US20190210669A1 - Snowmobile - Google Patents
Snowmobile Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190210669A1 US20190210669A1 US16/244,048 US201916244048A US2019210669A1 US 20190210669 A1 US20190210669 A1 US 20190210669A1 US 201916244048 A US201916244048 A US 201916244048A US 2019210669 A1 US2019210669 A1 US 2019210669A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- retention
- length
- slider
- track
- track slider
- Prior art date
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Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D55/00—Endless track vehicles
- B62D55/08—Endless track units; Parts thereof
- B62D55/10—Bogies; Frames
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C48/00—Extrusion moulding, i.e. expressing the moulding material through a die or nozzle which imparts the desired form; Apparatus therefor
- B29C48/001—Combinations of extrusion moulding with other shaping operations
- B29C48/0022—Combinations of extrusion moulding with other shaping operations combined with cutting
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C48/00—Extrusion moulding, i.e. expressing the moulding material through a die or nozzle which imparts the desired form; Apparatus therefor
- B29C48/03—Extrusion moulding, i.e. expressing the moulding material through a die or nozzle which imparts the desired form; Apparatus therefor characterised by the shape of the extruded material at extrusion
- B29C48/12—Articles with an irregular circumference when viewed in cross-section, e.g. window profiles
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C48/00—Extrusion moulding, i.e. expressing the moulding material through a die or nozzle which imparts the desired form; Apparatus therefor
- B29C48/03—Extrusion moulding, i.e. expressing the moulding material through a die or nozzle which imparts the desired form; Apparatus therefor characterised by the shape of the extruded material at extrusion
- B29C48/13—Articles with a cross-section varying in the longitudinal direction, e.g. corrugated pipes
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D55/00—Endless track vehicles
- B62D55/06—Endless track vehicles with tracks without ground wheels
- B62D55/07—Mono-track vehicles
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D55/00—Endless track vehicles
- B62D55/08—Endless track units; Parts thereof
- B62D55/084—Endless-track units or carriages mounted separably, adjustably or extensibly on vehicles, e.g. portable track units
- B62D55/0847—Track blocking devices mounted on the frame; Track guides
-
- 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
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D55/00—Endless track vehicles
- B62D55/08—Endless track units; Parts thereof
- B62D55/18—Tracks
- B62D55/24—Tracks of continuously flexible type, e.g. rubber belts
- B62D55/253—Tracks of continuously flexible type, e.g. rubber belts having elements interconnected by one or more cables or like elements
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- 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
- B62M2027/026—Snow mobiles characterised by the suspension means
-
- 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
- B62M2027/027—Snow mobiles characterised by the tracks
-
- 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
- B62M2027/028—Snow mobiles characterised by chassis or bodywork
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a slider for a tracked vehicle and, more particularly, to a slider optimized to reduce weight of a snowmobile or other tracked vehicle.
- snowmobiles are available for various applications such as deep snow, high performance, luxury touring, and trail riding, for example.
- certain structural components are common to many snowmobiles.
- snowmobiles typically include a frame, a track assembly, a power train, skis, and at least one suspension system, as are illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 8,490,731, issued on Jul. 23, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. PLR-01-22547.03P-01), U.S. Pat. No. 9,446,810, issued on Sep. 20, 2016 (Attorney Docket No. PLR-01-24321.03P-US), U.S. Pat. No. 7,353,898, issued on Apr.
- a frame includes a tunnel and a front chassis portion which retains the power train, and a front suspension that mounts skis to the frame.
- a drive shaft is typically mounted to the front chassis portion and includes drive sprockets for powering the track.
- a chain case is also typically provided to transfer power from an engine or CVT to the drive shaft.
- one common characteristic is to provide an elongated track to provide a longer footprint for the track, and a lower pressure for the snowmobile for flotation in deep snow.
- An elongated tunnel is also provided to cover the extended track.
- a front body typically surrounds at least the front frame portion to enclose the engine and other mechanical components.
- a track slider for engaging an endless track on a snowmobile comprises a slide surface with a slide surface width and a first retention member coupled to the slide surface.
- the track slider further comprises a second retention member coupled to the slide surface and the second retention member is located opposite a longitudinal centerline of the track slider from the first retention member.
- the track slider further comprises a third retention member coupled to the slide surface and.
- the first retention member is spaced apart longitudinally by at least one fourth of the slide surface width from the third retention member.
- a track slider for engaging an endless track on a snowmobile comprises a slide surface with a slide surface length and a slide surface width.
- the track slider further comprises a first retention side coupled to the slide surface with a first cumulative retention length, and a second retention side coupled to the slide surface with a second cumulative retention length.
- the first cumulative retention length is shorter than the slide surface by at least the slide surface width.
- a track slider for engaging an endless track on a snowmobile comprises a slide surface with a slide surface length and a slide surface width configured to engage a track.
- the track slider further comprises a longitudinal centerline of the track slider and a plurality of retention members coupled to the slide surface and configured to couple the track slider to a snowmobile rail.
- the slide surface length is longer than a cumulative length of the retention members by at least the slide surface width.
- a method of producing a track slider for a snowmobile comprises forming a slide surface and at least one retention member of the track slider.
- the track slider further comprises forming a recess in a portion of a retention member and maintaining a configuration of the slide surface as formed during the forming step.
- a track slider for engaging an endless track and a slide rail of a snowmobile comprises a first surface configured to engage the endless track with a width and a second surface configured to engage the slide rail.
- the track slider further comprises a plurality of retention portions with a generally vertical orientation relative to the first surface and a plurality of recessed portions positioned intermediate adjacent retention portions. The recessed portions are located on a middle portion of the track slider.
- a track slider for engaging an endless track and a slide rail of a snowmobile comprises a first surface configured to engage the endless track and a second surface configured to engage the slide rail and extending between a lowermost surface and an upper most surface.
- the track slider further comprises a plurality of recesses defined in the second surface intermediate the lowermost and uppermost surfaces of the second surface, and each of the plurality of recesses includes a length extending longitudinally, a width extending laterally, and a height extending vertically. The length is at least as great as the height and the width.
- a track slider for engaging an endless track and a slide rail of a snowmobile comprises a first surface configured to engage the endless track, a second surface configured to engage the slide rail and including a retention portion with a generally vertical orientation relative to the first surface.
- the track slider further comprises a third surface generally parallel to the first surface and configured to engage the slide rail.
- the third surface includes at least a first recessed portion positioned intermediate the third and first surface.
- FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a snowmobile
- FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a side view of the right hand side of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a front perspective view showing the suspension system removed from the tunnel
- FIG. 5 is a portion of an endless track of the snowmobile of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a track slider of the snowmobile of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the track slider of FIG. 6 , taken along Section line 7 - 7 of FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the track slider of FIG. 6 , taken along Section line 8 - 8 of FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a track slider.
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the track slider of FIG. 9 , taken along Section line 10 - 10 of FIG. 9 ;
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the track slider of FIG. 9 , taken along Section line 11 - 11 of FIG. 9 ;
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a track slider
- FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the track slider of FIG. 12 , taken along Section line 13 - 13 of FIG. 12 ;
- FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the track slider of FIG. 12 , taken along Section line 14 - 14 of FIG. 12 ;
- FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a track slider
- FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the track slider of FIG. 15 , taken along Section line 16 - 16 of FIG. 15 ;
- FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the track slider of FIG. 15 , taken along Section line 17 - 17 of FIG. 15 ;
- FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a track slider
- FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the track slider of FIG. 18 , taken along Section line 19 - 19 of FIG. 18 ;
- FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the track slider of FIG. 19 , taken along Section line 20 - 20 of FIG. 18 ;
- FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a track slider
- FIG. 22 is a rear view of the track slider of FIG. 21 ;
- FIG. 23 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a track slider
- FIG. 24 is a rear view of the track slider of FIG. 23 ;
- FIG. 25 is a flow chart for an illustrative method of manufacturing a track slider.
