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US 5,511,508 AGranted
Pontoon runner system
AssigneeWilco Marsh Buggies & Draglines, Inc.
InventorsJohn M. Wilson, Sr., Dean R. Wilson
Life of this patent
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AssigneeWilco Marsh Buggies & Draglines, Inc.
InventorsJohn M. Wilson, Sr., Dean R. Wilson
Estimating the term…
An arrangement and methods are described for creating a pontoon of the type used with amphibious vehicles such as marsh buggies. A pontoon is described which features an outer shell comprised of an aluminum or aluminum alloy shell enclosing one or more water-tight chambers. The shell has an exterior surface, and one or more runners are provided upon the exterior surface which serve to both reinforce the pontoon and guide the endless chain system which drives the cleated tracks which surround the pontoon and serve to propel the vehicle. The runners are comprised of at least one longitudinal strip. The strip is disposed along and fixedly attached to the lower surface of the pontoon shell. Preferably, the strip is comprised of an aluminum or aluminum alloy-type material and is fixedly attached by means of welding to the shell. A longitudinal channel member, preferably made of steel or a steel-type alloy is disposed proximate the strip. It is preferred that the channel member be attached to the strip by means of bolting or other known engagement means.
A lightweight amphibious vehicle substantially capable of operating in soft areas without bogging down or becoming stuck the vehicle having at least one pontoon, each pontoon comprising:
A pontoon for a lightweight vehicle which is substantially capable of operating in soft areas without bogging down or becoming stuck without having to be winched, the pontoon comprising:
A method of attaching a runner to a pontoon for purposes of providing a lightweight vehicle being substantially capable of operating in soft areas without bogging down or becoming stuck and having to be winched, the method comprising the steps of:
A method of attaching a runner to a pontoon for purposes of providing a lightweight vehicle being substantially capable of operating in soft areas without bogging down or becoming stuck and having to be winched, the method comprising the steps of:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.