US3763957A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Gas cushion vehicle
Assignee: Vosper Thornycroft UK Ltd
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Filing: 1971-07-22
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Granted: 1973-10-09
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Expires: 1991-07-22
Abstract
Abstract A gas-cushion vehicle having propulsion mechanism in the form of power driven hubs, each of which has radially extending members whose free ends successively drivably engage the surface over which the vehicle is travelling as said hub is rotated, said members being adapted to be deflected by the surface and/or irregularities in the surface.
Inventors
- 👤 Hunt R Delville
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 00:03
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60V; B60V1/00; B60V1/04; B60V1/043; B60V1/11; B60V1/115
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
107 words
A gas-cushion vehicle having propulsion means comprising at least one pair of power-driven laterally-spaced hubs provided with deflectable members projecting outwardly therefrom for making driving contact with the surface over which the vehicle is travelling and wherein the axis of rotation of each hub is inclined in a vertical plane extending laterally of the vehicle, the members on each hub when undeflected lie on the curved surface of an imaginary cone, and a generatrix of said surface lies in a horizontal plane so that the free outer ends of those members diametrically opposite said generatrix make driving contact with the surface over which the vehicle is travelling.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
107 words
A gas-cushion vehicle having propulsion means comprising at least one pair of power-driven laterally-spaced hubs provided with deflectable members projecting outwardly therefrom for making driving contact with the surface over which the vehicle is travelling and wherein the axis of rotation of each hub is inclined in a vertical plane extending laterally of the vehicle, the members on each hub when undeflected lie on the curved surface of an imaginary cone, and a generatrix of said surface lies in a horizontal plane so that the free outer ends of those members diametrically opposite said generatrix make driving contact with the surface over which the vehicle is travelling.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
A gas-cushion vehicle according to claim 1, wherein said generatrix is at the laterally inward side of the cone relative to the vehicle, the axis of rotation of each hub being inclined upwardly and outwardly relative to the longitudinal centre-line of the vehicle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
70 words
A gas-cushion vehicle according to claim 1, wherein each member is formed of rigid material; is pivotably connected about a tangential axis to the associated hub and urged into its undeflected position by resilient means; and is deflectable against the action of the resilient means, to increase the angle between it and the axis of rotation of the hub, by irregularities in the surface over which the vehicle is travelling.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
70 words
A gas-cushion vehicle according to claim 2, wherein each member is formed of rigid material; is pivotably connected about a tangential axis to the associated hub and urged into its undeflected position by resilient means; and is deflectable against the action of the resilient means, to increase the angle between it and the axis of rotation of the hub, by irregularities in the surface over which the vehicle is travelling.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A gas-cushion vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the outer end of each member has a flexible shoe secured thereto.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
A gas-cushion vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the outer end of each member has a vane secured thereto to assist in propelling the vehicle over a soft or liquid surface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
A gas-cushion vehicle according to claim 1, wherein resilient suspension means is provided between said hub and said members thereon.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-10-08 | 1977-04-09 | 1977-10-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-08 | 1981-04-09 | 1981-10-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-08 | 1985-04-09 | 1985-10-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |