Amphibian

Abstract

The present invention provides, with reference to FIG. 1 , an amphibian operable on land and in/on water. The amphibian comprises a planing hull, at least one retractable wheel, the at least one retractable wheel being retractable from a protracted land engaging position when the amphibian is operated on land to a retracted position when the amphibian is operated in/on water, at least one prime mover for providing power to drive, directly or indirectly, the amphibian on land and/or in/on water, and at least one steerable wheel which is, at least when the amphibian is operated on land, connected directly or indirectly to a steering control device operable by a driver to steer the amphibian. In addition the present invention provides that either i) the steering control device is moveable between at least two distinct laterally spaced positions across the width or beam of the amphibian; ii) the amphibian comprises side-by-side seating; iii) the amphibian comprises a roll over protection system; iv) the amphibian comprises an open cargo area cargo or truck-like bed; v) the amphibian comprises two seat belts and three seat belt buckles or buckle positions, or two seat belt buckles or buckle positions, and three seat belts; vi) the amphibian comprises a footwell area having no transmission tunnel; vii) the amphibian comprises a footwell and seating area configured so as not to impede or restrict driver and/or passenger entry via one side of the amphibian, egress from the other side of the amphibian, and through movement therebetween; viii) the amphibian comprises a positive buoyancy system and/or deployable righting system; or ix) the amphibian comprises an interlock or safety system which prevents operation/activation of at least one driver or automatically controlled parameter of the amphibian unless sensing/determining a first condition has been satisfied.

1 . An amphibian operable on land and in/on water, comprising:
 a planing hull;   at least one retractable wheel, the at least one retractable wheel being retractable from a protracted land engaging position when the amphibian is operated on land to a retracted position when the amphibian is operated in/on water;   at least one prime mover for providing power to drive, directly or indirectly, the amphibian on land and/or in/on water;   at least one steerable wheel which is, at least when the amphibian is operated on land, connected directly or indirectly to a steering control device operable by a driver to steer the amphibian; and wherein   the steering control device is moveable between at least two distinct laterally spaced positions across the width or beam of the amphibian.   
     
     
         2 . An amphibian operable on land and in/on water, comprising:
 a planing hull;   at least one retractable wheel, the at least one retractable wheel being retractable from a protracted land engaging position when the amphibian is operated on land to a retracted position when the amphibian is operated in/on water;   at least one prime mover for providing power to drive, directly or indirectly, the amphibian on land and/or in/on water;   at least one steerable wheel which is, at least when the amphibian is operated on land, connected directly or indirectly to a steering control device operable by a driver to steer the amphibian; and   side-by-side seating.   
     
     
         3 . An amphibian operable on land and in/on water, comprising:
 a planing hull;   at least one retractable wheel, the at least one retractable wheel being retractable from a protracted land engaging position when the amphibian is operated on land to a retracted position when the amphibian is operated in/on water;   at least one prime mover for providing power to drive, directly or indirectly, the amphibian on land and/or in/on water;   at least one steerable wheel which is, at least when the amphibian is operated on land, connected directly or indirectly to a steering control device operable by a driver to steer the amphibian; and   a roll over protection system.   
     
     
         4 . An amphibian operable on land and in/on water, comprising:
 a planing hull;   at least one retractable wheel, the at least one retractable wheel being retractable from a protracted land engaging position when the amphibian is operated on land to a retracted position when the amphibian is operated in/on water;   at least one prime mover for providing power to drive, directly or indirectly, the amphibian on land and/or in/on water;   at least one steerable wheel which is, at least when the amphibian is operated on land, connected directly or indirectly to a steering control device operable by a driver to steer the amphibian; and   a cargo area or truck-like bed, preferably open.   
     
     
         5 . An amphibian operable on land and in/on water, comprising:
 a planing hull;   at least one retractable wheel, the at least one retractable wheel being retractable from a protracted land engaging position when the amphibian is operated on land to a retracted position when the amphibian is operated in/on water;   at least one prime mover for providing power to drive, directly or indirectly, the amphibian on land and/or in/on water;   at least one steerable wheel which is, at least when the amphibian is operated on land, connected directly or indirectly to a steering control device operable by a driver to steer the amphibian; and   two seat belts and three seat belt buckles or buckle positions, or two seat belt buckles or buckle positions, and three seat belts.   
     
     
         6 . An amphibian operable on land and in/on water, comprising:
 a planing hull;   at least one retractable wheel, the at least one retractable wheel being retractable from a protracted land engaging position when the amphibian is operated on land to a retracted position when the amphibian is operated in/on water;   at least one prime mover for providing power to drive, directly or indirectly, the amphibian on land and/or in/on water;   at least one steerable wheel which is, at least when the amphibian is operated on land, connected directly or indirectly to a steering control device operable by a driver to steer the amphibian; and   a footwell area having no transmission tunnel.   
     
     
         7 . An amphibian operable on land and in/on water, comprising:
 a planing hull;   at least one retractable wheel, the at least one retractable wheel being retractable from a protracted land engaging position when the amphibian is operated on land to a retracted position when the amphibian is operated in/on water;   at least one prime mover for providing power to drive, directly or indirectly, the amphibian on land and/or in/on water;   at least one steerable wheel which is, at least when the amphibian is operated on land, connected directly or indirectly to a steering control device operable by a driver to steer the amphibian; and   a footwell and seating area configured so as not to impede or restrict driver and/or passenger entry via one side of the amphibian, egress from the other side of the amphibian, and through movement therebetween.   
     
     
         8 . An amphibian operable on land and in/on water, comprising:
 a planing hull;   at least one retractable wheel, the at least one retractable wheel being retractable from a protracted land engaging position when the amphibian is operated on land to a retracted position when the amphibian is operated in/on water;   at least one prime mover for providing power to drive, directly or indirectly, the amphibian on land and in/on water;   at least one steerable wheel which is, at least when the amphibian is operated on land, connected directly or indirectly to a steering control device operable by a driver to steer the amphibian; and   a positive buoyancy system and/or deployable righting system.   
     
     
         9 . An amphibian operable on land and in/on water, comprising:
 a planing hull;   at least one retractable wheel, the at least one retractable wheel being retractable from a protracted land engaging position when the amphibian is operated on land to a retracted position when the amphibian is operated in/on water;   at least one prime mover for providing power to drive, directly or indirectly, the amphibian on land and in/on water;   at least one steerable wheel which is, at least when the amphibian is operated on land, connected directly or indirectly to a steering control device operable by a driver to steer the amphibian; and   an interlock or safety system which prevents operation/activation of at least one driver or automatically controlled parameter of the amphibian unless sensing/determining a first condition has been satisfied.   
     
     
         10 . An amphibian as claimed in  claim 9  wherein the interlock or safety system prevents operation/activation of at least one driver or automatically controlled parameter of the amphibian unless sensing/determining at least two different conditions have been satisfied. 
     
     
         11 . An amphibian as claimed in  claim 9  or  claim 10  wherein the interlock or safety system prevents operation/activation of the deployable righting system in the event that the sensed roll of the amphibian is not at or past a predetermined threshold. 
     
     
         12 . An amphibian as claimed in any one of  claims 9  to  11  wherein the interlock or safety system prevents operation/activation of the deployable righting system in the event that the sensed roll of the amphibian is not at or past a predetermined threshold, and/or the amphibian is not in a marine mode. 
     
     
         13 . An amphibian as claimed in any one of  claims 9  to  12  wherein the interlock or safety system prevents operation/activation of the prime mover in the event that the steering assembly is not locked in place. 
     
     
         14 . An amphibian as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the amphibian is a UTV and has UTV capability. 
     
     
         15 . An amphibian as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the steering control device is moveable between at least two distinct laterally spaced positions across the width or beam of the amphibian. 
     
     
         16 . An amphibian as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising side-by-side seating. 
     
     
         17 . An amphibian as claimed in  claim 16  wherein the side-by-side seating comprises one or more bench seats and/or bucket seats. 
     
     
         18 . An amphibian as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a roll over protection system comprising a roll bar or roll cage. 
     
