Abstract: An amphibious vehicle power train having an engine (2) with an output shaft (4), driving an input member (6) of a variable speed change transmission (11). The speed change transmission, which may be a continuously variable transmission is arranged to drive road wheels through an output member (8). The engine also drives a marine propulsion unit (24). The axis of the output member (8) is above the axis of the input member (6). Four wheel drive may be provided (FIG. 2).

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle comprises a buoyant hull, a boat motor affixed to the hull to propel the amphibious vehicle in water, two or more powered wheel assemblies affixed to the hull to propel the amphibious vehicle on land, and two or more selectively rotatable arms affixing each wheel assembly to the hull. One or more of the wheel assemblies are affixed to opposing sides of the hull. Two or more selectively rotatable arms affix each wheel assembly to the hull. The arms affixing each respective wheel assembly are selectively rotatable in unison to move the respective wheel assembly between a lowered position and a raised position.

Abstract: The present invention provides, with reference to FIG. 1, a power train for an amphibian operable in land and marine modes. The power train comprises a prime mover, a first land propulsion device, a first marine propulsion device and a speed change transmission. The prime mover is arranged to drive the first land propulsion device through/via the speed change transmission in land mode. The prime mover, or at least a portion thereof, is located between the speed change transmission and a rearward most part of the amphibian, with the speed change transmission located spaced ahead of, in front of, the prime mover.

Abstract: A ship or other large and heavy load may be supported on a fluid cushion comprising a two dimensional array of airbags constrained within elastic mesh compartments (81) and inflated by individual valve assemblies (188, 189, 231 . . . ) which are connected by a grid of airlines and distributed over a flexible web (60) separating respective horizontal layers of the assembly. The ship rests on an upper layer while the compartments of a lower layer are inflated and deflated in sequence to generate a travelling contraction which moves through the fluid cushion to translate its base surface over the ground in any desired direction of travel, with the load gradually moving by fluid pressure in the same direction. The deflated cushion assembly can be stored and deployed on a spool (see FIG. 1-3) rotated by a hydraulic motor.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide an amphibious vehicle and a method of controlling the attitude of the vehicle body of an amphibious vehicle, with which it is possible to reduce the fluid resistance when traveling on water and to improve the propulsion performance of the vehicle main body. An amphibious vehicle 1 according to the present invention is characterized in being provided with: a vehicle main body 11 capable of moving on water and on land; a rear flap 14B provided at the rear of the vehicle main body 11; a drive unit 33 which drives the rear flap 14B to vary a flap angle ?1 between the vehicle main body 11 and the rear flap 14B; a detecting unit 31 which detects a trim angle of the vehicle main body 11, a vehicle speed and the flap angle ?1; and a control unit 32 which controls the flap angle ?1 on the basis of the trim angle, the vehicle speed and the flap angle ?1 detected by the detecting unit 31.

Abstract: A power train for an amphibian includes a first prime mover, a first land propulsion unit, and a first marine propulsion unit. The first prime mover is arranged to selectively drive the first land propulsion unit, or the first marine propulsion unit, or both. The power train further comprises a second prime mover. The second prime mover is arranged to selectively drive the first land propulsion unit, or the first marine propulsion unit, or both, either in place of the first prime mover or in addition thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides, with reference to FIG. 2, an amphibian operable in land and marine modes, the amphibian comprising a hull, at least one discontinuity (wheel bay) provided in the hull, and at least one retractable wheel or track assembly at least partially located in the at least one discontinuity (wheel bay). The hull is a planning hull, and the at least one discontinuity (wheel bay) is provided in the front half of the hull of the amphibian. The amphibian further comprises at least one conduit which opens, or is provided with an entry which opens, into or at the at least one discontinuity (wheel bay) and is configured for channeling, in use, fluid away from the at least one discontinuity (wheel bay).