- Snowmobile 10 includes a frame 12 , supported by front skis 14 and by track assembly 16 . Front skis are coupled to a front suspension 18 , and track assembly is supported by a rear suspension 20 . Snowmobile 10 also includes a seat assembly 22 , front outer body 24 , and a steering assembly 26 . Steering assembly 26 is operably coupled to steering arms 28 ( FIG. 2 ) which allows a rider to steer snowmobile 10 .
- a power train is covered by outer body 24 and provides power to track assembly 16 .
- Running board assemblies 32 extend along the sides of the seat assembly which are supported by the frame 12 .
- a snow flap 34 ( FIG.
- ground-engaging members 14 may be replaced with tracks, such as the Prospector II Tracks available from Polaris Industries Inc., located at 2100 Highway 55 in Medina, Minn. 55340, or non-pneumatic tires, such as those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 8,176,957 (Attorney Docket PLR-09-25371.01P) and U.S. Pat. No. 8,104,524 (Attorney Docket PLR-09-25369.01P), the complete disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.
- tracks such as the Prospector II Tracks available from Polaris Industries Inc., located at 2100 Highway 55 in Medina, Minn. 55340, or non-pneumatic tires, such as those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 8,176,957 (Attorney Docket PLR-09-25371.01P) and U.S. Pat. No. 8,104,524 (Attorney Docket PLR-09-25369.01P), the complete disclosure
- frame 12 includes a tunnel 40 having a top wall 42 and side walls 44 .
- track 16 at least partially runs up into tunnel 40 between side walls 44 and upwardly towards top wall 42 .
- running board assemblies 32 include a rider's foot grip assembly 50 ( FIG. 3 ) and a foot tread assembly 52 , where the foot grip assembly 50 and foot tread assembly 52 are supported by the tunnel sidewall 44 .
- Suspension 20 includes a frame 400 having laterally spaced frame rails 402 each with a track slider 404 attached thereto.
- Suspension 20 includes two coil over shocks 406 and 408 providing dampening between the tunnel 40 and frame 400 .
- a track roller 410 is mounted on the outside of the slide rail 402 , and as shown, has an outer radial surface 412 which extends beyond lower surface 414 of slider 404 .
- Track rollers 410 are located at a position proximate a maximum pressure point between the sliders 404 and track 16 (absent the track wheel) which allows the track a slight spacing between the sliders 404 preventing substantial frictional heating.
- Suspension 20 also includes idler rollers 420 and 422 which may be adjusted to tighten or loosen the track 16 .
- Scratchers 426 are also provided on the side of frame 404 to break up crusted snow in order that the track 16 can throw snow against the underside of tunnel 40 to facilitate cooling of the power train, as the tunnel includes a heat exchanger for engine water.
- the outer surface of endless track 16 includes a plurality of couplers 354 and a plurality of intermediate extensions 355 .
- Endless track 16 includes a plurality of tread layers 357 extending in a circumferential direction.
- Each intermediate extension 355 is supported by a tread member 359 that is perpendicular to tread layers 357 .
- Couplers 354 and intermediate extensions 355 project outwardly from tread layers 357 and tread members 359 , respectively, to contact the ground.
- tread layers 357 intersect tread members 359 to define a plurality of apertures 353 .
- Apertures 353 provide a window for snow to enter and provide lubrication and cooling between the track 16 and track slider 404 .
- Slider 404 is made from an extrusion process and commonly made from a synthetic resin, in this embodiment it is made from Polyethylene, more specifically Ultra High Molecular Weight (UHMW) Polyethylene, other common materials for slider 404 include synthetic plastics such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), nylon, and polyurethane.
- Polyethylene more specifically Ultra High Molecular Weight (UHMW) Polyethylene
- other common materials for slider 404 include synthetic plastics such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), nylon, and polyurethane.
- Slider 404 includes a slide surface 500 having a slider width 526 , height 528 and retention members 502 , 504 which extend along a longitudinal centerline L of slider 404 and are for operably coupling slider to rail 402 .
- Retention members 502 , 504 extend vertically from slide surface 500 , retention member 502 has an outermost part 510 and inner most part 508 .
- slide surface 500 and retention members 502 , 504 define a slide XX therebetween, which is configured to receive a portion of slide rail 402 . In this way, track slider 404 is configured to engage or at least be positioned intermediate slide rail 402 and track 16 .
- retention members 502 , 504 are substantially inverted T-shapes as shown in FIG. 7 , however, any suitably shaped slot may be used. Additionally, an upwardly extending protrusion such as a T-shaped protrusion may be used instead of or in combination with a slot to provide an attachment surface.
- Retention member 502 is located laterally across the longitudinal centerline L of slider 404 from the retention member 504 , such that retention member 502 is positioned on a first lateral side of longitudinal centerline line L and retention member 504 is positioned on the opposing second lateral side of longitudinal centerline L. In this way, retention member 502 is configured to at least partially engage a first side of slide rail 402 and retention member 504 is configured to at least partially engage the opposing second side of slide rail 402 .
- Slider 404 includes a plurality of recessed or notched portions 428 , 430 which reduce the material in locations where retention is not needed.
- recesses 428 , 430 remove substantially the entire retention surface of a longitudinal section of retention members 502 , 504 . As shown in FIGS.
- recesses 428 , 430 extend vertically downward from an upper most surface 512 of track slider 404 down to a lower most portion 514 of retention members 502 , 504 , thus the recessed height 538 of the slider 404 in a recessed portion 428 , 430 is substantially lower than other areas of the slider 404 which include retention members 502 , 504 extending between uppermost and lowermost surfaces 512 , 514 .
- recessed portions 428 , 430 may extend to a higher point or lower to any portion above the usable slide surface 500 as indicated by the wear line 506 , such that recessed portions 428 , 430 may extend to a position lower than lowermost surface 514 of retention members 502 , 504 but above or at wear line 506 .
- Recessed portions 428 , 430 have a substantially trapezoidal shape when viewed from the side and extend the entire width 526 of slider 404 , however, any suitably shaped recess may be used. These recessed portions 428 , 430 help to reduce the weight of snowmobile 10 .
- the length of the individual recessed portions 428 , 430 is at least one fourth the slide surface width 526 .
- the length of the individual recessed portions 428 , 430 is substantially equal to the slide surface width 526 . In other illustrative embodiments, the length of the individual recessed portions 428 , 430 is greater than the slide surface width 526 . By increasing the length of the recessed portions it reduces more material of the slider 404 and further reduces the weight of snowmobile 10 .
- slider 404 has a length 516 that extends from a front end 518 to a rear end 520 with middle portion 540 .
- Each retention member 502 , 504 has a cumulative length dimension 524 , 522 respectively which is the sum of the lengths of all the individual respective retention members 502 , 504 on each side of slider 404 .
- cumulative length dimension 524 is less than overall length 516 ; however, if slider 404 does not include any recessed portions 428 , 430 , then cumulative length dimension 524 is substantially equal to overall length 516 .
- cumulative length 524 is about fifty percent (50%) of the overall slider length dimension 516 .
- retention member 504 may be defined by a plurality of retention members, as shown in FIG. 6 , the cumulative length 524 of retention member 504 may be illustrated by the sum of each individual length dimensions 504 a , 504 b , 504 c . . . 504 n , for example. In one embodiment, cumulative length 524 may be about five percent (5%) to about ninety-five percent (95%) of the overall length dimension 516 of the slider 404 . In other illustrative embodiments, the length dimension 504 is twenty-five percent (25%), forty-five percent (45%), sixty-five percent (65%) or seventy-five percent (75%) of the slider length dimension 404 , for example.
- retention member 504 may be substantially equal in length to recessed portion 428 and slider 404 may be configured with alternating repeating sections of retention members 504 and recessed portions 428 (illustratively, retention members 504 a , 504 b , 504 c . . . 504 n longitudinally alternate with recessed portions 428 a , 428 b , 428 c . . . 428 n ) along the longitudinal length 516 of slider 404 .
- the longitudinal length of retention member 504 does not equal the length of recessed portion 428 , and the longitudinal length of recessed portion 504 is shorter than that of recessed portion 428 .
- the longitudinal length of retention member 504 does not equal that of recessed portion 428 , and the longitudinal length of retention member 504 is longer than that of recessed portion 428 .
- second retention member 502 may be substantially equal in length to recessed portion 430 and slider 404 may be configured with alternating repeating sections of retention members 502 and recessed portions 430 (illustratively, retention members 502 a , 502 b , 502 c . . . 502 n longitudinally alternate with recessed portions 430 a , 430 b , 430 c . . . 430 n ) along the longitudinal length 516 of slider 404 .
- the longitudinal length of retention member 502 does not equal the length of recessed portion 430 , and the longitudinal length of recessed portion 502 is shorter than that of recessed portion 430 .
- the longitudinal length of retention member 502 does not equal that of recessed portion 430 , and the longitudinal length of retention member 502 is longer than that of recessed portion 430 .
- second retention member 502 may not have any recessed portions 430 as in FIGS. 9-11 which will be described in further detail.
- FIGS. 9-11 Another embodiment of a slider that may be used on snowmobile 10 is shown in FIGS. 9-11 .
- Slider 560 of FIG. 9 includes a front end 568 , a middle portion 582 and a rear end 570 .
- Retention member 562 is located laterally across the longitudinal centerline L of slider 560 from the retention member 564 , such that retention member 562 is positioned on a first lateral side of longitudinal centerline line L and retention member 564 is positioned on the opposing second lateral side of longitudinal centerline L.
- Retention member 562 includes a laterally recessed or notched portion 590 , on middle portion 582 of slider 560 .
- recessed portion 590 are only on one side of longitudinal centerline L, as shown in the embodiment of slider 404 ( FIGS. 6-8 ) where recessed portions 428 and 430 are on both sides of longitudinal centerline L. These recessed portions 590 help to reduce the weight of the entire snowmobile 10 .
- slider 560 has a length 584 that extends from a front end 568 to a rear end 570 .
- Retention member 562 has a cumulative length dimension 592 which is the sum of the lengths of all the individual respective retention members 562 on slider 560 .
- cumulative length dimension 592 is less than overall length 584 ; however, if slider 560 does not include any recessed portions 590 , then cumulative length dimension 592 is substantially equal to overall length 584 .
- cumulative length 592 is about fifty percent (50%) of the overall slider length dimension 584 .
- this overall size, dimension, and configuration of slider 560 balances maintaining engagement to rail 402 with the light weighting feature provided by the recessed portion 590 .
- retention member 562 may be defined by a plurality of retention members, as shown in FIG. 9 , the cumulative length 584 of retention member 590 may be illustrated by the sum of each individual length dimensions 590 a , 590 b , 590 c . . . 590 n , for example.
- cumulative length 592 may be about five percent (5%) to about ninety-five percent (95%) of the overall length dimension 584 of the slider 560 .
- the length dimension 592 is twenty-five percent (25%), forty-five percent (45%), sixty-five percent (65%) or seventy-five percent (75%) of the slider length dimension 584 , for example.
- retention member 562 may be substantially equal in length to recessed portion 590 and slider 560 may be configured with alternating repeating sections of retention members 562 and recessed portions 590 (illustratively, retention members 562 a , 562 b , 562 c . . . 562 n longitudinally alternate with recessed portions 590 a , 590 b , 590 c . . . 590 n ) along the longitudinal length 584 of slider 560 .
- the longitudinal length of retention member 562 does not equal the length of recessed portion 590 , and the longitudinal length of recessed portion 562 is shorter than that of recessed portion 590 .
- the longitudinal length of retention member 562 does not equal that of recessed portion 590 , and the longitudinal length of retention member 562 is longer than that of recessed portion 590 .
- FIGS. 12-14 Another embodiment of a slider that may be used on snowmobile 10 is shown in FIGS. 12-14 .
- Slider 640 of FIG. 12 includes a front end 618 , a middle portion 632 and a rear end 620 .
- Retention members 602 and 604 of slider 640 each include a laterally recessed or notched portion 630 and 628 , respectively, on middle portion 632 of slider 640 .
- recessed portion 630 and 628 are not substantially laterally aligned along longitudinal centerline L, as shown in the embodiment of slider 404 ( FIGS. 6-8 ) where recessed portions 428 and 430 are laterally aligned and positioned at the same longitudinal position as each other.
- At least one of the plurality of retention members 602 is substantially centered on recessed portion 628 such that retention members 602 and recessed portions 628 are laterally aligned.
- recessed portions 628 , 630 help to reduce the weight of the entire snowmobile 10 and may be manufactured using methods such as injection molding where tool slides would be allowed to slide laterally outwardly.
- slider 640 has a length 616 that extends from a front end 618 to a rear end 620 .
- Each retention member 602 , 604 has a cumulative length dimension 624 , 622 respectively which is the sum of the lengths of all the individual respective retention members 602 , 604 on each side of slider 640 .
- cumulative length dimension 624 , 622 is less than overall length 616 ; however, if slider 640 does not include any recessed portions 628 , 630 , then cumulative length dimension 624 , 622 is substantially equal to overall length 616 .
- cumulative length 624 , 622 is about fifty percent (50%) of the overall slider length dimension 616 .
- this overall size, dimension, and configuration of slider 640 balances maintaining engagement to rail 402 with the light weighting feature provided by the recessed portion 628 , 630 .
- retention member 604 may be defined by a plurality of retention members, as shown in FIG. 12
- the cumulative length 624 of retention member 604 may be illustrated by the sum of each individual length dimensions 604 a , 604 b , 604 c . . . 604 n , for example.
- cumulative length 624 may be about five percent (5%) to about ninety-five percent (95%) of the overall length dimension 616 of the slider 640 .
- the length dimension 604 is twenty-five percent (25%), forty-five percent (45%), sixty-five percent (65%) or seventy-five percent (75%) of the slider length dimension 640 , for example.
- retention member 604 may be substantially equal in length to recessed portion 628 and slider 640 may be configured with alternating repeating sections of retention members 604 and recessed portions 628 (illustratively, retention members 604 a , 604 b , 604 c . . . 604 n longitudinally alternate with recessed portions 628 a , 628 b , 628 c . . . 628 n ) along the longitudinal length 616 of slider 640 .
- the longitudinal length of retention member 604 does not equal the length of recessed portion 628 , and the longitudinal length of recessed portion 604 is shorter than that of recessed portion 628 .
- the longitudinal length of retention member 604 does not equal that of recessed portion 628 , and the longitudinal length of retention member 604 is longer than that of recessed portion 628 .
- second retention member 602 may be substantially equal in length to recessed portion 630 and slider 640 may be configured with alternating repeating sections of retention members 602 and recessed portions 630 (illustratively, retention members 602 a , 602 b , 602 c . . . 602 n longitudinally alternate with recessed portions 630 a , 630 b , 630 c . . . 630 n ) along the longitudinal length 616 of slider 640 .
- the longitudinal length of retention member 602 does not equal the length of recessed portion 630 , and the longitudinal length of recessed portion 602 is shorter than that of recessed portion 630 .
- the longitudinal length of retention member 602 does not equal that of recessed portion 630 , and the longitudinal length of retention member 602 is longer than that of recessed portion 630 .
- retention member 602 and recessed portion 628 are substantially laterally aligned along longitudinal centerline L. In other illustrative embodiments, retention member 602 and recessed portion 628 are not substantially laterally aligned along longitudinal centerline L and only a portion of retention member 602 overlaps with recessed portion 628 .
- FIGS. 15-17 Another embodiment of a slider that may be used on snowmobile 10 is shown in FIGS. 15-17 .
- Slider 740 of FIG. 15 includes a front end 718 , a middle portion 732 and a rear end 720 .
- Retention members 702 and 704 of slider 740 each include a laterally recessed or notched portion 730 and 728 , respectively, on middle portion 732 of slider 740 .
- recessed portion 728 , 730 creates an aperture in slider 740 leaving a portion of retention member 702 , 704 extending above 728, 730, thus when viewed from the side a portion of rail 402 is viewable through slider 740 .
- recessed portion 730 is substantially oval shaped and extends from an outer edge towards a longitudinal centerline of slider 740 and extend vertically downward from a position below the upper most surface 712 of track slider 740 down to a lower most portion 714 of retention members 702 , 704 .
