230 supports a drive sprocket 232 mounted to said drive shaft 230. The outer ends of said drive shaft 230 supports crawler tracks drive sprockets 234 and track support wheels 236 as shown in Fig. 4. Said crawler tracks drive sprockets 234 are mounted to the outer ends of said drive shaft 230 for driving crawler tracks 238. Said drive sprocket 232 is connected to driven sprocket 224 by drive chain 240. Crawler track support shaft 242 is stationary mounted to the rear portion of said elongated chassis 202 by support brackets 243 in slots 215 by bolt holes 213, bolts 217 and lockouts 219 as shown in Figs. 6 and 9. Said crawler tracks stationary support shaft 242 support crawler track idler support wheels 237 shown in Figs. l and 4. The lower run of said crawler tracks 238 is supported by wheel rails 244 having a plurality of idler wheels 24b rotatably mounted to said wheel rails 244 shown in Figs. 1 and 4. The back end of said wheel rails 244 having a shaft 247 for supporting a rotatably mounted guide wheel 248 shown in Fig. 4, and left and right rotatably mounted idler wheels 250 shown in Figs. l and 4. Said shaft 247 is adjusted by adjusting bolts 252 for adjusting the tension on said crawler tracks 238 shown in Fig. 1. Left and right swing arm assemblies 254 having their top ends supported by stationary stub support shafts 256 and integral support brackets 257 mounted to the rear portion of said chassis 202 by bolt holes 213, bolts 217 and locknuts 219, and their bottom ends supported by idler wheel shafts 258 supported by wheel rails 244, as shown in Figs. l and 4. Left and right suspension shock absorbers 2b0 having their top ends supported by support brackets 262 mounted to said stationary support shaft 242, and their bottom ends supported by idler wheel shafts 261 supported by said wheel rails 244, shown in Figs. l and 4. Said stationary support shaft 242 is mounted to the rear portion of said elongated chassis 202 by support brackets 243 in slots 215 by bolt holes 213, bolts 217 and locknuts 219 as shown in Figs 6 and 9. Said swing arm assemblies 254 move downwardly and backwardly with any movement of said track suspension shock absorbers 260 keeping tension on said crawler tracks 238, and the wheel rails aligned with the longitudinal axis of said crawler tracks 238 as shown in Fig.1. The front end of the vehicle is supported by a ski mechanism having skis 262 supported by ski posts 264 and ski post sleeves 266. Said ski post sleeves 26b having a cut away section for showing ski post 264. Said ski post sleeves 2bb are supported by the bottom end of left and right ski shock absorbers 268 by integral support brackets 270 as shown in an enlarge view in Fig. 5.
Said ski post sleeves 266 are pivotally supported to said chassis 202 by support bars 263 as shown in Fig, 1. The top end of said ski shock absorbers 2b8 are supported by a bulkhead 272. Said bulkhead 272 is supported by the front portion of said elongated chassis 202.
Stabilizer rods 274 are pivotally mounted to said bulkhead 272 and by left and right ski post sleeve support brackets 270 integral of said ski post sleeves 266, as shown in Ffg. 5. A linkage 276 is removably mounted to the top end of said ski posts 264. Said linkage 27b is connected to control linkage rods 278.
Said control linkage rods 278 connects to the lower end of rotatable mounted handlebars shaft and handlebars 280 for steering and control of said skis 262, as shown in Figa. l and 5. An enlarged view of said bulkhead 272 and the ski mechanism is shown in Fig. 5. Said forwardly slopping cowling 204 is hinged to the front portion of said chassis 202. Said cowling 204 conceals part of the steering mechanism and the angled foot supports 201 integral of said platform 206. Said angled foot supports 201 are shown in Fig 3. Said slopping cowling 204 having a windshield 282 for streamlining the relative airflow for decreased friction and drivers comfort. Said slopping cowling 204 having a high and low beam headlight 284 for night driving. A gas tank 286 having a filler cap 288 is supported by the front portion of said elongated chassis 202 and the top portion of said cowling 204. A drivers seat 290 is removably mounted to the top portion of said midsection engine compartment 208. Said rearvvardly extending cargo box 292 is mounted to the rear portion of said elongated chasis 202 by bolts and lockouts. Said bolts and lockouts are not shown in the drawing. Said cargo box 292 having an optional dumping mechanism shown in Fig.
21, for dumping cargo. Said cargo box 292 having a removable mounted bench seat and back support 295 for accommodating two passengers. Said cargo box 292 having a swing down tailgate 296. A
front splash flap 297 is supported by the front lower portion of said cargo box 292, said elongated chassis 202, and midsection engine compartment 206. A rear splash flap 298 and a tail and brake light 299 is mounted to the lower tail section of said cargo box 292. Said cargo box tailgate 296, said tail and brake lights 299 and a cross sectional view of said front and rear chassis 202 are shown in a back view of said cargo box 292 in Fig. 2 .
Another embodiment of the utility vehicle as shown in Fig.11 comprising: an elongated chassis 302 supporting a forwardly slopping cowling 304 followed by a foot supporting platform 306, a front engine compartment 308 a midsection compartment 310 a rea wardly extending cargo box 392. Said front engine compartment 308 supports an air-cooled engine 312 as shown in Fig.
12. Said forwardly slopping cowling 304 having air vents in the lower front portion of said cowling for cooling said engine 312. Said air vents are not shown in the drawing. A cooling fan 314 is used in conjunction with said slopping cowling air circulation vents for increased cooling of the engine. An optional liquid cooled engine can be substituted for an air-cooled engine further having a radiator not shown in the drawings located in the front portion of said front engine compartment 308 for cooling the radiator by the relaxive air flow for cooling the engine. Said engine 312 is coupled to a gear box 316 by a variable speed transmission 318 as shown in Fig.
12. Said gear box 315 drives a driven shaft 320 in a forward or reverse rotation for a forward or reverse movement of the vehicle. Said driven shaft 320 having its first end supported by said gear box 316 and having its second end supported by bearing 322 supported by said engine compartment 308 side wall, as shown in Fig.12. Said driven shaft 320 supports a sprocket 324 and a brake disc 326. A brake caliper 328 is supported by the back end of said engine compartment 308. A crawler track drive shaft 330 is rotatably mounted to said elongated chassis 302 by bearings 305 and bearing support brackets 307 in slots 303 by bolt holes 313, bolts 3I7 and lockouts 319 as shown in Figs. 6 and 9. Said crawler track drive shaft 330 supports a drive sprocket 332 mounted to said crawler tracks drive shaft 330, as shown in Fig.12. The outer ends of said crawler tracks drive shaft 330 supports crawler track drive sprockets 334 and track support wheels 336 mounted to sand shaft 330 for driving said crawler tracks 338, as shown in Fig.13.
Said driven sprocket 324 drives sprocket 340 on shaft 34I by drive chain 344, drive sprocket 346 on shaft 341 drives sprocket 348 on driven shaft 350. Said driven shaft 350 and sprocket 352 drives said crawler tracks drive shaft 330 by drive chain 351. Said shafts 341 and 350 are supported by bearings and bearing supports 353 by the inner walls of said elongated chassis 304, as shown in Fig.12. A crawler track support shaft 342 is stationary mounted to the rear portion of said elongated chassis 302, by support brackets 343, in slots 315, by bolt holes 313, bolts 317 and lockouts 319, as shown in Figs 6 and 9. Said crawler tracks support shaft 342 supports crawler tracks support idler wheels 337 shown in Fig. l l and 13. The lower run of said crawler tacks 338 is supported by wheel rails 344 having a plurality of idler wheels 346 rotatably mounted to said wheel rails 344 shown in Figa 11 and I3. Said wheel rails 344 having a longitudinal camber causing said idler wheels 344 to form a longitudinal camber with the lower run of said crawler tracks 338. The camber on the lower run of said crawler tracks 338 redoes friction on hard surfaces, increasing the vehicles maneuverability and decreasing its turning radius. In deep snow the camber on said crawler tracks 338 will help compact the snow increasing flotation and decreasing track snow ploughing. The back end of said wheel rails 344 having a shaft 347 supporting rotatable guide wheels 348 and left and right rotatably mounted idler wheels 350 shown in Figs.1 and 13..Said shaft 347 is adjusted by adjusting bolts 352 for adjusting the teasion on said crawler tracks 338 shown in Fig. 11. Left and right swing arm assemblies 354 having their top ends supported by stationary support stub shafts 356 and integral support brackets 257 mounted by bolt holes 313, bolts 317 and lockouts 319 to the rear portion of said elongated chassis 302, and their bottom ends supported by said wheel rails idler wheel shafts 358 supported by said wheel rails 344 as shown in Fig.11. Left and right suspension shock absorbers 360 having their top ends supported by support brackets 362 mounted to said stationary support shaft 342 shown in Fig.13. Said stationary support shaft 342 is mounted to the rear portion of said elongated chassis 302 by support brackets 343, bolt holes 313, bolts 317 and lockouts 319 as shown in Figs: 6 and 9. The bottom ends of said shock absorbers 360 are supported by idler wheel shafts 361 supported by said wheel rails 344 shown in Figs.11 and 13. Said swing arm assemblies 354 move downwardly and backwardly with any movement of said track suspension shock absorbers 360, keeping tension on said crawler tracks and said wheel rails aligned with the longitudinal axes of said crawler tracks 338, as shown in Fig. l 1. The front end of the vehicle is supported by a ski mechanism having skis 362 supported by ski posts 364 and ski posts sleeves 366. Said ski post sleeves 366 having a cut away section for showing said ski posts 364, as shown in Fig.14. Said ski posts 364 and ski post sleeves 366 are supported by the bottom end of left and right shock absorbers 368 by integral support brackets 370, as shown in Fig.14. Said ski post sleeves 366 are pivotally supported to said chassis 302 by support bars 363, as shown in Fig.
1l. The top end of said shock absorbers 368 are supported by said bulkhead 372 shown in an enlarged view in Fig.
14. Stabilizer rods 374 are pivotally mounted to said bulkhead 372 and by left and right ski posts sleeves support brackets 370 integral of said ski post sleeves 366. A linkage 376 is mounted to the top end of said ski posts 364. Said linkage 376 is connected to control linkage rods 378. Said control linkage rods 378 connects to the lower end of rotatable handlebars shaft and handlebars 380 for steering and control of said skis 362, as shown in Fig.14. Said slopping cowling 304 is hinged to the front portion of said elongated chassis 302. Said slopping cowling 304 conceals part of the steering mechanism and the angled foot rests supports 301 shown in Fig.12. Said slopping cowling 304 has a windshield 382 for streamlining the relative airflow for decreased friction and Fage 11 drivers comfort. Said slopping cowling 304 has a high and low beam headlight 384 for night driving. A gas tank 386 having a filler cap 388 is supported by the front portion of said elongated chassis 302 and the top portion of said slopping cowling 304, as shown in Ffg.
