Method of attachment of a ski on a snowmobile, and resulting snowmobile
A method of attachment of a ski to a snowmobile, the snowmobile capable of displacement about a gliding surface. The method comprises the step of providing the snowmobile with at least one steering link defining a push axis. It also comprises the step of providing a snowmobile ski having a ski body defining an undersurface, a snowmobile mounting member connected to the ski body, and at least one blade member attached to the ski body and arranged about the ski body undersurface, the blade member defining a leading end portion and a trailing end portion. The method finally comprises the step of attaching the snowmobile mounting member to the steering link such that the push axis substantially registers with the leading end portion of the blade member when the snowmobile glides on the gliding surface, thus enhancing adherence of the ski to the gliding surface.
1. A snowmobile for riding on a gliding surface, comprising:
a snowmobile body comprising propelling means and a steering mechanism having steering control means;
at least one steering link defining a push axis, said steering link being operatively connected to said steering mechanism and being controlled by said steering control means;
a snowmobile ski having a ski body defining an undersurface, a snowmobile mounting member connected to said ski body, and at least one elongated blade member attached to said ski body and arranged about said ski body undersurface, said blade member defining a leading end portion and a trailing end portion, said snowmobile mounting member being attached to said steering link such that said push axis substantially registers with said leading end portion of said blade member when said snowmobile glides on the gliding surface;
said ski body comprising a longitudinal runner extending on its said undersurface, said blade member carried by and extending longitudinally along said runner; said snowmobile ski comprising a wear bar affixed to said ski body undersurface and arranged substantially about said runner, said wear bar comprising said blade member; said wear bar further comprising: a curved, plate-like smoothing member located forwardly of said blade member for flattening irregularities in the gliding surface, and a trailing rod located rearwards of said smoothing member, said trailing rod carrying said blade member;
and further including a couple of tabs extending longitudinally on each side of a front end portion of said trailing rod, and affixed thereto, said tabs merging with said smoothing member.
2. The snowmobile according to claim 1 , wherein said steering link is an elongated kingpin defining a longitudinal axis, and wherein said push axis coincides with said longitudinal axis of said kingpin, and wherein said mounting member is pivotally connected to said steering link.
3. The snowmobile according to claim 1 , wherein said runner defines a groove therealong, said wear bar trailing portion registering below said runner groove.
4. The snowmobile according to claim 1 , wherein said trailing rod is cross-sectionally polygonal.
5. The snowmobile according to claim 4 , wherein said trailing rod is cross-sectionally quadrangular.
6. The snowmobile according to claim 1 , wherein upon said snowmobile resting on the gliding surface, said push axis forms an angle of between 30 to 45° with said elongated blade member.