Patent Application
20070169866
The present invention relates generally to tire chains. More specifically, the present invention relates to a tightening apparatus for a tire chain.
Tire chains are often wrapped around a tire to provide added traction for snow-laden roads or for off-road driving. They are used by a number of different vehicles such as passenger cars, trucks, ATVs (all terrain vehicles), tractors and motorcycles. These chains are typically comprised of chain links or wire cable arranged in two generally parallel portions with crossing portions which connects to both parallel chain portions. One common configuration for a tire chain has two parallel portions and a plurality of crossing portions which are generally perpendicular to each parallel chain portion. Once attached to a tire, the crossing chain portion runs generally across the treads of a tire and provides added traction.
Generally, a tire chain is applied circumferentially around a tire, with opposite ends of the tire chain being connected to each other to complete a loop. A drawback of conventional tire chains is that they are often difficult to apply, especially if the tire chain fit snugly around a tire. However, a loose fitting tire chain is often less effective. Furthermore, tire sizes often vary and one set of tire chains may not be suitable for certain tire sizes. There is a benefit to using a larger tire chain and then tightening the tire chain to fit snugly around a tire.
There are tire chain tightening mechanisms which are known in the art. Many of these simply connect the end portions of the tire chains. These devices typically just extend between end portions of the tire chain. However, depending upon the fit of the tire chains around the tire, these devices may also be very difficult to apply. Furthermore, these devices have a very limited adjustment range. Consequently, there is a need for a tire chain tightening apparatus that is easier to install on a tire, and that has a greater range of adjustment.
The present invention relates to an apparatus used for tightening tire chains. One embodiment of the present invention includes a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion has a plurality of first apertures and the bottom portions have a plurality of second apertures; a plurality of arms are secured onto the bottom portion and extends through a corresponding second aperture and then through a corresponding first apertures. The arms have a first end which is adapted to be secured onto the bottom portion, and a second end which is adapted to secure to a tire chain.
In one embodiment, the bottom portion includes a bottom surface wherein a plurality of clamping mechanisms are located. Each clamping mechanism is generally located adjacent to a second aperture. The clamping mechanisms enable the length of the arm to be adjusted relative to the dimension of the tire.
In one embodiment, a bar/rod couples the top portion and the bottom portion. The distance between the top and bottom portion add or subtract tension in the arm. The greater the distance in between the top and bottom portion the greater the tension in the arm. The bar provides a means for increasing or decreasing this distance.
In one embodiment, the top portion is configured to remain in place relative to the bar and the bottom portion moves relative to the bottom portion. A threaded connection between the bottom portion and the bar enable the bottom portion to travel up and down the bar depending upon the rotational direction of the bar. A handle is provided at the proximal end of the bar in order to enable the user to rotate the bar. A stop is also attached to the distal end of the bar in order to locate the present invention on the tire.
In one embodiment, the present invention is positional in the center of the tire and the arms are attached to the tire chain. Gross adjustment of the arm length can be achieved by releasing the arm from the clamping mechanism located on the bottom portion and increasing or decreasing the length of the arm. Tightening or loosening of tension in the arms is achieved by rotating the handle, which causes the bottom portion to travel up or down relative to the bar depending upon the rotational direction. An increase in the distance between the top and bottom portion increases tension in the arms which pulls the tire chain thus causing greater tension in the tire chain.
For purposes of facilitating and understanding the subject matter sought to be protected, there is illustrated in the accompanying drawings an embodiment thereof. From an inspection of the drawings, when considered in connection with the following description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its construction and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated.
The present invention relates to an apparatus used for tightening tire chains which are attached to a tire. The present invention is depicted being configured for use with automobile tire chains. However, the present invention can be easily adapted for use with a variety of different tire chain sizes and can be used on a variety of different wheeled vehicles. In addition, the present invention can be adapted to be a stand-alone device or can be integral to the tire chain.
As shown in
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In one embodiment, the plurality of arms 16 are secured onto the bottom portion 22 with each arm 16 extending through a corresponding second aperture 26 and then through a corresponding first aperture 24. The arms have a first end 30 which is adapted to be secured onto the bottom portion 22, and a second end 32 which is adapted to secure to a tire chain. The arms 16 are comprised of a braided wire cable, but other forms of cable, wire, or rope can be readily substituted. An attachment means for coupling the arms to a tire chain is coupled to the second end of each arm 16. The attachment means shown in this embodiment is a hook 34; however, other forms of attachment means such as clasps, interlocking loops, and other forms of disconnectable attachment means may be utilized. It is also contemplated that the present invention 18 utilize a more permanent attachment means to attach the arm to the tire chain; thus making the present invention 18 is integral to the tire chain. This more permanent attachment means may include welding or soldering the second end 32 to the tire chain.
In one embodiment, the bottom portion 22 includes a bottom surface 40 wherein a plurality of clamping mechanisms 42 are located. Each clamping mechanism 42 is generally located adjacent to a second aperture 26. Each arm 16 extends through the clamping mechanism 42 and then through the second and first apertures, respectively. As shown in
In one embodiment, a bar/rod 50 couples the top portion 20 and the bottom portion 22. The distance between the top 20 and bottom 22 portions partially determines the tension in each arm 16. The greater the distance in between the top 20 and bottom 22 portions, the greater the tension in each arm 16. The bar 50 provides a means for increasing or decreasing this distance.
As shown in
Other mechanisms for varying the distance between the top 20 and bottom 22 portions have been contemplated and fall well within the scope of the present invention. A telescopic rod, a bar having a plurality of locking points for either the top or bottom portion, or an arrangement wherein the top or bottom portion is variably positionable relative to a rod are just some of the embodiments which has also been contemplated.
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Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.
