Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02736938 2011-04-11
File number: 11517-0 10
Revision: as filed
Date: April 1 I, 2011
Title of the Invention
[0001 ] Ice-particle spray generating device for snow vehicles
Cross-Reference to Related Applications
[0002] There are no cross-related applications.
Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention generally relates to ice-particle spray
generating devices
such as are employed on snow vehicles, namely snowmobiles, to both cool and
lubricate
vital components during operation.
Background of the Invention
[0004] Snowmobile operation requires that a sufficient snow or ice-particle
spray be
generated to effectively cool the heat exchanger, the track and the slide
rail. This snow or
ice spray also acts to lubricate the frictional contact points between the
slide rails of the
rear track suspension and the track itself. Conventionally, the above-
described ice spray
is generated by the rubbing action of the rotating drive track's traction lugs
as they
frictionally engage the terrain during operation. The problem with such
cooling and
lubricating means is that when the snow is hard packed or icy, there is not
enough loose
snow to be thrown onto the parts that need cooling and lubricating.
[0005] One attempt at a solution to this problem is proposed in the patent
literature
(Cook, U.S. Publication No. US 2008/0290728, November 2008) in which Cook
provides
a bi-directional ice-particle spray generating device. One of the experienced
problems
with this device is that the connection means (a bolt thread in the first end
cap) has a
tendency to loosen during use because of the impacts of the snowmobile. A
first
consequence is that the device won't apply a sufficient force on the ground to
generate
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File number: 11517-010
Revision: as filed
Date: April 11, 2011
enough ice particles since it is not properly attached to the slide rail.
Another
consequence is that the device may eventually fall from the slide rail when
the bolt is
completely unscrewed from the first end cap.
[0006] When the snowmobile is in use, the spray generating particle is subject
to many
impacts. Typically, the first end cap is made from steel and the slide rail is
made from
aluminum that is softer than steel. Since the first end cap is attached to the
slide rail, it
will transmit these impacts to the slide rail that will eventually become
embossed or
deformed. On the long term, these impacts and continuous pressure can break
locally the
slide rail.
Summary of the Invention
[0007] The present invention is generally providing an ice-particle spray
generating
device for attachment to a snow vehicle, the ice-particle spray generating
device
comprising an adapter comprising a first opening and a second opening; a
resilient
portion; a first end cap having a first and a second extremity, the second
extremity being
connected to a first end of the resilient portion, the first extremity of the
first end cap
being configured to permit threaded attachment to the snow vehicle, wherein
the first
extremity of the first end cap is received by the first opening; a second end
cap connected
to a second end of the resilient portion; and a wear point engaging the second
end cap, the
wear point adapted to frictionally engage the terrain to generate an ice spray
during
travel, wherein the adapter comprises a locking device to prevent rotation of
the first end
cap into the first opening.
[0008] The present invention is also providing an ice-particle spray
generating device for
attachment to a snow vehicle, the ice-particle spray generating device
comprising an
adapter comprising a first opening and a second opening; a resilient portion;
a first end
cap having a first and a second extremity, the second extremity being
connected to a first
end of the resilient portion, the first extremity of the first end cap being
configured to
permit threaded attachment to the snow vehicle, and wherein the first
extremity of the
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File number: 11517-010
Revision: as filed
Date: April 11, 2011
first end cap is received by the first opening; a locking device, wherein the
locking device
comprises a first profile on the first opening configured to match a
corresponding second
profile on the first extremity of the first end cap; a second end cap
connected to a second
end of the resilient portion; and a wear point engaging the second end cap,
the wear point
adapted to frictionally engage the terrain to generate an ice spray during
travel, wherein
the adapter comprises a locking device to prevent rotation of the first end
cap into the
first opening.
[0009] The present invention is also providing an adapter for use with an ice-
particle
spray generating device for attachment to a snow vehicle, the ice-particle
spray
generating device comprising a resilient portion, a first end cap having a
first and a
second extremity, the second extremity of the first end cap being connected to
a first end
of the resilient portion, the first extremity of the first end cap being
configured to permit
threaded attachment to the snow vehicle, a second end cap connected to a
second end of
the resilient portion, a wear point engaging the second end cap, the wear
point adapted to
frictionally engage the terrain to generate an ice spray during travel, the
adapter
comprising a first opening and a first opening, wherein the first extremity of
the first end
cap is received by the first opening; a locking device, wherein the locking
device
comprises a first profile on the first opening configured to match a
corresponding second
profile on the first extremity of the first end cap to prevent rotation of the
first end cap
into the first opening.
[0010] The present invention discloses an ice-particle spray generating device
that is
connected to a slide rail of a snowmobile. The ice-particle spray generating
device
comprises a resilient or flexible portion, a first end cap connected to a
first extremity of
the resilient portion and a second end cap that is connected to a second
extremity of the
resilient portion. The first end cap is preferably bent at a 45 degree angle.
