Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
SNOW VEHICLE HEAT EXCHANGER SHIELD
FIELD
[0001] The present teachings relate to snow vehicles, and more
particularly to heat exchanger shields for a snow vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background
information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior
art.
[0003] Conventional snowmobiles typically include aluminum track
tunnels that cover and box-in the drive track and protect the rider from snow.
Additionally, in many instance the tunnels help to direct snow from the drive
track
toward an engine heat exchanger, or radiator mounted to the underside of the
tunnel. On many known snowmobiles metal spikes or studs are connected to,
embedded in, or otherwise disposed on the snowmobile drive track to improve
traction. During use of the snowmobile the drive track and suspension are
subject
to move up and down, whereby the spikes or studs can strike or contact the
heat
exchanger and possibly puncture or otherwise damage the heat exchanger.
SUMMARY
[0004] In various embodiments the present disclosure provides a heat
exchanger shield for a snowmobile, the heat exchanger comprising an elongated
body having a pair of opposing legs, and a pair of engagement structures, one
engagement structure formed at a distal end of a corresponding one of the
legs,
wherein the engagement structures are structured and operable to slidingly
engage a corresponding shield retention guide formed in a snowmobile heat
exchanger.
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[0005] In various other embodiments, the present disclosure
provides a heat exchanger shield assembly for a snowmobile, wherein the shield
assembly comprises a heat exchanger shield comprising an elongated body
having a pair of opposing legs, and a pair of engagement structures, one
engagement structure formed at a distal end of a corresponding one of the
legs,
wherein the engagement structures are structured and operable to slidingly
engage a corresponding shield retention guide formed in a snowmobile heat
exchanger. The snowmobile heat exchanger shield assembly additionally
comprises a heat exchanger shield mounting bracket that is connectable to the
heat exchanger shield and is structured and operable to secure the heat
exchanger
shield within the shield retention guides.
[0006] In yet other various embodiments, the present disclosure
provides a heat exchanger and shield assembly for a snowmobile. The exchanger
and shield assembly comprises a heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger
comprises a main body; and a plurality of exchanger shield retention guides
protruding from the main body. The heat exchanger and shield assembly
additionally comprises a snowmobile heat exchanger shield, wherein the heat
exchanger shield comprises an elongated body having a pair of opposing legs,
and a pair of engagement structures, one engagement structure formed at a
distal
end of a corresponding one of the legs. The engagement structures are
structured
and operable to slidingly engage the shield retention guides.
[0007] In still other embodiments, the present disclosure
provides
heat exchanger and shield assembly for a snowmobile, wherein the exchanger and
shield assembly comprises a heat exchanger that includes a main body and a
plurality of exchanger shield retention guides protruding from the main body.
Each
exchanger shield retention guide comprises a retention fingers formed on
distal
ends thereof that angles inward and defines a retention channel between
adjacent
shield retention guides. The heat exchanger and shield assembly additionally
comprises a heat exchanger shield assembly, where the heat exchanger shield
assembly comprises a heat exchanger shield having an elongated body having a
pair of opposing legs and a pair of engagement structures, one engagement
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structure formed at a distal end of a corresponding one of the legs, wherein
the
engagement structures are structured and operable to be slidingly inserted
into the
heat exchanger retention guides to slidingly engage the exchanger shield
retention
guides. The heat exchanger shield assembly further includes and a heat
exchanger shield mounting bracket that is connectable to the heat exchanger
shield and is structured and operable to secure the heat exchanger shield
within
the shield retention guides.
[0008] In
still yet other various embodiments, the present disclosure
provides a snowmobile comprising a chassis, a drive track operably connected
to
the chassis and structured and operable to rotate to propel the snowmobile
across
snow, a prime mover mounted to the chassis and structured and operable to
provide motive power to the drive track, a drive track tunnel connected to the
chassis and structured and operable to at least partially house at least a
portion of
the drive track, and a bumper/hand bar is mounted to the chassis and to which
the
drive track tunnel is further mounted. The snowmobile additionally comprises a
heat exchanger and shield assembly that includes a heat exchanger that
includes
a main body and a plurality of exchanger shield retention guides protruding
from
the main body. Each exchanger shield retention guide comprises a retention
fingers formed on distal ends thereof that angles inward and defines a
retention
channel between adjacent shield retention guides. The heat exchanger and
shield
assembly additionally comprises a heat exchanger shield assembly, where the
heat exchanger shield assembly comprises a heat exchanger shield having an
elongated body having a pair of opposing legs and a pair of engagement
structures, one engagement structure formed at a distal end of a corresponding
one of the legs, wherein the engagement structures are structured and operable
to be slidingly inserted into the heat exchanger retention guides to slidingly
engage
the exchanger shield retention guides. The heat exchanger shield assembly
further includes and a heat exchanger shield mounting bracket that is
connectable
to the heat exchanger shield and is structured and operable to secure the heat
exchanger shield within the shield retention guides.
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[0009] This
summary is provided merely for purposes of
summarizing various example embodiments of the present disclosure so as to
provide a basic understanding of various aspects of the teachings herein.
Various
embodiments, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the following
detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which
illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the described embodiments.
Accordingly, it should be understood that the description and specific
examples
set forth herein are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not
intended
to limit the scope of the present teachings.
DRAWINGS
[0010] The
drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only
and are not intended to limit the scope of the present teachings in any way.
[0011]
Figure 1 is an exemplary isometric view of a snowmobile
comprising a taillight and snow flap assembly in accordance with various
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0012]
Figure 2 is an exemplary side view of the snowmobile comprising
the taillight and snow flap assembly in accordance with various embodiments of
the present disclosure.
[0013]
Figure 3 is an exemplary isometric view of a taillight housing
fixture of the taillight and snow flap assembly shown in Figures 1 and 2 in
accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0014]
Figure 4 is an exemplary rear view of the taillight housing fixture
of the taillight and snow flap assembly shown in Figure 3 in accordance with
various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0015]
Figure 5 is an exemplary isometric view of a tunnel and a
bumper/hand bar of a snowmobile having the taillight housing fixture shown in
Figures 3 and 4 mounted to the tunnel and the bumper/hand bar in accordance
with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
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Date Recite/Date Received 2023-03-16
[0016] Figure 6 is an exemplary top isometric view of the taillight
housing
fixture shown in Figure 5 mounted to the tunnel and the bumper/hand bar in
accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0017] Figure 7 is an exemplary top view of the taillight housing
fixture
shown in Figures 5 and 6 mounted to the tunnel and the bumper/hand bar in
accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0018] Figure 8 is an exemplary side view of a snow flap of the
taillight
and snow flap assembly shown in Figures 1 and 2 in accordance with various
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0019] Figure 9 is an exemplary top view of the snow flap shown in
Figure 8 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0020] Figure 10 is an exemplary isometric view of a portion of the
taillight and snow flap assembly shown in Figures 1 and 2 mounted to the
tunnel
and the bumper/hand bar in accordance with various embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0021] Figure 11 is an exemplary isometric view of an underside of
the
snow flap shown in Figure 10 in accordance with various embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0022] Figure 12 is an exemplary side view of the taillight and
snow flap
assembly shown in Figures 1 and 2 mounted to the tunnel and the bumper/hand
bar in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0023] Figure 13 is an exemplary side view close-up of a portion of
the
taillight and snow flap assembly shown in Figures 1 and 2 mounted to the
tunnel
and the bumper/hand bar in accordance with various embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0024] Figure 14 is an exemplary rear view of the taillight housing
fixture
shown in Figures 1 through 7 comprising at least one heat exchanger shield
access port, whereby one or more heat exchanger shield can be installed and
removed from a heat exchanger of the snowmobile without removal of the
taillight
housing fixture in accordance with various embodiment so of the present
disclosure.
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[0025] Figure 15 is an exemplary view of an underside of the
snowmobile tunnel having the heat exchanger mounted thereto, and of the
taillight
housing fixture shown in Figure 14 having the heat exchanger shield access
port(s)
in accordance with various embodiment so of the present disclosure.
[0026] Figure 16 is an exemplary isometric view of the underside of
the
snowmobile tunnel and taillight housing fixture shown in Figure 15 in
accordance
with various embodiment so of the present disclosure.
[0027] Figure 17 is an exemplary close-up rear view of the
taillight
housing fixture shown in Figures 14, 15 and 16 exemplarily illustrating how
the
heat exchanger shield access port(s) allow for easy installation and removal
of the
heat exchanger shields without removal of the taillight housing fixture in
accordance with various embodiment so of the present disclosure.
[0028] Figure 18 is an exemplary close-up rear view of a portion of
the
heat exchanger illustrating heat exchanger heat shield retention channels
formed
in the heat exchanger for retaining the heat exchanger shields, in accordance
with
various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0029] Figure 19 is an exemplary close-up rear view of a portion of
the
heat exchanger illustrating a heat exchanger shield disposed in heat exchanger
heat shield retention channels, in accordance with various embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0030] Figure 20 is an exemplary side view of a heat exchanger
shield,
in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0031] Figure 21 is an exemplary side view of a heat exchanger
shield
assembly, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0032] Figure 22 is an exemplary side view of a heat exchanger
shield
mounting bracket of the heat exchanger shield assembly shown in Figure 21, in
accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0033] Figure 23 is an exemplary rear view of the heat exchanger
shield
assembly shown in Figure 21, in accordance with various embodiments of the
present disclosure.
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[0034] Figure 24 is an exemplary isometric view of the heat
exchanger
having a pair of the heat exchanger shield assemblies shown in Figure 21
installed
thereon, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0035] Figure 25 is an exemplary illustration of an underside of
the
taillight housing fixture shown in Figures 3 through 7, in accordance with
various
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0036] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding
parts
throughout the several views of drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and
is in no
way intended to limit the present teachings, application, or uses. Throughout
this
specification, like reference numerals will be used to refer to like elements.
Additionally,
the embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the
invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed
description. Rather,
the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art can
utilize
their teachings. As well, it should be understood that the drawings are
intended to
illustrate and plainly disclose presently envisioned embodiments to one of
skill in the
art, but are not intended to be manufacturing level drawings or renditions of
final
products and may include simplified conceptual views to facilitate
understanding or
explanation. As well, the relative size and arrangement of the components may
differ
from that shown and still operate within the spirit of the invention.
[0038] As used herein, the word "exemplary" or "illustrative" means
"serving
as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein
as
"exemplary" or "illustrative" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred
or
advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described
below
are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to
practice
the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.
[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms
used
herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill
in the
art to which this disclosure belongs. The terminology used herein is for the
purpose of
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Date Recite/Date Received 2023-03-16
describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be
limiting. As
used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" may be intended to
include the plural
forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms
"comprises",
"comprising", "including", and "having" are inclusive and therefore specify
the presence
of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components,
but do not
preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps,
operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps,
processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as
necessarily
requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated,
unless
specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be
understood that
additional or alternative steps can be employed.
[0040] When an element, object, device, apparatus, component, region
or
section, etc., is referred to as being "on", "engaged to or with", "connected
to or with",
or "coupled to or with" another element, object, device, apparatus, component,
region
or section, etc., it can be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to or
with the other
element, object, device, apparatus, component, region or section, etc., or
intervening
elements, objects, devices, apparatuses, components, regions or sections,
etc., can be
present. In contrast, when an element, object, device, apparatus, component,
region
or section, etc., is referred to as being "directly on", "directly engaged
to", "directly
connected to", or "directly coupled to" another element, object, device,
apparatus,
component, region or section, etc., there may be no intervening elements,
objects,
devices, apparatuses, components, regions or sections, etc., present. Other
words
used to describe the relationship between elements, objects, devices,
apparatuses,
components, regions or sections, etc., should be interpreted in a like fashion
(e.g.,
"between" versus "directly between", "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent",
etc.).
[0041] As used herein the phrase "operably connected to" will be
understood
to mean two are more elements, objects, devices, apparatuses, components,
etc., that
are directly or indirectly connected to each other in an operational and/or
cooperative
manner such that operation or function of at least one of the elements,
objects, devices,
apparatuses, components, etc., imparts or causes operation or function of at
least one
- 8 -
Date Recite/Date Received 2023-03-16
other of the elements, objects, devices, apparatuses, components, etc. Such
imparting
or causing of operation or function can be unilateral or bilateral.
[0042] As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all
combinations
of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, A and/or B
includes A alone,
or B alone, or both A and B.
[0043] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used
herein to
describe various elements, objects, devices, apparatuses, components, regions
or
sections, etc., these elements, objects, devices, apparatuses, components,
regions or
sections, etc., should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used
only to
distinguish one element, object, device, apparatus, component, region or
section, etc.,
from another element, object, device, apparatus, component, region or section,
etc.,
and do not necessarily imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by
the
context.
[0044] Moreover, it will be understood that various directions such
as
"upper", "lower", "bottom", "top", "left", "right", "first", "second" and so
forth are made
only with respect to explanation in conjunction with the drawings, and that
components
may be oriented differently, for instance, during transportation and
manufacturing as
well as operation. Because many varying and different embodiments may be made
within the scope of the concept(s) taught herein, and because many
modifications may
be made in the embodiments described herein, it is to be understood that the
details
herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and non-limiting.
[0045] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, in various embodiments the
present
disclosure provides snowmobile 10 comprising a taillight housing and a snow
flap that
may be used separately or together as an assembly 14. One or both components
of
the assembly can be structured and operable to provide structural
reinforcement,
rigidity, strength and stability to a drive track tunnel 18 (referred to
herein simply as the
tunnel 18) and to direct snow thrown from a drive track 22 of the snowmobile
10 onto a
heat exchanger 24 for an internal combustion engine or a component of an
electric
vehicle such as a battery or motor (see Figure 14 through 17) disposed on an
underside
of the tunnel 18. The taillight housing and snow flap assembly 14 comprises a
taillight
housing fixture 26 and a snow flap 28 connected to taillight housing fixture
26 The
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snowmobile 10 additionally generally comprises a chassis or frame 30, the
tunnel 18
connected to the chassis 30, a prime mover 34 (e.g., an internal combustion
engine
(ICE) and/or an electric motor) mounted to the chassis 30, the drive track 22
disposed
within the tunnel 18 and operatively connected to a drivetrain 38, which is
operatively
connected to the prime mover 34 and configured to provide motive power
provided by
the prime mover 34 to the drive track 22 to thereby propel the snowmobile 10.
The
snowmobile 10 further includes an operator/passenger seat 44, at least one ski
42 (e.g.,
in various instances two skis 42) operably connected to a steering mechanism
46 (e.g.,
a steering wheel or steering handlebars) that is used by the snowmobile
operator to
control the direction of travel or movement of the snowmobile 10, and a
bumper/hand
bar 48 that is mounted to the chassis 30. It should be understood that the
snowmobile
can be any snow vehicle such as snowmobiles, snow bikes, or any other tracked
vehicle that utilizes a heat exchanger disposed on an underside of a tunnel of
the
respective vehicle.
[0046] The
tunnel 18 is mounted to the chassis 30 and provides a main body
portion of the snowmobile 10. The tunnel 18 generally houses a portion of the
drivetrain
38 and an upper portion of the drive track 22 as the drive track 22 is
disposed on and
travels around a track guide and drive assembly (e.g., the drive gears, idler
gears, high-
fax/slide rail, rear suspension, etc.). The tunnel 18 comprises a main panel
18A and
opposing side panels 18B extending at an angle (e.g., generally orthogonally
or any
other desired angle) from opposing lateral edges 18C of the main panel 18A to
form a
three-sided tunnel or channel. As described above, the tunnel provides a main
portion
of the snowmobile body to which various components (e.g., seat 44, the heat
exchanger
24, and a pair of opposing running boards 50) can be mounted, attached or
connected.
The tunnel 18 also provides protection to the snowmobile operator/passenger
from the
rotating drive track 22, the drivetrain 38, and snow, rocks, ice, sticks and
other debris
thrown up by the rotating drive track 22. The tunnel 18 can be constructed or
fabricated
of any material suitable to provide the desired shape and structure of the
tunnel 18 as
described herein. For example, in various instances the tunnel 18 can be
fabricated of
a light gauge sheet metal, a fiber reinforced polymer, additive manufacturing,
or any
other suitable metal, polymer or plastic composite or compound. In a non-
limiting
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Date Recite/Date Received 2023-03-16
example, the main panel 18A and the side panels 18B may be integrally formed
from a
single sheet of material, or comprised of separate components fastened
together. Due
to the light weight and three-sided structure of the tunnel 18, the tunnel 18
is generally
subject to be pliable or flexible in that it can flex, bend and twist absent
further
reinforcement such as the bumper/hand bar 48 and taillight housing fixture 26
described
herein below.
[0047]
Referring now to Figures 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, as described above, the
taillight housing and snow flap assembly 14 can be structured and operable to
provide
structural reinforcement, rigidity, strength and stability to the tunnel 18.
More
particularly, the taillight housing fixture 26 is structured and operable to
provide
structural reinforcement, rigidity, strength and stability to the tunnel 18
such that flexing,
bending and twisting of the tunnel 18 is reduced or prevented. In various
embodiments,
the tunnel 18 is connected to the bumper/hand bar 48, which can also add
structural
reinforcement, rigidity, strength and stability to the tunnel 18. The
taillight housing fixture
26 can be constructed or fabricated of any material suitable to provide the
desired
shape and structure of the taillight housing fixture 26 as described herein.
For example,
in various instances the taillight housing fixture can be fabricated of a
light gauge
stamped sheet metal, a fiber reinforced polymer, additive manufacturing, or
any other
suitable metal, polymer or plastic composite or compound. In an illustrative
example,
the taillight housing fixture 26 is a structural composite material comprising
glass fibers
in a polymer matrix.
[0048] More
Particularly, in various embodiments, the taillight
housing fixture 26 can be fabricated of a polymer composite that includes
Nylon
6/6 or Nylon 12, Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), Polypropylene (PP), polybutylene
terephthalate (PBT), or Polyphthalamide (PPA) matrix material with glass,
carbon,
or ratio of both carbon and fiber material for fiber fill varying in percent
volume from
50% to 60%. For example, the taillight housing fixture 26 can be manufactured
of
a molded composite material, such as a glass filled long-fiber material.
Portions
of the taillight housing fixture 26 can have differing thickness to optimize
stiffness
and weight. For example, the main body 26A can include more thickness and
structural support ribbing as opposed to the retention wings 26B and/or the
flap
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Date Recite/Date Received 2023-03-16
mounting tail 26C in order meet stiffness requirements. For example, in
various
exemplary embodiments, the taillight housing fixture 26 can be fabricated can
be
fabricated of a composite including one or more of the above-described
polymers
and one or more types of fibers including, but not limited to, glass and/or
carbon
fibers, e.g., 50 wt % glass filled polyamide. In a non-limiting example, the
fiber %
by weight of the composite material can range from 20 wt % to 60 wt %, and can
optionally be in the range of 40 wt % to 50 wt %. These materials have the
advantages of being tough enough to withstand impacts while also being
flexible
enough to withstand any torquing and/or twisting of the bumper/hand bar 48 and
tunnel 18 during use of the snowmobile 10. In addition, these polymeric
composite
materials have a low thermal conductivity (i.e., less than 1 W/m- K).
[0049] The
taillight housing fixture 26 comprises a main body 26A having a
top surface 26A1 and a rear lens face 26A2 extending downward from a trailing
or
rearward edge of the top surface 26A1. One or more illumination or light
fixture (i.e., at
least one light bulb, LED or other illumination device housed within a lens
housing)
and/or lens 54 (e.g., brake light fixture and/or lens, direction indicator
light fixture and/or
lens, running light fixture and/or lens, etc.) and/or one or more reflector or
reflective lens
58 can be removably or fixedly mounted to the rear lens face 26A2. The
taillight housing
fixture 26 additionally comprises a pair of opposing retention arms or wings
26B
extending from opposing lateral ends of the main body 26A and a flap mounting
tail
26C extending longitudinally rearwardly outward at an angle (e.g., 30 to 90 )
from a
bottom of the rear lens face 26A2 of the main body 26A. As used herein
longitudinal
will refer to a direction or relationship of components or elements that
extends from the
front to the back of the snowmobile 10 and/or vice-versa. And, as used herein
lateral
will refer to a direction or relationship of components or elements that
extends from the
side to the side of the snowmobile 10. The retention wings 26B extend
laterally outward
from the lateral ends of the main body 26 having a curved or a C-like shape
that is
contoured and shaped to mate or match with the shape and contour of an outer
surface
of the bumper/hand bar 48 such that each retention wing 26B can be disposed
over
and snuggly or tightly fit over or mate with opposing side portions of the
bumper/hand
bar 48. Additionally, the retention wings 26B have a longitudinal length L and
at least
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one fastening orifice 62. The fastening orifice(s) 62 is/are structured and
operable to
have a fastener (e.g., screw, rivet, bolt, expanding push fastener, etc.)
inserted
therethrough to attach and secure the taillight housing fixture 26 to the
bumper/hand
bar 48. In a non-limiting example, the retention wings 26B are removably
fastened to
the bumper/hand bar 48.
[0050] The length L of the retention wings 26B is designed and
structured to
provide stability to taillight housing fixture 26 when the taillight housing
fixture is secured
to the bumper/hand bar 48. More specifically, the length L of the retention
wings 26B
is designed and structured to have a length (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6 or more inches)
such that
when secured to the bumper/hand bar 48, via fasteners and fastening orifices
62, the
leverage from the fastening orifices 62 and fastener to the opposing distal
ends of the
retention wings (relative to the length L) will provide stability to the
taillight housing fixture
26 and prevent the taillight housing fixture 26 from pivoting, rocking or
wobbling about
the fasteners, or otherwise moving on the bumper/hand bar 48. Additionally,
since the
shape and contour of the retention wings 26B mates or matches with the shape
and
contour of an outer surface of the bumper/hand bar 48, the contact surface
area
between the retention wings 26B and the outer surface of the bumper/hand bar
48 is
maximized (e.g., 80% to 100% contact surface area is provided between the
retention
wings 26B and the outer surface of the bumper/hand bar 48). In a non-limiting
example,
the retention wings 26B are engaged with at least portions of the inboard
side, the
outboard side, and a forward side of the bumper/hand bar 48. This maximized
contact
surface further provides stability to the taillight housing fixture 26 on the
bumper/hand
bar 48 and prevents pivoting or rocking about the fasteners, or otherwise
moving on the
bum per/hand bar 48.
[0051] The bumper/hand bar 48 is structured to have opposing side
rails
48A that extend longitudinally along the tunnel side panels 18B that mount to
the
chassis 30 and to which the tunnel side panels 18 are attached, thereby
providing
structural reinforcement, rigidity, strength and stability to the tunnel 18.
The
bumper/hand bar 48 additionally includes a rear crossbar 48B extending from
and
between rearward distal ends of the side rails 48A rearwardly beyond the
rearward end
of the tunnel 18. In various embodiments, a rearward end portion of the side
rails 48A
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Date Recite/Date Received 2023-03-16
are bent upward at an angle (e.g., a 100 to 90 angle) such that the crossbar
48B is
disposed rearwardly beyond the rearward end of the tunnel 18 and above a plane
of
the tunnel main panel 18A. More specifically, the length of the side bars 48A
are
designed so that the rear crossbar 48B is disposed beyond and above the
rearward
distal end of the tunnel 18 such that a gap or space is provided between the
rearward
distal end of the tunnel 18 and the crossbar 48B. The taillight housing
fixture 26 can be
disposed and mounted to the tunnel 18 and to the bumper/hand bar side rails
48A within
the gap or space.
[0052] In such embodiments, the retention wings 26B can be disposed
on
the angled upward portion of the side bars 48A and the taillight housing
fixture 26 can
be mounted to the angled upward portion of the side bars 48A, via the wing
fastening
orifices 62, such that a bottom surface of a leading edge portion 26A3 of the
taillight
housing fixture main body 26A is substantially coplanar and flush with the
plane of the
tunnel main panel 18A. As exemplarily shown in Figures 12 and 13, the leading
edge
portion 26A3 can be positioned along the tunnel 18 at or forward of where a
straight
section of the bumper/hand bar side rails 48A begins to curve upward towards
the
bumper/hand crossbar 48B. In various embodiments, the taillight housing
leading edge
portion 26A includes one or more attachment orifice 66 that are structured and
operable
to have a fastener (e.g., screw, rivet, bolt, expanding push fastener, etc.)
inserted
therethrough to attach and secure the taillight housing fixture 26 to the
rearward distal
end portion of the tunnel 18, thereby providing structural reinforcement,
rigidity, strength
and stability to the tunnel 18. In a non-limiting example, the taillight
housing fixture 26
is removably fastened to the tunnel main panel 18A. In various instances, the
fastener
(e.g., screw, rivet, bolt, expanding push fastener, etc.) inserted through
attachment
orifice 66 to attach and secure the taillight housing fixture 26 to the
rearward distal end
portion of the tunnel 18 can further secure at least a portion of the heat
exchanger 24
(e.g., a rearward end of the heat exchanger 24) to an underside of the tunnel
18 as
exemplarily illustrated in Figures 15 and 16.
[0053] As described above, the taillight housing fixture 26 can be
fabricated
of a light gauge stamped sheet metal, a fiber reinforced polymer, additive
manufacturing, or any other suitable metal, polymer or plastic composite or
compound.
- 14 -
Date Recite/Date Received 2023-03-16
Additionally, in various embodiments, the taillight housing fixture 26 is
constructed to be
substantially sturdy, stout, rigid and not easily flexible such that when
connected to the
tunnel 18 and the bumper/hand bar 48 the taillight housing fixture 26 will
provide
structural reinforcement, rigidity, strength and stability to the tunnel 18,
and will
minimize, control or substantially prevent flexing, twisting and other
movement of the
tunnel 18. More particularly, as result of the bumper/hand bar 48 being
connected to
the chassis 30, the shape, contour and length of the taillight housing fixture
retention
wings 26B, the secure mounting of the taillight housing fixture 26 to the
bumper/hand
bar 48, and the sturdy construction of the taillight housing fixture 26, when
connected
to the rearward end of the tunnel 18 the taillight housing fixture 26 provides
structural
reinforcement, rigidity, strength and stability to the tunnel 18 whereby
flexing, twisting
and other movement of the tunnel 18 is minimized, controlled or substantially
prevented. This, in turn, significantly reduces or prevents damage to the
tunnel 18
and/or the heat exchanger 24 that can result from uncontrolled, or
unrestrained flexing,
twisting and other movement of the tunnel 18.
[0054]
Referring now to Figures 8 through 13, the snow flap 28 generally
comprises a mounting lip 28A, a main body 28B extending from the mounting lip
28A
and a pair of opposing retention arms 28C extending from ends of opposing
lateral
sidewalls 78 of the main body 28B. The snow flap 28 is attachable to the
taillight housing
fixture flap mounting tail 26C. In various embodiments, the flap mounting tail
26C
includes a plurality of flap mounting holes 68, and the mounting lip 28A of
the flap 28
includes a plurality of fastening orifices 70 that are disposed in the
mounting lip 28A to
align with the taillight housing fixture flap mounting holes 68 such that
fasteners (e.g.,
rivets, screws, nuts and bolts, self-securing push fasteners, etc.) can be
inserted
therethrough to securely and optionally, removably, fasten the flap 28 to the
taillight
housing fixture 26. In a non-limiting example, the flap mounting tail 26C
extends
rearward and optionally downward from the rear end of the tunnel 18.
Therefore, the
snow flap 28 can be secured to the flap mounting tail 26C without being
directly secured
to the tunnel 18. As shown in Figure 7, the flap mounting holes 68 in the flap
mounting
tail 26C are positioned rearward of the rear end of the tunnel 18 and forward
of the
- 15 -
Date Recite/Date Received 2023-03-16
bumper/hand crossbar. Accordingly, the flap mounting tail 26C may function as
a
selectively removable close-off for the rearward end of the tunnel 18.
