Abstract:
An all terrain vehicle with a tool less maintainable drive system, and having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator. The vehicle has a frame, a plurality of wheels attached to the frame, a steering mechanism attached at least one of the plurality of wheels, an engine mounted to the frame, and a clutch attached to the engine. The vehicle contains a system of features that can be removed without the use of tools. The system has a support attached to and extending outward from the frame, a removable footrest, a receiver attached to the removable footrest and configured to mate with the support, a locking mechanism attached to the receiver to secure the removable footrest with respect to the footrest support; and a removable clutch housing.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims priority as a divisional application under 35 U.S.C. §121 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/335,483, filed on Dec. 22, 2011, entitled “MULTIPLE USE ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE”, which claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/649,842, filed on Dec. 30, 2009, entitled “MULTIPLE USE ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE”, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,109,556, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/203,905, filed on Dec. 30, 2008, entitled “MULTIPLE USE ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE”, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present application relates to personal off-road vehicles. More particularly, the application discloses a personal off-road vehicle, commonly referred to as an all terrain vehicle, with improvements geared towards applications for military, law enforcement, and emergency personnel. 
     Over the last several years, the popularity of all terrain vehicles (also referred to as “ATVs”) has greatly increased. ATVs are practical and versatile, as the vehicle may be used for work or leisure related tasks. The compact nature, mobility, and traction, of ATVs means the vehicles are capable of traversing all sorts of surfaces, from the relatively smooth surfaces of paved roadways to rough, uneven terrains, including rocky areas, woodland trails, wetlands, and sand dunes. ATVs are also typically designed to pull or push various objects such as a trailer or a snow-plow. 
     A typical ATV is a straddle-type personal vehicle. Such a vehicle comprises four or more wheels mounted to a frame, the front wheels being steerable. A fuel tank and a seat are disposed on an upper portion of the frame. The engine, which represents one of the heaviest components of the vehicle, is typically mounted in a central portion of the vehicle, usually below the fuel tank and a front portion of the seat. The engine location is specifically chosen to ensure a proper weight distribution. If the engine is water cooled, a radiator will be provided in front of the engine. 
     While such a configuration provides vehicles with performance levels that are more than adequate, there are nonetheless many disadvantages associated with it. For example, if the vehicle is to be used for special utility purposes, or by emergency personnel or military personnel, additional vehicle storage, stability, and utility are required from what is typically found in a standard model known in the art. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a personal utility vehicle driven by a motor connecting a clutch system and a drive train to propel the vehicle, wherein the clutch system has a clutch housing covering various clutch components, including a friction disk, a pressure plate, an outer clutch basket, a flywheel, a spring, and an engagement apparatus, wherein the improvement comprises a clutch housing that can be removed with hand actuation of a vehicle operator. 
     In an alternate embodiment, an all terrain vehicle having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator includes a frame, a plurality of wheels attached to the frame, a steering mechanism attached to at least one of the plurality of wheels, an engine mounted to the frame, a clutch attached to the engine, a support attached to and extending outward from the frame, and a removable clutch housing, wherein the clutch housing can be removed without the use of tools. 
     In another embodiment, an all terrain vehicle includes a frame, a seat designed to be straddled by an operator, a footrest support, a removable footrest, and a removable clutch housing. The removable footrest includes a side front fender attached to a front side of the removable footrest, a side rear fender attached to a rear side of the removable footrest, a side central fender extending between the front fender and the rear fender, a receiver, and a lever. The removable footrest is connected to the footrest support through the use of the lever, wherein the lever can be operated without the use of tools. The removable clutch housing is connected to the frame through the use of one or more quick release fasteners, wherein the quick release fasteners can be operated without the use of tools. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a typical ATV. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of an ATV illustrating a footrest and clutch cover. 
         FIG. 2B  is a side view illustrating the footrest and clutch cover. 
         FIG. 2C  is a perspective view illustrating the footrest and clutch cover. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the bottom side of the footrest, and a footrest support attached to the frame of the ATV. 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of a receiver connected to the footrest. 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the receiver. 
         FIG. 6  is perspective view of the footrest with fenders attached thereto. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the footrest with a lever extending through a slot therein. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view from the opposite side as  FIG. 7 , and illustrates the lever in the release position. 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of the ATV with the clutch cover and footrest support. 
         FIG. 10  is a magnified perspective view of the rear portion of the clutch cover illustrating the fasteners. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view illustrating the removable clutch cover, footrest support, and clutch of the ATV. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the front bumper and brush guard combination assembly. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the combination bumper assembly in an open position. 
         FIG. 14  is a front view of the ATV with the bumper assembly removed. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the side panel of the bumper assembly with a handle that extends through the side panel. 
         FIG. 16  is a front view of a portion of the front dash of the ATV. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view illustrating the bumper assembly in the closed position secured by a clamp fastener. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an open front bumper assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a typical ATV  10 . ATV  10  has four wheels, including two front wheels  12  and two rear wheels  14 , with front wheels  12  capable of being steered with handlebar  16  by the ATV operator. Front wheels  12  and rear wheels  14  are each attached to respective front axle  13  and rear axle (not shown). Wheels  12 ,  14  and axles are part of a drive train system. Each axle is mounted on a suspension system relative to the vehicle frame. The frame supports an engine which actuates the drive train system. Main body portion  18  covers the frame which holds the engine and drive train system. Common elements of main body portion  18  include side front fender  20  and side rear fender  22 , and seat  24  for the ATV operator. 
     Other elements of ATV  10  include various support structures, such as front rack  26 , rear rack  28 , footrest  30  on each side of seat  24  between side front fender  20  and side rear fender  22 , and front grill  32 . Other optional support structures not show include a front hood, a rear cargo box, and a roll cage. Front rack  26  and rear rack  28  are positioned atop front fender  20  and rear fender  22 , respectively, and are mounted to the frame of the ATV  10  by a plurality bolts that extend through holes  25 . Front grill  32  may further act as a brush guard to protect the engine. Front grill  32  is constructed of metal tubing and is attached to the frame of ATV  10 . Similarly, each footrest  30  is also attached to the frame of ATV  10 . 
       FIG. 2A  is a side view of ATV  10  illustrating seat  24 , wheels,  12 ,  14  footrest  30  between side front fender  20  and side rear fender  22 , and clutch cover  34 .  FIG. 2B  is a side view illustrating footrest  30  and clutch cover  34 .  FIG. 2C  is a perspective view illustrating footrest  30  and clutch cover  34 . Footrest  30  is attached to side front fender  20  and side rear fender  22  with fasteners  38 . Side front fender  20 , side rear fender  22 , and footrest  30  are all constructed from a lightweight plastic material such as high density polyurethane (HDPE), ABS, or similar thermoplastic material. Side front fender  20  and side rear fender  22  provide extra protection to a seated operator on ATV  10  from material being tossed by wheels during operation of ATV  10 . The fenders  20 ,  22  prevent the operator of ATV  10  from coming into contact with gravel, mud, or other debris that gets kicked up from wheels  12 ,  14  during operation of ATV  10 . 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of bottom side  40  of footrest  30 , and footrest support  42  attached to frame  44  of ATV  10 . Footrest support  42  is a metal piece of material that is attached to frame  44  of ATV  10 . The embodiment illustrated, footrest support  42  contains tapered edges towards the outer edge of ATV  10 . Footrest support  42  contains a plurality of holes  50 . Holes  50  provide multiple functions, including decreasing weight of the vehicle, as well as providing traction or tread for the operator&#39;s foot when footrest  30  has not been installed. 
     When footrest  30  is not installed, footrest support  42  can act as a place for the operator of ATV  10  to place a foot securely away from the moving parts of the vehicle. Footrest support  42  is constructed from a lightweight rigid material, such as aluminum, or any other suitable rigid material including other metals, alloys, thermoplastics, and the like. Footrest support  42  is capable of supporting the weight of the operator plus the weight of footrest  30  and any attachments thereto including side fenders  20 ,  22 . If footrest support  42  is constructed from metal, it is attached to frame  44  of ATV  10  through a process such as welding. Alternately, footrest support  42  may be secured through a bracket that uses fasteners to attach it to frame  44  of ATV  10 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated, footrest support  42  contains front edge  54  and rear edge  56  angled towards one another from frame  44  of the vehicle outward. Front edge  54  and rear edge  56  may also contain tapered sides or chamfered edges to promote easy installation of footrest  30  with receiver  58  (See  FIGS. 4 &amp; 5 ). As illustrated, footrest support  42  is generally trapezoidal in shape. This design is an improvement over the prior art, which typically has the footrest attached to a single tube, which is dangerous for the operator to utilize as a place to rest the foot as the area is provided is extremely small. Other prior art vehicles contain two post that extend from the frame. This design also is difficult for the operator to find a save and secure area to place the foot during operation of the vehicle. 
