GB2510945A

GB2510945A - Snow Grip

Info

Publication number: GB2510945A
Application number: GB201320828A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Ivor Harper
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-11-26
Filing date: 2013-11-26
Publication date: 2014-08-20
Also published as: GB201320828D0

Abstract

A traction enhancement system for a tyre comprising a first traction attachment comprising ground engageable means for improving the traction between the tyre and a ground surface, and an attachment means for securing the ground engageable means to the tyre. The attachment means comprises a connecting strap integrally moulded with the ground engageable means.

Description

Snow 2rip The present invention relates to attachments to tyres for improving grip in poor road conditions.

Background

In order to improve the traction of vehicles in poor road conditions, especially in ice and snow, it is common either to have specialist snow tyres or to attach snow chains to the tyres of vehicles. Specialist snow tyres are expensive and inconvenient especially in countries where snow falls are a comparatively rare event, such as the UK. Snow chains, although effective are inconvenient and tricky to fit. In addition, they may only be used when there is significant snow on the ground and this may result in the need to remove and refit them during a journey in the circumstance, common in the UK, that some roads have been cleared of snow and gritted and other roads have not.

A number of devices have been proposed to more conveniently provide increase the grip between a tyre and a slippery road surface, US20]2/0153707 discloses a flexible sheet providing additional grip, which is attachable to apertures in the wheel by means of a plurality of hooks. This device allows for simple attachment and removal, but has the disadvantage in that the hooks may easily become detached and such an attachment mechanism would not be suitable for a vehicle with for example alloy wheels, which does not have a suitable aperture into which a hook can fit, Alternative devices which have been proposed include US4074741, which disdoses a single tyre chain filling around the wheel, EP034 1135, which discloses a U-shaped clip on device, US20058799, which disdoses a rectangular section with a single "X" shaped grip and a buckle and strap for connecting to the wheel, and W02006/126226, which discloses a traction band with a coupling mechanism which fits around the wheel. Each of these has disadvantages. For example, US407474 comprises a chain which may require frequent removal and refitting, EP0341 135 does not have a strong attachment to the wheel, US20058799 does not provide a particularly strong grip and W02006R 26226 has a complex attachment mechanism.

Ideally, a simple device is needed which can be fitted to a wheel to get a car going again when it has become stuck in snow. Advantageously, such a device may well be cheap to manufacture which would make it appealing in climates where snow is rare and therefore motorists are unwilling to spend a lot of money.

Summary of the invention

Accordingly, in its broadest aspect, the present invention provides a traction enhancement system for a tyre comprising a first traction attachment comprising: gripping means for improving the traction between the tyre and a ground surface; an attachment means for securing the gripping means to the tyre; wherein the attachment means comprises a connecting strap integrally moulded with the gripping means, The advantage of the integral moulding is the reduction of costs and simplicity of manufacture.

Optionally the first traction attachment comprises: a flexible sheet comprising a first surface and a second surface; and the gripping means comprises: a tread located on at least the first surface.

Preferably the tread comprises a first set of ground engageable protmsions depending from the flexible sheet, Preferably ihe ground engaging protrusions are substantially cylindrical, Preferably the ground engaging protmsions have a diameter of substantially 2 mm and a height of substantially 2mm.

Preferably the connecting strap is narrower than the flexible sheet.

Preferably the fraction enhancement system, further comprises a set of tyre engaging protrusions located on the second surface of the flexible sheet, wherein the tyre engaging protrusions are shaped for insertion into and engagement with grooves in a tread of the tyre.

Optionally, traction enhancement system further comprises a second traction attachment; wherein the first traction attachment further comprises a plurality of apertures and the second traction attachment comprises a second set of ground engaging protrusions; and the second set of ground engaging protrusions arranged to fitthroughthe apertures, such that in use the first surface of the first traction attachment is in contact with the ground surface and the second attachment is located between the first traction attachment and the tyre.

Preferably, the first traction enhancement further comprises a ridge located on the second surface, configured to surround and grip the second traction attachment.

Preferably the second set of ground engaging protrusions are spikes.

Preferably the second set of ground engaging protrusions are substantially longer than the first set.

