U.S. patent application number 12/012587 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-06 for atv having arrangement for a passenger.
This patent application is currently assigned to Polaris Industries Inc.. Invention is credited to Richard D. Ripley, Roy A. Sunsdahl, Scott D. Taylor.
Application Number | 20090195035 12/012587 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40427178 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090195035 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ripley; Richard D. ; et
al. |
August 6, 2009 |
ATV having arrangement for a passenger
Abstract
An ATV is disclosed which includes a pedestal assembly
incorporated into the foot-wells, which cooperate with a removable
passenger seat. Furthermore, passenger seat is selectively added or
removed from ATV by way of a latch assembly. Hand grips flank the
removable seat and are attached to a rear accessory panel. The rear
accessory panel also includes an integrated cup holder, and rack
tie-downs are formed in a front or rear accessory panel.
Inventors: |
Ripley; Richard D.; (Rush
City, MN) ; Sunsdahl; Roy A.; (Salol, MN) ;
Taylor; Scott D.; (Blaine, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BAKER & DANIELS LLP
300 NORTH MERIDIAN STREET, SUITE 2700
INDIANAPOLIS
IN
46204
US
|
Assignee: |
Polaris Industries Inc.
Medina
MN
|
Family ID: |
40427178 |
Appl. No.: |
12/012587 |
Filed: |
February 4, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/195.13 ;
297/243 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62J 7/08 20130101; B62J
25/00 20130101; B60R 2011/0052 20130101; B60R 11/00 20130101; B62J
7/04 20130101; B60R 2011/0001 20130101; B62J 11/00 20130101; Y10T
292/0899 20150401; B62K 5/01 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/195.13 ;
297/243 |
International
Class: |
B62J 1/12 20060101
B62J001/12 |
Claims
1. A vehicle comprising: a frame; a straddle type seat mounted to
the frame for a driver; a passenger seat positioned rearward of the
straddle type seat, where the straddle type seat and the passenger
seat extend generally along a longitudinal axis; and passenger
hand-grips flanking the passenger seat and profiled for the
passengers hands, each of the hand-grips comprised of two side hand
grip bars extending generally upwardly, and extending along an axis
forwardly and outwardly from the longitudinal axis, the passenger
hand grips further comprising an end hand grip bar connected to the
side hand grips, wherein the passenger may alternatively grip
either of the side hand grip bars or the end hand grip bar.
2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the end hand grip bars extend at
an angle relative to a transverse axis.
3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein each of the hand-grips are
comprised of an inner base portion, and an exterior casing
comprised of vibration dampening material.
4. The vehicle of claim 3, wherein the hand grip are mounted to the
vehicle with the exterior casing in compression against the
vehicle.
5. The vehicle of claim 4, wherein the vehicle comprises a rear
accessory rack and the hand grips are mounted to the rear accessory
rack.
6. The vehicle of claim 5, wherein the inner base portion is
comprised of cast aluminum.
7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein at least some of the two side
hand grip bars or the end hand grip bar is heated.
8. A vehicle comprising: a frame; a straddle type seat mounted to
the frame for a driver; a passenger seat positioned rearward of the
driver, where the straddle type seat and the passenger seat extend
generally along a longitudinal axis; and passenger hand-grips
flanking the passenger seat and profiled for the passengers hands,
each of the hand-grips comprised of an inner base portion, and an
exterior casing comprised of vibration dampening material.
9. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the hand grips are mounted to
the vehicle with the exterior casing in compression against the
vehicle.
10. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the vehicle comprises a rear
accessory rack and the hand grips are mounted to the rear accessory
rack.
11. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the exterior casing surrounds
the inner base portion, and the inner base portion protrudes from
the exterior casing so as to form a shoulder on the exterior
casing, and the portion of the vehicle to which the hand grips are
mounted includes a well to receive the protruding base portion, and
the shoulder is drawn tight against the vehicle.
12. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein each of the hand-grips are
comprised of two side hand grip bars extending generally upwardly,
and extending along an axis forwardly and outwardly from the
longitudinal axis, the passenger hand grips further comprising an
end hand grip bar connected to the side hand grips, wherein the
passenger may alternatively grip either of the side hand grip bars
or the end hand grip bar.
13. The vehicle of claim 12, wherein the end hand grip bars extend
at an angle relative to a transverse axis.
14. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the inner base portion is
comprised of cast aluminum.
15. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein at least some of the two side
hand grip bars or the end hand grip bar is heated.
16. A vehicle comprising: a frame; a straddle type seat mounted to
the frame for a driver; a passenger seat positioned rearward of the
straddle type seat; a latch assembly cooperatively supported
between the frame and the passenger seat, the latch assembly
including a fixed latch portion and a movable latch portion, the
fixed latch portion being attached to the frame, and the movable
latch portion being attached to the passenger seat, where the latch
assembly provides attached and detached conditions for the
passenger seat.
17. The vehicle of claim 16, further comprising a release mechanism
attached to the passenger seat, wherein a force on the release
mechanism necessary to release the movable latch from the fixed
latch, has a directional component substantially in the same
direction as required for removing the passenger seat from the
vehicle.
18. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein the release mechanism is
comprised of a lanyard which extends to a position adjacent to a
rear of a seat back portion.
19. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein the passenger seat is
comprised of a seat frame member having a seat bottom frame portion
and a seat back frame portion, where the movable latch portion is
mounted to an exterior of the seat bottom frame portion.
20. The vehicle of claim 19, wherein the passenger seat is
comprised of a seat frame member having a seat bottom frame portion
and a seat back frame portion, where the movable latch portion is
mounted to an exterior of the seat bottom frame portion.
21. The vehicle of claim 20, wherein the seat frame member is
comprised of a transition portion which connects the seat bottom
frame portion and the seat back frame portion, and the lanyard
extends along the transition portion.
22. The vehicle of claim 21, wherein the seat frame member includes
an opening through the transition portion adjacent to the seat
bottom frame portion, and an opening through the transition portion
adjacent to the seat back frame portion, and the lanyard extend
along an inside of the transition portion, and extends through each
of the openings.
23. The vehicle of claim 20, wherein the movable latch portion
comprises a spring clip, and the fixed latch portion is comprised
of a grooved pin profiled to receive the spring clip.
24. The vehicle of claim 23, wherein the grooved pin is attached to
a plate which is attached directly to the vehicle frame.
25. A vehicle comprising: a frame; a straddle type seat mounted to
the frame for a driver; a passenger seat positioned rearward of the
straddle type seat; a latch assembly cooperatively supported
between the frame and the passenger seat, and a release mechanism
attached to the passenger seat, wherein a force on the release
mechanism necessary to disengage the latch assembly, has a
directional component substantially in the same direction as the
direction for removing the passenger seat from the vehicle.
26. The vehicle of claim 25, wherein the release mechanism is
comprised of a lanyard which extends to a position adjacent to a
rear of a seat back portion.
27. The vehicle of claim 26, wherein the passenger seat is
comprised of a seat frame member having a seat bottom frame portion
and a seat back frame portion, where the movable latch portion is
mounted to an exterior of the seat bottom frame portion.
28. The vehicle of claim 27, wherein the passenger seat is
comprised of a seat frame member having a seat bottom frame portion
and a seat back frame portion, where the movable latch portion is
mounted to an exterior of the seat bottom frame portion.
29. The vehicle of claim 28, wherein the seat frame member is
comprised of a transition portion which connects the seat bottom
frame portion and the seat back frame portion, and the lanyard
extends along the transition portion.
30. The vehicle of claim 29, wherein the seat frame member includes
an opening through the transition portion adjacent to the seat
bottom frame portion, and an opening through the transition portion
adjacent to the seat back frame portion, and the lanyard extend
along an inside of the transition portion, and extends through each
of the openings.
31. The vehicle of claim 28, wherein the movable latch portion
comprises a spring clip, and the fixed latch portion is comprised
of a grooved pin profiled to receive the spring clip.
32. The vehicle of claim 31, wherein the grooved pin is attached to
a plate which is attached directly to the vehicle frame.
33. The vehicle of claim 25, wherein the latch assembly comprises a
fixed latch portion and a movable latch portion, the fixed latch
portion being attached to the frame, and the movable latch portion
being attached to the passenger seat, where the latch assembly
provides attached and detached conditions for the passenger
seat.
34. A vehicle comprising: a frame; a straddle type seat mounted to
the frame for a driver; a passenger seat positioned rearward of the
driver seat; an attachment mechanism attaching the passenger seat
to the frame; and resilient mounting isolators cooperatively
positioned between the passenger seat and the frame to isolate the
passenger seat from the vibration of the frame.
35. The vehicle of claim 34, wherein the vehicle comprises a rear
accessory rack and the resilient mounting isolators contact the
rear accessory rack.
36. The vehicle of claim 35, wherein the passenger seat is
comprised of a seat frame member having a seat bottom frame portion
and a seat back frame portion.
37. The vehicle of claim 36, wherein the seat frame member is
comprised of a transition portion which connects the seat bottom
frame portion and the seat back frame portion, and the resilient
mounting isolators are attached to the transition portion.
38. The vehicle of claim 37, wherein the rear accessory rack is
provided with receiving sockets to receive the resilient mounting
isolators.
39. The vehicle of claim 38, wherein the resilient mounting
isolators are frusto-conically profiled and pointing vertically
downward, and the receiving sockets are cooperatively profiled to
receive the frusto-conically profiled resilient mounting
isolators.
