Sliding tire-chain hanger system and method

A tire-chain hanger system for installation on a vehicle, the vehicle including a vehicle-frame, the tire-chain hanger system comprising:

• a bracket, the bracket being configured for installation on the vehicle-frame;
• at least one track-support member, the at least one track-support member including a first horizontal-axis, a top-surface, a bottom-surface, a first distal-end and a first proximal-end relative the vehicle-frame, the first proximal-end being fixedly attached to the bracket, the first distal-end including a movement-stopper;
• at least one chain-support member, the at least one chain-support member including a second horizontal-axis, a second distal-end and a second proximal-end relative the vehicle-frame, the second proximal-end including a chain-securement means, the at least one chain-support member being configured to support the tire-chain thereon;
• and
• a roller assembly including:
• at least two support-brackets located opposite each other, the at least two support-brackets fixedly attached to the second distal-end of the at least one chain-support member and functioning to attach the at least one chain-support member to the at least one track-support member;
• and
• at least one bearing, the at least one bearing fixedly-attached between the at least two support-brackets and contacting the top-surface of the at least one track-support member, the at least one bearing being configured to roll the chain-support member along the first horizontal-axis between a closed-position and an open-position;
• and
• wherein the open-position of the tire-chain hanger system permits ready access to the tire-chain supported on the chain-support member;
• and
• wherein the closed-position includes the at least one-track support member and the at least one chain-support member being vertically aligned;
• wherein the closed-position includes the first horizontal-axis and the second horizontal-axis being relatively parallel;
• wherein the at least one-track support member and the at least one-chain support member include a gap therebetween;
• wherein the gap is occupied by the tire-chain when the tire-chain hanger system is in the closed-position;
• wherein the movement-stopper is a raised-lip configured to inhibit movement of the at least one bearing when the tire-chain hanger system is in the open-position;
• wherein the second-proximal end includes a vertical-support configured to contact the bottom-side of the track-support member;
• wherein the vertical-support is further configured to aid in rolling the chain-support member along the first-horizontal axis of the track-support member,
• wherein the vertical-support is further configured to aid in inhibiting movement of the at least one bearing when the tire-chain hanger system is in the open-position;
• wherein the chain-securement means is a substantially rectangular-shaped member including an aperture;
• wherein the aperture is sized to receive the at least one track-support member,
• wherein the chain-securement means is configured to attach to the at least one-track support member via the aperture in the closed-position;
• wherein the movement-stopper is further configured to inhibit movement of the chain-securement means from the at least one-track support member when the chain-securement means is attached via the aperture, and the tire-chain hanger system is in the closed-position;
• wherein the chain-securement means includes a lock-mechanism further configured to inhibit movement of the chain-securement means from the at least one track-support member when the chain-securement means is attached via the aperture, and the tire-chain hanger system is in the closed-position;
• wherein the second proximal-end further includes a handle;
• wherein the handle is fixedly attached to the chain-securement means;
• and
• wherein the at least one track-support member, the at least one chain-support member, the at least two support-brackets, and the at least one bearing are two track-support members, two chain-support members, four support-brackets, and two bearings, respectively.

A method of using a tire-chain hanger system, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a tire-chain hanger system including:
• a bracket, the bracket configured for installation on a vehicle-frame;
• at least one track-support member, the at least one track-support member including a first horizontal-axis, a top-surface, a bottom-surface, a first distal-end and a first proximal-end relative the vehicle-frame, the first proximal-end being fixedly attached to the bracket, the first distal-end including a movement-stopper;
• at least one chain-support member, the at least one chain-support member including a second horizontal-axis, a second distal-end and a second proximal-end relative the vehicle-frame, the second proximal-end including a chain-securement means, the at least one chain-support member being configured to support the tire-chain thereon;
• and
• a roller assembly including:
• at least two support-brackets located opposite each other, the at least two support-brackets fixedly attached to the second distal-end of the at least one chain-support member and functioning to attach the at least one chain-support member to the at least one track-support member;
• and
• at least one bearing, the at least one bearing fixedly-attached between the at least two support-brackets and contacting the top-surface of the at least one track-support member, the at least one bearing being configured to roll the chain-support member along the first horizontal-axis between a closed-position and an open-position;
• installing the tire-chain hanger system onto the vehicle-frame via the bracket;
• rolling the at least one chain-support member along the first horizontal-axis from the closed-position to the open-position;
• removing the tire-chain from the at least one chain-support member;
• rolling the at least one chain-support member along the first horizontal-axis from the open-position to the closed position;
• and
• using the tire-chain on a tire.