Abstract:
A unit for rapid deployment and retraction of chain traction systems for vehicles includes a pneumatic cylinder having a cylindrical chamber enclosing a piston that is pneumatically-movable bidirectionally. A control rod coupled at one end to the piston passes through an end of the chamber and is coupled to a rack linearly movable within a sealed, grease-containing case. The rack is formed from a series of equally-spaced roller pins secured between parallel walls of a rack frame. The roller pins of the rack engage a sprocket affixed to a rotatable shaft to which is rigidly coupled an actuator arm of the rapidly-deployable vehicle ice and snow chain traction system. As the rack is moved back and forth, the actuator arm swings through an arc that—depending on the displacement of the control rod and the length of the rack, can be greater than 180 degrees.
Abstract:
A nonskid device for the wheels of vehicles, has a holding element (1) situated in the region of the wheel axis and used with elastic holding arms (2) holding a chain mesh (4). A tension cable (7) is used to introduce tension forces into the holding arms (2). In order to introduce a defined tensile stress into the tension cable (7), the tension cable is connected to a pivotable tension lever (12).
Abstract:
Method and apparatus for pulling a vehicle free from mud, etc. using a vehicle drive wheel as a windless or winch and employing an elongated flexible strap, a gripper plate mounted on a leading end of the strap and an anchor plate mounted on a trailing end of the strap. The gripper plate is inserted between the tire and its support surface with upstanding teeth of the gripper plate engaging the tire. The drive wheel is then rotated with the vehicle engine to draw the gripper plate around the tire and wrap the trailing strap around the tire. The gripper plate is then secured to the overlapping strap, the anchor plate is anchored at a remote point aligned with the drive wheel and the vehicle is driven towards the anchor point using the strap to pull the vehicle free.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a device for the releasable attachment of an antiskid device to the rim of a motor vehicle wheel, having: a base disc which is formed with a central opening and can be screwed coaxially to the outside of the rim; and a more particularly disc-shaped bearing member which can be coaxially attached to the outside of the base disc by a snap closure disposed in the zone of the opening and which cooperates with the base disc to form an annular gap in which the inner edge of a supporting disc is inserted rotatably mounted, while attached to the supporting disc are radially outwardly extending arms bearing the antiskid device, the base disc taking the form of a flat disc whose central opening receives a central projection of the bearing member, said projection being positively and releasably retained in or on the opening and secured in the attached position by a latching member which locks the releasable connection.
Abstract:
A wheel attachment to provide extra needed traction by a motor drawn vehicle when traveling on roadways covered with snow, ice or mud. It comprises a plurality of circularly spaced, flexible traction members overhanging the tread of a pair of wheels and control means operable from the driving position of the vehicle to selectively couple or uncouple the attachment relative to the wheels. The control means may comprise a driver's switch for operating an electromagnetically operated pin on the traction device cooperable with a hole in a disc rotatably mounted on a spindle at each wheel to selectively couple the device operatively to the hub at the respective wheel. Other alternative means are provided to control such coupling.
Abstract:
An anti-skid device is intended for use on pneumatic tires when the tires are used on ice and snow. The device includes a supporting disk with anti-skid arms pivotally displaceable about axes extending parallel to the axis of the wheel on which the pneumatic tire is mounted. The supporting disk is fixed to the wheel by a fixing disk and a retaining ring mounted on the wheel rim. The combination of the fixing disk and the retaining ring secure the supporting disk on a hub formed on the fixing disk. The supporting disk is arranged so that there is a certain amount of clearance relative to the hub for performing eccentric rotary movement for adapting the device to any elastic deformation of the pneumatic tire.
Abstract:
An anti-skid tire chain is improved by having a resilient strap at one end, the strap being adapted to be secured on the inside wall of a mounted tire having its tread on a road surface. On both of the side wall links of the chain, there are plates having a plurality of sharply pointed hooks or barbs adapted to be pressed into the side walls of the tire when the chain is initially being secured to the tire. In order to have the barbs securely engage the tire so as to hold the chain thereon during the rotation of the wheel and tire, the resilient strap is extended transversely on the chain from adjacent one of the plates to the other and the plates are secured to the tire by pressing them against the side walls with the barbs extending toward the tire wall and toward the tread. At the same time the strap is stretched so that when it is released, the barbs will be additionally pulled into the tire by the resilient retraction of the strap. The barbs do not damage the tire but hold the chain thereon while the tire is rotated so that the opposite ends of the chain can be brought adjacent each other and secured together. The resilient strap has a hook on its free end which is used to engage the opposite end of the inside row of chain links and secures the chain tightly by the bias of the strap on the inside wall. A typical locking link is used on the outside wall to secure the outside row of links thereon.
Abstract:
Device and method utilizing a fixed assembly attachable to a vehicle wheel back support plate, and a journaled, rotatable assembly carrying a track which may be deployed to engage and rotate with the wheel, or retracted for stable storage. The track is supported by leading and trailing arms carried on the rotatable assembly of the device, which arms in turn are movable concentrically to the device journal to expand the track around the tire and move inwardly upon completion of the track expansion to encircle the tire. Tracks utilizing linkages and rigid traction bars, or resilient members may be employed. Deployment and retraction power may be manual or provided by springs preloadable utilizing the rotational energy of the wheel, by fluid means, i.e. hydraulic vacuum and pneumatic, or by electric power, with the deployment and retraction being powered by a common means, or with the two movements or portions thereof being powered by a combination of power means.
Abstract:
A self-adjusting easy on tire chain for use on automotive or similar vehicle tires consists of a chain having a spacing and alignment bar with a fastener for securing the chain in the proper position on a tire.
Abstract:
An antiskid chain for a vehicle tire in which the chain comprises a running portion for engaging the tread of the tire and inner and outer ring portions which, when the tire is in mounted position, are at the axially inner and axially outer sides respectively of the tire. All of the portions are divided at one circumferential point of the tire with connectors detachably connecting the opposite ends of the inner and outer ring portions. The inner ring portion is divided at a second point spaced at about 180 degrees from the first mentioned point extending in one circumferential direction between the points is a relatively stiff arcuate member while extending in the other circumferential direction between the points is another flexible member such as a chain. The outer ring portion is connected to the running portion at spaced points and is substantially longer in the circumferential direction in the circumference of the circle on which the spaced points lie in mounted condition of the chain. A longitudinally resilient member engaging the outer ring portion between the spaced points pulls it radially inwardly into a zig-zag shape and holds it taut. Also, disclosed is a method of mounting the chain on a tire.