[0055] The flap main body 28B comprises and upper portion 28BU
extending from the mounting lip 28A and lower portion 28BL extending at an
angle 13
from the upper portion 28BU, thereby defining an elbow or bend 28C in the main
body
28B. The angle 13 can be any desired obtuse angle. For example, in various
embodiments angle 13 can be an angle between 95 and 175 . Additionally, the
main
body 28B comprises a central panel 74 and the opposing lateral sidewalls 78
extending
at an angle (e.g., generally orthogonally or any other desired angle) from
opposing
edges of the central panel 74. The central panel 74 and sidewalls 78
respectively have
an upper portion 74U and 78U, and a lower portion 74L and 78L that
respectively make
up the main body upper and lower portions 28BU and 28BL.
[0056] The retention arms 28C extend from the opposing ends of the
sidewalls 78, more specifically the retention arms 28C extend from the
opposing ends
of the sidewall upper portions 78U having a curved a C-like shape that is
contoured and
shaped to mate or match with the shape and contour of the outer surface of the
bumper/hand bar 48 such that each retention arm 28C can be disposed over and
snuggly or tightly fit over or mate with opposing side portions of the
bumper/hand bar
48. Additionally, the retention arms 28C have a longitudinal length M and at
least one
fastening aperture 82. The length M of the retention arms 28C can be greater
than the
length L of the retention wings 26B. The fastening apertures(s) 82 is/are
structured and
operable to have a fastener (e.g., screw, rivet, bolt, expanding push
fastener, etc.)
inserted therethrough to attach and secure the snow flap 28 to the bumper/hand
bar
48. The fastening aperture 82 can be positioned to insert the fastener into
the rearward
side of the bumper/hand bar 48. The fastener inserted through the fastening
aperture
82 can be positioned along the bumper/hand bar 48 lower than the fastener
inserted
through the attachment orifice 62 of the retention wings 26B. The fastener
inserted
through the fastening aperture 82 can extend into the bumper/hand bar 48 in a
direction
that is perpendicular to the direction that the fastener inserted into the
bumper/hand bar
48 extends through the attachment orifice 66 of the retention wings 26B.
- 16 -
Date Recite/Date Received 2023-03-16
[0057] The length M of the retention arms 28C is designed and
structured to
provide stability to snow flap 28 when the snow flap 28 is secured to the
bumper/hand
bar 48. More specifically, the length M of the retention arms 28C is designed
and
structured to have a length (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6 or more inches) such that when
secured to
the bumper/hand bar 48, via fasteners and fastening apertures 82, the leverage
from
the fastening aperture 82 and fastener to the opposing distal ends of the
retention arms
28C (relative to the length M) will provide stability to the snow flap 28 and
prevent or
inhibit the snow flap 28 from pivoting, rocking or wobbling about the
fasteners, or
otherwise moving on the bumper/hand bar 48. Additionally, since the shape and
contour of the retention arms 28C mates or matches with the shape and contour
of an
outer surface of the bumper/hand bar 48, the contact surface area between the
retention arms 28C and the outer surface of the bumper/hand bar 48 is
maximized (e.g.,
80% to 100% contact surface area is provided between the retention arms 28C
and the
outer surface of the bumper/hand bar 48). This maximized contact surface
further
provides stability to the snow flap 28 on the bumper/hand bar 48 and prevents
pivoting
or rocking about the fasteners, or otherwise moving on the bumper/hand bar 48.
In
various embodiments, the retention arms 28C engage bumper/hand bar 48 adjacent
to
and opposite the retention wings 26B of the taillight housing fixture 26.
[0058] In a non-limiting example, the retention arms 26C are engaged
with
at least portions of the inboard side, the outboard side, and a rearward side
of the
bumper/hand bar 48. As shown in Figures 9, 10, and 13, one or both of the
inboard
and the outboard sides of the retention arms 26C can be recessed to
accommodate
the shape of the retention wings 26B. In a non-limiting example, at least a
portion of the
retention wings 26B can be positioned in the recess of the inboard and
outboard sides
of the retention arms 26C. In a non-limiting example, positioning of the
retention arms
26C on the outboard sides of the snow flap 28 and securing the snow flap 28 to
the
mounting tail 26C that is positioned below the rear end of the tunnel 18
allows the
mounting lip 28A to have a substantially flat shape that conforms to the
surface of the
flap mounting tail 26C of the taillight housing fixture 26, thereby entirely
positioning the
mounting lip 28A and the main body 28B of the snow flap 28 below any light
lens 54
and/or reflective lens 58 positioned on the rear lens face 26A2 of the
taillight housing
- 17 -
Date Recite/Date Received 2023-03-16
fixture 26. Therefore, the snow flap 28 provides an unobstructed view of any
light lens
54 and/or reflective lens 58 positioned on the rear lens face 26A2, and
maximizes hand
clearance between the snow flap 28 and the bumper/hand crossbar 48B.
[0059] Referring particularly to Figures 8, 11 and 12, in various
embodiments, the snow flap 28 comprises a plurality of support and guide ribs
86
formed within the elbow 28D on an interior or underside of snow flap 28. The
support
and guide ribs 86 extend from the elbow 28D along a portion of the underside
of main
body upper portion 28BU and along a portion of the underside of main body
lower
portion 28BL. The support and guide ribs 86 are formed within the elbow 28D
and
spaced apart along the entire width, or one or more section of the width, of
the interior
side of the snow flap 28. In various embodiments, the support and guide ribs
86 can
be evenly spaced apart along the entire width, or one or more section of the
width, of
the interior side of the snow flap 28, while in other embodiments the support
and guide
ribs 86 can be unevenly spaced apart along the entire width, or one or more
section of
the width, of the interior side of the snow flap 28. In various embodiments,
the support
and guide ribs 86 can formed and spaced along the entire width of the interior
side of
the snow flap 28, while in other embodiments the support and guide ribs 86 can
be
formed in one or more group disposed along one or more portion or section of
the width
of the interior side of the snow flap 28. Furthermore, in various embodiments
the
support and guide ribs 86 can have a consistent height P along their entire
length, while
in other embodiments the height P of the support and guide ribs 86 can
increase and/or
decrease, vary or undulate along their length. In various embodiments, the
height(s) of
P can be the same for each support and guide rib 86 (e.g., all support and
guide ribs
86 have the same size, form, geometry and profile), while in other embodiments
one or
more of the supports and guide ribs 86 can have a size, form, geometry and/or
profile
than at least one other support and guide rib 86.
[0060] The support and guide ribs 86 are structured and operable to
provide
structural support of the snow flap 28 along the elbow 28D such that the snow
flap 28
is inhibited from bending or collapsing along the elbow 28D, and more
particularly along
the length of the support and guide ribs 86. More particularly, if the snow
flap 28 is
impacted (e.g., the distal end of the main body lower portion 28BL
contacts/impacts the
- 18 -
Date Recite/Date Received 2023-03-16
ground/snow), the structure and guide ribs 86 can prevent bending of the snow
flap at
the elbow 28D and directs or cause any bending or flexing of the snow flap 28
to occur
at or within the portion of the main body lower portion 28BL extending below
the
structure and guide ribs 86. The support and guide ribs 86 are further
structured and
operable to direct snow thrown up by the drive track 22 along the flap main
body central
panel upper portion 74U onto the underside of the tunnel 18, and more
particularly onto
the heat exchanger 24, to thereby improve the cooling efficiently of the heat
exchanger
24.
[0061] In
various embodiments, the snow flap 28 can additionally include a
plurality of anti-hooking ribs 90 formed on the interior or underside of snow
flap 28 along
a distal end section of the main body lower portion 28BL. The anti-hooking
ribs 86
extend from or near a distal end 94 of the main body lower portion 28BL (also
the distal
end of the lower snow flap 28) upward toward the elbow 28D and can have any
desired
length relative to a distance between the distal end 94 and the support and
guide ribs
86. The anti-hooking ribs 90 can be spaced apart along the entire width, or
one or more
section of the width, of the distal end section of the main body lower portion
28BL. In
various embodiments, the anti-hooking ribs 90 can be evenly spaced apart along
the
entire width, or one or more section of the width, of the main body lower
portion 28BL,
while in other embodiments the anti-hooking ribs 90 can be unevenly spaced
apart
along the entire width, or one or more section of the width, of the main body
lower
portion 28BL. In various embodiments, the anti-hooking ribs 90 can be formed
and
spaced along the entire width of the main body lower portion 28BL, while in
other
embodiments the anti-hooking ribs 90 can be formed in one or more group
disposed
along one or more portion or section of width of the main body lower portion
28BL.
Furthermore, in various embodiments anti-hooking ribs 90 have a consistent
height S
along their entire length, while in other embodiments the height S of the anti-
hooking
ribs 90 can increase and/or decrease, vary or undulate along their length. In
various
embodiments, the height(s) of S can be the same for each anti-hooking rib 90
(e.g., all
anti-hooking ribs 90 have the same size, form, geometry and profile), while in
other
embodiments one or more of the anti-hooking ribs 90 has a size, form, geometry
and/or
profile than at least one other anti-hooking rib 90.
- 19 -
Date Recite/Date Received 2023-03-16
[0062] The anti-hooking ribs 90 are structured and operable to
prevent the
drive track 22 (e.g., the paddle and/or studs/spikes of the drive track 22)
from hooking
or catching on the lower distal end 94 of snow flap 28. Particularly, the
height S of the
anti-hooking ribs 92 is such the anti-hooking ribs protrude or extend from the
underside
of the main body lower portion 28BL a sufficient distance whereby, if
operation of the
snowmobile 10 causes the drive track 22 to contact the snow flap 28, or the
snow flap
28 to contact the drive track 22, the anti-hooking ribs, the drive track
paddles and/or
studs/spikes will contact the anti-hooking ribs 90, and not hook or catch the
lower distal
end 94 of the snow flap 28. Particularly, the anti-hooking ribs 90 are
disposed
longitudinally along the underside of the main body lower portion 28BL, and
shaped
and have a length such that the paddles and/or studs/spikes of the drive track
22 cannot
catch or hook on the anti-hooking ribs 90, but rather will simple contact and
slide or
advance along the anti-hooking ribs 90 elongated top edges, thereby preventing
the
drive track paddles and/or studs/spikes from hooking or catching snow flap
distal end
94, and thereby preventing damage to the snow flap 28 and/or the drive track
22.
[0063] Referring particularly to Figure 11, is still further
embodiments, the
snow flap 28 can comprise a plurality of reinforcement braces 98 formed along
an
interior side of a longitudinal corners 102 formed at the junction of the main
body central
panel upper portion 74U and each of the sidewall upper portion 78U of the snow
flap
main body upper portion 28BU. Although Figure 11 only exemplarily illustrates
the
reinforcement braces 98 disposed only the interior of one of the opposing
longitudinal
corners 102, it should be readily understood that the interior of both of the
longitudinal
corners 102 comprise the reinforcement braces 98 described herein. Each
reinforcement brace 98 includes a first side 98A connected to or integrally
formed with
the sidewall upper portion 78U and a second side 98B connected to or
integrally formed
with the main body central panel upper portion 74U. A third side 98C of each
reinforcement brace 98 extending between the first and second sides 98A and
98B can
have any desired shape or profile. The reinforcement braces 98 are structured
and
operable to prevent the sidewall upper portion 78U from folding, bending,
collapsing or
concaving interiorly inward into the main body central panel upper portion
74U.
- 20 -
Date Recite/Date Received 2023-03-16
Additionally, the reinforcement braces help the snow flap 28 keep its shape
while
allowing it to bend and flex.
[0064] Referring now to Figures 14 through 19, as described above
the
snowmobile 10 comprises the heat exchanger 24 that is disposed on the
underside of
the tunnel 18. More particularly, the heat exchanger 24 is disposed on the
underside
of the tunnel main panel 18A. Generally, the heat exchanger 24 comprises a
main body
112 having internal fluid channels (not shown) through which a prime mover
cooling
fluid circulates and a plurality of cooling fins 116 extending and protruding
from a face
of the heat exchanger body 112. The heat exchanger 24, particularly the
internal fluid
channels, are is/are fluidly connected to the prime mover 34 (e.g., an
internal
combustion engine (ICE) an electric motor and/or an electric motor component)
and is
structured and operable to have the prime mover cooling fluid flowing from the
prime
mover 34 circulate through the heat exchanger internal fluid channels and
return to the
prime mover 34, thereby cooling the prime mover 34.
[0065] Specifically, as hot cooling fluid from the prime mover 34
circulates
through the heat exchanger 24 internal fluid channels heat from the hot
cooling fluid is
absorbed by the heat exchanger 24 and the cooVcold exterior environment (e.g.,
air,
water and/or snow) surrounding the heat exchanger 24, thereby cooling the
cooling
fluid. The cooled cooling fluid is then returned to the prime mover 34,
thereby cooling
the prime mover 34. The cooling fins 116 increase the surface area for the
thermal
exchange between the hot cooling fluid and the cool/cold exterior environment.
The
heat exchanger main body 24 can have any desired and suitable shape, size and
geometry to be mountable to the underside of the tunnel 18. For example, as
exemplarily and non-limitingly illustrated in the various figures, in various
embodiments
the heat exchanger main body 112 can be configured to comprise a pair of
longitudinal
legs 112A a lateral bridge section that joins the longitudinal legs 112A
(physically and
fluidly) to each other, (e.g., at a rearward distal end, or elsewhere along
the length of
the longitudinal legs 112A). Alternatively, the main body 112 can be one
singular
structure (e.g., rectangular, square, oval, etc.), or can have a plurality of
lateral bridge
sections 112B that join the longitudinal legs 112A (physically and fluidly) to
each other
- 21 -
Date Recite/Date Received 2023-03-16
at various points along the length of the longitudinal legs 112A, or can have
three or
more longitudinal legs 112A with one or more lateral bridge sections 112B.
[0066] It should be noted that the heat exchanger 24 as shown in
Figures
15 and 16 are only exemplary illustrations of exemplary configurations,
shapes,
and sized of the heat exchanger 24 and are not limiting. The heat exchanger 24
as described and exemplarily illustrated herein can have any desired
configuration
and shape (e.g., with or without an opening in the center portion thereof) and
size
(e.g., have different lengths and widths such that heat exchanger 24 can cover
any
desired portion (e.g., length and width) of the underside of the tunnel 18.
[0067] In various embodiments, the snowmobile 10 includes one or
more
removable heat exchanger shield or guard 106 that is/are structured and
operable to
protect the heat exchanger 24 from being struck or contacted by the drive
track 22 (e.g.,
the drive track paddles and/or studs/spikes) causing damage to the heat
exchanger 24,
the tunnel 18 and/or the snow flap 28. The heat exchanger 24 combined with the
heat
exchanger shield 106 (or combined with the heat exchanger shield assembly 134
(described below)) will be referred to herein as the heat exchanger and shield
assembly
132. In various embodiments, the heat exchanger shield(s) 106 can be elongated
U-
shaped-like channel structures that are structured and operable to slidingly
engage
with, and be retained by, exchanger shield retention guides 110 formed on and
protruding from a main body 112 of the heat exchanger 24 one or more locations
across
a width of the heat exchanger 24. More particularly, in various instances the
heat
exchanger 24 comprises a plurality of fins 116 formed on and protruding from a
main
body 112 of the heat exchanger 24, and the exchanger shield retention guides
110
comprise various pairs of the fins 116 modified as described below to retain
the heat
exchanger shield(s)106 and disposed at one or more location across the width
of the
heat exchanger 24. For example, in various embodiments the heat exchanger 24
can
comprise one pair of shield retention guides 110 disposed anywhere across the
width
of the heat exchanger 24, while in other embodiments, the heat exchanger 24
can
comprise two pairs of shield retention guides 110 disposed at two locations
across the
width of the heat exchanger 24, while in yet other embodiments, the heat
exchanger 24
can comprise three or more pairs of shield retention guides 110 disposed at
three or
- 22 -
Date Recite/Date Received 2023-03-16
more locations across the width of the heat exchanger 24. For example, with
reference
to Figure 16, in various embodiment, the heat exchanger 24 can comprise a
third pair
of shield retention guides 110 disposed in the middle of the width of the heat
exchanger
24 and on both sides of the opening in the exemplary heat exchanger 24 of
Figure 16
such that a corresponding third heat exchanger shield 106 slidingly disposed
within the
retention guides 110 will extend across the opening in the heat exchanger 24.
[0068] Each heat exchanger shield 106 generally comprises an
elongated
body 108 having a pair of opposing legs 106A. In various embodiments, the legs
106A
of the heat exchanger shield(s) 106 can have first engagement structures 114
formed
on distal ends thereof. In various embodiments, the first engagement
structures 114
can be nodules, feet or any other suitable engagement structure or member
formed on
distal ends of the heat exchanger shield legs 106A. Additionally, distal ends
of the
exchanger shield retention guides 110 can have second engagement structures
118
formed thereon. In various instances the second engagement structures 118 can
be
retention fingers or lips that angle inward toward the space between adjacent
shield
retention guides 110. The first engagement structures 114 are slidingly
engageable
with the second engagement structures 118 to secure the heat exchanger
shield(s) 106
to the heat exchanger 24.
[0069] More specifically, the shield leg first engagement
structures 114 can
be inserted between the exchanger shield retention guides 110 such that the
second
engagement structures 118 retain the first engagement structures 114 between
adjacent shield retention guides 110. Particularly, the exchanger shield legs
106A can
be inserted between adjacent exchanger shield retention guides 110 and the
heat
exchanger shield(s) 106 can be slid within the exchanger shield retention
guides 110
along the length of the heat exchanger 24, whereby the first engagement
structures
114 (e.g., nodules or feet) slidingly engage the exchanger shield retention
guide second
engagement structures 118 (e.g., fingers or lips) and retain the heat
exchanger shield (s)
106 in place on the heat exchanger 24. Although shown as integral with the
shield 106,
it is to be understood that the first engagement structures 114 can be a
separate
component. In an illustrative example, the first engagement structure 114 is a
separate
component that is slidingly engaged with the heat exchanger 24, and the heat
- 23 -
Date Recite/Date Received 2023-03-16
exchanger shield 106 can then be connected or otherwise secured to the first
engagement structures 114 with one or more fasteners or other materials such
as
adhesives.
