Patents Examined by Stephen P. Anna
  • Patent number: 5176098
    Abstract: A vehicle having a steerable wheel has a mechanism for retracting the wheel into a compartment in the vehicle. The mechanism comprises a pillar (23) mounted to the vehicle within the compartment at two spaced positions, preferably at the top and bottom of the pillar. A steering arm (26) fixed to the pillar is movable to rotate the pillar (23) about its own axis. A collar (22) is slidably mounted on the pillar (23) but rotatable with the pillar. The collar (22) carries wheel forks (21) on which a pair of wheels is mounted on stub axles. The wheels are turned by rotation of the collar as a result of the steering action on the pillar, and their height is altered by raising and lowering the position of the collar on the pillar. The mechanism is applicable for use in amphibious craft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Cardox Limited
    Inventor: David A. C. Royle