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`US 20210331752Al
`
`c19) United States
`c12) Patent Application Publication
`Bennett et al.
`
`c10) Pub. No.: US 2021/0331752 Al
`Oct. 28, 2021
`(43) Pub. Date:
`
`(54) TRACKED ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(71) Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc., Medina, MN
`(US)
`
`(72)
`
`Inventors: Jeffrey D. Bennett, Roseau, MN (US);
`Urs Wenger, Rumisberg (CH); Beat R.
`Kohler, Kirchberg (CH); Hans-Rudolf
`Jenni, Grasswil (CH); Eric J. Borud,
`Roseau, MN (US); Richard H. Bates,
`JR., Badger, MN (US); Bradley A.
`Bracht, Salo!, MN (US); Cole A.
`Sytsma, Forest Lake, MN (US);
`Matthew P. McGuire, Forest Lake,
`MN (US); Amber P. Malone, Stacy,
`MN (US); Brian M. Safranski,
`Warroad, MN (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 17/372,387
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Jul. 9, 2021
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63) Continuation of application No. 14/225,206, filed on
`Mar. 25, 2014.
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 61/805,113, filed on Mar.
`25, 2013.
`
`(51)
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`Int. Cl.
`B62D 55106
`B62D 11118
`B62D 551112
`G06F 11130
`B62D 55110
`B62D 21118
`B62D 55124
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`CPC .............. B62D 55106 (2013.01); B62D 11118
`(2013.01); B62D 551112 (2013.01); B60G
`2300/32 (2013.01); B62D 55110 (2013.01);
`B62D 211186 (2013.01); B62D 551244
`(2013.01); G06F 11130 (2013.01)
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A tracked ATV includes a frame, a track coupled to the
`frame, and a power source supported by the frame and
`drivingly coupled to the track. The tracked ATV further
`includes a steering and drive assembly, which has a first
`hydraulic pump coupled to the tracks for large radius turns.
`The steering and drive assembly also has a second hydraulic
`pump coupled to the tracks for small radius turns.
`
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`Exhibit 1017
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 24 of 43
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`Exhibit 1017
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 26 of 43
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`Exhibit 1017
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 27 of 43
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`Exhibit 1017
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 29 of 43
`
`

`

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`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 30 of 43
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`Page 31 of 43
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`

`

`US 2021/0331752 Al
`
`Oct. 28, 2021
`
`1
`
`TRACKED ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATION
`
`[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
`Application No. 61/805,113, filed on Mar. 25, 2013, the
`entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by
`reference herein.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
`
`[0002] The present disclosure relates to vehicles, and more
`particularly to utility and all-terrain vehicles.
`[0003] Generally, all-terrain vehicles ("ATVs") and utility
`vehicles ("UVs") are used to carry one or more passengers
`over a variety of terrain. More particularly, some ATVs and
`UVs may include side-by-side seating, in which a passenger
`may be seated next to the driver at the front of the vehicle.
`Side-by-side vehicles also may include a rear seating area to
`accommodate additional passengers in the vehicle. A roll
`cage may be provided over the seating of the vehicle.
`Additionally, ATVs and UV s may provide a cargo area in the
`front and/or the rear of the vehicle in order to carry cargo.
`ATVs and UVs include ground-engaging members, which
`may be tires, tracks, skis, or any other device for moving the
`vehicle across the ground.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
`
`[0004] Some embodiments of the present disclosure
`includes a tracked ATV comprising a frame, a track coupled
`to the frame, and a power source supported by the frame and
`drivingly coupled to the track. The tracked ATV further
`comprises a steering and drive assembly, which has a first
`hydraulic pump coupled to the tracks for large radius turns.
`The steering and drive assembly also has a second hydraulic
`pump coupled to the tracks for small radius turns.
`[0005] A further embodiment of the present disclosure
`includes a tracked ATV comprising a frame and a track
`coupled to the frame. The tracked ATV further comprises a
`power source supported by the frame and drivingly coupled
`to the track. The tracked ATV also comprises a steering and
`drive assembly, which includes a drive gear assembly
`coupled to the track for driving the track and a steering gear
`assembly. The steering gear assembly includes a first
`hydraulic pump and a motor. The first hydraulic pump is
`driven by the drive gear assembly when the vehicle is
`moving.
`[0006] Another embodiment of the present disclosure
`includes a tracked ATV comprising a frame, a track coupled
`to the frame, and a power source supported by the frame and
`drivingly coupled to the track. The tracked ATV further
`comprises a suspension system coupled to the frame and
`supporting the track. The suspension system comprises a
`plurality of control arms coupled at an upper end to the
`frame and at a lower end to a carrier roller. At least some of
`the carrier rollers move independently of the other carrier
`rollers.
`[0007] According to another illustrative embodiment of
`the present disclosure, a tracked ATV is provided including
`a frame, a track coupled to the frame, and a power source
`supported by the frame and drivingly coupled to the track.
`The tracked ATV further includes a plurality of load sensors
`supported by the frame, and each load sensor is operative to
`detect a load on the frame. The tracked ATV further includes
`
`a display device operative to display an indication of pay(cid:173)
`load distribution of the vehicle. The tracked ATV further
`includes a control unit in communication with the plurality
`of load sensors and the display device. The control unit is
`operative to calculate a payload distribution of the vehicle
`based on output from the plurality of load sensors and to
`determine a recommended payload adjustment based on the
`calculated payload distribution. The control unit is operative
`to transmit a signal to the display device representative of
`the recommend payload adjustment.
`[0008] According to yet another illustrative embodiment
`of the present disclosure, a method of managing payload
`distribution of a tracked all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is pro(cid:173)
`vided. The method includes providing a tracked ATV includ(cid:173)
`ing a frame, a track coupled to the frame, and a power source
`supported by the frame and drivingly coupled to the track.
`The method includes detecting, by a plurality of load sen(cid:173)
`sors, at least one load on the frame. The method includes
`calculating, by a control unit, a payload distribution of the
`vehicle based on output from the plurality of load sensors.
`The method includes determining, by the control unit, a
`recommended payload adjustment based on the calculated
`payload distribution. The method further includes transmit(cid:173)
`ting, by the control unit, a signal to a display device
`representative of the recommend payload adjustment.
`[0009] Additional features and advantages of the present
`invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art
`upon consideration of the following detailed description of
`the illustrative embodiment exemplifying the best mode of
`carrying out the invention as presently perceived.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0010] The foregoing aspects and many of the intended
`advantages of this invention will become more readily
`appreciated as the same becomes better understood by
`reference to the following detailed description when taken in
`conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
`[0011] FIG. 1 is a right front perspective view of an
`illustrative vehicle of the present disclosure;
`[0012] FIG. 2 is a left side view ofan alternative embodi(cid:173)
`ment of the vehicle of FIG. 1;
`[0013] FIG. 3 is a left side view ofan alternative embodi(cid:173)
`ment of the vehicles of FIGS. 1 and 2;
`[0014] FIG. 4 is a right front perspective view of the
`vehicle of the present disclosure;
`[0015] FIG. 5 is a front view of the vehicle of FIG. 4;
`[0016] FIG. 6 is a left rear perspective view of the vehicle
`of FIG. 4;
`[0017] FIG. 7 A is a left front perspective view of a frame
`assembly and a tub of the vehicle of FIG. 4;
`[0018] FIG. 7B is a right rear perspective view of the
`frame assembly and the tub of FIG. 7A;
`[0019] FIG. 7C is a rear cross-sectional view of a front
`portion of the frame assembly and the tub of FIG. 7 A;
`[0020] FIG. 8 is a side view of the vehicle of FIG. 4,
`showing a suspension assembly;
`[0021] FIG. 9A is a top rear perspective view of the
`suspension assembly of FIG. 8;
`[0022] FIG. 9B is a detailed side view of the suspension
`assembly of FIG. 8;
`[0023] FIG. 9C is a side view of an alternative embodi(cid:173)
`ment of the suspension assembly of FIG. 9A;
`[0024] FIG. 9D is a side view of a further alternative
`embodiment of the suspension assembly of FIG. 9A;
`
`Exhibit 1017
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 32 of 43
`
`

`

`US 2021/0331752 Al
`
`Oct. 28, 2021
`
`2
`
`[0025] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a track of the
`vehicle of FIG. 4;
`[0026] FIG. 11 is right rear perspective view of an air
`intake assembly of the vehicle of FIG. 4;
`[0027] FIG. 12 is a right rear perspective view of an
`exhaust assembly of the vehicle of FIG. 4;
`[0028] FIG. 13 is a rear right perspective view of a
`powertrain system of the vehicle supported by the frame
`assembly;
`[0029] FIG. 14 is a rear left perspective view of the
`powertrain system of FIG. 13;
`[0030] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a steering and
`drive assembly of the powertrain system of FIG. 13 with an
`outer housing removed;
`[0031] FIG. 16 is a rear left perspective view of the vehicle
`of FIG. 4 illustrating a turning operation;
`[0032] FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of the vehicle of
`FIG. 4 illustrating a zero-speed turning operation;
`[0033] FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic view of a hydraulic
`steering system of the vehicle of FIG. 4;
`[0034] FIG. 19 is a front right perspective view of the
`frame assembly, the powertrain, and the electrical system of
`the vehicle of FIG. 4;
`[0035] FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a torque
`compensation function of an engine control unit of the
`vehicle of FIG. 4;
`[0036] FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a hydraulic
`pump control function of the engine control unit;
`[0037] FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating a forward/
`reverse drive function of the engine control unit;
`[0038] FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating safety
`functions of the engine control unit;
`[0039] FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a load level
`notification system provided with the engine control unit;
`and
`[0040] FIG. 25 is a front right perspective view of the
`vehicle of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment having a
`series hybrid drive configuration.
`[0041] Corresponding reference characters indicate corre(cid:173)
`sponding parts throughout the several views. Although the
`drawings represent embodiments of various features and
`components according to the present disclosure, the draw(cid:173)
`ings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be
`exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explain the
`present disclosure. The exemplifications set out herein illus(cid:173)
`trate embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifica(cid:173)
`tions are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the
`invention in any manner.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0042] The embodiments disclosed below are not intended
`to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms
`disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the
`embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled
`in the art may utilize their teachings. While the present
`disclosure is primarily directed to a utility vehicle, it should
`be understood that the features disclosed herein may have
`application to other types of vehicles such as all-terrain
`vehicles ("ATV"), utility vehicles ("UV"), motorcycles,
`watercraft, snowmobiles, side-by-side vehicle ("SxS"), and
`golf carts.
`[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, an illustrative embodiment of
`a vehicle 10 is shown. As detailed further herein, vehicle 10
`may be a tracked ATV that includes ground engaging
`
`members, illustratively a left side track member 12 and a
`right side track member 14, a powertrain assembly 500
`(FIG. 13), a frame assembly 30, a body or tub 40 (FIG. 4),
`a roll cage assembly 50, and a suspension assembly 70 (FIG.
`4). Vehicle 10 may be configured for military applications
`and is configured to travel through various terrains or
`surfaces. More particularly, vehicle 10 is configured for both
`land and amphibious operation. Additionally, vehicle 10
`may be operated by remote control. In one embodiment,
`vehicle 10 may be configured to travel at speeds of approxi(cid:173)
`mately 50 mph during land operation.
`[0044] As shown in FIG. 1, frame assembly 30 is sup(cid:173)
`ported on track members 12, 14. In one embodiment, track
`members 12, 14 may be comprised of a polymeric material
`(e.g., rubber) and may be approximately 12 inches in width
`(approximately 0.3 m). Frame assembly 30 also may support
`a plurality of body panels, for example a hood 16, a front
`fender 17, side fenders 18, and a rear fender 19. Front fender
`17 and rear fender 19 are provided to protect components of
`vehicle 10 from dirt, mud, debris, and/or damage. Addition(cid:173)
`ally, frame assembly 30 supports an operator area 20, which
`includes an operator seat 22, a passenger seat 24, a dash
`board assembly 25 (FIG. 6), and operator controls, as
`detailed further herein. Operator seat 22 and passenger seat
`24 may be in a side-by-side arrangement and may include a
`seat back and a seat bottom. In the illustrative embodiment
`of vehicle 10 of FIG. 1, operator seat 22 is adjacent to and
`is separate from passenger seat 24. Alternatively, as shown
`in FIG. 4, operator seat 22 may be coupled to passenger seat
`24 such that the seat bottoms are configured as a bench seat
`and the seat backs are configured as a single back rest.
`[0045] Side fenders 18 are laterally outward of operator
`area 20 and may be provided as support structure for ingress
`and egress with vehicle 10. Hood 16 may support a front
`cargo area forward of operator area 20, as detailed further
`herein. Frame assembly 30 also may support a rear cargo
`area 28 rearward of operator area 20. Illustrative rear cargo
`area 28 may be a fixed cargo box. Alternatively, rear cargo
`area 28 may be a movable dump box configured to pivot
`upwardly and rearwardly for unloading cargo therefrom. In
`one embodiment, the base weight of vehicle 10 may be
`approximately 1750 lb (approximately 794 kg) and vehicle
`10 may be configured to accommodate approximately 500
`lbs (approximately 227 kg) of cargo. Vehicle 10 may be
`configu