40. A vehicle comprising: a frame; a straddle type seat mounted to
the frame for a driver; an attachment area positioned behind the
driver seat; an accessory positioned rearward of the driver and
being received in the attachment area; a latch assembly
cooperatively supported between the frame and the accessory; and a
release mechanism attached to the accessory, wherein a force on the
release mechanism necessary to disengage the latch assembly, has a
directional component substantially in the same direction as the
direction for removing the accessory from the vehicle.
41. The vehicle of claim 40, wherein the release mechanism is
comprised of a lanyard which extends to a position adjacent to a
rear of the accessory.
42. The vehicle of claim 40, wherein the accessory is a passenger
seat.
43. The vehicle of claim 42, wherein the passenger seat is
comprised of a seat frame member having a seat bottom frame portion
and a seat back frame portion.
44. The vehicle of claim 43, wherein the latch assembly is
comprised of a fixed latch portion and a movable latch portion.
45. The vehicle of claim 44, wherein the movable latch portion is
mounted to an exterior of the seat bottom frame portion.
46. The vehicle of claim 45, wherein the seat frame member is
comprised of a transition portion which connects the seat bottom
frame portion and the seat back frame portion, and the release
mechanism is comprised of a lanyard extending along the transition
portion.
47. The vehicle of claim 46, wherein the seat frame member includes
an opening through the transition portion adjacent to the seat
bottom frame portion, and an opening through the transition portion
adjacent to the seat back frame portion, and the lanyard extend
along an inside of the transition portion, and extends through each
of the openings.
48. The vehicle of claim 40, wherein the accessory is comprised of
a rear storage compartment.
49. A vehicle comprising: a frame; a straddle type seat mounted to
the frame for a driver; a rack portion supported by the frame, the
rack comprising a rail portion, and an overlying support surface,
the overlying support surface covering a portion of the rail
portion, leaving portions of the rail portion exposed.
50. The vehicle of claim 49, wherein the overlying support surface
is overmolded on the rail portion.
51. The vehicle of claim 50, wherein the rail portion is adjacent
to a perimeter, and the overlying support portion has a perimeter
opening exposing the rail portion.
52. A vehicle comprising: a frame; a straddle type seat mounted to
the frame for a driver; a rack portion supported by the frame; and
a cup holder integrally formed in the rack portion.
53. The vehicle of claim 52, wherein the rack portion is supported
by the vehicle fender.
54. The vehicle of claim 53, wherein the rack portion and the
vehicle fender include complementary and overlapping wells which
define the cup holder.
55. The vehicle of claim 54, wherein each of the overlapping wells
include off-set drain holes.
56. The vehicle of claim 52, further comprising a strap, with one
end attached to the rack and the opposite end having a receiving
area for attachment to a cup or bottle placed in the cup
holder.
57. A vehicle comprising: a frame; a straddle type seat mounted to
the frame for a driver; a cup holder supported by the frame; and at
least one strap, with one end attached to the frame and the
opposite end having a receiving area for attachment to a cup or
bottle placed in the cup holder.
58. The vehicle of claim 57, further comprising a rack attached to
the frame, with the cup holder integrally formed in the rack
portion, and with the one end of the strap attached to the
rack.
59. The vehicle of claim 57, comprising two straps attached to
opposite sides of the receiving area, and with both one ends of the
strap attached to the rack.
60. The vehicle of claim 59, wherein the receiving area comprises
elastic netting.
61. A vehicle comprising: a frame; a straddle type seat mounted to
the frame for a driver; a passenger seat positioned rearward of the
driver; a foot rest positioned along the sides of the vehicle and
longitudinally disposed and profiled for the feet of the driver and
passenger, the foot rest having a first raised area providing a
first raised foot area for the passenger, and a removable pedestal
riser receivable over the first raised area providing a second and
alternate raised foot area for the passenger.
62. A method of manufacturing all terrain vehicles (ATVs),
comprising the steps of: providing a body portion having a driver
and passenger seat mount area; providing a foot rest positioned
along the sides of the vehicle and longitudinally disposed and
profiled for the feet of the driver and passenger, when positioned
on respective driver and passenger seats; providing and attaching a
driver seat to the driver seat mount area; alternatively selecting
a first seat or second passenger seat, where said second passenger
seat upstands higher than said driver seat and said first passenger
seat; and when said second passenger seat is selected, providing a
removable pedestal riser positioned for the passenger, for raising
the height of the passenger foot area.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to all-terrain vehicles
(ATVs) and more specifically, to arrangements for use by a
passenger on an ATV.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY
[0002] Generally, all terrain vehicles ("ATVs") and utility
vehicles ("UVs") are used to carry one or two passengers and a
small amount of cargo over a variety of terrains. Due to increasing
recreational interest in ATVs, specialty ATVs, such as those used
for trail riding, and cargo hauling have entered the market place.