11. A drivers seat 390 is removably mounted to the top portion of said midsection compartment 310. A cargo box 392 is secured to said elongated chassis 302 by bolts and lockouts. Said cargo box 392 can have an optional dumping mechanism for dumping cargo as shown in Flg. 20. Said cargo box 392 having a removable mounted passenger seat 395 as shown in Fig.1 for accommodating two passengers. Said cargo box 392 having a swing down tailgate 396. a front splash flap 397, a rear splash flap 398, and a tail and brake light 399 mounted to the lower back end of said cargo box 392. The swing down tailgate is common to the vehicle cargo boxes 392 shown in the different Figs.
Another embodiment of the utility vehicle as shown in Fig.15 comprises: a wheel conversion kit adaptable to the utility vehicles shown in Ffgs, l and 11. Said conversion kit having a two piece wheel frame having side members 403 with ixrtegral angled supports 406 and 408. Said angled supports 406 having bearings 409 to mate with the ends of a rotaxable mounted shaft 411. Said shaft 411 is mounted to elongated chassis 402 in slots 403 by bearings 405 and beating support brackets 407 by bolt holes 413, bolts 417 and lockouts 219 as shown in Ffga 6, 9 and 15. Said shaft 411 is shorter in length than shaft 230 as shown in Fig.
17. The support ends of said shaft 230 are longer than the support ends of shaft 411 to accommodate the drive mechanism for driving said crawler tracks. Said shaft 411 having short support ends to accommodate bearings 409 in said side members front angled supports 406 for supporting said angled supports 406 to chassis 402. Said side members rear angled supports 408 are mounted by bushings to the ends of a stationary support shaft 424, as shown in Fig.16.
Said stationary support shaft 424 is mounted in slots 415 by support brackets 243 in said elongated chassis 402 by bolt holes 413, bolts 417 and lockouts 419 as shown in Figs. 6, 9,10, 15 and 15. Said shaft 424 is shorter in length than idler wheels stationary support shaft 242, as shown in Fig I9. The support ends of said shaft 242 are longer than the ends on shaft 424 to accommodate support wheels for said crawler tracks. The ends on said shaft 424 are short to accommodate sand rear angled supports 408. Said slots 403 and mounting brackets 407, and said slots 215 and mounting brackets 243 make it easy to interchange said shaft 230 with said shaft 411, and said shaft 242, with said shaft 424 by using said bolts 419, in bolt holes 413 secured by lockouts 417, for converting said crawler tracks to said wheel conversion kit. Said wheel frames 403 are mounted to said chassis 402 by said shaft 411, by bearings 405 and bearing support brackets 407, and by said stationary support shaft 424 and mounting brackets 443. Said mounting brackets and bearings are shown in Figs. 6 and 9. Wheels 428 are supported by a drive shaft 431. Said drive shaft 431 is rotatably mounted to the front portion of said side members 403. A driven sprocket 433 is mounted to said rotatable shaft 431. Said shaft 431 and driven sprocket 433 drives said shaft 431 by drive chain 438 connected to drive sprocket 436 mounted to rotatable drive shaft 411. Said drive shaft 411 is driven by said sprocket 432 connected to said engine drive transmission and gear box by chain 440. Said wheels 428 are mounted to said drive shaft 431 by keyways, keys and lockouts. Said drive shaft 431 is driven by said sprocket 436 on shaft 411. A
stationary rear support shaft 424 is mounted to said chassis 40Z for supporting rear angled supports 408. Said wheels 429 are rotatably mounted to said stationary shaft 434 by bearings and lockouts. Said stationary shaft 434 is supported by the rear portion of said wheel frames 403. A set of front wheels 442 are mounted to the ski mechanism for steering and support by removing the skis. Said wheels 442 having ninety degree support shafts 476 having a horizontal shaft for supporting said wheels 442 and a vertical shaft 478 supported by said sleeves 466. Said sleeves 466 having a cut away section for showing said vertical support shafts 478 in said sleeves 466.
Said vertical support shafts 478 having flanges 465 for rotatably supporting the bottom end of said sleeves 466 for supporting said wheels 442. Said wheels 442 and said ninety degree support shafts 476 are supported by the bottom end of left and right shock absorbers 468 and by said sleeves 466 and integral support brackets 470 as shown in Fig. 20. The top end of said shock absorbers 468 are supported by said bulkhead 4?2. Stabilizer rods 474 are pivotally mounted to said bulkhead 472, and left and right support brackets 470 supported by said sleeves 466.. A
linkage 484 is mounted to the top end of said vertical shaft 478. Said linkage 484 is connected to linkage rods 485. Said linkage rods 485 connects to the lower end of rotatable handlebars shaft and handlebars 480 for steering and control of the front end of the utility vehicle by said wheels 442. Left and right front fenders 444 are removably mounted to the lower portion of said slopping cowling 404 to protect debris from the vehicle and the driver. Said forwardly slopping cowling 404 is hinged to the front portion of said chassis 402. Said cowling 404 conceals part of the steering mechanism and the angled foot supports 401 integral of said platform 406. Said cowling 404 having a windshield 482 for streamlining the relative airflow for decreased friction and drivers comfort. Said cowling 404 having a high and low beam headlight 484 for night driving. A gas tank 486 having a filler cap 488 is supported by the front portion of said elongated chassis 402 and the tap portion of said cowling 404. A drivers seat 490 is removably mounted to the top portion of said midsection engine compartment 408. Said rearwardly extending cargo box 492 is mounted to the rear portion of said elongated chassis 402 by bolts and locknuts not shown in the drawing. Said cargo box having an optional dumping mechanism 494 for dumping cargo. Said cargo box 492 having a removable mounted bench seat and back support 495 for accommodating two passengers. Said cargo box 492 having a swing down tailgate 496, a front splash flap 497, a rear splash flap 498 and tail and brake lights mounted to the lower end of said cargo box 494.
Another embodiment of the utility vehicle as shown in Fig. 21 comprising: a dumping mechanism kit for said cargo box 592, having an hinged bracket 504 removably mounted to the bottom of said cargo box 592 by bolts and lockouts. Said hinged bracket 504 is pivotally supported by the rear portion of said elongated chassis 502 by a shaft 503. A
hydraulic hoist 508 having its bottom end pivotally supported to the back wall of the midsection engine compartment by a support bracket, and having its top end pivotally supported to the front bottom portion of said cargo box 592 by a support bracket. Said support brackets are not shown in the drawing. Said cargo box 592 having a swing down tailgate 596 as shown in Fig. 2 and 11. Said cargo box 592 having hinged spring supported splash flaps 510 supported by the rear bottom section of said cargo box 592. The angled portion of said splash flaps 510 can change angles without damaging said splash flaps. When said cargo box 592 is raised by the dumping mechanism said splash flaps will rest on the rear upper run of the crawler tracks causing said splash flaps 510 to change angles without damaging the flaps. When said cargo 'box 592 is in a non dumping mode said splash flaps 510 will go back to its normal angle by the tension of said springs 512. Said dumping mechanism can be used on said vehicles as shown in Figs. 1,11,15, and 23.
Another embodiment of the utility vehicle as shown in Fig. 23 comprising: a vehicle having an elongated chassis 602 supporting a forwardly slopping cowling 604 followed by a foot supporting platform 606, a midsection engine compartment 608, an extending cargo box 692. Said midsection engine compartment 608 having a plurality of cooling vents 610 on the left and right side for cooling an air-cooled engine 612. A cooling fan 614 mounted in midsection engine compartment 608 is used in conjunction with said cooling vents 610 for increased cooling of sand engine 612. Said engine 612 and said cooling fan 614 is shown in Fig. 24. An optional liquid cooled engine can be substituted for an air-cooled engine further having a radiator not shown in the drawing located in the front portion of said elongated chassis 602 for cooling the radiator by the relative air flow for cooling the engine. Said engine 612 is coupled to a gear box 616 by a variable speed transmission 618 as shown in Fig. 24. Said gear box 616 drives a driven shaft 620 in a forward or reverse rotation for a forward or reverse movement of the vehicle. Said driven shaft 620 having its first end supported by said gear box 616 and its second end supported by a bearing 622 supported by midsection engine compartment 608 side wall. Said driven shaft 620 supports a sprocket 624 and a brake disc 626. A brake caliper 628 is supported by the back end of said midsection engine compartment 608. Crawler tracks drive shaft 630 is rotatably mounted to said elongated chassis 602 in slots 603 by bearings 605, bearing support brackets b07 and by bolt holes 613, bolts 617, and locknuts 619. as shown in Figs. 6 and 10. Said crawler tracks drive shaft 630 supports a drive sprocket 632 mounted to said drive shaft 630. The outer ends of said crawler tracks drive shaft 630 supports crawler tracks drive sprockets 634 and crawler tracks support wheels 636 mounted to the outer ends of said crawler tracks drive shaft 630 for driving crawler tracks 638 as shown in Fig. 24 and 25. Said drive sprocket 632 is connected to said driven sprocket 624 by drive chain 640. A crawler track stationary support shaft 64Z is mounted to elongated chassis 602 in slots 615, by support brackets 643 and by bolt holes 613, bolts 617, and locknuts 619, as shown in Figs. 6 and 9. Said crawler track stationary support shaft 642 supports crawler tracks idler support wheels 637 as shown in Figs. 23 and 25.
The lower run of said crawler tracks 638 is supported by wheel rails 644 having a plurality of idler wheels 646 rotatably mounted to said wheel rails 644. Said wheel rails 644 having a longitudinal camber causing said idler wheels 646 to form a longitudinal camber with the lower run of said crawler tracks 638. The camber on the lower run of said crawler tracks 638 reduces friction on hard surfaces, increasing the vehicles maneuverability and decreasing its turning radius. In deep snow the camber on said crawler tracks 638 will help compact the snow increasing flotation and decreasing track snow ploughing. The back end of said wheel rails 644 having a shaft 647 for supporting a rotatably mounted guide wheel 648 and left and right rotatably mounted rear idler wheels 650 as shown in Ffg.25. Said shaft 647 is adjusted by adjusting bolts 652 for adjusting the tension on said crawler tracks 638. Left and right swing arm assemblies 654 are supported by stationary stub support shafts 656 having integral support brackets 657 for mounting to elongated chassis 602 by bolt holes 613, bolts 617 and locknuts 619, and to wheel rails idler wheels shafts 658 supported by said wheel rails 644 as shown in Figs. 23 and 25. Left and right suspension shock absorbers 660 having their top ends supported by support brackets 662 mounted to said stationary support shaft 642, and their bottom ends supported by wheel rails idler wheels shaft 661. Said stationary crawler tracks support shaft 642 is mounted to the rear portion of said elongated chassis 60Z. Said swing arm assemblies 654 move downwardly and backwardly with any movement of said track suspension shock absorbers 660 keeping tension on said crawler tracks 638, and the wheel rails aligned with the longitudinal axis of said crawler tracks 638 as shown in Fig. 23. A set of front wheels 642 are mounted to the ski mechanism for steering and support by removing the skis as shown in Figs. 23 and 24. Said wheels 642 having a ninety degree support shaft 676 with a horizontal shaft supporting said wheels 642 and a vertical support shaft 678 supported by sleeves 666. Said sleeves having a cut away section for showing said vertical support shafts 678 in said sleeves 666. Said vertical support shafts 678 having flanges 665 for rotatably supporting the bottom end of said sleeves 666 for supporting said wheels 642. Said sleeves 666 are supported by the bottom end of left and right shock absorbers 668 and by integral support brackets 670. T'he top end of said shock absorbers 668 are supported by the top portion of said bulkhead 672. Stabilizer rods 674 are pivotally mounted to said bulkhead 672 and to left and right said sleeves integral support brackets 670 and said sleeves 666. A
linkage 684 is mounted to the top end of said vertical shaft 678. Said linkage 684 is connected to control linkage rods 685. Said control linkage rods 685 are connected to the lower end of rotatable mounted handlebars shaft and handlebars 680 for steering and control of said front wheels 642. Said forwarding slopping cowling 604 is hinged to the front portion of said chassis 602. Said cowling 604 conceals part of the steering mechanism and the angled foot supports 601 integral to said platform 606. Said cowling 604 having a windshield 682 for streamlining the relative air flow for decreased friction and drivers comfort. Said cowling 604 having a high and low beam headlight 684 for night driving. A gas tank 686 having a filler cap 688 is supported by the front portion of said elongated chassis 602 and the top portion of said cowling 604. A drivers seat 690 is removably mounted to the top portion of said midsection engine compartment 608. Said rearwardly extending cargo box 692 is mounted to the rear portion of said elongated chassis 602 by bolts and nuts not shown in the drawing. Said cargo box 692 having an optional dumping mechanism 594 for dumping cargo as shown in Fig. 22. Said cargo box 692 having a removable mounted bench seat and back support 695 for accommodating two passengers. Said cargo box 692 having a swing down tailgate 696 as shown in Figs. 2 and 11. A front splash flap 697 is supported by the front lower portion of said cargo box 692, said elongated chassis 602 and midsection engine compartment 506. A rear splash flap 698 and a tail and brake light 699 are mounted to the lower portion of said cargo box 692.
There are several types of small utility vehicles on the market for transporting cargo. All of these vehicles have wheels with rubber tires and are best suited to terrains that are not snow covered. Some of these vehicles such as the popular four wheel ATV's do not have means for carrying substantial amounts of cargo and can only tow a trailer as a means of transporting cargo.
There are other four and six wheel utility vehicles on the market for carrying cargo. These vehicles function well on most all terrains but is limited to what they can do in snow. There are snow conversion kits for four wheel ATV's but they are not suitable for carrying cargo. There are eight wheel all terrain vehicles on the market in a limited number that can function on land and water, these vehicles have a track conversion kit for soft terrains. These vehicles are very slow moving and have a small cargo compartment that would not be suitable for carrying heavy loads.
Some snowmobiles have a small cargo area. behind the seat for carrying small items such as a luggage bag. These snow vehicles are not suitable for carrying long and heavy loads. Reference is made to United States Patent 5,014,805 wherein a snow vehicle having two steerable skis at the front and two crawler tracks at the rear of the vehicle propelled by as engine and drive train located in the rear section of the vehicle. Two passenger seats are located forward of the engine for transporting two passengers over snow. Whereas the vehicle described in the present invention has a drivers seat for operating the vehicle and a large cargo box for transporting cargo over snow.
The cargo box can accommodate an optional removable seat for transporting two passengers instead of cargo when necessary. This type of vehicle is beneficial for transporting cargo and personnel over snow and ice. It can be beneficial to utility companies such as hydro electric, pipeline construction and patrolling and maintaining navigation equipment in remote areas. It will serve a purpose in northern climates for fishermen and hunters, especially during the winter season for transporting their equipment and bringing home their catch. It can be used in rural areas for hauling home firewood. Farmers will find this type of vehicle beneficial for doing chores around the farm,.it is an excellent winter vehicle for wildlife officers and forest patrol. It is a useful vehicle for trappers in the north for transporting their supplies and furs. It will even be an attractive vehicle for military and police use in northern areas. It has a conversion kit for converting to all wheels or to crawler tracks on the rear and wheels on the front for other than snow use.
Reference to Figures:
Fig, l is a side view of the utility vehicle having a slopping cowling, an elongated chasis, a midsection engine compartment, a rearwardly extending cargo box. and crawler tracks and skis.
Fig,. 2 is a back view of the cargo box showing the tailgate, the tail and brake lights and a cross sectional view of the elongated chasis.
Fig. 3 is a plan view of the utility vehicle in Fig. l showing the chasis with an engine aad drive mechanism for propelling the crawler tracks and having two skis in the front for steering and support.
h'Ig. 4 is a plan view of the utility vehicle in Fig. l showing a detailed view of the crawler tracks drive mechanism Fig. 5 is an enlarged front view of the elongated chasis bulkhead and skis suspension, and the skis control mechanism.
Fig. 6 is a side view of the utility vehicle chasis and cargo box showing the crawler tracks drive shaft bearings and bearing support brackets, and a rear stationary support shaft support brackets.
The support brackets are mounted in the sots in the cheers.
Fig. 7 is a cross sectional view of the front section of the elongated cheers.
Fig. 8 is a cross sectional view of the rear section of the elongated cheers.
Fig. 9 is a side view of the utility vehicle cheers and cargo box showing the crawler tracks drive shaft and crawler track rear stationary support shaft mounted to the vehicle cheers.
Fig.10 is a side view of the bolts and locknuts for mounting the crawler tracks drive shaft brackets and the crawler tracks stationary support shaft brackets to the vehicle chasis. Different types of bolts and locknuts can be used for mounting the support brackets to the vehicle chasis.
Fig. l l is a side view of another embodiment of the utility vehicle having a front engine compartment.
Fig.12 is a plan view of the utility vehicle in Fig.11 shaving the chasis with an engine and drive mechanism for propelling the crawler tracks and having two skis in the front for steering and support.
Fig.13 is a plan view of tt~e utility vehicle in Fig. 1l showing a detailed view of the crawler tracks drive mechanism.
Fig.14 is an enlarged front view of the elongated chasis bulkhead and skis suspension and skis control mechanism.
Ffg.15 is a side view of the utility vehicle in Ftg. l showing the vehicle converted to a wheel conversion kit.
Fig. l6 is a plan view of the utility vehicle in Fig.15 showing the chasis with an engine and drive mechanism for propelling a set of first rear vvl~els, a set of second rear wheels are free wheeling and are used for support for travelling over soft terrain. A set of front wheels provide steering and support for the front of the vehicle.
Fig.17 is a view of the utility vehicle crawler tracks drive shaft 230 being interchangeable with drive shaft 411 for propelling and supporting the conversion kit first rear wheels.
Fig.18 is a side view of the stationary stub support shafts and integral support brackets for supporting the top end of crawler tracks swing arm assemblies. The stationary stub support shafts and integral support brackets will be removed from the chasis when converting to the wheel conversion kit.
Fi& 19 is a view of the utility vehicle crawler tracks support shaft 242 being interchangeable with a support shaft 424 for supporting the conversion kit second rear wlarels.
Fig. 20 is a front view of the elongated chasis bulkhead and wheels suspension and wheels control mechanism.
Fig. 21 is a side view of the utility vehicle in Fig.1 showing the cargo box having a duimping mechanism.
Fig. 22 is a side vicw of a hinged spring supporting splash flap for cargo boxes having a dwnping mechanism.
Flg. 23 is a side view of the utility vehicle in Fig. l showing a camber at the lower run of the crawler tracks for improved maneuvering, and having a set of front wheels having low pressure tires for steering and support for travelling over soft terrains.
Fig. 24 is a plan view of the utility vehicle in Fig. 23 showing the crawler tracks and front wheels Fig. 25 is a plan view of the utility vehicle in Fig,. l showing a detailed view of the crawler tracks mechanism.
Specifications:
Reference is made firstly to Fig. l which illustrates a utility vehicle having an elongated chassis 202 supporting a forwardly slopping cowling 204 followed by a foot supporting platform 206, a midsection engine compartment 208, and a rearwardly extending cargo box 292. Said midsection engine compartment 208 having a plurality of cooling vents 210 on the left and right side for cooling an air-cooled engine 212. Said engine 212 is shown in Fig. 3.
A cooling fan 214 is mounted in the midsection engine compartment 208, as shown in Fig. 3. Said cooling fan 214 is used in conjunction with said cooling vents 210 for increased cooling of said engine 212. An optional liquid cooled engine can be substituted for an air-cooled engine further having a radiator and air vents located in the front portion of said elongated chassis 202 and said slopping cowling 204 for cooling the radiator and said engine 212 by the relative air flow.
Said radiator and air vents are not shown in the drawings. Said engine 2I2 is coupled to a gear box 216 by a variable speed transmission 218 as shown in Fig. 3. Said gear box 216 drives a driven shaft 220 in a forward or reverse rotation for a forward or reverse movement of the vehicle.
Said driven shaft 220 having its first end supported by said gear box 216 and its second end supported by a bearing 222 supported by said midsection engine compartment 208 side wall. Said driven shaft 220 supports a sprocket 224 and a brake disc 226. A brake caliper 228 is supported by the back end of said midsection engine compartment 208. A crawler track drive shaft 230 is rotatably mounted to said elongated chasis 202 by bearings 205 and bearing support brackets 207 in slots 203 by bolt holes 213, bolts 217 and lockouts 219 as shown in Figs. 6 and 9. Said drive shaft 230 supports a drive sprocket 232 mounted to said drive shaft 230. The outer ends of said drive shaft 230 supports crawler tracks drive sprockets 234 and track support wheels 236 as shown in Fig. 4. Said crawler tracks drive sprockets 234 are mounted to the outer ends of said drive shaft 230 for driving crawler tracks 238. Said drive sprocket 232 is connected to driven sprocket 224 by drive chain 240. Crawler track support shaft 242 is stationary mounted to the rear portion of said elongated chassis 202 by support brackets 243 in slots 215 by bolt holes 213, bolts 217 and lockouts 219 as shown in Figs. 6 and 9. Said crawler tracks stationary support shaft 242 support crawler track idler support wheels 237 shown in Figs. l and 4. The lower run of said crawler tracks 238 is supported by wheel rails 244 having a plurality of idler wheels 24b rotatably mounted to said wheel rails 244 shown in Figs. 1 and 4. The back end of said wheel rails 244 having a shaft 247 for supporting a rotatably mounted guide wheel 248 shown in Fig. 4, and left and right rotatably mounted idler wheels 250 shown in Figs. l and 4. Said shaft 247 is adjusted by adjusting bolts 252 for adjusting the tension on said crawler tracks 238 shown in Fig. 1. Left and right swing arm assemblies 254 having their top ends supported by stationary stub support shafts 256 and integral support brackets 257 mounted to the rear portion of said chassis 202 by bolt holes 213, bolts 217 and locknuts 219, and their bottom ends supported by idler wheel shafts 258 supported by wheel rails 244, as shown in Figs. l and 4. Left and right suspension shock absorbers 2b0 having their top ends supported by support brackets 262 mounted to said stationary support shaft 242, and their bottom ends supported by idler wheel shafts 261 supported by said wheel rails 244, shown in Figs. l and 4. Said stationary support shaft 242 is mounted to the rear portion of said elongated chassis 202 by support brackets 243 in slots 215 by bolt holes 213, bolts 217 and locknuts 219 as shown in Figs 6 and 9. Said swing arm assemblies 254 move downwardly and backwardly with any movement of said track suspension shock absorbers 260 keeping tension on said crawler tracks 238, and the wheel rails aligned with the longitudinal axis of said crawler tracks 238 as shown in Fig.1. The front end of the vehicle is supported by a ski mechanism having skis 262 supported by ski posts 264 and ski post sleeves 266. Said ski post sleeves 26b having a cut away section for showing ski post 264. Said ski post sleeves 2bb are supported by the bottom end of left and right ski shock absorbers 268 by integral support brackets 270 as shown in an enlarge view in Fig. 5.
