The present invention ielates to a vehicle

More particularly the present invention relates to an amphibious vehicle Various attempts have been made to piovide what is essentially a boat or wateicraft but with some capability, Limited or otherwise, of being wheeled oi being self piopcllable on wheels when on land or transitiorung to and from Land

Examples include the publicised vehicles of Gibbs Holding Limited (namely the A QU ADA™ amphibious vehicle in its initial state typified by New Zealand patent specification 250979, Roycroft et al and more recently disclosed on website www gibbstech com) and that of Sealegs International Limited, marketed as their SEALEGS™ amphibious vehicles, typified by way of example by New Zealand patent specifications 526705, 528471 and 542813 and disclosed at www sealegs.com.

The present invention has as one of its ob)ccts in one of its aspects an alternative to such arrangements and one which lends itself to retrofit to existing hull types and/or which provides at least four wheels, two of which, on spaced loci, are dπveable in the deployed boat supporting condition

It is a further oi alternative ob|ect of die present invention to provide a wheel deployment assembly and/or deployable and support system foi a wateiciaft, a boat oi boat hull which depends upon mounts for flanking structures from each υt which multiple wheels depend It is soil a further or alternative object of the present invention to provide a watercraft, a boat or boat hull with at least two spaced dπveable wheels, at least one on either flank, which act in concert with at least one dolly or other wheel type on each flank

It is still a further or alternative object of die present invention to provide a boat assembly which includes a deployment system for wheels, at least some of which prefe.ably are dπveable, rebant upon exterior frame members flanking the boat hull and articulate moveable from alongside the hull (preferably above the waterlrnej to anouSei disposition about pivot or other aiticulation to a raised condition also above the waterline

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a retrofit kit for a watercraft to allow movement on dry land and/or transitions between a buoyant condition for the watercraft and a non-buoyant condition for the watercraft

In a first aspect the present invention consists in a watercraft or boat hull (hereafter "hull") having on (or adjacent) each flank of the hull an articulable sttucture from which depends at least one dπveable wheel and at least one other wheel (dπveable or not), each articulable stxuctuie, by action on said structure, being adapted by such articulation to deploy or undeploy its wheels, the undeployed condition having both wheels above the normal water line for the hull in use and in a deployed condition having the wheels airanged for hull suppoit fiom a suppoiung surface

Pieferably each articulable structure is on each flank and pieferably depends on a longitudinal beam externally of the hull to earn, plural wheels Piefciablv the articulation is a simple pivot axis aroculation

Prefeiably hvdiaulics aic used to deploy 01 undeploy reliant on a lotar, actuatoi '

Preferably the rotary actuatoi is electric, hydraulic, pneumatic or manual in its opciation

Preferably hydraulics axe used to drive die dnveable wheels

Preferably at least one wheel on each side has a suspension system able to vary suspension height of die hull wit_h respect to the wheel For example two non-driveable wheels (preferably dolly or castor w heels) are suspended hydraulically in a self levelling system ct, using a closed loop hydraulic ciicuit to a displacement ram for each such wheel

Preferably a mechanical latching mechanism (whether hydraulically, pneumatically, electrically, or other actuated or not), is used as a safeguard against each bank of wheels splaying from a wheel deployed condition should there be a hydraulic failure (eg of the rotary actuator hydraulics)

In anothei aspect the present invention consists in a watercraft or boat having on (or adjacent) each flank an elongate laterally articulable structure from which depends at least one dnveablc wheel and at least one other wheel (dπveable or not) and which, by action on said structure, can deploy ot undeploy the wheels, the undeployed conditions having both wheels above the normal water bne and die deployed condition having die wheels arranged for travel on a supporting suiface

Preferably at least one wheel on each side has a suspension system able to vary suspension height of the hull with respect to the wheel For example two non-driveable wheels (preferably dolly or castor wheels) are suspended hydraulically in a self levelling system et, using a closed loop hydraulic cucuit to a displacement iam for each such wheel

In anodier aspect the invention is a watercraft or boat or hull ("hull") having a gang of at least two wheels deploy able at each side between a deployed undci hull condition and an undeployed raised condition wherein one or more of the following applies (i) each gang is of two wheels

(u) each gang is of more than two wheels

(in) at least one wheel of each gang is dnvable

(iv) each gang is moved between said conditions by a iotary actuator

(v) the iotary actuator is manually, hydiaulically or electrically actuated (vi) each gang has at least one non-steerable wheel - J -

(vn) each gang has at least one dolly wheel

(viii) each oon-stcerablc wheel is drivable

(L\) each gang is supported by an elongate member or assembly (straight, curved or otherwise configured) (eg. "beam") to have substantially a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the stem to bow axis and/or substantially conforming to the hull and/or something in between or a hybrid thereof.

(x) each said elongate member can carry longitudinally loadings.

(xi) each said elongate member articulates from plural mounts attached, to or provided by, the hull. (χji) each mount of or for a said elongate member is braced with respect to its other side mount.

(xiu) such bracing can be a cross member whether required as a part of the hull or not (eg, seat beam, transom, transom support, etc).

(xiv) each drivable wheel is pivoted from an art that curves (xv) a foremost wheel of each gang is drivable.

(xvi) each drivable wheel is drivable by a hydraulic motor.

(xvii) each hydraulic motor can be separately controlled as to speed and direction of rotation.

(xviii) the hydraulic motor(s) ls(are) powered by a closed hydraulic circuit.

(xxx) each hydraulic motor has a self actuating brake in event of hydraulic circuit failure. (xx) at least some of the wheels in the deployed condition are inwardly cambered

(xxi) at least one wheel has a suspension system or a self levelling system.

(xxii) each non-dπveable wheel is suspended hydrauiically.

Preferably a mechanical latching mechanism (whether hydrauiically, pneumatically, electrically, or other actuated or not), is used as a safeguard against each bank of wheels splaying from a wheel deployed condition should there be a hydraulic failure (eg. of the rotary actuator hydraulics).

In an aspect the invention consists in an amphibious craft having, on each flank, a gang of at least two wheels, one drivable but unsteerable (save by speed differential with the dπvable wheel of the other bank) and the other of, or another for, each gang being a dolly wheel, wherein each gang can bear the weight of the craft on its wheels or can have the wheels upbfted when the wheels are not to bear the weight of the craft.

Preferably at least one wheel on each side has a suspension system able to vary suspension height of the hull with respect to the wheel For example two non-dπveable wheels (preferably dolly or castor wheels) are suspended hydrauiically in a self levelling system et, using a closed loop hydraulic circuit to a displacement ram for each such wheel Preferably each gang of wheels is upliftable under the action of a rotary dπvc acting . ^■ directly or indirectly on a longitudinally load carrying member able to articulate or pivot substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the craft.

Preferably the load carrying member has at least two mounts from the side of the hull of the craft. Preferably at least one mount is a clevis.

In another aspect the invention is an amphibious craft comprising or including (i) a hull,

(ii) mounts outwardly of each side of the hull,

(iii) an elongate frame, beam, truss, lattice or the like ("beam") on each side of the hull articulable from the mounts to rise or lower about its locus of articulation, (iv) a drive wheel mounted to each said beam, and

(v) at least one other wheel mounted to each said beam; wherein

(A) in lower or lowest conditions about their loci of articulation, the beams present the wheels to bear the weight of the hull from a support surface, and (B) in a higher or highest conditions about their loci of articulation, the beams present the wheels above the water line when the hull is floating in water.

Preferably at least one wheel on each side has a suspension system able to vary suspension height of the hull with respect to the wheel. For example two non-driveable wheels (preferably dolly or castor wheels) are suspended hydraulically in a self levelling system et, using a closed loop hydraulic circuit to a displacement ram for each such wheel.

Preferably a mechanical latching mechanism (whether hydraulically, pneumatically, electrically, or other actuated or not), is used as a safeguard against each bank of wheels splaying from a wheel deployed condition should there be a hydraulic failure (eg. of the rotary actuator hydraulics). In another aspect the invention consists in the use of a rotary actuator in a wheel mount assembly of a watercraft, a boat or a watercraft or boat hull (hereafter "hull"), the actuator having the ability to deploy or undeploy the wheels to provide an amphibious functionality for the hull, ie, ground support for the hull in the deployed condition and non-ground support when configured in the undeploycd condition. Preferably the rotary actuator is an electric or a hydraulic actuator but can be other eg, manual, pneumatic, etc.

In still another aspect the invention is the use of one or more rotary actuators to raise and lower carriers, one on each side of the hull of an amphibious craft's hull, and, as a consequence, raise or lower a gang of at least two wheels (at least one drivable) of each carrier. Preferably a mechanical latching mechanism (whether hydraubcally, pneumatically, electrically, or other actuated or not), is used as a safeguard against each bank of wheels splaying from a wheel ¹ deployed condition should there be a hydraulic failure (eg. of the rotary actuator hydraulics). In another aspect the invention is an amphibious vehicle where on each side of the vehicle there is a multiple wheel carrying structure arαculable on at least two spaced mounts providing a common pivot axis, one mount at least being a rotary actuator.

Preferably a mechanical latching mechanism (whether hydraulically, pneumatically, electrically, or other actuated or not), is used as a safeguard against each bank of wheels splaying from a wheel deployed condition should there be a hydraulic failure (eg. of the rotary actuator hydraulics).

In still another aspect the invention is the use of laterally articulated elongate carriers to raise and/or lower, outside of the hull of an amphibious craft, a gang of at least two wheels of each carrier, at least one wheel of the two of each carrier being drivablc. Preferably the drive is by hydraulic motor.

Preferably at least one other wheel is a dolly wheel.

Preferably the articulations use a single pivot axis for each earner.

Preferably each carrier is a beam, frame, truss or lattice.

Preferably a rotary actuator is used to raise and/or lower each earner. Preferably a mechanical latching mechanism (whether hydraulically, pneumatically, electrically, or other actuated or not), is used as a safeguard against each bank of wheels splaying from a wheel deployed condition should there be a hydraulic failure (eg. of the rotary actuator hydraulics).

In another aspect the invention is a method of transitioning an amphibious vehicle between an on a wheel condition to an off wheels condition, or vice versa, said method comprising or including activating on each flank of the vehicle a rotary actuator and causing and/or allowing articulation relative to mounts fixed with respect to the vehicle, a multiple wheel carrying structure substantially above an axis or zone of articulation parallel to the fore and aft axis of the vehicle. Preferably a mechanical latching mechanism (whether hydraulically, pneumatically, electrically, or other actuated or not), is used as a safeguard against each bank of wheels splaying from a wheel deployed condition should there be a hydraulic failure (eg. of the rotary actuator hydraulics).

The present invention consists in any of the apparatus, systems and/or procedures herein described with or without reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings. As used herein "articulation" or variation thereof includes not only a pivot axis articulation but other multi axes or zonal articulation whether with a clevis mount or not.

As used herein "gang" includes a minimum of two. " ' ,

As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both. As used herein the term "(s)" following a noun includes, as might be appropriate, the singular or plural forms of that noun.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the speciGcation of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

A preferred form of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompany drawings in which

Figure IA, IB and 1C show, in sequence, a deployed, transitional and undcployed condition the plan view of one embodiment of the present invention,

Figure 2A, 2B and 2C show the bottom view respectively of the embodiment of Figures IA to 1C,

Figure 3A, 3B and 3C show respectively the bow end elevation of the embodiment of Figures IA to 2C, Figure 4A, 4B and 4C show respectively the stern end elevation of the embodiments of

Figures IA to 3C,

Figure 5A, 5B and 5C show respectively the right hand flank of the embodiment of Figures IA to 4C,

Figure 6A, 6B and 6C show respectively the left hand flank of the embodiment of Figures IA to 5C,

Figure 7A, 7B and 7C show respectively an isometric view of the embodiment of Figures IA to 6C,

Figure 8 shows an isometric view of components of all of or part of a kit in an assembled condition that can provide the amphibious character to the hull of a watercraft or boat and which is substantially as disclosed in the preceding figures,

Figure 9 is an isometric view of a preferred rotary actuator to be hydraulically driven, the rotary actuator being interposed as part of the mount from the flank of the hull (not shown), to rotate the elongate support from which the wheels depend,

Figure 10 is an exploded view of the rotary actuator shown in Figure 9, Figure 11 is art enlarged diagram of the iotary actuatoi ab shown showing transparently some hole arrangements,

Figure 12 shows an embodiment on a road like surface support on two fiont dnvcable wheels and two rear or trailing dolly wheels, each of the dolly wheels having a suspension system dependent from the arOculable structuic and preferabl} (but not necessaπly) in the form of closed loop hydraulic circuit controlled ram for each dolly wheel,

Figure 13 is another view of the arrangement of higuie 12,

Figure 14 shows the rear of the boat of Figures 12 and 13 when being reversed other than directly rearwards, Figure 15A shows a latching arm pivoted upwardly undci the action of an actuator

(electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic or other),

Figure 15B is a similar view to that of Figure 15A but showing that latching part of die articulating side structure that carries the pair of wheels, the member being held in that condition by gravity and/or a bias or requiring some intervention other than the hydiaulic system that powers the rotary actuator to allow unlatching from the condition as shown in Figure 15B,

Figure 16 is a hydraulic circuit suitable to operate the deployment/undeployment/dnve of wheels, and

Figure 17 is a complementary electrical circuit to the hydraulic circuit (one side only being shown) The present invention, in any of its prefened forms, one only being shown in the drawings, has a capability whereby differential hydraulics are to be used to steer the watercraft when supported by its wheels on land Typically wheel motors, hydraulically dπven, would be actuated synchronously for straight ahead movement with dolly wheels trailing preferably, and with differential hydraulic supply from, for example, a two output pump being used to speed one driven wheel up relative to the other, turning can be achieved Indeed a two output pump into a closed loop for each hydraulic wheel motor can ensure rotation on the spot

Preferably each such wheel motor includes a self biaking characteristic in the sense that if, for any reason, there is no supply of hydiaulic fluid, a brake is applied Examples of such an arrangement include, for example, wheel motors of a hydraulic type of the WHITE™ brand that can be used to power items, such as, zero turn ride-on lawn mowers Of course any othei suitable drive for the driveable wheels can be used (electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, or other)

It is also envisaged that each gang of wheels include at least one non-driven wheels This is not essential It is also envisaged that dolly wheels can be used to trail non-steeiable driveable wheels In order to spread load bearing, more man four wheels can be used In the embodiment depicted in the drawings trading dolly wheels arc used to provide the -third and fourth wheel, the third and fourth wheels being behind die selectively driveable first and second wheels at the front.

Preferably in the deployed condition an over centre position is assumed by providing some measure of inward camber or odier arrangement whereby die wheels self lock in the load bearing condition, diis takes pressure off the rotary actuator as the support for the whole weight of die vehicle when in die driveable on land or water to land (land to water transition).

Componentry, subassemblies and assemblies preferably are of metal (eg, galvanised steel, aluminium and/or the like). However composite materials can be used. In the preferred embodiment as shown, see Figure 7A, at each flank there is a longitudinally extending frame, beam, or the like member (it can be a truss or lattice). This member 1 is supported by brackets 2 and 3. The brackets 2 are preferably attached by a bolt assembly pivotally for simple single axis articulation from the mounts 4. The brackets 3 rely on the rotary actuator assembly for articulation on die same axis. Multi-axis or zonal articulation can be used instead.

Such mounts 4 can be a cross member such as 5 (see Figure 8). However for hulls of sufficient lateral strength it may be unnecessary to strengthen, for example, the transom region 6 in such a way. Mounts may be mountable directiy to die flank and/or transom region of a suitable boat huU (eg of steel, aluminium, fibreglass, or the like) by flanges fixed to and/or into die hull eg by bolting.

The other mount is preferably that shown as 7 from which the rotary actuator 8 is straddled by flanges 3 of the beam 1.

Depending from die elongate member 1 are the driveable wheel 9 and the non-driveable wheel 10. The wheel system that provides the wheel 10 is a dolly structure reliant upon the bearing journal system 1 1.

The arrangement for the driveable wheel 9 is such as to allow a hydraulic, but self braking motor 12, to rotate die wheel 9. Any suitable drive can be used for this. The motor is mounted to the arcuate arm 17 fixed to both die motor.

A feature of the arrangement in the retrofit kit or structure as depicted in Figures 8 onwards is tiiat the hydraulics can be used to provide steering with the dolly wheels simply trailing. Obviously if more than just a two wheel drive is required more man a pair of drive wheels can be used in which case some steerability may be required to avoid issues of scuff. The arrangement depicted Ln the drawings is diat believed most simple and sufficiendy effective when to transition from water to a reasonable beach or boat ramp. In the arrangement shown (see Figure 10) the flange 13 attaches to the bracket 3 the portion 14 attached to flange 13 is keyed into the keyway 15. Thus supplying electric power into the member 16 of the rotary actuator 8 has the affect of rotating the portion 14 which, in turn, by virtue of bolting of flange 13 to bracket 3, carries the member 1 in its sweep about the simple pivot axis shown in the drawings so as to allow deployment and undeployment through the range of conditions shown in the figures.

It is envisaged in the preferred form for, best performance, that the craft or boat be powered sufficiently such that when non planing and/or planing all of the beam 1 and support arms 17 for the hydraulic drive motors 12, as well as the drive motors themselves, be above the water line to ensure better on water performance. Likewise the arm 18 bifurcated to support the dolly wheel 11 in each case. It is preferably also that the brackets 3 and 4 likewise be generally out of the water especially if the boat is to plane in use. However this is not essential if they offer only a modicum of drag in likely use.

It is possible to keep the spacing of the flanks and between the mounts 7 by having a structural member (not shown) extending between the sides of the boat hull. This could be by way of example part or all of a console, a seat support beam, bulkhead, or other structural member, of the watercraft.

Likewise at the rear end, whilst the spanning member shown in Figure 8 as 5 is desirable, it is not essential if there is sufficient strength to the transom or across the boat between its sides at that aft or near after region.

In the arrangement as shown in Figure 7A the beam 1 offers the possibility of mounting or demounting onto or from the watercraft using the beam as a step.

There is also the prospect of conveying of hydraulic fluid and/or its storage in parts of the structure shown in Figure 8 when attached to the boat as shown in Figures IA through 7C. That allows the overall buoyancy of the craft in an emergency to be reconfigured to improve its buoyancy when at a condition as shown in Figure 8.

The embodiment of Figures 12 to 14 have added suspension to the castoring rear wheels (dolly wheels) to help with undulating ground giving us much better traction with the fore or dnveable wheels. The system suspension is hydraulic, with each castor pivot incorporating a displacement hydraulic ram, assembly 19 both linked in a closed loop hydraulic circuit 20. When the load on one castor wheel 21 becomes more than the other, that wheel lifts, forcing the other down to maintain equal ground pressure.

Figures 15A and 15B show how an extra system can be provided whereby a latch arm 22, pivoted at 23, and under the action of a control actuator 24 (and if wanted coupled to a sensor) can latch (as shown in Figure 15B) the member 25 of the pivoted side structure 26. This means, in the event of a burst hose on the hydraulic system of the rotary actuator, there is a failsafe mechanical latching mechanism whereby the boat hull does not drop (when it is supported on the wheels) without a separate control input being provided to unlatch the arm 22 from die member 25.

Preferably a prime mover (for example petrol or dicsel engine) provides at one or both ends of its crank for a drive to at least some of the propeller(s) hydraulic system for the wheel drive a hydraulic system for rotary actuators electrical power generation - a pump or pumps and odier utilities.

In other aspects a different prime mover to that for the propellers can be used. Figure 16 shows using standard symbols a hydraulic circuit to drive each of two driveable wheels when deployed, and thus to steer the boat. The hydraulic system relies on variable displacement pumps with an integral charge pump to drive the wheel motors controlled by a servo _j oystick. One fixed displacement auxiliary pump supplies the wheel brake release as well as die individual wheel beam "UP" and "DOWN" function.

Figure 17 shows for one side only the electrical circuit. Figure 17 shows with nomenclature R ₁ (twice), R ₂ (twice) and R, (three times) features of a relay system each to act in concert. As a consequence there are several safety features: manual interlock requiring operator input until wheels are down and latched, the brakes will not release can't raise die wheels unless lock/latch released and in "UP" position - can't lower locks/latches unless wheels are 'T)OWN" and are identified as being in the "DOWN" position.

In diis specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, tiiis is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing die features of die invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in die art.