Compact pulling apparatus

• US 8,528,672 B2
• Filed: 10/12/2012
• Issued: 09/10/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 04/15/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Yvon Martel
• Original Assignee: Yvon Martel
• Inventors: Martel, Yvon
• Primary Examiner(s): Hurley, Kevin
• Application Number:
  US13/650,965
• Publication Number:
  US 20130192906A1
• Time in Patent Office: 333 Days
• Field of Search: 180/9.1, 180/9.22, 180/10, 454/69, 454/141
• US Class Current: 180/9.22
• CPC Class Codes: A63C 11/10 Apparatus for towing skis ski-lifts B61B11/00
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 51/007 the vehicle being of the endless track type endless track vehicles in general B62D55/00
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 51/04 the driver walking
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 55/07 Mono-track vehicles

Abstract

The apparatus includes a watertight elongate housing extending along a longitudinal axis and defining an inner chamber, a track disposed around the housing on its longitudinal axis and enabling the apparatus to move when the track is rotatably driven around the housing, a handlebar connected to the housing and extending rearward, and a track-driving motor. The motor is located within the inner chamber of the housing and includes an output shaft mechanically connected to the track. The apparatus can also include a ventilation circuit for ventilating the inner chamber of the housing and a generator for producing electricity.

Claims

1. A compact pulling apparatus, including:

a watertight elongate housing extending along a longitudinal axis and defining an inner chamber, the housing including a top wall and a bottom wall;

a track disposed around the housing along its longitudinal axis and enabling the apparatus to move when the track is rotatably driven around the housing;

a generator located within the inner chamber of the housing to produce electricity which can power an external equipment; and

a gasoline engine provided to selectively rotatably drive the track and the generator, the engine being located within the inner chamber of the housing.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further including:

a pair of top skids disposed longitudinally on the top wall of the housing;

a pair of bottom skids disposed longitudinally on the bottom wall of the housing;

at least one front roller rotatably connected at the front of the housing; and

at least one rear roller rotatably connected at the rear of the housing;

the track including an inner face which is supported by the skids and the rollers.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further including a transmission forming at least part of the mechanical connection between the motor and the track.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the transmission is mechanically connected to the rear roller.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the generator produces electricity at a voltage corresponding to that of a domestic power outlet.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the generator has a rotation axis disposed transversely with reference to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein an internal rotor of the generator and the gasoline motor are mechanically connected through an electric clutch.

8. The apparatus according claim 1, wherein the inner chamber is maintained at a positive pressure with reference to the atmospheric pressure.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes detachable lateral walls.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes a support intended to receive one end of a sled hitch.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the support includes a transversal strut connected to the top of the housing.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the transversal strut and the end of the hitch are slidably connected.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, further including a handlebar connected to the housing, the handlebar extending substantially rearward.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the apparatus includes a brake which can be operated from the handlebar.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1, further including a heating element provided within the inner chamber that can be powered using electricity from the outside in order to maintain a minimum temperature when the apparatus is not in use.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the housing of the apparatus is made at least in part of aluminum.