Apparatus and method for increasing the traction of vehicle wheels
OwnerMichael D. Curryinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A traction device for a vehicle wheel can include a first locking segment and a second locking segment adapted to receive the first locking segment in a first direction. The second locking segment can be adapted to stop movement of the first locking segment through the second locking segment in a second direction opposite to the first direction. At least one traction element can be located between the first locking segment and the second locking segment. A method of attaching a traction device to a vehicle wheel including a rim and a tire is also described.
Claims8
A traction device for a vehicle wheel, comprising:
- a first locking segment;
- a second locking segment adapted to receive the first locking segment in a first direction, wherein the second locking segment is adapted to stop movement of the first locking segment through the second locking segment in a second direction opposite to the first direction;
- at least one traction element located between the first locking segment and the second locking segment;
- and
- an elongated band extending between the first locking segment and the second locking segment, the elongated band defining an upper surface and a lower surface;
- wherein the traction element comprises:
- a base formed integrally with the elongated band, the base protruding above the upper surface of the elongated band and defining a plateau, the base having sidewalls angled inwardly from the elongated band toward the plateau;
- and
- a spike formed integrally with the base, the spike protruding upwardly from the plateau;
- wherein the plateau defines a first width, and the spike defines a second width along the plateau that is smaller than the first width.
A method of attaching a traction device to a vehicle wheel including a rim and a tire, the method comprising:
- inserting a first end of the traction device through an opening in the rim;
- wrapping the traction device around the rim and tire in a poloidal direction;
- locking the first end of the traction device to a second end of the traction device to form a closed loop around the rim and tire in the poloidal direction;
- and
- aligning a traction element of the traction device with a tread portion of the tire while the traction device is wrapped around the rim and tire;
- wherein the traction element comprises:
- a base formed integrally with an elongated band, the base protruding above an upper surface of the elongated band and defining a plateau, the base having sidewalls angled inwardly from the elongated band toward the plateau;
- and
- a spike formed integrally with the base, the spike protruding upwardly from the plateau;
- wherein the plateau defines a first width, and the spike defines a second width along the plateau that is smaller than the first width.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.