CA3153032A1 - Snowmobile ski and track dollies, tunnel box mounting systems, and related methods of use - Google Patents

Abstract

A low-profile snowmobile ski dolly has: a structural frame; a first pair of casters spaced from one another along a left side of the structural frame; and a second pair of casters spaced from one another along a right side of the structural frame; and in which a top surface of the structural frame pitches downward from the left and right sides of the structural frame to define a ski-receiving cradle. A snowmobile track dolly has: a structural frame; a first pair of casters spaced from one another along a left side of the structural frame; and a second pair of casters spaced from one another along a right side of the structural frame; and in which a top surface of the structural frame defines a track support surface for a snowmobile track, and in which a track support spline of the structural frame projects upward from the structural frame to define a track axis, the track support spline being structured to insert in use within a slot defined between adjacent paddles depending from a bottom surface of a snowmobile track. Tunnel box mounting systems are described.

Description

SNOWMOBILE SKI AND TRACK DOLLIES, TUNNEL BOX MOUNTING SYSTEMS, AND RELATED METHODS OF USE
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This document relates to snowmobile ski and track dollies, tunnel box mounting systems, and related methods of use.
BACKGROUND

[0002] The following paragraphs are not an admission that anything discussed in them is prior art or part of the knowledge of persons skilled in the art.

[0003] Various dollies with casters are positioned under skis or tracks of a snowmobile to move the snowmobile short distances, for example in a workshop or garage.
SUMMARY

[0004] A low-profile snowmobile ski dolly is disclosed comprising: a structural frame; a first pair of casters spaced from one another along a left side of the structural frame;
and a second pair of casters spaced from one another along a right side of the structural frame; and in which a top surface of the structural frame pitches downward from the left and right sides of the structural frame to define a ski-receiving cradle.

[0005] A snowmobile track dolly is disclosed comprising: a structural frame; a first pair of casters spaced from one another along a left side of the structural frame; and a second pair of casters spaced from one another along a right side of the structural frame; and in which a top surface of the structural frame defines a track support surface for a snowmobile track, and in which a track support spline of the structural frame projects upward from the structural frame to define a track axis, the track support spline being structured to insert in use within a slot defined between adjacent paddles depending from a bottom surface of a snowmobile track.

[0006] A snowmobile tunnel box mounting system is disclosed comprising:
left and right tunnel adaptors, each having: a tunnel mounting base plate part structured to secure in Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22 use to a tunnel of a snowmobile with the left tunnel adaptor adjacent a left side of the tunnel and the right tunnel adaptor adjacent a right side of the tunnel; and a first quick release connector part; a tunnel box adaptor, with left and right tunnel box bracket parts each having: a tunnel box mounting plate part structured to secure in use to a tunnel box sized for the tunnel with the left tunnel box bracket part adjacent a left side of the tunnel box in use and the right tunnel box bracket part adjacent a right side of the tunnel box in use; and a second quick release connector part; in which the second quick release connector parts are structured to releasably engage in use with the first quick release connector parts to secure the tunnel box to the tunnel.

[0007] In various embodiments, there may be included any one or more of the following features:

[0008] The structural frame comprises a longitudinal member and cross members. The longitudinal member comprises left and right longitudinal members interconnected by the cross members. The ski-receiving cradle extends below a plane defined by top surfaces of the left and right longitudinal members. A base of the ski-receiving cradle is below a plane defined by bottom surfaces of the left and right longitudinal members. The left and right longitudinal members are parallel to each other. The first and second pairs of casters depend from the left and right longitudinal members, respectively. The first and second longitudinal members define the left and right sides of the structural frame. The cross members are parallel to each other. The structural frame comprises box beams. Each caster of the first pair of casters and the second pair of casters comprises: a ground engaging wheel; a wheel mounting bracket; and an upright wheel pivot spindle. The dolly is supporting a front ski of a snowmobile in the ski-receiving cradle. A method comprising mounting a front ski of a snowmobile within the ski-receiving cradle of the low-profile snowmobile ski dolly. The track support spline comprises a support bar. The support bar is mounted to the structural frame via brace posts that are spaced from one another. The brace receiving posts are each mounted on cross members of the structural frame. The brace receiving posts are mounted to inside walls of the cross members.
The track support spline mounts to the structural frame via reversible connectors to permit the low profile snowmobile track dolly to be reconfigurable between: a spline mode where the Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22 track support spline is mounted to or projected from the structural frame to define a slot portion of the track support surface and insert in use within a slot defined between adjacent paddles depending from a bottom surface of a dual paddle snowmobile track; and a splineless mode where the track support spline is absent or retracted from the structural frame to permit the structural frame to define a track portion of the track support surface. The structural frame comprises a longitudinal member and cross members. The longitudinal member comprises left and right longitudinal members interconnected by the cross members. The first and second pairs of casters depend from the left and right longitudinal members, respectively. The track support spline is parallel to the longitudinal member. A top surface of the structural frame pitches downward from the left and right sides of the structural frame to define a track-receiving cradle. The dolly is supporting a track of a snowmobile on the track support surface.
A method comprises mounting a track of a snowmobile on the track support surface of the low-profile snowmobile track dolly. A snowmobile dolly system includes the low-profile snowmobile ski dolly and the snowmobile track dolly. First and second shovel shaft adaptors, each having: a tunnel box shovel shaft mounting part; and a shovel shaft receiver. Each shovel shaft receiver comprises a collar. The tunnel box shovel shaft mounting parts are structured to in use mount to a top surface of the tunnel box. The tunnel box shovel shaft mounting parts define fastener apertures. The tunnel box adaptor is mounted to a tunnel box with the left and right tunnel box bracket parts adjacent left and right sides of the tunnel box; the tunnel box shovel shaft mounting plate parts mounted to a top surface of the tunnel box;
and a shovel pan mounted along the top surface of the tunnel box. The shovel pan is mounted along the top surface of the tunnel box via a fastener. Each pair of the first quick release connector and the second quick release connector form a latch connection. The first quick release connector parts comprise hook receiver parts; the second quick release connector parts comprise latch arm parts connected to actuate hook parts; and the first quick release connector parts are movable between a locked position where the hook parts engage the hook receiver parts, and an unlocked position where the hook parts are out of alignment with the hook receiver parts to disengage with the hook receiver parts. The hook parts are cam hook parts that rotate upon rotation of the latch arm parts between the locked and unlocked positions. The tunnel box Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22 adaptor comprises a U-shaped bracket that defines a tunnel box receiving gap.
The tunnel box adaptor is mounted to a tunnel box via a plurality of fasteners with the left and right tunnel box bracket parts adjacent left and right sides of the tunnel box. Installing the snowmobile tunnel box mounting system, the method comprising: installing the tunnel box bracket to the tunnel box, with the left and right tunnel box bracket parts adjacent a left and right side, respectively, of the tunnel box; installing the left and right tunnel adaptors adjacent a left and right side, respectively, of a tunnel of a snowmobile; and locking the tunnel box to the tunnel by aligning and engaging the first quick release connector parts with the second quick release connector parts.

[0009] The foregoing summary is not intended to summarize each potential embodiment or every aspect of the subject matter of the present disclosure.
These and other aspects of the device and method are set out in the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0010] Embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures, in which like reference characters denote like elements, by way of example, and in which:

[0011] Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a snowmobile ski dolly, with a profile of a snowmobile ski illustrated in dashed lines.

[0012] Fig. 2 is an end view of the snowmobile ski dolly of Fig. 1.

[0013] Fig. 3 is a side elevation view of the snowmobile ski dolly of Fig. 1.

[0014] Fig. 4 is a top plan view of a snowmobile track dolly with a track support spline mounted to the structural frame, and a profile of a dual paddle row snowmobile track illustrated in dashed lines.

[0015] Fig. 5 is a front-end view of the snowmobile track dolly with a track support spline mounted to the structural frame of Fig. 4.

[0016] Fig. 6 is side elevation partially projected view of the snowmobile track dolly with a track support spline mounted to the structural frame of Fig. 4, and the track (in dashed lines) resting on the track support spline, with the track support spline shown in solid lines connected to the dolly, and in dashed lines in projected view.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22

[0017] Fig. 7 is another side elevation view of the snowmobile track dolly without a track support spline mounted to the structural frame of Fig. 4, with the track resting on the structural frame.

[0018] Fig. 8 is a front-end view of a snowmobile mounted on the snowmobile ski dolly of Fig.2 and on the snowmobile track dolly of Fig. 5.

[0019] Fig. 9 is a side elevation view of the combination shown in Fig.
8, illustrating a tunnel box system mounted on a tunnel of a snowmobile.

[0020] Fig. 10 is a side elevation view of the tunnel box system from Fig. 9 mounted on the tunnel of the snowmobile.

[0021] Fig. 10A is a close-up view of a latch system enclosed within the dashed lines of Fig. 9, with the latch in a closed position.

[0022] Fig. 10B is a close-up view of the latch system of Fig. 10A with the latch open.

[0023] Fig. 11 is a top plan view of the tunnel box system of Fig. 9.

[0024] Fig. 12 is a front-end view of the tunnel box system of Fig. 9.

[0025] Fig. 13 is an exploded front-end view of the tunnel box system of Fig. 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Immaterial modifications may be made to the embodiments described here without departing from what is covered by the claims.

[0027] An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) for winter operation must be capable of navigating a wider variety of terrain than a road vehicle. The presence of snow and ice in the winter creates traction challenges for such machines. Adequate traction on snow and ice is imperative for an ATV suitable for winter use to ensure safe traversal throughout snowy terrain as reduced traction increases the risk of skidding, loss of control and collision. There are modifications that can be made to an ATV to make it better equipped for a snowy environment, such as modifications to tires, or replacement of tires with a track system.
Modifications to the tires of an ATV may include adding one or more of the following:
ridges, large radial paddles, raised ribs, chains, and increased tire widths.
Replacement of Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22 tires with a continuous track system may allow an ATV to navigate through snowy terrain with relative ease. Tracks are much less likely to lose traction in snow relative to tires since tracks distribute the weight of the vehicle over a larger contact area, decreasing ground pressure and increasing overall friction between ground members and terrain.

[0028] A snowmobile is a motorized, tracked, vehicle designed for winter travel and recreational use on snow and ice. A snowmobile may use a single or double continuous track system with one or more skis at the front end of the snowmobile to provide directional control. While the majority of annual snowmobile use is recreational in nature, such machines are also used for utilitarian purposes, such as winter rescue work, use on ski hills, avalanche control, forestry, power and telephone line repair, and for accessing remote locations. In some areas the snowmobile has all but replaced the use of the dogsled.

[0029] Many types of skis are available for snowmobiles depending on the surface that the snowmobile is intended to tread and on the preferences of the user.
Skis may come in various lengths and widths depending on preference and the nature of intended use. The shape and features of a ski blade may vary. A ski runner or a ski carbide may be added to snowmobile skis to find a suitable combination that works for a rider. A ski runner, also known as a wear bag or skeg, is a replaceable bar attached to the underside of the ski that may serve as the contact patch that directs the snowmobile in the right direction. Various shapes and sizes of ski runners are available, and each type may impact sled handling.
Generally, a large ski runner handle may be more aggressive than a small ski runner handle because of the added surface area for the ski runner to bite into the snow as the sled is maneuvered. The shape of the ski runner may also affect the aggressiveness of the sled. A
square shaped ski runner has a large surface area which may require greater steering effort to turn the sled. A round ski runner has smaller surface area than a square shaped ski runner, and may allow the rider to make shorter, less aggressive turns. A "hybrid" ski runner, which may be characterized as both round and square, is also available. The different combinations of size and shapes of ski runners may be chosen by the rider, depending on their ability to maneuver aggressive steering and the need based on the tracks that the snowmobile will be used on. Another ski attachment is a ski carbide, which may be a sharp wear surface attached Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22 to the bottom of the skis. A ski carbide blade may come in multiple lengths from 3 inches up to 14 inches. The size of the ski carbide changes the surface area in contact with the snow, which affects the aggressiveness of steering in a similar way to the ski runner, where longer blades have more surface area and may require more steering power from the rider. The many possible combinations of ski runners and ski carbides provide the rider with a multitude of options to maneuver a snowmobile, depending on the needs and accommodations of the rider.

[0030] Snowmobile tracks come in many shapes and sizes depending on user preference and nature of intended us. Such tracks may be made from tough materials such as carbon fiber or Kevlar. Tracks use one or more of the following features to precisely influence track performance: length, width, drive pitch, and lug height.
Longer tracks generally provide better ride quality and floatation, whereas shorter tracks generally provide better handling and stability. Wider tracks provide better floatation in soft deep snow, whereas narrower tracks reduce weight for better acceleration and top speed.
Drive pitch is defined as distance from the center of one lug to the center of the next lug going around the track, and generally the shorter the pitch the faster the track will run, translating to higher speeds. Lug height is the distance the lugs extend above the track surface.
More lug height equals better traction.

[0031] Modern snowmobiles are remarkably reliable and easy to operate, but like most other machines, still require routine maintenance and repair to preserve dependability, safety, and performance. While tracks may be built from tough materials, the track is one of the most expensive wear items on a snowmobile. A properly tensioned and aligned track contributes to better fuel economy and less wear on drivetrain components, making track adjustment an important part of snowmobile maintenance. The first step of snowmobile track pre-season maintenance is to inspect it for damage and wear. Damage in the form of torn lugs, missing chunks and separated layers (delamination) may be observable. It may be beneficial to elevate a snowmobile off the ground during long term or off-season storage to maintain the snowmobile tracks in good condition. An elevated snowmobile may prevent the tracks from otherwise freezing to the ground due to buildup of moisture under the tracks.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22 Frozen tracks may be otherwise stuck on the ground and may promote degradation or rotting of the tracks. A user may check for worn, missing or bent track clips, which typically can be replaced if necessary. Alignment of the track should also be inspected; the track may need to be adjusted to the left or right so the rear suspension will be centered within the track. After snowmobile track alignment has been set, track tension may be adjusted. Other forms of maintenance and repair may be required to be carried out on the snowmobile, and it may be advantageous to have a way of conveniently maneuvering a snowmobile around a repair or maintenance area.

