Patent US3750775A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3750775A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pneumatic suspension for a snowmobile
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-12-27
•
Granted: 1973-08-07
•
Expires: 1991-12-27
Abstract
Abstract Herein disclosed is a pneumatic suspension for the drive track of a snowmobile, mounted between the forward drive wheels and the rearward idler wheels of the snowmobile drive track. This suspension includes an upper framework attached to the snowmobile body between the upper and lower reaches of the drive track, an elongated, resilient, pneumatic bag underneath the framework and longitudinally-extending, articulated track slides underneath the bag supporting the lower reach of the drive track. Each track slide is connected to the forward end of the framework, is turned downwardly from this connection to reach underneath the bag and is connected at its rearward end to the shaft of the idler wheels. The track and bag will yield to provide a smooth ride as the snowmobile travels over uneven terrain.
Inventors
- 👤 L Valentine
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 11:40
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62M; B62M27/00; B62M27/02; B62M2027/026
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
133 words
In combination with a snowmobile or the like mounted upon a continuous, flexible drive track extending between forward and rearward wheels carried by the vehicle, with the track forming a lower and upper reach between the wheels, a pneumatic suspension comprising: a. an elongated, enclosed air-bag structure adapted to be mounted between the upper and lower reaches of the track, having an undersurface slidably engaging and being supported upon the lower reach of the track, yieldable sidewalls and a top portion; b. attachment means at the top portion engaging the body of the vehicle at the side of the track; c. a support plate means at the aforesaid undersurface; and d. a matched pair of longitudinally-disposed, articulated slide tracks spaced symmetrically from the center plane of the snowmobile underneath the support plate means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
133 words
In combination with a snowmobile or the like mounted upon a continuous, flexible drive track extending between forward and rearward wheels carried by the vehicle, with the track forming a lower and upper reach between the wheels, a pneumatic suspension comprising: a. an elongated, enclosed air-bag structure adapted to be mounted between the upper and lower reaches of the track, having an undersurface slidably engaging and being supported upon the lower reach of the track, yieldable sidewalls and a top portion; b. attachment means at the top portion engaging the body of the vehicle at the side of the track; c. a support plate means at the aforesaid undersurface; and d. a matched pair of longitudinally-disposed, articulated slide tracks spaced symmetrically from the center plane of the snowmobile underneath the support plate means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
147 words
In combination with a snowmobile having a drive track mounted between forward drive wheels and rearward idler wheels, a pneumatic suspension assembly supporting the snowmobile adapted to engage and be supported upon the lower reach of the drive track between the drive and idler wheels, and comprising: a. an elongated, longitudinally disposed frame mounted on the snowmobile between the upper and lower reaches Of the drive track; b. an elongated, longitudinally disposed, resilient, pneumatic bag mounted to the underside of the frame and; c. a pair of longitudinally disposed, articulated track slides underneath the pneumatic bag, supported on the upper surface of the lower reach of the drive track and supporting the pneumatic bag, whereby movement of the track slides relative to the frame, as the snowmobile traverses uneven terrain, is cushioned by the resilient support of the pneumatic bag providing a smooth ride for the snowmobile.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
147 words
In combination with a snowmobile having a drive track mounted between forward drive wheels and rearward idler wheels, a pneumatic suspension assembly supporting the snowmobile adapted to engage and be supported upon the lower reach of the drive track between the drive and idler wheels, and comprising: a. an elongated, longitudinally disposed frame mounted on the snowmobile between the upper and lower reaches Of the drive track; b. an elongated, longitudinally disposed, resilient, pneumatic bag mounted to the underside of the frame and; c. a pair of longitudinally disposed, articulated track slides underneath the pneumatic bag, supported on the upper surface of the lower reach of the drive track and supporting the pneumatic bag, whereby movement of the track slides relative to the frame, as the snowmobile traverses uneven terrain, is cushioned by the resilient support of the pneumatic bag providing a smooth ride for the snowmobile.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
In the combination defined in claim 2, wherein: the pneumatic bag structure includes an enclosed, flat bag formed of resilient, rubber-like sheet material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
In the combination described in claim 2, including: a rigid planar support plate at the undersurface of the pneumatic bag whereto the slide tracks are mounted.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
64 words
In the combination defined in claim 4, wherein each slide track comprises: a forward slide arm pivotally attached to the forward end of the frame means and angled downwardly underneath the leading end of the air-bag structure; and a second slide arm pivotally connected at the rear end of each forward slide arm to extend rearwardly therefrom and underneath the aforesaid support plate means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
54 words
In the combination described in claim 5, including: a third slide arm pivotally connected to each second slide arm to extend rearwardly therefrom, in tandem and underneath the rear portion of the air-bag structure; and a second support plate underneath the rear portion of the air-bag structure supported by the said third slide arm.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
In the combination described in claim 6, wherein: each said third slide arm is slideably connected at its rearward end to the axle of the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
47 words
In the combination described in claim 2, wherein: wall portions of the snowmobile body extend downwardly from above the upper ridge of the track at each side of the snowmobile to a position alongside said frame; and attachment means connecting the frame to these extended wall portions.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
In the combination defined in claim 8, wherein said frame comprises: an inverted rectangular, open-bottom box with closed sides and ends and a top panel cover.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
In the combination defined in claim 8, wherein: said attachment means is a transverse rod pivotally connecting the said frame to the wall portions of the snowmobile.
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) | 1976-08-06 | 1977-02-05 | 1977-08-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-08-06 | 1981-02-05 | 1981-08-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-08-06 | 1985-02-05 | 1985-08-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |