An extendable and retractable column which is formed from at least three linked sections or chains. The linked sections include a plurality of individual segments linked end to end. As the linked segments are extended, each of the individual segments of the linked chains engage individual segments of adjacent linked sections to form a column. As the linked sections are retracted, each of the individual segments of the linked sections disengage from the individual segment of the adjacent linked sections and the individual linked sections may be rolled up into a multi-sided form for compact storage.

A composite structure comprises stacked sets of laminated fiber reinforced resin plies and metal sheets. Edges of the resin plies and metal sheets are interleaved to form a composite-to-metal joint connecting the resin plies with the metal sheets.

We disclose a method for securing an infrared transmissive polymer to integrated panels, deadfronts, or transition plates, thus providing a reinforced polymer window through which the thermographer can scan an energized unit without being directly exposed to contact with internal components or having to remove said panels, deadfronts, or transition plates. We also disclose a device for securing the polymer consisting of a retention frame with half shear retainers that keep the polymer locked in place.

In a joint structure for joining an insertion shaft that is driven to rotate to a reception side shaft having an insertion groove into which the insertion shaft is inserted so that a rotation of the insertion shaft is transmitted to the reception side shaft, a plurality of pairs of opposing side face portions are formed on an outer periphery of the insertion shaft, the insertion groove includes an axial hole that is formed to open onto an end surface of the reception side shaft and coincides with a pair of first side face portions of the side face portions, and a radial hole that is formed to penetrate the reception side shaft in a radial direction and coincides with a pair of second side face portions of the side face portions, and the axial hole and the radial hole are formed such that respective parts thereof intersect.

The present invention generally relates to snowmobiles. More particularly, the present invention relates to the components of a snowmobile such as the frame, running boards and various other assemblies.

An extendable and retractable column which is formed from at least three linked sections or chains. The linked sections include a plurality of individual segments linked end to end. As the linked segments are extended, each of the individual segments of the linked chains engage individual segments of adjacent linked sections to form a column. As the linked sections are retracted, each of the individual segments of the linked sections disengage from the individual segment of the adjacent linked sections and the individual linked sections may be rolled up into a multi-sided form for compact storage.

A method of forming a direct bearing joint includes coupling a first load-bearing structure to a second load-bearing structure. The second load-bearing structure includes a first structural feature comprising a first arcuate shape. The method also includes coupling a composite skin including a second structural feature comprising a second arcuate shape to the second load-bearing structure. The composite skin is coupled to the second load-bearing structure such that the first and second structural features are mated against each other to facilitate distributing compressive loads from the second load-bearing structure into the composite skin.

A coupling device is provided for a sensor unit having at least one sensor located within a housing. The coupling device includes at least one supporting portion, wherein the supporting portion is configured for maintaining the sensor unit in a stable position, with the coupling device either resting on or being buried into the ground, and at least one rod, arranged in a plane which is essentially perpendicular to a peripheral surface of the supporting portion and linked to the supporting portion. The coupling device further includes a fastener for connecting the sensor unit to the coupling device. The supporting portion maintains the sensor unit in a stable position when resting on the ground, while the rod provides an additional stiffness to the housing.

A quick attachment system is disclosed. A first connector portion is defined along a surface of the first member and a second connector portion is defined along a surface of the second member. The first connector portion comprises a protrusion of the surface of the first member. The second connector portion comprises a detent of the surface of the second member. The first and second connector portions may mate with and engage one another to secure the first member against the second member. A modular frame unit comprises first and second channel members defining first connector portions along lengths thereof and a joinder channel member defining second connector portions along a length thereof. Each of the second connector portions is configured to mate with one of the first connector portions to join the joinder channel member with the first and second channel members.

A semi-generic steering knuckle adapter assembly provides predetermined attachment locations for installing a wheel-replacing track system on a steering knuckle. The adapter assembly comprises one or more customized adapting members (e.g. frame(s), plate(s)) configured to be mounted to the steering knuckle of a vehicle, and a generic supporting member (e.g. frame, plate) configured to be mounted to the adapting member(s) and comprising the predetermined attachment locations where the support frame of the track system can be releasably yet rigidly secured. By providing predetermined and preconfigured attachment locations where the wheel-replacing track system can be secured, the adapter assembly allows the track system to be mounted to the vehicle while avoiding attachment at inconvenient and/or weak locations.