Multi-terrain vehicle
US4282946A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 26, 1979 |
| Grant date | Aug 11, 1981 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 26, 1999 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60V3/02
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A multi-terrain vehicle for travelling on or above the ground or the like. The multi-terrain vehicle has a rigid body portion and a series of rigid ribs are rotatably connected on each side of the body portion that are capable of being rotated to their fully deployed positions. A sailcloth made from a material known by the trademark Dacron is located between each of the ribs so that the ribs and the sailcloth provide a collapsible air duct. When these air ducts are extended and provided with a source of air, this air can cause the multi-terrain vehicle to float or be located above the ground or the like. The rigid ribs also have spring members or the like that permit them to be self-adjusting to automatically maintain proper ground clearance. When the ducts are deployed the multi-terrain vehicle can be moved horizontally over the ground by controlling the amount of air flow through the various ducts. The multi-terrain vehicle also has retractable wheels that permit it to travel over suitable terrain such as a road or the like. When these retractable wheels are extended the collapsible ducts would normally be collapsed up against the respective sides of the body portion. The collaps…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.