CA2177463A1 - Float system for atv - Google Patents
Float system for atvInfo
- Publication number
- CA2177463A1 CA2177463A1 CA002177463A CA2177463A CA2177463A1 CA 2177463 A1 CA2177463 A1 CA 2177463A1 CA 002177463 A CA002177463 A CA 002177463A CA 2177463 A CA2177463 A CA 2177463A CA 2177463 A1 CA2177463 A1 CA 2177463A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- atv
- wheel
- flotation
- float
- wheels
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60F—VEHICLES FOR USE BOTH ON RAIL AND ON ROAD; AMPHIBIOUS OR LIKE VEHICLES; CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES
- B60F3/00—Amphibious vehicles, i.e. vehicles capable of travelling both on land and on water; Land vehicles capable of travelling under water
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60F—VEHICLES FOR USE BOTH ON RAIL AND ON ROAD; AMPHIBIOUS OR LIKE VEHICLES; CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES
- B60F3/00—Amphibious vehicles, i.e. vehicles capable of travelling both on land and on water; Land vehicles capable of travelling under water
- B60F3/0007—Arrangement of propulsion or steering means on amphibious vehicles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60F—VEHICLES FOR USE BOTH ON RAIL AND ON ROAD; AMPHIBIOUS OR LIKE VEHICLES; CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES
- B60F3/00—Amphibious vehicles, i.e. vehicles capable of travelling both on land and on water; Land vehicles capable of travelling under water
- B60F3/003—Parts or details of the vehicle structure; vehicle arrangements not otherwise provided for
- B60F3/0038—Flotation, updrift or stability devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60F—VEHICLES FOR USE BOTH ON RAIL AND ON ROAD; AMPHIBIOUS OR LIKE VEHICLES; CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES
- B60F3/00—Amphibious vehicles, i.e. vehicles capable of travelling both on land and on water; Land vehicles capable of travelling under water
- B60F3/0061—Amphibious vehicles specially adapted for particular purposes or of a particular type
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
- B63H5/00—Arrangements on vessels of propulsion elements directly acting on water
- B63H5/02—Arrangements on vessels of propulsion elements directly acting on water of paddle wheels, e.g. of stern wheels
Abstract
A float system for all wheel drive ATV in which two lateral floats are detachably secured along the sides of the ATV. The floats are so dimensioned and positioned as to permit unassisted entry into the water and beaching without changing the height of the floats relative to the chassis of the ATV.
Paddle wheels on the rear axle provide propulsion while a rudder assembly in close proximity behind the paddle wheels allow steering of the ATV when waterborne.
Paddle wheels on the rear axle provide propulsion while a rudder assembly in close proximity behind the paddle wheels allow steering of the ATV when waterborne.
Description
21 77~63 This invention relates to a float system for all-wheel drive ATV of the type used by hunters and fishermen and also by some workers in various trades such as public utilities workers responsible for the maintenance of power or telephone lines or antennaes, for travelling along trails and unprepared terrain.
As used herein, the expression "ATV" which stands for all-terrain vehicle, means a small recreational motorized vehicle having at least 2 ground engaging wheels, designed primarily for off-road riding and having, in the case of a 4 wheel vehicle, a gross vehicle weight of the order of 500 kg or in the case of a six wheel vehicle, a gross vehicle weight of the order of 1,000 kg.
Gross vehicle weight comprises the weight of the ATV in condition for use, a 90 kg operator on board, filled fuel tank and load capacity.
Over the past few years, ATV having 4 ground engaging wheels (hereinafter referred to as "4 wheel ATV") have become increasingly popular on account of their superior stability as compared with (2 wheel) ATV
motorcycles and 3 wheel ATV derived from motorcycle technology. A good number of manufacturers of recreational vehicles are now offering different versions of 4 wheel ATV powered by small air cooled or liquid cooled engines driving the two rear wheels and in some cases, equipped with four-wheel drive (hereinafter referred to as "all-wheel drive") capability. A typical present day 4 wheel ATV is that offered by Polaris Industries L.P. under the trade-mark XPLORER. It is powered by a 378 cc liquid cooled two-stroke engine driving the rear wheels through a variable ratio transmission, for normal operation and featuring four wheel drive. The dry weight of this ATV iS 258.6 kg. The front wheels use 25 inch tires (at the front 8 inch wide and 12 inch inner diameter, at the rear 12 inch wide and 10 inch inner diameter) giving a front load capacity of 40 kg and a rear load capacity of 80 kg. The dry weight of this ATV is about 260 kg and its gross vehicle weight is 480 kg. This manufacturer also offers 6 wheel ATV which share numerous components and characteristics with its 4 wheel ATV models, except that the 6 wheel versions are provided with two solid driven rear wheel axles with a cargo bed disposed behind the seat of the operator. The 1995 6 wheel ATV sold under the trade-mark POLARIS 400 6 x 6 has a dry weight of 390 kg, a cargo bed capacity of about 360 kg and a gross vehicle weight of 875 kg. The front wheels use 25 inch tires all around, 8 x 12 inches at the front and 12 x 10 for the center and rear wheels.
4 wheel ATV and ATV that have in excess of 4 wheels (hereinafter collectively "4+wheel ATV") enable a person to travel over unprepared terrain and forest 2~ 77463 trails with ease, speed and relatively high degree of safety for the rider. It is possible to cross water covered surfaces and streams as long as the water depth does not exceed the height of the footrests. It is extremely dangerous to attempt to use an ATV when the depth of the water is greater than the height of the ATV
footrests because the presence of large tires and the resultant loss of pressure on the ground may cause loss of control of the ATV. Consequently, the users of ATVs must be extremely cautious to avoid any attempts to cross deep or fast flowing streams. It goes without saying that 4+wheel ATV have no amphibian capabilities. As a result, the range of these ATV is abruptly curtailed whenever a body of water is encountered. At that point, unless one is lucky enough to find a bridge or a trail which leads to a bridge or follows the contour of the lake, a watercraft is needed to proceed further. Some may be tempted to load the ATV on board the watercraft, but this is a most perilous solution at best and it must not be discarded. Hence, once on the other side of the body of water, chances are the ATV rider will have no choice but to continue on foot.
The object of this invention is to increase the range and capabilities of 4+wheel ATV equipped with all-wheel drive capability by giving them the ability to enter into water, circulate on the surface of the water within at least a limited range and under favourable 2~ 77~b3 conditions, and come out of the water without any assistance. An ATV with such amphibian capability would enable fishermen or hunters or public utilities workers to reach far greater distances and reduce the risk of accidents due to attempts at crossing streams where all of a sudden water may be too deep or too fast flowing, or with attempts at loading an ATV into a small watercraft to cross a river or lake.
United States Patent number 4,494,937 issued on January 22, 1985 to Fred H. Riermann describes a U-shape structure with flotation pontoons, which is attached onto a 3 wheel ATV equipped with high flotation wheels. A mechanism is provided to raise the pontoons when the 3 wheel ATV enters or leaves the water and to lower the pontoons when the ATV is in the water. This arrangement makes it virtually impossible to leave the water without outside assistance due to lack of traction when the rear wheels are not in contact with the ground.
Indeed, rotation of the rear wheels and paddles thereon provides insufficient driving force to overtake gravitational and other forces acting upon the ATV when coming out of the water with an operator on board.
United States Patent number 4,687,447 issued on August 18, 1986 to Gerald J. Hannappel describes a series of easily attached and detached equipments for a ~_ -5-3 wheel ATV to make it more functional. One of these equipments consists of a pair of lateral pontoons which are vertically adjustable for maintaining the vehicle afloat when in the water. Different forms of propulsion in he water are described, including a wheel driven propeller at the rear end of the pontoons and paddle wheels on the rear wheel. None of these means of propulsion suffices to pull the 3 wheel ATV out of the water because when the ATV
reaches the shore or the beach, the rear wheels are not in contact with the ground. Hence, the 3 wheel ATV and its floats in normal floating position will remain in the water unless pulled out either by the physical force of the operator or some other traction aid.
We have discovered that it is possible to make a 4+wheel ATV with all-wheel which can be driven into a body of water, safely-propelled over the surface of the water, and unassistedly driven out of the water with the operator remaining in the normal sitting position throughout. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention, an improved all-wheel drive 4+wheel ATV
comprises two lateral floats with their bottom portion held above the ground when the ATV is on the ground, and with their submerged lower portion positioned in a slight set back position relative to the front steered wheels to allow unassisted entry into the water and beaching with an operator on board without changing the vertical position ~ -6-of the floats relative to the chassis of the ATV. A paddle wheel adjacent each rear wheel for rotation therewith may propel the ATV when waterborne and a rudder assembly disposed behind the paddle wheels provides steering when waterborne. The rudder assembly preferably has two spaced apart rudders whose lateral spacing and positioning are selected for greater steering response.
Each float comprises a flotation body and a mid-float stem for detachably mounting the flotation body to the chassis of the ATV and holding same in a fixed position relative to the chassis of the ATV. The length of the flotation body may correspond generally to the length of the ATV and at the front, each flotation body is preferably provided with a forwardly and upwardly extending bow.
For greater lateral stability, a stern spar is detachably secured across the rear end of the flotation bodies behind the chassis of the ATV and it may be used to support the rudder assembly, preferably pivotally mounted thereto in such a manner as to allow a rearward and upward motion of said rudder assembly when either rudder touches the ground or hits upon an obstacle when the ATV moves forwardly.
~1 77463 The displacement of the two flotation bodies is such that when the two flotation bodies are about half submerged, the ATV with a normal load and operator on board is maintained in a stable upright floating position with the wheels about half submerged.
The spacing between the inner sides of the flotation bodies corresponds generally to the distance between the outermost portions of the front wheels when steered fully to one side and minimal clearance.
In a preferred embodiment according to this invention, each flotation body is a rigid cylindrical flotation tank with a lower bevel at the leading end and a lower bevel at the trailing end, and the flotation tank is provided with at least two inner transverse partitions to form at least three watertight compartments. The flotation tank may be made of welded components fabricated, for the most part, from an Aluminum alloy in sheet form measuring about 0.081 of an inch in thickness.
Each compartment may comprise a drain hole on the upper side of the tank. Other types of float construction and materials may be contemplated within the scope of the invention.
Preferably, each rudder of the rudder assembly is mounted to an essentially vertical post by extending for pivotal motion therewith, the distance ~ -8-between the two rudders, when parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ATV, is generally equal to the distance between the outer most edges of the paddle wheels and the jet of water created by the combined action of the paddle wheels, when rotating for forward propulsion, is laterally confined within the space between the two rudders.
The invention also provides a float assembly for an all-wheel drive 4 wheel ATV which combines a pair of co-extensive floats, a float connector to be affixed to the framework of the ATV, a free floating stern spar to be detachably mounted at its opposite ends to the rear ends of the floats for controlling the distance therebetween and a rudder assembly adapted to be pivotally mounted to the stern spar to allow rearward and upward motion of the rudder assembly when an obstacle is encountered. Each float has a flotation body and a mid float stem for detachably mounting the flotation body to the float connector. The length of the flotation bodies is substantially equal to the length of the ATV. The ATV when equipped with this float assembly has the capability to enter into the water, travel on the surface of the water and unassistedly beach, with an operator on board and normal load, without changing the vertical position of the flotation bodies.
