Abstract: A stabilizing upper tray for stabilizing cartridges during automated filling operations includes fill ports matching cartridge support locations in a lower support tray. Each fill port includes a bore, a circular recess to engage the upper rim of a cartridge, and an inwardly tapered needle-engaging surface adapted to be engaged by a fluid injection needle; a counterbore extends between the bore and the circular recess. As the upper tray is lowered over the cartridges, the enlarged recess of each fill port engages a corresponding cartridge and guides it into a vertical orientation within the counterbore. During filling operations, a mis-aligned fluid injection needle engages the inwardly tapered needle-engaging surface of the stabilizing upper tray and is guided through the fill port toward the cartridge. A method is also disclosed to form such a stabilizing upper tray through conversion of a conventional lower support tray.

Abstract: The present invention(s) seeks to protect Applicant's link, link chain and methods of making, transforming and using such. The link, for use in series to form a multi-positionable link chain includes a through hole and a first and a second diagonal channel on a top and a bottom side running in opposite directions. Generally, the geometry of the links, and specifically, material removed from and/or sharpened edges of the through hole, the diagonal channels and/or corner portions of the modified rectangular solid links, is such to allow for relative rotation and/or multiple points of connection of adjacent links. The link chains of the present invention(s) are flexible in the length, width and height dimensions to allow adaptable transformation in a plurality of stable configurations. And they can include a clasp for ornamental and/or decorative use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chain link for an anti-skid chain for vehicle tires, whereby protruding studs arranged on the chain link, and at least one stud is arranged on the lengthwise side of the chain link and the longitudinal central axis of the stud is inclined with respect to the central plane of the chain link. The chain link is thus implemented as either a drawn, milled or forged chain link. The invention further relates to an anti-skid chain that exhibits chain links according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a chain link for an anti-skid chain, wherein the chain link is designed as a straight chain link with an essentially oval shape with an upper and a lower side wall. The outer cross-sectional area of the chain link has a half-round design and the inner cross-sectional area has an angular design. At the same time, the present invention pertains to an anti-skid chain with a chain mesh, which has chain links according to the present invention.

Abstract: A chain member assembly for a tire chain has a link having at least one receiving opening delimited by a wall and a ring member engaging the receiving opening. The wall of the receiving opening has at least in the contact area with the ring member at least two contact surfaces spaced apart from one another and a recessed wall section positioned between the at least two contact surfaces. The ring member has an inner side that rests areally against the at least two contact surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chain link for an anti-skid chain for vehicle tires, whereby protruding studs arranged on the chain link, and at least one stud is arranged on the lengthwise side of the chain link and the longitudinal central axis of the stud is inclined with respect to the central plane of the chain link. The chain link is thus implemented as either a drawn, milled or forged chain link. The invention further relates to an anti-skid chain that exhibits chain links according to the invention.

Abstract: An anti-skid device for vehicle tires is provided which includes a chain cover formed by two spaced apart chain lengths (9) formed of links (11), that are connected by connector links (15). Guide chain bodies (23) engage the connector links (15), which connect the chain cover to retainer loops (29) arranged in a star-shaped pattern on the vehicle wheel. The connection between the retainer loops (29) and the chain cover is achieved by a single guide chain body (23) and results in a uniform usage of all elements over the entire circumference. The chain cover can be turned over by undoing the guide chain bodies (23).

Abstract: A snow chain (2) comprises an inner ring (3) designed to be closed on the side of the wheel destined to face toward the inside of the vehicle, an outer ring designed to be closed on the side of the wheel destined to face toward the outside of the vehicle and a series of portions of anti-skid chain (10, 10?) disposed on the tread of the tyre (1) of the wheel, which join the outer ring and the inner ring (3). The portions of chain (10, 10?) are chains with twisted links, connected to each other by means of joining elements (4) shaped as triangular links and connected to the inner ring (3) by means of an U-bolt connecting system (5).

Abstract: A system (5, 60) is described for connecting portions of chain (10) to the inner ring (3) of an anti-skid device (2). The portions of chain (10) comprise chains with twisted links (11). The connecting system (5, 60) comprises a U-bolt element (50) constrained to the inner ring (3) and an end link (60) of the portion of chain (10). The end link (60) has a twisted portion (61) connected to a twisted link (11) of the portion of chain (10) and a flat and straight portion (62) connected to the U-bolt element (50).

Abstract: A link member for tire chains has a link member body having at least one connecting opening for receiving additional chain members. The link member body has a tire contact part and a wear part, wherein the wear part has lateral studs and at least one central stud. The lateral studs are positioned on opposed sides of the at least one central stud. The at least one central stud projects past the lateral studs in a first and a second transverse directions extending transversely to a longitudinal center plane of the link member body such that the wear part, when viewed in a plan view, is approximately cruciform.