[0070] As describe above, the taillight housing fixture 26 is
mounted to the
bumper/hand bar 48 and to the rearward distal end of the tunnel 18. Such a
structural
taillight housing fixture 26 eliminates the need for additional reinforcements
inside the
tunnel 18 at the rearward end that at least partially cover or conceal a
rearward distal
end of the heat exchanger 24 when viewed from the rear of the tunnel 18 such
that
access from the rear end of the tunnel 18 to the heat exchanger retention
guides 110
can be impeded or impaired due to the length of the heat exchanger shields 106
being
greater than the distance between the rearward end of the heat exchanger 24
and the
rearward end of the tunnel main panel 18A. However, in various embodiments,
the
taillight housing fixture 26 can extend downward and rearward from the tunnel
main
panel 18A and can further comprise one or more heat exchanger shield access
ports
or windows 122 formed in a trailing edge 120 of the taillight housing flap
mounting tail
26C (i.e., a trailing edge of the taillight housing fixture 26). The heat
exchanger shield
access port(s) 122 are structured and operable to allow access to the
exchanger shield
retention guides 110 of heat exchanger 24 such that the heat exchanger
shield(s) 106
can be installed and removed without removing the taillight housing fixture
26. In
various embodiments, the heat exchanger shield access port(s) 122 can be one
or
more elongated notch or recess formed in the trailing edge 120 of the
taillight housing
flap mounting tail 26C. Alternatively, the heat exchanger shield access
port(s) 122 can
be one or more hole, aperture, cutout, or void in the taillight housing flap
mounting tail
26C that is structured and operable to allow easy access to the exchanger
shield
retention guides 110 of heat exchanger 24.
[0071] More specifically, the heat exchanger shield access port(s)
122
provide access to one or more section of the rearward distal end of the heat
exchanger
24, and more particularly to the exchanger shield retention guides 110,
without
removing or unmounting the taillight housing fixture 26 from either of the
bumper/hand
bar 48 and the tunnel 18. Hence, the heat exchanger shield access port(s) 122
allow
access to the exchanger shield retention guides such that the heat exchanger
shield(s)
-24 -
Date Recite/Date Received 2023-03-16
106 to be installed and removed from the heat exchanger 24 (i.e., easily
slidingly
inserted into and withdrawn from exchanger shield retention guides 110 via
access
ports 122) without unmounting the taillight housing fixture 26 from one or
both the
bumper/hand bar 48 and the tunnel 18.
[0072] As described above, the snow flap 28 is mounted to the
taillight
housing fixture 26 via the flap mounting holes 68 in the flap mounting tail
26C of the
taillight housing fixture 26 and the fastening orifices 70 in the mounting lip
28A of the
flap 28. When the snow flap 28 is mounted to the taillight housing fixture 26,
the heat
exchanger shield access port(s) 122 in the taillight housing fixture 26 are
covered,
concealed and inaccessible. Hence, in order to install and/or remove the heat
exchanger shield(s) 106 on and/or from the heat exchanger 24 only the
fasteners
fastening the snow flap 28 to the taillight housing fixture 26 and to the
bumper/hand bar
48 need to be removed, whereafter the snow flap 28 can be removed to provide
access
to the heat exchanger shield access port(s) 122, access to the heat exchanger
shield(s)
106 and/or the exchanger shield retention guides 106 of the heat exchanger 24.
[0073] Referring now to Figures 14 through 19, as described above,
in
various embodiments, the heat exchanger 24 can include one or more removable
elongated U-shaped-like heat exchanger shield 106 that is/are structured and
operable
to protect the heat exchanger 24 from being struck or contacted by the drive
track 22
(e.g., the drive track paddles and/or studs/spikes) causing damage to the heat
exchanger 24. Each exchanger shield 24 comprises an elongated body 108 having
a
pair of opposing legs 106A that have the first engagement structures 114
formed at
their distal ends. The exchanger shield(s) 24 can have any desired U-shaped-
like
cross-sectional shape. For example, in various instances the exchanger
shield(s) 24
can have a cross-member 106B formed between and connecting the legs 106A such
that the exchanger shield(s) 24 have a square or rectangular U-shaped-like
cross-
sectional shape. While in other instances the legs 106A can connect to each
other or
be an extension of each other such that the exchanger shield(s) 24 have a
triangular,
oval or circular U-shaped-like cross-sectional shape. As described above, each
shield
leg 106A has a first engagement structure 114 (e.g., a nodule, a foot or any
other
suitable retention structure) formed on distal ends thereof that are
structured and
- 25 -
Date Recite/Date Received 2023-03-16
operable to engage and retain the heat exchanger shield(s) 106 with and on the
heat
exchanger 24. The shield leg first engagement structures 114 can have any
desired
cross-sectional shape suitable to retain the heat shield legs 106A within a
respective
one of a plurality of shield retention channels 126 formed between and defined
by the
exchanger shield retention guides 110 of the heat exchanger 24, as described
further
below. For example, in various embodiments the shield leg engagement
structures 114
can have a T-shaped cross-sectional shape, while in other embodiments, it is
envisioned that the shield leg engagement structures 114 can have a round, a
diamond,
a triangular, an oval, a hexagonal, or any other cross-sectional shape.
[0074] As
also described above, in various embodiments, the heat
exchanger 24 comprises the main body 112 and the plurality of shield retention
guides
110 protruding from the main body 112, wherein each shield retention guide has
a
second engagement structure 118 (e.g., a retention finger) formed at a distal
end
thereof. The shield retention guides 110 and second engagement structures 118
are
structured and operable to slidingly engage and retain the shield leg first
engagement
structures 114, and thereby retain the heat exchanger shield(s) 106. The
shield
retention guides 110 and the second engagement structures 118 define a shield
retention channel 126 dispose between opposing adjacent shield retention
guides and
second engagement structures 110 and 118. For example, in various embodiments,
the second engagement structures 118 comprise retention fingers that extend
from the
distal ends of the shield retention guides 110 at an angle inward toward an
adjacent
shield retention guide 110 such that the shield retention channel 126 is
defined between
one shield retention guide and finger 110 and 118, and an adjacent shield
retention
guide and finger 110 and 118. Each shield retention channel 126 can extend the
entire
length of the heat exchanger 24. The heat exchanger 24 can comprise any number
of
shield retention guides 110 and shield retention channels 24 across a width W
(shown
in Figure 15) of the heat exchanger 24. Additionally, the retention guides 110
and shield
retention channels 24 can be located anywhere along the width W of the heat
exchanger 24 such that the heat exchanger shield(s) is/are located an any
desired
location across the width W of the heat exchanger, and/or in alignment with
any desired
portion of the drive track 22. For example, in various embodiments retention
guides
- 26 -
Date Recite/Date Received 2023-03-16
110 and shield retention channels 24 are located on the heat exchanger 24 such
that
heat exchanger shield(s) 106, when installed on the heat exchanger 24, will
align with
and/or be adjacent to areas such as track windows or break spaces in track
paddles
disposed laterally across the width of the drive track 22.
[0075] As best illustrated in Figure 18, in various embodiments,
each
retention channel 126 can comprise a head portion 126A and neck portion 126B,
wherein a width of the head 126A is greater than a width of the neck 126B. The
retention channel head portions 126A can have any desired cross-sectional
shape
suitable to slidingly engage and retain the heat shield leg engagement
structures 114.
For example, in various embodiments the retention channel head portions 126A
can
have a T-shaped cross-sectional shape, while in other embodiments, it is
envisioned
that the shield leg first engagement structures 114 can have a round, a
diamond, a
triangular, an oval, a hexagonal, or any other cross-sectional shape.
Importantly, the
retention channel head portions 126A have a cross-sectional shape that is
sized and
shaped to slidingly accommodate and/or mate with the shield leg engagement
structures 114.
[0076] As best illustrated in Figure 19, in various embodiments, the
first
engagement structure 114 formed at the distal end of each shield leg 106A can
have a
width that is greater than a width of the respective shield leg 106A and is
sized and
shaped to slidingly fit within the retention channel head 126A. Hence, to
install a heat
exchanger shield 106 onto the heat exchanger 24, the first engagement
structures 114
of the heat exchanger shield legs 106A are inserted into the open end of the
heads
126A of respective shield retention channels 126 at the rearward end of the
heat
exchanger 24 and the heat exchanger shield 106 is then slid within the shield
retention
channels 126 along the length of the heat exchanger 24 until the heat
exchanger shield
106 is positioned at a desired location along the length of the heat exchanger
24. When
installed as described herein, the heat exchanger shield(s) 106 provide a
barrier
between the heat exchanger 24 and the drive track 22 that prevent the drive
track 22
(e.g., the paddles and/or studs/spikes) from striking or contacting and
damaging the
heat exchanger 24.
- 27 -
Date Recite/Date Received 2023-03-16
[0077] The heat exchanger shield(s) 106 can be constructed or
fabricated
of any durable material that can withstand the impact of the drive track 22
contacting
the heat exchanger shield(s) 106 without bending, denting, cracking, breaking
or
otherwise degrading the heat exchanger shield(s) 106. For example, the heat
exchanger shield(s) 106 can be constructed or fabricated of aluminum, sheet
metal, a
fiber reinforced polymer, additive manufacturing, or any other suitable metal,
polymer
or plastic composite or compound. In various embodiments, the heat exchanger
shield(s) 106 can be constructed or fabricated of aluminum (e.g., extruded
aluminum),
or other thermally conductive material, such that the heat exchanger shield(s)
106
function as part of the heat exchanger 24 to thermally exchange heat with the
environment surrounding the heat exchanger 24 and heat exchanger shield(s) 106
(e.g., air and/or snow and/or water), thereby assisting in the cooling of the
cooling fluid
circulating through the heat exchanger 24.
[0078] It should be understood that although the first engagement
structures
114 form on the distal ends of the heat shield legs 106A have been exemplarily
describes as being nodules or feet, and the second engagement structures 114
formed
on the distal ends of the heat exchanger retention guides 110 have been
exemplarily
described as being retention fingers, such that second engagement structures
118 are
slidingly insertable into the shield retention channels 126 defined by the
heat exchanger
retention guides 110 and second engagement structures 118, the present
disclosure is
not limited to this exemplary embodiment. For example, it is envisioned that
in various
embodiments, the first engagement structures 114 can be C-shaped claws formed
on
the distal ends of the heat shield legs 106A such that the retention channels
126 are
defined as the interior space of the C-shaped claws, and the second engagement
structures can be nodules or feet formed distal ends of the heat exchanger
retention
guides 110, whereby the second engagement structures 118 (e.g., the nodules or
feet)
can be slidingly inserted into the retention channels 126 defined by the first
engagement
structures 114 to mount the heat exchanger shield(s) 106 to the heat exchanger
24.
Or, for example, it is envisioned that in various embodiments, the first
engagement
structures 114 can be fingers formed on the distal ends of the heat shield
legs 106A
that extend either inward or outward, and the second engagement structures can
be
- 28 -
Date Recite/Date Received 2023-03-16
fingers that extend either inward or outward (but are opposed to the direction
of the
figures defining the first engagement structures 114) formed distal ends of
the heat
exchanger retention guides 110, whereby the first engagement structures 114
can be
slidingly engaged with the second engagement structures 118 to mount the heat
exchanger shield(s) 106 to the heat exchanger 24. Or, for example, the first
and second
engagement structures 114 and 118 can be conceivable slidingly mateable
engagement structures such that the heat exchanger shield(s) 106 can be
slidingly
engaged with the shield retention guides 110 to mount the heat exchanger
shield(s)
106 to the heat exchanger 24 and remain within the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0079] Referring now to Figures 14 through 21, once the heat
exchanger
shield(s) 106 are installed on the heat exchanger 24 as described above, the
heat
exchanger shield(s) 106 can be retained in place using any suitable fastening
device,
system, apparatus or process. For example, in various embodiments, the heat
exchanger shield(s) 106 can have one or more set of opposing pinch holes 130
(see
Figure 16) disposed through the opposing shield legs 106A. A pinch fastener
(not
shown), e.g., a nut and bolt, can be inserted through the opposing pinch holes
130 and
tightened to squeeze the opposing heat shield legs 106A together such that the
heat
shield legs 106A are pulled together, thereby pinching and binding the heat
shield legs
106A and engagement structures 114 within and against the shield retention
channels
126 such that the respective heat exchanger shield is secured in place on the
heat
exchanger 24. Although the pinch holes 130 are exemplarily illustrated to be
disposed
in a middle section of the heat exchanger shields 106, the pinch holes 130 can
be
provided anywhere along the length of the respective heat exchanger shield 106
and
used to retain the respective heat exchanger 106 on the heat exchanger 24 as
described above.
[0080] Referring now to Figures 20 through 25, in various
embodiments
each heat exchanger shield 106 can be part of a heat exchanger shield assembly
134
that comprises the heat exchanger shield 106 and a mounting bracket 138 that
is
connectable to the heat exchanger shield 106. The heat exchanger shield
mounting
bracket(s) 138 is/are structured and operable to be mounted or connected to
rearward
end of the tunnel 18 and/or the taillight housing fixture 26 to thereby secure
the
- 29 -
Date Recite/Date Received 2023-03-16
respective heat exchanger shield 106 in place within the shield retention
channels 126
and to the heat exchanger 24, as described further below. In various
embodiments, the
exchanger shield mounting bracket(s) 138 is/are connectable to the heat
exchanger
shield 106 such that it can provide additional length to the heat exchanger
shield
assembly 134. Additionally, in various embodiments the exchanger shield
mounting
bracket(s) 138 is/are connectable to the heat exchanger shield 106 such that
it can be
utilized as an adjustable extension of the heat exchanger shield, whereby the
length of
the heat exchanger shield assembly 134 can be adjustable such that the heat
exchanger shield assembly 134 can be installed on and utilized with various
different
heat exchangers 24 that have various different lengths. Although described
herein as
separate components forming the heat exchanger shield assembly 134, the shield
106
and the mounting bracket 138 may be integrally formed as a single piece.
[0081] In
various embodiments, each heat exchanger shield mounting
bracket(s) 138 can be an elongated U-shaped-like channel structure that is
structured
and operable to fit over an exterior surface of the heat exchanger shield 106.
Each heat
exchanger shield mounting bracket 138 generally comprises a pair of opposing
legs
138A having a mounting flange 138B extending inward or outward from at least a
portion of distal ends thereof. As exemplarily shown in Figure 22, each leg
138A
comprises a main body portion 138A1 having a first height X and a tail portion
138A2
having a second height Y, wherein the second height Y is greater than the
first height
X. In various embodiments the mounting flange 138B is formed at least at the
distal
end of the tail portion 138A2 of the legs 138A. One or both of the shield 106
and the
mounting bracket 138 can include a feature for selectively adjusting the
length of the
shield assembly 134. In an illustrative example, each heat exchanger shield
mounting
bracket 138 additionally comprises at least one pair of shield connecting
holes 142
formed in and disposed along the length of the legs 138A. For example, in
various
instances, the heat exchanger shield mounting bracket(s) 138 comprise(s) a
pair of
shield connecting holes 142 formed in proximal end portion of the legs 138A
that is
opposite the tail portion 138A2, while in other embodiments the heat exchanger
shield
mounting bracket(s) 138 comprise(s) multiple pairs of shield connecting holes
142
disposed at various locations along the length of the legs 138A The shield
connecting
- 30 -
Date Recite/Date Received 2023-03-16
holes 142 are structured and operable to join or connect the heat exchanger
shield
mounting bracket 138 to the respective heat exchanger shield 106.
[0082] Furthermore, each heat exchanger shield 106 comprises one or
more pair of opposing bracket connecting holes 146 formed in and disposed in
the
opposing exchanger shield legs 106A at one or more location along the length
of the
respective heat exchanger shield 106. It is to be understood, however, that
the shield
assembly 134 is not limited to the use of holes as the feature for selectively
adjusting
the length of the shield assembly 134, and that other features can be used.
Such a
configuration allows the overall length of the heat exchanger shield assembly
134 to be
adjustable, thereby allowing a common heat exchanger shield assembly 134 to be
used
on different snowmobile models having different tunnel 18 and/or heat
exchanger 24
lengths.
[0083] For example, in various embodiments, each heat exchanger
shield
106 can comprise a pair of opposing bracket connecting holes 146 formed in the
opposing legs 106A at a specific location at one end of the respective heat
exchanger
shield 106 (e.g., a predetermined distance from the respective end of the heat
exchanger shield 106), such that the respective heat exchanger shield assembly
134
has a preselected or predetermined length. In other embodiments each heat
exchanger shield 106 can comprise a pair of opposing bracket connecting holes
146
formed in the opposing legs 106A at each end of the respective heat exchanger
shield
106 at the same or different distance(s) from the respective end of the heat
exchanger
shield 106, such that the respective heat exchanger shield assembly can have
one or
two preselected or predetermined lengths. In yet other embodiments each heat
exchanger shield 106 can comprise a plurality pair of opposing bracket
connecting
holes 146 formed in the opposing legs 106B at a plurality of different
distances from
one or both ends of the respective heat exchanger shield 106, such that the
respective
heat exchanger shield assembly can have multiple preselected or predetermined
lengths. Accordingly, a common heat exchanger shield assembly 134 may be used
on
different snowmobile models having different tunnel 18 and/or heat exchanger
24
lengths. The difference in lengths can be accommodated by securing the
mounting
bracket 138 to the hole 146 that provides the mounting bracket 138 with the
length
- 31 -
Date Recite/Date Received 2023-03-16
extending from the rearward end of the shield 106 necessary to secure to the
heat
exchanger shield assembly 134 to the snowmobile.
[0084] Each heat exchanger shield mounting bracket 138 can have any
desired U-shaped-like cross-sectional shape. For example, in various instances
the
heat exchanger shield mounting bracket(s) 138 can have a cross-member 138C
formed between and connecting the legs 138A such that the heat exchanger
shield
mounting bracket(s) 138 have/has a square or rectangular U-shaped-like cross-
sectional shape. While in other instances the legs 138A can connect to each
other or
be an extension of each other such that the respective heat exchanger shield
mounting
bracket 138 has a triangular, oval or circular U-shaped-like cross-sectional
shape. In
various embodiments, the heat exchanger shield mounting bracket(s) 138 is/are
constructed or fabricated to have a shape and size such that each heat
exchanger
shield mounting bracket 138 will fit snuggly over the respective heat
exchanger shield
106. That is, the heat exchanger shield mounting bracket(s) 138 is/are
constructed or
fabricated such that an inner surface of each heat exchanger shield mounting
bracket
138 has substantially the same shape, size and geometry as the outer surface
of the
respective end of the respective heat exchanger shield 106 such that there is
substantial contact surface area, particularly and thermal contact and
continuity
between the heat exchanger shield mounting bracket 138 and the respective heat
exchanger shield 106.
