Propulsion mechanism having spherical ball

Abstract

A propulsion mechanism is provided for driving a vehicle having a frame and socket. The propulsion mechanism has a spherical ball disposed within the socket and adapted to frictionally engage the ground surface. First and second powered drive members are frictionally engaged with the spherical ball and powered to rotate the spherical ball to propel the vehicle. The first and second powered drive members drive the spherical ball in first and second directions and may be operated simultaneously.

1 . A vehicle comprising: 
 a frame;    a socket provided in the frame;    a first spherical ball disposed within the socket and adapted to frictionally engage a surface;    a friction reducing assembly disposed between the spherical ball and the frame for allowing the spherical ball to rotate relative to the frame;    a first powered drive member frictionally engaged with the spherical ball and powered to rotate the spherical ball to propel the vehicle; and    a second powered drive member frictionally engaged with the spherical ball and actuatable to rotate the spherical ball to propel the vehicle, wherein the first powered drive member drives the spherical ball in a first direction and the second powered drive member drives the spherical ball in a second direction;    wherein the first drive member comprises a first drive wheel, and the second drive member comprises a second drive wheel;    wherein said first and second drive wheels have a diameter about 30% of the diameter of said spherical ball.