Abstract:
An ice scratcher for attachment to a snowmobile includes first and second ice scratcher end portions opposite to each other, an elongate member connected to the second ice scratcher end portion, and a spring connecting the first ice scratcher end portion to the elongate member. The spring has a plurality of coils defining a coil radius. The spring is movable between an unbent configuration, wherein a centerline passing through respective centers of each coil of the plurality of coils defines a coil axis, and a bent configuration, wherein at least a portion of the centerline is displaced from the coil axis. At least a portion of the first ice scratcher end portion is radially spaced from the coil axis by a distance less than the coil radius and adapted for attachment to the snowmobile. Ice scratcher assemblies, kits and snowmobiles having the ice scratcher are also disclosed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/860,851 filed on Jul. 31, 2013, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present technology relates to ice scratchers for snowmobiles. 
     BACKGROUND 
     During operation, the track and slide rails of a snowmobile are cooled and lubricated by sprays of loose snow that are generated during the normal operation of the snowmobile on loose snow. 
     In snowmobiles having liquid cooled engines, heat exchangers are often provided under the tunnel to take advantage of these sprays of loose snow. The sprayed snow makes contact with the heat exchanger and absorbs the heat from the coolant flowing in the heat exchangers. The sprayed snow also provides lubrication between the track and slide rails to reduce friction therebetween. 
     However, when a snowmobile operates on hard packed snow or an icy surface, there may be no spray at all, or if generated, the sprays are much smaller than those generated on loose snow. As a result, the track and slide rails are not cooled as efficiently as on loose snow. The reduction in snow being sprayed also increases friction between the track and slide rails which contributes to further heating of the track and slide rails and could even lead to premature wear of these components. In the case of snowmobiles having liquid cooled engines with heat exchangers provided under the tunnel, the absence of snow sprays also reduces the cooling efficiency of the coolant flowing in the heat exchanger as the heat transfer from the coolant occurs mostly via the cold air. 
     Therefore, there is a need for a device to generate a spray of ice or snow that can be easily deployed when needed, durable and effective with the snowmobile moving forwardly or rearwardly. 
     SUMMARY 
     One object of the present is to ameliorate at least some of the inconveniences of the prior art. 
     According to one aspect of the present technology, there is provided an ice scratcher for attachment to a snowmobile having a first ice scratcher end portion adapted for attachment to the snowmobile and a second ice scratcher end portion opposite the first ice scratcher end portion. An elongate member is connected to the second ice scratcher end portion. A spring connects the first ice scratcher end portion to the elongate member. The spring has a plurality of coils defining a coil radius. The spring is movable between an unbent configuration wherein a centerline passing through respective centers of each coil of the plurality of coils defines a coil axis and a bent configuration wherein at least a portion of the centerline is displaced from the unbent configuration coil axis. At least a portion of the first ice scratcher end portion is radially spaced from the unbent configuration coil axis by a distance less than the coil radius and being adapted for attachment to the snowmobile. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, a portion of the first ice scratcher end is radially spaced from the unbent configuration coil axis by a distance greater than the coil radius. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, in the unbent configuration, the second ice scratcher end portion extends downwardly and forwardly from the elongate member when the ice scratcher is attached to the snowmobile. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, in the unbent configuration, the elongate member is disposed forwardly of the unbent configuration coil axis when the ice scratcher is attached to the snowmobile. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, in the unbent configuration, an upper portion of the elongate member extends away from the spring in a direction parallel to the unbent configuration coil axis. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, the spring is wound in a direction such that when the ice scratcher is attached to the snowmobile, a rearward displacement of the elongate member winds the spring tighter. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, a length of the spring in a direction parallel to the unbent configuration coil axis is smaller than a length of the elongate member. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, the elongate member is integrally formed with the spring. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, the second ice scratcher end portion is integrally formed with the elongate member. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, a wear-resistant tip is connected to the second ice scratcher end portion. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, an ice scratcher assembly includes an ice scratcher having one or more of the above aspects, and a mounting bracket adapted for attachment to the snowmobile. The first ice scratcher end portion is fixed to the mounting bracket. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, the first ice scratcher end is detachably fastened to the mounting bracket. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, the mounting bracket has a first aperture, a center of the first aperture being radially spaced from the unbent configuration coil axis by a distance less than the coil radius. A first threaded fastener is inserted through the first aperture and fastens a first portion of the first ice scratcher end portion to the mounting bracket. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, the mounting bracket has a groove, the first portion of the first ice scratcher end portion being at least in part received in the groove. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, the mounting bracket has a second aperture, a center of the second aperture being radially spaced from the unbent configuration coil axis by a distance greater than the coil radius. A second threaded fastener is inserted through the second aperture and fastens a second portion of the first ice scratcher end portion to the mounting bracket. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, a hook is adapted for attachment to the snowmobile. The ice scratcher has a stowed configuration when attached to the snowmobile wherein at least one of the elongate member and the second ice scratcher end portion is supported by the hook. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, a snowmobile has a frame including a tunnel, a motor connected to the frame, and a suspension assembly connected to the frame. An endless track is connected to the frame via the suspension assembly and operatively connected to the motor. The snowmobile includes an ice scratcher having one or more of the above described aspect. The first ice scratcher end portion is connected to at least one of the frame and the suspension assembly. The unbent configuration coil axis extends laterally. The ice scratcher has an operative configuration wherein the second ice scratcher end portion is in contact with a surface on which the snowmobile operates at a position laterally outward of the track. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, the suspension assembly includes a slide rail contacting an inner surface of the track and the ice scratcher is attached to the slide rail. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, the ice scratcher has a stowed configuration wherein the second ice scratcher end portion is spaced from the surface on which the snowmobile operates. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, the second ice scratcher end portion is disposed rearward of the spring in the stowed configuration. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, when viewed from a side of the snowmobile, the plurality of coils is wound in one of a clockwise and a counter-clockwise direction with the ice scratcher in the unbent configuration, and the second ice scratcher end portion is displaced in the one of the clockwise and the counter-clockwise directions to move the ice scratcher from the operative configuration to the stowed configuration. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, the suspension assembly includes a slide rail contacting an inner surface of the track. The snowmobile has a hook attached to the slide rail. The hook extends laterally outwardly from the slide rail and selectively supports at least one of the elongate member and the second ice scratcher end portion when the ice scratcher is in a stowed configuration. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, an ice scratcher kit provides an ice scratcher assembly on a snowmobile. The kit includes an ice scratcher having one or more of the above aspects, a mounting bracket adapted to be fastened to the snowmobile, and at least one fastener adapted to fasten the ice scratcher to the mounting bracket. 
     In some implementations of the present technology, the at least one fastener is further adapted to fasten the mounting bracket to the snowmobile. 
     For purposes of this application, terms related to spatial orientation such as forwardly, rearwardly, upwardly, downwardly, left, and right, are as they would normally be understood by a driver of the vehicle sitting thereon in a normal riding position. Terms related to spatial orientation when describing or referring to components or sub-assemblies of the vehicle, separately from the vehicle, such as the ice scratcher for example, should be understood as they would be understood when these components or sub-assemblies are mounted to the vehicle. 
     Implementations of the present technology each have at least one of the above-mentioned aspects, but do not necessarily have all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology that have resulted from attempting to attain the above-mentioned object may not satisfy this object and/or may satisfy other objects not specifically recited herein. 
     Additional and/or alternative features, aspects, and advantages of implementations of the present technology will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a better understanding of the present technology, as well as other aspects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where: 
         FIG. 1  is a left side elevation view of a snowmobile with a left ice scratcher attached to a left slide rail and in an unbent configuration; 
         FIG. 2  is a left side elevation view of the left ice scratcher and slide rail assembly of the snowmobile of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view, taken from a top, rear and left side, of the ice scratcher and slide rail assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the ice scratcher and slide rail assembly of  FIG. 2  positioned on the endless drive track of the snowmobile of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a close-up left side elevation view of a portion of the slide rail of  FIG. 2  having the ice scratcher mounted thereto by a mounting bracket; 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the mounting bracket and attached ice scratcher of  FIG. 5  with the slide rail removed for clarity; 
         FIG. 7A  is an exploded top plan view of the mounting bracket and ice scratcher of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 7B  is an exploded rear elevation view of the mounting bracket and ice scratcher of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 7C  is a front elevation view of the ice scratcher of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 7D  is a left side elevation view of the ice scratcher of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view taken from a rear, left side of the mounting bracket of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the ice scratcher and mounting bracket of  FIG. 6  taken along the line B-B in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the ice scratcher and mounting bracket of  FIG. 6  taken along the line B-B in  FIG. 6  with the bolts removed for clarity; and 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the ice scratcher, left slide rail and endless track of  FIG. 4  taken along the line A-A of  FIG. 4 , with the ice scratcher shown in an unbent configuration; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the ice scratcher, left slide rail and endless track of  FIG. 4  taken along the line A-A of  FIG. 4 , with the ice scratcher shown in a bent configuration; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view, taken from a top, rear and left side, of a portion of the slide rail of  FIG. 2  having the ice scratcher mounted thereon and shown in a stowed configuration; and 
         FIG. 14  is a left side elevation view of another implementation of an ice scratcher. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a snowmobile  10  will be described. Although a snowmobile is presented herein. It is contemplated that aspects of the present could be applied to other types of tracked vehicles operating on snow or ice, such as all-terrain vehicles provided with track kits and snow groomers. 
     The snowmobile  10  includes a forward end  12  and a rearward end  14  which are defined consistently with a travel direction of the vehicle  10 . The snowmobile  10  includes a vehicle body in the form of a frame or chassis  16  which includes a rear tunnel  18 , an engine support structure  20 , a front suspension module  22  and an upper structure  24 . The tunnel  18  defines a longitudinal centerplane  13  (longitudinally disposed vertical plane,  FIG. 4 ) of the snowmobile  10 . 
     A motor  26  (schematically illustrated in  FIG. 1 ), which in the illustrated implementation is an internal combustion engine, is carried in an engine compartment defined by the engine cradle portion  20  of the frame  16 . A fuel tank  28 , supported above the tunnel  18 , supplies fuel to the engine  26  for its operation. Coolant used to cool the engine  26  is circulated through heat exchangers  25  (schematically shown) to be cooled. The heat exchangers  25  are mounted under the tunnel  18 . 
     An endless drive track  30  is positioned at the rear end  14  of the snowmobile  10 . The drive track  30  is disposed generally under the tunnel  18 , and operatively connected to the engine  26  through a belt transmission system (not shown) and a reduction drive. The endless drive track  30  is driven to run about a rear suspension assembly  32  connected to the frame  16  for propulsion of the snowmobile  10 . The endless drive track  30  has a plurality of lugs  31  extending from an outer surface thereof to provide traction to the track  30 . 
     The rear suspension assembly  32  includes a drive sprocket  34 , one or more idler wheels  36  and a pair of slide rails  38  in sliding contact with the endless drive track  30 . The drive sprocket  34  is mounted on a drive axle  35  and defines a sprocket axis  34   a . The slide rails  38  are attached to the tunnel  18  by front and rear suspension arms  40  and one or more shock absorbers  42  which include a coil spring (not indicated) surrounding the individual shock absorbers  42 . It is contemplated that the snowmobile  10  could be provided with a different implementation of a rear suspension assembly  32  than the one shown herein. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 1 , an ice scratcher  100  is connected to the left slide rail  38  of the snowmobile  10 . An ice scratcher  100  could similarly be connected to the right side rail  54 . The lower end of the ice scratcher  100  scratches the surface of the ice or the snow on which the snowmobile  10  operates to create sprays of ice or snow. Part of the sprayed ice or snow is deposited on the inner surface of the track  30  and thereby lubricates the interface between the slide rails  38  and the inner surface of the track  30 . The sprayed ice or snow also cools the track  30  and elements of the suspension assembly  32 . Part of the sprayed ice or snow is also flung by the track  30  onto the heat exchangers  25  to assist in cooling the engine coolant. As should be understood from the above description, although they are called ice scratchers  100 , the ice scratchers  100  can be used to scratch both icy and snowy surfaces. The ice scratcher  100  will be described in more detail below. 
     A straddle-type seat  60  is positioned atop the fuel tank  28 . A fuel tank filler opening covered by a cap  92  is disposed on the upper surface of the fuel tank  28  in front of the seat  60 . It is contemplated that the fuel tank filler opening  92  could be disposed elsewhere on the fuel tank  28 . The seat  60  is adapted to accommodate a driver of the snowmobile  10 . The seat  60  can also be configured to accommodate a passenger. A footrest  64  is positioned on each side of the snowmobile  10  below the seat  60  to accommodate the driver&#39;s feet. 
     At the front end  12  of the snowmobile  10 , fairings  66  enclose the engine  26  and the belt transmission system, thereby providing an external shell that not only protects the engine  26  and the transmission system, but can also be decorated to make the snowmobile  10  more aesthetically pleasing. Typically, the fairings  66  include a hood  68  and one or more side panels which can be opened to allow access to the engine  26  and the belt transmission system when this is required, for example, for inspection or maintenance of the engine  26  and/or the transmission system. A windshield  69  connected to the fairings  66  acts as a wind screen to lessen the force of the air on the rider while the snowmobile  10  is moving. 
     Two skis  70  positioned at the forward end  12  of the snowmobile  10  are attached to the front suspension module  22  of the frame  16  through a front suspension assembly  72 . The front suspension module  22  is connected to the front end of the engine support structure  24 . The front suspension assembly  72  includes ski legs  74 , supporting arms  76  and ball joints (not shown) for operatively connecting to the respective ski leg  74 , supporting arms  76  and a steering column  82 . 
     A steering assembly  80 , including the steering column  82  and a handlebar  84 , is provided generally forward of the seat  60 . The steering column  82  is rotatably connected to the frame  16 . The lower end of the steering column  82  is connected to the ski legs  74  via a steering rod (not shown). The handlebar  84  is attached to the upper end of the steering column  82 . The handlebar  84  is positioned in front of the seat  60 . The handlebar  84  is used to rotate the steering column  82 , and thereby the skis  70 , in order to steer the vehicle  10 . A throttle operator (not shown) in the form of a finger-actuated throttle lever is mounted to the right side of the handlebar  84 . Other types of throttle operators, such as a thumb-actuated throttle lever and a twist grip, are also contemplated. A brake actuator (not indicated), in the form of a hand brake lever, is provided on the left side of the handlebar  84  for braking the snowmobile  10  in a known manner. The windshield  69  may be connected directly to the handlebar  84 . 
     At the rear end of the snowmobile  10 , a snow flap  94  extends downward from the rear end of the tunnel  18 . The snow flap  94  protects against dirt that can be projected upward from the drive track  30  when the snowmobile  10  is being driven. It is contemplated that the snow flap  94  could be omitted. 
     The snowmobile  10  includes other components such as a display cluster, an exhaust system, an air intake system, 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. 
     The left ice scratcher  100  and its assembly on to the snowmobile  10  will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 2 to 14 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 to 5 and 11 to 13 , the left ice scratcher  100  is connected to the left side of the left slide rail  38  by a left mounting bracket  102 . The left ice scratcher  100  extends leftwardly from the left mounting bracket  102 . The ice scratcher  100  and the mounting bracket  102  together form an ice scratcher assembly. 
     It is contemplated that a right ice scratcher  100  could be similarly connected to the right side of the right slide rail  38  by a right mounting bracket  102  so as to extend rightwardly therefrom. The right ice scratcher  100  would be a mirror image of the left ice scratcher  100  and the right mounting bracket  102  would be a mirror image of the left mounting bracket  100 . It is contemplated that the ice scratcher  100  could be connected to other portions of the tunnel  18 , to the suspension assembly  32  or elsewhere on the snowmobile  10 . It is also contemplated that features of the mounting bracket  102  could be integrally formed with the slide rail  38 . 
     The ice scratcher  100  comprises an upper end portion  110 , a spring  112 , an elongate member  118  and a lower end portion  120 . The ice scratcher  100  is fixed to the mounting bracket  102  by the upper ice scratcher end portion  110  as can be seen in  FIGS. 5, 9 and 10 . The spring  112  connects the upper ice scratcher end portion  110  to the elongate member  118 . The elongate member  118  extends from the spring  112  to the lower ice scratcher end portion  120 . The lower ice scratcher end portion  120  and the elongate member  118  contact the ice/snow surface  1  on which the snowmobile  10  is operating in order to create a spray of ice/snow ( FIGS. 11, 12 ). 
     It should be noted that in  FIGS. 1 to 7D and 11 , the ice scratcher  100  is shown in an unbent configuration, such as when the snowmobile  10  is at rest on very soft snow, or with the track  30  lifted above the ground. When the snowmobile  10  operates on ice or hard packed snow, the ice scratcher  100  is in a bent configuration wherein the lower end portion  120  of the ice scratcher  100  is closer to the slide rail  38  in the vertical direction as seen in  FIG. 12 . In  FIG. 12 , the lower end portion  120  is also displaced laterally farther away from the slide rail  38  compared to its position in  FIG. 11 . It is however contemplated that, in some bent configurations, the lower end portion  120  could not be laterally displaced with respect to its position in an unbent configuration as shown in  FIG. 11 , or that the lateral direction displacement of the lower end portion  120  could be less than that shown in  FIG. 12 . The ice scratcher  100  can also be disposed in a stowed configuration as shown in  FIG. 13 . When in the stowed configuration, the ice scratcher  100  does not scratch the surface  1  on which the snowmobile  10  operates. 
     The spring  112  extends leftwardly from the mounting bracket  102 . The spring has a right side  114  connected to the upper ice scratcher end portion  110  and a left side  116  connected to the elongate member  118 . The left side  116  is disposed laterally outwardly of the track  30 . The spring  112  has a plurality of circular coils  113  extending between its right and left ends  114 ,  116 . When viewed from the left side of the snowmobile  10 , the coils  113  are wound in a clockwise direction from the elongate member  118  to the upper ice scratcher end portion  110 . 
     In the unbent configuration of the illustrated implementation of the ice scratcher  100 , the left end  116  of the spring  112  is vertically aligned with the right end  114 . A line  126  passing through the centers of the circular coils  113  of the spring  112  is referred to herein as the center line  126  as best seen in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . In the unbent configuration of  FIG. 11 , the center line  126  forms a straight line, referred to herein as the unbent configuration coil axis  115  or the coil axis  115 . The coil axis  115  is thus a laterally extending straight line. 
     The elongate member  118  has an upper portion  122  connected to the left side of the spring  112  and a lower portion  124  connected to the lower ice scratcher end portion  120 . The upper portion  122  extends downwardly and leftwardly from the left end  114  of the spring  112  in the unbent configuration. The elongate member  118  extends downwardly between the upper portion  122  and the lower ice scratcher end portion  120 . It is contemplated that the elongate member  118  could extend downwardly and leftwardly along its entire length, or that the lower portion  124  could extend downwardly and leftwardly instead of the upper portion  122 . It is contemplated that the portions  122 ,  124  of the elongate member  118  could be disposed at a different angle than as shown, or be curved. 
     In the illustrated implementation, in the unbent configuration, the entirety of the elongate member  118  is disposed at the same longitudinal position and forward of the coil axis  115 . It is however contemplated that the elongate member  118  could be longitudinally aligned with the coil axis  115  or disposed rearward thereof. It is also contemplated that the elongate member  118  could extend forwardly or rearwardly in the unbent configuration. 
     The lower ice scratcher end portion  120  extends downwardly and forwardly from the lower end  124  of the elongate member  118  in the unbent configuration of the ice scratcher  100 . The lower ice scratcher end portion  120  extends forwardly at an obtuse angle with respect to elongate member  118  which helps to break through the ice/snow when the snowmobile  10  is moving in a forward direction, and to skip over obstacles such as rocks when moving in a rearward direction. It is contemplated that the lower ice scratcher end portion  120  could extend downwardly but not forwardly in the unbent configuration. It is also contemplated that the lower ice scratcher end portion  120  could extend downwardly and rearwardly from the elongate member  118 . It is contemplated that the lower ice scratcher end portion  120  could be shaped differently than as shown. It is contemplated that the lower ice scratcher end portion  120  could have a different cross-sectional shape (in a horizontal plane) than the elongate member  118 . 
     As can be seen best in  FIG. 4 , the left end  116  of the spring  112 , the entire elongate member  118  and the lower ice scratcher end portion  120  extend laterally outside the track  30 . 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 7A to 7D, 9 and 10 , the upper ice scratcher end portion  10  has a portion  110   a  connected to the coil  113  of the right end  114  of the spring  112  and a portion  110   b  connected to the portion  110   a . The portion  110   b  extends forwardly and upwardly from the portion  110   a . The portion  110   a  is disposed radially inwardly of the coils  113  with respect to the unbent configuration coil axis  115  when viewed from the left side. The portion  110   b  is disposed radially outwardly of the coils  113  with respect to the unbent configuration coil axis  115  when viewed from the left side. It is contemplated that the portion  110   b  could not extend upwardly from the portion  110   a . It is contemplated that the portion  110   b  could extend rearwardly from the portion  110   a . It is contemplated that the portion  110   b  could be longer or shorter than as shown. It is contemplated that the portion  110   b  could be shaped differently than as shown. For example, the portion  110   b  radially outside the coils  113  could form a loop, or even have a planar shape. 
     The ice scratcher  100  of the illustrated implementation is constructed from a solid metal rod bent to form the upper end portion  110 , the spring  112 , the elongate member  118  and the lower end portion  120 . Although, in the illustrated implementation, the upper end portion  110 , the spring  112 , the elongate member  118  and the lower end portion  120  are all formed integrally with one another, it is contemplated that they could not be formed integrally. For example, the upper ice scratcher end portion  110  could be formed separately and welded to the spring  112 . As another example, the elongate member  118  and/or the lower ice scratcher end portion  120  could be detachably connected to the spring  112  so that it can be replaced if damaged or worn out. In the illustrated implementation, the metal rod forming the ice scratcher  100  has a uniform circular cross-section with a uniform thickness  130  along the entire length of the ice scratcher  100  between the end portions  110 ,  120 . It is contemplated that the cross-sectional shape of the ice scratcher  100  could be other than circular and could be non-uniform. It is contemplated that the ice scratcher thickness  130  could not be uniform. 
     The mounting bracket  102  will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 5 to 7B and 8 to 12 . 
     The left mounting bracket  102  has two apertures  140  and  142 . The aperture  142  is disposed forward of the aperture  140  when the mounting bracket  102  is attached to the slide rail  38 . The forward aperture  142  is smaller than the rearward aperture  140  but it is contemplated that the relative sizes of the apertures  140 ,  142  could be different than as shown. The apertures  140 ,  142  are aligned with corresponding apertures of the slide rail  38  (with only the rearward aperture  104  corresponding to the rearward aperture  140  being shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 ). The center of the forward aperture  142  is disposed higher than the center of the rearward aperture  140  when attached to the slide rail  38  as shown but it is contemplated that the apertures  140 ,  142  could be aligned vertically or that the center of the forward aperture  140  could be disposed lower than the center of the rearward aperture  140 . The center of the rearward aperture  140  is longitudinally aligned ( FIG. 7A ) with and vertically lower ( FIG. 7B ) than the coil axis  115  of the spring  112  when the ice scratcher  100  is attached thereto. The apertures  140 ,  142  are each smaller than the inner diameter of the coils  113 . The center of the aperture  140  is disposed within the coils  13  in a radial direction with respect to the coil axis  115 . In other words, the center of the aperture  140  is radially spaced from the coil axis  115  by a distance less than a coil radius. The aperture  140  is entirely disposed within the coils  13  in a radial direction with respect to the coil axis  115 . The center of the aperture  142  is disposed outside the coils  13  in a radial direction with respect to the coil axis  115 , i.e., the center of the aperture  142  is radially spaced from the coil axis  115  by a distance greater than a coil radius. The aperture  142  is entirely disposed outside the coils  13  in a radial direction with respect to the coil axis  115 . 
     A groove  144  extends partly around the rearward aperture  140 . The groove  144  is shaped to receive the upper ice scratcher end portion  110  and a part of the coil  113  at the right end  114  of the spring  112 . The groove  144  extends above, behind, below and forward of the rearward aperture  140 . The groove  144  extends upwards between the rearward aperture  140  and the forward aperture  142  from below the rearward aperture  140 . The right end coil  113  of the spring  112  is received in the portion of the groove  144  above and behind the rearward aperture  140 . The upper ice scratcher end portion  110  is received in the portions of the groove  144  below and forward of the rearward aperture  140 . 
     A rim  146  partly surrounds each aperture  140 ,  142  as best seen in  FIG. 7 . As seen in  FIG. 8 , the groove  144  overlaps with the lower portion of the rearward aperture  140  and the rear portion of the forward aperture  142 . The apertures  140 ,  142  therefore do not have a rim  146  in these portions which overlap with the groove  144 . 
     A projection  148  of the mounting bracket extends above aperture  142 . The end of the portion  110   b  abuts against the projection  148  when the upper ice scratcher end portion  110  is received in the groove  144 . 
     The mounting bracket  102  is placed over the left side surface of the slide rail  38 . A bolt  150  is inserted from the left side of the mounting bracket  102  through the spring  112 , the rearward mounting bracket aperture  140  and the corresponding slide rail aperture  104 . A nut  154  engages the threaded end portion of the bolt  150  extending on the right side of the left slide rail  38 . The bolt  150  has a bolt head  150   a . The upper ice scratcher end portion  110   a  is held between bolt head  150   a  and the groove surface. The bolt  150  thus fastens the ice scratcher  100  to the mounting bracket  102  and the slide rail  38 . 
     A bolt  152  is inserted from the left side of the mounting bracket  102  through the spring  112 , the forward mounting bracket aperture  142  and the corresponding slide rail aperture (not shown). A nut  156  engages the threaded end portion of the bolt  152  extending on the right side of the left slide rail  38 . The bolt  152  has a bolt head  152   a . The portion  110   b  of the upper end portion  110  is held between the bolt head  152   a  and the groove surface. The bolt  152  thus fastens ice scratcher  100  to the mounting bracket  102  and the slide rail  38 . 
     The non-circular shape of the upper ice scratcher end portion  110  and the complementary shape of the groove  144  helps to align the ice scratcher  100  for assembly on the slide rail  38 . The shape of the upper ice scratcher end portion  110  and the groove  144  also helps to prevent pivoting of the upper ice scratcher end portion  110  with respect to the coil axis  115  when the lower ice scratcher end portion  120  is scratching or digging into the surface  1  that the snowmobile  10  is operating on ( FIG. 11, 12 ). 
     In the illustrated implementation, the mounting bracket  102  and the slide rail  38  are fastened together at the same location and by the same fastener (bolts  150 ,  152  and the nuts  154 ,  156 ) as the mounting bracket  102  and the ice scratcher  100 . This minimizes the number of parts required for assembly of the ice scratcher  100  on the snowmobile  10  and enhances the cost, ease and efficiency of assembly. It is however contemplated that the mounting bracket  102  could be fastened to the slide rail  38  by a different fastener and/or at a different location. It is contemplated that the mounting bracket  102  could be omitted and that the ice scratcher  100  could be directly connected to the slide rail  38 . It is contemplated that the ice scratcher  100  could be fastened to the slide rail  38  by a mounting bracket that is different than the mounting bracket  102  shown in the figures. 
     In the illustrated implementation, the spring  112  has a stiffness such that the spring  112  remains in an unbent configuration when the right side  112  is connected to the mounting bracket  102  and slide rail  38  and with the right end  116  supporting the weight of the elongate member  118  and lower ice scratcher end portion  120  suspended therefrom. However the spring  112  has a stiffness that allows the spring  112  to bend when the lower ice scratcher end portion contacts the ice/snow  1  on which the snowmobile  10  is operating. 
     In the bent configuration, as can be seen in  FIG. 12 , the center line  126  is bent upwards with respect to the coil axis  115 . The left end  116  of the spring  112  is disposed higher than the right end  114 . Since the right end of the spring  112  is fixed to the mounting bracket  102 , the right end of the centerline  126  coincides with the coil axis  115 . It is contemplated that a right portion of the center line  126  adjacent to the mounting bracket  102  could be disposed along the coil axis  115  for small bending forces but not the entirety thereof. In general the center line  126  is curved in at least one location in the bent configuration of the ice scratcher  100 . The amount of bending of the spring  112  depends on factors such as the hardness of the surface, the speed of motion, the direction of motion, the stiffness of the spring coils  113 , and the like, as will be discussed below. 
     The bending of the spring  112  biases the lower ice scratcher end portion  120  against the surface  1  enabling scratching of the surface  1 . The bending of the spring  112  helps to prevent damage to the elongate member  118  and the lower ice scratcher end portion  120  when they dig into hard surfaces  1  and especially when the snowmobile  10  is moving in a rearward direction. The bending of the spring  112  also helps to absorb shocks applied to the lower ice scratcher end portion  120  caused by uneven terrain or obstacles, such as rocks, regardless of the direction in which the snowmobile  10  is moving. The bending of the spring  112  also allows for some lateral movement of the lower ice scratcher end portion  120 . 
     For a given spring stiffness, the greater the spring length  134  ( FIG. 7B ), the more bendable the spring  112 . A spring length  134  can be defined in a direction parallel to the coil axis  115  with the spring  112  in an unbent configuration. In the illustrated implementation, the spring length  134  is less than the length of the elongate member  118 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the ice scratcher  100  is in an operative configuration when the lower ice scratcher end portion  120  is in contact with the ground  1  on which the snowmobile  10  is operating in order to create a spray of ice or snow. 
     On soft snow surfaces which do not offer much resistance, the ice scratcher  100  is in an operative and unbent configuration as shown in  FIG. 11  as the snowmobile  10  moves slowly along the soft surface  10  in a forward or rearward direction. The lower portion  124  of the elongate member  118  is also contacting the ground  1  in addition to the lower ice scratcher end portion  120 . 
     On hard surfaces  1 , such as densely packed snow or ice, which offer considerable resistance to the ice scratcher  100 , the ice scratcher  100  is in an operative and bent configuration. On hard surfaces  1 , the ice scratcher  100  gets bent such that the lower ice scratcher end portion  120  is vertically closer to the surface  1  and the spring  112  is uncoiled or coiled tighter than when in the unbent configuration of  FIG. 11 . Depending on the amount of bending of the spring  112 , the lateral and longitudinal displacement of the lower ice scratcher end portion  120  and the direction of motion of the snowmobile  10 , the lower portion  124  of the elongate member  118  may not be in contact with the ground  1 , or only a small part thereof may be in contact with the ground  1 . When the spring  112  bends upwards, the elongate member  118  may remain vertical, or tilt laterally outwardly as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     When the snowmobile  10  is moving in a forward direction, the ground  1  exerts a rearward force on the lower ice scratcher end portion  120  and the elongate member  118  resulting in their rearward displacement. The rearward force on the elongate member  118  results in a counter-clockwise torque about the coil axis  115  on the left side  116  of the spring  112  when viewed from the left side, due to which the spring  112  tends to wind tighter. The biasing force of the spring  112  wound tighter helps the elongate member  118  and the lower ice scratcher end portion  120  to break through the ground  1  to create a spray of ice/snow. The lower ice scratcher portions  120 ,  124  are displaced rearwards with respect to the respect to the upper portion  122 . The ice/snow also exerts an upward force on the elongate member  118  causing the spring  112  to bend upwards. 
     When the snowmobile  10  is moving in a reverse or rearward direction, the ground  1  exerts a forwardly directed force on the lower ice scratcher end portion  120  and the elongate member  118  and thereby a clockwise direction torque about the coil axis  115  (when viewed from the left side) on the left end  116  of the spring  112 , i.e. in a direction to unwind the spring  112 . The lower ice scratcher end portion  120  and the lower portion  124  of the elongate member  118  are displaced forwardly with respect to the upper portion  122 . The spring  112  also bends upwards as shown in  FIG. 12  due to the unwinding of the spring  112  and the upward force exerted thereon by the ground  1  via the elongate member  118 . A harder surface  1 , such as packed snow or ice, bends the spring  112  upwards more than a softer surface  1 , such as loose snow. 
     When the direction of motion of the snowmobile  10  changes from a forward to a rearward direction, the ice scratcher portions  120 ,  124  move from a position rearward of the upper portion  122  to a position forward of the upper portion  122 . The spring  112  also bends upwards, as shown in  FIG. 12 , as the ice scratcher portions  120 ,  124  move from a position disposed forward of the upper portion  122  to a position disposed rearward of the upper portion  122 , and vice versa. The elongate member  118  may remain vertical, tilt laterally outwardly by a smaller amount than as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 13 , the ice scratcher  100  can be placed in a stowed configuration where the lower ice scratcher end  206  is spaced from the surface  1  on which the snowmobile  10  operates. The snowmobile  10  is provided with a hook  160  to hold the lower ice scratcher end portion  120  spaced from the surface  1 . The hook  160  extends leftwardly from the left slide rail  38 . The hook  160  is disposed rearward of the mounting bracket  102 . 
     To move the ice scratcher  100  to the stowed configuration, the elongate member  118  is pivoted rearwardly and rightwardly and then released when the lower ice scratcher end portion  120  is slightly above the hook  160 . The upper surface  164  of the hook  160  supports the lower ice scratcher end portion  120  and the elongate member  118 . The spring  112  biases the lower ice scratcher end portion  120  and the elongate member  118  against the upper surface  164  of the hook  160 . A left portion  166  of the hook  160  extending upwards from the left side of the upper surface  164  prevents the lower ice scratcher end portion  120  from sliding laterally out of the hook  160 . The hook  160  is disposed at a longitudinal and vertical position such that the upper surface  164  of the hook  160  contacts the ice scratcher  100  in the angled region where the elongate member  118  connects to the lower ice scratcher end portion  120 . The lower ice scratcher end portion  120  thus extends downward and rearward from the hook  160 . The leftwardly extending hook  160  reduces the amount by which the ice scratcher  100  is pushed laterally inwards to be stowed compared to the situation where the ice scratcher is stowed against the slide rail  38 . It is contemplated that the hook  160  could be disposed further forward than as shown. It is contemplated that the hook  160  could be omitted and the ice scratcher  100  could be attached directly to a portion of the snowmobile  10 . It is contemplated that the lower ice scratcher end portion  120  and/or the elongate member  118  could be fastened to the slide rail  38  or another portion of the snowmobile  10  by a clasp, clamp, band or other type of fastener. It is also contemplated that the ice scratcher  100  could be removed from the snowmobile  10  when it is not in use. The ice scratcher  100  could be disassembled from the mounting bracket  102  and/or the mounting bracket  102  could be disassembled from the snowmobile  10  when the ice scratcher is not in use. 
     To move the ice scratcher  100  back to the operative position, the elongate member  118  is moved upwardly and rightwardly to disengage from the hook  160 , then leftwardly and released. Once released, the lower ice scratcher end portion  120  and the elongate member  118  pivot downwards in a clockwise direction to make contact with the surface  1 . 
       FIG. 14  shows another implementation of an ice scratcher  100 ′. The ice scratcher  100 ′ shown in  FIG. 14  is similar to the ice scratcher  100  of  FIGS. 2 to 13 . Features of the ice scratcher  100 ′ of  FIG. 14  that are similar to the ice scratcher  100  of  FIGS. 2 to 13  have been labelled with the same reference numbers and will not be described again herein. The ice scratcher  100 ′ has a wear-resistant tip  180  connected to the lower ice scratcher end portion  120 . The tip  180  extends along a front and rear surface of the lower ice scratcher end portion  120  and also has a portion  182  extending downwardly and forwardly therefrom. It is contemplated that the lower ice scratcher end portion  120 , or a portion thereof, could be entirely enclosed by the tip  180 . The tip  180  is made of a hard material to prevent wearing by the ice/snow surface  1  engaged by the tip  180 . In the illustrated implementation, the wear-resistant tip  180  is made of carbide but it is contemplated that the wear-resistant tip  180  could be made of any suitably hard material. It is contemplated that the tip  180  could be shaped differently, and/or connected differently, than as shown herein. It is contemplated that the portion  182  extending downwardly from the lower ice scratcher end portion  120  could be omitted, or be shaped differently than as shown herein. The tip  180  shown in  FIG. 14  is formed separately from the lower ice scratcher end portion  120  and attached thereto. It is also contemplated that the lower ice scratcher end portion  120 , or a portion thereof, could be coated or formed with an external layer of wear-resistance material, such as carbide and the like, to prevent wearing by the ice/snow surface  1  as the lower ice scratcher end portion  120  engages the surface  1 . 
     The ice scratcher  100  or  100 ′ could be provided in the form of a kit for assembling the ice scratcher  100 ,  100 ′ on the snowmobile  10 . The ice scratcher kit could include the ice scratcher  100  or  100 ′, a mounting bracket such as the mounting bracket  102 , and one or more fasteners such as the bolts  150 ,  152 , and nuts  154 ,  156 . The ice scratcher kit could also include the hook  160 . 
     Modifications and improvements to the above-described implementations of the present may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting. The scope of the present is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.