U.S. patent application number 10/647785 was filed with the patent office on 2004-06-10 for all terrain vehicle with rear rack.
Invention is credited to Bombardier, Charles, Dube, Eric, Gagne, Martin, Gagnon, Claude, Nadeau, Daniel, Portelance, Martin, Rondeau, Pierre.
Application Number | 20040108158 10/647785 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32475892 |
Filed Date | 2004-06-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040108158 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rondeau, Pierre ; et
al. |
June 10, 2004 |
All terrain vehicle with rear rack
Abstract
An all terrain vehicle ("ATV") with a frame and at least three
wheels suspended from the frame is disclosed. At least one of the
wheels is a front wheel and at least one of the wheels is a rear
wheel. The front wheel defines a front axis and the rear wheel
defines a rear axis. The ATV has a power unit for driving at least
one of the wheels disposed on the frame and a straddle-type seat
disposed on the frame. The seat has a main seat portion for a
driver and a secondary seat portion, rearward of the main portion,
for a passenger. The ATV also has a rear rack, a majority of which
is rearward of a rearward end of the secondary seat portion, and a
steering member for steering at least one of the wheels.
Inventors: |
Rondeau, Pierre;
(St-Denis-de-Brompton, CA) ; Gagnon, Claude;
(Magog, CA) ; Portelance, Martin; (Sherbrooke,
CA) ; Dube, Eric; (Rock-Forest, CA) ; Gagne,
Martin; (Valcourt, CA) ; Nadeau, Daniel;
(St-Denis-de-Brompton, CA) ; Bombardier, Charles;
(Orford, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PILLSBURY WINTHROP, LLP
P.O. BOX 10500
MCLEAN
VA
22102
US
|
Family ID: |
32475892 |
Appl. No.: |
10/647785 |
Filed: |
August 26, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10647785 |
Aug 26, 2003 |
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10292813 |
Nov 13, 2002 |
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10292813 |
Nov 13, 2002 |
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09950926 |
Sep 13, 2001 |
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6659566 |
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60232572 |
Sep 13, 2000 |
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60331252 |
Nov 13, 2001 |
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60393114 |
Jul 3, 2002 |
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60384822 |
Jun 4, 2002 |
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60475511 |
Jun 4, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
180/311 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62J 7/04 20130101; B62J
1/12 20130101; B62J 1/28 20130101; B62K 5/027 20130101; Y10S
180/908 20130101; B62K 5/01 20130101; B62J 7/06 20130101; B62D
33/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
180/311 |
International
Class: |
B62D 021/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An ATV comprising: a frame; at least three wheels suspended from
the frame, at least one of which is a front wheel and at least one
of which is a rear wheel, the front wheel defining a front axis and
the rear wheel defining a rear axis; a power unit for driving at
least one of the wheels disposed on the frame; a straddle-type seat
disposed on the frame, the seat including a main seat portion for a
driver and a secondary seat portion, rearward of the main portion,
for a passenger; a rear rack, a majority of which is disposed
rearwardly of a rearward end of the secondary seat portion; and a
steering member for steering at least one of the wheels.
2. The ATV of claim 1, wherein: the at least three wheels comprise
only four wheels, two of which are front wheels and two of which
are rear wheels; the front wheels define the front axis and the
rear wheels define the rear axis; each of the wheels includes an
ATV-type tire; and the steering member comprises handlebars.
3. The ATV of claim 2, wherein the secondary seat portion does not
significantly interfere with an open storage space provided on top
of the rear rack.
4. The ATV of claim 2, further comprising a back rest positioned at
a rearward end of the secondary seat portion, a majority of the
rear rack being disposed rearwardly of the back rest.
5. The ATV of claim 2, wherein the rearward end of the secondary
seat portion is longitudinally disposed in front of a back side of
the rear rack by at least 5 inches.
6. The ATV of claim 5, wherein the rearward end of the secondary
seat portion is longitudinally disposed in front of the back side
of the rear rack by at least 8 inches.
7. The ATV of claim 6, wherein the rearward end of the secondary
seat portion is longitudinally disposed in front of the back side
of the rear rack by between 10 and 20 inches.
8. The ATV of claim 2, wherein the front axis and the rear axis
define a wheelbase of greater than 52 inches.
9. The ATV of claim 2, wherein the front axis and the rear axis
define a wheelbase of greater than 54 inches.
10. The ATV of claim 2, wherein the front axis and the rear axis
define a wheel base of between 52 and 72 inches.
11. The ATV of claim 10, wherein the front axis and the rear axis
define a wheel base of between 55 and 72 inches.
12. The ATV of claim 11, wherein the front axis and the rear axis
define a wheel base of between 55 and 65 inches.
13. The ATV of claim 12, wherein the front axis and the rear axis
define a wheel base of between 56 and 64 inches.
14. The ATV of claim 4, wherein the front axis and the rear axis
define a wheel base of between 55 and 72 inches.
15. The ATV of claim 5, wherein the front axis and the rear axis
define a wheel base of between 55 and 72 inches.
16. The ATV of claim 6, wherein the front axis and the rear axis
define a wheel base of between 55 and 72 inches.
17. The ATV of claim 7, wherein the front axis and the rear axis
define a wheel base of between 55 and 72 inches.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE
[0001] This application is a Divisional of U.S. Utility patent
application Ser. No. 10/292,813, titled "ATV WITH IMPROVED DRIVER
POSITIONING AND/OR MULTI PASSENGER CAPACITY," filed on Nov. 13,
2002, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Utility patent
application Ser. No. 09/950,926 titled "CARGO CARRYING COMPARTMENTS
OF AN ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE," filed on Sep. 13, 2001, the contents of
both of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] Through application Ser. No. 09/950,926, this application
claims further priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
60/232,572 titled "CARGO CARRYING COMPONENTS OF AN ALL TERRAIN
VEHICLE," filed on Sep. 13, 2000, which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0003] Through application Ser. No. 10/292,813, this application
also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
60/331,252 titled "ATV WITH IMPROVED DRIVER POSITIONING AND/OR
MULTI PASSENGER CAPACITY," filed on Nov. 13, 2001, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
[0004] Through application Ser. No. 10/292,813, this application
also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
60/393,114 titled "ATV WITH IMPROVED DRIVER POSITIONING AND/OR
MULTI PASSENGER CAPACITY," filed on Jul. 3, 2002, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
[0005] Through application Ser. No. 10/292,813, this application
also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
60/384,822 titled "ATV WITH IMPROVED DRIVER POSITIONING AND/OR
MULTI PASSENGER CAPACITY," filed on Jun. 4, 2002, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
[0006] This application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/475,511 titled "ATV WITH IMPROVED DRIVER
POSITIONING AND/OR MULTI PASSENGER CAPACITY," filed on Jun. 4,
2003, which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0007] This invention relates to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and
in particular ATVs in which two riders (a driver and a passenger)
can be accommodated. The present invention also relates to the seat
positioning of the driver and/or passenger on the ATV.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Conventionally, the term ATV or all-terrain vehicle has been
limited to straddle-seat, wheeled vehicles that are constructed to
accommodate just one rider/driver. The Consumer Product Safety
Commission uses the one-rider limitation to define "ATV" due to the
belief that straddle-seat, wheeled vehicles could not safely
accommodate more than one rider.
[0009] As illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B, despite numerous
warnings that a conventional ATV 1000 is designed for just one
driver 1010, in practice, a passenger 1020 often rides on the
one-person ATV 1000. Placing two riders 1010, 1020 on the one-rider
ATV 1000 creates several problems. First, as illustrated in FIG.
11A, because the seat of the one-person ATV 1000 is designed to
accommodate just one rider, the passenger 1020 must uncomfortably
squeeze onto the ATV's one-person seat between the driver 1010 and
a rear rack 1030. Second, as illustrated in FIG. 11B, a footrest
1040 of the ATV 1000 is similarly designed to only be long enough
to accommodate the feet of the one intended rider 1010. The
wheelbase of the ATV 1000 limits the space between front and rear
fenders 1050, 1060. Consequently, the driver 1010 and passenger
1020 must uncomfortably share the one-person footrest 1040. Third,
because the driver 1010 and passenger 1020 must be so tightly
squeezed together, the legs of the passenger 1020 inhibit the
ability of the driver 1010 to move, while the body of the driver
1010 inhibits the ability of the passenger 1020 to move. Such
limited mobility disadvantageously limits the abilities of both
riders 1010, 1020 to actively position themselves (e.g., lean into
curves or slopes to stabilize the ATV 1000). Fourth, as shown in
FIG. 11A, a center of gravity of the passenger 1020 is
longitudinally positioned at, near, or even behind a rear wheel
axis 1070 of the ATV 1000 such that the back of the passenger 1020
is disposed rearwardly of the rear wheel axis 1070. Such
positioning disadvantageously shifts the combined center of gravity
of the ATV 1000 and riders 1010, 1020 rearwardly, thereby
increasing the risk of tipping the ATV 1000.
[0010] As illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B, a conventional
after-market passenger seat 1100 was developed in an attempt to
provide a seat for the passenger 1020 that can be attached to a
conventional one-person ATV like the ATV 1000. While the passenger
seat 1100 provides more longitudinal space for the passenger 1020,
it suffers from many of the same deficiencies encountered when the
passenger 1020 rides on the ATV 1000 without a passenger seat 1100
(as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B). Furthermore, the seat 1100 creates
additional problems for the ATV 1000 and riders 1010, 1020. First,
in order to give the passenger 1020 more longitudinal space, the
seat 1100 must be shifted far to the rear of the ATV 1000. As
illustrated in FIG. 12A, such positioning places the center of
gravity of the passenger 1020 well behind the rear wheel axis 1070
of the ATV 1000, which results in a combined ATV 1000 and rider
1010, 1020 center of gravity that is farther behind the rear wheel
axis as compared to the dual-rider situation shown in FIGS. 11A and
11B. Second, because the passenger seat 1100 is positioned on top
of the conventional rear rack 1030 of the ATV 1000, the passenger
seat 1100 places the center of gravity of the passenger 1020 in an
elevated position on the ATV 1000, which further impairs the
stability of both the passenger 1020 and the ATV 1000. Furthermore,
as illustrated in FIG. 12B, the extremely elevated position of the
seat 1100 relative to the driver's seat could cause the knees of
the passenger 1020 to interfere with the elbows of the driver 1010.
Fourth, upwardly extending, rigid sides 1110 of the seat 1100 force
the legs of the passenger 1020 laterally inwardly, which further
reduces the mobility of both the driver 1010 and the passenger 1020
and impairs their abilities to actively position themselves during
operation of the ATV 1000. Still further, placing the passenger
seat 1100 on top of the rear rack 1030 disadvantageously eliminates
the storage space on the rear rack 1030. While the passenger seat
1100 opens up to provide a small, internal storage compartment,
such a storage compartment is quite limited as compared to the
large, open space provided above the rear rack 1030 when the
passenger seat 1100 is removed.
[0011] Amacker (U.S. Pat. No. 4,247,030) discloses a passenger seat
for an ATV that is similar to the after-market passenger seat 1100
illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B and suffers from many of the same
shortcomings. As illustrated in FIG. 3 of Amacker, the passenger's
center of gravity is disposed well behind the rear axis and
therefore disadvantageously increases the risk of rearward rollover
of the ATV. Furthermore, both the passenger's legs and feet and the
driver's legs and feet must be disposed at the same longitudinal
position on the ATV, which causes the driver and the passenger to
interfere with each other's mobility and thereby inhibit their
ability to actively position themselves.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The inventors of the present invention determined that if
multiple riders are going to ride ATVs that are designed for one
rider despite all contraindications and/or other warnings, then
ATVs should be constructed to safely accommodate multiple riders.
Accordingly, through the present invention, the inventors resolved
safety concerns of the industry regarding multi-person ATVs.
[0013] Accordingly, one aspect of embodiments of the invention
provides an ATV that can safely accommodate two riders (a driver
and a passenger). For example, the wheelbase of the ATV can be
extended (e.g., by about 8" to 12" or more) compared to
conventional ATVs such that the driver is more centered between the
front and rear wheels, which creates additional space to
accommodate an additional rider behind the driver. An advantage to
this structure is that the driver's riding position is more active
and comfortable, and the passenger can be accommodated in a safe
manner.
[0014] Another aspect of embodiments of the invention provides an
ATV on which a single rider, i.e., the driver, can be placed in a
position that is more centered between the front and rear pairs of
wheels, thereby improving driver comfort and/or reducing the
chances for roll-over of the ATV.
[0015] Another aspect of embodiments of the present invention
provides a two-person ATV that allows the driver and passenger to
actively position themselves during operation of the ATV.
[0016] One additional aspect of the present invention provides an
ATV with a frame and at least three wheels suspended from the
frame. At least one of the wheels is a front wheel and at least one
of the wheels is a rear wheel. The front wheel defines a front axis
and the rear wheel defines a rear axis. The ATV has a power unit
for driving at least one of the wheels disposed on the frame and a
straddle-type seat disposed on the frame. The seat has a main seat
portion for a driver and a secondary seat portion, rearward of the
main portion, for a passenger. The ATV also has a rear rack, a
majority of which is rearward of a rearward end of the secondary
seat portion, and a steering member for steering at least one of
the wheels.
[0017] Still another aspect of the present invention provides an
ATV where the vehicle only has four wheels, two of which are front
wheels, and two of which are rear wheels. The front wheels define
the front axis and the rear wheels define the rear axis, and each
of the wheels includes an ATV-type tire. In addition, handlebars
function as the steering member.
[0018] One additional aspect of the present invention provides an
ATV where the secondary seat portion does not significantly
interfere with an open storage space provided on top of the rear
rack.
[0019] A further aspect of the present invention provides an ATV
with a back rest positioned at a rearward end of the secondary seat
portion. The majority of the rear rack is rearward of the back
rest.
[0020] Another aspect of the present invention provides an ATV
where the rearward end of the secondary seat portion is
longitudinally disposed in front of a back side of the rear rack by
at least 5 inches.
[0021] Still another aspect of the present invention provides an
ATV where the rearward end of the secondary seat portion is
longitudinally disposed in front of the back side of the rear rack
by at least 8 inches.
[0022] One further aspect of the present invention provides an ATV
where the rearward end of the secondary seat portion is
longitudinally disposed in front of the back side of the rear rack
by between 10 and 20 inches.
[0023] Another aspect of the present invention provides an ATV
where the front axis and the rear axis define a wheelbase of
greater than 52 inches.
[0024] A further aspect of the present invention provides an ATV
where the front axis and the rear axis define a wheelbase of
greater than 54 inches.
[0025] An additional aspect of the present invention provides an
ATV where the front axis and the rear axis define a wheel base of
between 52 and 72 inches.
[0026] One further aspect of the present invention provides an ATV
where the front axis and the rear axis define a wheel base of
between 55 and 72 inches.
[0027] Still another aspect of the present invention provides an
ATV where the front axis and the rear axis define a wheel base of
between 55 and 65 inches.
[0028] One additional aspect of the present invention provides an
ATV where the front axis and the rear axis define a wheel base of
between 56 and 64 inches.
[0029] Additional and/or alternative aspects of the embodiments of
the present invention will be described in or apparent from the
following description of the preferred embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] FIG. 1 is a left side view of an ATV according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the rear, left side of the
ATV shown in FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 2B is a rear view of the ATV shown in FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the top, left side of the
ATV shown in FIG. 1;
[0034] FIG. 3B is a top left partial perspective view of the seat
of the ATV shown in FIG. 1;
[0035] FIG. 3C is a forward left partial perspective view of a
backrest of the ATV shown in FIG. 1;
[0036] FIG. 3D is a right perspective view of the backrest of the
ATV shown in FIG. 1;
[0037] FIG. 4A is a partial left side view of a left passenger grab
handle of the ATV shown in FIG. 1;
[0038] FIG. 4B is a partial top view of the left passenger grab
handle of the ATV shown in FIG. 1;
[0039] FIG. 4C is a partial perspective view of the left passenger
grab handle of the ATV shown in FIG. 1;
[0040] FIG. 5A is a partial perspective view of the top and side of
a left footrest of the ATV shown in FIG. 1;
[0041] FIG. 5B is a partial top perspective view of the left
footrest of the ATV shown in FIG. 1;
[0042] FIG. 5C is a left side view of the left footrest of the ATV
shown in FIG. 1;
[0043] FIG. 6 is a partial top view of the ATV shown in FIG. 1 with
the seat removed;
[0044] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view taken from the top,
rear side of the ATV shown in FIG. 1 with the seat removed;
[0045] FIG. 8 is a side view of the ATV shown in FIG. 1 with
comparative centers of gravity of various components of the ATV
shown in FIG. 1 and of the conventional ATVs shown in FIGS.
