Abstract:
A dolly for a snowmobile has ski ramp to receive each ski of the snowmobile and support the same, while having a belt ramp to both receive the belt drive or driving belt of the snowmobile, and permit the weight of the snowmobile to the lift the snowmobile onto the dolly or off of the dolly. The dolly has lockable castors to assist loading or unloading of the snowmobile.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    While a snowmobile has many uses, it is difficult to maneuver. It is not always convenient to maneuver the snowmobile under its own power. Furthermore, due to the weight of the snowmobile, moving the same without power is difficult.  
           [0002]    In order to move the snowmobile, while its engine is not running, a number of wheeled devices commonly known as dollies are available. Basically, a dolly includes a platform mounted on a set of casters. With the snowmobile mounted on the dolly, the dolly permits the snowmobile to be moved easily.  
           [0003]    The problem with the snowmobile dollies of the prior art is that it is difficult to get the snowmobile thereon. The weight of the snowmobile requires raising the snowmobile with at least one jack and placing a dolly thereunder. Such a raising step greatly complicates the use of the dolly.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    Among the many objectives of this invention is the provision of a wheel-mounted dolly for a snowmobile, which permits the snowmobile to be driven thereon.  
           [0005]    A further objective of this invention is the provision of a dolly for a snowmobile capable of supporting both the skis and the track.  
           [0006]    Yet a further objective of this invention is the provision of a dolly for a snowmobile having a pair of ski receivers to assist the mounting of the snowmobile thereon.  
           [0007]    A still further objective of this invention is the provision of a dolly for a snowmobile to cooperate with track of a snowmobile.  
           [0008]    Another objective of this invention is the provision of a dolly for a snowmobile capable of releasing both the skis and the track therefrom.  
           [0009]    Yet another objective of this invention is the provision of a snowmobile to avoid lifting of the device.  
           [0010]    Still, another objective of this invention is the provision of a wheel mounted a dolly for a snowmobile having a pair of ski receivers to assist the releasing of the snowmobile thereon.  
           [0011]    Also, an objective of this invention is the provision of a dolly for snowmobile for use in a simple fashion.  
           [0012]    These and other objectives of the invention (which other objectives become clear by consideration of the specification, claims and drawings as a whole) are met by providing a dolly for a snowmobile, having a ski ramp to receive each ski and support the same, while having a belt ramp to both receive the belt drive or driving belt of the snowmobile, and permit the weight of the snowmobile to the lift the snowmobile onto the dolly or off of the dolly. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]    [0013]FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a snowmobile dolly  100  of this invention having a snowmobile  110  shown thereon in phantom.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 2 depicts a front, perspective view of the snowmobile dolly  100  of this invention.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 3 depicts a top, front, perspective view of the snowmobile dolly  100  of this invention.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 4 depicts a top, rear, perspective view of the snowmobile dolly  100  of this invention.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 5 depicts a top, exploded, perspective view of the snowmobile dolly  100  of this invention.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 6 depicts a top, exploded, perspective view of an adjustable trapezoidal frame assembly  200  for the snowmobile dolly  100  of this invention.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 7 depicts a top, exploded, perspective view of a travel range  220  for the adjustable trapezoidal frame assembly  200  for the snowmobile dolly  100  of this invention.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 8 depicts a bottom, perspective view of the snowmobile dolly  100  of this invention with lockable caster  140 . 
     
    
       [0021]    Throughout the figures of the drawings, where the same part appears in more than one figure of the drawings, the same number is applied thereto.  
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0022]    The snowplow dolly has a generally T-shaped structure from a top perspective view. The cross member of the T-shaped structure is designed to support each ski of a snowmobile. The base member of the T-shaped structure is designed to support the driving track of the snowmobile. At each end of the cross member is a ski pickup or ramp assembly. Mounted on the base member is the track support to receive the driving track of the snowmobile.  
         [0023]    Preferably, the cross member of the T-shaped structure is formed by the cooperation of a member with a squared C-shaped cross section and two members having hollow rectangular cross-section, which forms the cross member of a T-shaped frame. In order to reinforce the cross member, a C-shaped member is mounted therein. The track support is mounted to the C-shaped member. As such, the rectangular cross-section tubes may slide on the C-shaped member, thereby adjusting the ski pickups to fit a width of the skis.  
         [0024]    Secured to each rectangular tube adjacent to each end thereof is the ramp assembly with the ski pickup. The ski pickup is bolted or otherwise secured to the rectangular tube and has a lockable caster assembly therebelow. Bolts, such as T-bolts permit adjusting of the ski pickups.  
         [0025]    As the track support is mounted on the cross member, it is bolted or otherwise secured to the C-shaped member. The track support is an elongated, flattened member with various cleats thereon at reasonable intervals to provide a gripping mechanism for driving a snowmobile onto the snowmobile dolly. The cleats provide raised gripping points for the driving of the snowmobile onto the snowmobile dolly. In this manner, track support provides an effective dolly.  
         [0026]    Supported below the track support is an adjustable trapezoidal frame. The frame is a generally trapezoidal shape with its base closer to the cross member. Within a generally trapezoidal shape is a barred rectangular shape. The longer bars of the rectangular shape permit attachment of the trapezoidal frame to the track support. Also, the longer bars are permitted to slide within a clamping mechanism on the bottom of the track support, thereby giving the frame an adjustable position along the track support.  
         [0027]    At each corner of the trapezoid, is mounted a caster, which permits the frame to cooperate with the lockable casters on the ski supports. With the cleats on the track support, the track support is supported on free wheels or lockable casters permit movement.  
         [0028]    The free wheels are casters which are not lockable, and thus lack a mechanism thereon to stop rotation. The lockable casters include a device as a part thereof to prevent rotation. The lockable casters also serve to secure the dolly while the snowmobile is being mounted thereon or removed therefrom. Both types of lockable casters and non-lockable casters are standard devices.  
         [0029]    The snowplow dolly of this invention can be made or formed from many suitable materials. These materials may be metal or plastic so long they have the required durability to withstand the weight of a snowmobile. Aluminum may well be the best material for the snowplow dolly because of its light weight and strength. However, steel or high impact plastic may also be used. The casters for the dolly must be capable of rotating both vertically and horizontally at least the 360 degrees. Preferably, the rotation of each caster must exceed a plurality of 360 degrees in its rotational modes.  
         [0030]    Referring now to FIG. 1, a snowmobile dolly  100  supports a snowmobile  110  thereon. Adding FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4 to the discussion, the supporting features of snowmobile dolly  100  become more clear in relation to snowmobile  110 . Snowmobile dolly  100  has a T-shaped member  120  and a adjustable frame assembly  200 . The cross member  122  of the T-shaped member  120  supports the skis  112  of snowmobile  110 . The base member  124  of the T-shaped member  120  supports the driving track  116  of snowmobile  110 .  
         [0031]    More particularly, cross member  122  has a substantially central mounting point  126  for base member  124 . The base member  124  is molded, bolted, welded, glued, or otherwise secured to cross member  122  at central mounting point  126 .  
         [0032]    As base member  124  has a secured end  130  joined to the central mounting point  126 , it also has a free end  132  oppositely disposed from secured end  130 . Also, at free end  132  is lifting lip  134 . Lifting lip  134  provides a ramp to lift or guide track  116  onto base member  124 . By lifting track  116  onto base member  124 , and skis  112  onto pickup ramp  170 , snowmobile  110  is positioned on dolly  100 .  
         [0033]    Between free end  132  and secured end  130 , is positioned adjustable frame assembly  200 , which provides flexibility for dolly  100  and that may be adapted to a wide variety of snowmobiles including snowmobile  100 . The adjustable frame assembly  200  may be releasably secured to base member  124  at any point between free end  132  and secured end  130 .  
         [0034]    With the further consideration of FIG. 5, the structure of snowmobile dolly  100  become more clear. The cross member  122  basically provides support for the skis  112  of the snowmobile  110 . More particularly, cross member  122  has a pair of end mounted lockable casters  140  secured thereto at each end thereof. Each of the end mounted lockable casters  140  may rotate freely at any range, including, but not limited to, 360 degrees or more about either a vertical axis or a horizontal axis.  
         [0035]    Lockability of casters  140  may inhibit rotation as desired. With the casters  140  locked, it is easier to drive the snowmobile  110  on or off of the dolly  100 .  
         [0036]    In a most preferred form, cross member  122  has a squared C-shaped member  142 . Bar apertures  144 ; being centrally located in squared, C-shaped member  142 ; permit secured end  130  of base member  124  to be secured thereat due to ramp apertures  150  in secured end  130 . Bar apertures  144  and ramp apertures  150  may be aligned and receive bolts  152 , which bolts  152  may receive corresponding nut  154 , thereby securing cross member  122  and base member  124  together.  
         [0037]    At each end of C-shaped member  142 , a ramp assembly  162  is provided. Ramp assembly  162  includes a ramp tube  164 , which is adapted to receive an end of C-shaped member  142 . Ramp tube  164  has a tube aperture  166  adapted to align with a cross aperture  168  in the end of C-shaped member  142 , thereby permitting bolt  152  and nut  154  to provide a securing device.  
         [0038]    Extending from the ramp tube  164  is a pickup ramp  168 , which is adapted to receive a ski  112  of the snowmobile  110 . Pickup ramp  170  has a raised outer bar  172  to provide guidance for ski  112 . Secured to the bottom of tube  164  is a lockable caster  140 . With a similar ramp assembly  162  oppositely disposed therefrom on C-shaped member  142  at its opposing end, skis  112  are easily lifted off of the ground and onto T-shaped member  120  under the power of snowmobile  110 .  
         [0039]    Positioned along base member  124  is a plurality of cleats  180 . Each cleat  180  may be bolted, welded, glued or otherwise secured to base member  124 . As the snowmobile  110  approaches snowmobile dolly  100 , cleats  180  cooperate with the track  116  of snowmobile  110 .  
         [0040]    On base member  124  at an end oppositely disposed from secured end  130  is a lifting lip  210  for the track  116  of snowmobile  110 . Thus, the track  116  may lift itself and the snowmobile  110  onto snowmobile dolly  100 .  
         [0041]    By providing a plurality of tube apertures  166  adapted to align with a plurality of cross apertures  168 , snowmobile dolly  100  in general and pickup ramp  170  in particular may be adjusted to compensate for the width of the snowmobile skis  112 . Such an adjustment permits snowmobile dolly  100  to receive a variety of snowmobiles.  
         [0042]    Adding FIG. 6 to the consideration, the structure of adjustable frame assembly  200  become clear. The adjustable frame assembly  200  may be releasably secured to base member  124 , thereby providing another adjustment factor in order to permit snowmobile dolly  100  to be used with a variety of snowmobiles.  
         [0043]    Adjustable frame assembly  200  may be assembled from tubular members, L-shaped members or any other appropriate shaped. L-shaped members appear to provide the most functional adjustable frame assembly  200 . Adjustable frame assembly  200  has a generally trapezoidal shape. The trapezoidal shape appears to provide the most efficiency and flexibility.  
         [0044]    More particular, the adjustable frame assembly  200  has a base bar  202 , preferably L-shaped as shown, and a top bar  204 . Base bar  202  is slightly longer than top bar  204 . A pair of isosceles bars  206  join base bar  202  and top bar  204  in order to complete an isosceles trapezoid. Buttressing the isosceles trapezoid is a first intermediate base  208  adjacent and parallel to top bar  204 ; and second intermediate base  210  adjacent and parallel to base bar  202 . The adjustable frame assembly  200  is preferably formed of L-shaped bars as shown.  
         [0045]    First support bar  220  and second support bar  222  are mounted or secured to top bar  204  and base bar  202  perpendicularly thereto. A space  230  between first support bar  220  and second support bar  222  provides a sufficient width to support base member  124 . Base bar  202  is closer to crosspiece  122  than is top bar  204 . At first intersection  234  and second intersection  236  of top bar  204  with each of isosceles bars  206  is mounted a lockable caster  140 .  
         [0046]    With consideration of FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the mobility of snowmobile  110 , on dolly  100  becomes clear. Adjustable frame assembly  200  has first support bar  220  and second support bar  222  being spaced appropriately to receive base member  124 . Thus, base member  124  rests between first support bar  220  and second support bar  222 . Preferably, each of first support bar  220  and second support bar  222  rests on opposing long sides of base member  124 . With such a support, the adjustable frame assembly  200  may slide along base member  124  to a desired position. One such a desired position is determined empirically, the snowmobile  110  may determine onto snowmobile dolly  100 .  
         [0047]    Lockable casters  140  serve to hold the snowmobile dolly  100  in a desired position as the snowmobile  110  is driven thereon. Then the casters  140  may be unlocked, and the snowmobile dolly  100  moved in any desired direction, by hand if desired.  
         [0048]    This application; taken as a whole with the abstract, specification, claims, and drawings being combined; provides sufficient information for a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention as disclosed and claimed herein. Any measures necessary to practice this invention are well within the skill of a person having ordinary skill in this art after that person has made a careful study of this disclosure.  
         [0049]    Because of this disclosure and solely because of this disclosure, modification of this method and device can become clear to a person having ordinary skill in this particular art. Such modifications are clearly covered by this disclosure.