CA2383010A1 - Adjustable mounting assembly for a rapidly-deployable ice chain system for wheeled vehicles - Google Patents
Adjustable mounting assembly for a rapidly-deployable ice chain system for wheeled vehicles Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2383010A1 CA2383010A1 CA002383010A CA2383010A CA2383010A1 CA 2383010 A1 CA2383010 A1 CA 2383010A1 CA 002383010 A CA002383010 A CA 002383010A CA 2383010 A CA2383010 A CA 2383010A CA 2383010 A1 CA2383010 A1 CA 2383010A1
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- Prior art keywords
- mounting
- support member
- providing
- mounting bracket
- apertures
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60T—VEHICLE BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF; BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF, IN GENERAL; ARRANGEMENT OF BRAKING ELEMENTS ON VEHICLES IN GENERAL; PORTABLE DEVICES FOR PREVENTING UNWANTED MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES; VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS TO FACILITATE COOLING OF BRAKES
- B60T1/00—Arrangements of braking elements, i.e. of those parts where braking effect occurs specially for vehicles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60T—VEHICLE BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF; BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF, IN GENERAL; ARRANGEMENT OF BRAKING ELEMENTS ON VEHICLES IN GENERAL; PORTABLE DEVICES FOR PREVENTING UNWANTED MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES; VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS TO FACILITATE COOLING OF BRAKES
- B60T1/00—Arrangements of braking elements, i.e. of those parts where braking effect occurs specially for vehicles
- B60T1/12—Arrangements of braking elements, i.e. of those parts where braking effect occurs specially for vehicles acting otherwise than by retarding wheels, e.g. jet action
- B60T1/14—Arrangements of braking elements, i.e. of those parts where braking effect occurs specially for vehicles acting otherwise than by retarding wheels, e.g. jet action directly on road
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
- B60B39/00—Increasing wheel adhesion
- B60B39/003—Vehicle mounted non-skid chains actuated by centrifugal force
Abstract
An improved mounting system for chain traction systems for use on vehicles with a live axle. Apparatus mounts to the threaded end of the U-bolt shackles (113) which secure the axle to a set of leaf springs (112) through 4 coupling nuts (201). Each pair of coupling nuts is attached to a cross plate (301) which is slidably mounted to a square mounting tube (305). The mounting tube is slidably mounted to a mounting plate (310). The two slidably attachments allow for adjustment of the device.
Description
ADJUSTABLE MOUNTING ASSEMBLY FOR A RAPIDLY
DEPLOYABLE ICE CHAIN SYSTEM FOR WHEELED VEHICLES
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention This invention relates to vehicle ice and chain traction traction systems which may be both rapidly deployed and rapidly retracted. More particularly, it relates to apparatuses for mounting such systems on vehicles.
Description of Related Art Rapidly-deployable chain traction systems, which may be characterized generally as systems which fling short chain or cable segments beneath a road tire, have been known for some 90 years. Such a system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
1,045,609 and in German Pat. No. No. 266,487 to W. H. Putnam for an ANTISKIDDING DEVICE. Throughout the years, various modifications and improvements have been made by numerous inventors. The following list is a representative list of a dozen other U.S. patents issued in this field:
US Pat. No. 1,150,148 for a TRACTION AND ANTISKIDDING DEVICE;
US Pat. No. 1,223,070 for an ANTISKIDDING DEVICE FOR VEHICLES;
US Pat. No. 1,374,252 for an ANTISKID DEVICE FOR AUTOMOBILES;
US Pat. No. 1,381,001 for a NON-SKID DEVICE FOR MOTOR AND OTHER
VEHICLES;
US Pat. No. 1,975,325 for an ANTISKID CHAIN AND MEANS FOR
APPLYING
AND REMOVING SAME;
US Pat. No. 2,241,923 for an AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY TRACTION
DEVICE
FOR AUTOMOBILES;
US Pat. No. 2,264,466 for an ANTISKID DEVICE FOR VEHICLES;
US Pat. No. 2,277,036 for an ANTISKID DEVICE;
US Pat. No. 2,283,948 for an AUTOMOBILE TRACTION DEVICE;
US Pat. No. 2,442,322 for an ANTISKID DEVICE;
DEPLOYABLE ICE CHAIN SYSTEM FOR WHEELED VEHICLES
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention This invention relates to vehicle ice and chain traction traction systems which may be both rapidly deployed and rapidly retracted. More particularly, it relates to apparatuses for mounting such systems on vehicles.
Description of Related Art Rapidly-deployable chain traction systems, which may be characterized generally as systems which fling short chain or cable segments beneath a road tire, have been known for some 90 years. Such a system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
1,045,609 and in German Pat. No. No. 266,487 to W. H. Putnam for an ANTISKIDDING DEVICE. Throughout the years, various modifications and improvements have been made by numerous inventors. The following list is a representative list of a dozen other U.S. patents issued in this field:
US Pat. No. 1,150,148 for a TRACTION AND ANTISKIDDING DEVICE;
US Pat. No. 1,223,070 for an ANTISKIDDING DEVICE FOR VEHICLES;
US Pat. No. 1,374,252 for an ANTISKID DEVICE FOR AUTOMOBILES;
US Pat. No. 1,381,001 for a NON-SKID DEVICE FOR MOTOR AND OTHER
VEHICLES;
US Pat. No. 1,975,325 for an ANTISKID CHAIN AND MEANS FOR
APPLYING
AND REMOVING SAME;
US Pat. No. 2,241,923 for an AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY TRACTION
DEVICE
FOR AUTOMOBILES;
US Pat. No. 2,264,466 for an ANTISKID DEVICE FOR VEHICLES;
US Pat. No. 2,277,036 for an ANTISKID DEVICE;
US Pat. No. 2,283,948 for an AUTOMOBILE TRACTION DEVICE;
US Pat. No. 2,442,322 for an ANTISKID DEVICE;
US Pat. No. 4,299,310 for an ANTISKID DEVICE FOR MOTOR VEHICLES;
US Pat. No. 4,800,992 for an ANTI-SKID DEVICE; and US Pat. No. Des. 286,524 for ANTI SKID CHAIN UNIT FOR VEHICLE
TIRES.
Referring now to the prior-art system of Figure 1, a modern rapidly-deployable chain traction system 100 is depicted in its deployed configuration in this rear elevational view drawing. The chain traction system 100 is removably affixed to a drive axle 101 which incorporates a differential unit 102. Inner and outer road wheels (103A and 103B, respectively) are mounted on the visible half of the drive axle 101. On each road wheel (103A and 103B) is mounted a rubber tire (104A
and 104B, respectively). The chain system 100 includes a friction drive disc 105 to which a plurality of chain segments 106A, 106B and 106C are attached. Chain segment 106A is depicted as being below the road surface 114, which is normally covered with a layer of snow or ice when the chain system 100 is in the deployed configuration. The friction drive disc 105 is rotatably mounted on a spindle which is affixed to a support member 108 which is pivotally mounted to a mounting bracket 109. The mounting bracket is, in turn, bolted to the U-bolt shackles which secure the suspension leaf springs 112 to the drive axle 101. The chain system 100 also includes a pneumatic cylinder 110 that is bolted to the mounting bracket 109. The pneumatic cylinder 110 has a slidable piston 111 that is held in a normally retracted position within cylinder 110 by spring biasing when pressure within cylinder 108 equals ambient pressure. The outer end of piston 111 is connected to support member 108. In the deployed configuration, the outer rim of friction drive disc 105 is pressed against the sidewall of tire 104A by a biasing force applied to support member 108 by piston 111. The biasing force is provided by pneumatic pressure inside pneumatic cylinder 110 which overcomes the spring biasing and causes piston 111 to extend. As the tire 104A rotates, the friction drive disc 105 also rotates with the chain segments 106 extended more or less radially therefrom. Thus each chain segment 106 is flung, sequentially, beneath the tread portion of tire 104A. In order to retract the system and disengage the friction drive disc 105 from contact with the sidewall of tire 104A, pneumatic pressure to pneumatic cylinder 110 is cut off, causing piston 111 to retract within cylinder 110 and raising the support member 108, the rotatably attached friction drive disc and the attached chain segments 106. In the retracted configuration, the chain segments 106 do not touch the road surface 114.
Typically, the mounting brackets used to attach the rapidly-deployable chain traction system components to the spring shackles must be custom fabricated for each vehicle, as wheel sizes and shackle configurations and suspension geometry dimensions vary from vehicle to vehicle. In U.S. patent 4,800,992, granted to Olle Andersson and Lennart Carlsson on January 31, 1989, a unique mounting system is disclosed for rapidly-deployable chain traction systems. A cylindrical tube is slidably and rotatably mounted within a pair of clamps attached to the spring shackle bolts.
The support member which carries the spindle-mounted drive disc at one end, is pivotally mounted at the other end to a mounting plate which is welded to an end of the cylindrical tube. A large measure of adjustability is provided by this arrangement. During installation, the clamps are maintained in a somewhat loose condition until operational alignment of the traction components is achieved by sliding and rotating the cylindrical tube. When proper alignment is achieved, the clamps are tightened to secure the cylindrical tube in a fixed position.
Although this system provides greatly facilitated installation with minimal customization of parts, there are several disadvantages. The first is that the cylindrical tube may rotate with use, even though tightly clamped. The second is that the range of adjustability is not ideal. Though positionable without a change in orientation along the sliding axis, there is no effective height adjustment. If the mounting plate is welded off center from the axis of the cylindrical tube, height of the system may be adjusted by rotating the cylindrical tube. However, off center mounting of the mounting plate increases the torque around the axis of the tube, thereby increasing the tendency of the tube to rotate during use. In addition, adjustment of the height of the system by rotating the tube changes the angular orientation of the components.
What is needed is a new type of mounting system for rapidly-deployable chain traction systems which are simple to adjust, provide for adjustment of the traction components about three axes with no change in angular orientation, and which are relatively impervious to alignment changes during operation.
US Pat. No. 4,800,992 for an ANTI-SKID DEVICE; and US Pat. No. Des. 286,524 for ANTI SKID CHAIN UNIT FOR VEHICLE
TIRES.
Referring now to the prior-art system of Figure 1, a modern rapidly-deployable chain traction system 100 is depicted in its deployed configuration in this rear elevational view drawing. The chain traction system 100 is removably affixed to a drive axle 101 which incorporates a differential unit 102. Inner and outer road wheels (103A and 103B, respectively) are mounted on the visible half of the drive axle 101. On each road wheel (103A and 103B) is mounted a rubber tire (104A
and 104B, respectively). The chain system 100 includes a friction drive disc 105 to which a plurality of chain segments 106A, 106B and 106C are attached. Chain segment 106A is depicted as being below the road surface 114, which is normally covered with a layer of snow or ice when the chain system 100 is in the deployed configuration. The friction drive disc 105 is rotatably mounted on a spindle which is affixed to a support member 108 which is pivotally mounted to a mounting bracket 109. The mounting bracket is, in turn, bolted to the U-bolt shackles which secure the suspension leaf springs 112 to the drive axle 101. The chain system 100 also includes a pneumatic cylinder 110 that is bolted to the mounting bracket 109. The pneumatic cylinder 110 has a slidable piston 111 that is held in a normally retracted position within cylinder 110 by spring biasing when pressure within cylinder 108 equals ambient pressure. The outer end of piston 111 is connected to support member 108. In the deployed configuration, the outer rim of friction drive disc 105 is pressed against the sidewall of tire 104A by a biasing force applied to support member 108 by piston 111. The biasing force is provided by pneumatic pressure inside pneumatic cylinder 110 which overcomes the spring biasing and causes piston 111 to extend. As the tire 104A rotates, the friction drive disc 105 also rotates with the chain segments 106 extended more or less radially therefrom. Thus each chain segment 106 is flung, sequentially, beneath the tread portion of tire 104A. In order to retract the system and disengage the friction drive disc 105 from contact with the sidewall of tire 104A, pneumatic pressure to pneumatic cylinder 110 is cut off, causing piston 111 to retract within cylinder 110 and raising the support member 108, the rotatably attached friction drive disc and the attached chain segments 106. In the retracted configuration, the chain segments 106 do not touch the road surface 114.
Typically, the mounting brackets used to attach the rapidly-deployable chain traction system components to the spring shackles must be custom fabricated for each vehicle, as wheel sizes and shackle configurations and suspension geometry dimensions vary from vehicle to vehicle. In U.S. patent 4,800,992, granted to Olle Andersson and Lennart Carlsson on January 31, 1989, a unique mounting system is disclosed for rapidly-deployable chain traction systems. A cylindrical tube is slidably and rotatably mounted within a pair of clamps attached to the spring shackle bolts.
The support member which carries the spindle-mounted drive disc at one end, is pivotally mounted at the other end to a mounting plate which is welded to an end of the cylindrical tube. A large measure of adjustability is provided by this arrangement. During installation, the clamps are maintained in a somewhat loose condition until operational alignment of the traction components is achieved by sliding and rotating the cylindrical tube. When proper alignment is achieved, the clamps are tightened to secure the cylindrical tube in a fixed position.
Although this system provides greatly facilitated installation with minimal customization of parts, there are several disadvantages. The first is that the cylindrical tube may rotate with use, even though tightly clamped. The second is that the range of adjustability is not ideal. Though positionable without a change in orientation along the sliding axis, there is no effective height adjustment. If the mounting plate is welded off center from the axis of the cylindrical tube, height of the system may be adjusted by rotating the cylindrical tube. However, off center mounting of the mounting plate increases the torque around the axis of the tube, thereby increasing the tendency of the tube to rotate during use. In addition, adjustment of the height of the system by rotating the tube changes the angular orientation of the components.
What is needed is a new type of mounting system for rapidly-deployable chain traction systems which are simple to adjust, provide for adjustment of the traction components about three axes with no change in angular orientation, and which are relatively impervious to alignment changes during operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is an improved mounting apparatus for chain traction systems installable on wheeled vehicles. Designed for use on vehicles which have a beam or live axle (i.e., one which incorporates a differential), the apparatus mounts to U-bolt shackles which commonly secure the axle to either a set of leaf springs or an air bag assembly. If no U-bolts are present on the axle, a new set of U-bolts may be installed thereon and used to secure the system. In either case, the new mounting system is designed to be mounted directly to the exposed, threaded ends of the U-bolt shackles.
For each side of the vehicle, the new mounting system includes four threaded coupling nuts, each of which is threadably secured to a threaded end of one of the U-bolt shackles. A cross plate having a pair of outer apertures and a central aperture ties each lateral pair of coupling nuts together. Thus, each side of the vehicle employs two cross plates. One of the apertures of each cross plate is elongated so that the cross plate may accommodate a range of spacing between U-bolt shackles. Bolts are used to attach the cross plates to the coupling nuts.
A
mounting tube of generally square cross section has four apertures aligned along its length. The first two apertures are round and near one end of the tube. The other two apertures are elongated for adjustably attaching the tube to the central apertures of the two cross plates with bolts and nuts. A mounting plate includes two sets of two holes. The holes of the first set, which are round, are used to attach the chain traction components. The holes of the second set, which are elongated, are used for adjustably securing the mounting plate to the mounting tube.
The mounting bracket of the traction system, which corresponds to the mounting bracket 109 of Figure 1, has been adapted to mount to the mounting plate.
