Abstract: A wire retaining tool includes a C-clamp adapted to be secured to a terminal structure and a wire clamp pivotally connected to the C-clamp such that when the C-clamp is secured to a terminal structure the wire clamp can be adjusted to a desired orientation to hold a wire in a convenient position to be worked on.

Abstract: A V-shaped bionic wrench which a handle, a fixed jaw, a movable jaw, a worm and a rack. The movable jaw is disposed on the rack. The worm is engaged with the rack and disposed on the handle. The gripping faces of the movable jaw and the fixed jaw form a V-shaped opening. In use, the gripping faces of the movable jaw and the fixed jaw of the wrench form a V-shaped opening, avoiding the trouble, when screwing an object with a conventional adjustable wrench, of repeatedly adjusting the worm to find the distance at which the wrench is to be opened, and achieving the precise gripping in one step upon insertion into the V-shaped opening, thereby allowing quick and convenient use. In addition, screwing can also be implemented when an object is held at the top of the V-shaped opening, thus saving operating space compared with a conventional wrench.

Abstract: An adjustable open ended wrench having adjustable gripping jaws that grip inch or metric sized nuts or bolts and provides bidirectional release action of the gripping jaws that allows the user to loosen or tighten the nut or bolt without having to remove the wrench. The wrench is particularly suited for accessing nuts or bolts or nuts that are located in areas where rotational action is very restricted and may be provided with an adjustable torque release spring biased ball detent mechanism that can be set to release the grip of the gripping jaws if the gripping force exceeds a predetermined amount to prevent damage to the nut or bolt due to over tightening.

Abstract: An adjustable wrench includes a frame and a movable jaw. The frame includes a handle, a fixed jaw, a guiding slot formed between the handle and the fixed jaw, a hole communicated with the guiding slot, and a holding portion. An adjusting screw is rotatably engaged in the hole. The movable jaw includes a guiding portion slidably engaged in the guiding slot, a supporting portion formed at a bottom side of the guiding portion, and an adjusting portion formed at a top side of the guiding portion. The supporting portion is abutted against the holding portion. The adjusting portion is engaged with the adjusting screw.

Abstract: The invention is an adjustable wrench comprising a handle with a terminal end and grip end, the terminal end defining a lower bolt claw. A jackscrew is slidably coupled to the handle, the jackscrew being movable to control the movement of the upper and central bolt claws. The upper, central, and lower bolt claws are fitted to the shape of a standard hexagonal bolt head, being adjustable to different sized bolts upon terminal or distal movement of the jackscrew relative to the handle. The central bolt claw is fitted through a slot in the upper bolt claw which defines an inclined ramp surface such that movement of one claw is coupled to movement of the other claw. The claws move cooperatively in reaction to the stationary, lower bolt claw to form a tightly fitted surface for a bolt head.

Abstract: The automatically adjusting gripping device grips a workpiece ever more tightly as greater torque is applied thereto. The device has a base plate having a linear guide slot or series of radial guide slots, with a pair of jaws residing in each slot. A torque application component rotates relative to the base plate, and has a cam track of varying diameter in which the heads of the jaws ride. Rotation of the torque application component and cam track relative to the base plate causes the jaw heads to slide along the track due to the jaws being captured within the base plate slot, thereby changing the span between jaws as the cam track diameter varies at the jaw head locations. The gripping device is useful as an adjustable wrench but may be applied to other environments as well, e.g., as an automatic gripping and releasing device in conveyor systems, etc.

Abstract: An adjustable wrench comprises a handle and a head extending from the handle. A jaw is mounted in a clamping space of the head and movable relative to an end of the clamping space upon operation of a knob. A clamping member is mounted to an end of the jaw. An elastic element is provided for biasing an end of the clamping member into the clamping space so as to press against a fastener in the clamping space. The adjustable wrench drives the fastener when the adjustable wrench is turned in a first direction. The adjustable wrench is turned freely without driving the fastener when the adjustable wrench is turned in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A device for mounting snow chains on a vehicle tire has a base adapted to be placed on the ground, downwardly and outwardly inclined terminal portions providing runways for a vehicle wheel and a transversely concave intermediate mounting surface for supporting the vehicle tire. The top of the device has laterally-extending grooves allowing each chain cross-over to rest freely therein with ample room to properly fit the chain. A lobe is located in the center for the vehicle tire to rest upon. The outer edges of the device extend upwardly to center the vehicle tire and prevent it from slipping off the sides of the device. The bottom has saw-toothed lateral members to hold the device from slipping on the road surface and to distribute the weight of the vehicle evenly upon the road surface.

Abstract: A ratcheting adjustable wrench that provides continuous clamping on a nut when rotated in a clockwise direction, while providing ratcheting when rotated in an opposite counterclockwise without having to repeatedly remove it from the nut. The wrench includes a head with a fixed jaw, a movable jaw slidably mounted in the head, a handle pivotally mounted to the head, and a cam component pivotally mounted to the head and operatively connected to the movable jaw and the handle.

Abstract: A tire chain ramp member in cooperation with a tire chain assembly is arranged to receive the cross link portion of the tire chain within a groove directed into the top wall of the ramp structure. The ramp top wall accommodates a tire member thereon to permit case of mounting of the tire chain assembly relative to the vehicle tire, wherein subsequently the vehicle is driven from the ramp.

Abstract: A wrench is provided which has a worm gear and mating rack adjustable jaw positioning mechanism for placing a pair of jaws which are adjustable with respect to each other so that they may firmly grip various size nuts, with a mechanism responsive to torque applied in a first direction which causes the jaws to tighten and apply torque to the nut and also responsive to torque applied in a second direction which allows the jaws to separate and ratchet to a new position.

Abstract: The invention is a sloped apparatus for holding auto tires for the placement of chains around the tires. The apparatus has a pair of sloped surfaces each of which has a notch running across its width. At the top of the apparatus is a cup shaped surface for holding the tire once the auto is driven onto the sloped surfaces. Guides in connection with the sloped surfaces on either side fold back onto the device when not in use and provide for folding up of the apparatus when not in use. The underside of the apparatus contains storage compartments for the tire chain when not in use.

Abstract: A stackable, non-skid snow chain ramp is disclosed for use in the installation of tire chains on both snowy and icy surfaces. The tire ramp is designed with a grooved top and bottom surface and is operated by laying a pair of the ramps in parallel, spaced the distance equal to the separation of the automobile wheels. Tire chains are then laid over the spaced ramps with the cross links of the chains inserted into spaced chain grooves. The tire is then driven up onto the ramp and brought to rest against a tire block and positioned within a wheel well constructed in the ramp. The chains are then wrapped around the tires and connected in a traditional manner. The bottom surface of the ramps contain a combination of grooves and replaceable spikes for use in both snow and icy surface conditions. The disclosed ramps are designed to permit symmetrical stacking for easy storage and conveyance.

Abstract: A device for installing tire chains consists of a container for storing the tire chains when not in use and a removable lid which serves as a closure for the container and as an aid for installation. The lid is adapted for supporting the wheel of the vehicle during the chain installation process. The device further includes latch means for removably securing the lid over the open top of the container for the storage of tire chainsOne surface of the lid is provided with a raised platform on which the vehicle wheel rests during the chain installation process. The raised platform extends longitudinally on the upper face of the lid and is provided with a pair of channels which are open at the top and at their ends and which extend normally to the longitudinal axis of the lid for receiving lateral members of the tire chain being installed.

Abstract: A tire chain tensioning device utilizing a first element which may be a hollow body. The first element engages a second element which is a hollow body having a chamber for accepting the first element. A spring is fixed to the first and second elements and lies within the first and the second elements while urging the first and second elements toward one another. A pair of catches connected to the first and second elements, respectively, are capable of engaging selective links of a tire chain loosely placed over a tire.

Abstract: A tire chain support includes a first top wall canted relative to a second top wall defining an obtuse angle therebetween, wherein the second top wall extends from a forward distal end of side walls of the support to define an upwardly extending ramp directed to the top wall. Spaced parallel ribs define spaced slots therebetween to receive the tire chain mesh in an array aligning the array relative to the tire permitting proper alignment and positioning of the tire chain for securement relative to the tire. A modification of the invention includes an audible alarm arranged for actuation upon proper orientation of the tire relative to the support and to further include an alignment telescoping leg structure for properly orientating the vehicle relative to the support structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mounting apparatus for installing either a tire chain or a tire cable onto a tire of a vehicle. Included is a ramped platform having an angled incline with an upper surface transitioning into an elongated top surface. Associated with the top surface are supporting members serving the dual role of supporting the vehicle tire above the top surface and for aligning adjustably in receiving grooves, produced by the supporting members, either the tire chain or the tire cable beneath the supported vehicle tire to facilitate the installation process.

Abstract: A tool is provided for installation of tire chains on the dual drive wheel assemblies having wheels with openings therein. The tool comprises a central elongate projection having a tool restraint opening at its inner extremity which is adapted for registry with two of the wheel rim openings and receives an impement extended through the wheel rim openings for establishing an interlocked relation between the wheel rims and the tool. A pair of generally U-shaped side projections are formed integrally with the central projection and extend in diverging relation and in opposed aligned directions. Each of the side projections are provided with chain positioner elements adapted to extend radially inwardly along the side wall of the respective tire. The tool is provided with a central chain connector and said side chain connectors to which the central and side chain rails of the tire chain are attached respectively.

Abstract: Tool (20,40), a ring device (63,64) and a mounting means (8), the chain being adapted to mounting on vehicle wheel (1;11) having an elastic tire (3;13).The mounting means comprises portions (8) adapted to engagement with coacting mounting means (30) of the tool for attachment of attachment elements (5;15) of the chain on flange portions (7) of the rim (2;12) having a U-shaped cross section, or on ring devices (63,64) being connected with similar flange portions (17).The tool (20) is adapted to rest against a radially inwardly facing surface of the rim, to be connected to the chain and to be swung towards the axis of the wheel and about the place of rest for tensioning of the chain and attachment of the attachment elements.

Abstract: A device for installing tire chains having an elongate tube for insertion through wheel holes of trucks and buses, having a wire rope installed in the tube and formed to provide a loop at each end, and an additional loop at a central point extending out from the tube through a hole in its wall. Hooks are provided on each loop for attaching one end of the tire chain, so that the tire may then be rotated to wind the chain around it, after which the installation device is removed and the ends of the chains fastened together in the normal manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing in vivo torn cartilaginous or other bodily tissue, particularly torn meniscus tissue during arthroscopic surgery, employs a repair tack of biodegradable material chosen to have a degradation time in excess of the required healing time for the tissue. The repair tack has a shaft portion with a longitudinal bore and a grip portion adapted for releasable engagement by a hollow applicator. In one embodiment the grip portion of the tack is a cross bar, at the proximal end of the shaft, which fits into an open-sided slot at the forward end of the applicator. A needle passes through the hollow applicator and tack bore to project from the distal end of the tack shaft.

Abstract: An adjustable wrench comprising a handle, a stationary outer jaw member integrally formed with the handle and having at least one outer face and a support surface for a moveable jaw, and a moveable jaw member riding on the support surface and continuously supported thereby during its entire range of movement, the moveable jaw member having an inner face parallel to the stationary outer face whereby the turning of a nut placed between the stationary outer face and the moveable inner face creates a force a part of which is applied to the moveable jaw member in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the moveable jaw member thereby forcing the moveable jaw member against the support surface.

Abstract: An inventive tire chain mounting device includes a pair of spacedly opposite arms, each arm having a lug and a clamping surface, the lug capable of engaging a tire chain and the clamping surface being provided on one end of the arm and capable of being contact with a side of a tire; a plurality of resilient bars connecting the arms, the bars sliding along one another so as to adjust a spacing between the clamping surface and exerting a resilient force reducing the spacing; and a member preventing the bars from sliding along one another. A method for mounting the inventive tire chain mounting device onto a tire is disclosed. The tire chain mounting device can quickly mount tire chains onto an automotive tire.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tire chain device for automobiles travelling on snow-covered terrain and, in particular, to one having two steel hoops connected by a plurality short lengths of chains, a plurality of plastic tubes enclosing the steel hoops, two packings located between every two of the plastic tubes, a plurality of guide rings disposed between adjacent packings of one of the steel hoops, a ring member disposed at each end of the steel hoops and a binding chain connected to one ring member of one of the steel hoops. During use of the device the plurality of short lengths of chains are held tightly across the outside of the tire, disposed to be substantially parallel to the axis of tire rotation to enhance traction.

Abstract: An apparatus for aiding in the mounting of tire chains having a flat base and two upward projecting angle members positioned parallel is disclosed. The angle members have first and second apices respectively positioned relative to one another and the road surface such that an encroaching tire is first engaged across its width by a first apex. The tire is supported on both apices, sized and positioned such that a cross-link of a tire chain positioned therebeneath remains movable, so that a snug and uniform fit of a tire chain is achievable. The apparatus is also useful as a support base for a jack and as a wheel chock.

Abstract: There is provided a device which facilitates the laying of snow chains onto vehicle wheels. The device comprises two U-shaped members one leg of which is shorter than the other one. These U-shaped members are preferably of square cross section. The longer of the two legs of one of the U-shaped members has a hollow end into which the leg of the other member can enter telescopingly. The device further comprises two rectangular eyes which are linked, one each to the ends of the snow chain. One of the eyes has linked to it a hook which can be inserted in a crosswise extending slot in a leg of a U-shaped member.

Abstract: An adjustable U-shaped wire tire chain installer is disclosed comprising an adjustable width, locking base sections and cradles at the ends of the U-shaped legs which permit easy mounting and removal of tire chains, but prevent accidental removal during use. Alternatively adjustable height legs are incorporated.

Abstract: A vehicle tire chain has an openable and closable inner and outer support engaging, in a mounted state of the chain, respective inner and outer sides of a vehicle tire, a plurality of runner chains each secured to the inner and outer supports and straddling, in the mounted state of the chain, a running face of the tire. The outer support has a first part supporting the runner chains jointly with the inner support and a deflecting member secured to an end of the first part. The outer support further has a second part including a closing linkage for closing the first part under tension. The closing linkage has a first end secured to another end of the first part, a second end passed through the deflecting member and a hook secured to said second end of the closing linkage and releasably attached to the first part of the outer support in the mounted state of the chain. The closing linkage is deflected by more than 90.degree. by the deflecting member.

Abstract: A chain winch 10 having a sprocket wheel 14 of polygonal cross-section with flat faces 32 dimensioned in dependence on the dimensions of a link chain to be used therewith and having pin formations 36 for engaging between or in chain links. The winch includes a self latching pawl 48 engageable with the chain links and a braking mechanism 16 for controlled unwinding when required in use. The winch is simple and inexpensive and the sprocket tolerant of chain dimensions so that it can be used with uncalibrated chain. This winch, amongst other things, has application for permanent fitting to a tire chain for tensioning it on to a tire.

Abstract: A device for tightening chains, cables or ropes is disclosed. Previously, turnbuckles or load binders, the latter operating on the principle of the lever, have been used to tighten two ends of a chain or cable around an object, or the ends of two chains which have been secured at their other ends. Such devices are hand-operated and accordingly can only apply limited tension to the chain or cable. The present invention provides a device whereby an air-gun or pneumatic wrench or other power tool can be used to tighten the chain or cable to much greater tension. The device utilizes a threaded bolt which is secured to one end of the chain and which, by the rotation of a threaded socket, is drawn through a sleeve to which the other end of the chain is secured, thereby tightening the chain.

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

Abstract: A spacer, such as a block, upon which a tire is driven and positioned upon. Engaged with the spacer is a bracket means for temporary holding an open link. The tire chain is draped over the tire and the end links of the innerside segment of the tire chain are joined by slipping them into the gap of the open link which is held in place by the bracket and clip means. The outerside segment end links are joined and tightened conventionally. The invention is then disengaged from the open link and the tire is driven off the spacer means.

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

Abstract: A tire chain container apparatus which is comprised of a bottom casing or bottom having an internal storage area for receiving tire chains and which is designed so that it can stand in an upright position. A cover for the casing is formed substantially of a molded plastic material and is adapted to be used as a mounting member for installing a tire chain around a vehicle wheel tire. The container cover is provided with a pair of ramps leading to a somewhat dished or concave upward surface and is provided with a recess in the upper surface to receive a portion of the tire chain. The cover is formed so that it is not only light in weight, but includes internal ribs in order to reinforce the same and structurally accommodate the weight of the vehicle carried by that wheel and tire and supported by the cover. Carrying handles are mounted on the casing for carrying the apparatus and which handles are adapted to hold the cover in place and displaceable to permit removal of the cover.

Abstract: An antiskid device and its fittings for a tire including a side chain, a cross chain, a connector, an end link, a hook and a stopper. The side chain includes a side link formed as a two-piece link having two links, one a long link and the other a short link, which are integral with each other. The stopper is angled in transverse cross section and formed with a transverse web of a width large enough to contact a lower portion of the end link and a groove of a width large enough to receive the hook. The cross chain is formed as a cross link of bar material, and the connector is in the form of a link on either end and in the form of a rod in its intermediate portion so that the connector is connected at one end to the cross link and at the other end to the side link.

Abstract: A traction device comprises a traction means such as, for example, a chain mounted on a wheel tire, and a connecting means to connect both end portions of the chain when mounted on. Said connecting means comprises a long extension having a first hook portion at one end, and a short extension having a second hook portion at one end corresponding to said first hook portion, the extension being pivoted to said long extension. Said first and second hook portions are respectively hooked to the end portions of the chain, and by rotating said long extension in a predetermined direction, both end portions of the chain are pulled to approach together so as to perform the connection.

Abstract: An assembly for installing chains or the like on dual wheels having corresponding outer peripheral surfaces and facing sidewalls, the assembly having a plate dimensioned for engagement with the outer peripheral surfaces of the dual wheels; a capturing member having at least one dimension greater than the distance between the sidewalls; an arm interconnecting the plate and the capturing member to mount the assembly on the wheels for rotation therewith with the plate in engagement with the outer peripheral surfaces of the wheels and the capturing member captured between the sidewalls; and pins mounted on the plate for releasably supporting chains in depending relation aligned with the wheels for installation thereon by rotation of the wheels.

Abstract: An anti-skid tire chain is improved by having a resilient strap at one end, the strap being adapted to be secured on the inside wall of a mounted tire having its tread on a road surface. On both of the side wall links of the chain, there are plates having a plurality of sharply pointed hooks or barbs adapted to be pressed into the side walls of the tire when the chain is initially being secured to the tire. In order to have the barbs securely engage the tire so as to hold the chain thereon during the rotation of the wheel and tire, the resilient strap is extended transversely on the chain from adjacent one of the plates to the other and the plates are secured to the tire by pressing them against the side walls with the barbs extending toward the tire wall and toward the tread. At the same time the strap is stretched so that when it is released, the barbs will be additionally pulled into the tire by the resilient retraction of the strap.

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: An improved tire chain in which the chain length on the inner side of a tire may be remotely connected by means of a releasable connecting means. The releasable connecting means is initially engaged with a hook and a connecting link on the inner side chain, and a pull on its handle causes the hook to engage with the connecting link. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting means automatically disengages from the chain.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tire-chain handling tool which permits an individual to readily secure or detach a tire chain to a tire. The handling tool includes an elongated rod, a handle positioned on one end thereof and a hook including a pushing and pulling portion positioned at the other end thereof. The rod is bent to facilitate the securement and removal of the tire chain from the tire. In a second embodiment of the present invention, the elongated rod may be constructed in two portions which are hinged together. The hinging of the two portions together permits the rod to be readily folded for storing or carrying.

Abstract: An apparatus for setting a non-skid chain on a car tire comprises a bed adapted to be placed on the ground and having a mounting surface for placing the car tire thereon, the mounting surface having a plurality of grooves for putting the chain therein. The bed consists of first and second bed sections, the first and second bed sections respectively having a substantially flat and inclined surfaces for cooperating to form the mounting surface of the bed, the first and second bed sections having adjacent lower edges. A hinge is disposed between the adjacent lower edges of the two bed sections connecting the two bed sections for allowing the bed to be folded. Preferably, the two bed sections have lower surfaces respectively having recesses therein for cooperating to form an internal space which can accommodate car tools, such as the chain when the bed is folded.