Abstract: The pneumatic tire includes a tread portion having lug grooves, and side portions which are contiguously formed with the tread portion. Projections which differ in at least one of a shape and a size are arranged on a side portion in a plurality of rows in a tire radial direction. Opening positions of small lug grooves on both sides of the tread portion are made to agree with a straight line which passes the projection and extends in the tire radial direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a side collision with a vehicle body connects between a side carriage for testing a side collision and a side structure which includes a roof rail part configured to be connected to an upper portion of the side carriage, a side sill part configured to be connected to a side lower part of the side carriage, and a pillar part configured to connect between the roof rail part and the side sill part and be connected to a pillar of the side carriage. The side carriage is connected to the side structure while forming a space between the side carriage and the side structure.

Abstract: Highly interactive configurations, methods of supply, and techniques of installation on the vehicle, to enable mounting of tire chains in one stop of the vehicle, and improve operating performance of the chains.

Abstract: In an anti-skid chain with a continuous chain mesh with track crosses and a side cable fitted on a tire side when mounted, e.g. an outer side cable fitted on the outer side of the tire, as well as a tension cable fitted on the other tire side, e.g. an inner cable lying on the inner side of the tire, there are connecting elements on the tension cable, into each of which either a hook connecting the tension cable with at least one track cross or chain parts of the continuous chain mesh are directly hooked, and which are clamped on a sheathing of the tension cable secured against slippage. At least one protrusion for fixing or clamping a sheathing of the tension cable can additionally by provided on an inner surface of the connecting elements facing towards the tension cable.

Abstract: In an anti-skid chain with a continuous chain mesh with track crosses and a side cable fitting on an (outer) tire side when mounted, the track crosses are connected to the side cable by hooks which are hooked into at least one chain link of the side cable, wherein each hook is provided with a rim protection covering surrounding the hook and the at least one chain ink. The rim protection coverings surround the respective chain links of the side cable, while a part of the hook that provides a connection with the track crosses is protruding from the rim protection covering.

Abstract: An anti-skid device (1) with mounting from the outside is described, comprising: a central hub (2) designed to be disposed to coincide with the wheel hub (101), a plurality of arms (20) protruding radially from the hub (2) and ending in terminal elements (21) designed to be disposed on the tyre tread, portions of chain (3) connected to the terminal elements (21) so as to form a ring on the tyre tread, an adapter device (5) adapted to be fixed to a wheel-fixing bolt (102) and carrying a tensioning strap (7) which passes through the hub (2) of the anti-skid device (1) to be tensioned by the user so as to move the hub (2) of the anti-skid device (1) towards the hub (101) of the wheel, a tensioning device (8) connected to the hub (2) of the anti-skid device (1), adapted to be operated by the user, to tension and to lock the tensioning strap (7).

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 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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for attaching a tire chain to a vehicle tire without necessarily crawling under the vehicle. Two members are connected to a tire chain. The members are then drawn together using a tensioning device, which allows connection of the tire chain.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nonskid device for the wheels of vehicles, comprising a holding element (1) situated in the region of the wheel axis and used with elastic holding arms (2) holding a chain mesh (4). According to the invention, a tension cable (7) is used to introduce tension forces into the holding arms (2). In order to introduce a defined tensile stress into the tension cable (7), said tension cable is connected to a pivotable tension lever (12).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The vehicle tire chain structure is disclosed, which includes a plurality of cross chains which are arcuately spaced about the tire tread, and held in place by rope connectors, each of which are connected to the successive inboard and outboard ends of the cross chains. The assembly is held in place by an additional spreader rope, and its associated connecting elements, to facilitate the tightening of the assembly, and maintaining same in a taut condition during prolonged periods of use. The tire chain structure is assembled on the vehicle tire without jacking up or movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: A tire chain assembly including two stays hinged at one end on a housing and supporting wall chains which hold tread chains in place on the tread of the tire when they are pulled tight as the stays are drawn together by a resilient linkage. Arms or resilient linkages control displacement and vibration of the stays when the wheel is moving. The device enables gripping equipment to be fitted quickly and easily and is suitable for use on snow-covered, muddy, sandy, or vegetation-covered terrain.

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 tire traction apparatus for use on wheels having a rim and a tire where the rim has first and second upstanding, spaced apart side portions on opposite sides thereof, and outer facing braking surfaces thereon and the tire has first and second bead portions which cooperate with the first and second side portions to secure the tire to the rim. The apparatus includes a transversely extending member operable to extend transversely across the tire and includes first and second connecting devices cooperating with the tire for connecting the transversely extending member to opposite sides of the tire without interfering with the outer braking surfaces.

Abstract: 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.

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

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

Abstract: A new and improved apparatus for tightening a chain installed on a tire that is mounted on a wheel of a motor vehicle includes a hub assembly and a plurality of tension assemblies. Each tension assembly includes a first end for connecting to the hub assembly, a tensioning element connected to the first end, and a second end connected to the tensioning element. The second end is connected to a portion of the chain, such that the hub assembly and the tension assemblies exert tension on the chain in a radial direction toward the hub assembly. More specifically, the tension assemblies are attached to the hub assembly and the chain in pairs, and the tension assemblies of each pair are arranged in opposed relation. That is, the first ends of each pair are in opposed relation with respect to the hub assembly, and the second ends of each pair are in opposed relation with respect to the chain. At least one of the tension assemblies further includes a threaded shaft movable within a sleeve.

Abstract: A device is disclosed herein for releasably retaining a length of chain on a vehicle tire which includes at least one substantially U-shaped strap in end view having an inwardly projecting adjustable extension terminating in an open socket adapted to insertably receive a lug nut carried on the wheel stud of the vehicle. The strap has holes for detachably receiving the opposite ends of the chain so that the length of chain is extended about the periphery of the vehicle tire. Multiple straps may be employed with a flexible retaining band to bias the straps together to hold the chain taut.

Abstract: A tire chain comprises an elongated inner side member adapted to form a circle of predetermined circumference about a rim of a vehicle wheel at the inner side thereof, the inner side member having co-operable fastener elements at opposite ends thereof which are joined to complete the circle. Cross members form a zig-zag pattern with opposite ends of the pattern adjacent to the fastener elements, respectively. The pattern includes a plurality of spaced inner vertices adjacent to the inner side member and a plurality of spaced outer vertices remote from the inner side member and adapted to be positioned adjacent to the rim at the outer side thereof, with the cross members extending back and forth across the tread of a tire mounted on the rim. The inner vertices are attached to the inner side member at predetermined positions by connectors intermediate the vertices and the inner side member.

Abstract: 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.

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: A tire chain comprises an elongated inner side member adapted to form a circle of predetermined circumference about a rim of a vehicle wheel at the inner side thereof, the inner side member having co-operable fastener elements at opposite ends thereof which are joined to complete the circle. Cross members form a zig-zag pattern with opposite ends of the pattern adjacent to the fastener elements, respectively. The pattern includes a plurality of spaced inner vertices adjacent to the inner side member and a plurality of spaced outer vertices remote from the inner side member and adapted to be positioned adjacent to the rim at the outer side thereof, with the cross members extending back and forth across the tread of a tire mounted on the rim. The inner vertices are attached to the inner side member at predetermined positions by connectors intermediate the vertices and the inner side member.

Abstract: In the several embodiments, the 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: An anti-skid device for a vehicle is automatically positioned by securing members 50 which cause the device to pass from an installation position to the operating position in which an anti-skid assembly 70, such as a snow chain arrangement, is arranged on the peripheral surface of the tire 10. The anti-skid device comprises a principal annular section 30 fixed to the anti-skid assembly 70 by arms 40 and arranged in a manner such that the securing member 50 can be fixed to this annular section 30 and can move freely over the circumference thereof.

Abstract: A tire traction device for vehicle tires includes a pair of rope-like side cord members for circumferential placement on the sidewalls of a tire, and a series of wire rope cross cords which interconnect the side cords and extend across the tire tread. The cross cords are connected to the side cords at knotted connections, and a ferrule is attached to the ends of each cross cord outside of each knotted connection to prevent the cross cords from disconnecting from the side cords. Coil spring rollers are supported on the cross cords to provide additional traction. Each cross cord also supports a pair of tubular spacers located inside and adjacent the knotted connections to maintain the rollers in the center of the cross cord. One end of each side cord is knotted into a series of male connector knots while the opposite end of each side cord is knotted into a female loop knot for selective interengagement with one of the male connector knots to join the opposite ends together about a tire.

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: A tire chain having a tread portion that connects an inner portion with an outer portion. The inner portion is provided with a closure, one closure member of which, from a starting position, can be connectable and releasable from the other closure member via a twisting movement. In the twisted position, a return force is operative that acts in the direction toward the starting position. The torsional movement of this one closure member can be easily undertaken. The return force that is operative in the twisted position automatically returns the closure member, after its release, into its starting position, whereupon the closure is properly closed.

Abstract: An anti-skid device for preventing slippage of a wheel is disclosed. The anti-skid device comprises a cylindrical expandable member disposed on a tread portion of a tire, and compressed fluid supplying means. The expandable member has anti-skid members implanted at a radially outer portion of the expandable member, and the expandable member is formed with a hole at a radially inner portion thereof. The compressed fluid supply means is connectable to the hole of the expandable member. The expandable member is expanded upon supply of compressed fluid into the hole, and is shrunk upon discharge of the compressed fluid therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a snow chain for vehicle wheels, whereby the snow chain comprises two chain members adapted to extend along the peripheral tread surface of the vehicle wheel when the snow chain is mounted on said wheel. The snow chain comprises tie bars connecting the chain members to each other and adapted to extend transversely to the tread surface when the snow chain is mounted on the vehicle wheel. The snow chain preferably is mounted on arms which are foldable relative to each other and retractable to a position adjacent an end side of the vehicle wheel by means of a retraction device.

Abstract: A traction enhancing device for use with a tire on a vehicle to increase traction of the tire during inclement weather is provided. A first traction enhancing member has a predetermined length for mounting around a tire of a vehicle in a position offset from a central axis of the tire. A second traction enhancing member has a predetermined length for mounting around a tire of a vehicle in a position offset from a central axis of the tire and being spaced apart and substantially parallel to the first traction enhancing member. A first connecting member has a first end affixed to said first traction enhancing member and a second end affixed to said second traction enhancing member for securing said first and second traction enhancing members together. The first connecting member is substantially orthogonally positioned relative to the first and second traction enhancing members and is disposed on a first side of the tire.

Abstract: A fastening member provided at the end of a spring-elastic mounting strap of a tire chain. The fastening member has an introduction passage and an attachment passage for a cooperating fastening member that is secured to the other end of the mounting strap. A guide passage interconnects the introduction passage and the attachment passage. This guide passage, at the level of a hook arm portion that partially separates the introduction passage from the attachment passage, extends at an angle of greater than 90.degree. relative to the longitudinal axis of the attachment passage. In this way, the cooperating fastening member can be easily hooked in the fastening member. The inclined course of the guide passage relative to the longitudinal axis of the attachment passage assures a high degree of protection against accidental unhooking.

Abstract: A tire chain device of the type which has a rigid structure positioned on the inner side of the wheel upon which it is installed, said rigid structure being comprised of an adjustable length horizontal strap and two rigid depending straps pivoted from either end thereof in a manner that restricts pivoting more than 90.degree., the two ends of the horizontal strap of said inner structure being connected by two short cross links to an adjustable length outer strap, and the lower end of each depending strap being removably connected by two long cross links to a plurality of posts having expanded ends spaced along the exposed side of the outer strap. In another mode of the invention the inner structure is comprised of five rigid straps including four of equal length and shape pivotally depending from one horizontal strap such that they form five sides of an octagon when pivoted to their maximum outward extent.

Abstract: A chain link, comprising a rod of substantially circular cross-section formed into a generally Omega shape. The link includes a transverse bight portion, a pair of side portions offset below the bight portion, a pair of curved leg portions, and a pair of foot portions splaying transversely outward from the ends of the leg portions.

Abstract: A tire chain device of the type which has a rigid structure positioned on the inner side of the wheel upon which it is installed, said rigid structure being comprised of an adjustable length horizontal strap and two rigid depending straps pivoted from either end thereof in a manner that restricts pivoting more than 90.degree., the two ends of the horizontal strap of said inner structure being connected by two short cross links to an adjustable length outer strap, and the lower end of each depending strap being removably connected by two long cross links to a plurality of posts having expanded ends spaced along the exposed side of the outer strap. The outer strap is slotted near one end for vertical support of the inner structure in the formation of a warning triangle.

Abstract: In tire chains, closures are required to lock tension-chain lines (10) in the tensioned position. A proposed closure is provided with a pull-through orifice (2) for the tension-chain line (10) and with a locking slot (3) adjacent to the pull-through orifice (2). To prevent the particular chain link (9) suspended in the locking slot (3) from working loose, the pull-through orifice (2) is equipped with an elastic insert (11) which forms at least one engagement cam projecting into the locking slot (3).

Abstract: A lightweight device for obtaining improved traction efficiency of rubber tired vehicles without adding ballast weight. The device has resilient traction intensifying means secured to a driving tire, including auxiliary means for utilizing stronger sub-surface soil, providing higher drawbar pull at a higher rate of travel speed; and means for convenient attachment and removal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a skid protections device (3) for wheels preferably snow chains for vehicle wheels. In order to permit quick and simple assembly of snow chains on vehicle wheels the device according to the invention comprises a power aggregate attached to a wheel, coupled to a bracket thereon. The bracket with skid protection means may be mounted at the wheel with the skid protection means extending in working position around the wheel except a part thereof which is prevented from attaching a working position by the wheel engaging a ground. The power aggregate, in coupled condition, moves the blocked part of the skid protection means to the working position when it is released by rotation of the wheel, the skid protection means in working position is movable in peripheral direction relative to the wheel during rotation.

Abstract: A motor vehicle tire chain system including a plate positioned between a tire rim and a wheel hub, extending outwardly past the tire rim and having a plurality of spaced-apart holes around an external circumference for attaching chain sections. A plurality of individual chain sections, each having a pair of ends adapted to hook in the holes in the plate, position the chain section across the tire tread, traverse the outside of the tire, recross the tire tread and are hooked in the holes on the inside of the tire at a position on the plate opposite the first attaching position. Each chain section is provided with a tensioning device which both tightens the chain and allows it to be easily installed and removed. The chain sections, after mounting on the wheel, are fastened together at their point of common intersection to hold the sections in their positions about the tire tread.

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

Abstract: A novel tire chain tightener for interconnecting opposed end links of a perimeter chain of a tire chain mounted on a tire includes an arcuate handle member including a free end and a lug end, the lug end being pivotally connected to an end link of the perimeter chain with the free end being insertable into an opposite end link of the perimeter chain and movable therethrough to draw up the perimeter chain into a locked position. The handle member is dimensioned for gripping by all of the fingers of an individual's hand and a catch is disposed adjacent the lug end for receiving and holding the opposite end link in a locked position. Additionally, the lug end is provided with an eyelet for pivotally receiving the end link with the catch including a notch having a circular portion configured for nesting the opposite end link in the locked position.

Abstract: A snow chain for the automobile tires employing a single or a plurality of traction cords disposed circumferentially over the tread surface of the tire in a zig-zag pattern or diamond pattern, which traction cords are held in position by a pair of star-shaped tie cord assembly respectively disposed on each side of the tire, is disclosed. The outer points of each of said star-shaped tie cord assembly are connected to said traction cord in such a way that the tension on tie cords stretches the traction cord into a zig-zag or diamond pattern as said traction cord is being tightened over the tire tread surface. The inner points of each of said star-shaped tie cord assembly are slidably engaged by a retaining cord, which sliding relationship enables the retaining cord loop to expand and be slipped over the circumference of the tire, which arrangement ensures the easy installation and take off of said snow-chain.

Abstract: In a tire chain comprising a running network (3) with steel links between chain strand portions of the running network and the tread of the tire supporting members (4) provided with guide hollows (5) are disposed. By varying the state of at least one lateral retaining strand (1 or 2) of the running network (3) it is possible for the purpose of varying the operating behavior of the tire chain to vary the position of the supported chain strands transversely to the guide hollows (5) in a way that enables the chain strands to project more or less over the outer surfaces of the supporting members (4).

Abstract: A tire chain assembly is provided with a quick connecting male and female fastener for easily securing together the inner circumferential chain on the inner side of the tire without the need for elevating the tire. The outer circumferential chain on the outer side of the tire is provided with a toggle type fastener for securing together the ends of the outer circumferential chain and tightening the outer circumferential chain abut the tire.

Abstract: A device for securing the ends of a snow chain together which includes a plate with an aperture near one end thereof for engagement by a hook on one end of the chain, and a threaded hole near the other end thereof into which is threaded a bolt with a manipulating head and a shoulder to engage a link at the other end of the snow chain.

Abstract: A traction enhancing apparatus for attachment to vehicular tires having both circumferential and cross chain members engaging the tread of the tire and further including one or two semi-rigid "U-shaped" bridle members for gripping the tire sidewalls during installation while rotating away from the gripping position so as to be a part of the closure structure after installation of the apparatus on the tire.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a snow chain for the automobile tires employing a traction cord disposed around the tread surface of the tire in a zig-zag pattern, which traction cord is retained in the position by a pair of star-shaped tie cords respectively disposed on each side of the tire and held in position by a pair of retaining cords, respectively. Said snow chain is constructed of one or more pieces of the continuous cords eliminating the need of the splicing of the traction cord.

Abstract: A tightener for securing tire chains about industrial tires. The tightener includes a pair of block members that are threadably engaged by a draw bolt. The draw bolt includes a tool engaging surface that facilitates attachment of a tool to turn the draw bolt about its central axis and correspondingly move the block members axially toward or away from one another. A pair of non-extensible lengths of chain are connected to each block and extend outwardly to free ends that are adapted for connection to the side rail chain of an industrial tire chain. Therefore, the tightener may be mounted with the length of chain connected to the side rail chain and the blocks and draw bolt substantially centered on the tire axis. The draw bolt may then be rotated to bring the block members axially together, pulling inwardly on the side rail chains to tighten the tire chain about the tire periphery.