GB2513601A - Traction augmentation devices for shoes, hoofs and wheels - Google Patents

Abstract

A traction device for footwear comprising a base section 27 and an attachment section 23, the device being formed from a resiliently flexible material, the base section expanding when mounted on an item of footwear 4 and the attachment section hooking/clamping above the welt of the item of footwear. The base section may have a ribbon like form. Also claimed is a device comprising a portion that lies under a horseshoe or hoof, and an extension that wraps around each side of the hoof and around the front of the hoof; a traction device for a wheel comprising a belt of resiliently flexible and elastic material for engagement around the outer periphery of the wheel and stretching around the width of the wheel, the belt having one or more channels along its length; and a traction device for a wheel, comprising a number of flexible plates that are connectable to form a chain of plates giving an open girdle.

Description

TITLE

Traction Augmentation Devices for Shoes, Hoofs and Wheels BACKCROUNI) Existing methods of improving traction include the tread patterns in the soles of footwear or wheel tyres effective on soft ground surfaces such as mud, the same tread páttenis embedded with grit or metal protrusions for icy ground, and methods of interposing of a carrier with chains, spikes or metal coils. One further method is to envelop the footwear of wheel with an elastic sock to which are fixed high traction elements.

The traction augmentation art then is crowded with a wide variety of devices for the purpose, and many have functioned well for the purpose, but all have suffered from the fact that mounting them on the boss has been a cumbersome process, usually involving a plurality of steps, including a step in which two or more components of the device are fastened together to releasable secure the device about the boss.

Furthermore, no known device claims to be non-static or not to present a sparking hazard when used in environments where a spark could ignite a combustible material and even cause an explosion.

With current vehicle wheel augmentation devices, each tyre is conunonly engaged with a ground surface thereunder, and so to mount the device, it is typically necessary to first lift that tyre away from that surface, using a jack under the vehicle, or to interengage the device between the tyre and the surface, by driving the vehicle over it.

Further adjustments may also be needed at a later time to assure that the device remains tightly engaged about the tyre, and is still coaxially aligned with theaxle of the wheel.

Augmenting traction with vehicle wheels on ice may be achieved employing studded tyres. Such tyres are expensive to buy ready studded or require machines to stud a tyre and these are usually left in place for the remaining life of the tyre making them illegal for normal road use.

Furthermore studs cannot be applied to tyres that do not have the required tread depth.

Moreover snow chains are outlawed in some places and if not are susceptible to break if the ground is stony as well as icy and, if they do break can potentially damage the underside of the vehicle.

Another solution to augmenting traction with vehicle wheels on snow is to wrap the wheel in a sock of material with a specially designed mesh. Whilst effective on snow, they are much less effective on ice, are relatively expensive and suffer from the drawback of having to jack up the wheel so it is clear of the ground to engage the sock.

A search of the state of the art of the tire attaching traction device industry uncovered the following patents: U.S. Pat. No.3,630,449 to Sams in 1971 entitled EXACTO-O-LIFTER U.S. Pat. No. 3,672,422 to Greipel in in 1972 entitled VEHICLE TRACTION DEVICE U.S. Pat. No. 3,756,613 to Rutley in 1973 entitled TRACTION APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE TIRES U.S. Pat. No. 3,850,216 to Santivale in 1974 TIRE ATTACHMENT FOR TRACTION ON ICE OR SNOW' US. Pat. No. 3,937,262 to Poy in 1976 entitled SURE GRIP WINTER TIRE TRACTION DEVICE U.S. Pat. No. 4,129,161 to Quintana in 1978 entitled TRACTION DEVICE FOR TIRES U.S. Pat. No. 4,120,336 to Beskall In 1978 entitled TRACTION DEVICE FOR POWER DRIVEN VEHICLES U.S. Pat. No. 4,155,391 to Dieek in 1979 entitled TIRE TRACTION DEVICE U.S. Pat. No. 4,207,939 to Motosko in 1980 entitled TRACTION DEVICE U.S. Pat. No. 4,304,280 to Lew in 1981 entitled EASY TO INSTALL CONTINUOUS SNOW CHAIN U.S. Pat. No. 4,643,251 to Ziccardi in 1987 entitled TRACTION DEVICE FOR AUTOMOBILE WHEELS U.S. Pat. No. 4,886,100 to Parker in 1989 entitled TRACTION DEVICE ADAPTED TO COMPENSATE FOR

TIRE SIZE VARIATIONS RESULTING FROM INFLATION AND ROAD DEFLECTION

U.S. Pat. No. 4,830,078 to Chang in 1989 entitled TRACTION DEVICE adapted to compensate for tire size U.S. Pat. No.4,825,923 to Blankenship in 1989 entitled TRACTION CABLE U.S. Pat. No.4,919,182 to Proulx in 1990 entitled MOTOR VEHICLE EMERGENCY TIRE TRACTION IMPROVEMENT DEVICE etc. U.S. Pat. No.5,115,851 to Chiavatti in 1992 entitled TIRE TRACTION DEVICE U.S. Pat. No.5,103,885 to Chang in 1992 entitled CABLE CHAIN FOR AUTOMOBILE TIRE U.S. Pat. No. 6,016,856 (A) to Hynes in 2000 entitled TRACTION DEVICE FOR TIRES U.S. Pat. No. 6,581,661 to Morrison eta!. in 2003 entitled APPARATUS FOR IMPROVING TIRE TRACTION World Pat. No. 2006225823 (Al) to Eu in 2006 entitled TIRE CHAIN ASSEMBLY OPERATED EASILY U.S. Pat. No. 7,543,618 to Stewart in 2008 entitled TOOL AND METHOD FOR TIRE TRACTION DEVICE

INSTALLATION

World Pat. No. 1980002401 (Al) to Rajcic in 2008 entitled TRACTION DEVICE ASSEMBLY FOR

MOUNTING ON A VEHICLE TIRE

World Pat. No. 2012124194 to KOUICHI in 2013 entitled ANTI-SKID DEVICE FOR TIRE U.S. Pat. No. US2013025754 to KOLB in 2013 entitled ARMORED TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY What is needed then from a device which is mountable on a wheel-shaped boss is for the device to be engageable about the boss from a position opposite the face thereof with the use of a few snap-fasteners only and not necessarily require the wheel to be jacked up. The device needs to significantly augment traction on both snow and ice.

What is needed from a device for mounting on any shaped boss previously defined is one which is self-tightening and self-aligning once it is mounted on a boss, such as though self-adjustment thereon when the boss is moved in engagement with the interactive surface.

Furthermore, the device should be something which is engageable about the boss without an undue amount of strength being needed to engage it on the boss; and something which should be long lasting and durable in use mounted on the boss. Lastly, should also be as quick and simple to remove as it was to mount on the boss.

