Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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BOAT AND COMBINATION BOAT AND SNOWMOBILE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to amphibious vehicles, and in particular, to an
improved combination snowmobile and boat that is adapted for use in variable
cold water
and ice conditions such as found in water rescue operations.
BACKGROUND
In places where bodies of water at least partially freeze over during certain
times of
the year, there is often a need to travel across the frozen water. In some
cases, this may be
for emergency situations, such as where someone has fallen through the ice and
must be
reached for rescue. In others, it may be that one's home is on an island in
the middle of a
frozen lake. A snowmobile can be used to travel over solid ice, but it is rare
that one can
traverse a frozen body of water with complete confidence that the entire body
of water is
consistently solidly frozen. The rider, therefore, takes the risk that the
snowmobile and
rider may fall through thin ice at any time. A boat, on the other hand, may be
able to move
through water and break through thin ice, but will have little utility on
solid ice. Therefore,
there is a need for a vehicle that allows a rider to travel both over water
and over solid ice.
Some progress has been made toward the development of such a vehicle and a
number of patents disclose the conversion of conventional snowmobiles into
aquatic
vehicles. For example, U.S. Patent No. 3,521,595 discloses the conversion of a
conventional snowmobile into an aquatic vehicle for travel on water. This
conversion
involves the replacement of the steerable ground engaging snow skis with a
buoyant
supporting and steering arrangement that includes pontoons attached to the
snowmobile
body in the mounting arrangement coupled to the steering linkage of the
snowmobile. The
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pontoons are disposed relative to the engine driven endless cleat track
extending
lengthwise under the body such that the track functions in the water as the
propulsion
means. Although this invention discloses the conversion of a snowmobile into
an aquatic
vehicle, it has significant disadvantages. First, the invention requires the
removal of the
snow skis in favor of pontoons. Such removal may be difficult and may make it
difficult or
impossible to replace the snow skis so that the snowmobile may eventually be
used as an
ordinary snowmobile again. Moreover, once converted, the only seating and
storage space
on the aquatic vehicle is on the snowmobile, which could make rescue
operations difficult.
Most importantly, the rudder used to steer this vehicle extends below the
bottom surface of
the pontoons, which prevents the vehicle from effectively travelling on snow
and ice once
it has been converted.
U.S. Patent No. 4,893,692 discloses a floatable snowmobile made up of a one-
piece
molded plastic body. The body includes a rigid skin forming a shell defining
an enclosed
cavity in which there is provided an expanded closed-cell foam core of water-
buoyant
material. Floating skis are constructed as pontoons of similar construction to
the body and
replace the conventional snowmobile skis such that the whole snowmobile can
float with a
portion thereof out of the water so as to support a rider clear of the water
in the event the
snowmobile falls through ice. Although this invention also discloses a
snowmobile that
will not sink, it also has its disadvantages. Given its floatable
construction, it is not as
maneuverable as a standard snowmobile and requires significant modification in
order to
be converted back into a conventional snowmobile. Like the invention disclosed
in U.S.
Patent No. 3,521,595, there is no seating or storage on the vehicle other than
the seating
and storage provided by the snowmobile, which could make rescue operations
difficult.
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Further, and more importantly, there is no ability to effectively steer the
vehicle when it is
submerged in water.
Finally, U.S. Patent No. 6,595,812 discloses an amphibious vehicle for
traversing a
body of water or solid terrain, such as a layer of ice floating atop a body of
water. The
vehicle includes a floatable boat hull having an elongate aperture
therethrough, and a
snowmobile for traveling over the solid terrain received in the opening and
sealed in water
impervious relation to the hull. The snowmobile includes an endless drive
track, which
supports the hull in spaced relation when travelling over solid terrain being
and which
rearwardly propels water to forwardly propel the vehicle through the water. A
pair of skis
supports the front of the hull in spaced relation with the solid terrain being
traversed and
each ski includes upturned forward ends mounting upstanding rudders for
steering the
vehicle as it traverses a body of water. The hull includes upwardly extending,
downwardly
opening pockets for receiving the front upturned ends of the skis and
stabilizing arms,
which are coupled between the frame and the skis. Upwardly inclined guides are
provided
on the underside of the hull for upwardly guiding the skis out of the water
onto the ice
floating on the water as the vehicle exits the water and moves onto the ice.
Although this vehicle has more room for storage and seating, it too has
significant
disadvantages. First, although the upstanding rudders allow the boat to be
effectively
steered once it is in water, the use of these specialized skis requires the
original
snowmobile skis to be removed and replaced. Second, the hard rowboat-like
sides of the
hull make it difficult for rescue people to lift people to be rescued into the
craft, and could
easily result in swamping or sinking of the vehicle. Third, the design of the
bow is
susceptible to a buildup of ice and snow, which could make it difficult for
the craft to move
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up and out of the water and onto solid ice. Finally, this vehicle is solely an
amphibious
vehicle, which cannot be separated into a snowmobile and a boat.
Therefore there is a need for an amphibious vehicle that has sufficient
seating and
storage for rescue operations; that may be separated into an operational
snowmobile and an
operational boat; that is steerable both on ice and in water; that is designed
to easily haul
passengers from the water onto the vehicle; that does not require the removal
and
replacement of the snowmobile's skis in order for it to be effectively
operated; and that has
a hull that is not susceptible to ice and snow buildup.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention includes a boat and a combination of a boat and a
snowmobile.
In its most basic form, the present invention is a boat having a bow, an aft
portion, a port
side, and a starboard side. This basic form is embodied in two main versions
of the present
invention. The first version is described in detail below. As the second
version includes
many similar features to the first version, only those features that are
dissimilar will be
discussed in detail, and all other features should be considered to be similar
to the first
version.
In the first version of the present invention, a generally U-shaped inflatable
tube is
disposed around the port side, the bow, and the starboard side and provides
buoyancy to
the boat. A substantially rigid hull is attached to the inflatable tube and
forms a platform
upon which a snowmobile may be mounted. The hull includes a hull bow, a hull
aft
portion, a hull port side, and a hull starboard side. The hull bow, hull port
side and hull
starboard side extend at least partially under, and are attached to, the
inflatable tube in a
manner that prevents water from penetrating the joint formed therebetween. A
snowmobile
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opening is disposed through the hull and includes an aft end and a midship
end. A tubular
aft structure is disposed at the aft of the top of the hull and a tubular bow
structure is
disposed between the aft and the bow of the boat on the top of the hull. The
tubular aft
structure and tubular bow structure are positioned and dimensioned to secure a
snowmobile
to the hull. Two steering pods are located on either side of the tubular bow
structure at a
location proximate to a location of each of the snowmobile skis. Each steering
pod includes
a steering pod cavity on the bottom of the hull that is formed by the steering
pods. Two
under-hull skis are disposed between the starboard side and the port side of
the boat on the
bottom of the hull and two boat ski attachment mechanisms attach the two under-
hull skis
to the bottom of the hull at the steering pod cavities. Two boat steering
mechanisms extend
through the steering pods and control the motion of the two under-hull skis.
Each boat
steering mechanism includes a first end in mechanical communication with one
of the two
boat attachment mechanisms in the steering pod cavities. Finally, two
snowmobile ski
attachment mechanisms attach to the second ends of the two boat steering
mechanisms.
The snowmobile ski attachment mechanisms are adapted to attach to the
snowmobile skis
such that steering of the snowmobile skis in a conventional manner causes the
under-hull
skis to move in a desired direction.
The inflatable tube of the first version of the present invention is
preferably a durable
synthetic rubber tube, such as those usually used with Hypalon-type boats. The
inflatable
tube preferably has three connected, but independently inflated, sections to
maintain
flotation even if one is compromised and each section preferably has its own
inflation
valve. The inflatable tube is preferably attached to the hull with cemented
strips both on
the top and on the bottom. A transom frame is preferably permanently attached
to the
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inflatable tube. The inflatable tube preferably also includes lifting handles
and other
accessories for rescue operations cemented to it.
The hull is preferably manufactured of fiberglass and is designed to have a
tunnel
type shape, with the hull port and starboard sides on either side of a
preferably raised area
that includes the snowmobile opening. The snowmobile opening is a cutout in
the hull
sized and dimensioned to accept a snowmobile track. The tunnel hull design
improves
water flow to the snowmobile endless drive track while reducing exposure to
the bottom of
the hull. The tunnel hull design also allows reverse thrust from the
snowmobile endless
drive track, allowing the boat to move in both forward and backward
directions. The hull
preferably extends at least partially underneath the inflatable tube to
protect the inflatable
tube from rough ground and/or obstructions when the boat is not on water. The
hull also
preferably includes a chine that is stepped to raise the inflatable tube in
order to further
reduce its contact with the ground and ice.
The tubular aft structure and tubular bow structure may be made of any metal
material, including rolled steel or tubular aluminum. The preferred tubular
structures are
made from stainless steel tubing of approximately one inch in diameter and
with a 0.090
inch wall thickness. The tubular aft structure and tubular bow structure are
spaced apart to
allow a snowmobile to be positioned between these structures. The tubular aft
structure
serves as a mount for the rear of the snowmobile and the tubular bow structure
serves as a
mount for the front of the snowmobile and a structural brace for the steering
pods. The
tubular structures are preferably affixed to metal stringers embedded in the
hull allowing
the front and rear of a snowmobile to be rigidly mounted to the hull of the
boat.
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In a preferred embodiment, the tubular aft structure includes a three-sided
cross
section and two vertical braces. The first two sides of the three-sided cross
section come up
from the hull and the third side connects the first two. The first two sides
include an outer
sleeve so that they can telescope to different lengths within the outer
sleeve. This
adjustment allows for better securing of snowmobiles of different sizes;
particularly
snowmobiles of different heights. Once the desired height is achieved, an
adjustment
mechanism locks the first two sides in place. It is preferred that the
adjustment mechanism
for each side be a bolt 10 that is secured through the side to secure it at
the desired height.
However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that there are
several ways of
securing the adjustment mechanism other than through the use of bolts and that
the present
invention is not so limited. The cross section also preferably includes hinges
at the bottom
of the first and second sides that secure the first and second sides to the
hull. These hinges
allow the entire cross section to fold down, preferably off the aft of the
boat, so that the
cross section is flat. This folding down of the entire cross section
essentially opens the aft
of the boat to allow for the loading and unloading of the snowmobile.
Moreover, the ability
of the cross section to move fore and aft, even when not completely folded
down, allows
for better securing of snowmobiles of different sizes; particularly those of
different lengths.
The vertical braces of the tubular aft structure intersect with the first two
sides of the
three-sided cross section at one end and are secured to the hull. The vertical
braces are
parallel to the hull starboard and port sides. The vertical braces also
preferably have outer
sleeves and adjustment mechanisms so that their length may also be adjusted
and secured,
especially to conform with the extra length necessary to allow for the cross
section to be
folded flat, as discussed above. Again like the first two sides of the cross
section, the ends
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of the vertical braces that are attached to the hull are attached via hinges
so that the vertical
braces can fold down and/or adjust with the cross section.
It is preferred that the tubular aft structure also include a cross brace and
two lateral
braces for additional support for the tubular aft structure. The cross brace
is preferably a
brace spanning between the first and second sides of the three-sided cross
section and is
disposed below and parallel to the third side of the cross section. The two
lateral braces
extend out from the cross section coplanar with the plane of the cross
section. One end of
each lateral brace is attached to an outer sleeve of one of the first and
second sides of
the cross section. The other end of the lateral brace is attached to the hull
with a hinge so
that the lateral braces may fold down and/or adjust with the cross section.
In some embodiments, the tubular aft structure also serves as a transom. In
the
preferred embodiment, however, the boat also includes a permanent transom
framework
that is attached to both the hull and the inflatable tube and is independent
from the aft
tubular structure. In such embodiments, a center transom is preferably
completed and made
watertight by a center transom insert to be installed after the snowmobile is
in place. The
center transom insert preferably has a rubber gasket on the bottom and both
sides, and is
secured in place with toggle mechanisms.
It is also preferred that the third side of the cross section of the tubular
aft structure
include at least one and preferably two clamp blocks and hook latches. These
devices are
designed to accept and secure the rear lift handle of a snowmobile to the
tubular aft
structure. The clamp locks are preferably bolted rigidly to the third side of
the cross section
and are recessed to accept the rear lift handle of the snowmobile. The hook
latch is
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preferably either bolted into position or held by a toggle mechanism to secure
the rear lift
handle of the snowmobile.
It is preferred that the tubular bow structure also include at least one cross
brace
between the first two sides of the cross section and at least one cross brace
between the
vertical braces for additional support for the tubular bow structure. It is
preferred that there
be a first cross brace that is located below and parallel to the third side of
the cross section
and a second cross brace that is located below the first cross brace and
diagonally spans the
distance between the first two sides of the cross section. It is also
preferred that there be a
third cross brace that diagonally spans the distance between the two vertical
braces.
In the preferred embodiment, the third side of the cross section of the
tubular bow
structure also includes at least one and preferably two clamp blocks and hook
latches.
These devices are designed to accept and secure the front lift handle of a
snowmobile. The
clamp locks are bolted rigidly to the third side of the cross section and are
recessed to
accept the front lift handle of the snowmobile. As was the case with the hook
latch utilized
in the preferred aft structure, the hook latch is preferably either bolted
into position or held
by a toggle mechanism to secure the front lift handle of the snowmobile.
The two steering pods are preferably positioned roughly on either side of the
tubular
bow structure and take the form of rounded protrusions from the top of the
hull. These
protrusions in the top of the hull create steering pod cavities in the bottom
of the hull. The
boat ski attachment mechanisms that attach the two under-hull skis to the
bottom of the
hull are disposed in the steering cavities. In the preferred embodiment, the
hull also
includes a bow step positioned on the bottom of the hull at the bow that
protects the tips of
the under-hull skis.
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The boat ski attachment mechanism is preferably a springed piston attached to
one or
more a-arms that work with bushings to allow articulation of the under-hull
ski. Although
this is the preferred attachment mechanism, one of ordinary skill in the art
will recognize
that there are several ways in which the under-hull skis may be attached to
the bottom of
the hull and each of these ways is contemplated as being within the scope of
the present
invention. The geometry of the a-arms allows the tails of the under-hull skis
to travel while
keeping the tips of the under-hull skis nested behind the bow step, preventing
the tips from
being caught on foreign objects. The a-arms are attached to vertical
cylinders, which carry
kingpins in sealed bearings.
The under-hull skis are designed to ride nearly flush with the hull and cover
the
steering cavity to protect the boat ski attachment mechanisms and boat
steering
mechanisms. The under-hull skis include a perpendicular edge that extends
downward and
acts as a rudder when the boat is in the water and acts as a skate blade,
similar to a blade on
an iceboat, when the boat is on hard ice or snow.
In some embodiments, Teflon "skid blocks" or a layer of another non-stick
material
is disposed between the top of the each ski and the hull in order to allow the
skis to easily
move when in contact with the hull. Under normal load, the ski geometry and
bump stops
prevent the ski from contacting the hull. In conditions where the ski is
raised above the
surface of the water or ice, when contacting bumps or ridges, it will flex in
order to direct
the ski on top of the obstacle. Should this flex allow the tip or tail of the
ski to contact the
hull, the skid block prevents damage to both hull and ski, and facilitates
steering while
there is contact.
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Each of the boat steering mechanisms has two ends, one of which is in
mechanical
communication with one of the boat ski attachment mechanisms. In the preferred
embodiment, a first steering arm is the first end of the boat steering
mechanism, and this
mechanical communication is in the form of the first steering arm disposed at
the top of
one of the kingpins of one of the boat ski attachment mechanisms. The steering
arm
preferably includes several holes for travel adjustment. The steering arm is
connected via a
first shaft with spherical bearings on each end, to a second shaft with
devises on each end.
The second shaft travels through the hull of the steering pod and is carried
in a cylinder
with wiper seals on each end, thus preventing leakage. A third shaft, also
with spherical
bearings on each end, is attached to the second shaft. The third shaft is
connected to a
second steering arm. In the preferred embodiment of the boat steering
mechanism, the
second end of the boat steering mechanism that is disposed on the top of the
hull is this
second steering arm. The second end of the boat steering mechanism, which is
preferably
the second arm, may be affixed to a snow ski of a snowmobile through a
snowmobile ski
attachment mechanism and aligned with the pivot point.
The snowmobile ski attachment mechanism is preferably either a saddle with
toggle
clamps or a clevis that attaches directly to the base of the snowmobile
kingpin if the snow
ski of the snowmobile is removed. If a snow ski of a snowmobile is so attached
to the boat
steering mechanism through the snowmobile ski attachment mechanisms, then the
under-
hull skis of the boat will move as directed by a snowmobile steering mechanism
that
controls the movement of the snow skis of the snowmobile. Although the boat
steering
mechanism described herein is the preferred embodiment, one of ordinary skill
in the art
will recognize that there are several ways in which a boat steering mechanism
that spans
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between the under-hull skis of the boat to connect with the snow skis of the
snowmobile
may be arranged so as to use the steering of the snowmobile as the steering of
the boat, and
each of these ways is contemplated as being within the scope of the present
invention.
Further, in some embodiments, the skis of the snowmobile may be removed and
the boat
steering mechanism may be adapted to connect directly to the snowmobile
steering
mechanism. The function of the shaft assembly may also be achieved with a
cable
assembly, for example. The steering mechanism may also be attached via cable
to a
pivoting rudder at the rear of the boat, enhancing maneuverability in the
water. When on
solid ground, traveling both in forward and reverse, the rudder pivots up and
simply rides
on the surface.
In some embodiments, the boat of the present invention includes an insert so
that the
boat is seaworthy on its own. The insert preferably includes a backboard, a
motor, a floor,
a seat, and a console with a steering wheel and a throttle. The backboard
covers the aft of
the boat. The motor is positioned on the backboard. The floor covers the
snowmobile
opening. The seat is for the comfort of the driver. The console preferably
includes boat
controls, such as a steering wheel and throttle.
The second version of the present invention differs from the first version in
six main
respects: First, the second version of the boat of the present invention does
not include an
inflatable tube, and does include a railing. Second, the second version of the
boat of the
present invention does not include a tubular bow structure, and instead
includes a hull
recess designed to accept a snowmobile. Third, the second version of the boat
of the
present invention also does not include a tubular aft structure, and instead
includes a
hydraulic cylinder and mounting bar system. Fourth, the second version of the
boat of the
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present invention has different boat ski attachment mechanisms, boat steering
mechanisms,
and snowmobile ski attachment mechanisms. Fifth, the second version of the
boat of the
present invention includes thrust plates at the boat's aft. Sixth, the second
version of the
boat of the present invention has a modified transom. These differences are
detailed below.
