Tiltable steering apparatus and method for snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, and other vehicles using handlebars as steering mechanisms

Abstract

The present invention provides a handlebar tilting apparatus having upper and lower pivotally attached brackets, a lever, and appropriate connectors to fasten the brackets and lever to each other in accordance with the present invention. In the embodiment shown and described herein, the brackets each adopt a generally U-shaped configuration with opposing side members and a transition member extending therebetween and integral therewith. The lower bracket is stationary and is attached to the steering column of a vehicle using a handlebar for steering. The upper bracket is attached to the handlebar of the vehicle. The lever is pivotally attached to the upper bracket by a lever pin and supports a latch pin that selectively engages notches disposed in the lower bracket. Pivoting the lever relative to the upper bracket engages and disengages the latch pin with respect to the notches in the lower bracket sides, thus allowing the upper bracket to pivot forwardly and rearwardly relative to the lower bracket and the vehicle, thereby pivoting the handlebar carried by the upper bracket relative to the vehicle and its operator.