I 1111111111111111 11111 1111111111 111111111111111 IIIII IIIII lll111111111111111
`US007314395B2
`
`c12) United States Patent
`Bryham
`
`(IO) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,314,395 B2
`Jan.1,2008
`
`(54) AMPHIBIOUS VEHICLE
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor: Maurice John Bryham, Auckland (NZ)
`
`(73) Assignee: Sealegs International Limited,
`Auckland (NZ)
`
`( *) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by O days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 11/294,537
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Dec. 6, 2005
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2006/0105644 Al May 18, 2006
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63) Continuation of application No. 10/493,624, filed as
`application No. PCT/NZ02/00277 on Dec. 17, 2002,
`now Pat. No. 7,004,801.
`
`3,689,950 A
`3,755,835 A *
`3,755,838 A
`4,008,679 A
`5,176,098 A
`5,632,221 A
`5,769,021 A
`
`9/1972 Jalowiecki
`9/1973 Boersig ...................... 114/344
`9/1973 Dunagan
`2/ 1977 Bozzano
`1/1993 Royle
`5/1997 Trenne et al.
`6/ 1998 Schad
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`CA
`DE
`FR
`FR
`FR
`FR
`GB
`WO
`
`2273069
`28 22 182
`2 351 856
`2 563 180
`2 677 901
`2776964
`2 170 759
`WO 91/09769
`
`11/1999
`11/1979
`12/1977
`10/1985
`12/1992
`10/1999
`8/1986
`7 /1991
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner-Sherman Basinger
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Young & Thompson
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Dec. 17, 2001
`Apr. 29, 2002
`Jul. 12, 2002
`Jul. 19, 2002
`Jul. 23, 2002
`
`(NZ)
`(NZ)
`(NZ)
`(NZ)
`(NZ)
`
`516154
`518603
`520154
`520297
`520334
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`B60F 3/00
`(2006.01)
`(52) U.S. Cl. ..................... 440/12.52; 114/344; 114/345
`(58) Field of Classification Search ............... 440/12.5,
`440/12.51, 12.52, 12.53, 12.54; 114/344,
`114/345
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3,158,881 A
`
`12/1964 Clausen
`
`An amphibious vehicle (1 ), in the form of an inflatable boat
`(2) has a self propelled and steerable retractable undercar(cid:173)
`riage system, enabling the vehicle to enter and exit the water
`under its own power. The swing of the wheels and their
`supporting struts (3) & (4) occurs external to the hull of the
`vehicle. A steerable nose leg (3) is raised or lowered by an
`actuator situated inside the boat. Stowage is accomplished
`within the lines of an inflatable craft by the incorporation of
`fibreglass fairings (5) & (6) sized to match the main inflated
`tubes (7). Power is provided to the back wheels ( 4) via an
`internal drive train within the legs (4). All terrain balloon
`type tires are used to enable the boat to travel over a variety
`shoreline terrain. A steering system engages with the front
`wheel when the wheel is in its extended position. Motive
`power is provided by a separate aircooled motor.
`
`19 Claims, 15 Drawing Sheets
`
`Exhibit 1015
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 1 of 27
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan.1,2008
`
`Sheet 1 of 15
`
`US 7,314,395 B2
`
`5
`
`Figure 1
`
`6
`
`Figure 2
`
`Exhibit 1015
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 2 of 27
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan.1,2008
`
`Sheet 2 of 15
`
`US 7,314,395 B2
`
`- - - - - - - - -
`
`l l
`
`17
`
`Figure 3A
`
`Exhibit 1015
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 3 of 27
`
`

`

`
`
` P a t e n t
`. s .
`l
`U.S. Patent
`l
`3
`
` 2 0 0 8
`Jan. 1, 2008
`J a 1 1 . 1 ,
`
` 3 o f 1 5
`Sheet 3 of 15
`S h e e t
`
`1
`
`13
`
`c
`
`US 7,314,395 B2
`
`V s 7 , 3 1 4 , 3 9 5 B 2
`cl?
