Amphibious vehicle

Claim 2

An amphibious vehicle comprising: a frame; a body mounted on said frame and having a lower portion defining a buoyant hull, whereby said vehicle is movable into and floatable on a body of water; a front wheel and axle assembly; a rear wheel and axle assembly, each of said assemblies having an axle; a pair of ground-engageable wheels, and means rotatably mounting the wheels on respective ends of the corresponding axle for movement relative to the axle from lowered ground-engageable positions beneath and generally vertically aligned with the corresponding axle to elevated, retracted positions; means coupled with each assembly, respectively, for mounting the axle thereof on said frame for up and down movement with respect thereto; means coupled with each assembly, respectively for moving the wheels thereof from said lowered positions to said elevated positions and return; a power source carried by said frame; a power transfer mechanism for connecting said power source to one of said assemblies to permit the wheels of the latter to be driven, said mechanism having means mounting the same on said frame for movement relative thereto in response to the up and down movement of the corresponding axle as the corresponding wheels are driven, a first of said assemblies having means thereon for pivoting said wheels thereof about respective vertical axes relative to said frame, whereby said wheels of said first assembly can be steered; and means on said frame and coupled with said wheels of said first assembly for steering the same.

Claim 3

A vehicle as set forth in claim 1, wherein said power transfer mechanism includes a pair of vertically spaced, generally parallel, rotatable shafts, and means interconnecting the shafts of said mechanism to permit the same to rotate together, one of said shafts being coupled to the power source, the other shaft being coupled to said one assembly, said mechanism mounting means including means pivotally mounting said mechanism on said frame for movement in a generally vertical plane with respect thereto.

Claim 4

A vehicle as set forth in claim 1, wherein the frame is comprised of a pair of spaced, fore-and-aft frame members, said one assembly being adjacent to the forward ends of said frame members, said axle mounting means including a pair of elongated, fore-and-aft springs pivotally mounted intermediate their ends thereof on respective frame members, means coupling the rear end of each spring to the axle of said one assembly, and means coupling the forward end of each spring to said frame, whereby the spring is cantilevered with respect to its connection to the adjacent frame member.

Claim 5

A vehicle as set forth in claim 1, wherein said wheel mounting means of said one assembly includes a pair of elongated wheel supports rotatably mounted adjacent to first ends thereof on the corresponding axle, said steering means including a shaft rotatably mounted on and extending longitudinally of each wheel support, respectively, of said one assembly, each shaft having an upper end, and including a steering knuckle coupled to the lower end of each wheel support, respectively, a steering arm for each shaft, respectively, each arm extending fore and aft of the frame and having an open slot at its forward end for receiving the upper end of the corresponding shaft, there being a pin alignable with the axis of the corresponding axle for pivotally connecting the upper end of the corresponding shaft to the arm, whereby the shaft can pivot with the wheel support relative to the arm when said pin is aligned with the axis of the corresponding axle.

Claim 6

A vehicle as set forth in claim 4, wherein said steering means includes a tie-rod shiftably mounted on said frame and extending transversely thereof, the ends of said tie-rod being pivotally coupled to respective steering arms, and a steering column carried by the frame and coupled to the tie-rod for shifting the same in opposed directions to effect steering of the wheels of said one assembly, each steering arm having means thereon for preventing the canting thereof about a fore-and-aft axis due to the weight of the corresponding wheel when the corresponding wheel support is in an elevated position.

Claim 7

A vehicle as set forth in claim 1, wherein said one assembly includes a differential unit and a generally horizontal differential axle, said wheel mounting means for said one assembly including a chain case for each end of said axle, respectively, each chain case being rotatably mounted adjacent to one end thereof on said axle and extending transversely therefrom, the other end of each chain case having a rotatable stub shaft generally parallel to said axle, the corresponding wheel being mounted on each stub shaft, respectively, said wheel moving means including a linkage pivotally coupled to said frame and a respective chain case, and means coupled with each linkage for rotating the same about an axis substantially parallel to said axle to cause rotation of the corresponding chain case relative to the axle.

Claim 8

A vehicle as set forth in claim 6, wherein the stub shaft for each chain has a steering knuckle thereon and a second rotatable shaft secured to the knuckle, the corresponding wheel being mounted on the second shaft, said knuckle permitting the wheels to be steered, and means coupled with said knuckle and carried by the chain case for rotating the knuckle to thereby permit steering of the corresponding wheel.

Claim 9

Apparatus as set forth in claim 6, wherein said axle mountIng means for said one assembly comprises a pair of spaced, generally parallel, fore-and-aft springs, means pivotally mounting each spring intermediate the ends thereof on said frame, means coupling the rear end of each spring to the corresponding axle, and means coupling the front ends of each spring to said frame, whereby said springs are cantilevered with respect to said axle.

Claim 10

A vehicle as set forth in claim 1, wherein the axles of said assemblies are above the normal waterline of the body when the vehicle is in the water.

Claim 11

A vehicle as set forth in claim 1, wherein is included a marine outdrive having a pivoted rudder, said steering means including a steering column adjacent to the front of the frame, said steering column having a first steering member thereon for steering the wheels of said first assembly and a second steering member thereon coupled to said rudder for pivoting the same relative to said frame, said first and second members being operable independently of each other.

Claim 12

A vehicle as set forth in claim 1, wherein said body has a pair of rear wheel wells, each well having an open bottom, a hatch panel for each well, respectively, means mounting each hatch panel on said body for movement from a first position in closing relationship to the bottom of the corresponding well to a second position underlying the hull, and means coupled with each hatch panel for moving the same in opposite directions.

Claim 13

An amphibious vehicle comprising: a frame; a body mounted on said frame and having a lower portion defining a buoyant hull, whereby said vehicle is movable into and floatable on a body of water; a front wheel and axle assembly; a rear wheel and axle assembly, each of said assemblies having an axle, a pair of ground-engageable wheels, and means rotatably mounting the wheels on respective ends of the corresponding axle for movement relative to the axle from lowered, ground-engageable positions to elevated, retracted positions; means coupled with each assembly, respectively, for mounting the axle thereof on said frame for up and down movement with respect thereto; means coupled with each assembly, respectively, for moving the wheels thereof from said lowered positions and return; a power source carried by said frame; a power transfer mechanism including a hollow chain case having a pair of spaced shafts and means interconnecting the shafts to permit the same to rotate together, one of the shafts being coupled to the power source, the other shaft being coupled to one of said assemblies to permit the wheels of the latter to be driven and to permit the corresponding axle to move up and down relative to said frame as the corresponding wheels are driven, a first of said assemblies having means thereon for pivoting said wheels thereof about respective vertical axes relative to said frame, whereby said wheels of said first assembly can be steered; an arm pivotally mounted adjacent to one end thereof on said frame for rotation about a first, generally horizontal axis extending fore and aft of the vehicle, the arm being pivotally mounted adjacent to its opposite end of said chain case intermediate the shafts thereof for rotation about a second axis substantially parallel with said first axis; and means on said frame and coupled with said wheels of said first assembly for steering the same.

Claim 14

An amphibious vehicle comprising: a frame; a body mounted on said frame and having a lower portion defining a buoyant hull, whereby said vehicle is movable into and floatable on a body of water; a front wheel and axle assembly; a rear wheel and axle assembly, each of said assemblies having an axle, a pair of ground-engageable wheels, and means rotatably mounting the wheels on respective ends of the corresponding axle for movement relative to the axle from lowered, ground-engageable positions to elevated, retracted positions; means coupled with each assembly, respectively, for mounting the axle thereof on said frame for up and down movement with respect thereto; means coupled with each assembly, respectively, for moving the wheels thereof from said lowered positions and return; a power source carried by said frame; a power transfer mechanism including a hollow chain case having a pair of spaced shafts and means interconnecting the shafts to permit the same to rotate together, one of the shafts being coupled to the power source, the other shaft being coupled to one of said assemblies to permit the wheels of the latter to be driven and to permit the corresponding axle to move up and down relative to said frame as the corresponding wheels are driven, a first of said assemblies having means thereon for pivoting said wheels thereof about respective vertical axes relative to said frame, whereby said wheels of said first assembly can be steered; an arm pivotally mounted adjacent to one end thereof on said frame for rotation about a first, generally horizontal axis extending fore and aft of the vehicle, the arm being pivotally mounted adjacent to its opposite end of said chain case intermediate the shafts thereof for rotation about a second axis substantially parallel with said first axis; and means on said frame and coupled with said wheels of said first assembly for steering the same.

Claim 15

A vehicle as set forth in claim 12, wherein said chain case has an equilibrium position and is movable into a number of operative positions on opposite sides of said equilibrium position, and wherein is provided yieldable means coupled with said chain case for counterbalancing the weight of the same when the latter is in said equilibrium position.

Claim 16

A vehicle as set forth in claim 13, wherein said arm is pivotally coupled to said chain case substantially at the center of gravity thereof and at a location below the pivotal connection of said arm to said frame, the arm having a configuration permitting the upper shaft of the chain case to move through a Greater vertical distance than the lower shaft thereof when the chain case moves into any one of said operative positions.

Claim 17

A vehicle as set forth in claim 13, wherein said frame includes a pair of spaced, fore-and-aft frame members, said chain case being between the frame members, one of the frame members having a strut rigid thereto and extending upwardly therefrom, said arm being pivotally coupled to the upper end of the strut and extending downwardly therefrom and toward the other frame member.

Claim 18

A vehicle as set forth in claim 13, wherein said yieldable means includes a spring interconnecting said arm and the other frame member.

Claim 19

A vehicle as set forth in claim 13, wherein said frame comprises a pair of spaced, fore-and-aft members, said chain case being between the frame members, one of the frame members including a pair of spaced struts rigid thereto and extending upwardly therefrom, said arm including a pair of spaced arm members pivotally coupled to the upper ends of respective struts and extending downwardly therefrom toward the other frame member, the arm members being pivotally coupled to opposed sides of said chain case, there being a link interconnecting the lower ends of said arm members, said yieldable means including a spring interconnecting said link and said other frame member.