The present invention and a preferred embodiment thereof will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an all-wheel drive 4 wheel ATV with an overhead float rack and with a pair of lateral floats in place, in accordance with this invention;
Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the ATV of Fig. 1, when waterborne and operator in driving position (not shown), with the approximate line of water shown in chain line;
Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of the ATV of Fig. 2 with the set of floats in place on the overhead float rack;
Fig. 4 is a view from the rear of the all-wheel drive 4 wheel ATV of Figs 1 to 3 (without overhead rack) with a pair of lateral floats in place, and showing paddle wheels, a rudder assembly and a stern spar across the rear portions of the floats;
Fig. 5 is a plan view of a float system in accordance with this invention and of the ATV of Figs 1 to ' -10-4 shown in dotted line with inside paddle wheels in place on the rear wheel axle;
Fig. 6 is an exploded view of a float system in accordance with this invention, for mounting to an all-wheel drive 4 wheel ATV of conventional design;
Fig. 7 is an exploded view of a rear wheel, inside paddle wheel and rear axle;
Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view through a central vertical plane of an assembly of the component parts shown in Fig. 7;
Fig. 9 is an exploded view of a rear wheel, outside paddle wheel, rear axle portion and extension post;
Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view through a central vertical plane of an assembly of the components shown in Fig. 9;
Figs 11, 12 and 13 are side elevational views of the rear portion of a float showing the stern spar and the rudder assembly in three positions;
Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a float with one of the compartment stoppers removed;
Fig. 15 is a side elevational view of an all-wheel drive 6 wheel ATV with a pair of lateral floats in place (only one shown in Fig. 15), when in the water, with the approximate line of water shown in chain line;
Fig. 15a is an enlarged portion of Fig. 15.
Fig. 16 is a plan view of a 6 wheel ATV
float system in accordance with this invention and of the ATV of Fig. 15 shown in dotted line with inside paddle wheels in place on the axle of the center wheels and on the axle of the rear wheels.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
A 4 wheel ATV is shown in Figure 1 with a float system that enables it to operate safely in water.
The ATV, shown generally at reference numeral 10 has 2 front wheels 12, 14 steered by handlebar 16, two rear wheels 18, 20, a seat 22 for the operator, footrests 24, 26 on either side of the engine compartment 28. A fuel tank 30 with filler cap 32 is disposed between the operator seat 22 and the front rack 34. The small engine 28 drives the rear wheels 18 and 20 by a chain drive or 21 77~63 drive shaft (not shown) acting directly upon the rear wheel axle 36 (see Fig. 4) via a variable ratio transmission such as found for example in snowmobiles.
Power is delivered to the front wheels 12 and 14 5 continuously or on demand, depending upon the brand or model of the ATV used. The suspension uses a spring and shock absorber assembly 38, 40 at each front wheel and a - central assembly 42 which acts upon the rear axle. The mechanical components and the chassis 43 are generally covered by a lightweight plastic body 44 with fenders 46 disposed high above the wheels for maximum wheel travel.
In accordance with the present invention, two lateral floats 52, 54 are mounted to the ATV 10 with 15 their bottom portion or lower edge 45 held above the ground as shown in Figs 1 and 2 with the submerged portion (from the approximate line of water 55 downward) of each float in a slight set back position relative to the adjacent front wheel 12 or 14, as clearly visible in 20 Fig. 2, to allow unassisted entry into the water and beaching without changing the position of floats 52, 54 relative to the chassis 43 and with the operator on board.
The slight set back position of the floats relative to the wheels ensures sufficient buoyancy at the rear wheels 18, 25 20 where extra weight and weight shifting is encountered, and to permit the front wheels 12, 14 to make good contact with the shore when it is desired to drive out of the water. More particularly, as the front wheels 12, 14 are being rotated by the engine, the first contact with the ground allows enough traction for the nose of the ATV to begin to rise above the surface of the water. This reduces buoyancy at the level of the front wheels and causes a corresponding increase of ground pressure and traction so that forward motion continues until the rear wheels 18, 20 make contact with the surface of the ground. This entire sequence of events takes place while the operator remains seated on seat 22 until the ATV is completely out of the water. To reduce interference when landing and ensure sufficient stability when waterborne, the length of each float 52,54 may be about equal to the length of the ATV.
The degree of set back of the floats relative to the front wheels should be sufficient to ensure good initial contact of the front wheels 12, 14 with the ground when beaching. To this effect, the submerged leading portion of each float (below line of water 55) should be behind the submerged leading portion of the tires of the front wheels 12 and 14. With the front tires half submerged, substantially all of the submerged leading quarter of each front wheel tire, corresponding to sector "x" in Fig. 2, should protrude forwardly, ahead of the bow of the floats. However, the submerged tip of each float may extend forwardly of the front wheel tires on account of the sharp bevel 57 which form the bow. In the ~ -14-embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3, the opposite end of the floats 52, 54 extend a short distance beyond the rear wheel tires so as to convey sufficient buoyancy at the rear of the ATV where excess weight and weight shifting is likely to occur. However, excessive set back could cause interference with ground irregularities when the ATV is on the ground or when it comes out of the water. In order to reduce this possibility, a bevel 59 is provided at the rear of floats 52,54. It could also cause nose diving of the ATV which must be avoided in order to keep the engine well above the surface of the water when waterborne, whether travelling, decelerating or standing still. In a typical embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 2, the set back was calculated to maintain the ATV in a horizontal position when travelling at normal speed over a surface of calm water. While the tip of the emerged bow stood about 3 inches ahead of the front wheel tires, the submerged bevelled portion of the bow was actually behind the front wheel tires. At the rear, the floats extended beyond the rear wheel tires by about 7 inches. Ideally suited for a typical 4 wheel ATV such as the XPLORER (trade-mark) ATV, this arrangement used floats that measure 7 feet in length, which is about equal to the length of the ATV, 6 feet 5 inches. The overall width of the ATV with floats in place was about 7 feet 6 inches, resulting in an essentially square configuration. Ground clearance underneath floats 52, 54 (between lower edge 45 and 21 77~63 ground) should be sufficient to allow displacement of the ATV on the ground over a short distance to facilitate entry into the water and landing. A clearance of about 3 inches, when the ATV is normally loaded and with an operator on board, should be sufficient.
As best shown in Figs 4 to 10, the improved ATV may use a paddle wheel 56, 58 adjacent each rear wheel 18, 20 for rotation therewith and for propelling the ATV
when waterborne. In the embodiment illustrated in Figs 4 to 8 of the drawings, the paddle wheels 56, 58 are disposed adjacent the inner surface of rear wheels 18, 20.
Each paddle wheel comprises a cylindrical body 60 (Figs.
7 and 8) consisting of a cylindrical skirt 62 and a bottom plate 64 provided with one central aperture 65 and four satellite apertures 66. A series of rigid plates 68 are secured against the outer surface of the cylindrical skirt 62 near the open end thereof so as to project outwardly radially therefrom in an equally spaced apart arrangement.
Each rigid plate 28 extends longitudinally of the cylindrical skirt 62 and is preferably retained thereto by any suitable permanent form of retention such as welding.
A retaining ring 69 to which the individual rigid plates 68 are secured is retained against the outer surface of the cylindrical skirt 62 in the intermediate region thereof, so as to provide sufficient strength to the radial area of rigid plates 63. These components are preferably made of a strong weldable metal such as steel on account of its resistance and ease of manufacture. Each rigid plate 68 is provided with a flexible extension 70 which increases the effective length of the resultant paddle 72. Flexible extensions 70 may be retained onto the outer edge of the corresponding rigid plates 68 by rivets or other suitable fastening means. A preferred form of material for flexible extensions 70 is cord reinforced sheet rubber about 1~ of an inch thick. The number of fins or paddles 72 and the size of each are matters of design.
Good results have been obtained with paddle wheels using 8 fins 72 made from rigid plates 68 measuring approximately 3 inches by 3 inches and flexible extensions 70 also measuring about 3 inches by 3 inches. The use of fewer fins should result in a higher rpm of the engine for achieving the same speed of travel when waterborne.
As shown in Figs 7 and 8, the bottom plate 64 of the paddle wheel 58 is sandwiched between the wheel rim 75 and hub 76 of wheel axle 36. The assembly is held in place by a series of wheel retaining screws 78.
For steering the improved ATV when waterborne, a rudder assembly 80 is provided as shown in Figs 1 to 6 and 11 to 13. The rudder assembly is closely associated with paddle wheels 56, 58 for greater steering response. It is pivotally mounted to a stern spar 82 which 21 77~63 is supported by the rear ends of floats 52, 54 where each spar receiving U-shaped lug 84 (Fig. 6) is provided with a quick disconnecting pin 83 (Fig. 12) for holding the stern spar 82 in place. Quick disconnecting pin 83 may consist of an elongated pin with an enlarged head at one end to which is permanently pivoted a U-shaped safety wire which terminates with a loop through which the free end of the pin may be inserted when in use. By simple manipulation with bare hands, one can easily pull the loop of the safety wire over the free end of the pin thus freeing the pin which can then be slipped away to disengage the parts that were coupled together. This particularity of quick disconnecters, commercially available, was found to be well suited for this application, although other forms of quick disconnecters could be used as well. Rudder assembly 80 comprises 2 spaced apart rudders 85 and 86, each secured to a generally vertical post 87 extending into a generally vertical sleeve 88 disposed at each end of a connecting bar 90 which, in turn, is provided with rearwardly projecting arms 92 for pivotal connection to a pair of upwardly extending lugs 94 on stern spar 82 with quick disconnecting pins 95 (see Fig. 13). At the upper end of each post 87, a steering arm 96, 97 is secured for rotation therewith and a tie rod 98 interconnects steering arms 96, 97. To control the position of rudders 85 and 86, relative to the longitudinal axis of the ATV, a steering 21 77~63 control 100 is provided on a steering control base 102 located at a convenient place for manipulation by the operator when seated in position on the ATV, such as, for example, over the left rear fender 46 as shown in Figs 1 to 5. A cable 104 couples the steering control 100 and the tie rod 98 of the rudder assembly. As best shown in Figs 3 and 4, the rigid wire of cable 104 extends from the - steering control 100, to which it is pivotally connected, to the tie rod 98 which carries a suitable lug 99 onto which the adjacent wire end is retained. The cable sheath through which the rigid wire passes is connected between the steering control base 102 and connecting bar 90.
It will be seen that with this arrangement, the trailing rudder assembly 80 is free to pivot rearwardly with respect to the stern spar 82, as shown in dotted line in Fig. 13, when either rudder 85, 86 touches the ground or hits upon an obstacle when the ATV moves forwardly over the surface of water. Once on the ground, it is preferred to remove the floats so as to facilitate travelling over unprepared surfaces, and for this purpose, the rudder assembly, once freed from stern spar 82, may be raised and secured to another set of suitably spaced apart lugs 105 mounted on any convenient component such as, for example, the overhead load carrying structure 110, which will be described below, or the rear rack 111.
21 774~
The lateral positioning of rudders 85 and 86 is selected for greater steering response. More particularly, as shown in Fig. 5, rudder 85 is disposed immediately behind and essentially in line with the outer edge of paddle wheel 56 and rudder 86 is likewise positioned in line with the outer edge of paddle wheel 58.
With this arrangement, the stream of water created by the rotation of the paddle wheels 56 and 58 is confined to the space between rudders 85 and 86 and good steering response is achieved.
On certain ATV, it is not convenient to install the paddle wheels inwardly of the rear wheels and consequently, a different propulsion system must be resorted to. In Figs 9 and 10, a paddle wheel system is illustrated which can be mounted exteriorly of the rear wheels 20. The paddle wheel 112 consists of a cylindrical body 114, a series of rigid plates 116 secured in a radial arrangement and retained in place by means of a retaining ring 118. The cylindrical body 114 is small enough to fit into the outer central opening in rim 74. It comprises a cylindrical skirt 120, a bottom plate 122 and an apertured intermediate plate 124 or other similar means to retain body 114 to the wheel. For greater rigidity, a tubular sleeve 126 may be disposed between bottom plate 122 and intermediate apertured plate 124. Paddle wheel 112 is mounted to rear axle 136 by means of an extension 128 -20- 21 7~63 consisting of an apertured plate 130 to which is secured an extension post 132 which terminates with a threaded nose portion 134. Extension 128 is sandwiched between the wheel rim 74 and hub 76 of rear axle 36 and the assembly is retained together by means of a series of screws 78.
With the wheel 20 and extension 128 in place, the paddle wheel 112 may then be fitted by inserting its cylindrical end into the central opening in rim 74. This causes extension post 132 to slide into sleeve 126 until threaded end 134 protrudes outwardly through apertured intermediate plate 124. Wing nut 136, or any other suitable form of nut, can then be screwed onto threaded end 134 and tightened down sufficiently to prevent accidental removal of the paddle wheel. The thread of extension 128 is preferably a left thread for the right hand side paddle wheel so that self tightening occurs when the paddle wheel encounters resistance, and a right thread is used on the opposite side.
20Reverting to the float system, and with particular reference to Figs 5 and 6, each float 52, 54 is connected to the chassis of the ATV by a mid-float stem situated between the steered front wheels 12, 14 and the wheels immediately behind, namely rear wheels 18 and 20 in 25the case of a 4 wheel ATV and central wheels 142 and 144 in the case of a 6 wheel ATV. A float connector 146 is retained to the ATV framework for receiving the mid-float 2 ~ 7~463 ~- -21-stem 140 of each float 52, 54. In the illustrated embodiment, float connector 146 is in the shape of a rectangular tubular frame consisting of two spaced-apart transversely extending tubular components 148, 150 mid-way between front and rear wheels, two braces 152, 154 welded to tubular components 148, 150 to form a rigid rectangular frame with braces 152, 154 disposed inwardly of the protruding ends of tubular components 148, 150. Corner plates 156 welded to the rectangular frame where the braces abut the tubular components 148, 150 can be used to convey the required degree of rigidity to the float connector 146. Float connector 146 may be semi-permanently affixed against the underside of the ATV frame work using screws 158 extending through apertures in float connector 146 and projecting into a series of four threaded holes in the ATV framework. It may be more convenient to provide nuts instead of threaded holes for receiving screws 158, depending upon the particular construction of each ATV
model. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 6, spacers 160 are provided between the float connector 146 and the ATV frame work in order to dispose the float connector 146 at the proper height relative to the chassis of the ATV.
As illustrated in Fig. 3, the presence of spacers 160 over float connector 146 allows one to adjust the level of float connector 146 relative to footrests 24 so as to ensure that the ATV will be at the proper height relative to the line of water 55 when the ATV is waterborne. The opposite ends of tubular components 148, 150 define, studs 162, 164, each having a pair of aligned apertures 166 through which a coupling pin of any form of quick disconnecting means could be inserted. Studs 162, 164 are preferable located underneath the footrests for easy access. They should not protrude outwardly much beyond the footrests as this could cause interference when travelling along a trail in a wooded area.
10Each float 52, 54 comprises a flotation body 168 and a mid-float stem 140 for detachably mounting the flotation body 168 to the chassis of the ATV and holding same in a fixed position relative thereto. In the embodiment illustrated in Figs 5 and 6, the mid-float stem 15140 comprises two spaced-apart stub tubes 170, 172 whose inner ends are welded to flotation body 168. Additional rigidity is provided by means of an angle bar 174 and a pair of diagonal braces which may be continued outwardly to form a convenient handle 178. Each diagonal brace 176 is welded at one end to the adjacent stub tube 170 inwardly from the free end thereof to prevent interference with the footrests 24, 26 of the ATV, and to a convenient location near the top of flotation body 168. The free ends of stub tubes 170, 172 define a pair of struts 180, 182.
Each strut has a pair of aligned apertures 184 through which a coupling pin may be inserted. Floats 52, 54 are retained to float connector 146 by slipping struts 180, ~ -23-182 over studs 162, 164. A quick disconnecting pin may be slipped into mating apertures 184 and 166 in each strut tube 170, 172 for holding the assembly together. The form of coupling pins used to hold together the various components of the float system described herein is not critical as long as secured fastening is obtained to guard against accidental separation of components during use of the float system on the surface of the water, and it is preferred to use quick disconnecting means which can be manipulated easily and with bare hands. Quick disconnecting pins such as shown at 83 in Figs 12 and 13 have proved to be particularly suitable for this purpose.
Flotation body 168 is preferably in the shape of a cylindrical welded Aluminum tank of circular cross-section with a sharply bevelled front end or bow 186 immediately below an upper flat section 188, a relatively shallow bevelled rear end 190 with an upper flat section 192, as better illustrated in Fig. 14. The interior of the flotation body 168 is divided into a number of watertight compartments 194 by means of essentially vertically extending partitions 196. Each watertight compartment 194 is provided, on the upper surface, with a drain hole and a convenient plug 198 for inspecting the interior of each compartment against water leakage. The preferred material for the flotation body 168 is Aluminum or Aluminum alloys in sheet form about 2 mm thick or 0.081 of an inch. In particular, an Aluminum alloy offered under the designation 5052H32 was found to be quite adequate for this purpose. It should be understood that other types of float construction and materials may be contemplated within the scope of the invention, including in particular hollow or foam filled formed or molded flotation bodies using sufficiently strong materials, in particular composite materials and fiber reinforced materials as will be obvious to those skilled in the art.
In a preferred embodiment, flotation body 168 stub tubes 172, angle bar 174 and diagonal braces 176 are all Aluminum components, whereas the float connector 146 is preferably made of stronger metaI, for example steel. Studs 162, 164 should penetrably engaged sufficiently deeply into struts 180, 182 with sufficient overlap for secured coupling with a set of quick disconnecting pins (not shown) extending through mating apertures 166, 184.
The flotation bodies 168 must be carefully designed to ensure adequate displacement. More particularly, when half submerged, the normally loaded ATV
with operator on board should be maintained in a stable upright floating condition with the wheels 12, 14, 18 and 20 half submerged. In a particular embodiment for use in connection with the above-mentioned four wheel drive XPLORER (trade-mark) ATV, the adequate displacement was obtained with the use of flotation bodies 168 measuring 17 ~ inches in diameter, 7 feet long, using an aluminum alloy sold under the commercial designation 5052H32 measuring 0.081 of an inch for the components in sheet form. In the case of a 6 wheel ATV, such as the above-noted 400 6 x 6 (trade-mark) ATV, the flotation bodies 200 may have a diameter of 17 ~ inches, and a length of 9 feet 6 inches. As indicated in Fig. 5, flotation bodies 200 should preferably be subdivided into four water tight compartments 202 using three essentially vertically extending partitions 204 and drain holes with plugs.
The space between the inner sides of the flotation bodies 168, 200 should correspond generally to the distance between the outermost parts of the front wheels when steered fully to one side, and minimal clearance. This ensures that the flotation bodies 168, 200 do not interfere with rotation of the steered front wheels 12, 14. Where the paddle wheels are exteriorly mounted, the space between the flotation bodies must be sufficient to prevent all interference either with the paddle wheels or the front steered wheels.
Fig. 1 illustrates in perspective view an improved ATV with floats 52, 54 in place. An overhead load carrying structure 110 is provided which comprises two inverted U-shaped tubular members 206 with a front transverse brace 208 and two rear transverse braces 210.
Frame members 206 are suitably secured to the front rack 34 and to the rear rack 111 in a known manner. In accordance with this invention, a pair of crosspieces 212 and 214 provided with two spaced-apart concave zones for receiving floats 52, 54 when travelling along trails or unprepared terrain, as illustrated in Fig. 3. Front crosspiece 212 may be provided with a central hole 216 through which may extend the stern spar 82. A U-shape opening 218 in the middle of the rear crosspiece 214 receives the opposite end of stern spar 82.
It should also be noted that the length of crosspieces 212 and 214 should not exceed the track of the wheels in order to reduce the risk of interference when travelling along a trail in a wooded area.
While the overhead load carrying structure 110 is ideal for carrying a float system as shown in Fig.
3, it should not be used in the case of a 6 wheel ATV
because the extra weight of the longer flotation tanks could render the ATV prone to tipping over on the side. It is preferred to carry a lightweight, buoyant trailer to haul the float system when on the ground.
~_ -27-When it is desired to install floats 52, 54 to the ATV shown in Fig. 3, the first float is lowered from the overhead rack 110 and its midfloat stem 140 is placed on the corresponding studs 162, 164. Coupling pins are inserted into mating apertures 166 and 184. In a similar fashion, the other float is installed on the other side of the ATV and coupling pins are slipped into mating holes 166 and 184. This completes the installation of the floats proper in the case of a 4 wheel ATV. Next, the stern spar 82 is removed from the overhead rack 110 and is placed across the rear flotation body lugs 84 as shown in Fig. 11. Then suitable pins 83 are inserted into the aligned apertures through lug 84 and the adjacent end portion of stern spar 82 which completes the installation thereof as shown in Fig. 12. Next, the rudder assembly 80 is connected to vertical lugs 94 of spar 82 using coupling pins 95 as shown in Fig. 13. As the paddle wheels 56, 58 are already on the ATV, the installation is complete within a matter of a minute or two. Dismantling is exactly the same except in the reverse. The rudder assembly 80 is removed from lugs 94 after removal of coupling pins 95, and the assembly is mounted to a second pair of lugs 105 (see Fig. 1) on any convenient component of the ATV or on the overhead rack 110. Coupling pins 83 can then be removed and the stern spar 82 may be mounted to the front and rear cross pieces 212 and 214 with a suitable tie down cord (not shown) or the like holding spar 82 in place.
Next, the two coupling pins are removed to free one of the two floats. The float thus freed is immediately installed on the overhead rack 110 and held in place with a suitable tie down cord. Finally, the other float is removed from float connector 146 and is then placed onto the overhead rack 110 where it is secured in place with another tie down cord or other suitable retaining device.
In the case of a 6 wheel ATV, as shown in Figs 15 and 16, the mid-float stems 140 are of the same design although they are located somewhat closer to the front end of flotation bodies 200. Having regard to the fact that the rear portion of flotation body 200 is quite long and that the bed 226 at the rear of the 6 wheel ATV
is designed to carry a relatively heavy load, it becomes necessary to secure the rear of the floats to the rear of the chassis of the ATV. To this effect, stern spar 82 which supports rudder assembly 80 is provided with an additional pair of upwardly extending lugs 220 to which is pivotally secured a bracket 222 which is clamped onto the transverse rear member 224 of the ATV chassis which supports bed 226. Bracket 222 may comprise two spaced-apart arms 228 and a transverse brace 230. U-shaped clamps 232 may be used to secure bracket 222 to the transverse rear member 224. Coupling pins 234 facilitate disassembly of the stern bar 82 when it is desired to remove the floats.
It should also be noted that in the case of a 6 wheel ATV, it may be advantageous to also provide paddle wheels and on center wheels 142 for additional propulsion in the water.
The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention which is defined in the following claims.
As used herein, the expression "ATV" which stands for all-terrain vehicle, means a small recreational motorized vehicle having at least 2 ground engaging wheels, designed primarily for off-road riding and having, in the case of a 4 wheel vehicle, a gross vehicle weight of the order of 500 kg or in the case of a six wheel vehicle, a gross vehicle weight of the order of 1,000 kg.
Gross vehicle weight comprises the weight of the ATV in condition for use, a 90 kg operator on board, filled fuel tank and load capacity.
Over the past few years, ATV having 4 ground engaging wheels (hereinafter referred to as "4 wheel ATV") have become increasingly popular on account of their superior stability as compared with (2 wheel) ATV
motorcycles and 3 wheel ATV derived from motorcycle technology. A good number of manufacturers of recreational vehicles are now offering different versions of 4 wheel ATV powered by small air cooled or liquid cooled engines driving the two rear wheels and in some cases, equipped with four-wheel drive (hereinafter referred to as "all-wheel drive") capability. A typical present day 4 wheel ATV is that offered by Polaris Industries L.P. under the trade-mark XPLORER. It is powered by a 378 cc liquid cooled two-stroke engine driving the rear wheels through a variable ratio transmission, for normal operation and featuring four wheel drive. The dry weight of this ATV iS 258.6 kg. The front wheels use 25 inch tires (at the front 8 inch wide and 12 inch inner diameter, at the rear 12 inch wide and 10 inch inner diameter) giving a front load capacity of 40 kg and a rear load capacity of 80 kg. The dry weight of this ATV is about 260 kg and its gross vehicle weight is 480 kg. This manufacturer also offers 6 wheel ATV which share numerous components and characteristics with its 4 wheel ATV models, except that the 6 wheel versions are provided with two solid driven rear wheel axles with a cargo bed disposed behind the seat of the operator. The 1995 6 wheel ATV sold under the trade-mark POLARIS 400 6 x 6 has a dry weight of 390 kg, a cargo bed capacity of about 360 kg and a gross vehicle weight of 875 kg. The front wheels use 25 inch tires all around, 8 x 12 inches at the front and 12 x 10 for the center and rear wheels.
4 wheel ATV and ATV that have in excess of 4 wheels (hereinafter collectively "4+wheel ATV") enable a person to travel over unprepared terrain and forest 2~ 77463 trails with ease, speed and relatively high degree of safety for the rider. It is possible to cross water covered surfaces and streams as long as the water depth does not exceed the height of the footrests. It is extremely dangerous to attempt to use an ATV when the depth of the water is greater than the height of the ATV
footrests because the presence of large tires and the resultant loss of pressure on the ground may cause loss of control of the ATV. Consequently, the users of ATVs must be extremely cautious to avoid any attempts to cross deep or fast flowing streams. It goes without saying that 4+wheel ATV have no amphibian capabilities. As a result, the range of these ATV is abruptly curtailed whenever a body of water is encountered. At that point, unless one is lucky enough to find a bridge or a trail which leads to a bridge or follows the contour of the lake, a watercraft is needed to proceed further. Some may be tempted to load the ATV on board the watercraft, but this is a most perilous solution at best and it must not be discarded. Hence, once on the other side of the body of water, chances are the ATV rider will have no choice but to continue on foot.
The object of this invention is to increase the range and capabilities of 4+wheel ATV equipped with all-wheel drive capability by giving them the ability to enter into water, circulate on the surface of the water within at least a limited range and under favourable 2~ 77~b3 conditions, and come out of the water without any assistance. An ATV with such amphibian capability would enable fishermen or hunters or public utilities workers to reach far greater distances and reduce the risk of accidents due to attempts at crossing streams where all of a sudden water may be too deep or too fast flowing, or with attempts at loading an ATV into a small watercraft to cross a river or lake.
United States Patent number 4,494,937 issued on January 22, 1985 to Fred H. Riermann describes a U-shape structure with flotation pontoons, which is attached onto a 3 wheel ATV equipped with high flotation wheels. A mechanism is provided to raise the pontoons when the 3 wheel ATV enters or leaves the water and to lower the pontoons when the ATV is in the water. This arrangement makes it virtually impossible to leave the water without outside assistance due to lack of traction when the rear wheels are not in contact with the ground.
Indeed, rotation of the rear wheels and paddles thereon provides insufficient driving force to overtake gravitational and other forces acting upon the ATV when coming out of the water with an operator on board.
United States Patent number 4,687,447 issued on August 18, 1986 to Gerald J. Hannappel describes a series of easily attached and detached equipments for a ~_ -5-3 wheel ATV to make it more functional. One of these equipments consists of a pair of lateral pontoons which are vertically adjustable for maintaining the vehicle afloat when in the water. Different forms of propulsion in he water are described, including a wheel driven propeller at the rear end of the pontoons and paddle wheels on the rear wheel. None of these means of propulsion suffices to pull the 3 wheel ATV out of the water because when the ATV
reaches the shore or the beach, the rear wheels are not in contact with the ground. Hence, the 3 wheel ATV and its floats in normal floating position will remain in the water unless pulled out either by the physical force of the operator or some other traction aid.
We have discovered that it is possible to make a 4+wheel ATV with all-wheel which can be driven into a body of water, safely-propelled over the surface of the water, and unassistedly driven out of the water with the operator remaining in the normal sitting position throughout. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention, an improved all-wheel drive 4+wheel ATV
comprises two lateral floats with their bottom portion held above the ground when the ATV is on the ground, and with their submerged lower portion positioned in a slight set back position relative to the front steered wheels to allow unassisted entry into the water and beaching with an operator on board without changing the vertical position ~ -6-of the floats relative to the chassis of the ATV. A paddle wheel adjacent each rear wheel for rotation therewith may propel the ATV when waterborne and a rudder assembly disposed behind the paddle wheels provides steering when waterborne. The rudder assembly preferably has two spaced apart rudders whose lateral spacing and positioning are selected for greater steering response.
Each float comprises a flotation body and a mid-float stem for detachably mounting the flotation body to the chassis of the ATV and holding same in a fixed position relative to the chassis of the ATV. The length of the flotation body may correspond generally to the length of the ATV and at the front, each flotation body is preferably provided with a forwardly and upwardly extending bow.
For greater lateral stability, a stern spar is detachably secured across the rear end of the flotation bodies behind the chassis of the ATV and it may be used to support the rudder assembly, preferably pivotally mounted thereto in such a manner as to allow a rearward and upward motion of said rudder assembly when either rudder touches the ground or hits upon an obstacle when the ATV moves forwardly.
~1 77463 The displacement of the two flotation bodies is such that when the two flotation bodies are about half submerged, the ATV with a normal load and operator on board is maintained in a stable upright floating position with the wheels about half submerged.
The spacing between the inner sides of the flotation bodies corresponds generally to the distance between the outermost portions of the front wheels when steered fully to one side and minimal clearance.
In a preferred embodiment according to this invention, each flotation body is a rigid cylindrical flotation tank with a lower bevel at the leading end and a lower bevel at the trailing end, and the flotation tank is provided with at least two inner transverse partitions to form at least three watertight compartments. The flotation tank may be made of welded components fabricated, for the most part, from an Aluminum alloy in sheet form measuring about 0.081 of an inch in thickness.
Each compartment may comprise a drain hole on the upper side of the tank. Other types of float construction and materials may be contemplated within the scope of the invention.
Preferably, each rudder of the rudder assembly is mounted to an essentially vertical post by extending for pivotal motion therewith, the distance ~ -8-between the two rudders, when parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ATV, is generally equal to the distance between the outer most edges of the paddle wheels and the jet of water created by the combined action of the paddle wheels, when rotating for forward propulsion, is laterally confined within the space between the two rudders.
The invention also provides a float assembly for an all-wheel drive 4 wheel ATV which combines a pair of co-extensive floats, a float connector to be affixed to the framework of the ATV, a free floating stern spar to be detachably mounted at its opposite ends to the rear ends of the floats for controlling the distance therebetween and a rudder assembly adapted to be pivotally mounted to the stern spar to allow rearward and upward motion of the rudder assembly when an obstacle is encountered. Each float has a flotation body and a mid float stem for detachably mounting the flotation body to the float connector. The length of the flotation bodies is substantially equal to the length of the ATV. The ATV when equipped with this float assembly has the capability to enter into the water, travel on the surface of the water and unassistedly beach, with an operator on board and normal load, without changing the vertical position of the flotation bodies.
The present invention and a preferred embodiment thereof will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an all-wheel drive 4 wheel ATV with an overhead float rack and with a pair of lateral floats in place, in accordance with this invention;
Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the ATV of Fig. 1, when waterborne and operator in driving position (not shown), with the approximate line of water shown in chain line;
Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of the ATV of Fig. 2 with the set of floats in place on the overhead float rack;
Fig. 4 is a view from the rear of the all-wheel drive 4 wheel ATV of Figs 1 to 3 (without overhead rack) with a pair of lateral floats in place, and showing paddle wheels, a rudder assembly and a stern spar across the rear portions of the floats;
Fig. 5 is a plan view of a float system in accordance with this invention and of the ATV of Figs 1 to ' -10-4 shown in dotted line with inside paddle wheels in place on the rear wheel axle;
Fig. 6 is an exploded view of a float system in accordance with this invention, for mounting to an all-wheel drive 4 wheel ATV of conventional design;
Fig. 7 is an exploded view of a rear wheel, inside paddle wheel and rear axle;
Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view through a central vertical plane of an assembly of the component parts shown in Fig. 7;
Fig. 9 is an exploded view of a rear wheel, outside paddle wheel, rear axle portion and extension post;
Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view through a central vertical plane of an assembly of the components shown in Fig. 9;
Figs 11, 12 and 13 are side elevational views of the rear portion of a float showing the stern spar and the rudder assembly in three positions;
Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a float with one of the compartment stoppers removed;
Fig. 15 is a side elevational view of an all-wheel drive 6 wheel ATV with a pair of lateral floats in place (only one shown in Fig. 15), when in the water, with the approximate line of water shown in chain line;
Fig. 15a is an enlarged portion of Fig. 15.
Fig. 16 is a plan view of a 6 wheel ATV
float system in accordance with this invention and of the ATV of Fig. 15 shown in dotted line with inside paddle wheels in place on the axle of the center wheels and on the axle of the rear wheels.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
A 4 wheel ATV is shown in Figure 1 with a float system that enables it to operate safely in water.
The ATV, shown generally at reference numeral 10 has 2 front wheels 12, 14 steered by handlebar 16, two rear wheels 18, 20, a seat 22 for the operator, footrests 24, 26 on either side of the engine compartment 28. A fuel tank 30 with filler cap 32 is disposed between the operator seat 22 and the front rack 34. The small engine 28 drives the rear wheels 18 and 20 by a chain drive or 21 77~63 drive shaft (not shown) acting directly upon the rear wheel axle 36 (see Fig. 4) via a variable ratio transmission such as found for example in snowmobiles.
Power is delivered to the front wheels 12 and 14 5 continuously or on demand, depending upon the brand or model of the ATV used. The suspension uses a spring and shock absorber assembly 38, 40 at each front wheel and a - central assembly 42 which acts upon the rear axle. The mechanical components and the chassis 43 are generally covered by a lightweight plastic body 44 with fenders 46 disposed high above the wheels for maximum wheel travel.
In accordance with the present invention, two lateral floats 52, 54 are mounted to the ATV 10 with 15 their bottom portion or lower edge 45 held above the ground as shown in Figs 1 and 2 with the submerged portion (from the approximate line of water 55 downward) of each float in a slight set back position relative to the adjacent front wheel 12 or 14, as clearly visible in 20 Fig. 2, to allow unassisted entry into the water and beaching without changing the position of floats 52, 54 relative to the chassis 43 and with the operator on board.
The slight set back position of the floats relative to the wheels ensures sufficient buoyancy at the rear wheels 18, 25 20 where extra weight and weight shifting is encountered, and to permit the front wheels 12, 14 to make good contact with the shore when it is desired to drive out of the water. More particularly, as the front wheels 12, 14 are being rotated by the engine, the first contact with the ground allows enough traction for the nose of the ATV to begin to rise above the surface of the water. This reduces buoyancy at the level of the front wheels and causes a corresponding increase of ground pressure and traction so that forward motion continues until the rear wheels 18, 20 make contact with the surface of the ground. This entire sequence of events takes place while the operator remains seated on seat 22 until the ATV is completely out of the water. To reduce interference when landing and ensure sufficient stability when waterborne, the length of each float 52,54 may be about equal to the length of the ATV.
The degree of set back of the floats relative to the front wheels should be sufficient to ensure good initial contact of the front wheels 12, 14 with the ground when beaching. To this effect, the submerged leading portion of each float (below line of water 55) should be behind the submerged leading portion of the tires of the front wheels 12 and 14. With the front tires half submerged, substantially all of the submerged leading quarter of each front wheel tire, corresponding to sector "x" in Fig. 2, should protrude forwardly, ahead of the bow of the floats. However, the submerged tip of each float may extend forwardly of the front wheel tires on account of the sharp bevel 57 which form the bow. In the ~ -14-embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3, the opposite end of the floats 52, 54 extend a short distance beyond the rear wheel tires so as to convey sufficient buoyancy at the rear of the ATV where excess weight and weight shifting is likely to occur. However, excessive set back could cause interference with ground irregularities when the ATV is on the ground or when it comes out of the water. In order to reduce this possibility, a bevel 59 is provided at the rear of floats 52,54. It could also cause nose diving of the ATV which must be avoided in order to keep the engine well above the surface of the water when waterborne, whether travelling, decelerating or standing still. In a typical embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 2, the set back was calculated to maintain the ATV in a horizontal position when travelling at normal speed over a surface of calm water. While the tip of the emerged bow stood about 3 inches ahead of the front wheel tires, the submerged bevelled portion of the bow was actually behind the front wheel tires. At the rear, the floats extended beyond the rear wheel tires by about 7 inches. Ideally suited for a typical 4 wheel ATV such as the XPLORER (trade-mark) ATV, this arrangement used floats that measure 7 feet in length, which is about equal to the length of the ATV, 6 feet 5 inches. The overall width of the ATV with floats in place was about 7 feet 6 inches, resulting in an essentially square configuration. Ground clearance underneath floats 52, 54 (between lower edge 45 and 21 77~63 ground) should be sufficient to allow displacement of the ATV on the ground over a short distance to facilitate entry into the water and landing. A clearance of about 3 inches, when the ATV is normally loaded and with an operator on board, should be sufficient.
As best shown in Figs 4 to 10, the improved ATV may use a paddle wheel 56, 58 adjacent each rear wheel 18, 20 for rotation therewith and for propelling the ATV
when waterborne. In the embodiment illustrated in Figs 4 to 8 of the drawings, the paddle wheels 56, 58 are disposed adjacent the inner surface of rear wheels 18, 20.
Each paddle wheel comprises a cylindrical body 60 (Figs.
7 and 8) consisting of a cylindrical skirt 62 and a bottom plate 64 provided with one central aperture 65 and four satellite apertures 66. A series of rigid plates 68 are secured against the outer surface of the cylindrical skirt 62 near the open end thereof so as to project outwardly radially therefrom in an equally spaced apart arrangement.
Each rigid plate 28 extends longitudinally of the cylindrical skirt 62 and is preferably retained thereto by any suitable permanent form of retention such as welding.
A retaining ring 69 to which the individual rigid plates 68 are secured is retained against the outer surface of the cylindrical skirt 62 in the intermediate region thereof, so as to provide sufficient strength to the radial area of rigid plates 63. These components are preferably made of a strong weldable metal such as steel on account of its resistance and ease of manufacture. Each rigid plate 68 is provided with a flexible extension 70 which increases the effective length of the resultant paddle 72. Flexible extensions 70 may be retained onto the outer edge of the corresponding rigid plates 68 by rivets or other suitable fastening means. A preferred form of material for flexible extensions 70 is cord reinforced sheet rubber about 1~ of an inch thick. The number of fins or paddles 72 and the size of each are matters of design.
Good results have been obtained with paddle wheels using 8 fins 72 made from rigid plates 68 measuring approximately 3 inches by 3 inches and flexible extensions 70 also measuring about 3 inches by 3 inches. The use of fewer fins should result in a higher rpm of the engine for achieving the same speed of travel when waterborne.
As shown in Figs 7 and 8, the bottom plate 64 of the paddle wheel 58 is sandwiched between the wheel rim 75 and hub 76 of wheel axle 36. The assembly is held in place by a series of wheel retaining screws 78.
For steering the improved ATV when waterborne, a rudder assembly 80 is provided as shown in Figs 1 to 6 and 11 to 13. The rudder assembly is closely associated with paddle wheels 56, 58 for greater steering response. It is pivotally mounted to a stern spar 82 which 21 77~63 is supported by the rear ends of floats 52, 54 where each spar receiving U-shaped lug 84 (Fig. 6) is provided with a quick disconnecting pin 83 (Fig. 12) for holding the stern spar 82 in place. Quick disconnecting pin 83 may consist of an elongated pin with an enlarged head at one end to which is permanently pivoted a U-shaped safety wire which terminates with a loop through which the free end of the pin may be inserted when in use. By simple manipulation with bare hands, one can easily pull the loop of the safety wire over the free end of the pin thus freeing the pin which can then be slipped away to disengage the parts that were coupled together. This particularity of quick disconnecters, commercially available, was found to be well suited for this application, although other forms of quick disconnecters could be used as well. Rudder assembly 80 comprises 2 spaced apart rudders 85 and 86, each secured to a generally vertical post 87 extending into a generally vertical sleeve 88 disposed at each end of a connecting bar 90 which, in turn, is provided with rearwardly projecting arms 92 for pivotal connection to a pair of upwardly extending lugs 94 on stern spar 82 with quick disconnecting pins 95 (see Fig. 13). At the upper end of each post 87, a steering arm 96, 97 is secured for rotation therewith and a tie rod 98 interconnects steering arms 96, 97. To control the position of rudders 85 and 86, relative to the longitudinal axis of the ATV, a steering 21 77~63 control 100 is provided on a steering control base 102 located at a convenient place for manipulation by the operator when seated in position on the ATV, such as, for example, over the left rear fender 46 as shown in Figs 1 to 5. A cable 104 couples the steering control 100 and the tie rod 98 of the rudder assembly. As best shown in Figs 3 and 4, the rigid wire of cable 104 extends from the - steering control 100, to which it is pivotally connected, to the tie rod 98 which carries a suitable lug 99 onto which the adjacent wire end is retained. The cable sheath through which the rigid wire passes is connected between the steering control base 102 and connecting bar 90.
It will be seen that with this arrangement, the trailing rudder assembly 80 is free to pivot rearwardly with respect to the stern spar 82, as shown in dotted line in Fig. 13, when either rudder 85, 86 touches the ground or hits upon an obstacle when the ATV moves forwardly over the surface of water. Once on the ground, it is preferred to remove the floats so as to facilitate travelling over unprepared surfaces, and for this purpose, the rudder assembly, once freed from stern spar 82, may be raised and secured to another set of suitably spaced apart lugs 105 mounted on any convenient component such as, for example, the overhead load carrying structure 110, which will be described below, or the rear rack 111.
21 774~
The lateral positioning of rudders 85 and 86 is selected for greater steering response. More particularly, as shown in Fig. 5, rudder 85 is disposed immediately behind and essentially in line with the outer edge of paddle wheel 56 and rudder 86 is likewise positioned in line with the outer edge of paddle wheel 58.
With this arrangement, the stream of water created by the rotation of the paddle wheels 56 and 58 is confined to the space between rudders 85 and 86 and good steering response is achieved.
On certain ATV, it is not convenient to install the paddle wheels inwardly of the rear wheels and consequently, a different propulsion system must be resorted to. In Figs 9 and 10, a paddle wheel system is illustrated which can be mounted exteriorly of the rear wheels 20. The paddle wheel 112 consists of a cylindrical body 114, a series of rigid plates 116 secured in a radial arrangement and retained in place by means of a retaining ring 118. The cylindrical body 114 is small enough to fit into the outer central opening in rim 74. It comprises a cylindrical skirt 120, a bottom plate 122 and an apertured intermediate plate 124 or other similar means to retain body 114 to the wheel. For greater rigidity, a tubular sleeve 126 may be disposed between bottom plate 122 and intermediate apertured plate 124. Paddle wheel 112 is mounted to rear axle 136 by means of an extension 128 -20- 21 7~63 consisting of an apertured plate 130 to which is secured an extension post 132 which terminates with a threaded nose portion 134. Extension 128 is sandwiched between the wheel rim 74 and hub 76 of rear axle 36 and the assembly is retained together by means of a series of screws 78.
With the wheel 20 and extension 128 in place, the paddle wheel 112 may then be fitted by inserting its cylindrical end into the central opening in rim 74. This causes extension post 132 to slide into sleeve 126 until threaded end 134 protrudes outwardly through apertured intermediate plate 124. Wing nut 136, or any other suitable form of nut, can then be screwed onto threaded end 134 and tightened down sufficiently to prevent accidental removal of the paddle wheel. The thread of extension 128 is preferably a left thread for the right hand side paddle wheel so that self tightening occurs when the paddle wheel encounters resistance, and a right thread is used on the opposite side.
20Reverting to the float system, and with particular reference to Figs 5 and 6, each float 52, 54 is connected to the chassis of the ATV by a mid-float stem situated between the steered front wheels 12, 14 and the wheels immediately behind, namely rear wheels 18 and 20 in 25the case of a 4 wheel ATV and central wheels 142 and 144 in the case of a 6 wheel ATV. A float connector 146 is retained to the ATV framework for receiving the mid-float 2 ~ 7~463 ~- -21-stem 140 of each float 52, 54. In the illustrated embodiment, float connector 146 is in the shape of a rectangular tubular frame consisting of two spaced-apart transversely extending tubular components 148, 150 mid-way between front and rear wheels, two braces 152, 154 welded to tubular components 148, 150 to form a rigid rectangular frame with braces 152, 154 disposed inwardly of the protruding ends of tubular components 148, 150. Corner plates 156 welded to the rectangular frame where the braces abut the tubular components 148, 150 can be used to convey the required degree of rigidity to the float connector 146. Float connector 146 may be semi-permanently affixed against the underside of the ATV frame work using screws 158 extending through apertures in float connector 146 and projecting into a series of four threaded holes in the ATV framework. It may be more convenient to provide nuts instead of threaded holes for receiving screws 158, depending upon the particular construction of each ATV
model. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 6, spacers 160 are provided between the float connector 146 and the ATV frame work in order to dispose the float connector 146 at the proper height relative to the chassis of the ATV.
As illustrated in Fig. 3, the presence of spacers 160 over float connector 146 allows one to adjust the level of float connector 146 relative to footrests 24 so as to ensure that the ATV will be at the proper height relative to the line of water 55 when the ATV is waterborne. The opposite ends of tubular components 148, 150 define, studs 162, 164, each having a pair of aligned apertures 166 through which a coupling pin of any form of quick disconnecting means could be inserted. Studs 162, 164 are preferable located underneath the footrests for easy access. They should not protrude outwardly much beyond the footrests as this could cause interference when travelling along a trail in a wooded area.
10Each float 52, 54 comprises a flotation body 168 and a mid-float stem 140 for detachably mounting the flotation body 168 to the chassis of the ATV and holding same in a fixed position relative thereto. In the embodiment illustrated in Figs 5 and 6, the mid-float stem 15140 comprises two spaced-apart stub tubes 170, 172 whose inner ends are welded to flotation body 168. Additional rigidity is provided by means of an angle bar 174 and a pair of diagonal braces which may be continued outwardly to form a convenient handle 178. Each diagonal brace 176 is welded at one end to the adjacent stub tube 170 inwardly from the free end thereof to prevent interference with the footrests 24, 26 of the ATV, and to a convenient location near the top of flotation body 168. The free ends of stub tubes 170, 172 define a pair of struts 180, 182.
Each strut has a pair of aligned apertures 184 through which a coupling pin may be inserted. Floats 52, 54 are retained to float connector 146 by slipping struts 180, ~ -23-182 over studs 162, 164. A quick disconnecting pin may be slipped into mating apertures 184 and 166 in each strut tube 170, 172 for holding the assembly together. The form of coupling pins used to hold together the various components of the float system described herein is not critical as long as secured fastening is obtained to guard against accidental separation of components during use of the float system on the surface of the water, and it is preferred to use quick disconnecting means which can be manipulated easily and with bare hands. Quick disconnecting pins such as shown at 83 in Figs 12 and 13 have proved to be particularly suitable for this purpose.
Flotation body 168 is preferably in the shape of a cylindrical welded Aluminum tank of circular cross-section with a sharply bevelled front end or bow 186 immediately below an upper flat section 188, a relatively shallow bevelled rear end 190 with an upper flat section 192, as better illustrated in Fig. 14. The interior of the flotation body 168 is divided into a number of watertight compartments 194 by means of essentially vertically extending partitions 196. Each watertight compartment 194 is provided, on the upper surface, with a drain hole and a convenient plug 198 for inspecting the interior of each compartment against water leakage. The preferred material for the flotation body 168 is Aluminum or Aluminum alloys in sheet form about 2 mm thick or 0.081 of an inch. In particular, an Aluminum alloy offered under the designation 5052H32 was found to be quite adequate for this purpose. It should be understood that other types of float construction and materials may be contemplated within the scope of the invention, including in particular hollow or foam filled formed or molded flotation bodies using sufficiently strong materials, in particular composite materials and fiber reinforced materials as will be obvious to those skilled in the art.
In a preferred embodiment, flotation body 168 stub tubes 172, angle bar 174 and diagonal braces 176 are all Aluminum components, whereas the float connector 146 is preferably made of stronger metaI, for example steel. Studs 162, 164 should penetrably engaged sufficiently deeply into struts 180, 182 with sufficient overlap for secured coupling with a set of quick disconnecting pins (not shown) extending through mating apertures 166, 184.
The flotation bodies 168 must be carefully designed to ensure adequate displacement. More particularly, when half submerged, the normally loaded ATV
with operator on board should be maintained in a stable upright floating condition with the wheels 12, 14, 18 and 20 half submerged. In a particular embodiment for use in connection with the above-mentioned four wheel drive XPLORER (trade-mark) ATV, the adequate displacement was obtained with the use of flotation bodies 168 measuring 17 ~ inches in diameter, 7 feet long, using an aluminum alloy sold under the commercial designation 5052H32 measuring 0.081 of an inch for the components in sheet form. In the case of a 6 wheel ATV, such as the above-noted 400 6 x 6 (trade-mark) ATV, the flotation bodies 200 may have a diameter of 17 ~ inches, and a length of 9 feet 6 inches. As indicated in Fig. 5, flotation bodies 200 should preferably be subdivided into four water tight compartments 202 using three essentially vertically extending partitions 204 and drain holes with plugs.
The space between the inner sides of the flotation bodies 168, 200 should correspond generally to the distance between the outermost parts of the front wheels when steered fully to one side, and minimal clearance. This ensures that the flotation bodies 168, 200 do not interfere with rotation of the steered front wheels 12, 14. Where the paddle wheels are exteriorly mounted, the space between the flotation bodies must be sufficient to prevent all interference either with the paddle wheels or the front steered wheels.
Fig. 1 illustrates in perspective view an improved ATV with floats 52, 54 in place. An overhead load carrying structure 110 is provided which comprises two inverted U-shaped tubular members 206 with a front transverse brace 208 and two rear transverse braces 210.
Frame members 206 are suitably secured to the front rack 34 and to the rear rack 111 in a known manner. In accordance with this invention, a pair of crosspieces 212 and 214 provided with two spaced-apart concave zones for receiving floats 52, 54 when travelling along trails or unprepared terrain, as illustrated in Fig. 3. Front crosspiece 212 may be provided with a central hole 216 through which may extend the stern spar 82. A U-shape opening 218 in the middle of the rear crosspiece 214 receives the opposite end of stern spar 82.
It should also be noted that the length of crosspieces 212 and 214 should not exceed the track of the wheels in order to reduce the risk of interference when travelling along a trail in a wooded area.
While the overhead load carrying structure 110 is ideal for carrying a float system as shown in Fig.
3, it should not be used in the case of a 6 wheel ATV
because the extra weight of the longer flotation tanks could render the ATV prone to tipping over on the side. It is preferred to carry a lightweight, buoyant trailer to haul the float system when on the ground.
~_ -27-When it is desired to install floats 52, 54 to the ATV shown in Fig. 3, the first float is lowered from the overhead rack 110 and its midfloat stem 140 is placed on the corresponding studs 162, 164. Coupling pins are inserted into mating apertures 166 and 184. In a similar fashion, the other float is installed on the other side of the ATV and coupling pins are slipped into mating holes 166 and 184. This completes the installation of the floats proper in the case of a 4 wheel ATV. Next, the stern spar 82 is removed from the overhead rack 110 and is placed across the rear flotation body lugs 84 as shown in Fig. 11. Then suitable pins 83 are inserted into the aligned apertures through lug 84 and the adjacent end portion of stern spar 82 which completes the installation thereof as shown in Fig. 12. Next, the rudder assembly 80 is connected to vertical lugs 94 of spar 82 using coupling pins 95 as shown in Fig. 13. As the paddle wheels 56, 58 are already on the ATV, the installation is complete within a matter of a minute or two. Dismantling is exactly the same except in the reverse. The rudder assembly 80 is removed from lugs 94 after removal of coupling pins 95, and the assembly is mounted to a second pair of lugs 105 (see Fig. 1) on any convenient component of the ATV or on the overhead rack 110. Coupling pins 83 can then be removed and the stern spar 82 may be mounted to the front and rear cross pieces 212 and 214 with a suitable tie down cord (not shown) or the like holding spar 82 in place.
Next, the two coupling pins are removed to free one of the two floats. The float thus freed is immediately installed on the overhead rack 110 and held in place with a suitable tie down cord. Finally, the other float is removed from float connector 146 and is then placed onto the overhead rack 110 where it is secured in place with another tie down cord or other suitable retaining device.
In the case of a 6 wheel ATV, as shown in Figs 15 and 16, the mid-float stems 140 are of the same design although they are located somewhat closer to the front end of flotation bodies 200. Having regard to the fact that the rear portion of flotation body 200 is quite long and that the bed 226 at the rear of the 6 wheel ATV
is designed to carry a relatively heavy load, it becomes necessary to secure the rear of the floats to the rear of the chassis of the ATV. To this effect, stern spar 82 which supports rudder assembly 80 is provided with an additional pair of upwardly extending lugs 220 to which is pivotally secured a bracket 222 which is clamped onto the transverse rear member 224 of the ATV chassis which supports bed 226. Bracket 222 may comprise two spaced-apart arms 228 and a transverse brace 230. U-shaped clamps 232 may be used to secure bracket 222 to the transverse rear member 224. Coupling pins 234 facilitate disassembly of the stern bar 82 when it is desired to remove the floats.
It should also be noted that in the case of a 6 wheel ATV, it may be advantageous to also provide paddle wheels and on center wheels 142 for additional propulsion in the water.
The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention which is defined in the following claims.
Claims (31)
1. An improved all-wheel drive 4+wheel ATV comprising two lateral floats, each float comprising a lower edge which is held above the ground and a portion which is submerged when the ATV is waterborne, said submerged portion being in a slight set back position relative to the front steered driving wheels;
said improved ATV having the capability to enter into the water, travel on the surface of the water and unassistedly beach, with an operator on board and without changing the vertical position of the floats relative to the chassis of the ATV.
said improved ATV having the capability to enter into the water, travel on the surface of the water and unassistedly beach, with an operator on board and without changing the vertical position of the floats relative to the chassis of the ATV.
2. An improved all-wheel drive 4+wheel ATV comprising two lateral floats, each float comprising a lower edge held above the ground and a portion which is submerged when the ATV
is waterborne, said portion being in a slight set back position relative to the front steered driving wheels to allow unassisted entry into the water and beaching with an operator on board and without changing the vertical position of the floats relative to the chassis of the ATV; said improved ATV
also comprising a paddle wheel adjacent each rear wheel for rotation therewith thereby to propel said ATV when waterborne, and a trailing rudder assembly centered upon and disposed behind said paddle wheels and having tow spaced apart rudders whose lateral spacing is selected for greater steering response.
is waterborne, said portion being in a slight set back position relative to the front steered driving wheels to allow unassisted entry into the water and beaching with an operator on board and without changing the vertical position of the floats relative to the chassis of the ATV; said improved ATV
also comprising a paddle wheel adjacent each rear wheel for rotation therewith thereby to propel said ATV when waterborne, and a trailing rudder assembly centered upon and disposed behind said paddle wheels and having tow spaced apart rudders whose lateral spacing is selected for greater steering response.
3. An improved all-wheel drive ATV as defined in claim 2 wherein each rudder is mounted to an essentially vertically extending post for pivotal motion therewith, wherein the distance between said two rudders, when parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ATV, is generally equal to the distance between the outermost edges of said paddle wheels, and wherein the stream of water created by the combined actin of said paddle wheels when rotating for forward propulsion is laterally confined within the space between said two rudders.
4. An improved all-wheel drive 4+wheel ATV comprising two lateral floats with their bottom portion held above the ground and their submerged portion positioned in a slight set back position relative to the front steered driving wheels;
said improved ATV having the capability to enter into the water, travel on the surface of the water and unassisted beach, with an operator on board and without changing the position of the floats relative to the chassis of the ATV; each float being connected to the chassis of the ATV by a mid float stem situated between the steered front wheel and the wheel behind, and quick disconnector means for detachably connecting each mid float stem to the chassis of said ATV.
said improved ATV having the capability to enter into the water, travel on the surface of the water and unassisted beach, with an operator on board and without changing the position of the floats relative to the chassis of the ATV; each float being connected to the chassis of the ATV by a mid float stem situated between the steered front wheel and the wheel behind, and quick disconnector means for detachably connecting each mid float stem to the chassis of said ATV.
5. An improved all-wheel drive 4+wheel ATV comprising two lateral floats, the length of said floats corresponding generally to the length of said ATV and their submerged portion being set back slightly relative to the front steered driving wheels and the rear driving wheels; said improved ATV having the capability to enter into the water, travel on the surface of the water and unassistedly beach, with an operator on board and without changing the position of the floats relative to the chassis of the ATV.
6. An improved all-wheel drive 4+wheel ATV comprising two lateral floats, the length of said floats corresponding generally to the length of said ATV, each of said floats having a portion which is submerged when the ATV is waterborne, said portion being set back slightly relative to the front steered driving wheels; said improved ATV having the capability to enter into the water, travel on the surface of the water and unassistedly beach with an operator on board and without changing the vertical position of the floats relative to the chassis of the ATV; said improved ATV also comprising a paddle wheel adjacent each rear wheel for rotation therewith and for propelling said improved ATV when waterborne and a rudder assembly closely associated with said paddle wheels for steering said ATV when waterborne, said rudder assembly being centered upon and disposed behind said paddle wheels and having two spaced apart rudders whose lateral spacing is selected for greater steering response.
7. An improved all-wheel drive ATV as defined in claim 6 wherein the distance between said two rudders, when parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ATV, is generally equal to the distance between the outermost edges of said paddle wheels for confining the stream of water created by said paddle wheels to the space between said rudders.
8. An improved all-wheel drive 4+wheel ATV comprising two lateral floats, the length of said floats corresponding generally to the length of said ATV and their submerged portion being set back slightly relative to the front steered driving wheels and the rear driving wheel to allow unassisted entry into the water and beaching with an operator on board and without changing the vertical position of the floats relative to the chassis of the ATV; said improved ATV also comprising a paddle wheel adjacent each rear wheel for rotation therewith and for propelling said improved ATV when waterborne and a rudder assembly closely associated with said paddle wheels for steering said ATV when waterborne; said rudder assembly having a rudder trailing behind each paddle wheel in close proximity thereto and the lateral spacing of said rudders being selected for greater steering response; and wherein each float is connected to the chassis of the ATV by a mid float stem situated generally between the steered front wheel and the wheel behind and comprising quick disconnector means for detachably connecting each mid float stem to the chassis of said ATV.
9. An improved all-wheel drive 4+wheel ATV comprising two co-extensive longitudinally extending parallel lateral floats, each float comprising a flotation body and a mid float stem for detachably mounting the flotation body to the chassis of the ATV and holding same in a fixed position relative to the chassis of the ATV; the length of said flotation bodies corresponding generally to the length of said ATV; the submerged portion of said flotation bodies being slightly set back relative to the front steered driving wheels and the rear wheels; said improved ATV having the capability to enter into the water, travel on the surface of the water and unassistedly beach, with an operator on board, and without changing the height of the flotation bodies relative to the chassis of the ATV; the flotation bodies each having a forwardly and upwardly extending bow; said improved ATV also comprising a paddle wheel adjacent each rear wheel for rotation therewith thereby to propel said ATV when waterborne, a stern spar spanning the flotation bodies behind the chassis of the ATV for controlling the distance between the rear ends of said flotation bodies and a trailing rudder assembly having two spaced-apart rudders;
said rudder assembly being pivotally mounted to said stern spar, generally behind said stern spar, to allow a rearward and upward motion of said rudder assembly when either rudder touches the ground or hits upon an obstacle when said ATV moves forwardly; the lateral positioning of each rudder being selected for greater steering response.
said rudder assembly being pivotally mounted to said stern spar, generally behind said stern spar, to allow a rearward and upward motion of said rudder assembly when either rudder touches the ground or hits upon an obstacle when said ATV moves forwardly; the lateral positioning of each rudder being selected for greater steering response.
10. An improved all wheel drive 4+wheel ATV comprising two co-extensive longitudinally extending parallel lateral floats, each float comprising a flotation body and a mid float stem for detachably mounting the flotation body to the chassis of the ATV and holding same in a fixed position relative to the chassis of the ATV, the length of said flotation bodies corresponding generally to the length of said ATV, the submerged portion of said flotation bodies being slightly set back relative to the front steered driving wheels and the rear wheels to allow unassisted entry into the water and beaching with an operator on board and without changing the height of the flotation bodies relative to the chassis of the ATV; the flotation bodies each having a forwardly and upwardly extending bow; said improved ATV also comprising a paddle wheel adjacent each rear wheel for rotation therewith thereby to propel said ATV when waterborne, a stern spar spanning the flotation bodies behind the chassis of the ATV for controlling the distance between the rear ends of said flotation bodies, and a trailing rudder assembly having two spaced-apart rudders; said rudder assembly being pivotally mounted to said stern spar, generally behind said stern spar, to allow rearward and upward motion of said rudder assembly when either rudder touches the ground or hits upon an obstacle when said ATV moves forwardly; said rudder assembly trailing closely behind said paddle wheels; the lateral positioning of each rudder being selected for greater steering response; said flotation bodies each terminating at the lower rear end with a bevel to minimize the risk of ground engagement at the rear of the floats when entering into the water or travelling on the ground.
11. An improved all-wheel drive ATV with 4 ground engaging wheels comprising two co-extensive longitudinally extending parallel lateral floats, each float comprising a flotation body and a mid float stem for detachably mounting the flotation body to the chassis of the ATV and holding same in a fixed position relative to the chassis of the ATV, each stem extending from the middle inner side of the flotation body to the adjacent side of the ATV between the front wheel and the rear wheel, the length of said flotation bodies corresponding generally to the length of said ATV, the submerged portion of said flotation bodies being slightly set back relative to the front steered driving wheels and the rear wheels to allow unassisted entry into the water and beaching with an operator on board and without changing the height of the flotation bodies relative to the chassis of the ATV; the flotation bodies each having a forwardly and upwardly extending bow; said improved ATV also comprising a paddle wheel adjacent each rear wheel for rotation therewith thereby to propel said ATV when waterborne, a stern spar spanning the flotation bodies behind the chassis of the ATV for controlling the distance between the rear ends of said flotation bodies, and a trailing rudder assembly having two spaced-apart rudders, said rudder assembly being pivotally mounted to said stern spar, generally behind said stern spar, to allow rearward and upward motion of said rudder assembly when either rudder touches the ground or hits upon an obstacle when said ATV moves forwardly; said rudder assembly trailing closely behind said paddle wheels; the position of each rudder relative to the associated paddle wheel being selected for greater steering response.
12. An improved all-wheel drive 4+wheel ATV comprising two co-extensive longitudinally extending parallel lateral floats; each float comprising a flotation body and a mid-float stem for detachably mounting the flotation body to the chassis of the ATV and for holding same at a fixed position relative to the chassis of the ATV with their respective line of flotation generally at the level of the axle of the wheels; each stem extending between the intermediate region of said flotation body to the adjacent side of said ATV between the adjacent front wheel and the wheel behind, the displacement of said two-flotation bodies, when about half submerged, maintaining said ATV, with a normal load and operator on board, in a stable upright floating position with the wheels about half submerged, the length of said flotation bodies corresponding generally to the length of said ATV, the spacing between the inner sides of the flotation bodies corresponding to the distance between the outermost portions of the front wheels when steered fully to one side and minimal clearance, the flotation bodies each having a forwardly and upwardly extending bow with the submerged portion of the bow set back with respect to the submerged portion of front wheels; said improved ATV having the capability to enter into the water, travel on the surface of the water and unassistedly beach with an operator on board and without changing the height of said flotation bodies relative to said ATV chassis; said improved ATV also comprising a stern spar spanning the flotation bodies behind the chassis of the ATV, said stern spar being detachably mounted at its opposite ends to the rear deck portions of said flotation bodies for controlling the position of the rear ends of said flotation bodies, said mid float stems maintaining the underside of said flotation bodies a fixed uniform distance above the ground when the normally loaded ATV with operator on board is on the ground such that said loaded ATV with its two lateral floats in place can travel on unprepared surfaces over limited distances for entering water and beaching unassisted, the rear ends of said flotation bodies extending behind the rear wheel axle for additional buoyancy to maintain said flotation bodies generally horizontal when said ATV, normally loaded with operator on board is waterborne, the submerged portion of said flotation bodies behind said rear wheel axle not extending substantially behind the submerged trailing portions of said rear wheels thereby to limit the risk of ground engagement of the rear ends of said flotation bodies and preventing nose diving of said ATV
when waterborne with a normal load and operator on board.
when waterborne with a normal load and operator on board.
13. An improved ATV as defined in claim 12 also comprising a paddle wheel adjacent each rear wheel for rotation therewith thereby to propel said ATV when waterborne, and a trailing rudder assembly pivotally mounted to said stern spar for steering said waterborne ATV when being propelled, said rudder assembly comprising a rudder disposed immediately behind the outer edge of paddle wheel to maximize the effectiveness of the stream of water created by said paddle wheels when rotating.
14. An improved ATV as defined in claim 11 wherein each flotation body is a rigid cylindrical floatation tank with a lower bevel at the leading end and a lower bevel at the trailing end, said flotation tank having at least two inner transverse partitions to form at least three watertight compartments.
15. An improved ATV as defined in claim 12 wherein said flotation tank is made of welded thin walled components of suitably rigid Aluminum alloy.
16. An improved ATV as defined in claim 13 wherein most of said thin walled components are fabricated from an Aluminum alloy in sheet form measuring about 2 mm in thickness, and wherein each compartment comprises a drain hole on the upper side of the tank.
17. An improved all wheel drive ATV with 4 ground engaging wheels comprising two co-extensive longitudinally extending parallel lateral floats, each float comprising a flotation body and a mid-float stem for detachably mounting the flotation body to the chassis of the ATV and for holding same at a fixed position relative to the chassis of the ATV with their respective line of flotation generally at the level of the wheels axels, the length of said flotation bodies corresponding generally to the length of said ATV, each stem extending between the intermediate region of said flotation body to the adjacent side of said ATV between the adjacent front wheel and the rear wheel, the displacement of said two flotation bodies, when about half submerged, maintaining said ATV with a normal load and operator on board, in a stable upright floating position with the wheels about half submerged, the spacing between the inner sides of the flotation bodies corresponding to the distance between the outer most parts of the front wheels when steered fully to one side and minimal clearance, the flotation bodies having a forwardly and upwardly extending bow with the submerged portion of the bow set back with respect to the submerged portion of the front wheels; said improved ATV having the capability to enter into the water, travel on the surface of the water and unassistedly beach without changing the position of said flotation bodies relative to said ATV chassis and with the operator on board.
18. A float assembly for an all-wheel drive 4 wheel ATV, comprising two co-extensive floats, a float connector adapted to be affixed to the underside of the chassis of said ATV in the central area thereof and at about equal distances between the front wheels and the rear wheels, a stern spar adapted to be detachably mounted at its opposite ends to the rear deck portions of the floats for controlling the distance between the sterns of said floats and a rudder assembly adapted to be pivotally mounted to said stern spar, generally rearwardly thereof, to allow a rearward and upward motion of said rudder assembly when a rudder thereof touches the ground or hits upon an obstacle when said ATV moves forwardly; each float having a flotation body and a mid float stem for detachably mounting the flotation body to said float connector; the length of said flotation bodies being substantially equal to the length of said ATV; said stern spar being free floating relative to the chassis of said ATV; said float assembly converging to the ATV
the capability to enter into the water, travel on the surface of the water and unassistedly beach, with an operator on board and without changing the vertical position of the flotation bodies relative to the chassis of the ATV.
the capability to enter into the water, travel on the surface of the water and unassistedly beach, with an operator on board and without changing the vertical position of the flotation bodies relative to the chassis of the ATV.
19. A float assembly for an all-wheel drive ATV as defined in claim 18 wherein the displacement of said flotation bodies, when about half submerged, is calculated to maintain said ATV, with normal load and operator on board, in a stable upright floating position with the wheels about half submerged;
the spacing between the inner sides of the flotation bodies when mounted to said float connector corresponding to the distance between the outermost parts of the front wheels of the ATV when steered fully to one side and minimal clearance; the flotation bodies having a forwardly and upwardly extending bow.
the spacing between the inner sides of the flotation bodies when mounted to said float connector corresponding to the distance between the outermost parts of the front wheels of the ATV when steered fully to one side and minimal clearance; the flotation bodies having a forwardly and upwardly extending bow.
20. A float assembly for an all wheel drive ATV as defined in claim 19 wherein each flotation body is a rigid cylindrical flotation tank with a lower bevel at the leading end and a lower bevel at the trailing end, said flotation body having at least two inner transverse partitions to form at least three watertight compartments.
21. A float assembly for an all wheel drive ATV as defined in claim 20 wherein said flotation body is made of welded sheet metal, the material of said sheet metal being suitably tear resistant weldable light Aluminum alloy in sheet form about 2 mm thick.
22. A float assembly for an all wheel drive ATV as defined in claim 21 wherein said Aluminum alloy is offered under the designation 5052H32, in sheet form measuring 0.081 of an inch in thickness, and wherein each compartment comprises a drain hole on the upper side of the tank.
23. A float assembly for an all wheel drive ATV as defined in claim 20 wherein each mid-float stem comprises two spaced-apart parallel tubes welded against the inner side wall of the associated flotation tank, the free end of each tube being in the form of a tubular struts detachably connectable to said float connector; said float connector having, on each side, two horizontally spaced-apart outwardly projecting struds adapted to slidingly fit into the tubular struts of the adjacent mid float stem with substantial penetration to ensure secure connection with said quick disconnecting means inserted into mating holes in registry through each tubular strut and associated stud.
24. A float assembly for an all wheel drive ATV as defined in claim 21 wherein each flotation body is about 7 feet long and has an outside diameter of about 17 inches, and wherein said float connector is a generally rectangular frame bolted against the under side of the central part of the chassis of the ATV, the studs of said float connector closely fitting inside said tubular struts with a penetration of about 6 inches when held in place by said quick disconnecting means.
25. An improved ATV as defined in claim 4 comprising a float connector mounted to the underside of the chassis of the ATV, transversely thereof, between the steered front wheels and the wheels behind said front wheels; said float connector having on each side of said ATV two horizontally spaced apart studs for receiving the float stem of the adjacent float; said float stem comprising two horizontally spaced apart tubular projections slidingly fitting over said studs with sufficient overlap for secure coupling with said quick disconnector means in place.
26. An improved ATV as defined in claim 25 wherein said float connector is made of the two coextensive horizontally disposed tubular components held in a fixed spaced apart relationship; said tubular components extending transversally of the longitudinal axis of said ATV underneath the footrests of the ATV; said studs being defined by the opposite ends of said tubular components.
27. An improved ATV as defined in claim 12 wherein said ATV has 6 ground engaging wheels and wherein said stern spar is detachably connected to the chassis of said ATV to vertically position the rear ends of said flotation bodies relative to the chassis of said ATV.
28. An improved ATV as defined in claim 27 wherein said stern spar has two spaced apart supporting lugs for detachably connecting said stern spar to the chassis of said ATV; said improved ATV also having a rearwardly and downwardly extending bracket that has attachment means for coupling to said supporting lugs with quick disconnecting means.
29. An improved ATV as defined in claim 12 wherein said ATV has 4 ground engaging wheels and wherein said stern spar controls the distance between the rear ends of the flotation bodies and is otherwise free floating relative to the chassis of the ATV.
30. An improved ATV as defined in claim 2 wherein said paddle wheels are disposed inwardly of said rear wheels, and wherein each paddle wheel comprises a cylindrical body open at one end and closed at the other end with an apertured bottom plate, a plurality of radial rigid plates secured edgewise against the periphery of said cylindrical body adjacent the open end in a radial configuration and a common annular brace holding said rigid plates in place, said paddle wheel also comprising flexible extensions on said rigid plates to form a series of fins for propulsion when the ATV is on the surface of the water; said cylindrical body being small enough to fit within the inner hollow space at the center of the wheel rim, the bottom plate of said cylindrical body being sandwiched between the spindle of the wheel axle and the rim of the wheel.
31. An improved ATV as defined in claim 2 wherein said paddle wheels are mounted outwardly of the rear wheels, and wherein each paddle wheel comprises a wheel axle extension adapted to be sandwiched between the spindle of the axle and the rim of the wheel, a cylindrical body open at one end and closed at the other end with an apertured bottom plate, a plurality of radial rigid plates secured edgewise against the periphery of said cylindrical body adjacent the open end in a radial configuration and a common annular brace holding said rigid plates in place, said paddle wheel also comprising a fixed extension on said rigid plates to form a series of fins for propulsion when the ATV is on the surface of the water;
said cylindrical body being small enough to fit within the outer hollow space at the center of the wheel rim where it is held in place by said wheel axle extension.
said cylindrical body being small enough to fit within the outer hollow space at the center of the wheel rim where it is held in place by said wheel axle extension.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002177463A CA2177463A1 (en) | 1996-05-27 | 1996-05-27 | Float system for atv |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002177463A CA2177463A1 (en) | 1996-05-27 | 1996-05-27 | Float system for atv |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2177463A1 true CA2177463A1 (en) | 1997-11-28 |
Family
ID=4158285
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002177463A Abandoned CA2177463A1 (en) | 1996-05-27 | 1996-05-27 | Float system for atv |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2177463A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6666735B2 (en) | 2002-04-11 | 2003-12-23 | Dion Benoit | Jet drive assist for off-road vehicle with flotation |
| US7497182B2 (en) | 2006-02-07 | 2009-03-03 | Darrel Grove | Floatation apparatus for an all terrain vehicle |
| US9446639B2 (en) | 2014-11-14 | 2016-09-20 | Claude Belanger | Float accessory for a land vehicle |
| US20220055433A1 (en) * | 2018-12-13 | 2022-02-24 | Kseniya Maksimovna Belonogova | Multifunctional all-terrain vehicle |
| CN114571929A (en) * | 2022-04-06 | 2022-06-03 | 广州大学 | Anti-wave, anti-sinking and escaping trolley chassis device suitable for beach environment |
-
1996
- 1996-05-27 CA CA002177463A patent/CA2177463A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6666735B2 (en) | 2002-04-11 | 2003-12-23 | Dion Benoit | Jet drive assist for off-road vehicle with flotation |
| US7497182B2 (en) | 2006-02-07 | 2009-03-03 | Darrel Grove | Floatation apparatus for an all terrain vehicle |
| US9446639B2 (en) | 2014-11-14 | 2016-09-20 | Claude Belanger | Float accessory for a land vehicle |
| US20220055433A1 (en) * | 2018-12-13 | 2022-02-24 | Kseniya Maksimovna Belonogova | Multifunctional all-terrain vehicle |
| US11958324B2 (en) * | 2018-12-13 | 2024-04-16 | Kseniya Maksimovna Belonogova | Multifunctional all-terrain vehicle |
| CN114571929A (en) * | 2022-04-06 | 2022-06-03 | 广州大学 | Anti-wave, anti-sinking and escaping trolley chassis device suitable for beach environment |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US5697317A (en) | Hydro ski | |
| EP2059401B1 (en) | Amphibian | |
| RU2555051C2 (en) | Amphibia | |
| US4049287A (en) | Sail vehicles | |
| US4387661A (en) | Amphibious motor-driven cycle | |
| JP2010501397A5 (en) | ||
| EP0113772A1 (en) | Tricycle | |
| US9533536B2 (en) | Aerodynamic amphibious recumbent cycle and kayak | |
| US6062156A (en) | Snowmobile powered watercraft | |
| US4285674A (en) | Float attachment for a bicycle | |
| CA2785274A1 (en) | Amphibian | |
| US4789365A (en) | Aquacycle | |
| US20070134999A1 (en) | Motor-driven inflatable boat, in particular for ice rescue, comprising mounted steering devices, control units and an air propeller propulsion device | |
| US4664051A (en) | Three wheeler flotation conversion kit | |
| US5803774A (en) | Integrated system for land and water recreation | |
| US5879214A (en) | Convertible floating and sledding toy | |
| CA2177463A1 (en) | Float system for atv | |
| US4819575A (en) | Marine conversion for cycle | |
| US4631037A (en) | Pontoon vehicle | |
| US3397669A (en) | Amphibious vehicle | |
| US3779572A (en) | Convertible snow vehicle trailer | |
| US4687447A (en) | All terrain conversion system for three-wheeled vehicles | |
| US5112257A (en) | Multi-use vehicle | |
| US5005506A (en) | Recreational water vehicle | |
| US20040048525A1 (en) | Watercycle for wet rider |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |