U.S. patent application number 09/746214 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-11 for lighted storage compartment for snowmobile.
Invention is credited to Ishii, Kazuhisa.
Application Number | 20010027886 09/746214 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18485513 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010027886 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ishii, Kazuhisa |
October 11, 2001 |
Lighted storage compartment for snowmobile
Abstract
A snowmobile comprises a seat having a soft cushion layer, a
more firm boundary layer, and a rigid support structure. Passages
are provided between the soft cushion layer and a chamber such that
air can be exchanged from within the seat and the chamber depending
upon whether the operator is seated on the seat or standing above
the seat. When an operator sits on the seat, air is forced out of
the seat cushion material and into the chamber. When the operator
stands and the seat cushion rebounds, air is provided to the seat
from the chamber. The snowmobile also includes a lit trunk. The
trunk is lit by a light bulb used for a rear tail light assembly.
The light bulb is secured in a mounting plate that is formed of a
translucent material that provides a window into the trunk. The
light bulb can have an integrally formed socket, which can be
translucent as well, to increase the amount of light transmitted
into the trunk. The trunk preferably is not the chamber that
communicates with the seat.
Inventors: |
Ishii, Kazuhisa; (Iwata,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
620 NEWPORT CENTER DRIVE
SIXTEENTH FLOOR
NEWPORT BEACH
CA
92660
US
|
Family ID: |
18485513 |
Appl. No.: |
09/746214 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
180/182 ;
180/190 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62K 19/46 20130101;
B62M 27/02 20130101; B60Q 3/30 20170201 |
Class at
Publication: |
180/182 ;
180/190 |
International
Class: |
B62M 027/02; B62M
029/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 24, 1999 |
JP |
11-365940 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A snowmobile comprising a vehicle body, said vehicle body being
supported by at least one steering ski and being powered by a drive
unit comprising an engine and a track, said vehicle body also
comprising at least one compartment having an opening to the
ambient atmosphere, said vehicle body further comprising a seat
with a trunk disposed generally rearward of said seat and a tail
light disposed generally rearward of said trunk, said seat
comprising a support plate and a cushion, said cushion being in
fluid communication with said at least one compartment and said
tail light comprising at least a light bulb that is capable of
generating light and said trunk having a window positioned between
said trunk and said tail light that allows light from said light
bulb to pass into said trunk.
2. The snowmobile of claim 1, wherein said window comprises a
translucent material.
3. The snowmobile of claim 1, wherein said window comprises a
transparent material.
4. The snowmobile of claim 1, wherein said window comprises an open
aperture.
5. The snowmobile of claim 1, wherein said light bulb is integrally
formed with a socket and said socket is formed of a translucent
material.
6. The snowmobile of claim 1, wherein said cushion and said trunk
are not in fluid communication with each other.
7. The snowmobile of claim 6, wherein said support plate
substantially divides said cushion from said trunk.
8. The snowmobile of claim 1, wherein said at least one compartment
is a compartment adapted to contain at least a portion of a fuel
tank of said snowmobile.
9. The snowmobile of claim 8, wherein a forward extending passage
extends from a vertically extending passage from said cushion to
transmit air from said cushion into and out of said at least one
compartment.
10. The snowmobile of claim 9, wherein said seat further comprises
a boundary layer that separates said cushion from said support
plate and said vertical passage extends through at least a portion
of said boundary layer and said forward extending passage extends
at least partially through said boundary layer.
11. The snowmobile of claim 10, wherein said boundary layer further
comprises a subcompartment that is in direct fluid communication
with said at least one compartment.
12. The snowmobile of claim 10, wherein said forward extending
passage is at least partially defined by a portion of said vehicle
body.
13. A snowmobile comprising a vehicle body, said vehicle body being
supported by at least one steering ski and being powered by a drive
unit, said drive unit comprising an endless track that is driven by
an engine, a seat being disposed above at least a portion of said
drive unit, a storage compartment being positioned generally
rearward of said seat and a running light assembly being positioned
proximate said storage compartment, a window being disposed between
said running light assembly and said storage compartment, said
window being arranged and configured to pass light from said
running light assembly into said storage compartment.
14. The snowmobile of claim 13, further comprising a second
compartment, said seat being in fluid communication with said
second compartment and not in fluid communication with said storage
compartment.
15. The snowmobile of claim 14, wherein said second compartment is
arranged and configured to receive at least one of a fuel tank and
said engine.
16. The snowmobile of claim 13, wherein said seat comprises a
foam-type cushion material and a support plate, said support plate
containing an opening through which said foam-type cushion material
can exchange air with said second compartment.
17. The snowmobile of claim 16, wherein said seat further comprises
a boundary layer, wherein said boundary layer is interposed between
said cushion material and said support plate, said boundary layer
comprising at least one opening that extends through the opening in
the support plate such that said cushion may communicate with said
compartment through said at least one passage.
18. The snowmobile of claim 13, wherein said window comprises a
translucent material.
19. The snowmobile of claim 18, wherein said window comprises a
support plate that supports a socket of said running light
assembly.
20. The snowmobile of claim 19, wherein socket of said running
light assembly is also translucent.
21. The snowmobile of claim 13, wherein said running light assembly
is a rearwardly disposed light and said storage compartment is a
trunk.
22. A snowmobile comprising a vehicle body supported by a steering
ski and a drive unit, a seat being disposed above at least a
portion of said drive unit with a storage compartment being mounted
rearward of at least a portion of said seat, a running light being
positioned proximate said storage compartment and a further
compartment being positioned within at least a portion of said
vehicle body, said snowmobile further comprising means for
providing light from said running light assembly to said storage
compartment and means for exchanging air between said seat and said
second compartment.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based upon Japanese Patent Application
No. HEI 11-365,940, filed on Dec. 24, 1999, which is hereby
expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention generally relates to storage
compartments for land vehicles. More particularly, the present
invention relates to lighted internal storage compartments that can
be substantially sealed from inclement conditions.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Snowmobiles are popular land vehicles that can be used in
the winter and in cold and snowy conditions. Often the vehicles are
used as transportation vehicles in rather harsh climates. As
transportation vehicles, these vehicles often contain storage
compartments, such as trunks, that are located behind the seat. The
compartments provide a location in which various articles can be
stored while moving from one location to another. In addition,
these vehicles often include headlights and tail lights for
operation under dark conditions. For instance, when commuting from
a work location to home, or when simply traveling between two
different lodging locations, the travel may occur during rather
dark and inclement conditions.
[0006] Accordingly, operators of snowmobiles often have to carry
with them a flashlight or some other auxiliary light source. The
light source can be used to view into the storage compartments to
find the items that the snowmobile may have been transporting. This
light has to be stored during operation and increases the bulk of
the items transported on the snowmobile. While a light could be
provided into the trunk compartment, such an additional light would
increase manufacturing costs as well as complexity of the
vehicle.
[0007] In addition, the trunk often is a substantially sealed
compartment. With the trunk being a sealed compartment, part of the
seal is often provided between a cushion of the seat and a body
frame of the vehicle. In addition, the seat, which often is made of
a foam material, often is in communication with the trunk
compartment via an air passage. In this manner, when the seat is
first sat upon, air that is compressed out of the foam enters into
the trunk compartment, thereby breaking a seal with the lid of the
trunk and the trunk compartment to depressurize the trunk.
Moreover, when the operator stands up or removes some weight from
the seat, the seat absorbs air from within the trunk compartment
through the air passages. This movement of air creates a slight
vacuum within the trunk compartment and can suck melted snow or
other moisture into the trunk compartment and/or into the seat
itself. Obviously, such a situation is undesirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Accordingly, a lighted trunk compartment that does not have
an air passage through to the seat is desired. Preferably, such a
construction allows the seat to vent into the engine compartment,
which is often open to the atmosphere, such that air can be
exchanged between the seat materials and the engine compartment.