Claim 20

An amphibious vehicle comprising: a frame; a body mounted on said frame and having a lower portion defining a buoyant hull, whereby said vehicle is movable into and floatable on a body of water; a front wheel and axle assembly; a rear wheel and axle assembly, each of said assemblies having an axle, a pair of ground-engageable wheels, and a pair of elongated wheel supports extending transversely of the corresponding axle for mounting the wheels on respective ends thereof for movement relative to the axle from lowered, ground-engageable positions beneath and generally vertically aligned with the corresponding axle to elevated, retracted positions, said frame having a rotatable shaft for each assembly, respectively, each shaft being substantially parallel to the corresponding axle; means coupled with each assembly, respectively, for mounting the axle thereof on said frame for up and down movement with respect thereto; an actuatable power device coupled with each shaft, respectively, for rotating the same in opposed directions; a linkage interconnecting each wheel support, respectively, with the corresponding shaft for rotating the wheel support about the corresponding axle when the corresponding power device is actuated to thereby effect movement of the corresponding wheels from said lowered positions to said elevated positions and return, each linkage being articulated to permit the corresponding wheel support to move up and down when the corresponding wheel is in its lowered position; a power source carried by said frame; a power transfer mechanism shiftably carried by said frame for connecting said power source to one of said assemblies to permit the wheels of the latter to be driven and to permit the corresponding axle to move up and down relative to said frame as the corresponding wheels are driven, a first of said assemblies having means thereon for pivoting said wheels thereof about respective vertical axes relative to said frame, whereby said wheels of said first assembly can be steered; and means on said frame and coupled with said wheels of said first assembly for steering the same.

Claim 21

An amphibious vehicle comprising: a frame; a body mounted on said frame and having a lower portion defining a buoyant hull, whereby said vehicle is movable into and floatable on a body of water; a front wheel and axle assembly; a rear wheel and axle assembly, each of said assemblies having an axle, a pair of ground-engageable wheels, and a pair of elongated wheel supports extending transversely of the corresponding axle for mounting the wheels on respective ends thereof for movement relative to the axle from lowered, ground-engageable positions beneath and generally vertically aligned with the corresponding axle to elevated, retracted positions, said frame having a rotatable shaft for each assembly, respectively, each shaft being substantially parallel to the corresponding axle; means coupled with each assembly, respectively, for mounting the axle thereof on said frame for up and down movement with respect thereto; an actuatable power device coupled with each shaft, respectively, for rotating the same in opposed directions; a linkage interconnecting each wheel support, respectively, with the corresponding shaft for rotating the wheel support about the corresponding axle when the corresponding power device is actuated to thereby effect movement of the corresponding wheels from said lowered positions to said elevated positions and return, each linkage being articulated to permit the corresponding wheel support to move up and down when the corresponding wheel is in its lowered position; a power source carried by said frame; a power transfer mechanism shiftably carried by said frame for connecting said power source to one of said assemblies to permit the wheels of the latter to be driven and to permit the corresponding axle to move up and down relative to said frame as the corresponding wheels are driven, a first of said assemblies having means thereon for pivoting said wheels thereof about respective vertical axes relative to said frame, whereby said wheels of said first assembly can be steered; and means on said frame and coupled with said wheels of said first assembly for steering the same.

Claim 22

A vehicle as set forth in claim 18, wherein is included means carried by the frame for releasably locking each linkage against movement relative thereto when the corresponding wheel is in its lowered position.

Claim 23

A vehicle as set forth in claim 19, wherein is provided interlock means for preventing the release of said lock means when said frame is supported by a wheel and axle assembly.

Claim 24

A vehicle as set forth in claim 19, wherein said lock means comprises a pin movable through the linkage means and retractable therefrom only when said wheel and axle assemblies are out of supporting relationship to said frame and said body.

Claim 25

An amphibious vehicle comprising: a frame; a body mounted on said frame and having a lower portion defining a buoyant hull, whereby said vehicle is movable into and floatable on a body of water; a front wheel and axle assembly; a rear wheel and axle assembly, each of said assemblies having an axle; a pair of ground-engageable wheels, and means rotatably mounting the wheels on respective ends of the corresponding axle for movement relative to the axle from lowered, ground-engageable positions beneath and generally vertical aligned with the corresponding axle to elevated, retracted positions, the wheel mounting means of one of said assemblies including a pair of elongated wheel supports rotatably mounted adjacent to first ends thereof on the corresponding axle; means coupled with each assembly, respectively, for mounting the axle thereof on said frame for up and down movement with respect thereto; means coupled with each assembly, respectively, for moving the wheels thereof from said lowered positions and return; a power source carried by said frame; a power transfer mechanism shiftably carried by said frame for connecting said power source to a first of said assemblies to permit the wheels of the latter to be driven and to permit the corresponding axle to move up and down relative to said frame as the corresponding wheels are driven, said one assembly having means thereon for pivoting said wheels thereof about respective vertical axes relative to said frame, whereby said wheels of said one assembly can be steered; means on said frame and coupled with said wheels of said one assembly for steering the same, said steering means including a shaft rotatably mounted on and extending longitudinally of each wheel support, respectively, of said one assembly, each shaft having an upper end, a steering knuckle coupled to the lower end of each wheel support, respectively, a steering arm for each shaft, respectively, each arm extending fore and aft of the frame and having an open slot at its forward end for receiving the upper end of the corresponding shaft, there being a pin alignable with the axis of the corresponding axle for pivotally connecting the upper end of the corresponding shaft to the arm, whereby the shaft can pivot with the wheel support relative to the arm when said pin is aligned with the axis of the corresponding axle; and interlock means coupled with said steering means to prevent rotation of the wheel supports of said one assembly when said pin is out of alignment with the axis of the corresponding axle.

Claim 26

An amphibious vehicle comprising: a frame; a body mounted on said frame and having a lower portion defining a buoyant hull, whereby said vehicle is movable into and floatable on a body of water; a front wheel and axle assembly; a rear wheel and axle assembly, each of said assemblies having an axle; a pair of ground-engageable wheels, and means rotatably mounting the wheels on respective ends of the corresponding axle for movement relative to the axle from lowered, ground-engageable positions beneath and generally vertical aligned with the corresponding axle to elevated, retracted positions, the wheel mounting means of one of said assemblies including a pair of elongated wheel supports rotatably mounted adjacent to first ends thereof on the corresponding axle; means coupled with each assembly, respectively, for mounting the axle thereof on said frame for up and down movement with respect thereto; means coupled with each assembly, respectively, for moving the wheels thereof from said lowered positions and return; a power source carried by said frame; a power transfer mechanism shiftably carried by said frame for connecting said power source to a first of said assemblies to permit the wheels of the latter to be driven and to permit the corresponding axle to move up and down relative to said frame as the corresponding wheels are driven, said one assembly having means thereon for pivoting said wheels thereof about respective vertical axes relative to said frame, whereby said wheels of said one assembly can be steered; means on said frame and coupled with said wheels of said one assembly for steering the same, said steering means including a shaft rotatably mounted on and extending longitudinally of each wheel support, respectively, of said one assembly, each shaft having an upper end, a steering knuckle coupled to the lower end of each wheel support, respectively, a steering arm for each shaft, respectively, each arm extending fore and aft of the frame and having an open slot at its forward end for receiving the upper end of the corresponding shaft, there being a pin alignable with the axis of the corresponding axle for pivotally connecting the upper end of the corresponding shaft to the arm, whereby the shaft can pivot with the wheel support relative to the arm when said pin is aligned with the axis of the corresponding axle; and interlock means coupled with said steering means to prevent rotation of the wheel supports of said one assembly when said pin is out of alignment with the axis of the corresponding axle.

Claim 27

An amphibious vehicle comprising: a frame; a body mounted on said frame and having a lower portion defining a buoyant hull, whereby said vehicle is movable into and floatable on a body of water; a front wheel and axle assembly; a rear wheel and axle assembly, each of said assemblies having an axle, a pair of ground-engageable wheels, and means rotatably mounting the wheels on respective ends of the corresponding axle for movement relative to the axle from lowered, ground engageable positions beneath and generally vertically aligned with the corresponding axle to elevated, retracted positions; means coupled with each assembly, respectively, for mounting the axle thereof on said frame for up and down movement with respect thereto; means coupled with each assembly, respectively, for moving the wheels thereof from said lowered positions and return; a power source carried by said frame; a power transfer mechanism shiftably carried by said frame for connecting said power source to one of said assemblies to permit the wheels of the latter to be driven and to permit the corresponding axle to move up and down relative to said frame as the corresponding wheels are driven, a first of said assemblies having means thereon for pivoting said wheels thereof about respective vertical axes relative to said frame, whereby said wheels of said first assembly can be steered; and means on said frame and Coupled with said wheels of said first assembly for steering the same, said body having a pair of rear wells, each well having an open bottom, a hatch panel for each well, respectively; means mounting each hatch panel on said body for movement from a first position in closing relationship to the bottom of the corresponding well to a second position underlying the hull; and means coupled with each hatch panel for moving the same in opposite directions, each hatch panel having a normally rearwardly facing opening therethrough to permit water to be drawn out of the corresponding wheel well by suction as said vehicle moves in a generally forward direction.

Claim 28

An amphibious vehicle comprising: a frame; a body mounted on said frame and having a lower portion defining a buoyant hull, whereby said vehicle is movable into and floatable on a body of water; a front wheel and axle assembly; a rear wheel and axle assembly, each of said assemblies having an axle, a pair of ground-engageable wheels, and means rotatably mounting the wheels on respective ends of the corresponding axle for movement relative to the axle from lowered, ground engageable positions beneath and generally vertically aligned with the corresponding axle to elevated, retracted positions; means coupled with each assembly, respectively, for mounting the axle thereof on said frame for up and down movement with respect thereto; means coupled with each assembly, respectively, for moving the wheels thereof from said lowered positions and return; a power source carried by said frame; a power transfer mechanism shiftably carried by said frame for connecting said power source to one of said assemblies to permit the wheels of the latter to be driven and to permit the corresponding axle to move up and down relative to said frame as the corresponding wheels are driven, a first of said assemblies having means thereon for pivoting said wheels thereof about respective vertical axes relative to said frame, whereby said wheels of said first assembly can be steered; and means on said frame and Coupled with said wheels of said first assembly for steering the same, said body having a pair of rear wells, each well having an open bottom, a hatch panel for each well, respectively; means mounting each hatch panel on said body for movement from a first position in closing relationship to the bottom of the corresponding well to a second position underlying the hull; and means coupled with each hatch panel for moving the same in opposite directions, each hatch panel having a normally rearwardly facing opening therethrough to permit water to be drawn out of the corresponding wheel well by suction as said vehicle moves in a generally forward direction.

Claim 29

An amphibious vehicle comprising: a frame; a body mounted on said frame and having a lower portion defining a buoyant hull, whereby said vehicle is movable into and floatable on a body of water; a front wheel and axle assembly; a rear wheel an axle assembly, each of said assemblies having an axle; a pair of ground-engageable wheels, and means rotatably mounting the wheels on respective ends of the corresponding axle for movement relative to the axle from lowered, ground-engageable positions beneath and generally vertically aligned with the corresponding axle to elevated, retracted positions; means coupled with each assembly, respectively, for mounting the axle thereof on said frame for up and down movement with respect thereto; means coupled with each assembly, respectively, for moving the wheels thereof from said lowered positions and return; an engine carried by said frame and having a transmission and means for shifting the transmission from a neutral condition to a drive condition and return; a power transfer mechanism shiftably carried by said frame for connecting said engine to one of said assemblies to permit the wheels of the latter to be driven and to permit the corresponding axle to move up and down relative to said frame as the corresponding wheels are driven, a first of said assemblies having means thereon for pivoting said wheels thereof about respective vertical axes relative to said frame, whereby said wheels of said first assembly can be steered; and means on said frame and coupled with said wheels of said first assembly for steering the same, said steering means being operable to move the wheels of said first assembly into and out of positions permitting straight-forward movement of the vehicle, each assembly being movable downwardly relative to said frame when the assembly moves out of supporting relationship to said frame as the vehicle enters the water; interlock means coupled with said transmission, said steering means and said assemblies for preventing the movement of said wheels from said lowered positions to said retracted positions when said transmission is in said drive condition, when the wheels of said first assembly are out of straight-forward positions thereof, and when said assemblies are in supporting relationship to said frame.

Claim 30

An amphibious vehicle comprising: a frame; a body mounted on said frame and having a lower portion defining a buoyant hull, whereby said vehicle is movable into and floatable on a body of water; a front wheel and axle assembly; a rear wheel an axle assembly, each of said assemblies having an axle; a pair of ground-engageable wheels, and means rotatably mounting the wheels on respective ends of the corresponding axle for movement relative to the axle from lowered, ground-engageable positions beneath and generally vertically aligned with the corresponding axle to elevated, retracted positions; means coupled with each assembly, respectively, for mounting the axle thereof on said frame for up and down movement with respect thereto; means coupled with each assembly, respectively, for moving the wheels thereof from said lowered positions and return; an engine carried by said frame and having a transmission and means for shifting the transmission from a neutral condition to a drive condition and return; a power transfer mechanism shiftably carried by said frame for connecting said engine to one of said assemblies to permit the wheels of the latter to be driven and to permit the corresponding axle to move up and down relative to said frame as the corresponding wheels are driven, a first of said assemblies having means thereon for pivoting said wheels thereof about respective vertical axes relative to said frame, whereby said wheels of said first assembly can be steered; and means on said frame and coupled with said wheels of said first assembly for steering the same, said steering means being operable to move the wheels of said first assembly into and out of positions permitting straight-forward movement of the vehicle, each assembly being movable downwardly relative to said frame when the assembly moves out of supporting relationship to said frame as the vehicle enters the water; interlock means coupled with said transmission, said steering means and said assemblies for preventing the movement of said wheels from said lowered positions to said retracted positions when said transmission is in said drive condition, when the wheels of said first assembly are out of straight-forward positions thereof, and when said assemblies are in supporting relationship to said frame.

Claim 31

An amphibious vehicle comprising: a frame; a front wheel and axle assembly; a rear wheel and axle assembly; means mounting the axle of each assembly, respectively, on the frame for up and down movement relative thereto, each assembly having means pivotally mounted on the axle thereof and extending laterally therefrom for mounting the corresponding wheels in spaced relationship to the axle and for moving the wheels thereof from lowered, ground-engaging positions beneath and generally vertically aligned with the axle to elevated, retracted positions with respect to the frame, one of the assemblies having means thereon for permitting the wheels thereof to be driven; an engine carried by the frame and coupled with said permitting means to drive the wheels of said one assembly when the wheels are in their lowered position, said engine having transmission operable either in a neutral condition or a driven condition; means coupled with each assembly for releasably locking the wheel mounting means thereof against pivotal movement relative to the corresponding axle; and an electrical circuit having a switch responsive to the operation of said transmission in the neutral condition thereof for enabling the circuit to permit release of the lock means, whereby the wheels can be retracted.

Claim 32

An amphibious vehicle comprising: a frame; a front wheel and axle assembly; a rear wheel and axle assembly; means mounting the axle of each assembly, respectively, on the frame for up and down movement relative thereto, each assembly having means pivotally mounted on the axle thereof and extending laterally therefrom for mounting the corresponding wheels in spaced relationship to the axle and for moving the wheels thereof from lowered, ground-engaging positions beneath and generally vertically aligned with the axle to elevated, retracted positions with respect to the frame, one of the assemblies having means thereon for permitting the wheels thereof to be driven; an engine carried by the frame and coupled with said permitting means to drive the wheels of said one assembly when the wheels are in their lowered position, said engine having transmission operable either in a neutral condition or a driven condition; means coupled with each assembly for releasably locking the wheel mounting means thereof against pivotal movement relative to the corresponding axle; and an electrical circuit having a switch responsive to the operation of said transmission in the neutral condition thereof for enabling the circuit to permit release of the lock means, whereby the wheels can be retracted.

Claim 33

A vehicle as set forth in claim 24, wherein is provided means in the circuit for enabling the same only when at least one of the assemblies is out of supporting relationship to said frame.

Claim 34

A vehicle as set forth in claim 25, wherein is provided means coupled with the wheels of a first of the assemblies for steering the same, and means coupled with the steering means and the circuit for enabling the latter only when the wheels of the first assembly are in predetermined positions relative to the frame.

Claim 35

An amphibious vehicle comprising: a frame; a front wheel and axle assembly; a rear wheel and axle assembly, each assembly including a linkage shiftably mounted on the frame; means mounting the axle of each assembly, respectively, on the frame for up and down movement relative thereto, each assembly having means pivotally mounted on the axle thereof and extending laterally therefrom for mounting the corresponding wheels in spaced relationship to the axle and for moving the wheels thereof from lowered, ground-engaging positions beneath and generally vertically aligned with the axle to elevated, retracted positions with respect to the frame, one of the assemblies having means thereon for permitting the wheels thereof to be driven; a power source carried by the frame and coupled with said permitting means to drive the wheels of said one assembly when the wheels are in their lowered positions; a pin for each linkage, respectively, each pin adapted to extend through the corresponding linkage to lock the latter against movement relative to the frame; and power device coupled with each pin for shifting the latter relative to the frame whereby the corresponding linkage can be released and the corresponding wheels can be retracted.

Claim 36

An amphibious vehicle comprising: a frame; a front wheel and axle assembly; a rear wheel and axle assembly, each assembly including a linkage shiftably mounted on the frame; means mounting the axle of each assembly, respectively, on the frame for up and down movement relative thereto, each assembly having means pivotally mounted on the axle thereof and extending laterally therefrom for mounting the corresponding wheels in spaced relationship to the axle and for moving the wheels thereof from lowered, ground-engaging positions beneath and generally vertically aligned with the axle to elevated, retracted positions with respect to the frame, one of the assemblies having means thereon for permitting the wheels thereof to be driven; a power source carried by the frame and coupled with said permitting means to drive the wheels of said one assembly when the wheels are in their lowered positions; a pin for each linkage, respectively, each pin adapted to extend through the corresponding linkage to lock the latter against movement relative to the frame; and power device coupled with each pin for shifting the latter relative to the frame whereby the corresponding linkage can be released and the corresponding wheels can be retracted.

Claim 37

An amphibious vehicle comprising: a frame; a front wheel and axle assembly; a rear wheel and axle assembly; means mounting the axle of each assembly, respectively, on the frame for up and down movement relative thereto, each assembly having means pivotally mounted on the axle thereof and relationship laterally therefrom for mounting the corresponding wheels in spaced relatiohsip to the axle and for moving the wheels thereof from lowered, ground-engaging positions beneath and generally vertically aligned with the axle to elevated, retracted positions with respect to the frame, one of the assemblies having means thereon for permitting the wheels thereof to be driven; a power source carried by the frame and coupled with said permitting means to drive the wheels of said one assembly when the wheels are in their lowered positions, means coupled with each assembly for releasably locking the wheel mounting means thereof against pivotal movement relative to the corresponding axle; means coupled with the lock means for selectively releasing the same, whereby the wheels can be retracted; an outdrive pivotally mounted on the frame near the rear end thereof for movement about a generally horizontal axis from a lowered, operative position to an elevated, retracted position; means coupled with the outdrive for raising and lowering the same; and means responsive to the weight of the frame on one of the assemblies for actuating said raising and lowering means to raise the outdrive when at least one of the assemblies moves into supporting relationship to the frame.

Claim 38

An amphibious vehicle comprising: a frame; a front wheel and axle assembly; a rear wheel and axle assembly; means mounting the axle of each assembly, respectively, on the frame for up and down movement relative thereto, each assembly having means pivotally mounted on the axle thereof and relationship laterally therefrom for mounting the corresponding wheels in spaced relatiohsip to the axle and for moving the wheels thereof from lowered, ground-engaging positions beneath and generally vertically aligned with the axle to elevated, retracted positions with respect to the frame, one of the assemblies having means thereon for permitting the wheels thereof to be driven; a power source carried by the frame and coupled with said permitting means to drive the wheels of said one assembly when the wheels are in their lowered positions, means coupled with each assembly for releasably locking the wheel mounting means thereof against pivotal movement relative to the corresponding axle; means coupled with the lock means for selectively releasing the same, whereby the wheels can be retracted; an outdrive pivotally mounted on the frame near the rear end thereof for movement about a generally horizontal axis from a lowered, operative position to an elevated, retracted position; means coupled with the outdrive for raising and lowering the same; and means responsive to the weight of the frame on one of the assemblies for actuating said raising and lowering means to raise the outdrive when at least one of the assemblies moves into supporting relationship to the frame.

Claim 39

A vehicle as set forth in clam 29, wherein said outdrive has a power device for shifting the same into a forward, neutral or reverse operating condition, means coupled with said power device for enabling the same to shift into forward or reverse only when the assemblies are out of supporting relationship to said frame, and means coupled with said power device to automatically shift and lock into neutral when the assemblies are in supporting relationship to the frame. 31. An amphibious vehicle comprising: a frame having a pair of spaced, fore-and-aft frame members and a crossbeam interconnecting the frame members adjacent to their forward ends; a body mounted on said frame and having a lower portion defining a buoyant hull, whereby said vehicle is movable into and floatable on a body of water; a front wheel and axle assembly; a rear wheel and axle assembly, each of said assemblies having an axle; a pair of ground-engageable wheels, and means rotatably mounting the wheels on respective ends of the corresponding axle for movement relative to the axle from lowered, ground-engageable positions beneath and generally vertically aligned with the corresponding axle to elevated, retracted positions; means coupled with each assembly, respectively, for mounting the axle thereof on said frame for up and down movement with respect thereto; means coupled with each assembly, respectively, for moving the wheels thereof from said lowered positions and return; a power source carried by said frame; a power transfer mechanism shiftably carried by said frame for connecting said power source to one of said assemblies to permit the wheels of the latter to be driven and to permit the corresponding axle to move up and down relative to said frame as the corresponding wheels are driven, said one assembly being adjacent to the forward ends of said frame members, the axle mounting means of said one assembly including a pair of elongated, fore-and-aft springs pivotally mounted intermediate their ends on respective frame members; means coupling the rear end of each spring to the axle of said one assembly; an arm for each spring, respectively, each arm being pivotally coupled to and extending downwardly from said crossbeam, each spring being coupled to the corresponding arm at the lower end thereof, whereby the spring is cantilevered with respect to its connection to the adjacent frame members, a first of said assemblies having means thereon for pivoting said wheels thereof respective vertical axes relative to said frame, whereby said wheels of said first assembly can be steered; and means on said frame and coupled with said wheels of said first assembly for steering the same.

Claim 40

A vehicle as set forth in clam 29, wherein said outdrive has a power device for shifting the same into a forward, neutral or reverse operating condition, means coupled with said power device for enabling the same to shift into forward or reverse only when the assemblies are out of supporting relationship to said frame, and means coupled with said power device to automatically shift and lock into neutral when the assemblies are in supporting relationship to the frame. 31. An amphibious vehicle comprising: a frame having a pair of spaced, fore-and-aft frame members and a crossbeam interconnecting the frame members adjacent to their forward ends; a body mounted on said frame and having a lower portion defining a buoyant hull, whereby said vehicle is movable into and floatable on a body of water; a front wheel and axle assembly; a rear wheel and axle assembly, each of said assemblies having an axle; a pair of ground-engageable wheels, and means rotatably mounting the wheels on respective ends of the corresponding axle for movement relative to the axle from lowered, ground-engageable positions beneath and generally vertically aligned with the corresponding axle to elevated, retracted positions; means coupled with each assembly, respectively, for mounting the axle thereof on said frame for up and down movement with respect thereto; means coupled with each assembly, respectively, for moving the wheels thereof from said lowered positions and return; a power source carried by said frame; a power transfer mechanism shiftably carried by said frame for connecting said power source to one of said assemblies to permit the wheels of the latter to be driven and to permit the corresponding axle to move up and down relative to said frame as the corresponding wheels are driven, said one assembly being adjacent to the forward ends of said frame members, the axle mounting means of said one assembly including a pair of elongated, fore-and-aft springs pivotally mounted intermediate their ends on respective frame members; means coupling the rear end of each spring to the axle of said one assembly; an arm for each spring, respectively, each arm being pivotally coupled to and extending downwardly from said crossbeam, each spring being coupled to the corresponding arm at the lower end thereof, whereby the spring is cantilevered with respect to its connection to the adjacent frame members, a first of said assemblies having means thereon for pivoting said wheels thereof respective vertical axes relative to said frame, whereby said wheels of said first assembly can be steered; and means on said frame and coupled with said wheels of said first assembly for steering the same.

Claim 41

An amphibious vehicle comprising: a frame; a body mounted on said frame and having a lower portion defining a buoyant hull, whereby said vehicle is movable into and floatable on a body of water; a front wheel and axle assembly; a rear wheel and axle assembly, each of said assemblies having an axle; a pair of ground-engageable wheels, and means rotatably mounting the wheels on respective ends of the corresponding axle for movement relative to the axle from lowered, ground-engageable positions beneath and generally vertically aligned with the corresponding axle to elevated, retracted positions; means coupled with each assembly, respectively, for mounting the axle thereof on said frame for up and down movement with respect thereto; means coupled with each assembly, respectively, for moving the wheels thereof from said lowered positions and return; an engine carried by said frame and having a transmission and means for shifting the transmission from a neutral condition to a drive condition and return; a power transfer mechanism shiftably carried by said frame for connecting said power source to one of said assemblies to permit the wheels of the latter to be driven and to permit the corresponding axle to move up and down relative to said frame as the corresponding wheels are driven, a first of said assemblies having means thereon for pivoting said wheels thereof about respective vertical axes relative to said frame, whereby said wheels of said first assembly can be steered; means on said frame and coupled with said wheels of said first assembly for steering the same; and interlock means coupled with said wheel moving means for preventing the actuation thereof and thereby the raising of the wheels when said transmission is in said drive condition.

Claim 42

An amphibious vehicle comprising: a frame; a body mounted on said frame and having a lower portion defining a buoyant hull, whereby said vehicle is movable into and floatable on a body of water; a front wheel and axle assembly; a rear wheel and axle assembly, each of said assemblies having an axle; a pair of ground-engageable wheels, and means rotatably mounting the wheels on respective ends of the corresponding axle for movement relative to the axle from lowered, ground-engageable positions beneath and generally vertically aligned with the corresponding axle to elevated, retracted positions; means coupled with each assembly, respectively, for mounting the axle thereof on said frame for up and down movement with respect thereto; means coupled with each assembly, respectively, for moving the wheels thereof from said lowered positions and return; an engine carried by said frame and having a transmission and means for shifting the transmission from a neutral condition to a drive condition and return; a power transfer mechanism shiftably carried by said frame for connecting said power source to one of said assemblies to permit the wheels of the latter to be driven and to permit the corresponding axle to move up and down relative to said frame as the corresponding wheels are driven, a first of said assemblies having means thereon for pivoting said wheels thereof about respective vertical axes relative to said frame, whereby said wheels of said first assembly can be steered; means on said frame and coupled with said wheels of said first assembly for steering the same; and interlock means coupled with said wheel moving means for preventing the actuation thereof and thereby the raising of the wheels when said transmission is in said drive condition.

Claim 43

An amphibious vehicle comprising: a frame havinG a hull thereon, the hull having a pair of rear wheel wells, each well having an open bottom; a front wheel and axle assembly; a rear wheel and axle assembly; means mounting the axle of each assembly, respectively, on the frame for up and down movement relative thereto, each assembly having means pivotally mounted on the axle thereof and extending laterally therefrom for mounting the corresponding wheels in spaced relationship to the axle and for moving the wheels thereof from lowered, ground-engaging positions beneath and generally vertically aligned with the axle to elevated, retracted positions with respect to the frame, one of the assemblies having means thereon for permitting the wheels thereof to be driven; a power source carried by the frame and coupled with said permitting means to drive the wheels of said one assembly when the wheels are in their lowered positions; means coupled with each assembly for releasably locking the wheel mounting means thereof against pivotal movement relative to the corresponding axle; means coupled with the lock means for selectively releasing the same, whereby the wheels can be retracted; a hatch panel for covering the open bottom of each wheel well, respectively; means mounting each hatch panel for movement into and out of closing relationship to the corresponding rear wheel bottom; and means responsive to the sequential release of said locking means and the retraction of the rear wheel and axle assembly for moving the hatch panels to their closed positions.

Claim 44

An amphibious vehicle comprising: a frame havinG a hull thereon, the hull having a pair of rear wheel wells, each well having an open bottom; a front wheel and axle assembly; a rear wheel and axle assembly; means mounting the axle of each assembly, respectively, on the frame for up and down movement relative thereto, each assembly having means pivotally mounted on the axle thereof and extending laterally therefrom for mounting the corresponding wheels in spaced relationship to the axle and for moving the wheels thereof from lowered, ground-engaging positions beneath and generally vertically aligned with the axle to elevated, retracted positions with respect to the frame, one of the assemblies having means thereon for permitting the wheels thereof to be driven; a power source carried by the frame and coupled with said permitting means to drive the wheels of said one assembly when the wheels are in their lowered positions; means coupled with each assembly for releasably locking the wheel mounting means thereof against pivotal movement relative to the corresponding axle; means coupled with the lock means for selectively releasing the same, whereby the wheels can be retracted; a hatch panel for covering the open bottom of each wheel well, respectively; means mounting each hatch panel for movement into and out of closing relationship to the corresponding rear wheel bottom; and means responsive to the sequential release of said locking means and the retraction of the rear wheel and axle assembly for moving the hatch panels to their closed positions.