A READY ACCESS OFF-ROAD VEHICLE

Field of the Invention

[001 ] The present invention relates to a ready access off-road vehicle and in particular to a ready access off-road vehicle that transports a single person over variable terrain.

[002] The invention has been developed primarily to be suitable for use by a paraplegic or quadriplegic or by use by the aged, physically restricted or disabled, or others with limitations and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. [003] However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Background of the Invention

[004] Off-road vehicles can generally be considered to be vehicles that travel over a range of terrain. This can be vehicles used in farms as a service vehicle or used as an entertaining vehicle over a range of terrain in the countryside for tourists or wildlife enthusiasts.

[005] As such the vehicles are often solid four wheel or three wheeled vehicles with heavy motor and large heavy duty tyres. Generally they would be a single axle rear wheel driven vehicle with a front solid axle steering wheels. These vehicles are more of a reduced size tractor or motor vehicle and therefore have all the weight and complexities of such vehicles and limitations of access.

[006] From another point of view a paraplegic or quadriplegic is generally limited to a wheelchair or pushchair with its pair of large and extremely narrow hand driven rear wheels. The paraplegic or quadriplegic being limited might have a single electric motor attached to the rear wheels and providing some drive through controls that can be operated by the user with minimal physical movement and even in some cases can be modified to allow use of optical controls.

[007] However such vehicles provide little access in any location that is not smooth and continuous. Therefore the user has substantial locality limitation by such limiting vehicle.

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(Rule 26) RO/AU [008] The present invention seeks to provide ready access off-road vehicle, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least one or more of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[009] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ready access off-road vehicle with four wheel independent drive and independent four wheel suspension. In particular there is provided

[001 1 ] It can be seen that the invention of ready access off-road vehicle provides the benefit of a wide variety of control which enhances capability for a wider range of terrains over which the vehicle can travel. [0012] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ready access off-road vehicle with independent electric wheel drive

[0013] It can be seen that the invention of ready access off-road vehicle provides the benefit of easy steering so that a user such as a paraplegic or quadriplegic can have easy maneuvering by change of power of independent drives to achieve easy steering. Such controls can be direct electronic or "drive-by- wire" technology.

[0014] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ready access off-road vehicle with lift-up transitional seat to allow ready transfer to and from a wheelchair.

[0015] It can be seen that the invention of ready access off-road vehicle provides the benefit of easy access of the user and particularly users transferring from wheelchairs or pushchairs. This provides the freedom and improves self-sufficiency of users including a paraplegic or quadriplegic or the aged, or physically restricted or disabled, or others with limitations.

[0016] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ready access off-road vehicle with a narrow elongated chassis forming a chassis spine

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(Rule 26) RO/AU and a wider carriage chassis mounted on the chassis spine in an overlying position to allow improved.

[0017] It can be seen that the invention of ready access off-road vehicle provides the benefit of allowing one or more of the capabilities to be maximised as the chassis thereby does not become a cumbersome large footprint frame that limits other capabilities but becomes a streamlined narrow structure allowing ready room in the footprint of the vehicle to allow flexible configuration and movement of parts supported from the narrow chassis.

[0018] The invention also provides a ready access off-road vehicle having a vehicle body with at least two independent wheel drives and a moveable carriage means for supporting a user moveable between a driving position of the vehicle and a disembarking position enabling the user to board or to disembark the vehicle.

[0019] In one form the vehicle body comprises a narrow elongated chassis forming a chassis spine; a wider carriage chassis mounted on the chassis spine in an overlying position; wherein the user can be seated on a carriage within the carriage chassis in a driving position.

[0020] The chassis spine is less than 30% of the width of the footprint of the vehicle.

[0021 ] More preferably the chassis spine is less than 20% of the width of the footprint of the vehicle.

[0022] Most preferably the chassis spine is less than 15% of the width of the footprint of the vehicle.

[0023] The ready access off-road vehicle can have two front wheels and two rear wheels. However other configurations are possible such as three wheels in a triangular configuration. Also there could be multiple wheels at each wheel mount.

[0024] The four wheels each have a respective independent drive mounted to the chassis spine by respective independent four wheel suspension systems.

[0025] The respective independent four wheel suspension systems can comprise at least one U-shaped suspension arm mounted pivotally at spaced positions to the chassis spine and at a vertex of the U-shape to a respective wheel mount for mounting the respective independent drive.

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(Rule 26) RO/AU [0026] The at least one U-shaped suspension arm from the chassis spine to the respective independent drive is substantially in the range of 1 to 3 times the width of the chassis spine.

[0027] More preferably the at least one U-shaped suspension arm from the chassis spine to the respective independent drive is substantially in the range of 1 .5 to 2.5 times the width of the chassis spine.

[0028] Most preferably the at least one U-shaped suspension arm from the chassis spine to the respective independent drive is substantially twice the width of the chassis spine. [0029] It can be seen that the length of the suspension arm to the width of the chassis spine allows the suspension arms to move over a wider vertical arc but within a narrower footprint. This means manoeuvrability and suspension is a dramatic improvement that allows for use of the vehicle over a wider range of terrain and in a more confined area. [0030] The respective independent four wheel suspension systems comprises at least two U-shaped suspension arms comprising an upper and a lower U-shaped suspension arm mounted pivotally at spaced positions to respective upper and lower rails of the chassis spine and at a vertex of the U-shape of the respective upper and lower U-shaped suspension arms to a respective upper and lower position on the wheel mount for mounting the respective independent drive.

[0031 ] The ready access off-road vehicle can have the chassis spine extending substantially the length of the vehicle, the carriage for holding the user is movable relative to the chassis spine and in one advantageous form movable from a drive height to an alighting or boarding position of a lower height. The carriage can be movable forwardly and rearwardly along the spine to a forward alighting or boarding position.

[0032] The carriage can travel along one or more and a pair of the rails of the spine chassis to allow the carriage chassis to be movable relative to the chassis spine.

[0033] The carriage chassis can in one form be movable relative to the chassis spine to at least a partial overhanging cantilevered position in front of the chassis spine forming a forward alighting or boarding position from a wheelchair or the like.

[0034] The ready access off-road vehicle comprises an independent suspension

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(Rule 26) RO/AU system having suspension arms extending from the spine chassis to respective one of the four wheels; a plurality of electric motors each driving one of the four wheels in an independent manner; wherein the user can control direction of the vehicle by control of the independent drives. [0035] The ready access off-road vehicle comprises a steering system in the form of having steering rods extending in an x-configuration cross-linked arrangement from connection of the upper suspension arm to the wheel system mount at the front wheel to the opposing rear wheel and connection of the lower suspension arm to the lower end of its respective wheel system mount and the other front wheel system mount connected to the respective opposing rear wheel system mount.

[0036] The steering system can be controlled by moveable arms that move the steering rods connected to the wheel system mount to effect directional change of the wheel mount and the wheel mounted thereon.

[0037] The steering system can be controlled by a steering plate mounted pivotably substantially in the horizontal lane of the vehicle and the moveable arms and the steering rods are connected to peripheral portions of the steering plate.

[0038] In one form the invention provides a ready access off-road vehicle having a vehicle body wherein the ready access off-road vehicle can be substantially assembled with any one or more of the following: i. improvements in structure and assembly including construction in order to allow improved drive;

II improvements in seating position;

III improvements in seating access;

IV. improvements in control suitable for use by a paraplegic or quadriplegic or by use by the aged, physically restricted or disabled, or others with limitations.

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(Rule 26) RO/AU [0039] It can be seen that the invention of ready access off-road vehicle provides the benefit of: a) Easy access; b) Greater steering control without large physical actions; c) Possible drive-by-wire drive control; d) Easier manoueverability even in confined areas; e) Better suspension; f) Overall substantially improved terrain capability; and [0040] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0041 ] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, a preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a ready access off-road vehicle in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 2 is a front view of the ready access off-road vehicle of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 is a side view of the ready access off-road vehicle of Fig. 1

Fig. 4 is a rear view of the ready access off-road vehicle of Fig. 1

Fig. 5 is an overhead plan view of the ready access off-road vehicle of Fig. 1

Fig. 6 is a further front perspective view of the ready access off-road vehicle of Fig.

1

Fig. 7 is an overhead plan view of a detail of the ready access off-road vehicle of Fig. 1 without the carriage;

Fig. 8 is an underneath plan view of a detail of the ready access off-road vehicle of Fig. 1 without the carriage;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a detail of the ready access off-road vehicle of Fig. 1 without the carriage or the wheels;

Fig. 10 is an overhead exploded plan view of a detail of the ready access off-road vehicle of Fig. 1 without the carriage, wheels or chassis but showing the suspension and steering;

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(Rule 26) RO/AU Fig. 1 1 is a front view of a detail of the ready access off-road vehicle of Fig. 1 without the carriage;

Fig. 12 is a rear view of a detail of the ready access off-road vehicle of Fig. 1 without the carriage; and

Figs. 13, 14, 15 and 16 are side views a detail of the ready access off-road vehicle of Fig. 1 without the wheels and with the carriage in different relative operative positions to the spine and carriage chassis.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0042] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[0043] In a particular preferred form there is provided a ready access off road vehicle 1 1 having two front wheels 12 and 13 and two rear wheels 14 and 15. The four wheels each have a respective independent drive 17 mounted to a chassis spine 15 by respective independent four wheel suspension systems 16.

[0044] The ready access off road vehicle 1 1 having a narrow elongated chassis forms the chassis spine 15. The chassis spine 15 comprises two elongated upper rails 22, 23 extending parallel between the two respective cross members 20, 21 at respective ends. The chassis spine comprises two lower elongated lower rails 24, 25 extending parallel and below the two elongated upper rails 22, 23 and also connect between the two respective cross members 20, 21 at respective ends.

[0045] A wider carriage chassis 55 is mounted on the chassis spine 15 from the outer lateral ends of the two respective cross members 20, 21 and extend parallel and above the height of the two upper elongated upper rails 22, 23 to provide an outer carriage limit.

[0046] The independent four wheel suspension systems 16 each include a lower U- shaped suspension arm 31 mounted pivotally at spaced positions at one end to one of the two lower elongated lower rails 24, 25 and mounted at the vertex of the U-shaped with a universal joint to a lower end of the wheel system mount 33. An upper U-shaped suspension arm 41 is mounted pivotally at spaced positions at one end to one of the two upper elongated lower rails 14, 15 and above the connections of the lower U- shaped suspension arm 31 to the one of the two lower elongated lower rails 24, 25.

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(Rule 26) RO/AU [0047] Mounted at the vertex of the U-shaped upper suspension arm 41 with a universal joint to an upper position on the wheel system mount 33. In this way the wheel system mount 33 to which a respective independent drive 17 is mounted can committed in a vertical direction from the pivot point that the connection to the elongated rails of the chassis spine.

[0048] Further by the connection of the wheel system mount 33 by universal joints to the suspension arms 31 and 41 the direction of the wheels can be altered.

[0049] Still further by the connection of the wheel system mount 33 to the suspension arms 31 and 41 a variation in the camber of the wheels can be set up as required.

[0050] To improve the ride a suspension system extends from the lower suspension arm 31 to a connection to one of the two upper elongated lower rails 24, 25. The suspension system can include spring and dashpot system such as available in piston system shock absorbers.

[0051 ] Chassis construction

[0052] The chassis of the vehicle is based primarily on the chassis spine so as to provide: a) strength; b) allows connection at higher and lower positions for the suspension; c) improves suspension effectiveness by allowing greater lengths of suspension without extending footprint of vehicle so as to aid capability over wider range of terrains; and d) allows connection of the drives away from the chassis but closer to the supported wheels to allow greater independence of drive to each wheel without axle requirements.

[0053] The chassis spine can be formed by an I-beam so as to form a strong spine with an upper and lower connection points.

[0054] However the weight distribution of an I-beam is not the most beneficial. The use of four parallel elongated rails extending in two upper rails and two lower rails from

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(Rule 26) RO/AU the two ends provides the weight and strength at the peripheral vertices of the box like arrangement and therefore do not have unnecessary inner weight to the chassis.

[0055] Another major element is the relative narrow construction of the chassis spine to the vehicle. In a first comparison between the chassis spine and the width of the footprint of the vehicle, the chassis spine is less than 30%, preferably less than 20% and more preferably less than 15%. In this way the suspension arms can be greater as they attached to the chassis spine and extend below the wider carriage.

[0056] This allows greater lengths of suspension to conventional suspensions attached to large box-like vehicles as the narrow chassis spine and longer suspension lengths do not extend footprint of vehicle. This clearly aids capability over wider range of terrains.

[0057] In a second comparison, between the length of the U-shaped suspension arm from the chassis spine to the respective independent drive and the width of the chassis spine, the ratio is substantially in the range of 1 .5 to 2.5 and length of the U- shaped suspension arm is about twice the width of the narrow chassis spine.

[0058] With the suspension pivotally connected to the narrow spine the linear travel of the wheel at this end of the suspension arm caused by the angular travel around the pivot is substantial. In particular it can be a multiple of usual variability of suspension travel for regular vehicles.

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(Rule 26) RO/AU [0059] Suspension

[0060] The suspension includes upper and lower U-shaped. These can be considered to be A-shaped with a strengthening cross member or inverted V-shaped. The spaced ends are pivotally located around a rail of the chassis spine. [0061 ] Fundamentally there are two suspension arms for each wheel to increase strength while limiting angular variation. Further suspension elements such as a shock absorber can extend from the first to the second suspension arm so as to provide a suitable dampening.

[0062] A connection can connect to the wheel mount. This connection can be a universal joint so as to allow ready variability of direction of the wheel mount and therefore associated variability of the direction of the wheel to the suspension arm.

[0063] Power

[0064] Hub motors are located in each of the wheels to provide independent drives. A particular advantage of the hub motor is that it is able to provide speeds of 20 to 30 kilometres per hour. However the speed is about 25 kilometres per hour. This allows ready manoueverablty by the separate controls of each motor of each wheel.

[0065] However another preferred option is to include gear motors mounted at the wheel mount and driving the respective wheel. In this way the wheel can be a normal wheel structure but the gear motor connects and drives the wheel. Independent control of the gear mount provides independent control of the respectively attached wheel.

[0066] Such motors mounted at the wheel mounts provide a higher torque but lower speed.

[0067] Possible speeds are in the range of about 10 to 15 kilometres per hour and more preferably about 12 kilometres per hour.

[0068] A particular advantage of gear motors driving the wheels independently in this configuration is that there are finer controls which allow controls such as head controls used by quadriplegics to be included. The fine controls means there is not jerking or excessive variability but capability for fine control with little instructing physical

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(Rule 26) RO/AU movement so as to be beneficial to controls for the disabled. This is even further enhance when using "drive-by-wire".

[0069] Steering [0070] Steering rods extend in an x-configuration cross-linked arrangement from connection of the upper suspension arm 41 to the wheel system mount 33 at the front wheel to the opposing rear wheel and connection of the lower suspension arm 31 to the lower end of its respective wheel system mount 33.

[0071 ] Similarly, the other front wheel system mount 33 is connected to the respective opposing rear wheel system mount 33.

[0072] A steering plate can be pivotally mounted in a horizontal plane and have the x-configuration steering rods connected at spaced peripheral points. A steering arm connects to the right front of the plate such that the right steering arm pushed forward will rotate the steering plate clockwise and enable a general retraction of the wheels to a right facing direction.

[0073] Similarly a steering arm connects to the left front of the plate such that the left steering arm pushed forward will rotate the steering plate anti-clockwise and enable a general retraction of the wheels to a left facing direction.

[0074] Wheels

[0075] The wheels are 4 inch diameter balloon type wheels which provide a soft imprint on the terrain and therefore allows ready transport over semi-solid terrain such as mud or sand or loose dirt. It is the diameter and the ballooning effect that allows this effect as against usual [0076] An important advantage is how these wheels are able to perform due to the configuration of the vehicle of the invention. By having independent drives there is a control to stop a wheel spinning as such balloon wheels would readily burst if driven by a normal two or four wheel motorized vehicle.

[0077] Further the allowability of easier independent suspension means that a softer imprint can be provided on one wheel even if the other wheel is at a different angle with

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(Rule 26) RO/AU differently operating suspension. This clearly improves capability of the vehicle so it can aid travel over a wider range of terrains.

[0078] Carriage Improvement [0079] Referring to figure 13 the carriage 60 upon which the user rides comprises a seat 61 with a backrest 62 and leg rest 63 extending to a foot rest 64. The season 61 backrest 62 are mounted on a slidable carriage mount 65 which together with carriage wheels 66 and 67 engage slide along the elongated upper rails 21 , 22.

[0080] In this way the carriage 60 and move from a use driveable position as shown in figure 13 further forwards through the positions shown in figures 14 and 15 to a dismounting position shown in figure 16. As the carriage 60 this along this path the leg rest 63 pivotally mounted to the seat 61 is initially partially overhanging the front of the spine chassis 15 and as the carriage 60 moves further forward pivotally lowers to a substantially orthogonal position relative to the seat 61 . A piston drive 71 is mounted in under hanging position between the respective upper rail 22 and lower rail 24 on one side or upper rail 21 and lower rail 23 of the other side.

[0081 ] The carriage chassis is movable relative to the chassis spine.

[0082] The carriage chassis is movable from a drive height to an alighting or boarding position of a lower height. This can be achieved by the carriage chassis being movable forwardly and rearwardly along the spine to a forward alighting or boarding position.

[0083] In an embodiment the carriage chassis extends along a rail of the spine chassis to allow the carriage chassis to be movable relative to the chassis spine.

[0084] The carriage chassis is movable relative to the chassis spine to at least a partial overhanging cantilevered position in front of the chassis spine forming a forward alighting or boarding position from a wheelchair or the like.

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(Rule 26) RO/AU Interpretation

Embodiments:

[0085] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[0086] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[0087] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination. Different Instances of Objects

[0088] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the

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(Rule 26) RO/AU objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Specific Details

[0089] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Terminology

[0090] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Comprising and Including

[0091 ] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[0092] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

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(Rule 26) RO/AU Scope of Invention

[0093] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[0094] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Industrial Applicability

[0095] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the off-road vehicle industries and the disabled transport industries.

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(Rule 26) RO/AU