     
         19 . An amphibian as claimed in  claim 18  wherein the roll bar or roll cage at least partially defines a crew or cab area for at least a driver of the amphibian. 
     
     
         20 . An amphibian as claimed in  claim 19  wherein the roll bar or roll cage at least partially defines a crew or cab area for at least a driver and one or two passengers of the amphibian. 
     
     
         21 . An amphibian as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a positive buoyancy system and/or deployable righting system. 
     
     
         22 . An amphibian as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising an open cargo area cargo or truck-like bed. 
     
     
         23 . An amphibian as claimed in  claim 22  wherein the open cargo area cargo or truck-like bed is positioned to the rear of the crew or cab area. 
     
     
         24 . An amphibian as claimed in  claim 22  or  23  wherein the open cargo area cargo or truck-like bed is positioned to the rear of the driver. 
     
     
         25 . An amphibian as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising two seat belts and three seat belt buckles or buckle positions, or two seat belt buckles or buckle positions, and three seat belts. 
     
     
         26 . An amphibian as claimed in  claim 25  wherein the two seat belt buckle positions comprise three seat belt buckles. 
     
     
         27 . An amphibian as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a footwell area having no transmission tunnel. 
     
     
         28 . An amphibian as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a footwell area configured so as to bail automatically any water shipped in use of the amphibian. 
     
     
         29 . An amphibian as claimed in  claim 28  wherein the footwell area comprises a cambered floor, or cambered floor portions. 
     
     
         30 . An amphibian as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a footwell and seating area configured so as not to impede or restrict driver and/or passenger entry via one side of the amphibian, egress from the other side of the amphibian, and through movement therebetween. 
     
     
         31 . An amphibian as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the footwell area comprises no foot pedals. 
     
     
         32 . An amphibian as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising doors. 
     
     
         33 . An amphibian as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising webbing doors. 
     
     
         34 . An amphibian as claimed in any one of  claims 1  to  32  comprising no doors. 
     
     
         35 . An amphibian as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a roll cage which forms an integral part of the entire structure of the amphibian. 
     
     
         36 . An amphibian as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising at least one marine propulsion device. 
     
     
         37 . An amphibian as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the planing hull is a V hull. 
     
     
         38 . An amphibian as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a speed change transmission giving the amphibian a plurality of different gear ratios between the prime mover and one or both of i) the at least one driven wheel(s) and ii) the at least one marine propulsion device. 
     
     
         39 . An amphibian as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein one or more of the wheels is pivoted about an axis running fore and aft along or of the amphibian when moved between the protracted and retracted positions thereof. 
     
     
         40 . An amphibian as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one steerable wheel comprises two front steerable wheels. 
     
     
         41 . An amphibian as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one steerable wheel comprises two rear steerable wheels. 
     
     
         42 . An amphibian as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a separate spring and damper unit is provided for each wheel. 
     
     
         43 . An amphibian as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the speed change transmission comprises a manually operable gearbox and a manually operable gear selection means are provided operable by a driver of the vehicle to select one of the gear ratios. 
     
     
         44 . An amphibian as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the speed change transmission comprises an automatic gearbox. 
     
     
         45 . An amphibian as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the speed change transmission comprises a continuously variable transmission. 
     
     
         46 . An amphibian as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one retractable wheel is pivoted through 15° or more during retraction. 
     
     
         47 . An amphibian as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one retractable or steerable wheel is retracted above the lowest point of the hull for use in/on water in marine mode, and is protracted below the lowest point of the hull for use on land in land mode. 
     
     
         48 . An amphibian as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein when the amphibian is operated in/on water in a marine mode the marine propulsion device can power the amphibian to a speed where sufficient hydrodynamic lift is achieved for the amphibian to plane. 
     
     
         49 . An amphibian as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein when the amphibian is operated in a land mode it can be driven in one or multiple wheel drive. 
     
     
         50 . An amphibian substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to or as shown in the accompanying drawings. 
     
     
         51 . An amphibian comprising a steering assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to or as shown in the accompanying drawings.