Description

A SNOW CHAIN

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates, in general, to a single wire type snow chain and, more particularly, to a single wire type snow chain, which can be easily mounted to and dismounted from a tread groove of a tire but is not unexpectedly detached from the tread groove once mounted thereto. Background Art

[2] Generally, snow chains mounted on a tire are widely known, and most varieties in use are of a type covering a tire in a wider width than that of the tire. However, such a type of snow chain, covering the whole tire, is not easily mounted to and dismounted from the tire. Also, an additional problem arises in that vibrations occur during the travel of a vehicle due to the loose fit.

[3] To solve these problems, proposed was a single wire type snow chain, disclosed in

KR Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 96-30799, which is capable of being mounted to a tread groove of a tire. The single wire type snow chain has a structure in which an elastic spring is coupled to a wire such that a hook at one end thereof is connected to one end of a wire and a clamp at the other end is connected to the other end of the wire. Thus, when driven, particularly when rotated, a release occurs in the spring, due to a phenomenon in which an insert ring shifts with respect to the ground, so that the snow chain may be detached from the tire. Further, in the case in which a high-elasticity spring is applied thereto to restrict the release thereof, the force needed to stretch the spring upon mounting/dismounting to/from the tire is excessive, and thus the mounting/dismounting is rather difficult to implement.

[4] Further, while KR Patent Laid-Open Publication Nos. 2002-0029456 and 0036456 also disclosed a single wire type snow chain, they encounter the same problems because of the similar elastic spring and an extension cable or wire, which are drawn to provide fastening actions. Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[5] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the related art, and the present invention is intended to propose a single wire type snow chain having a feature in which it is easy to mount to and dismount from a tire and in which extension in the length thereof is restricted when in the mounted state. Technical Solution

[6] In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a single wire type snow chain. The snow chain includes a wire, a plurality of spikes fitted on the wire, a plurality of springs fitted between the spikes, a first stopper provided at one end of the wire and having an outer diameter larger than that of the wire, a second stopper provided at the other end of the wire and having an outer diameter larger than that of the wire, a fastening unit having a first body having an internal space that is open upward and a second body, hinged to the first body so as to enter and exit from the internal space through a pivot operation, and a locking member locking and unlocking the second body to and from the internal space of the first body. The first stopper is provided in the internal space as to be restricted thereto in a first through-hole, provided in one side of the first body, the second stopper is provided in the second body such that the wire is restricted by the second stopper via a long hole, through which the wire is movable in the length direction thereof, so that the length of a closed loop formed in the state in which the second body is folded into the first body is made shorter than that in the state in which the second body is unfolded from the first body.

[7] The first through-hole may have screw threads, the snow chain may further include a length-adjusting member, which is fitted on the wire through a hollow hole having a smaller diameter than the first stopper, and an outer face of which is screw-engaged with the first through-hole so as to adjust the extent of insertion into the first body.

[8] In an embodiment, the locking member may include a fixing pin having a body portion, having a first outer diameter, which, upon insertion of the second body into the first body, extends a certain length from the first body beyond the second body, and an engaging piece protruding outside from the body portion, in which the first body is provided, in one side, with a first pin hole, into which the engaging piece and the body portion are inserted, in which the second body is provided, in one side, with a second pin hole, opposite the first pin hole and having a shape corresponding to that of the first pin hole, and in which the second body is provided, in the other side, with a third pin hole, having a shape into which the body portion is inserted.

[9] The first body may include a first side section having the first through-hole, first and second extensions spaced apart from each other and extending parallel to each other at level from the bottom of the first side section, and end portions of which are formed with respective hinges extending inside, and a reinforcing portion connecting the end portions of the first and second extensions with each other, and the second body may include third and fourth extensions spaced apart from each other by a distance such that they are received in the space between the first and second extensions, a connecting portion connecting the third and fourth extensions with each other from one ends of the third and fourth extensions, fifth and sixth extensions extending downward

to certain length from the other ends of the third and fourth extensions, and a seventh extension connecting the end portions of the fifth and sixth extensions to each other.

[10] The first and second extensions of the first body may be further provided, on outer faces thereof, with first and second ribs, respectively, extending outward to a certain length.

[11] In an embodiment, the locking member may include a plate rotatably fitted on the wire, extending outside the first body, a protruding piece protruding from the plate toward the first body, and a restricting guide hole, formed on the side having the first through-hole in the first body and into which the protruding piece is inserted, wherein, when received in the internal space in the first body, the second body is prevented from moving out of the first body by interference from the protruding piece, which is inserted through the restricting guide hole.

[12] The first body may include a first side section having the first through-hole and the restricting guide hole, and first and second extensions spaced apart from each other and extending parallel to each other at a level from the bottom of the first side section, and end portions of which are respectively formed with hinge-coupling holes, and the second body may include third and fourth extensions spaced apart from each other by a distance so that they are received in the space between the first and second extensions, bent portions bent toward each other from one ends of the third and fourth extensions in a width smaller than the distance between the third and fourth extensions, fifth and sixth extensions extending downward to a certain length from the other end of the third and fourth extensions, and a seventh extension connecting the end portions of the fifth and sixth extensions with each other.

[13] The spike may include a base portion having an insertion hole in the length direction, first and second protrusions extending upward from the base portion with an interval formed therebetween such that the upper center face of the base portion is exposed, and first and second wings protruding in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the insertion hole from the side of at least one of the first and second protrusions such that the first and second wings are spaced apart from the bottom of the base portion by a certain interval.

[14] The base portion may be provided, on the side on which the insertion hole is exposed, with an inclined portion, the width of which increases from the bottom, which contacts the tire, toward the upward portion.

Advantageous Effects

[15] According to the single wire type snow chain of the present invention, when mounted/dismounted into/from the tread groove of the tire, it is fastened and separated by leverage, so that the required manipulation force is reduced, and because, when in a

fastened state, variation in length due to external force does not occur, detachment of the snow chain from the tire is advantageously restricted. Brief Description of the Drawings

[16] FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating a single wire type snow chain according to an embodiment of the present invention; [17] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged perspective view illustrating the portion connected through a fastening unit of FIG. 1 ;

[18] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the fastening unit of FIG. 2;

[19] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a spike of FIG. 1;

[20] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating the state in which the snow chain of FIG. 1 is mounted to a tire so as to be inserted into a tread groove of the tire; [21] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an auxiliary tool for lifting a tire in order to mount the snow chain of FIG. 1 ; [22] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating the state in which the tire is separated from the ground such that the tread groove is exposed, using the auxiliary tool of FIG. 5; [23] FIG. 8 is a side view illustrating a single wire type snow chain according to another embodiment of the present invention; [24] FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged perspective view illustrating the portion connected through a fastening unit;

[25] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the fastening unit of FIG. 9; and

[26] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a spike of FIG. 8.

Mode for the Invention [27] Reference will now be made in greater detail to a preferred embodiment of a single wire type snow chain according to the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [28] FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating a single wire type snow chain according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged perspective view illustrating the portion connected through a fastening unit of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the fastening unit of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a spike of FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is a view illustrating the state in which the snow chain of FIG. 1 is mounted to a tire so as to be inserted into a tread groove of the tire. [29] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the single wire type snow chain 100 includes a wire 110, spikes 120, springs 130, a first stopper 141, a second stopper 142, a fastening unit 150, and a locking member. [30] The wire 110 has an outer diameter which is smaller than the width of a tread groove

202 of a tire 200.

[31] The spike 120 has an insertion hole 122 extending in the length direction, through which the wire 110 passes.

[32] The spike 120 is preferably made of metal, which can prevent sliding due to friction with the ground and is wear-resistant as well.

[33] The spike 120 includes a base portion 121, first and second protrusions 125a and

125b, and first and second wings 126 and 127.

[34] The base portion 121 has the insertion hole 122 in the length direction, and has a certain thickness.

[35] The first and second protrusions 125a and 125b extend upward with the same width as the base portion 121 so as to be spaced apart from each other such that the center upper portion of the base portion 121 is exposed.

[36] The first and second protrusions 125a and 125b, spaced apart from each other, are portions that generally contact the ground, and are inclined so that the length along the extension direction of the insertion hole 122 is increasingly reduced as it goes upward.

[37] The first and second wings 126 and 127 protrude in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the insertion hole 122 while extending parallel to the extension direction of the insertion hole 122 to a certain length on the side of the base portion 121. Further, the first and second wings 126 and 127 are formed at a level from the bottom of the base portion 121, and have a semi-circular cross-sectional shape.

[38] The first and second wings 126 and 127 protrude wider than the width of the base portion 121, so that, although the widths of the tread grooves 202 of the tires 200 differ slightly according to the kinds of the tires 200, close fitting to the tread groove 202 of the tire 200 can be increased. That is, in the case in which the width of the tread groove is a bit smaller than the width up to the first and second wings 126 and 127, at least a portion of the first and second wings 126 and 127 is inserted into the tread groove 202, so that close fitting with the tire 200 can be maintained. Further, upon the rotation movement of an automobile, with respect to the interfering force applied in the lateral direction with respect to the ground, the first and second wings 126 and 127, thickly protruding in opposite sides rather than the base portion 121 and spaced apart at a certain interval from the bottom of the base portion 121, cause the range of angular inclination of the spike 120 to be reduced to thereby advantageously restrict the detachment from the tread groove 202 of the tire 200.

