Collapsible mobile vehicle
First Claim
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1. A mobile vehicle for use in an enclosed vessel having an opening therein comprising:
- a frame member movable between a first collapsed position wherein said frame member can enter the vessel through the opening therein and a second expanded position, said frame member comprising first and second side members and a pair of collapsible frame assemblies, each said collapsible frame assembly comprising two pivotally interconnected linkage members, one linkage member having one end thereof pivotally attached to said first side member and the other of said linkage members having one end thereof pivotally attached to said second side member such that each said collapsible frame assembly extends between said first and second side members;
drive means attached to said frame member for propelling said frame member;
rotary actuator means pivotally interconnecting the linkage members of at least one of said collapsible frame assemblies for selectively moving said frame member between said first and second positions; and
tool means operably attached to said frame member for performing a task in the vessel.
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Abstract
A mobile vehicle having a substantially hexagonally-shaped frame member that is movable between a collapsed position to enable the vehicle to enter a vessel opening or an area having constrained access points and a more stable expanded position. Drive apparatuses are attached to the frame member for driving the vehicle on a surface. The vehicle is also equipped with a tether line that is used to supply control power to the vehicle drives and to deploy and retrieve the vehicle. Various collapsible tool members are operably attached to the vehicle for performing various tasks within an enclosed environment.
253 Citations
33 Claims
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1. A mobile vehicle for use in an enclosed vessel having an opening therein comprising:
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a frame member movable between a first collapsed position wherein said frame member can enter the vessel through the opening therein and a second expanded position, said frame member comprising first and second side members and a pair of collapsible frame assemblies, each said collapsible frame assembly comprising two pivotally interconnected linkage members, one linkage member having one end thereof pivotally attached to said first side member and the other of said linkage members having one end thereof pivotally attached to said second side member such that each said collapsible frame assembly extends between said first and second side members; drive means attached to said frame member for propelling said frame member; rotary actuator means pivotally interconnecting the linkage members of at least one of said collapsible frame assemblies for selectively moving said frame member between said first and second positions; and tool means operably attached to said frame member for performing a task in the vessel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 33)
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30. A collapsible plow attachable to the frame of a mobile vehicle comprising:
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a support member pivotally attachable to the frame of the vehicle; first and second blade members pivotally attached to said support member, said first and second blade members being pivotal between an open position wherein said blade members are aligned to form a continuous plow and a collapsed position wherein said first and second blade members are positioned in a substantially confronting relationship to one another; and a first rotary actuator attached to said support member and said first blade member for selectively pivoting said first blade member between said open and collapsed positions and a second rotary actuator attached to said support member and said second blade member for pivoting said second blade member between said open and collapsed positions. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32)
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Specification