Polaris Industries Inc.

Mark Thomas Karl

Mitchell D Johnson

Kenneth Terry Higgins

Keith D Ruby

Robert A Lowery

Jeff Sajna

Matthew David Parks

Rhonda L Davis

Michael A Klein

Alton Mitchell

Patrick Johnson

Craig Andrews

Tim Spahr

Injection molded bumpers for off-road recreational and utility vehicles such as ATV's, 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 &frac14; 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.

Injection molded components for off-road recreational and utility vehicles

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 &frac14; inch. In another embodiment, the invention provides a bumper similarly made from such fiber-filled plastic resin.

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. In another embodiment, the invention provides a bumper similarly made from such fiber-filled plastic resin.

Injection molded racks and components for off-road recreational and

Growing community of inventors

Roseau, MN, United States of America

Mark Thomas Karl