Patent Application
20050241739
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to tire traction devices that may be temporarily attached to a tire and wheel by a chain assembly and then removed when the traction device is no longer required. In particular, the present invention relates to tire chain assemblies having plurality of paddles for delivering superb traction in sand, loose dirt and/or muddy terrain.
2. Background of the Invention
Off-road recreation has long been a favorite pastime for enthusiasts of motorcycles, ATVs, dune buggies, mountain bikes and other recreational vehicles. There are many different forms of off-road sports which have developed over the years, including trail riding, motocross, dirt track racing, off-road rallies, enduros, trials, hill climbing, dune riding, mud bogging, and baja racing to name just a few.
The type of terrain of which the off-road activities are carried out in is usually a major consideration in the selection of tires for the vehicle. For instance, a motorcycle or ATV utilized in motocross usually has “knobbies” for the tread pattern. And in such an instance, the knobbies are adapted for the terrain conditions experienced on a motocross track (typically loose and packed dirt). Or perhaps, a vehicle which is used for both street and trail riding, may utilize a tire with a more conservative tread pattern optimized for both street and trail conditions. There are even motorcycles which have embedded metal spikes in the tires for circle track racing on snow and ice.
One area of particular interest in off-road recreation is having the ability to proficiently traverse sand, loose dirt and or extremely muddy terrain. Most tires installed on off-road vehicles are optimized for a variety of conditions including hard packed dirt, loose rocky terrain, pavement and asphalt, mud, grass and forest-like terrains. Although, these tires overall work well for a variety of terrains, by design, they tend not to be optimized for only sand, loose dirt and/or extremely muddy terrains.
In the past and currently when off-roaders desire to focus their riding in sandy or very muddy terrains, a specialized tire with pronounced paddles, cups or scoops is the preferred tread design and/or pattern. Such paddle tires can be obtained through special racing tire suppliers. Some paddle tires are even hand carved to meet specific custom tread patterns not available aftermarket. Other times, the tread pattern of a conventional tire is shaved off, and paddles are glued onto the tire.
Typically, to be prepared for sandy or excessively muddy conditions, the owner of the vehicle will outfit it with the specialized tires with paddles either (1) before arriving at the off-road venue, or (2) while at the riding venue. This preparation typically entails having an extra rim or set of rims which have the cupped tire already mounted thereto. Additionally, the tires and rims have to be changed over. Needless to say, the preparation for changing over the conventional tires to specialized cupped tires can be very time consuming. Moreover, the cost of having a spare set of cupped tires installed on an extra set of rims on hand for only sandy or muddy conditions can be prohibitively expensive for many off-road enthusiasts.
A disadvantage of using the paddle tires is that once the vehicle is configured with the paddle tires, the vehicle is only useful in the terrain of which the tires are designed for, which is, sand, very loose dirt and/or extremely muddy conditions. Otherwise, while the paddle tires are installed on the vehicle, the vehicle cannot be used on more commonly traveled terrains, such as pavement, dirt roads, packed dirt, trails, etc. Thus, with paddle tires installed, the vehicle becomes somewhat one-dimensional and limited with respect to the types of terrains it can traverse.
Also some vehicles are configured for dual-purpose on-road and off-road terrains. For instance, some motorcycles are street legal, but are also designed to be ridden off-road. In this circumstance, the operator may want to drive the motorcycle on the road to get to the riding venue. Furthermore, many times, the specialized cupped tire is only needed for a short period. Thus, many times the off-roader faces a choice of having to determine exactly what type of terrain is desired to be ridden, select the proper tires, install them on the vehicle, and then leave them on the vehicle for the duration of the riding activity.
It would be desirable to provide an inexpensive removable off-road vehicle tire chain assembly which has paddles. In particular, it would be desirable to provide a chain assembly with paddles which could be installed over conventional off-road tires, similar to that of snow tire chains. Such an invention would allow off-road enthusiasts to more easily convert their vehicle's tires into sand, loose dirt or mud gripping tires. Moreover, the expense of having to own a second set of specialized tires and rims can be eliminated. Furthermore, installation time and removal time can be significantly reduced since the chain assemblies with paddles could be installed in the field and used only when needed. Overall, such a proposed chain assembly with paddles would provide much more operative flexibility than then previously known and used methods.
The aforementioned disadvantages are overcome by the present invention which provides numerous exemplary embodiments of a removable motorcycle tire chain assembly with paddles which may be installed on a tire and rim of a vehicle, and in more particular, a vehicle intended to be operated off-road in sand, loose dirt and/or muddy terrains. The present invention operates and has a similar construction to that of conventional snow chains, however, the present invention also includes paddle assemblies.
The present invention is an inexpensive removable vehicle tire chain assembly having paddles as an alternative to specialized paddle tires. The present invention provides a chain assembly with paddles which can be easily installed over conventional tires and off-road tires, similar to that of snow tire chains. As a result, the present invention allows off-road enthusiasts the ability to more easily convert their vehicle's tires from conventional treaded tires, to more aggressive tires developed especially for sand, loose dirt or muddy terrain conditions. Moreover, the expense of having to own a second set of specialized tires and rims is eliminated. Furthermore, installation time and removal time can be significantly reduced since the chain assemblies with paddles may be installed in the field and used only when needed. Overall, the present invention provides much more operative flexibility than then previously known and used methods.
According to an aspect of the present invention, a removable tire chain assembly with paddles is provided for motorcycles, ATVs, bicycles/mountain bikes and other off-road recreational vehicles, for enhancing traction in sand, loose dirt and muddy terrain. The removable tire chain assembly comprises a chain lattice, having opposing connecting ends, adapted to be circumferentially and radially wrapped around and secured about a tire and rim; and a plurality of paddle assemblies attached to the chain lattice such that the plurality of paddle assemblies are positioned on a tread portion of the tire.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a first chain lattice is provided which comprises a pair of inner circumferential chains arranged in a parallel manner; a plurality of radially oriented chains transversely intersecting and interconnected to the pair of inner circumferential chains; and a pair of outer circumferential chains comprising, a leftside chain laterally positioned away from and generally parallel to the pair of inner circumferential chains; a rightside chain laterally positioned away from and generally parallel to the pair of inner circumferential chains; wherein the plurality of radial oriented chains are transversely interconnected to and terminated at the pair of outer circumferential chains.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a second embodiment of a chain lattice is provided comprising a pair of outer circumferential chains comprising a leftside chain laterally positioned away from and generally parallel to a rightside chain; a plurality of forward radially oriented chains interconnecting the pair of outer circumferential chains, the plurality of forward radially oriented chains attached to the pair of outer circumferential chains in a declined orientation, each of the forward radially oriented chains having a leftside and rightside connecting portion; a plurality of rearward radially oriented chains generally transversely positioned between the pair of outer circumferential chains, each rearward radially oriented chain having a left end attached to a leftside connecting portion and a right end attached to a rightside connecting portion of a respective one of the plurality of forward oriented chains.
According to still further aspects of the present invention, each of the plurality of paddle assemblies comprises a paddle base; and a paddle integrally formed to the paddle base. In another aspect of the present invention, the paddle base includes a generally planar member having one of a rectangular and oval footprint. The paddle base may have a preformed arc which conforms to the circular arc and rounded sides of the tire. Also, the paddle base may be formed of a pliable material which when installed on the outer surface of the tire, the paddle base bends and conforms to the circular arc of the tire and the rounded sides of a tire.
According to other aspects of the present invention, the paddle has a concave side adapted to engage terrain and a backing portion formed behind the concave side. In another aspect of the present invention, the concave side of the paddle is oriented transverse to the rotational direction of the tire. In another aspect of the present invention, the concave side of paddle may be oriented at an inclined angle with respect to the rotational direction of the tired. Moreover, the paddle may have a generally triangular cross section defined by the concave side and the backing portion.
According to other aspects of the present invention, the paddle base has a pair of receiving conduits formed internally for receiving portions of the chain lattice. In another aspect of the present invention, the paddle base further includes retaining sleeves disposed within the receiving conduits for receiving portions of the chain lattice. In yet still another aspect of the present invention, the receiving conduits are oriented transverse to the rotational direction of the tire, or may be oriented parallel to the rotational direction of the tire.
Furthermore, still other aspects of the present invention include the paddle base being attached to portions of the chain lattice by fastening hardware. For instance, the fastening hardware may comprise at least one of J-bolts, U-bolts or rivets. Additionally, the fastening hardware further may include a backing plate, washer and fastening nut. In other aspects of the present invention, the fastening hardware comprises a threaded stud with an anchor protruding from the stud, wherein a portion of the stud is embedded within the paddle base and a threaded portion is exposed for receiving at least one of a backing plate, washer and fastening nut.
And, in another aspect of the present invention, the paddle base is molded with portions of the chain lattice positioned within and embedded within the paddle base for attaching the paddle base to the chain lattice.
Other exemplary embodiments and advantages of the present invention may be ascertained by reviewing the present disclosure and the accompanying drawings.
The present invention is further described in the detailed description that follows, by reference to the noted drawings by way of non-limiting examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention, in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout several views of the drawings, and in which:
FIGS. 12A-D are a side views of an exemplary embodiment of a paddle assembly which utilizes various fastening methods and orientations to retain the chain lattice, according to an aspect of the present invention;
FIGS. 14A-B are side views of an exemplary embodiment of a paddle assembly which arranges the chain lattice transversely across the top paddle assembly of which may also use a recess to positioned the chain lattice within for a reduced profile (see
The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the present invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the present invention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the present invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the present invention may be embodied in practice.
Overview of the Present Invention
The present invention provides numerous exemplary embodiments of a removable tire chain assembly with paddles which may be installed on a tire and rim of a vehicle or bicycle, and in more particular, a vehicle intended to be operated off-road in sand, loose dirt and/or muddy terrains. The present invention operates and has a similar construction to that of conventional snow chains, however, the present invention also includes paddle assemblies. Thus, the present invention may be installed directly over conventional tires and rims of a vehicle. Moreover, the present invention allows off-road enthusiasts to more easily convert their vehicle's tires from conventional treaded tires, to highly aggressive tires developed especially for sand, loose dirt and/or muddy terrain conditions, resulting in much more operative flexibility than then previously known and used methods.
The Detailed Description initially discloses a first and second embodiment of the present invention 2, 3 as illustrated in
First Exemplary Embodiment of Removable Tire Chain Assembly with Paddles
The first exemplary chain lattice 24 may use a variety of chains or cables 7 well known in the art for manufacturing tire chain assemblies. The chains or cables 7 are preferably made from high-strength metal. In general, to form the chain lattice 24, portions of chain or cables 7 are interconnected, linked, or tied together in any manner known in the art to form a chain joint 9.
With regard to the first embodiment of the chain lattice 24, a pair of outer circumferential chains 6 (left and right) form the exterior sides of the chain assembly 2. Each outer chain 6 has opposing ends which may be terminated with a chain release or chain connector 11 such that the opposing ends may be connected together. The length of each outer circumferential chain 6 should equate to a circumference length that is less than the actual circumference of the tire 5 of which the chain assembly 2 is to be installed. Thus, as shown in
A pair of inner circumferential chains 8 (left and right) form the inner region of the chain lattice 24 which covers the tread of the tire 5. Each inner chain 8 has opposing ends which may also be terminated with a chain release or chain connector 11 such that the opposing ends may be connected together. The length of each inner circumferential chain 8 should approximately equate to a circumference length equal to the actual circumference of the tire 5 on which the chain assembly 2 is to be installed. Thus, as shown in
A plurality of radially oriented chains 10 transversely intersect the pair of inner circumferential chains 8 and terminate at the pair of outer circumferential chains 6 in a generally normal orientation. At each occurrence of an intersection between a radially oriented chain 10 and one of the circumferential chains 6 or 8, the chains 7 are linked to each other to form chain joints 9. It is noted that in the first embodiment of the chain lattice 24, a pair of radially oriented chains 10 are utilized between each paddle assembly 12 to help retain the inner circumferential chains 8 close to the tire tread area. Thus, as shown in
The removable tire chain assembly 2 and chain lattice 24 is adapted to utilize a plurality of paddle assemblies 12 having various different embodiments. The various embodiments of the paddle assemblies 12, and methods of attachment to the chain lattice 24 which are illustrated in detail in
Second Exemplary Embodiment of Removable Tire Chain Assembly with Paddles
Similar to the first exemplary chain lattice 24, the second exemplary chain lattice 26 may use a variety of chains or cables 7 well known in the art for manufacturing tire chain assemblies. The chains or cables 7 are preferably made from high-strength metal. In general, to form the chain lattice 26, portions of chain or cables 7 are interconnected, linked, or tied together in any manner known in the art to form a chain joint 9.
Also, similar to the first exemplary chain lattice 24, a pair of outer circumferential chains 6 (left and right) form the exterior sides of the chain lattice 26 of chain assembly 3. Each outer chain 6 has opposing ends which may be terminated with a chain release or chain connector 11 such that the opposing ends may be connected together. The length of each outer circumferential chain 6 should equate to a circumference length that is less than the actual circumference of the tire 5 on which the chain assembly 3 is to be installed. Thus, as shown in
However, the second embodiment of the chain lattice 26 foregoes use of the pair of inner circumferential chains 8, as are utilized in the first embodiment of the chain lattice 24. Instead, a plurality of declined or inclined radially oriented chains 18, 20 form a lattice portion between the left and right outer circumferential chains 6. In particular, a plurality of declined forward radial chains 20 are generally transversely positioned between, attached to, and terminated at outer circumferential chains 6 such that a center portion of the each forward radial chain 20 may be attached to a forward connecting portion of the paddle assembly 12. This connection aspect will be further discussed later in the specification. Additionally, a plurality of inclined rearward radial chains 18 are also generally transversely positioned between the outer chains 6, however, the plurality of rearward chains 18 are not connected to the outer circumferential chains 6. Instead, it is noted that the plurality of inclined rearward radial chains 18 are terminated at and connected to the respective ones of the declined forward radial chains 20. Thus, a center portion of each rearward radial chain 18 may be attached to a rearward connecting portion of the paddle assembly 12.
It is further observed from
It is noted that each of the pair of outer circumferential chains 6 have terminating ends at which chain releases 11 or chain couplers are installed such that the chain assembly 3 may be completely wrapped around the motorcycle tire 5 and rim 4 and connected together as shown in
One aspect of the aforementioned design of chain lattice 26 is that it minimizes the amount of chain or cable 7 that is positioned directly atop the tire tread, thereby minimizing the amount of chains or cables 7 which are positioned on the tread surface of the conventional tire 5. Another benefit of the second embodiment of the chain lattice 26 is that the declined orientation of the forward radial chains 20 and the inclined orientation of the rearward radial chains 18 provides an excellent design for retaining the paddle assemblies 12 close to the tread surface of the tire 5, while at the same time reducing the total length of chain or cable 7 utilized in the lattice 26, thus reducing the weight of the lattice 26. As a result, the total rotational weight of the tire 5, wheel 4, and chain assembly 3 is reduced.
The removable tire chain assembly 3 including chain lattice 26 is adapted to utilize a plurality of paddle assemblies 12 which may have various different embodiments. The various embodiments of the paddle assemblies 12 and methods are illustrated in detail in
Alternative Chain Lattice Embodiments
It is recognized that the chain lattice of the present invention may be configured in a variety of manners. For example,
It is further noted that chain lattices 23 and 25 are adapted to utilize the plurality of paddle assemblies 12 having various different embodiments. The various embodiments of the paddle assemblies 12 and methods that may be used in conjunction with alternative lattices 23 and 25 are illustrated in detail in
Various Exemplary Embodiments of the Paddle Assemblies
The removable tire chain assembly 2, 3 (and alternative lattices 23, 25) utilize a plurality of paddle assemblies 12 of various embodiments which are illustrated in detail in
Each paddle assembly 12 has a paddle base 13 (for longitudinally oriented chains) or 14 (for transversely oriented chains) and an integrally formed paddle or cup 15, 34 (see
The paddle base 13, 14 may also have a preformed arc shape which conforms to the circular shape of the outer surface or tread of tire 5 (See
In the alternative, the paddle base 13, 14 may be formed of a flexible and/or bendable material of which when installed on the outer surface of a tire or tread of tire 5, the material allows the paddle base 13, 14 to bend or conform to the arc shape and rounded sides of the tire 5.
Integrally formed on the top of the paddle base 13, 14, is a paddle or cup 15 which is adapted to scoop the sand, loose dirt, or mud. As depicted in
Alternative forms of the paddle 15 are shown in
It is appreciated that the aforementioned description of the shape of the paddle 15 is merely for exemplary purposes and that the paddle 15 may be formed in a wide variety of shapes that are known in the art of manufacturing or hand carving paddle tires. Therefore, the shape of the paddle 15 is not limited to the exemplary illustrations in
Various Exemplary Embodiments of the Connecting Techniques
Another aspect of the present invention is that there are numerous techniques in which the paddles assemblies 12 may be attached to the chain lattices 23-26. In general, the chain or cable 7 may be attached to the paddle assembly 12 either by (1) arranging the chains longitudinally along the base 13, 14 of the paddle assembly (see
For instance, an exemplary connecting technique used on the first embodiment for attaching the removable tire chain assembly 2 to the chain lattice 24 is shown in
Another connecting technique used on the second embodiment is provided for the removable tire chain assembly 3 and lattice 26 as shown in
Another technique that may be utilized to attach the paddle assemblies 12 to the lattices 23-26 is to use fastening hardware. In this case, the retaining conduits 16 and retaining sleeves 17 are not utilized. Instead, the paddle assembly 12 is positioned either directly atop or directly beneath the chain or cable 7 and fastened to the chains 7 by fastening hardware configurations. Any fastener which is capable of being attached to the chain 7 or cable while simultaneously being capable of being attached to or anchored to the paddle assembly 12 is suitable for this application.
For example,
FIGS. 12B-D depict another embodiment of the present invention in which a plurality of receiving holes 42 are disposed through the top and bottom of the of the paddle assembly 12, and a rivet 50 is utilized to attached the chain 7 to the paddle assembly 12. In this embodiment, the chain lattice 23-26 may either be attached to the bottom or top of the paddle assembly 12. In particular,
FIGS. 13, 14A-B and
For example,
FIGS. 14A-B and
Moreover,
Functionality and Operation of the Present Invention
One aspect of the removable chain assembly 2, 3 is that it may be temporarily installed over a conventional tire of a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, ATV, or off-road vehicle and the like. In most cases, the tire chain assemblies 2, 3 are only installed on the wheels 4 which are directly driven by the drivetrain. For instance, a motorcycle would use a tire chain assembly 2, 3 on the rear tire 5 since the rear wheel 4 is driven by the engine, as compared to the free spinning front wheel. Or depending on whether a vehicle, such as an ATV, sandrail, dune buggy or truck, was two-wheel or four-wheel drive, the vehicle would either use a pair of chain assemblies 2, 3 in the rear for two-wheel drive, and could use four chain assemblies 2, 3 for a four-wheel drive configured vehicle.
The removable tire chain assemblies 2, 3 are installed similarly to that of any other tire chain set. Before installation, an assessment of the tire 5 and wheel clearance with respect to the rest of the vehicle should be performed. For instance, sufficient clearance between a motorcycle swingarm and the top surface of the conventional tire 5 should be present such that the paddles 15 do not rub or interfere with the swingarm. Or similarly with a vehicle, sufficient space is required between the fenders and the top surface of the conventional tire 5 so that the paddles 15 do not rub or interfere with the fenders.
When installing the tire chain assemblies 2, 3, the lattice 23-26 is wrapped around the tire 5 such that the concave surfaces 28 on the paddles 15 will dig into the ground. In other words, the tire chain assemblies 2, 3 should be properly installed according to the direction of the tire rotation. The lattice 23-26 is arranged such that it has two opposing connecting ends. In particular, as already discussed lattice 24 has a plurality of chain releases or connectors 11 connected to the terminated ends of the pair of outer and inner circumferential chains 6, 8 as illustrated in
The tire chain assemblies 2, 3 further include a tensioner 40 on each side of the assembly 2, 3 for drawing down or tightening the pair outer circumferential chains 6. In particular, the tensioner 40 may comprise a resilient cord or another chain which is connected to various portions or chain joints on each of the outer circumferential chains 6.
Although the invention has been described with reference to several exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the words that have been used are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention in its aspects. Although the invention has been described with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed; rather, the invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods, and uses such are within the scope of the appended claims.
