Vehicle with configurable power source
OwnerDonald Meinhardtinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A vehicle with a frame, wheels, and a movable chair mechanism. The vehicle includes a configurable propulsion system which may comprise an electric motor, an internal combustion engine, or a hybrid combination thereof. The internal combustion engine configuration includes a fuel tank, fuel delivery system, and is integrated with the vehicle's control systems to provide extended operational range. The drivetrain may comprise a conventional transmission, independent hydraulic motors enabling zero-turn capability, or independent electric motors powered by an engine-driven generator. In some embodiments, the vehicle further comprises rear wheels movably connected to the frame to allow for an adjustable track width.
Claims17
A vehicle comprising:
- a frame defining an operator compartment, the operator compartment having an open bottom;
- a movable chair attached to a motorized chair movement device configured to move the chair vertically and horizontally within the operator compartment;
- a pair of rear driven wheels movably connected to the frame such that a track width between the pair of rear driven wheels is adjustable;
- a propulsion system configured to provide motive force to the pair of rear driven wheels;
- at least one caster wheel connected to the frame;
- and
- a control computer operably connected to the propulsion system, the motorized chair movement device, and the pair of rear driven wheels to control the adjustment of the track width.
A vehicle comprising:
- a frame defining an operator compartment;
- a plurality of driven wheels connected to the frame;
- at least one caster wheel rotatably connected to the frame;
- a movable chair mechanism coupled to the frame and configured to move a chair both vertically and horizontally within the operator compartment;
- an internal combustion engine mounted to the frame;
- a fuel tank mounted to the frame and operatively connected to the internal combustion engine;
- a drivetrain operatively coupling the internal combustion engine to the plurality of driven wheels;
- and
- operator controls for operating the vehicle.
A vehicle comprising:
- a frame defining an operator compartment;
- a plurality of driven wheels connected to the frame;
- at least one caster wheel rotatably connected to the frame;
- a movable chair mechanism coupled to the frame and configured to move a chair both vertically and horizontally within the operator compartment;
- an internal combustion engine mounted to the frame;
- at least one electric motor;
- at least one battery electrically connected to the at least one electric motor;
- a control system operatively connected to the movable chair mechanism, the internal combustion engine, and the at least one electric motor;
- wherein the internal combustion engine and the at least one electric motor are both operatively coupled to provide motive power to the plurality of driven wheels;
- and
- operator controls for operating the vehicle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.