It will be appreciated that the elongated apertures in the mounting plate and in the mounting tube permit a great deal of adjustability of the mounting bracket within an x-y plane. The adjustability permits side-to-side movement, back-and-forth movement, as well as a certain amount of pivotal movement for proper alignment of the components. For adjustability up and down movement in a "z" direction, spacers, such as plain flat washers or rectangular spacers having a central aperture, of varying thickness may be inserted between the coupling nuts and the cross plates. The use of spacers may require the use of longer bolts for securing the cross plates to the coupling nuts.
In order to provide a movement-free installation once proper adjustment of the components has been achieved, the parts may be locked in place using a short weld bead where the various adjustable parts join. For service at a later date, the bead may be ground off to free the parts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a rear elevational view of a typical modern rapidly-deployable chain traction system;
Figure 2 is a side elevational view of a rapidly-deployable chain traction assembly coupled to a vehicle axle via the new mounting assembly.
Figure 3 is an isometric exploded view of the new mounting assembly for a chain traction system;
Figure 4 is a top plan view of the new mounting assembly of Figure 2; and Figure 5 is a side elevational exploded view of the new mounting assembly of Figure 2;
Figure 6 is a top plan view of a rapidly-deployable chain traction system coupled to a vehicle axle via the new mounting assembly; and Figure 7 is an isometric assembled view of the new mounting assembly.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
The invention is an improved mounting apparatus for chain traction systems installable on wheeled vehicles. Referring now to both Figure 1 and Figure 2, the particular mounting system disclosed herein is designed for use on vehicles which have a beam or live axle (i.e., one which incorporates a differential) 101. On each side of the vehicle, the apparatus mounts to U-bolt shackles which commonly secure the axle to a set of leaf springs 112 or an air bag assembly (not shown). If no U-bolts are present on the axle, a new set of U-bolts may be installed thereon and used to secure the system. In either case, the new mounting system is designed to be mounted directly to the exposed, threaded ends of the U-bolt shackles.
coupled to two sets of leaf springs (see 112 of Fig. 1 ). Each leaf spring set is coupled to the beam axle or axle housing (in the case of a live axle) with a pair of U-bolt ~~~'~ ~ a f ~~ 57 Reference No. 1C99-01 PCT - 6 _ f PF~~!~ ~~~~~!~~.
shackles113, which are tied together beneath the axle or axle housing with a flat tie plate 114 that is secured with four standard nuts 115 (two on each U-bolt).
The new mounting system is designed to be mounted directly to the exposed, threaded ends of the U-bolt shackles 113.
Referring now to Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5, for each side of the vehicle, the new mounting system 200 includes four threaded coupling nuts 201, each of which is of sufficient length to engage a threaded shaft or bolt shank at each end thereof. Each of the coupling nuts 201 is threadably secured to a threaded end of one of the U-bolt shackles 113. The mounting system 200 further includes, for each side of the vehicle, a pair of cross plates 301. Each cross plate 301 has a pair of outer apertures 302A and 3028 for securing the plate to a pair of coupling nuts 201, and a round central aperture 303. One of the outer apertures 3028 is elongated so that the cross plate 301 may accommodate a range of spacing between U-bolt shackles 113. Four coupler bolts 304 are used to anchor the cross plates 301 to the free ends of the coupling nuts 201, which are attached to the U-bolt shackles 113.
A
tube 305 of generally square cross section has four apertures aligned along its length. The first two apertures 306A and 3068 are round and are near one end of the tube 305. The other two apertures 307A and 3078, are elongated for adjustably attaching the tube 305 to the round central apertures 303 of cross plates 301.
Attachment bolts 308 and attachment nuts 309 are used to attach the tube 305 to -- - the cross plates 301. A mounting plate 310 includes two sets of holes 311A and 311 B. The holes 311A, which are used for mounting the traction system, are round.
Mounting bolts 312 and mounting nuts 313 are used for this purpose. The holes 311 B, which are used for adjustably securing the mounting plate 310 to the mounting tube 305, are elongated. Securing bolts 314 and securing nuts 315 are used for securing the mounting plate 310 to the mounting tube 305. It will be noted that spacers 316 may be emaloyed to adjust the inclination of the mounting tube 305.
Referring now to Figures 2 and 6, the mounting bracket 601 of the traction system 600, which corresponds to the mounting bracket 109 of Figure 1, has been adapted to mount to the mounting plate 310. It will be appreciated that the elongated apertures in the mounting plate 310 and the mounting tube 305 permit a great deal of adjustability of the mounting bracket 601 with an x-y plane. The ~~~ _~,(~ ,-: /23 5 ? b Reference No. 1C99-01 PCT - 7 - _ ~~n-H: A~iiis~n, Jr.
IP~A/US 2 6. S ~ P 2001 . "~~
adjustability permits side-to-side movement, back-and-forth movement, as well as a certain amount of pivotal movement for proper alignment of the components. In order to provide up and down movement in a "z" direction, spacers, such as plain flat washers, of varying thickness may be inserted between the coupling nuts 201 and the cross plates 301. If spacers are used, longer coupler bolts 304 may be required.
Figures 7 and 8 provide a more clear view of the actual shape of the mounting plate 310, the mounting tube 305 and the cross plates 301.
In order to provide a movement-free installation once proper adjustment of the components has been achieved, the parts may be locked in place using a short weld bead where the various adjustable parts join. The weld beads serve only a locking function, as the bolts and nuts remain securely tightened. For service at a later date, the bead may be ground off to free the parts.
Although only a single embodiment of the adjustable vehicle mounting apparatus for a rapidly-deployable chain traction system are shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those having ordinary skill in the art that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope and the spirit of the invention as hereinafter claimed.
. ,.
The invention is an improved mounting apparatus for chain traction systems installable on wheeled vehicles. Designed for use on vehicles which have a beam or live axle (i.e., one which incorporates a differential), the apparatus mounts to U-bolt shackles which commonly secure the axle to either a set of leaf springs or an air bag assembly. If no U-bolts are present on the axle, a new set of U-bolts may be installed thereon and used to secure the system. In either case, the new mounting system is designed to be mounted directly to the exposed, threaded ends of the U-bolt shackles.
For each side of the vehicle, the new mounting system includes four threaded coupling nuts, each of which is threadably secured to a threaded end of one of the U-bolt shackles. A cross plate having a pair of outer apertures and a central aperture ties each lateral pair of coupling nuts together. Thus, each side of the vehicle employs two cross plates. One of the apertures of each cross plate is elongated so that the cross plate may accommodate a range of spacing between U-bolt shackles. Bolts are used to attach the cross plates to the coupling nuts.
A
mounting tube of generally square cross section has four apertures aligned along its length. The first two apertures are round and near one end of the tube. The other two apertures are elongated for adjustably attaching the tube to the central apertures of the two cross plates with bolts and nuts. A mounting plate includes two sets of two holes. The holes of the first set, which are round, are used to attach the chain traction components. The holes of the second set, which are elongated, are used for adjustably securing the mounting plate to the mounting tube.
The mounting bracket of the traction system, which corresponds to the mounting bracket 109 of Figure 1, has been adapted to mount to the mounting plate.
It will be appreciated that the elongated apertures in the mounting plate and in the mounting tube permit a great deal of adjustability of the mounting bracket within an x-y plane. The adjustability permits side-to-side movement, back-and-forth movement, as well as a certain amount of pivotal movement for proper alignment of the components. For adjustability up and down movement in a "z" direction, spacers, such as plain flat washers or rectangular spacers having a central aperture, of varying thickness may be inserted between the coupling nuts and the cross plates. The use of spacers may require the use of longer bolts for securing the cross plates to the coupling nuts.
In order to provide a movement-free installation once proper adjustment of the components has been achieved, the parts may be locked in place using a short weld bead where the various adjustable parts join. For service at a later date, the bead may be ground off to free the parts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a rear elevational view of a typical modern rapidly-deployable chain traction system;
Figure 2 is a side elevational view of a rapidly-deployable chain traction assembly coupled to a vehicle axle via the new mounting assembly.
Figure 3 is an isometric exploded view of the new mounting assembly for a chain traction system;
Figure 4 is a top plan view of the new mounting assembly of Figure 2; and Figure 5 is a side elevational exploded view of the new mounting assembly of Figure 2;
Figure 6 is a top plan view of a rapidly-deployable chain traction system coupled to a vehicle axle via the new mounting assembly; and Figure 7 is an isometric assembled view of the new mounting assembly.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
The invention is an improved mounting apparatus for chain traction systems installable on wheeled vehicles. Referring now to both Figure 1 and Figure 2, the particular mounting system disclosed herein is designed for use on vehicles which have a beam or live axle (i.e., one which incorporates a differential) 101. On each side of the vehicle, the apparatus mounts to U-bolt shackles which commonly secure the axle to a set of leaf springs 112 or an air bag assembly (not shown). If no U-bolts are present on the axle, a new set of U-bolts may be installed thereon and used to secure the system. In either case, the new mounting system is designed to be mounted directly to the exposed, threaded ends of the U-bolt shackles.
coupled to two sets of leaf springs (see 112 of Fig. 1 ). Each leaf spring set is coupled to the beam axle or axle housing (in the case of a live axle) with a pair of U-bolt ~~~'~ ~ a f ~~ 57 Reference No. 1C99-01 PCT - 6 _ f PF~~!~ ~~~~~!~~.
shackles113, which are tied together beneath the axle or axle housing with a flat tie plate 114 that is secured with four standard nuts 115 (two on each U-bolt).
The new mounting system is designed to be mounted directly to the exposed, threaded ends of the U-bolt shackles 113.
Referring now to Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5, for each side of the vehicle, the new mounting system 200 includes four threaded coupling nuts 201, each of which is of sufficient length to engage a threaded shaft or bolt shank at each end thereof. Each of the coupling nuts 201 is threadably secured to a threaded end of one of the U-bolt shackles 113. The mounting system 200 further includes, for each side of the vehicle, a pair of cross plates 301. Each cross plate 301 has a pair of outer apertures 302A and 3028 for securing the plate to a pair of coupling nuts 201, and a round central aperture 303. One of the outer apertures 3028 is elongated so that the cross plate 301 may accommodate a range of spacing between U-bolt shackles 113. Four coupler bolts 304 are used to anchor the cross plates 301 to the free ends of the coupling nuts 201, which are attached to the U-bolt shackles 113.
A
tube 305 of generally square cross section has four apertures aligned along its length. The first two apertures 306A and 3068 are round and are near one end of the tube 305. The other two apertures 307A and 3078, are elongated for adjustably attaching the tube 305 to the round central apertures 303 of cross plates 301.
Attachment bolts 308 and attachment nuts 309 are used to attach the tube 305 to -- - the cross plates 301. A mounting plate 310 includes two sets of holes 311A and 311 B. The holes 311A, which are used for mounting the traction system, are round.
Mounting bolts 312 and mounting nuts 313 are used for this purpose. The holes 311 B, which are used for adjustably securing the mounting plate 310 to the mounting tube 305, are elongated. Securing bolts 314 and securing nuts 315 are used for securing the mounting plate 310 to the mounting tube 305. It will be noted that spacers 316 may be emaloyed to adjust the inclination of the mounting tube 305.
Referring now to Figures 2 and 6, the mounting bracket 601 of the traction system 600, which corresponds to the mounting bracket 109 of Figure 1, has been adapted to mount to the mounting plate 310. It will be appreciated that the elongated apertures in the mounting plate 310 and the mounting tube 305 permit a great deal of adjustability of the mounting bracket 601 with an x-y plane. The ~~~ _~,(~ ,-: /23 5 ? b Reference No. 1C99-01 PCT - 7 - _ ~~n-H: A~iiis~n, Jr.
IP~A/US 2 6. S ~ P 2001 . "~~
adjustability permits side-to-side movement, back-and-forth movement, as well as a certain amount of pivotal movement for proper alignment of the components. In order to provide up and down movement in a "z" direction, spacers, such as plain flat washers, of varying thickness may be inserted between the coupling nuts 201 and the cross plates 301. If spacers are used, longer coupler bolts 304 may be required.
Figures 7 and 8 provide a more clear view of the actual shape of the mounting plate 310, the mounting tube 305 and the cross plates 301.
In order to provide a movement-free installation once proper adjustment of the components has been achieved, the parts may be locked in place using a short weld bead where the various adjustable parts join. The weld beads serve only a locking function, as the bolts and nuts remain securely tightened. For service at a later date, the bead may be ground off to free the parts.
Although only a single embodiment of the adjustable vehicle mounting apparatus for a rapidly-deployable chain traction system are shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those having ordinary skill in the art that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope and the spirit of the invention as hereinafter claimed.
. ,.
Claims (8)
1. A chain traction system for mounting beneath a vehicle adjacent a tire (104) mounted on a wheel (103) attached to an axle (101) that is coupled to the vehicle with at least two U-bolts (113), said system comprising:
at least four coupling nuts (201) threadably attached to the ends of the U-bolts (113), said coupling nuts providing z-axis position adjustment for the system;
a pair of cross plates (301), each cross plate coupling together two coupling nuts (201);
a square-tube member (305) having a first set of at least two elongate apertures (307A & 3078) and a first set of at least two additional apertures (306A &
3068), each aperture passing through a pair of opposed sides of said member;
a first set of at least two threaded fasteners (308/309), each of which couples said square-tube member (305) to a cross plate (301 ), said first set of elongate apertures (307A & 3078) providing x-axis position adjustment for the system;
a mounting plate (310) having a second set of at least two elongate apertures (311B) and a second set of at least two additional apertures ((311A), said second set of elongate apertures providing y-axis position adjustment for the system;
a second set of at least two threaded fasteners (3141315) which couple said mounting plate (310) to said second set of elongate apertures;]
a mounting bracket (109);
a third set of at least two threaded fasteners (3131312) which couple said mounting bracket (109) to said second set of additional apertures (311A);
a support member (108) pivotally mounted to said mounting bracket (109);
a friction disk (105) rotatably mounted on said support member (108);
a plurality of equal length chain segments (106) mounted to a periphery of said friction disk;
means for providing a biasing force to said support member (108), said means affixed to said mounting bracket (109), said biasing force moving said support member (108) from a retracted position so as to position the periphery of said friction disk (105) in contact with said tire (104A) so that as the wheel (103A) is rotated, the friction disk will spin, throwing the attached chain segments (106) beneath the tire.
at least four coupling nuts (201) threadably attached to the ends of the U-bolts (113), said coupling nuts providing z-axis position adjustment for the system;
a pair of cross plates (301), each cross plate coupling together two coupling nuts (201);
a square-tube member (305) having a first set of at least two elongate apertures (307A & 3078) and a first set of at least two additional apertures (306A &
3068), each aperture passing through a pair of opposed sides of said member;
a first set of at least two threaded fasteners (308/309), each of which couples said square-tube member (305) to a cross plate (301 ), said first set of elongate apertures (307A & 3078) providing x-axis position adjustment for the system;
a mounting plate (310) having a second set of at least two elongate apertures (311B) and a second set of at least two additional apertures ((311A), said second set of elongate apertures providing y-axis position adjustment for the system;
a second set of at least two threaded fasteners (3141315) which couple said mounting plate (310) to said second set of elongate apertures;]
a mounting bracket (109);
a third set of at least two threaded fasteners (3131312) which couple said mounting bracket (109) to said second set of additional apertures (311A);
a support member (108) pivotally mounted to said mounting bracket (109);
a friction disk (105) rotatably mounted on said support member (108);
a plurality of equal length chain segments (106) mounted to a periphery of said friction disk;
means for providing a biasing force to said support member (108), said means affixed to said mounting bracket (109), said biasing force moving said support member (108) from a retracted position so as to position the periphery of said friction disk (105) in contact with said tire (104A) so that as the wheel (103A) is rotated, the friction disk will spin, throwing the attached chain segments (106) beneath the tire.
2. The chain traction system of claim 1, wherein said means for providing a biasing force is a pneumatic cylinder (110).
3. The chain traction system of claim 1, wherein rotational positioning of the system in an x-z plane is also provided by spacers (316) in combination with the coupling nuts (201)
4. An adjustable apparatus for mounting a rapidly-deployable vehicle snow chain traction system on a vehicle adjacent a tire (104) mounted on a wheel (103) attached to an axle (101) that is coupled to the vehicle with at least two U-bolts (113), said apparatus comprising:
at least four coupling nuts (201) threadably attached to the ends of the U-bolts (113), said coupling nuts providing z-axis position adjustment for the system;
a pair of cross plates (301), each cross plate coupling together two coupling nuts (201);
a square-tube member (305) having a first set of at least two elongate apertures (307A & 3078) and a first set of at least two additional apertures (306A 8~
3068), each aperture passing through a pair of opposed sides of said member;
a first set of at least two threaded fasteners (3081309), each of which couples said square-tube member (305) to a cross plate (301), said first set of elongate apertures (30.7A.& 307B) providing x-axis position adjustment for the system;
a mounting plate (310) having a second set of at least two elongate apertures (311 B) and a second set of at least two additional apertures ((311A), said second set of elongate apertures providing y-axis position adjustment for the system;
a second set of at least two threaded fasteners (314/315) which couple said mounting plate (310) to said second set of elongate apertures;
a mounting bracket (109);
a third set of at least two threaded fasteners (3131312) which couple said mounting bracket (109) to said second set of additional apertures (311A), said mounting bracket having a support member (108) pivotally mounted thereto, said support member having a friction disk (105) rotatably mounted thereon, said friction disk having a plurality of generally equal length chain segments (106) mounted near the periphery and on an underside thereof.
at least four coupling nuts (201) threadably attached to the ends of the U-bolts (113), said coupling nuts providing z-axis position adjustment for the system;
a pair of cross plates (301), each cross plate coupling together two coupling nuts (201);
a square-tube member (305) having a first set of at least two elongate apertures (307A & 3078) and a first set of at least two additional apertures (306A 8~
3068), each aperture passing through a pair of opposed sides of said member;
a first set of at least two threaded fasteners (3081309), each of which couples said square-tube member (305) to a cross plate (301), said first set of elongate apertures (30.7A.& 307B) providing x-axis position adjustment for the system;
a mounting plate (310) having a second set of at least two elongate apertures (311 B) and a second set of at least two additional apertures ((311A), said second set of elongate apertures providing y-axis position adjustment for the system;
a second set of at least two threaded fasteners (314/315) which couple said mounting plate (310) to said second set of elongate apertures;
a mounting bracket (109);
a third set of at least two threaded fasteners (3131312) which couple said mounting bracket (109) to said second set of additional apertures (311A), said mounting bracket having a support member (108) pivotally mounted thereto, said support member having a friction disk (105) rotatably mounted thereon, said friction disk having a plurality of generally equal length chain segments (106) mounted near the periphery and on an underside thereof.
5. The adjustable apparatus of claim 4, which further comprises a pneumatic cylinder affixed to said mounting bracket, said cylinder providing a biasing force to said support member (108), so as to reversably move said support member (108) from a retracted position to a deployed position where the periphery of said friction disk (105) is in contact with a tire of the vehicle.
6. An adjustable apparatus for mounting a rapidly-deployable vehicle snow chain traction system on a vehicle adjacent a tire (104) mounted on a wheel (103) attached to an axle (101) that is coupled to the vehicle with at least two U-bolts (113), said apparatus comprising:
at least four coupling nuts (201) threadably attached to the ends of the U-bolts (113), said coupling nuts providing z-axis position adjustment for the system;
a pair of cross plates (301), each cross plate coupling together two coupling nuts (201);
a first member (305) coupled to said pair of cross plates (301 ) via a first set of at least two elongate apertures (307A & 3078), which provide x-axis positioning of the traction system; and a second member (310) coupled to said first member via a second set of at least two elongate apertures (311 B), which provide y-axis positioning of the traction system, said second member providing a mounting location for the rapidly-deployable snow chain traction system.
at least four coupling nuts (201) threadably attached to the ends of the U-bolts (113), said coupling nuts providing z-axis position adjustment for the system;
a pair of cross plates (301), each cross plate coupling together two coupling nuts (201);
a first member (305) coupled to said pair of cross plates (301 ) via a first set of at least two elongate apertures (307A & 3078), which provide x-axis positioning of the traction system; and a second member (310) coupled to said first member via a second set of at least two elongate apertures (311 B), which provide y-axis positioning of the traction system, said second member providing a mounting location for the rapidly-deployable snow chain traction system.
7. The adjustable mounting apparatus of claim 6, wherein the rapidly-deployable vehicle snow chain traction system comprises:
a mounting bracket (109) mountable to said second member (310);
a support member (108) pivotally mounted to said mounting bracket (109);
a friction disk (105) rotatably mounted on said support member (108);
a plurality of equal length chain segments (106) mounted to a periphery of said friction disk;
means for providing a biasing force to said support member (108), said means affixed to said mounting bracket (109), said biasing force moving said support member (108) from a retracted position so as to position the periphery of said friction disk (105) in contact with said tire (104A) so that as the wheel (103A) is rotated, the friction disk will spin, throwing the attached chain segments (106) beneath the tire.
a mounting bracket (109) mountable to said second member (310);
a support member (108) pivotally mounted to said mounting bracket (109);
a friction disk (105) rotatably mounted on said support member (108);
a plurality of equal length chain segments (106) mounted to a periphery of said friction disk;
means for providing a biasing force to said support member (108), said means affixed to said mounting bracket (109), said biasing force moving said support member (108) from a retracted position so as to position the periphery of said friction disk (105) in contact with said tire (104A) so that as the wheel (103A) is rotated, the friction disk will spin, throwing the attached chain segments (106) beneath the tire.
8. The adjustable mounting apparatus of claim 5, wherein rotational positioning of the system in an x-z plane is also provided by spacers (316) in combination with the coupling nuts (201).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US15127699P | 1999-08-27 | 1999-08-27 | |
| US60/151,276 | 1999-08-27 | ||
| PCT/US2000/023576 WO2001015947A1 (en) | 1999-08-27 | 2000-08-28 | Adjustable mounting assembly for a rapidly-deployable ice chain system for wheeled vehicles |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2383010A1 true CA2383010A1 (en) | 2001-03-08 |
Family
ID=22538038
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002383010A Abandoned CA2383010A1 (en) | 1999-08-27 | 2000-08-28 | Adjustable mounting assembly for a rapidly-deployable ice chain system for wheeled vehicles |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP1216174A4 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2003508295A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR100501539B1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1268511C (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2383010A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2001015947A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR200474609Y1 (en) * | 2013-08-16 | 2014-10-07 | 최태윤 | Assistive devices for disabled motoring |
| US10675914B2 (en) | 2017-12-20 | 2020-06-09 | Dusawn Holdings LLC | Tire chains apparatus |
| CN111634163A (en) * | 2020-05-27 | 2020-09-08 | 秦皇岛市大象轮胎有限公司 | Tire anti-skid chain mounting device |
| CN115157928B (en) * | 2022-09-07 | 2023-03-21 | 之江实验室 | Full-automatic vehicle-mounted anti-skidding device |
Family Cites Families (14)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE266487C (en) | ||||
| US1045609A (en) | 1912-03-01 | 1912-11-26 | William H Putnam | Antiskidding device. |
| US1150148A (en) | 1912-10-03 | 1915-08-17 | William H Putnam | Traction and antiskidding device. |
| US1223070A (en) | 1916-09-18 | 1917-04-17 | William H Putnam | Antiskidding device for vehicles. |
| GB159605A (en) | 1919-12-01 | 1921-03-01 | Edmund Haselden Bramall | Improvements in or relating to non-skid devices for motor and other vehicles |
| US1374252A (en) | 1919-12-19 | 1921-04-12 | Thorne | Antiskid device for automobiles, &c. |
| US1975325A (en) | 1933-10-20 | 1934-10-02 | Guido Lisella | Antiskid chain and means for applying and removing same |
| US2241923A (en) | 1940-02-02 | 1941-05-13 | Herbert N Ridgway | Automatic emergency traction device for automobiles |
| US2264466A (en) | 1940-12-23 | 1941-12-02 | Carleton A Weisel | Antiskid device for vehicles |
| US2277036A (en) | 1941-03-10 | 1942-03-24 | Francis P Chaussee | Antiskid device |
| US4091809A (en) * | 1976-10-18 | 1978-05-30 | Philips Roxane, Inc. | Partially transparent eyeshield |
| SE447811B (en) * | 1985-03-01 | 1986-12-15 | Onspot Ab | SLIRSKYDD |
| DE3509061A1 (en) * | 1985-03-14 | 1986-09-18 | Gerd Schulz Fahrzeug- und Container-Technik, 2100 Hamburg | Holder for an anti-skid device of a motor vehicle |
| SE459961C (en) * | 1988-02-09 | 1990-10-25 | Goeran Toernebaeck | SLIP PROTECTION DEVICE |
-
2000
- 2000-08-28 JP JP2001520330A patent/JP2003508295A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2000-08-28 WO PCT/US2000/023576 patent/WO2001015947A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2000-08-28 KR KR10-2002-7002597A patent/KR100501539B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2000-08-28 CN CNB008130930A patent/CN1268511C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2000-08-28 CA CA002383010A patent/CA2383010A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-08-28 EP EP00959501A patent/EP1216174A4/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2001015947A1 (en) | 2001-03-08 |
| KR20020053806A (en) | 2002-07-05 |
| CN1374911A (en) | 2002-10-16 |
| CN1268511C (en) | 2006-08-09 |
| KR100501539B1 (en) | 2005-07-18 |
| EP1216174A1 (en) | 2002-06-26 |
| EP1216174A4 (en) | 2004-12-15 |
| JP2003508295A (en) | 2003-03-04 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Dead |