System for optimising the use of anti-skid devices comprising the application, to the driving wheels of vehicles, of at least one disk (1) that may be equipped with a plurality of retractable circular segments (2) provided with gripping claws (3).

FIELD OF THE ART

The present invention relates to anti-skid devices to be temporarily applied on driving wheels. International reference class B60c.

STATE OF THE ART

Different devices are known which may be applied to driving wheels to improve their grip on the ground surface. All known devices show drawbacks due to their temporary application and removal during certain periods. The present invention proposes an optimal solution for optimising the use of anti-skid devices so as to make the temporary intervention quicker. DESCRIPTION

The invention will now be explained with reference to the figures in the appended drawings, intended as non-restrictive examples.

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of the system according to the present invention. One may note the presence of the disk 1 , which may be removably applied to a driving wheel R.

Particular emphasis should be laid on the fact that a plurality of retractable segments 2 provided with gripping claws 3 may be removably appjied on said disk 1. One may also note the presence of a special key 4 by means of which the temporary intervention of said retractable segments 2 can be actuated. In said figure 1 the retractable segments are shown in a position of radial expansion.

Figure 2 is a schematic illustration similar to figure 1 , but in this case the segments 2 are shown in a radially retracted position. i

Figure 2 bis illustrates the application of the system to a generic driving wheel R, shown with the claws retracted, i.e. in the rest position.

Figure 3 and figure 3bis schematically illustrate the application of a anti-skid device applied on the inside of two twin wheels R. It may be noted that the claws are extracted, i.e. in the working position.

Figure 4 and figure 4bis show the claws in the retracted position.

Figure 5 and figure 5bis illustrate a variant of the system wherein replaceable claws 3 are applied in the peripheral zone, so that they may be replaced on becoming excessively worn.

Figure 6 and figure 6bis illustrate a variant of the system with twin wheels of reduced width.

Figure 7 illustrates a variant of the system comprising a peripheral connection of the retractable segments 2 with chains 5 in the working position.

Figure 8 illustrates the same variant in the rest position.

Figure 9 illustrates a detail serving to highlight the access to the key 4 for actuating the intervention of the retractable segments.

Figure 10 illustrates in detail the connection between segments using articulated chains 5 and elastic elements 6.

Figure 11 and figure 11 bis illustrate the working position and function of the elastic elements 6.

Figure 12 and figure 12 bis illustrate the rest position of said elastic elements 6.

Figure 13 illustrates in detail the function of the serrated belts 7.

In the figures, each individual part is identified as follows:

1. is the disk to be removably applied on wheel R.

2. are the retractable segments that may be removably applied on said disk 1.

3. are the claws fixed to said retractable segments 2.

4. is the key for actuating the intervention of the retractable segments 2.

5. is an articulated chain for the peripheral connection of the retractable segments.

6. are elastic peripheral connecting elements.

7. is a serrated belt for peripheral connection of the retractable segments.

The figures bring to light the extreme functional simplicity of the present invention as well as the ease of its industrial realisation.

It is evident that the present invention offers a global solution for all problems left unresolved by the currently known anti-skid devices. The task of mounting chains on driving wheels represents a nightmare for many motorists during the wintertime.

The obligation of keeping snow chains on board the vehicle is indicative of risk, which testifies to the seriousness of the problem.

The innovative principle of the system proposed here lies in the radial retractility of the circular segments (2) provided with peripheral claws (3) which improve the gripping ability of driving wheels R. Said retractable segments (2) may be removably applied on their support (1), which in turn is removably connected to said driving wheels R.

The radial extension or withdrawal of said circular segments (2) is obtained by manual intervention of the driver using the key provided (4) or by means of automatic centralised control actuators enabling simultaneous intelligent intervention on all driving wheels.

Using the system in question, the driver can confidently face snow-covered and icy roads in wintertime, especially in steep uphill climbs. Said system should become mandatory for all vehicles and signs to this effect should be placed along roads, for example with a warning similar to that which indicates the obligation of carrying snow chains on board.The invention naturally lends itself to different embodiments as regards both the dimensions and structural proportions of the various components as well as the technological characteristics of the construction materials used.

In particular, as regards the disk 1 , it is clear that the latter may also be polygonal in shape or be constructed using a specific technological system incorporating a support for retractable segments of particular shapes.

It is also understood that the segments and claws may be applied on a special rim provided with suitable fasteners for mounting them in place, also as a replacement for said disk 1.

The segments and claws may be directly applied on the existing rim using suitable fastening components in place of the disk 1.

The retractable segments 2 may be actuated via a remote control device with a pushbutton to be pressed by the driver of the vehicle or by means of an automatic sensor- activated or intelligent device or semiautomatic system.

The innovative concept of the present invention is founded upon the removability of disk 1 applied on the wheels R, the removability of the retractable segments applied on said disk and the removable and interchangeable application of the claws 3 on the segments 2. On being acquainted with the inventive combinations disclosed herein, any person with average skill in this specific field of the art will be able to produce, by means of simple logical deductions requiring no inventive effort, systems for optimising the use of anti-skid devices based on the description and drawings appended hereto and having the specific characteristics described, illustrated and claimed below. It is evident, finally, that the sphere of protection of the present industrial patent also extends to similar applications of the system in question directly on the structure of wheels and vehicles resulting from new industrial manufacturing techniques. In particular, the scope of the invention extends to the case in which the system is fixed to the hub on which the wheels are to be mounted, so that when the tyre and wheel assembly is changed the system will remain installed on the hub.