GB2575828A

GB2575828A - An anti-slip device for a wheel of a vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2575828A
Application number: GB1812059.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gribble Meirion
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-07-24
Filing date: 2018-07-24
Publication date: 2020-01-29
Also published as: GB201812059D0

Abstract

An anti-slip device for a wheel of a vehicle is disclosed. The device comprises a ground-engageable body for covering at least a portion of a tread of a tyre of the wheel; fastening means for fastening the device to the wheel, wherein the body comprises a first surface having a plurality of protuberances thereon for contacting the ground, and a second surface comprising a surface contour arranged to engage the tread of the wheel to minimise relative movement between the device and the tyre. The fastening means may comprise at least one flexible toothed tape and at least one barb, wherein the teeth on the tape may be adapted to engage the barb for detachably coupling the device to the wheel. The device may comprise a plurality of protuberances which are detachably couplable with the grip via a push-fit arrangement.

Description

This invention relates to an anti-slip device for a wheel of a vehicle such as a car.

There have been various solutions proposed in order to improve the drive conditions on roads with snow, ice, mud or the like. In particular, it is known to provide tyres with nails or suitable treads for example. It is also well known to use skid chains or snow chains which are typically mounted and fastened to traditional tyres, of the type for driving on asphalted roads.

It is also known to provide control systems, such as anti-lock braking system (ABS) within vehicles to improve vehicle control on dry and slippery surfaces. Such systems however are not very effective when a vehicle is stuck in mud or snow where car wheels are unable to gain traction, for example.

Use of the chains on the tyres is well known to all car drivers, together with their main drawbacks which include difficulties for fastening the chains to the tyres. In fact, the chains must be mounted on the tyre and then stretched until attaining a complete adhesion thereto and minimising the clearances in order to obtain a good drive and avoid that the chains strike against adjacent car body portions during the rotation thereof. The chain fastening operation is always difficult and usually requires the car to be lifted.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a technical solution to the issues outlined above.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an anti-slip device for a wheel of a vehicle, the device comprising a ground-engagable body for covering at least a portion of a tread of a tyre of the wheel; fastening means for fastening the device to the wheel, wherein the body comprises a first surface having a plurality of protuberances thereon for contacting the ground, and a second surface comprising a surface contour arranged to engage the tread of the wheel to minimise relative movement between the device and the tyre.

In an embodiment, the fastening means comprises an elongated section having a first end and a second end, wherein the first and second ends are securable together so as to fasten the device to the wheel when the device is in use.

In an embodiment, the first end comprises at least one flexible, toothed tape and the second end comprises at least one barb, wherein the teeth on the tape are adapted to engage the barb for detachably coupling the device to the wheel.

In an embodiment, the second end comprises at least two toothed tapes and at least two barbs, each barb being arranged to engage with the teeth on a respective tape.

In an embodiment, the elongated section is formed of a flexible plastics material.

In an embodiment, the body comprises a substantially planar and elongated body.

In an embodiment, the body is formed of a rubber material and is integrated with the elongated section so as to form an over-mould.

In an embodiment, the body comprises a substantially planar, elongated panel having a first end and a second end, wherein each end comprises an opening.

In an embodiment, the fastening means comprises a fastening strip for releasably securing the first and second ends via the respective openings to the rim of the wheel, so that the panel becomes tightened to the outer surface of the wheel when the device is in use.

In an embodiment, the first surface comprises a plurality of grooves orientated to extend across the tyre.

In an embodiment, the plurality of grooves extend substantially along the entire length of the body.

In an embodiment, the second surface comprises a plurality of protuberances, wherein each protuberance is configured to engage the tread of the tyre.

In an embodiment, each of the plurality of protuberances comprise an elongated shape which is arranged in use to extend from the second surface, radially inwardly of the wheel.

In an embodiment, in use, each of the plurality of protuberances extend substantially parallel to the tread of the tyre.

In an embodiment, the plurality of elongated protuberances are detachably couplable with the grip via a push-fit arrangement.

In an embodiment, the plurality of protuberances extend substantially along the entire width of the body.

In an embodiment, the first surface comprises a plurality of channels positioned substantially perpendicularly to a plane of the wheel when the device is in use.

Whilst the invention has been described above, it extends to any inventive combination of features set out above or in the following description. Although illustrative embodiments of the invention are described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise embodiments.

Furthermore, it is contemplated that a particular feature described either individually or as part of an embodiment can be combined with other individually described features, or parts of other embodiments, even if the other features and embodiments make no mention of the particular feature. Thus, the invention extends to such specific combinations not already described.

The invention may be performed in various ways, and, by way of example only, embodiments thereof will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention when secured to a wheel.

Figure 2 shows the device of fig. 1, viewed from another angle.

