GB2508136A

GB2508136A - A system for providing grip to wheels

Info

Publication number: GB2508136A
Application number: GB201219714A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rita Realff
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-11-02
Filing date: 2012-11-02
Publication date: 2014-05-28
Also published as: GB201219714D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for providing grip to a wheel. The wheel is defined by a continuous face and two sides. The system comprises: a plurality of plates adapted for mutual engagement such that in use said plates provide a substantially continuous cover over the continuous face. The plurality of plates further comprise at least one peripheral member arranged in use to engage a side of the wheel.

Description

A SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING GRIP TO WHEELS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a system for providing grip to wheels, more particularly but not exclusively a system for providing grip to wheels of different sizes.

Background

Whilst travelling by a wheeled means of transport there are some conditions or terrains in which the wheels may struggle to grip the ground, in particular in snowy or iày conditions.

Traditionally snow tyres may be available for vehicles wherein the tread is altered and the material from which the tyre is made is flexible even in very cold conditions so as to improve grip. However use of such tyre requires the tyres to be purchased and fitted which can be expensive and must be done before the journey is commenced.

Alternatively snow chains may be carried in a vehicle and connected to the tyres as and when conditions worsen. However snow chains can be difficult to fit, they may be heavy and can damage the vehicle, for example the wheel arch of the car if not fitted correctly.

There are also some means of transport in which improved grip in snowy or icy conditions may be useful, for example on a mobility scooter or pram, however traditional snow chains may not fit them and specialist tyres may not always be available.

The present invention arose to overcome the problems associated with improving grip in snowy conditions on various wheeled means of transport by providing an adjustable, removable tread.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: International patent application WO 2011 146 392 (MALTEZOS) discloses a traction device for a tire having a treaded surface, said tire mounted on a wheel, said device comprising: a centrally located adaptor hub for attaching the traction device to the wheel; at least one arm having a proximal end and a distal end, means for connecting said proximal end of said arm to said adaptor hub; at least one gripping section, said gripping section attached to said distal end of said arm, said gripping section having a portion thereof capable of contacting the treaded surface of said tire, said gripping section further comprises: a first section pivotably attached to said arm; a second section pivotally connected to said first section; a third section pivotally connected to said second section, said third section comprising said contacting portion of said gripping section; and at least one reversible rotatable cam slidable relative to said arm and pivotally supporting said gripping section.

International patent application WO 9 838 051 (REIBER) discloses a device for automatically mounting an antiskid element, in particular a snow chain, on a vehicle wheel, has a hookable hoop linked by a hinge to a lock lower part. A lock upper part can be fixed to the lock lower part by a magnetic connection and can also be locked to the lock lower part. The lock lower part is arranged at one end of the chain and the lock upper part at the other end of the chain.

Granted European patent EP 0 366 670 (URLEB) discloses a detachable anti-skid chain for a vehicle wheel tire comprising exclusively a series of individual mutually directly interconnected articulated links, including opposed end links to form a chain, and a snap closure which can connect together the opposed end links of the chain, wherein said chain can surround the periphery of a vehicle wheel tire by interconnecting the opposed end links in a position in which the chain is mounted on a vehicle wheel tire, each link of the chain having a contouring which increases the grip of the wheel on the ground and each link of the chain being in the form of a clamp made of an elastically bendable plastic each with a bottom part and opposite side parts which extend away from the contouring and which are integral with the bottom part such that bottom part and side parts are made from the same material, said side parts being adapted to solely engage the sides of the wheel tire, each bottom part forming with the two side parts an elastic unit such that the clamping of the elastic unit on the tire or release from the tire is determined solely by the load placed on the bottom part of the link by the vehicle wheel, wherein when not under load each bottom part is arched inwards away from the contouring and towards the tire while the side parts form a rigid elastic unit and are bent outwards away from the tire when not under load with said bottom part such that when the bottom part is under load the downward bending of the bottom part causes said side parts to be applied elastically against the sides of the tire and be held there by friction, and while not under load, the bottom part by curving inwardly moves the side parts away from the tire, wherein the chain is solely made up of links which are directly connected to each other in an articulated manner by at least one flexible band of high tensile strength wherein the bands extend through the material of the links in a manner which makes them integral with the links, with each link having a direct connection with at least one other link.

In contrast the present invention provides flexible system for adding grip to a myriad of wheels or tyres, being easy tp assemble and simple to install on a wheel.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a system for providing grip to a wheel, said wheel being defined by a continuous face and two sides, and in which said system comprises: a plurality of plates adapted for mutual engagement such that in use said plates provide substantially continuous cover over the continuous face, and wherein the plurality of said plates further comprise at least one peripheral member arranged in use to engage a side of the wheel.

The substantially continuous cover may be provided by the mutual engagement of the plates. The plurality of said plates may comprise a plurality of peripheral members. The peripheral member(s) may be arranged to clamp onto a side of the wheel. The plates may interlock to form the substantially continuous cover over the continuous face.

The preferred embodiments therefore provide a retro-fit, for example an aftermarket and removable wheel Uead comprising: a plurality of plates adapted for mutual engagement such that in use said plates form a substantially continuous band arranged to provide an additional grip surface around a wheel's circumference or* continuous face, typically tyre face, and in which the plates further comprise at least one peripheral member extending from said plates, wherein said member is arranged in use to engage a wheel by a means of a spring mechanism.

The wheel tread may comprise a plurality of peripheral members extending from the plates. The peripheral member(s) may be attached to and/or project from the plates.

The peripheral member(s) may in use be arranged to clamp around the wheel or more particularly may be arranged to clamp onto said wheel's sides.

In preferred embodiments the plates may therefore be interlocked to form the band around the face or circumference of the wheel so as to provide enhanced grip, particularly in snowy and icy conditions.

Preferably in all embodiments the band may be broken, for example adjacent plates may be disengaged so that the band may be laid flat allowing the wheel to be positioned on the band so that the band may be wrapped around the wheel.

Ideally the plates are formed from a strong, durable, resiliently deformable material such as rubber so as to be able to flex in use to accommodate changes in the wheel and the ground and so as to be easily stared. The plates may be disposed to fit over the arcuate surface of the face by arcuate shaping, or may be flexible to accommodate the wheel, and facilitate transport and storage.

Typically the plate face that is in contact with the ground or tread is textured so as to provide grip. It is envisaged that said tread or textured face may comprise multiple raised sections that dig into the ground surface, for example snow, to provide traction.

Typically size and shape of the raised sections may vary depending upon the ground on which the tread is being used.

In some embodiments the tread may also include studs so as to further enhance grip.

For example a plurality of metal studs may be provided so as to cut into the ice and reduce slipping.

The plates may have any suitable shape. Preferably the plates are substantially square shaped or hexagonal shaped so as to provide multiple edges for interlocking with other plates, for example adjacent plates enabling both length and width of the band to be adjusted so as fit different wheels.

It is envisaged that each plate may include various fittings on each edge for example interlocking means and housing for a sprung member.

Preferred embodiments of the system are comprised by multiple format plates, wherein some plates may be embodied with one peripheral member, two peripheral members or none, dependent on wheel types or sizes envisaged to require cover, and/or other embodiments of the system may allow amendment of the plates to include or remove members as required or under user preference.

Ideally the plate edges have interlocking means to allow the plates to be removably attached to on another. Preferably the plates may interlock by tongue and groove means, clip or push fitting so as to provide strong, durable connections.

In some embodiments the plates may include magnets so as to provide an alternative or additional means of joining the plates together.

Typically the plates join together in an elongate column to form the band wherein length of the band can be altered by adding or removing plates. Additionally two or more columns of plates may be joined together so as to provide tread suitable for wider wheels.

Preferably some bands may be provided pre-conriected or permanently connected to form predetermined band lengths so as to fit standard wheel sizes, such as a bicycle, a mobility scooter or a pram. For example in some embodiments the band may comprise plates that are permanently or semi-permanently interlocked apart from one join where the band breaks so as to be added to be added and removed from the wheel. Therefore likelihood of detachment of one plate to another in use is less and set up is quicker as the plates do not need to be individually interlocked.

It is envisaged that the break in the band may include a visual indicator on the plate, for example being different in colour or shape so that a user may easily identify where to part the band for removal.

In preferred embodiments the spring mechanism comprises the sprung member and a portion of the plate, wherein said member is sprung under defined circumstances, such as when pressure is applied to the plate. Preferably one plate edge may include the sprung member that when engaged clamps around the wheel side so as to secure the band to the wheel preventing if from shifting or falling off when the wheel is rotating.

Typically the peripheral member is hinged by a hinge to one edge of the plate so as to be able to pivot between open, when not in use, to being closed when clamped around the wheel in use. Preferably the hinge includes a bias spring which in use clamps the member around the wheel. Ideally the plate includes a mounting to accept the hinge.

Said spring bias in preferred embodiments is advantageously not released unless the band or plates have pressure on them, so that the members and or spring mechanisms are ideally not engaged until the wheel is in place, and engagement is required. In this way even those of limited mobility are enabled to fit the system.

Preferably each hinge accepts a displaceable or deformable tongue which extends 20. towards the plate centre and is fixed to the plate.

Typically the tongue has two orientations being either inclined to the plate or level.

When the tongue is inclined an end is partially lifted off the plate and the lifted end of the tongue is accepted into the hinge.

Preferably the end of the tongue not in contact with the hinge is fixed to the plate by means of a permanent fixing so as to fix the tongue to the plate, or other embodiments may be envisaged allowing removal of fixing to allow attachment and detachment of tongues, and accordingly members.

In the preferred embodiments the tongue includes a pair of pins that are accepted each side of the hinge wherein the pins rest in a predefined channel in the hinge and when the tongue is inclined a member is open, wherein the members are generally oriented in the same plane as the plate.

Preferably insertion of the pins into the hinge may limit movement of the hinge until sufficient force is applied to flatten the tongue.

Preferably the plate below the pins includes a notch so that when the pins are pushed down and strike the notch they are forced to bend perpendicular to the plate, thereby freeing the hinge.

In preferred embodiments therefore when pressure is applied to the tongue, typically by the wheel, the tongue is pushed down to the level orientation and ideally the pins bend during this process thereby releasing the spring, and allowing the member to clamp around the wheel, being biased to a closed position proximate the plate.

Ideally such a spring mechanism is formed from a strong durable material such as galvanised metal that will not easily tarnish due to be exposed to the environment.

In preferred embodiments in use a wheeled means of transport for example the mobility scooter is driven on to the plates when they are laid flat and wherein the members may be outstretched. Accordingly the weight of the scooter engages the tongues and members so that the members clamp around the wheel. Once the wheel face is covered plates situate at the band ends may be interlocked.

Preferably to remove the wheel tread, the band is broken by disengaging two adjacent plates and the scooter is r!versed off the band. Ideally a pole may be used to secure the band against the ground, once detached, so that the user does not need to remain bending down whilst removing the band.

Ideally the peripheral member includes a grip pad so as to assist with holding the member against the wheel in use. Preferably the pad may be formed from a resiliently deformable material such as rubber or silicone so as to limit movement of the tread as the wheel rotates. Ideally the members engage with the tyre of the wheel so that the pads are in contact with the tyre.

In preferred embodiments sprung peripheral members are engaged on both sides of the wheel so as to securely clamp the band to the wheel. Therefore one plate may * 35 include two sprung members, each situated on an opposite edge, or more particularly two interlocked plates may each feature a member.

In some further embodiments the band may include a line that connects all plates together so that all if the connectors were to break the band would not come away from the wheel.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of embodiments of two plates joined together, each having sprung members; Figure 2 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a plate with two sprung members; Figure 3 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a plate with one sprung member; Figure 4 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of a plate with one sprung member; Figures 5 shows plan views of an embodiment of a plate with one sprung member; Figure 6 shows a side view of the embodiment of a plate shown in Figure 2; Figures 7 show isometric views of embodiments of the plate without sprung members; Figure 8 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 3; Figures 9 show plan views of the embodiments shown in Figures 7; and Figures 10 show side views of the embodiment shown in Figure 3.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference in particular to Figure ithe plates 1 are shown connected together for use with a wheel (not pictured).

The plates 1 include sprung peripheral members 2 which feature distal pads 7 arranged in use to engage or interface with a wheels sides (not shown). The peripheral members are hinged on spring biased hinges 5. The plate 1 has a surface or tread 4 which includes raised and lowered parts so as to interface with the ground and provide added grip to the wheel in use.

The hinge S includes and cooperates with a tongue 3, wherein said tongue is deformable under pressure from the wheel, and in consequence of deformation will disengage the tongue 3 mechanism holding the hinge S open, and wherein the sprung nature of the hinge 5 will bias the member 2 towards the plate 1.

The plates 1 interlock by means of male parts 8 interlocking with female parts 4, wherein said male parts 8 include collars 80 and female parts include studs 40.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A system for providing grip to a wheel, said wheel being defined by a continuous face and two sides, and in which said system comprises: a plurality of plates adapted for mutual engagement such that in use said plates provide a substantially continuous cover over the continuous face, and wherein the plurality of said plates further comprise at least one peripheral member arranged in use to engage a side of the wheel.
2. A system as claimed in claim 1, in which the substantially continuous cover is provided by the mutual engagement of the plates.
3. A system as claimed in either of claims 1 and 2, in which the plates interlock to form the substantially continuous cover over the continuous face.
4. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the plurality of said plates comprise a plurality of peripheral members.
5. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the peripheral member(s) are arranged in use to clamp onto a side of the wheel.
6. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the peripheral member(s) are biased towards the plate only when pressure is placed on the plate.
7. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the plates are arranged in use to provide a substantially continuous cover for an arcuate wheel face
8. A plate according to a system with reference to the figures.