REMOVABLE SEAT ASSEMBLY

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a removable seat assembly is provided comprising a first mounting feature engageable with the tunnel of a snow vehicle, and optionally a second mounting feature engageable with the tunnel of the snow vehicle. The first mounting feature may automatically engage the tunnel upon engagement of the second mounting feature with the tunnel. The seat assembly may comprise a frame base, a riser defining a chamber therein positioned on the frame base, a seat back frame, and an arm rest secured to the frame base and the seat back frame.

BACKGROUND

Snowmobiles are popular land vehicles used as transportation vehicles or as recreational vehicles in cold and snowy conditions. Generally, snowmobiles are available for various applications such as deep snow, high performance, luxury touring, and trail riding, for example. In general, a snowmobile has a chassis on or around which the various components of the snowmobile are assembled. Typical snowmobiles include one or more skis for steering, a seat, handlebars, and an endless track for propulsion mounted to a central chassis. The engine drives a ground-engaging endless track disposed in a longitudinally extending drive tunnel. One or more skis serve to facilitate steering as well as to provide flotation of the front of the snowmobile over the snow in which it is operated. A handlebar assembly, positioned forward of the seat, is operatively linked to the skis for steering the snowmobile. The skis may be pivoted to steer the snowmobile, for example, by turning the handlebars. The snowmobile also includes a footrest/running boards for the driver while riding. The driver typically straddles the seat with one leg on each side of the seat.

SUMMARY

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a removable seat assembly comprising a seat frame, the seat frame including a frame base including a front member and a rear member, the front member and the rear member secured together by one or more base brackets, a seat back frame coupled to the rear support member, an arm rest comprising a rear support structure coupled to the seat back frame, and a front support structure coupled to the front member. The removable seat assembly further comprising a seat riser positioned on the frame base, wherein the arm rest provides a first structural support to transfer a load between the front member and the rear member.

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a removable seat assembly, comprising a seat frame including a frame base, a seat riser positionable on a top panel of a snowmobile tunnel, the seat riser defining a chamber therein, an upper surface of the seat riser defining an opening to the chamber, a seat removably secured to the seat riser, the seat positioned on the upper surface of the seat riser to cover the opening, and a mounting feature removably secured to the snowmobile tunnel.

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a snowmobile seat comprising a seat frame, the seat frame comprising a frame base, a seat back frame, and a front cast sleeve. The front cast sleeve comprising a front channel configured to receive a front fastener. The snowmobile further comprising a quick attachment member coupled to the frame base, wherein the quick attachment member is removably secured to an attachment base, and the attachment base is secured to a tunnel of a snowmobile, the tunnel of the snowmobile comprising the front fastener.

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a method of assembling a seat comprising providing a seat frame comprising a frame base, a seat back frame, a front cast sleeve, and a rear cast sleeve, inserting the seat back frame through a plastic housing, positioning the plastic housing on the frame base, inserting a first hand grip comprising a first rear structural support and a first frontal structural support into the seat frame, wherein the first frontal structural support is inserted into the front cast sleeve; and inserting a second hand grip comprising a second rear structural support and a second frontal structural support into the seat frame, wherein the second frontal structural support is inserted into the front cast sleeve.

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a removable seat assembly comprising a frame positionable on a top panel of a snowmobile tunnel, a seat positioned on the frame, and a first mounting feature positionable along a sidewall of the tunnel when the frame is positioned on the top panel to removably engage one or more mounting features on or in the tunnel sidewall. The removable seat assembly further comprising a second mounting feature positionable along the top panel when the frame is positioned on the top panel to removably engage one or more mounting features positioned on or in the top panel

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a removable seat assembly comprising a base frame, a seat riser positioned on the base frame, the seat riser defining a chamber therein, a seat positioned on the riser, a seat back frame secured to the base frame, the seat back frame including a first end positioned in the chamber and secured to the base frame, and a second end positioned outside of the chamber rearward of the seat, an arm rest including a front support structure and a rear support structure, the rear support structure positioned in the chamber and secured to the seat back frame, and the front support structure positioned outside of the chamber and secured to the base frame.

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a removable seat assembly comprising a riser positionable on a top panel of a snowmobile tunnel, the riser defining a chamber therein, and an upper surface of the riser defines an opening to the chamber, a seat removably securable to the riser, the seat is positioned on the upper surface of the riser to close the opening when the seat is secured to the riser, and a mounting feature that is removably securable to the tunnel to removably secure the riser thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a removable seat assembly. The removable seat assembly may include one or more features for selectively securing the seat assembly to an off-road vehicle that may include, but is not limited to, a snowmobile.

In a non-limiting example, the snowmobile100is generally shown inFIGS.1-5and may include a chassis102, a tunnel104, a powerplant106, e.g., an electric motor or an internal combustion engine, attached to the chassis102, a drive track108disposed within the tunnel104, and a drivetrain110configured to provide motive power from the powerplant106to the drive track108. The snowmobile further includes skis112operably connected to handlebars114that are used to turn the snowmobile100and running boards120that provide a footrest for the driver's feet.