11A-12B;
[0046] FIG. 9 is a partial cut away side view of the ATV shown in
FIG. 1 illustrating the power unit;
[0047] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of the ATV of FIG. 1
with a back rest and grab handles according to an alternative
embodiment of the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 11A is a left side view of two riders riding a
conventional one-person ATV;
[0049] FIG. 11B is a forward left partial perspective view of the
riders and ATV shown in FIG. 11A;
[0050] FIG. 12A is a left side view of two riders riding a
conventional one-person ATV with an after market passenger seat
attached thereto;
[0051] FIG. 12B is a forward left partial perspective view of the
two riders and ATV shown in FIG. 12A;
[0052] FIG. 13 illustrates a front elevational view of a standard
rider;
[0053] FIG. 14 illustrates a side elevational view of the standard
rider illustrated in FIG. 13; and
[0054] FIG. 15 is a left side view of a three person ATV according
to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0055] FIGS. 1-9 show an ATV 100 according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0056] Throughout this description, unless otherwise expressly
stated, all dimensions and relationships between elements are
measured when the ATV 100 is unloaded (i.e., without riders or
baggage), has a full oil reservoir and tank of fuel, is on level
ground, and is steered straight forward. Furthermore, unless
otherwise indicated, the driver and passenger have the weight and
dimensions of a standard rider. The standard rider is a 50.sup.th
percentile human male who weighs 78 kg and has the dimensions
illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14.
[0057] Throughout this description, the term ATV shall not be
limited to the conventional one-rider definition. Rather, the ATV
100 is still referred to as an ATV despite the fact that it is
designed to accommodate a driver and a passenger, and could be
designed to accommodate a driver and multiple passengers. Moreover,
the ATV 100 is designed to comfortably accommodate just the driver
as well.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 1, the ATV 100 includes a frame 102 that
supports a pair of laterally-spaced, front wheels 105 and a pair of
laterally-spaced, rear wheels 110. The wheels 105, 110 are
preferably equally sized. The wheels preferably have a diameter of
between about 20 to 30 inches, and more preferably about 25
inches.
[0059] A wheelbase L, defined between the axes of rotation 107, 108
of the wheels 105, 110, respectively, is significantly longer than
in conventional ATVs, and is preferably at least about 8 to 14
inches longer than conventional ATV wheelbases. Preferably, the
wheelbase is about 10 to 12 inches longer than a standard ATV
wheelbase. Specifically, the wheelbase L is preferably between 52
and 72 inches, is more preferably between 55 and 65 inches, is even
more preferably between 56 and 64 inches, and is even more
preferably about 61 inches. As discussed in greater detail below,
the elongated wheelbase L provides numerous advantages over shorter
conventional ATVs. These advantages may include improved stability
(less susceptibility to tipping or rolling), a more comfortable
ride for the driver, the comfortable facilitation of a seat for a
passenger, active positioning of the driver and passenger, and
reduced physical interference between the driver and passenger
(i.e., via increased space for the driver and passenger and/or
improved driver and passenger mobility).
[0060] If greater than four wheels are provided on the ATV 100, the
wheelbase L should be measured over the longest longitudinal span
between longitudinally adjacent axes. For example, if the ATV
comprises six wheels (three pairs of longitudinally spaced wheels),
the wheelbase L should be measured as the longer of (a) the
distance between the front and middle pairs of wheels, and (b) the
distance between the middle and rearward pairs of wheels.
Similarly, the front and rear wheels are defined as the
most-longitudinally-spaced-apart, longitudinally adjacent wheels.
Consequently, "front" and "rear" wheels are defined relative to
each other and not relative to additional wheels that may also be
present on the ATV.
[0061] The frame 102 is similar to a conventional ATV frame except
that the frame 102 is extended to provide for the extended
wheelbase L. Additional longitudinal structural elements may be
added to the frame 102 to strengthen the frame 102 over the
extended gap between the wheels 105, 110.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 1, the illustrated ATV 100 has a ground
clearance G, which is similar to the ground clearance of
conventional ATVs. The ground clearance G is defined by the
vertical distance between the ground and the lowest point on the
frame 102 and is preferably about 10 inches. However, as the
wheelbase L elongates more and more, a change in ground clearance
should be further considered. For example, if the wheelbase L is
extended further, the ground clearance G should be increased
accordingly.
[0063] While the illustrated ATV 100 includes four wheels 105, 110,
the ATV 100 could alternatively include just three wheels (e.g.,
two rear wheels and a single front wheel or two front wheels and a
single rear wheel). The front wheels 105 are suspended from the
frame 102 by an appropriate front suspension 106, while the rear
wheels 110 are suspended from the frame 102 by an appropriate rear
suspension 111. The ATV 100 includes a front bumper 115 and a rear
bumper 120, and a front rack 125 and a rear rack 130. A steering
member, e.g., a pair of handlebars 134, is positioned just behind
the front rack 125 and is operably coupled to the front wheels 105
for steering purposes. The ATV 100 includes front fenders 135
positioned above the front wheels 105 and rear fenders 137
positioned above the rear wheels 110.
[0064] As best illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 3A, 3C and 3D, the rear
rack 130 preferably comprises a plurality of interconnected,
elongated members, which are preferably tubular. A rear member 130a
defines a rearward end of the rear rack 130. Similarly, side
members 130b define the outer lateral sides of the rear rack 130. A
plurality of interior members 130c are also provided. It should be
noted, however, that the structure of the rear rack 130 may be
modified or the rear rack 130 may be eliminated entirely without
deviating from the scope of the present invention.
[0065] As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2A, 3A, and 3B, the ATV 100
includes a straddle-type seat 139 that includes a main seat portion
140 and a secondary seat portion 145, which are connected together
with a transition 142, which may provide a definite dividing line
between the main and secondary seat portions 140, 145. Because the
transition 142 angles upwardly at approximately a 45 degree angle
from the main seat portion 140 to the secondary seat portion 145,
the transition 142 generally provides a rear portion to the main
seat portion 140 that tends to discourage the driver (i.e., the
person sitting in the main seat portion 140) from sliding
rearwardly onto the secondary seat portion 145. Alternatively, a
precise transition 142 may be eliminated altogether such that the
main and secondary seat portions 140, 145 together form a single,
elongated, seat portion. Furthermore, the transition may comprise a
gap between the main and secondary seat portions 140, 145 such that
the seat 139 has two separated portions.
[0066] Because the seat 139 is a two-person seat rather than a
conventional one-person seat, a longitudinal length S of the seat
139 formed between a forward end 140a of the main seat portion 140
and a rearward end 145a of the secondary seat portion 145a is
significantly longer than in the prior art. The length S is
preferably between 30 and 60 inches, is more preferably between 31
and 50 inches, is even more preferably between 32 and 45 inches,
and is even more preferably about 37 inches.
[0067] The forward end 140a of the seat 139 is defined as a point
that is slightly rearward (preferably 2-5 inches) of the rear end
of the handlebars 134. The forward end 140a is also preferably
disposed slightly forward or at the same longitudinal position as a
heel stop 280 of a footrest 250. Alternatively, if handlebars 134
are not provided or do not reasonably define the forward end 140a
of the seat, the forward end 140a is defined as the forwardmost
longitudinal position on the seat 139 that is designed to support
any portion of the driver. While the vast variation in conventional
seat styles and shapes makes it difficult to precisely define the
forward end 140a of a seat of every different ATV without specific
reference to each different seat style, a forward end of a seat of
any ATV is readily determinable by one of ordinary skill in the
art.
[0068] The rearward end 145a of the seat 139 is defined by a
longitudinal position of a forward surface 150a of a back rest 150
of the ATV 100. However, if a back rest 150 is not provided on the
ATV 100, the rearward end 145a is quantitatively defined by the
rearwardmost longitudinal position on the seat 139 that is designed
to support any portion of the passenger.
[0069] As illustrated in FIG. 3D, the rearward end 140a of the seat
and/or the forward surface 150a of the back rest 150 are preferably
disposed in front of a majority of the rear rack 130 so that they
do not interfere substantially with an open storage space provided
on top of the rear rack 130. Accordingly, the rearward end 140a and
the forward surface 150a are preferably disposed in front of a back
side 130a of the rear rack by a horizontal distance J, which is
preferably between 5 and 20 inches, is more preferably between 8
and 20 inches, is even more preferably between 10 and 20 inches,
and is even more preferably between 14 and 20 inches. Because the
back side 130a of the rear rack is generally longitudinally aligned
with a rear end of the ATV 100 as a whole, the rearward end 140a
and the forward surface 150a bear the same or similar relationship
to the rear end of the ATV 100 as they do to the back side 130a of
the rear rack 130.
[0070] The main seat portion 140 accommodates a standard driver in
a standard driving position while the ATV 100 is headed straight
forward (i.e., to the left as illustrated in FIG. 1) on flat
terrain. The main portion 140 is positioned behind the front wheel
axis 105 by approximately the same longitudinal extent as a
conventional rider seat on a conventional ATV.
[0071] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3B, the main seat portion 140
includes a main supporting range 140b, which is defined on the
upper surface of the main seat portion 140 by a range of positions
of a center of the weight distribution on the main seat portion 140
of a driver who is sitting on the main seat portion 140 in an
operating position. Accordingly, a center of the main supporting
range is preferably longitudinally disposed at the same point as
the center of gravity 520 of the driver (as shown in FIG. 8 and
described in greater detail below). Of course, they could be
different, if desired and depending on the layout of the other
components of the ATV 100 such as the engine 215. The main
supporting range 140b is generally centered at a lateral center of
the main seat portion 140 two thirds of the way back on the main
seat portion 140 from the forward end 140a (i.e. positioned behind
the forward end 140a by two thirds of the longitudinal length of
the main seat portion 140, which is defined generally as a distance
M between the forward end 140a and the uppermost edge of the
transition/rear end 142 of the main seat portion 140). However, if
the main seat portion 140 were shaped differently, the main
supporting range may be located at a different relative position on
the main seat portion 140. The main supporting range 140b
preferably extends forwardly and rearwardly from its center by
about 5 inches.
[0072] The center of the main supporting range 140b is disposed
longitudinally rearwardly from the front wheel axis 107 by a
distance T, which is preferably about 40-80% of the wheelbase L, is
more preferably about 45-70% of the wheelbase L, and is even more
preferably about 55-65% of the wheelbase L. Conversely, the center
of the main supporting range 140b is disposed in front of the rear
wheel axis 108 by a distance that is preferably about 20-60% of the
wheelbase L, is more preferably about 30-55% of the wheelbase L,
and is even more preferably about 35-45% of the wheelbase L. In
absolute terms, the center of the main supporting range 140b is
positioned in front of the rear wheel axis 108 by a distance L
minus T, which is preferably between 21 and 30 inches, and is more
preferably about 21.6 inches. In an alternative embodiment,
distance L minus T is preferably about 22-30 inches, and is more
preferably about 24-27 inches.
[0073] As illustrated in FIG. 8 and discussed in greater detail
below, the position of the main seat portion 140 places the driver
closer to the center of the wheelbase L than in conventional ATVs.
Positioning the driver close to the center of the wheelbase L of
the ATV 100 advantageously improves the driver's comfort. This
positioning may also improve the handling of the ATV 100 due to the
driver's active positioning.
[0074] The secondary portion 145 is designed to accommodate a
passenger in a standard riding position. A secondary supporting
range 145b is disposed on the secondary seat portion 145 and is
defined in the same manner as the main supporting range 140a. A
longitudinal length N of the secondary seat portion 145 is
preferably 5% to 45% shorter than the length M of the main seat
portion 140, but could alternatively be the same as the length M or
even longer than the length M.
[0075] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3D, a back rest 150 is provided
behind the secondary portion 145 to help support the back of the
passenger. The back rest 150 also deters additional unauthorized
passengers from riding the ATV 100. The back rest 150 mounts on a
post 152 that attaches to the rear rack 130 or directly to the
frame 102. As shown in FIG. 3D for the illustrated embodiment, the
post 152 is bent at its lower end and includes a slot 153 through
which a plurality of bolts 154 extend to attach the post 152 to the
rear rack 130. The slot 153 allows the longitudinal position of the
back rest 150 to be adjusted. However, other longitudinal
adjustment mechanisms may alternatively be used. Although not
shown, the back rest 150 is adapted to accommodate a standard sized
passenger, but may also be vertically adjustable to accommodate
different sized passengers.
[0076] The post 152 (or some other part) of the backrest 150 is
preferably designed such that the backrest 150 may deflect
forwardly and rearwardly by several inches (e.g., 3 to 4 inches)
during normal operation when subjected to a longitudinal load. This
deflection enables the backrest 150 to more comfortably accommodate
the passenger's back. The post 152 may comprise a resilient
material such as spring steel that creates the desired
flexibility.
[0077] While the illustrated back rest 150 utilizes just one
centrally-positioned support post 152, the back rest could be
attached to the ATV 100 in a variety of other manners as well. For
example, FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative back rest 160 that may
mount onto the ATV 100 instead of the back rest 150. The back rest
160 is mounted to the ATV 100 via two laterally-spaced support
posts 162 that extend between opposite lateral sides of the back
rest 160 and a structural portion of the ATV 100 such as the frame
102 or the rear rack 130. As illustrated in FIG. 10, a forward
back-supporting surface 160a of the back rest 160 arches rearwardly
in its middle portion such that a middle of the surface 160a is
disposed rearwardly of the lateral sides of the surface 160a.
[0078] A back-supporting forward surface 150a is adapted to support
and rest against a back of the passenger. The forward surface 150a
is preferably disposed in front of the axis 108 of the rear wheels
110 by a distance B. However, the forward surface 150a could
alternatively be disposed behind the rear axis 108 if other
components are moved, the danger of rollover is minimized, and/or
the dynamic handling of the ATV is not significantly adversely
affected. The distance B is preferably greater than zero, is more
preferably between 1/2 and 10 inches, and is even more preferably
between about 1/2 and 3 inches. Alternatively, the distance B may
preferably be between about 1 and 10 inches, and more preferably
between about 1 and 3 inches. Similarly, the forward surface 150a
is preferably disposed in front of a majority of, if not all of,
the rear rack 130. Accordingly, the back rest 150 does not
significantly, if at all, interfere with the storage space above
the rear rack 130 (i.e., the rear rack 130 is usable even when the
back rest 150 is attached to the ATV 100). Furthermore, the forward
surface 150a is preferably disposed at generally the same
longitudinal position along the ATV 100 as a rearward end 145a of
the secondary seat portion 145. Accordingly, the rearward end 145a
of the secondary seat portion 145 and the forward surface 150a
preferably bear the same or similar longitudinal relationships to
the axis 108 and rear rack 130.
[0079] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3B, a secondary supporting range
145b of the secondary seat portion 145 is disposed farther forward
relative to the rear wheel axis 108 on the ATV 100 than the
after-market passenger seat on conventional ATVs (as described
above), which are disposed behind the driver's seat. Accordingly,
as illustrated in FIG. 8 and discussed in greater detail below, a
passenger on the secondary seat portion 145 of the ATV 100 is
positioned closer to the center of gravity 500 of the ATV 100 than
passengers on conventional aftermarket passenger seats of
conventional ATVs. Placing the passenger closer to the center of
the wheelbase L of the ATV 100 improves the passenger's comfort and
reduces the risk of roll-over. Furthermore, because the forward
positioning of the secondary seat portion 145 places the center of
gravity 550 of the passenger between the front and rear wheel axes
107, 108, the passenger's weight is more evenly distributed over
the wheelbase L of the ATV 100 than in conventional aftermarket
passenger seats, where a center of gravity 570 of a passenger might
disadvantageously be positioned behind the rear wheel axis 108.
[0080] The secondary seat portion 145 should be disposed high
enough above the rear wheel axis 108 that it does not interfere
with the rear wheels 110 and/or rear fenders 137. Accordingly, the
secondary seating range 145b of the secondary seat portion 145 is
preferably disposed higher than the rear wheel axis 108 by a
distance R. (see FIG. 1). The distance R is preferably between 20
and 35 inches, and is more preferably about 25 inches. In an
exemplary embodiment, if the wheels 105, 110 have 26 inch diameters
and the distance R is 25 inches, the secondary seat portion 145
would be disposed above the ground by about 38 inches.
[0081] The secondary seat portion 145 is disposed lower on the ATV
100 than conventional aftermarket passenger seats on conventional
ATVs. The lower positioning is possible because the secondary seat
portion 145 is disposed in front of the rear rack 130 and/or rear
wheels 110, instead of directly over the rear wheels or even behind
the rear wheels as in the prior art. Accordingly, the rear wheels
110 and rear fenders 137 interfere less with the secondary seat
portion 145 than the rear wheels and fender of a conventional ATV
interfere with conventional aftermarket passenger seats. As
illustrated in FIG. 8 and discussed in greater detail below,
because the secondary seat portion 145 is lower than conventional
aftermarket passenger seats, the center of gravity 550 of a
passenger on the secondary seat portion 145 of the ATV 100 is lower
than the center of gravity 570 of a passenger on a prior art
passenger seat. Lowering the passenger's center of gravity 550
advantageously improves the passenger's comfort, as well as the
performance of the ATV 100.
[0082] The main supporting range 140b is disposed below the
secondary supporting range 145b by a vertical height H. The height
H is preferably between 0 and 8 inches, is more preferably between
1 and 4 inches, and is even more preferably about 2 inches. While
the height H is preferably greater than 1 inch, the height H should
be limited. If the height H is too large, the passenger's knees may
interfere with the elbows of the driver and inhibit the driver's
ability to steer the ATV 100. To avoid this problem, the height H
is preferably less than 8 inches and is more preferably less than 4
inches. The height H may alternatively be zero (or even negative)
such that the main and supporting ranges 140b, 145b are disposed at
approximately equal heights.
[0083] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3B, the center of the main
supporting range 140b is longitudinally spaced from the center of
the secondary supporting range 145b by a distance Q, which is
preferably about 8 to 20 inches, is more preferably about 12 to 17
inches. The distance Q provides adequate longitudinal space for
both the driver and the passenger such that the riders to not
significantly interfere with each other. The distance Q provides
adequate longitudinal space for the riders to comfortably and
actively position themselves.
[0084] As best illustrated in FIG. 3B, forward parts of both the
main and secondary seat portions 140, 145 taper laterally inwardly
as they progress forwardly. Consequently, the forward part of the
secondary seat portion 145 is preferably narrower than a rearward
part of the main seat portion 140. The wider rearward parts of the
seat portions 140, 145 provide comfortable support for the riders
while the narrower forward parts of the seat portions 140, 145
provide the riders with greater leg mobility that improves the
riders' abilities to actively position themselves. For example,
when making a left turn during operation of the ATV, it is
advantageous for the riders to be able to actively position
themselves by shifting their weight to the left to stabilize the
ATV 100. In this situation, the inward taper of the forward parts
of the right side of the seat portions 140, 145 enables the riders
to better position themselves by comfortably angling their right
legs to a greater extent.
[0085] FIG. 6 is a partial top view of the ATV 100 with the seat
139 removed to expose the power unit 215, which in this embodiment
comprises an internal combustion engine. The power unit 215 is
operatively connected to at least one of the wheels 105, 110 via
one or more driveshafts 216 to power the ATV 100. The power unit
215 is preferably operatively connected to all the wheels 105,
110.
[0086] To maximize the comfort of the ATV riders (driver and
passenger) and improve the dynamic behavior of the vehicle 100, the
center of gravity of the riders and vehicle 100 should be located
properly. To achieve this maximum comfort, the riders (driver and
passenger) should be located as close as possible to the center of
the wheelbase L. This positioning enables the riders to naturally
pivot between the front and rear wheels 105, 110 and experience as
little jostling forces as possible during operation of the ATV 100.
The comfort provided by such passenger positioning is best
illustrated with reference to a school bus, in which a person
sitting in the back of the bus is far away from the bus's wheelbase
center and experiences significant jostling as the bus pivots over
bumps. Accordingly, the combined center of gravity of the vehicle,
driver, and passenger should each be close to the center of the
wheelbase L of the ATV 100 in order to obtain dynamic behavior that
is as neutral as possible.
[0087] FIG. 8 comparatively illustrates the centers of gravity of
an exemplary ATV 100, driver, and passenger relative to the centers
of gravity of (1) the conventional ATV 1000, its driver, and an
unauthorized passenger (as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B), and (2) the
conventional ATV 1000, its driver, and a passenger sitting in the
after market passenger seat 1100 (as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B).
All positions are shown relative to the rear axis of the relevant
ATV 100, 1000. The exemplary ATV 100 is shown in phantom to provide
perspective to the various positions. In the exemplary ATV 100
illustrated in FIG. 8, the wheelbase L is about 61 inches, the
distance R is about 25 inches, the distance H is about 2 inches,
the distance B is about 3/4 of an inch, and the distance S is about
37 inches (see dimensions in FIG. 1).
[0088] As illustrated, an ATV 100 center of gravity 500 is
horizontally disposed in front of the axis 108 by a distance
A.sub.xR, which is preferably between 26 and 35 inches, is more
preferably between 27 and 34 inches, and is even more preferably
about 29 inches. Conversely, a center of gravity 510 of the ATV
1000 is only disposed 25 inches in front of the rear wheel axis
1070 (see FIG. 11A).
[0089] In one embodiment of the present invention, a ratio of a
horizontal distance A.sub.xR between the rear axis 108 and the
center of gravity 500 of the ATV 100 to the distance L is
preferably between 0.25 and 0.75, is more preferably between 0.4
and 0.6, and is even more preferably between about 0.45 and
0.55.
[0090] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a
ratio of a horizontal distance A.sub.xF between the front axis 107
and the center of gravity 500 of the ATV 100 to the distance
A.sub.xR (between the center of gravity 500 and the rear axis 108),
which equals the distance L divided by the distance A.sub.xR minus
one, is preferably between 1.05 and 2, is more preferably greater
than 1.07, is even more preferably greater than 1.09, is even more
preferably greater than 1.1, and is even more preferably about
1.12.
[0091] The center of gravity 500 is disposed above the rear wheel
axis 108 by a distance A.sub.y, which is preferably between about 0
and 10 inches, and is more preferably about 7 inches. In an
alternative embodiment, the distance A.sub.y is about 5 inches.
[0092] As illustrated in FIG. 9, an angle .alpha..sub.R is formed
between the front wheel axis 107, the rear wheel axis 108, and the
center of gravity 500. Similarly, an angle .alpha..sub.F is formed
between the rear wheel axis 108, the front wheel axis 107, and the
center of gravity 500. The angles .alpha..sub.R and .alpha..sub.F
are preferably less than 20 degrees and more preferably about 15
degrees. The angle .alpha..sub.R may alternatively be about 10
degrees. The angle .alpha..sub.F may alternatively be about 9
degrees. A line that forms the base of the angles .alpha..sub.R,
.alpha..sub.F and extends between the front and rear axes 107, 108
is preferably generally level because the front and rear wheels
105, 110 are preferably generally equally sized. In one embodiment,
the front wheel 105 has a 25 inch diameter while the rear wheel 110
has a 26 inch diameter.
[0093] As illustrated in FIG. 8, a center of gravity 520 of the
driver sitting on the main seat portion 140 of the ATV 100 is
horizontally disposed in front of the axis 108 by a distance
D.sub.xR, which is preferably between 13 and 30 inches, is more
preferably between 15 and 30 inches, is even more preferably
between 19 and 30 inches, and is even more preferably about 22
inches. Conversely, the driver on the ATV 1000 without a passenger
seat 1100, who is squished forwardly to provide space for the
passenger 1020 as shown in FIG. 11A, has a center of gravity 530
that is only disposed about 19 inches in front of the rear wheel
axis 1070. Similarly a center of gravity 540 of the driver on the
ATV 1000 with the passenger seat 1100 (as shown in FIG. 12A) is
only disposed about 12 inches in front of the axis 1070.
Accordingly, FIG. 8 illustrates that the elongation of the frame
102 and wheelbase L of the ATV 100 enable the driver on the ATV 100
to be positioned farther in front of the rear wheel axis 108 than
on conventional ATVs.
[0094] The center of gravity 520 is disposed above the rear wheel
axis 108 by a distance D.sub.y, which is preferably between about
10 and 35 inches, is more preferably between 15 and 35 inches, and
is even more preferably about 22 inches.
[0095] As illustrated in FIG. 9, an angle .delta..sub.R is formed
between the front wheel axis 107, the rear wheel axis 108, and the
center of gravity 520. An angle .delta..sub.F is formed between the
rear wheel axis 108, the front wheel axis 107, and the center of
gravity 520. The angles .delta..sub.R and .delta..sub.F are
preferably between 30 and 60 degrees, are more preferably between
30 and 51 degrees, and are even more preferably about 45 degrees.
In an alternative embodiment, the angle .delta..sub.F is preferably
between 15 and 45 degrees, is more preferably between 15 and 33
degrees, and is even more preferably about 32 degrees.
