Circumferential Patents (Class 152/219)
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Patent number: 11752949Abstract: Mounting blocks for securing items to a tire are secured by a tensioner wrapped around the tire and mounting blocks. Tensioning blocks maintain tension in the tensioner. The tensioner may be a pair of cables passing through grooves in the mounting blocks. The mounting blocks may define recesses over which the cable passes. Straps may pass around the cable in a recess to secure a pouch over a center of the tire. The cables may include widened portions that fit within widened portions of slots defined in the tensioning blocks. The mounting blocks and tensioning blocks may be identical but used differently. The mounting blocks may define openings for receiving straps securing items to the mounting blocks. Straps may be used in the place of cables and a pouch secured to the mounting blocks using other structures on the mounting blocks.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2021Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: A Wood Products LLCInventors: Adam Wood, Kevin Klemmt, Louis W. Dawson, III
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Patent number: 10189451Abstract: A parking mechanism in a vehicle is controlled to rotate, which engages and disengages a pawl with a spoke or gear of a wheel to selectively hold the wheel against rotation in park. A spring is connected to the parking mechanism at a first end, and is connected to the transmission housing or a stop block at a second end. The first end of the spring is a closed loop, such as a helix shape that extends over 360 degrees over a loop axis. The second end of the spring is open-ended, such as a hook. After attaching the first end of the spring to the park mechanism, but prior to attaching the second end, a valve assembly can be mounted as well as the stop block. After those components are assembled in place, the second end of the spring can simply hook into place.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2016Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Susan Wyatt, Todd Curtis Spaulding, Zheng Liang
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Patent number: 9950581Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-skid chain, in particular for forestry and agricultural vehicles. The anti-skid chain is to permit high traction, while it has a low weight and can be easily mounted. It should simultaneously be permitted for driving on roads. To enable this, an anti-skid chain to be attached to two wheels with tires disposed one behind the other at fixed distances, in particular for the two wheels of a tandem axle, is provided according to the invention. The anti-skid chain comprises two lateral, laterally stable guide chains which are located, in the mounted state, laterally of the tread of the tires. Between the two guide chains, a chain mesh with chain strands extends. Preferably, the chain mesh is subdivided into ladder sections which are only connected to each other via the guide chain. Joint points of the guide chains are located in a radial position between the radius of the tire shoulder and the tire center. The guide chains are in particular embodied as plate link chains.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2013Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Erlau AGInventors: Mathis Weerts, Johannes Rieger
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Publication number: 20140182758Abstract: An anti-skid device for tires is configured of elementary units. Each elementary unit has a first main body including: a first U-shaped portion that straddles sidewall parts of a tire; an inside front extending portion; and an outside rear extending portion, and a second main body in the same form. The first and second main body are connected with each other at the inward-facing side of the tire. This connection at the inward-facing side of the tire is performed using an inside front connector connected to the first main body, an inside rear connector connected to the second main body, and an inside coupling adjuster connected to them and capable of adjusting the distance (inside connecting length) therebetween. The adjuster can adjust the inside connecting length, so that attachability of the anti-skid device for tires can be maintained even if the tire outer diameter varies from an expected outer diameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2012Publication date: July 3, 2014Inventor: Kouichi Sakakibara
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Patent number: 8720509Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Pewag Schneeketten GmbH & Co KGInventors: Agyd Pengg, Georg Grossauer
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Patent number: 8627865Abstract: A device for preventing slipping of a vehicle which includes spikes which are inserted between tires of a double wheel, a connection member which couples the spikes to each other, and a fastener which is provided on opposite ends of the connection member. The fastener includes a catch which is connected to a first end of the connection member, and a clamp which is connected to a second end of the connection member, and to which the catch is locked. When the catch is locked to the clamp to attach the device to the tires, the catch is disposed inside the connection member in a space between the tires, thus preventing the catch from coming into contact with a road surface when the vehicle travels.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2008Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Inventor: II-Jun Park
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Publication number: 20130276948Abstract: An automobile tire anti-skid chain includes lateral chains, one or more longitudinal chains, two tightening side chains and connecting parts. The longitudinal chain has an anti-skid blocks combination and a single anti-skid block in longitudinal alternate series connection. The lateral chain has an anti-skid blocks combination and a single anti-skid block connected in horizontal alternate series. The longitudinal and lateral chains cross and are connected. The single anti-skid block at the intersection is replaced by a connecting part. Ends of the lateral chain are linked to one tightening side chain through the connecting part. A detachable connection device is provided on the tightening side chain, through which the tightening side chain could be jointed into a closed loop. The anti-skid blocks combination has two abreast anti-skid blocks. Part of a single anti-skid block is sandwiched between and hinged with the two abreast anti-skid blocks.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2012Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: Shangqui Hongda Automobile Anti-Skid Equip Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hongjun Li
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Patent number: 8539998Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2011Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Inventor: Kouichi Sakakibara
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Patent number: 8322389Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2011Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Peerless Chain CompanyInventors: John J. McCauley, Lester Stener
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Patent number: 8166616Abstract: A turnbuckle for an anti-skid chain that can be mounted on the wheel of a vehicle. A tension cable is connected inside the turnbuckle housing to a winding roll that is pre-stressed in the winding-up direction and mounted so that it can be rotated about its axle. A ratchet wheel with at least one ratchet catch allocated to it is provided on the winding roll and the tension cable can be blocked against its direction of tension by gripping of the ratchet catch into the ratchet wheel. The ratchet catch is moved at least incrementally outwards from the idle position when the wheel isn't moving, in which it is disengaged from the ratchet wheel and the tension cable is not blocked, under the action of the centrifugal force upon rotation of the wheel, and this movement effects a gripping of the ratchet catch into the ratchet wheel.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2009Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Pewag Schneeketten GmbH & Co KGInventor: Ägyd Pengg
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Publication number: 20120090751Abstract: 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 (A) 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: PEWAG SCHNEEKETTEN GMBH & CO KGInventors: Agyd Pengg, Georg Grossauer
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Patent number: 8141605Abstract: A device for preventing slipping of a vehicle is disclosed, which improves a vehicle slipping prevention device in which a plurality of spikes connected with a connection member are inserted into a gap between double wheels disposed at a rear side of a large size vehicle at regular intervals for preventing slipping. In the present invention, a structure contacting with a tire surface along with a spike is newly improved, and a structure of an engaging member used for maintaining the tensional force of a plurality of spikes connected by means of a connection member is newly improved. It is possible to achieve a fast and simple engaging and disengaging work and to keep a substantial tensional force so that a vehicle slipping prevention device is not disengaged even during a long time drive of a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2008Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Inventor: Il-Jun Park
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Patent number: 7963306Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2007Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Peerless Chain CompanyInventors: John J. McCauley, Lester Stener
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Patent number: 7900670Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2008Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Peerless Chain CompanyInventors: John J. McCauley, Lester Stener
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Publication number: 20100163147Abstract: A device for preventing slipping of a vehicle is disclosed, which improves a vehicle slipping prevention device in which a plurality of spikes connected with a connection member are inserted into a gap between double wheels disposed at a rear side of a large size vehicle at regular intervals for preventing slipping. In the present invention, a structure contacting with a tire surface along with a spike is newly improved, and a structure of an engaging member used for maintaining the tensional force of a plurality of spikes connected by means of a connection member is newly improved. It is possible to achieve a fast and simple engaging and disengaging work and to keep a substantial tensional force so that a vehicle slipping prevention device is not disengaged even during a long time drive of a vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2008Publication date: July 1, 2010Inventor: Il-Jun Park
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Patent number: 7690409Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Pewag Austria GmbHInventor: Agyd Pengg
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Patent number: 7624778Abstract: The present invention relates to a sliding prevention device for a vehicle, which includes a plurality of spikes, each of which is formed with a supporting device supported between the tires of the dual wheels, a braking plate engaged with the supporting device in the outer peripheral edge of the dual wheels to produce the braking power by contacting with the dual wheels, and an engaging portion formed at an inward apex between the tires of the dual wheels; an interval maintaining device adapted to engage with engaging portion of the spike; and a locking portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2005Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Inventor: Il Jun Park
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Publication number: 20090211680Abstract: An auxiliary pulling apparatus for attachment of the two ends of a flexible retaining ring of an anti skid device is disclosed. The auxiliary pulling apparatus comprise a first attachment means at its first end and a rope portion connected to the first attachment means. The auxiliary pulling apparatus is characterized by a mass which is connected to the second or outer end of its rope portion. The mass is preferably spherical in shape and rotatably connected to the rope portion. The mass maintains centrifugal forces when thrown towards the inner part of a vehicle and keeps the rope portion tight and straight. The user releases the auxiliary pulling apparatus off the anti skid device upon securing the first and second ends of the retaining ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2006Publication date: August 27, 2009Inventors: Emrah Bozkurt, Ender Bozkurt, Murat Yerlikaya
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Publication number: 20090084479Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2008Publication date: April 2, 2009Inventors: John J. McCauley, Lester Stener
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Publication number: 20090038724Abstract: Anti-skid device for tires having a tread with a circumferential groove, whereby the anti-skid device comprises a plurality of contact elements arranged one next to another along line, with each one of the contact elements having an inner face to contact the tire and an outer face to contact the ground and whereby the inner face of the contact elements has a web to be fitted in use within the grooves of the tire of the tire. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, five adjacent contact elements are formed as a single cast module. In this case, the webs of these adjacent contact elements form a single continuous web that joins them together.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2007Publication date: February 12, 2009Inventor: Konstantinos Roussos
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Patent number: 7363952Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Thule S.p.A.Inventors: Marc{dot over (o)} Arrigoni Neri, Luigi Farina
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Patent number: 7246645Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Inventor: Yang-Chen Fu
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Patent number: 7204282Abstract: A flexible system for winter traction products that allows for component repairability, interchangeability, customization and resizing, all without requiring tools. The key to this system is the provision of connectors which provide interconnection of multiple components whereby at least three points of connection on three components can be interconnected by the connectors. The interconnection of the points of connection by the connectors enable components to be interchanged within the assembly for establishing a desired style and fit of the tire chain to a variety of tire sizes and tire chain types.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2003Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Burns Bros., Inc.Inventors: Gary Scott, Robert Anderson
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Patent number: 7080674Abstract: This invention relates to a tire chain designed to retain the strength characteristics of a prior tire chain but reducing the dimension of the tire chain components to be located at the inner wall of the tire so as to reduce the likelihood of interfering engagement with components that are closely positioned relative to the tire.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2003Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: Burns Bros., Inc.Inventors: Larry Clark, Robert Anderson, Roland Boehrer, Gary Scott
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Patent number: 7021347Abstract: A snow chain to be mounted on a tire has a connection set having a plurality of planks, each of which has an arch portion and a connection portion. A radial chain set has a plurality of radial chains having ends coupled with the planks respectively. A main chain is coupled with distal ends of the radial chains, wherein the main chain has a hook device to connect opposite ends of the main chain into an annular form. A coupling assembly set has a plurality of coupling devices to tighten two of the planks, each of which has a rotary member and two connection member movably mounted on the rotary member.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Inventor: Chien-Chang Chang
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Patent number: 7013548Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2000Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Autosock ASInventor: Bärd Løtveit
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Patent number: 6860304Abstract: Disclosed is a traction belt 16 installed onto the surface of a tire 12 having a plurality of spike-like members 18 with each spike-like member having two distal ends with one end protruding through each side of the traction belt 16 to provide on the outer side of the belt 16 structure for gripping icy or snow packed surfaces, while on the inner side of the belt 16 the spike like members 18 provide frictionally sustained attachment for the traction belt 16 onto the outer surface of the tire. A securement cable 22, tension cable 24 and threaded tightness adjustment device 26 are used wherein the securement cables 22 are attached to the exterior surface of the traction belt 16 by figure eight securements 28 and then tightened by the tension cable 24 by reducing its circumference via the tightness adjustment 26.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2002Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Inventor: Basil Ethan Dalrymple
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Patent number: 6725894Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Burns Bros., Inc.Inventor: Larry C. Clark
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Patent number: 6675850Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Carmate Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kiyoshi Sakuma
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Patent number: 6651713Abstract: A universal chain for wheels that is easy to install. It has a series of sections of chains to cover the tread 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2002Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Inventor: Rock Bergeron
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Patent number: 6345653Abstract: A snow chain structure includes an inboard flexible cable having an end provided with a male connector and another end provided with a female connector engageable with the male connector, a plurality of outboard flexible cables each having a first end connected with an end of one of the outboard flexible cables by a ring and a second end connected with another one of the outboard flexible cables by an attachment element, the attachment element being an elongated member having two holes each for engaging with an end of a positioning hook, one side of the attachment element being formed with a protuberance, two holes one at a side of the protuberance, and a stop at a bottom of the protuberance, a plurality of cross chains each having an end arranged on the inboard flexible cable and another end fixedly mounted on the outboard flexible cables.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2000Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Inventor: Yang Chen Fu
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Patent number: 6341634Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 1999Date of Patent: January 29, 2002Assignee: RUD-Kettenfabrik Rieger & Dietz GmbH u. Co.Inventor: Dietmar Holzwarth
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Patent number: 6325122Abstract: A traction device, preferably formed of an elastomer material, has molded threads and is designed to encapsulate a tire of a vehicle. The traction device has a body with a pair of distal ends. At one of the ends a pair of metal hooks are pivotally mounted to a hinge pin. When the traction device is placed around the tire, the metal hooks engage a locking pin disposed on the other end of the body. A bladder is mounted to an inner surface of the body such that the bladder becomes sandwiched between the body and the tire. Tension and grip is applied to the traction device by inflating the bladder. Air is introduced via an air valve through a communication duct. Once mounted, the traction device essentially becomes an integral member of the vehicle tire, thereby enhancing the traction of the drive wheels.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2000Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Inventor: Robert Patrick Appleton
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Patent number: 6273159Abstract: An apparatus which is used to cover a tire in order to prevent the tire from leaving marks on an area the tire travels across. The apparatus uses an elongated flexible piece of material of sufficient length to cover the outside circumference of the tire. The piece of material is used to cover the outside circumference of the tire to prevent the tire from leaving marks on an area the tire travels across. A connector is used for connecting a first end of the piece of material to a second end of the piece of material thereby securely coupling the piece of material to the outer circumference of the tire.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1999Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Inventor: Roger L. Page
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Patent number: 6230772Abstract: An anti-skid device for vehicle tires includes a plurality of flexible net treads connected together by linking rings each of the net treads being provided with a net pattern at an intermediate portion and two pairs of slant arms, an upper portion of each of the net treads having a transverse grip which is shorter than width of a tire, anti-skip members being provided on appropriate positions of the net treads so as to further increase anti-skid ability of the anti-skid body, side arms mounted between outer ends of the slant arms, end arms connected with inner ends of the slant arm, and linking members connecting the end arms to the net treads, the slant arms extending outwardly from the transverse grip, distance between the slant arms being equal to the largest width of the anti-skid body.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1999Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Inventor: Yang-Chen Fu
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Patent number: 6213421Abstract: In a clamping lock for antiskid chains with a housing supporting an actuating lever which has a catch position in which a clamping rope which can be pulled through a housing opening into the housing for purposes of clamping can be locked against its clamping direction and has a release position in which the clamping rope can be released from this locking, the clamping rope is connected inside the housing to a winding device which is pretensioned in the wind-up direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1998Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Contiweiss Weissenfela GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Charles R. Franklin
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Patent number: 6092577Abstract: In an antiskid chain, a side holder has a closure for connecting the two free first and second ends of a shackle strand, each of which ends is provided with a thickened portion. The shackle strand can rest against the side of a vehicle tire and serves to fasten the running netting of the antiskid chain by means of fastening hooks. The closure is formed of a molded part which has a central, substantially plate-shaped portion, both of whose ends located opposite one another are bent toward the plate underside while forming an open, approximately cylindrical interior space. Tabs which are likewise bent downward from both longitudinal sides of the molded part are provided directly adjacent to the bend. Two tabs which are located opposite to one another are inclined approximately in a roof-shaped manner relative to one another in cross section. The molded part having a slit in the center in the longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1999Date of Patent: July 25, 2000Assignee: Acciaierie Weissenfels S.p.A.Inventor: Charles R. Franklin
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Patent number: 6089291Abstract: A self-tensioning device for snow chains (2) for vehicles includes an outer element (3) closable in a ring, suitable to be placed on the outer side of the wheel (1), an inner element closable in a ring, suitable to be placed on the inner side of the wheel (1), inner and outer elements being joined by variously composed elements (10) creating the traction on the tread, the outer element having a terminal portion (7) passing through a non-return device (5) which makes it slide only in the chain tensioning direction and not in the opposite slackening direction, a storage block (20) containing an elastic element (21) able to hook, tension and retain the terminal portion (7) being provided on the outer ring.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1999Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Assignee: Konig S.p.A.Inventors: Airoldi Romolo, Arrigoni Neri Marco
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Patent number: 6085816Abstract: A cable-type tire chain for the tires of dual wheels comprises a pair of side members and a plurality of cross members extending between and connected to the side members and supporting traction elements. The tire chain includes a center member that extends circumferentially over the cross members of the installed tire chain and that draws center portions of the cross members into the space between the tires. The center member comprises a core surrounded by a helical spring. The core includes a cable wrapped helically with wire, and the inner diameter of the spring is greater than the outer diameter of the core so that the spring can move on the core.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Burns Bros., Inc.Inventors: Larry C. Clark, David S. Jardin
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Patent number: 6047754Abstract: A device for mounting 3-railer snow chains having three runners on a set of double truck tires which are mounted on an outside wheel and an inside wheel. The device includes a non-elastic strap, a first wheel hook connected to a first end of the non-elastic strap for hooking the device to the inside wheel rim of the inside wheel, and a second wheel hook connected to a second end of the non-elastic strap for hooking the device to the outside wheel rim of the outside wheel. The device also includes a tightening mechanism such as a ratchet device for tightening the strap on the tires, and three chain hooks connected along the length of the strap. Each of the three chain hooks are positioned to engage one of the runners of the 3-railer snow chains. By driving forward or otherwise rotating the tire, the snow chains are tightly wrapped around the tire.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1997Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Inventor: Don M. Drum
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Patent number: 6026876Abstract: A tire traction enhancement system 10 is provided comprising tire chains 2 which include an outboard circumferential elongate element 4 and an inboard circumferential elongate element 6 between which are attached a plurality of transverse traction members 8. Ends 5, 7 of the elements 4, 6 are releasably attached via an outboard connection subsystem 29 and an inboard connection subsystem 20, respectively. The outboard connection subsystem 29 includes a first cable guide 30 attached to a first end 5 of the outboard element 4 and second cable guide 80 attached to a second end 5 of the outboard element 4. A cable 50 extends from the first end 5, around the second cable guide 80 and then around the first cable guide 30 before the cable 50 extends to attach to a mid-portion of the outboard element 4. The cable 50 routing configuration amplifies closure force A which draws the ends 5 of the outboard circumferential element 4 together.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1998Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Inventor: Frank L. Snyder
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Patent number: 5944083Abstract: A tire slip preventing system for a vehicle includes a right tire anti-slip body, with a right tire fastening device cooperating therewith. A left tire anti-slip body is provided, with a left tire fastening device cooperating therewith. Each fastening device includes a fastening band and a fastening buckle, with the fastening buckle having hooks and engagement part, and a pivotably disposed cleat. The fastening band includes a first folded portion at a first end, with the fastening band engaging and passing over the cleat and looping in a reverse direction so that the fastening band forms an outer circumferential loop and an inner circumferential loop such that the fastening device has a non-reversible self-lock mechanism in which the cleat is pivoted to clamp the fastening band around the cleat by a tension of the inner circumferential loop. The buckle engages the respective anti-slip body with the pair of hooks.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1997Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tatsuo Suzuki
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Patent number: 5896906Abstract: An anti-skid device, capable of being classified as an "improved" traction device, for tires in a single or dual wheel arrangement having two retaining rings pre-installed on the outer and inner surfaces of the wheel hub. Each retaining ring is designed to adjust in length to fit closely within a recessed surface located on the outside and inside surfaces of the wheel hub. Each retaining ring remains attached to the wheel hub between uses. A plurality of chain segments are disposed transversely over the inside and outside sidewalls and tire tread. The opposite ends of each chain segment are attached to the distal ends of two opposite arm members radially aligned and attached at their proximal ends to the two retaining rings. The arm members are transversely aligned over the sides of the wheel hub and terminate near the outer edge of the hub. An elastic member and a hook member are used to attach the end of each chain segment to the adjacent arm member.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 1996Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Inventors: Phillip J. Snyder, Jerrod L. Snyder
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Patent number: 5540267Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1994Date of Patent: July 30, 1996Inventor: Thomas P. Rona
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Patent number: 5318087Abstract: A snow chain for a motor vehicle tire which consists of a pair of side cables, a plurality of cross cables between the pair of side cables and connected to the side cables by connectors. Rotatably disposed grippers on the cross cables. Deformation of the connectors and damage to the tire is prevented by the insertion of a rubber ring on the cross cable between the grippers and the connector. One direction slippage (skid) is prevented by forming a space of "t" between axially disposed protrusions on the grippers disposed on the cross cables and means to join the ends of each of the side cables to one another.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1993Date of Patent: June 7, 1994Assignee: Rocket Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kim Chang Gun
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Patent number: 5309968Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1992Date of Patent: May 10, 1994Inventor: Hirokazu Yoshida
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Patent number: 5236025Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1991Date of Patent: August 17, 1993Assignee: Burns Bros., Inc.Inventor: Joseph D. Maresh
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Patent number: 5167737Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1990Date of Patent: December 1, 1992Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha CarmateInventor: Kiyoshi Sakuma
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Patent number: 5082039Abstract: An anti-skid chain for a vehicle tire comprises an inner and outer harness. The outer side harness comprises a closed loop harness line with elastic expansion members acting as a damping elements. A locking device is attached at one end of the harness line and a tensioning chain at the other end passes through the locking device, which permits movement of the tensioning chain for tensioning and prevents movement in the opposite direction. The inner side harness comprises a ring-shaped resilient stirrup which can be elastically spread apart for slipping across the tire tread. Closure members on the free ends of the stirrup lock the stirrup closed on release of the stirrup.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1989Date of Patent: January 21, 1992Assignee: Acciaierie Weissenfels S.p.A.Inventor: Charles R. Franklin
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Patent number: RE45255Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2013Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Peerless Chain CompanyInventors: John J. McCauley, Lester Stener