With regard to augmented traction for footwear, a search of the state of the art uncovered the following patents: U.S. Pat No 1032600 to Grout in 1912 entitled ICE CREEPER U.S. Pat No 1408730 to GREIN in 1922 entitled ANTI-SLIP DEVICE U.S. Pat No 7428788 to Miller in 1922 entitled ANTI-SLIPPING DEVICE U.S. Pat No 1607450 to Eubank in 1926 entitled SHOE ATTACHMENT U.S. Pat No 1716790 to Mitchell in 1929 entitled ANTI-SLIPPING DEVICE U.S. Pat No 1747603 to Ruth in 1930 entitled SHOE PAD U.S. Pat No 1877080 to Teshima in 1932 entitled WADING OVERSHOE U.S. Pat No 2084671 to Cunan, Jr.in 1937 entitled ANTISLLP DEVICE FOR SHOES U.S. Pat No 2076316 to Beals, Jr.in 1937 entitled REMOVABLE OUTSOLE FOR SPORT SHOES U.S. Pat No 2189489 to Fritz in 1940 entitled ANTI-SLIPPING SHOE U.S. Pat No 2361972 to Smith in 1944 entitled ICE CREEPER US. Pat No 2408152 to Porcelli in 1946 entitled ANTISKID CANVAS DEVICE U.S. Pat No 2617209 to Jackson in 1952 entitled RUBBER OVERSHOE U.S. Pat No 2628437 to FORSYTHE in 1953 entitled ANTI-SLIP DEVICE U.S. Pat No 2801478 to GILBERT in 1957 entitled AUXILIARY SOLES U.S. Pat No 3012343 to DINKEL in 1961 SOLE PROTECFOR FOR BOWLING SHOES AND THE LIKE' U.S. Pat No 3040451 to IIILKEMEYER in 1962 entitled PROTECTIVE COVER FOR BOWLING SHOES U.S. Pat No 3099885 to Jordan in 1963 entitled ANTI-SLIP DEVICE FOR BOOTS U.S. Pat No 3214850 to McNair in 1965 entitled ICE CREEPER U.S. Pat No 3229389 to Adams in 1966 entitled GRIPPING ATTACHMENT FOR BOOTS U.S. Pat No 3355823 to Ewald in 1967 entitled SKID PROTECTOR FOR FOOTWEAR U.S. Pat No 3516181 to Jordan in 1970 entitled PROTECTIVE FOOTGEAR US Pat No 3609888 to Rickman in 1971 entitled BOWLING OVERSHOE U.S. Pat No 4217704 to Whitaker in 1980 entitled FOOTWEAR U.S. Pat No 4302890 to Covell in 1981 entitled ANTI-SLIPPING ATTACHMENT FOR SHOES U.S. Pat No 4344238 to Peyser in 1982 entitled MULTI-PURPOSE CRAMPON U.S. Pat No 4353172 to Bryant in 1982 entitled CRAMPON BINDING U.S. Pat No 4489510 to Williams in 1984 entitled FRICTION SOLED SHOE SLIPPER U.S. Pat No 4525939 to McNeil in 1985 entitled BOOT SAFETY ATTACHMENT U.S. Pat No 4727662 to lion in 1988 WALKING FACILITY OR ANTI-SKID MEANS FOR FOOTGEAR' U.S. Pat No 4807372 to McCall in 1989 entitled CLEATED SHOE WALKING SOLE U.S. Pat No 4910883 to Zock in 1990 CRAMPTON HAVING INTERCHANGEABLE PICK ELEMENTS' U.S. Pat No 4924608 to Mogonye in 1990 entitled SAFETY FOOTWEAR WITH REPLACEABLE SOLE PAD U.S. Pat No 5341582 to Liautaud in 1994 entitled ANTI-SLIP DEVICE FOR FOOTWEAR U.S. Pat No 5485687 to Rohde in 1996 entitled ANTI-SLIP SHOE ATTACHMENT DEVICE U.S. Pat No 5966840 to BELL in 1998 entitled TRACTION ALTERING FOOTWEAR ATTACHMENT

DEVICE WITH RESILIENT MOUNTING RING AND FIBER GROUND ENGAGEMENT SURFACE

U.S. Pat No 67269g5 to Antitiai in 2004 entitled SHOE SOLE Also: -US 6726985 (27-Apr-2004) Shoe sole [A sole of polyamide microfibers] Us 7409782 (12-Aug-2008) Anti-slip overshoe [A gripping pad with ridges] Us 7428788 (30-Sep-2008) Crampons provided with spikes Us 7461467 (09-Dec-2008) Safety crampon with generality put on Us 7565755 (28-Jul-2009) Personally adjustable footwear US 8011119 (06-Sep-201 1) Personally adjustable footwear US 8250779 (28-Aug-2012) Overshoe US 8256140 (04-Sep-2O12) Personal traction device Some devices which generally do not require a cumbersome process to mount involving a plurality of steps, including a step in which two or more components of the device are fastened together, notably the device described by patent US5909905, are nevertheless prone to damage by contact with small isolated stones.

Other devices intended for interaction with ground surfaces by peoples footwear and which generally do not suffer from the aforementioned problems, do not have traction augmentation elements positioned within the footprint area that correspond ergonomically to areas where a person's weight is concentrated when walking To augment the traction on wheels the main object of our invention is therefore to provide a device which satisfies the above mentioned needs, and which in particular, is readily mountable from a position opposite the face of the boss either without fasteners or with a few snap fasteners only, and is both self-tightening and self-aligning on the boss when the boss is moved in relation to an interactive surface thereopposite. In this way, the user need not do any fastening, tightening, or aligning of the device before he or she can initiate movement of the boss.

A secondary object is to provide a device which is safe in environments where a spark could cause an explosion.

Another object is to provide a device that is resilient to engagement with small isolated stones in the interactive surface thereopposite.

A further object for a device intended to augment fraction with footwear is to have traction augmentation elements positioned that correspond ergonomically to areas where a person's weight is concentrated when walking.

Still other objects will become apparent from the disclosure of our invention which follows hereafter.

TECLII'4ICAL FIELD

Our invention relates to a removable traction augmentation device for mounting about a moveable boss to augment the traction in the footprint of engagement between the boss and an interactive surface thereopposite when the interactive surface drives or is driven by the boss in the movement thereof.

The boss may be generally square or round-plate shaped boss such as a brake pedal in the cab of a vehicle, a generally elongated or oblong plate-shaped boss such as the sole of a shoe, a generally cylindrical wheel-shaped boss such as the ground-engaging wheel of a vehicle, or any other structure of a similar nature which is operatively engaged with an interactive surface thereopposite, such as a ground surface thereopposite, a machine surface thereopposite, or even the sole of a shoe thereopposite in the case of a brake pedal, to drive or be driven by the surface in the movement thereof.

In each instance, the structure, e.g. the boss, is operatively circumposed relatively radially outwardly about an axis of a carrier on which the boss is operatively supported, such as the arm of a brake pedal, the top of a shoe, or the axle of a wheel, and is connected to one end of the carrier so as to have relatively axially inwardly and axially outwardly oriented sides thereon, relative to the carrier.

The boss has a central portion thereof which is intrapositioned across the end of the carrier so as to have a face on the axially outwardly oriented side thereof, and an outer peripheral portion thereof which is circumposed about the central portion thereof and has a generally annular surface on the axially inwardly oriented side thereof.

In addition, the boss may have an outer periphery circumposed about the &iige portion thereof which is interposed between the axially inwardly oriented annular surface of the flange portion and the face of the boss.

Depending upon its function, the boss will engage the interactive surface at the outer periphery thereof, such as in the case of the wheel of a vehicle, or it will engage the interactive surface at the face thereof, such as in the case of a shoe sole or a brake pedal. Furthermore, the boss and the interactive surface will engage one another over a so called "footprint" of engagement therebetween, and accordingly the inventive traction augmentation device is commonly adapted so that when mounted on the boss, it will operatively interpose traction elements between the boss and the interactive surface over the area of the footprint therebetween. -DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION (Statement of invention) To meet the aforesaid objectives each variant of our invention is a traction augmentation device that comprises an ostensibly flat form of resiliently flexible and elastic material which when not mounted on a boss, is more narrow in its narrowest dimensions than the width of the boss, but which when activated for mounting on the boss, can be formed as a clamp for tight fitting engagement about the width of the boss.

Each device has a framework of resiliently flexible and elastic material that is either hard enough to provide augmented traction directly with the interactive surface thereopposite, or with a different embodiment for wheel-shaped bosses, supports hard or durable augmented traction elements for engagement with the aforesaid surface.

When the boss is not wheel-shaped, for example to provide additional traction to footwear or animal hoofs, the device has an axis for general alignment perpendicular to the axis of the carrier on which the boss is operatively supported, and has extensions of resiliently flexible and elastic material that can clamped about the outer periphery of the boss at the operatively forward end sides thereof, the extensions able to flex with the boss during subsequent movement of the boss with the interactive surface at the footprint of engagement therebetween, to maintain a tight mounting on the boss.

When the boss is wheel-shaped, the outer periphery of which is operatively engaged with an interactive surface thereopposite to drive or be driven by the interactive surface in the movement of the boss, the central portion of the device commonly comprises a number of high traction elements supported thereon, for augmenting the traction between the outer periphery of the boss and an interactive surface thereopposite, at the footprint of engagement therebetween.

