Foot grip

#The present invention concerns generally concerns the construction of vehicles such as snowmobiles, all terrain vehicles (“ATVs”), and other similar vehicles. More specifically, the present invention concerns the construction of an engine cradle for such vehicles.

#Snowmobiles, ATVs, and related vehicles (hereinafter, “recreational vehicles,” although the appellation should not be construed to be limited only to the vehicles or type of vehicles described herein) often function under similar operating conditions. Despite this, snowmobiles, ATVs, and other recreational vehicles do not share a common design approach or a commonality of components. This is due, in large part, to the different stresses and strains (mainly at the extremes) that the different vehicles experience during routine operation.

#As a general rule, the prior art includes few, if any, examples of a common design approach to ATVs and snowmobiles. Primarily, this appears to be due to the fact that these vehicles were designed traditionally from two radically different starting points.

#The invention will be more fully described in conjunction with the following drawings, in which like reference characters denote like features, wherein:

#FIG. 1 is a side-view schematic illustration of a prior art snowmobile, showing the prior art positioning of a rider thereon;

#FIG. 2 is a side view illustration of the exterior of a snowmobile constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, also showing the positioning of a rider thereon;

#Before delving into the specific details of the present invention, it should be noted that the conventions “left,” “right,” “front,” “forward”, “upward”, “downward” and “rear” are defined according to the normal, forward travel direction of the vehicle being discussed. As a result, the “left” side of a snowmobile is the same as the left side of the rider seated in a forward-facing position on the vehicle (or travelling in a forward direction on the vehicle).

#FIG. 1 illustrates a rider operator 10 sitting on a prior art snowmobile 12. Rider 10 is positioned on seat 14, with his weight distributed over endless track 16. Motor 18 (shown in general detail) is located over skis 20. As with any snowmobile, endless track 16 is operatively connected to motor (or engine) 18 to propel snowmobile 12 over the snow. Motor or engine 18 typically is a two-stroke internal combustion engine. Alternatively, a 4-stroke internal combustion engine may be substituted therefor. In addition, any suitable engine may be substituted therefor.

#FIG. 2 provides a side view of a snowmobile 22 constructed according to the teachings of the present invention. Here, rider/operator 24 is shown in a more forward, racing-like position, which is one of the aspects of the present invention. In this position, the weight of operator 24 is forward of the position of rider 10 in the prior art example.