Tire chain

A strap chain adapted to be fastened through the rim and around the tire of a vehicle to improve the traction thereof, comprising at least one length of chain, opposed retainer plates attached to each end of said length of chain, a length of flexible metallic cable of round cross-section having one end attached to one of said plates and of sufficient length to enable the other free end thereof to pass through the slot in the rim of a vehicle wheel and be engaged by cable-engaging means present on the other of said plates, said cable-engaging means comprising at least one cam element which is pivotally-attached to said other plate and is biased for movement against another element in the direction of withdrawal of said cable to provide a pressure nip into which said cable can be easily inserted and tightened because of reverse rotation of said cam element but from which said cable cannot be withdrawn because of the confinement of said cable in the nip between said cam element and said other element, said cam element having a toothed surface which is adapted to engage and lock said cable in said nip, and being manually reverse-rotatable to unlock said cable from said nip, and retainer means adapted to overlie and hold said cable, adjacent its said other end, down against said other plate within said nip to prevent movement of said cable away from said plate and dislodgement from said nip as a result of vibration during use.