SPHERICAL VEHICLE

• US 3,746,117 A
• Filed: 10/06/1971
• Issued: 07/17/1973
• Est. Priority Date: 10/06/1971
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Ray Alred
• Original Assignee: Ray Alred
• Inventors: Alred, Ray
• Primary Examiner(s): Friaglia, Leo
• Application Number:
  US05/186,905
• Time in Patent Office: 650 Days
• Field of Search: 180/21,7J,7P,10 280/206 115/20
• US Class Current: 180/21
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 57/04 having other than ground-engaging propulsion means, e.g. having propellers arrangement of jet-propulsion units B60K

Abstract

A vehicle for traversing rough terrain comprises a hollow, foraminous spherical body containing an upright frame. A pair of bearing wheel assemblies is mounted one assembly on each end of the frame with its component wheels in bearing contact with the inner surface of the sphere, thereby centering and supporting the frame. A reaction thrust engine is mounted on the frame and directed outwardly through the foramens of the body for propelling the vehicle. Operation of the engine thus causes the vehicle to roll over the ground, the interior frame, which may mount an operator'"'"''"'"'s station, remaining upright.

Claims

1. A vehicle for traversing rough terrain comprising:

a. a vehicle body in the form of a hollow, foraminous sphere having a ground-contacting exterior surface, b. an upright frame substantially diametrically located within the body, c. a pair of bearing wheel assemblies mounted one on each end of the frame, with its component wheels in bearing contact with the inner surface of the body, thereby centering and supporting the frame therein, each bearing wheel assembly comprising 1. a guide plate fixed to an end of the frame and spaced from the inner surface, 2. the guide plate having an arcuate outer surface substantially concentric with the surface of the sphere, 3. a plurality of rotatably mounted wheels arranged with their planes in the direction of travel of the vehicle, and 4. slide means mounting the wheels on the plate, and d. reaction thrust engine means mounted on the frame and directed outwardly through the foraminous body for propelling the vehicle in a predetermined direction.

2. The vehicle of claim 1 wherein the slide means comprises link chain slide means.

3. a plurality of rotatably mounted wheels arranged with their planes in the direction of travel of the vehicle, and

4. slide means mounting the wheels on the plate, and d. reaction thrust engine means mounted on the frame and directed outwardly through the foraminous body for propelling the vehicle in a predetermined direction.