Said ski post sleeves 266 are pivotally supported to said chassis 202 by support bars 263 as shown in Fig, 1. The top end of said ski shock absorbers 2b8 are supported by a bulkhead 272. Said bulkhead 272 is supported by the front portion of said elongated chassis 202.
Stabilizer rods 274 are pivotally mounted to said bulkhead 272 and by left and right ski post sleeve support brackets 270 integral of said ski post sleeves 266, as shown in Ffg. 5. A linkage 276 is removably mounted to the top end of said ski posts 264. Said linkage 27b is connected to control linkage rods 278.
Said control linkage rods 278 connects to the lower end of rotatable mounted handlebars shaft and handlebars 280 for steering and control of said skis 262, as shown in Figa. l and 5. An enlarged view of said bulkhead 272 and the ski mechanism is shown in Fig. 5. Said forwardly slopping cowling 204 is hinged to the front portion of said chassis 202. Said cowling 204 conceals part of the steering mechanism and the angled foot supports 201 integral of said platform 206. Said angled foot supports 201 are shown in Fig 3. Said slopping cowling 204 having a windshield 282 for streamlining the relative airflow for decreased friction and drivers comfort. Said slopping cowling 204 having a high and low beam headlight 284 for night driving. A gas tank 286 having a filler cap 288 is supported by the front portion of said elongated chassis 202 and the top portion of said cowling 204. A drivers seat 290 is removably mounted to the top portion of said midsection engine compartment 208. Said rearvvardly extending cargo box 292 is mounted to the rear portion of said elongated chasis 202 by bolts and lockouts. Said bolts and lockouts are not shown in the drawing. Said cargo box 292 having an optional dumping mechanism shown in Fig.
21, for dumping cargo. Said cargo box 292 having a removable mounted bench seat and back support 295 for accommodating two passengers. Said cargo box 292 having a swing down tailgate 296. A
front splash flap 297 is supported by the front lower portion of said cargo box 292, said elongated chassis 202, and midsection engine compartment 206. A rear splash flap 298 and a tail and brake light 299 is mounted to the lower tail section of said cargo box 292. Said cargo box tailgate 296, said tail and brake lights 299 and a cross sectional view of said front and rear chassis 202 are shown in a back view of said cargo box 292 in Fig. 2 .
Another embodiment of the utility vehicle as shown in Fig.11 comprising: an elongated chassis 302 supporting a forwardly slopping cowling 304 followed by a foot supporting platform 306, a front engine compartment 308 a midsection compartment 310 a rea wardly extending cargo box 392. Said front engine compartment 308 supports an air-cooled engine 312 as shown in Fig.
12. Said forwardly slopping cowling 304 having air vents in the lower front portion of said cowling for cooling said engine 312. Said air vents are not shown in the drawing. A cooling fan 314 is used in conjunction with said slopping cowling air circulation vents for increased cooling of the engine. An optional liquid cooled engine can be substituted for an air-cooled engine further having a radiator not shown in the drawings located in the front portion of said front engine compartment 308 for cooling the radiator by the relaxive air flow for cooling the engine. Said engine 312 is coupled to a gear box 316 by a variable speed transmission 318 as shown in Fig.
12. Said gear box 315 drives a driven shaft 320 in a forward or reverse rotation for a forward or reverse movement of the vehicle. Said driven shaft 320 having its first end supported by said gear box 316 and having its second end supported by bearing 322 supported by said engine compartment 308 side wall, as shown in Fig.12. Said driven shaft 320 supports a sprocket 324 and a brake disc 326. A brake caliper 328 is supported by the back end of said engine compartment 308. A crawler track drive shaft 330 is rotatably mounted to said elongated chassis 302 by bearings 305 and bearing support brackets 307 in slots 303 by bolt holes 313, bolts 3I7 and lockouts 319 as shown in Figs. 6 and 9. Said crawler track drive shaft 330 supports a drive sprocket 332 mounted to said crawler tracks drive shaft 330, as shown in Fig.12. The outer ends of said crawler tracks drive shaft 330 supports crawler track drive sprockets 334 and track support wheels 336 mounted to sand shaft 330 for driving said crawler tracks 338, as shown in Fig.13.
Said driven sprocket 324 drives sprocket 340 on shaft 34I by drive chain 344, drive sprocket 346 on shaft 341 drives sprocket 348 on driven shaft 350. Said driven shaft 350 and sprocket 352 drives said crawler tracks drive shaft 330 by drive chain 351. Said shafts 341 and 350 are supported by bearings and bearing supports 353 by the inner walls of said elongated chassis 304, as shown in Fig.12. A crawler track support shaft 342 is stationary mounted to the rear portion of said elongated chassis 302, by support brackets 343, in slots 315, by bolt holes 313, bolts 317 and lockouts 319, as shown in Figs 6 and 9. Said crawler tracks support shaft 342 supports crawler tracks support idler wheels 337 shown in Fig. l l and 13. The lower run of said crawler tacks 338 is supported by wheel rails 344 having a plurality of idler wheels 346 rotatably mounted to said wheel rails 344 shown in Figa 11 and I3. Said wheel rails 344 having a longitudinal camber causing said idler wheels 344 to form a longitudinal camber with the lower run of said crawler tracks 338. The camber on the lower run of said crawler tracks 338 redoes friction on hard surfaces, increasing the vehicles maneuverability and decreasing its turning radius. In deep snow the camber on said crawler tracks 338 will help compact the snow increasing flotation and decreasing track snow ploughing. The back end of said wheel rails 344 having a shaft 347 supporting rotatable guide wheels 348 and left and right rotatably mounted idler wheels 350 shown in Figs.1 and 13..Said shaft 347 is adjusted by adjusting bolts 352 for adjusting the teasion on said crawler tracks 338 shown in Fig. 11. Left and right swing arm assemblies 354 having their top ends supported by stationary support stub shafts 356 and integral support brackets 257 mounted by bolt holes 313, bolts 317 and lockouts 319 to the rear portion of said elongated chassis 302, and their bottom ends supported by said wheel rails idler wheel shafts 358 supported by said wheel rails 344 as shown in Fig.11. Left and right suspension shock absorbers 360 having their top ends supported by support brackets 362 mounted to said stationary support shaft 342 shown in Fig.13. Said stationary support shaft 342 is mounted to the rear portion of said elongated chassis 302 by support brackets 343, bolt holes 313, bolts 317 and lockouts 319 as shown in Figs: 6 and 9. The bottom ends of said shock absorbers 360 are supported by idler wheel shafts 361 supported by said wheel rails 344 shown in Figs.11 and 13. Said swing arm assemblies 354 move downwardly and backwardly with any movement of said track suspension shock absorbers 360, keeping tension on said crawler tracks and said wheel rails aligned with the longitudinal axes of said crawler tracks 338, as shown in Fig. l 1. The front end of the vehicle is supported by a ski mechanism having skis 362 supported by ski posts 364 and ski posts sleeves 366. Said ski post sleeves 366 having a cut away section for showing said ski posts 364, as shown in Fig.14. Said ski posts 364 and ski post sleeves 366 are supported by the bottom end of left and right shock absorbers 368 by integral support brackets 370, as shown in Fig.14. Said ski post sleeves 366 are pivotally supported to said chassis 302 by support bars 363, as shown in Fig.
1l. The top end of said shock absorbers 368 are supported by said bulkhead 372 shown in an enlarged view in Fig.
14. Stabilizer rods 374 are pivotally mounted to said bulkhead 372 and by left and right ski posts sleeves support brackets 370 integral of said ski post sleeves 366. A linkage 376 is mounted to the top end of said ski posts 364. Said linkage 376 is connected to control linkage rods 378. Said control linkage rods 378 connects to the lower end of rotatable handlebars shaft and handlebars 380 for steering and control of said skis 362, as shown in Fig.14. Said slopping cowling 304 is hinged to the front portion of said elongated chassis 302. Said slopping cowling 304 conceals part of the steering mechanism and the angled foot rests supports 301 shown in Fig.12. Said slopping cowling 304 has a windshield 382 for streamlining the relative airflow for decreased friction and Fage 11 drivers comfort. Said slopping cowling 304 has a high and low beam headlight 384 for night driving. A gas tank 386 having a filler cap 388 is supported by the front portion of said elongated chassis 302 and the top portion of said slopping cowling 304, as shown in Ffg.
11. A drivers seat 390 is removably mounted to the top portion of said midsection compartment 310. A cargo box 392 is secured to said elongated chassis 302 by bolts and lockouts. Said cargo box 392 can have an optional dumping mechanism for dumping cargo as shown in Flg. 20. Said cargo box 392 having a removable mounted passenger seat 395 as shown in Fig.1 for accommodating two passengers. Said cargo box 392 having a swing down tailgate 396. a front splash flap 397, a rear splash flap 398, and a tail and brake light 399 mounted to the lower back end of said cargo box 392. The swing down tailgate is common to the vehicle cargo boxes 392 shown in the different Figs.
Another embodiment of the utility vehicle as shown in Fig.15 comprises: a wheel conversion kit adaptable to the utility vehicles shown in Ffgs, l and 11. Said conversion kit having a two piece wheel frame having side members 403 with ixrtegral angled supports 406 and 408. Said angled supports 406 having bearings 409 to mate with the ends of a rotaxable mounted shaft 411. Said shaft 411 is mounted to elongated chassis 402 in slots 403 by bearings 405 and beating support brackets 407 by bolt holes 413, bolts 417 and lockouts 219 as shown in Ffga 6, 9 and 15. Said shaft 411 is shorter in length than shaft 230 as shown in Fig.