The railing of the second version of the present invention preferably extends
around
three sides of the boat, excluding the aft.
A snowmobile disposed on top of the second version of the boat of the present
invention will not be stopped at the tubular bow structure, as with the first
version. Instead,
an entire portion of the boat, from midship to aft is recessed so as to accept
the
snowmobile. The hull recess includes a hull step. The snowmobile opening, ski
saddles,
hydraulic cylinders with frame and arms, and aspects of the boat steering
mechanism,
which will be discussed in more detail below, are all included within the hull
recess. The
hull recess allows the snowmobile to be located very low in the hull,
extending the
snowmobile track as far as possible below the bottom of the hull. This
maximizes track
contact with the snow.
Like the first version of the boat of the present invention, however, the
second
version of the boat may include an outboard insert at its aft to make the boat
seaworthy for
summer use when the boat is not being used in concert with a snowmobile. The
outboard
insert may include a transom. The insert may also be a jet drive. When the
second version
of the boat of the present invention is in summer use as a boat only, the
lifting arms of the
mounting bar, although not the nested hydraulics cylinders, the thrust plates,
and the boat
steering mechanism are removed, and an insert is inserted.
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As discussed above, the tubular aft structure is also absent in the second
version of
the present invention. The back of the snowmobile is held in place by a
mounting bar and a
transom. The preferred mounting bar includes hydraulic cylinders, lifting
arms, and
support arm. The lifting arms extend on three sides to connect the hydraulic
cylinders on
either side of the snowmobile opening. The mounting bar is designed according
the
individual snowmobile being mounted onto the boat. The hydraulic cylinders
retract to
keep the mounting bar flat during mounting of the snowmobile and extend to
raise the
mounting bar while the snowmobile is mounted on the boat. The preferred second
version
of the boat of the present invention includes a different snowmobile
attachment
mechanism. The preferred snowmobile ski attachment mechanism of the second
version
includes ski saddles disposed within the hull recess on the top of the boat.
The ski saddles
each include a clamp mechanism that affixes the ski to the ski saddles. The
ski saddles ride
via a sealed bearing on a movable mounting plate attached to the floor of the
hull recess.
The bearings allow the ski saddles, and therefore the snowmobile skis, to
pivot. The
preferred second version of the boat of the present invention also includes a
slightly
different boat ski attachment mechanism. The preferred boat ski attachment
mechanism
includes a-arms, vertical cylinders, kingpins, boot seals, and bushings. The
under-hull skis
are secured to the sides of aluminum steering pods, which are integral to the
hull through a-
arms and bushings, allowing articulation of the under-hull ski. In the second
version of the
boat of the present invention, the steering pods are not visible above the
surface of the hull,
as they are in the first version. The geometry of the a-arms allows the tails
of the under-
hull skis to travel while keeping the tips of the under-hull skis nested
behind the bow step,
preventing them from being caught on foreign objects. The a-arms are attached
to vertical
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cylinders, which carry kingpins in sealed bearings. The kingpins are sealed to
the hull with
boot seals. The a-arm assemblies may be dampened with urethane bushings
attached to the
lower a-arms and the upper portion of the steering pods.
Dampening may also be accomplished with conventional coil-over springs or
shock
absorbers, or with torsion bars.
The preferred second version of the boat of the present invention also
includes a
slightly different boat steering mechanism, which links the boat ski
attachment mechanism
and the snowmobile attachment mechanism. The preferred snowmobile ski
attachment
mechanism includes first and second steering arms, bearings, a shaft, a
steering link, and a
rudder. The first steering arm is disposed at the top of the kingpin of the
boat ski
attachment mechanism. The second steering arm is integral to the ski saddle of
the
snowmobile ski attachment mechanism. Both the first and second steering arms
include
several holes for travel adjustment. The first and second steering arms are
connected via
the shaft with spherical bearings on each end where they are attached to the
kingpin and ski
saddle, respectively. The steering link connects the second steering arm and
the rudder.
The rudder pivots up on hard surfaces and drops in the water for added
directional control.
The rudder is located at the aft of the boat.
The second version of the boat of the present invention includes thrust
plates. The
thrust plates are positioned in the aft end of the snowmobile opening. The
thrust plates
provide lateral rigidity and direct water thrust by the snowmobile track, both
backward and
downward.
Finally, the second version of the boat of the present invention includes a
different
transom from the first version. The transom includes a removable transom rail
that gives
CA 02804834 2013-02-05
the hull torsional rigidity while also serving as a conventional rail. Not all
embodiments of
the second version of the boat include a transom.
In its most basic form, the combination of the present invention includes the
boat of
the present invention, as described above, and a snowmobile. The snowmobile
includes a
chassis with a front and a rear, an engine, an endless driving track in
mechanical and
electrical communication with the engine, two snow skis attached to the front
of the
chassis, and at least 5 one snowmobile steering mechanism maneuverable to
control the
motion of the two snow skis, in mechanical communication with the engine. The
snowmobile chassis is disposed on the top of the boat hull between the tubular
bow
structure and the tubular aft structure, with the front of the chassis next to
the tubular bow
structure and the rear of the chassis next to the tubular aft structure. The
endless drive track
of the snowmobile is disposed within the snowmobile opening of the boat and
the two
snowmobile ski attachment mechanisms of the boat are attached to the two snow
skis of
the snowmobile such that when the snowmobile steering mechanism is maneuvered,
the
boat steering mechanism is similarly maneuvered.
To load the snowmobile onto the preferred embodiment of the first version of
the
boat, the center transom insert is removed and the tubular aft structure is
folded all the way
down. The front of the chassis of the snowmobile is then positioned against
the tubular
bow structure, the tubular aft structure is folded back up, and the center
transom insert is
fitted back into place. The tubular bow structure may be adjusted for the
height of the
snowmobile as described above. In preferred embodiments of the tubular bow
structure and
tubular aft structure that include at least one clamp block and hook latch,
and preferred
embodiments of the snowmobile that include front and rear lift handles, the
front lift
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handle may be accepted and secured onto the tubular bow structure through the
clamp
blocks and hook latches and the rear lift handle may be accepted and secured
onto the
tubular aft structure, as discussed above. The tubular aft structure may be
adjusted for
height, and may also be adjusted fore and aft as necessary to accommodate the
height and
length of the snowmobile and to ensure that the snowmobile is positioned such
the endless
drive track of the snowmobile passes through the snowmobile opening through
the hull of
the boat.
As discussed above, when the snowmobile ski attachment mechanisms of the boat
are attached to the snow skis of the snowmobile, the snowmobile steering
mechanisms
become connected with the boat steering mechanism so that maneuvering the snow
skis of
the snowmobile with the snowmobile steering mechanisms also maneuvers the
under-hull
skis of the boat through the boat steering mechanism. In embodiments where the
snowmobile skis are removed, the boat steering mechanism attaches to the
snowmobile
steering mechanism and functions in a similar manner. In such embodiments, the
removal
of the snowmobile skis allows the boat to have a narrower hull, which is
advantageous in
some circumstances.
To load the snowmobile onto the preferred embodiment of the second version of
the
boat, the mounting bar is lowered flat, the thrust plates are retracted, and
the snowmobile is
moved into position within the recessed area in the hull of the boat. In
position, the
snowmobile skis are secured within the ski saddles. In this position, steering
the
snowmobile will also steer the boat through the boat steering mechanism. The
mounting
bar and thrust plates are raised to support and manipulate the back of the
snowmobile.
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CA 02804834 2013-02-05
Therefore it is an aspect of the present invention to provide a combination
snowmobile and boat vehicle.
It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a combination
snowmobile
and boat vehicle that has sufficient seating and storage for rescue
operations.
It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a combination
snowmobile
and boat vehicle that may be separated into an operational snowmobile and an
operational
boat.
It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a combination
snowmobile
and boat vehicle that uses the steering mechanism of the snowmobile to steer
the boat.
It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a combination
snowmobile
and boat vehicle that does not require the skis of the snowmobile to be
removed and/or
replaced.
It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a combination
snowmobile
and boat vehicle that is designed to easily haul passengers from the water
onto the vehicle.
It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a combination
snowmobile
and boat vehicle that has a hull that is not susceptible to ice and snow
buildup.
These aspects of the present invention are not meant to be exclusive and other
features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be readily
apparent to those
of ordinary skill in the art when read in conjunction with the following
description, claims,
and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the top of the boat of the first version of
the present
invention.
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CA 02804834 2013-02-05
FIG. 1B is a perspective cut away view of the top of the boat of the first
version of
the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bottom of the boat of the first version of
the
present invention.
FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view of the tubular aft structure of the
boat of the
first version of the present invention.
FIG. 3B is an exploded perspective view of the tubular aft structure, center
transom,
and center transom insert of the boat of the first version present invention.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the tubular bow structure of the
boat of the
first version of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the boat of the first version of the present
invention
prepared to receive a snowmobile of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the combination of the first version of the
present
invention.
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the steering mechanism of the
combination
of the first version of the present invention.
FIG. 8A is an isolated perspective view of an embodiment of the snowmobile ski
attachment mechanism of the boat of the present invention.
FIG. 8B is an isolated perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the
snowmobile ski attachment mechanism of the boat of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a boat of the first version of the present
invention
with an insert.
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CA 02804834 2013-02-05
FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the top of the boat of the second version of
the
present invention.
FIG. 10B is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the top of the
boat of
the second version of the present invention.
FIG. 10C is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the top of the
boat of
the second version of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the bottom of the boat of the second version
of the
present invention.
FIG. 12A is an isolated perspective view of the thrust plates of the boat of
the second
version of the present invention in engaged position.
FIG. 12B is an isolated perspective view of the thrust plates of the boat of
the second
version of the present invention in unengaged position.
FIG. 13A is an isolated perspective view of the mounting bar of the boat of
the
second version of the present invention in engaged position.
FIG. 13B is an isolated perspective view of the mounting bar of the boat of
the
second version of the present invention in unengaged position.
FIG. 14A is an isolated perspective view of the mounting bar and thrust plates
of the
second version of the present invention in engaged position.
FIG. 14B is an isolated perspective view of the mounting bar and thrust plates
of the
second version of the present invention in unengaged position.
FIG. 15A is an exploded perspective view of the steering mechanism of the
combination of the second version of the present invention.
CA 02804834 2013-02-05
FIG. 15B is an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the
steering
mechanism of the combination of the second version of the present invention.
FIG. 16A is a perspective view of the boat of the second version of the
present
invention in engaged position.
FIG. 16B is a perspective view of the boat of the second version of the
present
invention in unengaged position.
FIG. 17A is a perspective view of the boat of the second version of the
present
invention being used as a boat only with a jet drive insert.
FIG. 17B is a perspective view of the boat of the second version of the
present
invention being used as a boat only with an outboard insert.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Throughout the figures, common reference numbers refer to common features of
the
present invention. Referring first to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, the preferred
embodiment of the
boat 16 of the present invention is shown.
FIG. lA shows the top of the first version of boat 16, which includes bow 18,
aft 20,
starboard side 22, and port side 24. U-shaped inflatable tube 26 extends
around the bow 18,
starboard side 22 and port side 24 and terminates in ends 116. Hull 28 has a
top 30, which
includes raised area 110, a hull bow 34, hull port side 36, and hull starboard
side 38.
Snowmobile opening 40 is disposed through the raised area 110 in the top 30 of
the hull 28
and includes aft end 42 and midship end 44. Steering pod 46 extends upward
from the top
30 of the hull 28 and the second end 108 of boat steering mechanism 104 is
shown
extending therefrom. Tubular bow structure 1 is shown extending from the top
30 of the
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CA 02804834 2013-02-05
hull 28 proximate to the hull bow 34 and tubular aft structure 7 is shown
extending from
the top 30 of the hull 28 proximate to the aft of the boat 16.
FIG. 1B shows the top of the first version of boat 16 with a cutaway portion
that
reveals the top cemented strips 25 and bottom cemented strips 27 that attach
inflatable tube
26 to hull 28. The preferred hull 28 is made of fiberglass 29 and is
reinforced with metal
stringers 2. As discussed below with reference to FIGS. 3A and 4, tubular aft
structure 7
and tubular bow structure 1 are affixed to hull 28 at sections of hull 28 that
are reinforced
with metal stringers 2, as shown in FIG. 1B.
FIG. 2 shows the bottom of the first version of boat 16, which includes under-
hull
skis 50 with tips 52, the bottom 32 of hull 28, bow step 112, and chine 114.