The snowmobile100further includes an energy storage feature116, e.g., a battery pack or a fuel tank depending on powerplant type, which is attached to the chassis102and the tunnel104of the snowmobile. The snowmobile100also includes a seat118configured to accommodate a snowmobile driver that is mounted solely to the energy storage feature116. The seat118is further described in U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 63/350,553 filed on Jun. 9, 2022, entitled “Snowmobile With Seat And Gas Tank Assembly,” U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 63/404,682 filed on Sep. 8, 2022, entitled “Snowmobile With Seat Assembly,” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/988,111 filed Nov. 16, 2022, and entitled “Fuel Tank And Seat Assembly For A Vehicle,” which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The non-limited example of a snowmobile100presented herein is directed to an internal combustion engine powered snowmobile and so will refer to the power train as “the engine106” and the energy storage feature as “the fuel tank116”. Other examples of electric powered snowmobiles having an electric motor and battery pack that are embodiments of the inventive features may also be envisioned.

As shown inFIGS.6-8, the seat118is mounted to the fuel tank116by a plurality of mounting devices that include engagement members that may be in the form of two trapezoidal projections202on the lower surface204of the seat118, particularly the seat frame206as shown inFIG.10. These projections202are received within two engagement members such as trapezoidal pockets208on an upper surface210of the fuel tank116that are shown inFIGS.9,15-17, and19. The projections202and pockets208have a generally trapezoidal shape in at least two axes, vertical and lateral. The projections202and pockets208are vertically tapered with their upper portions being wider than their lower portions. The projections202and pockets208are also laterally tapered with their mesial portions being wider than their distal portions. The projections202are located near outboard edges of the seat frame206and the pockets208are located near outboard edges of the fuel tank116. It is to be understood that the shape or location of the engagement members illustrated is not limiting, and other shapes and configurations may be used. For example, the fuel tank may be provided with projections and the frame may be provided with pockets for receiving the projections.

As further illustrated inFIGS.6-8, the seat frame206may include a first portion201and a second portion205. The first portion201of the seat frame206may be configured to rest against the upper surface210of the fuel tank116. The second portion205of the seat frame206may be configured to extend away from the upper surface210of the fuel tank116and rest against a rear panel234. In some embodiments, the second portion205of the seat frame206may extend from the rear portion of the fuel tank116, over a rearward facing chamber230, and rest against the rear panel234. The first portion201of the seat frame206may include a continuous descending slope from the front to the rear, i.e., the first portion201descends toward the tunnel104as the distance from the front end of the snowmobile100increases. In contrast, the second portion205of the seat frame206may include a continuous ascending slope from front to rear, i.e., the second portion205ascends away from the tunnel104as the distance from the front end of the snowmobile100increases (see e.g.,FIGS.6-8). The first portion201and the second portion205form a v-shape near the center of the seat frame206.

The fuel tank116and the rear panel234may share the rider load, or in other words, the rider's weight may be distributed between the fuel tank116and the rear panel234. For instance, the forwardmost portion of the rear panel234extends underneath the fuel tank116and underneath the first portion201of the seat frame205. Therefore, a rider load disposed on the first portion201of the seat frame206will be distributed between the fuel tank116and the rear panel234.

The plurality of mounting devices also includes a pillar212, shown inFIGS.15and19, mounted along a centerline of the fuel tank116and standing proud from the upper surface210of the fuel tank116. The pillar212is capped by a disc214shown inFIGS.6,7,15-17, and19having a larger diameter than the pillar212. The pillar212and disc214are received within a keyhole-shaped opening216in the lower surface of the seat frame206. As shown inFIG.10, a forward potion of the keyhole-shaped opening216has a round portion218and a slot portion220interconnected thereto that extends rearwardly from the round portion218. The pillar212and the disc214are received within the round portion218and the seat frame206is then moved forward to secure the seat frame206to the fuel tank116by sliding the pillar212into the slot portion220and disposing the seat frame206between the disc214and the upper surface210of the fuel tank116as illustrated inFIG.7. As the seat frame206is moved forwardly, the projections202are aligned with and may be received within the pockets208. The pillar212and disc214assembly and the pockets208are arranged on the upper surface210of the fuel tank116in a generally isosceles triangular configuration.

In alternative embodiments, the lower surface204of the seat frame206may define a keyhole-shaped opening in which the slot portion is forward of the round portion (not shown). After the disc214and pillar212are received within the round portion of this alternative keyhole-shaped opening, the seat frame206is then moved rearwardly to secure the seat frame206to the fuel tank116.

The projections202and pockets208allow longitudinal and lateral positional tolerance for these mounting devices that may accommodate dimensional variations caused by manufacturing processes used to form the fuel tank116, e.g., blow molding.

The upper surface210extends from a forward portion222downward to a rearward portion224as shown inFIGS.11and12. The upper surface210includes a first trapezoidal tier226with first outboard sides extending from the rearward portion224and converging toward the forward portion222and a second trapezoidal tier228extending upward from the first trapezoidal tier226as shown inFIGS.9and15-17. The second trapezoidal tier228has second outboard sides extending from the rearward portion224and converging toward the forward portion222as also shown inFIG.9. The second outboard sides of the second trapezoidal tier228are positioned inboard of the first outboard sides of the first trapezoidal tier226. The pockets208are positioned along the outboard sides of the second trapezoidal tier228nearer the rearward portion224of the fuel tank116and are positioned outboard and opposite each other in relation to a centerline of the upper surface210. The pillar212and the disc214are positioned along the centerline of the upper surface210and are located nearer the forward portion222of the fuel tank116.

As shown inFIGS.16,17,20,22, and23, the rearward portion224of the fuel tank116defines the rearward facing chamber230generally in the form of an open rectangular slot that is configured to enclose a starter battery232or other items. The rear panel234shown inFIGS.6-9and22-28slidingly and removably engages the rearward portion224of the fuel tank116to enclose the rearward facing chamber230. In some embodiments, the rear panel234may be made of plastic or other insulating materials. Thus, the inner surfaces of the rearward facing chamber230may be non-metal and/or non-conducting material. The rearward facing chamber230may space the starter battery232from the tunnel104.

As shown inFIGS.26-28, the rear panel234includes a rear wall260extending between two outboard legs275that slidingly receive the portions224extending rearward from the fuel tank116. The outboard legs275include a lower wall274positionable on the upper surface of the tunnel104, side walls272and an upper wall270that define a chamber276for receiving the portions224therein. An interior surface268of the upper wall270is slanted to rest on the sloped surface of the portions224when installed on the fuel tank116so that the forwardmost portion of the upper wall270of the leg275is positioned adjacent the pocket208. The outboard sides of the portions224may be recessed with respect to the curved surface238positioned forward of the portions224so that the side walls272of the legs275may overlap the recessed portions of the portions224and maintain a smooth transition with the curved surface of the fuel tank116positioned adjacent to the side walls272of the legs275when the rear panel234is secured to the fuel tank116. The side walls272and the upper walls270of the legs275also cover the fasteners262and fastener channels266positioned along the base of the portions224that are used to secure the rearward end of the fuel tank to the lower wall274of the legs275.

In some embodiments, the rear panel234may be configured to provide a forward force to the starter battery232, and thus, the starter battery232is pressed between the rear panel234and the fuel tank116to firmly secure the starter battery232in place. Such configuration may be beneficial, as it may reduce forward/rearward movement and lateral movement of the starter battery232within the chamber230, minimizing wear on the wires and battery terminals. The fasteners226may slidably engage with the fastener channels266and the tunnel engagement features264may slidably engage with the tunnel104. The fasteners226and the tunnel engagement features264may limit travel of the rear panel234. Fasteners227may be inserted through the rear panel234and the fuel tank116(seeFIGS.21-22) to secure the fuel tank116to the rear panel234and to further limit travel of the rear panel234. In some embodiments, the fasteners227may be configured to provide a press force on the started battery232, i.e., tightening of the fasteners227may press the rear panel234into the started battery232, and hence, press the starter battery232into the fuel tank116.

As shown inFIGS.20and21, the lower surface of the portions224is upwardly recessed to receive the lower wall274of the legs275thereunder as shown inFIGS.23and24. The lower walls274define a fuel engagement feature278at the forward end thereof that receive the fastener262to secure the fuel tank116thereto. A rearward portion of the legs275include one or more tunnel engagement features264that may include a hook or foot that is insertable into an aperture in the upper surface of the tunnel so that as the rear panel234is slide forward to receive the portions224in the chamber276defined by the leg275, the upper surface of the foot extends under the tunnel104and engages the underside of the tunnel104if an upward force is applied to the rear panel224. The rear panel234may include upper wall apertures282to allow a fastener (not shown) to secure the rear panel234to the tunnel104and/or allow an accessory (not shown) to secure to the rear panel234.

A shelf280is provided that extends along the rear wall260between the legs275and is shaped to support the battery thereon. The surface of the shelf280extends upward as it extends toward the rear wall260, so that the top surface of the battery is inclined to face in the forward direction as shown inFIG.22. The rearward facing wall of the fuel tank116includes a recess or channel as shown inFIG.19that receives the wiring harness extending to the battery and routes the harness to the underside of the fuel tank where a forwardly extending channel223as shown inFIG.20receives the harness.

The rear panel234may include a latching member236shown inFIGS.8,9,26, and27, for example a quarter-turn fastener, joined with the seat frame206to maintain the projections202and keyhole slot on the seat frame206in engagement with the pockets208, pillar212, and disc214on the fuel tank116. This latching member236extends to a rearward portion225of the seat frame206and is further configured to inhibit the seat frame206from sliding forward, thus maintaining the location of the pillar212in the slot portion220of the keyhole-shaped opening216until the latching member236is disengaged from the seat frame206. In some embodiments, the latching member236may be toolless, i.e., no tool or instrument is required to latch and unlatch the latching member236. Such toolless latching member would enable the rider to remove and secure the seat frame206from the fuel tank116and the rear panel234with their bare hands. Toolless removal and attachment is desirable, as it allows the rider to access the rear facing chamber anywhere and anytime (e.g., on a riding trail without tools nearby).

The sides of the fuel tank116have opposed concave curved surfaces238shown inFIG.16that are configured to accommodate lower leg portions of a driver standing over the seat118when the driver's feet are positioned on the running boards120. The curved surfaces238are configured to allow the driver to stand with each foot on opposite running boards120with the legs extending straight from the driver's torso without the lower portion of the driver's legs contacting the curved surfaces238of the fuel tank116. This driving position may be helpful when riding the snowmobile in hilly or mountainous terrain.

