GB480585A - Improvements in or relating to motor vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

480,585. Motor vehicles. VIDAL, M., VIDAL, 0., and VIDAL, H. May 19, 1936, No. 14174. Convention date, Sept. 20, 1935. [Classes 79 (iii), 79 (iv), and 79 (v)] A four-wheel-drive , vehicle, especially for cross-country travel, is characterized by two complete power units 3, each comprising a motor, change speed and differential gearing, a pair of driving wheels 4 and spring suspension means, slid on to a central longitudinal tubular frame member 2 from the front and rear ends thereof, respectively. The tubular frame member may be cranked when front and rear wheels of different sizes are employed. One unit may be freely mounted for lateral oscillation or both units may be so mounted on a tubular frame member with upwardly cranked ends above the centre of gravity of the vehicle body mounted on the intermediate part. The controls are operable conjointly or separately, the vehicle being adapted to be driven by either or both engines. Separate fuel tanks 5 and radiators 8 are provided, the rear radiator being mounted atthe side. The wheels are steered conjointly, the track rods being connected by a steering shaft 12 under the frame member 2. The pivotal connections 14 of track rods to the drop arm of the steering shaft 12 being located below the frame tube 2, the effect is stated to be that if a wheel drops into a depression, the relative movement of the track rod causes it to be automatically set to face the slope and facilitate extrication, Figs. 3-5 (not shown). Intermediate wheels 13 are provided which, being higher than the ordinary road wheels, do not normally touch the ground, but come into use when surmounting ridges &c. or crossing ditches.