Abstract:
A motroized vehicle has a circular platform. A hemispherical frame is coupled to the platform. A front axle and wheel assembly is rotatably coupled to a front section of the hemispherical frame. A rear axle and wheel assembly is rotatably coupled to a rear section of the hemispherical frame. A motor is coupled to the rear axle and wheel assembly for powering the vehicle. Control devices are coupled to the motor and the front and rear axle and wheel assembly for controlling operation of the vehicle.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates generally to motorized vehicles and, more specifically, to a-round circular motorized vehicle that overcomes many of the problems associated with current vehicles. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     In most large metropolitan areas, traffic congestion and parking is a common problem. Because of this, many people have chosen not to frequent these areas. Even when parking is available, many people have a difficult time parking their vehicle on the street. 
     Street parking generally requires one to parallel park Unfortunately, many people have a difficult time parallel parking their vehicle. Parallel parking is difficult for many reasons. One reason is that the space available for parking is often just large enough for the vehicle to fit. Furthermore, many people are not able to properly drive the vehicle in between two parked cars. Another reason is that on a busy skeet the traffic is so bad that one is generally unable to back up into the space to parallel park the vehicle. 
     Many people feel who live in congested areas drive smaller cars to avoid some of the above parking problems. Many people feel that it&#39;s easier to park and park a smaller vehicle. While this may be true, smaller vehicles have their own problems. Smaller vehicles are not as safe to drive. Smaller vehicles tend to suffer mare damage in an accident than larger vehicles. Furthermore, drivers have less visibility when driving a smaller vehicle than when driving a larger vehicle which may be raised higher off of the ground. 
     Therefore, a need existed to provide an improved motorized vehicle. The improved motorized vehicle will overcome many of the problems associated with prior art vehicles. The improved motorized vehicle will be safer to drive. The improved motorized vehicle will also be easier to parallel park. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved motorized vehicle. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved motorized vehicle that will overcome many of the problems associated with prior art vehicles. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide an improved motorized vehicle that will be safer to drive than prior art vehicles. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved motorized vehicle that will be easier to parallel park than prior art vehicles. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a motorized vehicle is disclosed. The motorized vehicle has a circular platform. A hemispherical frame is coupled to the platform. A front axle and wheel assembly is rotatably coupled to a front section of the semi-spherical frame. A rear axle and wheel assembly is rotatably coupled to a rear section of the hemispherical frame. A motor is coupled to the rear axle and wheel assembly for powering the vehicle. Control devices are coupled to the motor and the front and rear axle and wheel assembly for controlling operation of the vehicle. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a motorized vehicle is disclosed. The motorized vehicle has a circular platform. A hemispherical frame is coupled to the platform. A front axle and wheel assembly is rotatably coupled to a front section of the hemispherical frame. A rear axle and wheel assembly is rotatably coupled to a rear section of the hemispherical frame. A motor is coupled to the rear axle and wheel assembly for powering the vehicle. Control devices are coupled to the motor and the front and rear axle and wheel assembly for controlling operation of the vehicle. A protective cover is coupled to the hemispherical frame for protecting individuals riding within the vehicle from the environment. A plurality of seats are coupled to the circular platform for allowing the individuals riding in the vehicle a place to sit. A lighting system is coupled to the circular frame of the vehicle. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of providing a motorized vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: providing a circular platform; providing a hemispherical frame coupled to the platform; providing a front axle and wheel assembly rotatably coupled to a front section of the frame; providing a rear axle and wheel assembly rotatably coupled to a rear section of the frame; providing a motor coupled to the rear axle and wheel assembly for powering the vehicle; and providing control devices coupled to the motor and the front and rear axle and wheel assembly for controlling operation of the vehicle. 
     The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular, description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrated embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     FIG. 1 is an elevated perspective view of a round circular motorized vehicle of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a top view of the round circular motorized vehicle depicted in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a side view of the round circular motorized vehicle depicted in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 4 is an elevated top view depicting the ear of parallel parking the round circular motorized vehicle of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to the Figures, a round circular motorized vehicle  10  (hereinafter vehicle  10 ) is shown. The vehicle  10  has many advantages over prior art vehicles. The vehicle  10  while compact, is very safe to drive. The vehicle  10  has no blind spots. Thus, the vehicle  10  allows one to have an unhindered view while driving. Furthermore, because of compact nature of the vehicle  10 , the vehicle  10  is easy to park. 
     The vehicle  10  is comprised of a frame  12 . The frame  12  is hemispherical in nature. The nature of the frame  12  will prevent any type of loss of center of gravity thereby preventing roll over accidents by the vehicle  10 . The center of gravity lies in the center of the vehicle  10  thereby providing greater stability and ease for driving. The frame  12  may be of any dimension. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the frame is approximately eight to nine feet in diameter. The frame  12  is generally made from metal tubing. In general, the frame  12  is made from steel piping. The steel piping may be of any diameter. However, two inch steel piping seems to give the vehicle  10  a good deal of protection from damage due to a collision. 
     A platform  14  is coupled to the frame  12 . The platform  14  is circular in shape and is used to support and hold people on the frame  12  of the vehicle  10 . A plurality of seats  16  are coupled to the platform  14 . The seats  16  will allow individuals to comfortable sit within the vehicle  10 . The seats  16  will generally be padded and upholstered to add to the comfort level of the users. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a semi-circular bench seat is coupled to the platform  14  in the rear of the vehicle  10 . 
     A rear axle  18  is rotatably coupled to a rear section of the frame  12 . The rear axle  18  will have a pair of wheels  20  coupled thereto. The rear axle  18  is used to drive the vehicle  10 . In order to drive the vehicle  10 , the rear axle  18  is directly coupled to a motor  22 . The motor  22  will be mounted on the platform  14  directly above the axle  18  Thus, a long drive train is not required. The motor  22  will drive the rear axle causing the rear axle  18  and wheels  20  to rotate thereby driving the vehicle  10 . The motor  22  is coupled via a throttle valve to an acceleration pedal. Thus, one can control the speed of the vehicle  10  via tee acceleration pedal. The motor  22  will protrude into the interior of the vehicle  10 . However, the seat  16  can be used to hide the motor  22 . Noise insulation may be used to dampen the noise of the motor  22 . The motor  22  can be an electric motor, a gas motor, diesel motor, or the like. The listing of the above should not be seen as to limit the scope of the present invention. 
     A front axle  24  is rotatably coupled to a front section of the frame  12 . The front axle  24  will have a pair of wheels  26  coupled thereto. The front axle  24  is used to steer the vehicle  10 . A steering wheel  28  is coupled to the front axle  24 . The steering wheel is located in the interior of the vehicle  10 . By rotating the steering wheel  28 , one may turn the vehicle  10  in a desired direction. 
     A pair of driving lights  30  may be coupled to a front section of the vehicle  10 . The driving lights  30  are used to provide lighting while driving. The driving lights  30  may be coupled to an alternator which is coupled to the motor  22 . Alternatively, the driving lights  30  may be coupled to a battery which may be recharged by the motor or alternator. 
     A braking system  32  and brake lights  34  are also located on the vehicle  10 . The braking system  32  is located on the rear wheels  20 . The braking system is used to stop the vehicle  10  from moving. The braking system  32  is generally coupled to a brake pedal which is used to control the braking system  32 . 
     Additional accessories may be mounted on the vehicle  10 . For example, a radio, interior lights, seat belts, anti-theft devices, etc. may be located in the interior of the vehicle  10 . 
     A protective cover  36  may be coupled to the frame  12 . The protective cover  36  is used to protect individuals riding in the vehicle  10  from the environment. The protective cover  36  is generally made of a clear material to allow one to have a clear 360 degree view around the vehicle  10 . The protective cover  36  may have side openings to allow one to enter and exit the vehicle  10 . Alternatively, sliding doors may be formed on the protective cover to allow one to enter and exit the vehicle  10 . 
     As can be seen most clearly in FIG. 4, the vehicle  10  is easy to drive and park. Because of the small profile of the vehicle  10 , one can easily park on the street. Parallel parking is not required. The vehicle  10  can simply turn and pull right into an open spot. 
     While the invention has been particularly shown and desk with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing form the spirit and scope of the invention.