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 rechargeable flashlight has a plug unit supported in the flashlight housing for rotation between a non-charging position, in which blades of the plug unit are retracted into the housing, and a charging position, in which the blades are projected from the housing for insertion in an AC outlet. The plug unit cooperates with a switch unit in the housing for connecting a rechargeable battery to a bulb circuit and disconnecting the battery from a charging and indicating circuit when the plug unit is in the non-charging position, and for disconnecting the battery from the bulb circuit and connecting the battery to the charging and indicating circuit when the plug unit is in the charging position. The charging and indicating circuit has a visual indicator that is energized repetitively when the plug unit is turned from the non-charging position but with the blades not inserted in a live AC outlet, and which is energized continuously when the blades are inserted in a live AC outlet.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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.