TRANSFORMING TOP DRIVE VEHICLE

Abstract

A transforming top drive vehicle having a passenger compartment and a separable base is disclosed. One or more hydraulic cylinders are positioned between the compartment and the base to provide force sufficient to raise the compartment. Concentric pipes having sufficient strength to support the compartment are installed with one end connected to the vehicle's base and the other connected to the passenger compartment. The vehicle allows ease of access and the ability to lower the vehicle's center of gravity when navigating rough or uneven terrain and, when the operator is interested in obtaining a better view of wildlife or otherwise increase the field of vision, the passenger compartment can be raised either incrementally or to its fully raised position.

Claims

1. A top drive vehicle, comprising: a base having at least wheels, a steering system and a brake system; a passenger compartment having at least a steering mechanism, a braking mechanism and a switch for activating a hydraulic pump system; one or more hydraulic cylinders fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump system and configured to raise and lower the passenger compartment; one or more concentric telescoping pipe systems, each having an inner pipe and an outer pipe, with one end connected to the passenger compartment and the other end connected to the base.

2. The top drive vehicle of claim 1, wherein upon activation of the switch the hydraulic pump system activates the one or more hydraulic cylinders to raise the passenger compartment above the base, thereby causing the concentric telescoping pipe systems to extend.

3. The top drive vehicle of claim 1, wherein the steering system and the brake system in the base are connected to the steering mechanism and the brake mechanism in the passenger compartment through a flexible conduit.

4. The top drive vehicle of claim 1, wherein the one or more hydraulic cylinders are positioned in a piggy-backed configuration so that a piston rod of one hydraulic cylinder is connected to the passenger compartment and a piston rod of another hydraulic cylinder is connected to the base.

5. The top drive vehicle of claim 1, wherein the one or more hydraulic cylinders are telescopic hydraulic cylinders, wherein the piston rod extends through two or more stages.

6. The top drive vehicle of claim 1, wherein the telescoping pipe systems further include a hydraulic pump concentrically located within the inner pipe.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic depiction of one embodiment of the vehicle of the present invention in which the passenger compartment is in the fully lowered position;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic depiction of the same embodiment of the vehicle of the present invention in which the passenger compartment is in the fully raised position;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a schematic depiction of an alternative embodiment of the vehicle of the present invention in which the passenger compartment is in the fully lowered position;

[0014] FIG. 4 is a schematic depiction of the alternative embodiment of the vehicle of the present invention in which the passenger compartment is in the fully raised position;

[0015] FIG. 5A is a schematic depiction of one embodiment of the pipes used to support the passenger compartment of the vehicle of the present invention in a lowered configuration;

[0016] FIG. 5B is a schematic depiction of one embodiment of the pipes used to support the passenger compartment of the vehicle of the present invention in a raised or extended configuration;

[0017] FIG. 6A is a schematic depiction of an alternative embodiment of the pipes used to support the passenger compartment of the vehicle of the present invention in an lowered configuration; and

[0018] FIG. 6B is a schematic depiction of an alternative embodiment of the pipes used to support the passenger compartment of the vehicle of the present invention in a lowered configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] The present invention is directed to improved methods and systems for, among other things, top driving vehicles. The configuration and use of the presently preferred embodiments are discussed in detail below. It should be appreciated, however, that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of contexts other than top driving vehicles. Accordingly, the specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention, and do not limit the scope of the invention. In addition, the following terms shall have the associated meaning when used herein:

[0020] concentric means sharing a common center, the larger often completely surrounding the smaller

[0021] hydraulic cylinder means any type or form of electric or pneumatic mechanical linear actuator that is used to provide a force through a stroke;

[0022] pipe means a tube, pipe or other hollow linear structure, such structure having a round, oval, square or other cross-section, and having sufficient strength to support the weight of the deck of the vehicle; and

[0023] vehicle means any device used for transporting people or goods, especially on land, such as a car, truck, or cart.

[0024] When hunting game in open terrain or photographing wildlife on a safari, it can be difficult to see, or to maintain visual contact with, animals as they move through the brush. One of the reasons is that the brush or rolling topography interferes with the viewer's line of sight. In some instances, hunters or photographers will use elevated stands to obtain a better visual angle, or line of sight, to the animals. However, a significant drawback to the use of such stands is that they are stationary and not readily moveable.

[0025] As a solution to the issues associated with these stationary stands, hunters and photographers often use top drive vehicles. Top drive is a term used for a modified, off-road vehicle, such as a truck or SUV, that has a deck mounted on the roof of the vehicle. The deck is configured with driver and passenger seats and, in most cases; there is a railing around the deck to prevent passengers from falling off. In some instances, the vehicle is modified so that the deck is further equipped with controls, such as accelerator, brake, shift lever and the like, for driving the vehicle so that the vehicle can optionally be driven from the deck rather than the original driver's seat. The purpose is so that the driver and passengers can have a better view of the wildlife. These vehicles are typically used in terrain with low brush or grass.

[0026] In most instances, conventional top drive vehicles require passengers to access the deck of the vehicle by climbing a ladder or stairs. This makes ingress into, and egress from, the vehicle very cumbersome. Moreover, because the deck is located on the top of the vehicle, the weight of passengers on the deck raises the center of gravity of the vehicle to a point where the vehicle can be unsafe to drive, even on relatively flat terrain, and the severity of this problem increases with the number of passengers on the deck. Also, because the deck is mounted on top of the vehicles, deviations or areas of unevenness in the terrain over which the vehicle is traversing are magnified from the perspective of the passengers, resulting in serious safety concerns and causing passenger discomfort due to the swaying or pitching of the deck area.

[0027] There are a number of other substantial drawbacks to conventional top drive vehicles. For example, top drive vehicles of the past are typically not high enough off of the ground to view wildlife in low brush terrain, and the height of the deck is, in most cases, not adjustable. In addition, a conventional top drive vehicle is limited to serving as a top drive vehicle and it does not convert into a standard vehicle, thereby significantly limiting the types of roads and terrain over which the vehicle may travel.

[0028] In various embodiments of the vehicle of the present invention, the vehicle's drive and the passenger compartment can be intermittently raised and lowered. This allows the driver to raise the compartment and navigate the terrain to see wildlife much better than a conventional off road vehicle. The compartment can then be lowered, which significantly lowers the center of gravity of the vehicle, to navigate through rough or uneven terrain and, therefore, travel to many places a conventional top drive can't go safely, or at all. The compartment may also be lowered for easier ingress and egress of the vehicle.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, which depict one embodiment of the present invention having a vehicle base 103 consisting of at least four wheels 101, a suspension system connecting the wheels 101 to the vehicle's base 103, a motor, a hydraulic pump system 116, a brake system, a steering system, and a passenger compartment 110 with a seat and controls for a driver and seats for passengers. The vehicle base 103 may be powered by various systems to move the vehicle 100 such as electric motor or motors, gasoline, propane, natural gas, or diesel reciprocating engine, or a combination thereof such as a hybrid vehicle. Steering may be accomplished by utilizing a steering wheel or other methods known in the art, such as a joystick.

[0030] In one embodiment, concentric pipes 102 of sufficient strength to support the driver and passenger compartment 110 are installed vertically to carry the load of the compartment 110. A hydraulic cylinder 115 is configured to raise and lower the driver and passenger compartment 110 above the base 103. The hydraulic cylinder 115 is fluidly connected to one or more hydraulic pump systems 116.

[0031] In another embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, concentric pipes 102 of sufficient strength to support the driver and passenger compartment 110 are again installed vertically to carry the load of the compartment 110. However, one or more hydraulic cylinders 112, 114 are configured to raise and lower the driver and passenger compartment 110 above the base 103. The hydraulic cylinders 112, 114 are fluidly connected to one or more hydraulic pump systems 116 and flow dividers through one or more hydraulic fluid lines (not shown).

[0032] In typical embodiments, the hydraulic cylinders are comprised of three main components: a cylinder barrel, a piston and a piston rod. The cylinder barrel provides the housing in which the piston, connected to the piston rod, moves in and out of the cylinder. The barrel is closed on one end by the cylinder cap and the other end by the cylinder head where the piston rod extends out of the cylinder. The piston may be configured with sliding rings and seals.

[0033] The piston separates the pressure zones inside the cylinder. Pistons are typically configured with grooves to fit seals and bearing elements. The difference in pressure between the two sides of the piston causes the piston rod to extend and retract. The piston may be attached to the piston rod by means of threads, bolts, nuts or other attaching devices known in the art.

[0034] The piston rod extends from the cylinder through the cylinder head and connects the hydraulic actuator to the area to which force is to be applied, such as the frame of the passenger compartment or the frame of the base. The piston rod is typically finely machined and polished, thereby providing a reliable seal and prevent leakage around the cylinder head.

[0035] The hydraulic cylinder is attached to a hydraulic pump system which is configured to deliver a fixed or regulated flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid, typically oil, to the hydraulic cylinder to move the piston. Hydraulic fluid enters through a port at one end of the cylinder and returns through a port typically located at the same end of the cylinder.

[0036] Some embodiments of the invention also include a switch, such as a spring-to-center rocker switch, that is in electronic communication with the hydraulic pump. The form of electronic communication may be wiring through flexible conduit. Other controls for the operation of the vehicle, such as steering lines, brakes lines and the like, may also be included in the flexible conduit.

[0037] Referring now back to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the hydraulic cylinder 115 is configured to raise and lower the passenger compartment 110. In the embodiment shown, the hydraulic cylinder is a telescopic cylinder having two or more stages. When actuated, the piston rod 115a, which is attached to the passenger compartment 110, extends and thereby raises the passenger compartment 110.

[0038] Referring now back to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, hydraulic cylinders 112, 114 are again configured to raise and lower the passenger compartment 110. In the embodiment shown, two hydraulic cylinders 112, 114 are piggy-backed to one another, with one 112 positioned to extend its piston rod 112a upward towards the passenger compartment 110 and one 114 positioned to extend its piston rod 114a downward towards the vehicle's base 103. In some embodiments, two hydraulic fluid lines are in fluidic communication with each hydraulic cylinder 112, 114.

[0039] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, a single piggyback cylinder is created by affixing two 20 stroke cylinders together with one cylinder positioned to extend its piston rod towards the passenger compartment and one positioned to extend its piston rod towards the vehicle's base. The two cylinders may be affixed to one another by welding, flanges, trunnions, clevises, lugs or other cylinder mounting devices known in the art. The piston rod is also configured with mounting attachments to connect the piston rod to the passenger compartment. The piggyback cylinder is positioned near the center of mass of the passenger compartment, and it is configured to create a 40 total stroke in less than 30 when the piston rods in both hydraulic cylinders are retracted.

[0040] In use, the concentric pipes 102 are positioned vertically and connected to the vehicle's base 103 and passenger compartment 110. The pipes 102 may be located within the vehicle's base 103 in any locations which adequately supports the passenger compartment 110. In one embodiment, the pipes 102 are positioned near each of the four corners of the passenger compartment 110 which is generally centered on and above the vehicle's base 103.

[0041] A flexible conduit 108 described above is attached on one end to the vehicle base 103 and on the other end to the passenger compartment 110. The flexible conduit 108 is of sufficient length so that when the passenger compartment 110 is raised it extends to become nearly straight and vertical. When the passenger compartment 110 is lowered, the flexible conduit 108 simply bows in an arc shape. In some embodiments, the switch described above is mounted on an instrument panel in the passenger compartment and the wiring is run through the flexible conduit 108 to the hydraulic pump system 116, thereby allowing the operator to activate the hydraulic pump system 116 by activating the switch.

[0042] As described above, the passenger compartment 110 sits roughly over the center of the vehicle base 103. As shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the outer pipes 102a are attached near the four corners of the passenger compartment 103 and slide up and down over the inner pipes 102b, which are attached to the vehicle's base 103. The movement of the pipes relative to one another is powered by the hydraulic cylinders 112, 114. The close fit of the inner pipe 102b inside an outer pipe 102a provides internal stability to the vehicle 100, whether the passenger compartment 103 is raised or lowered, at least in part due to the overlap in the outer pipe 102a and the inner pipe 102b even when the passenger compartment 103 is in the raised position.

[0043] In some embodiments, compression springs (not shown) are positioned inside each pipe assembly 102 so that, in the event of a failure of the hydraulic system, the passenger compartment 103 will be supported by the springs.