- any suitably shaped recess may be used.
- recessed portions may extend lower to any portion above the usable slide surface 700 as indicated by the wear line 706 .
- slider 740 has a length 716 that extends from a front end 718 to a rear end 720 .
- Each retention member 702 , 704 has a cumulative length dimension 724 , 722 respectively which is the sum of the lengths of all the individual respective retention members 702 , 704 on each side of slider 740 .
- cumulative length dimension 724 , 722 is less than overall length 716 ; however, if slider 740 does not include any recessed portions 728 , 730 , then cumulative length dimension 724 , 722 is substantially equal to overall length 716 .
- cumulative length 724 , 722 is about fifty percent (50%) of the overall slider length dimension 716 .
- this overall size, dimension, and configuration of slider 740 balances maintaining engagement to rail 402 with the light weighting feature provided by the recessed portion 728 , 730 .
- retention member 704 may be defined by a plurality of retention members, as shown in FIG. 12
- the cumulative length 724 of retention member 704 may be illustrated by the sum of each individual length dimensions 704 a , 704 b , 704 c . . . 704 n , for example.
- cumulative length 724 may be about five percent (5%) to about ninety-five percent (95%) of the overall length dimension 716 of the slider 740 .
- the length dimension 704 is twenty-five percent (25%), forty-five percent (45%), sixty-five percent (65%) or seventy-five percent (75%) of the slider length dimension 740 , for example.
- retention member 704 may be substantially equal in length to recessed portion 728 and slider 740 may be configured with alternating repeating sections of retention members 704 and recessed portions 728 (illustratively, retention members 704 a , 704 b , 704 c . . . 704 n longitudinally alternate with recessed portions 728 a , 728 b , 728 c . . . 728 n ) along the longitudinal length 717 of slider 740 .
- the longitudinal length of retention member 704 does not equal the length of recessed portion 728 , and the longitudinal length of recessed portion 704 is shorter than that of recessed portion 728 .
- the longitudinal length of retention member 704 does not equal that of recessed portion 728 , and the longitudinal length of retention member 704 is longer than that of recessed portion 728 .
- second retention member 702 may be substantially equal in length to recessed portion 730 and slider 740 may be configured with alternating repeating sections of retention members 702 and recessed portions 730 (illustratively, retention members 702 a , 702 b , 702 c . . . 702 n longitudinally alternate with recessed portions 730 a , 730 b , 730 c . . . 730 n ) along the longitudinal length 716 of slider 740 .
- the longitudinal length of retention member 702 does not equal the length of recessed portion 730 , and the longitudinal length of recessed portion 702 is shorter than that of recessed portion 730 .
- the longitudinal length of retention member 702 does not equal that of recessed portion 730 , and the longitudinal length of retention member 702 is longer than that of recessed portion 730 .
- retention member 702 and recessed portion 728 are substantially laterally aligned along longitudinal centerline L.
- retention member 702 and recessed portion 728 are not substantially laterally aligned along longitudinal centerline L and only a portion of retention member 702 overlaps with recessed portion 728 .
- FIGS. 18-20 Another embodiment of a slider that may be used on snowmobile 10 is shown in FIGS. 18-20 .
- Slider 840 of FIG. 18 includes a front end 818 , a middle portion 832 and a rear end 820 .
- Retention members 802 and 804 of slider 840 each include a laterally recessed or notched portion 830 and 828 , respectively, on middle portion 832 of slider 840 .
- recessed portion 828 , 830 only removes a portion of retention member 802 , 804 , leaving a portion of retention member 842 , 844 intact continuously down the length of slider 840 .
- recessed portion 828 , 830 extends from an outer edge towards a longitudinal centerline L of slider 840 and extends vertically downward from a position at or below the upper most surface of track slider 812 down to a lower most portion 814 of retention members 802 , 804 . Additionally, recessed portions 828 , 830 may extend lower to any portion above the usable slide surface 800 as indicated by the wear line 806 .
- slider 840 has a length 816 that extends from a front end 818 to a rear end 820 .
- Each retention member 802 , 804 has a cumulative length dimension 824 , 822 respectively which is the sum of the lengths of all the non recessed individual respective retention members on each side of slider 840 .
- cumulative length dimension 824 , 822 is less than overall length 816 ; however, if slider 840 does not include any recessed portions 828 , 830 , then cumulative length dimension 824 , 822 is substantially equal to overall length 816 .
- cumulative length 824 , 822 is about fifty percent (50%) of the overall slider length dimension 816 .
- this overall size, dimension, and configuration of slider 840 balances maintaining slider strength with the light weighting feature provided by the recessed portion 828 , 830 .
- retention member 804 may be defined by a plurality of retention members, as shown in FIG. 18
- the cumulative length 824 of retention member 804 may be illustrated by the sum of each individual length dimensions 804 a , 804 b , 804 c . . . 804 n , for example.
- cumulative length 824 may be about five percent (5%) to about ninety-five percent (95%) of the overall length dimension 816 of the slider 840 .
- the length dimension 804 is twenty-five percent (25%), forty-five percent (45%), sixty-five percent (65%) or seventy-five percent (75%) of the slider length dimension 840 , for example.
- retention member 804 may be substantially equal in length to recessed portion 828 and slider 840 may be configured with alternating repeating sections of retention members 804 and recessed portions 828 (illustratively, retention members 804 a , 804 b , 804 c . . . 804 n longitudinally alternate with recessed portions 828 a , 828 b , 828 c . . . 828 n ) along the longitudinal length 818 of slider 840 .
- the longitudinal length of retention member 804 does not equal the length of recessed portion 828 , and the longitudinal length of recessed portion 804 is shorter than that of recessed portion 828 .
- the longitudinal length of retention member 804 does not equal that of recessed portion 828 , and the longitudinal length of retention member 804 is longer than that of recessed portion 828 .
- second retention member 802 may be substantially equal in length to recessed portion 830 and slider 840 may be configured with alternating repeating sections of retention members 802 and recessed portions 830 (illustratively, retention members 802 a , 802 b , 802 c . . . 802 n longitudinally alternate with recessed portions 830 a , 830 b , 830 c . . . 830 n ) along the longitudinal length 816 of slider 840 .
- the longitudinal length of retention member 802 does not equal the length of recessed portion 830 , and the longitudinal length of recessed portion 802 is shorter than that of recessed portion 830 .
- the longitudinal length of retention member 802 does not equal that of recessed portion 830 , and the longitudinal length of retention member 802 is longer than that of recessed portion 830 .
- retention member 802 and recessed portion 828 are substantially laterally aligned along longitudinal centerline L.
- retention member 802 and recessed portion 828 are not substantially laterally aligned along longitudinal centerline L and none of or only a portion of retention member 802 overlaps with recessed portion 828 .
- Slider 1040 includes a slide surface 1000 , retention members 1002 , 1004 extend a longitudinal centerline L of slider 1040 and are for operably coupling slider to rail 402 .
- Retention members 1002 , 1004 extend vertically from slide surface 500 and inwardly towards centerline L at as they extend upward slide surface 1000 .
- Retention member 1002 is located laterally across the longitudinal centerline L of slider 1004 from the retention member 1004 , such that retention member 1002 is positioned on a first lateral side of longitudinal centerline line L and retention member 1004 is positioned on the opposing second lateral side of longitudinal centerline L.
- Slider 1040 includes a plurality of recessed or notched portions 1030 which reduce the material in locations where support of the rail 402 is not needed. These recessed 1030 portions help to reduce the weight of snowmobile 10 .
- recesses 1030 remove of portion of a support surface 1014 which engages the base of rail 402 . Recesses 1030 extend vertically downward from surface 1014 thus creating a gap or void between slider 1040 and rail 402 when installed. Additionally, recessed portions 1030 may extend lower to any position above the usable slide surface 1000 as indicated by the wear line 1006 .
