Transformable vehicle

US6502657B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Peter Kerrebrock · Attleboro, US
• Robert Larsen · Somerville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 14, 2001
• Grant date: Jan 7, 2003
• Expiry date: Mar 14, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60B19/14
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The transformable vehicle comprises a central chassis assembly having first and second distal ends with an axis passing therebetween, a first wheel assembly mounted to the first distal end, and a second wheel assembly mounted to second distal end. A multifunction transformable vehicle comprising at least two configurational states: a stowed state and a transformed state. In the stowed state, the transformable vehicle comprises a compact structure suitable for storage, transport or deployment. During transition from the stowed state to the transformed state, the first and second wheel assemblies move longitudinally outward along the axis to reveal the central chassis assembly.