Adjustable ramp helix

Abstract

An adjustable ramp helix is disclosed for attachment to the clutch of a snowmobile or other vehicle. The adjustable ramp helix may include a base having a throat. Extending upwardly from the base opposite to the throat may be three equally sized ramp supports where each ramp support has an adjustable ramp. Each adjustable ramp is preferably pivotally attached to the top portion of a corresponding ramp support for positioning to the interior thereof. Each of the adjustable ramps includes an arcuate foot section which passes through an arcuate aperture in the base. A threaded outer dial collar may be rotatably engaged to the throat for positioning with respect to the collar. The collar engages the arcuate foot sections of the adjustable ramps to uniformly and simultaneously elevate the adjustable ramps above the ramp supports. The elevation of the adjustable ramps provides a new angle for the bushing faces for engagement to the clutch of a vehicle to establish an alternative speed of shifting for a snowmobile or other engine. An operator may thereby adjust the speed of shifting for a snowmobile or other vehicle without disassembly of the clutch and replacement of the helix during use in high altitude, varying snow, or changing temperature conditions.

I claim:  
     
         1 . An adjustable ramp helix comprising: 
 a. a base having a plurality of vertically adjustable ramps; and    b. an elevator operatively connected to said adjustable ramps, whereby said elevator simultaneously alters the elevation of said adjustable ramps relative to said base.    
     
     
         2 . The adjustable ramp helix according to  claim 1 , said base further comprising a plurality of apertures.  
     
     
         3 . The adjustable ramp helix according to  claim 2 , further comprising a transition member positioned between the elevator and the adjustable ramps, wherein movement of said elevator toward said base elevates said adjustable ramps.  
     
     
         4 . The adjustable ramp helix according to  claim 2 , further comprising a transition member positioned between the elevator and the adjustable ramps, wherein movement of said elevator away from said base lowers said adjustable ramps.  
     
     
         5 . The adjustable ramp helix according to  claim 3 , said transition member comprising: a foot engaged to each of said adjustable ramps, each of said feet adapted for positioning within one of said apertures.  
     
     
         6 . The adjustable ramp helix according to  claim 3 , said transition member comprising an elevator pin positioned within each of said apertures.  
     
     
         7 . The adjustable ramp helix according to  claim 5 , said base further comprising a throat.  
     
     
         8 . The adjustable ramp helix according to  claim 7 , said elevator comprising a collar at least partially surrounding said throat, said collar moveable relative to said throat whereby positioning of said collar elevates said adjustable ramps relative to said base.  
     
     
         9 . The adjustable ramp helix according to  claim 7 , said elevator comprising a collar at least partially surrounding said throat, said collar moveable relative to said throat whereby positioning of said collar lowers said adjustable ramps relative to said base.  
     
     
         10 . The adjustable ramp helix according to  claim 8 , said base further comprising: 
 a plurality of ramp supports, wherein each adjustable ramp is engaged to one of said ramp supports.    
     
     
         11 . The adjustable ramp helix according to  claim 10 , wherein said adjustable ramps are pivotally engaged to said ramp supports.  
     
     
         12 . The adjustable ramp helix according to  claim 8 , said throat comprising a threaded section, said collar rotatably engaged to said threaded section wherein rotation of said collar toward said base elevates said adjustable ramps.  
     
     
         13 . The adjustable ramp support according to  claim 8 , said throat comprising a threaded section, said collar rotatably engaged to said threaded section wherein rotation of said collar away from said base lowers said adjustable ramps.  
     
     
         14 . The adjustable ramp helix according to  claim 6 , said base further comprising a throat.  
     
     
         15 . The adjustable ramp helix according to  claim 14 , said elevator comprising a collar at least partially surrounding said throat, said collar moveable relative to said throat whereby movement of said collar elevates said adjustable ramps.  
     
     
         16 . The adjustable ramp helix according to  claim 14 , said elevator comprising a collar at least partially surrounding said throat, said collar moveable relative to said throat whereby movement of said collar lowers said adjustable ramps.  
     
     
         17 . The adjustable ramp helix according to  claim 16 , said throat comprising a threaded section, said collar rotatably engaged to said threaded section wherein rotation of said collar towards said base elevates said adjustable ramps.  
     
     
         18 . The adjustable ramp helix according to  claim 16 , said throat comprising a threaded section, said collar rotatably engaged to said threaded section wherein rotation of said collar away from said base lowers said adjustable ramps.  
     
     
         19 . An adjustable ramp helix comprising: 
 a. a base having a plurality of ramp supports an adjustable ramp engaged to each ramp support, and a plurality of apertures traversing the base, each of said adjustable ramps having a foot adapted for positioning within one of said apertures and an arcuate vertically and arcuate laterally bushing face, said base further having a throat having a threaded section; and    b. An elevator comprising a collar rotatably connected to said threaded section, said collar in contact with said feet, said collar adapted for rotation with respect to said throat to alter the elevation of said adjustable ramps relative to said base, said elevator further comprising a positioner said positioner adapted to restrict rotation of said collar relative to said throat.    
     
     
         20 . An adjustable ramp helix comprising: 
 a. a base having a plurality of ramp supports, an adjustable ramp engaged to each ramp support, and a plurality of apertures traversing the base, each of said adjustable ramps having a pin adapted for positioning within one of said apertures and an arcuate vertically and arcuate laterally bushing face, said base further having a throat having a threaded section; and    b. An elevator comprising a collar rotatably connected to said threaded section, said collar in contact with said pins, said collar adapted for rotation with respect to said throat to alter the elevation of said adjustable ramps relative to said base, said elevator further comprising a positioner, said positioner adapted to restrict rotation of said collar relative to said throat.