Additionally, the lighted storage compartment preferably comprises
a translucent or transparent wall that allows light provided by the
tail light assembly to illuminate at least a portion of the storage
compartment.
[0009] Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention involve a
snowmobile comprising a vehicle body. The vehicle body is supported
by at least one steering ski and is powered by a drive unit
comprising an engine and a track. The vehicle body also comprises
at least one compartment having an opening to the ambient
atmosphere. The vehicle body further comprises a seat with a trunk
disposed generally rearward of the seat and a tail light disposed
generally rearward of the trunk. The seat comprises a support plate
and a cushion. The cushion is in fluid communication with the at
least one compartment and the tail light comprises at least a light
bulb that is capable of generating light. The trunk has a window
positioned between the trunk and the tail light that allows light
from the light bulb to pass into the trunk.
[0010] Another aspect of the present invention involves a
snowmobile comprising a vehicle body. The vehicle body is supported
by at least one steering ski and is powered by a drive unit. The
drive unit comprises an endless track that is driven by an engine.
A seat is disposed above at least a portion of the drive unit. A
storage compartment is positioned generally rearward of the seat
and a running light assembly is positioned proximate the storage
compartment. A window is disposed between the running light
assembly and the storage compartment and the window is arranged and
configured to pass light from the running light assembly into the
storage compartment.
[0011] A further aspect of the present invention involves a
snowmobile comprising a vehicle body supported by a steering ski
and a drive unit. A seat is disposed above at least a portion of
the drive unit with a storage compartment being mounted rearward of
at least a portion of the seat. A running light is positioned
proximate the storage compartment and a further compartment is
positioned within at least a portion of the vehicle body. The
snowmobile further comprises means for providing light from the
running light assembly to the storage compartment and means for
exchanging air between the seat and the second compartment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will now be described with reference to the
drawings of a preferred embodiment which is intended to illustrate
and not to limit the invention. The drawings comprise six
figures.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a simplified side elevational view of a snowmobile
configured and arranged in accordance with certain features,
aspects, and advantages of the present invention. Certain internal
components have been illustrated with hidden lines.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the snowmobile of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is an enlarged, partially sectioned side elevation
view primarily showing a seat and storage compartment arrangement
along with a tail light mounting configuration.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of a portion of a seat mounting
arrangement, storage compartment and light mounting configuration
having certain features, aspects, and advantages in accordance with
the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 5 is an enlarged section view of a portion of the seat
mounting arrangement taken along the line 5-5 in FIG. 4.
[0018] FIG. 6 is an enlarged, partially sectioned view of the seat
mounting arrangement of FIG. 4 taken along the line 6-6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT
INVENTION
[0019] With reference initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, an overall
construction of a land vehicle is illustrated therein. In the
illustrated arrangement, the land vehicle comprises a snow vehicle
30 configured and arranged in accordance with certain features,
aspects, and advantages of the present invention. The snowmobile 30
is an exemplary land vehicle. Although the present invention will
be shown and described in the context of the illustrated
snowmobile, some aspects and features of the present invention also
can be employed with other vehicles, such as personal watercraft,
ATVs, golf carts, and the like in manners that would be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0020] In general, the snowmobile 30 operates over a terrain which
is indicated generally by the reference numeral S in FIG. 1. The
terrain typically is covered with snow and/or ice and often
includes bumps and other rough operating surfaces. The reference
mark FW in the figures indicates a forward direction in which a
snowmobile 30 generally operates. As used in this description, the
terms right and left will mean at or to the respective sides in a
top plan view relative to the forward direction FW, as indicated in
FIG. 2.
[0021] As will be appreciated, the illustrated snowmobile 30
generally comprises a frame assembly, which is not shown. The frame
assembly can include a plurality of frame members which can be
formed with sheet metal, metal pipes, or the like and which
preferably are assembled in any suitable manner to have sufficient
rigidity for operation. Two side panels 36 generally cover the
sides of the frame assembly in the illustrated arrangement. In
addition, a cowling member or hood 38 covers a forward portion of
the frame assembly. Preferably, the cowling member 38 is detachably
coupled with the frame assembly or pivotably hinged thereto at one
end so as to pivot about the hinged portion. The side panels 36 and
the cowling member 38 can be made of plastic or synthetic resin. In
addition, a bottom plate can be included which would cover a bottom
portion of the frame assembly. Thus, a substantially closed
compartment is formed over a forward portion of the frame assembly
by the side panels 36, the cowling member 38, and any bottom plate
used.
[0022] A seat 44 can be disposed above a rear portion of the frame
assembly to accommodate a rider and any passengers. In some
arrangements, the seat 44 can be positioned such that the rider can
place his or her feet in front of the seat 44. In the illustrated
arrangement, however, the seat 44 is disposed such that a rider
straddles the seat with a foot positioned on each side of the seat
44. Thus, in the illustrated arrangement, a pair of foot rests 46
are disposed on both sides of the seat 44. A windshield 47 extends
upwardly from the cowling member 38 and is disposed forwardly of
the operator to protect the operator from snow and/or wind in
manner well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0023] With reference now to FIG. 2, the illustrated snowmobile 30
is generally symmetrically formed relative to an imaginary center
point 48 that extends generally vertically fore and aft through the
snowmobile 30. Due to the arrangement of the various body
components, such as the seat 44, the cowling 38, and the side
panels 36, for instance, the illustrated frame assembly is
substantially enclosed and is not shown in these figures.
[0024] Side panels 36 and the bottom plate placed in front of the
seat 44 together with a cowling member 38 define a generally closed
cavity. A prime mover assembly 52 can be enclosed within the
cavity. Because the cowling member 38 is detachably coupled with or
pivotally hinged to the frame assembly, the rider, a mechanic, or a
repairman can access the primer mover assembly 52 for maintenance
or the like. The illustrated prime mover assembly 52 generally
comprises an internal combustion engine and a transmission which
transmits power from the engine to a drive assembly through a drive
shaft. The drive assembly 58 preferably is positioned generally
below the seat 44 such that the operator's weight is positioned
over the drive assembly 58. The drive assembly 58, although
somewhat schematically shown in FIG. 1, preferably includes a slide
rail unit 64, a drive sprocket, which is concealed in this view,
and a set of idle sprockets 70. The slide rail units 64 comprise a
pair of slide rails which extend fore and aft along the center
plane 48. Preferably, the slide rails are spaced apart from one
another. The respective idle shafts and sprockets extend generally
transverse to the center plane 48 and are journaled on the
respective portion of the illustrated slide rail units 64.
[0025] The slide rail unit 64 together with the drive sprocket and
the idle sprocket 70 support an endless drive belt 76. More
specifically the slide rail 64 abuts a back side of the drive belt
76, which is opposite the side of the drive belt 76 facing the
terrain S, and the drive sprocket engages the drive belt 76 to
provide rotational movement to the drive belt 76. The respective
idle sprockets 70 contact the drive belt 76 in known manners.
[0026] In the illustrated arrangement, the snowmobile 30 also
includes a pair of steering skis 88. Each ski 88 preferably
comprises a ski member 90 and knuckle pin 92. The ski member 90
includes a contact area which typically abuts the terrain S during
movement of the snowmobile 30. The knuckle pin 92 is coupled with
the ski member 90 at a generally top, center portion of the ski
member 90 and allows the ski member to pivot fore and aft such that
the ski member 90 can follow rough surfaces of the terrain S.
[0027] With reference still to FIGS. 1 and 2, the illustrated
snowmobile 30 also features a fuel tank 94 which is disposed
slightly forward of the seat 44 in the illustrated arrangement. The
fuel tank 94 can be contoured and configured to accept the knees of
an operator in manners well known to those of ordinary skill in the
art. In addition, a steering handle assembly 96 can be positioned
generally vertically above at least a portion of the fuel tank 94.
