US 2019/0161142 A1 · SNOWMOBILE SKI DAMPENER

Abstract

An improved snowmobile ski dampener for dampening articulation between a steering spindle and a snowmobile ski. The ski dampener may be constructed of an elastomeric material and include one or more progressive surfaces that progressively come in contact with a base surface of the steering spindle as progressively increased compressive loads are applied between the steering spindle and snowmobile ski. As the progressive surfaces come in contact with the base surface, the shape factor of the ski dampener may change (e.g., increase), reducing compressive strain for a given compressive stress. Various design and material characteristics including width, shape of the progressive surface, and durometer and bulk modulus of the elastomeric material may be selected to provide various performance characteristics such as dampening effect, impact absorption, approach angle, initial flex force, and service life.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An elastomeric dampener for dampening articulation between a steering spindle and a ski of a snowmobile, comprising:

a bottom side, the bottom side in contact with a top surface of the ski when installed on the ski;
and
a top side comprising:
a forward preload surface, the forward preload surface forward of an articulation axis of the steering spindle and in contact with a forward base surface of the steering spindle when the steering spindle and the ski are in a preload condition;
and
a forward progressive surface, the forward progressive surface forward of the forward preload surface and not in contact with the forward base surface of the steering spindle when the steering spindle and the ski are in the preload condition, wherein the forward base surface of the steering spindle contacts at least a portion of the forward progressive surface in a first load condition of the steering spindle and the ski, the first load condition imparting a compressive load to the elastomeric dampener between the top surface of the ski and the forward base surface of the steering spindle.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Snowmobile ski dampener

Life of this patent

Snowmobile ski dampener

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20