17. The support ends of said shaft 230 are longer than the support ends of shaft 411 to accommodate the drive mechanism for driving said crawler tracks. Said shaft 411 having short support ends to accommodate bearings 409 in said side members front angled supports 406 for supporting said angled supports 406 to chassis 402. Said side members rear angled supports 408 are mounted by bushings to the ends of a stationary support shaft 424, as shown in Fig.16.
Said stationary support shaft 424 is mounted in slots 415 by support brackets 243 in said elongated chassis 402 by bolt holes 413, bolts 417 and lockouts 419 as shown in Figs. 6, 9,10, 15 and 15. Said shaft 424 is shorter in length than idler wheels stationary support shaft 242, as shown in Fig I9. The support ends of said shaft 242 are longer than the ends on shaft 424 to accommodate support wheels for said crawler tracks. The ends on said shaft 424 are short to accommodate sand rear angled supports 408. Said slots 403 and mounting brackets 407, and said slots 215 and mounting brackets 243 make it easy to interchange said shaft 230 with said shaft 411, and said shaft 242, with said shaft 424 by using said bolts 419, in bolt holes 413 secured by lockouts 417, for converting said crawler tracks to said wheel conversion kit. Said wheel frames 403 are mounted to said chassis 402 by said shaft 411, by bearings 405 and bearing support brackets 407, and by said stationary support shaft 424 and mounting brackets 443. Said mounting brackets and bearings are shown in Figs. 6 and 9. Wheels 428 are supported by a drive shaft 431. Said drive shaft 431 is rotatably mounted to the front portion of said side members 403. A driven sprocket 433 is mounted to said rotatable shaft 431. Said shaft 431 and driven sprocket 433 drives said shaft 431 by drive chain 438 connected to drive sprocket 436 mounted to rotatable drive shaft 411. Said drive shaft 411 is driven by said sprocket 432 connected to said engine drive transmission and gear box by chain 440. Said wheels 428 are mounted to said drive shaft 431 by keyways, keys and lockouts. Said drive shaft 431 is driven by said sprocket 436 on shaft 411. A
stationary rear support shaft 424 is mounted to said chassis 40Z for supporting rear angled supports 408. Said wheels 429 are rotatably mounted to said stationary shaft 434 by bearings and lockouts. Said stationary shaft 434 is supported by the rear portion of said wheel frames 403. A set of front wheels 442 are mounted to the ski mechanism for steering and support by removing the skis. Said wheels 442 having ninety degree support shafts 476 having a horizontal shaft for supporting said wheels 442 and a vertical shaft 478 supported by said sleeves 466. Said sleeves 466 having a cut away section for showing said vertical support shafts 478 in said sleeves 466.
Said vertical support shafts 478 having flanges 465 for rotatably supporting the bottom end of said sleeves 466 for supporting said wheels 442. Said wheels 442 and said ninety degree support shafts 476 are supported by the bottom end of left and right shock absorbers 468 and by said sleeves 466 and integral support brackets 470 as shown in Fig. 20. The top end of said shock absorbers 468 are supported by said bulkhead 4?2. Stabilizer rods 474 are pivotally mounted to said bulkhead 472, and left and right support brackets 470 supported by said sleeves 466.. A
linkage 484 is mounted to the top end of said vertical shaft 478. Said linkage 484 is connected to linkage rods 485. Said linkage rods 485 connects to the lower end of rotatable handlebars shaft and handlebars 480 for steering and control of the front end of the utility vehicle by said wheels 442. Left and right front fenders 444 are removably mounted to the lower portion of said slopping cowling 404 to protect debris from the vehicle and the driver. Said forwardly slopping cowling 404 is hinged to the front portion of said chassis 402. Said cowling 404 conceals part of the steering mechanism and the angled foot supports 401 integral of said platform 406. Said cowling 404 having a windshield 482 for streamlining the relative airflow for decreased friction and drivers comfort. Said cowling 404 having a high and low beam headlight 484 for night driving. A gas tank 486 having a filler cap 488 is supported by the front portion of said elongated chassis 402 and the tap portion of said cowling 404. A drivers seat 490 is removably mounted to the top portion of said midsection engine compartment 408. Said rearwardly extending cargo box 492 is mounted to the rear portion of said elongated chassis 402 by bolts and locknuts not shown in the drawing. Said cargo box having an optional dumping mechanism 494 for dumping cargo. Said cargo box 492 having a removable mounted bench seat and back support 495 for accommodating two passengers. Said cargo box 492 having a swing down tailgate 496, a front splash flap 497, a rear splash flap 498 and tail and brake lights mounted to the lower end of said cargo box 494.
Another embodiment of the utility vehicle as shown in Fig. 21 comprising: a dumping mechanism kit for said cargo box 592, having an hinged bracket 504 removably mounted to the bottom of said cargo box 592 by bolts and lockouts. Said hinged bracket 504 is pivotally supported by the rear portion of said elongated chassis 502 by a shaft 503. A
hydraulic hoist 508 having its bottom end pivotally supported to the back wall of the midsection engine compartment by a support bracket, and having its top end pivotally supported to the front bottom portion of said cargo box 592 by a support bracket. Said support brackets are not shown in the drawing. Said cargo box 592 having a swing down tailgate 596 as shown in Fig. 2 and 11. Said cargo box 592 having hinged spring supported splash flaps 510 supported by the rear bottom section of said cargo box 592. The angled portion of said splash flaps 510 can change angles without damaging said splash flaps. When said cargo box 592 is raised by the dumping mechanism said splash flaps will rest on the rear upper run of the crawler tracks causing said splash flaps 510 to change angles without damaging the flaps. When said cargo 'box 592 is in a non dumping mode said splash flaps 510 will go back to its normal angle by the tension of said springs 512. Said dumping mechanism can be used on said vehicles as shown in Figs. 1,11,15, and 23.
Another embodiment of the utility vehicle as shown in Fig. 23 comprising: a vehicle having an elongated chassis 602 supporting a forwardly slopping cowling 604 followed by a foot supporting platform 606, a midsection engine compartment 608, an extending cargo box 692. Said midsection engine compartment 608 having a plurality of cooling vents 610 on the left and right side for cooling an air-cooled engine 612. A cooling fan 614 mounted in midsection engine compartment 608 is used in conjunction with said cooling vents 610 for increased cooling of sand engine 612. Said engine 612 and said cooling fan 614 is shown in Fig. 24. An optional liquid cooled engine can be substituted for an air-cooled engine further having a radiator not shown in the drawing located in the front portion of said elongated chassis 602 for cooling the radiator by the relative air flow for cooling the engine. Said engine 612 is coupled to a gear box 616 by a variable speed transmission 618 as shown in Fig. 24. Said gear box 616 drives a driven shaft 620 in a forward or reverse rotation for a forward or reverse movement of the vehicle. Said driven shaft 620 having its first end supported by said gear box 616 and its second end supported by a bearing 622 supported by midsection engine compartment 608 side wall. Said driven shaft 620 supports a sprocket 624 and a brake disc 626. A brake caliper 628 is supported by the back end of said midsection engine compartment 608. Crawler tracks drive shaft 630 is rotatably mounted to said elongated chassis 602 in slots 603 by bearings 605, bearing support brackets b07 and by bolt holes 613, bolts 617, and locknuts 619. as shown in Figs. 6 and 10. Said crawler tracks drive shaft 630 supports a drive sprocket 632 mounted to said drive shaft 630. The outer ends of said crawler tracks drive shaft 630 supports crawler tracks drive sprockets 634 and crawler tracks support wheels 636 mounted to the outer ends of said crawler tracks drive shaft 630 for driving crawler tracks 638 as shown in Fig. 24 and 25. Said drive sprocket 632 is connected to said driven sprocket 624 by drive chain 640. A crawler track stationary support shaft 64Z is mounted to elongated chassis 602 in slots 615, by support brackets 643 and by bolt holes 613, bolts 617, and locknuts 619, as shown in Figs. 6 and 9. Said crawler track stationary support shaft 642 supports crawler tracks idler support wheels 637 as shown in Figs. 23 and 25.
The lower run of said crawler tracks 638 is supported by wheel rails 644 having a plurality of idler wheels 646 rotatably mounted to said wheel rails 644. Said wheel rails 644 having a longitudinal camber causing said idler wheels 646 to form a longitudinal camber with the lower run of said crawler tracks 638. The camber on the lower run of said crawler tracks 638 reduces friction on hard surfaces, increasing the vehicles maneuverability and decreasing its turning radius. In deep snow the camber on said crawler tracks 638 will help compact the snow increasing flotation and decreasing track snow ploughing. The back end of said wheel rails 644 having a shaft 647 for supporting a rotatably mounted guide wheel 648 and left and right rotatably mounted rear idler wheels 650 as shown in Ffg.25. Said shaft 647 is adjusted by adjusting bolts 652 for adjusting the tension on said crawler tracks 638. Left and right swing arm assemblies 654 are supported by stationary stub support shafts 656 having integral support brackets 657 for mounting to elongated chassis 602 by bolt holes 613, bolts 617 and locknuts 619, and to wheel rails idler wheels shafts 658 supported by said wheel rails 644 as shown in Figs. 23 and 25. Left and right suspension shock absorbers 660 having their top ends supported by support brackets 662 mounted to said stationary support shaft 642, and their bottom ends supported by wheel rails idler wheels shaft 661. Said stationary crawler tracks support shaft 642 is mounted to the rear portion of said elongated chassis 60Z. Said swing arm assemblies 654 move downwardly and backwardly with any movement of said track suspension shock absorbers 660 keeping tension on said crawler tracks 638, and the wheel rails aligned with the longitudinal axis of said crawler tracks 638 as shown in Fig. 23. A set of front wheels 642 are mounted to the ski mechanism for steering and support by removing the skis as shown in Figs. 23 and 24. Said wheels 642 having a ninety degree support shaft 676 with a horizontal shaft supporting said wheels 642 and a vertical support shaft 678 supported by sleeves 666. Said sleeves having a cut away section for showing said vertical support shafts 678 in said sleeves 666. Said vertical support shafts 678 having flanges 665 for rotatably supporting the bottom end of said sleeves 666 for supporting said wheels 642. Said sleeves 666 are supported by the bottom end of left and right shock absorbers 668 and by integral support brackets 670. T'he top end of said shock absorbers 668 are supported by the top portion of said bulkhead 672. Stabilizer rods 674 are pivotally mounted to said bulkhead 672 and to left and right said sleeves integral support brackets 670 and said sleeves 666. A
linkage 684 is mounted to the top end of said vertical shaft 678. Said linkage 684 is connected to control linkage rods 685. Said control linkage rods 685 are connected to the lower end of rotatable mounted handlebars shaft and handlebars 680 for steering and control of said front wheels 642. Said forwarding slopping cowling 604 is hinged to the front portion of said chassis 602. Said cowling 604 conceals part of the steering mechanism and the angled foot supports 601 integral to said platform 606. Said cowling 604 having a windshield 682 for streamlining the relative air flow for decreased friction and drivers comfort. Said cowling 604 having a high and low beam headlight 684 for night driving. A gas tank 686 having a filler cap 688 is supported by the front portion of said elongated chassis 602 and the top portion of said cowling 604. A drivers seat 690 is removably mounted to the top portion of said midsection engine compartment 608. Said rearwardly extending cargo box 692 is mounted to the rear portion of said elongated chassis 602 by bolts and nuts not shown in the drawing. Said cargo box 692 having an optional dumping mechanism 594 for dumping cargo as shown in Fig. 22. Said cargo box 692 having a removable mounted bench seat and back support 695 for accommodating two passengers. Said cargo box 692 having a swing down tailgate 696 as shown in Figs. 2 and 11. A front splash flap 697 is supported by the front lower portion of said cargo box 692, said elongated chassis 602 and midsection engine compartment 506. A rear splash flap 698 and a tail and brake light 699 are mounted to the lower portion of said cargo box 692.
Claims (6)
1. A utility vehicle comprising: an elongated chassis supporting a forwardly slopping cowling followed by a foot supporting platform, a midsection engine compartment a rearwardly extending cargo box, said midsection engine compartment having a plurality of air vents on the right and left side for cooling an air-cooled engine, an optional liquid cooled engine can be substituted for an air cooled engine, said liquid cooled engine further having a radiator and air vents located in the front portion of said elongated chassis for cooling said radiator by the relative air flow for cooling said engine;.said engine is coupled to a gear box by a variable speed transmission; said gear box is coupled to a driven shaft; said driven shaft having its first end supported by said gear box and its second end supported by a bearing supported by said midsection engine compartment side wall; said engine and said gear box drives said driven shaft in a forward or reverse rotation for a forward or reverse movement of said vehicle; said driven shaft supports a driven sprocket and a brake disc, a brake caliper is supported by the back end of said midsection engine compartment;
a drive shaft for driving crawler tracks is rotatably mounted to the rear portion of said elongated chassis by bearings and bearing support brackets, said bearings and bearing support brackets are mounted in slots in elongated chassis by bolt holes, bolts, and lockouts, a centrally located drive sprocket is mounted to said crawler tracks drive shaft, said crawler tracks drive shaft sprocket is driven by a chain, said chain is driven by said gearbox driven shaft and sprocket, the outer ends of said crawler tracks drive shaft supports crawler tracks drive sprockets and crawler tracks support wheels, said crawler tracks drive sprockets and said crawler tracks support wheels are mounted to the outer ends of said crawler tracks drive shaft for driving said crawler tracks;
said crawler tracks rear stationary support shaft is mounted to said elongated chassis by support brackets, said support brackets are mounted in slots in elongated chassis by bolt holes, bolts, and lockouts, said crawler tracks rear stationary support shaft and rotatably mounted idler support wheels support the upper run of said crawler tracks; the lower run of said crawler tracks is supported by wheel rails having a plurality of idler wheels rotatably mounted to said wheel rails;
the back end of said wheel rails having a shaft for supporting a rotatably mounted track guide wheel and left and right rotatably mounted rear idler wheels; said crawler tracks guide wheels and guide wheel shafts and rear idler wheels are adjusted by adjusting bolts for adjusting the tension on said crawler tracks; left and right swing arm assemblies having their top ends supported by stationary stub support shafts having integral support brackets for mounting to said elongated chassis by bolt holes, bolts, and locknuts, and their bottom ends supported by said wheel rails idler wheel shafts supported by said wheel rails; left and right suspension shock absorbers having their top ends supported by support brackets mounted to said rear stationary support shaft, and their bottom ends supported by wheel rails idler wheel shafts; said swing arm assemblies move downwardly and backwardly with any movement of said track suspension shock absorbers keeping tension on the crawler tracks and keeping the wheel rails aligned with the longitudinal axis of said crawler tracks;
a drive shaft for driving crawler tracks is rotatably mounted to the rear portion of said elongated chassis by bearings and bearing support brackets, said bearings and bearing support brackets are mounted in slots in elongated chassis by bolt holes, bolts, and lockouts, a centrally located drive sprocket is mounted to said crawler tracks drive shaft, said crawler tracks drive shaft sprocket is driven by a chain, said chain is driven by said gearbox driven shaft and sprocket, the outer ends of said crawler tracks drive shaft supports crawler tracks drive sprockets and crawler tracks support wheels, said crawler tracks drive sprockets and said crawler tracks support wheels are mounted to the outer ends of said crawler tracks drive shaft for driving said crawler tracks;
said crawler tracks rear stationary support shaft is mounted to said elongated chassis by support brackets, said support brackets are mounted in slots in elongated chassis by bolt holes, bolts, and lockouts, said crawler tracks rear stationary support shaft and rotatably mounted idler support wheels support the upper run of said crawler tracks; the lower run of said crawler tracks is supported by wheel rails having a plurality of idler wheels rotatably mounted to said wheel rails;
the back end of said wheel rails having a shaft for supporting a rotatably mounted track guide wheel and left and right rotatably mounted rear idler wheels; said crawler tracks guide wheels and guide wheel shafts and rear idler wheels are adjusted by adjusting bolts for adjusting the tension on said crawler tracks; left and right swing arm assemblies having their top ends supported by stationary stub support shafts having integral support brackets for mounting to said elongated chassis by bolt holes, bolts, and locknuts, and their bottom ends supported by said wheel rails idler wheel shafts supported by said wheel rails; left and right suspension shock absorbers having their top ends supported by support brackets mounted to said rear stationary support shaft, and their bottom ends supported by wheel rails idler wheel shafts; said swing arm assemblies move downwardly and backwardly with any movement of said track suspension shock absorbers keeping tension on the crawler tracks and keeping the wheel rails aligned with the longitudinal axis of said crawler tracks;
2. A utility vehicle as claimed in claim 1; wherein the front end of said vehicle is supported by a left and right ski spaced apart for steering and support; said skis are supported by ski posts and ski post sleeves; said ski post sleeves are supported by the bottom end of a left and right shock absorber by ski post sleeves integral brackets, said ski post sleeves are pivotally supported by said elongated chassis by support bars; said left and right shock absorbers reduce ski fluctuations for improved steering and controllability of said vehicle; the top ends of said shock absorbers are supported by a bulkhead, said bulkhead is mounted to the front end of said elongated chassis;
stabilizer rods for stabilizing the ski mechanism are pivotally mounted to said bulkhead and left and right ski posts sleeves integral brackets; said left and right ski post linkage is removably mounted to said ski posts, said linkage is connected to control linkage rods; said control linkage rods are connected to the lower end of rotatably mounted handlebars shaft supported by said handlebars for steering and controlling said vehicle; said handlebars accommodate a throttle and brake control lever for operating said vehicle;
said slopping cowling having its front end supported by a hinge is mounted to the front portion of said elongated chasis, said slopping cowling conceals part of the steering mechanism and angled foot supports; said angled foot supports are mounted to the front portion of said foot supporting platform, the top portion of said slopping cowling having a windshield for streamlining the relative airflow and decreasing drag, and for drivers comfort; said slopping cowling supports a high and low beam headlight; a gas tank having a filler cap is supported by the front portion of said elongated chasis and the upper portion of said slopping cowling; a drivers seat is removably mounted to the top portion of said midsection engine compartment;
stabilizer rods for stabilizing the ski mechanism are pivotally mounted to said bulkhead and left and right ski posts sleeves integral brackets; said left and right ski post linkage is removably mounted to said ski posts, said linkage is connected to control linkage rods; said control linkage rods are connected to the lower end of rotatably mounted handlebars shaft supported by said handlebars for steering and controlling said vehicle; said handlebars accommodate a throttle and brake control lever for operating said vehicle;
said slopping cowling having its front end supported by a hinge is mounted to the front portion of said elongated chasis, said slopping cowling conceals part of the steering mechanism and angled foot supports; said angled foot supports are mounted to the front portion of said foot supporting platform, the top portion of said slopping cowling having a windshield for streamlining the relative airflow and decreasing drag, and for drivers comfort; said slopping cowling supports a high and low beam headlight; a gas tank having a filler cap is supported by the front portion of said elongated chasis and the upper portion of said slopping cowling; a drivers seat is removably mounted to the top portion of said midsection engine compartment;
3. A utility vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vehicle having a cargo box mounted to the rear portion of said elongated chasis by bolts and lockouts; said cargo box having a swing down tailgate, and a front splash flap supported by the front lower portion of said cargo box, and by said elongated chasis and midsection engine compartment; a rear splash flap and a tail light and brake light are mounted to the lower back end of said cargo box, said cargo box further having an optional hydraulic mechanism for rasing said cargo box for dumping heavy loads.
