Accessory holder assembly for an off-road vehicle

An off-road vehicle has a frame, a motor, a steering input device, a storage bin disposed forward of the steering input device, the storage bin having side walls and a bottom wall, and an accessory holder assembly connected to the storage bin. The accessory holder assembly includes a receptacle having an upwardly facing receptacle aperture for receiving an accessory. The receptacle aperture is disposed within a perimeter defined by the side walls of the storage bin. The receptacle extends below the bottom wall of the storage bin. A height of a portion of the receptacle extending below the bottom wall of the storage bin being greater than a width of the receptacle aperture and greater than a length of the receptacle aperture.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technology relates to accessory holder assemblies for off-road vehicles.

BACKGROUND

Off-road vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are used for utility and recreational purposes. The off-road vehicles may sometimes be used for transporting cargo and accessories. It is desirable to have the ability to carry elongated accessories which can be cumbersome and may not fit entirely in storage bins of the vehicle.

Thus, there is a need for accessory holder assemblies for off-road vehicles that permit different accessories to be carried while the off-road vehicle is being operated on different kinds of terrains.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present technology provides an off-road vehicle having a frame, a motor connected to the frame, a steering assembly connected to the frame, the steering assembly including a steering input device, a storage bin disposed forward of the steering input device, the storage bin having side walls and a bottom wall, and an accessory holder assembly connected to the storage bin. The accessory holder assembly includes a receptacle having an upwardly facing receptacle aperture for receiving an accessory. The receptacle aperture is disposed within a perimeter defined by the side walls of the storage bin. The receptacle extends below the bottom wall of the storage bin. A height of a portion of the receptacle extending below the bottom wall of the storage bin is greater than a width of the receptacle aperture and greater than a length of the receptacle aperture.

In some implementations, the height of the portion of the receptacle extending below the bottom wall of the storage bin is greater than a height of the side walls of the storage bin.

In some implementations, the length of the receptacle aperture is greater than the width of the receptacle aperture.

In some implementations, the accessory holder assembly further includes a lock for securing the accessory holder assembly to the off-road vehicle.

In some implementations, the accessory holder assembly further includes a bracket connected to the receptacle, the lock is mounted to the bracket, and the bracket has a platform for supporting a first portion of the accessory when a second portion of the accessory is received in the receptacle.

In some implementations, the bracket has first and second portions defining a L-shape. The first portion is removably connected to the receptacle and extends in the storage bin. The second portion projects laterally away from the first portion and outside the perimeter defined by the side walls of the storage bin. The lock is mounted to the second portion of the bracket. The lock includes a latch member, and the off-road vehicle defines a recess for receiving the latch member of the lock.

In some implementations, the lock is a manually operable lock.

In some implementations, the bottom wall of the storage bin defines a bin aperture, and the receptacle extends through the bin aperture.

In some implementations, the accessory holder assembly further has a flange surrounding at least in part the receptacle aperture and a tab projecting from the receptacle below the flange. The flange abuts an upper face of the bottom wall of the storage bin surrounding the bin aperture, and the tab extends under a lower face of the bottom wall of the storage bin adjacent the bin aperture such that the bottom wall of the storage bin is retained between the flange and the tab.

In some implementations, the accessory holder assembly further includes an extension sleeve removably connected to the receptacle, the extension sleeve extending in the storage bin, above the bottom wall of the storage bin.

In some implementations, the accessory holder assembly further includes a resilient liner disposed inside the extension sleeve, and a clamp for retaining the accessory inside the extension sleeve.

In some implementations, the clamp includes a cam lever assembly movable between a clamped position and an unclamped position, the cam lever assembly biasing the resilient liner for retaining the accessory inside the extension sleeve when moved from the unclamped position to the clamped position.

In some implementations, the off-road vehicle further includes a radiator assembly connected to the frame and fluidly connected to the motor, the accessory holder assembly being disposed rearward of the radiator assembly.

In some implementations, the receptacle is secured to the radiator assembly.

In some implementations, the off-road vehicle further includes left and right front suspension assemblies operatively connected to the frame, each of the left and right front suspension assemblies including a shock absorber assembly, and left and right front ground engaging members operatively connected to the left and right front suspension assemblies respectively, and the receptacle is disposed forward of the shock absorber assemblies.

In some implementations, each of the shock absorber assemblies has an upper end and a lower end, and the receptacle is disposed laterally between the upper end and the lower end of one of the shock absorber assemblies.

In some implementations, the off-road vehicle further includes a front axle assembly operatively connected to the left and right front ground engaging member, the receptacle being disposed forward of the front axle assembly.

In some implementations, the receptacle is skewed relative to the bottom wall of the storage bin.

In some implementations, the accessory holder assembly is a first accessory holder assembly and the off-road vehicle further comprises a second accessory holder assembly, the second accessory holder assembly including a receptacle having an upwardly facing receptacle aperture for receiving another accessory, the receptacle aperture being disposed within the perimeter defined by the side walls of the storage bin, the receptacle extending below the bottom wall of the storage bin, and a height of a portion of the receptacle extending below the bottom wall of the storage bin being greater than a width of the receptacle aperture and greater than a length of the receptacle aperture. The first and second accessory holder assemblies are disposed on opposite sides of a longitudinal center plane of the off-road vehicle.

In some implementations, the off-road vehicle further includes a front differential assembly connected to the frame and operatively connected to the motor, the longitudinal center plane intersecting the front differential assembly, and the first accessory holder assembly is disposed on a first side of the front differential assembly, and the second accessory holder assembly is disposed on a second side of the front differential assembly.

In some implementations, the accessory holder assembly further includes a drain assembly connected to a bottom of the receptacle and fluidly communicating with the receptacle.

In some implementations, the drain assembly is a duck bill drain.

In some implementations, the off-road vehicle further includes a storage bin lid removably connected to the storage bin and preventing access to the receptacle aperture when closed.

In some implementations, a portion of the accessory holder assembly extends outside the storage bin when the storage bin lid is closed.

In some implementations, the accessory is a chainsaw having a blade, the receptacle being shaped to fit the blade of the chainsaw.

In some implementations, the off-road vehicle is an all-terrain vehicle, the steering input device is a handlebar, the off-road vehicle has a straddle seat connected to the frame, and the motor is disposed under the straddle seat.

According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a bin assembly for an off-road vehicle, including a storage bin having side walls and a bottom wall, and an accessory holder assembly connected to the storage bin. The accessory holder assembly includes a receptacle having an upwardly facing receptacle aperture for receiving an accessory, the receptacle aperture being disposed within a perimeter defined by the side walls of the storage bin, the receptacle extending below the bottom wall of the storage bin, and a height of a portion of the receptacle extending below the bottom wall of the storage bin being greater than a width of the receptacle aperture and greater than a length of the receptacle aperture.

In some implementations, the height of the portion of the receptacle extending below the bottom wall of the storage bin is greater than a height of the side walls of the storage bin.

In some implementations, the length of the receptacle aperture is greater than the width of the receptacle aperture.

In some implementations, the bottom wall of the storage bin defines a bin aperture, and the receptacle extends through the bin aperture.

In some implementations, the accessory holder assembly further has a flange surrounding at least in part the receptacle aperture and a tab projecting from the receptacle below the flange. The flange abuts an upper face of the bottom wall of the storage bin surrounding the bin aperture, and the tab extends under a lower face of the bottom wall of the storage bin adjacent the bin aperture such that the bottom wall of the storage bin is retained between the flange and the tab.

In some implementations, the accessory holder assembly further includes an extension sleeve removably connected to the receptacle, the extension sleeve extending in the storage bin, above the bottom wall of the storage bin.

In some implementations, the receptacle is skewed relative to the bottom wall of the storage bin.

In some implementations, the bin assembly further includes a storage bin lid removably connected to the storage bin and preventing access to the receptacle aperture when closed.

According to yet another aspect of the present technology, there is provided an accessory holder assembly connectable to a storage bin of an off-road vehicle, the accessory holder assembly including a receptacle having an upwardly facing receptacle aperture for receiving an accessory, a bracket connected to the receptacle, the bracket having a platform for supporting a first portion of the accessory when a second portion of the accessory is received in the receptacle, and a lock mounted to the bracket.

In some implementations, the lock is a manually operable lock.

In some implementations, the bracket has first and second portions defining a L-shape. The first portion includes an extension sleeve connected to the receptacle, the second portion projects laterally away from the first portion, and the lock is mounted to the second portion of the bracket.

In some implementations, the accessory holder assembly further includes a resilient liner disposed inside the extension sleeve, and a clamp for retaining the accessory inside the extension sleeve, the clamp biasing the resilient liner for retaining the accessory inside the extension sleeve when moved from an unclamped position to a clamped position.

In some implementations, the accessory holder assembly further includes a drain assembly connected to a bottom of the receptacle and fluidly communicating with the receptacle.

In some implementations, the drain assembly is a duck bill drain.

According to yet another aspect of the present technology, there is provided an accessory holder assembly connectable to an off-road vehicle. The accessory holder assembly includes a receptacle defining an upwardly facing receptacle aperture for receiving an accessory, and a bottom opposite the receptacle aperture. The receptacle is insertable in an aperture defined in the off-road vehicle. The accessory holder assembly further includes a flange projecting from the receptacle, the flange being structured to abut a portion of the off-road vehicle surrounding the aperture, and at least one connector disposed between the flange and the bottom of the receptacle for connecting the receptacle to the off-road vehicle.

In some implementations, the at least connector includes at least one of tabs and mounting brackets projecting from the receptacle.

For purposes of the present application, terms related to spatial orientation when referring to a vehicle and components in relation to the vehicle, such as “forwardly”, “rearwardly”, “left”, “right”, “above” and “below”, are as they would be understood by a driver of the vehicle sitting thereon in an upright driving position, with the vehicle steered straight-ahead.

Furthermore, in the context of the present application, “outwardly” or “outward” means away from a longitudinal center plane of the frame of the vehicle, and “inwardly” or “inward” means toward the longitudinal center plane of the frame of the vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present technology will be described with reference to a four-wheeled straddle-seat all-terrain vehicle (ATV)10. However, it is contemplated that aspects of the present technology could be used in other types of off-road vehicles, such as three-wheeled vehicles, side-by-side off-road vehicles (SSVs), motorcycles, snowmobiles and the like.

Referring toFIGS.1to3, the ATV10has a front end12and a rear end14defined consistently with a forward travel direction of the ATV10. A longitudinal center plane16(FIG.3) extends vertically and longitudinally through the lateral center of the ATV10. The ATV10has a frame20to which is mounted a motor22(schematically shown inFIG.2) for powering the ATV10. The ATV10has two front wheels24and two rear wheels24. The wheels24are operatively connected to the motor22via a transmission (not shown). Each of the four wheels24is provided with low-pressure balloon tires adapted for off-road conditions and traversing rugged terrain. It is contemplated that the ATV10could have only three wheels24. It is also contemplated that different ground engaging members, such as skis and a track assembly, could be used in other off-road vehicles.

The two front wheels24are suspended from the frame20by left and right front suspension assemblies30while the two rear wheels24are suspended from the frame20by left and right rear suspension assemblies32. Each front suspension assembly30includes upper and lower A-arms34a,34band a shock absorber assembly36, best seen inFIGS.6to9. The A-arms34a,34bhave one end pivotally connected to the frame20, and the other end supporting a kingpin38of its corresponding left or right front wheel24. Each shock absorber assembly36has a lower end40pivotally connected to its corresponding upper A-arm34aand an upper end42pivotally connected to the frame20. Referring toFIG.14, each of the left and right kingpins38is operatively connected to a front differential assembly50via a wheel axle52connected to the kingpin38, a universal joint54connected to the wheel axle52, a half-shaft56, and a universal joint58connected to the front differential assembly50. The universal joints54,58are covered by boots. The front differential assembly50is connected to the frame20and disposed such that the longitudinal center plane16intersects the front differential assembly50(FIGS.7and9). The left and right kingpins38, wheel axles52, universal joints54, half-shafts56, universal joints58and the front differential assembly50together form a front axle assembly60of the ATV10, best seen inFIGS.14and15. The front axle assembly60operatively connects the front wheels24to the motor22and transmission of the ATV10.

