Patent ID: 8439240
Filing Date: 2013-05-14
Classification: B60R,G16H

Abstract:
1. A method of coupling a pack to an all terrain vehicle, the all terrain vehicle including a vehicle frame carrying an engine; at least one front wheel supporting the vehicle frame; a pair of rear wheels supporting the vehicle frame; a handle bar assembly adapted to move the front wheel relative to the vehicle frame; a carrier rack fixedly coupled to the vehicle frame, the carrier rack including a frame base that extends in a first direction, a pair of elongate frame members that are spaced apart in the first direction and that extend in a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, from the frame base, at least one lower support extending outwardly from the frame base, an upper strap support portion positioned with respect to the at least one lower support such that the carrier rack supports a pack when the pack is placed on the at least one lower support and shoulder straps of the pack are positioned on the upper strap support portion, and a partition plate extending between the elongate frame members, above the lower support, and below the upper strap support portion, the partition plate being positioned to maintain separation between a rider on the all terrain vehicle and the pack during operation of the all terrain vehicle when the pack is supported by the carrier rack; and a longitudinally-extending straddle-type seat between the handle bar assembly and the carrier rack, the method comprising: placing a pack onto the carrier rack; and placing the shoulder straps of the pack onto the upper support portion such that the pack is vertically oriented while the pack rests on the at least one lower support.