Amphibious wheel, vehicle and method

Abstract

An amphibious vehicle for one or more operators is equipped with four buoyant amphibious propulsion wheels, the wheels having a number of collapsible pockets disposed about the surface of the wheel. Each pocket comprises an opening oriented in the direction of rotation of the wheel and an outlet means distal to the opening for draining the pocket. Methods for using the amphibious wheel are also disclosed.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of an amphibious wheel according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of a hub of the amphibious wheel of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows isometric views of alternative pocket embodiments of an amphibious wheel according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of an embodiment of an amphibious vehicle according to the present invention in which the wheels are shown in section.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the frame, without wheels, of the amphibious vehicle of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the amphibious vehicle of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 shows a front view of the amphibious vehicle of FIG. 4 in which the wheels are shown in section.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of the operation of an embodiment of an amphibious wheel according to the present invention, (A) on land, and (B) in water.

Claims

1. A wheel for amphibious propulsion comprising: a buoyant toroid comprising an outward rolling surface and a central hub; anda plurality of collapsible pockets disposed substantially about the outward rolling surface, at least one said pocket comprising an opening oriented in the direction of rotation of the wheel and an outlet means disposed distal to the opening for draining the pocket.

2. The buoyant wheel of claim 1, in which the plurality of pockets comprises from about 4 to about 16 pockets.

3. The buoyant wheel of claim 1 further comprising a belt secured to the outward surface of the wheel, the belt comprising the pockets.

4. The buoyant wheel of claim 1, in which the pocket comprises a mesh outlet means.

5. The buoyant wheel of claim 4, in which the mesh outlet means is positioned to drain said pocket towards one side of said wheel.

6. The buoyant wheel of claim 1, in which the pocket comprises a brace capable of holding the pocket opening open when no load is applied to the pocket.

7. The buoyant wheel of claim 1, in which the pocket comprises canvas, rubber, nylon, Kevlar, or a combination thereof.

8. An amphibious vehicle comprising: a frame comprising a pair of axles having a direction of rotation, at least one seat, a steering means, and a drive means; anda plurality of wheels, at least one wheel comprising a buoyant toroid comprising an outward rolling surface and a central hub, the wheel further comprising a plurality of collapsible pockets disposed substantially about the outward rolling surface, at least one said pocket comprising an opening oriented in the direction of rotation of the wheel, and an outlet means disposed distal to the opening for draining the pocket,wherein the steering means and drive means are operably connected to said wheels.

9. The amphibious vehicle of claim 8 in which the drive means comprises at least one pair of pedals operably connected to a chain, gears, and at least one said axle.

10. The amphibious vehicle of claim 8, further comprising a braking means.

11. The amphibious vehicle of claim 8, comprising one seat.

12. The amphibious vehicle of claim 8, comprising two adjoining seats.

13. The amphibious vehicle of claim 8, comprising two seats, one seat behind the other.

14. The amphibious vehicle of claim 8, comprising an independent steering means operably connected to each axle.

15. The amphibious vehicle of claim 8, in which said steering means comprises one or more handles pivotably affixed to said frame, the handle and wheel being steeringly connected by a cable.

16. A method for rotating an amphibious wheel, the method comprising: contacting land or water with a wheel comprising a buoyant toroid comprising an outward rolling surface, a central hub, and a plurality of collapsible pockets disposed substantially about the outward rolling surface, at least one said pocket comprising an opening oriented in the direction of rotation of the wheel, and an outlet means disposed distal to the opening for draining the pocket; andtorquing said wheel in the direction of rotation of said wheel.

17. A method for rotating an amphibious wheel, the method comprising: contacting land or water moving relative to said wheel with a wheel comprising a buoyant toroid comprising an outward rolling surface, a central hub, and a plurality of collapsible pockets disposed substantially about the outward rolling surface, at least one said pocket comprising an opening oriented in the direction of rotation of the wheel, and an outlet means disposed distal to the opening for draining the pocket.