Snowmobile chassis with tunnel
US8528683B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 16, 2011 |
| Grant date | Sep 10, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 15, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49622
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A snowmobile chassis includes dual panels that form a lighter weight and stronger tunnel preferably without the need for structural doublers, plates or other attachable reinforcement devices. The dual panels take the form of inner and outer panels coupled together with selective gaps or spaces located between the panels. The gaps laterally separate the panels and may be continuous and take a variety of shapes as defined by each panel's configuration. The arrangement of the gaps may advantageously define a desired structural load path through the tunnel, increase a section modulus with respect to a centerline of the tunnel, and reduce an overall weight of the tunnel as compared with conventional tunnels that utilize added reinforcement devices.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.