Abstract:
A snowmobile traction stud support and enhancement device includes a base and at least one boss that extends from the base. Each boss includes a boss aperture through which a stud can pass. Support flanges around the at least one boss can be longer, shorter or equal to the length of the at least one boss. The support flanges extend from the at least one boss to a base plate, and can be tapered or straight, with differing wall cross-sections. The stud support is lightweight, has improved traction, and heightened resistance to bending, thereby increasing performance characteristics.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/527,483, filed on Aug. 25, 2011, entitled “SNOWMOBILE TRACK STUD SUPPORT,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Typically, studs are affixed to the flexible track of a snowmobile to provide added traction. A stud is ordinarily a metal nail or pin which penetrates the snow or ice for the purpose of enhancing the vehicle&#39;s traction, thereby increasing its speed and performance. The stud is mounted through the track and through the backer plate to help stabilize the stud and to prevent the stud from pulling through the track. A mechanical fastener, such as a nut, is then used to secure the stud and backer plate to the track. 
       SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0003]    One aspect of the present invention includes a snowmobile track stud support having a base and first and second bosses that extend from the base. Each boss includes a boss aperture within which a stud can be disposed. A central support flange extends from and is disposed between the first and second bosses. A first side flange extends from the first boss to a first edge of the base and a second side flange extends from the second boss to a second edge of the base. The central support flange, the first side flange, and the second side flange together define a web. 
         [0004]    Another aspect of the present invention includes a snowmobile track stud support having a base and a boss that extends from the base, and which includes a boss aperture within which a stud can be disposed. The stud support further includes a plurality of support flanges that extend from the boss to an edge of the base 
         [0005]    According to another aspect of the present invention includes a snowmobile track stud having a base, and first and second bosses extending from the base. Each boss includes a boss aperture. Further, a central support flange extends from and is disposed between the first and second bosses and includes at least one peak that extends beyond the first and second bosses. A first side flange extends from the first boss to a first edge of the base, and a second side flange extends from the second boss to a second edge of the base. The central support flange, the first side flange, and the second side flange together define a web. 
         [0006]    These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a snowmobile having a track and a stud support of the present invention; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a side view of a stud support of the present invention having two studs assembled thereto; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a stud support of the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of the stud support of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the stud support of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is a top view of the stud support of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  is a bottom perspective view of the stud support of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a stud support of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the stud support of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 10  is a top view of the stud support of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a stud support of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a stud support of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a stud support of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a stud support of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a stud support of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a stud support of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a stud support of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a stud support of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a stud support of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a stud support of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a stud support of the present invention; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a stud support of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0029]    For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 3 . However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
         [0030]    Referring to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the reference numeral  10  generally designates a stud support designed for use with a stud  3  removably connected with a flexible track  2  of a snowmobile  1 . The stud support  10  provides traction to the flexible track  2  such that the flexible track  2  can more efficiently move the snowmobile  1  over snow covered terrain. 
         [0031]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3-6 , the stud support  10  includes a base  12  and first and second bosses  14 ,  16  which extend upward from the base  12 . The first and second bosses  14 ,  16  may be cylindrical, octagonal, square, etc. It is contemplated that the first and second bosses  14 ,  16  may extend at an angle relative to the base  12 , such that studs  3  may be juxtapositioned at various angles. Each of the first and second bosses  14 ,  16  includes a boss aperture  18  and a smooth bore  40  defined by a smooth cylindrical wall. Alternatively, the smooth bore  40  can have various cross-sections, such as oval, tri-oval, etc. Further, the smooth bore  40  may include a wall having various engagement surfaces, such as threads, textures, or the like. The boss aperture  18  may be replaced with a capped or overmolded member positioned over the smooth bore  40 . Further, the first and second bosses  14 ,  16  are spaced from one another a predetermined distance and may be beveled or chamfered at a distal end  41  thereof. 
         [0032]    A central support flange  20  is disposed between the first and second bosses  14 ,  16 . The central support flange  20  is in the form of a simple wall or rib and includes at least one peak  22  formed in the distal end  41  thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the central support flange  20  includes first and second peaks  22 . The height of the central support flange  20  is configured to be greater than the height of the first and second bosses  14 ,  16 , such that the peak  22  extends above the first and second bosses  14 ,  16 . Further, the central support flange  20  may be slightly arcuate in horizontal cross-section. In the illustrated embodiment, the stud support  10  is shown as having two peaks  22 . The arcuate construction of the central support flange  20  helps catch snow or ice, thereby providing better traction and speed to the snowmobile  1 . 
         [0033]    A first side flange  24  extends from the first boss  14  and is positioned generally opposite the central support flange  20 , across the diameter of the first boss  14 . The first side flange  24  tapers inwardly from a first edge  26  of the base  12  to a first peak  28  adjacent the first boss  14 . Further, the first side flange  24  tapers downwardly from the first peak  28  to the boss aperture  18  disposed in the first boss  14 . The height of the first peak  28  is configured to be greater than the height of the first boss  14 , such that the first peak  28  extends above the first boss  14 . 
         [0034]    A second side flange  30  is basically a mirror image of the first side flange  24  and tapers inwardly from a second edge  32  of the base  12  to a second peak  34  adjacent the second boss  16 . The second side flange  30  tapers downwardly from the second peak  34  to the boss aperture  18  disposed in the second boss  16 . 
         [0035]    Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 3-7 , the first and second side flanges  24 ,  30  are slightly arcuate in horizontal cross-section, and the thicknesses of the first and second side flanges  24 ,  30  proximate the base  12  are greater than the thickness at the first and second peaks  28 ,  34 . 
         [0036]    In the example illustrated in  FIGS. 3-7 , the two peaks  22  of the central support flange  20  have a height greater than that of the first and second peaks  28 ,  34  of the first and second side flanges  24 ,  30 . Alternatively, the height of the two peaks  22 , the first peak  28 , and the second peak  34  may be equal. Further, the height of the two peaks  22 , the first peak  28 , and the second peak  34  may be less than the height of the first and second bosses  14 ,  16 . Together, the central support flange  20 , the first side flange  24 , and the second side flange  30  define an arcuate web  35 , which enables the stud support  10  to provide additional traction for the snowmobile  1  ( FIG. 1 ). It is contemplated that the central support flange  20  and the first and second side flanges  24 ,  30  can define a linearly extending web  35  across the base  12  of the stud support  10 . Further, multiple parallel or non-parallel webs  35  may extend across the base  12 . The central support flange  20  and the first and second side flanges  24 ,  30  provide lateral support to the base  12 , thereby preventing deflection of the base  12  during use. Accordingly, the studs  3  generally maintain a consistent orientation relative to the base  12 , thereby increasing their effectiveness and durability. Furthermore, there may be any number of bosses operably connected with the base  12 . The upper surface of the base  12  defines a tapered top wall  36  that tapers downwardly from a center portion  38  thereof to the first and second edges  26 ,  32 . 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , the lower surface of the base  12  defines a bottom wall  42 , which includes a recessed portion  44 . The recessed portion  44  is configured to maintain a relatively consistent thickness throughout the base  12  and add strength and rigidity. 
         [0038]    Referring again to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , to assemble the stud support  10  to a snowmobile track  2 , a stud  3  is inserted through the backside of the track  2  and is fit into one of the first or second bosses  14 ,  16 . The stud  3  may be press fit, threaded, or otherwise secured inside the first and second bosses  14 ,  16 . The bore  40  of each of the first and second bosses  14 ,  16  is configured for receiving the stud  3 . The assembly process is repeated for the remaining boss. 
         [0039]    The stud support  10  can be made of a hard plastic material, such as nylon, aluminum, carbon fiber, steel, composite, or any other suitable, lightweight, yet strong material. Further, the stud support  10  can be formed of a one piece or a multiple piece construction. The stud support  10  provides a lightweight and strong solution for supporting a traction stud  3 . Additionally, as noted above, the multiple peaks  22 ,  28 , and  34  provide additional traction for the snowmobile  1 . 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIGS. 8-10 , a second embodiment of a single stud support  110  is designed for use with the stud  3  ( FIG. 2 ) on the snowmobile track  2  ( FIG. 2 ). The single stud support  110  comprises a base  112  and a boss  114 , which extends up from the base  112 . The boss  114  includes a boss aperture  118  and a bore  140 . Further, the boss  114  may be beveled or chamfered at a distal end  141  thereof. 
         [0041]    The single stud support  110  includes a plurality of support flanges  124  which extend from the boss  114 . Each support flange  124  tapers inwardly from an edge  126  of the base  112  to a peak  128  adjacent the boss  114 . The height of the peak  128  is configured to be greater than the height of the boss  114 , such that the peaks  128  extend above the boss  114 . However, it is also contemplated that the peaks  128  terminate at the same distance from the base  112  as the boss  114 . Additionally, the support flanges  124  may be slightly arcuate in horizontal cross-section, and the thicknesses of the support flanges  124  proximate the base  112  are greater than the thickness at the peaks  128 . 
         [0042]    In the illustrated example, the single stud support  110  is shown having four unequally spaced support flanges  124 . In this configuration, the support flanges  124  are positioned in pairs on substantially opposite sides of the boss  114 . Other configurations are feasible, however, such as having the four support flanges  124  evenly spaced around the boss  114 . Together, the support flanges  124  define an arcuate web  135 , which enables the single stud support  110  to provide additional traction for the snowmobile  1 . 
         [0043]    The single stud support  110  includes a tapered top wall  136 , a center portion  138 , a bottom wall  142 , and a recessed portion and is assembled to the snowmobile track  2  ( FIG. 2 ) as described above. The flanges disclosed in detail above may take on a variety of shapes and constructions. For example, the flanges may have a square, rectangular, rounded, or other geometrical design conducive to increasing traction and stability. 
         [0044]    Referring now to  FIGS. 11-21 , alternate embodiments of the stud support are illustrated. The subsequent embodiments are similar to the first embodiments  10  and  110 . Therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by  100 , with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the first embodiments apply to the later embodiments, unless otherwise noted. In one embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 11 , a height of the web  235  is less than a height of the first and second bosses  214 ,  216 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the height of the web  335  is substantially equal to the height of the first and second bosses  314 ,  316 . Additionally, the center peaks  322  have a height substantially equal to the height of the first and second peaks  328  and  334 . The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 13  also has a web  435  with a height substantially equal to the height of the first and second peaks  428  and  434 , but the web  435  has a substantially flat upper surface, instead of peaks. 
         [0045]    Referring now to the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the stud supports  510  and  610  are shown having generally linear webs  535  and  635 , respectfully; and each web  535 ,  635  has a substantially flat upper surface, as opposed to peaks. The web  535  includes substantially vertical first and second side flanges  524  and  530 , and the height of the web  535  is substantially equal to the height of the first and second bosses  514 ,  516 . Alternatively, the web  635  has a height greater than the height of the first and second bosses  614 ,  616 . Similarly, the stud support  710 , illustrated in  FIG. 16 , includes multiple peaks  728 ,  722 , and  734 , which form the web  735 ; however, the web  735  is linear, not arcuate, as in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , for example. 
         [0046]    Referring now to  FIGS. 17-22 , alternate embodiments of the single stud support are illustrated. In the single stud support shown in  FIG. 17 , the support flanges  824  includes peaks  824  that have a height less than a height of the boss  814 . Similarly, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 18 , the peaks  924  have a height substantially equal to the height of the boss  914 . Alternatively, the support flanges  924  in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 19  have a substantially flat upper surface, as opposed to peaks. 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIG. 20 , the illustrated embodiment includes support flanges  1024  which have substantially flat upper surfaces and substantially vertical side edges. Also, the height of the support flanges  1024  is approximately equal to the height of the boss  1114 . The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 21  includes support flanges  1224  which have a substantially flat upper surface, and a height that is greater than the height of the boss  1214 . Lastly, in another embodiment, the support flanges  1324  include peaks  1328 , which are substantially equal in height to the height of the boss  1314 , and the side edges of the support flanges  1324  are substantially vertical. 
         [0048]    It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments illustrated in the figures are examples of the stud supports, and that various combinations of the elements discussed herein could be made. 
         [0049]    It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described invention and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein. 
         [0050]    For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated. 
         [0051]    It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations. 
         [0052]    It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting. 
         [0053]    It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.