OA17004A - Tyre chain and components thereof. - Google Patents

Abstract

A link member for a tyre chain, comprising a body including a cavity for receiving a portion of a ring element therein, the body also including an opening for inserting the ring element into the cavity, said body further being adapted to receive a retaining member for closing the opening and retaining the ring element in the cavity.

Description

Tyre Chaln and Components Thereof

Field of the Invention

The présent Invention relates to a chain for use on tyres and specifically tyres for large vehicles such as those used at mine sites, earthmoving and other large-scale Industrial locations, The présent Invention also relates to tyre chain units and other components of tyre chalns, to methods of forming a tyre chaln as well as tyres fitted with the tyre chains and methods of servidng tyre chains.

Background to the Invention

Large vehicles used in Industrial applications such as at mine sites use large tyres which are very expensive, wear out quickly and are subject to damage from cuts and pénétrations. Tyre chains are used to Increase traction, protect and prolong the life of these tyres, which has been particularly important during recent years where there has been a shortage of such tyres.

The tyre chains that are currently used comprise a number of chaln links connected by welded chaln rings usualiy between two and four chain links per chain ring to provide an array of chain rings and links between these chain rings. Some of the chain links are ground engaging, and provide traction with the ground and need to Incorporate the required wear material to continually perform this function.

The current practice is to use butt-welded chaln rings of circuler cross-section as the joining mechanism to assemble the chain. The use of butt welding results in a raised protrusion across a portion of the chaln ring as a conséquence of the welding process. The presence of this raised protrusion can hamper and or otherwise interfère with movement or rotation of the chain ring relative to the chaln links when in service. This can reduce chain ring rotation and resuit in wear points forming on the chain ring at the spécifie points where the chain links contact the chain rings. Furthermore, wear is not evenly shared around the entire drcumference of the chain ring.

Locallsed ring point wearing causes rapld dimenslonal expansion of the overall tyre chain assembly which then requires varying continuai manual service adjustments so that the tyre chaln assembly continues to stay within tension spécification and correct running position on the tyre: this takes repeated servlcing, time and effort. Eventually the whole tyre chain needs to be removed from the wheel, shortened and refitted to enable It to reach Its end of service life or be replaced.

In addition, once the chaln ring wears to the extent that the wearing extends past the centre line of the ring cross section at these focused ring wear points, a further rapid accélération of wear results due to the réduction of actual surface area contact between the ring and the link engagement, thus increasing the surface load and wear rate.

The use of butt welding also places limitations on the dimensions that can be utilised for the

-2component dimensions directly affecting area of the engagement surface between the chain link and chain ring as extra chain ring material length is required to facilitate the actual welding process of the ring during assembly of the chain assembly and the dimensions of the chain links are limited at the point where they are attached to the ring because they need to be bunched together to 5 facilitate welding of the ring and also a further portion of the ring length Is sacrificed for the welding process to take place. Ail these limitations imposed on the component dimensions increase the rate of wear between the link and the ring at the points where the chain link and chain ring engage.

The rate of wear dictâtes the rate at which the tyre chain tension needs to be manually adjusted, and also the service life of the tyre chain.

The materials that can be used for the chain ring are also limited by the need to use a welding process.

In certain applications It Is critical that the tyre chain manufacturer needs to produce tyre chains that can be fitted onto wheel assemblies that are restricted In circumference due to clearance restrictions on the machines the wheels will be fitted to, such as the machines mudguards, 15 framework and componentry. An important factor when producing chain links Incorporating ground engaging wear material is the ratio between the height ofthewear material portion compared to the overall height of the link. The current use of butt welded rings and the resulting raised protrusions on the ring surfaces around the weld area in the tyre chain assembly means that link cavities that contain the rings are generally enlarged to encourage welded ring rotation resulting in lower ratio of 20 wear material height for a given link height.

Once the whole tyre chain is assembled then the whoie tyre chain assembly has to undergo a heat treatment, quenching and tempering process, but, because the rings and links are constructed of different materials and also comprise varying mass and dimensions, there is a compromise in the whole process.

Any final processes are also limited, such as the application of performance enhancing treatments, shipplng/storage preservatives, most surface coatings or product Visual enhancements, can only be done once the tyre chain has been welded into an assembly and heat treated.

Welding processes during chain construction are hazardous, physically demanding, labour intensive, energy expensive and hâve extensive health and safety implications because of the heat, 30 noise, dust, toxins, by-products and the like that are produced as part of the process. Tyre chain assemblies currently in use can be in excess of 5000kg.

The process of welding and assembling the tyre chain requires repeated movements of the assembly, it is physically demanding and time consuming, and in larger applications chains need to be done in multiple sections which are then joined together with non-rotating rings. The life of the

-3chain is also dictated by the life of the weakest or most wom component and often an end of service life chain will hâve a large number of rings and links which are still capable of being retumed to service. Current weided tyre chain design places high costs and severe restrictions on the re-use of any salvageable components or sections of the scrapped used assembly.

