Wheel-retraction apparatus and method for amphibious vehicle

a technology for amphibious vehicles and axles, applied in the field of amphibious vehicles, can solve problems such as limiting the speed of vehicles through water

Inactive Publication Date: 2000-10-03
GIBBS HLDG
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention further provides suitable compartments (integral with the body) which, firstly: enclose the apparatus, secondly: support the apparatus, thirdly: largely enclose the wheel in the retracted position and, fourthly: provide sealing to prevent water passing inboard the vehicle.

Problems solved by technology

Numerous amphibious vehicles have been designed and manufactured; the majority of these leave the wheels in place when the vehicle is water-borne, thereby limiting the speed of the vehicle through water.

Method used

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  • Wheel-retraction apparatus and method for amphibious vehicle
  • Wheel-retraction apparatus and method for amphibious vehicle
  • Wheel-retraction apparatus and method for amphibious vehicle

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Embodiment Construction

Referring to the drawings: FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C show three views of an amphibious vehicle (generally indicated by arrow 1) comprising a body 2 being a buoyant vessel, having wheels 3 (indicated by 3P for the protracted position, and 3R for the retracted position). As shown, this preferred embodiment has four wheels; however, other configurations, such as three wheels, or multiple wheels, are possible.

The vehicle includes a motor 4 or similar power-source to provide power through transmission 5 to differentials 6A (front) and 6B (rear), each having drive-outputs 7, as shown. The motor 4 also provides power through a gearbox 8 to a marine propulsion unit 9. Various combinations of motors, transmissions and propulsion units can be assembled however, without change to the principle of the invention. The essential functions of this apparatus would be suited to numerous configurations of land-water amphibious vehicles. A wheel-retraction apparatus according to the present invention, is gen...

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PUM

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Abstract

An apparatus for retracting axle-driven wheels onboard an amphibious vehicle provides a retracting process by which the wheels of the vehicle may be moved from a land-support position, to a water-borne position wherein the wheels are substantially above the waterline of the vehicle when afloat. The wheels are axle-driven, with pivotable connections allowing the axles to guide the retracting process; steering connections are pivotably able to follow the process, and steering motion is self-cancelling in the retracted mode. Suitable compartments enclose and support the apparatus in all positions, and seals are provided at the axles to prevent water entering the vehicle interior. A variety of devices may be employed to actuate the apparatus, and also to provide suspension to the vehicle on land.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the InventionThis invention relates to an amphibious vehicle, and particularly, an apparatus and method for retracting axle-driven wheels onboard such vehicle.2. Description of Prior ArtNumerous amphibious vehicles have been designed and manufactured; the majority of these leave the wheels in place when the vehicle is water-borne, thereby limiting the speed of the vehicle through water.U.S. Pat. No. 3,903,831 describes a vehicle having a retractable wheel-system to retract the wheels into cavities within the hull of the craft. This mechanism does not draw the wheels to a position fully above the waterline when afloat, but instead uses a complex mechanism to pivot the wheels to within the hull and to close a hatch over the opening of the wheel-cavities to reduce drag in the water. The pivoting apparatus of this design also of necessity requires chains as the drive-means; such chains require a higher degree of attention and maintenance than more ...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Patents(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B60F3/00B62D61/12B62D61/00B60G3/26
CPCB60F3/003B60G3/26B62D61/125B62D61/12B60F2301/04B60G2200/144B60G2200/422B60G2202/40B60G2204/47B60G2206/50B60G2300/28B60G2200/44
Inventor ROYCROFT, TERENCE J.ROYCROFT, MARIE A.
Owner GIBBS HLDG
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