Patent ID: 8326473
Filing Date: 2012-12-04
Classification: A61G,G05D

Abstract:
1. A vehicle convoy system for use in connection with a powered vehicle adapted to provide mobility, the powered vehicle comprising at least one drive mechanism to impart drive to the powered vehicle and a controller in operative connection with the drive mechanism, the vehicle convoy system comprising at least a first processor adapted to be placed in communicative connection with the drive mechanism to effect control of the drive mechanism based upon data of the position of a leading vehicle in front of the powered vehicle, a tether to removably connect the powered vehicle to the leading vehicle, a length of the tether being variable when connecting the powered vehicle to the leading vehicle, and at least a first sensor associated with the tether and in communicative connection with the first processor to provide data to the first processor of the position of the leading vehicle so that the powered vehicle is adapted to move to follow movement of the leading vehicle when the powered vehicle is placed in connection with the leading vehicle via the tether, the leading vehicle being adapted to provide mobility independently from the powered vehicle when the powered vehicle is not tethered to the leading vehicle, the first processor of the powered vehicle convoying system being in communicative connection with the controller to transmit a signal to the controller based upon data of the position of the leading vehicle.