Rear suspension for snowmobile
First Claim
1. A snowmobile comprised of a frame assembly, a drive belt, an engine and transmission for driving said drive belt, and a suspension system for suspending said drive belt from said frame assembly for suspension movement therebetween, said suspension system comprising at least one guide rail engaged with a backside of said drive belt and opposite the terrain engaged by said drive belt for propelling said snowmobile along said terrain, a first suspension unit for interconnecting a forward portion of said guide rail with said frame assembly for controlling relative movement therebetween, a second suspension unit for interconnecting a rearward portion of said guide rail with said frame assembly for controlling relative movement therebetween, a unitary cushioning unit having relatively movable end portions for resiliently cushioning relative movement, first loading means for effecting relative movement of said end portions of said unitary cushioning unit to each other in opposite directions upon suspension movement of the forward portion of said guide rail, and second loading means for effecting relative movement of said end portions of said unitary cushioning unit to each other in opposite directions upon suspension movement of the rear portion of said guide rail so that said unitary cushioning unit cushions both the front and rear suspension movement of said guide rail.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A number of embodiments for suspension units for snowmobile drive belts that provide a compact assembly and yet permit the use of a single cushioning unit that can extend horizontally within the frame so as to provide large suspension travel in a relatively small area.
54 Citations
17 Claims
- 1. A snowmobile comprised of a frame assembly, a drive belt, an engine and transmission for driving said drive belt, and a suspension system for suspending said drive belt from said frame assembly for suspension movement therebetween, said suspension system comprising at least one guide rail engaged with a backside of said drive belt and opposite the terrain engaged by said drive belt for propelling said snowmobile along said terrain, a first suspension unit for interconnecting a forward portion of said guide rail with said frame assembly for controlling relative movement therebetween, a second suspension unit for interconnecting a rearward portion of said guide rail with said frame assembly for controlling relative movement therebetween, a unitary cushioning unit having relatively movable end portions for resiliently cushioning relative movement, first loading means for effecting relative movement of said end portions of said unitary cushioning unit to each other in opposite directions upon suspension movement of the forward portion of said guide rail, and second loading means for effecting relative movement of said end portions of said unitary cushioning unit to each other in opposite directions upon suspension movement of the rear portion of said guide rail so that said unitary cushioning unit cushions both the front and rear suspension movement of said guide rail.
Specification