The curved surfaces238are shaped so that each of the curved surfaces238is an unbroken and continuous curve from a base240to an upper surface242of the fuel tank116and from a forward portion222to the rearward portion224of the fuel tank116. As shown inFIG.16, a first width244between the of the fuel tank116at the base240of the forward portion222is greater than a second width246between the curved surfaces238at the base240of the rearward portion224. A third width248between the curved surfaces238at the upper surface242of the forward portion222is less than a fourth width250between the curved surfaces238at the upper surface242of the rearward portion224. The third width248between the curved surfaces238at the upper surface242of the forward portion222is at least partially located longitudinally forward of the seat118. A first minimum distance252between the curved surfaces238at the upper surface242is at least partially disposed longitudinally forward of the seat118. The first minimum distance252between the curved surfaces238at the upper surface242is disposed longitudinally forward of a location on the seat118where the drive sits to rest on the seat. A second minimum distance254between the curved surfaces238at the base240is also disposed longitudinally forward of the location on the seat118where the driver's buttocks are configured to rest on the seat. The second minimum distance254between the curved surfaces238at the base240is disposed longitudinally forward of the first minimum distance252between the curved surfaces238at the upper surface242.

In an embodiment as shown inFIGS.29-57, a removable seat assembly300is provided. The seat assembly300may be positioned behind the seat118to provide support for an additional passenger. The seat assembly300includes one or more of a seat frame302, a seat riser304, and a seat cushion306. The seat assembly300is provided with one or more mounting features that are removably engageable with one or more mounting features provided on the tunnel104to removably secure the seat assembly300thereto. In other words, the seat assembly300is removable from the tunnel104of the snowmobile100.

In an illustrative example, the seat assembly300includes a first mounting feature that is engageable with a mounting feature positioned on or in a side panel105of the tunnel104, and/or a second mounting feature that is engageable with a mounting feature positioned on or in a top panel103of the tunnel104. Although not limited to such a configuration, the first mounting feature may be configured to locate and align the seat assembly300on the tunnel104so that the second mounting feature may latch onto the mounting feature positioned on or in the top panel103of the tunnel104to removably secure the seat assembly300thereto.

As shown inFIGS.30A-30D and31, the seat frame302includes one or more arm rests303and a frame base310comprising a first member312and a second member314that are positionable on a top panel103of the tunnel104. The first member312and the second member314may also be referred to as “front member” and “rear member”, respectively. One or more end caps305may be provided on outboard ends of the first member312and the second member314. The end caps305may include the first mounting feature, such as a flange368, for removably securing the seat assembly300to the tunnel104. In addition to, or alternatively, the end caps305may be provided with a connection sleeve330(seeFIG.31) for receiving another portion of the frame302, such as arm rests303. In a non-limiting example, at least a portion of the end cap305such as a sleeve defining an aperture307, is formed by casting and may comprise a metal or metal alloy such as steel, aluminum and aluminum alloys. The first member312and the second member314may be secured together by one or more base brackets316. The base brackets316may be positioned inboard of the end caps305and provided with one or more mounting flanges317for securing a second mounting feature, such as an attachment member352, thereto (see e.g.,FIG.40). Positioning of the attachment member352inboard of the side panels105of the tunnel104allows the attachment member352to be partially housed in the seat riser304, thereby shielding the attachment member352.

The seat frame302may include a seat back frame318with one or more features that facilitates assembly of the seat frame302with the seat riser304and/or allows for the arm rests303to function as a structural member of the seat frame302. In the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG.34, the seat back frame318includes one or more vertical members319including a first end323that is secured to the second member314, and a second end325that extends upward to a back rest334that is removably secured thereto. A rear sleeve332may be removably secured to the front of the vertical members319for receiving a portion of the arm rests303therein. The ability to removably secure the back rest334and the rear sleeve332to the seat back frame318allows for the vertical members319of the seat back frame318to be inserted through the seat riser304before the back rest334and the rear sleeve332are secured thereto. The ability to secure the arm rest303to the seat back frame318via, for example, the rear sleeve332as well as the frame base310via, for example, the end cap aperture307provides another connection point for the seat back frame318to the frame base310, thereby allowing the arm rest303to function as a structural member of the seat frame302.

The arm rest303may be provided with a first hand grip320, and a second hand grip322. Both the first hand grip320and the second hand grip322include a grip portion324configured to allow a second passenger to grasp, a frontal support structure326, and a rear support structure328. The hand grips320and322may be connected at one end to the frontal support structure326of the arm rest303. The frontal support structure326may extend substantially downward, rearward and inboard from an upper end secured to the hand grip320,322, to a lower end that is received within the aperture307of the front end cap305. The hand grips320and322may be connected at another end to the rear support structure328. The rear support structure328may include a first end secured to the frontal support structure326and may extend upward, inboard and rearward therefrom to a second end secured to the seat back frame318. In some embodiments, the second end of the rear support structure328may be received in the rear sleeve332to removably secure the rear support structure328to the seat back frame318. In some embodiments, each of the arm rests303may include a bracket321. The wind guard bracket321may be configured to shield a rider's hand from wind, or secure an additional component, e.g., a hand shield550(as shown inFIGS.56-57) to shield a rider's hand from wind. In some embodiments, the hand grips320,322may include a hand heating element552(seeFIG.57).

The first arm rest303and the second arm rest303provide structural support to the removable seat and transfer load from a second end336of the frame base310to a first end338of the frame base310. In an illustrative example, the rear support structure328is secured to the seat back frame318and transfers load to the frontal support structure326. This load transfer helps distribute the load (the second rider weight) between the first end338and the second end336of the frame base310. A uniform distribution of load may reduce stress on the tunnel104of the snowmobile. For instance, if load was concentrated in the second end336of the frame base310, the portion of the tunnel104directly beneath the second end336would be under increased stress and the tunnel104would require a greater thickness or additional reinforcement in that region. In an illustrative example, the uniform distribution of load allows the tunnel104to be comprised of fewer reinforcements and/or a thinner material to reduce the overall weight of the tunnel104.