The belt embodiment of our invention for a wheel-shaped boss has opposing sides which stretch the central portion of the device for the device sides to clamp across the outer periphery of the boss.

The plate embodiment of our invention for a wheel-shaped boss has extensions from two opposing sides of which stretch the central portion to clamp across the outer periphery of the boss, and can form one link in a chain of plates that can together stretch around the whole outer periphery of the boss.

Given these features, the belt device or chain of plate devices can be virtually snap-engaged on the boss from a position opposite the face thereof, and once engaged on the boss, will not only operatively interpose traction elements between the boss and the interactive thereopposite, but will also self-tighten and self-align on the boss, when the boss is moved in relation to the interactive surface at the footprint of engagement therebetween.

ADVANTAGES

The elastic properties of some materials will be exploited to provide a device which is simpler and quicker to mount than currently available products.

Preferably, the embodiment for footwear can provide greater augmented traction than any prior art that has a comparable ease of mounting due to curved bands that will cut into an icy surface in a pastry cutter fashion.

Preferably, each embodiment can be made from non-static and non-sparking materials.

Preferably, the embodiment for footwear can provide greater augmented traction than any prior art that has a comparable ease of mounting due to curved bands with teeth-like protrusions.

Preferably, the embodiment for footwear can provide greater augmented traction than any prior art that has a comparable ease of mounting due to the ergonomic positioning of traction augmentation elements particularly placed at those places where the most weight is transferred in the process of stepping.

Preferably, the embodiment for footwear can be made manufactured as a single piece of flexible and durable material.

Preferably, the embodiment for footwear can be mounted under the front of the footwear without needing to be further secured by means of a strap or cord across the top of the footwear.

Preferably, the same embodiment for footwear can be also mounted under the heel of the footwear and secured with a strap.

Preferably, the belt embodiments for narrow wheels can be extended with shorter versions of each embodiment to allow the device to be mounted on a wide range of different wheel circumferences Preferably, the belt embodiment for wheels can be wrapped around two in-line wheels to provide augmented traction on sand or mud.

Preferably, the plate embodiment for wheels has elastic properties of the device material that will allow the device to be mounted securely to a wide range of different wheel thicknesses.

Preferably, the plate embodiment for wheels, the ability to apply any numbers of devices and optional extension straps will allow the device to be mounted securely to a wide range of different wheel circumferences.

Preferably, the plate embodiment for road vehicle wheels has a raised tread that will increase the traction on snow.

Preferably, the plate embodiment for road vehicle wheels has protruding studs in the raised tread of a hard wearing material that will increase the traction on ice.

Preferably, the plate embodiment for road vehicle wheels uses prong snap buttons to connect plates and extension straps to provide a mounting system that is quick, relatively light weight, and not requiring any other equipment Preferably, with the plate embodiment for road vehicle wheels, a chain of devices can be mounted on a wheel with the chain ends connected together by snap-rivets on straps across the ground engaging portion of the wheel, and the connection exerts sufficient tension in the chain to hold it on the wheel, that sufficient augmented traction is provided without having to raise or turn the wheel to replace the straps with another traction plate device.

Preferably the plate embodiment for road vehicle wheels and any extension straps will be relatively light weight and will require relatively little space when packed in a vehicle.

Preferably the device and any extension straps can be made mainly from recycled materials.

BRIEF DECRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These features will be better understood by reference to the accompanying drawings wherein I have illustrated examples of several different embodiments of our device.

In the drawings, the FIG. numbers are in numerical order, not in the order that they appear on the pages.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a single continuous band version of the device formed to reach across the sole and heel of a boot with the device ends lifted for hooking over the flange portion or welt.

FIG. 2 is an alternative perspective view of the same continuous band of material shown in FIG. 1, illustrating a raised heel edge and ends lifted by a strap across the top of the front of the boot.

FIG. 3 is perspective view of a band of durable and flexible and elastic material formed in a curve to achieve high traction with the surface beneath it by virtue of its curved shape and by teeth-like protrusions to concentrate downward pressure at projections along its lower edge.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a cross section of the portion of band of material such as shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross section of less flexible sections of the band of material such ns shown in FIG. 3 illustrating a broader top edge relative to the lower.

FIG. 6 is a different perspective view of the ends lifted by a strap across the top of the front of the boot otherwise depicted in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of an alternative version of the band of durable and flexible and elastic material shown in FIG. 1 and shown in a relaxed condition un-mounted.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the same band of material shown in FIG. 7 expanded to clamp around a boot or shoe.

FIG. 9 is front elevation view of the same band of material shown in FIG. 8 illustrating extensions from the framework hooking around the lower sole.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the attachment shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 shows a plan view and two side views of an alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 7 for attachment to the front portion of the sole of a boot or shoe only.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the framework depicted in FIG. 11 shown clamped onto a boot.

HG. 13 is a perspective view of the framework depicted in FIG. 11 shown clamped onto a boot and additionally attached by straps.

HG. 14 shows a plan view of the underside of an alternative version of thc device shown in FIG. 11; This embodiment has bands emanating from a central plate and four extensions for clamping onto footwear.

FIG. iSis a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 61 with simple handles shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the framework depicted in FIG. 14 shown clamped onto a boot. It includes a depiction of a strap attached to the clamping extensions.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 16 but with the aforementioned strap attached to the framework extensions and to a conesponding strap from the other side of the framework.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of thc framework depicted in FIG. 14 with scroll-like clamping extensions uncurled and with a spindle element lying across their ends.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 18 but with the extensions curled around the aforementioned spindle and straps hooked by the framework extensions and overlapping one another to further secure the device to the footwear.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 1 for attachment to the heel of a boot or shoe only.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 20 attached to the heel of a boot or shoe.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an alternative version of the device shown in HG. 21 shown attached to the heel of a boot. This version may more easily flex to accommodate different boot sizes and has a raised heel edge to prevent the device from slipping towards the front sole.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an alternative version of the device shown in FIG. 22 that incOrporates plates that support studs and additionally secured by means of straps.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a boot mounted with two of the alternative embodiments shown in FIG. 15; the one mounted on the heel of the boot has been turned around 180 degrees with respect to the one mounted under the toe area of the boot.

FIG. 25 is the first of several perspective views of an alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 20 for an animal's hoof.

FIG. 26 shows a shoed animal's hoof without the device mounted.

FIG. 27 shows the device mounted around an animal's hoof FIG. 28 is a side elevation view of the device mounted to the animal's hoof.

FIG. 29 is an end elevation view of the device mounted to the animal's hoof.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the devicc mounted as shown in FIG. 29 and more clearly shows the lip designed to impinge against the inside edge of the horseshoe.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the device mounted to the animal's hoof with straps attached to further secure it.

FIG. 32 is a plan view of a belt version of our device for mounting around a bicycle wheel tyre and supporting protrusions of hard and durable material.

FIG. 33 shows a cross-sectional view of one method of attaching the two ends of the belt device together by use of separate pegs.

FIG. 34 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative method of attaching the two ends of the belt device together by use of pegs incorporated into one end of the belt.

FIG. 35 shows a plan view of a much shorter version of the belt shown in FIG. 32 for extending the belt.

FIG, 36 is a perspective view of the belt device shown in FIG. 32 almost completely wrapped around a bicycle wheel, and shows how the two belt device ends may be fastened together by first looping an elastic band around the Lyre valve and one of the belts ends.

FIG. 37 shows a plan view of a version of the traction belt device for use on a deeply sandy ground incorporating partial cuts across the belt at regular intervals.

FIG. 38 shows a perspective view of the sand traction belt device shown in FIG. 37 mounted around two wheels and showing how the cuts at regular intervals help the belt wrap around the sides of the wheels and thereby stay on the wheels.

FIG. 39 is a plan view of the wider version of our traction belt device shown in FIG. 32 for providing augmented traction to wider bicycle wheels and incorporating similar partial cuts across the belt shown in FIGS. 37-38.

FIG. 40 shows a plan view of a much shorter version of the belt shown in FIG. 39 to extend the effective length of the belt to reach around bigger radius wheels.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the belt device shown in FIG. 39 almost completely wrapped around a bicycle wheel, and shows a different method of temporarily securing one end on the wheel than shown in FIG. 36.

FIG. 42 shows a plan view of an elastic plate version of the traction belt device shown in FIG. 32. The mounting around a ground-engaging wheel is achieved by linking together the plates.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of many inter-connected traction plate devices being mounted around the periphery of a wheel with elastic tension. An elastic band is shown temporarily securing one end of the chain of devices.

FIG. 44 shows a plan view of the underside of a tracked version of the elastic plate device shown in FIG. 42 suitable for motorbikes. Hatched areas indicate raised track blocks for providing improved traction over snow and on icy ground surfaces.

FIG. 45 shows a cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG.44.

FIG. 46 shows a plan view of a strap for temporarily joining traction plates either side of a segment of the wheel in engagement with the ground or allowing the mounting of plates around larger diameter wheels.

FIG. 47 shows a side elevation view of a wheel with inter-connected tracked traction plates mounted around a wheel and also temporarily connected together by strap 96.

HG. 48 shows a side elevation view of the same wheel shown in FIG. 47 after it has been turned and the strap is being replaced by an additional tracked traction plate.

FIG. 49 shows a plan view of the underside of an expandable tracked version of the elastic plate device shown in FIG. 44 for wider wheels such of those found with cars. Hatched areas indicatc raised track blocks for providing improved traction over snow and on icy ground surfaces.

FIG. 50 shows a cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 49.

FIG. 51 shows a cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 49 through a different section.

FIG. 52 shows a plan view of the same expandable traction plate device shown in FIG. 49 only stretched to accommodate a wider tyre.

FIG. 53 shows a side elevation view of a ground-engaging wheel with expandable traction plates joined together in a chain and with some partially mounted on the wheel.

FIG. 54 shows a perspective view of the same ground-engaging wheel shown in FIG. 53 but showing the opposite side of the wheel to show how the wheel hub is used to temporarily hold the plates onto the wheel.

FIG. 55 shows a perspective view of a hooking anchor plate for anchoring one end of a strap.

FIG. 56 shows a side view of the same ground-engaging wheel shown in FIGS. 53 and 54 but after the wheel has rotated to allow the first and last plates in the chain to be connected together.

FIG. 57 shows a perspective view of a larger ground-engaging wheel than that shown in FIGS. 53-56 with traction plate devices mounted with some inter-connected using elastic straps.

FIG. 58 shows a plan view of the underside of a ribbed version of the elastic plate device shown in FIG. 49 for cars that need increased traction in snow and ice. To provide greater versatility with different width tyres, the snap-riveted ends have cutouts to allow the lobes to stretch away from the central plate.

FIG, 59 shows a cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 58 through the ribs that will penetrate the snow on the ground surface.

FIG. 60 shows a cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 58 through the lattice area towards one end.

FIG. 61 shows a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 14, as the device would be seen from beneath a shoe or boot. Extending arms are replaced with vertical clamping plates to which may be fitted a strap or cord.

FIG. 62 shows a cross-sectional view through the centre of the device shown in FIG. 61 and shows the height of the clamping plates 120 rising up for clamping the device about each side of a boot.

FIG. 63 shows a perspective view of abutment the left plate 120 with hole 121 for the optional insertion of a shoelace.

FIG. 64 shows a perspective view of the lower right pair of abutment plates and shows a bar between the plates around which a strap may be wrapped.

FIG. 65 shows a perspective view of abutment plates with ring passing through a hole in each plate and thereby able to swivel about an axis aligning the holes for use as a handle to pull one side of the device around the sole of the footwear.

FIG. 66 shows a perspective view of abutment plates with a ring anchoring one end of a strap.

FIG. 67 shows a side elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 25 with the device mounted on an animal's hoof FIG. 68 shows a front elevation view of the same device shown in FIG. 67.

FIG. 69 shows a rear elevation view of the same device shown in FIG. 67.

FIG. 70 shows a perspective view of the same device shown in FIG. 67 and also shows how the device wraps around the inside edge of the horseshoe.

FIG. 71 shows a perspectivc view of an anti-balling plate that can be attached to the traction enhancement device before mounting on the hoof FIG. 72 shows cross-sectional view through the anti-balling plate shown in FIG. 71.

FIG. 73 shows a rear side view the alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 74 shows a left side view the alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 75 is a perspective view of the same device shown in FIG. 14 mounted on a boot.

FIG. 76 shows perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 15 for mounting across both the heel and toe sections of a shoe's sole.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention proposes various embodiments of a device that can provide augmented traction on slippery surfaces by the engagement of high traction protrusions extending from an expandable framework, the framework allowing the device be stretched and thereby easily mounted onto different sizes of footwear, wheels or animal hoofs.

The device shall be generally composed of a single material that will be hard yet flexible, and may be metal, partially ceramic, plastic, rubber or a composite material.

Devices designed for footwear may be made from stainless spring steel although for safety critical combustive or highly flammable environments, a non-sparking and non-static version of the invention may be provided by the device being made of beryllium copper, aluminium bronze, a Polyetherimide (PEI) resin, or a material hardened by graphene.

In the drawing descriptions that follow, the FIG. numbers are referenced as they appear in page number order: [Clamping band across whole sole...] Referring to FIGS. 1-2, a basic embodiment of the traction device includes two arms 7 and $ that can flex upwards around the front sides of footwear. When unattached to footwear, the whole device is the same height throughout, and ostensibly touches the ground throughout its whole length.

It will be seen that considered as a whole, including the welt 2 thereof, the sole 4 of the shoe 6 constitutes a plate-shaped boss which is clamped relatively radially outwardly about a generally upright axis 25 of the shoe top 10 from which the sole of the shoe is supported.

The sole is also oblong in dimensions thereof crosswise of the axis and is connected to the bottom of the shoe top so as to have relatively axially upwardly and axially downwardly oriented sides thereon.

Moreover the sole has a central portion 12 thereof which is intrapositioned across the bottom of the shoe top so as to have an axially downwardly orientated face 14 on the axially downwardly orientated side thereof.; and in addition, an outer peripheral flange portion 2 at the welt thereof, which is circumposed about the central portion 12 thereof and has a generally upwardly orientated annular surface 16 on the axially upwardly orientated side of the sole.

In addition the sole also has an outer periphery 18 circunaposed about the flange portion or welt 2 thereof, which is interposed between the upwardly orientated annular surface 16 of the flange portion 2 and the face 14 of the sole.

The version of our device seen in FIGS. 1-2 comprises a band of hard yet flexible and elastic material which in its normally relaxed state thereof has the same shape seen from above but with adjacent sections 1 and 3 closer together, and the whole device settled in one dimensional plane.

However, when our device is activated for mounting on the sole 4 of a shoe 6, and ann sections 7 and 8 are pulled outwards and upwards with two hands around the welt 2, it can clamp against two opposing longer sides of the periphery 18. The device may be further held in position by the wrapped device end 9 and the corresponding wrapped end extending from portion 8 catching on the flange portion or welt 2 thereof.

Preferably two straps 19 and 20 shown in Fig. 6 will be provided to optionally fit on the arms 7 and 8, one on each, to assist in mounting the device and also to secure it across the top of the shoe front 10 by overlapping and fixing to one another either via a buckle or Velcro 21. Wrapping ends 9 and the corresponding end to arm $ will prevent the straps from sliding of arms 7 and 8.

Of course, the shoe is intended for walking on an interactive surface thereopposite (not shown), i.e., a walking surface; and that being the case, the device has a posterior portion 15 intrapositioned across the operatively rearward end of the device, for engagement with the face 14 of the sole and for opposing the sole 4 of the shoe and the walking surface, respectively, in the footprint of engagement therebetween.

With the device placed under a shoe or boot, pulling upwards on both arms via their respective straps will cause the heel portion 15 to press upwards, thus holding the whole device up against the sole 4.

Preferably an outermost section of posterior portion 15 will be higher than the device in general, and this section 5 will be placed against the rear of the periphery 18, to prevent movement between the face of the boss and posterior portion 15 thereopposite.

