AU2019203871A1 - Improvements in, or related to, amphibious vessels - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is an amphibious vessel, adapted to travel on water, and through deployment of retractable gear is adapted to travel on land. The vessel has a hull and retractable gear for movement on the land. The retractable gear includes at least one 5 forward mounted leg, pivotally mounted from the hull at one end, and at an distal a first wheel, at least one rearward mounted leg, pivotally mounted from the hull at one end, and at an opposing end a second wheel. The forward mounted leg, and the rearward mounted leg, have a first position whereby they are retracted at or toward the hull via their respective pivotal mounts, and a second position whereby they are 10 extended away from the hull via their respective pivotal mounts such that they can engage with a land surface to allow travel thereon. The forward mounted leg and the rearward mounted leg, and or their respective wheels, when in the first position are surrounded at least in part on four sides by the hull. FiurA Figure 1~

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN, OR RELATED TO, AMPHIBIOUS VESSELS

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to amphibious or hybrid water and land vehicles.

In particular, though not solely, the present invention is directed to hybrid water and land vehicles that are powered that can travel on a body of water, for example sea, river lake or similar, and can then transition to travel on land, for example a beach, river side, or road, paved or otherwise, using wheels and the wheels are powered to allow movement over the 10 land. The vehicle can then also transition to move from the land to the water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The technology is for hybrid water and land vehicles, specifically those amphibious vehicles that can travel on water and then deploy wheels to travel over land, and vice versa.

There are known solutions for the problem of seamlessly moving from water to land with a vehicle and vice versa. One such example is the military DUKW, commonly known as the Duck. This is a six-wheeled vehicle with a hull shaped body that could drive into water, and then be propelled through the water. If did not have retractable wheels, and so therefore 20 had significant drag below the waterline, and was only capable of about 10 km/h on water.

Essentially this is a military six-wheeled vehicle that was adapted to enable it to travel on water as needed.

Another modern solution is that sold under the Aquada™ brand. The problem this seeks to 25 solve is a fast land vehicle that can travel with high speeds on water. This is essentially a vessel that looks like a car, and which can deploy a fluid propulsion means when it enters a body of water of sufficient depth. The wheels then retract into the body of the vehicle to reduce drag as it travels through the water, and thus increase its top speed on water. The process is reversed as the vehicle approaches land, the wheels deploy from each corner 30 and then the vehicle can drive up onto the land. As the vehicle is primarily a land-based vehicle first, and secondly a water based vehicle, it has the common features of a car such as seating per person. It is also designed to travel at close to open road speeds and drive like a normal vehicle on the land. Further, the retraction and extension of the wheels into, and out of, the body, utilises a complex dual unequal link system that retracts the wheels 35 sideways into the vehicle on each corner, and then extends them similarly. Because they are designed for near open road speeds, including suspension, this system adds complexity and cost. The vehicle also is suited to the purpose of transport, and not for operations on the

2019203871 03 Jun 2019 sea such as fishing or similar. A further variation of this is the Gibbs Terraquad™, which is a cross between a quad bike and a jet ski, again having four corner located wheels that deploy using a complex arrangement. The vehicle again is primarily designed to move fast on land and water, and compromises the available use in the water such as deck space for fishing, scuba diving and similar.

A further solution is that sold under the Sealegs™ brand. This differs in the Aquada™ approach, not least of all as it has its starting point in a marine vessel that then has wheels that deploy from the bow and from the stern. A typical configuration is tricycle, with a single 10 bow leg with wheel, and two stern legs each with a wheel. The bow wheel is typically also used as a bumper at the front of the boat when in the retracted position. The vehicle is primarily a water vessel and secondarily a land vessel to move out of the water and onto the land, for short to medium distances.

The front or bow leg and wheel rotate forward of the boat when retracting, and the rear or stern legs rotate rearwards when retracting, and when retracted lie free of the hull and are not protected by the hull, whether wholly or partially. This solution has the issue that the legs and wheels when retracted are not protected, and indeed are intended to sit proud of the vessel structure to act as bumpers, at least on the front. They, and the equipment, for example hydraulics that actuate them, therefore are vulnerable and could easily be damaged. Further as they sit outside the vessel structure they can add extra drag when travelling forwards, backwards or sideways, and are also visible when retracted, which in some user’s eyes detracts from the look of the vessel. Any actuation equipment that sits forward of the bow leg and wheel that also sits in the water stream adds additional drag.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such 30 documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved amphibious vessel, or to overcome the above shortcomings or address the above desiderata, or to provide an improved amphibious vessel that has increased protection of the retractable gear and or increased stability when on land or water, or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention may be said to broadly consist in an amphibious vessel, adapted to travel on water, and through deployment of retractable gear is adapted to travel on land, comprising or including,

Ahull,

At least one forward mounted leg, pivotally mounted from the hull at one end, and at an opposing distal end a first wheel,

At least one rearward mounted leg, pivotally mounted from the hull at one end, and at an opposing distal end a second wheel,

Wherein the forward mounted leg, and the rearward mounted leg, have a first position whereby they are retracted at or towards the hull via their respective pivotal mounts, and a second position whereby they are extended away from the hull via their respective pivotal mounts such that they can engage with a land surface to allow travel thereon,

Wherein the forward mounted leg and the rearward mounted leg, and or their respective wheels, when in the first position are surrounded at least in part on four sides by the hull.

Preferably the at least one forward mounted leg pivots clockwise when viewed from the port side.

Preferably there are actuating elements to actuate the forward mounted and rearward mounted leg.

Preferably the actuating elements are contained within the hull and are not exposed, at least when the forward mounted leg, and the rearward mounted leg are in the first position.

Preferably there are no actuating elements, to move the forward mounted leg, exposed forward of the forward mounted leg when in the first position, but rather the actuating elements are substantially located above or behind the forward leg, or part thereof and are therefore protected.

Preferably the mounting points for the pivotal mounts for the at least one rearward mounted leg are inboard of the hull and not on an extremity thereof.

Preferably the forward mounted leg, and its respective wheel is at least in part contained within a first hull aperture when in the first position.

Preferably the pivotal mount for the at least one forward mounted leg is contained within the first hull aperture.

Preferably the rearward mounted leg, and its respective wheel is at least in part contained within a hull aperture when in the first position.

Preferably the legs and their respective wheels and are substantially enclosed by the hull save for a lower part of their wheels when in the first position.

Preferably the entirety of the legs, and their respective wheels are substantially enclosed when in the first position.

Preferably the at least one forward mounted leg, and the at least rearward mounted leg pivot between the first position and the second position substantially in a vertical plane of the vessel.

Preferably there is an extension of the hull as a shroud, whether detachable or integral therewith, that substantially covers the wheels the upper portions and sides of the second wheel.

Preferably the shroud does not move relative to the wheels.

Preferably there is at least movable portion of the hull having a retracted position when the wheel is in the first position, the retracted position to at least in part cover the leg and its respective wheel, the movable cover portion moving to a deployed position as the leg and respective wheel moves to the second position, the deployed position at least in part covering and uncovering the aperture.

Preferably there is a first movable portion for the forward leg and first wheel that at least in part covers the forward leg and first wheel.

Preferably the first movable portion, in conjunction with the first hull aperture completely covers the forward leg and first wheel when in the first position.

Preferably the first movable portion is mounted from the forward leg.

Preferably there is a second movable portion for the rearward leg and second wheel that at least in part covers the rearward leg and second wheel when in the first position.

Preferably the second movable portion is pivoted from the hull.

Preferably there is a third movable portion for the rearward leg and second wheel that at least in part covers the rearward leg and second wheel.

Preferably the second movable portion, third movable portion and second hull aperture in conjunction completely cover the rearward leg and first wheel when in the first position.

Preferably the third movable portion is mounted from the rearward leg.

Preferably the second movable portion can move independently of the rearward mounted leg, when in the first position, to act as a trim tab to stabilise the vessel.

Preferably the second movable portion has a driving element which driving element controls the independent movement of the second movable portion.

Preferably the driving element is connected between the second movable portion and the hull, or the rearward leg.

Preferably there are two rearward legs and each has a second wheel.

Preferably there is one forward leg and one first wheel.

Preferably the forward leg and first wheel are above the waterline immediately before and when the vessel is up on the plane.

Preferably the rearward leg and second wheel are above the effective waterline immediately before and when the vessel is up on the plane.

Preferably the actuating elements are powered to move from the first position to the second position and vice versa by a first prime mover.

Preferably at least either the first wheel, second wheel or both are powered to move the vessel on land by a second prime mover.

Preferably the first prime mover and second prime mover drive the leg, and the wheels directly or indirectly by hydraulic power.

Preferably the first prime mover and second prime mover are electrically driven, and in turn drive the wheel and leg hydraulically or electrically.

In another aspect the present invention may be said to broadly consist in an amphibious vessel, adapted to travel on water, and through deployment of retractable gear is adapted to travel on land, comprising or including,

Ahull,

At least one forward mounted wheel, the forward mounted wheel in turn connected to a first end of a forward leg, which forward leg is pivoted from the hull at or toward a second end, opposite the first end,

At least one rearward mounted wheel, the rearward mounted wheel in turn connected to a first end of a rearward leg, which rearward leg is pivoted from the hull at or toward a second end, opposite the first end,

Wherein the at least one forward mounted wheel, and the at least one rearward mounted wheel, have a first position whereby they are retracted at or towards the hull via their respective pivotal mounts, and a second position whereby they are extended away from the hull via their respective pivotal mounts such that they can engage with a land surface to allow travel thereon,

Wherein at least one or more of the rearward mounted wheel or forward mounted wheel is powered to enable travel on land when in the second position,

Wherein the at least one forward mounted leg and the at least one rearward mounted leg, and or their respective wheels, when in the first position are surrounded at least in part on four sides by the hull.

In another aspect the present invention may be said to broadly consist in a kit of parts for an amphibious vessel, comprising or including,

A hull, whether assembled or not, and

At least one mountable wheel, the mountable wheel in turn connected to a first end of a leg, which forward leg is adapted to be pivotally connected from the hull at or toward a second end, opposite the first end,

Controls and prime mover to move the leg between a first position whereby it is retracted at or towards the hull via the pivotal connection, and a second position whereby it is extended away from the hull via the pivotal connection such that the wheel can engage

2019203871 03 Jun 2019 with a land surface to allow travel thereon,

To thus allow fabrication of a hull with the mountable wheel and controls to form an amphibious vessel.

Preferably the kit includes at least one prime mover to drive the leg between the first and second position and or the wheel for movement on land.

Preferably the kit includes controls and actuation for at least one portion on the hull to enable use of the portion as a trim tab for the amphibious vessel when on the water.

In another aspect the present invention may be said to broadly consist in a kit of parts to retrofit a vessel to form an amphibious vessel, comprising or including,

Mounting plates to connect to a hull form of the vessel,

At least one mountable wheel, the mountable wheel in turn connected to a first end of a leg, which forward leg is adapted to be pivotally connected from the mounting plates at or toward a second end, opposite the first end,

Controls and prime mover to move the leg between a first position whereby it is retracted at or towards the hull via the pivotal connection, and a second position whereby it is extended away from the hull via the pivotal connection such that the wheel can engage 20 with a land surface to allow travel thereon,

To thus allow an existing hull to be retrofitted to form an amphibious vessel.

Preferably the kit includes forms, patterns, instructions or the like to enable modification of the vessel, including location of mounting points for the wheel and associated leg, controls 25 and prime mover.

Preferably the kit includes portions to attach to the vessel to at least in part enclose the wheel on four sides when mounted and in the first position.

Preferably the kit includes controls and actuation for at least one of the portions to enable use of the portion as a trim tab for the amphibious vessel when on the water.

Preferably the kit includes the mating materials for the vessel to be retrofitted.

In another aspect the present invention consists in a method of operation of an amphibious vehicle with shrouded wheels and trim tabs as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

In another aspect the present invention may be said to broadly consist in an amphibious vehicle as described herein with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

In another aspect the present invention may be said to broadly consist in a method of providing an amphibious vehicle as described herein with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

In another aspect the present invention may be said to broadly consist in a kit of parts as described herein with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

In another aspect the present invention may be said to broadly consist in a kit of parts to retrofit a vessel to form an amphibious vessel as described herein with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

As used herein the term “and/or” means “and” or “or”, or both.

As used herein “(s)” following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

The term “comprising” as used in this specification means “consisting at least in part of”.

When interpreting statements in this specification, which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present, but other features can also be present. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprised” are to be interpreted in the same manner.

It is intended that reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein (for example, 1 to 10) also incorporates reference to all rational numbers within that range (for example, 1, 1.1,2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9 and 10) and also any range of rational numbers within that range (for example, 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5 and 3.1 to 4.7).

The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications, cited above and below, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements and features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred forms of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which

Figure 1	Shows a first embodiment in an isometric front view of a vessel, with the retractable gear in the retracted position, and shrouds in place,
Figure 2	shows the same vessel as Figure 1, from a rear isometric perspective,
Figure 3	shows the vessel of Figure 1 from a port or left hand side view,
Figure 4	shows a close up of the bow of the vessel from Figure 3, showing a form of shroud that covers the front retractable gear,
Figure 5	shows a similar view to Figure 3, but with part of the rear lower shroud acting as a trim tab,
Figure 6	shows a front view with shroud on and gear retracted,
Figure 7	shows a rear view with shroud on and gear retracted,
Figure 8	shows a similar view to Figure 3 but with shrouds removed,
Figure 9	shows a front view, with shrouds removed and gear retracted,
Figure 10	shows a rear view with shrouds removed and gear retracted, and
Figure 11	shows a side view similar to that of Figure 8 with the gear extended.

2019203871 03 Jun 2019

Shown in Figure 1 is a vessel 1 consisting of a hull 5 fitted with retractable gear 4 that can move on water 2 when the retractable gear is in a first position 10 as shown, typically the vessel is powered to move on water, such as, but not limited to by an outboard motor or similar. The vessel has retractable gear 4 that can deploy by extending from the hull to a second position 11 to allow the vessel 1 to transition from the water 2 to the land 3. At least one or more of the wheels 7 and 9 are powered to allow the vessel 1 to move onto, and on the land 3. Likewise the vessel 1 can transition from land 3 to water 2, and then retract the gear 4 to then travel at high speed if needed on water.

In the embodiment shown the hull 5 has a cabin 25 formed by a superstructure 26. In one form the hull 5 and super structure 26 are made from metal plate, such as, but not limited to aluminium. However, in other forms only those portions of the hull 5 that need to be rigid are made out of rigid material, and other parts may be flexible, for example similar to a rigid inflatable boat style. Other materials may also be used, such as, but not limited to wood, steel, composite such as fibre glass, carbon or kevlar reinforced plastic, concrete or similar that are suitable for manufacture of vessels.

In the vessel shown in Figures 1 through 7 there are first, second and third movable portions

19, 20, 21 respectively connected to the hull and or the retractable gear that in conjunction with the hull allow the wheels to be partially, or fully enclosed when in the first position. This protects the wheels 7 and 9, and other components, such as the actuating elements 13 when in the first position 10, and also provides an aesthetically pleasing look to the vessel as it appears more stream lined. The movable portions 19, 20 and 21 are shown substantially covering all of the wheels. However, in other forms they may only partially cover the wheels, 25 or not at all as shown in other Figures. However, the wheels, 7 and 9 when in the first position will still be at least partially covered and retracted into hull apertures 16 and 17, such that they are covered from above, and on at least four sides of the wheel, that is the left side, right side, front and rear, such that only a small portion of the wheel from below is uncovered, whether or not the wheel is visible in part or not from the side. That is the wheels may retract past the sides of the hull apertures, while still being open from below.

In other forms as shown in Figures 7 through 10 the vessel 1 and retractable gear may not have additional covering portions 19 and 21, but may still include and utilise second movable portions 20. In one preferred form the second movable portions 20 perform the function of 35 trim tabs when the vessel moving on the water.

2019203871 03 Jun 2019

When moving from water 2 to land 3 the user approaches the land 3 and reduces speed and initiates the controls to deploy the retractable gear from the first position to the second position. The user then motors forward slowly until the retractable gear, usually the first wheel 7, engages the land 3 as shown in Figure 11, and then continues to move forward and move up onto the land 3 until the vessel 1 is fully or partially out of the water 2. In the preferred form it is the front wheel 7 that is also powered to pull the vessel up on to land, at least until the rear wheels are engaged on the land 3 also. Alternatively all three wheels could be powered, or just the rear wheels. Similarly when moving from the land 3 to the water 2 the user simply drives into the water 2 until the vessel is floating and free or near free of engaging the land (in that case land would be the land surface under the water as an extension of the land above the water 2), and then raises the retractable gear and motors away under power from an outboard (not shown) or similar.

On land 3 the vessel 1 is steered as a normal vehicle, ideally with a steering wheel and the front wheel, when in a traditional tricycle arrangement, steers to control direction. The steering may be connected to the steering wheel of the boat. Speed on land is controlled by a throttle to control the wheel speed.

On water 2 the vessel 1 operates as a normal water vessel, a steering wheel controls direction, normally by controlling the thrust direction or one or more propellers driven by a motor, for example on an outboard motor (not shown). The speed on water is controlled by the amount of thrust, for example by a throttle, from a motor or similar.

The second movable portion 20 as described is used to at least on part cover the rear retractable gear 4, consisting of the rearward mounted leg 8 and second wheel 9. As described there are normally two rearward mounted legs 8 and their respective wheels 9 as shown in Figure 10. When transitioning to, and on land, the second movable portion 20 pivots clear of the legs 8 to allow them to fully deploy, in this case downwardly. However, when on water they are normally flush with the vessel hull 5 as shown in Figure 3. In one embodiment, when on the water 2, the portions 20 can be controlled separately when the legs 8 and wheels 9 are retracted to allow them to pivot down or up to act as trim portions for the vessel 1.

When the vessel is moving on water the second movable portion 20 can be actuated independently of the leg 8 and wheel 9 to act as a stabilising tab, as illustrated in Figure 5. These may be actuated independently to stabilise the vessel 1 depending on the speed and load balance to give the desired on water characteristics. The portions 20 may be pivoted at their forward edge 27 as shown so their trailing edge 28 can be forced into the water 2 travelling past the boat to provide a stabilising force and trim the boat. The portions 20 in this form may have for example hydraulic or similar drivers that are mounted on an upper surface of the portion and connect to a portion of the leg 8. When the leg is deployed the drivers for the portion collapse to their shortest form and the movement of the leg 8 will, via their respective driver, move the portion 20 out of the way to allow deployment of the leg. When moving the drivers of the portion may be operated to extend the portion 20 as needed to stabilise the boat. Alternatively the portions may have drivers that are connected between the portion 20 and the hull and the drivers are actuated to provide the trim tab function, when on the water, and then also actuate to extend the portion 20 to clear the legs 8 when deployed in preparation for movement on the land.

The portions 20 may be controlled from the cabin 25 or similar, of the vessel 1 by the user, or may be automatically trimmed.

The vessel may contain one or more prime movers 23 and 24, these may be located where convenient in the vessel 1, for example in the hull or similar. In one form they may be driven by an internal combustion engine to provide hydraulic or electric drive to the actuators for deploying and retracting the legs 6 and 8, and or moving the portions 19, 20 and 21, and driving the wheels 7 and/or 9. Alternatively the prime movers 23 and 24 may be electric and driven by battery to provide hydraulic or electrical power, or a combination thereof, to the legs, portions and wheels.

The term waterline when used in this specification means the static waterline when the vessel is at rest when in the water, or the dynamic waterline, which is the level the water is flowing past the vessel when it is moving through the water. These may be the same levels, or may vary.

The invention may also consist of a kit of parts to form a vessel 1 in keeping with the invention, or a kit of parts to retrofit an existing vessel to form the invention.

The foregoing description of the invention includes preferred forms thereof. Modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (10)

1. Ina first aspect the present invention may be said to broadly consist in an amphibious vessel, adapted to travel on water, and through deployment of retractable gear is adapted to travel on land, comprising or including,

a. A hull,

b. Retractable gear, comprising,

i. At least one forward mounted leg, pivotally mounted from the hull at one end, and at an opposing distal end a first wheel, ii. At least one rearward mounted leg, pivotally mounted from the hull at one end, and at an opposing distal end a second wheel,

Wherein the forward mounted leg, and the rearward mounted leg, have a first position whereby they are retracted at or toward the hull via their respective pivotal mounts, and a second position whereby they are extended away from the hull via their respective pivotal mounts such that they can engage with a land surface to allow travel thereon,

c. Wherein the forward mounted leg and the rearward mounted leg, and or their respective wheels, when in the first position are surrounded at least in part on four sides by the hull.

2. A vessel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one forward mounted leg pivots clockwise when viewed from the port side.

3. A vessel as claimed in either claim 1 or 2, wherein there are actuating elements to actuate the forward mounted and rearward mounted leg.

4. A vessel as claimed in claim 3 wherein the actuating elements are contained within the hull and are not exposed, at least when the forward mounted leg, and the rearward mounted leg are in the first position.

5 in the first position.

5. A vessel as claimed in either claim 3 or 4 wherein there are no actuating elements, to move the forward mounted leg, exposed forward of the forward mounted leg when in the first position, but rather the actuating elements are substantially located above or behind the forward leg, or part thereof and are therefore protected.

6. A vessel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the mounting points for the pivotal mounts for the at least one rearward mounted leg are inboard of the hull and

2019203871 03 Jun 2019 not on an extremity thereof.

7. A vessel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the forward mounted leg, and its respective wheel is at least in part contained within a first hull aperture when

8. A vessel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the pivotal mount for the at least one forward mounted leg is contained within the first hull aperture.

10

9. A vessel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the rearward mounted leg, and its respective wheel is at least in part contained within a second hull aperture when in the first position.

10. A vessel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the legs and their respective

15 wheels are substantially enclosed by the hull save for a lower part of their wheels when in the first position.

11. A vessel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the entirety of the legs, and their respective wheels are substantially enclosed when in the first position.

12. A vessel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the at least one forward mounted leg, and the at least rearward mounted leg pivot between the first position and the second position substantially in a vertical plane of the vessel.

25

13. A vessel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein there is an extension of the hull as a shroud, whether detachable or integral therewith, that substantially covers the upper portions and sides of the second wheel(s).

14. A vessel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shroud does not move relative to the

30 second wheel(s).

15. A vessel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein there is at least movable portion of the hull having a retracted position when the first or second wheel is in the first position, the retracted position to at least in part cover the leg and its respective

35 first or second wheel, the movable cover portion moving to a deployed position as the leg and respective first or second wheel moves to the second position, the deployed position at least in part covering and uncovering the first or second hull aperture.

16. A vessel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein there is a first movable portion for the forward leg and first wheel that at least in part covers the forward leg and first wheel.

17. A vessel as claimed in claim 7 wherein the first movable portion, in conjunction with the first hull aperture completely covers the forward leg and first wheel when in the first position.

18. A vessel as claimed in claim 17 wherein the first movable portion is mounted from the forward leg.

19. A vessel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18 wherein there is a second movable portion for the rearward leg and second wheel that at least in part covers the rearward leg and second wheel when in the first position.

20. A vessel as claimed in claim 19 wherein the second movable portion is pivoted from the hull.

21. A vessel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20 wherein there is a third movable portion for the rearward leg and second wheel that at least in part covers the rearward leg and second wheel.

22. A vessel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21 when dependent on claim 19 wherein the second movable portion, third movable portion and second hull aperture in conjunction completely cover the rearward leg and second wheel when in the first position.

23. A vessel as claimed in claim 22 wherein the third movable portion is mounted from the rearward leg.

24. A vessel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23, when dependent on claim 19, wherein the second movable portion can move independently of the rearward mounted leg, when in the first position, to act as a trim tab to stabilise the vessel.

25. A vessel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 24, when dependent on claim 19, wherein the second movable portion has a driving element which driving element

2019203871 03 Jun 2019 controls the independent movement of the second movable portion.

26. A vessel as claimed in claim 25 wherein the driving element is connected between the second movable portion and the hull, or the rearward leg.

27. A vessel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 26 wherein there are two rearward legs and each has a second wheel.

28. A vessel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 27 wherein there is one forward leg and

10 one first wheel.

29. A vessel as claimed in claim 28 wherein the forward leg and first wheel are above the waterline immediately before and when the vessel is up on the plane.

15

30. A vessel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 29 wherein the rearward leg and second wheel are above the effective waterline immediately before and when the vessel is up on the plane.

31. A vessel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 30, when dependent on claim 3,

20 wherein the actuating elements are powered to move from the first position to the second position and vice versa by a first prime mover.

32. A vessel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 31 wherein at least either the first wheel, second wheel or both are powered to move the vessel on land by a second

25 prime mover.

33. A vessel as claimed in claim 32 wherein the first prime mover and second prime mover drive the leg, and the wheels directly or indirectly by hydraulic power, electrical power, or a combination of both.

34. A vessel as claimed in either of claims 32 or 33 wherein the first prime mover and second prime mover are electrically driven, and in turn drive the wheel and leg hydraulically or electrically.

35 35. In another aspect the present invention may be said to broadly consist in an amphibious vessel, adapted to travel on water, and through deployment of retractable gear is adapted to travel on land, comprising or including,

a. A hull,

b. At least one forward mounted wheel, the forward mounted wheel in turn connected to a first end of a forward leg, which forward leg is pivoted from the hull at or toward a second end, opposite the first end,

c. At least one rearward mounted wheel, the rearward mounted wheel in turn connected to a first end of a rearward leg, which rearward leg is pivoted from the hull at or toward a second end, opposite the first end,

d. Wherein the at least one forward mounted wheel, and the at least one rearward mounted wheel, have a first position whereby they are retracted at or towards the hull via their respective pivotal mounts, and a second position whereby they are extended away from the hull via their respective pivotal mounts such that they can engage with a land surface to allow travel thereon,

e. Wherein at least one or more of the rearward mounted wheel or forward mounted wheel is powered to enable travel on land when in the second position,

f. Wherein the at least one forward mounted leg and the at least one rearward mounted leg, and or their respective wheels, when in the first position are surrounded at least in part on four sides by the hull.

36. In another aspect the present invention may be said to broadly consist in a kit of parts for an amphibious vessel, comprising or including,

a. A hull, whether assembled or not, and

b. At least one mountable wheel, the mountable wheel in turn connected to a first end of a leg, which forward leg is adapted to be pivotally connected from the hull at or toward a second end, opposite the first end,

c. Controls and prime mover to move the leg between a first position whereby it is retracted at or towards the hull via the pivotal connection, and a second position whereby it is extended away from the hull via the pivotal connection such that the wheel can engage with a land surface to allow travel thereon,

d. To thus allow fabrication of a hull with the mountable wheel and controls to form an amphibious vessel.

37. The kit as claimed in claim 36 which includes at least one prime mover to drive the leg between the first and second position and or the wheel for movement on land.

38. The kit as claimed in either of claims 36 or 37 which includes controls and actuation for at least one portion on the hull to enable use of the portion as a trim tab for the amphibious vessel when on the water.

39. In another aspect the present invention may be said to broadly consist in a kit of parts to retrofit a vessel to form an amphibious vessel, comprising or including,

a. Mounting plates to connect to a hull form of the vessel,

b. At least one mountable wheel, the mountable wheel in turn connected to a first end of a leg, which forward leg is adapted to be pivotally connected from the mounting plates at or toward a second end, opposite the first end,

c. Controls and prime mover to move the leg between a first position whereby it is retracted at or towards the hull via the pivotal connection, and a second position whereby it is extended away from the hull via the pivotal connection such that the wheel can engage with a land surface to allow travel thereon,

d. To thus allow an existing hull to be retrofitted to form an amphibious vessel.

40. The kit as claimed in claim 49 where the kit includes forms, patterns, instructions or the like to enable modification of the vessel, including location of mounting points for the wheel and associated leg, controls and prime mover.

41. The kit as claimed in either of claims 39 or 40 where the kit includes portions to attach to the vessel to at least in part enclose the wheel on four sides when mounted and in the first position.

42. The kit as claimed in any one of claims 39 to 41 where the kit includes controls and actuation for at least one of the portions to enable use of the portion as a trim tab for the amphibious vessel when on the water.

43. The kit as claimed in any one of claims 39 to 43 where the kit includes the mating materials for the vessel to be retrofitted.

44. In another aspect the present invention consists in a method of operation of an amphibious vehicle with shrouded wheels and trim tabs as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

45. In another aspect the present invention may be said to broadly consist in an amphibious vehicle as described herein with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

2019203871 03 Jun 2019

46. In another aspect the present invention may be said to broadly consist in a method of providing an amphibious vehicle as described herein with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

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47. In another aspect the present invention may be said to broadly consist in a kit of parts as described herein with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

48. In another aspect the present invention may be said to broadly consist in a kit of

10 parts to retrofit a vessel to form an amphibious vessel as described herein with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.