Freight accommodation on freight carrier – Particular article accommodation – Wheeled vehicle
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-06
2001-01-09
Gordon, Stephen T. (Department: 3612)
Freight accommodation on freight carrier
Particular article accommodation
Wheeled vehicle
C410S010000, C410S012000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06171037
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Several types of straps exist for immobilizing the wheels of a vehicle on a transportation vehicle.
These consist primarily of conventional straps with locking structures attached directly to their lower surface.
These straps have fallen into disuse because they can damage the tread of the tire.
When the straps are tightened, they rub against the tire and damage it.
Another type of security strap is a strap with pads or slides. The strap rests on the tire using several anti-slip pads with lower surfaces that form blocking structures. The strap slides along the smooth upper surface of the pads when it is tightened.
During these movements, the pads remain immobile, thus eliminating the main disadvantage of the first type of strap described, which can damage the tire when the blocking structures are tightened and forcibly displaced.
However, the latter type of strap also has its disadvantages. In use, the presence of the pads makes the strap more difficult to position, requiring two hands. It is important for the pads to be correctly positioned, for if they are not, they may not function properly.
Furthermore, the force applied to the pads when tightening the strap causes the pad to become vertically embedded; in certain tires with a deep tread, this may damage the nearby projecting portions and give the tire an irregular shape. The tire damage can cause vibrations that are difficult or even impossible to eliminate.
In the case of tires on most new cars, and certain demonstration vehicles, these problems can erode consumer confidence in brand names.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The goal of the invention is to eliminate all of the disadvantages described above.
To achieve this, the invention proposes a flexible means for securing the connection of each tire to a transport vehicle, consisting of a strap with immobilizing devices that contact the tire tread, extended between two fixed points to contact the tire and force the immobilizing devices against the tire, characterized in that the immobilizing devices are transverse support elements which are supported by the strap and maintained parallel to one another, rotating freely on themselves; the extremities of the transverse support elements project transversely on either side of the strap, and the transversely projecting extremities on either side of the strap are in contact with the tire tread.
The principal advantages of the invention are as follows:
tire deterioration and deformation are eliminated because the elements rotate on themselves as they are placed in contact with the tire;
positioning the strap requires no particular skill. The positioning and tightening procedures are simple, rapid, and accomplished with one hand.
the contact elements have a simple shape, and the mechanical properties of the plastic base material provide the necessary support without causing any harm;
the support structures are removable, so the piece to be interchanged when worn or a different shape suitable for specialized tires or other purposes can be substituted;
bending the rod of the transverse support elements when pressure is exerted by the strap improves lateral maintenance; and
since the strap is formed of two bands, only the upper band is subjected to tension.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1990562 (1935-02-01), Otis
patent: 2046855 (1936-07-01), Tobin
patent: 4960353 (1990-10-01), Thorndyke
patent: 4993898 (1991-02-01), Klahold
patent: 5011347 (1991-04-01), Bullock
patent: 5108237 (1992-04-01), Zankich
patent: 5902082 (1999-05-01), Kaemper
patent: 311543A (1989-04-01), None
Davis and Bujold
Gordon Stephen T.
Lohr Industrie
LandOfFree
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