Traction jack

A vehicle traction jack that functions as a traction mat platform, ramp, and vehicle jack to assist a vehicle's tire when a tire is stuck in a rut, hole, or some sort of terrain or weather condition such as sand, gravel, dirt, mud, or snow is disclosed. The traction jack comprises a first plate and second plate, a hinge assembly, and a jack. The first and second plates can extend to a partially-opened or fully-opened position, forming a ramp and traction mat platform. The extended traction jack can be placed in front of or behind a vehicle's tire to provide addition traction. A jack extends from at least one plate of the vehicle traction jack to raise a vehicle for repairs to the vehicle's tire. Easily stored in a vehicle at all times, a single user can use the traction jack to help move any type of vehicle's tire.

TECHNICAL HELD

The disclosed embodiments relate to traction devices. The disclosed embodiments further relate to techniques for providing additional traction for a vehicle's tires for removal from loose terrain or adverse weather conditions. The disclosed embodiments also relate to a vehicle ramp and jack for raising a vehicle for repair.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various devices have been developed for improving traction between a vehicle's tires and a road surface made slippery by adverse weather or inferior roadbed conditions such as ice, snow, mud, and desert sand. Proposed traction devices help a vehicle drive out of a rut or pothole by gaining additional traction from materials placed in the path of the tires. Such traction aids include boards, burlap bags, pieces of carpeting, tire chains, and various bulky ramps, for example. These makeshift means are generally ineffective when caught and thrown out by the rotating tires. Typically, a standard block of wood is used with the assistance of numerous people to free off-roaders in desert terrain, which often leads to damaged tires and vehicles.

Other traction devices are prohibitively expensive to purchase and unsafe to handle because of sharp edges and heavy components. Prior traction mats are often difficult to position beneath the vehicle's tires for use. When a vehicle's tires become mired in snow, mud, or desert sand for some depth, the resulting ruts formed by the vehicle's tires are often deep and steeply sloping. Flexible traction mats tend to closely conform to steeply sloping was of a rut or may sink in various road conditions, making it difficult for a vehicle to climb out under its own power. When a prior traction mat is used to extricate a vehicle from such an environment, the tire frequently engages and slides against the leading or front edge of the mat without gaining a satisfactory grip.

A motorist may want access to a variety of vehicle tools without having to store numerous devices in the vehicle. While traction mats and other aids such as jacks and repair ramps can be carried in a vehicle, they fight for storage space with other items. Manual and automated vehicle jacks are usually carried in a vehicle and used principally to assist a motorist with changing a vehicle's tire. A manual jack that attaches to the bumper or frame of vehicle at designated points is a widely used method of jacking or lifting a vehicle. After placement, a manual jack is usually cranked to lift the vehicle and repair a desired tire. An all-in-one traction jack device needs to save the motorist time and effort by helping the tires to regain traction for return to the roadway and to eliminate the high cost of an emergency road service truck for winching the stranded vehicle from a slippery hole or rut.

Accordingly, there exists a need for an effective, space-saving vehicle traction jack device that provides additional traction and a ramped surface to lend traction to move a vehicle's tires when the tires are stuck in loose terrain or weather conditions.

BRIEF SUMMARY

It is therefore an object of the disclosed embodiments to provide a space-saving vehicle traction and jack device.

It is another object of the disclosed embodiments to provide a ramped-surface to assist a vehicle's tires when the tires are stuck in loose terrain or adverse weather conditions.

It is an additional object of the disclosed embodiments to provide an all-in-one vehicle traction surface, ramp, and jack for raising a vehicle for repair.

The above and other aspects can be achieved as is now described. A vehicle traction jack that functions as a traction mat platform, ramp, and vehicle jack to assist a vehicle's tire when a tire is stuck in a rut, hole, or some sort of terrain or weather condition, such as sand, gravel, dirt, mud, or snow is disclosed. The traction jack comprises a first plate and second plate, a hinge assembly, and a jack. The first and second plates can extend to a partially-opened or fully-opened position, forming a ramp and traction mat platform. The extended traction jack can be placed in front of or behind a vehicle's tire to provide additional traction. A jack extends from at least one plate of the vehicle traction jack to raise a vehicle for repairs to the vehicle's tire. Easily stored in a vehicle at all times, a single user can use the traction jack to help move any type of vehicle's tire.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates an exemplary perspective view100of the traction jack in a partially opened position, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The traction jack functions as a combination traction mat platform, ramp, and vehicle jack to assist a vehicle's tire when a tire is stuck in a rut, hole, a roadway surface, or some sort of terrain or weather condition such as sand, gravel, dirt, mud, or snow, for example. The traction jack comprises a first plate101and second plate102, a rounded edge105, and a jack103. The first plate101is a rigid and rectangular surface capable of withstanding the weight of a vehicle. The first plate101is covered in an anti-slip, high traction surface104such as, for example, recycled tire tread, corrugated metal, or any type of adhered abrasive material to lend additional traction, but is not limited to those items. The high traction surface104can completely cover the first plate101or can be arranged in strips or cover portions of the first plate101, for example. The second plate102is a rigid, rectangular surface of the same size and material construction of the first plate101. The second plate102is also covered in an anti-slip, high traction surface104. The high traction surface104can completely cover the second plate102or can be arranged in strips or cover portions of the second plate102, for example. The high traction surface104possesses high coefficients of static friction for frictional engagement with a vehicle's tire.

The first plate101and second plate102can be constructed of metal such as, for example, steel or aluminum, but is not limited solely to these types of materials. The vehicle traction jack100is appropriately sized to receive and lift any size vehicle tire. For example, an exemplary first plate101and an exemplary second plate102of the vehicle traction jack100can measure approximately ten to twelve inches wide and approximately two feet long. The vehicle traction jack100can be sized to receive larger, after-market tires, with an exemplary first plate101and an exemplary second plate102measuring approximately twelve inches wide by sixteen inches long. It is understood that all dimensions of the first plate101and the second plate102are provided for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the disclosed embodiments to those particular dimensions.

FIG. 2illustrates an exemplary perspective view150of the traction jack in a partially opened position, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. Underside of the first plate101has two channels111,112to receive two channels113,114on the underside of the second plate102. The hinge assembly can comprise a jack103. The jack103can be, for example, a bottle jack, a telescoping jack, a floor jack, or any type of a hydraulic jack. The jack103has a first extendable member106and a second extendable member107. The first extendable member106connects to the first plate101and the jack knob108. The second extendable member107connects to the second plate102and the jack knob108. The jack knob108connects to the jack hinge assembly109. The hinge assembly109provides the first plate101and the second plate102with a full rotational range of motion and articulated adjustability for positioning the traction jack150between a tire and a surface. The hinge assembly allows the first plate101and second plate102to open to a partially opened position (e.g., less than 180°) and a fully opened position (e.g., greater than or equal to 180°). The hinge assembly allows the traction jack to be folded into a closed position, or to one half of its fully opened length, for easy transport and storage.

FIG. 3illustrates an exemplary side elevation view200of the traction jack in a partially opened position, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The first plate101is extended to a 45° angle using the jack hinge assembly109. Bolt110connects the first extendable member106to the second extendable member107. A vehicle can be driven up onto the partially-opened vehicle traction jack illustrated inFIG. 3when the jack103is used to create a ramp. The height of the ramp is controlled by the user extending the jack103. The appropriately-sized first plate101and second plate102supports the vehicle for repairs underneath the vehicle and/or to the vehicle's tire. The hinge assembly comprises at least one hinge member and the hinge member's attachments that connect the first plate101and second plate102along a shorter side of each plate101,102.

FIG. 4illustrates an exemplary side elevation view250of the traction jack in a partially opened position, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The first plate101is lowered towards the second plate102by turning the jack knob108. The bolt110that connects the first extendable member106with the second extendable member107moves towards the jack hinge assembly109.

FIG. 5illustrates an exemplary perspective view300of the traction jack in a closed position, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. First plate101lies flat against second plate102when the jack knob108is turned. The channels111,112in the first plate101fit within the channels113,114in the second plate102.

FIG. 6illustrates an exemplary side elevation view350of the traction jack in a fully opened position, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The fully opened vehicle traction jack can be used as a traction mat platform to provide additional traction for a vehicle's tire. When in the fully-opened position, the high-traction surfaces204of the first plate201and second plate202extend upward. The rounded edge205is fully extended to form an angle greater than or equal to 180°.

FIG. 7illustrates an exemplary perspective view400of the traction jack in a fully opened position, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The fully opened vehicle traction jack can be used as a traction mat platform to provide additional traction for a vehicle's tire. When in the fully-opened position, the high-traction surfaces104of the first plate101and second plate102extend upward.

FIG. 8illustrates an exemplary side elevation view450of the traction jack in a partially opened position while supporting a vehicle, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The traction jack embodiment100illustrated inFIG. 1can be placed below a vehicle's401tire403. The vehicle in this illustration is stuck on a rock402. The disclosed embodiments100to600of the vehicle traction jack can adjust and reconfigure to perform different tasks, such as assisting in vehicle repair on underside of vehicle and rescuing vehicle from loose material on roadways and unpaved surfaces. The vehicle traction jack can free any type of vehicle including such as, for example, cars, trucks, sport utility vehicles (“SUVs”), all-terrain vehicles (“ATVs”), motorcycles, etc. Military vehicles may need a way to escape loose sand and dirt. Easily stored in a vehicle at all times, the lightweight vehicle traction jack can be used by only one person. Any number of disclosed vehicle traction jacks can be used at one time to dislodge a vehicle by placing the vehicle traction jack either in front of or behind a vehicle's tire.

FIG. 9illustrates an exemplary side elevation view500of the traction jack in a closed position, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. First plate501lies flat against second plate502when the jack knob508is turned using a hand crank516to turn the jack knob508. The first plate501and second plate502are connected via a hinge504. The first plate501and second plate502are covered in spikes515to lend traction.

FIG. 10illustrates an exemplary side elevation view550of the traction jack in a partially opened position, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The jack503comprises a first extendable member506, a second extendable member507, and a jack knob508. First plate501extends away from second plate502when the jack knob508is turned using a hand crank516to turn the jack knob508. The first extendable member506and second extendable member507of the jack push the first plate501and second plate502away from each other to form a vehicle ramp.

FIG. 11illustrates an exemplary perspective view600of the traction jack with various traction surfaces, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. A metal surface with cut out holes for added traction is illustrated in610. Raised spikes that extend along the width of the traction jack are illustrated in620.

Based on the foregoing it can be appreciated that a number of different embodiments, preferred and alternative are disclosed herein. For example, in one embodiment, a traction jack apparatus can be implemented, which includes a first plate and a second plate attached to the first plate via a rounded hinge assembly wherein the rounded hinge assembly provides a rotational range of motion and articulated adjustability between the first plate and the second plate for positioning the traction jack between a vehicle's tire and a surface. Such an apparatus can also include a vehicle jack associated with the first plate and the second plate for extending an angle between the first plate and the second plate from a closed position to a partially-opened position or a fully-opened position, to provide a ramp to assist the vehicle's tire when the vehicle's tire is stuck on the surface. In some embodiments, the aforementioned surface can comprise a rut, hole, roadway condition, or weather condition.

In other embodiments, the first plate can include a rigid and rectangular surface capable of supporting the vehicle, wherein the first plate is covered in an anti-slip, high traction surface with a high coefficient of friction for frictional engagement with the vehicle's tire. In another embodiment, the second plate can include a rigid and rectangular surface capable of supporting the vehicle, wherein the second plate is covered in an anti-slip, high traction surface with a high coefficient of friction for frictional engagement with the vehicle's tire. In other embodiments, the first plate and the second plate can be formed from steel or aluminum.