Optionally, the first traction attachment comprises a plurality of linked straps comprising plastics material.

Preferably the plurality of linked straps have a first and a second surfhce, and the first surface comprises a tread for engaging the ground surface.

Preferably the tread comprises a plurality of protrusions depending from the linked straps.

Preferably the traction enhancement system further comprises a set of tyre engaging protrusions located on the second surface of the linked straps, wherein the protrusions are shaped for insertion into and engagement with grooves in a tread of a tyre.

Preferably the connecting strap comprises at least one latch member and at least one slot; Preferably the at least one slot is substantially elongate.

Preferably, the connecting strap comprises a plurality of latch members and slots.

Brief description of the drawings:

The above and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in further detail by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a side view of a traction enhancement system according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a perspective view of an alternative tread; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the tread gripping inner surface of the snow grip; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the inner protrusions engaging with a tyre surface; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a snow grip according to the invention fitted to a wheel; Figure 7 is a view of the securing mechanism according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 is a view of the securing mechanism of Figure 7 when it is connected; Figure 9 is a view of the connecting mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 is a view showing a cause of potential problem with the connecting arrangement; Figure 11 is a view showing the result of potential problem with the connecting arrangement; Figure 12 is a view of an embodiment of the invention with a wider connecting strap; Figure 13 is a view of an embodiment of the invention with a "V" shaped connecting strap; Figure 14 is a view of an embodiment of the invention with a double connecting strap; Figure 15 is a view of the embodiment of Figure 14 shown fitted to a tyre; Figure 16 is a view of the embodiment of Figure 14 with an optional separating strut; Figure 17 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of' the invention; Figure 18 is a plan view of an alternative arrangement of gripping straps; Figure 19 is a plan view of another arrangement of gripping straps; Figure 20 is a plan view of yet another arrangement of gripping straps; Figure 21 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 17 when fitted to a wheel; Figure 22 is a plan view of the embodiment of Figure 17, with an alternative securing mechanism; Figure 23 is a perspective view of a flexible sheet according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 24 is a perspective view of a backing plate to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 25 is a perspective view of a flexible sheet for use with backing plate according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 26 is a perspective view of reverse side of a flexible sheet according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description

Conventional snow chains are tricky to attach and remove from a tyre and prior art solutions require either an intricate connection mechanism, have connectors which are unsuitable for some vehicles, and/or are insufficiently secure or unduly complex.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a traction enhancement system which is constructed from a moulded plastics material so as to provide a cheap and easy to fit device which may be thrown away once the immediate need has passed.

The traction enhancement system or snow grip' according to the invention may comprises a traction attachment, in the form of either a flexible sheet or a plurality of traction enhancement straps which fit across a tyre. The embodiment using a flexible sheet may further comprise a second attachment, locatable between the flexible sheet and the tyre to provide additional spikes to further improve grip.

The embodiment comprising the flexible sheet is intended as a short term fix for getting a stuck vehicle out of trouble and moving again. In contrast, the strap based system is designed as a system for an entire journey. The two preferred embodiments of the invention are therefore intended to complement each other to provide a complete snow grip system. Both are easy to fit and inexpensive compared with conventional snow chain systems.

In the embodiment with the flexible sheet, the flexible sheet has a tread integrally moulded thereto. In a first preferred embodiment, this grip consists of integrally moulded protrusions, extending outwards from a flexible plastics sheet, Typically these protrusions are in the region of 2 mm in length and approximately 2mm in diameter, The person skilled in the art will appreciate that other sizes of protrusion are compatible with the purpose of the invention and that other tread patterns may be used with the same or similar effect. The invention is not limited to any one pattern of protrusions or other tread.

Figure I is a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment, A flexible sheet 101 is provided with multiple road gripping protrusions 102 and two connecting straps 1032 104, integrally moulded with the flexible sheet tot. In the preferred embodiment, multiple arrowhead shaped latch members 105 are provided on the end 106 of one of the straps 103, On the other strap 104, are provided two elongate slots 107, 108 into which the latch members 105 may fit.

Figure 2 is a side view of a traction enhancement system according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention. Ground engageable means such as road gripping protrusions 102 are located on the first surface of the flexible sheet, which in use is positioned to face outwardly from the tyre, A further set of protrusions may be located on the second inner surface 201. When the snow grip is fitted to a wheel, this further set of protrusions may fit into the grooves of the tyre tread. The purpose of this further set of protmsions is to provide improved grip between the tyre and the snow grip. This overcomes a disadvantage of the snow grips disclosed in US205 8799 and US2012/0153707, in which there is the danger that the lack of grip between the tyre and the device will result in breaking of the connecting straps or disconnection of the securing springs respectively. The shaping of the protrusions to tightly fit the grooves in the tyre thread represents a significant improvement in the grip compared with the tyre gripping protrusions disclosed in 1JS20l0/005 1155. This improved grip allows for a flexible sheet with a width greater than that disclosed in US2O 10/0051155 to be used, thus improving grip with the road.

An alternative tread for the road side of the traction enhancement system is illustrated in Figure 3, In this embodiment of the invention, "V" shaped protrusions 301 are provided. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that there are large number of such treads which may be adopted and the invention is not limited to any particular tread arrangement.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the tyre side of the traction enhancement system, showing protrusions 40] which engage with the surface of the tyre.

Figure 5 shows the engagement of the protrusions with the surface 501 of a tyre. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the protrusions are laid out to follow the pattern of common tyre treads, further improving the engagement between snow grip and tyre.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the snow grip aiiached to a wheel. The flexible sheet is placed against the outer circumference 601 of the tyre 602. The connecting straps 103, 104 are fed through an aperture 603 in the wheel. They are then connected together by feeding the latch members through the first rectangular slot until the surface of the flexible sheet 10] is pulled sufficiently tightly against surface of the tyre. The latch members are then fed through the second rectangular slot and then turned through approximately 900 to secure the snow grip in place. It is preferable to position multiple tyre grips around each tyre to provide maximum grip between the tyre and the driving surface. Once the snow grips have been attached, the vehicle is typically allowed to roll backwards such that a snow grip will be positioned between the tyre and the driving surface, allowing sufficient grip to allow subsequent forward motion of the vehicle. The snow grips may be removed from the tyre by twisting the latch members through 90° so that they may be pulled back through the slots.

The securing mechanism according to a first embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 7 and 8. One of the connecting straps 103 has an arrowhead latch member 105 and the other connecting strap has a buckle section 701, which is provided with a rectangular slot 107. When the latch member is orientated such that its width aligns with the longest side of rectangular slot, it can pass through the slot, as illustrated in Figure 7. The latch member is then rotated through a quarter turn, so that it cannot be pulled out of the slot. This is shown in Figure 8, where the locking orientation 80] of latch member 105 is shown, The skilled person will appreciate that alternative shapes are possible for the latch member and the slots into which they fit.

The invention is not limited to any one shape of latch member or slot, Multiple latch members are provided in the prefered embodiment in order to allow the securing of the snow grip to tyres of different sizes.

A single slot arrangement may not be sufficiently robust, as the stresses on the connecting straps caused by drag on the snow grip may cause the latch member to twist in use. The prefered embodiment, illustrated in Figure 9 is therefore provided with a second longitudinal slot 108, oriented transversely to the first longitudinal slot.

Latch member lOS is fed lirsily through slol 108 and then through second slot 107, finishing in position 901, thus providing a highly secure, yet easily releasable connection.

It will also be clear to the person skilled in the art that other attachment mechanisms are possible. For example a buckle like mechanism wherein the connecting strap passes through a first loop and is then doubled back on itself in order to pass through and be secured by a second ioop stmcture is also possible.

It is generally better to have the flexible sheet which provides the gripping surface S wider than the connecting strap. However this may cause the problem illustrated in Figure 10, Figure 10 shows the wheel in motion in the direction 1001. Irregularities in the driving surface 1002 may cause the flexible sheet to be pulled away from the tyre surface 601 of the tyre 602. The result may be as shown in Figure II, where the snow grip becomes twisted 1101, reducing the area of contact between the grip and the driving surface.

In order to overcome this problem, a wider connecting strap may be provided, or a connecting strap which widens along the portion normally located on the side of the tyre perpendicular to the road, such that it is the same width as the flexible sheet at the point where the tread begins. Figure 12 shows the connecting straps 103, 104, the widening sections 1201 and the flexible sheet 0l. In order to reduce the amount of material used, a "V" shaped arrangement between the connecting strap and the flexible sheet may be used, as illustrated in Figure 13. Figure 13 shows the connecting straps 103, 04, "V" shaped connection 130] and the flexible sheet 101.

A further embodiment directed to holding the corners of the flexible sheet under a degree of tension is illustrated in Figure 14. This embodiment has a double strap arrangement 401, 1402. An additional feature, shown in Figure 15 is to have a strengthening strut 1501 to hold apart the straps NO], 1402. Figure 16 illustrates how this embodiment may be fitted to a wheel by feeding the straps into different apertures 603, 1601 oF the wheel.

A second preferred embodiment of the invention is the strap based system 1700. A plan view of this embodiment unfitted is shown in Figure 17. Typically, it comprises two substantially circular sections 1701, 702 which, in use, are positioned around the sections of the tyre substantially perpendicular to the road surface. A plurality of straps 1703 connect the two substantially circular sections. The substantially circular sections 1701, 1702 extend beyond the arrangement of straps, so as to allow a gap 1704, which allows for the section of tyre surface in contact with the road surface when the device is fifed, lii the embodiment shown in Figure 17, the arrangement of straps is similar to the pattern of chains in a conventional snow chain system. However, other anangements are possible, such as a "criss-cross" arrangement or a simple plurality of substantially straight straps linking the two substantially circular sections. The "criss-cross" arrangement 1801 is shown in Figure 18, and two different arrangements of straight straps 1901, 2001 are shown in Figures 19 and 20 respectively. Returning to Figure 17, there is shown connecting members 1705, 1706, 1707, 1708, 1709, 1710, 1711, 1712.

There are provided both connecting members P05, 1708, 1709, flU with slots P13 and connecting members 1706, 1707, 1710, 1711 with latch members 1714. When circular sections 1701 aiid 1702 are fitted around the tyre, the slot of connecting member 1705 receives the latch member 1706, the slot of connecting member 1708 receives the latch member 1707, the slot of connecting member 1709 receives the latch member 1710 and the slot of connecting member 1711 receives the latch member 1712.

Figure 21 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 17 partially fitted to a wheel. One of the substantially circular sections has been fitted around the side of tyre 602. The straps 1703 are fitted around the road contacting surface 501 of the tyre 602.

The skilled person will appreciate that variations on the arrangement shown in Figures 17 and 21 are possible and within the scope of the invention. For example, additional connecting sections may be added to further secure the device to the wheel.

Alternatively, the arrangement in Figure 22 may be adopted, which has the substantially circular sections 1701, 1702 releasably connectable by connecting mechanisms using latch members 220! and slots 2202. In this arrangement, only a single pair of connecting members, one with a latch member and one with a slot, is needed on each side of the snow grip system (e.g. 1705 and 1706 on one side and 1709 and 1710 on the other), although more may be used to improve the security of the lifting.

S The same connecting options exist as were described above for the flexible sheet system. Likewise, the options for the surfaces of the straps are the same as for the flexible sheet, namely the tread options, including the various possible protrusion arrangements. The strap based system has the additional option of simply having a plurality of substantially smooth narrow straps. The surface of the straps, which, in use, are in contact with the tyre surface may have a plurality of protrusions for improving the grip between tyre and straps, in a similar manner as the protrusions for the inner surface of the flexible sheet.

If traction is particularly poor due to extreme weather conditions or a heavy vehicle, for example with rear wheel drive only, then further grip may be necessary. In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided additional longer protrusions or spikes which extend frirther from the surface than the protrusions disclosed above.

Figure 23 is a perspective view of a flexible sheet with additional spikes according to this embodiment. Shorter protrusions 102 as disclosed above are used in conjunction with longer spikes 2301. The skilled person will appreciate that many different arrangements of longer and shorter protrusions are possible and the invention is not limited to any one arrangement.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the additional spikes are provided on a backing plate, insertable behind the flexible sheet. In this embodiment, apertures are provided in the flexible sheet to allow the spikes Iloin the backing plate to pass through. Figure 24 is a perspective view of a backing plate 2401 according to an embodiment of the invention. Spikes 2301 are provided, which typically extend further from plate 2401 than the protrusions on flexible sheet, Figure 25 is a perspective view of a flexible sheet 101 for use with backing plate 2401 according to an embodiment of the invention. A plurality of apertures 2501 are provided to allow in spikes 23W to pass through. In the embodiment of Figure 25, the apertures are provided through protrusions 102. This has the advantage that the raised protrusions provide support for the spikes. However, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that apertures can be positioned in between the protrusions as well or instead of their being through the protrusions. Figure 26 is a perspective view of reverse side 260] of flexible sheet 101 according to an embodiment of the invention. Reverse side 2601 is placed, in use on the tyre side of the device and is not in contact with the road or other surface. In an embodiment of the invention there is provided a ridge 2602 for holding backing plate 2401 in place.

The invention is not limited to the details of the above embodiments. For example, multiple different lengths of protrusions may be used. Protrusions md spikes may also be used in conjunction with the linked straps.

Claims

Claims 1, A traction enhancement system for a tyre comprising: a first traction attachment comprising: ground engageable means for improving the traction between said tyre arid a ground surface; an attachment means for securing said ground engageable means to said tyre; wherein said attachment means comprises a connecting strap integrally moulded with said ground engageable means.
2. A traction enhancement system as claimed in claim t, wherein said first traction attachment comprises: a flexible sheet comprising a first surface and a second surface; and said ground engageable means comprises: a tread located on at least said first surface.
3, A traction enhancement system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said tread comprises a first set of ground engageable protrusions depending from said flexible sheet.
4. A traction enhancement system as claimed in claim 3, wherein said ground engageable protrusions are substantially cylindrical.
5. A traction enhancement system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said ground engageable protrusions have a diameter of substantially 2 mm and a height of substantially 2mm, 6. A traction enhancement system as claimed in any of claims 2 to 5, wherein said connecting strap is narrower than said flexible sheet.7. A traction enhancement system as claimed in any of claims 2 to 6, further comprising a set of tyre engageable protrusions located on said second surface of said flexible sheet, wherein said tyre engageable protrusions are shaped for insertion into and engagement with grooves in a tread of said tyre.8. A traction enhancement system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said first traction attachment further comprises a plurality of apertures; further comprising a second traction attachment; wherein said second traction attachment comprises a second set of ground engageable protrusions arranged to fit through said apertures, such that in use said first surface of said first traction attachment is exposed for contact with said ground surface and said second attachment is located between said first traction attachment and said tyre.9. A traction enhancement system as claimed in claim 8, wherein said first traction enhancement further comprises a ridge located on said second surface, configured to, in use, suround and grip said second traction attachment.10. A traction enhancement system as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein said second set of ground engageable protrusions are spikes.11. A traction enhancement system as claimed in any of claims 8 to 10, wherein said second set of ground engageable protrusions are substantially longer than said first set.12. A traction enhancement system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first traction attachment comprises a plurality of linked straps comprising plastics material.13. A traction enhancement system as claimed in claim 12, wherein said plurality of linked straps have a first and a second surface, and said first surface comprises a tread for engageable said ground surface.N, A traction enhancement system as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, wherein said tread comprises a plurality of protrusions depending from said linked straps.15. A traction enhancement system as claimed in claim 14, wherein said protrusions are substantially cylindrical.
6. A traction enhancement system as claimed in claim 15, wherein said protrusions have a diameter of substantially 2 mm and a height of substantially 2mm.17. A traction enhancement system as claimed in any of claims 12 to 16, further comprising; a set of tyre engageable protrusions located on said second surface of said linked straps, wherein said protrusions are shaped for insertion into and engagement with grooves in a tread of a tyre.8. A traction enhancement system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said connecting strap comprises at least one latch member and at least one slot; 9. A traction enhancement system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said at least one slot is substantially elongate.20. A traction enhancement system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said connecting strap comprises a plurality of latch members and slots.21. A traction enhancement system substantially as described herein with reference lo the accompanying drawings.