[0032] A snowmobile dolly may be used to maneuver the machine around a shop or garage. A dolly includes a platform on wheels and may be ideal for moving large and heavy items, such as a snowmobile. Without the use of a snowmobile dolly, a snowmobile may be moved by pulling and yanking on the skis of the machine, or lifting and depositing the machine, potentially damaging the unit. Dollies may come in various sizes, shapes, and designs, depending on the equipment or object the dolly needs to carry. Full size shop dollies may balance the sled's weight perfectly, making the machine feel almost weightless and easy to move on all surfaces. Other smaller dollies (one under the track and one under each ski) may be useful for navigating the tight quarters of a garage. There is no set mechanism for transferring or placing the snowmobile onto the dolly. The snowmobile may be lifted manually, or a device, such as a mechanical jack, may be used to help mount the snowmobile onto the dolly. The use of dollies elevates the snowmobile, potentially making it top heavy, presenting a safety risk of tipping. Some dollies may also inadvertently cause damage to contact points on the snowmobile, such as to the track paddles or ski runners.

[0033] Referring to Figs. 1, 4, and 8, a snowmobile dolly system may incorporate one or more of a ski dolly 12 and a track dolly 14. Each dolly 12, 14 may have a structural frame, for example frames 16 and 18, respectively. Each structural frame 16, 18 may have one or more longitudinal members 40, 72 and one or more cross members 44, 76.
The dollies 12 and 14 may have casters 68, such as two, three, four, or more casters, which may allow movement of a snowmobile 30 mounted on either or both the ski dolly 12 and the track dolly 14. Low profile dollies 14, 16 or one or more of them, may allow stable movement of the Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22 mounted snowmobile 30 within an area, such as a garage or a workshop. A user may first be required to lift and mount the snowmobile 30 on top of the dollies, although such movement may be carried out by lifting one end or side of the unit as opposed to lifting the entire unit.
One of the dollies 12, 14, or both dollies may be structured to be low profile. A low-profile snowmobile dolly system may have features that allow a snowmobile 30 to be mounted and moved with stability and relatively low center of gravity.

[0034] Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, a snowmobile ski dolly 12 may comprise the structural frame 16, a first pair of casters 68, and a second pair of casters 68, defining a ski-receiving cradle 52. The structural frame 16 of the ski dolly 12 may comprise longitudinal members 40 and cross members 44. The first and second longitudinal members 40' and 40", respectively, may define the left and right sides of the structural frame 16.
The longitudinal members 40 may be interconnected by cross members 44. The assembly of the longitudinal members 40 and cross members 44 may configure the structural frame 16 of the ski dolly 12.
The structural frame 16 may serve as the support structure of the ski dolly 12, which may bear the weight of a front ski 56 of a snowmobile.

[0035] Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the ski dolly 12 may have one or more pairs of casters 68 attached on the structural frame 16, to allow movement of the ski dolly 12. A first pair of casters 68' may be attached along a left side 16A of the structural frame 16. The first pair of casters 68' may be spaced from one another, for example axially, on the left side 16A
of the structural frame 16, such as parallel to an axis 16E of the frame 16.
The pair of casters 68' may be attached to each end of the left longitudinal member 40', such as if the casters 68 are adjacent the front and rear ends 16C and 16D of the frame 16. A second pair of casters 68" may be attached along a right side 16B of the structural frame 16. The second pair of casters 68" may be spaced from one another, for example axially, on the right side 16B of the structural frame 16, such as parallel to an axis 16E of the frame 16. The pair of casters 68" may be attached to each end of the right longitudinal member 40", such as if the casters 68" are adjacent the front and rear ends 16C and 16D of the frame 16.

[0036] Referring to Figs. 1 - 2 the ski dolly 12 may define a ski-receiving cradle 52.
The cradle 52 may be defined by a top surface 160, for example of the cross members 44, Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22 that may pitch downward moving from the left and right sides 16A, 16B of the structural frame 16. A trough 52A of the cradle 52 may align centrally with the dolly 12, for example parallel to the longitudinal axis 16E. In use, a front ski 56 of a snowmobile may be mounted within the ski-receiving cradle 52 of the ski dolly 12. The ski-receiving cradle 52 may be configured to support the front ski 56 of a snowmobile, for example shaped to receive an understructure of the ski 56. The cradle 52 may fit the front ski 56 to support the front weight of a mounted snowmobile. The ski dolly 12 may support and allow the movement of the front part of a snowmobile vehicle around an area, such as a garage or a workshop.

[0037] A caster (sometimes spelled as castor) has a wheel and may be attached to the bottom of a larger object to enable the object to be moved. A caster wheel has different modifications, depending on use. Some caster wheels may be fixed to roll along a straight path, and some may be mounted to pivot such that the wheel may align itself to the direction of travel. An industrial caster wheel may be designed to carry relatively heavy loads in a variety of applications such as with dolly carts, assembly turntables, heavy duty storage racks, and maintenance equipment. A caster wheel may have a brake or lock feature, to prevent the wheel from turning when not in use, and may be activated when a lever presses a brake against the wheel. A caster may have different designs and features, depending on its intended use.

[0038] Referring to Figs. 1 - 3, the low-profile snowmobile ski dolly 12 may have one or more pairs of casters 68 attached to the structural frame 16. The first and second pairs of casters 68 may depend from the left and right longitudinal members 40' and 40", respectively. The first pair of casters, such as left casters 68', may depend from a bottom surface 64' of the left longitudinal member 40'. The second pair of casters, such as right casters 68", may depend from a bottom surface 64" of the right longitudinal member 40.
The pairs of casters 68 may be attached from the bottom surface 64 of the structural frame 16 of ski dolly 12.

[0039] Referring to Fig. 2, casters may comprise suitable parts, such as a ground engaging wheel 58, and a wheel mounting bracket 60, to cooperate to allow the ski dolly 12 to move or be moved around an area. The casters may comprise an upright wheel pivot Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22 spindle 70. The ground engaging wheel 58 of the caster 68 may contact the ground surface, in which the caster 68 may tread along a direction to allow movement of the ski dolly 12.
The wheel mounting bracket 60 of the caster 68 may have one or more arms that support the wheel 58 and attach the wheel 58 via a wheel axle 62 mounted to the center of the wheel 58, such as shown in Fig. 2. The upright wheel pivot spindle 70 of the caster 68 may mount the wheel 58 and wheel mounting bracket 60 to the structural frame 16 of the ski dolly 12. The spindle 70 may attach the wheel 58 and the wheel mounting bracket 60 to the longitudinal member 40 of the structural frame 16. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, the left spindle 70A
may be inserted in an upright position (for example vertical) in the left longitudinal member

40'. A bottom end 70A-1 of the left spindle 70A may penetrate the top surface 60A-1 of the left wheel mounting bracket 60A, for example if the spindle 70 inserts into an aperture in the bracket 60 as shown. The spindle 70 may allow the wheel 58 to pivot around an upright wheel axis 166 along a spindle 70 to allow the wheel 58 to engage in a plurality of directions.
[0040] Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the structural frame 16 of the ski dolly 12 may be oriented in a suitable fashion to define the ski support structure of the ski dolly 12. The left and right longitudinal members 40' and 40", respectively, of the structural frame 16 may be parallel to each other. One longitudinal member may be provided in some cases, such as defining a center axis of the dolly 12. As shown in Fig. 1, the left longitudinal member 40' is parallel to the right longitudinal members 40". The cross members 44 of the structural frame 16 may be parallel to each other, as shown in Fig. 1. The parallel arrangement of the longitudinal members 40 and of the cross members 44 may form a stable support structure for the ski dolly 12.

[0041] Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the cradle 52 may be shaped in a suitable fashion to support the snowmobile ski 56. The cross members 44 of the structural frame 16 may each comprise the first and second members 44' and 44", respectively, which may be connected end to end, for example by securing (such as by welding, fastening, or other mechanisms) abutting ends 44A of the cross members 44 together. The cross members 44 may be oriented to pitch a top surface 160 downward from the left and right sides 16A, 16B of the structural Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22 frame 16 to define the ski-receiving cradle 52. Referring to Fig. 2, each cross member 44 may have a suitable shape, such as having a horizontal portion 44C defining an outer end 44B from which extends a downwardly angled portion 44D defining an inner end 44A. The portions 44D of adjacent members 44 may cooperate to define the cradle 52. The portions 44D of the cross members 44 may be inclined downwards at or near ends 44A and may define the ski receiving cradle 52 of the structural frame 16. The ski-receiving cradle 52 or part of it may extend below a plane 52B, which may be defined by top surfaces 162 of the left and right longitudinal members 40. A base 48 of the ski-receiving cradle 52 may be aligned below a plane 52C defined by bottom surfaces 64 of the left and right longitudinal members 40' and 40", respectively. The structural frame, which may comprise the longitudinal members 40 and the cross members 44, may define the ski support structure of the ski dolly 12, where the ski 56 may be mounted and rested on the top surface 160 of the ski receiving cradle 52. Referring to Fig. 2, the cradle 52 may be shaped to receive a ski runner 56A depending from an underside 56B of the ski 56.

[0042] Snowmobiles have different track systems. There are several main characteristics that a rider may want to consider when choosing a snowmobile track. The first characteristic is the length of the track, for example measured by the inside conference of the track, which ideally fits the skid frame of the snowmobile. A shorter track generally provides better handling and stability, while a longer track may provide smoother ride quality and better flotation. The second characteristic to consider is the width of the track, such as measured across the track and may be governed by the width of the tunnel. A narrow track may reduce weight for better acceleration and speed, while a wider track may provide better floatation in soft and deep snow. The third characteristic is the drive pitch which is the drive lug center distance around the circumference of the lugs (also known as cogs or paddles) on the inside of the tracks. Drive pitch may range from 2.5 inches up to 3.5 inches, where lugs that are spaced further apart may result in a reduced track weight to increase speed and acceleration which allow the rider to control the snowmobile better.
However, the most common size in snowmobiles is the 2.5-inch drive pitch. Another characteristic to consider is lug height, which is the distance that the lugs extend above the track surface.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22 Common lug height ranges from 1 inch to 1.5 inches, but there may be available lug heights of up to 3 inches long. More lug height may result in better traction because the taller paddles can grip more snow and may provide better stability. A further characteristic is whether the track has dual paddles or a single set of paddles. In some cases, having dual tracks or dual paddles may increase traction, while potentially limiting top speed. The wide variance in user preference leads to a wide variety of shapes and sizes of snowmobile tracks.

[0043] Referring to Figs. 4 - 7, a snowmobile track dolly 14 may comprise a structural frame 18, a first pair of casters 78, and a second pair of casters 78, and may define a track support surface 168. The structural frame 18 of the track dolly 14 may comprise one or more longitudinal members 72 and one or more cross members 76. First and second longitudinal members 72' and 72", respectively, may define left and right sides 18A, 18B, respectively, of the structural frame 18. The longitudinal members 72 may be interconnected by cross members 76, in which the assembly of the longitudinal members 72 and cross members 76 may configure the structural frame 18 of the track dolly 14. In some cases, the dolly 18 may have a central longitudinal member with cross members attached.

[0044] Referring to Figs. 4 - 7, the track dolly 14 may have one or more pairs of casters 78 attached on the structural frame 18, to facilitate movement of the track dolly 14. A
first pair of casters 78' may be attached along a left side 18A of the structural frame 18. The first pair of casters 78' may be spaced from one another, for example axially, on the left side 18A of the structural frame 18, such as parallel an axis 18E of the dolly 14, with axis 18E
defined between front and rear ends 18C and 18D, respectively, of the frame.
The pair of casters 78' may be attached to each end of the left longitudinal member 72'. A
second pair of casters 78" may be attached along a right side 18B of the structural frame 18.
The second pair of casters 78" may be spaced from one another, for example axially, on the right side 18B of the structural frame 18, such as parallel the axis 18E. The pair of casters 78 may be attached to each end of the right longitudinal member 72".

[0045] Referring to Figs. 4 - 7, the frame 18 may define a track support surface for a snowmobile track 34. A top surface 168 of the structural frame 18, for example of the longitudinal member or members 72, may at least partially define the track support surface.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22 A track support spline 22 of the structural frame 18 may project upward from the structural frame 18, for example upward from the top surface 168 of the structural fame 18 and may at least partially define the track support surface. The spline 22 and/or frame 18 may define a track axis 170. The track support spline 22 may be structured to be inserted in use within a longitudinal slot 34B defined between adjacent sets of paddles 34A depending from or forming a bottom surface 172 of a snowmobile track 34 and running from end to end on the track 34. The track dolly 14 may support the track 34 of a snowmobile on the track support surface 168 and/or on the spline 22. The track dolly 14 may support and allow the movement of the rear part of a snowmobile vehicle, such as the track or tracks 34, around an area, such as a garage or a workshop.

[0046] Referring to Figs. 4 - 5, the longitudinal members 72 of the structural frame 18 of the snowmobile track dolly 14 may have casters 78, such as dual pairs of casters 78, to allow movement of the track dolly 14. The longitudinal member 72 may comprise left and right longitudinal members (72' and 72" respectively), with the first pair of casters 78' spaced along the left longitudinal member 72', and the second pair of casters 78" spaced along the right longitudinal member 72". The first pair of casters 78' may be spaced from one another, for example axially (parallel with axis 18e) along the left side 18a, for example the left longitudinal member 72', of the structural frame 18. The second pair of casters 78"
may be spaced from one another, for example axially, along the right side 18b, for example the right longitudinal member 72", of the structural frame 18. The casters 78 of the track dolly 14 may attach to longitudinal members 72 or cross members 76 and may function similarly to the casters 68 of the ski dolly 12 discussed above.

[0047] Referring to Figs. 4 - 6, the track support spline 22 of the structural frame 18 may have various characteristics. The track support spline 22 may define track axis 170 along which the track 34 aligns to mount upon the dolly 14. The track axis 170 may align with the channel defined by slot 34B between adjacent paddles 34A, in which the track support spline 22 may mount and rest on. The track support spline 22 may comprise a support bar 80, which may extend parallel to the axis 170, and may extend parallel to longitudinal member(s) 72 of the structural frame 18. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, the Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22 longitudinal members 72 may be parallel to the support spline 22. The track support spline 22 and frame 18 may be structured such that a height 22A of the spline 22 (defined from the top surface 168) is greater than a slot depth 34B-1 of the slot 34B, so that the weight of the track and rear end of the snowmobile rest upon the spline 22 rather than on the frame 18. In some cases, the height 22A of the spline 22 is selected so that the track 34 rests upon both the spline 22 and the top surface 168, to distribute the weight of the track 34. In some cases, the height 22A is adjustable, for example telescopically or in increments, for further example with a clamp or spring pin and aperture system, or by adding or removing segments. A
longitudinal length of the spline 22 may be adjustable, for example telescopically or in increments, for further example with a clamp or spring pin and aperture system, or by adding or removing segments. The use of the spline 22 locks the track 34 in place on the dolly 14 and also lifts the track 34, for example the paddles) off of the frame 18 to prevent damage to the track 34 from contact with the rigid frame 18.

[0048] Referring to Figs. 4 - 6, the track support spline 22 may be mounted to the structural frame 18 of the track dolly 14 by a suitable mechanism. The support bar 80 of the support spline 22 may be mounted to the structural frame 18 via brace posts 24 that are spaced from one another, for example spaced along axis 18e. For example, as shown in Fig.
6, a front brace post 24' may be connected at, for example depending from, or near a front end 80C of the support bar 80 and a rear brace post 24" may be connected at, for example depending from, or near a rear end 80D of the support bar 80. A brace receiving post 26 may be mounted to cross members 76 of the structural frame 18, or in other cases on member 72.
Brace receiving posts 26 may be mounted to frame 18 to receive posts 24 of spline 22 to mount the spline 22. For example, posts 26', 26" may be mounted to inside wall 174 of the cross members 76. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, the front brace post 24' is mounted on the brace receiving post 26 on the inside wall 174 of front cross member 76', and the rear brace post 24" is mounted on the brace receiving post 26 on the inside wall 174 of the rear cross member 76". In other cases, the brace receivers or other parts that receive and mount the spline 22 may be located at other suitable locations, such as on the cross members 76, or on outside walls of the members 76, or on the members 72. The brace posts 24 attached to Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22 the support bar 80 may permit the mounting of the track support spline 22 to the track structural frame 18 via brace receiving posts 26 attached to the inside wall 174 of the cross members 76. In other cases, the spline 22 may have post receivers that mount to posts on the frame 18.

[0049] Referring to Figs. 5-7, the spline 22 may be removable. The track support spline 22 may mount to the structural frame 18 via reversible connectors, such as a sheath seat provided by brace receiving posts 26, which may have an inner diameter larger than brace posts 24 to receive and seat such posts 24 or a nose thereof, for example by a suitable mechanism such as one or more of gravity, friction, or with a lock mechanism such as a fastener or latch. A removable spline 22 may permit the low-profile snowmobile track dolly 14 to be reconfigurable between a spline mode 14' (spline present or extended) and a splineless mode 14" (spline removed or disengaged, for example retracted).

[0050] Referring to Fig. 6, when the dolly 14 is in the spline mode (spline 22 in solid lines), the spline 22 may be mounted to the structural frame 18 to define a slot portion (slot 34B) of the track support surface. Referring to Figs. 5 and 6, the use of the spline mode is advantageous with dual track or dual paddle snowmobiles, or in other situations where there is a defined slot 34B between snow-engaging gripping elements that extend from the track 34. In the example shown the slot 34B may be defined as the channel between adjacent sets 34C of paddles 34A depending from a bottom surface of a dual paddle snowmobile track 34, in which the spline 22 may be inserted to provide track support to bear the weight of the track 34. The dual paddle of the snowmobile track may be defined by sets 34C
of paddles 34A that are separated laterally (perpendicular to the longitudinal track axis 170) to define a channel such as slot 34B. Each set 34C of paddles 34A may be provided in series as part of an endless loop of paddles. In some cases, more than one spline 22 may be present, for example more than one aligned axially to fit within the slot 34B, or plural splines 22 aligned laterally to fit within respective slots between adjacent paddle sets, where there are more than two sets of paddles laterally arranged.

[0051] Referring to Fig. 7, when the dolly 14 is in the splineless mode the spline 22 may be either absent from, or retracted relative to, the structural frame 18 to permit the Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22 structural frame 18 to define the track support surface without the spline 22.
The track support surface in the splineless mode may be defined by the top surface 168 of the frame 16, or another suitable surface, for example on a plate or platform or simply the top of the members 72 and/or 76, and may support the track 34, for example the paddles 34A. The splineless mode may allow the frame 16 to bear the weight of the track 34, for example in the case of the dolly 14 supporting a single paddle set snowmobile track. A
single paddle set snowmobile track may be defined by having a single set of paddles, for example that span the width of the snowmobile track 34, shown in Fig. 7 as an end view. The user may select either splined or splineless mode depending on the type of track 34 that the dolly 14 is used to support. In such a fashion the dolly 14 may be reconfigurable to support a variety of distinct track types of snowmobiles, increasing versatility and use case.

[0052] Referring to Fig. 4, a snowmobile track dolly 14 may have a variety of characteristics. The top surface 168 of the structural frame 18 may pitch downward from the left and right sides 18A, 18B, respectively, of the structural frame 18 to define a track-receiving cradle (not shown in the Figures). The left and right longitudinal members 72' and 72", respectively, may be installed to the structural frame 18 in a downward angle. By pitching or angling downward to form a cradle the track support dolly 14 may be made relatively more low profile. The structural frame 18 may also be configured to have one or more longitudinal members, and in one case the support spline 22 is one of or the only one of the longitudinal members 72.

[0053] Referring to Figs. 1 - 7, the structural frames, such as the ski dolly structural frame 16 and the track dolly structural frame 18, may be made of suitable structural elements, such as box beams. A box beam, or box column, includes a beam that may form an enclosed tube with multiple walls. A box beam may be made out of metal such as iron, steel, aluminum, or other materials such as plastics or concrete, and may come in different diameters, thickness, and length. The long straight members of the beams may be welded to be shaped and/or connected to other beams to form a structure. Fasteners, including for example nuts and bolts may also be incorporated into a beam to allow access and attachment of other beam members, or other parts that may or may not be welded onto the box beam.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22 The many walls of a box beam allow for simple and numerous possible structural shapes by reinforcing or plating together sectioned beams. Angular structures may be possible when a beam is cut at an angle and is attached to a wall of another beam. Welded and structured box beams can become solid and sturdy foundations that can support heavy load. The structural frame 16, 18 may have rigid frames to increase the maximum support load capacity of each dolly and the system as a whole.

[0054] Referring to Figs. 8 and 9, the snowmobile ski dolly 12 and the snowmobile track dolly 16 may cooperate to form a snowmobile dolly system. The snowmobile dolly system may comprise the snowmobile ski dolly 12 and the snowmobile track dolly 14. The front ski or skis 56', 56" of a snowmobile 30 may be mounted within the ski-receiving cradle 52 of the ski dolly or dollies 12, such as shown in Fig. 8. The track 34 of a snowmobile may be mounted on the track support surface 168 of the track dolly 14, such as shown in Fig. 8.
For example, as shown in Fig. 8, a left ski 54' may be mounted on one low profile snowmobile ski dolly 12 and a right ski 54" may be mounted on another low-profile snowmobile ski dolly 12. The track 34 may be supported by the track dolly 14, either in the splined or splineless modes. The combination of using a plurality of dollies, such as ski dollies 12 and track dollies 14, may allow the mounted snowmobile 30 to be moved around in an area, such as a garage or a shop. In some cases, the dollies 12, 14 are passive systems that are constructed to be manually pushed around by a user, and in other cases the dollies may be motorized, for example via a suitable motor and power system (not shown).

[0055] Referring to Fig. 9 and 13, a snowmobile tunnel 122, also known as a running board, may be provided as part of the base frame of snowmobile, usually at or near a rear end 30B of a snowmobile 30 opposite the front end 30A of the snowmobile 30. The tunnel 122 may define a platform that provides a surface with space for accessories and equipment such as passenger seats, fuel cans, fishing accessories, and tunnel boxes. The tunnel 122 may have several roles in a snowmobile 30 including providing structure, housing, protection, cooling, and space for accessories and equipment. The tunnel 122 may provide solid connection points for the skid, which holds the snowmobile tracks, and may mount the rear suspension of the snowmobile 30. The tunnel 122 may define a central line 126 parallel or coplanar with Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22 a snowmobile center longitudinal axis 30e. The skid of the snowmobile may center the tracks 34 and the tunnel 122 of the snowmobile 30. The tunnel 122 may serve as an attachment point for many parts of the snowmobile 30 such as seats, foot rails, rear bumpers, snow laps, and rear lights. The tunnel 122 may protect a rider and the sled from snow, ice, dirt, rocks, and debris that the snowmobile track may pick up along the way. The tunnel 122 may indirectly form part of an engine cooling system, where snow collects by the tracks 34 and is trapped by ridges, such as ridges 124 that may extend to the top of the tunnel 122, to keep the engine cool.

[0056] Referring to Figs. 9 and 12, a tunnel box 83 may be mounted on a tunnel 122 of a snowmobile 30. A tunnel box 83 may be a storage compartment that is mounted on the snowmobile 30. A tunnel box may have a casing with a briefcase-like appearance, and may have a handle 108 with opening clips 110. Referring to Fig. 10, the box 83 may have a suitable design, such as a clamshell design as shown with first and second housings 83F and 83G that close about a hinge 83H at a rear end 83D of the box 83, with a front opening 831 at a front end 83C of the box 83. The handle 108 may be used to carry the tunnel box 83 when the tunnel box 83 is not mounted on the tunnel. The opening clips 110 may be used to access the storage compartment of the tunnel box 83. The tunnel box 83 may provide storage function, for example to hold accessories or items that a rider may need.
Example items include gloves, lights, chains, shovels, winches, first aid components, food, parts, and other items. Chains may be stored in a tunnel box. A shovel may be used by a user to remove snow that surrounds a snowmobile, in case the snowmobile gets stuck. Other items that the rider needs may be placed in a tunnel box.

[0057] Referring to Figs. 10-13, a snowmobile tunnel box mounting system 82 may comprise one or more of a plurality of adaptors 178 and/or 180. The mounting system 82 may comprise one or more of a tunnel adaptor 178 and a tunnel box adapter 180.
The tunnel adaptor 178 may comprise a left tunnel adaptor 178' and a right tunnel adaptor 178". Each tunnel adaptor 178 may have a tunnel mounting base plate part 176 and a first quick release connector part 112. The tunnel mounting base plate part 176 may be structured to secure in use to a tunnel 122 of a snowmobile with the left tunnel adaptor 178' adjacent a left side of Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22 the tunnel 122" and the right tunnel adaptor 178" adjacent a right side of the tunnel 122", as shown in Fig. 12. In some cases, plural tunnel adaptors 178 may be provided with a common base plate forming the respective base plate parts 176 of both adaptors 178. The tunnel adaptors 178 may each have a first quick release connector part 112.

[0058] Referring to Figs. 10-13, the tunnel box adaptor 180 may have suitable parts, and may be installed to the tunnel box 83 via a suitable mechanism. The adaptor 180 may have a plurality of bracket parts, such as a left tunnel box bracket part 84' and a right tunnel box bracket part 84". Each bracket part may have a tunnel box mounting plate part 88, such as parts 88', and 88", which may be structured to secure in use to a tunnel box 83 sized for the tunnel 122 with the left tunnel box bracket part 84' adjacent a left side 83A of the tunnel box 83 and the right tunnel box bracket part 84" part adjacent a right side 83B of the tunnel box 83. The mounting plate parts 88 may form a single mounting plate in some cases (not shown). Each tunnel box bracket part 84 may have a second quick release connector part 86.
The second quick release connector parts 86 may be structured to releasably engage in use with the first quick release connector parts 112 to secure the tunnel box 83 to the tunnel 122.
A fastener 94 or other suitable mounting mechanism may be used to mount together the tunnel adaptor 180, for example the tunnel box bracket part 84, and in some cases the first quick release connector part 112, to the tunnel box 83, for example via bores 96 and 98 in the plate part 88 and tunnel box 83, respectively, to install the tunnel adaptor 180 to the tunnel box 83 as shown in the assembled system in Fig. 12.

[0059] Referring to Figs. 10-13, the tunnel adaptors 178 may have suitable parts, and may be installed on a tunnel 122 via a suitable mechanism. The tunnel adaptors 178 may come pre-installed on a tunnel 122 or may be retrofitted onto a tunnel 122.
The left and right tunnel adaptors 178 may be installed adjacent the left and right side 122', 122", respectively, of a tunnel 122 of a snowmobile. As shown in Fig. 13, a fastener 118 or other suitable mounting mechanism may be used to mount the tunnel mounting base plate part 176 to the tunnel 122 via a bore 120 in tunnel 122. In the example shown the second quick release connector parts 112 may be connected to, for example integrally, the tunnel mounting base plate part 176, or may be connected by a different mechanism such as fasteners.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22

[0060] Referring to Figs. 10-13, once the tunnel box adaptor 180 is connected to the tunnel box 83, the adaptor 180 may be connected to the tunnel 122 using the quick release connector parts. For example, the second quick release connector parts 86 may be aligned and engaged with the first quick release connector parts 112. As shown in Fig.
13, the first quick release connector parts 112 may be inserted into the second quick release parts 86. The engagement of tunnel adaptors 178 and the tunnel box adaptors 180 may allow the snowmobile tunnel box system 82 to mount the tunnel box 83 to the tunnel 122 of the snowmobile.

[0061] Referring to Fig. 13, the tunnel bracket parts 84 that mount the tunnel box 83 may have suitable characteristics. The tunnel box adaptor 180 may have a suitable shape, such as if it formed a U-shaped bracket, to define a tunnel box receiving gap 85, with tunnel box mounting plate parts 88' and 88" separated by a connector member such as a plate 87.
The tunnel box receiving gap 85 may be sized to receive the tunnel box 83, for example to span a width of the tunnel box 83 such that plate parts 88' and 88" are located on adjacent sides 81A and 83B of the box 83. The tunnel box bracket 84 may also be formed via a plurality of pieces, not shown in the Figures, for example the bracket parts 84 are separate and independent from one another.

[0062] Referring to Figs. 10, 10A and 10B, the quick release connector parts may secure to one another via a latch connection to mount and unmount the tunnel box 83 to the tunnel 122. The latch connection may be formed by pairs of quick release connectors, in which each pair is formed by a first quick release connector part 112 and a second quick release connector part 86. The first quick release connector parts 112 may comprise a hook receiver part 116, such as a slot. The second quick release connector parts 86 may comprise latch arm parts 90 connected to actuate hook parts 92. The hook receiver parts 116 of the first quick release connector parts 112 may define an axial insertion aperture to receive the hook parts 92 via an insertion axis 119 while the parts 92 and 116 are in an entry angular position. Referring to Figs. 10A, 10B, and 11, the hook parts 92 may comprise cam hook parts that may be rotated about axis 119 upon rotation of the latch arm part 90 between a locked position (Fig. 10B, latch arm part 90' in Fig. 11), and an unlocked position (Fig. 10A, Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22 latch arm part 90" in Fig. 11). The locked position is shown in Fig. 10A, where the hook parts 92 are inserted into and engage the hook receiver parts 116, for example by rotating out of alignment with the axial insertion aperture and underling a ledge 117, in which the ledge 117 may engage the hook parts 92 of the second quick release connector parts 86, to secure the latch connection. The latch connection system may be the SkiDooTM LinQ TM
system, where a Ski- DooTM LinQ TM Cargo Base Kit may be the first quick release connector, and the Ski- DOOTM LinQ TM Fastener may be the second quick release connector. The latch connection system, which may comprise the pair of first quick release connector parts 112 and second quick release connector parts 86, may allow the mounting of the tunnel box 83 to the tunnel 122 of a snowmobile.

[0063] Referring to Figs. 10-13, a shovel may be an essential tool for a snowmobile rider. It may be necessary for a user to have a shovel to dig for emergencies, to free stuck snowmobiles, or with avalanche rescues, which may occur while a rider is using the snowmobile. In some cases, a shovel may be used to remove a chunk of snow stuck on the skis and/or the tracks which may prevent the snowmobile from running. A shovel may also be used to dig under the tracks to get a snowmobile out of a hole. Some shovels may also be configured to have sharp edges or a blade to allow the shovel to cut through bushes and tree branches.

[0064] Referring to Fig. 11 - 13, the snowmobile tunnel box mounting system 82 may have a shovel shaft adaptor 106 to allow mounting of a shovel shaft 102. A
shovel shaft adaptor 106 may comprise first and second shovel shaft adaptors 106' and 106", and in some cases more than two such adaptors. The shovel shaft adaptors 106' and 106" may align on the system 82 to allow the shovel shaft 102 to be inserted via a shovel shaft axis 148.
Referring to Fig. 12, a shovel shaft adaptor 106 may have a tunnel box shovel shaft mounting part 132 and a shovel shaft receiver 105. The shovel shaft receiver 105 may comprise a collar, which may be sized to fit the shovel shaft 102. The tunnel box shovel shaft mounting parts 132 may be structured to in use mount to a top surface 182 of the tunnel box 83, or another suitable location on the tunnel box 83. The tunnel box shovel shaft mounting parts 132 may define fastener apertures, to which a fastener, such as fastener 130, may Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22 mount the shovel shaft adaptors 106 to the tunnel box 83, such as through the top surface 182 of the tunnel box 83. The shovel shaft 102 may lock to the adaptor 106 via a suitable mechanism, such as via a spring pin 156 that aligns and pops into a corresponding aperture in the adaptor 106. The spring pin 156 may also be used to lock the shovel shaft 102 to a shovel pan 100 when assembling the shovel. The shovel shaft 102 may have a hand grip of handle 103.

[0065] Referring to Figs. 11 - 13, the tunnel box 83 of the snowmobile tunnel box mounting system 82 may mount a shovel pan 100 in a suitable fashion. In one case, the system 82 mounts pan 100 along a top surface 182 of the tunnel box 83. The shovel pan 100 may be mounted via a fastener 104. As shown in Fig. 13, the fastener 104 may secure the shovel pan 100 to the tunnel box 83. The fastener 104 may have a head, such as formed by wing nut 134, and a threaded body 136, in which the body 136 may be inserted through a bore 140 in the shovel pan 100 and through slot 142 in the tunnel box 83. The bore 140 in the shovel pan 100 may be situated at a suitable location, such as in a trough 146 of the rearside of the shovel pan 100. The shovel pan 100 may be mounted on the tunnel box 83 as shown in Figs. 11 and 2612, where the rear face 184 of the shovel pan 100 is exposed, and a scoop face 186 of the shovel pan 100 may face inwards and towards the top surface of the tunnel box 83. The shovel pan 100 may be mounted in a plurality of orientations, where the sharp edges 188 of the shovel pan 100 may face or overlie an end of the tunnel box 83. The shovel pan may have a shaft receiving slot 144 structured to adjoin the shovel shaft 102 with the shovel pan 100 when a user may need to use the shovel.

[0066] The dollies in this document may be rated sufficient to their purpose, for example a ski dolly may be rated to carry at least 700 pounds each. Each caster may be rated sufficiently, such as to support 175 pounds each.

[0067] In the claims, the word "comprising" is used in its inclusive sense and does not exclude other elements being present. The indefinite articles "a" and "an"
before a claim feature do not exclude more than one of the features being present. Each one of the individual features described here may be used in one or more embodiments and is not, by Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22 virtue only of being described here, to be construed as essential to all embodiments as defined by the claims.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22

Claims (40)

TRE EMBODIMENTS OF TRE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. A low-profile snowmobile ski dolly comprising:
a structural frame;
a first pair of casters spaced from one another along a left side of the structural frame;
and a second pair of casters spaced from one another along a right side of the structural frame; and in which a top surface of the structural frame pitches downward from the left and right sides of the structural frame to define a ski-receiving cradle.

2. The low-profile snowmobile ski dolly of claim 1 in which the structural frame comprises a longitudinal member and cross members.

3. The low-profile snowmobile ski dolly of claim 2 in which the longitudinal member comprises left and right longitudinal members interconnected by the cross members.

4. The low-profile snowmobile ski dolly of claim 3 in which the ski-receiving cradle extends below a plane defined by top surfaces of the left and right longitudinal members.

5. The low-profile snowmobile ski dolly of claim 4 in which a base of the ski-receiving cradle is below a plane defined by bottom surfaces of the left and right longitudinal members.

6. The low-profile snowmobile ski dolly of any one of claim 3 - 5 in which the left and right longitudinal members are parallel to each other.

7. The low-profile snowmobile ski dolly of any one of claim 3 - 6 in which the first and second pairs of casters depend from the left and right longitudinal members, respectively.

8. The low-profile snowmobile ski dolly of any one of claim 3 - 7 in which the first and second longitudinal members define the left and right sides of the structural frame.

9. The low-profile snowmobile ski dolly of any one of claim 2 - 8 in which the cross members are parallel to each other.

10. The low-profile snowmobile ski dolly of any one of claim 1 - 9 in which the structural frame comprises box beams.

11. The low-profile snowmobile ski dolly of any one of claim 1 - 10 in which each caster of the first pair of casters and the second pair of casters comprises:
a ground engaging wheel;
a wheel mounting bracket; and an upright wheel pivot spindle.

12. The low-profile snowmobile ski dolly of any one of claim 1 - 11 supporting a front ski of a snowmobile in the ski-receiving cradle.

13. A method comprising mounting a front ski of a snowmobile within the ski-receiving cradle of the low-profile snowmobile ski dolly of any one of claim 1 - 11.

14. A snowmobile track dolly comprising:
a structural frame;
a first pair of casters spaced from one another along a left side of the structural frame;
and Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22 a second pair of casters spaced from one another along a right side of the structural frame; and in which a top surface of the structural frame defines a track support surface for a snowmobile track, and in which a track support spline of the structural frame projects upward from the structural frame to define a track axis, the track support spline being structured to insert in use within a slot defined between adjacent paddles depending from a bottom surface of a snowmobile track.

15. The snowmobile track dolly of claim 14 in which the track support spline comprises a support bar.

16. The snowmobile track dolly of claim 15 in which the support bar is mounted to the structural frame via brace posts that are spaced from one another.

17. The snowmobile track dolly of claim 16 in which the brace receiving posts are each mounted on cross members of the structural frame.

18. The snowmobile track dolly of claim 17 in which the brace receiving posts are mounted to inside walls of the cross members.

19. The snowmobile track dolly of any one of claim 14 - 18 in which the track support spline mounts to the structural frame via reversible connectors to permit the snowmobile track dolly to be reconfigurable between:
a spline mode where the track support spline is mounted to or projected from the structural frame to define a slot portion of the track support surface and insert in use within a slot defined between adjacent paddles depending from a bottom surface of a dual paddle snowmobile track; and Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22 a splineless mode where the track support spline is absent or retracted from the structural frame to permit the structural frame to define a track portion of the track support surface.

20. The snowmobile track dolly of any one of claim 14 - 19 in which the structural frame comprises a longitudinal member and cross members.

21. The snowmobile track dolly of claim 20 in which the longitudinal member comprises left and right longitudinal members interconnected by the cross members.

22. The snowmobile track dolly of claim 21 in which the first and second pairs of casters depend from the left and right longitudinal members, respectively.

23. The snowmobile track dolly of any one of claim 20 - 22 in which the track support spline is parallel to the longitudinal member.

24. The snowmobile track dolly of any one of claim 21 in which a top surface of the structural frame pitches downward from the left and right sides of the structural frame to define a track-receiving cradle.

25. The snowmobile track dolly of any one of claim 14 - 24 supporting a track of a snowmobile on the track support surface.

26. A method comprising mounting a track of a snowmobile on the track support surface of the snowmobile track dolly of any one of claim 14 - 24.

27. A snowmobile dolly system comprising:
the low-profile snowmobile ski dolly of any one of claim 1 - 11; and the snowmobile track dolly of any one of claim 14 - 24.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22

28. A snowmobile tunnel box mounting system comprising:
left and right tunnel adaptors, each having:
a tunnel mounting base plate part structured to secure in use to a tunnel of a snowmobile with the left tunnel adaptor adjacent a left side of the tunnel and the right tunnel adaptor adjacent a right side of the tunnel; and a first quick release connector part;
a tunnel box adaptor, with left and right tunnel box bracket parts each having:
a tunnel box mounting plate part structured to secure in use to a tunnel box sized for the tunnel with the left tunnel box bracket part adjacent a left side of the tunnel box in use and the right tunnel box bracket part adjacent a right side of the tunnel box in use; and a second quick release connector part;
in which the second quick release connector parts are structured to releasably engage in use with the first quick release connector parts to secure the tunnel box to the tunnel.

29. The snowmobile tunnel box mounting system of claim 28 further comprising first and second shovel shaft adaptors, each having:
a tunnel box shovel shaft mounting part; and a shovel shaft receiver.

30. The snowmobile tunnel box mounting system of claim 29 in which each shovel shaft receiver comprises a collar.

31. The snowmobile tunnel box mounting system of claim 30 in which the tunnel box shovel shaft mounting parts are structured to in use mount to a top surface of the tunnel box.

32. The snowmobile tunnel box mounting system of claim 31 in which the tunnel box shovel shaft mounting parts define fastener apertures.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22

33. The snowmobile tunnel box mounting system of any one of claim 29 - 32 further comprising a tunnel box, with:
the tunnel box adaptor mounted to the tunnel box with the left and right tunnel box bracket parts adjacent left and right sides of the tunnel box;
the tunnel box shovel shaft mounting plate parts mounted to a top surface of the tunnel box; and a shovel pan mounted along the top surface of the tunnel box.

34. The snowmobile tunnel box mounting system of claim 33 in which the shovel pan is mounted along the top surface of the tunnel box via a fastener.

35. The snowmobile tunnel box mounting system of any one of claim 28 - 34 in which each pair of the first quick release connector and the second quick release connector form a latch connection.

36. The snowmobile tunnel box mounting system of claim 35 in which:
the first quick release connector parts comprise hook receiver parts;
the second quick release connector parts comprise latch arm parts connected to actuate hook parts; and the first quick release connector parts are movable between a locked position where the hook parts engage the hook receiver parts, and an unlocked position where the hook parts are out of alignment with the hook receiver parts to disengage with the hook receiver parts.

37. The snowmobile tunnel box mounting system of claim 36 in which the hook parts are cam hook parts that rotate upon rotation of the latch arm parts between the locked and unlocked positions.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22

38. The snowmobile tunnel box mounting system of any one of claim 28 - 37 in which the tunnel box adaptor comprises a U-shaped bracket that defines a tunnel box receiving gap.

39. The snowmobile tunnel box system of any one of claim 28 - 38 further comprising a tunnel box, with the tunnel box adaptor mounted to the tunnel box via a plurality of fasteners with the left and right tunnel box bracket parts adjacent left and right sides of the tunnel box.

40. A method of installing the snowmobile tunnel box mounting system of any one of claim 28 - 38, the method comprising:
installing the tunnel box bracket to the tunnel box, with the left and right tunnel box bracket parts adjacent a left and right side, respectively, of the tunnel box;
installing the left and right tunnel adaptors adjacent a left and right side, respectively, of a tunnel of a snowmobile; and locking the tunnel box to the tunnel by aligning and engaging the first quick release connector parts with the second quick release connector parts.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-22