US3608658A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Steering mechanism for snowmobile
Assignee: Brunswick Corp
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Filing: 1970-04-30
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Granted: 1971-09-28
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Expires: 1990-04-30
Abstract
Abstract Each steering spindle for a snowmobile is mounted with cam and cam follower interposed between the upper end of the spindle and the snowmobile frame. The cams are arranged to extend the outside ski and withdraw the inside ski when turning to force the snowmobile to lean into a corner with corresponding improved steering response.
Inventors
- 👤 William L Woodfill
- 👤 James R Meininger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 21:30
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62M; B62M27/00; B62M27/02; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/18; Y10T74/18888; Y10T74/18984
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
181 words
In a snow vehicle having a front crossmember assembly having a generally vertical tubular support member near each outer edge thereof, a steering mechanism including a generally vertical spindle supported in each said tubular support member on the front of the vehicle for axial movement and rotational movement about its axis and a ski fixed to the lower end of said spindle for steering said vehicle, the improvement comprising: a. cam means interposed between the steering mechanism and the vehicle for extending the ski when said ski is turned in one direction and withdrawing the ski when said ski is turned in the other direction, said cam means including a generally cupshaped member having a downwardly facing support and camming surface fixed to the upper portion of the crossmember assembly of said vehicle and generally adjacent to the tubular support member; b. a cam follower fixed to the upper portion of said spindle and in engagement with said support and camming surface, and means interposed between said crossmember assembly and said cam followers for biasing said cam follower into operable engagement.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
181 words
In a snow vehicle having a front crossmember assembly having a generally vertical tubular support member near each outer edge thereof, a steering mechanism including a generally vertical spindle supported in each said tubular support member on the front of the vehicle for axial movement and rotational movement about its axis and a ski fixed to the lower end of said spindle for steering said vehicle, the improvement comprising: a. cam means interposed between the steering mechanism and the vehicle for extending the ski when said ski is turned in one direction and withdrawing the ski when said ski is turned in the other direction, said cam means including a generally cupshaped member having a downwardly facing support and camming surface fixed to the upper portion of the crossmember assembly of said vehicle and generally adjacent to the tubular support member; b. a cam follower fixed to the upper portion of said spindle and in engagement with said support and camming surface, and means interposed between said crossmember assembly and said cam followers for biasing said cam follower into operable engagement.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The improvement of claim 1 in which the cam follower comprises a roller.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-09-27 | 1975-03-29 | 1975-09-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-09-27 | 1979-03-29 | 1979-09-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-09-27 | 1983-03-29 | 1983-09-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |