Wheellike Patents (Class 440/100)
  • Patent number: 10127827
    Abstract: Disclosed is an underwater safety training device. More particularly, the disclosure relates to an egress chair for use in training individuals on how to egress from a submerged vehicle. In accordance with the disclosure, the present egress trainer is lightweight so that it can be manipulated and moved by a single individual. It can also be dissembled for storage and transport. The trainer includes floatable wheel pods that allow the device to float and balance upon the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Inventor: Armando R. Alonso
  • Patent number: 9856002
    Abstract: The present watercraft comprises a hull, and a flotation structure. The hull has a length overall and a beam. The flotation structure protrudes under the hull. The flotation structure supports a plurality of buoyant toothed rollers. Each buoyant toothed roller is substantially parallel to a beam of the hull. Each buoyant toothed roller is also rotationally retained by the flotation structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Gilles Nadeau
  • Patent number: 9533536
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventor: Daniel S. Crough
  • Patent number: 9493047
    Abstract: An amphibious unicycle, comprising an annular casing having an accommodation cavity; two sides of the annular casing are respectively provided with openings communicating with the accommodation cavity; the openings are provided with doors for closing the openings; the doors are rotatably connected to the annular casing; the two sides of the annular casing are respectively provided with annularly arranged external rotor motors; the external rotors of the external rotor motors are provided with a plurality of drainage holes therein arranged along the circumference of the external rotors; the accommodation cavity is provided with a power system for driving the unicycle to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: SHENZHEN ZHIYOU BATTERY INTEGRATION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Shugang Gong, Bo Fu, Lei Peng, Yiguo Xu, Yun Chen
  • Patent number: 9365088
    Abstract: In one possible embodiment, an amphibious unmanned aerial vehicle is provided, which includes a fuselage comprised of a buoyant material. Separators within the fuselage form separate compartments within the fuselage. Mounts associated with the compartments for securing waterproof aircraft components within the fuselage. The compartments each have drainage openings in the fuselage extending from the interior of the fuselage to the exterior of the fuselage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: AeroVironment, Inc.
    Inventors: Pavel Belik, Thomas Szarek, Gabriel E. Torres, Vernon P. Fraye
  • Patent number: 9248896
    Abstract: A paddle device. First and second paddle assemblies each have a paddle blade extending from a paddle end of a paddle arm so that the paddle structures each have a paddle blade end and a paddle arm end. A hand crankable crank shaft arrangement have a center and first and second ends and having handle segments. The paddle arm end of the first paddle structure is coupled to the first end of the crank shaft arrangement and the paddle arm end of the second paddle structure is coupled to the second end of the crank shaft arrangement. First and second handle grips are rotatably coupled to the crank shaft arrangement so as to permit the crank shaft arrangement to rotate with respect to the first and second handle grips when the crankshaft arrangement is cranked. This abstract is not to be considered limiting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Inventor: Ronald Wayne Bergman
  • Patent number: 7191721
    Abstract: A hull-less naval vessel includes a platform completely raised from the liquid medium by of rotating floating elements fixed beneath the platform by of ball bearings. Through the lifting effect of the floating elements, the vessel will glide on the liquid surface without ploughing it; forward movement will take place almost completely in the air, thus achieving a considerable energy savings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Mario Franchetta
  • Patent number: 5669858
    Abstract: An inflatable structure having a trampoline-type floor with an inflatable framework projecting upwardly therefrom and having netting panels extending between adjacent portions of said framework to prevent a child from inadvertently bouncing out of the structure, with at least one of said panels having releasable fastening means to allow opening of said one of said panels as a door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventors: Rodney Lee Blair, Philip G. Chauvet
  • Patent number: 5592894
    Abstract: A spidercraft supported by a wave rider pod consisting of very large tires and ground effect wings connected to a suspension system to absorb the shocks from planing over rough seas or rolling over rough terrain. It is a craft which possesses at least one hull or cabin, at least one support arm with a suspension system, and at least one flotation tire. The suspension system with springs and shock absorbers allows the wave rider pod to move in concert with the waves or rough terrain while the cabin of the craft remains relatively stable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Herrick J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5417598
    Abstract: A life saving device which permits controlled movement by a user through the water comprising a pair of inflatable tubular paddle wheels having a plurality of rigid bars connecting the wheels. A person lying on his back and pulling down on each successive bar causes the wheels to rotate while paddles on the wheels then cause the unit to move through the water pulling the operator with it. The unit may be carried in its deflated state on the person or stowed in a boat as are present day life jackets or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Stauffer
  • Patent number: 5299523
    Abstract: A lightweight floatable vehicle which includes an articulated main frame to which a variety of earthworking and dredging equipment may be mounted and which is supported and propelled by four independently powered, hollow, generally circular pods which are positioned below the main frame. The pods are adjustably mounted to outriggers from the main frame so that the surface contact area of the pods may be altered to adjust the buoyancy, traction and weight distribution of the vehicle. A plurality of cleats are provided along the lower and outer Surfaces of each pod for purposes of providing traction and propulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Kempco, Inc.
    Inventors: Mihaly Kovacs, Peter Kovacs, Endro Kovacs
  • Patent number: 5294187
    Abstract: A hollow wheel is rotatively mounted on a vehicle about an axis of rotation defining an acute angle with the vertical. This wheel comprises a first convex side wall having an outer face defining a circular and axially tapering tread centered on the axis of rotation, and a second side wall spaced apart from and connected to the first side wall to form the hollow wheel. A tube, centered on the axis of rotation, interconnects the first and second side walls to receive an axle. The tread is generally conical and presents a convex cross section. Preferably, the interconnected first and second side walls form a water-tight hollow body presenting buoyancy. The hollow wheel can be used on ground, water and snow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Inventor: Gerald Racicot
  • Patent number: 5178088
    Abstract: An amphibious vehicle has a hull with a seat portion formed on its upper side. An operator seated upon the seat would straddle the hull. The hull has a flotation body for buoyancy and four hollow, cylindrical wheels also contribute to the buoyancy. Handlebars are used to steer the wheels and to operate a rudder so that the amphibious vehicle may be operated on firm, sandy, soft, and liquid surfaces. The wheels have vanes which radiate outwardly and curve counterclockwise, viewing each wheel in the foreground and the hull in the background. This causes the vaned wheels to grip soil or mud and to channel water rearwardly to propel the amphibious vehicle forwardly. The vehicle is propelled by a pedaling mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Inventor: Allegra E. Howard
  • Patent number: 5149118
    Abstract: An all-terrain wheelchair comprising a frame constructed of tubular air-filled frame members to enable the wheelchair to be amphibious. A pair of rear drive wheels are rotatably mounted on the rear of the frame and are controlled by ratchet arms operatively connected thereto. A front wheel is rotatably mounted on the frame at the forward end thereof. If additional floatation is required, floatation tanks may be secured to the frame. A paddle wheel is operatively secured to each of the rear wheels when the wheelchair is being used in the water to provide propulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Inventor: Stuart G. Oxford
  • Patent number: 5013269
    Abstract: A modular navigation vessel having rotating floats includes a forward module ending in a stem, a central module in the form of a caisson and a rear module, all three modules being ridigly assembled by means of removable connection means. The modules are provided with lateral walls which are connected together in an uninterrupted manner to form a regular hull from the stem to the stern, where at least the second and third modules are equipped with axles carrying rotating floats having a size which keeps the hull entirely above the surface of the water. The floats are equipped in the vicinity of their periphery with a plurality of rigid paddles which are spaced at a constant angle from one another and have a concave shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignees: Auguste Legoy, Alain Quibel, Marthe Saillard, Claude Legoy, Philippe Legoy, Annick Legoy, Yvette Hamel, Anne-Sophie Quibel, Pierre Quibel, Vincent Quibel
    Inventors: Auguste Legoy, Alain Quibel
  • Patent number: 4926777
    Abstract: An aquatic wheelchair having a main flotation body of thermoplastic material of closed cell construction including a seat portion and an integral backrest portion. Flotation paddle wheels are connected to the seat portion and a flotation stabilizer wheel assembly is detachably connected to the backrest portion. The flotation paddle wheels are constructed and arranged to facilitate the grasping thereof by the user for manually propelling the wheelchair not only on soft terrain but also in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Inventor: Frederick B. Davis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4857022
    Abstract: An amphibious vessel has at least two substantially parallel, elongate flotation members (2, 3) which operate on water as hulls. Each flotation members (2, 3) is rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof so as to be rollable over land. The rotation of one flotation member (2) may be power-driven, while another flotation member (3) may be steerable during travel over land.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Inventor: David M. Slonim
  • Patent number: 4842561
    Abstract: An aquatic vehicle for transporting passengers at high speeds over water, the vehicle having an elongated body with an enclosed cabin for accommodating passengers, wheels for sustaining the body above water, axles projecting from the body to the wheels, inflated tires with oval cross-sections, partitions extending in the tires radially outward from the axles so as to form hermetically sealed and watertight chambers to maintain floatability even after a portion of the tires becomes damaged, and a turbine for propelling the body on the surface of the water. The wheels are freely rotatable and free of any transmission means from the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Inventor: Carlos J. Perrone
  • Patent number: 4655717
    Abstract: A seatless pedal operated vehicular sports device capable of moving our firm surfaces, soft surfaces or liquid surfaces, comprises a seatless frame, a fork having downwardly extending prongs secured for pivotal movement on a forward portion of the frame, the fork having handlebars at its upper end and a front wheel in the form of a hollow cylinder rotatable between its tines. The frame at its lower rear end rotatably carries a cranked pedal assembly disposed between and secured rigidly to two rear wheels in the form of hollow cylinders. The parts are so arranged that the user's weight is borne jointly by the pedal assembly and the handlebars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Assignee: Tecnoteam S.N.C. di Tardito Dario e Cartella Pietro
    Inventor: Pietro Cartella
  • Patent number: 4631037
    Abstract: A self-propelled pontoon aquatic vehicle is presented which comprises a central pontoon having a seat, pedals and steering mechanism thereon. Paddle wheels are located on either side of the pontoon and include an inner tube with cleats fused thereon surrounding a foamed core. Preferably, the pontoon is comprised of a foamed plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1986
    Inventor: James Dickens
  • Patent number: 4505346
    Abstract: A rolling vehicle having a generally spherical cage-like body with a diametrical axle on which a pod is suspended within the cage structure. The pod contains a propulsion unit which provides thrust for driving the vehicle in a particular direction and also carries aerodynamic lift and control surfaces. When the vehicle is rolling, the lifting surfaces reduce the bearing load of the vehicle on the supporting surface and the control surfaces provide directional control. Outrigger stabilizing wheels on the ends of the axle provide basic stability and can be made of buoyant material for operation on water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Assignees: Leonard E. Mueller, Carl R. Brown
    Inventor: Leonard E. Mueller
  • Patent number: 4432735
    Abstract: A buoyant apparatus for transport or amusement which is propelled by a human operator in a standing position. An annular float has a platform secured to its upper side and a plurality of circumferentially spaced fins extending from its lower side. Struts with pontoons are removably connectable to a rotatable mast which extends through the platform. When a human operator strands on an outer ring portion of the platform, the pontoons float in the water and stabilize the annular float in an inclined position, raising the fins on one side of the float out of the water. When the operator walks forwardly, counteracting the torque by holding a paddle against a strut, forward propulsion results. When sufficient skill is acquired, the struts and pontoons are disconnected from the mast, and the operator drags the buoyant paddle in the water to provide balance and counteract torque sufficiently to result in forward propulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1984
    Inventor: Constant V. David
  • Patent number: 4395237
    Abstract: An amphibious vehicle comprises a bicycle wherein the ends of the front wheel shaft and the rear wheel hub shaft are laterally outwardly projected; a water-surface floating apparatus composed of floats each being provided with a foldable air-tight bag and float mounting members therefor loosely rotatable on each of the opposite sides of the bicycle on the front wheel shaft and the rear wheel shaft; a water-surface propulsion apparatus driven through rotation of the rear wheel; and a water-surface steering apparatus mounted on the front wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1983
    Inventor: Yaichi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 4379701
    Abstract: A buoyant apparatus propelled by a human operator has a pair of side by side annular floats and a pontoon rotatably mounted at the corners of a triangular frame. A pair of platforms are each mounted on the upperside of one of the annular floats. A plurality of paddles are mounted on the undersides of the floats at circumferentially spaced locations. The rotational axes of the floats converge upwardly, and the buoyancy of the floats is such that a person can be buoyantly supported in the water by the apparatus with the outboard portions of the floats raised out of the water sufficiently to result in forward propulsion when the person rotates the adjacent inboard portions of the floats rearwardly. This rotation may be done by the person engaging and rearwardly pushing the inboard portions of the platforms with his or her feet while sitting or standing. Alternatively, the floats may be rotated through a pedal drive operated by the person in a sitting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1983
    Inventor: Constant V. David
  • Patent number: 4348195
    Abstract: A boat hull is provided with a series of steps which are angled toward the center of the hull from the front to the rear of the hull. In order to permit easy riding up of the hull on the steps progressively, as the speed of the hull is increased, the steps are carried over the side of the hull above the normal water line of the hull when the boat is stationary. As the power is increased, the wetted area of the hull is progressively decreased and the friction of the hull and its resistance to forward motion is progressively decreased as the hull rides further out of the water. The principles as described above are applicable to airplane hulls, the wheels of amphibious vehicles, and other variations of normal type boat hulls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1982
    Inventor: George H. Lantz
  • Patent number: 4273544
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle for transporting one or more riders upon a body of water with power supplied by the rider(s) to both a pair of front and a pair of rear wheels which have sufficient buoyancy to support the vehicle and rider(s), preferably with all non-rotating above the surface of the water. One or more gear members, disclosed in several embodiments, are mounted on the vehicle frame for rotation by the rider(s) about an axis parallel to and intermediate of the front and rear axles. A device is provided for transmitting rotation of the gear member(s) to the axles and wheels in one or both directions. In alternate versions, the left and right wheels on one or both axles may be rotated independently for steering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1981
    Inventor: Charles E. Smith