4. A utility vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vehicle having an elongated chasis supporting a forwardly slopping cowling followed by a foot supporting platform, a front engine compartment a midsection compartment a rearwardly extending cargo box; said front engine compartment supporting an air-cooled engine; said forwardly slopping cowling having air circulation vents to help cool said engine; a cooling fan is used in conjunction with said slopping cowling air circulation vents for increased cooling of said engine; an optional liquid cooled engine can be substituted for an air-cooled engine further having a radiator located in the front portion of said front engine compartment for an air flow over said radiator for cooling said radiator and said engine; said engine is coupled to a gear box by a variable speed transmission;
said gear box is coupled to a driven shaft, said driven shaft having a first end supported by said gear box and a second end supported by a bearing supported by said front engine compartment side wall; said engine and said gear box drives said driven shaft in a forward or reverse rotation for a forward or reverse movement of said vehicle, said driven shaft supports a sprocket and a brake disc, a brake caliper is supported by the back end of said front engine compartment;
a drive shaft for driving crawler tracks is rotatably mounted to said elongated chasis by bearings and bearing support brackets; said bearings and bearing support brackets are mounted in slots in elongated chasis by bolt holes, bolts, and lockouts; a centrally located drive sprocket is mounted to said crawler tracks drive shaft, said crawler tracks drive shaft sprocket is driven by a chain, said chain is driven by said gearbox driven shaft and sprocket for driving said crawler tracks drive shaft; the outer ends of said crawler tracks drive shaft supports crawler tracks drive sprockets and crawler tracks support wheels; said crawler tracks drive sprockets and crawler tracks support wheels are mounted to the outer ends of said drive shaft for driving and supporting said crawler tracks; a sprocket on said gear box driven shaft drives a drive sprocket on a first shaft by a drive chain; a driven sprocket on said first shaft drives a drive sprocket on a second shaft by a chain; a driven sprocket on said second shaft drives a drive sprocket on said crawler tracks drive shaft by a chain; said first shaft and second shaft bearings are supported by the inner walls of said elongated chasis;
said crawler tracks rear stationary support shaft is mounted to said elongated chasis by support brackets, said support brackets are mounted in slots in elongated chasis by bolt holes, bolts, and lockouts; said crawler tracks rear stationary support shaft and rotatably mounted idler support wheels support the upper run of said crawler tracks; the lower run of said crawler tracks is supported by wheel rails having a plurality of idler wheels rotatably mounted to said wheel rails;
said wheel rails can be substituted for slide rails, said wheel rails having a longitudinal camber causing said idler wheels to form a longitudinal camber with the lower run of said crawler tracks;
said camber on the lower run of said crawler tracks reduces friction on hard surfaces, increasing the turning ability of the vehicle and decreasing the radius of the turn; in deep snow the camber on said tracks will help compact the snow increasing flotation and decreasing track snow ploughing;
the back end of said wheel rails having a shaft for supporting a rotatably mounted track guide wheel, and left and right rotatably mounted rear idler wheels; said crawler tracks guide wheels and guide wheel shafts and rear idler wheels are adjusted by adjusting bolts for adjusting the tension on said crawler tracks; left and right swing arm assemblies having their top ends supported by stationary stub support shafts having integral support brackets for mounting to elongated chassis by holy holes, bolts, and lockouts, and their bottom ends supported by said wheel rails idler wheel shafts supported by said wheel rails; left and right suspension shock absorbers having their top ends supported by support brackets mounted to said rear stationary support shaft, and their bottom ends supported by said wheel rails idler wheel shafts; said swing arm assemblies move downwardly and backwardly with any movement of said crawler tracks suspension shock absorbers, keeping tension on said crawler tracks and the wheel rails aligned with the longitudinal axes of said crawler tracks;
said gear box is coupled to a driven shaft, said driven shaft having a first end supported by said gear box and a second end supported by a bearing supported by said front engine compartment side wall; said engine and said gear box drives said driven shaft in a forward or reverse rotation for a forward or reverse movement of said vehicle, said driven shaft supports a sprocket and a brake disc, a brake caliper is supported by the back end of said front engine compartment;
a drive shaft for driving crawler tracks is rotatably mounted to said elongated chasis by bearings and bearing support brackets; said bearings and bearing support brackets are mounted in slots in elongated chasis by bolt holes, bolts, and lockouts; a centrally located drive sprocket is mounted to said crawler tracks drive shaft, said crawler tracks drive shaft sprocket is driven by a chain, said chain is driven by said gearbox driven shaft and sprocket for driving said crawler tracks drive shaft; the outer ends of said crawler tracks drive shaft supports crawler tracks drive sprockets and crawler tracks support wheels; said crawler tracks drive sprockets and crawler tracks support wheels are mounted to the outer ends of said drive shaft for driving and supporting said crawler tracks; a sprocket on said gear box driven shaft drives a drive sprocket on a first shaft by a drive chain; a driven sprocket on said first shaft drives a drive sprocket on a second shaft by a chain; a driven sprocket on said second shaft drives a drive sprocket on said crawler tracks drive shaft by a chain; said first shaft and second shaft bearings are supported by the inner walls of said elongated chasis;
said crawler tracks rear stationary support shaft is mounted to said elongated chasis by support brackets, said support brackets are mounted in slots in elongated chasis by bolt holes, bolts, and lockouts; said crawler tracks rear stationary support shaft and rotatably mounted idler support wheels support the upper run of said crawler tracks; the lower run of said crawler tracks is supported by wheel rails having a plurality of idler wheels rotatably mounted to said wheel rails;
said wheel rails can be substituted for slide rails, said wheel rails having a longitudinal camber causing said idler wheels to form a longitudinal camber with the lower run of said crawler tracks;
said camber on the lower run of said crawler tracks reduces friction on hard surfaces, increasing the turning ability of the vehicle and decreasing the radius of the turn; in deep snow the camber on said tracks will help compact the snow increasing flotation and decreasing track snow ploughing;
the back end of said wheel rails having a shaft for supporting a rotatably mounted track guide wheel, and left and right rotatably mounted rear idler wheels; said crawler tracks guide wheels and guide wheel shafts and rear idler wheels are adjusted by adjusting bolts for adjusting the tension on said crawler tracks; left and right swing arm assemblies having their top ends supported by stationary stub support shafts having integral support brackets for mounting to elongated chassis by holy holes, bolts, and lockouts, and their bottom ends supported by said wheel rails idler wheel shafts supported by said wheel rails; left and right suspension shock absorbers having their top ends supported by support brackets mounted to said rear stationary support shaft, and their bottom ends supported by said wheel rails idler wheel shafts; said swing arm assemblies move downwardly and backwardly with any movement of said crawler tracks suspension shock absorbers, keeping tension on said crawler tracks and the wheel rails aligned with the longitudinal axes of said crawler tracks;
5. A utility vehicle as claimed in claim 1. wherein crawler tracks are substituted for a wheel conversion kit; said wheel conversion kit having a two piece wheel frame having side members with integral angled supports; said side members front angled supports having bearings to mate with the ends of a rotatable mounted drive shaft supported by said elongated chasis; said rotatable drive shaft having a drive sprocket connected to said gearbox driven shaft and sprocket by a chain;
said rotatable drive shaft having short ends to accommodate said side members front angled support bearings; said front angled supports and bearings are mounted to said rotatable drive shaft by lockouts and pins; said rotatable shaft is mounted in slots in said elongated chasis by bearings and bearing support brackets; said bearings and bearing support brackets are mounted to said elongated chasis by bolt holes,bolts, and lockouts, said side members rear angled supports having bushings to mate with the ends of a rear stationary support shaft supported by the rear portion of said elongated chasis; said rear angled supports are mounted to said stationary support shaft by locknuts and pins;
said rear stationary support shaft is mounted in slots in elongated chasis by mounting brackets, said mounting brackets are mounted to said chasis by bolt holes, bolts, and lockouts; said slots and said mounting brackets make it easy to interchange said shafts for converting from said crawler tracks to said wheel conversion kit; said wheel frames are mounted to said elongated chasis by said rotatable drive shaft and support bearings, and by said stationary support shaft and bushings;
a first set of rear wheels at the rear of the vehicle is supported and driven by said wheels first drive shaft and drive sprocket connected to said rotatable drive shaft by a drive chain for propelling said vehicle; said wheels first drive shaft and drive sprocket are rotatably mounted by support bearings to the front portion of said wheel frames side members; said side members front angled supports are supported by the ends of said rotatable drive shaft; said first set of rear wheels are mounted to said wheels first drive shaft by keyways and keys secured by lockouts; a rear stationary support shaft is mounted to the rear portion of said frame side members; a set of second rear wheels are rotatably mounted to said rear stationary support shaft by bearings and lockouts; a set of front wheels are mounted to the ski mechanism for steering and support by removing the skis;
said front wheels having ninety degree support shafts; said ninety degree support shafts having a horizontal shaft and a vertical shaft; said vertical shafts having support flanges at their bottom ends; said horizontal shafts support said wheels and said vertical shafts are rotatably supported by said flanges and ski post sleeves; said vertical shaft is connected to said ski steering mechanism.by interchanging said skis and ski posts for said front wheels and said vertical shafts supported by said ski post sleeves for steering and control of said front wheels.
said rotatable drive shaft having short ends to accommodate said side members front angled support bearings; said front angled supports and bearings are mounted to said rotatable drive shaft by lockouts and pins; said rotatable shaft is mounted in slots in said elongated chasis by bearings and bearing support brackets; said bearings and bearing support brackets are mounted to said elongated chasis by bolt holes,bolts, and lockouts, said side members rear angled supports having bushings to mate with the ends of a rear stationary support shaft supported by the rear portion of said elongated chasis; said rear angled supports are mounted to said stationary support shaft by locknuts and pins;
said rear stationary support shaft is mounted in slots in elongated chasis by mounting brackets, said mounting brackets are mounted to said chasis by bolt holes, bolts, and lockouts; said slots and said mounting brackets make it easy to interchange said shafts for converting from said crawler tracks to said wheel conversion kit; said wheel frames are mounted to said elongated chasis by said rotatable drive shaft and support bearings, and by said stationary support shaft and bushings;
a first set of rear wheels at the rear of the vehicle is supported and driven by said wheels first drive shaft and drive sprocket connected to said rotatable drive shaft by a drive chain for propelling said vehicle; said wheels first drive shaft and drive sprocket are rotatably mounted by support bearings to the front portion of said wheel frames side members; said side members front angled supports are supported by the ends of said rotatable drive shaft; said first set of rear wheels are mounted to said wheels first drive shaft by keyways and keys secured by lockouts; a rear stationary support shaft is mounted to the rear portion of said frame side members; a set of second rear wheels are rotatably mounted to said rear stationary support shaft by bearings and lockouts; a set of front wheels are mounted to the ski mechanism for steering and support by removing the skis;
said front wheels having ninety degree support shafts; said ninety degree support shafts having a horizontal shaft and a vertical shaft; said vertical shafts having support flanges at their bottom ends; said horizontal shafts support said wheels and said vertical shafts are rotatably supported by said flanges and ski post sleeves; said vertical shaft is connected to said ski steering mechanism.by interchanging said skis and ski posts for said front wheels and said vertical shafts supported by said ski post sleeves for steering and control of said front wheels.
