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.

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 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 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: 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 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 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 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 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 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: An exhaust cooling system of an amphibious vehicle operable in land and marine modes comprises an exhaust system to be cooled, at least one air-liquid heat exchanger, and coolant liquid in thermal communication with the exhaust system to be cooled and the air-liquid heat exchanger(s) and heated by the exhaust system. When the amphibious vehicle is operated, the coolant liquid is cooled by the air-liquid heat exchanger(s). Optionally, at least one liquid-liquid heat exchanger may be provided and the coolant liquid cooled by the liquid-liquid heat exchanger(s). The vehicle may plane, and have retractable road wheels. The air-liquid heat exchanger(s) may be mounted at the front or rear of the vehicle, or elsewhere.

Abstract: A power train configuration for an amphibious vehicle especially well suited for sit-astride applications. A prime mover drives a marine propulsion unit and/or at least one road wheel wherein the such road wheel is driven through a speed-change transmission. The speed-transmission is positioned above or below the axis of the prime mover's output shaft and preferably such that its input and output shafts are aligned at an angle of up to 90 degrees relative to the vehicle's longitudinal and lateral axes and/or the axis of the prime mover's output shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle steering arrangement for an amphibious vehicle having retractable steered wheels with which the steering input to such wheels is automatically substantially curtailed upon retraction of the wheels. Retraction of the wheels causes a steering link to swing toward its steering axis to thereby reduce its effective radius while steering input to a marine propulsion remains unchanged. The reduced steering input to the wheels reduces space needed to accommodate the wheels in their retracted position.

Abstract: An exhaust cooling system of an amphibious vehicle operable in land and marine modes comprises an exhaust system to be cooled, at least one air-liquid heat exchanger, at least one liquid-liquid heat exchanger, and coolant liquid in thermal communication with the exhaust system to be cooled, the air-liquid heat exchanger(s) and/or the liquid-liquid heat exchanger(s) and heated by the exhaust system. When the amphibious vehicle is operated in land mode, the coolant liquid is cooled by the air-liquid heat exchanger(s). When the vehicle is operated in marine mode, the coolant liquid is cooled by the liquid-liquid heat exchanger(s). The air-liquid heat exchanger(s) may also be used on water. The vehicle may plane, and have retractable road wheels. The air-liquid heat exchanger(s) may be mounted at the front or rear of the vehicle, or elsewhere.

Abstract: An exhaust cooling system of an amphibious vehicle operable in land and marine modes comprises an exhaust system to be cooled, at least one air-liquid heat exchanger, at least one liquid-liquid heat exchanger, and coolant liquid in thermal communication with the exhaust system to be cooled, the air-liquid heat exchanger(s) and/or the liquid-liquid heat exchanger(s) and heated by the exhaust system. When the amphibious vehicle is operated in land mode, the coolant liquid is cooled by the air-liquid heat exchanger(s). When the vehicle is operated in marine mode, the coolant liquid is cooled by the liquid-liquid heat exchanger(s). The air-liquid heat exchanger(s) may also be used on water. The vehicle may plane, and have retractable road wheels. The air-liquid heat exchanger(s) may be mounted at the front or rear of the vehicle, or elsewhere.

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 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: 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: Amphibious vehicle having road wheels which are retractable to allow planing. Each wheel suspension is protractable through a gap in the planing surface of the hull. To reduce hydrodynamic drag and improve marine handling, covers are provided which cover such gaps when the wheels are retracted. These covers may be hinged parallel to a longitudinal, or to a transverse, axis of the vehicle or may be otherwise connected to the hull.