Abstract:
A snowmobile accessory that includes two buoyant front skis and two buoyant rear floats to mount under foot boards or running boards. A user with a snowmobile may simply mount the kit to a snowmobile for use when crossing bodies of water dry land, snow &amp; ice. The present invention may be mounted in less than 30 minutes.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to the field of snowmobile accessories and more specifically relates to a snowmobile flotation system for use in crossing bodies of water. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    The challenges of cross-country transportation in the winter led to the invention of the snowmobile, an all-terrain vehicle specifically designed for travel across deep snow where other vehicles floundered. During the 20th century, rapidly evolving designs produced machines that were two-person tracked vehicles powered by gas engines that enabled them to tow a sled or travel, initially at low-to-moderate speeds, depending on snow conditions, terrain and obstacles protruding above the snow like brush and trees. Where early designs had 7.5 kW (10 horsepower) two-stroke engines, there has been a move toward newer style 2-stroke and 4-stroke gasoline engines, some with over 150 kW (200 hp). 
         [0006]    A personal water craft (PWC), also called water scooter, is a recreational watercraft that the rider sits or stands on, rather than inside of, as in a boat. PWCs have two style categories. The first and most popular being a “sit down”, where the rider uses the watercraft mainly sitting down and typically holds two or more people. The second style is a “stand up”, where the rider uses the watercraft standing up. The stand up styles are built for one rider and is used more for doing tricks, racing, and are used in competitions. Both styles have an inboard engine driving a pump jet that has a screw-shaped impeller to create thrust for propulsion and steering. They are often referred by the trademarked brand names Jet Ski®, WaveRunner®, or Sea-Doo®. Most are designed for two or three people, though four-passenger models exist. The United States Coast Guard defines a personal watercraft, amongst other criteria, as a jet drive boat less than 4 m (13 feet) in length, in order to exclude from that definition more conventional sized jet boats. 
         [0007]    Snowmobiles are only seasonal in some locations. Personal water craft are also limited in their functionality. A means for promoting multifunctional use is desirable for such machines. 
         [0008]    Several attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pub. And Pat. Nos. 2008/0271303 to Allen Roberts; and 2006/0061052 to Rene Lemieux, U.S. Pat. No. 3,853,085 to Halboth R; U.S. Pat. No. 5,682,832 to Wayne C. Millard; U.S. Pat. No. 8,286,988 to Lynn Robert Jones; U.S. Pat. No. 3,841,649 to Mcmullen W; U.S. Pat. No. 5,682,832 to Wayne C. Millard; U.S. Pat. No. 8,777,680 to Kenneth James Macdonald; U.S. Pat. No. 6,431,561 to Jan M. Hedlund; U.S. Pat. No. 6,692,009 to Rene Lemieux; U.S. Pat. No. 8,641,055 to Verlin M. Simmons; U.S. Pat. No. 6,331,008 to Dale DeWayne Cormican; U.S. Pat. No. 6,199,648 to Ronald C. Kanan; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,491,333 to Wayne L. Warnke. This art is representative of snowmobile accessories. However, none of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. 
         [0009]    Preferably, a snowmobile accessory should provide a means for using a snowmobile year round on a variety of terrains and surfaces and, yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable snowmobile flotation system to avoid the above-mentioned problems. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known snowmobile accessory art, the present invention provides a novel snowmobile flotation system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide a snowmobile flotation system, when mounted, provides capability for the snowmobile to travel across bodies of water in a floating condition. A user does not need to remove the snowmobile flotation system due to terrain issues. The snowmobile flotation system may also be left on and the snowmobile and be driven on snow and ice. 
         [0011]    A snowmobile flotation system is disclosed herein, in a preferred embodiment, comprising: a pair of front and a pair of rear floats functioning as snowmobile flotation assemblies each of the front and rear floats having a right-snowmobile-assembly and a left-snowmobile-assembly, each of the right-snowmobile-assembly and the left-snowmobile-assembly comprising a stern, a bow, a chine, a gunwhale, at least one cross-wise-thwart, and at least one length-wise-thwart. As such, the snowmobile flotation system comprises the snowmobile flotation assemblies comprising the right-snowmobile-assembly and the left-snowmobile-assembly (front and rear). The pair of snowmobile flotation assemblies each comprise fiberglass or injection molded plastic in preferred embodiments and may comprise other suitably equivalent materials in alternate embodiments. The snowmobile flotation assemblies must comprise durable material for longevity, rigidity, cost effectiveness, mass production and weigh. 
         [0012]    The stern, the bow, the chine, the gunwhale, the at least one cross-wise-thwart and the at least one length-wise-thwart define each of the right-snowmobile-assembly and the left-snowmobile-assembly in functional and structural combination. The density of the right-snowmobile-assembly and the left-snowmobile-assembly is preferably less than 1 g/cm3; the density of 1 g/cm3 provides that the right-snowmobile-assembly and the left-snowmobile-assembly are able to effectively float. Other versions that are one-piece construction (not independent) are also envisioned. 
         [0013]    Each of the right-snowmobile-assembly and the left-snowmobile-assembly in preferred embodiments comprises exactly three of the cross-wise-thwarts placed in substantially parallel configuration. The cross-wise-thwart comprising a front position comprises a substantially triangular shape with an apex. The second and third cross-wise-thwart comprise a low profile pentagon shape. The apex is located adjacent to the chine and the gunwhale meeting at a juncture between the two. Each of the right-snowmobile-assembly and the left-snowmobile-assembly comprises exactly two of the length-wise-thwarts in preferred embodiments (alternate embodiments may comprise more or less). Two of the cross-wise-thwarts are located perpendicularly to two of the length-wise-thwarts. 
         [0014]    The stern, the bow, the chine, the gunwhale, the at least one cross-wise-thwart and the at least one length-wise-thwart are structured and arranged in functional combination for removable attachment to a respective ski mount of a snowmobile via suitable fastening means. The stern is oriented underneath respective running boards on the snowmobile, when used (installed), such that the bow is able to cut through water when traversing over bodies of water. The two rear floats are mounted along side of the running boards. The stern comprises a low profile pentagon shape. 
         [0015]    The right-snowmobile-assembly and the left-snowmobile-assembly comprise a low-profile such that the snowmobile is suitably stabilized during use on the bodies of water. Rear floats help maintain stability in conjunction with the front floats. A center of gravity of the snowmobile is designed to be located (directed) directly below handlebars. The at least one cross-wise-thwart and the at least one length-wise-thwart is structured and arranged in respective boxed formations to provide respective defined inner volumes wherein the respective ski mounts of the snowmobile are able to be removably attached therein. The boxed condition provides for rigidity in use. The snowmobile flotation system, when mounted, provides capability for the snowmobile to travel across the bodies of water in a floating condition. 
         [0016]    A kit is described herein including: the front and rear right-snowmobile-assembly, the front and rear left-snowmobile-assembly, and a set of user instructions for mounting to the snowmobile. The kit may further comprise any necessary mounting hardware. 
         [0017]    A method of using a snowmobile flotation system is also disclosed herein comprising the steps of: mounting a right-snowmobile-assembly to a right ski mount, mounting a left-snowmobile-assembly to a left ski mount, a right rear snowmobile assembly to a right rear running board, and a left rear snowmobile assembly to a left rear running board and driving a snowmobile on bodies of water in a floating condition. The method may further comprise the step of removing the right-snowmobile-assembly and the left-snowmobile-assembly from the snowmobile. 
         [0018]    The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a snowmobile flotation system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, snowmobile flotation systems, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view illustrating a snowmobile flotation system during an ‘in-use’ condition showing a front and rear right-snowmobile-assembly and left-snowmobile-assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating the snowmobile flotation system comprising the right-snowmobile-assembly and left-snowmobile-assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating components of the snowmobile flotation system according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-2 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating the snowmobile flotation system according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-3 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a method of use for the snowmobile flotation system according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4 . 
       
    
    
       [0025]    The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a snowmobile accessory and more particularly to a bolt on (removably couplable) floatation kit for use with a snowmobile; two buoyant front skis and two buoyant rear floats to mount under (or otherwise adjacent) foot boards/running boards for total of four floats. 
         [0027]    Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , showing various views of snowmobile flotation system  100  comprising: pair of snowmobile flotation assemblies  110  comprising right-snowmobile-assembly  112  and left-snowmobile-assembly  114 , each of right-snowmobile-assembly  112  and left-snowmobile-assembly  114  comprising, stern  120 , bow  130 , chine  160 , gunwhale  170 , at least one cross-wise-thwart  180 , and at least one length-wise-thwart  190 , as shown. 
         [0028]    Snowmobile flotation system  100  comprises snowmobile flotation assemblies  110  comprising front and rear right-snowmobile-assembly  112  and front and rear left-snowmobile-assembly  114 , stern  120 , bow  130 , chine  160 , gunwhale  170 , at least one cross-wise-thwart  180  and at least one length-wise-thwart  190  which define each of right-snowmobile-assembly  112  and left-snowmobile-assembly  114  in functional and structural combination. Stern  120 , bow  130 , chine  160 , gunwhale  170 , at least one cross-wise-thwart  180  and at least one length-wise-thwart  190  are structured and arranged in functional combination for removable attachment each to a respective (right and left) ski mount  196  of snowmobile  198 . 
         [0029]    At least one cross-wise-thwart  180  and at least one length-wise-thwart  190  is structured and arranged in respective boxed formations to provide respective defined inner volumes (right and left) wherein respective ski mounts  196  of snowmobile  198  are able to be removably attached therein. Snowmobile flotation system  100 , when mounted, provides capability for snowmobile  198  to travel across bodies of water  194  in a floating condition. Pair of snowmobile flotation assemblies  110  may comprise wood in preferred embodiments or plastic in alternate embodiments. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other material arrangements such as, for example, composites, ferrous materials, non-ferrous materials, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0030]    In preferred embodiments each of right-snowmobile-assembly  112  and left-snowmobile-assembly  114  comprises exactly three of cross-wise-thwarts  180 . Each of right-snowmobile-assembly  112  and the left-snowmobile-assembly  114  comprises exactly two length-wise-thwarts  190 . Two cross-wise-thwarts  180  are located perpendicularly to two length-wise-thwarts  190 . Stern  120  is oriented behind bow  130 , when used, such that bow  130  is able to cut through the water when traversing over the bodies of water  194 . Relationally speaking, stern  120  is located underneath or beside respective running boards  199  on snowmobile  198  when mounted. 
         [0031]    Cross-wise-thwart  180  when comprising a front position comprises a triangular shape with an apex. The apex is located adjacent an intersection of chine  160  and gunwhale  170 . A second and third the cross-wise-thwart  180  comprise a low profile pentagon shape, as shown. Stern comprises a low profile pentagon shape. A density of the right-snowmobile-assembly  112  and left-snowmobile-assembly  114  is less than 1 g/cm 3 . The density of  1  g/cm 3  provides that right-snowmobile-assembly  112  the left-snowmobile-assembly  114  is able to effectively float. Other materials with other densities may be used; however it is preferable that the material be buoyant in water. 
         [0032]    Right-snowmobile-assembly  112  and the left-snowmobile-assembly  114  comprise a low-profile such that snowmobile  198  is suitably stabilized during use on bodies of water  194 . A center of gravity of snowmobile  198  is designed to be located (directed) directly below handlebars. 
         [0033]    Snowmobile flotation system  100  may be sold as kit  440  comprising the following parts: at least one front and rear right-snowmobile-assembly  112 ; at least one front and rear left-snowmobile-assembly  114 ; and at least one set of user instructions. The kit  440  may further comprise any necessary mounting hardware. The kit has instructions such that functional relationships are detailed in relation to the structure of the invention (such that the invention can be used, maintained, or the like in a preferred manner). Snowmobile flotation system  100  may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different mounting combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient. The present kit can be universally mounted to any production snowmobile in production. 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIG. 5  showing flowchart  550  illustrating method of use  500  for snowmobile flotation system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4 . As shown, method of use  500  may comprise the steps of: step one  501 , mounting right-snowmobile-assembly  112  to a right ski mount, step two  502  mounting left-snowmobile-assembly  114  to a left ski mount, step three  503  driving snowmobile  198  on bodies of water in a floating condition, and step four  504  removing right-snowmobile-assembly  112  and left-snowmobile-assembly  114  from snowmobile  198 . Rear mounted floatation means may comprise two buoyant rear floats to support a rear portion of snowmobile  198  mounted underneath running boards  199  or other portion of the rear of snowmobile  198 . 
         [0035]    It should be noted that step four  504  is an optional step and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method of use  500  are illustrated using dotted lines in  FIG. 5  so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method of use  500 . 
         [0036]    It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶ 6. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0037]    The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.