Abstract: A wheel chain has a running lattice structure which is tightened by a pressure cord (8). The pressure cord (8) is connected to a lateral lattice structure arranged on the outer side of the vehicle tires by connecting members (6). Each of the connecting members has a connecting loop (10) for a member of the lateral lattice structure, and a guiding ring (9) for the pressure cord (8). In order to preserve an excess length (7) of the pressure cord (8), the cross-section of the connecting loop (10) is sufficiently large so that the connecting loop (10) provides a pull-through conduit for the excess length (7) of the pressure cord (8).

Abstract: The stay member for a tire chain has a base member including a base portion and a wear portion. The base member has a longitudinal center plane. The base member has at least one connecting opening for receiving connecting members of the tire chain. The base portion includes a tire contact surface opposite the wear portion. The wear portion projects at least partly laterally past the base portion and has a wear surface and lateral surfaces. The wear surface includes grooves extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal center plane. The lateral surfaces extend at such an angle to one another that ring members received in neighboring ones of the stay members are spaced from one another when the stay members touch one another.

Abstract: A tire chain cross member assembly comprises a flexible cable on which is tightly wrapped a helical wire sheath. The sheath is surrounded by a first layer of helical wire sleeves that are free to move axially and circumferentially on the sheath. Sleeves of the first layer are surrounded by a second layer of helical wire sleeves that are free to move axially and circumferentially and that form traction elements. A tire chain comprises a pair of elongated side members and a plurality of the cross member assemblies.

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 anti-skid tire chain for use on both soft and frozen terrain is disclosed. The chain comprises a pair of parallel side chains adapted to encircle opposite sides of a tire, a plurality of traction units such as rings aligned medially between the side chains and spaced one from the other around the tread surface of the tire, and intermediate chain networks connected at outer locations to the respective side chains and at inner locations to successive traction units. There are lugs on the traction units and studs on the intermediate chain networks. The lugs and the studs protrude outwardly from the tread surface of the tire.

Abstract: A tire chain has an inside annular body, and a contractile connector including an elastic body connected and fixed to the inside annular body, a first connecting member and a second connecting member which are movable along the elastic body and are connectable, and a connecting and fixing tool which maintains a connected state of the connecting members. The first and the second connecting members are also connected to ends of the inside annular body. As the connecting members are moved along the elastic body, the effective length of the inside annular body changes due to the elastic body and thus, both ends of the inside annular body can be connected easily.

Abstract: A chain link for the antiskid device of a vehicle wheel, having a first end forming a closed eyelet for attachment to an adjacent chain link, and a second end forming a hook for attachment in an opening of a web or plate or arm of the antiskid device, the eyelet and hook having the equal inside width corresponding to the thickness of the web in the zone of the place of attachment, plus a slight extra dimension for adequate mobility upon the attachment.

Abstract: A plate for placement between a tire chain and a tire sidewall to protect the sidewall. Lockable ties pass through plate openings and chain links to hold the plate in place. A second form of the plate utilizes locks integral with the plate and which pass through openings in a retainer which is integral with the plate. The locks are biased into retainer engagement. A further form of the protector utilizes posts which extend through a retainer with lockable ties on the posts preventing retainer disengagement.

Abstract: A stud link is provided for a tire protection and/or antiskid chain, and includes a link body having at least one attachment opening for chain links that are to be attached to the stud link. The link body also has a wear portion that is provided with at least two recesses disposed next to one another on sides of the link body, with the recesses being spaced from one another in a longitudinal direction of the link body. At least a portion of the recesses have a groove-like configuration and extend at an angle relative to a transverse central plane of the link body.

Abstract: A stud-like link and tire chain using same. Each stud-like link has at least two link portions that extend at an angle to one another. The tire chain has an outer and inner portion that are interconnected by a surface contact portion that at least in part comprises such stud-like links. At least one of the link portions of the stud-like link extends at an angle to the circumferential direction of the surface contact portion of the chain.

Abstract: A stud link for a tire chain is provided. The stud link includes a link body that has at least one attachment opening for further links of the chain. Longitudinal surfaces of the link body form a tire contact surface, and also form a wear surface beyond which at least one profiled element projects. At least a portion of the profiled element extends at an angle to a longitudinal central plane of the stud link.