Referring back toFIGS.1to3, the ATV10further includes a straddle seat70connected to the frame20for accommodating a driver of the ATV10. The motor22is disposed under the straddle seat70. Driver footrests72are provided on either side of the driver seat70and are disposed vertically lower than the driver seat70to support the driver's feet. A steering assembly80is rotationally connected the frame20to enable a driver to steer the ATV10. The steering assembly80includes a handlebar82connected to a steering column assembly84(FIG.6) for actuating steering linkages operatively connected to left and right front wheels24. Other steering input devices, such as a steering wheel, could be used in different vehicles.

A throttle operator88(FIGS.1and3), in the form of a thumb-actuated throttle lever, is mounted to the handlebar82. Other types of throttle operators, such as a finger-actuated throttle lever and a twist grip, are also contemplated. A gear shifter90(FIG.3) located near the handlebar82is connected to the transmission and enables a driver to select one of a plurality of gear configurations for operation of the vehicle10. In the illustrated implementation of the vehicle10, the gear configurations include park, neutral, reverse, low, and drive. It is contemplated that the sequence and/or number of gear configurations could be different than as shown herein. A display cluster92, including a number of gauges and buttons, is disposed forwardly of the steering assembly80.

The ATV10also includes fairings94including several side panels95extending over a lateral side of the ATV10. A radiator assembly96is connected to the frame20of the ATV10. The radiator assembly96is fluidly connected to the motor22via conduits96a,96b, best seen inFIG.8. A coolant reservoir96cis also fluidly connected to the radiator assembly96. The radiator assembly96is disposed rearward of a front grille97and the fairings94forming the front fascia of the ATV10. A fender98is disposed over each wheel24to protect the driver and/or passenger from dirt, water and other debris being projected by the rotating wheels24. The fenders98also define a portion of the wheel well99in which each one of the wheels24rotates and, in the case of the front wheels24, steers.

The ATV10further includes other components such as an air intake system, an exhaust system, headlights, and the like. As it is believed that these components would be readily recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, further explanation and description of these components will not be provided herein.

Referring toFIGS.4to8, the ATV10includes a front storage bin100disposed forward of the handlebar82. The storage bin100has side walls102and a bottom wall104. The bottom wall104has an upper face105(FIG.5) and a lower face106(FIG.8). Referring toFIG.5, the bottom wall104further has ridges107to enhance the structural rigidity thereof. The side walls102define a perimeter108of the storage bin100when seen from above, as inFIG.5. In other words, the perimeter108of the storage bin100is defined by the side walls102when looking down into the storage bin100. The side walls102have a height109, best seen inFIG.8, defined between the bottom wall104and the upper edge of the side walls102. The perimeter108and the height109define a volume110(FIG.8) of the storage bin100.

Referring toFIGS.4and5, a storage bin lid120is removably connected to the storage bin100and prevents access to the volume110of the storage bin100when closed. When connected, the storage bin lid120is hingedly connected to the storage bin100via hinges122(FIGS.4and5).

Referring toFIG.5, left and right bin apertures130are defined in the bottom wall104of the storage bin100. The left and right bin apertures130are respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the longitudinal center plane16of the ATV10. The left and right bin apertures130are shaped as rectangles having rounded corners. The bin apertures130extend lengthwise parallel to the longitudinal center plane16of the ATV10. The bin apertures130could be shaped and/or positioned otherwise in other implementations. Each bin aperture130is covered by a removable panel132. The bottom wall104and the panels132are integrally formed, and the panels132can be cut out or otherwise removed from the bottom wall104of the storage bin100. A recess136defined around each panel132indicates to a user where to cut in order to remove the panels132from the bottom wall104. Drains134are provided on each removable panel132. The drains134are used to empty the front storage bin100from any liquids and debris it could contain. The drains134are removed from the storage bin100when the panels132are removed. In other implementations, the panels132could be configured to be selectively connected to the storage bin100.

Referring toFIGS.1to3and6, left and right accessory holder assemblies140will be generally described. The left and right accessory holder assemblies140are connectable to the front storage bin100. The left and right accessory holder assemblies140are disposed on the left and right sides of the longitudinal center plane16of the ATV10. Each of the accessory holder assemblies140includes a receptacle142. The receptacle142has an upwardly facing receptacle aperture144for receiving an accessory300. The receptacle aperture144of the left receptacle142is best seen inFIGS.6and13.

As seen inFIGS.1to3,10and11, different accessories300, such as a chainsaw310, a snipper320, or a saw330, can be received in either one of the receptacles142. InFIGS.1to3, it is shown that the left receptacle142can receive simultaneously a snipper320and an axe340. Thus, more than one accessory300can be received in each receptacle142. In the illustrated implementation, the right receptacle142is shaped to fit a blade312of the chainsaw310, and can receive the snipper320or the saw330as well. Other accessories300are also contemplated to be received in the receptacles142. The receptacles142could also be shaped to fit a particular accessory300.

The accessories300shown as examples in the accompanying Figures are elongated items which would normally not fit entirely inside the volume110of the front storage bin100. When placed in the storage bin100, any one of these accessories300would lie on the bottom wall104and on the upper edge of the side walls102, and project outside the storage bin100. Such positioning of the accessory300would render it unstable and prone to movements inside the storage bin100while the ATV10is operated, if not anchored. In contrast, when received in the receptacle142of the accessory holder assembly140of the present technology, the accessory300is less prone to movements while the ATV10is operated. The accessory300is thus less exposed to risks of being damaged and/or ejected from the storage bin100while the ATV10is operated. In addition, when received in the receptacle142of the accessory holder assembly140of the present technology, the accessory300does not obstruct the straight-ahead view of the driver, and leaves a center portion of the volume110of the front storage bin100free of encumbrances, as seen inFIGS.3,12and13. The empty volume110can thus be used to carry additional items in the front storage bin100.

Referring toFIGS.5to9, the connection of the left and right receptacles142to the storage bin100and their positioning relative to various components of the ATV10will be described. Since the left and right receptacles142have similar features, the following description applies to both left and right receptacles142, unless mentioned otherwise.

When the panels132are removed from the bottom wall104of the front storage bin100, the accessory holder assemblies140are inserted into the storage bin100from above (as seen inFIG.6) such that their respective receptacle142extends through the bin aperture130. When fully inserted therein, a flange146(FIGS.6,16A and16B) surrounding the receptacle aperture144abuts the upper face105of the bottom wall104surrounding the bin aperture130. Tabs148project from the receptacle142below the flange146. The tabs148extend under the lower face106of the bottom wall104of the storage bin100adjacent the bin aperture130(FIG.8). Thus, when the receptacle142is fully inserted and extends through the bin aperture130, the bottom wall104of the storage bin100is retained between the flange146and the tab148, thereby connecting the accessory holder assembly140to the storage bin100.

In other words, when fully inserted into the bin aperture130, the receptacle142is selectively connected to the bottom wall104of the storage bin100via (i) the flange146abutting and mating with the upper face105of the bottom wall104in an area surrounding the bin aperture130including the remaining portion of the recess136, and (ii) the tabs148extending under the lower face106of the bottom wall104, the tabs148retaining the receptacle142in the bin aperture130. As best seen inFIGS.7and8, when connected to the storage bin100, the receptacle142extends below the bottom wall104of the storage bin100.

It is contemplated that only one or more than two accessory holder assemblies140could be connected to the front storage bin100. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the storage bin100could be free of bin apertures130and panels132, and that the receptacles142could be integrally formed with the bottom wall104of the storage bin100in other implementations.