`
`24
`
`24
`
`20
`
`22:
`
`F i g u r e 4
`Figure 4
`
` Figure §
`
`F i g u r e s
`
`Exhibit 1015
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 4 of 27
`
`Exhibit 1015
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 4 of 27
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan.1,2008
`
`Sheet 4 of 15
`
`US 7,314,395 B2
`
`Figure 6
`
`F{gure 7
`
`Exhibit 1015
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 5 of 27
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 1,2008
`
`Sheet 5 of 15
`
`US 7,314,395 B2
`
`\1
`
`flgure8
`
`Rgure8A
`
`Exhibit 1015
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 6 of 27
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan.1,2008
`
`Sheet 6 of 15
`
`US 7,314,395 B2
`
`Figure BB
`
`Exhibit 1015
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 7 of 27
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan.1,2008
`
`Sheet 7 of 15
`
`US 7,314,395 B2
`
`F1G11tt f
`
`Figure 9A
`
`Exhibit 1015
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 8 of 27
`
`

`

`U . S . P a t e n t
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`J a n . 1 , 2 o o s
`Jan. 1, 2008
`
`S h e e t 8 o f 1 5
`Sheet 8 of 15
`
`U S 7 , 3 1 4 , 3 9 5 B 2
`
`~ I S
`
`US 7,314,395 B2
` Figure 1)
`
`1 6
`
`F i g u r e 1 0
`Figure 10
`
`l , o - - - - .
`
`
`
`F i g u r a 1 1
`
`Exhibit 1015
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 9 of 27
`
`Exhibit 1015
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 9 of 27
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan.1,2008
`
`Sheet 9 of 15
`
`US 7,314,395 B2
`
`Figure ll
`
`Agure 13
`
`Exhibit 1015
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 10 of 27
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan.1,2008
`
`Sheet 10 of 15
`
`US 7,314,395 B2
`
`16
`
`flGUtE 15
`
`Exhibit 1015
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 11 of 27
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 1,2008
`
`Sheet 11 of 15
`
`US 7,314,395 B2
`
`1
`
`. ..
`:,:,.,....,,...,__ ___________________ _
`
`Figure 16
`
`7
`
`6
`
`60
`
`. -------
`
`Figure 17
`
`Exhibit 1015
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 12 of 27
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan.1,2008
`
`Sheet 12 of 15
`
`US 7,314,395 B2
`
`Figure 18
`
`s
`
`7
`
`85
`
`'i1
`
`i3
`
`FIGURE 20
`
`~I~ 0
`
`Exhibit 1015
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 13 of 27
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan.1,2008
`
`Sheet 13 of 15
`
`US 7,314,395 B2
`
`FtGUKE 21
`
`15
`
`Exhibit 1015
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 14 of 27
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan.1,2008
`
`Sheet 14 of 15
`
`US 7,314,395 B2
`
`'65, ro&
`
`102.
`
`/o?
`
`FtGUR.E 23
`
`16
`
`85
`
`105
`
`FIG-URE' 25
`
`1/3
`
`to
`
`FJGU({E 24
`
`Exhibit 1015
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 15 of 27
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan.1,2008
`
`Sheet 15 of 15
`
`US 7,314,395 B2
`
`Figure 27
`
`Exhibit 1015
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 16 of 27
`
`

`

`US 7,314,395 B2
`
`1
`AMPHIBIOUS VEHICLE
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention relates to amphibious vehicles and retract(cid:173)
`able, steerable and motorised wheel and leg assemblies for
`amphibious vehicles.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`5
`
`2
`In past there have been numerous versions of amphibious
`vehicles designed. Primarily however these have been land
`based vehicles with certain modifications to enable them to
`negotiate short stretches of water, and usually at relatively
`low speeds. A smaller number of designs have put retract(cid:173)
`able wheels onto vehicles used primarily as boats. Typically
`non motorised wheels have been put on smaller boats and
`dinghies. The boats having retractable wheels do not appear
`to have had a significant impact on the market, because they
`10 either do not perform particularly well on the terrain found
`on most shorelines, or the modifications to the boats sig(cid:173)
`nificantly impair their utility or appearance as a boat. Cut(cid:173)
`outs and doors or flaps in the hull, as used in these previous
`designs, often become unsightly, or entangled with seaweed,
`15 or leak excessively, or create an undue maintenance burden.
`
`OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
`
`It is an object of the present invention to provide a useful
`and appealing multi-terrain retractable undercarriage system
`and/or motorised undercarriage system and/or a steerable
`undercarriage system, or to provide an amphibious vehicle
`including a retractable undercarriage system and/or a motor(cid:173)
`ised undercarriage system and/or a steerable undercarriage
`system, which will at least go some way toward overcoming
`the foregoing disadvantages, or which will at least provide
`the public with a useful choice.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`Users of small to medium sized boats will most likely
`have encountered the problems associated with launching a
`boat, or retrieving it after use. Whether the boat is to be
`beached for one hour to enjoy a picnic on a remote beach,
`or to be removed from the water for winter storage, the
`difficulties are similar.
`Beaching a boat or jet-ski can present a number of
`problems. The first is that when there is no jetty or wharf in
`the area in which the boat is to be landed, then at least one
`of the occupants of the boat usually needs to get their feet 20
`wet. This can be both inconvenient and a discomfort, and
`can pose further difficulties if the boat only has one occu(cid:173)
`pant.
`Quite apart from the problems of approaching a beach or
`shoreline that does not have a jetty or wharf, there is the 25
`basic problem of launching and retrieving boats on pieces of
`shoreline which do not have a suitable launching ramp.
`Even if launching ramps are available, recreational boat
`users still encounter a number of problems, particularly in
`urban areas because launching ramp facilities are usually in
`high demand. These areas are often congested since launch(cid:173)
`ing ramps usually only have facilities to allow one or two
`boats to be launched or retrieved at any one time. Therefore
`at the beginning and end of weekends or other holidays there
`may be queues at launching ramp facilities since there is
`often a significant period of time involved in having a motor
`vehicle with a trailer manoeuvre onto the launching ramp to
`launch or retrieve the boat.
`Another inconvenience with launching and retrieving
`boats is having to leave the boat in an area adjacent to the
`ramp while the user goes to retrieve the automobile and
`trailer and position the automobile and trailer on the ramp.
`A user then needs to try and retrieve the boat and then
`facilitate retrieval of the boat onto the trailer. The same 45
`occurs when the boat is being launched, only firstly the user
`launches the boat from the trailer, then the user needs to
`place the boat at some near location before leaving the boat
`to park the vehicle and trailer. In these instances where the
`boat is left at a location adjacent to the ramp the boat is often 50
`in the way of other users of the ramp, and there is a risk of
`the boat drifting from its desired location, causing injury to
`people, the boat or adjacent property, or even being lost
`completely.
`Where no launching ramp is available, it is often neces(cid:173)
`sary to manoeuvre a towing vehicle and trailer over unpaved
`terrain and into the water, which in the case of the sea is
`often highly corrosive to the vehicle and trailer. The terrain
`may also be difficult to negotiate, for a vehicle and trailer
`which has been designed for use on paved roads.
`At times when a boat is not in use, it is often advantageous
`to remove it from the water, to protect it from tidal influ(cid:173)
`ences, and from the effects of storms which can severely
`disturb the surface of bodies of water. This usually involves
`the use of additional vehicles or machinery, which can be 65
`inconvenient. Where the shoreline comprises mud flats, or
`soft sand, specialised tractors may be required.
`
`30
`
`35
`
`Accordingly in one aspect the invention may broadly be
`said to consist in an amphibious vehicle having ground
`engaging means, moveably mounted relative to the amphibi(cid:173)
`ous vehicle and capable of being disposed in an extended
`position in which the amphibious vehicle may be supported
`by the ground engaging means when they are in contact with
`terra-firma, and being capable of being disposed in a
`retracted position in which the amphibious vehicle may be
`used on water, wherein the ground engaging means are both
`40 deployed and tidily stowed without the need for moveable
`door or flaps in the surface of the hull of the amphibious
`vehicle.
`Preferably the amphibious vehicle is primarily a water(cid:173)
`borne vehicle, for example but not limited to a boat, jet-boat,
`an inflatable boat, jet-ski, hydrofoil or air boat.
`Preferably the ground engaging means consists of at least
`three wheels.
`Preferably the wheels are fitted with rubber tyres.
`Preferably the rubber tyres are balloon type rubber tyres.
`Preferably the tyres have all-terrain type tread, suited to a
`range of shoreline terrain.
`Optionally the tyres have metal studs suitable to provide
`traction on icy surfaces.
`Optionally one or more of the tyres may be used as a
`55 bumper when in the stowed position, to absorb some of the
`shock experienced when the amphibious vehicle collides
`with other solid objects.
`Optionally the ground engaging means comprise continu(cid:173)
`ous tracks.
`As a further option the ground engaging means comprise
`skids or skis.
`As yet a further option the ground engaging means
`comprise cylinders with helical ridges about their periphery,
`and aligned substantially along the longitudinal axis of the
`amphibious vehicle.
`Optionally the ground engaging means is a combination
`of wheels, continuous tracks, skis, or skids.
`
`60
`
`Exhibit 1015
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 17 of 27
`
`

`

`US 7,314,395 B2
`
`3
`In a preferred form, the invention further includes a
`system of retractable undercarriage assemblies for an
`amphibious vehicle, the assemblies including legs adapted
`to receive a ground engaging means at one end thereof, and
`the leg also being adapted to be moveably mounted to an
`amphibious vehicle.
`Preferably at least one of the undercarriage assemblies
`can be extended in such a way as to give the amphibious
`vehicle stability when supported and/or travelling on the
`ground engaging means on a relatively wide range of 10
`shoreline terrain.
`Optionally at least one of the legs can incorporate shock
`absorbing features, for example but not limited to a hydrau(cid:173)
`lic or pneumatic damping device.
`Preferably at least one of the undercarriage assemblies
`can be retracted and stowed above the waterline of the
`amphibious vehicle.
`Preferably at least one of the undercarriage assemblies
`can be stowed substantially within the exterior lines of the
`amphibious vehicle, and occupy the minimum space within
`the vehicle.
`Preferably at least one of the undercarriage assemblies
`can be stowed in such a way as to cause minimal hydrody(cid:173)
`namic or aerodynamic drag.
`Preferably, if the amphibious vehicle is an inflatable craft,
`at least one of the undercarriage assemblies are stowed
`substantially within the lines of the primary inflated tubes.
`Preferably at least one of the moveable mounted under(cid:173)
`carriage assemblies are pivotally attached to the structure of
`the amphibious vehicle.
`Preferably support bearings for the undercarriage assem(cid:173)
`bly pivot attachments are positioned in reinforced structure
`on the hull of the amphibious vehicle and are positioned
`distal from the primary axis of the amphibious vehicle. This
`is of most importance in the case of the forward most
`undercarriage assembly, which may include a single wheel,
`and the incorporation of bearing supports as far apart as
`possible on the typically narrower bow section of the vehicle
`will provide a more stable attachment means.
`Preferably the bow end pivot support assembly comprises
`at least a shaft passing from port to starboard, above the
`water line, and supported in reinforced structure in the hull
`of the amphibious vehicle, at both the port and starboard
`sides.
`Preferably the shaft passing from port to starboard further
`comprises means to engage with an actuator.
`Optionally the shaft passing from port to starboard com(cid:173)
`prises a shaft assembly made up of more than one shaft.
`Preferably the forward leg comprises two rigid elongate
`members, one end of each pivotally supported from each 50
`side of the vehicle, and the other end of each member rigidly
`connected to each other, to form a substantially "V" shape.
`More preferably the two rigid elongate members forming
`the forward leg are shaped to fit neatly about the bow of the
`vehicle when the leg is in the stowed position.
`Preferably the two rigid elongate members are each
`rigidly attached to opposing ends of the shaft passing from
`port to starboard through the hull of the amphibious vehicle
`Optionally the two rigid elongate members are not
`attached to a transverse shaft, but simply pivotally attached 60
`to the hull, or a fitting thereon.
`Optionally the bow support leg comprises a single rigid
`elongate member pivoted about a point forward of the centre
`of gravity of the boat, and close to or above the waterline.
`Preferably the stem leg pivot supports are mounted adja- 65
`cent to the aft port and aft starboard corners of the amphibi(cid:173)
`ous vehicle, and above the water line.
`
`4
`Preferably each of the aft support legs are "7" shaped,
`having the free end of one leg of the "7" shape pivotally
`attached to the structure of the vehicle and the leg being able
`to pivot in such a way that the other leg of the "7" shape
`5 moves downwards from a substantially horizontal inclina(cid:173)
`tion in the stowed position, to a substantially vertical incli(cid:173)
`nation in the extended position, substantially without pass(cid:173)
`ing through any of the primary structure of the amphibious
`vehicle.
`Optionally each aft support leg comprises at least a
`substantially straight elongate member, pivoting from the
`hull of the vehicle, the pivot being adjacent to one end of the
`leg.
`Preferably the legs are of sufficient length to keep any
`15 propeller, jet nozzle, or rudder clear of ground contact.
`Optionally any of the legs may include a step to assist
`entry or exit from the amphibious vehicle.
`Optionally the moveable mounted undercarriage assem(cid:173)
`blies are attached to the structure of the amphibious vehicle
`20 by slidable means, for example but not limited to straight or
`curved telescoping shaft assemblies, or legs operating within
`a series of guide rollers.
`Optionally any one or combination of the undercarriage
`assemblies may be provided with attachment points or
`25 attachment features to allow a tow bar or other towing means
`to be connected, providing a means to tow the amphibious
`vehicle over land using another vehicle, or harnessed ani(cid:173)
`mal, etc.
`Preferably at least one of the undercarriages can be
`30 mechanically locked in either or both the extended and/or
`retracted positions.
`More preferably the mechanical locks provide firm struc(cid:173)
`tural connection between the undercarriage assembly and
`the hull of the amphibious vehicle, distal to the leg pivot
`35 points.
`Preferably steerable leg assemblies are mechanically
`locked or clamped adjacent to the mating point of the
`steering mechanism, to ensure a stable connection of the
`steering system is maintained.
`Optionally at least one leg assembly, at a location distal
`from the moveable attachment to the hull structure, also
`comprises a member shaped to mate with the lower surface
`of the hull, at the location where the leg contacts the hull,
`and of sufficient area to spread and transfer loads between
`the hull and the ground engagement means during land
`supported operations, without causing damage to the hull
`structure.
`Optionally the hull is formed having at least one recess
`into which at least one hook, moveably attached to at least
`one leg assembly, can be engaged to restrain the leg in at
`least one direction.
`Optionally at least one movably attached hook has pow(cid:173)
`ered means to move the hook and engage it with a recess in
`55 the hull.
`Optionally features are provided in the leg assemblies and
`hull to manually install downlock pins or clamps to further
`mechanically lock the leg assemblies in the extended or
`retracted positions if required.
`In a preferred form, the invention further includes a
`system of retractable leg assemblies for an amphibious
`vehicle, wherein powered mechanisms are employed to
`either extend or retract the leg assemblies, or both extend
`and retract the leg assemblies.
`Preferably the powered mechanisms can fully extend or
`retract the leg assemblies when the amphibious vehicle is
`supported on water.
`
`40
`
`45
`
`Exhibit 1015
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 18 of 27
`
`

`

`US 7,314,395 B2
`
`5
`
`5
`Preferably the powered mechanisms can fully extend the
`legs, and lift the vehicle if necessary, even when the
`amphibious vehicle is situated on dry land.
`Preferably the powered mechanisms are in the form of an
`hydraulic system, comprising for example but not limited to
`a pump, valves and actuators.
`Preferably a hydraulic actuator in the bow of the amphibi(cid:173)
`ous vehicle acts via levers to rotate the transverse shaft
`located between the two rigid elongate members forming the
`leg of the forward undercarriage assembly, if that configu(cid:173)
`ration of undercarriage is chosen.
`Preferably a hydraulic actuator acts directly onto each of
`the "7" shaped aft support legs, if that configuration of
`undercarriage is chosen.
`Preferably the hydraulic actuators incorporate locking
`features to mechanically or hydraulically lock the actuator in
`both or either the extended or retracted positions.
`Optionally the powered mechanisms comprise an electri(cid:173)
`cal or pneumatic system.
`Optionally an electrical system, comprising at least an
`electric motor and reduction gearbox forming a rotary
`actuator, causes at least one leg to move.
`Preferably the powered mechanisms can be controlled
`from a single central location, the cockpit for example.
`Alternatively
`the powered mechanisms
`incorporate
`manual powered means, for example but not limited to lever
`operated mechanisms, hand pump and actuators, crank
`handle and rotary actuators, or pulleys and ropes or cables.
`Optionally some or all of the ground engaging means may 30
`be free to rotate about a substantially vertical axis.
`Preferably a steering system is included, and connected to
`at least one of the ground engaging means, such that it's
`orientation about a substantially vertical axis can be influ(cid:173)
`enced.
`Preferably the steering control or steering wheel is situ(cid:173)
`ated in or adjacent to the cockpit of the amphibious vehicle.
`More preferably the steering system is synergistic with
`the amphibious vehicle's marine steering mechanisms.
`Preferably the steering system for any ground engaging 40
`means is disconnected from each ground engaging means
`when each ground engaging means is stowed and during the
`greater part of the extension or retraction processes.
`Preferably means are provided to self-align any steerable
`ground engaging means as required for retraction, stowage 45
`and extension.
`Preferably the means to self-align the ground engaging
`means is a spring mechanism, arranged to return the ground
`engaging means to the desired alignment when no external
`load is applied, i.e. during the extension or retraction phases.
`Optionally a single guide or a system of guides causes the
`ground engaging means to align as required.
`Preferably a connection is made between any steerable
`ground engaging means and the steering system at or near
`the point of full extension of the corresponding undercar(cid:173)
`riage assembly or assemblies, and similarly the connection
`is broken at or near the beginning of the retraction phase of
`the corresponding undercarriage assembly or assemblies.
`Preferably a steering driven member on each steerable 60
`undercarriage assembly, connected to or able to influence the
`orientation of the ground engaging means supported
`thereon, mates with a steering drive member positioned
`within the hull of the amphibious vehicle, which is in turn
`influenced by a steering system, and the mating of the two
`members being such as to allow rotational forces to be
`transmitted from one to the other.
`
`6
`Preferably a sealing method is incorporated between the
`steering drive member, and the surrounding fixed structure
`of the hull, to prevent or significantly reduce water ingress.
`Preferably the steering drive member is set within a recess
`in the hull, to cause minimal interruption to the streamlined
`shape of the hull.
`Preferably the mating portions of either one or both of the
`steering driven members and the steering drive members
`incorporate(s) self-aligning features, such that angular mis-
`10 matches between the members will be resolved as they mate.
`Optionally a steering actuator forms part of at least one
`retractable leg assembly.
`Optionally the steering actuator that forms part of at least
`one retractable leg assembly is an electrically powered
`15 rotary actuator.
`As a further option the steering actuator that forms part of
`at least one retractable leg assembly is an hydraulic actuator.
`Optionally the steering control inputs to each steering
`actuator that forms part of a retractable leg assembly, are
`20 transmitted using electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic means.
`Preferably any steerable ground engaging means are
`positioned towards the forward end of the amphibious
`vehicle.
`Optionally any steerable ground engaging means are
`25 positioned towards the aft end of the amphibious vehicle.
`As a further option, all of the ground engaging means are
`steerable.
`Preferably the steering system is powered, or power
`assisted.
`Preferably the powered or power assisted steering system
`includes an hydraulic or electrical actuator to alter the
`angular disposition of any steerable ground engaging means,
`to assist the steering of the amphibious vehicle when sup(cid:173)
`ported on the undercarriage assemblies.
`Preferably the control of the hydraulic or electric actuator
`is synergistic with the amphibious vehicles marine steering
`system.
`Optionally the steering system can be isolated from any
`steerable ground engaging means to allow the amphibious
`vehicle to be towed by another vehicle on land, by opening
`a by-pass circuit in any hydraulic actuators, or removal of a
`pin or pins thereby breaking the mechanical connection
`between any steerable ground engaging means and the rest
`of the steering system.
`In a preferred form, the invention further includes a
`system of undercarriage assemblies for an amphibious
`vehicle, wherein one or more of the ground engaging means
`supported thereon is provided with motive power.
`Preferably the motive power is provided by an internal
`combustion engine.
`Optionally the motive power is provided by an electric
`motor or an hydraulic motor or by any combination of
`internal combustion, electric, or hydraulic motors
`Optionally the motive power may be provided by the
`55 amphibious vehicle's marine engine, the power being
`extracted by a driven shaft, by hydraulic or pneumatic power
`from a pump driven by the engine, or in the form of
`electrical energy supplied from an alternator or generator
`driven by the engine.
`Optionally batteries may be incorporated to supply elec(cid:173)
`trical energy for the production of motive power.
`Optionally the batteries may be charged from a generator
`driven by an internal combustion engine.
`As a further option, electrical power from a ground based
`65 system may be used during operations close to or on-shore.
`Preferably a clutch and torque converter or gearing sys(cid:173)
`tem, or combination of these is employed to control and vary
`
`35
`
`50
`
`Exhibit 1015
`Bazooka v. Nuhn - IPR2024-00098
`Page 19 of 27
`
`

`

`US 7,314,395 B2
`
`7
`the torque produced by the engine before it is transmitted to
`the driven ground engaging means.
`Preferably any two ground engaging means positioned on
`opposite sides of an amphibious vehicle are driven from a
`common transverse shaft.
`Preferably the common transverse shaft is driven via a
`differential gearbox.
`Optionally the differential gearbox is a limited slip dif(cid:173)
`ferential gearbox, or includes a differential lock.
`Preferably the portion of the power drive train that travels 10
`down each leg to a ground engaging means is housed within
`the leg.
`More preferably the drive train within each leg is encased
`to substantially prevent water entering the drive chain, and
`the aperture where the final stub axle passes through the 15
`encasement contains a rotary seal.
`Preferably the portion of the drive train that travels down
`any legs uses chains and sprockets.
`Optionally the portion of the drive train that travels down
`any legs uses pulleys and belts.
`As a further option, the portion of the drive train that
`travels down any legs uses drive shafts and bevel gearboxes.
`Optionally the portion of the drive train that travels down
`any legs uses flexible drive shafts.
`Optionally at least one ground engaging means may be 25
`driven by a motor located adjacent to one end of the leg, the
`ground engaging means being connected adjacent to the
`other end of the leg, the motor being hydraulically, electri(cid:173)
`cally, or pneumatically driven, or the motor being an internal
`combustion engine.
`Preferably the portion of the power drive train that travels
`down each leg to a ground engaging means is housed within
`the leg.
`More preferably the drive train within each leg is encased
`to substantially prevent water entering the drive chain, and 35
`the aperture where the final stub axle passes through the
`encasement contains a seal.
`Preferably the portion of the drive train that travels down
`any legs uses chains and sprockets.
`Optionally the portion of the drive train that travels down 40
`any legs uses pulleys and belts.
`As a further option, the portion of the drive train that
`travels down any legs uses drive shafts and bevel gearboxes.
`As yet a further option, the portion of the drive train that
`travels down any legs uses flexible drive shafts.
`Optionally at least one ground engaging means may be
`driven directly by a motor located adjacent to or within the
`ground engaging means, the motor being hydraulically,
`electrically, or pneumatically driven.
`Optionally the drive train, between a motor located adja- 50
`cent to or within a ground engaging means and the ground
`engaging means, can pass through a reduction gearbox,
`separate from or integral with the ground engaging means.
`Optionally the motive power is provided by manual
`means, for example but not limited to an arrangement of 55
`pedals, shafts, sprockets and drive chains to the driven
`ground engaging means.
`Preferably one or more of the ground engaging means can
`be retarded or stopped completely by a braking mechanism
`or mechanisms.
`Preferably the braking mechanism or mechanisms incor(cid:173)
`porate friction pads.
`Preferably the braking mechanism or mechanisms are
`situated remote from the wheels to reduce the possibility of
`water ingress.
`Optionally the braking mechanisms are situated adjacent
`to the wheels and are protected from water ingress.
`
`8
`Optionally wet braking mechanisms are used.
`Optionally separate braking controls allow for differential
`braking between port and starboard brake assemblies to
`assist with directional control.
`In a preferred form, the invention further includes an
`engine cooling system for a marine engine, the system
`including an air cooled re-circulating cooling means adapted
`to cool the engine coolant fluid.
`Preferably the system further includes a reservoir of
`coolant fluid.
`Preferably the system includes fan means, such as an
`electric or motor driven fan to pass air over an air cooled
`heat exchanger means.
`In a preferred form, the system further includes one or
`more valves provided within the engine coolant liquid lines,
`the one or more valves being operative to bypass the water
`cooled engine coolant flow and divert the coolant flow
`through the air cooled re-circulating cooling means.
`In a preferred form, the invention further includes a
`20 silencer for an outboard motor, the silencer including a body
`adapted to be located in or about the hub of a propeller, and
`the body having one or more baffle openings or passageways
`therein for passage of exhaust gases therethrough, and
`attachment means being provided to attach the silencer to
`the propeller.
`In a further aspect the invention may broadly be said to
`consist in an amphibious vehicle including one or more of
`the retractable undercarriage assemblies referred to in the
`preceding paragraphs.
`In yet a further aspect the invention may broadly be said
`to consist in a microprocessor based control system,
`designed to control the sequence the uplocks, extension,
`downlocks, and retraction phases, to limit extension of the
`gear at high boat speeds, to disable power to the wheels
`when not down and locked, among other control require(cid:173)
`ments.
`In yet a further aspect the invention may broadly be said
`to consist in an amphibious vehicle having ground engaging
`means wherein the vehicle is equipped with, or has provi(cid:173)
`sions to accept, most or all necessary features to make the
`vehicle capable of gaining roadworthiness in accordance
`with local regulatory requirements, as a self propelled
`vehicle, or as a towed unit.
`Optionally the amphibious vehicle is equipped with, or
`45 has mou