Kenneth Lee Higgins

US Patent:

6340186, Jan 22, 2002

Filed:

Jan 24, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/491092

Inventors:

Mitchell D. Johnson - Roseau MN
Michael A. Klein - Roseau MN
Matthew David Parks - Orono MN
Mark Thomas Karl - Roseau MN
Patrick Johnson - Winona MN
Tim Spahr - Galesville WI
Jeff Sajna - St. Charles IL
Craig Andrews - Brighton MI
Kenneth Terry Higgins - Metamora MI
Robert A. Lowery - Troy MI
Keith D. Ruby - Hopkinsville KY
Alton Mitchell - Princeton KY
Rhonda L. Davis - Hopkinsville KY

Assignee:

Polaris Industries Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

B60R 1903

US Classification:

293120, 293102

Abstract:

Injection molded bumpers for off-road recreational and utility vehicles such as ATVs, snowmobiles and the like. In one embodiment, the invention provides an injection molded bumper comprising a fiber-filled plastic resin body. Optionally, the fiber-filled plastic resin may have fibers of a length of at least about  inch. The body has an overall thickness substantially less than its width and length, and includes a generally vertically oriented front surface having upper and lower peripheral edges. At least a portion of the upper peripheral edge and at least a portion of the lower peripheral edge each has a flange extending generally horizontally away from the front surface. The flanges have thicknesses substantially less than the lengths they extend from the front surface and thereby define generally horizontally extending reinforcing ribs. Additional reinforcing ribs may also be provided intermediate the flanges.

US Patent:

62241346, May 1, 2001

Filed:

Jan 24, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/490765

Inventors:

Mitchell D. Johnson - Roseau MN
Michael A. Klein - Roseau MN
Matthew David Parks - Orono MN
Mark Thomas Karl - Roseau MN
Patrick Johnson - Winona MN
Tim Spahr - Galesville WI
Jeff Sajna - St. Charles IL
Craig Andrews - Brighton MI
Kenneth Terry Higgins - Metamora MI
Robert A. Lowery - Troy MI
Keith D. Ruby - Hopkinsville KY
Alton Mitchell - Princeton KY
Rhonda L. Davis - Hopkinsville KY

Assignee:

Polaris Industries Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

B60H 306

US Classification:

296 75

Abstract:

Injection molded components for off-road recreational and utility vehicles such as ATV's and snowmobiles. In one embodiment, the invention provides a rack having a fiber-filled plastic resin body. The body has an overall thickness substantially less than its width and length, and includes a generally flat, horizontal top having a plurality of slots. Each of the slots is defined by a flange extending downwardly the flange having a thickness that is substantially less than its height to define a downwardly extending reinforcing rib, which also provides a point of attachment for straps such as bungee cords. Preferably the rack includes integrally molded transverse reinforcing ribs extending across the slots, the reinforcing ribs having a top surface which is recessed downwardly from the top surface of the rack. In another embodiment, the invention provides an injection molded foot rest for an off-road recreational or utility vehicle. The foot rest is similarly made from a fiber-filled plastic resin body having a nominal thickness of less than about 1/4 inch.

US Patent:

60169435, Jan 25, 2000

Filed:

Dec 4, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/566844

Inventors:

Mitchell D. Johnson - Roseau MN
Michael A. Klein - Roseau MN
Matthew David Parks - Orono MN
Mark Thomas Karl - Roseau MN
Patrick Johnson - Winona MN
Tim Spahr - Galesville WI
Jeff Sajna - St. Charles IL
Craig Andrews - Brighton MI
Kenneth Terry Higgins - Metamora MI
Robert A. Lowery - Troy MI
Keith D. Ruby - Hopkinsville KY
Alton Mitchell - Princeton KY
Rhonda L. Davis - Hopkinsville KY

Assignee:

Polaris Industries Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

B60R 900

US Classification:

224401

Abstract:

Injection molded components for off-road recreational and utility vehicles such as an ATV's, snowmobiles and the like. In one embodiment, the invention provides a rack having a fiber-filled plastic resin body. The body has an overall thickness substantially less than its width and length, and includes a generally flat, horizontal top having a plurality of slots. Each of the slots is defined by a flange extending downwardly the flange having a thickness that is substantially less than its height to define a downwardly extending reinforcing rib, which also provides a point of attachment for straps such as bungee cords. Preferably the rack includes integrally molded transverse reinforcing ribs extending across the slots, the reinforcing ribs having a top surface which is recessed downwardly from the top surface of the rack. In another embodiment, the invention provides an injection molded foot rest for an off-road recreational or utility vehicle. The foot rest is similarly made from a fiber-filled plastic resin body having a nominal thickness of less than about 1/4 inch.