[0044] Also in some embodiments, a fairly tight, but no completely airtight, seal between an inner pipe 102b and outer pipe 102a is created so that the air pressure between the pipes creates a cushion of air, thereby allowing the platform 103 to descend slowly in the event of a failure of the hydraulic system. It may also be desirable to include an air check valve to mitigate any air suction pressure between the inner pipe 102b and the outer pipe 102a when the platform is ascending.

[0045] In yet another embodiment, the hydraulic cylinders are removed from the center of the vehicle base and replaced, or alternatively retained and supplemented, with a set of telescoping pipes having a concentric hydraulic cylinder inside. Referring now to FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, which show a pipe system 602 having an inner pipe 602a and an outer pipe 602b. A hydraulic cylinder 604 is located inside the inner pipe 602a. The piston rod 606 of the hydraulic cylinder 604 is retracted in FIG. 6A, thereby allowing the outer pipe 602b to cover a majority of the inner pipe 602a, such as when the passenger platform is in the lowered position. When the platform is raised, the piston rod 606 is extended and the outer pipe 602b slides over the inner pipe 602a as piston rod 606 extends.

[0046] While the invention is shown as having four pipe assemblies 102 at each corner of the vehicle's base 103, the system could be modified to include one, two, three or more than four pipe assemblies 102, as long as such assemblies are sufficient to support the passenger platform 103.

[0047] In the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the hydraulic cylinders 112, 114 provide uniform forced movement in both the up and down directions through the use of hydraulic flow dividers, which overcome friction and keep the unit from binding. In addition, all of the controls required for the operation of the vehicle 100, such as braking and steering controls, are accomplished by wiring, flexible tubing, or flexible cable running through the flexible conduit 108, which simplifies the system since there are no direct mechanical links from the vehicle base to the passenger compartment except for the lifting mechanism.

[0048] It may be desirable to include various safety measures in various embodiments of the present invention. For example, the pipe assemblies 102 may be designed so that, when the passenger compartment 103 is fully lowered, there is a gap or space between the passenger compartment 110 and the vehicle's base 103, which will reduce the risk of, or eliminate entirely, the pinching or severing of digits or limbs when the passenger compartment 110 is lowered.

[0049] In addition, it may be useful to govern the speed of the vehicle so that the maximum speed at which the vehicle may travel is limited when the passenger compartment is not fully lowered. This would prevent the vehicle's operator from going too fast when the vehicle's center of gravity is high due to the raised passenger compartment.

[0050] To use the vehicle of the present invention, the operator simply climbs a set of stairs to enter the vehicle, closes the door and sits in the driver's seat. The operator can then drive the vehicle in its normal mode. When the operator is interested in obtaining a better view of wildlife or otherwise increase his field of vision, he can raise the passenger compartment either incrementally or to its fully raised position. In some circumstances, the operator may elect to maintain the passenger compartment at a lower elevation to see under trees or to avoid raised obstructions. When the operator encounters rough or uneven terrain, he can lower the passenger compartment to its lowest position to maximize the stability of the vehicle.

[0051] While the present system and method has been disclosed according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that other embodiments have also been enabled. Even though the foregoing discussion has focused on particular embodiments, it is understood that other configurations are contemplated. In particular, even though the expressions in one embodiment or in another embodiment are used herein, these phrases are meant to generally reference embodiment possibilities and are not intended to limit the invention to those particular embodiment configurations. These terms may reference the same or different embodiments, and unless indicated otherwise, are combinable into aggregate embodiments. The terms a, an and the mean one or more unless expressly specified otherwise. The term connected means communicatively connected unless otherwise defined.

[0052] When a single embodiment is described herein, it will be readily apparent that more than one embodiment may be used in place of a single embodiment. Similarly, where more than one embodiment is described herein, it will be readily apparent that a single embodiment may be substituted for that one device.

[0053] In light of the wide variety of methods for top driving vehicles known in the art, the detailed embodiments are intended to be illustrative only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, what is claimed as the invention is all such modifications as may come within the spirit and scope of the following claims and equivalents thereto.

[0054] None of the description in this specification should be read as implying that any particular element, step or function is an essential element which must be included in the claim scope. The scope of the patented subject matter is defined only by the allowed claims and their equivalents. Unless explicitly recited, other aspects of the present invention as described in this specification do not limit the scope of the claims.