6 a utility vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vehicle having an elongated chasis supporting a forwardly slopping cowling followed by a foot supporting platform, a midsection engine compartment a rearwardly extending cargo box; said midsection engine compartment having a plurality of cooling vents on the left and right side for cooling an air-cooled engine; a cooling fan is mounted in midsection engine compartment used in conjunction with said cooling vents for increased cooling of the engine; an optional liquid cooled engine can be substituted for an air-cooled engine; further having air vents and a radiator located in the front portion of said elongated chasis for cooling the radiator by the relative sir flow for cooling the engine; said engine is coupled to a gearbox by a variable speed transmission, said gearbox drives a driven shaft in a forward or reverse rotation for a forward or reverse movement of the vehicle;
said driven shaft is supported by said gearbox having its first end supported by said gearbox and its second end supported by a bearing supported by midsection engine compartment side wall;
sand driven shaft supports a sprocket and a brake disc; a brake caliper is supported by the back end of midsection engine compartment; crawler tracks drive shaft is rotatably mounted to said elongated chasis by bearings and bearing support brackets by bolt holes,bolts, and lockouts in slots in said elongated chasis; said crawler tracks drive shaft having a centrally located drive sprocket mounted to said drive shaft; the outer ends of said crawler tracks drive shaft supports crawler tracks drive sprockets and crawler tracks idler support wheels mounted to the outer ends of said crawler tracks drive shaft for driving said crawler tracks; said centrally located drive sprocket is connected to said driven sprocket by a chive chain; crawler tracks rear stationary support shaft is mounted to elongated chasis in slots by support brackets and by bolt holes, bolts, and lockouts;
said crawler tracks rear stationary support shaft supports crawler tracks idler wheels; the lower run of said crawler tracks is supported by wheel rails having a plurality of idler wheels rotatably mounted to said wheel rails;
said wheel rails having a longitudinal camber causing said idler wheels to form a longitudinal camber with the lower run of said crawler tracks; said camber on the lower run of said crawler tracks reduces friction on hard surfaces, increasing the turning ability of the vehicle and decreasing the radius of the turn, in deep snow the camber on said tracks will help compact the snow increasing flotation and decreasing track snow ploughing; the back end of said wheel rails having a shaft for supporting a rotatable mounted guide wheel and left and right rotatably mounted rear idler wheels; said shaft is adjusted by adjusting bolts for adjusting the tension on said crawler tracks; left and right swing arm assemblies having their top ends supported by stationary stub support shafts having integral support brackets for mounting to elongated chasis by bolt holes, bolts, and lockouts, and their bottom ends supported by said wheel rails idler wheel shafts supported by said wheel rails; left and right suspension shock absorbers having their top ends supported by support brackets mounted to said stationary support shaft, and their bottom ends supported by wheel rails idler wheel shafts; said stationary crawler tracks support shaft is mounted to the rear portion of said elongated chasis; said swing arm assemblies move downwardly and backwardly with any movement of said track suspension shock absorbers keeping tension on said crawler tracks and the wheel rails aligned with the longitudinal axis of said crawler tracks; a set of front wheels are mounted to the ski mechanism for steering and support by removing the skis; said wheels having ninety degree support shafts, said ninety degree support shafts having a horizontal shaft and a vertical shaft, said vertical shafts having support flanges at their bottom ends, said horizontal shafts support said wheels and said vertical shafts are rotatably supported by said ski post sleeves and said flanges for steering and control of said front wheels;
said sleeve having a cut away section for showing said vertical shaft; said sleeves are supported by the bottom ends of left and right shock absorbers and support brackets integral of said sleeves; the top end of said shock absorbers are supported by the top portion of said bulkhead; stabilizer rods are pivotally mounted to said bulkhead and left and right said sleeve support brackets integral of said sleeves; a removable linkage is mounted to the top end of said vertical shafts, said linkage is connected to control linkage rods, said control linkage rods are connected to the lower end of rotatable mounted handlebars shaft and handlebars for steering and control of said front wheels; said forwardly slopping cowling is hinged to the front portion of said chasis; said slopping cowling conceals part of the steering mechanism and angled foot supports mounted to said platform; said slopping cowling having a windshield for streamlining the relative air flow for decreased friction and drivers comfort; said slopping cowling having a high and low beam headlight for night driving; a gas tank having a filler cap is supported by the front portion of said elongated chasis and the top portion of said slopping cowling; a drivers seat is removably mounted to the top portion of said midsection engine compartment; said rearwardly extending cargo box is mounted to the rear portion of said elongated chasis by bolts and locknuts; said cargo box having a an optional dumping mechanism for dumping cargo; said cargo box having a removable mounted bench seat and back support for accommodating two passengers; said cargo box having a swing down tailgate, a front splash flap is supported by the front lower section of said cargo box and said elongated chasis and midsection engine compartment, a rear splash flap and a tail and brake light are mounted to the lower portion of said cargo box.
said driven shaft is supported by said gearbox having its first end supported by said gearbox and its second end supported by a bearing supported by midsection engine compartment side wall;
sand driven shaft supports a sprocket and a brake disc; a brake caliper is supported by the back end of midsection engine compartment; crawler tracks drive shaft is rotatably mounted to said elongated chasis by bearings and bearing support brackets by bolt holes,bolts, and lockouts in slots in said elongated chasis; said crawler tracks drive shaft having a centrally located drive sprocket mounted to said drive shaft; the outer ends of said crawler tracks drive shaft supports crawler tracks drive sprockets and crawler tracks idler support wheels mounted to the outer ends of said crawler tracks drive shaft for driving said crawler tracks; said centrally located drive sprocket is connected to said driven sprocket by a chive chain; crawler tracks rear stationary support shaft is mounted to elongated chasis in slots by support brackets and by bolt holes, bolts, and lockouts;
said crawler tracks rear stationary support shaft supports crawler tracks idler wheels; the lower run of said crawler tracks is supported by wheel rails having a plurality of idler wheels rotatably mounted to said wheel rails;
said wheel rails having a longitudinal camber causing said idler wheels to form a longitudinal camber with the lower run of said crawler tracks; said camber on the lower run of said crawler tracks reduces friction on hard surfaces, increasing the turning ability of the vehicle and decreasing the radius of the turn, in deep snow the camber on said tracks will help compact the snow increasing flotation and decreasing track snow ploughing; the back end of said wheel rails having a shaft for supporting a rotatable mounted guide wheel and left and right rotatably mounted rear idler wheels; said shaft is adjusted by adjusting bolts for adjusting the tension on said crawler tracks; left and right swing arm assemblies having their top ends supported by stationary stub support shafts having integral support brackets for mounting to elongated chasis by bolt holes, bolts, and lockouts, and their bottom ends supported by said wheel rails idler wheel shafts supported by said wheel rails; left and right suspension shock absorbers having their top ends supported by support brackets mounted to said stationary support shaft, and their bottom ends supported by wheel rails idler wheel shafts; said stationary crawler tracks support shaft is mounted to the rear portion of said elongated chasis; said swing arm assemblies move downwardly and backwardly with any movement of said track suspension shock absorbers keeping tension on said crawler tracks and the wheel rails aligned with the longitudinal axis of said crawler tracks; a set of front wheels are mounted to the ski mechanism for steering and support by removing the skis; said wheels having ninety degree support shafts, said ninety degree support shafts having a horizontal shaft and a vertical shaft, said vertical shafts having support flanges at their bottom ends, said horizontal shafts support said wheels and said vertical shafts are rotatably supported by said ski post sleeves and said flanges for steering and control of said front wheels;
said sleeve having a cut away section for showing said vertical shaft; said sleeves are supported by the bottom ends of left and right shock absorbers and support brackets integral of said sleeves; the top end of said shock absorbers are supported by the top portion of said bulkhead; stabilizer rods are pivotally mounted to said bulkhead and left and right said sleeve support brackets integral of said sleeves; a removable linkage is mounted to the top end of said vertical shafts, said linkage is connected to control linkage rods, said control linkage rods are connected to the lower end of rotatable mounted handlebars shaft and handlebars for steering and control of said front wheels; said forwardly slopping cowling is hinged to the front portion of said chasis; said slopping cowling conceals part of the steering mechanism and angled foot supports mounted to said platform; said slopping cowling having a windshield for streamlining the relative air flow for decreased friction and drivers comfort; said slopping cowling having a high and low beam headlight for night driving; a gas tank having a filler cap is supported by the front portion of said elongated chasis and the top portion of said slopping cowling; a drivers seat is removably mounted to the top portion of said midsection engine compartment; said rearwardly extending cargo box is mounted to the rear portion of said elongated chasis by bolts and locknuts; said cargo box having a an optional dumping mechanism for dumping cargo; said cargo box having a removable mounted bench seat and back support for accommodating two passengers; said cargo box having a swing down tailgate, a front splash flap is supported by the front lower section of said cargo box and said elongated chasis and midsection engine compartment, a rear splash flap and a tail and brake light are mounted to the lower portion of said cargo box.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2375653 CA2375653A1 (en) | 2002-03-07 | 2002-03-07 | A utility vehicle for transporting cargo |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2375653 CA2375653A1 (en) | 2002-03-07 | 2002-03-07 | A utility vehicle for transporting cargo |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2375653A1 true CA2375653A1 (en) | 2003-09-07 |
Family
ID=27810540
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2375653 Abandoned CA2375653A1 (en) | 2002-03-07 | 2002-03-07 | A utility vehicle for transporting cargo |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2375653A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9643684B2 (en) * | 2015-09-08 | 2017-05-09 | Brc Engineering Ltd. | Narrow profile straddle-type motorized snow vehicle |
| CN107600189A (en) * | 2017-09-27 | 2018-01-19 | 钟其积 | A kind of kart |
| CN108189902A (en) * | 2018-01-18 | 2018-06-22 | 王文有 | A kind of ice and snow sailing boat of winter tourism and transportation dual-purpose |
| US10493846B2 (en) | 2007-05-16 | 2019-12-03 | Polaris Industries Inc. | All terrain vehicle |
-
2002
- 2002-03-07 CA CA 2375653 patent/CA2375653A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US10493846B2 (en) | 2007-05-16 | 2019-12-03 | Polaris Industries Inc. | All terrain vehicle |
| US10974595B2 (en) | 2007-05-16 | 2021-04-13 | Polaris Industries Inc. | All terrain vehicle |
| US9643684B2 (en) * | 2015-09-08 | 2017-05-09 | Brc Engineering Ltd. | Narrow profile straddle-type motorized snow vehicle |
| CN107600189A (en) * | 2017-09-27 | 2018-01-19 | 钟其积 | A kind of kart |
| CN108189902A (en) * | 2018-01-18 | 2018-06-22 | 王文有 | A kind of ice and snow sailing boat of winter tourism and transportation dual-purpose |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US6626260B2 (en) | All terrain vehicle | |
| US6523634B1 (en) | All terrain vehicle | |
| CA2305605C (en) | Recreational vehicle | |
| US4706769A (en) | Conversion unit for all terrain vehicles | |
| JP2015110420A (en) | Amphibian motor car | |
| US7753155B2 (en) | Front drive system for a snowmobile | |
| MX2009000807A (en) | Side-by-side atv. | |
| MX2009000806A (en) | Side-by-side atv. | |
| US6752447B2 (en) | Windshield assembly for an all terrain vehicle | |
| US3893533A (en) | Recreational vehicle | |
| US4069883A (en) | Snow vehicle | |
| US7673711B1 (en) | Tracked vehicle | |
| US7329161B2 (en) | Amphibious recreation vehicle | |
| US5014805A (en) | Snow vehicle | |
| FR2569647A1 (en) | THREE-WHEELED VEHICLE WITH CLOSER DRIVER AND PASSENGER | |
| US11273879B2 (en) | Motorized towing vehicle | |
| CN101927780B (en) | Multifunctional vehicle with variable diameter wheels and skids | |
| CA2375653A1 (en) | A utility vehicle for transporting cargo | |
| US3724397A (en) | Endless track vehicles | |
| US3807521A (en) | Endless track vehicles | |
| GB2319235A (en) | Vehicle steering mechanism | |
| CN201169307Y (en) | Articulated transport vehicle | |
| RU144805U1 (en) | MOTOR TOWING | |
| RU99439U1 (en) | SNOW Moped | |
| RU196912U1 (en) | TWO-TYPE MOTOR TOWING |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |