SKI DOLLY

Abstract

A ski dolly includes a frame, a first ski, a second ski, a first coupler fastened to the frame, and a second coupler fastened to the frame. The frame may include a tongue that couples to an upper member. Descending from a first side of the upper member may be a first leg and from a second side of the upper member may be a second leg. Spanning between the first leg and the second leg may be a panel. Further, interposed between a lower surface of the upper member and an upper surface of the panel may be a panel member that receives the second coupler. The ski dolly is coupled to a snowmobile or tracked vehicle at one end and is coupled to a trail grooming device at an opposite end.

Claims

1. A ski dolly comprising: a frame; a first coupler fastened to the tongue; a second coupler fastened to the panel member; a first ski removably attachable to the frame; and a second ski removably attachable to the frame.

2. The ski dolly of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a tongue, an upper member that is coupled to the tongue, a first leg descending from a first side of the upper member, a second leg descending from a second side of the upper member, a panel coupled to and interposed between the first leg and the second leg, and a panel member interposed between a lower surface of the upper member and an upper surface of the panel.

3. The ski dolly of claim 2, wherein the tongue is removably attachable to the frame and extendible.

4. The ski dolly of claim 2, wherein the tongue is angled upward from insertion into the upper member.

5. The ski dolly of claim 2, wherein the first leg comprises a first angled section and a first vertical section, the first angled section coupled to the upper member and the first vertical section coupled to and descending from the first angled section.

6. The ski dolly of claim 2, wherein the second leg comprises a second angled section and a second vertical section, the first angled section coupled to the upper member and the first vertical section coupled to and descending from the first angled section.

7. The ski dolly of claim 1, further comprising a first support and a second support.

8. The ski dolly of claim 7, wherein the first support fastens to a lower surface of a tongue and a first angled section, and the second support fastens to the lower surface of the tongue and a second angled section.

9. The ski dolly of claim 2, wherein the panel member comprises indicia for aiding in measuring and securement of the second coupler.

10. The ski dolly of claim 9, wherein the indicia are positioned on a front of the panel member, a first side of the panel member, and/or a second side of the panel member.

11. The ski dolly of claim 9, wherein the indicia comprise raised portions, notches, or pins.

12. The ski dolly of claim 1, wherein the first coupler comprises a bolt and a nut.

13. The ski dolly of claim 1, wherein the second coupler comprises a bolt and a hook and latch.

14. The ski dolly of claim 1, wherein the second coupler is moveable along a y-axis of a panel member to receive varying heights of trail groom apparatuses.

15. A ski dolly comprising: a frame comprises: a tongue, an upper member that is coupled to the tongue, a first leg descending from a first side of the upper member, a second leg descending from a second side of the upper member, a panel coupled to and interposed between the first leg and the second leg, and a panel member interposed between a lower surface of the upper member and an upper surface of the panel; a first coupler fastened to the tongue; a second coupler fastened to the panel member; a first ski removably attachable to the first leg or second leg; and a second ski removably attachable to the first leg or the second leg.

16. The ski dolly of claim 1, wherein a bottom of the first leg comprises a first fastener member that is hingedly coupled to the first ski.

17. The ski dolly of claim 1, wherein a bottom of the second leg comprises a second fastener member that is hingedly coupled to the second ski.

18. The ski dolly of claim 1, wherein the first coupler comprises a first coupler plate, a first tube, a first bolt, and a first nut.

19. The ski dolly of claim 1, wherein the second coupler comprises a second bolt.

20. A ski dolly comprising: a frame comprises: a tongue, an upper member that is coupled to the tongue, a first leg descending from a first side of the upper member, a second leg descending from a second side of the upper member, a panel coupled to and interposed between the first leg and the second leg, and a panel member interposed between a lower surface of the upper member and an upper surface of the panel; a first coupler fastened to the tongue; a second coupler fastened to the panel member, the second coupler comprising a bolt and one or more fasteners that fasten a coupler panel with a grooming coupler to the panel member; a first ski removably attachable to the first leg or second leg; and a second ski removably attachable to the first leg or the second leg.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a ski dolly;

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of a ski dolly;

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a left-side elevation view of the ski dolly;

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a right-side elevation view of a ski dolly;

[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a ski dolly;

[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a second coupler of a ski dolly; and

[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates a left-side perspective view of a ski dolly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0017] While embodiments of the present disclosure may be subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular features, forms, components, etc. disclosed. Rather, the present disclosure will cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0018] Reference to the invention, the present disclosure, or the like are not intended to restrict or limit the invention, the present disclosure, or the like to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. References to one embodiment, an embodiment, alternate embodiments, some embodiments, and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic.

[0019] Any arrangements herein are meant to be illustrative and do not limit the invention's scope. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their ordinary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. Certain terms are used herein, such as comprising and including, and similar terms are meant to be open and not closed terms.

[0020] As previously described, there is a need for an apparatus that makes it easier to steer a snowmobile while grooming, creates consistently groomed trails, and is configurable to couple to numerous snowmobiles and grooming equipment. The present invention seeks to solve these and other problems.

[0021] The apparatuses and methods for grooming trails has changed over the years. A lot of trail grooming equipment found on the market is pulled behind snowmobiles. This equipment couples directly to the rear of a snowmobile, which can create many problems. In fact, grooming snow with snowmobiles presents several challenges, such as: 1) Snowmobile Suspension/Steering: Many newer utility snowmobiles have softer suspensions, being engineered more like mountain riding snowmobiles. The softer, more flexible suspension creates problems when towing certain grooming devices, because the cutting depth on the device changes when the suspension flexes, which creates inconsistent grooming and frustration for users that have to constantly adjust the grooming device. To address these suspension issues, snowmobile modifications can be purchased/installed (e.g., stiffer springs), but this creates an uncomfortable machine to operate and is often cost prohibitive. 2) Snow Processing: Grooming snowmobiles compact the snow with their tracks and skis before it enters the grooming equipment. There are two ridges of unconsolidated snow between the track and skis that can create soft spots on the groomed surface, and also can clog the grooming implement in certain conditions. 3) Grooming Device Handling: Snowmobile grooming apparatuses are heavy and difficult for users to maneuver when hitching and disconnecting to snowmobiles. Grooming apparatus handling becomes exponentially more difficult if the snowmobile/groomer becomes stuck while grooming. 4) Hitch Rotation: Many snowmobile hitch systems are manufactured with a non-rotating pintle hitch coupling, which will become damaged if a snowmobile is tipped on its side. 5) Adjustable Hitch: Snowmobiles and many tracked vehicles for towing grooming implements do not come with adjustable hitches, and there is not a standard hitch height between different manufacturers, which can create issues when coupling a grooming device.

[0022] The ski dolly described herein is an intermediate apparatus, meaning that it connects between a snow grooming tow vehicle (e.g., snowmobile or a vehicle with tracks) and snow grooming equipment. The dolly is a simple solution that eliminates the need to modify each grooming snowmobile with expensive accessories that are time-consuming to install. The tongue weight of the grooming device is transferred to the ski dolly and its hitch, instead of the rear of the snowmobile. This allows the snowmobile to maintain ski pressure and flex its suspension without affecting the groomer hitch height, which translates to better steering and a consistent groomer cutting depth. The ski dolly comprises a frame, a first ski, a second ski, a first coupler fastened to the frame, and a second coupler fastened to the frame. The first coupler may receive a hitch on a rear of the snowmobile and the second coupler can receive the grooming device.

[0023] It will be appreciated that the ski dolly makes steering easier with the heavy grooming device, saves a user money, creates a consistent cutting height for a variety of grooming devices, provides for even compaction in a snowmobile grooming footprint, reduces clogging in the grooming device, is configured to prevent damage to snowmobile and grooming devices if the snowmobile tips on its side, and accepts numerous grooming devices due to its adjustable hitch.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1-7, in one embodiment, a ski dolly 100 comprises a frame 102, a first ski 104A, a second ski 104B, a first coupler 106 fastened to the frame 102, and a second coupler 108 fastened to the frame 102. The frame 102 may be manufactured from square steel tubing. Other embodiments may include a frame that is manufactured from cylindrical tubing or any other type of rigid or semi-rigid framing materials (e.g., aluminum, plastic, and/or wood). The frame 102 may be coupled together via welding, bolts and nuts, manufactured from a single piece of material, some combination thereof, or by any other securement mechanism known in the art.

[0025] The frame 102 may comprise a tongue 109 with a first section 110 and a second section 111. The second section 111 may include a first member 113 (FIG. 5) that is smaller in diameter than the second section 111. The first member 113 may be of a diameter to be insertable into the first section 110. The first section 110 may be coupled to the second section 111 by a fastener that passes through apertures on the second section 111. In some embodiments, the tongue 109 may be extendible or shortened with the addition or removal of certain sections of the tongue 109. In some embodiment, the tongue 109 may be telescoping, meaning sections may extend to increase length or retract to decrease length. The first section 110 of the tongue 109 may be removable to allow use of different tongue lengths and coupling mechanisms. For example, tracked ATV's and UTV's require a tongue length over 50 inches, while snowmobiles require a shorter 30 length tongue. The second section 111 of the tongue 109 may be welded to the frame 102, or fastened by other means. In some embodiments, the second section 111 of the tongue 109 may be 10 in length so as to receive different lengths of the first section 110. There may be one or more second sections so as to increase the length of the tongue 109 minimally or drastically. As an example, in some embodiments, there may be three different lengths of the first section 110 so as to allow users to adjust the length of the tongue 109 for any situation, such as towing vehicle change. The first section 110 of the tongue 109 may have an aperture that is configured to be a receiver, thereby receiving numerous sections of tongue, hitches, etc. In some embodiments, the second section 111 of the tongue 109 may have a smaller diameter than the first section 110 of the tongue 109 so as to be positionable therein. In some embodiments, the second section 111 of the tongue 109 may be fabricated with a 1.75 OD square tube insert that fits inside the 2 square tube of the first section 110 of the tongue 109. Further, there may be a fastener that couples the first section 110 to the second section 111 of the tongue 109. The fastener may include a single through-bolt, or other securement mechanisms, such as a pin. In some embodiments, the tongue 109 may be angled upward at a 7-degree angle. In other embodiments, the tongue 109 may be angled upward at an angle of 4-10 degrees. Other angles whether upward or downward may also be used without departing herefrom. Due to the upward angle of the tongue 109, the frame 102 that descends therebelow may be angled backwards, which places axles of the first and second skis 104A, 104B in vertical alignment with the ski dolly's hitch. This alignment helps to eliminate any negative tongue weight at the front of the tongue 109.

[0026] The tongue 109 may couple to an upper member 112. The upper member 112 may be perpendicular to the tongue 109. Descending from a first side of the upper member 112 may be a first leg 114 and from a second side of the upper member 112 may be a second leg 116. The first leg 114 may include a first angled section 118 and a first vertical section 120, the first vertical section 120 including a first leg coupler 121 (e.g., a tube) that is configured to couple to the first ski 104A. The second leg 116 may include a second angled section 122 and a second vertical section 124, the second vertical section 124 including a second leg coupler 125 (e.g., a tube) that is configured to couple to the second ski 104B. An angled support may include a first and second support 126A, 126B that may couple to a lower surface of the tongue 109, the first angled section 118, and the second angled section 122, respectively. The supports 126A, 126B may be angled rebar. In some embodiments, the supports 126A, 126B may be steel tubing, aluminum, or any other type of rigid, supportive material. Spanning between the first angled section 118 and the second angled section 122 may be a panel 128. Interposed between a lower surface of the upper member 112 and an upper surface of the panel 128 may be a panel member 130. A front side, or any other side, of the panel member 130 may include indicia 131 that may be raised from the surface of the front side. The indicia 131 may include raised portions, such as weld ribs. In other embodiments, the indicia 131 may include painted lines, pins, bolts, adhered components, notches, etc. The indicia 131 may assist in preventing the second coupler 108 from sliding down the panel member 130. Furthermore, the indicia 131 may provide a user measurements for different coupler/hitch height adjustment levels. In some embodiments, the indicia 131 may be separated 1 apart and each be 1.25 in length. In other embodiments, the indicia 131 may be separated by more or less than 1 and may be longer or shorter than 1.25.

[0027] On an upper surface of a front, distal end of the tongue 109, there may be the first coupler 106. The first coupler 106 may include a first tube 132, a first bolt 134 (e.g., an eye bolt), and a nut 136. As such, the first bolt 134 may be placed in the first tube 132 with the portion of the first bolt 134 with the threads receiving the nut 136. The first bolt 134 may include a disc 133 that is coupled to the first bolt 134 proximate the non-threaded end. The disc 133 may be configured to contact the first tube 132, securing and preventing the first bolt 134 from sliding too far into the first tube 132. The first coupler 106 may be capable of rotating. A first coupler plate 135 may be positioned between the first tube 132 and the upper surface of the tongue 109, where it is fastened. The first coupler plate 135 may be configured to receive the first bolt 134 and first tube 132 via welding or another fastening mechanism. It will be appreciated that the first bolt 134 couples to a hitch/fastener on a rear of the towing machine. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first coupler 106 may include a hitch ball coupler, or any other type of coupler or hitch coupler mechanism.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 6, to couple the ski dolly 100 to a grooming device, the second coupler 108 (e.g., pintle hitch) may be used. The second coupler 108 may be affixed to the panel member 130. The second coupler 108 may include a second bolt 138 (e.g., a U-bolt) that wraps around the panel member 130 to receive a grooming coupler (e.g., a latch and a hook (e.g., hitch)) and be secured thereto via one or more second fasteners 139 (e.g., second nuts). The second coupler 108 may include a coupler panel 141 that receives the second bolt and contacts a rear side of the panel member 130. The hook may receive a portion of the grooming apparatus. The second bolt 138 allows the second coupler 108 to move up and down so as to be configured to receive grooming devices with different hitch heights. This can be performed by utilizing the indicia 131. It will be understood that the hitch height of the snow grooming device remains static while the snowmobile or tracked vehicle connection on the distil end of the tongue 109 can be dynamic and articulate up/down due to the snowmobile's suspension.

[0029] The first vertical section 120 may be removably attachable to the first ski 104A via a first fastener member 140A. The first fastener member 140A may include a first bracket 142A having a first bottom plate 144A, a first side 146A extending upward from the first bottom plate 144A, a second side 148A extending upward from the first bottom plate 144A, and a first pin 150A that is positioned through the first leg coupler 121, thereby coupling the frame 102 to the first ski 104A. The second vertical section 124 may be removably attachable to the second ski 104B via a second fastener member 140B. The second fastener member 140B may include a second bracket 142B having a second bottom plate 144B, a third side 146B extending upward from the second bottom plate 144B, a fourth side 148B extending upward from the second bottom plate 144B, and a second pin 150B that is positioned through the second leg coupler 125, thereby coupling the frame 102 to the second ski 104B. It will be appreciated that the first and second fastener members 140A, 140B allow the first and second skis 104A, 104B to tilt and be responsive to variation in terrain. The first and second skis 104A, 104B may each be capable of moving upward and downward once coupled to the frame 102 in a generally teeter totter-like motion so as to traverse various types of terrain. While skis are shown, it will be appreciated that wheels may be coupled to the frame 102 in place of the skis.

[0030] The first and second skis 104A, 104B may be snowmobile skis, or any other type of ski. In some embodiments, the ski dolly 100 comprises one or more skis. For example, the ski dolly may include a single ski or may include three skis. Further, the skis may vary in length and width. In some embodiments, the ski dolly 100 is manufactured as part of a grooming device.

[0031] In one embodiment, a ski dolly comprises a frame, a first ski, a second ski, a first coupler fastened to the frame, and a second coupler fastened to the frame. The frame may comprise a tongue that couples to an upper member. The tongue may include multiple sections that are removably attachable so as to change the overall length of the tongue. The upper member may be perpendicular to the tongue. Descending from a first side of the upper member may be a first leg and from a second side of the upper member may be a second leg. A first and second support may couple to a lower surface of the tongue, the first leg, and the second leg, respectively. Spanning between the first leg and the second leg may be a panel. Interposed between a lower surface of the upper member and an upper surface of the panel may be a panel member. The panel member may receive the second coupler. Extending from the upper member may be a vertical member that receives a third coupler, the third coupler being similar to the second coupler. The third coupler may be configured to receive grooming device hitches at an increased height as compared to the second coupler. The vertical member may be secured and supported via a vertical support that couples to the vertical member and an upper surface of the tongue. The ski dolly may include any features from the ski dolly or vice versa.

[0032] Each of the ski dollies discussed above offer a simple solution to issues found when coupling snowmobiles or tracked vehicles to grooming devices. The ski dolly eliminates the need to modify each grooming snowmobile with expensive accessories that are time-consuming to install. When the ski dolly is used, the tongue weight of the snow grooming device is transferred to the ski dolly, instead of the flexible snowmobile bumper hitch, which leads to better steering, consistent groomer cutting depth, and allows users to enjoy factory-set soft and comfortable suspension. The ski dolly is also configured to compact the two unconsolidated ridges of snow (between the track and skis) prior to the grooming device processing the snow. The end result is a more consistently firm trail with significantly reduced grooming device clogging issues from soft unconsolidated snow. The ski dolly provides significant mechanical advantage to lifting/lowering the hitch of tongue-heavy grooming devices. The second coupler (i.e., multi-directional hitch coupling) allows users to easily back close to the groomer and connect the dolly. If a user becomes stuck, the dolly system enables the user to easily disconnect the ski dolly from the snowmobile. Once the snowmobile is disconnected, the user can manually swing the dolly around and pull out the grooming device without having to directly lift the heavy tongue-weight of the grooming device. Further, the ski dolly has a rotating first coupler that couples with common snowmobile hitches (e.g., pintle hitches). This allows the snowmobile to tilt without causing damage to the hitch coupling. The ski dolly is configured to function with numerous hitch heights, models, etc. of snowmobiles or tracked vehicles. Lastly, the second coupler on the frame can accommodate a wide range of grooming device coupling heights.

[0033] While the ski dolly 100 is discussed being used with a grooming device, it will be understood that the ski dolly 100 may be used for at least the following tasks: skidding logs, towing broken snowmobiles, and transporting terrain park rails/boxes.

[0034] It will be understood that while various embodiments have been disclosed herein, other embodiments are contemplated. Further, certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include, incorporate, or otherwise comprise properties or features described in other embodiments. Consequently, various features of certain embodiments can be compatible with, combined with, included in, and/or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, disclosure of certain features or components relative to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting the application or inclusion of said features or components to the specific embodiment unless stated. As such, other embodiments can also include said features, components, members, elements, parts, and/or portions without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The embodiments described herein are examples of the present disclosure. Although only a few of the example embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications are possible without materially departing from the present disclosure described herein. Accordingly, all modifications may be included within the scope of this invention.