- Recessed portion 1030 is defined by multiple recessed portions 1030 a , 1030 b , 1030 c which form a substantially sinusoidal shape viewed from the end and extend the entire length of slider 1040 , however, any suitable number and shape of recesses may be used. As discussed above, the recessed portion 1030 extends the entire length of slider 1040 . In other illustrative embodiments, the recessed portion 1030 extends along only portion of slider 1040 or has multiple repeating recessed portions down the length of slider 1040 . Additional recessed portions 428 , 430 , 628 , 630 , 728 , 730 , 828 , 830 , or single sided retention member 1204 may be used with this invention.
- FIGS. 23 and 24 Another embodiment of a slider that may be used on snowmobile 10 is shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 .
- Slider 1240 of FIG. 23 includes front end 1218 , middle portion 1232 and rear end 1220 .
- a retention member 1204 of slider 1240 is located on a single side of a longitudinal center line on slider 1240 .
- retention member 1204 extends the entire length of slider 1240 but in other embodiments any of the recessed portions 428 , 430 , 628 , 630 , 728 , 730 , 828 , 830 , or 1030 may be used with this invention.
- the bottom rail engagement surface 1214 extends from the longitudinal centerline of slider L to the outer edge 1260 as a continuous surface.
- the region 1262 may have a lower surface than 1214 and may extend as low as wear line 1206 .
- various embodiments of the invention also include a method of manufacturing a slider 404 .
- the method includes a first step 1400 of forming a slide surface 500 and at least a single retention member 502 , 504 and a second step 1402 of removing a portion of a retention member 428 , 430 and maintaining slide surface 500 .
- Step 1400 may include forming the slide surface and retention member in a molding process, such as injection molding or compression molding, machining slide surface and retention member from raw material or bar stock, extruding the slide surface and retention member or any other type of forming process configured to produce the configuration of the slide surface and retention member.
- Step 1402 may include removing an overlapping first portion and a second portion of the retention member.
- Step 1402 further includes forming a recess that extends down a portion of the length of slider 404 , a height that extends vertically on slider 404 , a width that extends laterally on slider 404 , and the length of the recess is greater than the height and width of slider 404 .
- Step 1402 may include removing a portion of retention member by machining, extruding, shearing, cutting, drilling or any other type of process configured to remove material.
- step 1402 forms the recess in the same step as 1400 when slide surface and retention members are formed.
Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/615,786 filed Jan. 10, 2018 (Attorney Docket No. 28184.01P), the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates to a slider for a tracked vehicle and, more particularly, to a slider optimized to reduce weight of a snowmobile or other tracked vehicle.
- Generally, snowmobiles are available for various applications such as deep snow, high performance, luxury touring, and trail riding, for example. Regardless of the application, certain structural components are common to many snowmobiles. For example, snowmobiles typically include a frame, a track assembly, a power train, skis, and at least one suspension system, as are illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 8,490,731, issued on Jul. 23, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. PLR-01-22547.03P-01), U.S. Pat. No. 9,446,810, issued on Sep. 20, 2016 (Attorney Docket No. PLR-01-24321.03P-US), U.S. Pat. No. 7,353,898, issued on Apr. 8, 2008 (Attorney Docket No. PLR-01-763.01P), and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/513,949, filed on Aug. 1, 2011 (Attorney Docket No. PLR-01-24987.01P), the complete disclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein.
- One common area for snowmobiles generally relates to the overall architecture, where a frame includes a tunnel and a front chassis portion which retains the power train, and a front suspension that mounts skis to the frame. A drive shaft is typically mounted to the front chassis portion and includes drive sprockets for powering the track. A chain case is also typically provided to transfer power from an engine or CVT to the drive shaft. Reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 7,694,768 which shows a typical snowmobile drivetrain with a drive shaft and an upper jack shaft that drives the drive sprockets through the chain case, the subject matter of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.
- In the case of mountain or deep snow snowmobiles, one common characteristic is to provide an elongated track to provide a longer footprint for the track, and a lower pressure for the snowmobile for flotation in deep snow. An elongated tunnel is also provided to cover the extended track. A front body typically surrounds at least the front frame portion to enclose the engine and other mechanical components. Reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 7,870,920, issued on Jan. 18, 2011 (Attorney Docket No. PLR-01-1706.02P) and to U.S. Pat. No. 9,446,810 (Attorney Docket PLR-01-24321.02P) both of which show deep snow snowmobiles, the subject matter of each being expressly incorporated herein by reference. A present version of a snowmobile frame for deep snow is shown in
FIG. 1 . - According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a track slider for engaging an endless track on a snowmobile comprises a slide surface with a slide surface width and a first retention member coupled to the slide surface. The track slider further comprises a second retention member coupled to the slide surface and the second retention member is located opposite a longitudinal centerline of the track slider from the first retention member. The track slider further comprises a third retention member coupled to the slide surface and. The first retention member is spaced apart longitudinally by at least one fourth of the slide surface width from the third retention member.
- According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a track slider for engaging an endless track on a snowmobile comprises a slide surface with a slide surface length and a slide surface width. The track slider further comprises a first retention side coupled to the slide surface with a first cumulative retention length, and a second retention side coupled to the slide surface with a second cumulative retention length. The first cumulative retention length is shorter than the slide surface by at least the slide surface width.
- According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a track slider for engaging an endless track on a snowmobile comprises a slide surface with a slide surface length and a slide surface width configured to engage a track. The track slider further comprises a longitudinal centerline of the track slider and a plurality of retention members coupled to the slide surface and configured to couple the track slider to a snowmobile rail. The slide surface length is longer than a cumulative length of the retention members by at least the slide surface width.
- According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of producing a track slider for a snowmobile comprises forming a slide surface and at least one retention member of the track slider. The track slider further comprises forming a recess in a portion of a retention member and maintaining a configuration of the slide surface as formed during the forming step.
- According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a track slider for engaging an endless track and a slide rail of a snowmobile comprises a first surface configured to engage the endless track with a width and a second surface configured to engage the slide rail. The track slider further comprises a plurality of retention portions with a generally vertical orientation relative to the first surface and a plurality of recessed portions positioned intermediate adjacent retention portions. The recessed portions are located on a middle portion of the track slider.
- According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a track slider for engaging an endless track and a slide rail of a snowmobile comprises a first surface configured to engage the endless track and a second surface configured to engage the slide rail and extending between a lowermost surface and an upper most surface. The track slider further comprises a plurality of recesses defined in the second surface intermediate the lowermost and uppermost surfaces of the second surface, and each of the plurality of recesses includes a length extending longitudinally, a width extending laterally, and a height extending vertically. The length is at least as great as the height and the width.
- According to yet another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a track slider for engaging an endless track and a slide rail of a snowmobile comprises a first surface configured to engage the endless track, a second surface configured to engage the slide rail and including a retention portion with a generally vertical orientation relative to the first surface. The track slider further comprises a third surface generally parallel to the first surface and configured to engage the slide rail. The third surface includes at least a first recessed portion positioned intermediate the third and first surface.
- The foregoing aspects and many of the intended advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a snowmobile; -
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a side view of the right hand side of the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a front perspective view showing the suspension system removed from the tunnel; -
FIG. 5 is a portion of an endless track of the snowmobile ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a track slider of the snowmobile ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the track slider ofFIG. 6 , taken along Section line 7-7 ofFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the track slider ofFIG. 6 , taken along Section line 8-8 ofFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a track slider; -
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the track slider ofFIG. 9 , taken along Section line 10-10 ofFIG. 9 ; -
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the track slider ofFIG. 9 , taken along Section line 11-11 ofFIG. 9 ; -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a track slider; -
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the track slider ofFIG. 12 , taken along Section line 13-13 ofFIG. 12 ; -
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the track slider ofFIG. 12 , taken along Section line 14-14 ofFIG. 12 ; -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a track slider; -
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the track slider ofFIG. 15 , taken along Section line 16-16 ofFIG. 15 ; -
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the track slider ofFIG. 15 , taken along Section line 17-17 ofFIG. 15 ; -
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a track slider; -
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the track slider ofFIG. 18 , taken along Section line 19-19 ofFIG. 18 ; -
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the track slider ofFIG. 19 , taken along Section line 20-20 ofFIG. 18 ; -
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a track slider; -
FIG. 22 is a rear view of the track slider ofFIG. 21 ; -
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a track slider; -
FIG. 24 is a rear view of the track slider ofFIG. 23 ; and -
FIG. 25 is a flow chart for an illustrative method of manufacturing a track slider. - Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Although the drawings represent embodiments of various features and components according to the present disclosure, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explain the present disclosure. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
- For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, which are described below. The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to the precise form disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings. For example, while the following description refers primarily to a snowmobile, it should be understood that the principles of the invention apply equally to other snow vehicles or off road vehicles. While the present invention primarily involves a snowmobile, it should be understood, however, that the invention may have application to other types of vehicles, such as motorcycles, ATVs, utility vehicles, scooters, and mopeds.
