Abstract: A tire traction assembly for mounting upon a tire. The assembly includes a plurality of flexible members such as chains or cables engaged in pivoting connections with brackets at opposing ends. A separable adjustable connector such as 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: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a grounding apparatus for use with a spray device associated with a vehicle. The grounding apparatus is biased toward the ground so that a portion of the grounding apparatus makes contact with the ground even in uneven terrain. The grounding apparatus is configured to be mounted in a receiver portion of a trailer hitch. In addition, provided herein is a system for powering a spray device with a DC power source, such as an automotive battery. The system includes an oscillator coupled to a step up transformer.

Abstract: Tire chain elastic tension sources and non elastic stabilizer components for providing sources of tension for returning deflected cross chains to their natural operating positions during chain mounting and for combined action of the two devices for stabilizing a tire chain on the wheel, in operation, and acting in combination with suitably constructed tire chains to optimize chain mounting and operation.

Abstract: In a tension device for a nonskid chain, a winding reel is supported, so that it can rotate about its axis inside the housing and is prestressed in the winding direction and has a gear rim with teeth arranged along its circumference. A tension line that can be retracted into the housing can be connected to the winding reel, such that a ratchet in a first position blocks a rotational movement of the winding reel in the tension direction by engagement of the ratchet in the teeth. Areas free of teeth on the circumference of the gear rim of the winding reel alternate with areas with teeth.

Abstract: In an anti-skid device in which anti-skid bodies are connected to be arranged in the circumferential direction of a tire of a car, connecting/separating workability is simplified. Connecting components are also simplified in their structure and production. Rod-like and tube-like connecting components are attached to the front-side and the rear-side of each anti-skid body. A manipulation member is configured such that an attaching rod and a connecting rod arranged in parallel with each other are connected by a manipulation rod, the attaching rod and the connecting rod are inserted into attaching holes and connecting holes of the tube-like connecting component, and the manipulation member is thus movable in the crossing direction of the tube-like connecting component. An elastic member is provided which applies a backward movement force to the manipulation member.

Abstract: In an anti-skid device of fit-in type, less time and effort are needed for adjusting the inner width of anti-skid bodies. The anti-skid device is such that two or more anti-skid bodies having a U-shaped cross-section are fitted therein with a tire of a car and arranged in circumferential direction of the tire so as to be connected with one another. An exterior part of each anti-skid body is provided with a contact member for contacting with an outside surface of the tire, while an interior part is provided with a contact member for contacting with an inside surface of the tire. The exterior part or the interior part of each anti-skid body is attached thereto with a shaft 7 along an axial direction of the tire T. The shaft can move forward and backward in the axial direction of the tire. The contact member 6 is provided at an inner end of the shaft. An elastic member 9 is provided to apply a forward movement force to the shaft attached thereto with the contact member.

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: In an anti-skid device in which anti-skid bodies are connected to be arranged in the circumferential direction of a tire of a car, connecting/separating workability is simplified. Connecting components are also simplified in their structure and production. Rod-like and tube-like connecting components are attached to the front-side and the rear-side of each anti-skid body. A manipulation member is configured such that an attaching rod and a connecting rod arranged in parallel with each other are connected by a manipulation rod, the attaching rod and the connecting rod are inserted into attaching holes and connecting holes of the tube-like connecting component, and the manipulation member is thus movable in the crossing direction of the tube-like connecting component. An elastic member is provided which applies a backward movement force to the manipulation member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tire cover assembly comprising: a main tire body having a circular outer circumference; a tire cover configured to cover the main tire body; a cover support protruding from a side surface of the main tire body so as to support the tire cover in a radial direction of the main tire body, and disposed overall in a circular shape around a center of the main tire body; and a coupling medium configured to couple the tire cover to the cover support.

Abstract: Self-tensioning snow chain for attachment to a vehicle wheel. The self-tensioning snow chain includes a chain and a tensioning device including a housing having a top including a set of housing teeth, a bottom and at least one aperture defined by the top and the bottom when joined together; a lever interconnected to the housing; a cord; a ratchet spool having a set of ratchet teeth on an upper surface, the ratchet teeth mate with the housing teeth, an under surface and a channel between the upper and under surfaces to receive the cord that is interconnected with the ratchet spool; a tension spring interconnected with the ratchet spool that places a bias on the ratchet spool toward a wind-up direction; and a wave spring positioned between a top surface of the bottom of the housing and the under surface to bias the ratchet spool towards the housing teeth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a locking plate (1) for tensioning a tire chain by means of a tensioning chain (46), and to an arrangement, comprising a locking plate (1) and a pull-through bracket (40). The locking plate comprises a locking slot (10) whose clear width is greater than a thickness and smaller than an outer width of the chain links (34) of the tensioning chain, and with a pull-through opening with an inner contour into which an outer contour of the tensioning chain can be entered. The tensioning chain can be captively received in the locking plate transversely to its longitudinal extension to be movable between a locking position (18) arranged in the region of the locking slot and a pull-through position (16) arranged in the region of the pull-through opening.

Abstract: Revised tire chain attachments and mounting methods, for use on an otherwise typical, presently marketed link construction, ladder pattern, truck tire chain, to reduce chain slack and increase chain tension, from mounting, and increase the feasibility of one stop mounting for a broader range of tire sizes and truck loading conditions, by providing a better fit of the chain to the tire footprint, as affected by the specific tire size and truck loading.

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 (135) for use with anti-skid and traction devices for wheeled vehicles comprising a sealed tightening mechanism (130) which can clutch and ratchet the rotational movement applied by the user on a knob (212). The system further comprises at least one connection assembly (134) which is adapted to be pivotably and releasably attached to a proximal end of a surface contact member (63;71) and which is adapted to be connected to the tightening mechanism. The tightening mechanism comprises a locking component (193) which has a base plate (240), an inner sidewall (195) and an outer sidewall (194) standing perpendicular to said base plate (240). The inner sidewall recessed portion has a plurality of recess (230;231) which are adapted to engage with a peripheral projection of the upper clutch (206) for holding the knob in place during locked and unlocked positions of the knob.

Abstract: Self-tightening snow chain for attachment to a vehicle wheel to provide traction. The preferred self-tightening snow chain includes a traction cable and a tensioning device including a housing having a top including a set of housing teeth, a bottom and at least one aperture; a lever interconnected to the housing; a ratchet spool within the housing having a set of ratchet teeth that mate with the housing teeth and a channel between upper and under surfaces to receive a cord that is interconnected with the ratchet spool; a tension spring that places a bias on the ratchet spool toward a wind-up direction; and a wave spring. A preferred tensioning device includes a cord sub-unit having two knobs, one on each end, and a grommet encircling the cord. A method of assembling the tensioning device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Self-tightening traction assemblies or snow chains having tensioning devices that can be used with snow chains for attachment to a vehicle wheel to provide traction. The preferred tensioning device including a housing having a top including a set of housing teeth, a bottom and at least one aperture; an actuator interconnected to the housing; a ratchet spool within the housing having a set of ratchet teeth that mate with the housing teeth and a channel between upper and under surfaces to receive at least one cord that is interconnected with the ratchet spool; a tension spring that places a bias on the ratchet spool toward a wind-up direction; and a wave spring. Preferred embodiments include a bracket that can secure the actuator to the housing and provide strength to the tensioning device. The tensioning devices of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of applications not limited to self-tightening snow chains.

Abstract: A device for extending the life of a tire and providing a new tread layer, principally for off road truck tires has a mechanically attached surface tread of rubber blocks cooperatively connected with a cable system and specialized tensioning. The apparatus is generally suited to tires of very large size, typically used on dump trucks in open pit mining applications.

Abstract: A connecting and guide element for connecting a side mesh of a tire chain to a side tensioning strand and for accommodating an excess length of the tensioning strand, wherein the element has two eyes, which lie in a first plane for accommodating tensioning strand and excess length, and two eyes lying in a second plane running essentially orthogonally to the first plane for accommodating connecting links to the side mesh, and a tire chain in which the side mesh is connected by means of a side tensioning strand and a plurality of connecting and guide elements, and an excess length of the tensioning strand can be accommodated in one of the eyes of the elements.

Abstract: A device has a detachably fitting traction aid to be attached using at least two fixing devices, applied to the inner circumferential surface of a rim, in the vicinity of the rim edge, disposed opposing each other, substantially vertically on the plane of the rim and aligned with each other. A first fixing device, faces the wheel inner side, and has a first fixing element for the hooking and unhooking to a second fixing element, complementary to the first fixing element, mounted on one end of the traction aid. The second fixing device, faces the wheel outer side, and has a second fixing element being a coupling device, for coupling and tensioning a tension element, mounted on the other end of the traction aid, such that the traction aid may be tensioned transversely across the tire on the running surface, between both fixing devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus used for tightening tire chains. One embodiment of the present invention includes an outer portion and an inner portion. The outer and inner portions have a plurality of first and second apertures, respectively. A plurality of arms are secured onto the inner portion and extend through the second aperture and then through the first apertures. The arms have a first end which is adapted to be secured onto the inner portion, and a second end which is adapted to secure to a tire chain. A bar variably couples the outer portion and the inner portion. The distance between the outer and inner portions adds or subtracts tension in the arm which correspondingly adds or subtracts tension in the tire chain.

