Abstract:
A tracked, amphibious vehicle, provides at least two, spaced, elongated pontoons disposed generally parallel to one another. A platform structure can be supported by and structurally connects the pontoons, the platform structure including a transom and a lowermost generally horizontally extending panel. A continuous, endless belt can encircle each pontoon engaging bogie wheels on the pontoon. A supplemental, marine drive assembly includes a hydraulic motor having a shaft with an axis, a propeller shaft having an axis, wherein the motor axis and propeller axis are aligned. A universal joint connects the hydraulic motor to the transom. A housing includes a sleeve that contains the propeller shaft.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/052,543, filed 19 Sep. 2014, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     Priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/052,543, filed 19 Sep. 2014, is hereby claimed. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable 
     REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX” 
     Not applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to amphibious tracked craft having a frame connecting two spaced apart pontoons, a transom and an improved supplemental drive system that employs a hydraulically driven propeller, a universal joint connection to the transom, a hydraulic motor with in line drive and improved tilt and steerage. 
     2. General Background of the Invention 
     Amphibious marsh craft can be seen in the following US patents issued to John B. Coast, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,433,634; 4,961,395; 5,899,164; 6,234,260 and 6,305,882. In the past, such amphibious craft propel themselves across streams, lakes or other water bodies by simply running their tracks. Such craft have limited swimming capability using the tracks to propel in the water. Lightly loaded machines that float high in the water (e.g., with the centerline of the rear drive sprockets above the waterline) are capable of “swimming” at low speeds (e.g., approximately 2 mph). This capability allows these amphibious machines to cross canals, rivers, creeks, bayous, lakes, bays, etc., provided that wind and currents are low. One of the utilities of such amphibious craft is to carry heavy equipment such as seismic equipment or auger installing equipment. When the load on the machines increases, the rear of the machine and the rear sprocket centerline can dip below the waterline. The swimming capability with tracks only propelling then decreases to near zero. 
     In the prior art, some amphibious craft have provided a transom on the rear designed to accept an outboard motor. Outboards up to 40 horsepower (hp) have been used to propel these amphibious machines at speeds of over 3 mph. Outboard motors have thus given such machines good propulsion and maneuverability. However, this capability is rarely used because operators typically do not want to bother with handling the outboard motors and/or the gasoline tanks or fuel tanks required. Outboard motors are typically heavy four stroke units weighing two hundred pounds ore more (e.g., 40 horsepower Honda outboard weighs 214 pounds). 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides an in line hydraulic drive unit of improved configuration which can easily be attached to the rear of an amphibious marsh craft as needed and be removed very easily if not in use. 
     Various embodiments preferably provide a tracked, amphibious vehicle, comprising at least two, spaced, elongated pontoons disposed generally parallel to one another. A platform structure is preferably supported by and may structurally connect the pontoons, the platform structure preferably including a transom, a lowermost generally horizontally extending panel above a free clearance area under a bottom panel and between the pontoons through which terrain and debris can pass. A hydraulic drive system may propel the vehicle, said drive system including left and right hydraulic motors mounted on the pontoons, the left motor mounted on a left pontoon, the right motor mounted on a right pontoon. At least one series of longitudinally spaced bogie wheels are preferably provided for supporting said vehicle mounted along the bottom of each of said pontoons. A continuous, endless belt preferably encircles each pontoon and engages the bogie wheels and ground-engaging cleats assembled on the outer surface of each belt and preferably covering the pontoon bottom for providing traction to the vehicle. 
     In various embodiments, each of the hydraulic motors can have gearing that interfaces the motor with the endless belts. 
     In various embodiments, a supplemental, marine drive assembly can be provided that includes:
         a hydraulic motor having a rotary device, shaft, with an axis;   a propeller shaft having an axis;   wherein the motor axis and propeller axis are preferably aligned;   a universal joint that preferably connects the hydraulic motor to the transom;   wherein the universal joint preferably includes an attachment that is on the transom and above the said horizontally extending panel;   a housing preferably including a sleeve that contains the propeller shaft, a first plate preferably connected to the sleeve and a second plate preferably connected to the sleeve below the first plate.       

     In various embodiments, the first and second plates can be vertical. 
     In various embodiments, the first and second plates preferably define a plane. 
     In various embodiments, the propeller can be movable between a lower position below said horizontally extending panel and an upper position above said horizontally extending panel. 
     In various embodiments, said sleeve can be movable between a lower position below said horizontally extending panel and an upper position above said horizontally extending panel. 
     In various embodiments, a horizontal plate can be attached to said first plate. 
     In various embodiments, a cavitation plate can be attached to the first plate and the horizontal plate. 
     In various embodiments, an arm is preferably connected to the housing at the horizontal plate. 
     In various embodiments, an arm are preferably connected to the housing at the horizontal plate and the arm attaches to the horizontal plate at a first position and to the housing at a second position that is behind the first position. 
     In various embodiments, an actuator can be provided that lifts and lowers the propeller and sleeve. 
     In various embodiments, an actuator can be provided that pivots the sleeve and propeller between port and starboard positions. 
     In various embodiments, the first and second plates preferably define a plane. 
     In various embodiments, the propeller can movable between a lower position and an upper position above the lower position panel. 
     In various embodiments, the invention can further comprise a horizontal plate attached to the first plate. 
     In various embodiments, the invention can further comprise a cavitation plate attached to the first plate and the horizontal plate. 
     In various embodiments, the arm can attach to the horizontal plate at a first position and to the housing at a second position that is behind the first position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a partial perspective exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial perspective exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a partial elevation end view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a sectional view taken along lines  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a detailed view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention taken from detail  7  of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a fragmentary detail view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention taken from detail  8  of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic side elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating the propeller in the uppermost position; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic side elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating the propeller in the lowermost position; 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic elevation end view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating the propeller in a down-left position; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic elevation end view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating the propeller in a down-center position; 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic elevation end view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating the propeller in a down-right position; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is partial perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 19  is a partial perspective exploded view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIGS. 1-13 and 15-17  show a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention designated generally by the numeral  50  in  FIGS. 1 and 15 . Amphibious tractor vehicle  50  provides a frame  51  that is preferably connected to a pair of spaced apart pontoons  52 ,  53 . The pontoons include port side pontoon  52  and starboard side pontoon  53  (see  FIGS. 1, 15-17 ). Each pontoon preferably carries a plurality of bogie wheels  54 . Endless tracks or tracks  55  preferably encircle each pontoon and engage the bogie wheels  54 . The tracks  55  carry a plurality of cleats  56 . The port side pontoon  52  preferably has port hydraulic motor drive  57 . The starboard pontoon  53  preferably has starboard hydraulic motor drive  58 . Each motor drive  57 ,  58  can be a direct drive motor that connects to the endless tracks  55  (e.g., via a drive shaft) for driving it around pontoon  52  or  53 . In general, tracked amphibious vehicles having port and starboard pontoons tracks and hydraulic drive motors are known, as seen for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,433,634; 4,961,395; 5,899,164; 6,234,260; and 6,305,882, each said patent hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     In  FIG. 1 , amphibious track vehicle  50  preferably provides a cabin or control station  59  and a hydraulic power unit  60 . Hydraulic power unit  60  can include an engine such as a diesel engine and one or more hydraulic pumps. 
     A drive assembly DA is seen in  FIGS. 1-13 . The drive assembly DA can be seen in more detail in  FIGS. 2-13 . In  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the frame  51  of amphibious tractor vehicle  50  preferably includes an underside or bottom panel  40  with a horizontal surface which is the lowest part of the frame  51  in between the pontoons  52 ,  53 . In  FIGS. 9 and 10 , reference line  43  is an extension of the horizontal surface of bottom panel  40  of frame  51 . Notice in  FIG. 10  that propeller  16  is positioned below reference line  43  and bottom panel  40  in a driving position.  FIG. 9  illustrates an elevated position of propeller  16  wherein it is above reference line  43  and bottom panel  40 . 
     Drive assembly DA preferably attaches to transom  41  above reference line  43  as seen in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . It should be understood that the attachment of drive assembly DA to transom  41  can be by universal joint  42  which is preferably below each of the hydraulic motor drives  57 ,  58  (see  FIGS. 1, 9-10, 16-17 ). The attachment at universal joint  42  is preferably above bottom panel  40  and reference line  43 , not subjected to debris or obstructions such as logs or stumps that might travel in between pontoons  52 ,  53  and below bottom panel  40 . Arrows  49  illustrate movement of drive assembly DA propeller  16  between upper ( FIG. 9 ) and lower ( FIG. 10 ) positions. 
     Drive assembly DA in  FIGS. 2, 5-8  preferably includes a sleeve  34  that houses prop drive shaft  11 . Prop drive shaft  11  connects to hydraulic motor  4  with splined bushing  6 , as seen in  FIG. 7 . Other components that interface motor  4  to shaft  11  are motor mount  35  with interior or cavity  36 , hex bolts  1 , lock washers  2 , flat washers  3 , O-ring  5 , snap ring  7 , nut  8 , lock washer  9  and ball bearing  10 . Prop drive shaft  11  also connects to propeller  16 , as seen in  FIG. 8 . Prop drive shaft  11  occupies sleeve  34  and extends to propeller  16  forming a connection therewith. Prop drive housing weldment  12  (which can include upper skeg  33  and lower skeg  66 ) is also shown in  FIGS. 6-8 . The skegs  33 ,  66  interface with sleeve  34  and motor mount  35 . The weldment or assembly  12  (see  FIG. 2 ) of sleeve  34 , skegs  33 ,  66 , horizontal plate  32 , plate  20  and motor mount  35  can be of welded steel or welded aluminum construction or it can be a casting. Other components that form the connection between shaft  11  and propeller  16  include plain bearing  13 , shaft seal  14 , nuts  15  and nut  17  (see  FIG. 8 ). 
     In  FIGS. 2-13 , drive assembly DA can provide arm  18  and strut  19 . Arm  18  preferably connects to cavitation plate  20 . Strut  19  preferably connects to plate  32  which can be welded to vertical plate or weldment  33 .  FIGS. 3-4 and 9-13  illustrate in more detail the universal joint or attachment  42  that preferably connects between plate  33  at opening  61  and transom  41 . Pivot mount plate  21  attaches to transom  41 . Prop drive pivot channel  24  attaches to plate  21 . Bolted connections including hex bolt  27 , lock washers  26  and flat washers  25  can be used to affix pivot channel  24  to plate  21 . Prop drive pivot pin  22  forms a connection between prop drive pivot channel  24  and pivot block  28 , through openings  62  of pivot channel  24  and opening  65  of pivot block  28 . A bolted connection can be used to bolt pivot block  28  to plate  33 . In  FIG. 4 , that bolted connection includes hex bolt  31 , flat washers  30  and nut  29 . A pin (e.g., hairpin) can be provided at  23  for retaining pivot pin  22  in openings  62  of channel  24 . Openings  63  and pivot block  28  are receptive of the bolted connection that includes bolt  31 , washers  30  and nut  29 . A slot  64  in pivot block  28  is receptive of plate  33 . During assembly, the openings  61 ,  63  are aligned when plate  33  is placed into slot  64 . 
     In  FIGS. 11-13 , control valve  37  can be mounted on arm  18 . The control valve  37  can include an actuator  38  that can be moved between forward and backward positions as well as a neutral position. In  FIG. 3 , drive assembly DA provides one or more hydraulic hoses  39  that interface between motor  4  and control valve  37 . Hoses  39  also form an interface with the hydraulic power unit  60 . 
       FIG. 14  shows an alternate embodiment that employs actuators  44 ,  45 . The actuator  44  can be an electric actuator to control left or right steerage. The actuator  45  can be an electric actuator to raise and lower drive assembly DA and propeller  16 . Support  46  can be provided, extending upwardly from pivot block  28 . Attachment  47  on plate  32  preferably provides an attachment for one end portion of actuator  45 . The other end of actuator  45  preferably attaches to support  46 . Similarly, the actuator  44  preferably affixes to transom  41  at attachment  48  and to pivot block  28  at its opposing end portion at attachment  67 . 
       FIGS. 18 and 19  show an alternate embodiment that employs prop drive weldment/ring  70 . Weldment/ring  70  can be connected to prop drive housing weldment  88 . Prop drive housing weldment  88  (which can include upper skeg  87  and lower skeg  89 ) is shown in  FIGS. 18, 19 . The skegs  87 ,  89  interface with sleeve  34  and motor mount  35 . The weldment or assembly  88  of sleeve  34 , skegs  87 ,  89 , horizontal plate  90  and motor mount  35  can be of welded steel or welded aluminum construction or it can be a casting. 
     Prop drive weldment/ring  70  connects to prop drive housing weldment  88  at upper skeg  87  and lower skeg  89 . The weldment or assembly of skegs  87 ,  89  and prop drive weldment/ring  70  can be of welded steel or welded aluminum construction or it can be a casting. Alternatively, components that form the connection between shaft  11  and propeller  16 , including plain bearing  13 , shaft seal  14 , nuts  15  and nut  17  (see  FIG. 19 ), can be used to secure or hold prop drive weldment/ring  70  to prop drive housing weldment  88 . 
       FIG. 19  illustrates in more detail an alternate universal joint or attachment  42  that preferably connects between plate  87  at opening  61  and transom  41 . Mounting plate  79  attaches to transom  41  by forming a connection with plate  84 . Nuts  81 , lock washers  82 , and flat washers  83  attach to eyebolts  73  to connect plate  84 , transom  41 , and plate  79  together. 
     Prop drive mounting channel  72  attaches to plate  79 . Bolted connections including bolts  80  can be used to affix mounting channel  72  to plate  79 . Prop drive pivot pin  22  forms a connection between prop drive mounting channel  72  and pivot block/swivel link  28 , through openings  85  of mounting channel  72  and opening  65  of pivot block/swivel link  28 . A bolted connection can be used to bolt pivot block  28  to plate  87 . In  FIG. 19 , that bolted connection includes hex bolt  31 , flat washers  30  and nut  29 . A pin (e.g., hairpin) or pivot pin clip can be provided at  23  for retaining pivot pin  22  in openings  85  of channel  72 . During assembly, the openings  61 ,  63  are aligned when plate  87  is placed into slot  64 . 
     In  FIGS. 18 and 19 , prop drive control valve  78  can be mounted on arm  18  using bolts  75 , lock washer  76 , and flat washers  77 . The control valve  78  can include an actuator  86  that can be moved between forward and backward positions as well as a neutral position. In  FIG. 18 , drive assembly DA provides one or more hydraulic hoses  39  that interface between motor  4  and control valve  78 . Hoses  39  also form an interface with the hydraulic power unit  60 . 
     Drive assembly DA can include a prop drive name tag  71  secured to prop drive housing weldment  88 . 
     The following is a list of parts and materials suitable for use in the present invention: 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 PARTS LIST: 
               
