Lighted storage compartment for snowmobile

Abstract

A snowmobile comprises a seat having a soft cushion layer, a more firm boundary layer, and a rigid support structure. Passages are provided between the soft cushion layer and a chamber such that air can be exchanged from within the seat and the chamber depending upon whether the operator is seated on the seat or standing above the seat. When an operator sits on the seat, air is forced out of the seat cushion material and into the chamber. When the operator stands and the seat cushion rebounds, air is provided to the seat from the chamber. The snowmobile also includes a lit trunk. The trunk is lit by a light bulb used for a rear tail light assembly. The light bulb is secured in a mounting plate that is formed of a translucent material that provides a window into the trunk. The light bulb can have an integrally formed socket, which can be translucent as well, to increase the amount of light transmitted into the trunk. The trunk preferably is not the chamber that communicates with the seat.

Description

[0001] This application is based upon Japanese Patent Application No. HEI 11-365,940, filed on Dec. 24, 1999, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.[0002] 1. Field of the Invention[0003] The present invention generally relates to storage compartments for land vehicles. More particularly, the present invention relates to lighted internal storage compartments that can be substantially sealed from inclement conditions.[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art[0005] Snowmobiles are popular land vehicles that can be used in the winter and in cold and snowy conditions. Often the vehicles are used as transportation vehicles in rather harsh climates. As transportation vehicles, these vehicles often contain storage compartments, such as trunks, that are located behind the seat. The compartments provide a location in which various articles can be stored while moving from one location to another. In addition, these vehicles often include headlights and tail lights ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0019] With reference initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, an overall construction of a land vehicle is illustrated therein. In the illustrated arrangement, the land vehicle comprises a snow vehicle 30 configured and arranged in accordance with certain features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention. The snowmobile 30 is an exemplary land vehicle. Although the present invention will be shown and described in the context of the illustrated snowmobile, some aspects and features of the present invention also can be employed with other vehicles, such as personal watercraft, ATVs, golf carts, and the like in manners that would be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0039] In snowmobiles arranged and configured in accordance with certain features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention, the snowmobile has a well-lit rear storage compartment. In some arrangements, the storage compartment is a trunk. The trunk is lit through the same light bulb that is used to light the tail light assembly. Accordingly, the number of components required to light the storage compartment can be reduced. In addition, the storage compartment does not communicate with the cushion materials of the seat. In other words, air being exchanged into and out of the seat when an operator sits on or stands up from the seat does not work its way into or out of the storage compartment. In this manner, the air volume contained within the storage compartment does not change when the operator sits down or stands up. This protects against the sucking in of water that forms around any openings or seals of the lid during operation of the vehicle. Accordingly, an air passage is provided to place the seat in fluid communication with another air compartment that is open to the atmosphere. For instance, in the illustrated arrangement, the seat is placed in communication with a compartment in which the fuel tank is mounted. In other arrangements, the seat may be placed in communication with an engine compartment or another compartment open to the atmosphere. In further configurations, the seat may vent directly to the atmosphere through a side panel or a water trap type device. Such arrangements reduce the likelihood of water being drawn back into the seat and allow the seat to deform and restore to its original position and condition.

Problems solved by technology

Often the vehicles are used as transportation vehicles in rather harsh climates.

This light has to be stored during operation and increases the bulk of the items transported on the snowmobile.

While a light could be provided into the trunk compartment, such an additional light would increase manufacturing costs as well as complexity of the vehicle.

Obviously, such a situation is undesirable.

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