When the boat
16 is combined with a snowmobile, such as is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6,
snowmobile 134 is
mounted between tubular bow structure 1 and tubular aft structure 7 with
endless drive
track 146 positioned in snowmobile opening 40. In such embodiments, boat
steering
mechanism 104 is connected to snowmobile steering mechanism 150 through
steering pods
46. This arrangement is discussed in more detail below with reference to FIGS.
5 and 7.
The design of hull 28 provides for raised area 110, creating a tunnel that
improves water
flow to endless drive track 146 while reducing exposure of bottom 32 of hull
28. Bow step
112 protects tips 52 of under-hull skis 50 from encountering obstructions.
Chine 114 is
stepped to raise u-shaped inflatable tube 26 to reduce its contact with the
ground and ice.
Now referring to FIG. 3A, tubular aft structure 7 of the first version of boat
16 is
shown. Tubular aft structure 7 is affixed to metal stringers 2, as shown in
FIGS. 1B and 4.
Tubular aft structure 7 includes cross section 8, two vertical braces 10,
cross brace 80, and
lateral braces 82. Cross section 8 has first side 56, second side 58, and
third side 60. First
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CA 02804834 2013-02-05
side 56 and second side 58 have first ends 62 that connect with hull 28 at
hinge 11, which
allows cross section 8 to fold entirely down, as well as to make minor
adjustments fore and
aft to accommodate snowmobiles 134 of different lengths. First side 56 and
second side 58
include outer sleeves 66 and adjustment mechanisms 68. Adjustment mechanisms
68 are
preferably bolts 9. Outer sleeves 66 and adjustment mechanisms 68 allow the
lengths of
first side 56 and second side 58 to be adjusted and secured. Third side 60
spans between
second ends 64 of first side 56 and second side 58. Third side 60 includes
clamp blocks 12
and hook latches 13. Clamp blocks 12 and hook latches 13 secure rear lift
handle 152 of
snowmobile 134.
Vertical braces 10 extend fore from cross section 8, with first ends 70 of
vertical
braces 10 meeting outer sleeves 66 of first side 56 and second side 58 of
cross section 8.
Second ends 72 of vertical braces 10 connect with hull 28 at hinges 74.
Vertical braces also
include outer sleeves 76 and adjustment mechanisms 78 similar to outer sleeves
66 and
adjustment mechanisms 68 of cross section 8. Hinges 74, outer sleeves 76, and
adjustment
mechanisms 78 allow vertical braces 10 to move with cross section 8 as cross
section 8 is
adjusted fore or aft and/or folded down.
Cross brace 80 spans between first side 56 and second side 58 of cross section
8.
Lateral braces 82 extend from cross section 8 coplanar with the plane of cross
section 8.
First ends 84 of lateral braces 82 are attached to outer sleeve 66 of first
side 56 and second
side 58 of cross section 8. Second ends 86 of lateral braces 82 are connected
to hull 28 at
hinges 88. Hinges 88 allow lateral braces 82 to move with cross section 8 as
cross section 8
is adjusted fore or aft and/or folded down.
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CA 02804834 2013-02-05
The rearmost section of hull 28 is ramped 14 to the stern of tubular aft
structure 7 to
aid in unloading snowmobile 134 and to serve as a well while water escapes
through
scuppers in the transom, which is a panel bolted to the rearmost portion of
tubular aft
structure 7 (not shown).
Now referring to FIG. 3B, the preferred embodiment of the first version of
boat 16 is
shown, which includes tubular aft structure 7, as well as center transom 21
and center
transom insert 23. Center transom 21 and center transom insert 23 essentially
seal boat 16
once snowmobile 134 has been mounted on boat 16. Center transom 21 is attached
to both
hull 28 and u-shaped inflatable tube 26. Center transom 21 is independent from
aft tubular
structure 7. Center transom is completed and made water-tight by center
transom insert 23,
which is installed after snowmobile 134 is in place. Center transom insert 23
has a rubber
gasket on the bottom and both sides, and is secured in place with toggle
mechanisms.
When snowmobile 134 is being mounted on boat 16, center transom insert 23 is
removed
and replaced once snowmobile 134 is mounted.
Now referring to FIG. 4, tubular bow structure 1 of the first version of boat
16 is
shown. Tubular bow structure 1 is affixed to metal stringers 2. Tubular bow
structure 1
includes cross section 3, two vertical braces 94, and cross braces 100, 102.
Cross section 3
has first side 85, second side 87, and third side 89. First side 85 and second
side 87 have
first ends 91 that connect with hull 28. First side 85 and second side 87
include outer
sleeves 90 and adjustment mechanisms 92. Adjustment mechanisms 92 are
preferably bolts
4. Outer sleeves 90 and adjustment mechanisms 92 allow the lengths of first
side 85 and
second side 87 to be adjusted and secured. Third side 89 spans between second
ends 93 of
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CA 02804834 2013-02-05
first side 85 and second side 87. Third side 89 includes clamp blocks 5 and
hook latches 6.
Clamp blocks 5 and hook latches 6 secure front lift handle 154 of snowmobile
134.
Vertical braces 94 extend fore from cross section 3, with first ends 96 of
vertical
braces 94 meeting outer sleeves 90 of first side 85 and second side 87 of
cross section 3.
Second ends 98 of vertical braces 94 connect with hull 28. Cross braces 100
span between
first side 85 and second side 87 of cross section 3. Cross brace 102 spans
between vertical
braces 94.
Now referring to FIG. 5, combination 200 of the present invention is shown,
including snowmobile 134 about to be loaded onto the first version of boat 16.
Tubular aft
structure 7 is folded flat for loading snowmobile 134 onto boat 16. Snowmobile
134
includes chassis 138 with front 140 and rear 142, endless drive track 146,
snow skis 148,
snowmobile steering mechanism 150, rear lift handle 152, front lift handle 154
(not shown,
but understood to be disposed on front 140 of chassis 138, roughly opposite
from rear lift
handle 152), and engine 144 (not shown, but understood to be disposed within
chassis
138). Although snowmobile steering mechanism 150 indicates the handles of
snowmobile
134, it is understood that snowmobile steering mechanism 150 includes other
parts that are
not visible in FIG. 5, and connect the motion of the handles with the motion
of snow skis
148.
