US3662853A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Transporters
Assignee: British Hovercraft Corp Ltd
•
Filing: 1969-12-15
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Granted: 1972-05-16
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Expires: 1989-12-15
Abstract
Abstract A load transporter in which two supporting cushions of pressurized air are located one at each side of a load being moved, the load being supported by rigid beam members carried by rigid structures forming the upper boundary of the air cushions. In one embodiment the rigid beam members serve to join the rigid structures in spaced relationship, and are adapted to support the load either from below or above. In a further embodiment the rigid beam members are adapted to be secured to the sides of the load to permit taller loads to be transported, while maintaining the space relationship of the cushions. Propulsion of the transporter is either by towing, self-winching, or through the road wheels of a conventional vehicle being carried by the transporter.
Inventors
- 👤 Norman Edward Love
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 14:31
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65G; B65G7/00; B65G7/02; B65G7/06; F; F02; F02B; F02B1/00; F02B1/02; F02B1/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
137 words
A load transporter which receives support from two separate self-contained air cushion units, the air cushion of each unit being bounded at least in part by flexible skirting assemblies depending from rigid structure of the unit and each unit including means for supplying and maintaining pressurized air to the cushions, wherein the cushions are located outside the planform area of a load which is supported over unpressurized space by rigid beam member means detachably carried by the rigid structure and extending over unpressurized space between the units, said rigid beam member means extending between and being pivotally coupled to rigid structure of each air cushion unit generally in the area of the longitudinal axis of each air cushion unit, said beam member means being constructed and configured so as to be transportable by one of said units.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
137 words
A load transporter which receives support from two separate self-contained air cushion units, the air cushion of each unit being bounded at least in part by flexible skirting assemblies depending from rigid structure of the unit and each unit including means for supplying and maintaining pressurized air to the cushions, wherein the cushions are located outside the planform area of a load which is supported over unpressurized space by rigid beam member means detachably carried by the rigid structure and extending over unpressurized space between the units, said rigid beam member means extending between and being pivotally coupled to rigid structure of each air cushion unit generally in the area of the longitudinal axis of each air cushion unit, said beam member means being constructed and configured so as to be transportable by one of said units.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
A load transporter as clAimed in claim 1, wherein said beam member means comprises two rigid beam members extending across the unpressurized load carrying area between the air cushions and passing beneath a load being transported.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
A load transporter as claimed in claim 2, wherein said rigid beam members are provided with adapters for location beneath the chassis of a wheeled vehicle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
A load transporter as claimed in claim 1, wherein said beam member means extends across the unpressurized load carrying area between the air cushions and passes above said load being transported.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
42 words
A load transporter as claimed in claim 1, wherein said beam member means comprises two rigid beam members, each having a free end extending over said unpressurized space, and means on said free ends for attachment to the sides of said load.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
57 words
A load transporter as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means for supplying pressurized air to said cushion includes at least one power driven fan on each rigid structure, means between said fans and said air cushions for conducting the discharged air from said at least one fan into the air cushion space beneath the rigid structure.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
52 words
A load transporter as claimed in claim 1, wherein a power operated capstan unit is provided on each rigid structure, and cable means having one end fixed relative to said transporter and the other end secured to said capstan units communicating with to propel the transporter when said capstan units are operated.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pivotal couplings between the beam member means and said rigid structures include means permitting limited relative vertical movement between the beam member means and each of said rigid structures.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
51 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said rigid beam member means includes end portions extending across said rigid structure of said air cushion units, said beam member means then extending downwardly at points inboard of each air cushion unit, and then across the unpressurized space between the air cushion units.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-05-16 | 1975-11-15 | 1976-05-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-05-16 | 1979-11-15 | 1980-05-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-05-16 | 1983-11-15 | 1984-05-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |