Convertible ground and snow traveling vehicle

Claim 2

In combination with a ground traveling vehicle, such as a motorcycle, having a main supporting frame, a steerable front wheel assembly mounted to the frame, and a rear drive wheel which is mounted to the main frame and comprises a wheel rim having a circumferential groove adapted to carry a tire therein. an apparatus used in combination with said vehicle for easy conversion of the vehicle for travel over a snow surface, and easy reconversion back to the conventional vehicle arrangement for ground travel, saId apparatus comprising: a. a front ski unit adapted to be mounted to said front wheel assembly so as to be steerably therewith and provide front end support for the vehicle, b. a rear support and drive assembly comprising; 1. an auxiliary frame mounted to said main frame and extending rearwardly therefrom, 2. a rear idler wheel rotatably mounted to a rear portion of the auxiliary frame at a level proximate said snow surface and rearwardly of said drive wheel, and 3. an endless snow engaging belt mounted around and in the circumferential groove of the rim of said drive wheel and on said idler wheel so as to be powered directly from said drive wheel, said belt having a lower drive run portion positioned to engage said snow surface.

Claim 3

a rear idler wheel rotatably mounted to a rear portion of the auxiliary frame at a level proximate said snow surface and rearwardly of said drive wheel, and

Claim 4

a rear idler wheel rotatably mounted to a rear portion of the auxiliary frame at a level proximate said snow surface and rearwardly of said drive wheel, and

Claim 5

The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein there is connecting means rigidly connecting a forward end of said auxiliary frame to said main supporting frame, whereby said auxiliary frame is cantilevered rearwardly from said main frame and maintains substantially the same relative position therewith.

Claim 6

a rear idler wheel rotatably mounted to a rear portion of the auxiliary frame at a level proximate said snow surface and rearwardly of said drive wheel,

Claim 7

a rear idler wheel rotatably mounted to a rear portion of the auxiliary frame at a level proximate said snow surface and rearwardly of said drive wheel,

Claim 8

a rear idler wheel rotatably mounted to a rear portion of the auxiliary frame at a level proximate said snow surface and rearwardly of said drive wheel,

Claim 9

a rear idler wheel rotatably mounted to a rear portion of the auxiliary frame at a level proximate said snow surface and rearwardly of said drive wheel,

Claim 10

an endless snow engaging belt mounted around and in the rim of said drive wheel and on said idler wheel so as to be powered directly from said drive wheel, said belt having a lower drive run portion positioned to engage said snow surface, and

Claim 11

an endless snow engaging belt mounted around and in the rim of said drive wheel and on said idler wheel so as to be powered directly from said drive wheel, said belt having a lower drive run portion positioned to engage said snow surface, and

Claim 12

an endless snow engaging belt mounted around and in the rim of said drive wheel and on said idler wheel so as to be powered directly from said drive wheel, said belt having a lower drive run portion positioned to engage said snow surface, and

Claim 13

an endless snow engaging belt mounted around and in the rim of said drive wheel and on said idler wheel so as to be powered directly from said drive wheel, said belt having a lower drive run portion positioned to engage said snow surface, and

Claim 14

The apparatus as recited in claim 2, said connecting means is a longitudinally adjustable connection, whereby said auxiliary frame can be positioned longitudinally for proper tension of said snow engaging belt.

Claim 15

an endless snow engaging belt mounted around and in the circumferential groove of the rim of said drive wheel and on said idler wheel so as to be powered directly from said drive wheel, said belt having a lower drive run portion positioned to engage said snow surface.

Claim 16

an endless snow engaging belt mounted around and in the circumferential groove of the rim of said drive wheel and on said idler wheel so as to be powered directly from said drive wheel, said belt having a lower drive run portion positioned to engage said snow surface.

Claim 17

a pair of outrigger skis mounted on opposite sides of said auxiliary frame, said outrigger skis being positioned at a level moderately above the level of the lower drive run portion of the snow engaging belt, each of said outrigger skis having a rear connection to said auxiliary frame, and a vertically adjustable forward connection to said auxiliary frame, whereby drive traction of said belt can be varied by vertically adjusting said outrigger skis.

Claim 18

a pair of outrigger skis mounted on opposite sides of said auxiliary frame, said outrigger skis being positioned at a level moderately above the level of the lower drive run portion of the snow engaging belt, each of said outrigger skis having a rear connection to said auxiliary frame, and a vertically adjustable forward connection to said auxiliary frame, whereby drive traction of said belt can be varied by vertically adjusting said outrigger skis.

Claim 19

The apparatus as recited in claim 2, further comprising a pair of outrigger skis mounted on opposite sides of said auxiliary frame at the rear end thereof, said outrigger skis being positioned at a level moderately above the level of the lower drive run portion of the snow engaging belt and rearwardly of said rear drive wheel.

Claim 20

said auxiliary frame further comprising a pair of vertical guide members, having tension rollers mounted thereon, said snow engaging belt having a return run passing between said guide members and over said tensioning rollers.

Claim 21

said auxiliary frame further comprising a pair of vertical guide members, having tension rollers mounted thereon, said snow engaging belt having a return run passing between said guide members and over said tensioning rollers.

Claim 22

The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said front ski unit comprises a ski and an upstanding frame by which said ski is mounted to an axle of a front wheel of the front wheel assembly, thereby permitting limited rotational movement of said front ski, said ski unit further comprising an upstanding positioning arm extending upwardly from said front wheel axle to limit forward movement of said ski unit with respect to said front wheel assembly.

Claim 23

In combination with a ground traveling vehicle, such as a motorcycle, having a main supporting frame, and a rear drive wheel which is mounted to the main frame and comprises a wheel rim having a circumferential groove adapted to carry a tire therein, an apparatus used in combination with said vehicle for easy conversion of the vehicle for travel over a snow surface, and easy reconversion back to the conventional vehicle arrangement for ground travel, said apparatus comprising: a. an auxiliary frame adapted to be mounted to said main frame and extending rearwardly therefrom, b. a rear idler wheel rotatably mounted to a rear portion of the auxiliary frame at a level proximate said snow surface and rearwardly of said drive wheel, and c. an endless snow engaging belt adapted to be mounted in the circumferential groove of the rim of said drive wheel and on said idler wheel so as to be powered directly from said drive wheel, said belt having a lower drive run portion positioned to engage the snow surface.

Claim 24

In combination with a ground traveling vehicle, such as a motorcycle, having a main supporting frame, and a rear drive wheel which is mounted to the main frame and comprises a wheel rim having a circumferential groove adapted to carry a tire therein, an apparatus used in combination with said vehicle for easy conversion of the vehicle for travel over a snow surface, and easy reconversion back to the conventional vehicle arrangement for ground travel, said apparatus comprising: a. an auxiliary frame adapted to be mounted to said main frame and extending rearwardly therefrom, b. a rear idler wheel rotatably mounted to a rear portion of the auxiliary frame at a level proximate said snow surface and rearwardly of said drive wheel, and c. an endless snow engaging belt adapted to be mounted in the circumferential groove of the rim of said drive wheel and on said idler wheel so as to be powered directly from said drive wheel, said belt having a lower drive run portion positioned to engage the snow surface.

Claim 25

The apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein there is connecting means rigidly connecting a forward end of said auxiliary frame to said main supporting frame, whereby said auxiliary frame is cantilevered rearwardly from said main frame and maintains substantially the same relative position therewith.

Claim 26

The apparatus as recited in claim 7, wherein said connecting means is a longitudinally adjustable connection, whereby said auxiliary frame can be properly positioned for proper tension of said snow engaging belt.

Claim 27

The apparatus as recited in claim 7, further comprising a pair of outrigger skis mounted on opposite sides of said auxiliary frame at the rear end thereof, said outrigger skis being positioned at a level moderately above the level of the lower drive run portion of the snow engaging belt and rearwardly of said drive wheel.

Claim 28

In combination with a ground traveling vehicle, such as a moTorcycle, having a main supporting frame, a steerable front wheel assembly mounted to the frame, and a rear drive wheel which is mounted to the main frame and comprises a wheel rim adapted to carry a tire thereon, an apparatus used in combination with said vehicle for easy conversion of the vehicle for travel over a snow surface, and easy reconversion back to the conventional vehicle arrangement for ground travel, said apparatus comprising: a. a front ski unit adapted to be mounted to said front wheel assembly so as to be steerable therewith and provide front end support for the vehicle, b. a rear support and drive assembly comprising:

Claim 29

In combination with a ground traveling vehicle, such as a moTorcycle, having a main supporting frame, a steerable front wheel assembly mounted to the frame, and a rear drive wheel which is mounted to the main frame and comprises a wheel rim adapted to carry a tire thereon, an apparatus used in combination with said vehicle for easy conversion of the vehicle for travel over a snow surface, and easy reconversion back to the conventional vehicle arrangement for ground travel, said apparatus comprising: a. a front ski unit adapted to be mounted to said front wheel assembly so as to be steerable therewith and provide front end support for the vehicle, b. a rear support and drive assembly comprising:

Claim 30

In combination with a ground traveling vehicle, such as a motorcycle, having a main supporting frame, a steerable front wheel assembly mounted to the frame, and a rear drive wheel which is mounted to the main frame and comprises a wheel rim adapted to carry a tire thereon, an apparatus used in combination with said vehicle for easy conversion of the vehicle for travel over a snow surface, and easy reconversion back to the conventional vehicle arrangement for groung travel, said apparatus comprising: a. a front ski unit adapted to be mounted to said front wheel assembly so as to be steerable therewith and provide front end support for the vehicle, b. a rear support and drive assembly comprising:

Claim 31

In combination with a ground traveling vehicle, such as a motorcycle, having a main supporting frame, a steerable front wheel assembly mounted to the frame, and a rear drive wheel which is mounted to the main frame and comprises a wheel rim adapted to carry a tire thereon, an apparatus used in combination with said vehicle for easy conversion of the vehicle for travel over a snow surface, and easy reconversion back to the conventional vehicle arrangement for groung travel, said apparatus comprising: a. a front ski unit adapted to be mounted to said front wheel assembly so as to be steerable therewith and provide front end support for the vehicle, b. a rear support and drive assembly comprising:

Claim 32

In combination with a ground traveling vehicle, such as a motorcycle, having a main supporting frame, and a rear drive wheel which is mounted to the main frame and comprises a wheel rim adapted to caryy a tire thereon, an apparatus used in combination with said vehicle for easy conversion of the vehicle for travel over a snow surface, and easy reconversion back to the conventional vehicle arrangement for ground travel, said apparatus comprising: a. an auxiliary frame adapted to be mounted to said main frame and extending rearwardly therefrom, b. a rear idler wheel rotatably mounted to a rear portion of the auxiliary frame at a level proximate said snow surface and rearwardly of said drive wheel, c. an endless snow engaging belt adapted to be mounted in the rim of said drive wheel and on said idler wheel so as to be powered directly from said drive wheel, said belt having a lower drive run portion positioned to engage the sNow surface, and d. said auxiliary frame further comprising a pair of vertical guide members having tension rollers mounted thereon, said snow engaging belt having a return run passing between said guide members and over said tensioning rollers.

Claim 33

In combination with a ground traveling vehicle, such as a motorcycle, having a main supporting frame, and a rear drive wheel which is mounted to the main frame and comprises a wheel rim adapted to caryy a tire thereon, an apparatus used in combination with said vehicle for easy conversion of the vehicle for travel over a snow surface, and easy reconversion back to the conventional vehicle arrangement for ground travel, said apparatus comprising: a. an auxiliary frame adapted to be mounted to said main frame and extending rearwardly therefrom, b. a rear idler wheel rotatably mounted to a rear portion of the auxiliary frame at a level proximate said snow surface and rearwardly of said drive wheel, c. an endless snow engaging belt adapted to be mounted in the rim of said drive wheel and on said idler wheel so as to be powered directly from said drive wheel, said belt having a lower drive run portion positioned to engage the sNow surface, and d. said auxiliary frame further comprising a pair of vertical guide members having tension rollers mounted thereon, said snow engaging belt having a return run passing between said guide members and over said tensioning rollers.

Claim 34

In combination with a ground traveling vehicle, such as a motorcycle, having a main supporting frame, and a rear drive wheel which is mounted to the main frame and comprises a wheel rim adapted to carry a tire thereon, an apparatus used in combination with said vehicle for easy conversion of the vehicle for travel over a snow surface, and easy reconversion back to the conventional vehicle arrangement for ground travel, said apparatus comprising: a. an auxiliary frame adapted to be mounted to said main frame and extending rearwardly therefrom, b. a rear idler wheel rotatably mounted to a rear portion of the auxiliary frame at a level proximate said snow surface and rearwardly of said drive wheel, c. an endless snow engaging belt adapted to be mounted in the rim of said drive wheel and on said idler wheel so as to be powered directly from said drive wheel, said belt having a lower drive run portion positioned to engage the snow surface, and d. a pair of outrigger skis mounted on opposite sides of said auxiliary frame, said outrigger skis being positioned at a level moderately above the level of the lower drive run portion of the snow engaging belt, each of said outrigger skis having a rear connection to said auxiliary frame, and a vertically adjustable forward connection to said auxiliary frame, whereby the drive traction of said belt can be varied by vertically adjusting said outrigger skis.

Claim 35

In combination with a ground traveling vehicle, such as a motorcycle, having a main supporting frame, and a rear drive wheel which is mounted to the main frame and comprises a wheel rim adapted to carry a tire thereon, an apparatus used in combination with said vehicle for easy conversion of the vehicle for travel over a snow surface, and easy reconversion back to the conventional vehicle arrangement for ground travel, said apparatus comprising: a. an auxiliary frame adapted to be mounted to said main frame and extending rearwardly therefrom, b. a rear idler wheel rotatably mounted to a rear portion of the auxiliary frame at a level proximate said snow surface and rearwardly of said drive wheel, c. an endless snow engaging belt adapted to be mounted in the rim of said drive wheel and on said idler wheel so as to be powered directly from said drive wheel, said belt having a lower drive run portion positioned to engage the snow surface, and d. a pair of outrigger skis mounted on opposite sides of said auxiliary frame, said outrigger skis being positioned at a level moderately above the level of the lower drive run portion of the snow engaging belt, each of said outrigger skis having a rear connection to said auxiliary frame, and a vertically adjustable forward connection to said auxiliary frame, whereby the drive traction of said belt can be varied by vertically adjusting said outrigger skis.