HYBRID DINGHY PUSHER
First Claim
1. A hybrid dinghy pusher for a towing vehicle comprising:
- a hybrid vehicle comprising an electrical motor, wherein the electric motor selectively propels the hybrid vehicle and selectively generates electricity, wherein the hybrid vehicle is configured for selective coupling to the towing vehicle, and wherein, when not coupled to the towing vehicle, the hybrid vehicle can be driven alone;
a tow bar configured for coupling the hybrid vehicle to the towing vehicle; and
a means for controlling activation of the electric motor of the hybrid vehicle to selectively provide operational assistance to the towing vehicle via the coupled tow bar.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A hybrid dinghy pusher for pushing motorhomes is provided. A hybrid vehicle can be connected to a motorhome by a tow bar for towing the hybrid vehicle. When being towed behind a motorhome, the hybrid vehicle can be switched into hybrid dinghy pusher mode. In this mode, during acceleration of the motorhome, the electrical batteries and motors of the hybrid vehicle can provide a propulsive force through the tow bar to the motorhome, which assists the motorhome in accelerating and improves fuel efficiency. Additionally, the dinghy motors can act as generators when appropriate, creating energy which can be stored in batteries for later use during acceleration. The resistance created by the hybrid vehicle can also provide an additional braking force to the motorhome via the tow bar.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A hybrid dinghy pusher for a towing vehicle comprising:
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a hybrid vehicle comprising an electrical motor, wherein the electric motor selectively propels the hybrid vehicle and selectively generates electricity, wherein the hybrid vehicle is configured for selective coupling to the towing vehicle, and wherein, when not coupled to the towing vehicle, the hybrid vehicle can be driven alone; a tow bar configured for coupling the hybrid vehicle to the towing vehicle; and a means for controlling activation of the electric motor of the hybrid vehicle to selectively provide operational assistance to the towing vehicle via the coupled tow bar. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of providing operational assistance to a towing vehicle comprising the steps of:
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providing a hybrid vehicle comprising an electrical motor, wherein the electric motor selectively propels the hybrid vehicle and selectively generates electricity, wherein the hybrid vehicle is configured for selective coupling to the towing vehicle, and wherein, when not coupled to the towing vehicle, the hybrid vehicle can be driven alone; providing a tow bar configured for coupling the hybrid vehicle to the towing vehicle; and controlling activation of the hybrid vehicle to provide operational assistance to the towing vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification