Compact pulling apparatus

• US 8,827,014 B2
• Filed: 05/31/2013
• Issued: 09/09/2014
• 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:
  US13/907,471
• Publication Number:
  US 20130264130A1
• Time in Patent Office: 466 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
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 903/903 having energy storing means, e.g. battery, capacitor

Abstract

The apparatus includes a watertight elongated 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, 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. A method of operating a motorized pulling apparatus is also disclosed.

Claims

1. A method of operating a motorized pulling apparatus of the type including an elongated watertight housing extending along a longitudinal axis and defining an inner chamber inside which a motor is located, and also including 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 by means of the motor, the method including the following simultaneous steps:

maintaining a minimum temperature within the inner chamber using heat released by the motor;

evacuating heat from the inner chamber if the temperature exceeds a threshold value; and

maintaining a positive pressure inside the inner chamber.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein it is includes:

moving the apparatus over a surface.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the surface is a snow-covered terrain.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of moving the apparatus includes:

supplying the engine with fuel from at least one fuel tank.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the at least one fuel tank is located within the inner chamber.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of moving the apparatus includes:

powering the motor with electricity from at least one battery.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the at least one battery is located within the inner chamber.