Abstract: A method for providing additional tractionability to a vehicle tire (20) for mitigating slippery road conditions such as ice and snow. The main embodiment for the main embodiment uses three cleats (26) per tire (20) and a cleat hub (28). Chain welts (32) and adjustable bungee cords (30) complete the install to form a contiguous unit gripping around the perimeter of the tire (20). All of the individual parts are lightweight for easy distribution to the tires (20) needing traction. They are easy to install. They are quick to install at roughly five minutes per tire (20). They are also both easy and quick to dismantle. Being solid bodied members, they are easy to keep clean by quickly hosing them down and they stack up for easy storage.

Abstract: A device to increase the grip of the tread of the wheel of a vehicle is disclosed. A base is secured to the outside of the face of the rim of a wheel, and a plurality of moving spokes whose ends are connected to claws are elastically connected to each other to form a belt whose diameter progressively increases during its positioning. The moving spokes cause the belt to switch from a retracted rest configuration having the shape of an annulus, in which the claws are arranged inside the perimeter of the base (2), to a configuration that make its extension progressively increase around the tread, wherein the claws contact a roadbed.

Abstract: A method for the closed-loop and/or open-loop control of a lateral guidance of a vehicle with the aid of a lane-keeping assist. In the process, a detection signal is read in which represents hands-off and/or hands-on driving of the vehicle. If the detection signal represents the hands-off driving, then a closed-loop control signal is provided for controlling the lateral guidance in closed loop. On the other hand, if the detection signal represents the hands-on driving, then an open-loop control signal is provided for controlling the lateral guidance in open loop.

Abstract: A traction device attachable to a wheel having a rim to which a tire is mounted. The traction device includes first and second gripping elements facing each other, the second gripping element being longitudinally movable between an extended position and a retracted position, the first and second gripping elements being closer to each other in the retracted position than in the extended position. When the traction device is operatively mounted to the wheel with the second gripping element in the retracted position, the traction device extends across the tire thread and the first and second gripping elements grip the wheel therebetween at the rim, and, when the second gripping element is in the extended position, the traction device is removable from the wheel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein a system and device for providing traction for car wheels in situations in which a vehicle may be stuck or immobilized. The device or system, or Flexible Traction Track, is designed to assist a motor vehicle operator to successfully recover from being stranded off paved road surfaces such as sand, dirt, mud, gravel, ice or snow. The basic elements and features of the preferred embodiment include two tracks providing traction, connected by cables to enable proper place around or under the tire. During use, section one (1) is positioned against the front (leading) edge of a (spinning) tire mounted on any of the powered wheel (axel), between the tire and the ground cover or surface. Once section one (1) and three (3) have been bridged by section two (2) around a tire, the operator may then successfully drive over the terrain.

Abstract: The problem of damage sustained to a traction device and the extendable traction elements thereof due to tire-roadway interaction forces exerted on the traction elements while extended over the tire tread area is solved by resiliently coupling a traction assembly within a tire rim to permit movement and repositioning of the traction assembly relative to the rim and biasing back to the original position. Preferably the traction assembly is mounted to a traction hub through a resilient coupling, and with the traction hub permitted to rotate relative to the rim. Also preferably, the invention provides for full retraction and extension of the curved traction elements by use of a linear actuator. The present device delivers increased traction in slippery conditions while protecting the traction device and surrounding mechanics from damage due to the impact of roadway forces, and the device is effectively stowed within the rim when not in use.

Abstract: A device and method for increasing tire friction is provided. The device is especially suitable for use on slippery roads, such as roads which have snow and/or ice. The device is permanently secured to the vehicle wheel assembly and easily installed over the tire for use. The device has a plurality of friction grips which independently move from an inactive first position secured to a sidewall of a housing center of the device to an active second position secured over the tire of the vehicle wheel assembly.

Abstract: The problem of damage sustained to a traction device and the extendable traction elements thereof due to tire-roadway interaction forces exerted on the traction elements while extended over the tire tread area is solved by resiliently coupling a traction assembly within a tire rim to permit movement and repositioning of the traction assembly relative to the rim and biasing back to the original position. Preferably the traction assembly is mounted to a traction hub through a resilient coupling, and with the traction hub permitted to rotate relative to the rim. Also preferably, the invention provides for full retraction of the curved traction elements. This inventive device delivers increased traction in slippery conditions while protecting the traction device and surrounding mechanics from damage due to the impact of various roadway forces, and the device is effectively stowed within the rim when not in use.

Abstract: A tire traction device having a plurality of radial tensioning arms extending radially from a central hub, a fraction pad coupled to each of the radial tensioning arms at an end opposite the central hub and the radial tensioning arms including rigid bodies movable in a radial direction relative to the central hub along radii spaced about the central hub at fixed angular positions to provide tensioning of the traction pads against a tire. A rotatable tensioner may be disposed within the central hub, the rotatable tensioner including curved guide vanes to which the tensioning arms are coupled. Each of the tensioning arms includes a pin configured to be seated into, and slide within, the curved channel so as to remain in a substantially constant angular position relative to the outer circumference of the central hub while being displaced radially in response to a rotation of the rotatable tensioner.

Abstract: An anti-skid tire device for increasing the grip of a tire of a vehicle on a road surface. The device includes a plurality of modules associated with each other to form substantially a chain disposed annularly around the tire's external surface. The modules each have a shaped plate with a plurality of gripping elements protruding during use towards the outside of the shaped plate, so as to improve the tire's ability to grip the road surface. An attachment element is include which has a first end associated with the shaped plate, a second end selectively attachable to a shaped plate of an adjacent module, and a central body radially facing towards the tire and inserted into a corresponding groove provided on the tire's external surface. The attachment element further has at least one adjustment member adapted to adjust the size of the anti-skid device with respect to the tire.

Abstract: A wheel traction cover includes an interior skirt, an exterior skirt and outer circumferential belt extending between the skirts having a plurality of traction pads extending outward from the belt.

Abstract: A wheel hub assembly having a rim, an outer cap and an inner body joined to the cap within the rim and carrying automatically extendable and retractable curved traction elements. The traction elements are curved pieces with inner end portions disposed on the inside of the tire when retracted and outer ends substantially concealed in gaps between the rim and the cap when retracted, and extendable into active positions overlying the tread of the tire by electric motors each driving two rack-and-pinion drives through T-drives between two traction elements. Channel-shaped tracks and guide rollers on the hub base support the fraction elements, which have traction-enhancing ribs and studs on their outer end portions. An alternative embodiment has a hollow annular hub body on which the traction elements are mounted and guided, in two circular slots, with the motors inside the annular body, the body being supported on a framework to be bolted to the central hub element of a conventional wheel.

Abstract: A traction device for vehicle tires is provided for when the vehicle is stuck in mud, snow, ice or similar terrain, comprising an adjustable support member having a first end and a second end; a connection member extending from the first end of the support member, wherein the connection member is connectable to a wheel; a shaft extending from said second end of said support member; and a traction member rotatably mounted to the shaft, wherein the traction member includes one or more tire-gripping portions. A double-ended embodiment of the traction device is also disclosed for providing greater traction in appropriate situations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automatically operated antiskid apparatus for automobile tires. The automatically operated antiskid apparatus includes an operating signal generating unit for transmitting an operating signal generated by a bar operating switch to positions in the vicinity of automotive wheels. A signal transmitting unit receives the operating signal from the operating signal generating unit and transmits the operating signal from a stationary automobile body to rotating wheel rims. An antiskid bar and antiskid bar operating unit receives the operating signal from the signal transmitting unit and operates antiskid bars embedded in tread portions of the tires.

