CA 02350348 2001-06-12
SIDE PANEL FOR A RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention concerns the overall design and applicability of
a side-
enclosing panel, or fairing, for a recreational vehicle. More particularly,
the present invention
relates to a side panel for vehicles such as snowmobiles where, among other
features, the panel is
outwardly movable along a substantially vertical hinge (or pivot) due to its
mounting
characteristics and positioning. Furthermore, the design of the side panel is
enhanced through
mufti-dimensional planes that increase the aerodynamic utility of the side
structures while at the
same time providing an airbox support as well as a leg support wall to
accommodate and protect
the operator's legs, both from wind and obstacles such as branches.
Background of the Invention
[0002] Conventionally, vehicles such as snowmobiles 700 (illustrated in Figure
7) are
constructed with a tunnel 702 supported by a suspension system 704. An endless
track 706,
which is operatively connected to an engine 708, slides around a suspension
system 704 to
propel the snowmobile 700. The snowmobile 700 has a front end 710 and a rear
end 712.
Handlebars 714 extend above a seat 716 behind the engine 708. The handlebars
714 are
operatively connected to the skis 718 to steer the snowmobile 700 across the
ground.
[0003] Fairings 720 are disposed around the engine 708 at the front end 710 of
the
snowmobile 700. The fairings 720 are provided to protect the engine 708 from
the environment
1
CA 02350348 2001-06-12
and to provide a platform onto which graphics may be applied so that the
snowmobile 700 is
aesthetically pleasing to an operator 722. Typically, in the conventional
snowmobile 700, the
fairings 720 have two parts, a hood section 724 and a pan section 726. The
hood 724, which
may or may not include a windshield 728, is usually connected pivotally to the
snowmobile 700
at the front end 710. Accordingly, the hood 724 opens in the direction shown
by the arrow 730.
[0004] One problem with the design of prior art snowmobiles is that access to
the engine
708 is sometimes limited by the construction of the hood 724 and the pan 726,
which may
impede access to certain engine components. While not a significant problem
for most prior art
snowmobiles, modern snowmobiles have advanced in both size and complexity to
require
different approaches to the design of the panels) providing access to the
engine and the engine
components that such snowmobiles employ for propulsion.
[0005) One solution has been to provide side panels on snowmobiles that open
by
being rotated downwardly, providing operator access to the middle and lower
portions of the
engine. However, these side panels typically have been of a small size and, as
a result, the
regions of the engine capable of being accessed through these panels have been
limited due to
the small openings created when the side panels are opened.
[0006] The reasons behind maintaining relatively small side panels stem from
design
and practicability concerns. In the past, side panels have been constructed to
be horizontally
hinged to the base of the snowmobile so that they open in a direction downward
and away from
the snowmobile, toward the ground. Due to space restrictions, opening a side
panel along a
horizontal axis does not permit use of a larger side panel design. In
particular, if large side
panels are opened outwardly and downwardly along a horizontal axis, such
panels create a
barner restricting the operator from examining a position in the middle of the
opening, because
2
CA 02350348 2001-06-12
the panel itself becomes an obstacle when it is rotated downwardly from the
side of the
snowmobile.
[0007] As stated previously, to the extent incorporated into prior art
snowmobiles,
side panels have been designed solely to provide access, although limited, to
the engine of the
snowmobile. Little if any thought was given to designing a side panel that
could accomplish
other functions, such as providing a windshield for the operator's legs or
providing an
attachment position for an airbox.
[0008] The traditional placement of knee rests has most often been in an area
directly
behind the side panel. The knee rest has never been incorporated into or
attached to the side
panel itself.
[0009] The traditional placement of the airbox on a conventional snowmobile
has
been between the engine and the gas tank. Primarily this was because the
engine was situated
toward the front of the vehicle. In a new design for a snowmobile, such as
that shown in FIG. l,
however, the driver is positioned more forwardly. The engine of the vehicle
shown in FIG. 1 is
moved towards the rear of the vehicle. When compared to a conventional vehicle
such as that
shown in FIG. 7, the available space for an airbox between the engine and the
fuel tank is
reduced such that an airbox small enough to fit in such a space would not have
a sufficient air
volume for the engine to function properly.
[00010] Traditionally, the space between the belt guard and the hood was not
used to
hold an airbox. If used at all on conventional snowmobiles, some manufactures
use the space
between the belt guard and the hood as a place to attach a spare belt for the
CVT.
3
CA 02350348 2001-06-12
[00011] The prior art is replete with examples of the use of the side panels
on a
snowmobile. None of the prior art designs, however, provide the advantages of
the present
invention.
[00012] One example of a prior art panel is incorporated in the Prowler
snowmobile
marketed by Artic Cat. The side panels on the Prowler are nothing more than
rectangular access
panels that extend between the upper windshield and the base of the
snowmobile's frame. The
rectangular side panel structures are horizontally hinged at the lower base
and open downwardly,
away from the snowmobile, toward the ground. The relatively small surface area
of the side
panels, by comparison to the relatively large size of the windshield, are
obvious indicators of the
limited access that the panel provides to the engine compartment of the
snowmobile. In addition,
the Prowler's side panels fail to provide any further significant advantages)
outside that of
covering an opening into the interior of the snowmobile. The leg support walls
lie in a position
separate from and inside of the side panels. The Prowler's side panels also
lack any significant
aerodynamic qualities or traits that deflect airflow (or wind) away from the
legs of the operator.
Moreover, the airbox on the Prowler is positioned conventionally.
[00013] Another prior art snowmobile, the Phazer marketed by Yamaha, employs
side
panels that are similar to the Prowler's side panels. The Phazer's side panels
are hinged to the
frame of the snowmobile at the base (or lower edge portion of the panel). The
side panels open
horizontally downward, toward the ground, away from the vehicle. Like Artic
Cat's side panels,
the Phazer's side panels lack any aerodynamic (or other) features that deflect
air away from the
legs of the operator. The semi-rectangular panels also fail to provide a
structure suitable for
supporting the legs of the driver. On this vehicle, leg support structures are
attached behind the
panel. Additionally, the side panels do not provide a position to which the
airbox may be
4
CA 02350348 2001-06-12
attached. The side panels of the Phazer, therefore, lack any role outside that
of providing access
to the interior of the vehicle.