[0096] A center of gravity 550 of the passenger sitting on the
secondary seat portion 145 of the ATV 100 is horizontally disposed
in front of the rear axis 108 by a distance P.sub.xR, which is
preferably greater than zero, is more preferably between 1 and 19
inches, is even more preferably between 4 and 15 inches, and is
even more preferably about 7 inches. Conversely, a center of
gravity 560 of the unauthorized passenger on the ATV 1000 without
the passenger seat (as shown in FIG. 11A) is only disposed about 4
inches in front of the rear axis 1070. A center of gravity 570 of
the passenger on the passenger seat 1100 (as shown in FIG. 12A) is
actually disposed behind the rear axis 1070 by about 6 inches.
Accordingly, FIG. 8 illustrates that the elongation of the frame
102 and wheelbase L and the positioning of the secondary seat
portion 145 enable the passenger on the ATV 100 to be disposed
farther forward on the ATV 100 than on conventional ATVs. Such
positioning improves the stability and comfort of the passenger on
the ATV 100.
[0097] A ratio of a distance P.sub.xF between the front axis 107
and the center of gravity 550 of the passenger on the ATV 100 to
the distance P.sub.xR (between the center of gravity 550 and the
rear axis 108), which equals the distance L divided by the distance
P.sub.xR minus one, is preferably between 2 and 13, is more
preferably between 2 and 11, is even more preferably between 2 and
9, and is even more preferably about 8. Similarly, a ratio of the
distance between the front axis 107 and center of the secondary
supporting range 145b to the distance between the center of the
secondary supporting range 145b and the rear axis 108 is preferably
between 2 and 50, is more preferably between 2 and 40, is even more
preferably between 2 and 30, and is even more preferably between 10
and 20.
[0098] The center of gravity 550 is disposed above the rear wheel
axis 108 by a distance P.sub.y, which is preferably between about
20 and 40 inches, and is more preferably about 27 inches.
[0099] As illustrated in FIG. 9, an angle .pi..sub.R is formed
between the front wheel axis 107, the rear wheel axis 108, and the
center of gravity 550. The angle .pi..sub.R is preferably between
60 and 90 degrees, is more preferably between 70 and 80 degrees,
and is even more preferably about 76 degrees. An angle .pi..sub.F
is formed between the rear wheel axis 108, the front wheel axis
107, and the center of gravity 550. The angle .pi..sub.F is
preferably between 15 and 45 degrees, is more preferably between 15
and 30 degrees, and is even more preferably about 27 degrees.
[0100] When both a driver and a passenger ride the ATV 100, a
combined center of gravity 580 of the ATV 100 and the two riders is
horizontally disposed in front of the rear axis 108 by about 25
inches. Conversely, when two riders ride the ATV 1000 without a
passenger seat 1100 (as shown in FIG. 11A), a combined center of
gravity 590 is only disposed about 21 inches in front of the rear
axis 1070. Similarly, when two riders ride the ATV 1000 with a
passenger seat 1100 (as shown in FIG. 12A), a combined center of
gravity 600 is only disposed about 19 inches in front of the rear
axis 1070.
[0101] Similarly, the combined center of gravity 580 is preferably
disposed rearwardly of the front axis 107 by a distance C.sub.xF
that is preferably between 25 and 50 inches, is more preferably
between 30 and 45 inches, is even more preferably between 33 and 45
inches, is even more preferably between 34 and 45 inches, and is
even more preferably about 36 inches.
[0102] The combined center of gravity 580 is preferably disposed
above the rear wheel axis 108 by a distance C.sub.y which is
preferably between 5 and 20 inches, and is more preferably by about
11 inches.
[0103] As illustrated in FIG. 9, an angle .kappa..sub.R is formed
between the front wheel axis 107, the rear wheel axis 108, and the
combined center of gravity 580. The angle .kappa..sub.R is
preferably between 15 and 45 degrees, is more preferably between 15
and 35 degrees, and is even more preferably about 30 degrees. In an
alternative embodiment, the angle .kappa..sub.R is preferably
between 15 and 30 degrees, is more preferably between 15 and 25
degrees, and is even more preferably about 24 degrees. An angle
.kappa..sub.F is formed between the rear wheel axis 108, the front
wheel axis 107, and the combined center of gravity 580. The angle
.kappa..sub.F is preferably between 10 and 45 degrees, is more
preferably between 10 and 30 degrees, is even more preferably
between 15 and 30 degrees, and is even more preferably about 20
degrees. In an alternative embodiment, the angle .kappa..sub.F is
preferably between 10 and 18 degrees, and is more preferably about
17 degrees.
[0104] As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 6, and 9, the power unit 215 is
located in front of the rear wheel axis 108 by a distance E. The
distance E is preferably about 22 to 40 inches and is more
preferably about 24 to 38 inches. In an alternative embodiment, the
distance E is preferably about 22-30 inches, and is more preferably
about 24-27 inches. Because the power unit 215 is preferably
disposed at generally the same longitudinal position on the ATV 100
as the main supporting range 140b, the distances E plus T equal the
wheelbase L. However, such a relationship between the power unit
215 and the main supporting range 140b is not required.
Furthermore, a ratio of the distance E to the distance L is
preferably between 0.25 and 0.75 and is more preferably between 0.4
and 0.6.
[0105] The centers of gravity of the riders are measured when the
riders are seated on their respective seat portions in standard
riding positions. As would be appreciated by those of ordinary
skill in the art, when in a standard riding position, the driver's
feet are placed on the footrests, the driver is sitting on the seat
portion 140, and the driver's hands are grabbing the handlebars 134
of other steering device. Similarly, the passenger's feet are
placed on the footrests, the passenger is sitting on the seat
portion 145, and the passenger's hands are holding onto the
passenger grab handles, if provided. The standard driver and
passenger have the weight and dimensions of a 50.sup.th percentile
human male, which are illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14.
[0106] Because the power unit 215, which is among the heaviest
components on the ATV 100, is disposed in front of the rear axis
108 by the distance E, and the wheelbase L of the ATV 100 is longer
than on conventional ATVs, the center of gravity 500 of the ATV 100
is shifted proportionally rearwardly relative to wheelbases of
conventional ATVs. Accordingly, the center of gravity 500 of the
ATV 100 is shifted rearwardly and is therefore closer to the main
and secondary supporting ranges 140b, 145b (and consequently closer
to the centers of gravity 520, 550 of the riders) than on
conventional ATVs. Also, while the power unit is typically disposed
in front of the driver seat in conventional ATVs, a forward end of
the power unit 215 is preferably disposed longitudinally rearwardly
from the forward end 140a of the main seat portion 140 of the ATV
100.
[0107] To optimize the comfort of the riders and the dynamic
performance of the ATV 100, the combined center of gravity 580
should be as centered on the wheelbase L as possible. If the center
of gravity of the vehicle 500 is centered on the wheelbase L, the
center of gravity of the driver 520 and the passenger 550 should be
as close to the center of the wheelbase L as possible. Because it
is difficult to simultaneously center each of the driver,
passenger, and ATV 100 on the wheelbase L, the ATV 100 should be
designed so that the center the combined center of gravity 580 is
positioned as close to the center of the wheelbase L as possible.
It is anticipated that a single rider (the driver) will ride the
ATV 100 about 70% of the time and two riders (the driver and the
passenger) will ride the ATV about 30% of the time. Accordingly,
the center of gravity 500 of the ATV 100 is preferably positioned
such that when a combined center of gravity 580 is determined using
a percentage-of-use-based weighted average of the positions and
weights of the driver and passenger, the combined center of gravity
580 is positioned as close to the center of the wheelbase L as
possible.
[0108] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the
dynamic characteristics of the ATV 100 and comfort of the driver
and passenger may be improved by positioning the center of gravity
500 of the ATV 100 as close as possible to the centers of gravity
520, 550 of the riders. To accomplish this, the center of gravity
500 of the ATV 100 could be moved part way between the centers of
gravity 520, 550 of the driver and passenger with the exact
placement of the center of gravity 500 being determined by the
weighted average of the percentage of use of the ATV 100 in
one-rider and two-rider modes. The main and secondary supporting
ranges 140b, 145b are reasonably close to the longitudinal
positions of the centers of gravity 520, 550 of the driver and
passenger, respectively, when riding the ATV 100. Accordingly, the
centers of the supporting ranges 140b, 145b will be used herein as
reference points for describing the placement of the center of
gravity 500 of the ATV 100. In other embodiments, the centers of
gravity 520, 550 are disposed in front of the centers of the
supporting ranges 140b, 145b by between about 2 and 5 inches.
Similarly, the centers of gravity 520, 550 are disposed above the
centers of the supporting ranges 140b, 145b by several inches
(e.g., 4-6 inches).
[0109] In this alternative embodiment, the center of gravity 500 of
the ATV 100 is preferably longitudinally positioned between the
supporting ranges 140b, 145b, and is more preferably disposed
rearwardly of the main supporting range 140b by about 30% of the
distance Q between the centers of the supporting ranges 140b, 145b.
The center of gravity of the ATV 100 is preferably disposed closer
to the main supporting range 140b than to the secondary supporting
range 145b because a driver rides the ATV 100 70% more often than a
passenger. In this alternative embodiment, the power unit 215 may
be shifted further rearward in order to shift the center of gravity
500 of the ATV 100 farther rearward.
[0110] In conventional ATVs, a hydraulic brake actuating system is
typically provided rearwardly of the power unit. Such positioning
is convenient because it is close enough to the footrest to
conveniently provide a mechanical connection between a foot brake
pedal and the hydraulic brake actuating system. Conversely, in the
ATV 100, a front (or main) footrest portion 260 of a footrest 250
of the ATV 100, which is described in greater detail below, is
disposed in front of the power unit 215, which places the front
foot rest portion 260 well forward of the conventional position of
the hydraulic brake actuating system.
[0111] Accordingly, to simplify the mechanical connection between
the foot brake pedal and the hydraulic brake actuating system, a
hydraulic brake actuating system 217 of the ATV 100 is disposed in
front of the power unit 215 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). As best shown in
FIG. 7, the system 217 includes a master cylinder 220 operatively
connected via hydraulic lines 221 to conventional hydraulic brakes
(not shown) that are connected to one or more of the wheels 105,
110. The master cylinder 220 includes mating cylinder and piston
portions 220a, 220b. An axis of the master cylinder 220 extends in
a direction that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal
direction of the ATV 100. As best seen in FIG. 6, the master
cylinder 220 is angled slightly downwardly such that the piston
portion 220b is disposed below the cylinder portion 220a. The
cylinder portion 220a is mounted (via bolts or other fasteners) to
a portion of the frame 102.
[0112] A swing arm 223 is also pivotably connected at a first end
223a to the frame 102 for relative pivotal movement about a swing
arm axis 224 that extends in the longitudinal direction of the ATV
100. A second end 223b of the swing arm 223 is pivotably connected
to the piston portion 220b such that pivotal movement of the swing
arm 223 actuates the master cylinder 220. A hand brake lever 226
(see FIG. 1) is operatively connected to the second end 223b of the
swing arm 223 via a flexible sheathed cable 225 (see FIG. 7). A
laterally-extending foot brake 227 attaches (preferably via a weld)
to the first end 223a of the swing arm 223 for common pivotal
movement about the swing arm axis 224 relative to the frame 102. As
illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the foot brake 227 includes a foot
pedal 227a that is conveniently disposed above a right, front
portion 260 of a right footrest 250. A tension spring 228 connects
between the foot brake 227 and a portion of the frame 102 to bias
the foot brake 227 upwardly and thereby bias the second end 223b
and piston portion 220b to the left as illustrated in FIG. 7.
[0113] As shown in FIG. 7, to actuate the brakes of the ATV 100,
the driver can either squeeze the hand brake 226 or depress the
foot pedal 227a to move the second end 223b of the swing arm 223 to
the right, move the piston portion 220b to the right, and contract
the master cylinder 220. When the driver releases the hand and foot
brakes 226, 227, the spring 228 pulls the foot brake 227 upwardly,
which pushes the second end 223b of the swing arm 223 back to the
left to extend the master cylinder 220 and release the brakes.
[0114] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the longitudinal elongation of the
frame 102 enables ATV 100 components such as the power unit 215,
brake actuating system 217, batteries, etc. to be longitudinally
spaced from each other to a greater extent than in conventional
ATVs. In conventional ATVs, the lack of longitudinal space forces
designers to stack ATV components into longitudinally cramped
locations. Conversely, as is apparent in FIG. 6, the longitudinal
elongation of ATV 100 allows components to be spread out over the
longer length of the frame 102 of the ATV 100. The longitudinal
spacing makes access to individual components such as the brake
actuating system 217 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) much simpler. By simply
removing the removable seat 139, which is removably connected to
the ATV 100 using conventional fasteners (e.g., a latch, etc.), an
operator can access many of the components of the ATV 100 for
necessary maintenance and/or servicing. Otherwise, the space can be
used for additional storage.
[0115] Each of the rear fenders 137 includes a series of
ventilation openings 230 that direct air to the air intake of the
power unit 215 and/or a radiator/fan assembly (not shown).
Additional ventilation openings 235 are provided for the power unit
215 below the forward end 140a of the main seat portion 140a.
[0116] As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3A, 5, and 6, the ATV 100
includes left and right footrests 250, which include front portions
260 for the driver sitting on the main seat portion 140 and rear
portions 270 for the passenger sitting on the secondary seat
portion 145. As illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C, the front and rear
portions 260, 270 preferably include upper surfaces 260a, 270a that
are each generally horizontal and include anti-slip surface
treatments. However, the upper surfaces 260a, 270a may
alternatively be angled forwardly or rearwardly. The front and rear
footrest portions 260, 270 preferably include respective heel stops
280, 290 that extend upwardly from the upper surfaces 260a,
270a.
[0117] The upper surface 270a of the rear footrest portion 270 is
elevated relative to the upper surface 260a of the front footrest
portion 260 by a vertical distance X, which preferably approximates
the vertical distance H formed between the seat portions 140, 145.
However, the distance X may alternatively be larger than the
distance H such that an average sized passenger sitting on the
secondary seat portion 145 must bend his/her legs to a greater
extent than the driver who sits on the main seat portion 140. In
such an embodiment, the distance X is preferably between 1 and 10
inches, is more preferably between 3 and 8 inches, is even more
preferably between 3 and 7 inches, is even more preferably between
4 and 6 inches, and is even more preferably about 5 inches. The
larger distance X also advantageously accommodates a passenger who
is smaller than the driver.
[0118] As best illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C, the rear footrest
portion 270 preferably comprises a plurality of sheets of material
that connect together to elevate the upper surface 270a relative to
the upper surface 260a. The upper surface 270a is defined by an
upper sheet member 270d of the rear footrest portion 270. The
footrest portion 270 also includes a front, generally-planar, sheet
member 270b, which extends vertically from a forward edge of the
upper sheet member 270d to an upper rear edge of the front footrest
portion 260. A side, generally-planar, sheet member 270c extends
vertically from an outer lateral edge of the upper sheet member
270d to a side guard 300, which is described in greater detail
below. The sheet members 270b, 270c, 270d preferably comprise sheet
metal and may include holes and/or openings to reduce their weight
without significantly adversely affecting their strength. The
separate members 270b, 270c, 270d may be integrally formed by
bending a unitary sheet of material, or may alternatively be
welded, glued, bolted, or otherwise fastened together.
[0119] As best illustrated in FIG. 5A, the footrests 250 preferably
extend over a full longitudinal distance F formed between the
fenders/mudguards 135, 137. Because the wheelbase L of the ATV 100
is significantly longer than in conventional ATVs, the distance F
between the fenders 135, 137 is also significantly longer than in
conventional ATVs. The length F is preferably as large or larger
than two average-sized shoes lined up end to end. Accordingly, the
length F is preferably between 17 and 40 inches, is more preferably
between 20 and 40 inches, is even more preferably between 25 and 35
inches, and is even more preferably about 30 inches. Such a length
F allows the driver and passenger to both use the footrests 250
without interfering with each other's feet. Similarly, a ratio of
the wheelbase L to the length F is preferably between 1 and 2.7, is
more preferably less than 2.6, is even more preferably less than
2.5, and is even more preferably about 2.
[0120] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5, right and left side guards
(or side bumpers or tree guards or side rails) 300 preferably
extend laterally outwardly from the frame 102 and/or footrests 250
to positions that are laterally outward from the outer lateral ends
of the footrests 250. The side guards 300 preferably extend
longitudinally from a forward end of the front footrest portion 260
to a rearward end of the rearward footrest portion 270. At least a
portion of the side guards 300 also preferably extends laterally
outwardly beyond the rear fenders 137. As best illustrated in FIGS.