[0085] Moreover, in various embodiments the heat exchanger shield
mounting bracket(s) 138 can be constructed or fabricated of any durable
material that
can withstand the impact of the drive track 22 contacting the heat exchanger
shield
mounting bracket(s) 138 without bending, denting, cracking, breaking or
otherwise
degrading the heat exchanger shield mounting bracket(s) 138. For example, each
heat
exchanger shield mounting bracket 138 can be constructed or fabricated of
aluminum,
sheet metal, a fiber reinforced polymer, additive manufacturing, or any other
suitable
metal, polymer or plastic composite or compound. In various embodiments, the
heat
exchanger shield mounting bracket(s) 138 can be constructed or fabricated of
aluminum (e.g., extruded aluminum), or other thermally conductive material,
such that
the heat exchanger shield mounting bracket(s) 138 function as part of the heat
- 32 -
Date Recite/Date Received 2023-03-16
exchanger 24 to thermally exchange heat with the environment surrounding the
heat
exchanger 24, heat exchanger shield(s) 106 and heat exchanger shield mounting
bracket(s) 138 (e.g., air and/or snow and/or water), thereby assisting in the
cooling of
the cooling fluid circulating through the heat exchanger 24.
[0086] As
described above, each mounting bracket leg 138A comprises a
main body portion 138A1 having a first height X and a tail portion 138A2
having a
second height Y, wherein the second height Y is greater than the first height
X. In
various embodiments, the difference between the first height X and the second
height
Y is the thickness of the heat exchanger 24. Hence, each mounting bracket 138
is
structured such that, when installed as described below, a flange 158
extending from
the main body portion 138A1 of the legs 138A will extend over the fins 116 of
the heat
exchanger 24. The flange 158 can be positioned substantially flush with the
fins 116 of
the heat exchanger 24, or a gap may be provided therebetween. The tail portion
138A2
of the legs 138A will extend beyond the end of the heat exchanger 24 and the
mounting
flanges 138 will fit substantially flush against the underside of the rearward
end of the
tunnel 18. It is to be understood however, that a washer can be positioned
between
the tail portion 138A2 and the tunnel 18. In various instances the flange 158
provides
reinforcement for embodiments when the heat exchanger 24 may extend to the
rearward end of the tunnel 18 such that a rearward portion of the mounting
bracket 138
is not covering a portion of heat exchanger 24, whereby there is a gap between
that
flange 158 and the tunnel 18. In such instances, if the drive track 22 hits
the bracket
138, the flange 158 will reinforce that region and prevents the bracket 138
from bending
or buckling.
[0087]
Although the mounting bracket 138 is shown as being positioned at
the rearward end of the heat exchanger 24, it is to be understood that the
mounting
bracket 138 can be positioned farther forward in the tunnel 18. In such an
illustrative
example, the flanges 158 of the mounting bracket 138 can extend outward beyond
the
edges of the heat exchanger 24 (e.g., the heat exchanger main body
longitudinal leg(s)
126A) and contact the tunnel directly, and be secured thereto with one or more
fasteners. Such a configuration can be helpful if the heat exchanger 24
extends all the
- 33 -
Date Recite/Date Received 2023-03-16
way to the end of the tunnel 18 without leaving sufficient space for
connecting the
mounting bracket 138 to the tunnel at the rearward end.
[0088] With particular reference to Figures 15, 24 and 25, in
various
embodiments an underside of the taillight housing fixture 26 can comprise a
plurality of
bracket mounting bosses 162 structured and operable to receive fasteners 166
(e.g.,
screws, bolts, rivets, etc.) that are utilized to secure the tail portion
138A2 of the heat
exchanger shield mounting bracket to tunnel 18 and the taillight housing
fixture 26.
Particularly, the bracket mounting bosses 162 are located on the underside of
the
taillight housing fixture 26 such that they align with holes 164 that are
disposed in the
rearward distal end of the tunnel 18 to align with mounting apertures 154
disposed in
the mounting flanges 138B of the shield mounting bracket 138. Accordingly, to
secure
the shield mounting bracket to the tunnel 18 and the taillight housing fixture
26, the
fasteners 166 are inserted through the with mounting apertures 154 in shield
mounting
bracket mounting flanges 138B, and through the holes 164 disposed in the
rearward
distal end of the tunnel 18, and secured into (e.g., threaded into) the
bracket mounting
bosses 162 formed on the underside of the taillight housing fixture 26. In
various
embodiments, wherein there is no heat exchanger 24 or the heat exchanger 24 is
secured to the underside of the tunnel 18 with the use of fasteners 166, the
mounting
bosses 162 and fasteners 166 can be used to secure the tunnel 18 to the
taillight
housing fixture 26.
[0089] In various embodiments, to install the heat exchanger shield
assembly 134 on the heat exchanger 24, the snow flap is removed and the heat
exchanger shield 106 is inserted through the shield access port or window 122
such
that the first engagement structures 114 are inserted into an open end of the
shield
retention channels 126 at the rear of the heat exchanger 24 and the heat
exchanger
shield 106 is slidingly installed as described above. Thereafter, the
respective heat
exchanger shield mounting bracket 138 is disposed over the respective heat
exchanger
shield 24 (e.g., over the rearward end of the respective heat exchanger shield
24) such
that the shield connecting holes 142 of the mounting bracket 138 align with
the bracket
connecting hole 146, or a selected one of the plurality of bracket connecting
holes 146,
of the heat exchanger shield 106, whereafter a fastener 150 (such as the two-
part
-34 -
Date Recite/Date Received 2023-03-16
male/female fastener exemplarily shown in Figure 23) is inserted therethrough
and
fastened to connect the heat exchanger shield mounting bracket 138 to the heat
exchanger shield 106. The mounting bracket 138 is then connected to the
rearward
end portion of the tunnel 18 and the taillight housing fixture 26 via the tail
portion 138A2
and flanges 138B. More particularly, each flange 138B comprises at least one
mounting aperture 154 formed therein that is structured and operable to have a
fastener
166 (e.g., screw, rivet, bolt, expanding push fastener, etc.) inserted
therethrough to
attach and secure the heat exchanger shield mounting bracket 138 to the
rearward end
portion of the tunnel 18 and the taillight housing fixture 26 via bracket
bosses 158 as
described above. In various embodiments, the mounting bracket 138 can be
connected
to the respective heat exchanger shield 106 prior to slid ingly installing the
heat
exchanger shield 106 into shield retention channels 126, whereafter the heat
exchanger
shield mounting bracket 138 can be connected to the rearward end portion of
the tunnel
18 as described above.
[0090] In various embodiments, the mounting bracket 138 can be
secured
to the rearward end portion of the tunnel 18 utilizing the same fasteners that
are used
to secure the taillight housing fixture 26 to the tunnel 18. For example, as
described
above, in various embodiments, the taillight housing leading edge portion 26A
includes
one or more attachment orifice 66 that are structured and operable to have a
fastener
(e.g., screw, rivet, bolt, expanding push fastener, etc.) inserted
therethrough to attach
and secure the taillight housing fixture 26 to the rearward distal end portion
of the tunnel
18. In various embodiments, these same fasteners (e.g., screws, rivets, bolts,
expanding push fasteners, etc.) can be removed and then reinstalled to secure
both the
mounting brackets 138 (and hence the heat exchanger shield(s) 106) and the
taillight
housing fixture 26 to the rearward distal end portion of the tunnel 18.
Additionally, in
various embodiments, the mounting bracket apertures 154 can be offset from
each
other so as to match with and align with the attachment orifices 66 of the
taillight housing
fixture 26.
[0091] To remove the heat exchanger shield(s) 134 the snow flap 28
is
disconnected and removed from the taillight housing fixture flap mounting tail
26C and
the bumper/hand bar 48. Thereafter, the fasteners securing the mounting
brackets 138
- 35 -
Date Recite/Date Received 2023-03-16
to the tunnel 18 (e.g., the same fasteners that secure the taillight housing
fixture 26 to
the tunnel 18) are removed. Subsequently, the heat exchanger shield assembly
134
can be withdrawn through the heat exchanger shield access ports 122 and
slidingly
removed from the heat exchanger 24. Alternatively, the mounting brackets 138
can be
disconnected from the heat exchanger shield 106, whereafter the heat exchanger
shields 106 can be withdrawn through the heat exchanger shield access ports
122
and slidingly removed from the heat exchanger 24.
[0092] It is envisioned that in various embodiments, the taillight
housing
fixture can be fabricated from a stout but flexible material such that to
slidingly install
and to withdraw and slidingly remove the heat shield assembly 134 (or the heat
shield
106) the flap mounting tail 26C and/or the main body 26A of the taillight
housing fixture
26 can be pulled upward and flexed sufficiently to allow the heat exchanger
shield
assemblies 134 or the heat exchanger shields 106 to be installed or removed
from the
heat exchanger 24. In such instances, the heat exchanger shield access ports
122
would not be needed, and the taillight housing fixture 26 can be absent the
heat
exchanger shield access ports 122.
[0093] The description herein is merely exemplary in nature and,
thus,
variations that do not depart from the gist of that which is described are
intended to be
within the scope of the teachings. Moreover, although the foregoing
descriptions and
the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain
example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated
that
different combinations of elements and/or functions can be provided by
alternative
embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Such
variations and
alternative combinations of elements and/or functions are not to be regarded
as a
departure from the spirit and scope of the teachings.
- 36 -
Date Recite/Date Received 2023-03-16