[00014] Side panels that are currently available for snowmobile construction
fall short
of providing a suitably larger opening to permit easy access the engine.
[00015] Additionally, side panels that are currently available lack any
structural
function outside that of providing access to the snowmobile's engine.
[00016] Accordingly, a need has arisen for an improved side panel that
provides
greater access to the interior frame and engine related components.
[00017] In addition, a need has developed for a design that deflects air away
from the
operator while the snowmobile is moving.
[00018] Also, a need has developed for a design to which an airbox may be
affixed.
[00019] A need has arisen also for a snowmobile design where the airbox is
situated in
the space provided above the belt guard.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
CA 02350348 2001-06-12
[00020] The present invention improves upon conventional snowmobile side panel
design by providing opening mechanisms that results in greater accessibility
to the interior
components of the snowmobile.
[00021] The present invention also improves upon conventional side panel
designs by
providing unique aerodynamic characteristics.
[00022] Furthermore, the present invention also permits an airbox (or at least
a portion
thereof) to be attached to the side panel.
[00023] The overall size of the side panel of the present invention is far
greater than
that of conventional panels. Therefore, when opened, the side panel provides
significantly
greater access to the snowmobile engine and interior components.
[00024] So that the side panels do not interfere with access to the interior,
the panels
are connected to the snowmobile so that they open outwardly along a
substantially vertical axis.
[00025] In another aspect, the present invention provides a side panel that is
capable of
protecting the operator's legs.
[00026] Furthermore, the present invention further includes an air-deflecting
shield
attached on the upper portion of the side panel. The air deflector is mounted
in a position on the
upper portion of the main member to serve as a wind deflector by which the
operator's lower
extremities are protected against the wind.
[00027] Another unique aspect of the present invention involves the placement
and
utilization of elastic, resilient hinges along the exterior edges of the side
panel main member and
pan. Elastic, resilient hinges handle variable stresses better than certain
inelastic hinges.
Accordingly, elastic hinges are better able to cope with the variable, high
stresses placed upon
them when the side panels are opened.
6
CA 02350348 2001-06-12
(00028] In addition, the present invention provides for a unique hinge
arrangement that
facilitates attachment of the side panel to the snowmobile. According to this
aspect of the
invention, the hinge is molded as a part of the side panel and easily and
quickly connects to the
snowmobile through a single slide connector.
[00029] Additionally, air slits are provided along lower and upper portions of
the side
panel for directing airflow therethrough. The air slits ventilate air into and
out of the engine
compartment to regulate the temperature of the engine and interior pan.
[00030] The present invention also provides for a construction where at least
part of
the air box for the engine is attached to the interior surface of the side
panel. As a result, when
the side panel is opened, the primary portion of the air box is removed from
the engine
compartment, out of the way of the person seeking access to the engine
compartment. With such
a construction, maintenance and/or service of the engine is greatly
facilitated. When the side
panel is closed, the self aligning primary portion of the airbox attached to
the interior of the side
panel self aligns itself with a secondary portion of the airbox situated near
the engine.
Accordingly, the primary portion of the airbox is situated above the belt
guard once the side
panel is closed.
[00031] The present invention also provides an airbox which is constructed of
a
primary portion and a secondary portion.
[00032] The present invention also provides an airbox which includes a self
aligning
portion between the primary and secondary portions.
[00033] The present invention also provides for an airbox which is situated
above the
belt guard.
7
CA 02350348 2001-06-12
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00034] For a better understanding of the present invention as well as other
objects and
further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which
is to be used in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Common reference numerals are used
in the
various figures to designate the same structure. In the figures:
[00035] FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a snowmobile equipped with the
side
panels of the present invention (among other features);
[00036] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the snowmobile
illustrated in FIG.
1 the view being taken from a frontal position illustrating an exterior
surface of a side panel main
member in a closed position, attached to a pan along the side of the
snowmobile;
[00037] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the side panel of the
present
invention as shown in FIG. 1, the perspective being taken from a rearward
position and
illustrating a portion of the exterior surface of the side panel main member
in a closed position;
[00038] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the snowmobile
illustrated in FIG.
1, the perspective being taken from a frontal position and illustrating an
exterior surface of a side
panel main member in an open position, attached in a vertical-opening
orientation to the side of
the snowmobile;
[00039] FIG. SA is a perspective view of the interior surface of an open side
panel
main member, the perspective view being taken from the rear of the snowmobile
and revealing
the hinges connecting the side panel main member to a vertical wall of the
snowmobile;
[00040] FIG. SB is a close-up, perspective view of the hinge arrangement
illustrated in
FIG. SA;
8
CA 02350348 2001-06-12
[00041] FIG. SC is a close-up, perspective view of one of the hinges
illustrated in FIG.
SB;
[00042] FIG. SD is a perspective view of the hinge shown in FIG. SD, showing
an
elastic, resilient hinge in a free position, which means that the hinge is not
attached to a catch
strip that secures the hinge to the vertical wall of the side panel main
member;
[00043) FIG. 6 is a side view of the exterior of one of the side panels
illustrated in
FIG. 1;
[00044] FIG. 7 is an exterior side view illustration of a prior art
snowmobile;
[00045] FIG. 8 is an enlarged, perspective, exploded view of another hinge
assembly
for connecting the side panel to the snowmobile shown in FIG. l;
[00046] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge illustrated in FIG. 8,
once
assembled;
[00047] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge illustrated in FIG. 8,
once
assembled and in a closed position;
[00048] FIG. 11 is an enlarged, perspective, exploded of yet another hinge
assembly
for connecting the side panel to the snowmobile shown in FIG. 1
[00049) FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge illustrated in FIG. 11,
once
assembled.
[00050] FIG. 13 is an end view of a locking bar member, which is an element of
the
hinge illustrated in FIG. 9;
[00051] FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the locking bar member, which is an
element of
the hinge illustrated in FIG. 9;
9
CA 02350348 2001-06-12
[00052) FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a portion of the left side of the
snowmobile
illustrated in FIG. 1, showing the side panel opened, exposing the portion of
the air box attached
to the interior surface thereof;
[00053] FIG. 16 is another perspective illustration of a portion of the left
side of the
snowmobile illustrated in FIG. 1, showing the portion of the air box affixed
to the interior of the
side panel and also showing the remaining portion of the air box positioned
within the engine
compartment behind the transmission;
[00054] FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective illustration of the two halves of
the air box
illustrated in FIG. 15; and
[00055] FIG. 18 is another embodiment of the present invention showing a
perspective
illustration of a portion of the left side of the snowmobile illustrated in
FIG. 1, showing a portion
of the air box affixed to the belt guard and also showing the remaining
portion of the air box
positioned within the engine compartment behind the transmission.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[00056] Throughout the description of the several embodiments of the present
invention, reference will be made to various elements, the construction of
which is readily
known to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, an exhaustive description of
each and every
component is not provided, only a description of those elements required for
an understanding of
the present invention.
CA 02350348 2003-08-05
"~~'.~', .. ~~:as35,,s~,:,s ~3 ~':~,;':;~~~;i.'I,Eis.; ',:~c:5;% i'.'s~ ;#.
w=#:<.3>x.'~:~~:~~3i~E.' i.~~C;~~~i s~~~. ,.,:<,:,.'~3.
,, i7 L?~O. ~-ye ~,~~.yr~-t"-...~.;t c ...f.,,,..
~~.~'::.C'S.~~'~:'.:'r L3~' :. . '~'%;::,~'i. t :. k ,,. "~1 ;'~, :~:,5~~,:_
ss~3c'" ~,~#.s...,J.r3st <.'s,.#~.~i~,ri~. ~~~i... .JCA.3«.i#..t.t,:s~,:
~'#i;~f.~~35,:~ <3 .:,"t,'#,.'c a.t,::,:~' :'s. ~~ :3~'sl#i.
::~~"t .Fl x~'z~~F.aa ~' s<a%g;s.;~: :'~~.''~~si..s:.. ,: ~3~.3s'f~ ;'r ~,
';~:f., i ri #,5~ ,.s ,~.,,.y, c.
# ~ae.'~':rs~'3~~":: f..'.
's~~~.st'L°''s~k 3~ rC:'%'- .% l ' ~S~:' ;:, :.S-t,.,i - l ;. . ~..::i
~~<.3Csl.$... .,-~':. i.t~a., ~3....F;a'"'s'~;a:'~. ~.~3~.~3,~.i~_.,3,#:,
"~...~.. :.L3:,t.: ~.;, .... -~.e#.'';~::i.>:#. ..as.:~.:'','.f~r#~~.k.':.s~
si~.~~ z: E.3's_3'#:
' ~ ;3: S -~ , f <;.;s_: s ; .~ i-' ;
"s " .,:,... _. ;,.,
3s:D~~~. r3 ~~ i#:3_z4 i.c,.:;: 3.3~~t;.~~x "..Js, ~~.Et. ..~i'i i:'..'3 43v
~i w :v; . s : :c ~: : ~s;:,
. 3t ~... i f,~~'t ...:5 .~ ~'',7 f.3 ~.k5.:~ ~i~:.,,.: Sr~...3'y~ .,: ..c#
.:3.~.k~.. :,~iCa'~i..,: C.:. ., ,.w
..y. ., 'S,, y ;y.5..t .. !:C ;. ,-j,:> ~<y, ;. v,y~',~
~:.3i~~: ~;#D iii' ~~i'#.t; 'r.t#.t, ~':.3~~3''s:3~.':' ::~#.t.,
..:<.~L.i'#tJ.a .r4'i3.iSv":x~~~;. "s.3 < i.,.?.:#~I. 4~:t;,t'~,35'y :.~~ t s
~ ;~.~ s f
it: i.~ #S f F~ ~~~~'v I#". s~'sal-~~:'~.i
3. , .~~, S!-. ~r~~-"2 - ,~~.y:.' . % : ' tv., r: S i~ >. S' :' i , . 7
.; a.~ ..~;.3i:~Wf..a .. 'k- , .si. ~'g'~~ W, r.,y,,:~ r,:5~<.'-5'.
::.~~.~i. I. 5 :~ ~'...~#~w~:'.~ t#.~ t~:: :~~, <.. ~~°; v~,.,~~,.
~~;35,~~~ ~:;~ ~3~:~: ,..~:,5.,-~~~,~.;;,%, a.,,>~ ~~-frs.~~
_ -,
~~~5::;;t~~:,r~~3~'~>.:f t.~. '~:~" ';'3~f::a ,E7; ., ..r...: ;-3, .y(.~.;r ~.
(,an:--' ;..,
,< #~....~.~t#~s,.<.,.#t _: ~ , ;.~~s:' i'd's;: #s3s.3~~~;i~.: ",f,
,.,.>a~:~fs.:,: i::,~:~# 5.vt3~" ~: .% ;..'s :., ? t,~."d~.sf
..J w :~~~~. .J,,'a,,'C~~.~i. i~:~ 'S.~#~~.:.. ..' t
_ y ., a,.y,,.,' , , :,;- _,y..,d;.~ r -> ' >,i ,
sw, ~,# t~~, ,~~".~t,.t~,~~ ";~~~..s,3c~~3 ~~,~, ~~3~, :5,~~~ ~:..3:::~#~w~f
i,s #~~~.:.: .:~#;.~ ~~3'~~;z,:;~~3~:~.. ~~3a3-~.~:v. a.~
> :,~v: ~:~s:~; ~jy. ;~ v~,.-'- ~jij " Yi::, ~!(;c::~n _,. : ...ty':
;~:~.. . ..f.t~''s3i3.ss;o._., ;,~ ~ 3't~;;A f3:,#.~.~E3~.'~ ...., ::f3ø,~~.s~
..", E~..:." , rf ws# 5.53 : c; s ~'; s r
~.~~.:'~~~ ~s:. ~ ~ i.,. #~ , ~3#~.. t.:3 ~'. s t #t.~ .'' ~:~~.':'i~;','~;
~;:3
~3s:3-~'s:#'<"5~'a;~ f3A~~:~~~it, f~.3:'.3::~f.'
t.'~~":'s~.°.~i~#'~z~t~''s'3~ ;:t~~'~w.'E3t< ~.~F.~;.~'~'..~3~'.
