Power Train for an Amphibian

Abstract

A power train for an amphibian includes a first prime mover, a first speed change transmission, a first land propulsion unit and a first marine propulsion unit. The first prime mover is arranged to selectively drive the first land propulsion unit and the first marine propulsion unit through the first speed change transmission. The power train further comprises a second prime mover, a second speed change transmission, a second land propulsion unit and a second marine propulsion unit. The second prime mover is arranged to selectively drive at least one of the second land propulsion unit and a second marine propulsion unit through the second speed change transmission.

1 . A power train for an amphibian, the power train comprising:
 a first prime mover;   a first speed change transmission;   a first land propulsion unit;   a first marine propulsion unit, wherein the first prime mover is arranged to selectively drive at least one of the first land propulsion unit and the first marine propulsion unit through the first speed change transmission;   a second prime mover;   a second speed change transmission;   a second land propulsion unit; and   a second marine propulsion unit, wherein the second prime mover is arranged to selectively drive at least one of the second land propulsion unit and a second marine propulsion unit through the second speed change transmission.   
     
     
         2 . A power train for an amphibian, the power train comprising:
 a first prime mover;   a first land propulsion unit;   a first marine propulsion unit, wherein the first prime mover is arranged to selectively drive at least one of the first land propulsion unit and the first marine propulsion unit; and   a second marine propulsion unit, wherein the first prime mover is arranged to selectively drive the second marine propulsion unit in at least one of in place of the first marine propulsion unit and in addition to the first marine propulsion unit.   
     
     
         3 . The power train as claimed in  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a second prime mover arranged to selectively drive at least one of the first land propulsion unit, the first marine propulsion unit, and the second marine propulsion unit.   
     
     
         4 . The power train as claimed in  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a second land propulsion unit, wherein the first prime mover is arranged to selectively drive the second marine propulsion unit.   
     
     
         5 . The power train as claimed in  claim 3 , comprising a second land propulsion unit, wherein the first prime mover is arranged to selectively drive the second marine propulsion unit, and the first prime mover is arranged to selectively drive the second marine propulsion unit in at least one of in place of the second prime mover and in addition to the second prime mover. 
     
     
         6 . The power train as claimed in  claim 2 , further comprising a first speed transmission, and wherein the first prime mover is arranged to selectively drive at least one of the first land propulsion unit and the first marine propulsion unit through the first speed transmission. 
     
     
         7 . The power train as claimed in  claim 2 , further comprising a first speed transmission, and wherein the first prime mover is arranged to selectively drive at least one of the first land propulsion unit and the first marine propulsion unit through the first speed transmission. 
     
     
         8 . An amphibian comprising the power train of  claim 2 . 
     
     
         9 . The amphibian as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the power train further comprises a second prime member arranged to selectively drive at least one of the first land propulsion unit, the first marine propulsion unit, and the second marine propulsion unit. 
     
     
         10 . The amphibian as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein at least one of the first prime mover and the second prime mover are positioned substantially in line to a longitudinal axis of the amphibian. 
     
     
         11 . The amphibian as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the power train further comprises a first power take off coupled to receive drive from at least one of the first prime mover and a first speed change transmission, and wherein at least one of the first power take off and the first speed transmission are located rearwardly of the first prime mover. 
     
     
         12 . The amphibian as claimed  claim 11 , wherein the power train further comprises a second power take off coupled to receive drive from at least one of the second prime mover and a second speed change transmission, and wherein at least one of the second power take off and the second speed transmission are located rearward of the second prime mover. 
     
     
         13 . The amphibian as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein at least one of the first prime mover and the second prime mover are positioned in a rear half lengthwise, from bow to stern, of the amphibian. 
     
     
         14 . The amphibian as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein at least one of the first and second prime movers is arranged in line in the amphibian in a north-south or south-north configuration. 
     
     
         15 . The amphibian as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the first land propulsion unit comprises a set of wheels, and wherein at least one of the wheels may be retracted above a water line for use on water, and protracted below a hull for use on land. 
     
     
         16 . The amphibian as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein when the amphibian is operated in a marine mode at least one of a first marine propulsion unit and a second marine propulsion unit is configured to power the amphibian to a speed where sufficient hydrodynamic lift is achieved for the amphibian to plane. 
     
     
         17 . The amphibian as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the first land propulsion unit comprises a set of wheels, and wherein when the amphibian is operated in a land mode the amphibian can be driven in at least one of one, two, three and four wheel drive.