Vehicle traction mat apparatus

A vehicle traction mat in the form of an elongated body member having a top surface with protruding upright gripper members or cleats for engagement by a vehicle wheel or tire includes a storage receptacle with a removable cover intercepting the top surface of the elongated body member, and further includes a reinforcing insert member adapted to be placed into the storage receptacle after removal of the cover and fastened in place to the elongated body member to provide enhanced stiffness and strength to the vehicle traction mat.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to generally to vehicle wheel friction enhancement devices, and more particularly to a portable traction mat or tread for emplacement between the driven wheel of a vehicle when slippery ground conditions are encountered such as might be caused by ice, snow, mud, loose soil or the like.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Many portable traction mat devices have been proposed in the past as exemplified by the following prior U.S. Pat. No. 2,225,828 (Godshall), U.S. Pat. No. 2,486,911 (Becker), U.S. Pat. No. 3,025,002 (Kunz), U.S. Pat. No. 3,342,414 (Jureit), and U.S. Pat. No. 3,836,075 (Botbol), each of which hereby is incorporated herein by this reference. While these devices generally are satisfactory for providing enhanced traction between the wheel of a vehicle under certain imperfect or adverse road or ground conditions, further room for improvement exits.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved vehicle traction mat apparatus that advances the state of the art by combining in a unitary device several unique advantageous features unforeseen by the various traction mat devices of the prior art exemplified above. In brief, the traction mat of the present invention provides in combination: (i) an elongated molded plastic shell of body member having a fop surface supporting rows of treads of, cleats for engagement by the vehicle wheel or tire; (ii) inclined fore and aft edges for helping to wedge the mat between the ground and the wheel or tire; (iii) carry handles on the periphery of the body member, (iv) one or more rows of openings in the top surface for receiving additional or replacement tread or cleat elements, and (v) a storage receptacle located between the rows of cleats on the top surface for containing various accessories which may be required during use of the device such as cable ties for attaching a plurality of traction mats together to create a roadway, ground spikes for attaching the traction mat to the roadbed, and the aforementioned additional or replacement tread or cleat; elements capable of being attached to the top of the traction mat as and when desired. In an alternatively preferred embodiment, a stiff, rigid, high-strength reinforcement member of suitable shape and configuration is provided for selective insertion into die storage compartment in order, to enable the traction mat of the present invention to suitably function as a bridging member when rough or rocky terrain is encountered.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel vehicle mat traction device or apparatus of the foregoing type which is simple in its construction, comparatively inexpensive in its manufacture, thoroughly efficient and reliable in it use and operation, and otherwise well adapted to the purpose for which it is designed.

The above and numerous other objects of the invention will become evident from the following more detailed description of the invention, taken with reference to the annexed drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the drawings, a new and improved vehicle traction mat apparatus embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention now will be described.

Turning initially toFIGS. 1-4, 8 and 9, there is shown a preferred embodiment of the vehicle traction mat apparatus of the invention generally designated by reference numeral10. In each of the Figures, reference numerals are shown that correspond to like reference numerals that designate like elements shown in other Figures.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated, our vehicle traction mat apparatus comprises a substantially rectangular-shaped tread member in the form of a shell or body member generally represented by reference sign10. Shell member10is characterized by a raised top wall12, a pair of fore and aft opposed inclined end walls or ramps14,16, and a pair of opposed inclined side walls18,20, substantially as depicted. Preferably, shell member10is fabricated of a stiff, durable molded polymeric material, with glass-filled nylon being mostly preferred, although other suitable material may be used as well.

The bottom of the shell member10is generally concave and is bounded peripherally by a continuous annular ground-engaging rim22. Thus, top wall12extends longitudinally along the top of the tread in raised disposition with respect to rim22to define an interior space24underneath the top wall bounded by the top wall12and the opposed side walls18,20(FIG. 3). In accordance with an important feature of the invention, a storage compartment or receptacle26depends downwardly from the top surface defined by top wall12and protrudes into interior space24, substantially as depicted. Storage compartment26has a bottom wall28, first and second opposed end walls30,32, and first and second opposed side walls34,36integrally molded to and forming part of top wall12(FIGS. 2 and 3). The storage compartment26is located centrally on the imaginary central axis (not shown) of traction mat body shell10and spans almost the full longitudinal extent of the top wall12as substantially depicted inFIGS. 1 and 2. A substantially flat, removable cover38for the storage compartment24is fastened between side walls34,36and end walls30,32in a slightly recessed disposition relative to top wall12by a series of three spaced thumb screws40(FIGS. 1 and 8). The purpose of the storage compartment is to store accessories for the traction mat as will be explained in more detail below.

The central location of storage compartment24divides the top wall12into two substantial parallel spaced “tread sections” upon which are disposed a series of spaced “molded in place” protruding gripper elements42for suitably frictionally engaging the tire of a vehicle wheel. Similar gripper elements42are disposed in a suitable spaced array on the inclined end walls or ramps14,16. Each gripper element has a base portion44characterized by a generally triangular-shaped transverse cross-section and a protruding spike member46extending upwardly from base portion44generally centrally thereon.

Preferably, the spaced protruding gripper elements42are disposed in spaced juxtaposed rows, two on either side of the storage compartment24, as best seen inFIG. 8. Also, it will be noted, to enhance friction between the rows of gripper elements42and the vehicle tire, each successive pair of gripper elements42in a given row preferably is oriented such that opposed flat sides on the adjacent base portions in such successive pair confront each other, respectively, and are disposed substantially orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shell member10and the direction of each such row (FIG. 8). That is, the confronting base portion sides are generally parallel to each other whereas the apex portions on each base portion opposite to such base portion sides, respectively, point oppositely and away with respect to each other in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the shell member10.

In accordance with another important feature of the invention, top wall12includes a plurality or series of hexagonally-shaped spaced through-openings48extending longitudinally along top wall12between the spaced rows of protruding gripper elements42and essentially parallel thereto with one such hexagonally-shaped opening being located between each pair of juxtaposed adjacent gripper elements42from the two adjacent rows, respectively (FIGS. 3 and 8). Similar hexagonally-shaped through-openings48suitably are provided in end walls or ramps14,16, respectively.

As a result of the foregoing arrangement, “supplemental” gripper elements indicated generally by reference sign50(FIG. 9) can be provided for selective fastening attachment to the top wall12and/or end walls14,16. Each supplemental gripper element50comprises a molded module consisting of the usual triangular-shaped base portion44and upwardly protruding spike member46, but further includes a downwardly depending hexagonally-shaped sub-base member52molded to the bottom of base portion44, substantially as depicted inFIG. 9. Sub-base member52is sized suitably to be loosely, but snuggly fitted within hexagonally-shaped through-openings48in top wall12or end ramps14,16. The module50can then be fastened in place as desired suitably using bolt fastener54and washer56and tightening these parts together from the underside of shell member10via a suitably tapped central opening (not shown) in the underside of sub-base member52. In this manner, the supplemental gripper element modules50may be used to “retread” the top surface of top wall12and/or end walls14,16when and if one or more original molded protruding gripper elements42become worn from use.

To facilitate handling the traction mat apparatus in the field, the shell member is equipped with a series of convenient carry handles. Substantially as depicted, each inclined side wall18,20includes a series of three evenly spaced molded-in-place “pockets,” each comprising a vertical wall portion58and an intersecting flat, horizontal “foot portion”60. A suitable oblong through opening62provided in each foot portion60defines a “side” carry handles64comprising the outward extremity of each foot portion bordering each oblong opening62, respectively (FIG. 3). Similarly, each end wall30,32respectively includes a suitable oblong opening66substantially as depicted (FIGS. 1-3) to define “end” carry handles68at opposed ends of the traction mat shell member10, respectively.

In accordance with yet another important feature of the invention, “side” carry handles64serve the dual function of defining anchoring points for using conventional cable ties70or the like to connect two or more traction mat body shells10together in a juxtaposed or side-to-side configurations suitable for a vehicle having a dual-drive-wheel set-up (FIG. 6).

End walls30,32preferably have supplemental openings72, respectively, for receiving cable ties70when it is desired to connect one or more of the body shells together end-to-end to create a roadway for a vehicle wheel. This arrangement is schematically shown inFIG. 5.

To help secure the traction mat of the present invention on a roadbed, ground spikes74may be provided substantially as depicted inFIG. 3. Each ground spike74preferably has a crossed-rib transverse cross-sectional shape substantially as shown to increase its gripping ability in soil or below ground. Correspondingly, a series of complimentary-shaped through openings76are provided in side walls18,20proximal to each corner of shell member10, respectively, to receive the ground spikes (FIGS. 1, 2, and4).