Abstract: In a preferably edge-hardened or case-hardened stud link for tire chains, to increase the link surface a plurality of troughs (10) which are open on only two sides is arranged on the side faces (8, 9) of the ground-facing link part (1). The troughs (10) arranged in the region of the side faces (8, 9) can be supplemented by troughs (13) designed to resemble blind holes, which are arranged in the region of the contact face (11) and are open on only one side and which form chambers for receiving highly abrasive rock grains exerting a wear-inhibiting effect.

Abstract: A stud link for a tire chain, including a plate-like link body that has a tire contact surface and a wearing surface. The link body has at least one attachment hole for a chain link that is to be connected, and at least one central wearing element and two other wearing elements, one on each side of the central element. The wearing elements are disposed one after the other in a longitudinal direction of the stud link. At least one of the side faces of the central wearing element is recessed relative to the adjacent side faces of the other elements.

Abstract: A horizontal link member for connecting vertical links of a tire chain. The ink member includes a ring element and a closure part. The ring element includes a ring body that merges via transition portions into two outwardly extending arms that are adapted to contact one another in a closed position of the link member. The closure part is adapted to be placed over the arms to bring about the closed position of the link member and contact of the arms with one another. The closure part is provided with deformable holding portions, in the form of indentations of wall portions of the closure part, for effecting securement of the closure part to the ring element. The indentations extend transverse to a plane connecting longitudinal central axes of the arms, and are adapted to extend into recessed portions of the arms to effect the securement of the closure part to the ring element.

Abstract: This invention relates to a continuous snow chain comprising three cords or chains disposed in zig-zag patterns and connected to each other in a network of cords or chains of a finite length including two parallel rows of substantially diamond-shaped openings. One cord or chain constituting one boundary of the network of cords or chains is slidably connected to a first retaining cord at each of the zig-zag points constituting the one boundary of the network of cords or chains, which first retaining cord includes means for connecting two extremities thereof to one another. The other cord or chain constituting the other boundary of the network of cords or chains is slidably connected to a second retaining cord at each of the zig-zag points constituting the other boundary of the network of cords or chains, which second retaining cord includes means for connecting two extremities thereof to one another.

Abstract: A traction device for a vehicle wheel composed of pair of cable members each having at least one closed loop formed in each end thereof, such that one end of each cable member can be extended through an aperture in a vehicle wheel and then the cable member can be wrapped toroidally around the wheel and the other loop end of the cable member can be passed through the loop in the first end and extended radially inwardly towards the axis of the wheel. The radially inwardly extended loop end of the cable member is then joined to at least one other similar cable member by a linearly adjustable connector such as a turnbuckle or an elastically resilient member with hooks thereon.

Abstract: A helical cable tire chain having a series of small multi-angular metal traction sleeves, a series of rubber rings, which are supported on a helical cable when it is attached to a tire so that the chain enhances the traction and gripping power on ice or snow.

Abstract: An improved passenger car tire chain employing heat treated medium carbon steel is disclosed. The improved tire chain is approximately twice as durable as that presently furnished to meet NACM-5179(TC) for Type PL chains when AISI 1026 or 1029 carbon steel is employed at least for links of a cross chain meeting the road surface. The cross chain links are closed by welding prepared abutting link ends which have been previously beveled. After being welded closed, the cross chain links are case hardened, quenched, tempered and air cooled. The improved tire chain is then assembled in a conventional manner to include a pair of side members, fastening means to secure a end of each side member to the other end, and a plurality of cross chains extending between the sidewall members at preselected intervals.

Abstract: In a tire chain, at least one junction point has a horizontal link having the form of a shackle with a main part and with outward-directed ends adjoining this. The hardness of the main part is greater than the hardness of the ends facing one another, these being joined to one another by means of a connecting part which is mushroom-shaped. The connecting part in turn has a hardened head and a hardened foot which are connected to one another via a soft shank.

Abstract: A cast, low density metal disk for anti-skid devices which has a periphery of sufficiently small width that when it contacts the wet side wall of a tire on a vehicle it spreads the film of water to each side and leaves an essentially dry area of contact between the disk and the tire instead of hydroplaning on it. The periphery preferably is covered with an anti-skid material, e.g., rubber. Chains are pre-turned or twisted in the same direction a tire tends to turn them when rolling over them to avoid further twisting with consequent shortening in use and they are given a non-circular, e.g., square cross section to increase their anti-skid properties. The chains are welded at one end to a steel ring which is removably fastened to the under surface of a disk by bolts.

Abstract: A traction element for a traction chain for a wheel of a vehicle, especially a pneumatic tire wheel, has a flat oval configuration and is formed in one piece from a die forged steel with four eyes at corners of an imaginary rectangle along the sides of which transverse ribs and ribs parallel to the direction of travel are provided. The body is in the form of a ring extending substantially the full width of the tire.

Abstract: A tire and antiskid net for vehicle tires, particularly for tires of heavy earth moving machines, has a plurality of vertical members arranged to extend substantially normally to a tire surface, a plurality of ring-shaped connecting members of a limited length engaging the vertical members and arranged to extend substantially parallel to the tire surface, and a plurality of sleeve-shaped closure members fitted onto the ends of each connecting member in their abutting position so as to hold together the abutting ends of each of the connecting members.

Abstract: Simplified means for connecting skidder rings to the tag chains that hold the skidder rings in spaced positions around a tractor wheel. Each skidder ring has four hooks spaced approximately 90.degree. apart, two at each side, of novel construction. Each hook is so shaped as to permit easy attachment thereto of the end link of a tag chain but which will positively preclude disconnection of the link from the hook when the parts are in operating position on the wheel.

Abstract: A tire chain comprising two-spaced parallel side chains, a plurality of cross chains joining the side chains at spaced intervals, a plurality of spaced junction links in each side chain, wherein each junction link has areas of reduced thickness and a hook element on each end of each cross chain for connecting to one of the junction links. Each hook element consists of a bight and two-spaced hooks which are transverse to the plane of the bight having free ends which overlie the bight and which are spaced from the bight a distance which is less than the thickness of the junction link and greater than the thickness of the areas of reduced thickness to permit the entry of the junction link into the hooks of the hook element.

Abstract: A non-skid device made of side link sleeve and pin chain for the spoked wheels of wheelchairs, bicycles and the like. The chain includes a removable pin to enable assembly of the chain onto the wheel with a spoke of the wheel captured between the free ends of a pair of spaced side links thereof. A slotted plate having major surfaces of larger dimensions than the transverse dimensions of the chain is rigidly fixed to the chain with its slot extending from between the free ends of such pair of spaced side links to the adjacent edge of the plate to pass the spoke upon assembly and removal. One embodiment includes a resilient shoe member. Alternate removable pin structures are described.

Abstract: An antiskid tire chain comprises a plurality of cross chains which are systematically arranged in groups of three along the tire chain, one end link of each cross chain in a group being joined in a junction member.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a cable-type tire chain having elongate flexible side members and cross-members carrying traction sleeves, the cross-members are connected to the side members by hooks which are crimped to the side members in a press. To assemble the cross members and side members, they are supported in an assembly jig, with the hooks attached to the opposite ends of the cross-members and embracing the side members. The hooks on one side of the chain are crimped simultaneously to the relevant side member in a single pressing operation while supported in the jig, which applies tension to the side member.

Abstract: At the nodal points of the chain net in a tire chain, components (1) are provided which have at least one T-shaped section, the transverse bar (3,4) of which forms holding arms (5) for chain links (6) to be hung in; in these components, the ends, forming locking pins (9), of a closure element (8) mounted in a bore (7) in the middle of the longitudinal bar of the T-shaped section serve to secure the chain links (6) hung into the hook-shaped holding arms (5) (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A novel and improved traction device comprises a cable-type chain adapted to be mounted on radial tires for emergency use wherein a pair of lateral cables are adapted to extend cicumferentially along opposite sidewalls of the tire. A plurality of cross-members are arranged at spaced intervals transversely of and between lateral cables to which opposite ends of each of the cross members are connected. Each of the cross members is in the form of an elongated flexible member composed of a wire or wire-like material with an outer plastic coating in surrounding relation to the elongated flexible member. At least one sleeve member is slidably disposed in outer surrounding relation to each of the cross members, the sleeve members being composed of a high impact-resistant material in the form of a plurality of extruded tubular sections of limited length disposed in end-to-end relation to one another for extension along the length of each cross member.

Abstract: A cable-type tire chain comprises side members adapted to extend circumferentially around opposite side walls of a tire and cross members connected between the side members so as to extend over and across the tire tread. The cross members comprise cables connected to the side members in a manner permitting rotation of the cross members about their longitudinal axes. The cross member cables have sheaths of helically wound wire which are free to rotate on the cables, and traction sleeves are freely rotatable on the wire sheaths. The traction sleeves have cylindrical body portions and outwardly flared end portions. Notches in the end portions of the sleeves define sharp corners at the ends of the sleeves for biting into ice and the like.