- Referring to
FIGS. 1-3 , one illustrative embodiment of asnowmobile 10 is shown.Snowmobile 10 includes aframe 12, supported byfront skis 14 and bytrack assembly 16. Front skis are coupled to afront suspension 18, and track assembly is supported by arear suspension 20.Snowmobile 10 also includes aseat assembly 22, frontouter body 24, and asteering assembly 26. Steeringassembly 26 is operably coupled to steering arms 28 (FIG. 2 ) which allows a rider to steersnowmobile 10. A power train is covered byouter body 24 and provides power to trackassembly 16. Runningboard assemblies 32 extend along the sides of the seat assembly which are supported by theframe 12. A snow flap 34 (FIG. 2 ) is also supported by the frame rearward of the track. In one embodiment, one or more of the ground-engagingmembers 14 may be replaced with tracks, such as the Prospector II Tracks available from Polaris Industries Inc., located at 2100 Highway 55 in Medina, Minn. 55340, or non-pneumatic tires, such as those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 8,176,957 (Attorney Docket PLR-09-25371.01P) and U.S. Pat. No. 8,104,524 (Attorney Docket PLR-09-25369.01P), the complete disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. - With reference to
FIGS. 1 and 2 ,frame 12 includes atunnel 40 having atop wall 42 andside walls 44. As shown best inFIG. 2 , track 16 at least partially runs up intotunnel 40 betweenside walls 44 and upwardly towardstop wall 42. As shown, runningboard assemblies 32 include a rider's foot grip assembly 50 (FIG. 3 ) and afoot tread assembly 52, where thefoot grip assembly 50 andfoot tread assembly 52 are supported by thetunnel sidewall 44. - With reference now to
FIG. 4 ,rear suspension 20 is shown removed from thetunnel 40, understanding that therear suspension 20 is attached to the underside oftunnel 40.Suspension 20 includes aframe 400 having laterally spaced frame rails 402 each with atrack slider 404 attached thereto.Suspension 20 includes two coil overshocks tunnel 40 andframe 400. Atrack roller 410 is mounted on the outside of theslide rail 402, and as shown, has an outerradial surface 412 which extends beyondlower surface 414 ofslider 404.Track rollers 410 are located at a position proximate a maximum pressure point between thesliders 404 and track 16 (absent the track wheel) which allows the track a slight spacing between thesliders 404 preventing substantial frictional heating.Suspension 20 also includesidler rollers track 16.Scratchers 426 are also provided on the side offrame 404 to break up crusted snow in order that thetrack 16 can throw snow against the underside oftunnel 40 to facilitate cooling of the power train, as the tunnel includes a heat exchanger for engine water. - As best shown in
FIG. 5 , the outer surface ofendless track 16 includes a plurality ofcouplers 354 and a plurality ofintermediate extensions 355.Endless track 16 includes a plurality of tread layers 357 extending in a circumferential direction. Eachintermediate extension 355 is supported by atread member 359 that is perpendicular to treadlayers 357.Couplers 354 andintermediate extensions 355 project outwardly fromtread layers 357 andtread members 359, respectively, to contact the ground. As shown inFIG. 5 , tread layers 357 intersecttread members 359 to define a plurality ofapertures 353.Apertures 353 provide a window for snow to enter and provide lubrication and cooling between thetrack 16 andtrack slider 404.Slider 404 is made from an extrusion process and commonly made from a synthetic resin, in this embodiment it is made from Polyethylene, more specifically Ultra High Molecular Weight (UHMW) Polyethylene, other common materials forslider 404 include synthetic plastics such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), nylon, and polyurethane. - Referring now to
FIGS. 6-8 ,track slider 404 will be described in further detail.Slider 404 includes aslide surface 500 having aslider width 526,height 528 andretention members slider 404 and are for operably coupling slider torail 402.Retention members slide surface 500,retention member 502 has anoutermost part 510 and innermost part 508. In combination,slide surface 500 andretention members slide rail 402. In this way,track slider 404 is configured to engage or at least be positionedintermediate slide rail 402 andtrack 16. In oneembodiment retention members FIG. 7 , however, any suitably shaped slot may be used. Additionally, an upwardly extending protrusion such as a T-shaped protrusion may be used instead of or in combination with a slot to provide an attachment surface.Retention member 502 is located laterally across the longitudinal centerline L ofslider 404 from theretention member 504, such thatretention member 502 is positioned on a first lateral side of longitudinal centerline line L andretention member 504 is positioned on the opposing second lateral side of longitudinal centerline L. In this way,retention member 502 is configured to at least partially engage a first side ofslide rail 402 andretention member 504 is configured to at least partially engage the opposing second side ofslide rail 402. -
Slider 404 includes a plurality of recessed or notchedportions FIGS. 6-8 , recesses 428, 430 remove substantially the entire retention surface of a longitudinal section ofretention members FIGS. 6 and 8 , recesses 428, 430 extend vertically downward from an uppermost surface 512 oftrack slider 404 down to a lowermost portion 514 ofretention members height 538 of theslider 404 in a recessedportion slider 404 which includeretention members lowermost surfaces portions usable slide surface 500 as indicated by thewear line 506, such that recessedportions lowermost surface 514 ofretention members wear line 506. Recessedportions entire width 526 ofslider 404, however, any suitably shaped recess may be used. These recessedportions snowmobile 10. Illustratively the length of the individual recessedportions slide surface width 526. In one embodiment, the length of the individual recessedportions slide surface width 526. In other illustrative embodiments, the length of the individual recessedportions slide surface width 526. By increasing the length of the recessed portions it reduces more material of theslider 404 and further reduces the weight ofsnowmobile 10. - As shown in
FIG. 6 ,slider 404 has alength 516 that extends from afront end 518 to arear end 520 withmiddle portion 540. Eachretention member respective retention members slider 404. In this way, whenslider 404 includes recessedportions overall length 516; however, ifslider 404 does not include any recessedportions overall length 516. Illustratively, cumulative length 524 is about fifty percent (50%) of the overallslider length dimension 516. In this way, this overall size, dimension, and configuration ofslider 404 balances maintaining engagement to rail 402 with the light weighting feature provided by the recessedportion retention member 504 may be defined by a plurality of retention members, as shown inFIG. 6 , the cumulative length 524 ofretention member 504 may be illustrated by the sum of eachindividual length dimensions overall length dimension 516 of theslider 404. In other illustrative embodiments, thelength dimension 504 is twenty-five percent (25%), forty-five percent (45%), sixty-five percent (65%) or seventy-five percent (75%) of theslider length dimension 404, for example. - Still referring to
FIG. 6 ,retention member 504 may be substantially equal in length to recessedportion 428 andslider 404 may be configured with alternating repeating sections ofretention members 504 and recessed portions 428 (illustratively,retention members portions longitudinal length 516 ofslider 404. In another embodiment, the longitudinal length ofretention member 504 does not equal the length of recessedportion 428, and the longitudinal length of recessedportion 504 is shorter than that of recessedportion 428. In yet another embodiment, the longitudinal length ofretention member 504 does not equal that of recessedportion 428, and the longitudinal length ofretention member 504 is longer than that of recessedportion 428. - In the illustrative embodiment of
FIGS. 4 and 6-8 ,second retention member 502 may be substantially equal in length to recessedportion 430 andslider 404 may be configured with alternating repeating sections ofretention members 502 and recessed portions 430 (illustratively,retention members portions longitudinal length 516 ofslider 404. In another embodiment, the longitudinal length ofretention member 502 does not equal the length of recessedportion 430, and the longitudinal length of recessedportion 502 is shorter than that of recessedportion 430. In yet another embodiment, the longitudinal length ofretention member 502 does not equal that of recessedportion 430, and the longitudinal length ofretention member 502 is longer than that of recessedportion 430. In yet another embodimentsecond retention member 502 may not have any recessedportions 430 as inFIGS. 9-11 which will be described in further detail. - Another embodiment of a slider that may be used on
