Importance

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Abstract

An amphibious vehicle (10, FIG. 8) has a retractable suspension system. The transmission to a driven wheel comprises a plunging CV joint 7 at the outer or wheel end of driveshaft 5, and a fixed CV joint 3A at the inner or differential end of the driveshaft. The fixed joint at the inner end of the shaft allows wheel movement between a lowered position allowing increased ground clearance, through a normal road use position, to a retracted wheel position above the vehicle water line (FIG. 5). At least one inner CV joint may incorporate a driveshaft decoupler 20; which may incorporate synchromesh. The vehicle may be a planing vehicle, with either a longitudinal or a mid-mounted transverse prime mover, which may be an internal combustion engine or a fuel cell powered electric motor.

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First Claim