Most ATVs include an engine including between one and three
cylinders. Most ATVs include a straddle or saddle type seat
positioned above the engine. Seating systems for supporting people
in a seated position on such vehicles, for example, on ATVs, are
well-known. Most systems generally involve a straddle type seat
being secured to a frame structure.
[0003] Conventional straddle type seats on recreational and utility
vehicles generally hold a number of people, and most commonly, the
seats function in supporting one or two persons. In one example, a
two-person seating system is designed with an elongated bench
portion of the straddle type seat so as to support one person in
front of the other. In another example, discrete seats bottoms are
provided for supporting one person in front of the other, with the
passenger elevated in relation to the driver.
[0004] It is desirable on ATVs to provide the most comfortable and
ergonomically pleasing ride for either one or two ATV riders.
Embodiments of the invention can be used to generally overcome the
above shortcomings as well as others.
[0005] According to an illustrative embodiment of the present
disclosure, an all-terrain vehicle includes a frame, a straddle
type seat mounted to the frame for a driver, a passenger seat
positioned rearward of the straddle type seat, where the straddle
type seat and the passenger seat extend generally along a
longitudinal axis, and passenger hand-grips flank the passenger
seat and are profiled for the passengers hands, each of the
hand-grips are comprised of two side hand grip bars extending
generally upwardly, and extending along an axis forwardly and
outwardly from the longitudinal axis, the passenger hand grips
further comprising an end hand grip bar connected to the side hand
grips, wherein the passenger may alternatively grip either of the
side hand grip bars or the end hand grip bar.
[0006] In another embodiment, a vehicle comprises a frame, a
straddle type seat mounted to the frame for a driver, a passenger
seat is positioned rearward of the straddle type seat, where the
straddle type seat and the passenger seat extend generally along a
longitudinal axis, and passenger hand-grips flank the passenger
seat and are profiled for the passengers hands, each of the
hand-grips are comprised of two side hand grip bars extending
generally upwardly, and extending along an axis forwardly and
outwardly from the longitudinal axis, the passenger hand grips
further comprise an end hand grip bar connected to the side hand
grips, wherein the passenger may alternatively grip either of the
side hand grip bars or the end hand grip bar.
[0007] In another embodiment, a vehicle comprises a frame, a
straddle type seat mounted to the frame for a driver, a passenger
seat is positioned rearward of the driver, where the straddle type
seat and the passenger seat extend generally along a longitudinal
axis, and passenger hand-grips flank the passenger seat and are
profiled for the passengers hands, each of the hand-grips comprise
an inner base portion, and an exterior casing comprised of
vibration dampening material.
[0008] In another embodiment, a vehicle comprises a frame, a
straddle type seat mounted to the frame for a driver, a passenger
seat is positioned rearward of the straddle type seat, a latch
assembly is cooperatively supported between the frame and the
passenger seat, the latch assembly includes a fixed latch portion
and a movable latch portion, the fixed latch portion is attached to
the frame, and the movable latch portion is attached to the
passenger seat, where the latch assembly provides attached and
detached conditions for the passenger seat.
[0009] In another embodiment, a vehicle comprises a frame, a
straddle type seat is mounted to the frame for a driver, a
passenger seat is positioned rearward of the straddle type seat, a
latch assembly is cooperatively supported between the frame and the
passenger seat, and a release mechanism is attached to the
passenger seat, wherein a force on the release mechanism necessary
to disengage the latch assembly, has a directional component
substantially in the same direction as the direction for removing
the passenger seat from the vehicle.
[0010] In another embodiment, a vehicle comprises a frame, a
straddle type seat is mounted to the frame for a driver, a
passenger seat is positioned rearward of the driver seat, an
attachment mechanism is provided for attaching the passenger seat
to the frame, and resilient mounting isolators are cooperatively
positioned between the passenger seat and the frame to isolate the
passenger seat from the vibration of the frame.
[0011] In another embodiment, a vehicle comprises a frame, a
straddle type seat mounted to the frame for a driver, an attachment
is area positioned behind the driver seat, an accessory is
positioned rearward of the driver and is received in the attachment
area, a latch assembly is cooperatively supported between the frame
and the accessory, and a release mechanism is attached to the
accessory, wherein a force on the release mechanism necessary to
disengage the latch assembly, has a directional component
substantially in the same direction as the direction for removing
the accessory from the vehicle.
[0012] In another embodiment, a vehicle comprises a frame, a
straddle type seat mounted to the frame for a driver, a rack
portion supported by the frame, the rack comprising a rail portion,
and an overlying support surface, the overlying support surface
covering a portion of the rail portion, leaving portions of the
rail portion exposed.
[0013] In another embodiment, a vehicle comprises a frame, a
straddle type seat mounted to the frame for a driver, a rack
portion supported by the frame, and a cup holder integrally formed
in the rack portion.
[0014] In another embodiment, a vehicle comprises a frame, a
straddle type seat mounted to the frame for a driver, a cup holder
supported by the frame, and at least one strap, with one end
attached to the frame and the opposite end having a receiving area
for attachment to a cup or bottle placed in the cup holder.
[0015] In another embodiment, a vehicle comprises a frame, a
straddle type seat mounted to the frame for a driver, a passenger
seat positioned rearward of the driver, a foot rest positioned
along the sides of the vehicle and longitudinally disposed and
profiled for the feet of the driver and passenger, the foot rest
having a removable pedestal riser positioned for the passenger, for
raising the height of the passenger foot area.
[0016] A method of manufacturing all terrain vehicles (ATVs),
comprises the steps of providing a body portion having a driver and
passenger seat mount area; providing a foot rest positioned along
the sides of the vehicle and longitudinally disposed and profiled
for the feet of the driver and passenger, when positioned on
respective driver and passenger seats; providing and attaching a
driver seat to the driver seat mount area; alternatively selecting
a first seat or second passenger seat, where the second passenger
seat upstands higher than the driver seat and the first passenger
seat; and when the second passenger seat is selected, providing a
removable pedestal riser positioned for the passenger, for raising
the height of the passenger foot area.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of vehicle described;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a left side plan view of the vehicle of FIG.
1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the vehicle of FIGS. 1
and 2;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1 showing the
pedestals removed;
[0021] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the pedestals of FIG. 4;
[0022] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the passenger hand grips;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view through lines 7-7 of FIG.
6;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a partial top plan view showing the passenger seat
and hand grip area;
[0025] FIG. 9 is an exploded view looking upwardly at the
disassembled hand grip and rear accessory panel;
[0026] FIG. 10 shows an alternate hand grip;
[0027] FIG. 11 shows the passenger seat exploded away from the
vehicle;
[0028] FIG. 12 shows an enlarged view of the passenger seat of FIG.
11;
[0029] FIG. 13 shows an exploded view of the entire passenger seat
assembly;
[0030] FIG. 14 shows an underside perspective view of a portion of
the passenger seat assembly of FIG. 13;
[0031] FIG. 15 shows an enlarged view of the receiving area of the
vehicle for receiving the passenger seat;
[0032] FIG. 16 shows a side view of the seat and vehicle with the
chassis removed;
[0033] FIG. 17 is a view similar to that of FIG. 15 showing the
seat in a latched position; and
[0034] FIG. 18 shows an accessory trunk usable in lieu of the
passenger seat.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed
in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are
chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize
their teachings. For example, while the following description
refers primarily to an all terrain vehicle, it should be understood
that the invention may have application to other types of vehicles,
such as snowmobiles, motorcycles, watercraft, utility vehicles,
scooters, golf carts, and mopeds.
[0036] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, one illustrative
embodiment of an all terrain vehicle (ATV) 10 is shown. ATV 10
includes a frame 12, a chassis 14 mounted on the frame 12, where
the frame 12 is supported by front and rear tires 16, 18,
respectively. ATV 10 also includes a front end 20 and a rear end
22. Front end 20 and rear end 22 are separated by handlebar
assembly 24, straddle-type seat 26, drive-train 28, and foot-wells
30. Foot-wells 30 are located on both lateral sides of ATV 10, and
flank the straddle-type seat 26. Front end 20 also includes front
accessory panel 32 which may include a tool storage compartment.
Handlebar assembly 24 is operably coupled to front wheels 16 to
allow a rider to steer ATV 10 when supported by straddle-type seat
26. Rear end 22 also includes rear accessory panel 34 which may
also include a tool storage compartment. Front panel 32 and rear
panel 34 may also include an accessory coupling system such as the
one disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,055,454, the disclosure of which
is expressly incorporated by reference herein. Positioned rearward
of the straddle type seat 26 is an auxiliary passenger seat 36,
which as described herein, is selectively removable from the ATV
10.
[0037] ATV 10 incorporates many features or accessories which are
useful to a passenger or driver of the ATV. First, the ATV 10
includes a pedestal assembly 40 incorporated into the foot-wells
30, which cooperate with removable passenger seat 36. Furthermore,
passenger seat 36 is selectively added or removed from ATV by way
of a latch assembly 42. Hand grips 44 flank the removable seat and
are attached to the rear accessory panel 34. The rear accessory
panel also includes an integrated cup holder 46 (FIG. 6), and rack
tie-downs 48 (FIG. 3). With the above generally described vehicle,
other features will be introduced and more fully described
below.