Abstract: Configurations and mounting procedures for vehicle tire chains, which enable easier mounting of the chain upon the wheel, including performing the complete installation in one stop of the vehicle, while providing strong stabilization against random high operating forces on the chain.

Abstract: A non return block (5) for locking a tensioning terminal portion (7) of snow chains (2), comprising a body (51) which defines a channel (12) in which the terminal portion (7) passes and a ratchet or a pawl (13) pivoted on the body (51) to lock the terminal portion (7) is described. The non-return block comprises at least one insert (62, 63) of soft material fixed to the body (51) of the non-return block so as to protrude laterally therefrom to come into contact with the rim (8) of the wheel of the vehicle, avoiding deterioration thereof through rubbing.

Abstract: A connecting and guide element for connecting a side mesh of a tire chain to a side tensioning strand and for accommodating an excess length of the tensioning strand, wherein the element has two eyes, which lie in a first plane for accommodating tensioning strand and excess length, and two eyes lying in a second plane running essentially orthogonally to the first plane for accommodating connecting links to the side mesh, and a tire chain in which the side mesh is connected by means of a side tensioning strand and a plurality of connecting and guide elements, and an excess length of the tensioning strand can be accommodated in one of the eyes of the elements.

Abstract: A removable device for any motor vehicle of which is capable of increasing traction when the drive wheels are trapped in snow, ice or mud. The removable traction device includes a pair of chains being interconnected over the tread surface of a tire and attached to a pair of transversely extending structural bar members on each side of the tire, of which each structural bar member includes a plate member having raised studs on a surface for firmly gripping the rubber wall of tire.

Abstract: A device for installing a tire chain is a one-piece, rugged tool made of 3/8″ or 1/2″ steel stock. The tool has a total length of approximately 1 foot. At a first end, the tool has an arcuate shape that terminates in an open channel, which channel functions to grab a chain hook and to lever the hook into engagement with a chain link. The second end of the tool is L-shaped and terminates in an elliptical-shaped member dimensioned to fit a conventional cam-loc tightening device.

Abstract: Traction devices for an automobile tire include an adherent elongate expanse and a studded layer sandwiched between the adherent layer and the surface of a tire.

Abstract: A traction device for a dual wheel set. The traction device includes side-members and cross-members, the side-members fitted to the inner side of an inside wheel and the outer side of an outside wheel. A cinch line extended around the dual wheel set at the juncture between the wheels and provided with engaging ends configured to draw the ends together in a cinching action to draw the cross-members into the juncture and thereby tighten the traction device on the dual wheel set.

Abstract: A traction device for a dual wheel set. The traction device includes side-members and cross-members, the side-members fitted to the inner side of an inside wheel and the outer side of an outside wheel. A cinch line extended around the dual wheel set at the juncture between the wheels and provided with engaging ends configured to draw the ends together in a cinching action to draw the cross-members into the juncture and thereby tighten the traction device on the dual wheel set.

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 method and apparatus for installing tire chains including a support and a spool rotatably mounted to the support for rotation about a rotational axis. The support is attached to a vehicle. A tire chain is provided having a first end and a second end. The first end is detachably secured to the spool. When the spool rotates in a first direction the tire chain is wound onto the spool. When the spool is rotated in a second direction tire chain is fed from the spool. The second end of the tire chain is secured to a tire. As the tire rotates, tire chain is drawn from the spool and wrapped around the tire.

Abstract: A releasing device for snow chains comprising an inner side portion (2) closable as a ring, suitable to be placed on an inner part of a tire (3), an outer side portion (4) suitable to be placed on an outer part of the tire (3), said portions being joined by variously composed elements (5) creating the tread traction, the releasing device comprising a closing device (8), for closure as a ring of the inner side portion (2) and an operating device (50), that can be operated by the user from the outside of the tire to open the closing device (8), the operating device (50) comprising protective members (53, 55) suitable to make it more stable and the closing device (8) being able to be opened manually even without the aid of the operating device.

Abstract: Apparatus for tightening chains that are installed on a tire, as well as methods for using such apparatus is disclosed. The chain-tightening apparatus provides a mechanism for uniformly tightening the chains, as well as maintaining a constant uniform tension on the chains when the tire moves. The apparatus attaches to the chains quickly and easily, making the method of tightening such chains simple. The apparatus is quickly and easily removed and is easily and compactly stored.

Abstract: Apparatus for tightening chains that are installed on a tire, as well as methods for using such apparatus is disclosed. The chain-tightening apparatus provides a mechanism for uniformly tightening the chains, as well as maintaining a constant uniform tension on the chains when the tire moves. The apparatus attaches to the chains quickly and easily, making the method of tightening such chains simple. The apparatus is quickly and easily removed and is easily and compactly stored.

Abstract: A universal chain for wheels that is easy to install. It has a series of sections of chains to cover the thread of a tire as well as its inner and outer sidewalls. Each section comprises a number of transverse links caught by two lengths of chains placed radially along the shoulders and rigidified by arches so that the chain has a cambered form for ease of installation. On the inner shoulder the sections of chains are caught by hooks (34) that pass through a ring (36). The outer shoulder comprises an assembly part having two half-arches and an adjustable female male assembly (56) that locks with a preestablished tension and that may be unlocked when needed. This system allows using lengths of chains weighing 10 kilograms and having a certain rigidity. This type of chains is perfect for trucks driving on icy conditions and on hilly roads.

Abstract: An anti-slipping device has a tread network of chains connected to an external mounting by terminal links (20) of segments of chains (4, 5) of the network, and the external mounting is configured as a disc (13) in its peripheral area. The terminal links (20) are hooked into retaining anchors (19) formed by sections of a wire (18) which is held in place in guide channels (17) on the outside of the disc (13).

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: An anti-skid device has rotating chains which are connected to an inner and an outer fixing device. The outer fixing device is formed from a ring-shaped disc (10) and a retainer ring (11). The retainer ring is provided for the end of a tensioning chain (8) which serves to lock or tension the inner fixing device formed by a spring steel clip. The disc (10) and the retainer ring (11) are detachably connected to each other for enabling the rotating chains (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) of the anti-skid device to turn.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-skid chain with a travelling net, held by an inner and outer holding device. The outer holding device is designed as a flat disk (8), at least in the area of the tire flank. Furthermore, the outer holding device has means for accomodating a tension rod (3) for the inner holding device outside the wheel flanks.

Abstract: A tire traction improvement apparatus is provided for installation on a wheel-mounted vehicle tire and includes a base assembly which includes a base plate. A fulcrum post projects from the base plate a predetermined distance from the base plate. A pair of first tire-gripper assemblies are attached to the base assembly and are oriented with respect to each other on the base assembly at a predetermined orientation angle. Each of the first tire-gripper assemblies includes a first tread-gripper portion. A guide element receives a radially adjustable second tire-gripper assembly which includes an adjustable extension portion which has a proximal end and a distal end. The adjustable extension portion includes a plurality of adjustment apertures arrayed between the proximal end and the distal end. The proximal end of the adjustable extension portion is received by the guide element of the base assembly. The second tire-gripper assembly includes a second tread-gripper portion.

Abstract: In the several embodiments, a tire chain, and a method of installing a tire chain in which a line extends from each of the opposite ends of the portion of the tire chain that encircles the inside of a tire. In a preferred embodiment, the two lines cross the treaded portion of the tire diagonally, so that one line crosses the other, and are connected to the portion of the tire chains that encircle the outside of the tire. Preferably, the two lines are connected to each other at the point where they cross, which is about at the center of the treaded surface of the tire.

Abstract: A traction device for a tire for a driven wheel of a vehicle includes a base for resting circumferentially upon the tread of a tire. The device includes an adjustable clamp assembly extending across the base longitudinally and includes a front and a rear jaw which, when mounted, hold onto the sidewalls of the tire. The front jaw is adjustable in any and all of three different settings: coarse, normal and fine.

Abstract: An anti-skid device for a vehicle wheel is provided comprising an axial part having a plurality of arms extending therefrom which are attached to an anti-skid assembly, such as a snow chain arrangement. The axial part includes a securing device which rotates freely relative to the axial part for securing the anti-skid device to the vehicle wheel. Thus, the rotary motion of the anti-skid assembly around the wheel is not transferred to the securing device.

Abstract: An anti-skid device for ready application to a vehicle wheel, that is entirely installable from the outer or hub side of the wheel. A primary embodiment of my device comprises at least three curved cleats, each having an inner surface and an outer surface, and each also having an integral attachment flange having a deliberate bend therein. Each cleat is configured and designed to curve in a cantilever manner around the tread of the tire, and in a primary embodiment, the cleats are interconnected by a number of elongate connection rods. The elongate assembly so formed can be placed around a tire, to encompass substantially more than half of the periphery of the wheel when the cleats are arrayed in an approximately equally spaced relation in contact with the tread of the tire, with the inner surface of each cleat normally disposed in a stand-away relation to the tread of the tire.