             
          
           
               
                 PART NUMBER 
                 DESCRIPTION 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 DA 
                 drive assembly 
               
               
                 1 
                 hex bolt 
               
               
                 2 
                 lock washer 
               
               
                 3 
                 flat washer 
               
               
                 4 
                 motor 
               
               
                 5 
                 O-ring 
               
               
                 6 
                 splined bushing 
               
               
                 7 
                 snap ring 
               
               
                 8 
                 nut 
               
               
                 9 
                 lock washer 
               
               
                 10 
                 ball bearing 
               
               
                 11 
                 prop drive shaft 
               
               
                 12 
                 prop drive housing weldment/assembly 
               
               
                 13 
                 plain bearing 
               
               
                 14 
                 shaft seal 
               
               
                 15 
                 nut 
               
               
                 16 
                 propeller 
               
               
                 17 
                 nut 
               
               
                 18 
                 arm 
               
               
                 19 
                 strut 
               
               
                 20 
                 plate/cavitation plate 
               
               
                 21 
                 pivot mount plate 
               
               
                 22 
                 prop drive pivot pin 
               
               
                 23 
                 hairpin for pivot pin/clip 
               
               
                 24 
                 prop drive pivot channel 
               
               
                 25 
                 flat washer 
               
               
                 26 
                 lock washer 
               
               
                 27 
                 hex bolt 
               
               
                 28 
                 pivot block/swivel link 
               
               
                 29 
                 nut 
               
               
                 30 
                 washer 
               
               
                 31 
                 hex bolt 
               
               
                 32 
                 horizontal plate 
               
               
                 33 
                 vertical plate/skeg/weldment 
               
               
                 34 
                 sleeve 
               
               
                 35 
                 motor mount 
               
               
                 36 
                 cavity 
               
               
                 37 
                 control valve 
               
               
                 38 
                 actuator 
               
               
                 39 
                 hose 
               
               
                 40 
                 bottom panel/horizontal surface/underside 
               
               
                 41 
                 transom 
               
               
                 42 
                 universal joint/attachment 
               
               
                 43 
                 reference line 
               
               
                 44 
                 actuator 
               
               
                 45 
                 actuator 
               
               
                 46 
                 support 
               
               
                 47 
                 attachment 
               
               
                 48 
                 attachment 
               
               
                 49 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 50 
                 amphibious tracked vehicle 
               
               
                 51 
                 frame 
               
               
                 52 
                 pontoon, port 
               
               
                 53 
                 pontoon, starboard 
               
               
                 54 
                 bogie wheel 
               
               
                 55 
                 track/endless track 
               
               
                 56 
                 cleat 
               
               
                 57 
                 port hydraulic motor drive 
               
               
                 58 
                 starboard motor drive 
               
               
                 59 
                 cabin/control station 
               
               
                 60 
                 hydraulic power unit 
               
               
                 61 
                 opening 
               
               
                 62 
                 opening 
               
               
                 63 
                 opening 
               
               
                 64 
                 slot 
               
               
                 65 
                 opening 
               
               
                 66 
                 vertical plate/skeg 
               
               
                 67 
                 attachment 
               
               
                 70 
                 prop drive weldment/cover 
               
               
                 71 
                 prop drive name tag 
               
               
                 72 
                 prop drive mounting channel 
               
               
                 73 
                 eyebolt 
               
               
                 74 
                 shackle 
               
               
                 75 
                 bolt 
               
               
                 76 
                 lock washer 
               
               
                 77 
                 flat washer 
               
               
                 78 
                 prop drive control valve 
               
               
                 79 
                 mounting plate 
               
               
                 80 
                 bolt 
               
               
                 81 
                 nut 
               
               
                 82 
                 lock washer 
               
               
                 83 
                 flat washer 
               
               
                 84 
                 plate 
               
               
                 85 
                 opening 
               
               
                 86 
                 actuator 
               
               
                 87 
                 vertical plate/skeg/weldment 
               
               
                 88 
                 prop drive housing weldment 
               
               
                 89 
                 vertical plate/skeg/weldment 
               
               
                 90 
                 horizontal plate 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise. 
     The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.