Abstract: Provided is an amphibious vehicle such that the deterioration of a fuel economy ratio due to driving at a low load ratio can be suppressed. The amphibious vehicle can travel on land, sea, and waterfront and is provided with: a gas turbine; an electric generator to which output from the gas turbine is transmitted via a first clutch; a water propeller to which the output from the gas turbine is transmitted via a second clutch; a storage battery that is charged with or discharges electric power produced by the electric generator; a motor rotated and driven by electric power supplied from the storage battery; a wheel rotated and driven by rotation and driving of the motor; and a control apparatus that controls the above units. When travelling on land, the control apparatus causes electric power to be supplied from the storage battery to the motor so that a front wheel is rotated and driven by the motor.

Abstract: A modular PTO assembly and an engine system comprising a modular PTO assembly are disclosed. The modular PTO assembly is configured to be mounted and secured to a crankcase of an engine, and includes a front cover positioned on a base plate so as to define a housing. The modular PTO assembly also comprises a power input sprocket mechanically coupled to a power output sprocket via a chain. The power input sprocket is coupled to a nose of a crankshaft and is configured to rotate at an approximately same speed as the crankshaft. The power output sprocket is configured to be coupled to a shaft of an auxiliary component and to rotate at an approximately same speed as the shaft, thereby transferring power from the engine to the auxiliary component.

Abstract: This invention relates to an amphibious vehicle and especially to an amphibious vehicle having twin internal combustion engines propelling the vehicle in water with a pair of water jet drives and propelling the vehicle on land with one of the same engines having an electric generator powering a pair of electric motors each coupled to a track assembly. Each electric motor and each air brakes are controlled separately to steer and brake the track assemblies.

Abstract: This invention relates to an amphibious vehicle and especially to an amphibious vehicle having twin internal combustion engines propelling the vehicle in water with a pair of water jet drives and propelling the vehicle on land with one of the same engines having an automatic transmission controlling a pair of track assemblies with a pair of planetary gears, clutches and disc brakes.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle achieves a stable ride, maneuverability, and high speed. The vehicle includes a hull having a “V” center portion with outboard sponsons. The sponsons reside between the front wheel wells and the rear wheels wells for improving lift and transition to planing. Shallow tunnels begin in rear portions of the front wheel wells and taper into the sponsons to release water trapped in the wheel wells. Inward facing turning edges also reside between the front and rear wheel wells and improve in-water handling. Wheels are retractable by pneumatic cylinders in parallel with air shock absorbers and suspension cutout in the hull allow the suspension to lower through the hull. Flaps reside under suspension members and rise to cover the suspension cutouts when the wheels are retractable when the wheels are raised to reduce drag. A Morse cable couple a rack and pinion unit to a jet drive.

Abstract: A human powered aerodynamic amphibious recumbent vehicle having an outer shell that operates as the cycle exoskeleton, aerodynamic fairing, and boat hull. The vehicle includes a propulsion design adding paddles to the front drive wheels or pairing traditional pedaling to a propeller mounted on a kayak rudder via a flexible axle. Composite materials are used to form the vehicle and allow it to remain lightweight, abrasion tolerant, structurally rigid under rigorous operating conditions, and waterproof. The vehicle can enter and exit the water by riding directly in and out, or can be lifted by one person safely.

Abstract: A streamlined amphibious, catamaran yacht is provided that may serve military or civilian purposes as a passenger or cargo carrying truck, limousine, bus, motor home or recreational vehicle on land, and extend those same functions on water, while matching the functionality and performance of similar length boats. The amphibious yacht includes a continuous reveal on the hull bottom from bow to transom that separates two asymmetric catamaran hulls. This reveal, or hull tunnel, may enhance sea stability and maneuverability, and create lift that helps the hull achieve plane and attain higher water speeds.

Abstract: According to typical practice of the present invention, a vehicle is remotely controlled and is travelable both in water and on land. The vehicle has two liquid-containment components that are situated generally one above the other. Pumping devices bring about transfer of cargo liquid (e.g., fuel or water) from either component to the other component. In accordance with the liquid transfer, the vehicle turns over, about its longitudinal axis, between two generally opposite buoyant positions, each of which is stable and viable for marine navigation. When the flow of the liquid sufficiently shifts weight from one component to the other, the vehicle inverts; that is, the emptying component flips from the bottom to the top, and the filling component flips from the top to the bottom. One of the buoyant positions of the vehicle is characterized by wheels for amphibiously transitioning the vehicle from water travel to land travel.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle that may be driven directly between land and water includes a vehicle with an opposed pair of flotation side hulls and a rear hull. The side hulls are movable between a stowed position above the vehicle and a lowered deployed position outboard thereof. Each side hull is mounted by arm assemblies including an upright bracket fixed to the vehicle and an arm pivotally connected to the bracket that can be extended or retracted linearly by actuators to raise and lower the side hulls. A locking mechanism prevents the extended side hulls from moving laterally but allows vertical adjustment thereof. The side hulls may be horizontally adjusted between compact contracted and extended protracted positions. The rear hull assembly is pivotally mounted to the back of vehicle permitting raising and lowering thereof and includes jet drives providing propulsion for water operation.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle power train having an engine (2) with an output shaft (4), driving an input member (6) of a variable speed change transmission (11). The speed change transmission, which may be a continuously variable transmission is arranged to drive road wheels through an output member (8). The engine also drives a marine propulsion unit (24). The axis of the output member (8) is above the axis of the input member (6). Four wheel drive may be provided (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A vehicle is provided that is amphibious to include submersible operations. The vehicle has wings configured to generate a sufficient dive force to oppose buoyancy of the vehicle, when desired, which are disposed on opposing sides of a central hull. The vehicle is configured to enable easy transition from land operations to water operations, to include water surface travel as well as submerged travel.

Abstract: A streamlined amphibious, catamaran yacht is provided that may serve military or civilian purposes as a passenger or cargo carrying truck, limousine, bus, motor home or recreational vehicle on land, and extend those same functions on water, while matching the functionality and performance of similar length boats. The amphibious yacht includes a continuous reveal on the hull bottom from bow to transom that separates two asymmetric catamaran hulls. This reveal, or hull tunnel, may enhance sea stability and maneuverability, and create lift that helps the hull achieve plane and attain higher water speeds.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle achieves a stable ride, maneuverability, and high speed. The vehicle includes a hull having a “V” center portion with outboard sponsons. The sponsons reside between the front wheel wells and the rear wheels wells for improving lift and transition to planing. Shallow tunnels begin in rear portions of the front wheel wells and taper into the sponsons to release water trapped in the wheel wells. Inward facing turning edges also reside between the front and rear wheel wells and improve in-water handling. Wheels are retractable by pneumatic cylinders in parallel with air shock absorbers and suspension cutout in the hull allow the suspension to lower through the hull. Flaps reside under suspension members and rise to cover the suspension cutouts when the wheels are retractable when the wheels are raised to reduce drag. A Morse cable couple a rack and pinion unit to a jet drive.

Abstract: A combination floating pontoon boat and air-cushion supported hovercraft having a frame and a plurality of pontoons pivotally and retractably mounted to the frame for pontoon boat mode, and a second position extending laterally outward from the frame in hovercraft mode. A skirt is attached to and extends from the frame, the skirt on a first position being retracted against the bottom of the frame. In a second position, the skirt extends downward from the frame and forms an air-receiving pocket beneath the frame for hovercraft operation. A first power system moves the frame through water when the pontoons are in their first position. A second power system drives air into the air-receiving pocket when the skirt is in the second or hovercraft position, and a third power system propels the frame in a longitudinal direction when air is driven into the air-receiving pocket.

Abstract: A three- or four-wheeled amphibian (1) comprises hull (2), body (3), front steered wheel (11) or wheels (11, 11?), and rear wheel (9) or wheels (9, 9?). Each steered wheel is connected to the amphibian by a retractable suspension assembly (10, 10?). Upper and lower suspension arms (14 and 15) have pivotal connections (17) and (18) to inner upright arm (16). Retraction rams (28) are connected to body (3), and can retract the wheels for use on water and protract them for use on land. Wheels (11, 11?) also lean on cornering. The pivotal connections (17, 18) for wheel retraction are also used to facilitate leaning. This may be allowed through rotation of drop link (31) around pivot (32). A motor and gearbox assembly (30) may be attached to body (3) to provide controlled lean when cornering, and to keep the amphibian (1) upright when stationary. Leaning may be powered, or user-initiated. Powered lean correction may be provided.

Abstract: An amphibian with a planing hull having three wheel stations, two at the front of the vehicle and one centrally located at the rear of the vehicle. The amphibian is propelled on land by at least one wheel and in water by at least one impeller or propeller.

Abstract: An amphibian (10) capable of travel on land and on water is provided with a body and a planing hull (12), and three road wheels (20, 24) mounted on retractable suspension 22, 26 which may be protracted for road use, or retracted for use on water; and further comprises ride-on seating (40, FIG. 2) for at least one driver to sit astride the body. Marine propulsion is provided by at least two jet drives (30), which have intakes (32) and nozzles (34). FIG. 3 shows a power train and retractable rear wheel suspension. Steering control may be by handlebars (42, FIG. 2), or by a steering wheel (not shown). The jets may be driven by belts and/or driveshafts. A separate power source may be provided for marine use. A windscreen (44, FIG. 2) may be fitted.

Abstract: An amphibious, all-terrain vehicle utilizing a pair of hydrostatic pumps to independently provide power to hydraulic drive mechanisms of the left and right side of the vehicle respectively. The hydraulic drive mechanisms on a side of the vehicle comprise a plurality of hydraulic wheel motors and a hydraulic propeller motor. Using a novel hydraulic manifold assembly, the vehicle can operate in three distinct modes: wheels only, wheels and propellers, and propellers only. The hydraulic manifold assembly also allow the vehicle to by put in neutral mode for starting. The wheel motors are mounted in a pair of undercarriage assemblies that are outside of the vehicle's body and fluidly connected to the hydraulic manifold assembly thorough a hose chase that extends well above the vehicle's waterline to eliminate the potential for water to enter the body of the vehicle when operated in the water.

Abstract: An amphibious craft has a buoyant raft with a self-bailing upper surface. A cabin or upper is mounted to the raft. An engine/motor selectively drives a pair of wheels or a water drive. A disconnect enables only one drive to be engaged with the engine/motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides, with reference to FIG. 1, an amphibian for use in land and marine modes comprising: a planing hull; three wheel stations, two of the three wheel stations being front wheel stations provided one on each side of and in the front half of the amphibian, and the third wheel station being a rear wheel station provided in a central region in the rear half of the amphibian; at least one wheel provided at each wheel station, each wheel being movable between a protracted land mode position and a retracted marine mode position; land propulsion means to propel the amphibian on land in the land mode, the land propulsion means comprising at least one of the wheels; and marine propulsion means to propel the amphibian on water in the marine mode, the marine propulsion means comprising at least two impellers or propellers provided one on each side of the rear wheel station.

Abstract: Road and marine steering means in an amphibious vehicle are linked so that the ratio between them is variable. In a first embodiment, an arm connects a lever to a steering rack. A cable operates the marine steering means. The lever pivots about a pin, which may be moved along a slot by the motor and gearbox driving screw shaft. At pin position A, full road steering travel x is achieved with minimal marine steering travel. At pin position B, road and marine steering have equal travel x?; and at position C, full marine steering travel z is achieved with minimal road steering travel y. In a further embodiment, a lever arm fixed to steering rack casing has a cam profile constraining pin. Full marine steering travel z of the cable is achieved over rack travel y. The steering wheel controls both road and marine steering.

Abstract: An amphibious, all-terrain vehicle utilizing a pair of hydrostatic pumps to independently provide power to hydraulic drive mechanisms of the left and right side of the vehicle respectively. The hydraulic drive mechanisms on a side of the vehicle comprise a plurality of hydraulic wheel motors and a hydraulic propeller motor. Using a novel hydraulic manifold assembly, the vehicle can operate in three distinct modes: wheels only, wheels and propellers, and propellers only. The hydraulic manifold assembly also allow the vehicle to by put in neutral mode for starting. The wheel motors are mounted in a pair of undercarriage assemblies that are outside of the vehicle's body and fluidly connected to the hydraulic manifold assembly thorough a hose chase that extends well above the vehicle's waterline to eliminate the potential for water to enter the body of the vehicle when operated in the water.

Abstract: A power train for an amphibious vehicle includes an engine and transaxle arranged North-South, driving front, rear, or all four road wheels. A power take off with optional decoupler and constant velocity joint drives marine drive means. The power take off may be taken from the input shaft of the transmission, and may use a synchronizer. The transaxle includes a differential. The rear wheels may be set back from the differential outputs, with intermediate drive by chains or belts. A sandwich type power take off may also be used. In the four wheel drive embodiment, a power take off is required from the rear differential. Decouplers may be provided in at least one wheel drive shaft on each driven axles.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle has retractable wheels (2, 3) attached to hubs (2), and a planing hull (10, 11, 3). Front wheels are arranged to be steered by a power assisted transversely mounted element (16), which may be a rack and pinion unit. The element may be linked to the wheels by links (14, 14?), which fold up to position (14?) when the wheels are retracted. Actuating rod (28) is mounted to said element, and arranged for transverse movement. A flexible coupling means, such as cable (34) and sleeve (36), connects rod (28) to a steerable part (42, 4) of a marine propulsion unit, to effect marine steering. Road and marine steering may be operable simultaneously. More than one front steered axle, and/or marine propulsion unit, may be fitted. The steering system is readily adapted to all kinds of power assisted steering, and also to “steer by wire”.

Abstract: A planing amphibious vehicle with retractable wheels and a sit-astride seat having dimensions that impart enhanced capability in both land as well as water modes of operation. The beam, track, dead rise angle and the location of the handlebars cooperate to enhance freeboard and ground clearance without sacrificing manoeuvrability. The length is at least 1800 mm; the beam is at least 800 mm; the deadrise angle at least 3°; and the center of rotation of steering control is located near the halfway distance from transom to bow.

Abstract: The planing surface of amphibious vehicle hull (2), with reference to (FIG. 2), comprises at least one discontinuity, e.g. wheel arch recesses (12) to (15). The wheels may be retractable. Access is required to the full arch aperture during vehicle manufacture, but not in use. To maximize the planing area, planing plates (9, 11) are provided. These are fixed in position in both land and marine modes; but may be removable for maintenance. At least one plate may comprise at least part of a strake (22, 25) attached to, or incorporated in, its underside. Such strake section(s) may be sacrificial, and may be made from rubber. A trim tab (30, FIG. 9), may be provided aft of a rear planing plate, and may be hinged thereto. The plates may include water drains and jacking apertures. A ride plate (38, FIG. 1) may be provided between two planing plates, and may be integral therewith.

Abstract: A planing amphibious vehicle has at least one trim tab at its stern. A vehicle control system includes a mode change controller and a trim tab controller. The mode change controller informs the trim tab controller when a mode change event is taking place. The trim tab controller retracts the trim tabs if the mode change is from marine to land mode; and deploys the tabs if the change is from land mode to marine mode, to assist the vehicle in rising on to the plane. The controller may also retract the tabs if the vehicle reverses; and deploy the tabs if a change is made from reverse to forward motion. The vehicle control system may connect to actuators and sensors for retractable road wheels, which may use hydropneumatic struts. Safeguards against system faults and/or erroneous switch operation are included. Road wheel drive decouples are used; a marine drive decoupler may also be fitted.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle achieves a stable ride, maneuverability, and high speed. The vehicle includes a hull having a “V” center portion with outboard sponsons. The sponsons reside between the front wheel wells and the rear wheels wells for improving lift and transition to planing. Shallow tunnels begin in rear portions of the front wheel wells and taper into the sponsons to release water trapped in the wheel wells. Inward facing turning edges also reside between the front and rear wheel wells and improve in-water handling. Wheels are retractable by pneumatic cylinders in parallel with air shock absorbers and suspension cutout in the hull allow the suspension to lower through the hull. Flaps reside under suspension members and rise to cover the suspension cutouts when the wheels are retractable when the wheels are raised to reduce drag. A Morse cable couple a rack and pinion unit to a jet drive.

Abstract: A self propelled conveyance is disclosed having an extendable frame. A floor pan is attached to the inner perimeter of the extendable frame and a driver's seat is disposed on a front to back center line of the floor pan. A pair of front wheels are attached to the extendable frame. The front wheels extend beyond the outer perimeter of the frame. A rear wheel assembly is one or two individual wheels separated by a short distance. Like the front wheels, the rear wheel assemble extends beyond the outer perimeter of the frame. Passenger seats are disposed behind the driver seat and each of the passenger seats are offset from the center line of the conveyance. Because the wheels extend beyond the perimeter of the frame, they act as active collision shock absorbers in collisions.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle power train having an engine (2) with an output shaft (4), driving an input member (6) of a variable speed change transmission (11). The speed change transmission, which may be a continuously variable transmission is arranged to drive road wheels through an output member (8). The engine also drives a marine propulsion unit (24). The axis of the output member (8) is above the axis of the input member (6). Four wheel drive may be provided (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A power train for an amphibious vehicle includes an engine and transaxle arranged North-South, driving front, rear, or all four road wheels. A power take off with optional decoupler and constant velocity joint drives marine drive means. The power take off may be taken from the input shaft of the transmission, and may use a synchronizer. The transaxle includes a differential. The rear wheels may be set back from the differential outputs, with intermediate drive by chains or belts. A sandwich type power take off may also be used. In the four wheel drive embodiment, a power take off is required from the rear differential. Decouplers may be provided in at least one wheel drive shaft on each driven axles.

Abstract: Amphibious vehicle (10), with reference to FIG. 1, which may plane on water, has a propulsion system comprising prime mover (20), power transmission means (30), marine propulsion means (40), and land propulsion means (50). Vehicle (10) is operable in marine mode or land mode. Common controls are used on land and water, the steering control travel may be the same in each mode. Power is transmitted to the marine propulsion means in marine mode; and to both marine and land propulsion means in land mode. The power transmission ratio between land and marine propulsion means may be variable in land mode. The propulsion control means (60) may comprise electronic processing means and/or electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or electromechanical actuation devices, or any combination thereof. Prime mover (20) may comprise an internal combustion engine; an electric motor, a fuel cell; a hybrid engine; or any combination thereof. The transmission means may be mechanical, electric, or hydraulic.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle has retractable road wheels to allow planing over water. Power to the road wheels is disconnected automatically as the wheels are retracted. This may be achieved through a cable attached to a suspension rocker arm to disconnect a dog clutch attached to the input shaft of a differential as the wheels are retracted; and vice versa. The system may be fitted to a steered axle or to any suitable retractable suspension system.

Abstract: A sit-astride amphibious vehicle configuration which supports a high performance envelope both on land as well as in water. The vehicle has a planing hull and four retractable wheels. Handlebars provide for directional control in both modes of operation. Each road wheel is retractable by pivoting through at least 45° so as to maximize ground clearance when in the land mode of operation and to minimize drag at substantial lean angles when in the marine mode of operation. While a jet drive may remain directly connected to the engine at all times, the driven wheels are only connected during land mode via a speed-change transmission. The entire power train is supported by a frame that is separable from the hull which in turn has a detachable top deck portion, whereby such configuration simplifies the construction, repair and servicing of the vehicle.

Abstract: A planning amphibious vehicle with retractable wheels and a sit-astride seat having dimensions that impart enhanced capability in both land as well as water modes of operation. The beam, track, dead rise angle and the location of the handlebars cooperate to enhance freeboard and ground clearance without sacrificing maneuverability. The length is at least 1800 mm; the beam is at least 1250 mm; the deadrise angle at least 3°; and the center of rotation of steering control is located near the halfway distance from transom to bow.

Abstract: A water-tight compartment for containing a penetration point on the hull of an amphibious vehicle, comprising a bottom panel comprising the hull of the amphibious vehicle; a forward panel of the box comprising a forward bulkhead of the amphibious vehicle; a rearward panel of the box comprising a rearward bulkhead of the amphibious vehicle; two lateral panels; and a top panel; wherein the panels are joined together in a water-tight manner and wherein there is a water-tight penetration point for a drive shaft in at least one of the panels.

Abstract: A boot for covering a steering knuckle of an amphibious vehicle comprising a flexible tube having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises a molded groove for seating a first clamp, and wherein the second end comprises a straight cuff for clamping with a second clamp onto a flange of the steering mechanism of the amphibious vehicle.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle has a power train including an engine having an oil sump connected to a lower portion of the engine an in-line transmission and a power take off. The power take off is located between the engine and the transmission thereby separating the engine and the transmission, is driven by the engine crankshaft and drives the transmission; and is adapted to transfer drive to a marine propulsion unit located at the rear of the amphibious vehicle by means of a drive shaft which runs below or through the oil sump of the engine or alongside the engine. The output from the transmission is adapted by a transfer drive to drive a differential located at the rear of the amphibious vehicle; and optionally also to drive a front differential, to provide all-wheel-drive The vehicle may have a vee-type hull or a cathedral type hull; and may comprise retractable suspension, with angled retraction.

Abstract: Apparatus to convert an all terrain vehicle into an amphibious off-road vehicle. A buoyant unitary structure is fitted to the all terrain vehicle with releasable fasteners. The buoyant unitary structure includes one or more internal air pockets, and a hollow compartment to accommodate the legs and feet of a user of the amphibious vehicle.

Abstract: Amphibious vehicle comprises longitudinally mounted prime mover, transmission, and offset final drive; with drive outputs; and a power take off. Outputs drive front and rear differentials, via optional decouplers. Power take off powers drive tube, independently from co-axial rear propshaft. Tube powers sprockets via belt or chain; gears could be used here. Optional marine decoupler drives shaft, and thus water jet pump. A power train with front wheel drive only; a dead rear axle is provided. A power train with rear wheel drive only; a dead front axle is provided. Prime mover may be offset parallel to centre line; and may be an engine or an electric motor, possibly powered by a fuel cell. The power take off may be in the form of a drive spline.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle for land and water use comprises a main mono hull section and a pair of port and starboard sponsons which are movable from a stowed position under a main vehicle deck adjacent to the mono hull and a fully deployed position in which the sponsons are spaced apart from the mono hull by at least one hull width. The sponsons are each pivotally connected to the main hull by means of a pair of respective arms which together with the sponson and the hull define a parallel type four bar linkage. The sponsons stabilise the vehicle on water and are readily stowed to allow vehicle mobility on land.

Abstract: Power train or an amphibious vehicle having an engine, transmission, and transfer case position in-line with longitudinal vehicle axis towards the rear of the vehicle, with transmission output facing the front of the vehicle. The transfer drive drives the rear wheels via propeller shaft, which extends adjacent the engine to rear differential. A marine drive PTO (power take off) may be taken from a shaft from the transfer case, from the propeller shaft, or from engine crankshaft pulley. Marine drive shaft may run below the engine, or alongside it, on the opposite side of the engine from propeller shaft. Decouplers may be provided to the PTO drive, to at least one rear wheel, and on the optional front axle propeller shaft.

Abstract: The amphibious vehicle is a motorized vehicle capable of travel on land as well as in the water. The amphibious vehicle has a boat-like hull, and a caterpillar track assembly mounted along each side by hinges. The tracks are arranged so that they can be rotated between a lowered position, where they support the amphibious vehicle and provide traction and propulsion during land operation, and a raised position, where they rest vertically on or above the hull's deck during marine operation. With the caterpillar track assemblies in the raised position, the caterpillar track assemblies are fully removed from the water to improve performance and maneuverability. Additionally, with the tracks in their upright position the overall width of the amphibious vehicle is narrowed to facilitate trailering. The tracks employ hydraulic motors in a direct drive configuration for propulsion, reducing weight and complexity of the tracks.