US2703476A

US2703476A - Adjustable length link unit for use in antiskid chains

Info

Publication number: US2703476A
Application number: US199967A
Authority: US
Inventors: John S Donaldson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1950-12-09
Filing date: 1950-12-09
Publication date: 1955-03-08
Anticipated expiration: 1972-03-08

Description

March 8, 1955 J. 5. DONALDSON 2,703,476

ADJUSTABLE LENGTH LINK UNIT FOR USE IN ANTISKID CHAINS Filed Dec. 9, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 JNVENTOR.

JOHN S. DONALDSON March 8, 1955 J. 5. DONALDSON ADJUSTABLE LENGTH LINK UNIT FOR USE IN ANTISKID CHAINS Filed Dec. 9, 1950 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IN VEN TOR.

JOHN S. DONALDSON Adz-[Ag ATToRNEY March 8, 1955 J. s. DONALDSON ADJUSTABLE LENGTH LINK UNIT FOR USE IN ANTISKID CHAINS 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Dec. 9, 1950 INVENTOR.

JOHN S. DONALDSON ATTORNEY United States Patent ADJUSTABLE LENGTH LINK UNIT FOR USE IN ANTISKID CHAINS John S. Donaldson, Chatham, N. J.

Application December 9, 1950, Serial No. 199,967

3 Claims. (CI. 59-93) This invention relates generally to wheel traction devices. The invention relates, in one of its more specific aspects, to anti-skid harnesses adapted to be used with pneumatic automobile tires. The invention also pertains to means whereby such harnesses, or chains in general, may be readily adjusted to vary the effective length thereof, and to means for taking up slack occurring therein at the time they are placed in service.

An anti-skid harness constructed in accordance with this invention preferably comprises a pair of flexible road-engaging members that are substantially equal in length and are arranged in side-by-side relation. Each road-engaging member is connected at one end to a means for easily and quickly varying the effective length of the harness. This means constitutes an important feature of the invention for the reason that it permits the harness to be employed with tires of different crosssectional area. Further, this means allows for adjustment of the harness to compensate for tire Wear.

The means for adjusting the effective length of the harness comprises two parts or links, namely, a first link and a second link. The first link is preferably generally triangular in configuration and comprises a base and a pair of sides. The base has a pair of openings that are spaced a short distance apart. One end of each roadengaging member extends through a corresponding opening in the base. The first link also has an elongated slot that extends upwardly relative to the base and is positioned intermediate the sides. Alternate portions of the slot are of enlarged and reduced width. The second link is generally oval shaped and extends through the slot in the first link. This link comprises front and top parts that are preferably circular in transverse crosssection; a rear part opposite the front part; and a bottom part opposite the top part. The diameter of the front part is less than the width of any restricted portion of the slot whereby this part may be freely moved in the slot. The bottom part is of such size and configuration, however, as to permit the same to register with any selected enlarged portion of the slot but prevent registration thereof with any restricted portion of the slot. The rear part of the second link, at least at its juncture with the top part, is wider than all portions of the slot. The aforementioned parts are so arranged with respect to each other that the rear part is not movable into the slot.

As will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and the detailed description that follows, the first and second links may be positioned relative to each other so as to vary the effective length of the harness to the extent allowed by the slot. This renders the harness adaptable for use with tires of different cross-sectional size. Further, my construction permits ready shortening of the harness to compensate for tread wear in the tire.

Connected to the other end of each road-engaging member is a slack take-up means which constitutes another important feature of the invention. This means comprises three inter-connected parts, namely, a third link, a fourth link and a connector. The third link, as in the case of the first link, is also preferably generally triangular and includes a base and a pair of sides. This link has a pair of openings through which said other ends of corresponding road-engaging elements extend, and includes a partition element that is common to both openings. The connector is pivotally connected to the third link and the fourth link about spaced points and is provided with a hook for detachably engaging the partition. When the hook is in engagement with the partition, the pivotal con- 'ice nection between the connector and the fourth link is intermediate the hook and the pivotal connection between the connector and the third link.

An important object of the invention is to provide antiskid harnesses having improved features of construction.

Another object of the invention is to provide an emergency anti-skid harness that is adapted to be readily adjusted in overall length and is capable of being mounted on or removed from a wheel more quickly and easily than conventional emergency anti-skid devices.

Another object of the invention is to provide an antiskid harness that may be readily adjusted to fit wheels of different size and to compensate for tire wear.

Another object of the invention is to provide a harness of the character indicated that may be readily adjusted in overall length and that may be easily placed into or out of operative engagement with a wheel, such as an automobile wheel, without the use of tools or accessory items of equipment.

Another object of the invention is to provide simplified and improved means for adjusting the effective length of an anti-skid harness, a chain or the like.

A further object of the invention is to provide improved slack adjusting means for an anti-skid harness, chain or the like. This means has fewer parts than present-day devices intended to be used for the same purpose and is adapted to be quickly placed into and out of service without the use of tools.

A still further object of the invention is to provide apparatus of the character indicated that is simple, sturdy and compact in construction, reasonable in manufacturing cost, and capable of performing its intended functions in an efficient and trouble-free manner.

With the above and other objects in view, the invention comprises the devices, combinations and arrangements of parts set forth in the following detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings of preferred illustrative embodiments of the invention from which the .several features of the invention, together with the advantages obtainable thereby, will be readily understood by persons skilled in the art.

In the drawings, wherein like reference characters denote corresponding parts throughout several views:

Figure 1 is a view in front elevation of a recommended form of emergency anti-skid harness constructed in accordance with the invention, with parts that are duplicates of certain illustrated parts, omitted;

Figure 2 is a view in side elevation of the harness shown in Figure 1, as seen from the right thereof;

Figure 3 is a view in enlargement taken along line 3-3 of Figure l, certain parts being omitted and other parts being shown in another relative position;

Figure 4 is an enlarged isometric view of a connector that is an element of the harness shown in Figures 1-3;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary front view of an automobile wheel having the emergency anti-skid harness of Figures 1 and 2 operatively connected thereto;

Figure 6 is a rear view of the wheel and harness arrangement shown in Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of Figure 5;

Figure 8 is a view corresponding to Figure 7, and shows the parts of the slack adjusting means in another relative position;

Figure 9 is a rear elevation view of a modified form of means for adjusting the effective length of an antiskid harness, chain or the like;

Figure 10 is a side elevation view of the means shown in Figure 9, as seen from the right thereof;

Figure 11 is a view taken along line 11-11 of Figure Figure 12 is a rear elevation view of certain parts of a modified form of slack adjusting means for the anti-skid harness; and

Figure 13 is a side view of the apparatus shown in Figure 12, as seen from the right thereof.

Referring now to the drawings, and, more particularly, to Figures 1 and 2, the anti-skid harness illustrated therein comprises a pair of road-engaging members 15 that are substantially equal in length and are arranged in side-by-side relation. Each road-engaging member 15 consists of a chain 16 made up of a series of conventional traction links 17 and a pair of end hook links 18. While the road-engaging members are preferably made of chains, it will be apparent that they may be made of any suitable flexible material, such as rubber, or may comprise a suitable form of metallic chain encased in a rubber sheath.

Connected to the upper end of each road-engaging member is a means 20 for adjusting the effective length of the harness. This means comprises a generally triangular coupler or first link 21 and a second link 22. Link 21 consists of a base 23, having a pair of through openings 24 that are spaced at short distance apart, and sides 25. Formed in link 21 intermediate sides 25 and extending upwardly relative to the base is an elongated slot, generally indicated by numeral 26. This slot is formed in part by pairs of oppositely disposed

teats

27 and 28 which define relatively narrow or restricted

slot portions

30 and 31, respectively, that are preferably equal in width and in length. Slot portion 3t) communicates with

slot portions

32 and 33 while slot portion 31 communicates with

slot portions

33 and 34.

Slot portions

32, 33 and 34 are enlarged as compared to restricted

slot portions

30 and 31, and are preferably the same in configuration and size.

Link 22 is generally oval shaped in side configuration, as best shown in Figures 2 and 3. This link comprises merging front and

top parts

35 and 36, respectively, that are preferably circular in cross-section and equal in crosssectional area. The diameter of these parts is slightly less than the width of

narrow slot portions

30 and 31 and, consequently, less than the width of enlarged slot portions 32-35, whereby link part 35 may pass through any selected portion of slot 26. Link 22 also comprises a generally triangular rear part 37 (Figure 1) that merges with top part 36 and with a bottom part 38 that in turn merges with front part 35. Bottom part 38 is wider than restricted

slot portions

30 and 31, but narrower than enlarged slot portions 32-34.