[0038] With respect to FIGS. 1-3, the pedestal assembly 40 will be
described. As shown, foot-wells 30 conform to the general shape of
the chassis 14. Chassis 14 is provided with a shroud portion 50
(FIG. 2), a side panel 52 (FIGS. 2 and 4) beneath the straddle-type
seat 26, front fenders 54 (FIG. 3), and rear fenders 56 (FIG. 4).
Meanwhile, foot-wells 30 include a horizontal platform portion 60
(FIG. 3), a side panel portion (FIG. 3), a forward riser 64 (FIG.
3) which conforms with the front fender 54, and a rear riser 66
(FIG. 4) which conforms to the rear fender 56. As shown in any of
the FIGS. 1-4, platform portion 60 includes a tread surface 70 for
receiving the feet of the driver when seated on the straddle-type
seat. As shown best in FIG. 1, pedestal assembly 40 is comprised of
a fixed pedestal portion 80 and a removable pedestal portion 82
(FIG. 4). As best shown in FIG. 4, pedestal portion 80 includes an
upper tread surface 84.
[0039] With respect now to FIG. 5, removable pedestal portion 82 is
comprised of a unitary molded pedestal block 90 having corner
pedestal portions 92 which are profiled for placement on upper
tread surface 84 where fasteners (not shown) can be inserted
through apertures 94 for connection of the pedestal block 90 to
pedestal portion 80. Removable pedestal portion 82 further includes
features to assist in keeping the rider's foot on the pedestal,
namely, an outer ridge 96, and a plurality of gripping treads such
as 98a, 98b, 98c and 98d. Furthermore, a removable and replaceable
rubber insert 100 is insertable into a slot 102 in pedestal block
90 for gripping the shoe or boot of the rider.
[0040] The purpose and use of the removable pedestal portion 82 is
twofold. First, it is anticipated that for any given chassis size,
multiple passenger seats 36 could be used that have varying
heights. As the height of the seat changes, the location and height
of the passenger's foot also changes, thus requiring the additional
pedestal. Thus, in the event the seat is, for example, co-planar
with the straddle-type seat 26, the pedestal portion 82 may be
removed and the passenger's foot would rest directly on upper tread
surface 84; whereas when a higher seat is utilized, for example,
passenger seat 36 shown herein, pedestal 82 is used and the
passenger's foot is positioned on the multiple treads 98a-98d.
Second, with multiple sizes of passengers, and particularly height,
it would be best ergonomically to have multiple heights to allow
for the different height or length of the passenger's legs. Thus,
for a taller passenger, the removable pedestal portion 82 could be
removed to lower the vertical positioning of the passenger's
foot.
[0041] With reference now to FIG. 6, hand grip 44 is shown in a
position mounted to a top surface 120 of rear accessory panel 34.
As shown best in FIGS. 6, 7 and 9, hand grips 44 include base
members 122 having side hand grip bars 124 and 126 and end hand
grip bars 128 connected by corner joining members 130. As shown
best in FIGS. 7 and 9, base member 122 includes a mounting lip 132
adjacent to an end thereof for mounting purposes as described
herein. As best shown in FIG. 7, base member 122 is comprised of a
two component member having an internal rigidified section 140 and
an overmolded portion 142. The rigidified section 140 could be
comprised of any suitable structural material such as plastic or
aluminum for example, whereas the overmolded material 142 would be
a softer material such as a rubber-like overmolded material, for
vibration resistance as will be described further herein. In the
embodiment shown, cast aluminum is anticipated.
[0042] With respect still to FIGS. 7 and 9, the base members 122,
and particularly the internal rigidified section 140 is comprised
of a mounting portion 144 which projects downwardly from the
overmolded portion 142 to define a mounting shoulder 146 as
described herein. Mounting portion 144 includes mounting apertures
148 profiled to receive fasteners 150. As shown best in FIG. 7,
rear accessory panel 34 includes a mounting well 160 having a top
mounting surface 162 and a rear slot opening 164 which is profiled
at least as wide as mounting lip 132. It should be appreciated then
that hand grips 44 are mounted to rear accessory panel 34 by first
inserting mounting lip 132 through slot opening 164 in a manner
such that hand grips 44 are then rotated counterclockwise as viewed
in FIG. 7 to a position where fasteners 150 may be inserted through
a bottom of rear accessory panel 34 (see FIG. 9). When the
fasteners 150 are fully tightened, as in the position of FIG. 7, a
bottom surface of the mounting portion 144 (FIG. 9) is flush with
top mounting surface 162 and the shoulder 146 (FIG. 9) is somewhat
compressed against, top surface 120. It should be appreciated that
the compression of the resilient overmolded portion 142 provides a
vibration resistance against the vibration of the vehicle passing
through to the passenger's hands, while gripping the hand grips
44.
[0043] As mounted, the hand grips 44, and particularly the side
hand grip bars 124, 126, extend forwardly and upwardly by an angle
.alpha. relative to a horizontal plane (see FIG. 7) and the side
hand grip bars 124 and 126 extend forwardly and outwardly from the
longitudinal axis by an angle .beta. as shown in FIG. 8. Meanwhile,
the end hand grip bars 128 extend at an angle .phi. relative to
transverse (see FIG. 8). By this configuration, a passenger has
three separate positions for each hand for gripping, namely, either
of the bars 124, 126 or 128, and thus the passenger may find the
most ergonomically comfortable position for gripping. It is
anticipated, however, that a passenger would hold the end hand grip
bars 128, for example, when traversing rolling terrain where the
passenger's body would the natural tendency to move in the vertical
direction, whereas the passenger would more than likely have the
tendency to grip either of the hand grip bars 124, 126, when
traversing side to side terrain, when the passenger's body would
have the natural tendency to move side-to-side.
[0044] FIG. 10 shows an alternate embodiment of the hand grip 44'
where the side hand grip bars 124' include integrated heating
elements such as 125 for selectively warming the side hand grip
bars 124' and resultantly the passengers hands.
[0045] With reference now to FIGS. 6 and 9, the integrated cup
holder 46 will be described in greater detail. As shown best in
FIG. 6, cup holder 46 is shown located directly between the hand
grip 44, which is chosen due to a convenient location for the
passenger's hands, although it should be appreciated that this cup
holder could be positioned anywhere on the rear accessory panel 34,
and, for example, anywhere on the vehicle itself. However in this
particular embodiment, the cup holder is shown directly integrated
with the rear accessory panel 34.
[0046] As shown best in FIG. 9, rear accessory panel 34 is shown
from an underside, where it can be seen that the rear accessory
panel is comprised of a one piece molded construction where a cup
holder well 180 projects downwardly from top surface 120 of the
rear accessory panel 34. Well 180 includes a drain hole 182
integrally formed therein. As mentioned above, rear accessory panel
34 is mounted on top of the rear fenders 56, and in the embodiment
of FIG. 9, rear fenders 56 are mounted on top of a rear portion of
frame 12. As shown, rear fender 56 includes a complementary well
190, which is profiled to receive well 180 and well 190 includes a
drain hole 192 therethrough. As shown in FIG. 9, while the wells
180, 190 are positioned in a substantially coaxial position, the
drain holes 182 and 192 are intentionally misaligned, that is, they
are each located on opposite sides of the same transverse axis, to
prevent rocks or dirt from the underside of rear fender 56 from
projecting through to the passenger through drain hole 182, yet
fluid may drain through the drain holes 182, 192.
[0047] With respect now to FIG. 6, a retaining assembly 200 is
provided, attached to the rear accessory panel 34 and includes
netting 202 held by straps 204 to the top surface 120 of rear
accessory panel 34 by way of fasteners. It should be appreciated
that either or both of the netting 202 and straps 204 could be
elastic such that bottle 210 is held with a downward force within
the cup holder 46.
[0048] With respect again to FIG. 6, rack tie-downs 48 will be
described in greater detail. As with most ATVs or utility vehicles,
it is often times necessary to use a rope or bungee cord to retain
articles to the top surface of the rear accessory panel, for
example, tool boxes or other items used in hunting, fishing,
camping or farming. For this purpose, integrated rack tie-downs 48
are included where the plastic of the rear accessory panel 34 is
molded to include an opening at 220 to expose a length of an
internal structural rib or frame 222 such as a metal rod or tube
piece. This tube piece 222 could be a peripheral frame piece or
could be separate segments located along the length or periphery,
or located anywhere along the internal area of panel 34. It should
also be appreciated that tie-downs 48 could also be incorporated
into front panel 32.
[0049] With reference now to FIGS. 11-14, the passenger's seat 36
will be described in greater detail. With reference first to FIGS.
12 and 13, passenger seat 36 includes seat back 240, seat back
frame 242, seat bottom 244, seat frame 246, latch lanyard 248, and
spring latch assembly 250. A latch base plate 252 is mounted within
the vehicle as will be described herein.
[0050] With respect first to FIG. 13, seat frame 246 includes a
seat back frame portion 270, a seat bottom frame portion 272 and a
transition portion 274 extending therebetween. Seat back frame
portion 270 includes an aperture therethrough at 276, while seat
bottom frame portion 272 includes an aperture at 278. An embossed
channel 280 extends between the apertures 276 and 278 and extends
generally along the transition section 274 as shown. As shown best
in FIG. 12, rubber isolation mounts 282 extend from a bracket 284
mounted on the back side of seat frame 246.