Abstract: A traction assembly for single and dual-wheeled vehicles that is easy to install and suitable for storing in the vehicle when not in use having a plurality of spaced apart traction units interconnected by a connector and locked into place with a securing mechanism. Each traction unit includes a pair of spaced apart traction bars that are interconnected by a spacer member. Preferably, the traction bars are L-shaped angle irons and the spacer member is a V-shaped angle iron connected to two adjacent traction bars. A generally elongated, flexible connecting member interconnects the traction units and allows the assembly to be folded or collapsed. A securing mechanism connects the opposing ends of the traction assembly to secure the assembly around the wheel or wheels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-skid traction device designed to be easily mounted onto a wheel of a motor-vehicle for obtaining greater traction on ice, snow, mud, or sand. One embodiment of the invention is for uses in situations where an automobile has been impaired by road conditions. Another embodiment of the invention is for uses as a road travel device designed for more continuous use where supplemental traction is desired on a long-term basis. Another embodiment of the invention is for use by trucks and other heavier vehicles in severe road conditions. All the embodiments of the present invention are designed to replace snow chains which have already been outlawed except for use on emergency vehicles. The invention disclosed herein provides safety for the road, the environment and the user, in a cost effective manner.

Abstract: A traction device for wheels focusing on irrigation system wheels and the manufacturing process for making the traction device. Multiple traction device segments are joined to encompass a tire/wheel unit of an irrigation system tire/wheel drive system generally about the circumferential perimeter. The traction device segments are engaged by the tire/wheel unit at its circumferential perimeter causing the traction device segments to rotate as the tire/wheel unit rotates. The traction device segments have a surface which is interposed between the tire/wheel unit, at its circumferential perimeter, and the muddy ground of the irrigated field increasing the surface area of contact and decreasing the likelihood of the tire/wheel unit becoming stuck or mired in mud. A square of sheet metal is sheared at the corners along one diagonal with the two shear line forming the skirt edges of skirts. A pad is intermediate the skirts which is press formed with tread forms matching tread patterns of the tire/wheel unit.

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

Abstract: A tire traction chain having a tread or contact section with spikes, and two side sections. The tread or contact section is comprised of plate-like contact section parts in which the spikes are secured. The contact section parts are linked with one another.

Abstract: Described herein is a crossband device to be mounted on a vehicle tire to prevent tire slips on snowy roads. The crossband device including an inner ring detachably fixable to the outer side of a wheel of the vehicle, an outer ring rotatably supported on the inner ring, a plural number of elastically deformable leaf springs extended radially outward from the outer ring, anti-slip crossbands extended contiguously from the fore ends of the leaf springs crosswise of the tread surface of the tire, and an endless circumferential band interconnecting the crossbands. The crossbands are turnable to and from a position on the tread surface of the tire and a position away from the tread surface by elastic deformation of the respective leaf springs.

Abstract: Antiskid apparatus comprising a first doglegged linkage of two rods which are pivotally connected together on one end and a second doglegged linkage of two rods which are pivotally connected together on one end, the linkages being pivotally connected in the middle of the respective rods to form a pantograph. A circular support member is pivotally mounted on the open end of each of the rods, and a thin-plate-shaped gripping member is fixed to each of the support members. Each of the gripping members comprises a ground contact portion that contacts the tire tread and covers at least a part of the width of the tread and a mounting portion that contacts the tire sidewall. In one embodiment, the linkage is held in a specified form by means of a holder, and the apparatus is mounted on the tire by securing hooks of tighteners in positions corresponding to the tire wheel holes, the hooks being provided at the top of the tighteners.

Abstract: A detachable automobile tire nonskid device includes a plurality of members mounted on a metallic portion which would otherwise come in contact with a road surface. The plurality of members may include spaced rigid nonskid plate members and annular elastic bodies alternately disposed on the metallic portion, with the annular bodies having outer diameters greater than a thickness of the nonskid members. The annular elastic bodies also may be supported on flanged spool members alternately mounted on the metallic portion between the nonskid plate members.

Abstract: An anti-skid device for a vehicle wheel with a tire, particularly for tired vehicle wheels when used in ice and snow, arranged to be mounted on the vehicle wheel connected to an axle shaft, the anti-skid device including a setting member arranged to be positioned opposite to the vehicle wheel, the setting member including an annular setting portion concentric with the axle shaft, a supporting member removably mounted around the setting portion of the setting member, a fastening device for securing the supporting member to the setting portion of the setting member by fastening a pair of free ends of the supporting member to each other, such that the supporting member assumes a generally annular shape around the setting portion, the supporting member being fitted loosely around the setting portion unless the free ends of the supporting member are fastened to each other, and a plurality of elastically deformable anti-skid arms fixed to the supporting member, the arms extending radially outwardly over one of side

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: In an anti-skid device for vehicle wheels the tread network is formed by components (5) made of rubber or plastic and chain strand sections (3,4) mutually connecting the latter. The components (5) consists of longitudinal pieces (10 and 11) substantially aligned with the chain strand sections (3,4) arranged in the region of the shoulders of a tire fitted onto a vehicle wheel and X-shaped distance elements (12) retaining said longitudinal pieces at a mutual distance. The longitudinal pieces (10,11) are equipped with spikes (7) in the region of projections (6) of high relief construction.

Abstract: The antiskid device includes a fixing disk, which can be mounted on the wheel rim of a motor vehicle and can remain thereon during the winter months, and a supporting disk mountable on the fixing disk and lockable therewith by means of a retaining ring on putting the antiskid device into operation. The supporting disk is provided with a plurality of radially arranged support arms, which engage over the tire tread and which carry a chain grid as the snow chain which, in the operating state, engages over the tire tread, so as to provide an antiskid device which can be effortlessly mounted on a wheel and provide a snow chain-like action.

Abstract: A wheel attachment to provide extra needed traction by a motor drawn vehicle when traveling on roadways covered with snow, ice or mud. It comprises a plurality of circularly spaced, flexible traction members overhanging the tread of a pair of wheels and control means operable from the driving position of the vehicle to selectively couple or uncouple the attachment relative to the wheels. The control means may comprise a driver's switch for operating an electromagnetically operated pin on the traction device cooperable with a hole in a disc rotatably mounted on a spindle at each wheel to selectively couple the device operatively to the hub at the respective wheel. Other alternative means are provided to control such coupling.

Abstract: An anti-skid device is intended for use on pneumatic tires when the tires are used on ice and snow. The device includes a supporting disk with anti-skid arms pivotally displaceable about axes extending parallel to the axis of the wheel on which the pneumatic tire is mounted. The supporting disk is fixed to the wheel by a fixing disk and a retaining ring mounted on the wheel rim. The combination of the fixing disk and the retaining ring secure the supporting disk on a hub formed on the fixing disk. The supporting disk is arranged so that there is a certain amount of clearance relative to the hub for performing eccentric rotary movement for adapting the device to any elastic deformation of the pneumatic tire.

Abstract: A plurality of sections are fitted together so that they fit around an uninflated tire and they are fastened together to form a rigid cylinder. The tire is then inflated thus holding the now solid rim or track in position. Each section includes a curved base and a ground-surface engaging projection extending therefrom. The curved base includes a planar plate portion at one end and a trailing jaw portion at the other end. The plate portion of one section engages the jaw portion of the next adjacent section and the jaws are then closed over the plate and a fastener such as a rivet or the like, is placed through the jaws and through the plate thus forming the rigid connection. There is room provided in the engagement of the plate with the jaws to adjust the sections before fastening same so that the desired diameter of the finished rim or track may be obtained.

Abstract: An anti-skid device, which can be detachably mounted on the wheels of a vehicle, is simple to handle, comparatively independent of wheel dimensions, and which poses a minimum of risk of damage to the wheel housing of the vehicle and its brake system, at the same time as the device effectively follows the movements of the tire without risk of losing its hold.An anti-skid device made according to the invention comprises a number of gripping elements (201) interspaced along the periphery of the wheel (6, 7) of the vehicle, and each having the shape of a frame open on one side and with two portions extending over the tread of the tire at a certain distance from each other, the frame having additional frame portions (204, 203), which extend along the plane sides of the wheel of the vehicle.

Abstract: An anti-skid tire guard has three main components. The first component is a pair of spaced strips of material, each of the strips comprising three slats connected end to end by hinge pins. The strips are maintained in spaced relation by a plurality of metal or plastic tread members having studs projecting from one surface thereof. The ends of both of the strips are provided with female connectors. A plurality of blanks comprise each tread member and are connected by wires which are attached to the hinges by adjacent slats forming the strips. The second component comprises two slats attached end to end by a hinge, the free ends of each of these slats comprising male connector members designed to securely fit within the female members. A tread member similar to those used in the first component is provided, which is attached to the hinged portion between the two slats at one end and which has a hook at its other end.

Abstract: A traction device includes traction arms each having a traction finger extending transversely to the treadwall portion of a tire while supported by a shank portion extending to a carrier plate. Pivotal support arms on the carrier plate engage the hub section of the wheel rim by projecting through openings through spoke portions of the rim. The free ends of the support arms engage a hub with a threaded opening received on a threaded shaft that is moved into contact with the axle member of the vehicle and supported by the carrier plate.

Abstract: A snow anti-skid device a plurality of which are to be fitted at intervals around a motor vehicle wheel. Each device is in the form of a horseshoe-shaped strip-form yoke or stirrup comprised of a thickened central yoke section with curved limbs (20) for embracing the tire (15) extending away from opposite sides thereof. The free ends of the limbs are in the form of claws provided with magnets which engage under and adhere to the shoulders of the wheel rim. The thickened central region of the yoke may be provided with a coating of a resilient material, which can be molded on so as to extend through openings in the strip and provide a non-slip surface abutting the tread of the tire and a studded surface for engaging the ground. One or both limbs of the yoke or stirrup may be resiliently longitudinally extensible, or may be adapted for positive adjustment of its length.

Abstract: A removable tire traction device adapted to be positioned on a vehicle tire. The device includes approximately four substantially U-shaped cleats which are loosely positioned around the tire. A ring-shaped cleat holder is positioned adjacent to the outer sidewall of the tire. Mounting means is provided on the cleat holder to loosely attach the cleats to the cleat holder whereby the cleats are free to move in all directions within fixed movement limits relative to the cleat holder and the tire.

Abstract: A flexible anti-skid fitting for mounting on tires to aid winter driving of automotive vehicles and trucks, comprising independent strips placed across the tread of the tires and held at their ends by a known means. The strips are characterized in that each strip includes: (a) on its outer surface towards the road, molded-on profiles which are fitted with studs located on both the lateral shoulders and the central region; (b) on its inner surface which comes in contact with the tire, pointed rigid molded-on profiles specifically aligned with and/or provided immediately around the base of the studs. Additional molded-on profiles can be provided spaced about the remainder of the inner surface.

Abstract: An improved tire-slip preventing device consisting of a plurality of cross belts arranged across a pair of parallel cords in the form of a ladder is constructed so that one end of every other cross belt can be detached from the associated cord. The detachable end of every other cross belt is attached to the associated cord after the device has been wrapped about the tire, whereby a very tight fit between the tire and the device can be easily obtained. The last cross belt at one end is made detachable or otherwise one of the cords is provided at an intermediate portion thereof with a separable link, thus permitting the device to be wrapped about the tire without raising the vehicle or driving it onto the device.

Abstract: A traction device for vehicle wheels is provided comprising spaced traction plates having traction bars extending from both major surfaces thereof, the plates being interconnected by U-shaped tire side wall gripping elements, the device being expandable to span tires of different widths and including a spring biased shoe carried by the bight portion of one of the U-shaped gripping elements adapted to more tightly grip the tires as forces tending to pull the device from the tire are applied, but which shoe is easily manually released to remove the device from a tire.

Abstract: A traction device includes a series of elastomeric traction elements adapted to the circumference of a tire of an automotive vehicle. Each traction element has a substantially U-shaped elastomeric body, a plurality of reinforcing wires arranged in parallel and embedded in the elastomeric body along the lengthwise direction thereof, cross bars also embedded in the elastomeric body and integrally connected to opposite ends of the reinforcing wires at substantially right angles therewith, and a plurality of openings formed through the elastomeric body adjacent to the inner edges of the cross bars. Metal fasteners extend through the openings and are anchored to the traction element and connect the latter to ropes to be disposed at both side circumferences of the tire.

Abstract: A nonskid structure applicable to pneumatic tires comprises a pair of metal rods of suitable length and elasticity, folded over so as to build rectangular frames, open on one of the longer sides. At the open ends the metal rods are bent downwardly in an orthogonal direction to the plane defined by the frames. The intermediate portion of the longer side is slightly curved. The shorter sides of the frames have the end portions bent at right angles in an orthogonal direction to the plane defined by the frames and terminate with a hook. Preferably, the shorter sides comprise an undulated portion and/or a strip of corrugated sheet for better grip on snow or ice.

Abstract: Anti-skid assembly adapted to be removably mounted on a tire. The assembly includes a plurality of deformable transfer straps adapted to be mounted on the surface of the tire by a releasable anchoring structure. The straps are adapted to normally rest relatively flat against the surface of the tire and to be shifted to a substantially perpendicular position when the tire skids with respective road surface to increase the frictional and mechanical engagement with the road surface and to return to the normal flat configuration against the tire surface after leaving engagement with the road surface. The anchoring structure includes braided cables which are parted to accept fasteners connecting the straps to the cable. Studs can be provided on the transverse members. A quick acting latch structure is provided to hook and unhook the braided cables.

Abstract: An anti-skid device for a vehicle tire includes a plurality of individual anti-skid units mounted on the outer surface of each tire. Each of the anti-skid units includes a resilient member having an anti-skid surface mounted in a recessed portion of the tire. Each anti-skid unit further includes an adjusting mechanism mounted in the tire and coupled to the resilient member for adjusting the position of the resilient member to vary the anti-skid surface from a retracted position within the recessed portion of the tire to an extended position with the anti-skid surface beyond the outer surface of the tire.

Abstract: A pneumatic spacer and cushioning tire assembly is provided with a carcass component and a tread section component. A plurality of anchor plates are molded into the tire carcass in the crown section thereof. The anchor plates are further retained in position on the tire carcass by an elastomer insulated inextensible filament reinforced ply composed of a plurality of inextensible filaments which comprise a portion of the tread section component.The anchor plates are equipped with fastener receiving means which are provided to allow the fastening of traction plates to the anchor plates. Traction plates, once attached firmly to the anchor plates, protect the tire from damage as well as providing increased traction.The complete tire assembly provides an armored resilient ground engaging unit for use on construction equipment.

Abstract: A pneumatic spacer and cushioning tire assembly is provided with a carcass component and a tread section component. A plurality of anchor plates are molded into the tire carcass in the crown section thereof. The anchor plates are further retained in position on the tire carcass by an elastomer insulated inextensible filament reinforced ply composed of a plurality of inextensible filaments which comprise a portion of the tread section component.The anchor plates are equipped with fastener receiving means which are provided to allow the fastening of traction plates to the anchor plates. Traction plates, once attached firmly to the anchor plates, protect the tire from damage as well as providing increased traction.The complete tire assembly provides an armored resilient ground engaging unit for use on construction equipment.