       FIG. 4  is a top view of receiver  58  of footrest  30 .  FIG. 5  is a bottom view of receiver  58 . As illustrated, top surface  60  of receiver is a flat plate that contains a series of holes  52 . These holes  52  again reduce weight of the vehicle as well as allow for communication through footrest  30  to allow open communication between the top and bottom of footrest  30 , and to act as tread for footrest  30 . Holes  52  allow for water and debris to drain from the operator&#39;s lower limbs onto the ground to prevent a buildup of material on footrest  30 . Holes  52  align with holes  50  on footrest support  42 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , receiver  58  contains three L-shaped brackets extending from bottom surface  68 . L-shaped brackets  62 ,  64 ,  66  are disposed on outer edge  70 , and front and rear sides  72 ,  74  of receiver  58  to create a mating channel for footrest support  42 . In an alternate embodiment, receiver  58  is a tubular channel that mates with footrest support  42 . Receiver  58  is secured to the bottom of footrest  30  through a plurality of fasteners  76  (See  FIG. 3 ). In an alternate embodiment, if footrest  30  is constructed from a lightweight metal or alloy, receiver may be secured directly thereto by welding, or may be formed integrally with footrest  30  by a process such as insert injection moulding. 
     Top side  60  of the plate of receiver  58  also contains lever  78 . Lever  78  is attached to position tab  80  that is used to hold footrest  30  in place once receiver  58  is placed over footrest support  42 . In one embodiment, lever  78  is a spring-loaded, actuated handle that can either be pivotable from one end, or may be pulled directly in one direction by an operator to actuate a spring in tension as receiver  58  is placed over footrest support  42 . Lever  78  is then released to snap position tab  80  in place. Lever  78  is attached to position tab  80  that extends through slots  82 ,  84  in receiver, footrest, and footrest support. This configuration allows for a quick installation of footrest  30  onto the vehicle. The spring-loaded lever  78  with operator handle allows for a quick release of footrest  30 , while the tapered front, rear sides  54 ,  56  allow for a quick release of the components, i.e., receiver  58  on footrest  30  from footrest support  42 . This design is especially useful in cold weather climates, where ice buildup and snow often interfere with operating and locking mechanisms. With the current design, once the handle is actuated, the unit is released, and the shape, i.e., the tapers in sides, promotes easy actuation so the operator can pull footrest  30  and any attached assembly components away from frame of ATV  10 , which will release and allow removal of footrest  30  and attached assembly components from ATV  10 . 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of footrest  30  with fenders  20 ,  22 ,  90  attached. Aside from front fender  20 , and rear side fender  22 , also attached between side fenders is central fender portion  90 . Front and rear side fenders  20 ,  22  are attached to footrest  30  with fasteners  38 . In an alternate embodiment, the entire footrest and fender assembly is manufacture as a single piece. Fenders  20 ,  22 ,  90  may take any various size and shapes, and may include other accessories such as storage compartments, or beverage container holder  92 . The removable side panel constructed from fenders  20 ,  22 ,  90  and footrest  30  with receiver  58  aids in the reduction of maintenance time, while still providing fender structure and support for the ATV. In one embodiment, quick release locking pins or similar tool-less fasteners known in the art may be utilized to further secure the fenders to other portions of the vehicle, such as the frame, dash, or seat. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of footrest  30  with lever  78  extending through slot  98 .  FIG. 8  is a perspective view from the opposite side as  FIG. 7 , and illustrates lever  78  in the release position. As illustrated, lever  78  is a rod that is pivotally attached to receiver  58  and has tab  80  connected adjacent the pivot. Spring  96  is attached to lever  78  adjacent the end of tab  80  opposite the pivot point, and additionally is attached to receiver  58 . Spring  96  is in tension in the release position, and will compress to hold tab  80 , and thus secure footrest  30  to footrest support  42 . Slot  98  is fabricated in footrest  30  to allow free movement of lever  78  and spring  96 . The handle of lever  78  extends past the length of slot  98  when lever  78  is in the closed position, and a portion of footrest  30  acts as a stop for lever  78 . Footrest  30  contains a series of treads for the foot of the operator. Footrest  30  also has a raised outer rib, which acts as extra support as well as creates a secure area for the operator to place a foot on footrest  30 . 
       FIG. 9  is a side view of ATV  10  with clutch cover  34 , frame  44 , engine  100 , and footrest support  42 .  FIG. 10  is a close-up of the rear portion of clutch cover  34  illustrating fasteners  102 . Clutch cover  34  is part of a housing that protects the vehicle clutch and acts to draw and control exhaust removal from engine  100 . In the embodiment illustrated, clutch cover  34  is made to be easily removable for maintenance of the clutch (combined with clutch cover  34 ). Clutch cover  34  also contains liquid dumping valve  99 , which allows for the removal of liquids that may accumulate in the housing created by clutch cover  34  and other components attached to the vehicle. 
     To facilitate easy removal of clutch cover  34 , a plurality of quick release fasteners  102  are secured around the perimeter of clutch cover  34 . In one embodiment, fasteners  102  are spring-loaded pin clips, while on another embodiment, fasteners  102  are operated with a cam mechanism. In an alternate embodiment, fasteners  102  are threaded rods, and frame  44  of ATV  10  contains a plurality of nuts secured there too. Fasteners  102  contain T-shaped handles  104  that extend from the securing mechanism of fastener  102 . Handles  104  allows an operator to easily grasp and remove fasteners  102 . In alternate embodiments, fasteners  102  contain an extension portion  106  connected to an ergonomic handle  104 . Extension  106  places handle  104  past clutch cover  34 , and allows the operator to grasp handle  104  and pivot or rotate handle  104  to release fasteners  102  free from interference of the vehicle housing including clutch cover  34 . Fasteners  102  are made of materials known in the art for such devices, such as plastics, metals, or alloys. 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view illustrating removable clutch cover  34 , footrest support  42 , clutch  108 , engine  100 , and frame  44  of ATV  10 . As illustrated, clutch cover  34  has been removed exposing the mechanics of clutch  108 . Clutch cover  34  is comprised of a lightweight metal, or is formed from a thermal plastic material. Fasteners  102  are secured to clutch cover  34  on extension portion  106  to prevent losing fasteners  102  once clutch cover  34  has been removed. Clutch cover  34  contains hose connection portion  110  connected to flexible hose  112 , which is secured by hose clamps  114 . Flexible hose extends towards an air inlet/outlet  116  to allow airflow into clutch cover  34  to cool the components contained therein and/or to remove exhaust from engine  100 . Flexible hose is fabricated from materials known within the art, such as temperature resistant rubber. 
     With clutch cover  34  removed, an operator can access clutch  108  components therein. Clutch cover  34  contains water dumping valve  99 , which allows for release of fluids that may build up in the housing once clutch cover  34  is installed. With the current design, no additional tools need to be carried in the field to access clutch  108 , and the belt that drives clutch  108  can be easily accessed and replaced. Thus, a tool-less replacement of the clutch belt may be done in the field. Tool-less, replacement for maintenance of clutch  108  is important in time-critical situations, such as when utilizing ATV  10  in emergency capacity or in a military combat setting. Flexible hose  112  prevents removal of the clutch absent disconnection of flexible hose  112  from either clutch cover  34  or air inlet/outlet  116 . Air inlet/outlet  116  attached to flexible hose  112  exhausts adjacent the dash. In colder weather, the vehicle exhaust fan engine  100  may be directed towards the operator to provide warm air to the area adjacent the operator. 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the front bumper and brush guard combination assembly. Combination bumper assembly  120  contains rack portion  122  that allows for a storage area on ATV  10 . In one embodiment, rack  122  contains a fastening system, shown as slotted rails that interact with corresponding pins, for securing cargo carried on the front rack of the vehicle.  FIG. 13  is a perspective view of combination bumper assembly  120  in an open position. In this view, wheels  12  are connected to frame  44  of ATV  10 , with radiator  124  at the front of the vehicle. Combination bumper assembly  120  is attached to the front of the vehicle at the lower end of radiator  124  that allows for detachment of combination bumper assembly  120 . 
       FIG. 14  is a front view of ATV  10  with bumper assembly  120  removed. In this view, bracket  126  is attached below radiator  124  that allows for a quick detachment of the bumper assembly. Again referring to  FIG. 12 , combination bumper assembly  120  contains bumper tubes  128  on the front end, a flat surface that acts as rack  122 , and two side panels  130  that help create a protected area for radiator  124 . Side panels  130  on the front of the bumper assembly  120  contain louvers  142 , perforations, or similar structures designed to allow air to flow in, but prevent other debris from entering the enclosed space created when construction bumper assembly  120  is in the closed position. The entire assembly is made from a lightweight, rigid material known in the art such as aluminum or titanium. Bumper  128  acts to protect the vehicle from impact with other objects, and side panels  130  protect radiator  124  from any debris that may be kicked up from wheels during operation of ATV. Combination bumper assembly  120  is hinged to the lower part of the vehicle via bracket  126 , which allows the operator to rotate the assembly down to access radiator  124  and other accessories when placed in the area. 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view of side panel  130  of the assembly and bumper tube  128  as illustrated, handle  132  extends through side panel  130 . This allows the operator of the vehicle to access and operate accessories in the enclosed area created from combination bumper assembly  120 . Handle  132  allows access to accessory without the use of tools, when bumper assembly  120  is in the closed position. Requiring tools on the vehicle would add extra weight to the vehicle out in the field. 
       FIG. 16  is a front view of a portion of front dash  134  of ATV  10 . A clamp fastener  136  or latch is attached to the outer edge of dash.  FIG. 17  is a perspective view illustrating bumper assembly  120  in the closed position secured by clamp fastener  136 . Clamp fasteners  136  exist on each side of dash  134 , and are used to secure combination bumper assembly  120  in place. Clamp fasteners  136  are recessed to prevent accidental opening or catching on debris during operation of the vehicle. 
     By releasing clamp fasteners  136 , combination bumper assembly  120  may be rotated down to allow access to radiator  124 . The bottom of bumper assembly  120  is attached to bracket  126 . In one embodiment, bumper assembly is attached with a single pin that is secured on one end with a clamp, cotter pin, or similar spring pin. In an alternate embodiment, a couple of tubes are secured to the lower end of the bumper assembly, and multiple pins are used to secure pivoting bottom of bumper assembly  120  to ATV  10  (See  FIGS. 13 and 18 ). This allows for easy removal of combination bumper assembly  120  if the vehicle needs to be used for an area that is size restrictive, or in areas that require a lighter vehicle. 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an open front bumper assembly  120 . In this view, winch  140  is in place within combination bumper assembly  120 . The position of winch  140  in combination bumper assembly  120  protects winch  140  from the elements, and from any debris thrown by the vehicle wheels. The quick release of combination bumper assembly  120  via clamp fixtures  136  allow access to the winch  140 , as well as opening the front bumper assembly  120 . Winch  140  is designed so that it may be utilized when bumper assembly  120  is closed (See  FIG. 15 ), or maybe utilized when bumper assembly  120  is in open position. In one embodiment, winch  140  may contain extension handle  132  to operate winch  140  when combination bumper assembly  120  is in the closed position, effectively hiding and protecting winch  140 . 
     Winch  140 , as well as any other electrical accessories that may be contained within combination bumper  120  assembly such as headlights, contain quick disconnect couplings for the wiring to assure quick and easy removal from the vehicle of combination bumper assembly  120 . Front grill  138  of the assembly contains a screen of several undulating bends and a forward portion with two generally flat type portions. This structure protects radiator  124  from debris encountered while operating the vehicle. The undulations or corrugations in the front screen of front grill  138  increase surface area, increase component stiffness, and improve component strength. Combination bumper assembly  120  also contains two side panels  130 , each panel containing a series of outer louvers  142 . Louvers  142  increase air flow towards the radiator during operation of the vehicle, while at the same time preventing other foreign material from collecting in the radiator (See  FIG. 15 ). As an extra precaution, side panels  130  may also include screens  144  on the respective inner sides thereof. The quick access design of combination bumper assembly  120  allows the operator to perform maintenance such as cleaning of the fins of radiator  124  ( FIG. 14 ). 
     While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.