't5 ~"t'~ > y~3;,~ ;i , . ,,: ;.. ...ty"" .;_, .
':~'~:~ i:...:~ -~~ ; r~~~~:.:~ ~#~<~.tv :f_;:; ~~ka.~. A~s :.~ ~v~~ ~ff,~".
~~~.~;, ;~ ~~~:~ :,th~:3~a~-.~:~y:~~<N,
:i,'r ;.~.~~#. ~. # ~ ~j:3 '~ '.. ~ ,' .3,.,:a ~ ~ .:ry. S t ;., , ' ;-',.. '
.'S,. . "ST:;.
...,.~5,. .~: ~..3' ~., ~..t,...~vi ~~~ ;. ~~;~ ~-~.~~~ :_.,a~~:~.>>
~~.JtA~.~:.~: ~.~~~ S ~ ~.#.at: F:r~ ~.~f' v#h;..<"x~~~~5~tw
#;~:~ <~~E,.. i.'~.~<'# ~ ;k~S,#.ic.#: <~a'.. ~L:;%3: s3,'zs~ ~ . ce~'t; : i
G; ', s-,,:~:%S _ .yr s .. ..
e~L~'~~3., .' ;ii#.s3'3-'~#t'#,'#.L'~ ::.i3.~z~# a :#i'is.~?.~1. ~a, ':
~i':3ie:. ~~i~i~ C , .''eii~:~~ ;.~ ~#~'3;.3~ ~ _3C~.3 ~ ~.~.
"ft3f'~ ' y:"' sr,.r~ ~ o, : > ra.y. ;, _,7.~ .: . '3'j : 'k'k
~.."3iF~~.,#..'~i ss.3, <,.J,s'i:~~'" <"s~ i'~..' S~t,3s~" #,:ta:,'3,.~
<~~s.,i<~.~w'i. ,;.... ~~.~s ~~f3i%~Mfr, 's:;.~ '~ <:i3~~~ 1~:~' ss:~:3c.:
,::~:
",f3.,..',~., ~iZ ~';' : 5'-, .:,-, f::-'.._;;.. '; ...rf : . ~K ~ v. ,.. ~ _.
~: ,c>: : ,r ~?
,...#.:.t: # ~' st,. '~ 3?'~'#: ~.<#._. .".:~~t.,~:~bi' .~'.i<.A3~~' .: E.s~
:.~'#.v '~I~s,~s'3a,3:JS.~.:', ;~.: .::~f.:'v~'. :.:# ~F'~~t,3, . , st~a,;
,.>3~~'~t:', ~.7:3;i<~'~.
s:~ ' ? '? "f, ~' ~ . , ; ; ., ,,. ;, .. .s ., ~ ".3.,:< , .s ,.; .k ..,
t #a.:~F F,i:..'a'i.~3..~~ M._ c.:,#..i ~#'.ac:~ c3.i< ,.::F':~.; ...i~~~w
f%,.-ø', ~i,.r7,;,.:~" ~,c~.csi: Mtr i?3~'~. k-:..f _ ;.r .: ~r s -c::~: \.
,. s~ ,. ._ -r ~~:3ss 3.'r~i,z. ..:i.t~~.: .:,~ ...... ~. :...~,
t~~3 s 5f ~ ,. s'.~. :. ~~~3~ v H.~:ef.~"s..~' .~.?3'." ~: ~,r, : 3s yr ,y
yy_f , tx cv
'>~:..~",.,~: ~ < ~_~.. ."~..,. ";i...~~, .:~<~~, ~As.~~;c; ..~~;. ~.:~SJ~;
~;f~;t~:
3~~',. <'
syi ~ ,'~s f s.~:~~#.t ~ f:''~~3,~~s~' i3~i~~~3,C~~ .it.5~?s:~:#~~'~. i3~.i#~:
'3:;.:#~..H,_x ~~',
~~i~. ~~,...k.>.. f;i:~y~; '> ~d .:.,. s . 'S.7 . y,,. ...5 " .."" .:.
~'v;.~ :.~~~~..~.#. . t , w~ i~5;~~.~A; 7 ~~:~~. .3~~~.~,~~.t#:s;~~.
~'tff.~#.;:~~', ;: ~~th~~ ~.~~3~~-,n# F"..#:.#fs.~ ~~~,
; ~f;.i; ; ~,. ~,.,.....,;.,: t: ~ : ,n" r » ~ n:
~v ~~~ s, ..#.. ~~f < ;~.~~.t;;3:, ~~A~.~ :3.. f.:,.rs_ :.., .:.~.. ~ >1~, :3~
f
r
CA 02350348 2001-06-12
edge 24 is adjacent the front portion 18, the rear portion 20, or both. Lower
edge 26 defines the
outermost boundary of the lower portion 34 of side panel member 22. This
boundary is
positioned adjacent to the side pan 6. The two opposing side edges 28a, 28b
complete the
boundaries of the side panel member 22. As illustrated, the side edge 28a is
positioned adjacent
to the vertical wall 14.
[00062] FIG. 3 provides further details concerning the construction of the
side panel
main member 22. The side panel main member 22 has an upper portion 30, which
is located
along the middle and upper half thereof. Directly adjacent to the upper
portion 30, is a middle
portion 32, which is the central most region of the side panel main member 22.
Located further
below and adjacent to the middle portion 32, is a lower portion 34. The lower
portion 34 defines
the lowest most portion of the side panel main member 22.
[00063] As FIG. 4 illustrates, the upper portion 30 of the side panel 22
includes an
outwardly directed upper fin member 40, a lower fin member 42, an upper
elongated section 44,
and a lower elongated section 46. The upper fin member 40 and the upper
elongated section 44
are at least adjacent to the upper edge 24. The lower fin member 42 and the
lower elongated
section 46 at least are adjacent to the opposing side edges 28b, '?8a,
respectively. These various
components collectively define the shape and positioning of the upper portion
30 of the side
panel main member 22.
[00064] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the middle portion 32 of the side
panel 22
includes an upper horizontally planar member 50, a lower horizontally planar
member 52, a
frontwardly facing vertical wall 54, and a rearwardly positioned inclined leg
support wall 56.
The upper horizontally planar member 50 is positioned at least adjacent to the
upper portion 30.
More specifically, upper horizontally planar member 50 lies adjacent to at
least the lower
12
CA 02350348 2001-06-12
elongated section 46. The lower horizontally planar member 52 lies adjacent to
at least the lower
portion 34. The lower horizontally planar member 52 is located adjacent to the
curved outer
member 60 and a defined triangular member 62. Vertical wall 54 includes the
side edge 28a.
The rearwardly-positioned, inclined leg support wall 56 lies adjacent to the
side edge 28b.
[00065] The curved outer member 60 and defined triangular member 62 are
included
within the lower portion 34. The curved outer member 60 is positioned adjacent
to the lower
edge 26. The defined triangular member 62 lies adjacent the middle portion 32
and, more
specifically, the lower horizontally planar member 52.
[00066] In FIG. SA, the side panel main member 22 is shown in an open
position. The
view illustrated in FIG. SA is taken from the rear, left side of the
snowmobile (illustrated in FIG.
1 ), looking forward to the front of the snowmobile. (The front of the
snowmobile is defined in
relation to the travel direction of the vehicle.) The side panel 22 extends
outwardly away from
the engine compartment in the view shown. In one embodiment, the side panel 22
pivotally
connects to the snowmobile through a plurality of elastic, resilient hinges
82. Those hinges are
positioned along the forward edge 28a. As shown, two of the hinges 82 are
preferred. However,
as may be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a greater or fewer number
may be employed to
pivotally connect the side panel 22 to the frame of the vehicle.
[00067] FIG. SB provides further details of the hinge connections 82. In FIG.
SB, the
side panel main member 22 is shown attached by two of the elastic, resilient
hinges 82, which
are spaced apart vertically along the vertical wall 14. The hinges 82 are
attached to the vertical
wall 14 to support the side panel 22 via the vertical wall 54.
[00068] Along the vertical wall 14 is a hinge clasp 14a. This is illustrated
in detail in
FIG. SC. The hinge clasp 14a is comprised of raised wall 14b, and two
dependent (or associated)
13
CA 02350348 2001-06-12
walls 14c and 14d. The hinges 82 are attached to the vertical wall 14 by being
drawn through the
hinge clasp 14a. The hinges 82 are secured along a rearwardly-positioned base
member 85. The
base member 85 has suitably larger dimensions than will pass through the
opening created within
the hinge clasp 14a, thereby providing an effecting stopper against further
inward movement of
the hinge 82 relative to the hinge clasp 14a. It is preferred to have the
hinges 82 attached to
vertical wall 14 by being molded directly to hinge the clasp 14a. The hinge
clasp 14a is itself
preferably integrally molded to the vertical wall 14. The elastic, resilient
hinges 82 are attached
to vertical wall 54, by stretching the elastic, resilient portion into a
position over a catch strip 83
along vertical wall 54. FIG. SD illustrates this relationship.
[00069] FIG. SC provides further detail of one of the hinges 82 illustrated in
the
perspective of FIG. SB. FIG SC focuses on the mating relationship between the
mating edges of
the vertical wall 54 and the vertical wall 14. Along vertical wall 54 are a
series of inwardly
projecting tabs SSa, SSb which point in an inward direction towards the hinge
clasp 14a. The
uppermost projected tab SSa comprises a top 56a, and two opposing sides 56,
56b. The lower
most projected tab SSb comprises a top 57a, and two opposing sides 57, 57b.
The vertical wall
14 itself includes a series of tabs 15a, 15b which point outwardly away from
the hinge clasp 14a
and are positioned to lie outward of the tabs SSa and SSb.
[00070] After attaching the side panel main member 22 through the vertical
wall 54 to
the vertical wall 14, the tabs SSa, SSb on the side panel 22 mate into
position resting between
tabs 15a, 1 Sb on the vertical wall 14. More specifically, the tabs 15a, 1 Sb
provide a recess
between them to accommodate the tabs SSa, SSb. The tabs 15a, 15b, while in the
mating
position, rest along sidewalk 56b, 57b of the tabs SSa, SSb. (Jpening and
closing of the side
panel main member 22 causes the tabs SSa, SSb to rotate outwardly along the
side walls 56b,
14
CA 02350348 2001-06-12
57b. Movement of the tabs 15a, 15b varies the degree of contact based upon the
relative position
of the side panel main member 22 to the vertical wall 14. More preferably, the
degree of contact
between the tabs 1 Sa, 15b and the sidewalk 56b, 57b increases as the side
panel main member
22 is opened. This provides progressively greater support as the side panel 22
opens.
Conversely, the degree of contact between the tabs 15a, 15b and the sidewalk
56b, 57b is
minimal, as shown in FIG. SC, when the side panel main member 22 is in its
closed position.
The tabs SSa, SSb further provide an inner recess to accommodate the hinge 82.
The inner recess
is defined between the sidewalk 56, 57.