Figure 3 the device of figs. 1 to 2, viewed from another angle.

Figure 4 shows the device of figs. 1 to 3, viewed from another angle.

Figures 5 and 7 show a top view of a device of figs. 1 to 4, in an unfastened state.

Figures 6 and 8 show a bottom view of a device of figs. 1 to 5.

Figure 9a shows a perspective view of a second surface of the ground-engaging grip according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9b shows a perspective view of a first surface of the ground-engaging grip.

Figure 10 shows an example of fastening means of the device of figures 9a and 9b.

Figure 11 shows another example of fastening means and another example of a second surface.

Figures 1 to 4 show an anti-slip device 100 when secured to a wheel 110 of a vehicle. The vehicle may be a motor vehicle suitable for use on tarmac roads, such as a car or motorcycle, for example. The wheel 110 may comprise an inflatable tyre comprising rubber material and having an outer, ground-engaging surface 111 for contacting ground on which the vehicle moves. The surface 111 comprises a tread Illa.

The device 100 comprises a ground-engaging body or grip 120 for covering at least a portion of a tread Illa of a tyre of the wheel 110. The grip 120 may comprise a substantially planar and elongated panel 120 which may be made of rigid or slightly elastic material such as rubber, and may be formed so as to cover the entire width of the wheel, for example. The panel 120 may be elastic so as to conform to uneven surface 111, and in particular to rounded outer edges of the wheel 110. The panel 120 may thereby form a recess (figures 1-4) for accommodating a portion of the wheel 110. This may further improve the stability of the panel 120 when secured to the wheel 110.

The grip 120 further comprises (figures 5-8) a first surface 123 having a plurality of grooves or protuberances 123a thereon for contacting the ground, and a second, wheel-facing surface 124, wherein the second surface 124 comprises a surface contour arranged to engage the tread Illa of the wheel 110 to minimise relative movement, such as transverse movement, between the device 100 and the tyre. The first surface 123 comprises a plurality of grooves or protuberances 123a which may be positioned substantially perpendicularly to a plane of the wheel 110 when the device 100 is in use. In particular, the plurality of grooves 123a may extend substantially along the entire length of the grip 120 and may be located parallel to each other and with equal spacing therebetween. A plurality of transverse channels 123b may be further provided on the first surface 123.

The second surface 124 may comprise a plurality of protrusions or protuberances 124a, which may be elongated or may be in the form of spikes, wherein each protrusion 124a is configured to engage the tread Illa of the tyre of the wheel 110. In particular the protrusions 124a may comprise an elongated shape which may be arranged in use to extend from the second surface, radially inwardly of the wheel, wherein each protrusion 124a is configured to engage the tread Illa of the wheel 110. In particular, in use, each of the plurality of protuberances 124a may extend substantially parallel to the tread Illa of the tyre.

The device 100 further comprises a fastening means 130 for fastening the grip 120 to the wheel 110 so that the device 100 is retained in place when secured to the wheel 110 of a moving vehicle. The fastening means 130 may comprise an elongated section 131 having a first end 132 and a second end 133, wherein the first and second ends 132, 133 are securable together so as to fasten the device 100 to the wheel 110 when the device 100 is in use. The elongated section may be formed of a flexible and durable plastics material. The first end 132 may comprise at least one flexible and toothed tape 132a, 132b and the second end 133 may comprise at least one pawl or barb 133a, wherein the teeth on the tape are adapted to engage the pawl 133a for, detachably coupling the device 100 to the wheel 110. The second end 133 may also comprise at least two toothed tapes and at least two pawls 133a, 133b, wherein each pawl 133a, 133b is arranged to engage with the teeth on a respective tape.

Figures 9 to 11 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The panel 120 may have a first end 121 and a second end 122, wherein each end may comprise an opening 121a, 122a. The first and second ends 121, 122 may be inclined away from a plane defined by the panel 120 such that the panel 120 forms a recess (not shown) for accommodating a portion of the wheel 110. This may further improve the stability of the panel 120 when secured to the wheel 110.

The plurality of elongated protrusions 124a can be detachably couplable with the grip 120 via a push-fit arrangement 124b. For example, a plurality of protuberances 124b may be disposed along a base of the detachable protrusion 124a. The protuberances 124b may be adapted to push-fit into respective recesses 124b, as illustrated in figure 11. The plurality of protrusions 124a may extend substantially along the entire width of the grip 120. In one example, in order to improve stability of the device 100 when secured to a wheel having a zig-zag or partially transverse tread pattern (not shown), the second surface 124 may further comprise a plurality of grooves 124c orientated to extend across the tyre.

In particular, the fastening means may be used for releasably securing the first and second ends 121, 122 of the grip 120 via the respective openings 121a, 122a to the rim (not shown) of the wheel 110 so that the panel 120 becomes tightened to the outer surface 111 of the wheel 110 when the device 100 is in use. The fastening means 130 may comprise a first cable tie 134 and a second cable tie 135. Both ties 134, 135 may comprise a transverse and elongate ending 134a, 135a. The endings 134a, 135a are adapted to be passed through the elongate openings 121a, 122a in a first configuration, in which the ending 134a, 135a is in alignment with the respective opening 121a, 122a. In a second configuration, the ties 134,135 may be twisted so that the longitudinal axis of the ending 134a, 135a is misaligned with the longitudinal axis of the respective opening 121a, 122a. In this configuration, the ties 134, 135 remain secured to the grip 120. The second endings 134b, 135b of the respective ties 134, 135 may be secured together by means of a teeth-and-pawl fastening arrangement, for example. Figure 11 further shows another example of a cable tie 136 which may be un-fastened and re-used again, for example via a quick-release finger-pull mechanism.

The structure and design of the device 100 allows for quick and easy fit without any need for additional tools, lifting of the car or any complex handling of the vehicle. It may be assembled, secured and removed by a normal user on the spot, wen required, and in particular when the car is already stuck and lost traction. The device 100 may be stored in a box when not in use, the box being adapted for transport in a car, for example. In case the car loses traction as a result of being stuck in snow, mud or on an icy road, for example, the device 100 may be removed from the box. The grip 120 may then be positioned transversely on an outer surface 111 of one of the wheels 110, such that the protrusion 124a engages the tread Illa, thereby restricting lateral movement of the device 100. The tapes 132a, 132b may then be passed through an opening in the rim of the wheel 110 and then via the respective pawls 133a so as to tighten and secure the entire device 100 to the wheel 110. With the device 100 secured to the wheel 110, the movement of the car will cause a rotation of the wheel 110 and thus the device 100 around an axis of rotation of the wheel 110. At one point of rotation, the grip 120 will be positioned at the contact patch or footprint of the wheel 110, interfacing between the wheel 110 and the ground. The grooves 123a will then provide greater traction thus enabling the car to gradually move out of the place, which may be further aided by cyclically bringing the grip 120 to the footprint area of the wheel 110. The device 100 may be easily removed from the wheel 110 by unfastening or cutting the tapes 132, 132 when no longer needed, for example.

Claims

1. An anti-slip device for a wheel of a vehicle, the device comprising:

a ground-engagable body for covering at least a portion of a tread of a tyre of the wheel; fastening means for fastening the device to the wheel, wherein the body comprises a first surface having a plurality of protuberances thereon for contacting the ground, and a second surface comprising a surface contour arranged to engage the tread of the wheel to minimise relative movement between the device and the tyre.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the fastening means comprises an elongated section having a first end and a second end, wherein the first and second ends are securable together so as to fasten the device to the wheel when the device is in use.

3. A device according to claim 2, wherein the first end comprises at least one flexible, toothed tape and the second end comprises at least one barb, wherein the teeth on the tape are adapted to engage the barb for detachably coupling the device to the wheel.

4. A device according to claim 3, wherein the second end comprises at least two toothed tapes and at least two barbs, each barb being arranged to engage with the teeth on a respective tape.

5. A device according to claim 4, wherein the elongated section is formed of a flexible plastics material.

6. A device according to any of the preceding claims 2 to 5, wherein the body comprises a substantially planar and elongated body.

7. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the body is formed of a rubber material and is integrated with the elongated section so as to form an over-mould.

8. A device according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises a substantially planar, elongated panel having a first end and a second end, wherein each end comprises an opening.

9. A device according to claim 8, wherein the fastening means comprises a fastening strip for releasably securing the first and second ends via the respective openings to the rim of the wheel, so that the panel becomes tightened to the outer surface of the wheel when the device is in use.

10. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first surface comprises a plurality of grooves orientated to extend across the tyre.

11. A device according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of grooves extend substantially along the entire length of the body.

12. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second surface comprises a plurality of protuberances, wherein each protuberance is configured to engage the tread of the tyre.

13. A device according to claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of protuberances comprise an

5 elongated shape which is arranged in use to extend from the second surface, radially inwardly of the wheel.

14. A device according to claim 13, wherein in use, each of the plurality of protuberances extend substantially parallel to the tread of the tyre.

15. A device according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of elongated protuberances are

10 detachably couplable with the grip via a push-fit arrangement.

16. A device according to any of the preceding claims 13 to 14, wherein the plurality of protuberances extend substantially along the entire width of the body.

17. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first surface comprises a plurality of channels positioned substantially perpendicularly to a plane of the wheel when the device is

15 in use.