GB2450900A

GB2450900A - Vehicle auxiliary manoeuvring device

Info

Publication number: GB2450900A
Application number: GB0713425A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Stanley Thomas Ackroyd
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-07-11
Filing date: 2007-07-11
Publication date: 2009-01-14
Anticipated expiration: 2027-07-11
Also published as: GB0922691D0; GB0713425D0; EP2193057A1; GB2450900B; GB2463598A; WO2009007667A1

Abstract

A vehicle auxiliary manoeuvring device comprises drive units that raise the main wheels 14 of the vehicle off the ground and drive wheels or tracks 6 are used to move the vehicle sideways, as shown, or forwards and backwards. A strut 11 limits downwards movement of the stub axle 15 to keep the wheel above the ground. The wheel may also be raised by electronic, hydraulic or air pressure means, or by a cable and pulley system.

Description

1/ Figure Descriptions and Keys --

A] Summary of Figures

1. Figures Ia & lb -Overhead overall views of alternative drive layouts 2. Figures 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f & 2g -Vieis of drive units in extended and retracted positions for vehicles with independent suspension 3. Figures 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e & 3f -Views of alternative live axle, self powered and off-road vehicle applications.

4. Figures 4a & 4b -Examples of belt and cog designs.

Figures with Brief Descriptions

1] Overhead View of the overall layout of the auxiliary drive units Figure Ia Auxiliary Lateral Parking/Manoeuvring Layout [Overhead View] Figure 1 Normal vehicle Ia wheels 2 Drive Units comprising of elevating strut, cogged and tensioned drive belt/s, tensioners, linked to motor/s mounted directly on the strut or on tre vehicle.

Note -Only one of the two units on each end need be powered for on road use on a low weight vehicle. I...

3 Possible drive directions,enabling lateral vehicle rriovement or rotation around a front : central or rear axis.

S

S.....

S

*..S..

Figure lb Auxiliary Longitudinal Off-road Traction Layout (Overhead View]

2/ Figure Descriptions and Keys

1 b 1 Normal vehicle wheels 2 Drive Units comprising of elevating strut, cogged and tensioned drive belt/s, tensioners, linked to motor/s mounted directly on the strut or on the vehicle.

3 Possible drive directions enabling increased traction and vehicle rotation aroun a central ax is Note -Drives could be swivelled between paralle' and 90 degree position relative to the normal vehicle drive direction S. * * * S.. * . *5S* S... * . S. *

S

S..... * S

S..... S *

3/P Figure Descriptions and Keys

Figure 2a Retracted Position -Independent Coil Spring Layout Figure2a 1 Pulley Iii Strut with roller head tensioned against lower suspension, I supplements or replaces collar/pulley/cable system for limiting downward 2 Cable I wheel movement when extended I Sliding Collar 12 Shock Absorber & Coil I presses away Spring Unit I from shock I absorber base 13 Lower Suspension Arm 4 C able Anchor Point 14 Wheel & Tyre End on view Driving cog -can be 15 Stub Axle mounted on strut or 16 -Lower Suspension Arm elsewhere, and use Pivot -Shared with Auxiliary I electric, air pressure, Drive Strut Pnot hydraulic, Dr j mechanical power 6 Drive belt -Toothed on inside, ribbed on outsid 7 Tensioner (Leaf spring) 8 Rubber Roller 9-Strut Toothed Cog Figure 2b Extended Position -Independent Coil Spring Application Layout :Eigure 2b * *** **** I *.uiley Struts Link the ___________ aes of the cogs Cable ______________ *L_. 10 Toothed Cog L Slidir Collar ____________________________________________________________ presses up -Strut with roller head tensioned against lower suspension, qainl stoc (supplernent or replaces cuflac(pulley!cable systen or limiting dowa *absorber base [wheel niovernent S. ,_p*________________ _________________________ * 4 CabIe Aflchor Point! 12 Shock Absorber & Coil I pring unit 1b'ivrngcog-canbel I __________________ mounted on strut or 113 Lower Suspension im elsewhere, and use _____________________________ electric, air pressure, {14 Wheel & lyre End on view hydraulic, Or I mechanical power 115 Stub Axle 6 Drive 6elt-Tooihed on11 nside nbbed or outsidj 16 -Lower Suspension Aim ___________________________ Pivot. Shared h Auxiliaiy Tensioner (Leaf spring) DiVO Strut Pivot I Rubber Roller

4/R Figure Descriptions and Keys --

Key for both Figures 2c Retracted Drive & 2d-Extended Drive 1. Strut Pivot Bearing sharing the same bolt as 11 -Existing Lower Suspension Pivot Bearing 2. Drive Strut 3. Traction Belt 4. Toothed Cog 5. Soft Roller 6. Suspension Bracing Frame & Cog Axle Locating Frame.

7. Tensioner 8. flotor Drive -hydraulic, electric, air pressure motor or driven mechanically from the vehicle engine.

9. Existing Vehicle Lower Suspension Arm 10. Existing Vehicle Suspension Strut 11.Existing Vehicle Lower Suspension Pivot Bearing Figure 2e Drive unit pivoted under independent suspension. Strut Length can be varied with screw pillar adjustment. Key

1. Roller 2. Bracing Strut -Possible alternative to pulley and cable system tensioned upwards against the lower suspension arms.

3. Suspension cables anchor point.

4. Guiding Flange.

5. Leaf spring tensioner.

6. Tensioner and cog axle frame.

7. Drive Cog -can be driven by electric or hydraulic motor built into the hub, or driven from a remotely situated motor. Upwardly tensioned axle.

8. Flexible toothed drive belt.

9. Lower suspension pivot and strut pivot * * **** * * * ** * * ** **.S * * * * .**. * *

5/F Figure Descriptions and Keys

Key for Figures 2f and 2g -Alternative Drive and Belt Layouts with Drive Motors & Strut Pivots Located Away from the Vehicle Suspension Strut Figures 2fand2g Key Left Right Drive with stiut7 IDr1e with strut retracted extended 1 -Motor-Cogged Drive Whe& 2-Dnve Belt -inner toothed -outer ribbed to allow lateral slip and longitudinal grip 3 -Cogged guiding wheels 4 -Strut Pivot -Strut B -Leaf spring tensioner carryrnq axles for the cogged guiding wheels 7 -Spring loaded bell tensioner -Figure 3a Side View of Light Duty Lateral Belt -Beam Axle! Live Axle Design in extended (Upper] and extended/retracted [lower] modes.

Figure 3a Upper -Both Sides Extended Lower Split View Extended & Retracted Lower Left Extended Lower Riqht Retracted Key Alternative Live Axle Drive Layout 1-Leaf Spring * 2-Drive Belt : Strut-Extended Left/Retracted Right *..-Roller .... DoLible Acting Hydraulic or Air Pressured Piston -Piston Connecting Rod 7: Central Drive Cog 8-Vehicle Differential 9-Vehicle Live de 10-Road Wheel -End On View 1-Cog 4de Locator and * l'ensioner i-Strut Pivot under Leaf Spring * 0 S -Load bearing Surface

6/ Figure Descriptions and Keys

Figure 3b Self Powered Version.

The units are manoeuvred under a vehicle; the cushioned pads are pushed horizontally, then upwards against the vehicle lower suspension areas by the pistons [8] and struts [11]; the vehicle is then lifted by the telescopic struts and repositioned by the belt drives. Key

1. Independent Power Source -Electric/Hdraulic/Pneumatic/FuelIed Motor driving [7] [8] &[1 1] 2. Outward Facing Cushioned Roller 3. Slidrng Platform 4. Drive Belt 5. Toothed Roller 6. Tensioner and Axle Frame 7. Motor Driven Toothed Roller 8. Strut -Telescopic 9. Tensioner 10. Upper cushioned Layer 11.Piston Figure 3c Side View of Heavy Duty Lateral Belt -Beam Axle I Live Axle Design in extended [Upper] and extended/retracted [lower] modes.

Figure3c Upper Level -Both Sides Extended Lower Level -Split View Extended/Retracted Lower Left -Extended! Lower Right -Retracted key..

*...1 Live or Beam Axle Strut Pivot 3. Powered Cogged Drive 4. Drive Belt Cogged Roller : Belt Tensioner & Cogged Roller Locator 7. Vehicle Wheel -End-On View 8. Drive Strut 9. Vehicle Differential -not always present

7/Ft Figure Descriptions and Keys

Figure 3d Alternative Longitudinally RaisedlRetracted Layout -Heavy Duty Lateral Drive Three Quarter View -Heavy Duty Belt Drive -Retracted 1. Tyre 2. Strut -Retracted 3. Drive Belt -Untensioned 4. Live/Beam Axle 5. Cogged Roller 6. Belt Drive Tensioner and Roller Axle Locating Frame 7. Strut Pivot 8. Driven Cogged Roller Figure 3e Beam Axle I Live Axle, Light Duty Longitudinal Belt Drive Designs in Extended and Retracted Positions. Rear or Front Only Installations are possible. Belts could be studded and of varying width and ength according to terrain demands.

Figure 3e Key Nnlndeperident Suspension Traction Aid Application Light Out Off-Road Type Left Right Lorqitudrrial Liqht Duty Bell Design Longitudinal Light Duty Belt Design Exlended Retracted 1 jNon independent Suspensij 2 -jstruts Pivoted under suspension 3 __jTensioner and Roller Axle Frfl 4 -Heavy duty composite flii1 drree belt -f Powered Cogged Poller can also be located off * * the strul :..::: 6 _____4Cogged_Roller S...

__5_*_*I * . S S. S Figure 3f Beam Axle / Live Axle, Heavy Duty Longitudinal Belt Drive Designs in extended and retracted positions. Belts could be studded and of varying width accordrng to terrain demands.

**S.SS * Figure 3f Key *..... * S

Non Independent Suspension Traction Aid Application Heavy Duty Off-Road Type Left Right Longitudinal Heavy Out Belt Design Extended Retracted on independent Suspension --Underbodyj 5 jstrut Pivot ___________________ Pivoted Strut I -2::ioni Composite flexible I

8/R Figure Descriptions and Keys

Figure 4a Example of Traction Belt Features for on-road use to allow lateral slip when turning and longitudinal straight line traction. Othei specialised designs for off-road uses [ice/sand/mud etc.] include spiked, studded and patterned belts.

Figure 4a Drive Belt Basic Design E.eatur Left Right Side View Cross Section Key 11 Inner teeth mesh with drive and guiding cogs 2] Outer belt tread has straight teeth for longitudinal grip while allowing lateral slip when the vehicle is rotated.

3] Locating grooves for guiding flanges in toothed cogs to prevent belts from slipping off 4] Rounded outer shoulders allow lateral slip when the vehicle is rotated Si Ground/Road Surface Figure 4b Three Quarter View of an example of one possible design for a toothed cog with belt L1 ding flanges.

"Frgeie 4b Qriv and Guiding Cogged Roller Wheels Basic Design ii-.1if1 Locating Flanges 2] Toothed Cog Auxi/iaiy Vehicle Manoeuvring Device Descaption of In vent/on [0001] An auxiliary driving device, attached usually but not necessarily to the undersides -of the vehicle suspension or body/chassis but independent of the main vehicle drives, to give a vehicle additional manoeuvrability and/or traction. The device enables precise low speed lateral/longitudinal vehicle movement, and axial vehicle rotation to facilitate: [00021 Al Parking -sideways manoeuvring.

3] B] Manoeuvring in confined spaces -rotation around a kwward, central or rear axis.

4] C] Traction assistance on slippery, uneven or fragmented surfaces, both directly when in alignment parallel to normal drive direction [See Figure 1 b] and by means of sideways vehicle realignment when the device drive units are aligned at 90 degrees to the vehide's normal drive direction [See Figure 1 a].

Additional Possible Functions [0005] 0] Anti theft -while activated the vehicle cannot be driven forward or backwards without the deactivation control; which can be removed from the vehicle.

6] El Vehicle jacking, facilitating wheel char.ing and underbody inspection/maintenance.

[00071 F] Wireless remote control for vehicle direction and speed. The vehicle can be manoeuvred remotely.

Major Benefits of This Manoeuvnng Device [0008] 1. Driver skill, stress and time needed for parking are all much reduced.

2. Environmental Impact -Fuel usage in conbried space manoeuvring is almost eliminated.

3. Environmental Impact -Vehide Space is b6coming increasingly limited -this device, if universally adopted, would enable parking spaces to be at least a metre shorter. More vehicles can be parked in any given space.

4 Increased vehicle manoeuvrability in confined spaces. Vehicles can be stored and have access to areas that would otherwise not be usable.

Much reduced steering component and tyre wear.

6. Increased off road vehicle traction with some applications of this device -a possible alternative to all wheel drive.

7. Theft Prevention when the units are locked in their extended positions 8. Remote vehicle operation.

Problems This Device Overcomes This device aims to overcome the following disadvantages of auxiliary manoeuvring devices: [0009] A] Slowness of activation and de-activatiôn [0010] B] Unacceptable reduction of vehicle underbody ground clearance, [00111 C] Unacceptable additional weight, [0012] D] Small wheels' inability to cope with uneven or fragmented ground surfaces, [0013] E] Larger wheels' and tyres bulk and weight, [0014] F] The unacceptable expense, weight, additional complexity and unintuitive operation of mechanical steering mechanisms, [0015] G] Accommodation of vehide steering and independent suspension mechanisms.

Conventional Mode for Fitting the Invention [0016] Independent Suspension Bolting the manoeuvring units to the undersides of the suspension lower pivot link with location for upward bracing struts onto the undersides of the wheel hubs or, where strength allows, lower suspension arms -at the pivot points for the wheel hubs.

Alternative App//cation Mode(s) i this In vent/on [0017] A] Live/Beam Axle -bolting to the undersides of the axles.

8] B] Limitation of downward wheel movement by Cables/Electronics/Hydraulics instead of struts during the downward actuation of the drive struts.

9] C] Parallel instead of 90 degree alignment as auxiliary off-road vehicle traction improver.

0] D] Special track designs for different terrains [0021] E] Extended single lateral/longitudinal track design for improved off-road grip.

[0022) F] Power units can be positioned in different locations, [See example in Figure 2e] not necessarily on the drive struts as in Figures 2a,b,&c]to accommodate vehicle design characteristics, and linked to the drives by chains, belts, shafts or other power transmission devices.

Practica/App/icat/on [0023] Al Parking -sideways manoeuvring; access to confined areas.

4] B] Manoeuvring in confined spaces -rotation around a forward, central or rear axis.

5] C] Traction assistance in difficult terrain -when auxiliary units are aligned parallel to vehicle direction -and sideways vehicle realignment to regain gnp, with applications where the drives are positioned at 90 degrees to normal vehicle direction.

6] D] Anti theft -while activated the vehicle cannot be driven forward or backwards without the deactivation control; which could be removed from the vehicle.

7] El Vehicle jacking, facilitating wheel changing and underbody inspection/maintenance.

Safely -Prevention of Accidental Extension [0028] A] For safety, a leaf or coil spring tensioner to keep the strut in its elevated position would be incorporated. This would make upward retraction almost totally spring activated and act as a fail safe dece against the device being extended through activation caused by breakage or malfunction.

9] B] Manoeuvring speeds of up to 8kph should be achievable using one of the above power sources with the engine running in PARK or NEUTRAL. A safety circuit would only allow operation of the device when the vehicle gear selector is in one of these positions.

O030] _CJ Prevention of Vehicle Damage caused by Inexperienced Operation --Formatted: Bullets and The device could be used in conjunction with suitably a reprogrammed electronic proximity sensor guided parking assistance.

The device consists of inner toothed and outer treaded belts tensioned and driven by series of cogs, [See Figures 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d & 2e] or wheels, the axles of which are tensioned outwards to stretch the belts to the required shape. The belt drives are mounted on arms hinged on either the base of the vehicle suspension, the vehicle body or, on beam or live axle suspensions [where unsprung weight-does not need to be minimised (See Figures 3a, 3b & 3d, to the axles themselves. These arms, when extended downwards, lift the vehicle by pressing down the cog driven belts or multiple wheels or rollers. The struts have a load bearing function; the belts drive and steer by variation of individual belt drive speed and rotational direction.

These combined lifting/dnve units can be positiored under the vehicle at 90 degrees to the vehicle's normal direction of travel mainly to enhance manoeuvrability, [See Figure Ia], or parallel to it mainly to enhance longitudinal traction [See Figure I b].

Primary Drive Raising or Limitation of Downward Movement during Device Activation When extended downwards, the arms lift the vehicle and, where suspension design permits, a lever braces the track upwards against the lower areas of the vehicle suspension, preventing or limiting downward wheel movement.

Where this is not possible, downward movement or raising of the primary drives is restncted during activation by devices, such as sliding collars around the lower I sprung sections of the shock absorbers or to other points directly linked to the unsprung non rotating suspension points such as the lower areas of the shock absorbers or wheel hubs; these collars are attached by spring tensioned cables linked through pulleys to the arms of the device. They are pulled up by the downward activation of the arms of the device, thereby limiting downward suspension/wheel movement and bring the auxiliary tracks.

[See Figures 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, & 2e1 Other possible ways of limiting downward wheel movement during activation of the device include: Al An electronically and possibly wireless activated valve within the shock absorber preventing downward movement during device usage.

B] A clamp limiting downward suspension movement or slightly compressing the suspension.

Printed 09 July 2007 Peter S T Ackroyd Preiimina'g Draft Page 7 of 18

Vehide Manoeuvring Device Patent Description

Solutions Offered by this Invention This device aims to overcome the following disadvantages of auxiliary manoeuvring devices - 1. Slowness of activation and de-activation. Solution -Downward limitation of wheel suspension movement enables almost immediate device activation and de-activation.

2. Unacceptable additional weight. -Solution -Use of modem composite materials such as carbon fibre; use of existing power sources such as air or hydraulic pressure from braking and power steering systems, electric power from starter motor or generator or power take-off from the engine or wheels to reduce weight and complexity. Individual belt drive speedcontrol to eliminate the need for a steering mechanism. Use of wireless device control eliminates the need for the weight of mechanical links and complex wirng.

3. Small wheels' inability to cope with poor ground surfaces. Solution -High strength tensioned toothed belts driven by cogs similar to camshaft belts toothed cogs used in engines or motorcyde transmission drives instead the use of tyred wheels.

These, when in use, have traction footprints similar in size and characteristics to that of a lyre without the lyre's equivalent ground clearance while reducing bulk when retracted.

4. Large wheels' unacceptable reduction of ground clearance. Solution -Use of thin drive belts with tensioned small cogs allows an extremely compact retracted profile [See Figures 2a-2f].

5. Unacceptable control complexity. Solution -Independent wireless drive control of individual drive speed and direction eliminate the need for mechanical steering mechanisms and complex wiring.

6. Accommodation of existing vehide suspension and steering. Solution -Use of indirect methods such as cabling [see below] to limit downward wheel or track movement without impeding steering; locadon of compact drive units away from steering and suspension components.

Alternative Devices for Limiting Downward Wheel Movement du7ng Drive Act/vat/or, [See Figures 2a -2e and 3a-3c] One or more of the following devices act on or against unsprung areas of existing suspension systems, to limit downward wheel and suspension movement: / Printed 10 July 2007 Peter S T Ackroyd Preliminary Draft Page 8 of 18

Vehicle Manoeuvring Device Patent Description

C] Bracing struts or E] Air pressure or D] Cables or E] Hydraulic pressure Alternative Vehicle Lifting and Drive Power Sources Downward extension of the struts, under each corner of the vehicle, together with the compression of the suspension, can be achieved directly at each strut by: AJ Hydraulic piston with pressure taken from an engine driven hydraulic pump.

motors, B] Clutch controlled power take-off from the engine such as from the fly wheel or fan belt pulley, C] Air pressure from a commercial vehicle air pressure tank or D] Indirect strut extension via cable from motors driven by any of the aforementioned power sources, influenced by the constraints of the design of the vehicle.

E] Summary of Figures

1. Figures Ia & lb -Overhead overall views of alternative drive layouts 2. Figures 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, & 2f -Views of drive units in extended and retracted positions for vehicles with independent suspension 3. Figures 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e & 3f -Views of alternative live axle, self powered and off-road vehicle applications.

4. Figures 4a & 4b -Examples of belt and cog designs.

Claims

C/aims 1. An auxiliary vehicle manoeuvring device, with drive units

acting independently from the vehicle's main wheels or tracks, that raises a vehicle, raises or prevents downward movement of the vehicle's wheels or tracks, moves and steers the vehicle by varying the speed and rotation direction of these drive units.
2. A vehicle manoeuvring device according to claim 1 using drive units driving at right angles to the direction of a vehicle's wheels or tracks.
3 A vehicle manoeuvnng device according to claim I using drive units driving in parallel to the direction of the vehicle's wheels or tracks.
4. A vehicle manoeuvnng device according to claims 1, 2 or 3 using electronically activated means to raise the vehicle's wheels or tracks, or limit their downward movement during device activation.
5. A vehicle manoeuvnng device according to claims 1, 2 or 3 using mechanical means to raise the vehicle's wheels or tracks, or limit their downward movement during device activation.
6 A vehicle manoeuvnng device according to claims 1, 2 &J using hydraulic devices to raise the vehicle's wheels or tracks, or limit their downward movement during device activation.
7. A vehicle manoeuvring device according to claim 1, 2 or3 using air pressure to raise the vehicle's wheels or tracks, or limit their downward movement during device activation.
8. A vehicle manoeuvnng device according to claims 1, 2 or 3 using cable/pulley systems to raise the vehicle's wheels or limit their downward movement during device activation.
9. A vehicle manoeuvnng device according to claim I using any combination of methods itemised in claims 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 to raise the vehicle's wheels or tracks or limit their downward movement during device activation.
10. A vehicle manoeuvnng device according to daim 1, using belts, tensioners and cogs for device activation.
11 A vehicle manoeuvring device according to claim 1, using belts, tensioners and cogs for vehicle propulsion.
12 A vehicle manoeuvnng device according to daim 1, using belts, tensioners and cogs for vehicle steering.

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13 A vehicle rnanoeuvring device, according to claim I * activated using cables & pulleys to elevate the vehicle for supplementary vehicle directional or traction control.
14 A vehicle manoeuvring device according to claim 1 activated using hydraulic power take offs, for vehicle elevation and supplementary directional or traction control.
15. A vehicle manoeuvnng device according to claim I activated using electrical power, for vehicle elevation and supplementary directional or traction control.
16. A vehicle manoeuvnng device according tg.claim I activated using air pressure, for vehicle elevation and supplementary directional or traction control.
17. A vehicle manoeuvring device according to claim 1 activated using mechanical power take offs, for vehicle elevation and supplementary directional or traction control.
18 A vehicle manoeuvring device according to any, and any combination, of claims 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16, and 17, controlled by wireless remote and electronic mechanisms for device activation and deactivation and control of individual drive unit direction and speed.
19. A vehicle manoeuvring device according to any, and any combination, of claims 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16, 17, and 18, controlled by an electronic guidance system or systems.
A vehicle manoeuvring device according to any, and any combination, of claims 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16, 17 and 18, with struts tensioned upwards.
21. A vehicle manoeuvring device according to any, and any ombination, of claims 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16, 17, 18, 19 and 20, with mechanical or electronic devices to prevent accidental device activation.
22. A vehicle manoeuvnng device according to any, and any combination, of claims 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16, 17, 18, 19, 20,21 and 22, with drive belts with surface treads designed for specific prposes.
23. A vehicle manoeuvring device acc9rding to any, and any combination, of claims :: 1,23,4,5,67,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16, 1? 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22, with drive bell' with * pneumatic compartments.