The steering handle assembly 96 can include clutch levers, brake
levers, parking brake levers, throttle controls, on/off switches
and the like. In addition, forward of the steering handle assembly
96, a cluster of gauges 98 can be included to transmit information
regarding operational characteristics of the snowmobile 30 to the
operator.
[0028] Rearward of the seat 44 in the illustrated arrangement, a
storage compartment 100 is provided. In addition, rearward of the
storage compartment 100 in the illustrated arrangement is a brake
light assembly 102 which is generally positioned partially below a
lid 104 which extends over at least a portion of an opening into
the storage compartment 100. The storage compartment 100, the lid
104 and the brake light assembly 102 will be described in more
detail below. While the following description generally relates to
the illustrated arrangement, other compartment having running
lights positioned proximate to them can also be arranged in similar
manners.
[0029] With reference now to FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6, the seat and its
mounting arrangement will first be described in more detail. In
addition, a discussion of the rear storage compartment or trunk and
the lighting assembly follows. As best illustrated in FIG. 3, the
seat 44 generally comprises a soft and generally resilient cushion
portion 106 as well as a stiffer, less resilient boundary portion
108. In addition, the seat 44 also comprises a stiff support
surface 110. As best illustrated in FIG. 3, the support surface 110
is generally concave and forms a trough in which a saddle-shape
seat assembly comprising the cushion portion 106 and the boundary
portion 108 are supported. The support surface 110 can be formed of
any suitable material. In some arrangements, the support surface
110 is formed from metals such as steel or aluminum. In other more
lightweight and low-cost arrangements, the support surface 110 can
be formed from resin materials such as thermoplastics. Preferably,
the support surface 110 is positioned over an opening in the body
of the snowmobile 30 and is secured in position in any suitable
manner.
[0030] The boundary portion 108 generally comprises a forward
portion 112, a bottom portion 114, and a rear portion 116. The
forward portion slopes slightly downward and rearward while the
bottom portion preferably extends generally horizontally in a
rearward direction. In addition, the rear portion 116 slopes upward
and rearward. Preferably, the boundary portion 108 is formed of a
high density material such that air does not easily flow through
the boundary portion 108. Of course, in some arrangements, the
boundary portion 108 can transmit the flow of air fairly
readily.
[0031] The cushion portion 106 rests on top of the boundary portion
108 and is formed from a more low density material such that the
cushion portion 106 is more resilient and forgiving. The cushion
portion 106 also easily absorbs and releases air to allow the
cushion portion 106 to easily deform under the weight of the
operator. The cushion portion 106 may be covered by a top skin 118
which can be formed integrally with the cushion portion 106 or can
be a separate member attached to and covering the rest of the seat
44. Providing skins on seat cushions is well known to those of
ordinary skill in the art and any suitable technique can be used.
For instance, the cushion material used in the cushion portion 106
can be a skinned low density polyethylene or the cushion material
of the cushion portion 106 can be a foam-type material with an
outer canvas, plastic, synthetic, or any other suitable material
cover.
[0032] With continued reference to FIG. 3, and with additional
reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, an air passage arrangement will be
described in more detail. In the illustrated arrangement, the
boundary portion 108, generally inhibits the free flow of air into
and out of the cushion portion 106. Accordingly, the boundary
portion 108 is provided with a series of holes 120 to transmit air
into and out of the cushion portion 106. While two groupings of two
sets of two holes (i.e., eight holes) are illustrated in the
illustrated arrangement, other numbers and configurations of holes
can be used. Moreover, in the illustrated arrangement each of the
two sets of holes is arranged to open into a channel 122. With
reference to FIG. 6, which is a section through a channel 122 and
FIG. 5, which is a section through a set of holes 120 in crossing
both channels 122, the channels allow transmission of air from
within the cushion portion 106 to an opening 124, which extends
through an aperture 126 in the illustrated arrangement into a
larger air-containing chamber. For instance, in some arrangements,
the opening 124 may extend through an aperture or other suitable
passage into the engine compartment while, in the illustrated
arrangement, the passage extends into a chamber 128 in which a fuel
tank can be positioned. Of course, the number of channels, openings
and passages can be varied. Preferably, the flow rate of the air is
accounted for in sizing the passage ways between the seat and the
chamber.
[0033] With continued reference to FIG. 4, the illustrated lower
surface is that of one-half of the full support surface 110.
Preferably, the other half is a mirror image of the illustrated
half. In the illustrated arrangement, the support surface 110
contains a through-hole 128 which is surrounded by a supporting rib
130 that extends around its outer perimeter. The support rib 130
and the rib that defines the opening 128 rest on a portion of
either the vehicle frame or the vehicle body 132. This is clearly
shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. In the illustrated arrangement, a portion
of the boundary portion 108 extends down into the opening 128 and
rests on the body frame or body panel surface 132. This portion of
the boundary portion 108 also contains the channels 122 such that
an airflow passage is defined between the body panel 132 and the
boundary portion 108. This air passageway is in communication with
the material of the cushion portion 106 and any enlarged chamber
128 through the opening 124 and the aperture 126 in the illustrated
arrangement. Of course, other constructions suitable for placing
the openings that extend through the boundary portion 108 in
communication with an enlarged chamber capable of exchanging air
from within the cushion 106 also can be used. The illustrated
arrangement, however, provides increased support for the passages
while supporting the operator in the location which the operator
generally is seated. In addition, it should be noted that the
opening 128 preferably is disposed such that the pair of openings
128 will be positioned under the operator's body and such that the
pressure from the operator's body is passed almost directly
downward into the openings 128. The illustrated arrangement
advantageously exchanges air from within the seat cushion into a
compartment which is not generally substantially sealed from the
atmosphere. In other words, air is free to travel into and out of
the seat cushion without adversely effecting any sealed
compartments in arrangements configured in manner similar to that
illustrated.
[0034] With reference again to FIG. 3, the trunk 100 is generally
positioned rearward of the seat 44. The trunk 100 can be defined in
part by a portion of the support surface 110. In addition, the
trunk may also be defined in part by a lower trunk surface 132. The
lower trunk surface 132 may be integrally formed with the vehicle
frame or the vehicle body or may be secured in position in any
suitable manner. In the illustrated arrangement, the lower trunk
surface 132 includes a plurality of upstanding flanges 134 which
can be secured in position using any suitable technique, such as
welding, brazing, using fasteners such as rivets, screws, or the
like, or it can be clipped into position.
[0035] A tail light housing 136 also is disposed rearward of the
trunk 100. The tail light housing 136 preferably includes a recess
138 into which a tail light assembly 102 can be mounted. The recess
can include an opening on a forward facing wall for reasons that
will become apparent. A replaceable light bulb 140 is mounted into
a socket 142 in accordance with any of a number of standard
techniques. Preferably, the tail light assembly includes the light
bulb 140 and the socket 142. More preferably, the light bulb 140
and the socket 142 are formed in a single unit. For instance, the
light bulb 140 may include a pair of upstanding pins that are
received within a groove of the socket 142 such that the light bulb
may be twisted into position. In other arrangements, the light bulb
140 may contain a threaded surface which threads into a portion of
the socket 142.
[0036] The socket 142 and the attached light bulb 140 may be
secured into position within the recess 138 through the use of a
support plate 144. The support plate may be mounted into the recess
138 using threaded fasteners such as the one illustrated at 146 or
by using clips, mounting tabs or any other suitable technique. In
the illustrated arrangement at least a portion of the socket 142
extends through the support plate 144 into a recess formed forward
of the recess 138. The recess preferably is substantially enclosed
by the support plate 144. This recess 148 can include an opening
150 which allows communication between the recess 148 and the trunk
compartment 100. Preferably, the recess 148 is enclosed by an upper
surface such that when the trunk lid 104 is opened and closed, any
liquids contained around the seal of the trunk lid 104 do not fall
within the recess 148. Of course, in some arrangements, the recess
148 may include a drain or other method of removing accumulating
liquids.
[0037] In the illustrated arrangement, the trunk lid 104 preferably
is arranged to pivot upward and rearward such that the opening of
the trunk lid would pull snow and other foreign debris outward and
away from the opening defined around the upper edge of the trunk
compartment 100. In this manner, the illumination arrangement
illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 is largely protected from the outside
elements.
[0038] A lens 150 is provided over a portion of the tail light
assembly 102 to enclose the light bulb 140 and a portion of the
socket 142. The lens 150 can be mounted in any suitable arrangement
as such mounting configurations are well known to those of ordinary
skill in the art. However, in the illustrated arrangement, the lens
150 is secured within a pair of flanges 152 that extend outward
from a portion of the support plate 144. Thus, the light bulb 140
and a portion of the socket 142 are contained within a protected
environment inside the lens cover 150. In some arrangements, the
socket 142 of the tail light assembly 102 is made of a translucent
or transparent material. Preferably, the socket, and in some
arrangements, the supporting member, 144 are made of a light
transmitting material such that light from within the tail light
assembly 102 may pass into the trunk compartment 100 for
illuminating at least a portion of the trunk compartment 100. More
preferably, the support plate 144 is manufactured from a
translucent material such as a clear plastic such that light being
generated by the light bulb 140 may pass through the support plate
and into the trunk compartment 100. In further configurations a
rearward reflecting mirror may be provided or any other suitable
reflective surface may be provided to shine a portion of the light
provided by the light bulb 140 into the trunk compartment 100 or
any other suitable storage compartment. In this manner, the trunk
compartment 100 or any other suitable storage compartment can be
illuminated through the same light bulb 140 used to light the tail
light assembly 102. This advantageously reduces a number of
components required to light the trunk compartment 100 and helps to
reduce and maintain low cost for manufacturing.
[0039] In snowmobiles arranged and configured in accordance with
certain features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention,
the snowmobile has a well-lit rear storage compartment. In some
arrangements, the storage compartment is a trunk. The trunk is lit
through the same light bulb that is used to light the tail light
assembly. Accordingly, the number of components required to light
the storage compartment can be reduced. In addition, the storage
compartment does not communicate with the cushion materials of the
seat. In other words, air being exchanged into and out of the seat
when an operator sits on or stands up from the seat does not work
its way into or out of the storage compartment. In this manner, the
air volume contained within the storage compartment does not change
when the operator sits down or stands up. This protects against the
sucking in of water that forms around any openings or seals of the
lid during operation of the vehicle. Accordingly, an air passage is
provided to place the seat in fluid communication with another air
compartment that is open to the atmosphere. For instance, in the
illustrated arrangement, the seat is placed in communication with a
compartment in which the fuel tank is mounted. In other
arrangements, the seat may be placed in communication with an
engine compartment or another compartment open to the atmosphere.
In further configurations, the seat may vent directly to the
atmosphere through a side panel or a water trap type device. Such
arrangements reduce the likelihood of water being drawn back into
the seat and allow the seat to deform and restore to its original
position and condition.
[0040] Although the present invention has been described in terms
of a certain preferred embodiment, other embodiments apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art also are within the scope of
this invention. Thus, various changes, modifications, and
alterations may be made in the above-described embodiment, without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, not
all of the features, aspects, and advantages are necessarily
required to practice the present invention. Therefore, some of the
features, aspects, and advantages may be separately practiced from
the other features, aspects, and advantages while still practicing
a part or all of the above-described invention. Accordingly, the
scope of the present invention is intended to be defined only by
the claims that follow.
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