[0051] With reference still to FIG. 13, spring latch assembly 250
includes a receiver plate 290, spring 292, spring block 294 and
back up plate 296. Receiver plate 290 includes a pin receiving
aperture 300 and spring 292 includes a spring portion 302
overlapping aperture 300. Thus as shown, receiver plate 290, spring
292, block 294 and back up plate 296 stack together and may be
fastened to frame portion 272 by way of fasteners 310. Block 294
and back up plate 296 also include throughholes 312, 314,
respectively, which align with aperture 300 as described herein.
With reference still to FIG. 13, lanyard 248 includes a strap 320
having a pull loop 322 at one end and a connection link 324 at the
opposite end. Link 324 is connected to release member 326 having
engagement members 328 as will be described herein. Link 324 and
release member 326 are attached together by way of rivets 330.
[0052] With reference now to FIG. 12, seat bottom 244 includes a
molded frame portion 350 comprised of corner pedestal portion 352,
354, 356 and 358, which define a central recess portion 360 for
receiving spring latch assembly 250 as shown. Each of the pedestals
352-358 also include rubber isolation mounts 364. Thus as shown in
FIG. 12, fasteners 310 are positioned through receiver plate 290
and with spring 292 positioned on the plate 290 fasteners can
extend through the block 294, back up plate 296 and are attached to
frame portion 272. It should be appreciated that release member 326
is moveably trapped between plate 290 and block 294. It should also
be appreciated that strap 320 is laced through apertures 278 to lie
within channel 280 and exits through aperture 276 to position loop
322 on the backside of seat 36 as shown in FIG. 12. As also shown
in FIG. 12, latch assembly 250 is mounted within the recessed
portion 360 and seat frame 246 is fastened to seat bottom frame 350
and seat back frame 242 to hold the entire assembly together.
[0053] With reference still to FIG. 13, latch base plate 252
includes mounting plate 380 having a mounting pin 382 upstanding
therefrom having a tapered end 384 and a groove 386. With reference
now to FIG. 14, block 294 includes threaded bosses 388 profiled to
threadably receive fasteners 310. Block 294 further includes
U-shaped channels 390, posts 392, and a central post 394 which
forms opening 312, and where post 394 is formed with a cut-away
portion 395. As also shown in FIG. 14, release member 326 includes
trunnions 396 on each side thereof, and are profiled for receipt
within the U-shaped channels 390. The engagement members 328
include gripping channels 397. Finally, spring 292 includes clip
ends 398.
[0054] The spring latch assembly 250 is assembled as follows: Strap
320 and link 324 are first attached to release member 326 by way of
rivets 330. Trunnions 396 are then positioned in U-shaped channels
390. Spring 292 is positioned with spring portion 302 positioned in
cutaway 395 and in gripping channels 397, and with clip ends 398
positioned in apertures of posts 392. Receiver plate 290 and
back-up plate 296 are then positioned over threaded bosses 388, and
fasteners 310 may be threadably received therein, to retain the
assembly in place.
[0055] With reference now to FIG. 15, vehicle 10 is shown where
vehicle includes an opening 400, intermediate rear fenders, behind
straddle-type seat 26, and through the chassis. Base plate 252 is
shown mounted directly to longitudinally extending frame portions
410 of frame 12. Pin 382 is also shown poised for receipt for
locking with the spring latch assembly 250. Finally, rear accessory
panel 34 includes a receiving area 420 having receiving openings
422 profiled to receive isolation mounts 282 (FIG. 12).
[0056] Thus as described, seat 36 is attached to vehicle 10 by
positioning seat frame 350 within opening 400 such that pin 382
aligns with opening 300 (FIG. 13) in receiving plate 290, as shown
in FIGS. 15-17. It should be appreciated that when pin 382 is
aligned with opening 300, spring portion 302 resiles into pin
groove 386 to retain the seat assembly in position. When the seat
needs to be removed, loop 322 of strap 320 is pulled which causes
release plate 326 to rotate about trunnions 396. Gripping channels
grip spring portion 302 and disengage spring 292 from pin 382,
which allows the seat to pull straight out of opening 400. It
should be noted that the movable portion of the latch assembly 42,
that is release member 326 and spring 292, are movably attached to
the seat. It should also be noted that lanyard strap 320 is pulled
generally vertically to release the latch assembly 42 from the pin
382. Therefore, the directional component of the force on the
lanyard 248 assists in the removal of the passenger seat 46. As
mentioned above, isolation mounts 282 are positioned in receiving
openings 422 which provides for vibration dampening between the
frame of the vehicle and the frame of the passenger seat.
[0057] Finally, and with reference to FIG. 18, an auxiliary trunk
500 is also usable, in lieu of the passenger seat 36 where the
trunk 500 includes a frame portion 502 which is configured in a
similar manner to frame 350 and would snap latch to pin 382 in a
like manner. In addition, latch members such as 506 could be
incorporated which are referred to as Applicants' "LOCK-N-RIDE",
and which are shown and described in Applicants' U.S. Pat. No.
7,222,582, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
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