snowmobile 10 is shown inFIGS. 9-11 .Slider 560 ofFIG. 9 includes afront end 568, a middle portion 582 and arear end 570.Retention member 562 is located laterally across the longitudinal centerline L ofslider 560 from theretention member 564, such thatretention member 562 is positioned on a first lateral side of longitudinal centerline line L andretention member 564 is positioned on the opposing second lateral side of longitudinal centerlineL. Retention member 562 includes a laterally recessed or notchedportion 590, on middle portion 582 ofslider 560. In this embodiment, recessedportion 590 are only on one side of longitudinal centerline L, as shown in the embodiment of slider 404 (FIGS. 6-8 ) where recessedportions portions 590 help to reduce the weight of theentire snowmobile 10. - As shown in
FIG. 9 ,slider 560 has alength 584 that extends from afront end 568 to arear end 570.Retention member 562 has a cumulative length dimension 592 which is the sum of the lengths of all the individualrespective retention members 562 onslider 560. In this way, whenslider 560 includes recessedportions 590, cumulative length dimension 592 is less thanoverall length 584; however, ifslider 560 does not include any recessedportions 590, then cumulative length dimension 592 is substantially equal tooverall length 584. Illustratively, cumulative length 592 is about fifty percent (50%) of the overallslider length dimension 584. In this way, this overall size, dimension, and configuration ofslider 560 balances maintaining engagement to rail 402 with the light weighting feature provided by the recessedportion 590. Becauseretention member 562 may be defined by a plurality of retention members, as shown inFIG. 9 , thecumulative length 584 ofretention member 590 may be illustrated by the sum of eachindividual length dimensions overall length dimension 584 of theslider 560. In other illustrative embodiments, the length dimension 592 is twenty-five percent (25%), forty-five percent (45%), sixty-five percent (65%) or seventy-five percent (75%) of theslider length dimension 584, for example. - Still referring to
FIG. 9 ,retention member 562 may be substantially equal in length to recessedportion 590 andslider 560 may be configured with alternating repeating sections ofretention members 562 and recessed portions 590 (illustratively,retention members portions longitudinal length 584 ofslider 560. In another embodiment, the longitudinal length ofretention member 562 does not equal the length of recessedportion 590, and the longitudinal length of recessedportion 562 is shorter than that of recessedportion 590. In yet another embodiment, the longitudinal length ofretention member 562 does not equal that of recessedportion 590, and the longitudinal length ofretention member 562 is longer than that of recessedportion 590. - Another embodiment of a slider that may be used on
snowmobile 10 is shown inFIGS. 12-14 .Slider 640 ofFIG. 12 includes afront end 618, amiddle portion 632 and arear end 620.Retention members slider 640 each include a laterally recessed or notchedportion middle portion 632 ofslider 640. In this embodiment, recessedportion FIGS. 6-8 ) where recessedportions retention members 602 is substantially centered on recessedportion 628 such thatretention members 602 and recessedportions 628 are laterally aligned. These recessedportions entire snowmobile 10 and may be manufactured using methods such as injection molding where tool slides would be allowed to slide laterally outwardly. - As shown in
FIG. 12 ,slider 640 has alength 616 that extends from afront end 618 to arear end 620. Eachretention member respective retention members slider 640. In this way, whenslider 640 includes recessedportions overall length 616; however, ifslider 640 does not include any recessedportions overall length 616. Illustratively, cumulative length 624, 622 is about fifty percent (50%) of the overallslider length dimension 616. In this way, this overall size, dimension, and configuration ofslider 640 balances maintaining engagement to rail 402 with the light weighting feature provided by the recessedportion retention member 604 may be defined by a plurality of retention members, as shown inFIG. 12 , the cumulative length 624 ofretention member 604 may be illustrated by the sum of eachindividual length dimensions overall length dimension 616 of theslider 640. In other illustrative embodiments, thelength dimension 604 is twenty-five percent (25%), forty-five percent (45%), sixty-five percent (65%) or seventy-five percent (75%) of theslider length dimension 640, for example. - Still referring to
FIG. 12 ,retention member 604 may be substantially equal in length to recessedportion 628 andslider 640 may be configured with alternating repeating sections ofretention members 604 and recessed portions 628 (illustratively,retention members portions longitudinal length 616 ofslider 640. In another embodiment, the longitudinal length ofretention member 604 does not equal the length of recessedportion 628, and the longitudinal length of recessedportion 604 is shorter than that of recessedportion 628. In yet another embodiment, the longitudinal length ofretention member 604 does not equal that of recessedportion 628, and the longitudinal length ofretention member 604 is longer than that of recessedportion 628. - In the illustrative embodiment of
FIGS. 12-14 ,second retention member 602 may be substantially equal in length to recessedportion 630 andslider 640 may be configured with alternating repeating sections ofretention members 602 and recessed portions 630 (illustratively,retention members portions longitudinal length 616 ofslider 640. In another embodiment, the longitudinal length ofretention member 602 does not equal the length of recessedportion 630, and the longitudinal length of recessedportion 602 is shorter than that of recessedportion 630. In yet another embodiment, the longitudinal length ofretention member 602 does not equal that of recessedportion 630, and the longitudinal length ofretention member 602 is longer than that of recessedportion 630. In thisembodiment retention member 602 and recessedportion 628 are substantially laterally aligned along longitudinal centerline L. In other illustrative embodiments,retention member 602 and recessedportion 628 are not substantially laterally aligned along longitudinal centerline L and only a portion ofretention member 602 overlaps with recessedportion 628. - Another embodiment of a slider that may be used on
snowmobile 10 is shown inFIGS. 15-17 .Slider 740 ofFIG. 15 includes afront end 718, amiddle portion 732 and arear end 720.Retention members slider 740 each include a laterally recessed or notchedportion middle portion 732 ofslider 740. In this embodiment, recessedportion slider 740 leaving a portion ofretention member rail 402 is viewable throughslider 740. In this embodiment recessedportion 730 is substantially oval shaped and extends from an outer edge towards a longitudinal centerline ofslider 740 and extend vertically downward from a position below the uppermost surface 712 oftrack slider 740 down to a lowermost portion 714 ofretention members usable slide surface 700 as indicated by thewear line 706. - As shown in
FIG. 15 ,slider 740 has alength 716 that extends from afront end 718 to arear end 720. Eachretention member respective retention members slider 740. In this way, whenslider 740 includes recessedportions overall length 716; however, ifslider 740 does not include any recessedportions overall length 716. Illustratively, cumulative length 724, 722 is about fifty percent (50%) of the overallslider length dimension 716. In this way, this overall size, dimension, and configuration ofslider 740 balances maintaining engagement to rail 402 with the light weighting feature provided by the recessedportion retention member 704 may be defined by a plurality of retention members, as shown inFIG. 12 , the cumulative length 724 ofretention member 704 may be illustrated by the sum of eachindividual length dimensions overall length dimension 716 of theslider 740. In other illustrative embodiments, thelength dimension 704 is twenty-five percent (25%), forty-five percent (45%), sixty-five percent (65%) or seventy-five percent (75%) of theslider length dimension 740, for example. - Still referring to
FIG. 15 ,retention member 704 may be substantially equal in length to recessedportion 728 andslider 740 may be configured with alternating repeating sections ofretention members 704 and recessed portions 728 (illustratively,retention members portions slider 740. In another embodiment, the longitudinal length ofretention member 704 does not equal the length of recessedportion 728, and the longitudinal length of recessedportion 704 is shorter than that of recessedportion 728. In yet another embodiment, the longitudinal length ofretention member 704 does not equal that of recessedportion 728, and the longitudinal length ofretention member 704 is longer than that of recessedportion 728. - In the illustrative embodiment of
FIG. 15 ,second retention member 702 may be substantially equal in length to recessedportion 730 andslider 740 may be configured with alternating repeating sections ofretention members 702 and recessed portions 730 (illustratively,retention members portions longitudinal length 716 ofslider 740. In another embodiment, the longitudinal length ofretention member 702 does not equal the length of recessedportion 730, and the longitudinal length of recessedportion 702 is shorter than that of recessedportion 730. In yet another embodiment, the longitudinal length ofretention member 702 does not equal that of recessedportion 730, and the longitudinal length ofretention member 702 is longer than that of recessedportion 730. In thisembodiment retention member 702 and recessedportion 728 are substantially laterally aligned along longitudinal centerline L. In other illustrative embodiments,retention member 702 and recessedportion 728 are not substantially laterally aligned along longitudinal centerline L and only a portion ofretention member 702 overlaps with recessedportion 728. - Another embodiment of a slider that may be used on
snowmobile 10 is shown inFIGS. 18-20 .Slider 840 ofFIG. 18 includes afront end 818, amiddle portion 832 and arear end 820.Retention members slider 840 each include a laterally recessed or notchedportion middle portion 832 ofslider 840. In this embodiment, recessedportion retention member retention member slider 840. In this embodiment recessedportion slider 840 and extends vertically downward from a position at or below the upper most surface oftrack slider 812 down to a lowermost portion 814 ofretention members portions usable slide surface 800 as indicated by thewear line 806. - As shown in
FIG. 18 ,slider 840 has alength 816 that extends from afront end 818 to arear end 820. Eachretention member slider 840. In this way, whenslider 840 includes recessedportions overall length 816; however, ifslider 840 does not include any recessedportions overall length 816. Illustratively, cumulative length 824, 822 is about fifty percent (50%) of the overallslider length dimension 816. In this way, this overall size, dimension, and configuration ofslider 840 balances maintaining slider strength with the light weighting feature provided by the recessedportion retention member 804 may be defined by a plurality of retention members, as shown inFIG. 18 , the cumulative length 824 ofretention member 804 may be illustrated by the sum of eachindividual length dimensions overall length dimension 816 of theslider 840. In other illustrative embodiments, thelength dimension 804 is twenty-five percent (25%), forty-five percent (45%), sixty-five percent (65%) or seventy-five percent (75%) of theslider length dimension 840, for example. - Still referring to
FIG. 18 ,retention member 804 may be substantially equal in length to recessedportion 828 andslider 840 may be configured with alternating repeating sections ofretention members 804 and recessed portions 828 (illustratively,retention members portions longitudinal length 818 ofslider 840. In another embodiment, the longitudinal length ofretention member 804 does not equal the length of recessedportion 828, and the longitudinal length of recessedportion 804 is shorter than that of recessedportion 828. In yet another embodiment, the longitudinal length ofretention member 804 does not equal that of recessedportion 828, and the longitudinal length ofretention member 804 is longer than that of recessedportion 828. - In the illustrative embodiment of
FIG. 18 ,second retention member 802 may be substantially equal in length to recessedportion 830 andslider 840 may be configured with alternating repeating sections ofretention members 802 and recessed portions 830 (illustratively,retention members portions longitudinal length 816 ofslider 840. In another embodiment, the longitudinal length ofretention member 802 does not equal the length of recessedportion 830, and the longitudinal length of recessedportion 802 is shorter than that of recessedportion 830. In yet another embodiment, the longitudinal length ofretention member 802 does not equal that of recessedportion 830, and the longitudinal length ofretention member 802 is longer than that of recessedportion 830. In thisembodiment retention member 802 and recessedportion 828 are substantially laterally aligned along longitudinal centerline L. In other illustrative embodiments,retention member 802 and recessedportion 828 are not substantially laterally aligned along longitudinal centerline L and none of or only a portion ofretention member 802 overlaps with recessedportion 828. - Another embodiment of a slider that may be used on
snowmobile 10 is shown inFIGS. 21-22 .Track slider 1040 will be described in further detail.Slider 1040 includes aslide surface 1000,retention members slider 1040 and are for operably coupling slider torail 402.Retention members slide surface 500 and inwardly towards centerline L at as they extendupward slide surface 1000.Retention member 1002 is located laterally across the longitudinal centerline L ofslider 1004 from theretention member 1004, such thatretention member 1002 is positioned on a first lateral side of longitudinal centerline line L andretention member 1004 is positioned on the opposing second lateral side of longitudinal centerline L. -
Slider 1040 includes a plurality of recessed or notchedportions 1030 which reduce the material in locations where support of therail 402 is not needed. These recessed 1030 portions help to reduce the weight ofsnowmobile 10. In this embodiment recesses 1030 remove of portion of asupport surface 1014 which engages the base ofrail 402.Recesses 1030 extend vertically downward fromsurface 1014 thus creating a gap or void betweenslider 1040 andrail 402 when installed. Additionally, recessedportions 1030 may extend lower to any position above theusable slide surface 1000 as indicated by thewear line 1006. Recessedportion 1030 is defined by multiple recessedportions slider 1040, however, any suitable number and shape of recesses may be used. As discussed above, the recessedportion 1030 extends the entire length ofslider 1040. In other illustrative embodiments, the recessedportion 1030 extends along only portion ofslider 1040 or has multiple repeating recessed portions down the length ofslider 1040. Additional recessedportions sided retention member 1204 may be used with this invention. - Another embodiment of a slider that may be used on
snowmobile 10 is shown inFIGS. 23 and 24 .Slider 1240 ofFIG. 23 includesfront end 1218,middle portion 1232 andrear end 1220. Aretention member 1204 ofslider 1240 is located on a single side of a longitudinal center line onslider 1240. In thisembodiment retention member 1204 extends the entire length ofslider 1240 but in other embodiments any of the recessedportions rail engagement surface 1214 extends from the longitudinal centerline of slider L to theouter edge 1260 as a continuous surface. In other embodiments theregion 1262 may have a lower surface than 1214 and may extend as low aswear line 1206. - As shown in
FIG. 25 various embodiments of the invention also include a method of manufacturing aslider 404. In some embodiments, the method includes afirst step 1400 of forming aslide surface 500 and at least asingle retention member second step 1402 of removing a portion of aretention member slide surface 500.Step 1400 may include forming the slide surface and retention member in a molding process, such as injection molding or compression molding, machining slide surface and retention member from raw material or bar stock, extruding the slide surface and retention member or any other type of forming process configured to produce the configuration of the slide surface and retention member.Step 1402 may include removing an overlapping first portion and a second portion of the retention member.Step 1402 further includes forming a recess that extends down a portion of the length ofslider 404, a height that extends vertically onslider 404, a width that extends laterally onslider 404, and the length of the recess is greater than the height and width ofslider 404.Step 1402 may include removing a portion of retention member by machining, extruding, shearing, cutting, drilling or any other type of process configured to remove material. In oneembodiment step 1402 forms the recess in the same step as 1400 when slide surface and retention members are formed. - While this invention has been described as having an exemplary design, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.
Claims (41)
Priority Applications (1)
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US16/244,048 US20190210669A1 (en) | 2018-01-10 | 2019-01-09 | Snowmobile |
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US201862615786P | 2018-01-10 | 2018-01-10 | |
US16/244,048 US20190210669A1 (en) | 2018-01-10 | 2019-01-09 | Snowmobile |
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US20190210669A1 true US20190210669A1 (en) | 2019-07-11 |
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US16/244,048 Pending US20190210669A1 (en) | 2018-01-10 | 2019-01-09 | Snowmobile |
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- 2019-01-09 US US16/244,048 patent/US20190210669A1/en active Pending
- 2019-01-10 CA CA3029617A patent/CA3029617C/en active Active
- 2019-01-10 CA CA3133665A patent/CA3133665A1/en active Pending
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Also Published As
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CA3029617C (en) | 2021-11-23 |
CA3029617A1 (en) | 2019-07-10 |
CA3133665A1 (en) | 2019-07-10 |
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