By virtue of its one-piece molded construction and dished bottom characteristic, a plurality of traction mat body members10can be conveniently stacked together vertically in a compact manner to save storage space. This advantageous “storage mode” arrangement is schematically depicted inFIG. 7. It will be appreciated in accordance with the invention, that when the traction mat body members are in “storage mode,” the storage compartment can be used to store the cable ties70, grounds spikes74, or other accessories.

In use, the traction mat shell or body member10can be used as a convenient shovel with one of the inclined end walls or ramps14,16being used to remove snow, mud, loose soil or the like in the vicinity of a mired wheel/tire78on a vehicle80. One of the body member's end walls or ramps14,16can then be jammed against the mired wheel/tire and if necessary anchored in place with spikes74. This will create a traction mat roadway upon which the vehicle can then safely travel un-mired in a desired direction (FIG. 4).

To further illustrate the invention without limiting same, the following dimensions are contemplated in producing a prototypical example of the traction mat apparatus of the invention:

Turning now toFIGS. 10-19A and 19Bof the present application, there is shown an alternatively preferred embodiment of our novel traction mat apparatus wherein a stiff, rigid and high-strength reinforcing or “bridging” member, preferably fabricated of metal, is combined with the molded plastic traction mat shell member10. More specifically, in accordance with the invention, the reinforcing member, generally represented by reference sign90, selectively can be combined with or inserted into the storage compartment or receptacle24of shell member10and fastened in place therein, as will be further described below.

In accordance with the present invention, reinforcing insert member90in its preferred form comprises a unitary assembly fabricated from a substantially rectangularly-shaped flat top plate92, first and second hollow tubes94,96of a first diameter, respectively, and a third hollow tube98of second diameter greater than the diameter of the first and second tubes. The first and second tubes94,96are welded together in a juxtaposed fashion, and further welded to the bottom surface of top plate92, whereas the third tube98is welded to the bottom of the first and second tubes94,96(seeFIGS. 10, 12 and 17).

Tubes94,96, and98extend parallel to each other and to the imaginary central longitudinal axis (not shown) of top plate92substantially the entire longitudinal extent of the top plate, terminating a short distance from the opposed end edges100,102of the top plate92, substantially as depicted inFIG. 10. Similarly, first and second tubes94,96extend substantially transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of top plate92, terminating a short distance from the opposed side edges104,106of the top plate. By this arrangement the peripheral or end and side edge portions of top plate92extend beyond the extremities of welded-together tubes94,96,98to form an annular, bearing surface portion108on the underside of top plate92extending peripherally and entirely around all end and side edges of the top plate (seeFIGS. 10,12 and 15). This annular peripheral bearing surface portion108, in turn is adapted to engage and rest on the corresponding annular portion on top surface12proximally surrounding the boundary of the opening to compartment26on traction mat shelf member10when reinforcing insert member90is combined with otherwise placed within the compartment24in accordance with the present invention, substantially as shown inFIGS. 10,15 and 16.

It will be understood that the insert member90is so shaped and dimensioned more or less as depicted such that the sub-assembly comprising tubes94,96and8substantially fills the entire interior of the storage compartment26with top plate92substantially completely covering the opening of the storage compartment26on top surface12of shell member10(seeFIG. 15). In use, the top plate92serves a “tread plate” more or less flush with top surface12of traction mat10for engaging the tire or wheel of a vehicle (seeFIG. 18) whereas the hollow tubes94,96, and98affixed to the underside of the top plate92serve as “light weight” stiffening members for the entire reinforcing insert assembly90.

Preferably, and substantially as depicted, the top or upwardly facing surface of top plate92features a pattern of upwardly-extending embossed segments110to enhance the friction engagement characteristic of the top plate upper surface when a vehicle wheel comes into engagement therewith as will occur to persons of obvious skill in the art. Additionally, plastic end caps112of suitable size, respectively; preferably can be affixed to the opposed ends of tubes94,96and98, to seal the tubes. The entire insert member90preferably can be coated with a layer of polyurethane to help seal the plastic end caps112in place and provide a rust-proof covering for the entire assembly.

It thus will be appreciated from the foregoing, that reinforcing insert member90generally conforms to the shape of storage compartment26. In this respect, insert member90suitably is dimensioned and configured such that the bottom portion thereof made up of tubes94,96,98is insertable within the confines of storage compartment26, and is supported therein by the engagement of the top plate edge portions108resting on top surface12of shell member10(FIG. 15). According to the present invention, and substantially as depicted inFIG. 15, means are provided suitably to securely and rigidly fasten the insert member90to the traction mat shell member10thereby forming a dramatically strengthened unitary traction mat assembly.

Such means preferably comprises a fastener assembly generally represented by reference sign114, with two such assemblies preferably being deployed in spaced longitudinal disposition with respect to bottom wall28of storage compartment26, substantially as depicted inFIG. 14. According to the present invention, fastener assemblies114extend through bottom wall28and engage the enlarged-diameter tube98of insert90through respective pairs of aligned openings suitably formed in the bottom wall28and in the hollow tube98, respectively (FIGS. 13, 14 and 15). More specifically, each pair of aligned openings comprises a first opening116in bottom wall28, and a co-axial second opening118in the bottom portion of the wall of hollow tube98.

During fabrication of insert90, a conventional “crimpable” internally-threaded well nut120can be inserted into each opening118in the wall of tube98by a suitable male-threaded tool122to form a “crimped” female-threaded fastener or “nut” secured to and in the wall of tube98, substantially as depicted inFIGS. 19A and 19B.

To subsequently secure the reinforcement insert member90to the traction mat shell member10all that is necessary is to (i) remove cover38from storage compartment26(ii) suitably form a pair of longitudinally spaced openings116in bottom wall28of compartment26(FIG. 13) (iii) drop or otherwise place the reinforcement insert90into compartment26of the shell member10substantially as depicted inFIGS. 15 and 16, and (iv) from the bottom of the traction mat shell member10, insert a respective fastener assembly114through openings116to engage the corresponding well nut120aligned therewith in openings118of tube98, and tighten in place.

In this regard, it will be noted that each fastener assembly114preferably comprises a wing-handled male-threaded stud124and a lock washer126, with each stud124being threadedly complimentary to each co-axially aligned internally-threaded well nut120, respectively. Preferably, the fastener assembly114and the well nut120are formed from stainless steel to resist corrosion.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the combined unit comprising traction mat shell10and reinforcement insert90is sufficiently strengthened so to be able to resist deflection under heavy vehicle loads thereby permitting the combined, reinforced and highly-strengthened traction mat of the alternatively preferred invention to be used in rocky and rough terrain as a “bridging” member substantially as schematically depicted inFIG. 18, and in general, to withstand heavy vehicle loads in use elsewhere.

To further illustrate the invention without limiting same, the following dimensions and material specifications are contemplated in producing a prototypical example of the reinforcing insert90:

It will be appreciated from the foregoing, that an important feature of the alternatively preferred embodiment of the invention just completely described is the “dual-use” nature of the storage compartment26provided in and intercepting top wall12of traction mat shell member10. On the one hand, the removable cover38can be affixed to enable the storage compartment to be used as a convenient storage receptacle for supplemental replaceable gripper members, cable ties, ground stakes, or other accessories, whereas on the other hand, the cover38can be removed and reinforcing insert member90can be combined with or placed into compartment26and securely fastened securely to the shell member as fully disclosed above thereby yielding a traction mat of dramatically enhanced rigidity and strength when applications of the traction mat apparatus of the present invention require such desirable characteristics. It also will be noted that if needs dictate the foregoing sequence is reversible, i.e., the reinforcing insert member90can be removed from compartment26by suitably loosening the fastener assemblies114, removing the insert member90, then re-affixing cover38to storage receptacle26.

In retrospect therefore, it will be appreciated that the present invention affords a novel apparatus for providing effective traction for a wheel or tire of a vehicle and like vehicles which is very easily and handily used, and can be economically manufactured and sold. Such a traction apparatus or device has numerous uses and can easily and successfully be utilized in any instance where it is desired to increase the traction between a driven wheel and the underlying roadway or other surface.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described in accordance with the Patent Statutes, it is not intended that the invention be limited to such disclosure. Numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art and therefore, it is desired that the present invention be construed and limited only by the true spirit and scope of the annexed claims.