Preferably the aforementioned higher section of posterior portion 15 will be higher than the wclt 2 at the heel 16.

Preferably, to prevent the device from sliding down the heel when walldng, either the corners of the higher portion have acute angles which cause them to dig into the back of the heel when the device is mounted, or horizontal finger-like extensions 17, duplicated on the opposite side of the heel, will spring inwardly against the periphery 18 and also against the shoe top 10, causing a clamping effect.

Preferably in the latter case, the lowest edge of one of the horizontal finger-like extensions 17, duplicated on the opposite side of the heel, will catch upon the upwardly orientated annular surface 16 of the flange portion 2, thus opposing downward movement of the higher section 5, and the attached posterior portion 15 relative to the periphery 18.

FIGS. 3-4 show teeth-like protrusions 11 for enhancing the fraction at the ground surface and some teeth-like protrusions 13 for enhancing the fraction at the sole 4.

FIG. 4 is a cross section through the position 1 shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross section through the position 50 shown in FIG. 3 illustrating a broader top edge relative to the lower to both concentrate downward pressure at the ground surface and protect the face 14 of the sole from being damaged by the device at its upper surface and edge. This form may be more prevalent where the device it less curved and need be less flexible.

In FIG. 7, a plan view shows an alternative embodiment 22 in a collapsed state before fitting to footwear. It can be seen from the dashed line that indicates the extent of the periphery 18 of a typical shoe as viewed from above, that the two handles 23 and 24 rest within this boundary. The two handles 23 and 24 are offset from the ground above the two opposing longer sides of the periphery 18 so that they may clamp against the outside of the shoe top 10.

Pads made of a soft and flexible and elastic material such as rubber may be provided to be wrapped around each handle to avoid damaging the footwear and to increase the grip afforded to fmgers when pulling the handles apart to mount and dis-mount the device. Alternatively, straps 19 and 20 may be provided to wrap around the handles in the same manner as shown wrapped around portions 7 and S shown in FIG. 6.

In FIG. 8, the plan view shows a dashed line to indicate the extent of the periphery 18 as described above for FIG. 7, and now shows the device pulled wider, relative to the same device depicted in FIG. 7, via the handles for the handles themselves to be place above the upwardly orientated annular surface 16 of the flange portion 2 (not shown).

In FIG. 9, a front view of a shoe is shown to illustrate handles 23 and 24 above the shoe sole 4 over the welt 2 and clamping against the shoe top 10.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the device attached to a shoe in the manner described with FIG. 8-9.

Preferably, the entire length of each handle 23 and 24 shall be flexible so that they may flex with the sole 4 to maintain upward pressure of the connected front portion 26 and central portion 27 of the device against the sole 4 as the shoe flexes when stepping forward.

Clamping bands across front sole only...] In FIG. 11 a further alternative embodiment of the device is shown designed to provide traction to the front of the foot only. Portion 28 of the device effectively replaces the central portion 27 and its connected heel portion 15 as shown in FIG. 10. Three views are shown; FIG. 11 shows a plan view, FIG. 73 a rear side view where section 28 obscures section 26, and FIG. 74 shows where handle 23 obscures handle 24. The shape of the handles is designed to avoid being caught hetween the generally upwardly orientated annular surface 16 and the upper sole as in doing so this could cause a separation between the central portion of the device and the sole 4. The shape will also encourage a strap to slide along the handle as the strap is pulled upwards and across thc shoe, to settle at the highest point in the handle and consequently at the highest part of the upper sole across which the strap is secured.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of this alternative device mounted on a boot.

FIG. 13 shows a similar perspective view to that shown in FIG. 12 with straps 19 and 20 which may be provided to wrap around the handles in the same manner as shown wrapped around portions 7 and 8 shown in FIG. 6 The plan view in FIG. 14 shows a further alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 11. It differs in the separation of handle 23 into lugs 29 and 30, and in the separation of handle 24 into lugs 31 and 32 respectively.

Flatter and thinner portions 33 and 34 may flex with the sole 4 to allow the four lugs to maintain a hooked position over the welt 2 and clamping against the shoe top 10 as the shoe flexes when stepping forward.

Wider band sections such as portion 35 are flatter and in the same plane as the sole 4 so that they may flex with the sole 4. Teeth-like protrusions 11 along these wider band sections provide additional traction at the ground surface.

Narrower band sections such as portion 37 represent the same band of durable and flexible and elastic material formed in a curve as shown in FIG. 3.

The plate area 38 has two downward protruding toothed edges 39, the teeth resembling those shown as 11 in FIG. 3, and two stud protrusions 40, to increase the traction at the ground surface. The un-mounted rest position of this embodiment would see side plate areas 33 and 34 close up against the central plate portions occupied by studs 40.

FIG. 75 is a perspective view of the same device shown in HG. 14 mounted on a boot.

FIG. 16 show a perspective view of the FIG. 14 device already mounted on a boot and a simple embodiment of the lugs 29-32. The ends of these lugs are intended to catch with the upwardly orientated annular surface 16 of the flange portion 2. A strap 41 is shown attached to lugs 29 and 30. Another strap may be attached to lugs 31 and 32 for overlapping strap 41 across the upper surface of the upper sole. A Velcro pad 43 or possibly a buckle (not shown) might fix these two straps together in order to further secure the traction device to the shoe. FIG. 17 shows how this fixing of straps might appear.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the framework depicted in FIG. 14 shown clamped onto a boot with scroll-like clamping extensions 44 uncurled by one of two spindle elements with integral handles being pulled away from the device using the central lobe as a handle. The extensions would not normally be able to rest in this position due to the elastic properties of the device material and are an alternative to the more fixed form of the lugs 29-32 shown in FIG. 14. This embodiment presumes the material from which the device is made has elastic properties that will allow the scroll to act like a spring thereby clamping the device to the sole 4 and hoot top 10 around the welt 2.

The second spindle 46 is shown separate from the traction device to more clearly show its shape.

In both cases the spindle will be of a flexible material to accommodate the curvature of the side of the foot and each has a flat lug handle located centrally so that the spindle can flex to allow the rearmost traction device extension to rise relative to the foremost as would occur in the process of the wearer of the footwear stepping forward.

FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 18 but with the traction device extensions curled up around a spindle element 45.

The extensions are also curled through holes in straps 19 and 20. The free ends of the straps are shown overlapping one another to further secure the device to the footwear assisted by either a Velcro pad (not shown) or a buckle.

FIG. 61 shows a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 14. The device is shown from above to show how the device would appear on the ground already partially stretched wider for mounting on a shoe.

The central portion of the device provides enhanced traction by means of two sinuous bands of flexible and durable material 116 and 117. They are not connected by a plate in the centre to allow the respective bands to move apart as the device is stretched around the side of a boot or shoe and thereby enhance the ability of the device to expand to fit a greater range of footwear sizes.

The un-mounted rest position of this embodiment would see the bands at 116 and 117 almost touching and the pairs of looping bands 118 and 119 also closer together.

Band sections such as portion 118 and 119 represent the same band of durable and flexible and elastic material formed in a curve as shown in FIG. 3. Teeth-like protrnsions 11 along provide additional traction at the ground surface and at the surface of the shoe sole.

Flatter portions 122 and 123 may flex with the sole 4 as the wearer of the footwear steps forward to allow the vertically rising abutment plates 124 and 125 to maintain a position over the welt 2. Abutment plates 120 also rise vertically.

FIG. 62 shows a cross-sectional end view through the line F-F of the device shown in FIG. 61 and shows how the abutment plates 120 extend upwards. The band portion 122 is extends from the abutment plate in a twist that leaves the central part of 122 relatively flat horizontally so that the portion adjoining abutment plate 124 can flex upwards. The cross-section at 126 shows the band potion 122 partially twisted.

FIG. 63 shows a perspective view of abutment plate 120 with hole 121 for the optional insertion of a shoelace for securing the device against the sole by passing the shoe lace over the upper sole to the abutment plate on the other side of the shoe. The band portion 122 is shown extending from the abutment plate in a twist that leaves the central part of 122 relatively flat horizontally so that the portion adjoining abutment plate 124 can flex upwards.

