FR2594753A1 - Anti-skid chain - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an anti-skid chain provided for equipping the wheels of vehicles driving on a slippery ground. This chain comprises a series of fastening elements 2, in the form of hooks, fixed to a structure consisting of a flexible strip 5 and intended to be fastened to the periphery of the wheel. The chain is buckled at a point on the external face of the wheel by a closure and tension system consisting of the elements 15 (wing nut) 25 (threaded rod), 23 and 24. The fastening elements can be equipped with anti-skid elements comprising reliefs or structures and studs. These arrangements allow for easy and rapid assembly and disassembly, without it being necessary to move the vehicle during the operation, and allow use on snow, black ice, ice, and mud without vibrations at higher speeds.

Description

 The present invention relates to anti-slip devices called chains, intended to ensure better adhesion of the wheels of vehicles traveling on a slippery ground (with snow, ice, ice or mud).

 In this sector, the state of the art is as follows: the existing chains are difficult to put on and take down and are suitable only in certain cases (snow) and are not very effective on ice and ice. In addition, these chains damage the tires and limit the speed to low trekkers.

 The purpose of the chain according to the present invention is to eliminate and minimize all these drawbacks by allowing good efficiency in all conditions of difficult adhesion, the ease and speed of assembly and disassembly, less wear and tear on the tires. , less vibration and higher possible speeds of use.

 the chain according to the present invention comprises a series of n hook hooking elements, n being able to be greater than or equal to five, intended to crocate the periphery of a wheel and sessamblés on a support structure or forming part of this structure.

 This support structure is capable, because of its flexibility or articulation between its various elements, to curl, from a substantially linear unwound configuration, to take a form of a loop allowing the snapping of all fastening elements on the wheel; is closed at an ice point to closure elements located at each of its ends. The structure and the closure elements are located on the outer face of the wheel (relative to the vehicle).

 The fastening elements carry adhesion elements and protection elements intended to prtose the fragile parts of the wheel (pneumatic tires) with respect to the chain.

 An elastic element or a clamping element (or the deur) can be mounted in series with the chain elements so as to ensure its cohesion and resistance to the wheel. closing.

 The assembly of the chain on the wheel is facilitated by the following features: it is not necessary to move the vehicle during the operation and the closing of the chain is done at a single point on the outer face of the wheel .

Such an assembly can be described as follows: the chain being unrolled, the hooks at its center are straddled on the upper part of the wheel. On both sides the other hooks are hung successively on the periphery of the wheel; the two extreme hooks are folded and hung on either side of the footprint of the tire or the wheel on the ground. The two ends of the channe are then connected by the closure system, the chain being tensioned by the elastic and tension elements
Two zones can be distinguished on the mounted chain: the area covered by the hooks on the one hand and the closing sone on the other hand.

 Disassembly is performed after moving the vehicle until the closing zone is positioned at the bottom of the wheel so that the end hooks are on either side of the tire footprint or the tire. wheel on the floor.

The operations described above are then performed in the opposite direction with as much ease.

 For these operations to be possible, certain geometric conditions must be fulfilled and will be explained below.

Other geometrical conditions make it possible to eliminate rolling vibrations (due to variations in adhesion).

 The versatility of the chain is realized thanks to the anti-slip elements mounted on the elements of hanging and acting. In many ways: - by their volume which protrudes from the surface of the wheel or tire.

- 2 by the reliefs or sculptures that they can carry on their surface.

- 30 by the nails of which they can be handled,
The protection of the fragile parts of the wheel (pneumatic) is achieved by interposing between calle-ci and the part of the channe which T is adjacent, a protective element
Such a process of assembly and disassembly of the chain according to the invention is made possible by the respect of a geometrical condition explained below:
Let α 1 be the angle at which (from the center of the wheel) is viewed the largest dimension of the contact area between the wheel and the ground (see figure I).

 Either at the angle under which is seen (always from the center of the wheel) a set: element of attachment - element of adhesion element of protection.

 Let α 3 be the angle in the center (see figure I) that defines the closing zone.

The condition to be written is: α3>(α 1 + α 2)
The angle in the center defining the area covered by the square brackets is. (360 - α 3), where c (3 being expressed in degrees.

 The channe according to the invention can also be provided so that the contact zone between the wheel and the ground is constantly cut by at least one anti-slip element (& nbsp the shape of the area).

For this it is enough that the angles in the center which measure the spacing of two neighboring hooks are all lower than
In the case where these different angles are equal to the same value α 4, it suffices, n being the number of hooks (or anti-slip elements), that:
α 4 - (360- α 3) / α 2 nI
In other words, it suffices to choose a number n of elements such that -n> 1 * (360- α 3)
This condition makes it possible to meet a concern for safety and the requirements of the new French regulations.

 In addition, even taking into account the closing area, most of the time at least one non-slip element cutting the contact area, it eliminates shocks and vibrations that could be due to too large variations in the contact area. adhesion during rolling.

 As an indication and not limitation, three embodiments of the invention are presented.

 Figure I shows an example of implementation of the attachment elements and anti-slip elements for a 9-member chain mounted on an automobile wheel. The angles o (, s, Olé, α 3 are indicated, I identifies the part of the hooking elements which is in the form of a hook, this part being the same for all the hooking elements, the marks 2 or 3 could also be used T identifies the non-slip elements, 2T the rim, 28 the tire.

 Figure 2 shows a hooking element I (same remark as above for this marker) equipped with its anti-slip element 7 and its protective element 11. 8 locates a bolt-nut :.

The sets 8 and the part of I in contact with 7 are embedded in 7. The height of 7 is exaggerated to allow a clearer representation.

FIG. 3 represents a section of the assembly relating to FIG. 2
FIG. 4 shows the non-slip element 7. 9 marks nails, 10 sculptures or reliefs made on the external face of 7.

 Figure 5 shows the protection element II. I is constituted by a substantially planar central portion extended on either side by two tubular parts.

 7 can be made of rubber, plsstique material or composite material and be machined in the mass or die-cast according to the constituent material.

 It can be obtained from cuts made in a sheet of rubber or plastic, these cuts are then welded, glued or sewn.

 The assembly of the assembly represented in FIG. 2 can be carried out by threading the two tubular parts of II onto I and then fixing 7 to I by means of the assemblies 8.

 The anti-slip function of 7 is due to its volume which protrudes from the surface of the wheel and also has nails, sculptures or reliefs that it can wear.

 Figures 6 to 9 relate to the first embodiment of the chain according to the invention.

 Figure 6 shows the chain as a whole (not equipped with anti-slip elements and protection) in linear configuration unrolled.

 Figure T shows a section relative to Figure 6.

 Figure 8 shows the ends of the channe connected by the clamping elements, elastic and closure.

 Figure 9 shows a helical spring.

 I identifies the snap elements. 4 identifies the struoture elements forming the structure of the chain. 12 mark rivets for the articulation of the parts they assemble. Each of the rivets 12 may be replaced by a bolt-washer-nut-counter nut assembly.

 13 is a metal piece with a cylindrical body carrying a ring at one end and a threaded rod at the other end. Using a nut it is used to assemble the elements I and 4 located at one end of the chain. I4 is a square pierced with two holes and attached to the other end of the chair. 15 is a wing nut that can be replaced by a thumb nut. 16 is a threaded rod.

IT is a fork fixed on 16 and intended to apprehend one end of the rubber ring 18 or a spring I9 whose other end is taken by the fork 20, itself fixed on the carabiner 21.

 14, 15, I61 are the clamping elements. I8- or 19 is the elastic element. 13 and 2I are the closing elements. Clamping, elastic, locking elements are mounted "in series".

 The elements I can be manufactured by cutting straight strips in a metal plate of sufficient thickness. 3 holes are then made and two folds to give a hook shape. It is the same for 4 (2 holes, without folding) and I4 (2 holes, I folding).

 The structural elements 4 are assembled along a broken line using rivets I2 or sets: bolt-washers-nut-against-nut for the joint and therefore constitute a structure articulated around the axes of the rivets 12 or bolts (parallel to each other), the fastening elements I are connected in an articulated manner by the same rivets or bolts to the vertices of the broken line.

 The structural elements 4 are mounted alternately so that the shackles I are all at the same level.

 The assembly of the chain on a wheel is carried out as indicated above in the general characteristics of the invention. The two ends of the chain being folded on each side of the footprint of the wheel on the ground, the elements 4 form a polygonal loop which is closed by the elements of serraga, elastic, and closing by hooking the carabiner 21 on the ring of 13 (see figure 8).

 A rotation of the nut I5 makes it possible, by varying the distance between 14 and I7, to adjust the tension of the elastic element to a value which ensures that the chain is held on the wheel.

 Figures 10 to 13 relate to the second embodiment of the chain according to the invention.

 Figure 10 shows the cat as a whole (not equipped with anti-slip and protection elements) in a linear unwrapped configuration. Figures 11 and 12 show sections relating to Figure 10. Figure 13 shows the ends of the chain connected by the clamping elements also serving as closure elements.

 2 locates the snap elements. 5 is the flexible blade constituting the structure of the chain in this variant. 22 reference rivets provided for rigid assemblies (not articulated). Each of the rivets 22 can be replaced by a set: bolt-nut washers. 25 is a T-head threaded shank. 23 is a component made by a rivet 22 at one end of the chain and hinged with the T-head of 25. 25 is thus susceptible to a deflection (rotation) indicated by arrows in Figure 10. I5 is a wing nut that can be replaced by a thumb nut. 24 is a bracket fixed at the other end of the channe and carrying a hole for receiving 25. 26 is a counterweight, here screwed on 25 and intended to balance the rouc - obaine.

 23, 24, 25, 15 are the clamping elements also acting as closure elements.

 The elements 2, 24, 23 can be made from straight strips cut from a metal plate of sufficient thickness.

The strip relative to 2 is pierced with 3 holes and folded in three places
The band at 24 is pierced with holes and folded once.

The relative band 23 is pierced by a three one end. The other end is slotted in the middle for the passage 25 and curved to hinge with the T-head 25.

 5 is a metal blade, plastic, fiberglass, or composite material, sufficiently flexible to be able to form a loop.

 The fastening elements 2 are fixed in a rigid manner on the structure constituted by the flexible blade 5.

 The assembly of the chain on a wheel is carried out as indicated in the general characteristics of the invention. The two ends of the channe being folded on each side of the footprint of the wheel on the ground, the blade 5 forms a loop which is closed by the clamping elements (or closing) I5, 23, 24, 25.

 Since the blade 5 / has a tendency to return to a linear configuration, the nut 15 makes it possible, by varying the distance between 23 and 24, to adjust the tension of the assembly to a value which ensures the holding of the chain on the wheel.

 Figures I4 to I7 relate to the third embodiment of the chain according to the invention.

 Figure I4 shows the chain as a whole (not equipped with anti-slip and protection elements) in the uncoiled linear configuration.

 Figure 15 shows a cross section in Figure 14.

 Figures 16 and IT show two views of the structural element 6.

 s identifies the snap elements that are here; part of the structure. 6 identifies the structural elements. I2 locates rivets allowing the articulation of the parts they assemble. Each of the rivets 12 can be replaced by a set: bolt-washers-lock-counter. 22 reference rivets provided for a rigid assembly (not articulated). Each of the rivets 22 can be replaced by a set: bolt - washers - nut :.

 The elements 3 can be made from strips cut from a metal plate and having substantially the shape of ut L. The small branch of the L is pierced with 3 holes. The large branch of the L is pierced with two holes (fixing the anti-slip element) and then folded in two places.

 The element 6 can be made from a rectilinear strip pierced with three holes.

 The chain according to this variant is formed of a series of couples 3 - 6 linked by 2 type rivets 22 thus forming non-deformable solids.

Each pair is connected to the neighbor by a type 12 rivet for a joint. This gives a structure articulated around the axes of rivets I2 or bolts, these axes being parallel to each other.

 This variant can be used with the same closing, elastic and clamping elements as the first variant, that is to say the elements: 15, 16, I78 18 (or 19), 20, 21, 13.

 The mounting on a wheel of this third variant is identical to that described for the first variant.

 The arrow in Figure I4 indicates the direction of movement of the ele- ments when this chain is mounted on a wheel. The chains to be mounted on a right wheel and a left wheel are not identical but symmetrical, whereas they could be identical for the first and second variants.

 Because of their simplicity and ease of manufacture, these chains are likely to be mass-produced with a low cost price; moreover their versatility and ease of use should make them prefer to existing models.

Claims (8)

R E V E N D I C A T IO N S I) Non-slip tread for wheeled vehicles, characterized by the following facts. It comprises a series of fastening elements shaped hooks for hooking the periphery of a wheel, the number of these elements may be greater than or equal to five. These hooking elements are linked to an articulated or flexible structure or are part of this structure. This structure can take any position between a substantially linear configuration and a loop configurstion allowing the attachment of all the attachment elements on the pout. In the latter case the chain is closed at one point by closing elements located in the closing zone on the outer face of the wheel. In the case of an articulated structure, an elastic element may be inserted to ensure better holding of the chain on the wheel. Clamping elements allow the tension of the assembly to be adjusted to a suitable value. The fastening elements give off a closing zone (empty of fastening elements) of sufficient size to encompass the imprint of the wheel (or tire) on the ground (mountability and dismountability without moving the vehicle into position). course of operation) The fastening elements are likely to be equipped with anti-slip elements. For a given wheel, the fastening elements can be sufficiently numerous, with the intervals between them sufficiently reduced so that, during rolling, at least one anti-slip element constantly cuts the impression of the wheel on the ground ( except in the closing zone). The catena has protective elements interposed between the fragile part of the wheel (pnaumatic) on the one hand and the part of the chain that is adjacent to it on the other hand.  2) chains according to claim 1, characterized in that it is constituted in the following manner. The structural elements 4 are assembled along a broken line using rivets I2 or bolt-washer-nut-counter nut assemblies for the articulation and therefore constitute a structure articulated around the axes of the rivets I2 or bolts, these axes being parallel to each other and the hooking elements I being hingedly connected by the same rivets or bolts to the vertices of the bent line.  3) Chain according to claim I, characterized in that its structure is constituted by a flexible blade 5, to which are attached the fastening elements 2.  4) Chain according to claim I, characterized in that it is formed of a series of pairs: 3 (latching element) - g (structural element) linked so as to form an indeformable solid and interconnected using I2 rivets or assemblies: boulom-washers-nut-locking nut allowing the artioulation, these coupling thus constituting a structure articulated around the axes of the rivets I2 or bolts, these axes being parallel to each other.  5) Chain according to claims Z and 2, characterized in that the structural elements 4 are mounted alternately so that the fastening elements T are all at the same level, by the fact.  6) chain according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4 characterized in that anti-slip elements can be mounted on the fastening elements so that their volume protrudes relative to the bare surface of the wheel or the tire.  T) Chain according to claims I, 2, 3, 4, 6 characterized in that the non-slip element is equipped with nails and reliefs or sculptures on its contact surface with the ground.  8) Chain according to claims I, 2, 4 characterized in that the closure elements are constituted by a ring member 13 and the carabiner 2Iw the elastic element by the rubber ring 18 or: the spring 19, the elements by the bracket 14, the wing nut 15 and the screw 16: the clamping, elastic and closure elements being serially mounted by means of the clamps IT and connected respectively to 16 and 21.  9) Chain according to claims I and; characterized in that the closing and clamping elements are constituted by the collar 24 connected to one end of the cat, the winged eolou '5, the threaded rod 25 with a T-head and the piece 23 forming a hinge with the T-head of 25 and connected to the other end of the chain.  10) A chain according to claims 1, 3, 9 characterized in that a feeder 26, placed in the closure zone, serves to balance the entire chain on the wheel.  II) Chain according to claims I, 2, 3> 4 characterized in that the protective element It consists of a substantially planar central portion extended on either side by two tubular portions.