As shown inFIGS.32-34, the seat riser304may be provided with one or more features to facilitate assembly, to position the seat cushion306at a desired height, to define a chamber388underneath the seat cushion306, and/or to provide structural support for the seat cushion306. The riser may be comprised of any suitable material including, but not limited to polymeric materials, fiber or particle reinforced polymeric materials, metals and metal alloys.

In an embodiment shown inFIGS.47-49, the seat riser304includes a bottom panel309with an exterior surface340that is positioned opposite the top panel103of the tunnel104, and sidewalls extending upward therefrom to define the chamber388that is accessible via an opening348defined in the top of the seat riser304. The bottom panel309includes a front channel342to receive the first member312and a rear channel344to receive the second member314. One or more removable fasteners may be inserted via the chamber388through apertures provided on the bottom surface of the seat riser304and into the first member312and the second member314to secure the seat riser304to the frame base310. As shown inFIGS.40-42, the front channel342and the rear channel344may be substantially U-shaped, and regions of the bottom panel309to the front and the rear of the front channel342and the rear channel344may optionally be positioned to abut the top panel103of the tunnel104to increase the surface area of the seat assembly in contact with the tunnel104. One or more recesses354may be provided in the bottom panel309and the side walls between the front channel342and the rear channel344to receive the attachment member352therein. Housing the attachment member352within the recess354of the seat riser304protects the attachment member352during operation of the vehicle. One or more channels355may be provided that extend from the front of the bottom panel309to the rear of the bottom panel309to accommodate an electrical harness extending from the battery232to the taillight positioned at the rear of the tunnel104. The first member312and the second member314may also include recesses to accommodate for the passage of the electrical harness between the first member312, the second member314and the top panel103of the tunnel104.

The exterior surface340of the bottom panel309may also be shaped to accommodate one or more accessory attachments positioned on or along the top panel103. In some embodiment, such as the embodiment illustrated inFIG.50, two of the attachment members352may be secured to the tunnel and connected via a flexible strap172. A bracket and a mounting plate166may be secured to each of the attachment members352. In some embodiments, the mounting plate166may be configured to secure a saddle bag, or other accessory, to the tunnel104. Thus, the exterior surface340may be shaped to create clearance for the flexible strap172, the mounting plate166, and/or the bracket168.

At least a portion of one or both of the seat back frame318and the arm rests303are housed in the chamber388defined by the seat riser304. In an illustrative example, the removable rear sleeve332is positioned in the chamber388and the side walls of the seat riser304define one or more through-holes346to allow the rear support structure328to pass therethrough. Accordingly, the ends of the arm rests303can be inserted into the removable rear sleeve332and removably secured thereto with, for example, threaded fasteners during assembly. Similarly, the upper end of the seat back frame318can be inserted into the seat riser304through openings in the bottom panel309and out of the chamber through openings349defined on an upper surface of the seat riser304rearward of the opening348. After which, the back rest334may be removably secured to the upper end of the seat back frame318with, for example, threaded fasteners. As shown inFIG.32, the removable rear sleeve332can be secured to the seat back frame318with, for example, threaded fasteners during assembly inside the chamber388via the opening348defined in the top of the seat riser304.

In some embodiments, the seat riser304may support a vertical load (e.g., a passenger's weight), and the seat frame302may support a non-vertical load (e.g., a passenger shifting laterally, longitudinally, or grabbing/pulling on the arm rests303). In other embodiments, the seat riser304and the seat frame may share both vertical load and non-vertical load.

The seat riser304may include a front wall384shaped to facilitate integration of the seat assembly300with one of more components of the seat118. The front wall384extends between outboard portions377from the bottom panel309to the top of the seat riser304forward of the opening348. The lower portion of the front wall may include a forwardly projecting foot385that abuts or is positioned along the top panel103of the tunnel104and is received between the legs of the rear panel234and in a recess defined by the rear panel234so that the foot385is positioned underneath the battery shelf of the rear panel234and a battery if present thereon. The outboard portions377of the riser304are positionable over the outboard legs275of the of the rear panel234when the foot385is received in the chamber to provide additional support to the forward end of the riser304. As shown inFIG.46, a first portion of the front wall384that is positioned between the outboard portions377extends upwardly and fowardly from the foot385along the rear wall of the rear panel234, and a second portion extends upwardly and rearwardly from the first portion and is optionally positionable to abut a downward and rearward facing surface of the seat cushion of the seat118. As shown inFIG.45, the foot385does not extend from the outboard portions377of the side walls, so that the foot385is positioned between the rearward projecting feet275of the rear panel234with the rearward projecting feet positioned beneath at least a portion of the seat riser304.

As illustrated inFIGS.33and46, the seat riser may include a rear wall387including one or more mounting holes. The one or more mounting holes may be configured to receive, for example, a threaded fastener to removably secure the vertical member319of the seat back frame318to the seat riser304. The rear wall387and rear mounting holes389may redistribute a load from the seat frame302to the seat riser304, or vice-versa. In other embodiments (see e.g.,FIG.43), the rear wall387does not include one or more mounting holes.

The seat riser304and the seat cushion306may be provided with one or more features that allow for the toolless removal of the seat cushion306from the seat riser304to facilitate easy access to the chamber388. As shown inFIGS.51A-B, the upper portion of the seat riser304includes a flat surface351surrounding a lip353that at least partially defines the opening348to the chamber388. As shown inFIG.53, a seat cushion frame390that is secured to the underside of the seat cushion306may be provided with a flange extending along at least a portion of the perimeter of the seat cushion frame390for positioning on the flat surface351, and a recess defined on an underside of the seat cushion frame390inboard of the flange. The recess is shaped to receive the lip353therein to align the seat cushion306on the seat riser304. The seat cushion frame390may be provided with one or more retaining features for removably securing the seat cushion306to the seat riser304. For example, one side of the seat cushion frame390may be discontinuous and provided with a clip392that is insertable underneath the lip353(seeFIG.52). Although the clip392is shown at the forward end of the seat cushion frame390, it may be positioned on any side of the seat cushion frame390. In a non-limiting example as shown inFIG.53, the clip392is positioned at the rear of the seat bottom390and is positioned underneath the lip353at the rear of the opening348. A portion of the side of the seat cushion frame390positioned opposite the clip392may be raised to provide a gap between the upper portion of the seat riser304and the seat cushion frame390. This raised portion may operate as a hand grip394to lift and pivot the seat cushion306to disengage the tongue or clip392from the seat riser304and allow for removal of the seat cushion306from the seat riser304. Accordingly, the design allows for the toolless removal of the seat cushion306from the seat riser304to facilitate easy access to the chamber388. As shown in another nonlimiting example inFIG.54, the seat cushion frame390may include one or more locating pins391that are insertable into apertures located in the top of the seat riser304on opposite sides of the hand grip394. The locating pins391may be configured to secure the seat cushion frame390onto the seat riser304and to help position the seat cushion frame390. In a non-limiting example, at least a portion of one or both of the seat cushion frame390and the seat cushion306may extend over the rearward end of the seat cushion of the seat118.

As shown inFIG.29, nesting of different features between the seat riser304and the rear panel234provides for a continuous outboard surface extending from the front of the tunnel104and the rearward legs of the chassis102to the rear of the removable seat300. In addition to, or alternatively, the arrangement positions the seat cushion306in contact with the seat cushion of the seat118to provide a substantially continuous seating surface between the two seats. In a non-limiting example, the forward end of the cushion306may include a recess that receives the rearward end of the cushion of the seat118as shown inFIG.29.

In some embodiments, an external bracket350may be added to the tunnel104of the snowmobile100(seeFIGS.35-36) to provide additional clearance and/or reinforcement. In a non-limiting example, the bracket350may be positioned to redistribute load to the edge of the tunnel104that is capable of bearing a heavier load than the center of the top panel103of the tunnel104. The bracket350may be placed over an interiorly reinforced portion107of the tunnel104and help redistribute the load to the reinforced portion of the tunnel104(seeFIG.43). The bracket350may add structural strength to the tunnel104. In some embodiments, the bracket350can be made from steel or other metal alloys with a higher strength and/or thickness than the tunnel104. The removable seat can be secured on top of and/or on the side of the bracket350to distribute the load of the passenger seated thereon.

The seat assembly300is provided with one or more mounting features that are removably engageable with one or more mounting features provided on the tunnel104to removably secure the seat assembly300thereto. In some embodiments, the seat300may include one or more attachment members352that are securable to the top panel103of the tunnel104. The attachment members352can be secured to the frame base310and allow the rider to attach and remove the seat assembly300to/from the snowmobile100. In some embodiments, the attachment member352can be secured to the base bracket316and/or the seat riser304, with the attachment member352housed in the recess354of the seat riser304. In a non-limiting example shown inFIG.39C, the attachment member352is provided with a housing126including flanges128with mounting holes182. The attachment member352is positioned along the outboard side of the base brackets316with the mounting holes182coaxially aligned with the mounting holes in mounting flanges317of the base brackets316(seeFIGS.30C and40). In the non-limiting example shown inFIGS.40and51B, the flanges128of the attachment member352are positioned beneath the flanges of the base bracket316, and fasteners are inserted through the mounting holes182of the attachment member352, through the mounting holes of the base brackets316, and into the exterior surface340of the bottom panel309of the seat riser304to removably secure the attachment member352thereto.

FIGS.37,39A-39C, and50show an exemplary attachment member352. The attachment member352is further described in U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 63/310,264 filed Feb. 15, 2022, entitled “Accessory Attachment System,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The attachment member352includes one or more stationary features, such as one or more hooks356, a movable feature, such as a locking pin358, and a release button360that can retract the locking pin358inside the housing of the attachment member352when depressed. In some embodiments, the locking pin358may include a spring-biased plunger. The hooks356and the locking pin358are configured to be vertically inserted into openings defined by the tunnel104and/or an attachment base362with one or more hook openings364and a pin opening366. In a non-limiting example, the attachment base362is secured to the top panel103of the tunnel104with one or more fasteners inserted from inside of the tunnel104into the bottom of the attachment base362. Optionally, as shown inFIG.43, a bracket365may be positioned on the interior of the top panel103and the interior of the side panel105of the tunnel104to provide additional support to the seat assembly, and the fasteners367may extend through the portion of the bracket365positioned along the underside of the top panel103, the top panel103of the tunnel104, and into the underside of the attachment base362. Once the hooks356are vertically inserted into the hook openings364,366, the attachment member352may be slid, for example, forward along the length of the tunnel104into a locking position (seeFIGS.39A and41) where the top of the hooks356are positioned along an underside of the attachment base362to prevent withdrawal of the hooks356from the hook openings364and366. When the locking position is reached, the spring-biased locking pin358will automatically extend into the pin opening366and lock the attachment member352to the snowmobile100by preventing sliding of the attachment member352rearward to align of the hooks356with the openings364and366.

For instance, inFIG.39A, the locking pin358is deployed and extends downward. In contrast,FIG.39Billustrates the locking pin358in the unlocked position, with the locking pin358retracted within the housing of the attachment member352. When the locking pin358is deployed into the attachment base362, the locking pin358will prevent any forward or backward slide motion while the hooks356will prevent the attachment member352from lifting vertically off the snowmobile100.

The attachment base362may be disposed on the bracket350, or in other embodiments, the attachment base362may be secured directly to the tunnel104.FIG.44shows an exemplary embodiment wherein the attachment base362is secured to the top surface of the bracket350, with the attachment member352locked into the attachment base362. It is to be understood that the attachment member352can be directly secured to the tunnel104without the use of the attachment base362. In a non-limiting example, the tunnel104may be provided with openings similar to the hook openings364and366that allow the attachment member352to be directly secured to the tunnel104without the attachment base362.

The frame base310may include one or more mounting features for removably securing the seat assembly300to one or both of the side panels105of the tunnel104. In a non-limiting example, the mounting features may be flanges368(seeFIGS.40-43) that extend downward from the end caps305and are positioned along the outboard surfaces of the side panels105. Positioning of the flanges368on opposite sides of the tunnel104may provide additional stability to the seat assembly300as the flanges368serve as a stop and inhibit lateral movement of the seat assembly300across the width of the tunnel104. One or both of the flanges368may include a channel370configured to receive a protrusion372extending from an interior of the tunnel104and through the side panel105of the tunnel104. One or both of the protrusions372may also extend through the internal bracket365, and through the tunnel104, and optionally through the bracket350. In some embodiments, the protrusion372may extend from the tunnel104and through the reinforcement bracket350. In some embodiments, the flange368may include a front channel stop376(seeFIG.40) while in other embodiments, the flange368will not include the front channel stop376(seeFIG.41).

In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS.41-42, the second member314or the end cap305positioned thereon includes the flange368and the channel370. In addition to, or alternatively, the first member312or the end cap305positioned thereon includes the flange368and the channel370. The protrusions372are disposed such that the openings to the channel370of the first member312and the channel370of the second member314can be aligned with the protrusions so that the protrusions372can be received in the channel370if the first member312and the channel370of the second member314at the same time. The seat assembly300can be moved forward along the tunnel104until the protrusions372contact the rear channel stop374and prevent the frame base310from sliding forward. The channel370is shaped to slidingly receive the protrusion372therein and the rear channel stop374can be configured to engage the protrusions372and stop the frame base310at a location wherein the locking pin358of the attachment member352is directly over the pin opening366of the attachment base362. This configuration may allow the attachment member352to automatically lock into the attachment base362when the seat assembly300is slid forward to where the protrusion372reaches a desired position within the channel370. Accordingly, the flange368may be configured to position and align the seat assembly300on the tunnel104to allow the hook members356to be inserted into the openings364,366in the attachment base362when the protrusion372is located at the entrance or opening to the channel370, and to allow the spring-based locking pin358of the attachment member352to extend into the opening366in the attachment base362to automatically lock the hook members356to the attachment base362as the flange368is slid forward to position the projections372at the desired position in the channels370for the attachment member352to lock the seat assembly300to the tunnel104.

As illustrated inFIGS.41-42, the seat assembly300may be removed by pushing the release button360on the attachment member352to withdraw the locking pin358from the attachment base362and sliding the frame base310in a rearward direction (indicated by arrow380) to simultaneously (1) align the hook members356with the openings364,366in the attachment base362; and (2) align the projection372with an opening to the channel370. The seat assembly300may then be lifted in a vertical direction (indicated by arrow382) to simultaneously remove the hook members356from the openings364,366in the attachment base362and the projection372from the opening to the channel370.

In some embodiments, the protrusion372may be configured to secure the reinforcement bracket350to the tunnel104. The protrusion372may be an Allen nut, a socket nut, a stud, a bolt, or a nut. The protrusion372may act as a mounting feature that is engaged by the flange368to keep the seat assembly300secured to the tunnel104by itself or in combination with the attachment member352. In some embodiments, the protrusion372may distribute load from the frame base310into the side panel105of the tunnel104. As shown inFIG.43, a fastener367inserted from inside the tunnel104first through a bracket365is connected to the attachment base362to removably secure the attachment base362to the upper surface of the top panel103. The protrusion372may extend through the side panel105of the tunnel104, optionally through the bracket365positioned on an interior surface of the side panel105, and optionally through the bracket350positioned on the exterior surface of the side panel105. Accordingly, a portion of the side panel105may be sandwiched between the bracket365and the bracket350to provide additional support to the seat assembly300. A separate component may then be removably secured, optionally threadingly secured, to the outboard end of the fastener to form the protrusion372. Accordingly, weight from the seat assembly300can be transferred to both the top panel103and the side panel105near the intersection of the top panel103and side panel105at the edge of the tunnel104that is reinforced by one or both of the bracket365positioned on the interior of the tunnel104and the bracket350positioned on the exterior of the tunnel104.

As shown inFIGS.45-47, the seat riser304of the seat assembly300may be configured to integrate and/or mate with the rear panel234and the seat118. The integration promotes the aesthetic look of the seat assembly300, allows for convenient electrical connections form the battery232to the seat assembly300, and the contours of the seat riser304provide structural support for the seat assembly300.FIG.46shows a cross-sectional side view of the seat118, the rear panel234, and the seat riser304.FIG.46illustrates how the front contours384of the seat riser304follow the shape of the seat118and rear panel234to create a compact fit. This compact fit can be beneficial, as additional accessories may be added to the rear end of the tunnel104in addition to the seat assembly300.

As shown inFIGS.47,49, and51A-52, an electrical connection port386may be installed through an aperture393defined in the front or side wall of the seat riser304that is positioned adjacent to or abuts a wall of the rear panel234(such as an inboard wall of the adjacent rearwardly extending legs that defines an opening). The rear panel234encloses the rearward facing chamber230which may house the starter battery232or other electrical components and may be provided with an electrical connection port396. Therefore, the rear panel234provides a convenient electrical connection to the seat assembly300that is hidden from view when the removable seat assembly300is secured to the tunnel104. When the seat assembly300is secured to the tunnel104, the opening for the electrical connection port386of the seat assembly300is automatically aligned with the opening for the electrical connection port396of the rear panel234. In some embodiments, the electrical connection port396of the rear panel may automatically pair with the electrical connection port386of the seat assembly300upon sliding the seat assembly300into position on the tunnel104, and automatically disconnect when the seat assembly300is removed from the tunnel104. Non-limiting examples of a quick disconnect electrical connection include inductive couplers, wherein the transmitter may comprise the electrical connection port396and the receiver may comprise the electrical connection port386.

In some embodiments, the electrical connection port386may be used to provide heat to the seat assembly300or may be converted into a12-V or USB outlet. In a non-limiting example, one or more outlets may be provided in the chamber388to provide power to one or more personal devices such as cellular phones. In some embodiments, the electrical connection port386of the seat riser304may connect with a wiring harness398configured to carry electrical power to various applications related to the seat assembly300(seeFIG.50B). For instance, the wiring harness398may carry power to a seat heating element397that is positionable in the seat cushion306, wherein the seat heating element397is configured to heat the seat cushion306(see e.g.,FIG.51), and in addition to, or alternatively, the wiring harness398may carry power to a component positioned on the arm rest303such as a hand heating element552(seeFIG.56). The chamber388of the seat riser304may include mounting points and/or surfaces configured to secure the wiring harness398. In some embodiments, the wiring harness398may be routed through the arm rests303to the component positioned on the arm rest303, such as the hand heating element552.

The seat riser304includes the chamber388that may be used as an interior compartment that is accessible through the top opening348of the seat riser304by removing the seat cushion therefrom. The interior compartment may be waterproof and provide the rider with a dry storage space. The chamber388may be sealed with the seat cushion frame390(seeFIGS.52-53) and the seat cushion306. In some embodiments, the seat cushion frame390may include an elastic seal (not shown) around the perimeter to ensure a waterproof seal. The seat cushion frame390and/or the seat cushion306may distribute load to the seat frame302through the seat riser304. The electrical connection port386can be accessed in the chamber388with the seat cushion306and seat cushion frame390removed.

In some embodiments, the seat assembly300may include one or more hand shields550and/or electrical components such as a controller positioned on the arm rests303. As shown inFIGS.30A-30D, the bracket321may be secured to the arm rest303that is used to secure one or both of the heated seat controller333and the hand shield550. In some embodiments, the heated seat controller333may be configured to control one or more of the hand heating element552and/or the seat heating element397.

An illustrative method of assembling the seat assembly is provided. The method may include one or more of:

providing a seat riser304defining a chamber388therein; providing a seat frame302including a frame base310and a seat back frame318, wherein the seat back frame318includes a first end323secured to the frame base310and a second end325extending therefrom; inserting the second end325of the seat back frame318through an opening in a bottom panel309of the seat riser304through the chamber388and out one or more openings349on the top of the seat riser304until the frame base310abuts an exterior surface of the bottom panel309of the seat riser304; securing a first part of an arm rest303to a portion of the seat back frame318that is positioned inside of the chamber388and securing a second part of the arm rest303to the frame base310outside of the chamber388; securing a back rest334to a portion of the seat back frame318positioned outside of the chamber388; and removably securing a seat cushion306on the seat riser304over the chamber388.

A method of removably securing the seat assembly to a snow vehicle tunnel is provided. The method includes one or more of:

providing a tunnel104with a top panel103and side panels105; providing a seat assembly300including a first mounting feature engageable with the top panel103, and a second mounting feature engageable with the side panel105; and automatically engaging the first mounting feature to the top panel103upon engagement of the second mounting feature with the side panel105. Optionally, the second mounting feature comprises an alignment feature that slidingly engages the side panel of the tunnel. In some embodiments, the first mounting feature includes the attachment member352and the second mounting feature includes the flange368of the end cap305.