Straight link studded tire chain
OwnerRoger L. Gowerinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An improved tire protection chain (14) is disclosed which comprises a plurality of flat metal rings (16) disposed in a staggered pattern over the tread surface of the tire. Means (18) are provided for joining the rings into a flexible mesh, this means comprising at least one flat, oblong chain link (20, 22) oriented so that one of its long sides (30) faces toward the tire surface and the other of its long sides (28) faces away from the tire surface. Attached to the side of the chain link which faces away from the tire surface is at least one traction stud (36, 38, 40). The central opening of the oblong chain link is configured so that rotation of the oblong chain link is limited relative to adjacent links or rings.
Claims8
An assembly of link elements adapted for mounting on a tire of a vehicle, said assembly comprising:
- a succession of rings spaced at intervals over the tread surface of the tire;
- a plurality of means comprising at least one chain link, at least two of said means being connected to each ring, at least some of said means interconnecting a pair of said rings;
- said at least one chain link having a rigid, essentially flat annular body with a pair of side elements joined at opposite ends by a pair of end elements to define an oblong central opening, said central opening and said annular body being proportioned to prevent greater than 15.degree. rotation of said at least one chain link relative to an adjacent link or ring, said at least one link being oriented, when the assembly is mounted on a tire, such that one of said side elements faces from said opening toward the tread surface of the tire and the other of said side elements faces from said opening away from the tread surface of the tire;
- and
- at least one stud affixed to the other of said side elements such that said stud faces away from the tread surface of the tire.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.