Patent ID: 6012396
Filing Date: 2000-01-11
Classification: B61B

Abstract:
A transportation system comprising:a vehicle comprising:(a) a first wheel including a tire to engage a road surface, and a second metal wheel having an outer flange, said first and second wheels mounted adjacent one another on a first shaft with said second wheel fixed to rotate with said first shaft and said first wheel mounted to rotate independently of said first shaft;(b) a clutch between said first and second wheels for selectively engaging and disengaging said first and second wheels, said first wheel rotating with said second wheel at times when said clutch is engaged;(c) a second shaft having a distal end pivotally connected to said first shaft at a pivot point, such that said first and second wheels on the first shaft are pivotable about said pivot point; anda rail for engaging said second wheel, such that said vehicle is capable of traveling either on the road surface or said rail, said rail including an outer flange and being positioned at a selected acute angle with respect to a vertical line such that when said second wheel engages said rail, said first and second wheels pivot about said pivot point, and said outer flange of said rail lockingly engages said outer flange on said second wheel.