CH667847A5 - TIRE CHAIN. - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

The invention relates to a tire chain according to the preamble of claim 1.

In such a known tire chain, the closure member is formed by a hook into which the counter-closure member designed as a ring member is hung for closing the closure. When the chain is placed on the tire, the lock is initially open. The lock on the inner part is only closed when the tire chain is properly arranged on the tire. Since the lock is behind the tire, it is not visible when it is closed, which makes it difficult to fit the tire chain.

The invention is based on the object of designing a tire chain of this type in such a way that the closure located behind the tire, which is not visible during the closing or opening process, can be closed and opened without difficulty, but an automatic opening of the closure is ruled out despite the simple mounting possibility.

According to the invention, this object is achieved with the characterizing features of claim 1.

In the tire chain according to the invention, the closure can be closed very easily, since the insertion opening is open in the direction of the opposing counter-closure element. When the inner part is closed, the counter-closure member inevitably gets into the insertion opening. It is therefore not necessary for the closure to be visible during the closing process. As soon as the counter-closure member has been guided through the insertion opening, it reaches the guide section which is arranged transversely to the insertion direction of the counter-closure member. The counter-closure member is deflected at the guide section and guided to the suspension opening. The securing element at the transition from the guide section to the hanging or. The insertion opening is designed in such a way that the counter-closure member can be simply hung in the hook-in opening, but cannot be unintentionally removed from the closure member again. Since the guide section lies transversely to the insertion direction of the counter-closure element, there is additional security that the closure is not opened unintentionally. If, for example, the securing element is damaged, the guide section prevents the attached counter-closure member from slipping out of the closure member. During the use of the tire chain, the closure member cannot execute movements such that it reaches the insertion opening from the insertion opening, especially since the tire chain is tensioned and the two closure links are therefore under a certain tension. Despite the deflection of the counter-closure member when it is hooked in or unhooked, the closure can be easily closed or opened, since the counter-closure member is positively guided on the guide section, so that the counter-closure member can be securely inserted even without the closure being visible during the opening or closing process - or hanging opening can be pushed.

Further features of embodiments of the invention result from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

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The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to some exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. Show it:

1 shows a part of a tire chain according to the invention with a closure provided on the inner part;

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged representation of the closure link of the tire chain according to FIG. 1;

3 shows a plan view of the closure element according to FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows an enlarged representation of the counter-locking element of the tire chain according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a plan view of the counter-closure element according to FIG. 4;

6 shows an enlarged view of a deflection element in the outer part of the tire chain according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 shows a side view of the deflection element according to FIG. 6;

8 to 13 different embodiments of closure members;

14 shows a further embodiment of a counter-closure member;

15 shows a plan view of the counter-closure member according to FIG. 14;

16 shows a further embodiment of a closure member;

17 is a plan view of the closure member according to FIG.

16;

18 shows a further embodiment of a counter-closure member;

FIG. 19 shows a plan view of the counter-closure element according to FIG. 18;

20 shows a further embodiment of a closure member;

21 is a plan view of the closure member according to FIG.

20;

22 shows the inner part of the tire chain according to FIG. 1 with a mounting device;

Fig. 23 is a section along the line XXÜI-XXIII in Fig. 22;

24 in an enlarged representation and in a side view, a further embodiment of a closure member with the securing element located in a closed position;

25 the closure member according to FIG. 24, the securing element of which is in the release position;

FIG. 26 is a view in the direction of arrow XXVI in FIG. 24;

27 shows a further embodiment of a closure member.

The tire chain is designed as an anti-skid chain and has an inner part 1 which is connected to an outer part 3 via a running part 2. The inner part 1 is preferably formed by a spring-elastic mounting bracket 4 which extends almost over an angle of 360 ° and has a closure member 5 and a counter-closure member 6 at its ends. They form a closure 7, which is opened when the tire chain is put on the tire and has to be closed after being put on. The running part 2 is formed by chain strands 8 lying transversely to the running direction, which are connected to one another by track pieces 9 running in the circumferential direction. In the exemplary embodiment, the chain strands 8 and the track pieces 9 consist of the same, ring-shaped chain links, but can also consist of other chain links, in particular web and ring links. The running part 2 can also have a different running part design than that shown in FIG. 1.

The outer part 3, which is formed by a chain strand, has a deflection element 10 at one end of the chain strand, through which a tension strand 11 is guided. One end of one of the chain strands 8 is attached to the deflection element 10. The chain strand forming the outer part 3 and the chain strands 8 and the track pieces 9 of the running part 2 consist in the exemplary embodiment of the same chain links. The deflection element 10 is provided with a keyhole-shaped pull-through opening 12 through which the tension cord 11 is pulled. He

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in the exemplary embodiment consists of a chain strand, the chain links of which are preferably smaller than the chain links of the outer part 3. The tension strand 11 is fastened to the end 13 of the outer part 3 opposite the deflecting element 10. At this end 13, which is formed by an end chain link of the outer part 3, the one end chain strand 8 of the running part 2 is also fastened.

To pull the tire chain onto the tire, the closure 7 is opened and the tension cord 11 is pulled back so far through the deflecting element 10 that the outer part 3 is expanded in relation to its tensioned state. The spring-elastic mounting bracket 4 is then elastically expanded and placed over the tire from the outside of the tire. As soon as the mounting bracket 4 is behind the tire, it is released so that it springs back into its starting position due to its inherent elasticity. The mounting bracket is then elastically compressed from the outside of the tire, as a result of which the closure member 5 and the counter-closure member 6 are moved in the direction of the arrows 14 and 15, the counter-closure member 6 being automatically suspended in the closure member 5, as will be described below. This closing process has the advantageous effect that the inner part 1 is formed by the spring-elastic mounting bracket 4. As a result of its inherent rigidity, the two members 5, 6 of the closure 7 can be easily plugged together from the outside of the tire, since the two closure members inevitably slide along the side of the tire. As a result of the ring shape, the closure 7 is closed automatically by compressing the mounting bracket 4, so that the user of the tire chain does not have to see the closure 7 himself.

After the closure 7 has been closed on the inside, the tension cord 11 is tightened, sliding so far through the deflection element 10 until the outer part 3 has the required tension. The tension cord 11 is then moved away from the outside of the tire, one of the chain links of the tension cord 11 entering the narrower part of the pull-through opening 12. As a result, the tension cord 11 is secured against displacement relative to the deflection element 10 and can easily be threaded into the outer part 3. Since the tension cord 11 is fixed on the deflection element 10, it cannot slip back when threading into the outer part, so that the tension of the outer part is not reduced during threading. In particular, the user does not have to keep the tension cord 11 constantly under tension during threading, so that the assembly of the tire chain is made considerably easier.

2 and 3 show, the closure member 5 is flat and has an approximately U-shape with mutually parallel legs 16 and 17 which are connected to one another by a transverse web 18 lying at right angles to them. On the crosspiece 18, a fastening pin 19 is provided on the back, on which a clamping bush 20 is fastened, which is also clamped onto the free end 21 of a spring steel part 22 of the mounting bracket 4. The outer sides 23 and 24 of the legs 16, 17 facing away from one another and the outer side 25 of the crosspiece 18 are flat and merge into one another in an arc. The free end 26 of the leg 17 extends obliquely inwards in the direction of the opposite leg 16. The outer side 24 of the leg 17 merges into an outer side 27 of the free end 26 in a curved manner. The outer side 27 is at an acute angle to the outer side 24, preferably at an angle of approximately 45 ° and is straight. 2, the end face 28 of the free end 26 is curved approximately semicircularly and connects the outside 27 to the opposite inside 29 of the free end 26, which runs approximately parallel to the outside 27. The inside 29 is only about half as long as the outside 27 and is curved in an arc parallel to the outside

24 extending inside 30 of the leg 17 over. It lies at an acute angle to the inside 29 and merges into an inside 31 of the crosspiece 18 in an arcuate manner. It lies at such an acute angle to the outside 25 of the crossbar that it widens from the leg 17 in the direction of the leg 16. The inside 31 is continuously curved over its length and merges into an inside 32 of the leg 16 in the region above the end face 28 of the free leg end 26. The inside 32 is curved outwards in the direction of the opposite leg 17 in such a way that the leg 16 has its greatest width approximately in half the length and decreases in width in the direction of its end face 33 and in the direction of the crosspiece 18. The inside 32 runs in the direction of the end 33 at an acute angle with respect to the outside 23 and merges with the rounded end 33 into the outside 23.

The free end 26 of the leg 17 and the opposite section of the leg 16 delimit an insertion opening 34 for the counter-closure member 6, which narrows in the direction of the crossbar 18. The insertion opening 34 is delimited by the outside 27 of the leg end 26 and by the inside 32 of the leg 16. Since the insertion opening 34 is narrowed in the insertion direction 15 (FIG. 1) of the counter-closure element 6, the counter-closure element can be inserted very easily into the closure element 5. The straight surfaces 27 and 32 can serve as guide surfaces if the counter-closure member 6 strikes them when inserted. The end face 28 of the leg end 26 lies approximately at the height of the greatest width of the leg 16, so that at this point the insertion opening 34 has its smallest width, which is only slightly larger than the thickness 35 of the counter-closure member 6. The insertion opening 34 goes into a guide section 36, which is delimited by the inside 31 of the crosspiece 18 and extends approximately at right angles to the insertion direction 15. It connects the insertion opening 34 with a suspension opening 37 which is delimited by the leg 17 and the free end 26. In the closed position, the counter-closure member 6 lies in the hook-in opening 37. The free end 26 serves here as a hook for the counter-lock member 6, which is ring-shaped and through whose ring opening 38 the free end 26 projects. Since the free end 26 runs obliquely, an additional safeguard against unintentional unhooking of the counter-closure member 6 is provided.

When the closure 7 is closed, the counter-closure member 6 first reaches the insertion opening 34. Since the inside 32 and the outside 27 serve as guide surfaces, the counter-closure member 6 also moves towards the guide section 36 if it does not reach the center of the insertion opening headed. Upon further insertion, the counter-closure member 6 enters the guide section 36 and is deflected along the inside 31 in the direction of the hanging opening 37. Since the transition from the inside 31 to the inside 30 is curved, the counter-closure member 6 can be easily moved into the hanging opening 37. To close the closure 7, the direction of movement of the counter-closure member 6 is changed twice until it reaches the hanging opening. If the counter-closure member 6 is to be removed from the closure member 5, these movements of the counter-closure member in the opposite direction are required. During the use of the tire chain, however, these movements cannot be carried out by the counter-closure element 6, since the inner part 1 of the tire chain is under tension, so that the counter-closure element 6 rests under tension on the hook-shaped end 26 of the leg 17 of the closure element 5. This ensures a high level of security against unintentional opening of the closure. This security is further increased by the fact that a securing element 39 is provided which prevents the counter-closure member 6 from being easily detached. The securing element 39 is designed as a ring that the

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Leg 16 encompasses at the transition to the crossbar 18. It is located at the transition from the guide section 36 to the insertion opening 34. A passage point 40 is thereby formed between the end face 28 of the leg end 26 and the securing element 39, the width of which is only slightly greater than the thickness 35 of the counter-closure member 6. As a result, the counter-closure member 6 can only then be pushed through the passage point 40 when it is aligned precisely with the closure member 5. As soon as the counter-closure member 6 lies at an angle to the closure member 5, it cannot be pushed through the passage point delimited on one side by the securing element 39. The securing element in combination with the different directions of movement of the counter-closure member 6 thus ensures that the closure 7 can only be opened when the user so desires.

The closure member 5 is flat and has flat, mutually parallel outer sides 41 and 42 (FIG. 3). The closure member 5 can be produced in a simple manner as a stamped part. The insertion opening 34, the guide section 36 and the hanging opening 37 penetrate the closure member, so that it is excluded that dirt, ice and the like can become lodged in these sections when the tire chain is used. This ensures that the lock can be closed and opened at any time, even if the tire chain is placed in the snow or has been used in the snow.

The counter-closure member 6 is also flat and has mutually parallel, flat outer sides 43 and 44 (FIG. 4). The counter-closure member 6 is frame-shaped and is provided on its one narrow side with a shoulder 45 which is inserted into a clamping sleeve 46 into which the other free end 47 of the spring steel part 22 is inserted. The counter-closure member 6 can also be produced as a stamped part. On the side facing the closure member 5, the counter-closure member 6 is provided with two preferably cam-shaped guide pieces 48 and 49, which are formed by extensions of the legs 50, 51 of the counter-closure member lying parallel to one another. The mutually facing sides 52 and 53 of the guide pieces 48 and 49 converge in the direction of the ring opening 38 and are connected to one another by a flat side 54 which extends perpendicular to the legs 50, 51. The guide pieces 48 and 49 serve as side guides when the counter-closure member 6 is hooked into the closure member 5. The oblique sides 52, 53 ensure that the counter-closure member 6 can be reliably suspended in the closure member 5 even if it does not hit the closure member exactly in the center .