[39] While the base portion 121 has a flat bottom, the bottom may of course be curved corresponding to the curved face of the tire.

[40] In opposite ends of the base portion 121, where the insertion hole 122 is exposed, i.e., in the ends in the direction perpendicular to the sides on which the first and second wings 126 and 127 are formed, inclined portions 123 are formed, and gradually increase in length from the bottom upward. Such inclined portions 123 of the spikes

120 are closely arranged relative to each other when the spike 120 and the spring 130 are alternately assembled into the wire 110, so that the inclined portion provides advantages of enabling the assembly to be made in a circular manner and of restricting the rotation of the spike 120.

[41] The spike 120 may have a width, which is able to be inserted into the tread groove

202 of the tire 200.

[42] The spring 130 is fitted on the wire 110 between the spikes 120.

[43] The spring 130 may have a suitable length, and if it is intended to increase shock absorption of the spikes 120, the spring 130 is made long.

[44] The first stopper 141 is coupled to one end of the wire 110 and is provided to have an outer diameter larger than the wire 110.

[45] The second stopper 142 is coupled to the other end of the wire 110 and is provided to have an outer diameter larger than the wire 110.

[46] The fastening unit 150 consists of a first body 151 and a second body 156, pivotally coupled together by hinges 155a and 155b, and restrictedly receives the first and second stoppers 141 and 142, formed on both ends of the wire 110. In an unfolded state, the overall length of a closed loop, formed by the wire 110 and the fastening unit 150, is longer than that in the folded state.

[47] More particularly, the first body 151 of the fastening unit 150 is provided such that upper and lower portions thereof are open, one end is closed, and the other end is open, thereby defining an internal space, wherein the one end is provided with a first through-hole 152, into which the wire 110 is inserted, and a restricting guide hole 153.

[48] The first body 151 includes a first side portion 151a with the first through-hole 152 and the restricting guide hole 153, and first and second extensions 151b and 151c, spaced apart from each other and extending parallel to each other and spaced apart at an interval from the bottom of the first side portion 151a, and the end portions of which are provided with hinge-coupling holes 154.

[49] If the first and second extensions 151b and 151c are provided at a certain interval from the bottom of the first side portion 151a, the first stopper 141 comes into close contact with the tread groove 202 of the tire 200, thereby increasing the close adherence between the chain 100 and the tire 200.

[50] The end portions of the first and second extensions 151b and 151c may be connected to each other by a reinforcing portion (not shown) to restrict them from being widened. In this case, the reinforcing portion may be provided so as not to, upon pivoting the second body 156, interfere with the operation of the second body.

[51] The second body 156 is hinged to the first body 151 so as to enter and exit from the internal space of the first body 151. The second body has a long hole 157, through which the wire 110 is movable, so that the second stopper 142 is restrictedly received

in the internal space in the first body 151.

[52] The second body 156 includes third and fourth extensions 156a and 156b, spaced apart from each other by a distance that is smaller than the distance between the first and second extensions 151b and 151c, bent portions 158, bent toward each other from one ends of the third and fourth extensions 156aand 156b, to have a width smaller than that between the third and fourth extensions 156a and 156b, fifth and sixth extensions 156c and 156d extending downward a certain length from the other end of the third and fourth extensions 156a and 156b, and a seventh extension 156e connecting the end portions of the fifth and sixth extensions 156c and 156d.

[53] Here, the width between the third and fourth extensions 156a and 156b is smaller than the outer diameter of the second stopper 142 and larger than the diameter of the wire 110.

[54] Meanwhile, first and second hinge pins 155a and 155b are respectively coupled in a rivet junction type with the hinge-coupling holes 154 and 159 in the first and second bodies 151 and 156.

[55] Thus, the wire 110 can pass through the space between the first and second hinge pins 155a and 155b, so that the wire 110 can be restricted from becoming detached from the tread groove 202 of the tire 200.

[56] The bent portions 158 are obstructed by the protruding piece 162 of the plate 161 to be described to thereby restrict the second body 156 from being detached from the first body 151.

[57] In such a fastening unit 150, when the second body 156 is pivoted and unfolded from the internal space of the first body 151, the overall length of the fastening unit 150 is increased, so that the total loop length of the snow chain 100 is also increased. Conversely, when the second body 156 is pivoted and received in the internal space of the first body 151, the overall length of the fastening unit 150 is reduced, so that the total loop length of the snow chain 100 is also reduced.

[58] Preferably, an adjusting member 165 is further provided, and is capable of precisely adjusting the overall length of the snow chain 100 in the folded state of the fastening unit 150.

[59] The length-adjusting member 165 has a body consisting of a head and a body portion, with an outer diameter smaller than that of the head, an outer face of the body portion of which is provided with screw-threads, screwed into corresponding threads in the first through-hole 152, the body having a hollow hole, through which the wire 110 can pass, and having an inner diameter smaller than the first stopper 141.

[60] Thus, if the insertion length of the adjusting member 165 into the first body 151 is varied, the total length of the closed loop of the snow chain 100 can be regulated.

[61] Unlike the above case, the length-adjusting member 165 can be omitted.

[62] Meanwhile, reference numeral 180 denotes intermediate stoppers, which are spaced and fixedly coupled to the wire 110 to partially restrict the movable range of the spike 120, and which have an outer diameter such that the spring 130 and the spike 120 are restricted thereto.

[63] The locking member locks the second body 156, which has been folded and received in the first body 151, to the first body 151.

[64] The locking member includes the plate 161, the protruding piece 162, a restricting guide hole 153, and an auxiliary spring 168.

[65] The plate 161 is rotatably inserted into the length-adjusting member 165, mounted outside the first body 151.

[66] The protruding piece 162 protrudes a certain length from the plate 161 toward the first body 151, and passes through the restricting guide hole 153 formed in the first side section 151a, in which the first through-hole 152 in the first body 151 is formed.

[67] Thus, in the state in which the second body 156 is manipulated to be received in the first body 151, when the protruding piece 162 of the plate 161, elastically biased to the first body 151 by the auxiliary spring 168, is manipulated to pass through the restricting guide hole 153, the protruding piece 162 comes to a position above the bent portions 158 of the second body 156, so that the second body 156 is prevented from being released from the first body 151 by the protruding piece 162.

[68] In fabricating the single wire type snow chain 100, first, one end of the wire 110, on which the spikes 120 and the springs 130 have been fitted, is inserted into the first through-hole 152 in the first body 151 and is then coupled with the first stopper 141, next, the other end of the wire 110 is inserted into the long hole 157 in the second body 156 and is then coupled with the second stopper 142, and then one end of the second body 156 is bent to form bent portions 158.

[69] As shown in FIG. 6, such a single wire type snow chain 100 is mounted on the tire, preferably using an auxiliary tool 220 for lifting the tire, which has one inclined end face and a ground fixing piece 223, extending inclined opposite the one end face and having a sawtooth end portion. That is, the auxiliary tool 220 is disposed such that the inclined face is positioned in front of the tire 200 such that the tread groove 202 of the tire 200 is exposed, and the tire 200 is moved to the upper face of the tool along the inclined face, as shown in FIG. 7. Then, the snow chain is put around the outside of the tire 200 in such a way as to be inserted into the tread groove 202 of the tire 200 in the state in which the fastening unit 150 is in an unfolded state, and then the second body 156 is pivoted and received in the first body 151 and the protruding piece 162 is manipulated to be inserted into the restricting guide hole 153, so that the mounting work is completed.

[70] Since the snow chain 100 is mounted/dismounted to/from the tire by pivoting the

second body 156 relative to the first body 151, the mounting/dismounting can be accomplished even with a much smaller force compared to that required for the simple expansion and contraction manner, thanks to leverage. Also, because even in the mounted state, the total length is not varied, the snow chain is prevented from becoming detached from the tire, even upon operation and rotation of the tire.

[71] Further, the spikes 120 are arranged between the springs 130, so that, upon operation and rotation of the tire or vehicle, it is difficult to detach the snow chain 100 from the tire because the snow chain is less moved than the conventional type due to the increased frictional force against the ground as well as an increased restoring operation returning to the initial position.

[72] Meanwhile, the fastening unit, the spikes, and the locking member may be modified to have forms different from those of the above-mentioned structure.

[73] Now a description will be made of a single wire type snow chain according to another embodiment of the invention with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11. In the drawings, like elements are denoted by the same numerals as in the former drawings.

[74] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 11, the single wire type snow chain 300 includes a wire 110, spikes 320, springs 130, a first stopper 141, a second stopper 142, and a fastening unit 350.

[75] Unlike the former structure, the spike 320 has first and second wings 326 and 327 on opposite sides of the first and second protrusions 125a and 125b.

[76] The first and second wings 326 and 327 have a hemispherical shape, and may be a different shape from that shown.

[77] The fastening unit 350 has a first body 351 and a second body 356, which are pivoted by hinges 355a and 355b.

[78] The first body 351 of the fastening unit 350 has a structure in which the upper and lower portion thereof are open and the two sides thereof are connected to each other.

[79] The first body 351 includes a first side section 351a with a first through-hole 152, first and second extensions 351b and 351c, spaced apart from each other and extending parallel to each other at an interval from the bottom of the first side section 351a, and having, in end portions thereof, hinges 355a and 355b protruding inwards, a reinforcing portion 353, and first and second ribs 354a and 354b.

[80] The reinforcing portion 353 is a portion, which has a hemispherical shape, integrally extending downward from the end portions of the first and second extensions 351b and 351c. The shape, however, may be different.

[81] The reinforcing portion 353 is employed to restrict the first and second extensions

351b and 351c from being widened.

[82] The first and second ribs 354a and 354b protrude from and extend in the length direction along the outer faces of the first and second extensions 351b and 351c, re-

spectively. The first and second ribs 354a and 354b are formed in an angled shape, and serve to enlarge the contact area of the tire 200 and also reinforce the first and second extensions 351b and 351c.

[83] The second extension 351c is provided with a first pin hole 371 having a shape that is a combination of a circle and a rectangle, and the first extension 351b is provided with a fourth pin hole 374 having a circular shape. The fourth pin hole 374 may be omitted, or may otherwise be formed with a partially blocked groove.

[84] The second body 356 has second and third pin holes 372 and 373 on the third and fourth extensions 356a and 356b, and a connecting portion 358 connecting the third and fourth extensions 356a and 356b to each other from one end of the third and fourth extensions 356a and 356b so as to form a long hole 157. The second body also has a seventh extension 356e, connecting the fifth and sixth extensions 356c and 356d, which extend downward from the other end of the third and fourth extensions 356a and 356b. The seventh extension 356e is cut in the bottom thereof to form an inclined face.

[85] The third and fourth extensions 356a and 356b are provided with hinge-coupling holes 154 and 159, through which first and second hinge pins 355a and 355b can be inserted.

[86] The first and second hinge pins 355a and 355b, formed in the first body 351, are coupled through the hinge-coupling holes 154 and 159, formed in the second body 356. Alternatively, the hinge pins 355a and 355b may be formed on the outer face of the second body 356 and the hinge-coupling holes may be formed in the inner face of the first body 351.

[87] The locking member uses a fixing pin 361, which is inserted into the first to fourth pin holes 371 to 374, so as to restrictedly couple the second body 356 in the first body 351.

[88] The fixing pin 361 has a body portion 361a, an engaging piece 361b, and a head portion 361c.

[89] The body portion 361a has a first outer diameter and extends a certain length, so that, in the state in which the second body 356 is received in the first body 351, it is inserted from the first body 351 beyond the second body 356 via the first to fourth pin holes 371 to 374, which are linearly aligned with each other.

[90] The engaging piece 361b protrudes outside from a portion of the body portion 361a.

[91] The first pin hole 371 is formed in one side of the first body 351 and has a key shape combined with a circle and a rectangle, so that the engaging piece 361b and the body portion 361a are inserted therethrough.

[92] The second pin hole 372 is formed in one side of the second body 356 and has a shape corresponding to that of the first pin hole 371. The third and fourth pin holes 373 and 374 are formed in the other sides of the second and first body 356 and 351, and

have a circular shape, through which the body portion 361a of the fixing pin 361 can be inserted.

[93] Here, the position of the first to fourth pin holes 371 to 374 may be changed such that the second and third pin holes 372 and 373 are formed on the fifth and sixth extensions 356c and 356d of the second body 356, and the first and fourth pin holes 371 and 374 are correspondingly formed on the first body 351.

[94] In the illustrated example, the body portion 361a is circular and the engaging piece

361b has an angled shape. The engaging piece 361b is positioned such that the fixing pin 361 can be freely rotated when the engaging piece 361b is inserted into the third and fourth extensions 356a and 356b of the second body 356.

[95] The head portion 361c may have a size, which prevents insertion into the first pin hole 371, and may also be omitted.

[96] Such a locking member is locked in such a way that in the state in which the second body 356 is received in the first body 351, the engaging piece 361b of the fixing pin 361 is positioned to and inserted into the angled hole in the first and second pin holes 371 and 372, and the engaging piece 361b is rotated to a certain angle after it is positioned between the second and third pin holes 372 and 373. Conversely, if it is intended to remove the fixing pin 361, the engaging piece 361b is rotated to a position at which it can pass through the second and first pin holes 372 and 371, and is then removed therefrom.