Link 22 is shown in Figure l with its bottom part 38 registering with enlarged slot portion 33. When the links are in this relative position, teats 28 prevent upward movement of link 22 through restricted slot portion 31. Further, teats 27 prevent downward movement of link 22 beyond enlarged slot portion 32. In other words, part 38 of link 22 is retained in enlarged slot portion 33.

A link 39 that engages link 22 constitutes the upper extremity of the harness. Link 39, as will be explained further along herein, serves to couple one end of the harness to an anchoring member carried by a wheel.

If it is desired to increase the effective length of the harness, link 22 is merely manipulated and tilted in a generally counter-clockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 2, whereby the lower end of front part 35 is caused to pass through restricted slot portion 31. With link 22 so tilted, it is moved upwardly relative to link 21 and then tilted in a reverse direction to introduce link part 38 into enlarged slot portion 34.

In the event that it is desired to decrease the effective length of the harness, link 22 is first tilted, as indicated above, and manipulated to withdraw part 38 from enlarged slot portion 33. Link 22 is then moved downwardly with respect to link 21 to align part 38 with enlarged slot portion 32. Link 22 is then tilted to bring part 38 into registry with slot portion 32. Thus, it will be observed that the effecitve length of the harness may be readily varied without the use of tools. While I have shown link 22 as being adjustable to any one of three positions with respect to link 21, this is merely by way of example, it being understood that the range. number and increments of adjustment between these links may be varied as desired by changing the lengths and/or number of slot portions 3034 and correspondingly changing

parts

35 and 38 of link 22.

This invention contemplates a means, generally denoted by numeral 40, for taking up slack in the harness when the harness is mounted on a wheel. Means 40 is made up of three inter-connected parts, namely, a generally triangular coupler or link 41, a connector 42 and alink 43.

Link 41 comprises a base 44 and sides 45. This link is apertured to obtain a pair of slots or openings generally indicated by

numerals

46 and 47. The end of link 41, opposite base 44, has an opening 48. Slot 46 consists of merging

portions

50 and 51 while slot 47 consists of

similar merging portions

52 and 53. As is best shown in Figure 1, one lower hook link 18 extends through slot portion 51, while the other lower hook link extends through slot portion 53. Link 41 includes a partition or hook-receiving strip 54 that defines a part of each of

slots

46 and 47. A portion of partition 54 is offset, as indicated at 55, to obtain a notch 56 (Figures 2 and 3).

Connector 42, best shown in Figure 4, includes a plate 57 having a pair of spaced

openings

58 and 59.

Connector 42 also includes an arm 60 that is offset fromv and parallel to plate 57. This arm projects to one side of plate 57 and forms a recess or notch 61 therewith. A portion of arm 60 constitutes one of the side elements of a hook that also includes a web 62 and a second side element 63. Arm 60 has a through opening 64.

Referring now to Figure 3, it will be noted that link 41 extends through opening 58 in plate 57 and is thereby pivotally and tiltably connected to connector 42. Similarly, link 43 extends through opening 59 whereby it is pivotally and tiltably connected to connector 42.

Figures 5, 6 and 7 illustrate the harness of this invention operatively mounted on a wheel, such as an automobile wheel W, which includes a rim R and a tire T. Rim R is generally U-shaped in transverse cross-section and comprises a web 65 and spaced flanges 66. Tire T consists of an inflatable inner tube 67 and a casing 68 that engage the rim in the usual manner.

The harness is adapted to be detachably secured to the wheel through the medium of a pair of preferably identical anchoring members 70 that will now be described. Each anchoring member comprises a body 71 having a longitudinal arcuate through slot 72 adapted to receive a portion of a corresponding flange 66. The opposite surfaces of body 71 that define slot 72 are so formed as to effect frictional holding engagement with corresponding surfaces of a rim flange when each anchoring member is located with respect to its flange, as shown n Figures 7 and 8. Integral with body 71 is an upstanding arm 73 that has an enlarged head 74 which prevents accidental disengagement of the corresponding harness end link from the member.