(00071) Once in a mating position, side panel main member 22 and pan 4 are
effectively joined when hinges 82 are connected into place, with mating
contact between walls
14 and 54.
[00072] A plurality of elastic, resilient hinges 82 preferably are used to
connect the
side panel 22 to the snowmobile, FIG. SC shows details of one of them. Each
hinge 82 includes
an elastic, resilient material 84, having a curved front hinge tip 86, a
rearwardly positioned base
member 85, and two spaced apart leg portions 87a, 87b defining an open center
portion 89
therebetween (see FIG. SD).
[00073] The elastic, resilient material 84 may comprise, for example, any
appropriate
rubber, metal, plastic, or thermoplastic composite or any combination thereof.
The elastic,
resilient material 84, more preferably comprises a rubber-based material. The
elastic, resilient
material 84 need only be resilient enough to permit the leg portions 87a, 87b
to stretch when the
front tip 86 is grasped and pulled outward away from the hinge clasp 14a to
connect the hinge 82
over the catch strip 83, mounted to the inside of the side panel 22. With this
construction, the
elastic, resilient material 84 will permit hinges 82 to provide flexibility
and versatile extension
CA 02350348 2001-06-12
qualities needed for hinges 82 to permit the efficient opening and closing of
the side panel main
member 22 and to hold the side panel 22 in place.
[00074] It would be appreciated by one skilled in the art that elastic
material 84 may
be also be used to hold side panel 22 in a fixed position. When side panel 22
is in a closed
position, such as that shown in FIG. 1, elastic material 84 can be used to
hold side panel in the
closed position using the same arrangement illustrated in FIG. SC. By placing
the hinge clasp
14a on the rear portion of the hood 20 and the catch strip 83 along the upper
edge 24 of the side
panel 22, elastic material 83 will hold the side panel 22 in a closed position
when fastened used
as will be described below.
[00075] In fastening the hinge 82 to the catch strip 83 along the vertical
wall 54, the
hinge 82 first needs to be anchored into the hinge clasp 14a along the
vertical wall 14 by any of
the methods mentioned above. Then, the curved front hinge tip 86 is extended
out and over
catch strip 83, allowing the open center portion 89 (see FIG. SD) of the hinge
82 to pass over the
catch strip 83. Once the hinge 82 is over the catch strip 83 and pulled
downward towards the
surface of the vertical wall 54, the hinge 82 becomes securely fastened to
catch strip 83 upon
release. The elastic material 84 contracts upon release to grasp the catch
strip 83. The hinge 82
retracts and the curved front hinge tip 86 becomes firmly pressed against the
catch strip 83,
providing a secure attachment.
[00076] With the elastic, resilient hinge 82, the side panel main member 22
can move
outwardly, away from the interior portion of the snowmobile 12 between an open
position, as
seen in FIG. 4, and a closed position as seen in FIG. 2. Thus, the side panel
main member 22 can
be opened outwardly along a substantially vertical axis, away from the
snowmobile into an open
16
CA 02350348 2001-06-12
position to provide access to the interior of the snowmobile. The side panel
22 also may be
closed inwardly back towards the snowmobile along that same vertical axis.
[00077] FIG. 6 illustrates the position of an air slit 90 between lower
horizontally
planar member 52 of middle portion 32 and defined triangular member 62 of
lower portion 34.
The air slit 90 provides ventilation to the interior of the snowmobile so that
warmer air generated
by engine operation may be diffused with the cooler, outside air..
[00078] FIG. 6 also illustrates a carved out opening 94, which is provided
along the
lower elongated section 46 of the side panel 22, and serves as a pathway to
allow air to travel
from the interior region of the snowmobile to the outside, and vice-versa.
This opening provides
a ventilation path by which the higher temperatures within the interior of the
snowmobile,
usually resulting from the operation of the engine, will be controlled by the
exchange of warmer
air for the cooler air found outside the snowmobile.
[00079] The rearwardly positioned inclined leg support wall 56, shown in FIG.
6, is a
design feature of the side panel 22 which affords the operator of the
snowmobile a fixture that
can accommodate and protect the knees of the operator. The rearwardly
positioned inclined leg
support wall 56 includes a region in the upper half where a deflector shield
70 is attached. It is
the purpose of the deflector shield 70 to re-channel airflow over the
snowmobile away from the
operator's legs, allowing a more comfortable and enjoyable ride.
[00080] The present invention also contemplates the use of a second embodiment
of
the hinges 82, described above. In this second embodiment, a hinge 100
(illustrated in exploded
detail in FIG. 8) incorporates fewer components than the hinge 82.
[00081] The hinge 100 includes a T-shaped protrusion 102 that is preferably,
integrally
molded to a forward edge 104 of the side panel 122. Preferably, the forward
edge 104 of the side
17
CA 02350348 2001-06-12
panel is provided with a rounded, thickened portion 106. The rounded,
thickened portion 106
provides vertical strength and rigidity to the forward edge 104 of the side
panel 122. It also
provides a rigid structural support to which the T-shaped protrusion 102 may
be attached. The
rounded, thickened portion 106 and the channel 110 mate with each other to
provide a ball joint
like structure in order to achieve smooth opening and closing of the side
panel 122.
[00082) When hinge 100 is in its closed configuration as shown in FIG. 10, the
locking
bar 118 is positioned adjacent the channel 110 such that any empty space
between the locking
bar 118 and the thickened portion 106 is filled by the channel 110. Side panel
122 will also be in
contact with the front wall portion 114, thus creating a position in which the
side panel 122 is
tightly attached to the front vertical wall 108 preventing the side panel 122
from moving in any
direction.
[00083] In the preferred embodiment, the side panel 122, the T-shaped
protrusion 102,
the forward edge 104, and the thickened portion 106 are all molded from a
single material.
Preferably, the material is plastic or thermoplastic. However, as would be
recognized by those
skilled in the art, the material could be any other material suitable for the
exterior of the
snowmobile to which the side panel 122 is attached. For example, the side
panel 122, the T-
shaped protrusion 102, and the thickened portion may be constructed from
aluminum or other
suitable, lightweight metal. While a thermoplastic material is preferred for
its lightweight and
resilience when an impact force is applied thereto, any suitable plastic,
rubber, or composite
material may be substituted therefor.
[00084] In the preferred embodiment of the hinge 100, a vertical wall 108 is
attached
to the snowmobile. The vertical wall 108 includes a channel 110 with a hole
112 therethrough.
The vertical wall 108 also includes a front wall portion 114 with a protrusion
116.
18
CA 02350348 2001-06-12
(00085] As with the construction of the side panel 122 and associated
structures, the
vertical wall is preferably constructed of a plastic or thermoplastic material
because of its
strength, low weight, and resilience. However, as would be recognized by those
skilled in the
art, the material could be any other material suitable for the exterior of the
snowmobile to which
the vertical wall 108 is attached. For example, the vertical wall 108, channel
110, and protrusion
116 may be constructed from aluminum or other suitable, lightweight metal.
While a
thermoplastic material is preferred for its lightweight and resilience when an
impact force is
applied thereto, any suitable plastic, rubber, or composite material may be
substituted therefor.
[00086] Both the side panel 122 and the front wall 108 form (at least in part)
the
exterior fairings of the snowmobile. The side panel 122 and the front wall 1
U8 preferably are
made of a plastic or thermoplastic material because such materials are
resistant to impacts that
might detract from the exterior appearance of the snowmobile. In addition,
these materials are
sufficiently rigid and resilient so that they can support the weight placed on
the hinge 100. Also,
such materials are sufficiently lightweight to minimize strains placed on the
hinge 100. They
also reduce the overall weight of the snowmobile on which they are used. While
plastic or
thermoplastic materials are preferred, those skilled will readily recognize
that any suitable
material (including aluminum) may be substituted therefor.
[00087] To attach the side panel 122 to the front wall 108, the T-shaped
protrusion 102
is first guided through the hole 112. Once inserted through the hole 112, the
top of the T-shaped
protrusion 102 extends outwardly of channel 110. A locking bar 118 is then
removably attached
to the T-shaped protrusion 102 by sliding the locking bar 118 onto the
protrusion 102. A cross-
sectional view of the hinge 100, once assembled, is shown in FIG. 9.
Preferably, the locking bar
19
CA 02350348 2001-06-12
118 slides downwardly onto the T-shaped protrusion 102 in the direction
indicated by the arrow
138.
[00088] Preferably, the locking bar 118 is made of a strong, lightweight
material such
as aluminum. Aluminum is preferred for the locking bar 118 due to its
lightweight, strength, and
resistance to corrosion. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in
the art, any suitable
material (such as plastic) may be substituted therefor.
[00089] The locking bar 118 has a generally rounded top section 120, which is
provided (among other reasons) to facilitate grasping by the snowmobile
operator. A straight
section 124 extends downwardly from the top section 120 and connects to two
legs 126, 128.
The legs 126, 128 extend outwardly and downwardly from the straight section
124 and curve
inwardly to define a channel 130. The channel 130 is sized to accommodate the
T-shaped
protrusion 102. Preferably, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, channel 130
includes a pin 125
which inclines inwardly from the legs 126 or 128. Pin 125 prevents the locking
bar 118 from
sliding down and becoming inadvertently dislodged from the T-shaped protrusion
102.
[00090] The length of the locking bar 118 is greater than the length of the
hole 112.
Accordingly, when the locking bar 118 has been fitted over the T-shaped
protrusion 102, the
locking bar 118 prevents the T-shaped protrusion 102 from dislodging from
within the hole 112.
The locking bar 118, therefore, holds the T-shaped protrusion 102 in place so
that the hinge 100
holds the side panel 122 to the vertical wall 108.
[00091] As can best be seen in FIG. 9, the thickened portion 106 fits readily
into
channel 110 on the vertical wall 108. The thickened portion 106 is preferably
rounded so that
the side panel 122 can rotate within the channel 110 so that the side panel
122 can open
outwardly along the vertically-oriented hinge 100.
CA 02350348 2001-06-12
[00092] As would be known by one skilled in the art, the T-shaped protrusion
102
need not be T-shaped but, instead could be of any shape such as the one shown
in FIG. 11.
Hinge 200, shown in FIG. 11 includes a circular protrusion 202 which is
integrally molded with
the side panel 122. The circular protrusion 202 has a central bore 209 to
accept the locking rod
218. The circular protrusion 202 could also be adapted to receive locking bar
220 which slides
over the circular protrusion 202. The lengths of the locking rod 218 and
locking bar 220 are
sufficient to extend across the hole 112 and prevent side panel 122 from
separating from the
vertical wall 108. It is contemplated that either the locking rod 218 or the
locking bar 230 will
be used to connect the side panel 122 to the vertical wall 108, the two could
be used together to
provide a redundant connection between the wall 108 and the side panel 122.
[00093] FIGS. 15-17 illustrate a further feature of the present invention, an
airbox
assembly 132. The airbox assembly 132 acts as a duct to direct air from the
atmosphere towards
the engine. The construction of the assembly 132 is such that it reduces the
noise that would
normally travel through the airbox to the outside environment. Also, assembly
132 supports a
foam-type filter 166 to filter any snow or debris from the air vent 160. In
the preferred
embodiment, the airbox assembly 132 is divided into two separate sections, a
side panel portion
134 and an engine compartment portion 136.
[00094] The side panel portion 134 of the airbox assembly 132 preferably is
constructed from a lightweight material such as plastic. Preferably, the side
panel portion 134
attaches to the interior of the side panel 122 by fastener elements (not
shown). Alternatively, the
side panel portion 134 could be attached to belt guard 142 separate from the
side panel 122 as
shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 18 illustrates utilizing the space provided above the
belt guard 142 for
the side panel portion 134 of airbox assembly 132. The engine compartment
portion 136 is fixed
21
CA 02350348 2001-06-12
within the engine compartment 140, which houses engine 150, the general
location of which is
illustrated in FIG. 16.
[00095] The side panel portion 134 and the engine compartment portion 136 of
the
airbox 132 connect to one another when the side panel 122 is closed to form
the entirety of the
airbox 132. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the side panel portion 134 of the
airbox 132 is preferably
mounted to an upper portion of the interior surface of the side panel 122.
Accordingly, when the
side panel 122 is closed and the side panel portion 134 of the airbox 132 is
moved into position
within the engine compartment 140, the side panel portion 134 is located above
the guard 142 for
the snowmobile's continuously variable transmission 144.
[00096] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that snowmobiles are
typically
provided with a continuously variable transmission (or "CVT") 144. CVTs
typically include a
driven pulley 146 and a drive pulley (not shown because it is hidden behind
the guard 142). A
belt 148 connects the driven pulley 146 to the drive pulley. To prevent injury
to the operator of
the snowmobile, should he or she open the side panel 122 when the snowmobile's
engine 150 is
running, the guard 142 extends over the area in which a transmission belt (not
shown) is
disposed.
[00097] The side panel portion 134 of the airbox 132 draws in air from the
environment through one or more vents 160 disposed through the exterior
surface of the side
panel 122. Air passes into the side panel portion 134 and exits through
discharge port 154.
From discharge port 154, the air passes into engine compartment portion 136
through inlet port
156. The air then travels through the engine compartment portion 136 before
being directed to
the engine 150.
22
CA 02350348 2001-06-12
[00098] FIG. 17 provides an exploded perspective illustration of the airbox
132. As
illustrated, side panel portion 134 includes several elements. The side panel
portion 134 includes
an air intake panel 158 on the side of the side panel portion 134 closest to
the side panel 122. Air
enters through opening 160 situated between the upper edge 161 of intake panel
158 and the
upper edge 163 of external portion 164 and exits from the side panel portion
134 through the
guide 172 which is positioned in a circular opening 162 on the external shell
164.
[00099] Together, the air intake panel 158 and the external shell 164 form the
exterior
of the side panel portion 134 of the airbox 132. Within the side panel portion
134, an air filter
166, an admission tube 168 and internal foam 170 are disposed. Air entering
the side panel
portion 134 passes through the air intake vent 160 and the air filter 166
before being directly
downwardly by the admission tube 168. The admission tube 168 and the internal
foam 170
cooperate to minimize the sound generated by the engine. In addition, the air
filter 166, prevents
particulate material (such as snow) from the air stream entering into the
airbox 132.
[000100] The side panel portion 134 of the airbox 132 is fitted with a guide
discharge
port 154 fitted with a guide 172. The conically-shaped guide 172 is
constructed with four water-
droplet-shaped legs 175 extending outwardly and towards the center of the main
discharge port
154 that faces the engine compartment 140 when the side panel 122 is closed.
The guide 172 is
provided so that the side panel portion 134 will mate with the engine
compartment portion 136 of
the airbox 132 when the side panel 122 is closed. The conically-shaped guide
172 includes
water-droplet-shaped legs 175 so that the air can pass unrestricted through
the guide 154.
[000101] When side panel 122 is open, and thus portions 134 and 136 are
separated,
guide 172 remains seated in the hole 162. The diameter of the hole 162 is such
that the guide
172 has a certain degree of displacement in any direction. This enables the
guide 172 to align
23
CA 02350348 2001-06-12
itself with the flange 156 when the side panel 122 is closed. When side panel
122 is closed,
foam gasket 194 insures an airtight seal between side panel portion 134 and
engine compartment
portion 136, at the same time enabling a certain degree of relative movement
between portions
134 and 136 which may occur due to engine vibration or from the vehicle
travelling over rough
terrain.
[000102] As would be recognized by one skilled in the art, guide 172 also
could be used
when the side panel portion 134 of the airbox 132 is fixedly attached to the
belt guard 142.
Removal of the belt guard 142 occurs very frequently, thus requiring such a
guide 172 between
the portions 134 and 136 of the airbox 132 to insure proper sealing and easy
alignment upon
reattachment of the side panel portion 134 to the belt guard 142.
[000103] The engine compartment portion 136 of the airbox 132 is divisible
into two
parts, an upper shell 174 and a lower shell 176. The upper shell 174 and the
lower shell 176
connect to one another to form a closed compartment through which the air
passes on its way to
the combustion chambers of the engine 150. An upper portion 178 of a tube 180
is, preferably,
integrally molded as part of the upper part of the upper shell 174. A lower
portion 182 of the
tube 180 is affixed within the engine compartment portion 136 of the airbox
132. The lower
portion 182 mates with the upper portion 178 to form the tube 180. An edge 184
is included in
tube 182 to assist in fixing the lower portion 182 to the upper shell 174. The
engine
compartment portion 136 includes first and second openings 186, 188 at a lower
portion. The
first and second openings 186, 188 are fitted with first and second intake
adapters 190, 192,
which assist in connecting the airbox 132 to the carburetors (not shown)
attached to engine 150.
[000104] Air enters the engine compartment portion 136 through the inlet port
156 that
mates with the guide 172. The air travels into the engine compartment portion
136 through the
24
CA 02350348 2001-06-12
tube 178. The air is deposited in the lower portion of the engine compartment
portion 136 where
it is divided and exits through the first and second openings 186, 188 before
being delivered to
the carburetors (not shown) attached to engine 150.
[000105] As mentioned above, to ensure a reasonably airtight seal between the
side
panel portion 134 and the engine compartment portion 136 of the airbox 132, a
foam gasket 194
is positioned on the guide 172. The foam gasket 194 also prevents the side
panel portion 134
and the engine compartment portion 136 from rattling against one another
during operation of
the snowmobile.
[000106] The foregoing description is meant to be illustrative of the scope of
the
present invention and is not meant to be limited solely to the embodiments
shown and described.
To the contrary, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that
variations of the embodiments
described may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