The current practice of utilising weided rings for assembling chains means that chain assembly component spécifications and chain assembly dimensions are set to prior to chain assembly manufacture and importera, dealers, distributora and service centres hâve to pre-empt demand for sizes and quantities and also stock chain assemblies to suit many different slzes of tyres and applications. There are significant costs and delays when ordering non-stocked or custom-buiit chains from tyre chain manufacturera, importera or dealers.

The présent Invention seeks to provide a tyre chain that addresses or at least partially améliorâtes one or more of the problème discussed above.

Summary of the Invention

The présent invention provides a link member for a tyre chain, comprising a body including a cavity for receiving a portion of a ring element therein, the body also Including an opening for inserting the ring element into the cavity, said body further being adapted to receive a retaining member for closlng the opening and retaining the ring element In the cavity.

The présent Invention also provides a seamless ring element for a tyre chain.

Further, the présent invention provides a tyre chain unit comprising:

(i) a link member for a tyre chain, comprising a body including a cavity for receiving a portion of a ring element therein, the body also including an opening for inserting the ring element Into the cavity, said body further being adapted to receive a retaining member for dosing the opening and retaining the ring element In the cavity; and (ii) at least one seamless ring element slidably attached to the link member.

Still further, the présent invention provides a tyre chain comprising a link member of the présent invention.

The présent invention also provides a method of forming a tyre chain, the method Induding the step of attaching a first link member to a first seamless ring element.

Further, the présent invention provides a tyre Induding a tyre chain of the présent invention.

Brief Description of Drawings

Figure 1 Is a schematic représentation of a tyre chain unit according to one embodiment of the présent Invention, induding a single ring element in the form of a chain ring and attached link éléments In the form of four chain links spaced substantially equidistantly around the chain ring;

-4Figure 2 is the same tyre chain unit as that shown in Figure 1 but showing the chain links positioned differently on the chain ring;

Figure 3 is a sériés of schematic side views (A-C) of a tyre chain unit of the same form as that shown in Figures 1 and 2, showing how a chain link can be attached to the chain ring;

Figure 4 ls a schematic side view of a link member according to one embodiment of the présent invention in the form of a chain link mounted on a chain ring and including a retaining member in the form of a screw threaded boit that passes through a sleeve member in the form of an insert;

Figure 5 ls a schematic side view of the chain link of Figure 4 ln the open position Le. without the retaining member or the Insert;

Figure 6 ls a cross section view of the chain link in Figure 5 in the direction of line C-C of Figure 5;

Figure 7 ls a plan view of the chain link of Figure 5;

Figure 8 is a cross section view of the chain link of Figure 4 ln the direction of line A-A of Figure 4;

Figures 9A and 9B are plan and side views, respectively, of the insert fitted to the chain link in Figures 4 and 8;

Figure 10A is a plan view of a seamless ring element according to one embodiment of the présent Invention in the form of a chaîn ring;

Figure 10B is a cross section view along the line D-D of the chain ring of Figure 10A;

Figure 11 is a schematic side view of a link member according to another embodiment of the présent invention In the form of a chain link and including a retaining member ln the form of a screw threaded boit that passes through a sleeve member in the form of an insert;

Figure 12A is schematic side view of a link member according to another embodiment of the présent invention in the form of a chain link that Includes an alternative sieeve member in the form of an insert with lugs that are received ln compatible recesses in the chain link;

Figures 12B is a plan view of the chain link in Figure 12A in the open position Le. without the insert; Figures 12C and 12D are plan and side views respectively of the insert shown in Figure 12A;

Figure 13A ls schematic side view of a link member according to another embodiment of the présent invention ln the form of a chain link ln the ciosed position i.e. including a retaining member ln the form of a boit. This embodiment is specifically adapted to be positioned adjacent the side wall of the tyre, when in use;

Figures 13B is a plan view of the chain link in Figure 13A ln the open position i.e. without the boit;

Figure 14A is schematic side view of a link member according to another embodiment of the présent invention in the form of a chain link in the ciosed position i.e. including a retaining member ln the form of a boit;

-5Figures 14B is a plan view of the chain link in Figure 14A in the open position I.e, without the boit; and

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a tyre showing a partial view of a tyre chain according to one embodiment of the présent invention fitted to a wheel assembly.

Detailed Description of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a link member for a tyre chain, comprising a body including a cavity for receiving a portion of a ring element therein, the body also Including an opening for inserting the ring element into the cavity, said body further being adapted to receive a retaining member for dosing the opening and retaining the ring eiement ln the cavity.

Preferably, the body Includes a ground engaging portion that is adapted to contact the ground in use.

Preferably, the ground engaging portion incorporâtes wear material. The ground engaging portion may be varied and is designed according to the end use requirements. In this regard, tyre chains are used in a variety of environments with differing ground conditions and thus the choice of wear 15 material and the amount of wear material employed can be varied as required. Preferably, the ground engaging portion comprises at least about 45%*60% of the overall height of the link member. For example, when the overall height of the link member is 69mm, the ground engaging portion, induding the wear material may be about 37mm which equates to about 54% of the overall height of the link member.

Preferably, the cavity is adapted to receive a portion of two ring eiements.

Preferably, the cavity is adapted to siidably receive the portion of the ring element. Even more preferably, the cavity is adapted to enable the entire ring element to pass through it. The passage of the ring element through the cavity ensures that the ring eiement wears more evenly.

Preferably, the opening is on the surface of the link member that abuts with the tyre when the tyre 25 chain is in use.

Preferably, the link member further comprises a retaining means. Thus, the présent invention also provides a link member for a tyre chain, comprising a body induding a cavity for receiving a portion of a ring element therein, the body also induding an opening for inserting the ring element into the cavity, said link member further comprising a retaining member for dosing the opening and 30 retaining the ring element in the cavity.

Preferably, the retaining member is adapted to removably engage with the link member. For example the retaining member may be threaded or indude another means for it to be engaged and disengaged from the link member. Altematively, the retaining member may be a welded or pinned insert.

-6The retaining member may comprise a cap or head portion and a shaft portion. Preferably, the head and shaft portions are configured such that when the retaining member Is received in the body of the link member the cap or head portion closes the opening for the ring element and retains the ring element In the cavity.

Preferably, the cap or head portion of the retaining member is counter sunk or flush with the surface of the link member when the retaining member is engaged therein.

Preferably, the cap or head portion includes a tool engaging portion and the shaft portion includes a threaded portion that engages with the body of the link member via a suitably configured bore, such a threaded bore, In the body of the link member.

Preferably, the tool engaging portion is compatible with a hex key or some other screw or boit driving tool.

The link member may further comprise a sleeve member for co-operating with the retaining member for closing the opening and retaining the ring element In the cavity. Thus, the présent Invention also provides a link member for a tyre chain, comprising a body including a cavity for 15 receiving a portion of a ring element therein, the body also Including an opening for Inserting the ring element into the cavity, said link member further comprising a retaining member for closing the opening and retaining the ring element In the cavity and a sleeve member for co-operating with the retaining member for closing the opening and retaining the ring element In the cavity.

The sleeve member may be varied and its shape and form are dépendent on the shape and form of 20 the retaining member. Preferably, the sleeve member Is an elongate body having a bore provided along its length, said bore being adapted to receive the retaining means therethrough. Preferably, the sleeve member is adapted to removably engage with the link member. For example the sleeve member may be threaded or include another means for it to be engaged and disengaged from the link member.

Preferably, the sleeve member is configured such that when the sleeve member is received in the body of the link member it closes the opening for the ring element and, once the retaining member is inserted through the sleeve member the ring element is retained in the cavity. Preferably, the sleeve member Includes a countersunk portion such that when the retaining member Is inserted to retain the ring element in the cavity the retaining member is flush or countersunk from the surface 30 of the link member.

Preferably, the retaining means and/or the sleeve member defines first and second apertures în said cavity, when inserted In the link member, each of said first and second apertures being adapted to slidably receive first and second ring éléments therein.

Preferably, the cavity has an internai curved surface, portions of which define Internai curved

-7surface segments.

Preferably, the Internai curved surface segments are curved In ail dimensions to cooperate with the radius of curvature of the ring element.

According to a second aspect of the présent invention there is provided a seamless ring element for a tyre chain.

For the purposes of the présent invention the term seamless means jointless. Even more preferably, the term seamless means smooth surfaced insofar as there is no projection or Irregularity that can increase the friction between the ring member and another member It is in contact with at certain points of the ring member. The seamless ring éléments of the présent invention may be unitary, one piece and/or formed as a single unit.

Preferably, the seamless ring éléments are weldless. Even more preferably the seamless ring éléments are forged, machined or forged and machined as a unitary member.

Preferably, the seamless ring éléments are drcular or generally circular.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there Is provided a tyre chain unit comprising:

(i) a link member for a tyre chain, comprising a body including a cavity for receiving a portion of a ring element therein, the body also Including an opening for Inserting the ring element Into the cavity, said body further being adapted to receive a retaining member for closing the opening and retaining the ring element in the cavity; and (ii) at least one seamless ring element slidably attached to the link member.

Preferably, the tyre chain unit comprises two seamless ring éléments attached to the link member. According to a fourth aspect of the présent invention there is provided a tyre chain comprising a link member of the présent Invention.

Preferably the link member Includes a ground engaging portion.

Preferably the tyre chain further comprises a seamless ring element of the présent Invention.

The présent invention also provides a tyre chain comprising a first link member Including a ground engaging portion and a second link member. Preferably, the tyre chain Is configured such that, In use, the second link member Is positioned adjacent to the side wall of the surface of the tyre. Preferably, the tyre chain further comprises a tensîoning means such as a tensioning chain.

The présent Invention also provides a tyre chain comprising a seamless ring element of the présent Invention.

According to a fifth aspect of the présent invention there Is provided a method of forming a tyre chain, the method including the step of attaching a first link member to a first seamless ring element.

-βPreferably, the method further comprises the step of attaching at least one additional link member to the first seamless ring element.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of attaching at least one additional seamless ring element to the first or additional link member.

According to a sixth aspect of the présent invention there is provided a tyre including a tyre chain of the présent invention.

The présent invention also provides a method of fitting a tyre chain to a tyre comprising the steps (i) providing a tyre chain according to the présent invention and (ii) fitting the tyre chain to a tyre.

The présent invention also provides a method for servicing a tyre chain including a link member of 10 the présent Invention including a retaining member and a ring element, the method comprising the steps (i) removing the retaining member from the link member; and (ii) detaching the iink member from the ring element.

The method of servicing a tyre chain according to the présent Invention can be used to convenientiy replace one or more components of a tyre chain.

The présent Invention has numerous advantages many of which are related to Its use of seamless ring éléments. Seamless ring éléments do not hâve raised protrusions and dïscontinuities that cause prématuré wear and failure of existlng tyre chain assembiies. In this regard, the seamless ring eiements ailows for the link members mounted thereon to siide and move more freely around, when In use. This helps malntains the tyre chain’s structurai integrity and strength and limits 20 internai diameter wear and corresponding dimensional expansion of the entire tyre chain. This Increases the Intervai between servicing adjustments and chain assembly shortening requirements during service life.

The use of seamless ring éléments enables minimum clearances and tolérances to be run between the ring éléments and the link eiements while still achieving ring rotation. This éliminâtes 25 hammering and peining effects between the components when In use. Reduced clearances also enable a réduction In the overali dimensions of each component. This in tum enables more link eiements per square meter of tyre surface to be provided which reduces Individual component wear. Reduced clearances also allow a higher ratio of wear material to be contained within a given link element. Ail of these factors contribue to an extended service life and increases protection of 30 the tyres from faiiures caused by pénétration damage from rocks and other débris.

In addition, the use of seamless ring eiements and/or the other aspects of the présent invention:

• enables the most suitable ring metallurgy for service life to be seiected, thus substantially lessening ring failure In service due to weld failure, fatigue, crackîng etc. as weii as reducing the manual servicing requirements from chain assembly dimensional expansion and repairs

-9during service life.

• ensures none of the by-praducts of a welding process are produced, and there Is a huge réduction in energy consumption with the use of machining processes replacing the welded ring process.

· Is cleaner, s a fer and more operator and environmentally friendly.

• enable very small chain link cavity to ring clearance tolérances without affecting chain ring rotation and the increased wear associated with limited ring rotation. Thus any given overali link height can contain a higher wear material height to link height ratio resulting in a longer life of the tyre chain assembly.

· allows for tyre chains to be more easily assembled from Individualiy stocked components, either at the manufacturer or through to the point of demand, and provides manufacturing, environmental, marketing, distribution and performance advantages • enables the user to mix and match chain componentry and buîld custom chains to enhance chain performance for ground conditions and usage application at each location.

Thus, the présent invention will lead to greater acceptance of the use of tyre chains throughout the world and a corresponding réduction in tyre manufacture quantity and used tyre disposai.

Preferably, tyre chains according to the présent invention require little or no movement or realignment of the chain assembly as it is assembled in its final form and without repositioning it can be made into a complété one pîece regardless of the weight of the completed chain assembly. 20 There Is also no need to install non-rotating connecting rings in the tyre chain.

The présent invention can enable the use of heat treatment, quenching and tempering of individual components and other technical processes to be specifically tailored to suit each type of component. It also éliminâtes difficultles associated with handling tyre chain assemblies during construction, heat treatment, quenching and tampering, performance enhancement treatments, 25 cleaning and coating, packaging, transport and warehousing phases of the chain production and distribution.

The invention allows for a broader range of surface treatments, enhancements and/or coating of each component before assembly. This allows a mix of treatments in the same tyre chain assembly which improves corrosion and chain performance, and also allows greater scope for 30 marketing, like multiple colours in one assembly, and unique brand récognition with superior visual appearance.

The présent invention also enables the surface area of engagement between the ring and the links to be increased by increasing the dimensions of the ends of the chain links within set existîng maximum dimensions. This substantially reduces the dimenslonal growth rate of the tyre chain

- wduring its operational life and significantly reduces service adjustment frequency.

The présent invention enables distributors, dealers and end users to stock only individual chain components, and gives them the ability to readily, and easily, assemble multiple configurations and chains sizes on demand with a few basic hand tools. This éliminâtes the need to stock fixed size and also éliminâtes manufacturing time delays when ordering. It also éliminâtes having slow moving or dead stock in inventory.

The présent invention enables distributors, dealers or service centre the ability to mix and match chain components to create and test trial designs to enhance performance suiting particular client applications and operational environments.

The design also makes It possible to cany the components on smaller mobile units to custom build chains to any spécifications on site, as carrying premade tyre chain assemblies to cover ail different demand contingendes would involve huge costs, requires huge and heavy transport, and massive Investment.

The Invention allows easy refurbishment of an entire tyre chain using a few basic hand tools to replace the worn out sections off the chain and the tyre chain can be returned to service. This process can be undertaken ln situ.

Furthermore, it provides significant environmental gains from eliminating welding requirements, refurbishment of existing chain structures and reducing chain and tyre waste requirements.

General

Those skilled ln the art will appreciate that the invention described herein ls susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. The Invention includes ail such variation and modifications. The Invention also includes ali of the steps and features referred to or indicated in the spécification, individuaily or collectively and any and ail combinations or any two or more of the steps or features.

Each document, reference, patent application or patent cited in this text ls expressly incorporated herein in their entirety by reference, which means that It should be read and considered by the reader as part of this text. That the document, reference, patent application or patent cited ln this text ls not repeated in this text is merely for reasons of condseness. None of the cited material or the information contained In that material should, however be understood to be common general knowledge.

The présent invention ls not to be limited in scope by any of the spécifie embodiments described herein. These embodiments are Intended for the purpose of exemplification only. Functionally équivalent products and methods are deariy within the scope of the invention as described herein.

-11 The invention described herein may inciude one or more range of values (e.g. size etc), A range of values will be understood to inciude ail values within the range, including the values defïning the range, and values adjacent to the range which lead to the same or substantially the same outcome as the values immediately adjacent to that value which defines the boundary to the range.

Throughout this spécification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word comprise or variations such as comprises or comprising, will be understood to imply the Inclusion of a stated Integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of Integers.

Other définitions for selected terms used herein may be found within the detailed description of the invention and apply throughout. Unless otherwise defined, ail technical terms used herein hâve the 10 same meaning as commoniy understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The présent invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the attached drawings ln which certain preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, ts however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to any of the embodiments set forth herein; rather, the embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complété, and will fuliy convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

Figures 1 to 3 depict an embodiment of a tyre chain unit according to a third aspect of the présent invention generally indicated by the numéral 50 and comprising an embodiment of a seamless ring 20 element according to a second aspect of the présent Invention in the form of chain ring 3 (depicted in more detail ln Figures 10A and 10B), attached to which are four iink members according to a first aspect of the présent Invention in the form of chain links 1 (depicted in more detail in Figures 4 to 9B). Multiple tyre chain units 50 can be joined by attaching a chain link 1 to another adjacent chain ring (not shown) and so on to form an array of linked tyre chain units 50 which can together form a 25 tyre chain according to an embodiment of a fourth aspect of the présent invention that Is depicted, fitted to a wheel assembly/tyre according to another embodiment of another aspect of the présent invention, in Figure 15.

The tyre chain unit 50 in Figures 1 and 2 is depicted from the side of the unit 50 that would, in use and when fitted, be located adjacent and in contact with the tread of a tyre. The chain links 1 and 30 chain ring 3 are able to move relative to each other as indicated by the double-headed arrow In

Figure 1. Figure 2 shows how the chain links 1 can be spaced non-equidistantly as may be required during use, production of a tyre chain and/or fitting of a tyre chain to a tyre or wheel assembly.

Each chain link 1 has a body including a cavity 11 for receiving a portion of a chain ring 3 and

-12includes a ground engaging portion of wear material that provides a traction surface 33 that, when fitted to a tyre (not shown) and in use, contacts the ground and provides traction as well as protecting the tyre from damage.

The chain ring 3 ls substantially circular and has a cross sectional profile which can be circular or non-circular. ln the embodiment described with respect to the drawings herein the cross-sectional profile is non-circular, being semi-circular on one half of the chain ring 3 at the points where It engages or coopérâtes with the chain link 1, while having a square profile across the top and bottom of the rings. This can be seen best In Figures 4 and 10B. The use of this profile can increase the surface area of engagement between the chain ring 3 and the chain link 1 without Increasing component weight and this in tum efficiently maintains the tyre chain's overali dimensions during and through service life. This substantially reduces the manual servlcing adjustment requirements and increases service life. A square or va rie d profile of the chain ring 3 can also increase structural strength to resist bending, twisting or distortion.

The chain ring 3, best depicted in Figures 10A and 10B, ls formed as a single unitary plece without any seams or joints: that is, It is seamless. The chain ring 3 can be made using computer numerically controlled (CNC) machining or by forging or casting or any other suitable manufacturing method which enables the chain ring 3 to be formed as a single, seamless, unitary piece. Because the chain ring 3 ls made as a single unitary piece, it is seamless with no weld joints, as with known tyre chains. The preferred methods of forming the chain ring 3 ls to use forging and/or CNC machining of any suitable material such as steel. The use of CNC machines for machining single éléments ls well known in the art and need not be described in any further detail.

Figure 3 demonstrates how a chain link 1 is attached to chain ring 3 where Figure 3A shows an open chain link 1 (the lowermost chain link 1) being threaded onto chain ring 3 via opening 12 in the chain link 1. Figure 3B shows the open chain link 1 supported on the chain ring 3 and Figure 3C shows the chain link 1 attached to the chain ring 3 and the chain link 1 closed with a retalning member in the form of a boit 29 that passes through the sleeve member in the form of Insert 2 that ls removably fixed to the chain link 1, and mates with a compatible threaded aperture (not shown) in the body of the chain link 1.

To assemble a tyre chain using the tyre chain units, four chain links 1 are placed on a chain ring 3 by inserting a portion the chain ring 3 into the respective cavity 11 via the respective openings 12 of each of the chain links 1. An insert 2 for each chain link 1 ls then put ln place and secured therein with a boit 29 as described above so as to retain the chain ring 3 in place in each of the chain links

1. The chain links 1 must be placed so that they extend outwardiy of the chain ring 3. This is repeated using further chain rings 3 and chain links 1 until the tyre chain ls complété. Thus, it can be understood that a tyre chain can be constructed as required by simply using the correct number

-13of chain rings 3 and chain links 1 to build up the tyre chain to the required size.

The structure, fonction and operation of the chain link 1 is best depicted in Figures 4 to 9B and is described In further detail below.

Figures 4 to 7 depicts a chain link generally indicated by the numéral 1 with a body having first and 5 second side faces 6, 7, first and second ends 8, 9 a base 10, and a top surface 31 with an opening (see Figure 5) provided therein connecting to a cavity 11 provided In the body. The body has an exaggerated “C-shaped vertical profile (best lliustrated in Figure 5) with the opening of the “C’ corresponding to opening 12.

The body comprises a ground engaging portion In the form of traction block portion 13 formed of 10 suitable wear material and first and second arcuate or curved arms 14,15 which curve up from the traction block portion 13 to define the exaggerated C-shaped profile. The base 10 Is thus part of the traction block portion 13 and provides the traction surface 33 for the chain link 1 and which, In use, abuts and engages the ground surface (not shown) to provide the traction therewith. The traction block portion 13, while of an elongate shape Is not of a constant uniform width, being wider 15 at its centre than at the ends. This can best be seen In Figures 6, 7 and 15.

The cavity 11 has an interna! surface 18 which includes interna! curved surface segments 19, 20 of respective first and second arcuate or curved arms 14, 15. The Internai curved surface segments 19, 20 are curved in three dimensions to provide a curved surface which will co-operate with the extemal curved substantially semi-circular surface 34 of the chain ring 3, when received therein, to 20 further enable relative movement of the chain ring 3 with respect to the chain links 1. In this way, the Internai cavity 11 has a substantially oval cross-sectional profile as best Illustrated In Figure 5.

When In place to close the chain link 1 the retaining member In the form of boit 29 passes through the sleeve member in the form of insert 2 that abuts a recess 25 in the internai surface 18 - as described In further detail below.

As best lliustrated In Figure 7, the first and second arcuate or curved arms 14,15 terminate at ends 21, 22 to define the opening 12 In the top surface 31 of the body. Each terminal end 21, 22 has a respective curved recess 23, 24 provided therein such that the opening 12 has a substantially circular profile. The traction block portion 13 has a threaded aperture 32 provided substantially vertically therein, and located substantially congruent with recess 25 and opening 12, and arranged 30 to receive a threaded boit 29 (see Figure 4) therein as will be described In further detail below.

The link member of the présent invention can be provided In various sizes and shapes but in the embodiment described herein, the curved surface segments 19, 20 hâve a radius of curvature of 11mm in the vertical plane and a radius of curvature of 31.5mm in the horizontal plane. The body has curved edges and has dimensions of 103mm length, 69mm height and 51mm at its widest

-14width /.e. at the widest portion of the traction block portion 13. The terminal ends 21, 22 hâve a séparation of 24mm. The first and second arcuate or curved arms 14, 15 hâve a length of 31mm. The traction block portion 13 is dimensioned so that it is wider at the middle than at either end, with the widest dimension being 51mm, and 31mm as Its smallest width. However, it will be understood that other dimensions can be used.

The dimensions are selected to optimise the depth of the traction block portion 13 and the widths of the arcuate or curved arms 14,15 at the points at which the chain ring 3 is in contact, as these are the portions of the chain link 1 that suffer the most wear during use.

The sleeve member In the form of insert 2 is best depicted in Figures 9A and 9B and is arranged to be received through the opening 12, into the cavity 11 and recess 25 and, when In situ, defines first and second apertures 16, 17 in the cavity 11 (see Figure 4) for receiving and retaining a circular chain ring 3 as will be described in further detail below.

