Abstract: A paddle tire with a tire body and a plurality of paddles. The tire body has a right sidewall, a left sidewall, and an outer surface joining the right sidewall to the left sidewall. The paddles are affixed to the outer surface at discrete intervals around a circumference of the tire body and alternate between left-side paddles and right-side paddles. A right portion of each right-side paddle adjacent the right sidewall of the tire body has a first height and a left portion of each right-side paddle distal to the right sidewall of the tire body has a second height. A left portion of each left-side paddle adjacent the left sidewall of the tire body has a first height and a right portion of each left-side paddle distal to the left sidewall of the tire body has a second height. The second height is less than the first height.

Abstract: A detachable chain apparatus for use with a vehicular tire is provided. The chain apparatus includes a plurality of chain assemblies disposed on the vehicular tire, each chain assembly having an elongated cable extending through a pair of slider members to create a first end loop portion proximate the first slider member, a second end loop portion proximate the second slider member, and an intermediate parallel cable portion of the elongated cable between the pair of slider members disposed on a tread portion of the vehicular tire, a plurality of sleeves rotatably mounted to the intermediate parallel cable portion of the elongated cable, and an elastic strap coupled to both the first and second end loop portions of the elongated cable. Tension in the elastic strap secures both the first and second end loop portions of the elongated cable within an interior of the tire.

Abstract: To obtain a tire anti-slip device including an anti-slip body having a tread portion making contact with the ground, inner and outer link portions formed to protrude respectively from the tread portion to the tire inner and outer sides, and a tightener configured to tightly fit the body to the tire, and can prevent removal of the body from the tire inner or outer side direction in the tightener operation so that the tire anti-slip device can be mounted to a tire optimum position with a simple manipulation, a wire guide portion capable of guiding the tightening wire in the body width direction is formed in a position of one end portion of the body, and one end position (of the wire guide member) and the other end position of the body approach each other in both positions of the inner and outer link portions by tightening the tightening wire.

Abstract: A tire traction assembly for mounting upon a tire. The assembly includes a plurality of cables with brackets at opposing ends which are each in a pivoting engagement with the cables. A toothed member is attached to a first of the two brackets and configured for engagement with a ratchet mechanism attached to the second of the brackets to releasably secure the tire traction assembly around the tire. A plurality of traction cables configured to traverse the rolling surface of the tire are located in-between the brackets. The brackets may include a planar tread plate which has opposing planar side surfaces configuring the brackets to a U-shape.

Abstract: The tire traction assembly for increasing traction in a granular material includes a band that may be wrapped around a tire. A paddle is coupled to the band so the paddle may engage a granular material when the tire is rotated. A coupler is coupled to the band so the coupler retains the band on the tire.

Abstract: A tire traction device can include a primary strap configured to extend around at least a portion of a vehicle tire; a traction plate having a channel configured to receive the primary strap, and one or more traction-enhancing surfaces extending from the channel; and a base member having a first surface adapted to sit on a circumferential portion of the vehicle tire, and a second surface opposite to the first surface, wherein the second surface defines a recess adapted to receive the channel of the traction plate. Other features and embodiments, and a method of attaching a tire traction device to a vehicle tire, are also described.

Abstract: A device to enhance tire traction comprises a two sided strip, one side of which is adhesive to the surface of a tire and the other side of which has affixed pebbles or similar discrete hard objects such as gravel, providing a traction surface for the tire. The discrete objects are roughly 5 to 12 millimeters along major axes and are as thin as 2 to 3 millimeters. The discrete objects are affixed to the strip with a spacing between adjacent objects averaging 5 to 10 millimeters, thereby providing interstices between the objects.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling a wheel of large mass from a storage position to enable its mounting onto the hub of a vehicle, wherein the method includes placing a tire in a handling device having two ends which are of substantially equal length, the length being longer than the perimeter of the wheel, between two ends of the handling device, bringing together the ends of the handling device so as to imprison the wheel within the handling device, and hooking the ends of the handling device into a handling and lifting device.

Abstract: An anti-skid device for a tire of a vehicle wheel includes an anti-skid raceway designed to be placed on the circumferential tread of the tire. An elongate element extends in sliding manner through rear attachment means arranged along the periphery of the rear edge of the raceway. Means for tightening the raceway include at least one guide member passing through the raceway to let a part of the elongate element slide freely transversely to the raceway, in front of the front edge of the raceway, elastically extensible means arranged along the elongate element, and securing means to connect at least one end of the elongate element to the front element.

Abstract: A tire traction device installable on a vehicle tire tread surface, including a parallelepiped strip of a polymeric material, the strip having a protruding tread in a repeat pattern across an exterior surface, each strip having an interlocking hinge at the strip front and rear end by which the strip connects to other such strips by means of an insertable pin, the strip secured to the vehicle wheel by means of an adjustable belt member, the belt member having a buckle piece and a thread piece, secured around the vehicle wheel rim by means of a fastener.

Abstract: A linkage wear prevention device for preventing or fixing wear in a linkage device such as a chain. The linkage wear prevention device generally includes a clip device having a hollow main body with a channel extending therethrough. The clip device is initially C-shaped, with a slot defined by a first end and a second end. The first and second ends each include projections and indentations which act to fuse together the ends of the clip device. When so fused together, the clip device will take on an O-shaped structure which fully encloses around a damaged portion of a linkage.

Abstract: A tire chain tightener for use on automotive, truck, or other vehicle traction chains and similar devices. The tire chain tightener has an length of elastic material with a hook attached to each end. Intermediate hooks are spaced along the elastic material between the two ends. One of the ends may be uniquely marked with instructions for correct installation of the tire chain tightener. When correctly installed, a tire chain tightener with N+1 hooks will form a symmetrical N pointed star inscribed in the circumference of the tire chains. The star is further centered about the tire. The tire chain tightener exerts a centering force on the tire chains. Since only one hook at a time is installed, the effort to install the tire chain tightener is reduced, enabling people of limited strength to install them.

Abstract: A device for increasing traction of a bicycle is provided. The device includes two flexible tension members, each of the flexible tension members adapted to be situated on a different side of the tire, each flexible tension member including a flexible cable with first and second ends and a turnbuckle connector adapted to connect the first end and the second end of the flexible cable. The device also includes a plurality of spaced flexible connecting members coupled between the flexible tension members at a corresponding coupling point. The flexible members and the connecting members pass through the minimum interior space, when the wheel rotates and when the caliper brakes are engaged with the opposite surfaces of the rim of the bicycle wheel, without contacting the arms of the caliper brakes. A method for providing traction to a bicycle tire is provided.

Abstract: The modular tire chain apparatus provides for ease of installation due to connecting modules that allow a user to assemble the apparatus on a tire and wheel with greater ease than having to struggle with a continuous tire chain. A further advantage of the modules is that any number of modules needed to surround a tire and wheel are easily attached together, thereby providing a substantially universal fit to a plethora of tire sizes. And, the tie strap with spring with hook aids in securing the modules to a tire. Further the ties are secured, one to the other and to the outer members. The ratchet lock further ensures snug fit of the apparatus. The inner cable, outer cable, inner members, outer members, and cross members are available in rubber coated finish, thereby avoiding potential vehicle and wheel and tire damage.

Abstract: A tightening system of straps for use in anti-skid and traction enhancement devices is disclosed. The tightening system comprises a central node which is located on the principle axis of the axle of a wheel and which has a plurality of extensions adapted to fasten a plurality of radially extending straps around its periphery. A plurality of radially extending flexible straps, which are attached to a surface contact member at their first 10 ends and to the central node at their second ends, are used to tighten the anti skid device. The flexible straps are passed through a buckle for tightening the surface contact members in the radial direction in order to eliminate outward bulging on the surface contact members as well as to avoid eccentricity in the strap system.

Abstract: This adhesion chain for the wheel of a motor vehicle comprises an adhesion tread intended to be in contact with at least the tread of the wheel concerned, and kept in place by means of respectively external and internal tensioning cables. The adhesion tread consists of a net prepared from textile material, said net being prepared by knitting of cords themselves prepared by knitting, so as to define the meshes of said net, and in that the cords include a reinforcing core from a high-modulus material.

Abstract: A device to be fitted on a vehicle wheel in order to increase the friction between the wheel and the road surface during winter conditions, comprises a belt that can encircle the tread of the wheel and be held in place by means of flexible inner and outer side portions. The inner side portion is tightened on the inner side of the wheel by means of an elastic member. The internal circumference of the belt is at least 4% larger, preferably 5-6% larger than the largest circumference of the wheel. The belt can be made substantially of a woven polyamide material. The outer side portion of the device can be fully covering or be provided with one or more openings, and may in addition be provided with radially extending straps in order to facilitate fitting the device to the vehicle wheel or removing it therefrom. A method for such fitting without lifting the wheel from the road surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tire traction device securing apparatus having a plurality of elastic tensioning arms extending radially from a central hub, each of the plurality of elastic tensioning arms removably attachable to a tire traction device to provide a tension force directed toward the central hub to secure the tire traction device to the tire. In an embodiment, the plurality of arms and central hub are of an elastomeric material to form a monolithic body; coupled to each tensioning arm of the monolithic body is a hook to removably attach the tire traction device securing apparatus to the tire traction device and thereby secure the tire traction device to the tire.

Abstract: An elastic strap (1) to be applied to the wheels of vehicles in the presence of snow and ice to increase wheel adherence to the road surface, comprises a band (2) which extends longitudinally, a central body (3) connected to the longitudinal band (2) and having a main axis of extension (A1), grip means (19) designed to grip the road surface and means (20) for fixing and tightening the band.

Abstract: A non-skid tyre cover comprises an annular strip, suitable for covering the tyre tread, which comprises a textile portion and at least one ribbed insert, for example in polymeric material.

Abstract: A wheel system for providing one or more protrusions in a ground-engaging surface of the wheel. In some embodiments, the wheel comprises a first hub, a tire mounted on the first hub, a second hub rotatable with respect to the first hub, and system for deforming the tire in a generally radial direction in response to relative rotation between the first and second hubs. The invention also provides a wheel cover comprising an outer surface having one or more protrusions and, when the cover is fitted to a wheel, the outer surface of the cover provides the ground-engaging surface of the wheel. The wheel and wheel cover of the invention are particularly suited for use with prams and similar vehicles in order to impart a rocking motion to the pram during use.

Abstract: There are provided a rubber composition for coating a steel cord, containing 100 parts by mass of diene-based rubber; 0.5 to 5 parts by mass of a metal salt of an organic acid; and 30 to 100 parts by mass of a filler, wherein the filler contains 3 to 30 parts by mass of glass beads having a particle diameter of 10 to 100 ?m, relative to 100 parts by mass of the diene-based rubber, and a tire reinforcement belt and a pneumatic tire using the rubber composition. The rubber composition reduces heat generation and improves adhesiveness with a steel cord. A pneumatic tire having a tire reinforcement belt using the rubber composition has excellent steering stability and rolling resistance.

Abstract: An antiskid device for a vehicle to be attached to a tire of the vehicle is disclosed that includes a belt part (2) disposed so as to encircle the tread part of the tire and generating a gripping force on a road surface; an outer side part (3) and an inner side part (4) configured to be capable of holding the belt part (2) with respect to the tread part; and a gripping force reduction part (20) provided on the belt part (2) so as to reduce the gripping force generated by the belt part (2).

Abstract: Antiskid device (1) for vehicles including a band (2), made of fabric (7), suitable for surrounding at least the tread (13) of a vehicle tire and mounting means (10), associated with said band (2), for maintaining it in position around the tread (13). Such device (1) is characterized in that the band (2) presents engagement means (8) in correspondence with at least a portion of an outer surface (4) thereof, directly carried out through the fabric (7) of the band (2), for increasing the friction between the tire and the road. In particular, such means (8) include relief ribbing (9) arranged according to an angle lower than 30° with respect to the direction perpendicular to the rolling direction of the wheel (14).

Abstract: A tire chain assembly includes a chain body having a first side provided with a first snapping member and a second snapping member detachably engaged with the first snapping member and a second side provided with a snapping hole and a rotation locking mechanism detachably locked on the snapping hole. The rotation locking mechanism includes a connecting plate, a snapping member, and a locking hook. Thus, the chain body is directly enclosed around the tire of a car without needing aid of a jack and without having to move the car, so that the tire chain assembly is mounted on the tire easily, thereby facilitating a user operating the tire chain assembly.

Abstract: A dual purpose automotive tire apparatus for alternatively supporting a vehicle's tire and/or rim in the event of a flat tire or providing enhanced traction for a vehicle on a slippery road surface. The apparatus includes a pair of elongated flexible retaining members defining extended end portions, a plurality of evenly spaced support members carried by and extending laterally between the retaining members and each defining a first surface providing a tread and second surface providing a traction element. Attachment members are provided for joining the extended end portions of the retaining members together about the vehicle tire and/or rim such that the first surfaces collectively project outwardly therefrom for supporting said tire and/or rim in the event of a flat tire or such that the second surfaces collectively project outwardly therefrom for providing traction on a slippery surface.

Abstract: A device to be fitted on a vehicle wheel in order to increase the friction between the wheel and the road surface during winter conditions, comprises a belt that can encircle the tread of the wheel and be held in place by means of flexible inner and outer side portions. The inner side portion is tightened on the inner side of the wheel by means of an elastic member. The internal circumference of the belt is at least 4% larger, preferably 5–6% larger than the largest circumference of the wheel. The belt can be made substantially of a woven polyamide material. The outer side portion of the device can be fully covering or be provided with one or more openings, and may in addition be provided with radially extending straps in order to facilitate fitting the device to the vehicle wheel or removing it therefrom. A method for such fitting without lifting the wheel from the road surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: Traction enhancing apparatus for a vehicle wheel includes a strap securable to a wheel and a sleeve disposed on the strap. The sleeve includes friction enhancing elements extending the full length of the sleeve and the strap includes cooperating locking elements at opposite ends of the strap. A plurality of such strap and sleeve elements are easily secured to a vehicle wheel under emergency conditions, such as snow, ice, or the like, to enhance the traction of the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: A tire anti-skid apparatus has a plurality of non-metallic anti-skid members adapted to be arranged along a peripheral direction of a tire, the anti-skid members including: an anti-skid tread portion; and a plurality of connecting portions extending from the anti-skid tread portion in a direction perpendicular to the peripheral direction; and linking portions adapted to be disposed on a vehicle outside portion and a vehicle inside portion of the tire and linking the connecting portions of the anti-skid members, the linking portions including a linking member provided in the anti-skid member and linking the adjacent connecting portions of the anti-skid member which are situated in the tire peripheral direction. The linking member, the connecting portions and the anti-skid tread portion are formed integrally with one another. The linking member is formed expandable and compressible, and the connecting portion is formed deformable in the tire peripheral direction.

Abstract: A removable cover for a wheelchair tire. The cover is used to protect against the spread of contamination by the wheelchair tire. The cover may be formed of an elastic material or may have bands of elastic material attached along opposed edges to facilitate the installation of the cover over the tire and to hold the cover against the tire. The cover may be stored on the wheelchair during periods of movement over a contaminated surface, and then installed over the tire prior to moving onto a clean surface. The cover may be periodically washed to maintain its cleanliness or may be made from a disposable material.

Abstract: Traction enhancing apparatus for a vehicle wheel includes a strap securable to a wheel and a sleeve disposed on the strap. The sleeve includes friction enhancing elements extending the full length of the sleeve and the strap includes cooperating locking elements at opposite ends of the strap. A plurality of such strap and sleeve elements are easily secured to a vehicle wheel under emergency conditions, such as snow, ice, or the like, to enhance the traction of the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: A traction assist device (16) adapted for girdling a motor vehicle tire (10) is fabricated as a nominally flat polymeric part that can assume a circular shape for fitting onto the tire. The part has a pair of side bars (18, 20) that are nominally straight, but assume circular shapes for fitting against opposite side walls (14) of the tire. A number of transverse bars (22) integrally joining with the side bars extend between the side bars at intervals along the length of the side bars. Each transverse bar is nominally straight, but wraps over the tire tread (12) when the device is installed. Respective ends (32, 34) of the side bars cooperatively form a respective connector (36) for connecting the respective ends together using interlocking serrated zones (40, 54). One zone (54) is on a pawl (54) that can be released to allow the ends to be separated.

Abstract: A traction device includes a polygonal member having a number of attachment regions and a chamber with a predetermined number of sides. The chamber is disposed within a central region of the polygonal member. The number of attachment regions of the traction device is substantially equal to the predetermined number of the sides. Each chamber of the traction device is capable of dispersing at least one of fluids, solids, and fluid-solid mixtures.

Abstract: A net-like device which has plurality of crossed cords or straps that are attached to the outer surface of a vehicle tire. A suction cup is attached where the cords or straps cross each other in order to increase the traction of the vehicle tire.

Abstract: An elasticized sock (22) is formed from a cowling of elastomer material which is so limp in the normally relaxed state thereof as to be essentially formless; and the sock is stretched about the outer periphery (18) of a movable boss, i.e., the welt of a shoe sole (2), the flange of a brake pedal, or the tire of a car wheel, and tightly engaged with the boss so as to interpose a portion of the sock between the boss and an interactive surface there opposite. Part of the elasticity with which the sock is stretchable about the boss, arises from the fact that the portion of the sock interposed between the boss and the interactive surface, comprises a network of elongated strands of elastomer material which lends elasticity to the portion.

Abstract: A removable traction device (10) for a tire (14) on a vehicle comprises an elongated member (12) for fitting around the tire (14) along the ground-engaging tread of the tire. The elongate member (12) has an inner surface for contact with the ground-engaging tread of the tire (14) and an outer surface which is provided with traction assistance means thereon. In one embodiment, the elongate member is elastic or stretchable in its longitudinal direction. According to another specific embodiment, the elongated member is in the form of an endless belt and is provided with a circumferentially extending rib (18) on its inner surface for forming a stretch fit around the tire (14). In another embodiment, the member (12) is provided with a plurality of openings (22) between its inner and its outer surfaces.

Abstract: A traction device for wheeled vehicles comprises a frame for securing to a wheel of a vehicle; a grip enclosure operably secured to the frame; a grip assembly radially slidably received within the grip enclosure; and an actuator secured to the frame for extending and retracting the grip assembly in the radial direction of the wheel. The grip assembly includes a flexible outer end portion adapted to automatically follow substantially the peripheral cross-sectional shape of the tire when in the extended position. The grip enclosure includes a guide portion adapted to receive and straighten the flexible outer end portion when the grip assembly is in the retracted position. A sprocket chain is operably secured to the flexible outer end of the grip assembly. It provides rigidity to the flexible outer end in the plane of rotation of the tire and flexibility in the transverse direction into the plane of the tire.

Abstract: A traction enhancement device for vehicle wheels for use in the event of an emergency. The traction enhancement device includes a traction member for being placed across the periphery of the tire of a drive wheel. A first strap is connected with one end of the traction member and is provided with a series of closely spaced ramped serrations. A second strap is connected with the other end of the traction member and is provided with a sleeve for receiving therethrough the ramped serrations portion of the first strap, wherein a detent engages the ramped serrations in a ratchet-type manner so as to permit the first strap to slide in the sleeve in only one direction. The traction member may be provided with an engagement surface having an irregular contour to thereby enhance traction of the tire with respect to the surface in question.

Abstract: A cross member assembly of a tire chain comprises a flexible cable having double bushings at each of its ends. Each double bushing includes an outer bushing and an inner bushing spaced longitudinally of the cable and connected by a bridge. The outer bushing securely grips the cable, and the inner bushing embraces the cable without gripping it. Each double bushing is attached to a plate for connecting the cable to a side member of the tire chain. The plate has an opening through which the outer bushing is inserted and has a bent over tab for trapping the outer bushing between the tab and the body of plate, with the inner bushing located exteriorly of the opening and with the bridge located in the opening. Tire chains using the cross member assemblies have substantially increased endurance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antiskid device for mounting on automobile tires, designed to have the form of a segmented plastic envelope. The envelope is composed of tread segments provided with inserted metal spikes, ribs and recesses. Each tread segment provides perforated binding lugs accompanied by appropriate binding elements for interconnection of the tread segments to each other and into an endless form thereof, and for mounting the envelope on a tire. The tread section is characterized by spikes and ribs which are arranged in alternating groups of three spikes and three pairs of ribs. A binding wire, preferably a stranded one is located at the inner side of the envelope and connects the envelope in endless form. Tightening, by outer binding elements of the envelope at the outer side of the tire is made possible by an optionally decorative elastic binding ring and an elastic tightening link.

Abstract: An anti-skid net body for a tire includes a plurality of cords having crossing portions and open portions, with the crossing portions having a flat shape. At least one rope is fixed to an inside portion of the net body. An actional band and a setting band are detachably connected to an outside portion of the net body, wherein the setting band is connected prior to connecting the actional band, thereby tightly fastening the anti-skid net body to a tire.

Abstract: A tire chain comprises an elongated inner side member adapted to form a circle of predetermined circumference about a rim of a vehicle wheel at the inner side thereof, the inner side member having co-operable fastener elements at opposite ends thereof which are joined to complete the circle. Cross members form a zig-zag pattern with opposite ends of the pattern adjacent to the fastener elements, respectively. The pattern includes a plurality of spaced inner vertices adjacent to the inner side member and a plurality of spaced outer vertices remote from the inner side member and adapted to be positioned adjacent to the rim at the outer side thereof, with the cross members extending back and forth across the tread of a tire mounted on the rim. The inner vertices are attached to the inner side member at predetermined positions by connectors intermediate the vertices and the inner side member.

Abstract: Snow chain for improving road contact of a vehicle comprising articulated plastic links which are interconnected without clearance and each have a bottom part as well as side walls, which by the load of the wheel clamp upon the sides of the wheel or the tire respectively by the elastic properties of the material of the links.

Abstract: An anti-skid device for automobie tires having a plurality of members joined together with hooks wherein mutually spaced tightening end portions of the anti-skid device body which extend radially inward along the side surfaces of a tire when the device body is set on the tire are connected to each other by a length-variable fastener consisting of hooks connected at one ends thereof to the opposed tightening end portions, and a plate having holes in its base portion and pivotably supporting the other ends of the hooks in different holes therein. A length of separation between the opposite tightening end portions can be set smaller than the free length thereof by rotating the plate.

Abstract: An anti-skid device for use on pneumatic tires of an automotive vehicle includes a supporting ring rotatably provided on the outer circumferential periphery of a mounting plate that is detachably mounted on the wheel portion of the automotive vehicle, a plurality of ribs formed from a material having elasticity and toughness that are provided on the supporting ring in a radial fashion and are bent so as to extend from the outer side of a pneumatic tire to a tread thereof, first and second endless bands provided on the leading-end portion of each of the ribs in such a manner as to be located within the width of the tread of said pneumatic tire, rivets secured at portions where the first and second bands intersect the ribs, and a counter-measure provided on either of the first and second bands for preventing an imbalance in the degree of stretch between the first and second bands.

Abstract: A cable chain for mounting on an automobile tire to provide improved traction in snow or ice conditions, comprises two longitudinal cables and a plurality of transverse cables each having two ends attached to the two longitudinal cables respectively. When the longitudinal cables are mounted on the tire and extend substantially peripherally thereof at opposite respective sides of the tire, the transverse cables extend across the tire tread. Traction sleeves are mounted on at least one of the transverse cables, and each traction sleeve has multiple lateral faces each having two substantially planar edge regions and a recessed portion therebetween.

Abstract: A tire traction device for vehicle tires includes a pair of rope-like side cord members for circumferential placement on the sidewalls of a tire, and a series of wire rope cross cords which interconnect the side cords and extend across the tire tread. The cross cords are connected to the side cords at knotted connections, and a ferrule is attached to the ends of each cross cord outside of each knotted connection to prevent the cross cords from disconnecting from the side cords. Coil spring rollers are supported on the cross cords to provide additional traction. Each cross cord also supports a pair of tubular spacers located inside and adjacent the knotted connections to maintain the rollers in the center of the cross cord. One end of each side cord is knotted into a series of male connector knots while the opposite end of each side cord is knotted into a female loop knot for selective interengagement with one of the male connector knots to join the opposite ends together about a tire.

Abstract: A traction device for use in combination with vehicular tires includes a series of traction straps arranged at forty-five degree intervals about the tire and extending over the traction surface of the tire with forward and rear securement bands extending radially of the tire and coextensively of the traction bands to cooperate with respective forward and rear securement rings. A series of forward and rear side wall bands maintain the orientation of the traction and anchor bands. The forward anchor bands extending through the forward anchor ring are provided with apertures to receive a lock pin therethrough wherein the bands are each formed of resilient material to enable the arrangement to accommodate variation in tire sizes, as well as providing for enhanced traction in association with the tire.

Abstract: An emergency motor vehicle tire traction improving device for attachment or mounting to a conventional motor vehicle tire is made substantially totally of multi-strand polymeric plastic rope and includes three or more separate lengths of the rope connected together in a pattern that defines a ladder having inside and outside parallel, coextensive runners and a plurality of transverse rungs connecting corresponding points of the runners, whereby the device is mounted to the tire by drapping it over the tire with the runners parallel with the direction of rotation of the tire and the rungs across the tire treads, with one end of each runner connected to the other end thereof and an elastic device attached to one of the runners pulling that runner uniformly toward the axis of the tire. When so mounted to the tire, the tire traction, particularly on ice and snow, is improved.

Abstract: This invention discloses a snow chain comprising at least three chains or wires arranged and connected to each other in a network providing two series of diamond-shaped openings adjacent and parallel to one another, wherein the two extremities of the first chain or wire respectively extending from the two end-most junctions between the first and second chains or wires are respectively connected to the two extremities of a first retainer cord, which first retainer cord with connectors for removably connecting the two extremities thereof is linked to the first chain or wire at each zig-zag point in a sliding arrangement.