*
24. A vehicle manoeuvring device according to any, and any combination, of claims : 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23, that can be temporarily attached to, and manoeuvre, a variety of vehicles.

23. A vehicle manoeuvring device according to any, and any combination, of claims 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16, 17, 18, 19, 20,21, 22, and 23, with drive belts with pneumatic compartments.

24. A vehicle manoeuvring device according to any, and any combination, of claims 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16, 17,18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24, thatcan be temporarily attached to, and manoeuvre; a variety of vehicles.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. A vehicle manoeuvring device1 with extendable endless belt driven drive units acting independently from the vehicle's main wheels or tracks, that raise a vehicle clear of the ground extremely quickly by using various mechanical, electronic, hydraulic, or a combinations of these means, to press upward, or prevent the downward movement of, the vehicle's Iuspension, wheels or tracks while the vehicle is elevated, then moves, steers or rotates the vehicle by varying the speed and rotation direction of these drive units relative to each other using the principles of endless track steering and manoeuvring.

2. A vehicle manoeuvring device according to claim I using drive units driving at right angles to the direction of a vehicle's wheels or tracks.

3. A vehicle manoeuvring device acording to claim I using drive units thiving in parallel to the direction of the vehicle's wheels or tracks.

4. A vehicle manoeuvring device according to claims 1, 2 or 3 using electronically activated means to raise the vehicle's wheels or tracks, or limit their downward movement during device activation.

5. A vehicle manoeuvring device according to claims 1,2 or 3 using mechanical means to raise the vehicle's wheels or tracks, or limit their downward movement during device activation.

6. A vehicle manoeuvring device according to claims 1, 2 &3 using hydraulic devices to raise the vehicle's wheels or tracks, or limit their downward movement during device activation.

7. A vehicle manoeuvring device aceording to claim 1, 2 or3 using air pressure to raise the vehicle's wheels or tracks, or limit their downward movement during device activation.

:::. 8. A vehicle manoeuvring device according to claims 1, 2 or 3 using cablelpulley systems to raise the vehicle's wheels or limit their downward movement during device activation.

9. A vehicle manoeuvring device acàrding to claim I using any combination of :m: methods itemised in claims 2,3,4, 5 and 6 to raise the vehicle's wheels or tracks or limit their downward movement during device activation. S.

. 10. A vehicle manoeuvring device according to claim 1, using belts, tensioners and :: cogs for device activation.

11. A vehicle manoeuvring device acc9rding to claim 1, using belts, tensioners and cogs for vehicle propulsion.

12. A vehicle manoeuvring device according to claim I, using belts, tensioners nd cogs for vehicle steering.

13. A vehicle manoeuvring device, according to claim 1, activated using cables & pulleys to elevate the vehicle for supplementary vehicle directional or traction control.

14. A vehicle manoeuvring device according to claim I activated using hydraulic power take offs, for vehicle elevation and supplementary directional or traction control.

15. A vehicle manoeuvring device according to claim I activated using electiical power, for vehicle elevation and supplementary directional or traction control.

16. A vehicle manoeuvring device according to claim I activated using air pressure, for vehicle elevation and supplementary directional or traction control.

17. A vehicle manoeuvring device according to claim I activated using mechanical power take offs, for vehicle elevation a!d supplementary directional or traction control.

18. A vehicle manoeuvring device according to any, and any combination, of claims 1,2,3,4,56,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,1415,16, and 17, controlled by wireless remote and electronic mechanisms for device activation and deactivation and control of individual drive unit direction and speed.

19. A vehicle manoeuvring device acc9rding to any, and any combination, of claims 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,910,11,12,13,14,15,16, 17, and 18, controlled by an electronic guidance system or systems.

20. A vehicle manoeuvring device according to any, and any combination, of claims 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16, 17, 18 and 19, with struts tensioned upwards.

21. A vehicle manoeuvring device according to any, and any combination, of claims 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16, 1, 18, 19 and 20, with mechanical or electronic devices to prevent accidental device activation. S.

* 22. A vehicle manoeuvring device according to any, and any combination, of claims * . 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21, with drive belts with surface treads designed for specific purposes. S.