Referring toFIGS.12and13, when the receptacle142extends through the bin aperture130, the receptacle aperture144is disposed within the perimeter108defined by the side walls102of the storage bin100, as viewed from above. The receptacle aperture144is thus accessible from the volume110of the storage bin100, and the receptacle142increases the overall cargo volume available in the front storage bin100. The receptacle aperture144has a length150defined consistently with the lengthwise dimension of the bin aperture130(i.e. extending parallel to the longitudinal center plane16). The receptacle aperture144also has a width152defined consistently with the widthwise dimension of the bin aperture130(i.e. extending perpendicular to the longitudinal center plane16). In the present implementation, the length150of the receptacle aperture144is greater than the width152of the receptacle aperture144, but could be otherwise in other implementations.

Referring toFIG.8, a height154of a portion156of the receptacle142extending below the bottom wall104of the storage bin100is greater than the length150and the width152of the receptacle aperture144(FIG.13). In addition, the height154of the portion156of the receptacle142is greater than the height109of the side walls102of the storage bin100. As such, the cargo volume provided by each receptacle142is suited to carry elongated accessories300, such as the chainsaw310, snipper320and saw330illustrated inFIGS.10and11. It is contemplated that the left and right receptacles142could also have different heights154for their respective portion156in other implementations. In addition, it is to be understood that when the storage bin lid120is closed, access to the receptacle apertures144is prevented.

Referring toFIGS.7to9, the receptacle142is skewed relative to the bottom wall104of the storage bin100such that a center of the bottom158of the receptacle142is closer to the longitudinal center plane16than a center of the receptacle aperture144. Having the receptacle142skewed this way may facilitate, under some conditions, insertion and withdrawal of the accessory300from the receptacle142from the side of the ATV10. In addition, having the receptacle142skewed may limit the interference of the receptacle142with components of the ATV10disposed within the front wheel well99.

Still referring toFIGS.7to9, a drain assembly160is connected to the bottom158of the receptacle142. The drain assembly160is in fluid communication with the receptacle142and permits drainage of liquids that might be present in the receptacle142. In the present implementation, the drain assembly160is a duck bill drain162, but other drain assemblies could be used. The duck bill drain162is accessible from the wheel well99of the ATV10, as seen inFIG.1. The duck bill drain162includes a resilient member having a slit defined therein. To drain liquids from the receptacle142, a user can reach and pinch the resilient member of the duck bill drain162so as to open the slit to drain the liquid out of the receptacle142.

Still referring toFIGS.7to9, the left and right accessory holder assemblies140are disposed rearward of the radiator assembly96of the ATV10. More particularly, the left and right receptacles142are disposed rearward of the radiator assembly96. Each receptacle142has a forward-projecting mounting bracket170. The radiator assembly96has left and right rearward-projecting mounting brackets172. Each receptacle142is secured to the radiator assembly96via a fastener174connecting the mounting brackets170,172together. Having each of the receptacles142secured to the radiator assembly96further stabilizes the connection of the accessory holder assembly140to the ATV10. The left and right receptacles142could be further connected to the ATV10otherwise in other implementations.

It is to be noted that in the present implementation, both the tabs148and the mounting brackets170are disposed between the receptacle aperture144(and the flange146) and the bottom158of the receptacle142. Furthermore, both the tabs148and the mounting brackets170connect the receptacle142of the accessory holder assembly140to the ATV10.

Still referring toFIGS.7to9, the left receptacle142is disposed forward of the front left shock absorber assembly36. As best seen inFIG.9, the left receptacle142is disposed laterally between the lower end40and the upper end42of the left shock absorber assembly36. Similarly, the right receptacle142is disposed forward of the front right shock absorber assembly36, and as best seen inFIG.9, the right receptacle142is disposed laterally between the lower end40and the upper end42of the right shock absorber assembly36. The left and right receptacles142could be disposed otherwise in other implementations.

Referring toFIGS.9and14, the left and right accessory holder assemblies140are disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal center plane16of the ATV10. The left accessory holder assembly140is disposed on the left side of the front differential assembly50, and the right accessory holder assembly140is disposed on the right side of the front differential assembly50. Referring toFIGS.8,14and15, the left and right receptacles142are disposed forward of the front axle assembly60, and more particularly forward of the universal joints58,54. The left and right receptacles142could be disposed otherwise in other implementations.

Turning now toFIGS.12and16A to18C, the right accessory holder assembly140will be described in more detail in conjunction with the chainsaw310being the accessory300received in the receptacle142. The chainsaw310has a blade312and a power pack316and, as will become apparent from the description below, the blade312and the power pack316are respectively received and supported by the right accessory holder assembly140.

The right accessory holder assembly140includes a bracket180. The bracket180is L-shaped. The bracket180has a generally vertical portion182and a generally horizontal portion184interconnected using fasteners186(FIG.16B). The portions182,184could be integrally formed in other implementations. The portion182extends in the storage bin100and is connected to the receptacle142. The portion184projects laterally away from the portion182and outside the perimeter108defined by the side walls102of the storage bin100. In other words and as best seen inFIGS.10to13, the portion184of the bracket180extends outside the volume110of the storage bin100. The storage bin lid120is disconnected from the storage bin100when the bracket180is used. It is contemplated that the storage bin lid120could be adapted to permit its use when the bracket180is used.

Referring toFIGS.5,6,16A and16B, the portion184of the bracket180will first be described. A lock200is mounted to the portion184of the bracket180for securing the accessory holder assembly140to the ATV10. The lock200selectively locks the bracket180to the ATV10when inserted in a recess202(FIGS.5and6) defined on the right side of the ATV10and upon rotation of a lever204. In the present implementation, the lock200is similar to the anchor described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,875,830 B2, which is incorporated by reference herein. The lock200could be configured otherwise.

Referring toFIGS.16A and16B, the lock200includes a latch member206that is connected to the lever204. The latch member206includes a pair of cams208constituting a lower flange of the lock200. The pair of cams208defines a hexagonal shape that is congruent with the recess202provided on the ATV10which is shaped for receiving the latch member206of the lock200. The pair of cams208is rotatable between an unlocked position (FIG.16A) and a locked position (FIG.16B) when the lever204is rotated by about 90 degrees. The lock200is a manually operable lock, which means that the lock200can be configured in the unlocked and locked positions upon manual operation of the lever204and without any tools.

In the unlocked position, shown inFIG.16A, the pair of cams208is oriented to be congruent with the recess202, making the latch member206insertable into, and removable from the recess202. In the locked position, shown inFIG.16B, the latch member206is rotated by about 90 degrees from the unlocked position, thus preventing the latch member206from being removed from the ATV10when received in the recess202. It is contemplated that other types of locks200could be employed. The lock200thus secures the bracket180and the accessory holder assembly140to the ATV10.

Referring toFIGS.17B and18B, the portion184of the bracket180has a platform220. The platform220is integrally formed in the portion184, but could be provided as a separate component in other implementations. The platform220is shaped and dimensioned for supporting the power pack316of the chainsaw310when the blade312is received in the receptacle142. More particularly, the platform220is inclined and elevated relative to a plane222containing the portion184of the bracket180so as to support the power pack316of the chainsaw310. Having the power pack316supported by the platform220reduces the stress applied to the blade312as the power pack316is generally heavy. The platform220could be shaped and dimensioned otherwise in other implementations to support a different accessory300.

Referring now toFIGS.12and16A to18C, the portion182of the bracket180will be described in more details. The portion182of the bracket180is an extension sleeve240removably connected to the receptacle142. The extension sleeve240is a hollow member, as best seen inFIGS.17B and18B. When connected to the receptacle142, the extension sleeve240extends in the storage bin100, above the bottom wall104, as best seen inFIG.12.

The extension sleeve240has a lower portion242defining a downwardly facing bottom aperture244of the extension sleeve240. The lower portion242has downwardly projecting hooks246that are insertable in corresponding hook apertures248defined in the receptacle142below the flange146. When the hooks246extend through the hook apertures248, the lower portion242of the extension sleeve240, and thus the bracket180, is connected to the receptacle142. Stops250project laterally from the lower portion242. The stops250abut the flange146of the receptacle142to limit the insertion of the lower portion242into the receptacle142. The downwardly facing bottom aperture244and the upwardly facing receptacle aperture144are in alignment and permit passage of an accessory300from the extension sleeve240to the receptacle142. As seen inFIGS.17B and18B, the blade312of the chainsaw310extends through the extension sleeve240, the bottom aperture244and the receptacle aperture144.

The extension sleeve240further has an upper portion260defining an upwardly facing top aperture262. The top aperture262is in alignment with an aperture263defined in the portion184of the bracket180, and with the bottom aperture244such that passage of an accessory300from the aperture263, the top aperture262and to the receptacle142is permitted. Two vertically extending slots264and one horizontally extending slot264(FIGS.16A and16B) are defined in the right-side wall of the upper portion260of the extension sleeve240, forming a resilient, flexible flap266, best seen inFIG.18C.

Referring toFIG.18C, the accessory holder assembly140further has a resilient liner270disposed inside the extension sleeve240. The resilient liner270extends in the upper portion260of the extension sleeve240. The resilient liner270also extends through the aperture263of the portion184of the bracket180. The resilient liner270has a lip portion272surrounding the aperture263. The lip portion272is connected to portion184of the bracket180as the portion184engages a groove273defined in the resilient liner270. The resilient liner270further has a portion274extending adjacent the flap266of the upper portion260, and a portion276extending adjacent the left-side wall of the upper portion260. The resilient liner270is made of a resilient material, such as a rubber-based polymeric material.

Referring toFIGS.16A to18C, the accessory holder assembly140further has a clamp280for retaining the accessory300(in theFIGS.16A to18C, the chainsaw310) inside the extension sleeve240. The clamp280includes a cam lever assembly282rotatably connected to the upper portion260of the extension sleeve240. The cam lever assembly282is movable about a cam pivot axis284between an unclamped position, seen inFIGS.16A,17A and17B, and a clamped position, seen inFIGS.16B,18A to18C. The cam lever assembly282includes an eccentric member286that abuts the flap266of the upper portion260of the extension sleeve240.

When the blade312of the chainsaw310is received in the extension sleeve240and when the cam lever assembly282is moved from the unclamped position to the clamped position, the eccentric member286rotates about the cam pivot axis284(in the counter-clockwise direction when referring toFIG.18C) and abuts the flap266, which in turn biases the portion274of the resilient liner270toward the blade312of the chainsaw310and the left-side wall of the upper portion260. After the cam lever assembly282has been moved in the clamped position, the portion274of the resilient liner270is compressed between the blade312and the flap266. The portion276of the resilient liner270, on the opposite side of the blade312, is also compressed between the left-side wall and the blade312as the blade312is biased away from the cam lever assembly282. Thus, the portions274,276of the resilient liner270, extending on both sides of the blade312, retain the blade312inside the extension sleeve240. When the cam lever assembly282is moved from the clamped position to the unclamped position, the eccentric member286rotates about the cam pivot axis284(in the clockwise direction when referring toFIG.18C), the portions274,276of the resilient liner270are relaxed, the flap266resiliently reverts to its initial position (shown inFIG.17B), and the blade312is no longer retained inside the extension sleeve240.

Thus, in the present implementation, the right-side accessory holder assembly140is adapted to support and retain the chainsaw310on the ATV10while the ATV10is being operated on different kinds of terrains. Finally and referring toFIG.5, it is to be noted that another recess202is provided on the left side of the ATV10, and that a bracket being in some implementations a mirror image of the bracket180and with necessary adaptations could be connected to the receptacle142of the accessory holder assembly140disposed on the left side of the ATV10to provide the ability to carry two chainsaws310simultaneously on the ATV10.

Moreover, since the bracket180is connected to the receptacle142using the hooks246, it is connectable and removable from the receptacle142without using any tools. The bracket180can thus be easily removed such that only the receptacle142is used, as it is the case for the left accessory holder assembly140shown in the accompanying Figures. When the bracket180is removed, the storage bin lid120can be used without having to remove the receptacle142.