Ski vehicle brake and steering system
US6308966A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 1, 1999 |
| Grant date | Oct 30, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 1, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62M2027/025
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A braking and steering mechanism that is located near, but behind the steering pivot point of a runner of a ski vehicle. In a conventional snowmobile, for example, the steering pivot point is near the middle of the longitudinal axis of the runner, and, hence, the preferred braking and steering mechanism extends from behind the middle of the runner, but not at the rear end of the runner, to contact the snow or ground to slow or stop the snowmobile movement relative to the snow or ground. The preferred braking and steering mechanism has a brake that is a retractable, protruding member that extends down from the runner bottom surface near, but behind the steering pivot point a sufficient distance to frictionally engage the snow/ground significantly more than does the bottom of the runner. The protruding member may take the forms of a prong or spike, a blade or plate, or other single, plural, smooth or toothed member(s) that can make frictional contact with the snow/ground. Preferably, the brake has one or more elongated members that extend through and from the bottom of the runner to stab 2-6 inches into the snow/ground, provided that the center of gravity of the elongated members and…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.