Abstract: A cable-type tire chain comprises side members adapted to extend circumferentially around opposite side walls of a tire and cross members connected between the side members so as to extend over and across the tire tread, the cross members carrying traction means in the form of traction sleeves. A low profile articulated connection is provided between each end of each cross member and one of the side members, the connection comprising one connector element crimped on the cross member and another connector element crimped on the side member. One connector element has a T-shaped head and the other element has a bent-over tab with an opening through which the head is inserted. When the tab is flattened the head is trapped in the other connector element. The connection allows for hinging movement of a cross member both laterally and circumferentially of a tire.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-skid device for improving the traction of a wheel on an automotive vehicle on the ground. The invention relates also to a method of producing such anti-skid devices. The anti-skid device comprises at least one chain intended to run along the wall(s) of the tire and a plurality of chains intended to surround the entire tread face of the tire. The various chains are interconnected. The interconnection is provided by welding a certain number of neighboring links of two adjacent chain lengths together. The chain length may preferably be equipped with additional gripping elements welded on at least some of the links.

Abstract: A connector for chains, particularly tire chains, comprises a substantially C-shaped main body (1) whose free arms (3,4) define an insertion gap (5). In a position lying opposite the insertion gap (5) the yoke portion (2) of the main body (1) has roof shaped surfaces (11,12) the apex line of which is intersected by the axis of a stepped bore (6) for receiving a retaining pin (7,14,19) and extends at a right angle to the place of the arms (3,4) and the yoke portion (2). The retaining pin (7,14,19) has an annular flange (8) and is held in its retaining position by means of at least one securing element (10) which is seated in a bore (9,17,18) intersecting the stepped bore (6).

Abstract: A tire chain assembly comprising a tire chain wherein the spaces between the links of the chain are, at least partly, occupied by a wear resistant elastomeric material such that the combination of the material and tire chain form a belt adapted to be removably located over a tire of suitable size.

Abstract: A cable type tire chain has traction sleeves on the cross members located only adjacent to the shoulders of the tire. The center portion of the cross members adjacent to the middle of the tire tread is free of traction sleeves. The traction sleeves are spaced away from the middle of the tire tread by either a coil spring through which the cross member cable extends or by beads attached to the cable. The cross members are attached directly to the side members of the tire chain by flat profile hooks formed from rectangular strips of metal, so that the cross members lie close to the sidewalls of the tire. The invention provides improved traction and reduced wear of both the tire and the tire chain.

Abstract: A tire protector for reducing wear on the tires of heavy vehicles consisting of two or more parallel rows of spaced apart chain links. These links are joined by couplings members and consist of metal bars or wires which are bent so that they encircle each two chain links and that the ends of the bars or wires overlap side by side. These overlapping ends are positioned to face upwardly and flat when the protector is mounted to a tire. As a result only a relatively small area comes continually with contact with the ground and is thus exposed to wear and tear. This contacting area is strongly enforced due to the thickness of the sidewise overlapping ends, as a result, parts of the protector, such as the chain links and the bars or wires which form the coupling member, can be made fairly thin as they are not exposed to considerable wear thereby reducing the overall cost of producing the protector and also extending its lifetime.

Abstract: Chain links for anti-skid chains, integrating cross chain end attachment with side member sections is disclosed. Fastening devices attached to opposite ends of the inner side member and extended to the outer side member thereby forming an additional cross member is provided. Leader devices for the extension are also disclosed. Binder devices for the outer side member are disclosed. A flagging device for chain orientation is further disclosed.

Abstract: A tire chain with a plurality of vertical links connected to each other by means of connecting elements, each comprising an essentially double-T-shaped basic body provided with at least one projection between its cross-bars, which projection is offset by 90.degree. to the cross-bars and projecting into the inner space of at least one vertical link hingedly connected by the connecting element with at least two further vertical links, the links connected together all surrounding the longitudinal bar of the basic body with their U-shaped bow portions.

Abstract: Anti-skid tire chain comprises a network positionable during use in the region of the tire tread. The network includes two parallel chains extendable along opposite sides of the tread, a plurality of rings interconnected into each chain for guiding same and a plurality of straps. Each strap interconnects one ring from one chain with one ring from the other chain and each crosses over another strap. At least one post is connected to a strap in the region of each intersection and is composed of synthetic material.

Abstract: A cable tire chain in which traction sleeves of the cross members are of the type in which a sleeve is formed by bending a generally rectangular metal strip into a generally cylindrical shape so that a pair of opposite edges of the strip are opposed in proximity and extend generally longitudinally of the sleeve. The opposed edges meet at a center region of the edges and are spaced elsewhere to provide exposed sharp corners for biting into ice. Each sleeve has a projecting tab at one end only for spacing that sleeve from an adjacent sleeve, the tab and other projections having sharp corners also.