5B and 5C, a middle portion of each side guard 300 angles laterally
outwardly and upwardly as it progresses rearwardly. The illustrated
side guards 300 provide support for the footrests 250. Accordingly,
the upward angle of the middle portion of the side guards 300
preferably creates at least a portion of the gap X between the
front and rear portions 260, 270 of the footrests 250. However, the
side guards 300 and footrests 250 may alternatively be completely
distinct.
[0121] Each of the illustrated side guards 300 preferably comprises
strong, metallic, unitary, tubular members. The unitary member may
be a composite of integrally connection sections. The integral
connection between sections of each side guard 300 may be formed by
welding, gluing, or using any other comparable permanent attachment
mechanism. Alternatively, the unitary member may result from
integral formation, such as would be the case if each side guard
comprised a single, elongated, tubular member.
[0122] Each of the illustrated side guards 300 are designed to
withstand an impact with a tree or other stationary object during
operation of the ATV 100. If the driver steers the ATV 100 too
close to a stationary object, the side guards 300 will contact the
object and deflect the ATV 100 away from the object to prevent the
object from squeezing laterally against and/or breaking fragile
components of either the ATV 100 (e.g., the fenders 135, 137, the
rear rack 130, or the grab handles 340) or, more importantly, the
riders' arms and legs.
[0123] An open space 330 is provided in front of the main portion
140 of the seat 139. The open space 330 is provided to facilitate
entry and exit from the ATV 100, as described in commonly assigned
U.S. application Ser. No. 09/057,652, filed on Apr. 9, 1998, which
is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Alternatively,
the open space 330 could be provided just behind the main seat
portion 140 and just in front of the secondary seat portion 145. Of
course, an open space could be provided in front of the main
portion 140 and in front of the secondary portion 145, to
facilitate ingress/agress of both the driver and passenger.
Alternatively, the open space 330 could be omitted entirely without
deviating from the scope of the present invention.
[0124] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3B, 3D, and 4A-4C, right and left
grab handles 340 are provided on the right and left lateral sides
of the secondary seat portion 145 to help the passenger sitting on
the secondary seat portion 145 stabilize himself/herself during
operation of the ATV 100. As best illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 4B,
the grab handles 340 preferably do not extend laterally outwardly
beyond the side guards 300 or the side members 130b of the rear
rack 130. The illustrated grab handles 340 attach to and are
supported by the rear rack 130, but may alternatively attach to any
other suitable portion of the ATV 100 (e.g., directly to the frame,
etc.). The grab handles 340 extend forwardly from a forward portion
of the rear rack 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the grab
handles 340 are clamped to the rear rack 130 with bolts 342 but may
alternatively be attached to the rear rack 130 using a variety of
other attachment techniques (e.g., integral formation with the rear
rack, glue, direct bolts, welds, etc.). As illustrated in FIGS. 1
and 4A, the grab handles 340 are positioned at roughly the same
longitudinal position as the secondary supporting range 145b of the
secondary seat portion 145 to provide the passenger with easy
access to the grab handles 340. Further, the grab handles 340 are
preferably conveniently disposed at about the same height as the
secondary supporting range 145b. Accordingly, while the grab
handles 340 are high enough that the passenger can easily reach
them while seated on the secondary seat portion 145, the grab
handles 340 are low enough that they do not significantly
interfere, if at all, with the lateral movement of the passenger's
legs or with the passenger's ability to mount and dismount the ATV
100. Consequently, if the ATV 100 happens to roll over, the grab
handles 340 will not trap the passenger on the ATV 100.
Furthermore, the combination of physical freedom and support that
the grab handles 340 provide the passenger help to enable the
passenger to comfortably and actively position himself/herself
while riding the ATV 100.
[0125] As best illustrated in FIGS. 4B and 4C, the grab handle 340
preferably includes a ring-shaped portion 340a that provides a
variety of gripping portions that the passenger can easily, firmly
grip with his/her hands. The grab handle 340 may also include a
gripping knob 340b disposed within the opening inside the
ring-shaped portion 340a. The passenger may grab onto the gripping
knob 340b or the ring-shaped portion 340a to help stabilize and
actively position himself/herself on the ATV 100 while riding. If
the passenger uses the gripping knob 340b instead of the
ring-shaped portion 340a of the grab handle 340, the ring-shaped
portion 340a may function as a hand guard to prevent the
passenger's hands from hitting objects such as branches that the
ATV 100 brushes by during operation. While the illustrated grab
handle 340 includes a ring-shaped portion 340a and a gripping knob
340b, a variety of alternatively shaped grab handles may also be
used without deviating from the scope of the present invention.
[0126] The ring-shaped portion 340a of the grab handle 340 is
preferably flexible enough that it can deform when a passenger
dismounts the secondary seat portion 145 and yet rigid enough that
the ring-shaped portion 340a can provide sufficient support for the
passenger. The grab handles 340 preferably comprise metal portions
that are covered with a resilient material such as rubber or
plastic. The ring-shaped portion 340a may be blow molded and hollow
so that it provides the needed flexibility and strength. The
ring-shaped portion 340a preferably comprises a resilient material
such as rubber or plastic. The resilient material preferably
provides a more comfortable grip for the passenger than a hardened,
purely metal, grab handle.
[0127] The grab handles 340 may be heated to provide the passenger
with added comfort during cold weather use. Electric heating
elements (not shown) may be mounted to or in the grab handles 340
and operatively connected to the ATV's electrical system so as to
provide the desired electric heating.
[0128] While the illustrated grab handles 340 extend generally
horizontally (i.e., their horizontal component is substantially
greater than their vertical component) on the ATV 100, the grab
handles 340 could alternatively extend upwardly on either side of
the secondary seat portion 245. The location and orientation of
such grab handles may be similar to the grab handles described in
commonly assigned U.S. Provisional Application Serial No.
60/354,968, titled "QUICK RELEASE PASSENGER SEAT WITH FLEXIBLE GRAB
HANDLE," filed on Feb. 11, 2002, which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety. Such grab handles may still be mounted
to the rear rack 130 or to the top of the rear fenders 137.
[0129] FIG. 10 illustrates alternative grab handles 344 that may
replace the grab handles 340. The grab handles 344 each comprise
generally U-shaped, tubular members 346. The ends of the U-shaped
members 346 extend rearwardly and attach to the front end of the
rear rack 130 via bolts, welds, etc. The tubular members 346 may
comprise metal tubes. The forward portion of the U-shaped members
346 are preferably covered with a non-slip coating such as a
resilient rubber cover 348 that enables the passenger to
comfortably and securely grip the grab handles 344.
[0130] A gear shift 350 is provided on the left hand of the
steering column of the handlebars 134. The gear shift 350 is
movable between various positions, including a park position (P),
neutral (N), drive (H, L) and reverse (R).
[0131] As illustrated in FIG. 15, the two-person ATV 100 may be
modified to accommodate three or even more riders on an ATV 400.
The two-person ATV 100 may be converted into the three-person ATV
400 by adding a longitudinal extension to the ATV 100 between the
main and secondary seat portions 145. Accordingly, a seat 405 of
the ATV 400 includes a main seat portion 410 for a driver, a
secondary seat portion 420 for a first passenger, and a tertiary
seat portion 430 for a second passenger. For each additional rider
to be added, the wheelbase L, the length F, and the length S should
each be increased (e.g., by 8 to 15 inches per rider). The lateral
distance between the wheels 105, 110 should be set to give comfort
and stability to the vehicle. Furthermore, for each additional
passenger, the straddle-type seat 139 should include an additional
passenger seat portion and the footrests 250 should include an
additional, appropriately positioned footrest portion. The power
unit 215 would be longitudinally positioned to optimize the ATV's
center of gravity based on a weighted average of the proportional
occupancy time for each seat portion.
[0132] While the preferred embodiments include many features, the
scope of the present invention is not limited to the combination of
every one of the features. Rather, the invention may comprise any
combination of one or more of these features (e.g., elongated
wheelbase, improved ATV center of gravity, centrally located brake
actuating system, passenger seat, passenger seat positioning,
driver seat, driver seat positioning, backrest, elongated and/or
stepped footrests, side grab handles, low passenger positioning,
tapering driver and passenger seat portions, side guards, open
storage space on top of the rear rack, facilitation of active
positioning for the driver and/or passenger, etc.).
[0133] While preferred embodiments have been discussed with
reference to specific features therein, it is to be understood that
the preferred embodiments are examples only and that other
preferred embodiments would be apparent to those of ordinary skill
in the art without falling outside the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
* * * * *