Now referring to FIG. 6, combination 200 is shown with snowmobile 134 loaded
on
the first version of boat 16. Tubular aft structure 7 has been folded up again
to secure rear
142 of chassis 138. Although clamp blocks 12 and hook latches 13 are not
included in this
embodiment of tubular aft structure 7, it is visible that rear lift handle 152
is positioned
proximate to third side 60 of cross section 8 where clamp blocks 12 and hook
latches 13
CA 02804834 2013-02-05
would accept and secure rear lift handle 152 in a preferred embodiment.
Although not
apparent in FIG. 6, snowmobile ski attachment mechanism 136 has been attached
to snow
skis 148 so that snowmobile steering mechanism 150 and boat steering mechanism
104 are
connected, as discussed in more detail below with reference to FIG. 7.
Now referring to FIG. 7, the connection between under-hull skis 50 of boat 16
and
snow skis 148 of snowmobile 134 that allows steering of snowmobile 134 to
steer the first
version of boat 16 is shown. In FIG. 7, we see steering pod cavity 48 formed
by steering
pod 46. Boat steering mechanisms 104 have first end 106, which is in
mechanical
communication with boat ski attachment mechanism 54, and second end 108, which
is
attached to a snowmobile ski attachment mechanism 136. Boat ski attachment
mechanism
54 includes springed piston 155, attached to one of a-arms 156 that work with
bushings to
allow articulation of under-hull ski 50. A-arms 156 are attached to vertical
cylinders 158,
which carry kingpins 160 in sealed bearings.
The mechanical communication between first end 106 and boat ski attachment
mechanism 54 is in the form of first steering arm 162 disposed at the top of
kingpin 160.
First steering arm 162 is first end 106 of boat steering mechanism 104. First
steering arm
162 includes several holes for travel adjustment. First steering arm 162 is
connected via
first shaft 164 with a spherical bearing on each end, to second shaft 166 with
clevises on
each end. Second shaft 166 travels through hull 28 of steering pod 46 and is
carried in
cylinder 168 with wiper seals on each end, thus preventing leakage. Third
shaft 170, also
with spherical bearings on each end, is attached to second shaft 166. Third
shaft 170 is
connected to second steering arm 172. Second steering arm 172 is second end
108 of boat
steering mechanism 104. Second steering arm 172 is affixed to snow ski 148
through
26
CA 02804834 2013-02-05
snowmobile ski attachment mechanism 136 and aligned with the pivot point. As
shown in
FIG. 7, snowmobile ski attachment mechanism 136 is a saddle with toggles 174,
also
shown isolated in FIG. 8A. In some embodiments, where snow ski 148 is removed,
snowmobile attachment mechanism 136 is clevis 176, as shown isolated in FIG.
8B. In
such embodiments, clevis 176 is attached directly to the base of a snowmobile
kingpin.
When snow ski 148 of snowmobile 134 is attached as shown in FIG. 7 to boat
steering
mechanism 104 through snowmobile ski attachment mechanism 136, under-hull skis
50 of
boat 16 will move as directed by snowmobile steering mechanism 150 that
controls the
movement of snow skis 148 of snowmobile 134. Although FIG. 7 shows only one
side of
combination 200, it is understood that the other side is similarly connected.
Now referring to FIG. 9, the first version of boat 16 is shown with insert
118. Boat
16 with insert 118 may act alone as a seaworthy boat. Insert 118 includes
backboard 120,
motor 122, floor 124, seat 126, and console 128 with steering wheel 130 and
throttle 132.
Backboard 120 covers aft 20 of boat 16. Motor 122 is positioned on backboard
120. Floor
124 covers snowmobile opening 40. Seat 126 is for the comfort of the driver.
Console 128
includes boat controls, such as steering wheel 130 and throttle 132.
Now referring to FIGS. 10A-10C, various embodiments of the second version of
boat
16 is shown. FIG. 10A shows all of the features of boat 16. FIGS. 10B and 10C
focus on
the basic shape features of boat 16, and omit some features shown in FIG. 10A.
These
omissions do not indicate a lack of necessity of the features shown in FIG.
10A, and
omitted from FIGS 10B and 10C. Boat 16 includes rail 201 surrounding three
sides of boat
16, and hull recess 214, which is a recessed area down hull step 202 within
hull 28
extending from approximately mid-ship to aft. Hull recess 214 allows
snowmobile 134 to
27
CA 02804834 2013-02-05
be located very low in hull 28, extending snowmobile track 146 as far as
possible below
hull bottom 32. This maximizes track contact with the snow. Ski saddles 204
are disposed
toward the mid-ship end of hull recess 214. Ski saddles 204 are attached to
second steering
arms 233, which are connected to first steering arms 232 by shaft 234. Second
steering
arms 233 are also attached to rudder 240 by steering link 216. As detailed in
FIG. 15A and
15B, first steering arms 232 are integral to boat ski attachment mechanism 54
so that first
steering arms 232 relay the motion of snow skis 148 of snowmobile 134, held in
ski
saddles 204, to under-hull skis 50. Similarly, second steering arms 233 relay
the motion of
snow skis 148 to rudder 240 through steering link 216. Hull recess 214 also
includes
snowmobile opening 40. In this second version of boat 16, snowmobile opening
includes
thrust plates 206 toward aft end 42 of snowmobile opening 40. Thrust plates
206 provide
lateral rigidity and direct water thrust by snowmobile track 146 both backward
and
downward. Aft portion 20 of boat 16 also includes removable transom rail 208,
which
gives hull 28 torsional rigidity while also serving as a conventional rail for
safety. Not all
embodiments of boat 16 include transom rail 208.
Finally, hydraulic cylinders 210 are also disposed within hull recess 214.
Hydraulic
cylinders 210 are housed within frame 212 affixed to hull recess floor 203.
Hydraulic
cylinders 210 are part of mounting bar 207. Mounting bar 207 includes
hydraulic cylinders
210, lifting arms 213, and support arm 223. Although cut away in FIG. 10A,
lifting arms
213 extend on three sides to connect hydraulic cylinders 210 on either side of
snowmobile
opening 40. Mounting bars 207 are designed according the individual snowmobile
134
mounted onto boat 16. Hydraulic cylinder 210 retract to keep mounting bar 207
flat during
mounting of snowmobile 134 and extend to raise mounting bar 207 while
snowmobile 134
28
CA 02804834 2013-02-05
is mounted on boat 16. While boat 16 is being used as a boat only in the
summer without
snowmobile 134, lifting arms 213, but not hydraulic cylinders 210 or support
arms 223 are
removed, along with thrust plates 206 and boat steering mechanism 104.
Now referring to FIG. 11, a perspective view of the bottom of the second
version of
boat 16 of the present version is shown. As in FIG. 2, which shows the bottom
of the first
version of boat 16, hull bottom 32 includes bow step 112 to shield tips 52 of
under-hull
skis 50. Tails 239 of under-hull skis 50 are also identified. Unlike FIG. 2,
the second
version of boat 16 does not include inflatable tube 26, and does include rail
201 and thrust
plates 206.
Now referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, thrust plates 206 are shown in engaged and
unengaged positions, respectively. For all features of boat 16, "unengaged
position" is the
position the feature is in as snowmobile 134 is being mounted on to boat 16.
"Engaged
position" is the position the feature is in while snowmobile 134 is mounted on
boat 16.
This embodiment of thrust plates 206 includes retractable steps 209. In
engaged position
shown in FIG. 12A, steps 209 are extended. In unengaged position shown in FIG.
12B,
steps 209 are retracted and a third of the height of steps 209 in engaged
position so that
they are flat enough to allow snowmobile 134 to mount boat 16. Thrust plates
206 shown
in FIGS. 12A and 12B are not the only embodiments of thrust plates 206 of boat
16 of the
present invention. Other embodiments, for example, are shown in FIGS. 10A and
10C.
Now referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, mounting bars 207 are shown in engaged and
unengaged positions, respectively. Mounting bars 207 consist of hydraulic
cylinders 210,
lifting arm 213, and support arm 223. Hydraulic cylinders 210 are flat in both
engaged and
unengaged positions, are affixed to hull recess floor 203, and are disposed on
either side of
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CA 02804834 2013-02-05
snowmobile opening 40. Support arms 223 are affixed on one end to hull recess
floor 203
and on the other to lifting arm 213. At either end, support arms 223 include
features
allowing support arms 223 to move between engaged and unengaged positions. In
unengaged position shown in FIG. 13B, mounting bar 207 is essentially flat so
that
snowmobile 134 will be able to slide over mounting bar 207 unimpeded. In
engaged
position shown in FIG. 13B, hydraulic cylinders 210 are extended, and lifting
arm and
support arms 223 arm angled upward. Mounting bar 207 in engaged position both
supports
snowmobile 134 and holds it in position upon boat 16.
Now referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B, mounting bar 207, thrust plates 206,
clamps
304, cables 242, and rear handle 236 of snowmobile 134 are shown. Although not
shown,
thrust plates 206 in these FIGS. include springs that force thrust plates 206
into an
unengaged position. Cables 242 extend thrust plates 206 as snowmobile 134 is
lifted by
mounting bar 207. Cable 242 is slack when thrust plates 206 are unengaged.
Cable 242 is
an exemplary method of accomplishing the thrust plate lifting. Slotted arms,
for example,
may replace cable 242 to accomplish the lifting. One of ordinary skill in the
art will
recognize that these are but two examples of several ways in which this may be
accomplished. Clamps 304 secure rear handle 236 of snowmobile 134. One end of
cable
242 is attached to clamp 304.
Now referring to FIGS. 15A and 15B, exploded perspective view of two
embodiments of boat steering mechanism 204 of the combination of the second
version of
the present invention is shown. Boat steering mechanism 104 includes boat ski
attachment
mechanism 54 and snowmobile ski attachment mechanism 136. Snowmobile ski
attachment mechanism 54 of the second version includes ski saddles 204
disposed within
CA 02804834 2013-02-05
hull recess 214 on top 30 of boat 16. Ski saddles 204 each include clamp
mechanism 220
that affixes skis 148 to ski saddles 204. Ski saddles 204 ride via a sealed
bearing (not
shown) on a movable mounting plate 218 attached to floor 203 of hull recess
214. The
bearings allow ski saddles 204, and therefore snowmobile skis 148, to pivot.
Boat ski attachment mechanism 54 includes a-arms 222, vertical cylinders 224,
kingpins 226, boot seals 228, and bushings 230. Under-hull skis 50 are secured
to the sides
of aluminum steering pods 46, which are integral to hull 28 through a-arms 222
and
bushings 230, allowing articulation of under-hull ski 50. In the second
version of boat 16
of the present invention, steering pods 46 are not visible above top 30 of
hull 28, as they
are in the first version. The geometry of a-arms 222 allows tails 239 of under-
hull skis 50
to travel while keeping tips 52 of under-hull skis 50 nested behind bow step
112,
preventing them from being caught on foreign objects. A-arms 222 are attached
to vertical
cylinders 224, which carry kingpins 226 in sealed bearings. Kingpins 226 are
sealed to hull
28 with boot seals 228. A-arms 222 may be dampened with urethane bushings 230
attached
to the lower part of a-arms 222 and the upper portion of steering pods 46.
Dampening may
also be accomplished with conventional coil-over springs or shock absorbers,
or with
torsion bars.
Snowmobile ski attachment mechanism 136 includes first and second steering
arms
232, 233, bearings (not shown), shaft 234, steering link 216, and rudder 240
(the latter two
of which are shown in FIG. 10). First steering arm 232 is disposed at the top
of kingpin
226 of boat ski attachment mechanism 54. Second steering arm 233 is integral
to ski saddle
204. Both first and second steering arms 232, 233 include several holes for
travel
adjustment. First and second steering arms 232, 233 are connected via shaft
216 with
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CA 02804834 2016-01-19
spherical bearings on each end where they are attached to kingpin 226 and ski
saddle 204,
respectively.
Now referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, the combination of boat 16 with snowmobile
134 is shown in engaged and unengaged positions, respectively. In FIG. 16A,
mounting bar
207 and thrust plates 206 are raised. In FIG. I6B, we see mounting bar 207
lying flat so as
to allow snowmobile 134 to pass onto boat 16 unimpeded. Thrust plates 206 are
also
retracted, but are not visible in this view.
Now referring to FIGS. 17A and 17B, the second version of boat 16 is shown
with jet
drive insert 300 and with outboard insert 302, respectively. As discussed
above, boat
steering mechanism 104, lifting arm 213, and thrust plates 206 are removed
when boat 16
is being used as a boat only and not in concert with snowmobile 134.
The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set
forth
in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent
with the
description as a whole.
32