Abstract: In order to attach a tire mat to the circumference of a tired wheel, a front flexible elongate member is slidingly passed through attachment fittings on the mat spaced around the periphery of the front side of the wheel, and a rear flexible elongate member is slidingly passed through attachment fittings on the mat spaced around the periphery of the rear side of the wheel. Respective sliding attachment members are then used to attach parts of each elongate member together so as to enable relative sliding movement between the parts and so as to cause the elongate member to form an intermediate loop portion which extends through the attachment fittings on the associated side of the wheel and a further portion outside the loop portion.

Abstract: Antiskid device for motor vehicle tires with an inner fastening or mounting engaging with the inside of the tire and with an inner fastening or mounting for chain strand portions extending over the tire tread, in which in the fitted state, the inner fastening has an approximately circular construction and has a central fastening section, to each of whose two ends is swivellably fixed a side part by means of a swivel joint and for fitting the inner fastening, the side parts can be opened outwards from the central fastening section and are in each case pretensioned by means of a spring device in the direction of a closed form of the inner fastening. In order to further facilitate fitting, particularly in the case of narrow or confined wheel cases, it is provided that the central fastening section comprises at least two portions, which are interconnected in a swivellable manner relative to one another and are also pretensioned in the direction of a closed form of the inner fastening.

Abstract: A vehicle tire with traction-improving devices, wherein the basic tire has a plurality of uniformly spaced apart cross grooves running essentially from sidewall to sidewall. Each groove is fitted with an inflatable bag or bladder which, when uninflated, retracts within the circle of the road-engaging surface of the tread. An annular manifold is affixed to at least one sidewall and is connected by conduits to the cross members. This manifold has a valved air inlet which may be used to pressurize the cross members via the manifold and thus to project the inflated members radially beyond the circle of the tread so that they engage the road surface. Depressurizing the manifold of course causes the members to retract. Each cross member is equipped with some form of traction-improving substance, structure or the like to enhance road grippability, especially in slippery road conditions.

Abstract: An anti-skid device for motor vehicle tires is provided including front and rear holding devices, which lie against the inside and outside of the tire when the chain is mounted, and between which chain strand sections extend over the running surface of the tire. One of the holding devices which usually is the rear holding device in the mounted state, is essentially circular and has a rigid middle section and two rigid side sections, one end of each of which is attached by pivotal connections to an end of the middle section in such a way that it can be pivoted. Pretensioned spring devices are provided at the pivot connections to bias the side sections toward each other in the mounted condition after the rear holding device is passed over the tire with the side sections pivoted outwardly. Locking devices for securing the two ends of the side sections together in the mounted position are also provided.

Abstract: An antislip tire chain has provided therewith an inner part and an outer part joined together by a tread part. The inner part includes a fastener formed by a fastener member and a counter fastener member. An introduction opening of the fastener member is open in a direction towards the counter fastener member; via a guide portion extending transversely of the insertion direction of the counter fastener member, the fastener member is joined to an attachment or securing opening. In a region between the introduction opening and the attachment opening, which lies transversely of the guide portion, there is a securing element for the engaged counter fastener member. The fastener can be easily closed, the counter fastener member being reliably secured against unintentional release.

Abstract: A lightweight device for obtaining improved traction efficiency of rubber tired vehicles without adding ballast weight. The device has high-strength, thin-gauged traction intensifying means secured to a driving tire, providing higher drawbar pull at higher rate of travel speed by utilizing stronger sub-surface soil and extended tire life; and includes actuating means, for engaging and disengaging the traction enhancing means for convenient conversion to allow travel on pavement.

Abstract: Self-tightening snow chain for attachment to a vehicle wheel to provide traction. The preferred self-tightening snow chain includes a traction cable and a tensioning device including a housing having a top including a set of housing teeth, a bottom and at least one aperture; a lever interconnected to the housing; a ratchet spool within the housing having a set of ratchet teeth that mate with the housing teeth and a channel between upper and under surfaces to receive a cord that is interconnected with the ratchet spool; a tension spring that places a bias on the ratchet spool toward a wind-up direction; and a wave spring. A preferred tensioning device includes a cord sub-unit having two knobs, one on each end, and a grommet encircling the cord. A method of assembling the tensioning device is also disclosed.