With respect to Figures 9A and 9B the insert 2 comprises a shaft portion 26 and a cap portion 27 and a bore or aperture 28 running through its length. The bore 28 is dimensioned to receive the boit 29 therein. The cap portion 27 includes a tapered recess 30 to enable the boit 29 to be countersunk when it is passes through the insert 2. In the embodiment described herein, the boit 29 includes a tapered top and the tapered recess 30 is appropriately shaped and dimensioned to receive the head of the tapered boit 29. The outer dimensions of the cap portion 27 are such that the cap portion 27 fits within the opening 12 and matches the curved surfaces 23, 24. The boit 29 then passes through the insert 2 and mates with the threaded aperture 32 In the body of the chain link 1. This is best illustrated in Figure 4.

The insert 2 can be inserted within the opening 12 and pushed downwards until it abuts with the recess 25 In the surface 18. The boit 29 can then inserted through the bore 28 until a portion at its end distal end is received into the threaded aperture 32. The boit 29 is then tightened so as to retain and secure the Insert 2 in position.

Figure 11 depicts another embodiment of a link member of the présent invention in the form of a chain link 100 that is similar to the chain link 1 in Figure 4. To show corresponding features numbering from Figure 4 has been carried through to Figure 11, save for the addition of one addition numéral e.g. feature 114 in Figure 11 corresponds to feature 14 in Figure 4. Key différences in the embodiment In Figure 11 relative to Figure 4 are:

• a different shaped body that defines a different shaped internai surface 118 that includes a raised portion adjacent the recess 125 to receiving the insert 102;

• a different shaped cavity with different shaped internai curved surface segments 119,120 of respective first and second arcuate or curved arms 114,115;

• different shaped first and second apertures 116, 117 for receiving and retaining a circular chain ring (not shown):

• the resulting cavity has a siightly curved oval cross-sectional profile.

The operation of the chain link in Figure 11 is the substantially the same as the chain link in Figure

4. However, the slightiy curved oval cross sectional profile cavity results In different relative movement between the chain link and a chain ring, when attached thereto.

Figures 12A -12D depict another embodiment of a link member of the présent invention generaily Indicated by the numéral 200, the cap portion 227 ofthe insert 202 includes a pairof opposing lugs

233, 234 extending horizontally therefrom. The terminal ends 221, 222 of the first and second arcuate or curved arms 214, 215 include respective recesses 235, 236 for receiving the lugs 233,

234. The lugs 233, 234 on the insert 202 will engage with the recesses and thus the insert 202 can cope better with stresses and pull loads applied in service that act to break the lugs, particularly after the wear of the material thickness of the traction block portion 213. Essentially, the end of life of the chain link 200 will be when the lugs 233, 234 break off.

Another embodiment of the link member of the présent invention is depicted in Figures 13A and 13B where a chain link generaliy indicated by the numéral 300 is provided that does not include a sleeve member and Is designed for use as a side link, to lie adjacent the side wall of the tyre, when in use, as opposed to a traction link that Is designed to be ground engaging.

Chain link 300 has a different shaped body with a narrower block portion 313 that has a more uniform cross sectional shape, relative to a traction link and may be made from different material relative to the traction block material used in other embodiments described herein. Chain link 300 also includes a retaining member in the form of a boit member 329 including hex key cap 329a that can be used to dose the chain link without the need of an insert. In this regard, the boit member 329 acts to dose the opening 312 and engage In bore 332 to create the two apertures 316, 317 for retaining respective chain rings (not shown) therein.

Another embodiment of the iink member of the présent invention is depicted in Figures 14A and 14B where a chain link generaliy indicated by the numéral 400 is provided that, like the chain link in Figures 13A and 13B, also does not indude a sleeve member but is designed as a traction link that Is designed to be ground engaging as per the embodiments in Figures 4,11 and 12A.

Chain link 400 has a similar shaped body to other traction links described herein, particularly the link in Figure 11. Chain iink 400 also indudes a retaining member in the form of a boit member 429 including hex key cap 429a that can be used to dose the chain iink without the need of an insert. In this regard, the boit member 429 acts to close the opening 412 and engage In bore 432 to create the two apertures 416, 417 for retaining respective chain rings (not shown) therein.

-16Figure 15 depicts an embodiment of a tyre chain according to a fourth aspect of the présent invention fitted to a tyre/wheel assembly according to an embodiment of a sixth aspect of the présent invention.

The tyre chain, shown in part with the dotted line indicating its approximate extremity, and generally indicated by the numéral 500, is mounted on a tyre 502 that is in tum mounted on wheel 504. The tyre and wheel assembly is of the type commonly found on vehides that operate In and around mine sites. The tyre chain 500 is comprised of a sériés of tyre chain units (see Figures 1 to 3) that in tum comprise a plurality of two types of chain links 300, 400 (see Figure 13A and 14A respectively) each attached to two different sized chain rings 3a, 3b (see Figure 10A). Chain links 300 and chain rings 3a together form a mesh that lies adjacent to the side wall of the tyre 502 and are thus not designed to provide ground traction. Chain links 400 and chain ring 3b form a mesh that lies adjacent to the ground engaging portion of tyre 502 and thus are designed to provide wear material, ground traction and protect the tyre 502.

The tyre chain 500 is assembled to fit a predetermined tyre size and then is fitted to the tyre and tensioned for use via tensioning chain 506 that is threaded through links 508 that follow and pass around the side wall wheel. Once tensioned, the chain 506 can be retained in position via clamp 510. The tyre chain 500 can be removed by releasing chain 506 to provide access to the understde of the chain links 300, 400 and allow one or more chain links 300, 400 or chain rings 3a, 3b to be replaced or removed, as required.

The components of the présent invention such as the chain rings and chain links can be made of any suitable material such as steel.

Claims (28)

1. A tyre chain unit comprising:

(i) a link member for a tyre chain, comprising a body Including a cavity for receiving a

5 portion of a seamless ring element therein, the body also including an opening for inserting the ring element into the cavity, said body including a threaded bore for receiving a threaded retaining member for dosing the opening and retaining the ring element ln the cavity, and (ii) at ieast one seamless ring element slidably attached to the link member.

10

2. A tyre chain unit according to daim 1 wherein the body indudes a ground engaging portion

Incorporating wear material that is adapted to contact the ground, in use.

3. A tyre chain unit according to daim 1 wherein the ground engaging portion of the link member comprises at least about 45%-60% of the overall height of the link member.

4. A tyre chain unit according to daim 1 wherein the cavity in the link member is adapted to enable 15 the entire seamless ring element to slide through it.

5. A tyre chain unit according to daim 1 wherein the retaining member is adapted to removably engage with the link member.

6. A tyre chain unit according to daim 1 wherein the retaining member comprises a cap portion and a shaft portion and wherein said cap portion of the retaining member is flush with the

20 surface of the link member when the retaining member is engaged therein.

7. A tyre chain unit according to daim 1 wherein the retaining member comprises a cap portion and a shaft portion and wherein the cap portion ofthe retaining member is countersunk relative to the surface ofthe link member when the retaining member is engaged therein.

8. A tyre chain unit according to daim 6 or 7 wherein the cap portion includes a tool engaging 25 portion.

9. A tyre chain unit according to daim 8 wherein the tool engaging portion is compatible with a hex key or screw driver.

10. A tyre chain unit according to daim 1 wherein the iink member further comprises a sleeve member for co-operating with the retaining member.

30

11. A tyre chain unit according to daim 10 wherein the sleeve member extends at least partially into the body of the link member.

12. A tyre chain unit according to daim 10 wherein the sleeve member is an elongate body having a bore provided along its length, said bore being adapted to receive the retaining member therethrough.

13. A tyre chain unit according to daim 10 wherein the sleeve member is adapted to removably engage with the link member.

14. A tyre chain unit according to claim 10 wherein the sleeve member is configured such that when the sleeve member is received in the body of the link member It doses the opening for the ring element and, once the retaining member is inserted through the sleeve member the ring element is retained in the cavity.

15. A tyre chain unit according to daim 10 wherein the sleeve member indudes a countersunk portion such that when the retaining member is inserted to retain the ring element in the cavity the retaining member is flush or countersunk from the surface of the link member.

16. A tyre chain unit according to daim 1 wherein the cavity in the link member has an internai curved surface, portions of which define internai curved surface segments.

17. A tyre chain unit according to daim 16 wherein the internai curved surface segments are curved in ali dimensions to cooperate with the radius of curvature of the seamless ring element.

18. A tyre chain unit according to claim 1 wherein the seamless ring element is weldless.

19. A tyre chain unit according to claim 1 wherein the seamless ring element is a unitary member.

20. A tyre chain unit according to daim 19 wherein the seamless ring element has been forged, machined or forged and machined.

21. A tyre chain unit according to daim 1 wherein the seamless ring element has a non-circular cross section.

22. A tyre chain unit according to daim 1 wherein the seamless ring element has a generally semictrcular cross section.

23. A tyre chain unit according to claim 1 comprising four seamless ring éléments.

24. A tyre chain comprising a tyre chain unit according to claim 1.

25. A method of forming a tyre chain, the method induding the step of assembling a plurality of tyre chain units according to daim 1.

26. A tyre comprising a tyre chain unit according to daim 1 or a tyre chain according to daim 24.

27. A method of fitting a tyre chain to a tyre comprising the steps (i) providing a tyre chain according to daim 24 and (ii) fitting the tyre chain to the tyre.

28. A method for servidng a tyre chain induding a tyre chain unit according to daim 1, the method comprising the steps of (I) removing the retaining member from the link member; and (ii) detaching the link member from the seamless ring element.