US 6,026,876 A · Tire traction enhancement system

Abstract

A tire traction enhancement system 10 is provided comprising tire chains 2 which include an outboard circumferential elongate element 4 and an inboard circumferential elongate element 6 between which are attached a plurality of transverse traction members 8. Ends 5, 7 of the elements 4, 6 are releasably attached via an outboard connection subsystem 29 and an inboard connection subsystem 20, respectively. The outboard connection subsystem 29 includes a first cable guide 30 attached to a first end 5 of the outboard element 4 and second cable guide 80 attached to a second end 5 of the outboard element 4. A cable 50 extends from the first end 5, around the second cable guide 80 and then around the first cable guide 30 before the cable 50 extends to attach to a mid-portion of the outboard element 4. The cable 50 routing configuration amplifies closure force A which draws the ends 5 of the outboard circumferential element 4 together. A tensioner 60 including an elastic cord 66 is interposed on the cable 50 to provide continual tension on the system 10 to keep the transverse traction members 8 drawn tightly against the tire tread I.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A tire traction enhancement system, comprising in combination:

at least two elongate flexible circumferential elements including an outboard circumferential element and an inboard circumferential element, each elongate circumferential element having two ends, said elongate circumferential elements oriented substantially parallel to each other;
a plurality of elongate traction members, each traction member extending between and attached to both said outboard circumferential element and said inboard circumferential element;
means to attach said ends of said inboard circumferential element together;
and
means to secure said ends of said outboard circumferential element together including:
a first cable guide attached to a first one of said ends of said outboard circumferential element;
a second cable guide attached to a second one of said ends of said outboard circumferential element;
each said cable guide including a bearing surface;
a flexible cable connected at a first end to said end of said outboard circumferential element which is attached to said first cable guide;
said cable routed over said bearing surface of said first cable guide and over said bearing surface of said second cable guide;
and
said cable having a means to releasably attach to said outboard elongate circumferential element between said ends of said outboard circumferential element.

9 more elements

A method for attaching a tire traction enhancement device such as tire chains, tire cables and the like in a position overlying a tire of a wheel, the tire traction enhancement device having an inboard elongate circumferential element with two ends, an outboard elongate circumferential element with two ends and a plurality of transverse members extending between the inboard circumferential element and the outboard circumferential element, the method including the steps of:

providing an inboard circumferential element connection means;
providing an outboard circumferential element connection system including a cable attached at an attachment end to a first one of the ends of the outboard circumferential element, a first cable guide attached to the first end of the outboard circumferential element, and a second cable guide attached to a second one of said ends of the outboard circumferential element, the second end opposite the first end;
draping the tire traction enhancement device over the tire with the inboard circumferential element on an inboard side of the wheel and the outboard circumferential element on an outboard side of the wheel;
connecting the ends of the inboard circumferential element together with the inboard circumferential element connection means;
routing the cable from the attached end, about the second cable guide and then about the first cable guide;
and
securing a portion of the cable extending beyond the first cable guide to a mid-portion of the outboard circumferential element between the first end of the outboard circumferential element and the second end of the outboard circumferential element.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Tire traction enhancement system

Life of this patent

Tire traction enhancement system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20