FIG. 64 shows a perspective view of abutment plates 125 and shows a bar between the plates around which a strap may be wrapped that is fixed at one end by a ring connected to abutment plates 124.

FIG. 65 shows a perspective view of abutment plates 124 and shows an open ring passing through a hole in each plate and thereby able to swivel about an axis aligning the holes. The ring 128 may be used as a handle to pull one side of the device around the welt 2 in the mounting of the device on the footwear.

FIG. 66 shows a perspective view of abutment plntes 124 with the same ring 128 shown in FIG. 65 only with one end of a strap 129 wrapped around the ring.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 61 (page 12) with simple handles 23 and 24 shown in FIG. 11 (page 7).

FIG. 76 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 15 for mounting across both the heel and toe sections of a shoe's sole. Additional handles 137 and 138 extend from handles 23 and 24 respectively and are themselves joined at their respective other ends by another band of material 139 similar in form to 117, for alignment with the heel of a shoe.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a boot mounted with two identical alternative embodiments; the one mounted on the heel of the boot has been turned around 18(1 degrees with respect to the one mounted under the toe area of the boot. Each device is a combination of the two handles 23 and 24 shown in FIG. 7, and the two bands of flexible material 116,117 shown in FIG. 61. A strap 19 is shown holding the heel mounted device in position. No strap is needed for the foremost device as it holds itself in position adequately by clamping around the front of the boot.

Sections of the band that appear very slim only appear so because the band is viewed at its edge.

Also for clarity, teeth-like protrusions 11 for enhancing the traction at the ground surface and some teeth-like protrusions 13 for enhancing the traction at the sole 4 as shown in FIGS 3-4 are not shown.

[Clamping bands for heels only...] FIGS. 20-23 show alternative embodiments of the device shown in FIG. 7 for attachment to the heel of a boot or shoe only.

FIG. 20 shows a simple embodiment for attachment to the heel that has arms 48 and 49 designed to wrap around the periphery 18 (labelled in FIG. 22), In an un-mounted state, the distance between the base of the arms 51 and 52 would be less than the width of the heel periphery 18.

Also, the distance between ends of the arms 51 and 52 and the middle of the device 53 will be less than a typical height of the periphery 18 as measured from the posterior portion of the sole 54 to the upwardly orientated annular surface 16.

Thus the device being made of a flexible and elastic material, mounting the device onto a boot will necessitate pulling apart the bases of the arms 51 and 52 to clamp arms 48 and 49 around the periphery 18. The curved ends of 48 and 52 will tend to hook around the rear most side of periphery 18 (denoted 55) and thereby prevent the device slipping towards the front of the boot when walking.

If the upwardly orientated annular surface 16 is sufficiently broad, then lifting ann 48 after mounting as just described will preferably cause it's flatter inside lower edge 56 to catch upon the upwardly orientated annular surface 16 so that upon releasing the arm the arm will exert a downward pressure upon surface 16. With ann 49 likewise engaged, the device will exert a corresponding upward pressure from the middle portion 53 against the posterior portion of the sole 54.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 20 shown attached to the heel of a boot or shoe.

Preferably, straps will be provided for further securing the device to the footwear. One end of one strap would be attached to the device by wrapping around ann 48 and one end of a second strap would be attached to the device by wrapping around arm 49. FIG. 23 shows these straps attached as just described and their other ends overlapping one another across the shoe top 10. The upward force on arms 48 and 49 will exert a corresponding upward pressure from the middle portion 53 against the posterior portion of the sole 54.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an alternative version of the device shown in FIGS. 20-21 shown attached to the heel of a boot. This version of the device is designed to clamp the bases of the arms 51 and 52 against the foremost side of the heel 57 and the heightened section 47 against the rear most side of periphery 18 (denoted 55).

The clamping effect will be achieved by exploiting the elastic properties of the material at narrower band sections such as portions 58 and 59 which will allow stretching of the device across the posterior portion of the sole 54.

Wider band sections such as at portion 60 are flatter and in the same plane as the posterior portion of the sole 54 have stud-like protrusions to provide additional traction at the ground surface.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an alternative version of the device shown in FIG. 23 that can be more successfully mounted on footwear that lacks a distinctive inside edge to the heel 57 as shown in FIG. 22. This version of the device incorporates plates that support studs 103, rectangular protrusions 104 and incisor like protrusions 105. Its heel-wrapping aims 48 and 49 clamp around periphery 18 for a longer distance and are shown wrapped by straps that further secure the device to the heel.

[Clamping band for hoofs...] FIG. 25 is the first of several perspective views of an alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 20 for mounting on an animal's hoof. Teeth like protrusions at 61 and studs 62 will provide the improved traction.

FIG. 26 shows an animal's hoof with a horseshoe 106 but without the device whilst FIG. 27 shows the device mounted over the horseshoe 106.

FIG. 28 is a side elevation view of the device mounted on an animal's hoof indicating the coronet 66 above the hoof 65. In an un-mounted state, the distance between the arms 63 and 64 would be less than the width of the hoof, but the narrowness of the device at the teeth will allow the device to flex sufficiently for the gap between the arms and 66 to reach around the hoof 65 below the coronet 66.

FIG, 29 is an end elevation view of the device mounted to the animal's hoof. It is a rear view of the hoof and it is in this direction, from behind, that the device would be mounted.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the device mounted as shown in FIG. 29 and shows the device has an outside edge 107 to impinge against the inside edge of the horseshoe 106 to limit the lateral movement of the device. An extended lip 108 provides a wide lower surface suitable for the fixing of studs 62 and a corresponding wide upper surface aligned with the horseshoe to spread the load that will be concentrated at the studs.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the device mounted to the animal's hoof and with straps attached to further secure it The dashed lines indicate the ends of the device arms 63 and 64 wrapped by the ends [Clamping band for hoofs with front plate...] FIG. 67 is the first of several perspective views of an alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 25 for mounting on an animal's hoof.

FIG. 67 shows a side elevation view of the device mounted on an animal's hoof indicating the coronet 66 above the hoof 65, a front plate 130 and a single retaining band 131. Each end of the retaining band is bent back on itself to provide a hook 132 for the optional attachment of a cord or strap between the hooks to additionally secure the device to the hoof. In an un-mounted state, the distance between the hooks 132 would be less than the width of the hoof. Teeth like protrusions at 61 and studs 62 will provide the improved traction.

FIG. 68 shows a front elevation view of the same device shown in FIG. 67. The front plate 130 is shown prominently, its primary function being to bind the tooth portion of the device 61 against the horseshoe. It is in this dircction (from in front) that the device would be mounted.

FIG. 69 shows a rear elevation view of the same device shown in FIG. 67 and shows how the device wraps around the inside edge of the horseshoe 106.

FIG. 70 shows a perspective view of the same device shown in FIG. 67 and also shows how the device wraps around the inside edge of the horseshoe 106. Narrow band portions at 136 will allow the device to expand as it is mounted on the hoof.

FIG. 71 shows a perspective view of an anti-balling plate that can be attached to the traction enhancement device before mounting on the hoof. This would be made of a pliable material so that it can stretch as the device is expanded.

FIG. 72 shows cross-sectional view through the anti-balling plate shown in FIG. 71. The slot 134 will accommodate the inside edge of the device at 135. Once fitted, snow will be prevented from compacting in the space formed by the horseshoe.

[Belt for narrow wheels e.g. bicycle, wheel chair and buggy wheels...] FIGS. 32-41 show various traction belt versions of our device, and how it may be sleeved around the outer periphery of one or more low friction surface engaging wheels. The belt devices shall preferably be made of elastic material and ostensibly flat in form.

FIGS. 32-36 show traction belt versions of our device for narrow grove-treaded wheels typically with bicycles intended for road use only, and wheelchairs.

FIG. 32 is a plan view of the simplest embodiment the device showing the head end above 65 and the tail end 66 below. Augmented traction may be provided by protrusions of hard and durable material indicated by crossed circles along the central portions 68 arranged alternately on either side of the centre to be effective when the wheel is tilted to change direction on a road and spaced apart such that at least two are engaging with the low friction surface at any time. Alternatively, the surface may be made gritty by the embedding of rough hard durable particles.

The pmtrusions 68 will be fixed into the device like rivets and must have a wide enough base in contact with the wheel surface to bridge across any groves in the tyre tread and to avoid being tipped on its side when brought into contact with the engaging low friction surface.

The belt device ends can be joined to one another by various means at locations 69 and 70. Preferably the device can be easily dismounted when no longer needed so temporary fastenings may be provided by snap-rivets or one of the pegging methods shown in FIG. 33 and 34. A sufficiently elastic material is required to cause the edges of the belt to wrap around the side of the wheel. The wrapping will tend to occur because of the relatively smaller circumferential distance at the side of the tyre relative to the ground-engaging wheel perimeter will lead to a corresponding reduction in strain in the elastic material. This embodiment is shown formed with two (for example) channels of thinner material along lines 67 to predispose the belt to fold along the channels and thereby more closely conform to the profile of the tyre.

FIG. 33 shows a cross-sectional view of one method of securing overlapping locations 69 and 70 by a separate peg 71 passed through the two lugs.

FIG. 34 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative means of securing overlapping fastening locations 69 and by an integral peg 72 extending upwards from the underlying lug.

FIG. 35 shows a plan view of a much shorter version of the belt shown in FIG. 32. It has the same and corresponding fastening locations 69 and 70 so that it can extend the effective length of the belt to reach around bigger radius wheels. Preferably the length of this shorter version of the belt device, as determined by the distance between protrusions 68, will be derived from arranging that 26 segments provide a tight fitting belt for a 26 inch wheel. Thus the belt will tightly fit a 27 inch wheel by extending the belt with the addition of one of these shorter versions of the belt.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the belt device shown in FIG 32 almost completely wrapped around a bicycle wheel, and shows how the two belt device ends 65 and 66 may be fastened together by first looping an elastic band 73 around the tyre valve, passing the remaining part around and over the device end 66, and then looping the remainder around the same valve. After securing belt device end 66, rotating the wheel will carry device end 66 around allowing portions the trailing belt, increasingly distant from end 66, to be periodically stretched and hand-clamped against the wheel periphery until end 65 nears end 66. The two belt ends may then be fastened together at locations 69 and 70 either by prong snap buttons or the method shown in FIGS. 33 and 34.

If brake pads are fitted then the elastic band 73 will come up against the brake pads but this obstacle can nonnally be removed by use of the disengagement mechanism designed to allow the wheel to be removed.

[Belts for two wheels e.g. buggies...] FIGS. 37-38 show a sand traction belt version of our traction belt device shown in FIG. 32 for providing augmented traction on sand for a child's buggy.

FIG. 37 shows a plan view of the sand traction belt device which provides augmented traction on yielding ground surface such as sand or mud by straddling two in-line wheels thereby spreading some of the weight of the buggy between the wheels and, most importantly; in front of the trailing wheel, thereby precluding the rearmost wheel from digging into the ground surface. Because it is not intended to provide augmented traction on a low friction ground-engaging surface, protrusions 68 shown in FIG. 32 are omitted. When the buggy is driven forward or backward, the belt will be continuously engaging and then disengaging around the periphery of each wheel. To disincline the belt from running off the wheels, particularly when the buggy changes direction, cuts between holes are made to allow the belt to stretch more easily along its centre and thereby to predispose the belt edges to wrap around the wheel periphery. This embodiment shows the belt formed with two (for example) channels of thinner material along lines 67 to predispose the belt to fold along the channels and thereby more closely conform to the profile of the tyre.

FIG. 38 shows a perspective view of the sand traction belt device shown in FIG. 37 with a minimum amount of overlap of the ends. Preferably, to allow for various wheel sizes and distances between wheels, a variable degree of overlap of the device ends will be accommodated by having fastening locations 69 repeated (not shown) for the whole length if FIG. 33 fixings are used, or for up to half the length if FIG. 34 fixings are used, with the other fitted with the same number of integral pegs 70. An appropriate deployment of snap-rivets might alternatively be used.

FIG. 38 also shows the optional location of traction augmentation elements 68, as shown in FIG. 36, to provide augmented traction for a buggy on icy ground surfaces.

[Belt for wider wheels e.g. hybrid/mountain bicycles...] FIGS. 39-41 show a wider version of our traction belt device shown in FIG. 32 for providing augmented traction to wider bicycle wheels.

FIG. 39 is a plan view of the wider version of our fraction belt device shown in FIG. 32 showing the head end above 65 and the tail end 66 below. As with Fig. 32, augmented traction will be provided by protrusions of hard and durable material indicated by crossed circles along the central portions 68 and must have a wide enough base in contact with the wheel surface to bridge across any gaps in the tyre tread and to avoid being tipped on its side when brought into contact with the engaging low friction surface. As with Fig. 32, the belt device ends can be joined to one another at locations 69 and 70 by one of the same methods previously described. Preferably, the belt will be predisposed to fold along lines parallel to the belt edges 67 which are set wider apart than shown in FIG. 32 to accommodate the wider tyre.

As with the sand belt device described with FIG. 37, cuts between holes 80 are made to allow the belt to stretch more easily along its centre and thereby to predispose the belt to wrap around the wheel periphery. The cuts will allow areas 81 to stretch and act as a fUlcrum to allow the pivoting of adjacent device areas supporting pairs of traction enhancing elements 68 to separate. The separation of the aforesaid areas will provide a traction belt device which requires a significantly shorter un-mounted length to reach around the same periphery of a wheel. It will also be more adaptive to different wheel circumferences.

FIG. 40 shows a plan view of a much shorter version of the belt shown in FIG. 39. It has the same and corresponding fastening locations 69 and 70 so that it can extend the effective length of the belt to reach around bigger radius wheels. Preferably the length of this shorter version of the belt device, as detennined by the distance between protrusions 68, will be derived as described with FIG. 35.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the belt device shown in FIG. 39 almost completely wrapped around a bicycle wheel, and shows a different method of temporarily mounting end 66 on the wheel than shown in FIG. 36. The method shown in FIG. 41 assumes that the traction augmentation elements 68 protrude enough that and an elastic band 73 can be hooked around one said element 68 to then passed between the spokes for the other end of the elastic band 73 to be hooked around a second said element 68. This method has the advantage that the device end can be mounted at any place on the wheel periphery irrespective of the position of the valve.

Mounting the belt thereafter is as described with FIG. 36.

[Plates for wheels e.g. bicycle, wheel chair and buggy wheels...] FIGS. 42-43 show a traction plate version of our device, and how a number of them may be sleeved outer periphery of one or more ground-engaging wheels.

FIG. 42 shows a plan view of an elastic plate version of the traction belt device shown in FIG. 32. The mounting about the outer periphery of a ground-engaging wheel is achieved by linking together the plates. The plate has fraction augmentation elements 68 as described in FIG. 32 which are arranged unsymmetrically to more reliably provide augmented fraction where there are irregularities in the flatness of the interactive surface thereopposite.

Fixing locations at 76 and 77 are analogous to fixing locations 69 and 70 respectively shown in FIG. 31, with the same alternative fastening methods suggested by FIG. 33-34 or by snap-rivets.

With this embodiment of the device, it is important that the fasteners used at locations 76 and 77 can accommodate rotation in order that the pivoting of adjacent plates about a fulcrum at the locations 76 and 77 is possible so that m mounting the plates, their ground-engaging plate centres are able to spread around the greater circumferential distance relative to the fixing locations 76 and 77. To maximise the elastic benefits of locations 76 and 77 in terms of the devices ability to wrap around the sides of a wheel, the locations 76 and 77 extend from the main body of the device in lobes.

Preferably, the belt will be predisposed to fold along lines parallel to the belt edges 67 four of which are shown to accommodate both flatter and rounder tyre profiles.

An advantage of these plates over the belt device is that they can be sold in the precise number required to match a given wheel size.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of many inter-connected traction plate devices 79 as necessary to reach around with tension the periphery of a wheel. An elastic band 73 is shown temporarily securing one end of the chain of devices 79 as shown with the securing of fraction belt end 66 in PIG. 41. The plate device at the other end of the chain can be subsequently connected to the secured plate at locations 76 and 77. Once connected, the elastic band can be removed and this will leave the head and tail plates indistinguishable from all other traction plates in the chain.

Dis-mounting of the device may be achieved by separating any two adjacent plates from one another.

Preferably, the fraction belt device fasteners 69,70 shown in FIG. 3 1-41 are compatible with the fasteners 76,77 of the traction plate devices 79 so that if a provided traction belt device was too short to reach around one or more wheels, the belt can be extended by connecting one or more traction plate devices 79.

[Plates for motor-bike wheels...] FIGS. 44-48 show a tracked version of the device shown in FIGS. 42-43 for wider wheels such of those found with motor bikes, and how a number of them may be sleeved outer periphery of a ground-engaging wheel, even while the wheel remains in engagement with the ground.

FIG. 44 shows a plan view of a tracked version of the elastic plate device shown in FIG. 42. The mounting about the outer periphery of a ground-engaging wheel is achieved by linking together the plates. The hatched areas indicate raised track blocks 84 for providing improved traction over snow and, preferably, each of these blocks has at least one embedded stud (not shown) of a hard material promiding at the ground-engaging surface that will provide additional traction on icy ground surfaces.

Fixing locations at 85 and 86 are analogous to fixing locations 76 and 77 respedtively shown in FIG. 38, except that the more demanding nature of its usage will require the use of hard durable fasteners such as metal snap-rivets. As with the elastic plate device shown in FICL 42, it is important that the fasteners used at locations 85 and 86 can accommodate rotation in order that the pivotirig of adjacent plates about a fulcrum at the locations 85 and 86 is possible so that in mounting the plates, their ground-engaging plate centres are able to spread around the greater circumferential distance relative to the fixing locations 85 and 86.

FIG. 45 shows a cross-sectional view of the device 83 shown in FIG.44 through section A-A. Raised block 84 is visible to the left of three sectioned blocks. The extreme left and right of the diagram shows the relative thinness and therefore greater elasticity of the device that extends to the lobes supporting fasteners 85 and 86.

FIG. 46 shows a plan view of a strap 96 preferably made of an elastic material and supports pairs of fasteners 97 and 98 identical to fasteners 85 and 86 respectively, as shown on FIG. 44. These straps may be used to join traction plates either side of a segment of the wheel in engagement with the ground (see FIG. 47). These straps may also be used to interconnect traction plates so they may collectively reach around the outer periphery of larger diameter wheels (see FIG. 57).

FIGS. 47-48 show the main two steps required to fully encompass a wheel with tracked traction plates 83.

FIG. 47 shows a side elevation view of a wheel with seven tracked traction plates 83 mounted around a wheel except that portion engaged with the ground. The two ends of the chain of plates are shown connected together by two straps 96 which are connected to each other. A second pair of straps 96 would be similarly used on the other side of the wheel but this is not shown. The connection may exert sufficient tension in the chain to hold the chain onto the wheel, that enough traction is provided without having to raise or turn the wheel. The user may discover that this arrangement provides sufficient augmented traction to move the vehicle.

FIG. 48 shows a side elevation view of the same wheel shown in FIG. 47 after it has been turned anti-clockwise about 90 degrees or the wheel has been driven to the left to achieve the same effect. Seven tracked traction plates 83 are shown mounted with an eighth plate partially mounted by its connection to one plate at end of the chain of plates. One end of the pair of straps 96 is shown partially disconnected before being entirely replaced by the eighth traction plate.

[Plates for car wheels. -.1 FIGS. 49-57 show an expandable version of the tracked version of the device shown in FIGS. 44-48 for wider wheels such of those found with cars, and how a number of them may be sleeved outer periphery of a ground-engaging wheel.

FIG. 49 shows a plan view of a device 90, an expandable tracked version of the elastic plate device shown in FIG. 44. The mounting about the outer periphery of a ground-engaging wheel is achieved by linking together the expandable plates. The device shall preferably be made of an elastic material and is ostensibly flat in form. Parallel lines at 87 and 88 indicate groves in the device to pre-dispose it to bend around the edge of a tyre along these lines so that the lobes 91 and 92 lie flat against the tyre wall.

The hatched areas indicate raised track blocks 89 for providing improved traction ova snow and, preferably, each of these blocks has at least one embedded stud of a hard material protruding at the ground-engaging surface that will provide additional traction on icy ground surfaces. They are shaped and arranged to move snow between them and outwards towards the sides of the wheel.

FIG. 50 shows a cross-sectional view of the device 90 through section B-B. Raised block 89 is shown in section and visible portions at 91, 92 and 95 are shown having a relatively low profile FIG. 51 shows a cross-sectional view of the device 90 through section C-C. This section shows the narrowness of the device at 82 and 95, a deliberate feature designed to allow the device to expand from these portions.

FIG. 52 shows a plan view of the same expandable traction plate device 90 only stretched to accommodate a wider tyre, the stretching primarily occurring at the narrowest portions 82 and 95.

FIGS. 53-56 show a series of steps by which a wheel may be completely mounted by expandable traction plates 90 assuming that the method shown in FIGS. 47-48 is not either not practical or not desirable.

FIG. 53 shows a side elevation view of a ground-engaging wheel with eight expandable traction plates 90 joined together in a chain and with five of them partially mounted on the wheel. A strap 101 is shown holding the first and fifth plates onto the wheel, the remaining three plates trail in preparation for being mounted on the wheel.

Strap 101 will preferably be made of an elastic material and he long enough to reach around the largest car wheel.

FIG. 54 shows a perspective view of the same ground-engaging wheel shown in FIG. 53 but showing the opposite side of the wheel, This view shows that the strap 101 is anchored at the outer periphery of the wheel hub by anchor plates 102 hooked onto the hub rim which is assumed to be formed in a curved Lip suitable for fixing weight clips to for balancing the wheel.

FIG. 55 shows a perspective view of a hooking anchor plate 102 for anchoring one end of strap 101.

FIG. 56 shows a side view of the same ground-engaging wheel shown in FIGS. 53-54 but after the wheel has been driven over the first and the second fraction plate, or the wheel has been jacked up and rotated to the same position, and the previously unconnected fasteners with the last traction plate 94 and been fastened to the previously unconnected fasteners with the first fraction plate 93.

The strap 101 can now be removed and anchor plates 102 unhooked from the hub rim.

FIG. 57 shows a perspective view of a larger ground-engaging wheel than that shown in FIGS. 53-56. The same size traction plate devices are shown mounted on this wheel but, to accommodate the greater circumference of the wheel, some traction plate devices are inter-connected using elastic straps 96. Three elastic straps are shown in FIG. 57 but three others will be used in the corresponding locations on the other side of the wheel.

FIG. 58 shows a plan view of a device 109, a ribbed version of the elastic plate device shown in FIG. 49. The positioning of the holes in the lattice framework 110 will allow the device to more easily stretch to accommodate wider tyres and to pre-dispose the device to fold around the edge of a tyre so that the lobes 91 and 92 lie fiat against the tyre wall.

The two curved rib-like features 111 indicate raised areas for providing improved fraction over snow. The area between the ribs 112 is deliberately left clear so that the weight carried by the wheel compacts the snow between the ribs to counter-act paddling of the snow away from the vehicle and more effectively anchor the ribs to drive the vehicle across the snow. Each of the ribs is segmented by gaps 113 to allow the rib to bend around the rounder profile of some tyres, and has embedded studs 114 of a hard material protruding at the ground-engaging surface that will provide additional traction on icy ground surfaces.

FIG. 59 shows a cross-sectional view of the device 109 through section D-D through the ribs 111 and showing how high they rise relative to the main plane of the device seen at lobe 92.

FIG. 60 shows a cross-sectional view of the device 109 through section E-E. This section shows the narrowness of the device at 115, a deliberate feature designed to allow the device to expand from these portions.