The first end
cap is configured to be attached to the slide rail of a snowmobile. More
particularly, the
first end cap comprises a threaded opening for attachment to the slide rail of
a
snowmobile by a threaded bolt. The resilient portion extends from the slide
rail and
downward at an angle substantially perpendicular to the slide rail. A
replaceable wear
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File number: 11517-0 10
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Date: April 11, 2011
point is connected to the second end cap. More particularly, the second end
cap
comprises a threaded opening for attachment of the replaceable wear point via
a threaded
rod extending from the replaceable wear point. The replaceable wear point
frictionally
engages the terrain to generate an ice spray during travel. The use of
flexible portion and
its inherent flexible properties in the design allows for 360 degree
repetitious flexing
without damage. This device may be employed singly or in multiple numbers on a
snowmobile to effectively cool and lubricate vital components.
[0011 ] The present invention provides an adapter configured to receive the
first end cap
and configured to prevent the rotation of the first end cap. The adapter
comprises a first
opening receiving the first end cap, and the shape of the first opening is
corresponding to
the profile of the first end cap. The particular shape of the first opening
and of the profile
of the first end cap act as a locking device, thus preventing the rotation of
the first end
cap. This prevents the loosening of the threaded bolt attaching the ice-
particle spray
generating device.
[0012] By using the adapter, the forces transmitted by the first end cap to
the slide rail are
distributed on a greater surface area, i.e. the area of the adapter that is
greater than the
area of the extremity of the first end cap. Normally, without the adapter, the
forces are
transmitted to the slide rail on an area corresponding to the end of the first
end cap.
[0013] The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel
are set forth
with particularity in the appended claims.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0014] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention
will
become more readily apparent from the following description, reference being
made to
the accompanying drawings in which:
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File number: 11517-010
Revision: as filed
Date: April 11, 2011
[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a ice-particle spray generating
device of
prior art.
[0016] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the present invention as mounted
on a left
slide rail of a snowmobile.
[0017] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the invention shown in Fig. 2.
[0018] Figure 4 is another perspective view of the invention shown in Fig. 2.
[0019] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the invention shown in Fig. 2.
[0020] Figure 6 is an exploded closed-up view of a first embodiment of the
present
invention.
[0021] Figure 7 is an exploded closed-up view of a second embodiment of the
present
invention.
[0022] Figure 8 is an exploded closed-up view of a third embodiment of the
present
invention.
[0023] Figure 9 is an exploded closed-up view of a fourth embodiment of the
present
invention.
[0024] Figure 10 is an exploded closed-up view of a fifth embodiment of the
present
invention.
[0025] Figure lla to llc are perspective view showing other embodiments for
the
adapter according to the present invention.
[0026] Figure 12 is a front view of the adapter shown in Fig. 2.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment
[0027] A novel ice-particle spray generating device for snow vehicles will be
described
hereinafter. Although the invention is described in terms of specific
illustrative
embodiment(s), it is to be understood that the embodiment(s) described herein
are by way
of example only and that the scope of the invention is not intended to be
limited thereby.
[0028] Figure 1 shows an ice-particle spray generating device 8 of prior art,
that is
connected to a slide rail 5 of a snowmobile. The ice-particle spray generating
device 8
generally comprises a first end cap 10, a resilient portion 15, a second end
cap 20 and a
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Date: April 11, 2011
wear point 25. The spray generating device 8 is connected to the slide rail 5
by using a
bolt 12, a split washer 13 and a lock washer 14. The first end cap 10 has a
circular profile.
[0029] The invention is employed on a snowmobile with a drive track that
rotates around
the slide-rail 5 that frictionally engages the terrain to propel the
snowmobile in a forward
direction 30 during normal operation. The invention is mounted to the slide
rail 5 by the
first end cap 110 and acts in a spring-like manner to frictionally engage the
terrain during
forward direction 30 travel. When the wear point 93 of the invention
frictionally engages
the terrain, the resilient portion 91, having a spring-like quality, which is
attached to the
wear point 93 by second end cap 92, is caused to bend in a resisting manner to
a working
position parallel to slide rail 5. The resisting action of the invention
creates downward
and outward pressure on the wear point 93 against the terrain, which then
generates an ice
spray which is directed into the drive track of the snowmobile. The invention
may
optionally be employed on the steering ski of a snowmobile in similar fashion
as
employed on the slide-rail. In this application, ice spray is directed into
the rotating drive
track by the momentum of the snowmobile during forward direction travel.
[0030] When the snowmobile is operated in reverse direction 31, the wear point
93
catches in the terrain and causes itself and the resilient portion 91 to flip-
upside down,
thus negating frictional contact with the terrain and allowing the ice-
particle spray
generating device to slide in this position until normal forward travel is
resumed.
[0031 ] In a preferred embodiment, the first end cap 110, being bolted
securely to the
slide rail 5, is attached by mechanically crimped means to the resilient
portion 91, and is
also attached by mechanically crimped means to the second end cap 92. Threaded
into the
second end cap 92 is the replaceable wear point 93.
[0032] Generally speaking, the present invention provides an adapter having a
first
opening with a first profile that is configured to mate with the second
profile of the first
end cap. Since the first profile and the second profile closely mate together,
the first end
cap is locked in the first opening, i.e. it cannot rotates in the first
opening of the adapter.
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File number: 11517-010
Revision: as filed
Date: Apri l 11, 2011
[0033] Figure 2 illustrates a first embodiment of the present invention. The
invention
comprises an adapter 100 configured to receive the first end cap 110. The
shape of the
first end cap 110 is configured to mate the first opening 114 of the adapter
100. The first
end cap 110 profile is partially circular and comprises two flat portions 116
engaging the
flat portions 112 of the adapter 100. The extremity of the first end cap 110
comprises a
threaded opening configured to receive the first bolt 80 passing through the
first opening
50 in the slide rail. A split washer 82 is preferably used to secure the
connection.
[0034] The adapter 100 comprise a second opening 118 configured to received
the
second bolt 84 that is secured with the serrated nut 86 into the second
opening 52 in the
slide rail. This second attachment prevents the ice-particle spray generating
device to
rotate when the snow vehicle is travelling, thus preventing it to loosen and
eventually fall
from the snow vehicle. The adapter 100 is preferably installed with the first
opening
directed toward the rearward of the snow vehicle so that the rotation forces
are taken
principally by the second bolt 84. The adapter 100 is preferably installed
parallely (if a
line is traced from the first opening 114 to the second opening 118) to the
slide rail as
shown in Figs 2 to 5. It is to be noted that the adapter could be installed in
a non parallel
way if there are obstacles on the slide rail.
[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the adapter 100 comprises a shoulder 115 on
which
the extremity of the first end cap 110 abuts. One of the problem in prior art
is that the
slide rail is embossed or deformed by the pressure exerted by the extremity of
the first
end cap. This problem is minimized with the use of the present invention since
the
contact area between the ice-particle spray generating device and the slide
rail is
increased, thus decreasing the pressure exerted on the slide rail. The
shoulder 115
prevents the extremity of the first end cap 110 to be in direct contact with
the slide rail 5.
[0036] Figure 7 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. The first
end cap
120 comprises the spline 122. The opening 124 of the adapter 121 comprises the
spline
126 configured to receive the spline 122. This allows a better adjustment of
the angular
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File number: 11517-0 10
Revision: as filed
Date: Apri l 11, 2011
position of the first end cap 120 in the opening 124. This configuration
provides a better
resistance to the moment induced in the first end cap 120. A shoulder may be
added to
prevent the first end cap 120 to contact the slide rail 5. Alternatively, the
first end cap 120
is prevented from contacting the surface of the slide rail by adjusting the
length 127 of
the spline 122.
[0037] Figure 8 shows another embodiment of the present invention. The first
end cap
130 comprises a key 132. The opening 134 of the adapter 131 comprises a
keyseat 136
configured to receive the key 132. It should be understood that a plurality of
key and
keyseat could be provided. A shoulder may be added to the adapter 131 to
prevent the
first end cap 130 to contact the slide rail 5. Alternatively, the first end
cap 130 is
prevented from contacting the surface of the slide rail by adjusting the
length 137 of the
key 132 and the length of the keyseat 136.
[0038] Figure 9 shows another embodiment of the present invention. The first
end cap
140 comprises a conical spline 142. The opening 144 of the adapter 141
comprises
corresponding conical spline 136 configured to receive the conical spline 142.
This
configuration prevents the first end cap 130 to contact the slide rail 5.
[0039] Figure 9 shows another embodiment of the present invention. The first
end cap
150 is welded 152 to the adapter 151.
[0040] Figures 1 I a to 11 c show other embodiments of the adapter. In Figure
11 a, the
opening 211 of the adapter 210 is formed by a plurality of flat portions. In
Figure l lb, the
opening 221 of the adapter 220 is octagonal. In Figure l lc, the opening 222
is partially
circular and comprises one flat portion 224.
[0041 ] The first end cap can be made from a tubular element or a plain
element.
[0042] The first end cap is preferably made from steel in a preferred
embodiment. Other
suitable material could be polymer or composite, aluminum.
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File number: 11517-010
Revision: as filed
Date: April 11, 2011
[0043] The adapter is preferably made from steel in a preferred embodiment.
Other
suitable material could be polymer or composite, aluminum.
[0044] As it can be seen in Figure 12, the width of the adapter 100 on the
side of the
second opening 118 is smaller than the side of the first opening 114. The side
surfaces of
the adapter 100 have an angle 98. This particular configuration is to allow
adjustment on
the slide rail, more particularly when there are reinforcements on the slide
rail.
[0045] In another embodiment, to prevent the ice-particle spray generating
device to
loosen during use, the thread direction of the ice-particle spray generating
device is left
handed on the left side of the vehicle and right handed on the right side of
the vehicle.
[0046] While illustrative and presently preferred embodiment(s) of the
invention have
been described in detail hereinabove, it is to be understood that the
inventive concepts
may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims
are
intended to be construed to include such variations except insofar as limited
by the prior
art.
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