The deflection element 10 is designed as a circular plate (FIG. 6) and has two openings 55 and 56 in the edge region for connecting an end chain link 57 of the outer part 3 and an end chain link 58 of the running part chain strand 8 (FIGS. 1 and 6). The deflecting element 10 thus serves not only for deflecting the tension cord 11, but also for articulating the one end chain strand 8 of the running part 2 and the one end of the outer part. This means that no additional connecting parts are required. The keyhole-shaped pull-through opening 12 is designed in such a way that the tension cord 11 can be pulled through the larger opening section and locked in the narrower opening section. As shown in FIG. 7, in the locked position one of the chain links 59 of the tension cord 11 lies in the narrower opening section and is secured in this opening section by the adjacent chain links 60 and 61.

In the embodiments according to FIGS. 8 to 12, the closure members are of the same design as in the previously described embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 3. However, differently designed securing elements are provided for these closure members.

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8, the inner side 32a of the leg 16a is flat. Otherwise, the closure member 5a is of the same design as in the embodiment according to FIGS. 1-3. At the free end 62 of the leg 16a, the securing element 39a is pivotally mounted. It is U-shaped, and its two legs 63, of which only one leg is visible in FIG. 8, encompass leg 16a on both sides. The securing element 39a sits on a cross bolt 64 which is fastened to the free end 62 of the leg 16a. On the cross pin 64 there is also a leg spring 65 which engages a cross bar 66 of the securing element and loads it in the direction of its closed position shown in FIG. 8. In the closed position, the crosspiece 66 lies on the end face 28a of the free end 26a of the leg 17a. The leg spring 65 is protected between the two legs 63 of the securing element 39a. The legs 63 extend as far as the transverse web 18 of the closure member 5a, so that the leg ends lie on both sides of the transverse web 18a. The transverse web 66 of the securing element 39a extends only slightly over the end face 28a of the leg end 26a, so that the leg ends projecting in the direction of the transverse web 18a are not connected to one another. As a result, the securing element 39a can be pivoted upward about the transverse bolt 64 against the force of the leg spring 65 until the transverse web 66 strikes the inside 32a of the closure member leg 61a. So that there is a sufficient passage cross-section for the counter-closure member 6 in the open position of the securing element 39a, the legs 63 are provided with a bevelled lower edge section 67 following the transverse web 66, which is arranged such that it is adjacent to the area in the open position of the securing element lies the leg 16a.

The legs 63 of the securing element 39a protrude beyond the side of the transverse bolt 64 facing away from the transverse web 18a and form a handle 68 with which the securing element can be pivoted into its open position by hand. The crosspiece 66 is directed obliquely upward from the free end 26a and thereby forms a guide surface for the counter-closure member 6. The crosspiece 66 guides the counter-closure element in the direction of the insertion opening 34a, so that a reliable closure of the closure is ensured. The insertion opening 34a is connected via the guide section 36a running at right angles to it to the suspension opening 37a, which is of the same design as the suspension opening according to FIGS. 1-3. The inside 31a of the crosspiece 18a runs straight and perpendicular to the legs 16a, 17a of the closure member 5a and delimits the guide section 36a. In the closed position according to FIG. 8, the hook-in opening 37a is completely closed by the securing element 39a, so that the hooked-in counter-closure member is securely secured.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 9, the closure member 5b is designed in the same way as in the embodiment according to FIG. 8. The securing element 39b is also U-shaped and has two legs 63b which are connected to one another by the transverse web 66b. The securing element 39b is pivotally mounted on the cross bolt 64b at the free end 62b of the leg 16b. The legs 63b surround the leg spring 65b, which is supported on the transverse web 66b and on the inside 32b of the leg 16b and loads the securing element in the direction of its closed position shown in FIG. 9. In contrast to the previous embodiment, the securing element 39b is articulated at one end to the closure member 5b. As a result, it projects over the crosspiece 18b of the closure member and forms a handle 68b for the securing element. The crosspiece 66b is only so long that it can rest on the end face 28b of the leg end 26b in the closed position. The parts of the two legs 63b of the securing element 39b projecting beyond the transverse web 66b are thereby

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without connection to each other. So that the legs 63b do not come into contact with the clamping sleeve 20b in the closed position, the lower edge 67b of the portions of the legs projecting beyond the transverse web 66b is chamfered. In contrast, the upper edge 69 of the legs 63b runs straight over the entire length of the legs. As a result, the legs 63b in side view (FIG. 9) essentially have the shape of an isosceles triangle, the sides of which are curved and merge into one another. The tip of the legs 63b located in the area above the clamping sleeve 20b is chamfered, so that the risk of injury when the securing element 39b is actuated is excluded. As a result of the bevelled edge 67b, there is sufficient space between the handle 68b and the clamping sleeve 20b so that the operator can reach under the handle and pivot the securing element 39b upward. In the closed position, the hook-in opening 37b is completely closed by the securing element 39b, so that unintentional unhooking of the counter-closure member 6 is prevented. As in the embodiment according to FIG. 8, however, it can be easily unhooked, since the securing element 39b can be pivoted upward against the force of the leg spring 65b, so that the mating locking element can be pushed out along the transverse web 66b.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 10, the securing element 39c is likewise U-shaped and hinged at one end to the cross bolt 64c, which is arranged at the free end 62c of the leg 16c of the closure member 5c. The crosspiece 66c is so long that it rests on the end face 28c of the leg end 26c in the closed position of the securing element. The two legs 63c of the securing element 39c protrude over the crosspiece 66c up to the level of the crosspiece 18c of the closure element 5c. The upper edge 69c and the lower edge 67c of the legs 63c run parallel to one another and are connected to one another by an end face 70 lying at right angles to them. The securing element 39c is under the force of a leg spring 65c, which is supported on the upper leg 16c and on the crossbar 66c and is mounted on the cross bolt 64c. The securing element 39c does not protrude over the closure element 5c in the closed and open position, so that only a small installation space is required for the closure element. In the closed position (FIG. 10), it completely closes off the hanging opening 37c.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 11, the securing element 39d is pivotably supported at one end on the transverse bolt 64d against the force of a compression spring 71, which is supported on the leg 16d of the closure element 5d and on the transverse web 66d of the securing element 39d. The cross pin 64d passes through the cross bar 18d of the closure member 5d near the transition to the leg 16d. The crosspiece 66d lies on the end face 28d of the leg end 26d. In the closed position of the securing element 39d, it extends to close to the transverse web 18d of the closure element 5d. The legs 63d of the securing element 39d are of the same design as in the embodiment according to FIG. 9. However, since the cross bolt 64d is provided on the cross bar 18d of the closure member, it penetrates the legs 63d near the beveled tip. The legs 63d project over the legs 16d, 17d of the closure member 5d. The protruding parts of the legs 63d form the handle 68d with which the securing element 39d can be pivoted into the open position against the force of the compression spring 71. The securing element 39d completely closes off the hanging opening 37d.

The securing element 39e according to FIG. 12 is designed as a spring element which is fastened to the end 33e of the leg 16e of the closure member 5e with a screw 72 or the like. The spring element 39e preferably lies under prestress on the end face 28e of the leg end 26e and extends as far as the transverse web 18e of the closure member 5e.

The free end 73 of the securing element 39e is U-shaped, so that the legs formed thereby lie on both sides of the transverse web 18e. This securing element 39e continuously closes off the hanging opening 37e of the closure member 5e fully-5. Since the securing element 39e runs obliquely from the leg 16e of the closure element 5e, it is inevitably pressed upwards when the counter-closure element is inserted, so that the counter-closure element can be suspended. When the counter-closure member is removed, the io securing element 39e is also pivoted upward, so that it releases the counter-closure member. It then springs back into the closed position shown in FIG. 12 due to its pretension. The securing element 39e is detachably fastened to the closure member 5e by means of the screw 72, so that it can easily be replaced. In the previously described embodiments, the securing elements are also preferably interchangeably mounted on the closure member. In this case, the cross bolt is releasably held on the locking member.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 13, the securing element 39f is a rubber-elastic ring which is mounted on the crosspiece 18f at the transition to the leg 16f of the closure member 5f. The distance between the securing element 39f and the opposite end face 28f of the Schenlcelende 26f is smaller than the thickness 35 (Fig. 4) of the counter-closure member 6, so 25 that this can only be suspended in the suspension opening 37f with elastic deformation of the securing element. Accordingly, the securing element 39f must be elastically deformed if the counter-closure member is to be removed from the closure member 5f. So that the securing element 30 39f cannot leave its locked position on the crosspiece 18f, it is preferably held in a form-fitting manner on the crosspiece 18f. For this purpose, it is provided on its outer side 25f with a recess 74 into which the annular securing element 39f engages and is thereby secured in position.

35 FIGS. 14-17 show a counter-closure member and the associated closure member. The counter-closure member 6 (FIGS. 14 and 15) is of the same design as the embodiment according to FIGS. 4 and 5. The closure member 5g is U-shaped and has two legs 16g and 17g, which are connected to one another by a crosspiece 18g 40. The flat, mutually parallel outer sides 23g and 24g of the two legs 16g and 17g curve into the outer side 25g of the crosspiece 18g. The outer side 25g extends at an obtuse angle to the outer side 23g up to the fastening pin 19g, which, as in all the previously described embodiments, is 45 closer to the leg 17g than to the leg 16g. The outside 25g extends from the fastening pin 19g perpendicular to the outside 24g of the leg 17g.

At the free end, the leg 16g is thickened and thus provided with a hanging opening 75 for the securing element 39g, which is designed as a ring. 16, the thickened leg end has an approximately semicircular shape and extends approximately over half the length of the leg 16g. The inside 32g of the leg 16g therefore runs approximately semicircular in the region of the thickened end. It then merges in a concavely curved manner with respect to the leg 17g into the inside 31g of the transverse web 18g. It runs parallel to the outside 25g. At the level of the fastening pin 19g, a recess 76 of approximately rectangular cross section is provided in the inside 31g, in 60, which engages with its side 54 during the unhooking process, as will be described further below. The recess 76 is delimited on one side by the inside 30g of the leg 17g, which has an elongated recess 77 which extends to the free end 26g of the 65 leg 17g. The free end 26g is, like in the previous exemplary embodiments, hook-shaped and has an acute-angled outer side 27g, preferably at approximately 45 ° to the outer side 24, which extends beyond the curved one

Front 28g merges into the inside 29g of the free end 26g. The outside 27g and the inside 29g diverge towards the outside 25g. The inside 29g is at an obtuse angle to the inside 30g of the leg 17g and delimits the recess 77 at one end.

The outer side 27g and the arcuate inner side 32g delimit the insertion opening 34g and in turn form guide surfaces for the counter-closure member 6. The securing element 39g is pivotably arranged in the hanging opening 75 and, in the closed position, bears against the inner side 29g of the leg end 26g. In order to ensure this, the inside 29g is arranged offset to the hanging opening 75, so that the securing element 39g bears against the inside due to its gravity in the horizontal position of the closure member 5g shown in FIG. 16. When the counter-closure member 6 is inserted, the securing element 39d is pivoted into its release position. The recess 77 is so long that the securing element can pivot freely in the direction of the leg 16g. As a result of the concave course of the inside 32g, an inside recess 78 is formed on the leg 16g, into which the securing element can be pivoted, so that the counter-closure member can be pushed through the insertion opening 34g into the guide section 36g. It is delimited by the inside 28g of the crosspiece 18g, on which the counter-closure member 6 can be moved downwards in the direction of the hanging opening 37g. As soon as the counter-closure member 6 has been pushed into the guide section 36g, the securing element 39g falls back into its closed position. The clear width 79 of the counter-closure member 6 is greater than the outer width 80 of the securing element 39g, so that the securing element engages in the ring opening 38 of the counter-closure member 6 in the closed position. Since the securing element is supported on the inside 29g of the leg end 26g in the unhooking direction of the counter-closure member 6, the securing element cannot be inadvertently pivoted into its closed position. The recess 76 on the crosspiece 18g serves as an additional safeguard against unintentional unhooking of the counter-closure element 6. If this is displaced in the closure element 5g as far as the crosspiece 18g, the side 54 of the counter-closure element enters the recess 76, whereby it is secured against transverse movements. As a result, the counter-closure member 6 does not automatically enter the guide section 36g. For this purpose, the counter-closure member 6 would have to be pushed out of the recess 36 again and then guided transversely to the guide section 36g. The embodiment of the closure member 5g is characterized by a simple design. The closure member 5g and the counter-closure member 6 are simple stamped parts that can be produced inexpensively. The securing element 39g formed by a metallic ring is wear-resistant. The diameter of the hanging opening 75 is preferably larger than the wire diameter of the securing element 39g. This prevents dirt or the like from becoming lodged in the hanging opening 75, which would impair the pivotability of the securing element 39g. When the tire chain is installed, the securing element 39g is pressed firmly against the free end 26g and against the tire, so that a reliable securing of the attached counter-closure element 6 is ensured. The tension cord 11 is loosened for the intended opening of the closure. When opened, the leg 16g lies on the lower side. The securing element 39g falls into the depression 78 due to gravity, so that the counter-closure member 6 can be easily removed.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 20 and 21, the securing element 39h is formed by part of the free end 26h of the closure member leg 17h. The securing element 39h is designed as a nose which partially delimits the hanging opening 37h. The free end 26h protrudes about half

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Height of the closure member 5h, as is also the case with the embodiments according to FIGS. 2, 3 and 8 to 13. The outside 27h of the free end 26h is continuously curved over the entire length and lies at an acute angle to the flat outside 24h of the leg 17h, which runs parallel to the outside 23h of the other leg 16h of the closure member 5h. The two outer sides 23h and 24h each merge into the outer side 25h of the crosspiece 18h of the closure member 5h. The outer side 27h of the leg end 26h merges continuously into the approximately semicircularly curved end face 28h, which continues into an end face 81 of the securing element 39h which is approximately semicircular in side view according to FIG. 20. The suspension opening 37h is delimited by the inside 30h of the leg 17h, the inside 29h of the leg end 26h and a further inside 82 of the leg end. The inside 30h of the leg 17h is flat and converges in the direction of the transverse web 18h of the closure member 5h with respect to the outside 24h. The inside 30h merges continuously into the inside 29h, which is approximately parallel to the outside 25h of the crosspiece 18h and at an obtuse angle to the inside 30h. The further inside 82 lies at right angles to the inside 29h, into which it merges in a curved manner. The suspension opening 37h narrows as a result of the design described in the direction of the free end 26h. The inner side 82 connects to the curved end face 81 of the securing element 39h.

As already in the embodiment according to FIGS. 16 and 17, the inside 30h of the leg 17h forms in the area of the crosspiece 18h the one side wall of a recess 76h which is provided in the inside 31h of the crosspiece. The inside 31h runs parallel to the outside 25h and merges into the inside 32h of the leg 16h, which is curved in an S shape in a side view according to FIG. 20.

The outside 27h and the inside 32h at the free end of the leg 16h form converging side walls of the insertion opening 34h, which is delimited by these two leg ends. At these converging surfaces, the counter-closure member 6 is reliably directed into the closure member 5h. The end face 28h of the leg end 26h extends over a large part parallel to the inside 32h, which is concavely curved in this area with respect to the leg 17h. This forms a narrow guide channel 83, in which the side 54 of the counter-closure member is guided. The guide channel 83 merges into the guide section 36h, which is delimited laterally by the crosspiece 18h and the hook-shaped free end 26h. The guide section 36h lies approximately at right angles to the guide channel 83 and merges into an intermediate guide section 84 lying at right angles to it, which opens into the hanging opening 37h and is delimited by the securing element 39h and the leg 17h.

The counter-closure member 6 associated with the closure member 5h is essentially of the same design as in the previously described exemplary embodiments. Only the ring opening 38 is longer, since the free end 26h of the closure member 5h, viewed in the direction of the legs 16h or 17h, is longer than the free ends of the previously described exemplary embodiments of closure members.

When the mating locking element 6 is inserted, the front side part 54 enters the guide channel 83 from the insertion opening 34. As a result of the design described, the mating locking element is reliably guided into the guide channel at the oblique guide surfaces 27h, 32h, regardless of the point at which the mating locking element strikes this guide surface . Upon further displacement, the counter-closure member 6 is reliably guided from the guide channel 83 into the guide section 36h lying at right angles to it, from which it reaches the hook-in opening 37h via the intermediate guide section 84. The distance between the securing element 39h and

7

5

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15

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35

40

45

50

55

60

65

667 847 8

the opposite leg 17h is slightly large. The handle parts 88, 89 have a rectangular cross-section and are larger than the thickness 35 of the mating locking element 6, but are made in one piece with the plug-in lugs 90, 91, but the securing element nevertheless has the same effect to a large extent. that the thickness as the handle parts have (Fig. 23). The plug openings 92,

Mating locking elements from the hanging opening 17h are automatically 93 in widened sections 94.95 of the mounting bracket 4

slips out. Even if this is provided during use of Figure 5, the radially outward over the mounting bracket

Tire chain should happen is due to the two-row curb. These sections are preferably 94.95 intermediate

change in the movement of the counter-closure pieces, which are pushed onto the spring wire part 22. Like Fig. 22

member 6 ensures that the counter-closure member does not point out, these sections 94, 95 can simultaneously slip out as the closure member 5h. Spacers for the chain pieces 8 of the running part serve as additional securing means. Around the recess 76h is provided, which in the extension of FIG. 10 prevents the sections 94.95 from twisting

Intermediate guide section 84 is arranged so that the spring steel part 22 is preferably rectangular in cross section. The

Counter-closure link 6 first reaches recess 76h, connecting chain links 96 of chain strands 8 of running part 2

where it is prevented from changing the direction of movement. are preferably elongated chain links with their

Despite the change in the direction of displacement twice, the parallel leg can be left directly on the spring steel part 22

the counter-closure member 6 hooks in and out very easily. 15 sit. As a result, the connection chain links 96 are also

The embodiment according to FIGS. 20 and 21 is particularly secured against twisting, so that twisting of the running part is also advantageous since the closure member 5h is formed in one piece when the tire chain is being pulled onto the tire and no additional parts are required for the securing element .

are borrowed. The described embodiments of closure members

All of the closures 7 described are designed in such a way that 2o and counter-closure members are characterized by the fact that they are closed automatically if the by a structurally simple design, easy to manufacture

Mounting bracket 4 formed inner part 1 elastically assembled and safe functionality. With them you can press. To open the tire chain, the assembly lock 7 will automatically close without the operator

bracket 4 elastically expanded and put over the tire. Put the two links together by hand

The mounting bracket 4 can be put back into its 25 position behind the tire. The closure members 5 and 6 are also designed so

Spring back the original ring shape, which is shown in Fig. 22 that it is not with dirt, snow, ice and the like. In this starting position are the closure member 5 and can be added, so that a secure closure and

Counter-closure member 6 at a distance from each other. This has the opening of the lock even under the most unfavorable terrain

The advantage is that 7 conditions are guaranteed when the closure is subsequently closed.

the two locking elements 5 and 6 are pre-tensioned so that the reliable closing is further promoted by

are hung, whereby an additional security against that the closure member and the counter-closure member in their unintentional loosening of the closure 7 is guaranteed. applied height to the tire are about the same height, so that

After putting the mounting bracket 4 on it is the of the elastic compression of the mounting bracket 4 the

Outside of the tire compressed by the user. the two parts meet reliably and with each other

As a result, the two mounting bracket ends can be connected to one another.

approaches and the counter-closure member 6 and the closure member 5 When pulling the tire chain after closing in the direction of arrows 85 and 86 in Fig. 22 against each other. of the closure 7 on the inside of the tire

The counter-closure member 6 then passes through the pull-through opening 12 of the deflection

With his side 54 pulled into the insertion opening of the closure dementia 10 and, when the necessary tension member 5 and is automatically reached along the inclined surfaces in the io, pulled into the narrower opening section. The

The guide section and from there into the suspension opening, the tension cord 11 remains in the tensioned position and must be ben. The user of the tire chain must therefore close the exterior during the subsequent threading process.

not the two closure members 5 and 6 together by hand 3 are not kept under tension by hand. As a result, it can only be fitted with elastic compression, which not only facilitates the assembly of the tire chain, but also closes the clasp 7 of the mounting bracket 4. As a result of FIG. 45, it is also ensured that the tire chain already has the required tension when the two closure members 5 and 6 are put on for the first time. Since the tension cord 11

If it is reliably ensured that the two closure members are only provided in the outer part 3, it can also be relatively connected to one another. be short, so that the tire chain for the user. To facilitate closing, an assembly device can be clearly arranged during assembly. The tire chain can be provided device 87, which effortlessly pull up from elongated handle parts 88 and thus also by less experienced motorists.

89 exists. They are each provided with a plug-in socket on one end. The tire chain is already arranged in an orderly manner after being placed on sets 90 and 91, each with a plug-in opening 92 and 93 on the tire, so that subsequently only the lock 7

is assigned in the mounting bracket 4. The plug-in lugs 90, 91 and closed on the inside and the tension cord 11 tightened, the plug-in openings 92, 93 are designed in such a way that the handle parts and must be threaded. The deflection element 10 is made

88.89 with clamping in the plug openings. For closing 55, preferably made of plastic, so that the closure 7 is not susceptible to corrosion, the handle parts 88, 89 are connected to the transition from the wider to the narrower section

Plug-in lugs 90, 91 are inserted into the plug-in openings 93, 94 and the ring opening 38 can be provided with an elastically compressible then the mounting bracket 4 by means of the handle parts, so that the respective chain link is pressed so that the locking links 5 and 6 interlock Tension cord 11 only with elastic deformation of this nop

can grab. As a result of the clamping, the user can easily push 6opens into the smaller opening section

determine whether the mounting bracket 4 is sufficiently elastic that this has compressed an additional securing device for the hooked-in device, that the locking members 5, 6 also give a tension cord, by means of which interlocking has been ruled out with certainty. If this is not the case, the tensioning cord 11 is inadvertently when threading into the mounting bracket 4 when the handle parts 3 are pulled out of the narrower section into the wider section

88.89 elastically expanded from the plug openings 93.94, which slips back 65 opening section. Since the tension cord 11 is immediately recognized by the user. He thus has a control direction of his attachment to the outer part 3 is returned,

that the closure 7 has also been properly closed ^ e'ne additional security in the narrower opening section. but not absolutely necessary.

667 847

The closure element 5i according to FIGS. 24 to 26 is similar to the embodiment according to FIGS. 2 and 3. The inside 30i of the leg 17i lies at an acute angle to the inside 29i of the free leg end 26i and goes via an arcuately curved wall section 97 into the inside 31i of the transverse web 18i so that it tapers from the leg 17 in the direction of the leg 16. The inside 31i is flat and merges into the inside 32i of the leg 16i in the area above the end face 28i of the free leg end 261. The inside 32i is flat and runs parallel to the inside 30i of the leg 17i. The outside 23i of the leg 16i is connected to the inside 32i via a flat end 33i which extends at an acute angle to it.

The securing element 39i is slidably mounted on the leg 16i. It is provided with a handle 98, which is designed as a tension member, with which the securing element can be moved out of the leg 16i of the closure member 5i against the force of a compression spring 99. Since the closure member 5i in the inner part

1 of the tire chain is arranged, it is located behind the tire when the tire chain is installed. So that the securing element 39i can still be actuated simply to open the closure member 5i, the tension member 98 is preferably part of the barrel

2 deflected towards the outer part 3 of the tire chain and can be actuated from there.

So that the securing element 39 can still be actuated simply to open the closure member 5, the tension member 40 is preferably deflected over the barrel part 2 to the outer part 3 of the tire chain and can be actuated from there. The user of the tire chain therefore only needs to actuate the tension member 98 from the outside of the tire in order to move the securing element 39i into the release position shown in FIG. 3. The tension member 98 can of course also be designed such that it is located behind the tire, so that the user of the tire chain must reach behind the tires. But even then the securing element 39i can still be easily opened by means of the tension member. In this case, the tension member 98 is preferably designed as a ring that can be easily gripped.

The tension member 98 is expediently designed to be flexible, so that it can be easily guided to the outer part 3 or is provided behind the tire as a flexible ring which can be easily gripped and does not interfere within the chain assembly.

The securing element 39i has two legs 100 and 101 (FIG. 26) lying on both sides of the leg 16i of the closure member 5, which in the exemplary embodiment are slightly wider than the leg 16i. The leg 100 is longer than the leg 101. The extension forms a connection piece 102 for the tension member 98. The connection piece has an opening 103 in which the tension member 98 is fastened. As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the connection piece 102 projects beyond the outside 25i of the cross piece 18i.

The legs 100, 101 are widened at their end facing away from the connection piece 102. These widenings 104, 105 terminate in a tip 106 and each have two edges 107, 108 which are at an acute angle to one another, of which the edge 107 forms the end face of the legs 100, 101. It merges into an outer edge 109 of the legs 100, 101 and lies parallel to the inner edge 110, which is shorter than the outer edge 109 and to which the edge 108 connects at an obtuse angle. In the case of the shorter leg 101, the outer edge 109 and the inner edge 110 are connected to one another by an end edge 111 lying perpendicular to them. In the case of the longer leg 100, the outer edge 109 'and the inner edge 110' (FIG. 25) are connected to one another at the end facing away from the widening 104 by an arcuate curved end edge 111 '. 24 and 25, the outer edge 109, 109 'of the legs 100, 101 of the securing element 39i lies in a plane containing the outside 23i of the leg 16i of the closure member 5i. The inner edges 110,

20th

111 'of the leg 100, 101, on the other hand, are closer to the leg 17i of the closure member 5i than the inside 32i of the leg 16i. The two legs 100 and 101 of the securing element 39i are connected to one another by a transverse web 112 which 5 extends from the tip 48 of the widenings 104, 105 to the inside 32i of the leg 16i of the closure member 5i (FIG. 26). The crosspiece 112 continues in a stop piece 113 which runs in the area between the two widenings 104, 105 along the edges 108 of the widenings. However, the xo stop piece 113 is shorter than the edge 108 of the widenings (FIGS. 24 and 25).

The compression spring 99 is accommodated in a longitudinal slot 114 in the leg 16i of the closure member 5i. It is supported at one end on an end wall 115 of the longitudinal slot 114 and 15 with its other end on a guide part 116 which passes through the longitudinal slot and connects the two legs 100, 101 of the securing element 39i at the level of the widenings 104, 105.

The closure member 5i is reinforced over part of its circumference and for this purpose provided with a web 117 which runs along the leg 17i and the crossbar 18i and the outside of which forms the outer sides 24i and 25i of the leg 17i and the crossbar 18i. The web 117 projects over both 25 sides of the leg 17i and the crossbar 18i (FIG. 26). The web 117 extends from the outside 27i of the leg end 26i to the level of the inner edge 110, 110 'of the legs 100, 101 of the securing element 39i. One end face 118 of the web 117 forms an additional guide for the legs 100 and 101 thereof when the securing element 39i is moved (FIG. 25). On the outside 23i of the leg 16i of the closure member 5i, a further web 119 is provided, which overlaps the legs 100 and 101 of the securing element 39i on the outer edge 109, 109 '(FIG. 26). This web 119 also forms a guide for the legs 100, 101 when the securing element 39i is displaced and extends only a short distance from the outside 25i of the crosspiece 18i in the direction of the front side 33i of the leg 16i.

In the closed position (FIG. 24) of the securing element 39i "o, its edge 107 forms with the outer side 27i of the leg end 26i the insertion opening 34i for the counter-closure member. The edge 107 and the outer side 27i are at an obtuse angle to one another such that the insertion opening The securing element 39i rests under the force of the compression spring 99 with the transverse web 112 on the end face 28i of the leg end 26i (FIG. 24), as a result of which the counter-closure member 6 is reliably inserted along the edge 107 or the outside 27i the insertion opening 34i of the closure member 5i, and when the counter-closure member 6 is pushed in, the securing element 39i is displaced against the force of the compression spring 99 in the direction of its release position (FIG. 25) 37i of the closure member 5i, the counter-closure member 6 becomes 55 from its egg Push direction 120 deflected transversely thereto within the guide section 36i. The edges 107 of the widenings 104, 105 and the transverse web 112 of the securing element 39i serve here as guides for the counter-closure member. As soon as the counter-closure member reaches the area of the 60 hook-in opening 37i, the securing element 39i is pushed back into its closed position under the force of the compression spring 99, so that the hook-in member is reliably secured against unintentional detachment. In the closed position, the edge 108 of the widenings 104, 105 in side view 65, seen in FIG. 24, sees an extension of the inside 29i of the leg end 26i of the closure member 5i. The edges 108 and the inside 29i are parallel to the inside 3 Ii of the crossbar 18i.

667 847

10th

If the counter-closure member 6 is to be removed from the closure member 5i, the securing element 39i with the tension member 98 is moved against the force of the spring 99 into the release position shown in FIG. 25. In the release position, the securing element 39i rests with the stop piece 113 on the inside 31i of the crosspiece 18i.

With the stop piece, the displacement of the securing element 39i can thus be limited in a simple manner. In the release position, the curved wall section 97, seen in a side view according to FIG. 25, continuously merges into the edges 107 of the widenings 104, 105 of the securing element 39i. As a result, the counter-closure member 6 can be moved along the wall section 97 and the edges 107 from the hanging opening 37i to the insertion opening 34i and detached without getting caught.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 27, the securing element 39j is a spring which is fastened to the leg 16j of the closure element 5j and with its free end abuts the free end 26j of the leg 17j of the closure element. The spring 39j preferably bears against the closure member limb 17j under elastic pretension, so that the suspended counter-closure member is reliably secured against unhooking. The free end s 26j of the leg 17j has an angled end piece 121 in the direction of the transverse rise 18j of the closure member, the rounded end face 122 of which serves as a contact surface for the spring 39j. The tension member 98j indicated by an arrow engages the free end of the spring. With the tension member 98j, the spring 39j can be moved into the release position indicated by dashed lines, the spring being elastically deformed. As a result, the spring 39j automatically returns to its locked position after release by the tension member 98j. The spring 39j can be designed differently, for example a leaf spring or a leg spring. The tension member 98j can also be designed differently.

In the release position, the spring 39j can serve as a guide when attaching or detaching the counter-closure member, which can thus be easily attached and detached.

M

5 sheets of drawings

Claims (22)

667 847 PATENT CLAIMS 1. Tire chain with an inner and an outer part and a running part that connects the inner and the outer part, of which the inner part has at least one closure with a closure and a counter-closure link, of which the closure link has an insertion opening and a suspension opening, into which the mating locking element can be hung, characterized in that the insertion opening (34, 34a, 34g, 34h, 34i) is open in the direction of the opposite mating locking element (6), that the insertion opening has at least one transverse to the insertion direction (15, 120) of the counterver connecting element running guide section (36, 36a to 36i) is connected to the hanging opening (37, 37a to 37i), which is transverse to the guide section and that in the area between the insertion opening and the hanging opening, at least one securing element (39, 39a to 39i) for the attached counter-closure member is provided. 2. Tire chain according to claim 1, characterized in that the closure member (5,5a to 5j) and the counter-closure member (6) at the two ends as a spring-elastic mounting bracket (4) designed inner part (1) are arranged. 3. Tire chain according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the insertion opening (34, 34a, 34g to 34i), which tapers preferably in the direction of the guide section (36, 36a to 36i), of two legs (16, 16a to 16h) ; 17, 17a, 17b, 17g, 17h; 16i, 17i, 16j, 17j) of the U-shaped locking element (5.5a to 5j) is formed, the locking element and / or the counter-locking element (6) preferably being in the form of a plate Stamped part are formed. 4. Tire chain according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the guide section (36,36a to 36h) through one of the legs (16,16abis 16h; 17,17a, 17d, 17g, 17h) of the closure member (5,5a to 5h) connecting transverse web (18, 18a to 18h) is limited. 5. Tire chain according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the securing element (39,39a to 39c, 39e, 39g, 39i, 39j) on one leg (16,16a to 16c, 16e, 16g, 16i, 16j) of the closure member (5.5a to 5c, 5e, 5g, 5i, 5j) is provided. 6. Tire chain according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the securing element (39a to 39e, 39g) is arranged movably, preferably pivotably, on the closure member (5a to 5e, 5g). 7. Tire chain according to claim 6, characterized in that the securing element (39a to 39d) can be pivoted against spring force from a closed position into a release position, is preferably U-shaped and with its legs (63, 63b to 63d) one leg ( 16a to 16d) of the closure member (5a to 5d), and the crosspiece (66, 66b to 66d) of the securing element (39a to 39d) forms a contact for the spring (65, 65b, 65c, 71). 8. Tire chain according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the securing element (39a, 39b, 39d, 39i) is provided with a handle (68,68b, 68d, 98), which by a via the closure member (5a, 5b, 5d, 5i) projecting part of the securing element (39a, 39b, 39d, 39i) is formed. 9. Tire chain according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the securing element (39e) is a leaf spring attached to one of the legs (16e) of the closure member (5e). 10. Tire chain according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the securing element (39,39f, 39h) is arranged in a fixed position on the closure member (5,5f, 5h) and one leg (16) or the transverse web (18f) of the Closure member (5, 5f) surrounding ring. 11. Tire chain according to claim 10, characterized in that the securing element (39h) is formed in one piece with the closure member (5h). 12. Tire chain according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the securing element (39a to 39e, 39g, 39i, 39j) in the closed position at the free end (26a to 26e, 26g, 26i, 26j) of the other leg (17a to 17e, 17g, 17i, 17j) des 5 closure member (5a to 5e, 5g, 5i, 5j), and that the free end (26,26a to 26h, 26i, 26j) of the other leg (17,17abis 17j) of the closure member (5,5a to 5j) is preferred runs at an acute angle in the direction of the opposite leg (16, 16a to 16j) of the closure member and forms a hook for io the counter-closure member (6). 13. Tire chain according to one of claims 1 to 12, which has a tension cord, which is assigned a deflection element in the outer part, characterized in that the deflection element (10) is plate-shaped and a keyhole-promoting Has 15-meter pull-through opening (12) for the tensioning cord (11), the one end (57) of the outer part (3) and the one end (58) of an end chain piece (8) of the running part (2) preferably on the deflecting element (10) are articulated. 14. Tire chain according to one of claims 1 to 13, with a 20 mounting bracket, characterized in that the mounting bracket (4) Connections (92,93) for assembly aids (88,89), which are formed by grips that are to be connected to the connections (92,93). 15. Tire chain according to claim 14, characterized in 25 that the connections (92,93) plug openings in the mounting bracket (4) are that the assembly aids (88, 89) have plug-in projections (90, 91) which engage with clamping in the connections (92, 93) which in the region of the closure member (5) and the counter-closure member (6) lie. 16. Tire chain according to one of claims 8 to 15, characterized in that the handle is a tension member (98,98j) with which the securing element (39i, 39j) on the closure member (5i, 5j) is displaceable. 17. Tire chain according to claim 16, characterized in that the tension member (98,98j) via the running part (2) to the outer part (3) the tire chain is deflected and can be actuated from there. 18. Tire chain according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that one of the legs (100) of the securing element (39i) has a connection (102) for the tension member (98). 40 points. 19. Tire chain according to claim 18, characterized in that the leg (16i) of the closure member (5i) has a longitudinal slot (114) which is penetrated by a guide part (116), the two legs (100,101) of the securing element 45 (39i) and that the spring (99) is accommodated in the longitudinal slot (114), which is supported at one end on the guide part (116) and at the other end at one end (115) of the longitudinal slot (114) . 20. Tire chain according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the lies in the region of the insertion opening (34i) Ends (104, 105) of the legs (100, 101) of the securing element (39i) are of widened design and that preferably the widened ends (104, 105) are tapered 55 in the direction of the opposite leg (17i) of the closure member (5i), preferably in a tip ( 106) expire. 21. Tire chain according to claim 20, characterized in that the widened ends (104, 105) through a, preferably the insertion opening (34i) of the closure member (5i) partially 6 (J as delimiting transverse web (112) with each other and preferably with the associated legs (100, 101) of the securing element (39i) each in one plane. 22. Tire chain according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the widened ends (104, 105) at their the 65 cross web (18i) of the closure member (5i) side are provided with a stop piece (113) for the securing element (39i) and that the legs (100,101) of the securing element (39i) with their top and bottom (109 and 110; 109 ' and 110 '), preferably each overlapped by a web (117, 119) which is provided on the closure member (5i). 23. Tire chain according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the securing element (39j) is a spring which is preferably attached to one leg (16j) of the closure member (5j) and at the free end (26j) of the other leg (17j) rests under elastic pretension.