For the purpose of briefly describing the manner in which the harness is mounted on the wheel, it is first assumed that means 20 has been adjusted to the position shown in Figure 1, so that the harness is of proper effective length for use with the wheel. It is also assumed that end links 39 and 43 have been slipped over heads 74 of corresponding anchoring members 70 and that the parts are in the relative position shown in Figure 8. With the parts so arranged there is considerable slack in the harness. The apparatus of this invention permits ready adjustment of the length of the harness to take up the major portion of the slack and prevent disengagement of either end link from its anchoring member. Th s adjustment is effected through the medium of slack ad usting means 40 and is attained by swinging connector 42 about its pivotal connections with

links

41 and 43, in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 8, and manually introducing the connector hook in slot 46 of link 41. The connector is next shifted to one side so that arm 60 bears against a side of partition 54. The connector is then released and the weight of the roadengaging members causes the hook to engage the partition, web 62 of the hook registering with notch 56 of the partition (Figure 3). The parts will then have assumed the relative position shown in Figure 7.

Figures 9, 10 and 11 illustrate a modified form of means for adjusting the effective length of the harness. This means comprises a link 22, earlier described, and a link 75 that may be employed in lieu of link 21. Link 75 is preferably made of cylindrical rod stock. bent into the illustrated shape, whereby to obtain a base 23' and sides 25'. Portions of the rod that form the base are welded together. as indicated at 76. Each end of the rod is joined to a corresponding side 25' by welds 77. The primed numerals appearing in Figure 10 designate a plurality of openings. a slot and slot portions correspondmg to those identified by the same but unprimcd numerals in Figure 1.

Referring next to Figures 12 and 13. l have illustrated therein a link 78 that may be used in place of link 41 of the first described embodiment of the invention. Link 78 may be made of cylindrical rod stock, bent into the illustrated shape and welded, as indicated at 79 and 80, to obtain a base 44, sides 45',

slots

46 and 47, opening 48, and a partition 54 corresponding respectively to base 44, sides 45,

slots

46 and 47, opening 48 and partition 54 of link 41.

From the foregoing, it is believed that the construction, operation, and advantages of my present invention will be readily comprehended by persons skilled in the art. It is to be clearly understood, however, that various changes in the apparatus set forth above may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, it being intended that all matter contained in the description or shown in the drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. In means for adjusting the effective length of a chain or the like, a first link and a second link, said first link defining an elongated slot having alternate portions of enlarged and restricted width, said second link comprising a first part movable through enlarged and restricted portions of the slot, a second part merging with and projecting to one side of the first part, the width of the second part being less than that of any enlarged portion of the slot and greater than that of any restricted portion of the slot, and a third part constituting a continuation of the second part and disposed opposite and in spaced relation to the first part, the Width of said third part at its juncture with the second part being greater than that of any enlarged portion of the slot.

2. In means for adjusting the effective length of a chain or the like, a first link and a second link, said first link comprising a base having at least one through opening formed therein for reception of an end of a chain or the like and a pair of sides, said first link having an upwardly extending longitudinal slot formed therein intermediate the sides, alternate portions of the slot being of enlarged and restricted width, said second link comprising a first part movable through enlarged and restricted portions of the slot, a second part merging with and projecting to one side of the first part, the width of the second part being less than that of any enlarged portion of the slot and greater than that of any restricted portion of the slot, and a third part constituting a continuation of the second part and disposed opposite and in spaced relation to the first part, the width of said third part at its juncture with the second part being greater than that of any enlarged portion of the slot.

3. In means for adjusting the efiective length of a chain or the like, a first link and a second link, said first link being continuous and comprising a base having at least one through opening formed therein for reception of an end of a chain or the like and a pair of sides, said first link having an upwardly extending longitudinal slot formed therein intermediate the sides, alternate portions of the slot being of enlarged and restricted width, said second link comprising a first part freely movable through enlarged and restricted portions of the slot, a second part that is a continuation of the first part and is of such configuration as to permit of its registration with any selected enlarged portion of the slot and prevent its registration with any restricted portion of the slot when the links are so disposed relative to each other that the plane of the second link is generally normal to the plane of the first link and along the longitudinal center line of the slot, and a third part that constitutes a continuation of the second part and is disposed opposite and in spaced relation to the first part, the Width of said third part at its juncture With the second part being greater than that of any enlarged portion of the slot.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 447,587 Smith Mar. 3, 1891 1,709,244 Abbe Apr. 16, 1929 1,930,790 Dick Oct. 17, 1933 1,969,602 Funk Aug. 7, 1934 1,995,758 Stokke et al. Mar. 26, 1935 1,997,724 Franklin Apr. 16, 1935 1,999,714 Bambenek Apr. 30, 1935 2,069,978 Stahl Feb. 9, 1937 2,545,061 Weber Mar. 13, 1951