US4097055A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ski-supported vehicles
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1977-02-18
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Granted: 1978-06-27
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Expires: 1997-02-18
Abstract
Abstract The invention relates to a single track vehicle, comprising a rearwardly inclined closed loop rigid frame having a built-in strengthening segment towards the rear portion thereof; a steering mechanism; a front ski pivotally articulated to the steering mechanism and; a rear supporting ski fixedly attached to rigid frame. A shock absorber is preferably associated with the front ski to dampen the pivoted action and assist in maintaining good contact between the ski and the ground.
Inventors
- 👤 Kevin Wendell Laycraft
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 05:01
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62B; B62B13/00; B62B13/02; B62B13/04; B62B13/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
149 words
A vehicle comprising: a rearwardly inclined supporting frame of closed-loop configuration incorporating a triangulated strengthening segment at the rear end thereof, said triangulated segment including a generally horizontal lower member; a steering mechanism comprising at least one steering column pivotally attached to an upper front portion of said frame, and handle means attached to such steering mechanism; a front ski, pivotally attached to the lower end of said steering mechanism, pivotal movement being constrained by shock absorber means mounted between said ski and said at least one steering column; a rear supporting ski, rigidly attached to said generally horizontal lower member to extend longitudinally thereof such that the front portion of said rear ski extends substantially unsupportedly and forwardly from said lower member and is permitted to flex in response to contact with a snow surface and; seat means resiliently mounted on a upper, rear portion of said frame.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
149 words
A vehicle comprising: a rearwardly inclined supporting frame of closed-loop configuration incorporating a triangulated strengthening segment at the rear end thereof, said triangulated segment including a generally horizontal lower member; a steering mechanism comprising at least one steering column pivotally attached to an upper front portion of said frame, and handle means attached to such steering mechanism; a front ski, pivotally attached to the lower end of said steering mechanism, pivotal movement being constrained by shock absorber means mounted between said ski and said at least one steering column; a rear supporting ski, rigidly attached to said generally horizontal lower member to extend longitudinally thereof such that the front portion of said rear ski extends substantially unsupportedly and forwardly from said lower member and is permitted to flex in response to contact with a snow surface and; seat means resiliently mounted on a upper, rear portion of said frame.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said steering mechanism is rearwardly inclined with respect to said frame forming an acute angle of between 50° - 65° with the front ski when in its horizontal position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The vehicle according to claim 2 wherein said steering mechanism comprises two steering columns arranged in spaced parallel relation and fixedly attached one to the other by bracket means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
The vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said steering mechanism is attached to said front ski a distance approximately equal to a third of the length of said ski from the rear end thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The vehicle according to claim 1 including footrest means, adjustably positioned on said frame.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The vehicle according to claim 1 including a shock absorber operably connected between said frame and said seat means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
The vehicle according to claim 6 wherein said shock absorber is releasably attached to said seat means in such a manner as to permit said seat means to be adjustable in height relative to said frame.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said front ski is substantially shorter than said rear supporting ski.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said handle means is resiliently attached to said steering mechanism.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
The vehicle according to claim 1 wherein the resilient mounting of said seat is affected by a shock absorber adjustably mounted between said seat and a lower rear portion of said frame.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
33 words
The vehicle according to claim 1 wherein the unsupported forward end of said rear ski substantially overlaps and lies above the rear end of said front ski when in the straight-ahead steering position.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
52 words
The vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said triangulated segment includes a forward generally upright member and a rear inclined member connected at their lower ends with the ends of said generally horizontal lower member and connected together at their upper ends, said seat member being located above said generally upright member.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
The vehicle according to claim 12 wherein said seat member extends rearwardly beyond said generally upright member, and is connected to and partially supported by said rear inclined member.
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) | 1981-06-26 | 1981-12-26 | 1982-06-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-06-26 | 1985-12-26 | 1986-06-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-06-26 | 1989-12-26 | 1990-06-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |