ES2383421B1 - GRIP DEVICE FOR VEHICLE WHEELS - Google Patents

Abstract

Grip device for vehicle wheels. # In front of the classic chains, heavy, noisy and complicated assembly, the device of the invention consists of several elements (5) or tapes physically independent of each other, the same, each of which is it materializes in a webbing (6) with grips (11) of grip on the ground, through the defined spaces between the spokes (3) of the wheel, and that closes on itself with the collaboration of hooking means ( 7) which also ensure adequate tension of the belt for immobilization with respect to the tire (2).

Description

the same, finishing said tape by its ends

Grip device for vehicle wheels.

Object of the invention

The present invention relates to a gripping device for vehicle wheels, commonly referred to as "chains," used when a vehicle travels on ice, mud, snow, etc.

The object of the invention is to achieve a device of remarkable structural simplicity, especially a great ease of assembly, and also adaptable to different types of ground or rolling surfaces.

The invention thus falls within the scope of automobile accessories, more specifically of vehicle wheel accessories. Background of the invention

As it has just been said, these types of devices are usually referred to as "chains", and this is due to the fact that their first realizations, which are still mostly maintained today, consist of a structure based on metal chains that are conveniently fixed to the tread of the wheel, so that its links make appendages that are stuck in the ice or surface in question, improving the grip and consequently the traction of the vehicle.

More specifically and in accordance with an embodiment currently in force, the chains themselves are a reticular structure fixed to two lateral rings, so that this structure is coupled to the wheel, with the open ends of the rings facing down. , the vehicle must then be mobilized so that such ends remain in an area of free access where the definitive closing of the device can be carried out, usually with the collaboration of tensioners or coupling means of different types.

This realization, and similar ones, has a problem that focuses especially on the following aspects:

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Its assembly is slow and laborious.

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Its weight is considerable.

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Its volumetric occupation in the trunk, in an inoperative situation, is also considerable.

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When they are designed for a certain type of soil, for example to circulate on ice, they are not suitable for different circulation circumstances, such as for traveling on mud.

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Accused loudness due to friction of chain links.

Description of the invention

The gripping device for vehicle wheels that the invention proposes solves in a fully satisfactory manner the above-mentioned problem, in each and every one of the different aspects mentioned.

For this and more specifically, said device is embodied in a variable number of elements that are equally and physically independent of each other, preferably between three and five, each consisting of a nylon tape or other similar material, sufficiently flexible. and resistant, intended to embrace the assembly constituted by the rim and the tire, passing through one of any appropriate conventional closure means, preferably of clip type closure, which allows a quick drive and ensures adequate belt tension for optimum fixation to the wheel, having been provided that the inner side of the belt is covered with silicone, to improve its adhesion with respect to the rubber of the tire.

The tape will therefore have a suitable length to achieve the aforementioned effect as far as its attachment to the wheel is concerned, and will also have a plurality of nails, teeth, etc., located in the part thereof suitable for the situation assembly the closure of the tape is located laterally and on the outer face of the wheel, that is to say in the area of easiest accessibility.

According to another of the characteristics of the invention, said nails, teeth or the like are mounted on the tape with removable character, so that they are interchangeable, that is selectively usable depending on the type of terrain on which the vehicle, in any case to get the best functionality.

The number of elements to be used on the wheel, depending on the use, will preferably be between three and five, depending on the degree of grip you want to obtain, as well as the diameter of the wheel, being in any case the elements in question distributed equidistant from the perimeter of the repeatedly cited wheel.

In this way, a device of very low weight, of great versatility and functional ease, and of low sound is achieved. Description of the drawings

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to a preferred example of practical implementation thereof, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description. In an illustrative and non-limiting manner, the following has been represented:

Figure 1.- Shows a development in plan of one of the elements that participate in the vehicle wheel grip device that constitutes the object of the present invention.

Figure 2.- Shows a profile detail of the closing ends of the element of the previous figure.

Figure 3.- Shows a detail in plan of the set represented in Figure 2.

Figure 4.- Shows, according to a side elevation view, an example of the mounting of the gripping device on the wheel of the vehicle.

Figure 5.- Finally, it shows a cross-sectional detail of the assembly represented in Figure 4, along the lines A-B of said figure. Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

In view of the aforementioned fi gures, it can be seen how the gripping device proposed by the invention is specifically intended for vehicle wheels whose tire (1), tire support (2), is provided with spokes (3) that define open spaces ( 4), through which the different elements (5) that constitute the device will be passed through, as will be seen in detail below.

The element (5) consists of a webbing (6) of a highly resistant material while flexible, co

3 EN 2383421A1 4

for example nylon, said tape being finished at its free ends in closing means, such as the hook (7), articulated jointly to the lever arm (8), which in turn is articulated to a solidly attached support (9) to one end of the webbing (6), hook (7) with which a series of fixed hooks (10) collaborate, in turn integral to the other end of the webbing (6), by means of screws, rivets or the like, selectively usable to achieve at all times the appropriate degree of tension in the webbing (6), in the working position shown in Figures 4 and 5.

The webbing (6) constituting each of the aforementioned elements, also incorporates a plurality of protuberances (11), which affect the area thereof that faces the tread band (12) of the tire () 2), and which are the determinants of the grip of the wheel on the ground.

These protrusions (11) may materialize in hooks, skewers, etc., and will also be replaceable, as previously stated, to use in each case the most appropriate, for which purpose and in accordance with a preferred example of practical implementation of the invention, the element (5) will have in the aforementioned area of holes (13) for coupling the hooks, skewers, etc., which logically must have a head that prevents the decoupling thereof in the working situation of the device.

In the example of practical realization of the drawings, and as shown in Figure 5, the device is materialized in five such elements (5), as an optimal solution, since the tests carried out for this purpose have shown that they are the constituent elements for Get an adequate level of benefits.

Optionally, the described device may be complemented with a strip (14) of semi-rigid material in the form of a circle arc, in which a rough surface is defined, a strip that is disposed longitudinally on the surface of the tire, as shown in Figure 4 , being held by the straps themselves (6).

5 EN 2383421A1 6

Claims (6)

one.

Grip device for vehicle wheels, in particular for tire wheels provided with spokes, characterized by being a plurality of elements (5) equal and physically independent of each other, each of which is embodied in a webbing (6) of a resistant and flexible material, of adequate length to embrace the tire passing through the defined spaces between the spokes of the rim, and counting at its ends with means of snap closure, each belt incorporating a plurality of protuberances that constitute the means of grip of the same and that remain located on the tread of the tire at the same time that the closing means are placed on the external lateral face of the same.

2.

Grip device for vehicle wheels, according to claim 1, characterized in that said belt is preferably nylon and has its inner face coated with silicone.

3. Grip device for vehicle wheels, according to claim 1, characterized in that the closing means of each belt consist of a tilting hook (7), a lever (8) also tilting on a support (9) fixed in one of the ends of the webbing (6), collaborating with said hook (7) at least one hook (10) fixed to the other end of the webbing (6). 4. Grip device for vehicle wheels, according to claim 1, characterized in that the protuberances (11) emerging from each element (5) in correspondence with the tread

(12)

of the wheel, they materialize in skewers, tacos,

or any other element appropriate to the type of terrain, these bumps being removably mounted on the belt.

5. Grip device for vehicle wheels, according to claim 1, characterized in that the device is complemented strips (14) of semi-rigid material in the form of a circle arc, in which a rough surface, longitudinally adaptable on the tire surface is defined , and arranged under the straps (6). ES 2 383 421 A1 ES 2 383 421 A1 SPANISH OFFICE OF THE PATENTS AND BRAND Application no .: 201030742 SPAIN Date of submission of the application: 05.19.2010 Priority Date: REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE 51 Int. Cl.: B60C27 / 02 (2006.01) RELEVANT DOCUMENTS

Category

56 Documents cited Claims Affected

X

EP 1918133 A1 (VARESANO, V.) 05/07/2008, summary; paragraphs [0007] - [0013]; figures 1,2 1,3,5

X

US 2002088519 A1 (WILKINSON) 07/11/2002, the whole document 1.4

X

US 4513801 A (PEDRICK et al.) 04/30/1985, column 2, lines 11-37; lines 44-55; Figures 1-5.8 1.5

X

US 2685903 A (LUTEY) 08/10/1954, column 3, line 9-column 4, line 50; Figures 1-3,7,8 one

X

WO 2006126226 A1 (CONEROPLASTIK DI GIACCAGLIA MA et al.) 11/30/2006, page 3, one

line 22-page 7, line 10; figures 4-8

X

US 5454412 A (BOWERS) 10/03/1995, the whole document one

Category of the documents cited X: of particular relevance Y: of particular relevance combined with other / s of the same category A: reflects the state of the art O: refers to unwritten disclosure P: published between the priority date and the date of priority submission of the application E: previous document, but published after the date of submission of the application

This report has been prepared • for all claims • for claims no:

Date of realization of the report 08.06.2012

Examiner F. García Sanz Page 1/4

REPORT OF THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE Application number: 201030742 Minimum documentation searched (classification system followed by classification symbols) B60C Electronic databases consulted during the search (name of the database and, if possible, terms of search used) INVENES, EPODOC State of the Art Report Page 2/4  WRITTEN OPINION Application number: 201030742 Date of Written Opinion: 08.06.2012 Statement

Novelty (Art. 6.1 LP 11/1986)

Claims 2-5 Claims 1 IF NOT

Inventive activity (Art. 8.1 LP11 / 1986)

Claims 2 Claims 1,3-5 IF NOT

The application is considered to comply with the industrial application requirement. This requirement was evaluated during the formal and technical examination phase of the application (Article 31.2 Law 11/1986).  Opinion Base.- This opinion has been made on the basis of the patent application as published. State of the Art Report Page 3/4  WRITTEN OPINION Application number: 201030742 1. Documents considered.- The documents belonging to the state of the art taken into consideration for the realization of this opinion are listed below.

Document

Publication or Identification Number publication date

D01

EP 1918133 A1 (VARESANO, V.) 05.07.2008

D02

US 2002088519 A1 (WILKINSON) 11.07.2002

D03

US 4513801 A (PEDRICK et al.) 04/30/1985

D04

US 2685903 A (LUTEY) 10.08.1954

D05

WO 2006126226 A1 (CONEROPLASTIK DI GIACCAGLIA MA et al.) 11/30/2006

D06

US 5454412 A (BOWERS) 03.10.1995

2. Statement motivated according to articles 29.6 and 29.7 of the Regulations for the execution of Law 11/1986, of March 20, on Patents on novelty and inventive activity; quotes and explanations in support of this statement Document D01, which is considered the closest to the state of the art, describes (the references in brackets apply to this document) an anti-slip / grip device for vehicle wheels, which may be constituted by one or more elements (10 ), equal and physically independent of each other, each of which materializes in a webbing (12, 13), of a resistant and flexible material, as is widely known in the state of the art, of adequate length to embrace the tire passing through the defined spaces between the spokes of the rim, and counting at its ends with means of snap closure (15, 17, 18, 20), each belt incorporating a plurality of protuberances (8) that constitute the means of grip it and remain on the tire tread, while the closing means are located on the outer side of the tire. In addition, the closing means of each webbing consist of a tilting element (18), a lever (20) also tilting on a support (15) fixed at one of the ends of the webbing, collaborating with said tilting element at least one hook (17) fixed to the other end of the webbing. Also, there are strips (13) in the form of a circle arc, which complement the webbing, in which a plurality of protrusions (8) are also defined, on the surface of the tire and under the belts (12). Document D02 describes (the references in brackets apply to this document) an apparatus for improving the traction on wheels (10) of vehicles, which includes a series of elements (20), equal and physically independent of each other, constituted by fastening tapes (40) and their corresponding sleeves (22), said sleeves being located in correspondence with the tread of the wheel and having protrusions protruding from each sleeve, which materialize in skewers, studs or any other appropriate element to the type of terrain, said sleeves being also removably mounted on the belt.  As explained above, the technical object of the present invention, insofar as it can be interpreted, is not new, since the above documents, among others, are particularly relevant for said object, and therefore also lack inventive activity, all according to the requirements of Articles 6.1 and 8.1 of Patent Law 11/86. State of the Art Report Page 4/4