In yet other embodiments, the partially-opened position of the first plate and the second plate can form an angle less than 180°. In still other embodiments, the fully-opened position of the first plate and the second plate can form an angle greater than or equal to 180°. In other embodiments, the vehicle jack associated with the first plate and the second plate is removable from the first plate and the second plate to a fully-opened position to provide a traction mat surface. In still other embodiments, the vehicle jack associated with the first plate and the second plate can comprise a first extendable member and a second extendable member, wherein the first extendable member is associated with the first plate and the second extendable member is associated with the second plate, and wherein the first extendable member and the second extendable member move towards the rounded hinge assembly to decrease an angle between the first plate and the second plate.

In another embodiment, the vehicle jack associated with the first plate and the second plate can include a first extendable member and a second extendable member, wherein the first extendable member is associated with the first plate and the second extendable member is associated with the second plate, and wherein the first extendable member and the second extendable member move away from the rounded hinge assembly to increase an angle between the first plate and the second plate.

In yet other embodiments, such an apparatus can include a first channel and a second channel associated with an underside of the first plate; and a third channel and a fourth channel associated with an underside of the second plate, wherein the first channel is sized to receive the third channel, and wherein the second channel is sized to receive the fourth channel to allow the first plate and the second plate to fit together when in a closed position.

In still another embodiment, a traction jack apparatus can include: a first plate; a second plate attached to the first plate via a rounded hinge assembly wherein the rounded hinge assembly provides a rotational range of motion and articulated adjustability between the first plate and the second plate for positioning the traction jack between a vehicle's tire and a surface; a vehicle jack associated with the first plate and the second plate for extending an angle between the first plate and the second plate from a closed position to a partially-opened position or a fully-opened position to provide a ramp to assist the vehicle's tire when the vehicle's tire is stuck on the surface; a first channel and a second channel associated with an underside of the first plate; and a third channel and a fourth channel associated with an underside of the second plate, wherein the first channel is sized to receive the third channel, and wherein the second channel is sized to receive the fourth channel to allow the first plate and the second plate to fit together when in a closed position.

In other embodiments, the first plate can comprise a rigid and rectangular metal surface capable of supporting the vehicle, wherein the first plate is covered in an anti-slip, high traction surface with a high coefficient of friction for frictional engagement with the vehicle's tire. In another embodiment, the second plate can include a rigid and rectangular metal surface capable of supporting the vehicle., wherein the second plate is covered in an anti-slip, high traction surface with a high coefficient of friction for frictional engagement with the vehicle's tire.

In yet other embodiments, the vehicle jack associated with the first plate and the second plate can include a first extendable member and a second extendable member, wherein the first extendable member is associated with the first plate and the second extendable member is associated with the second plate, and wherein the first extendable member and the second extendable member move away from the rounded hinge assembly to increase an angle between the first plate and the second plate, and move towards the rounded hinge assembly to decrease an angle between the first plate and the second plate. In still other embodiments, the vehicle jack associated with the first plate and the second plate is removable from the first plate and the second plate to a fully-opened position to provide a traction mat surface.

In another embodiment, a method for assisting a vehicle can be implemented. Such a method can include, in some embodiments, the steps of providing a traction jack device comprising a first plate covered in a high-traction material, a second plate covered in a high-traction material, a rounded hinge assembly associated with the first plate and the second plate, wherein the rounded hinge assembly provides a rotational range of motion and articulated adjustability between the first plate and the second plate for positioning the traction jack device between a vehicle's tire and a surface, and a vehicle jack associated with the first plate and the second plate; and extending the vehicle jack attached to the first plate and the second plate to form an angled vehicle ramp to provide a high-traction, ramped surface to assist a tire of the vehicle.

In another embodiment, a step can be implemented for extending the vehicle jack from a closed position to a partially opened position comprising an angle less than 180° between the first plate and the second plate, or a fully-opened position comprising an angle equal to or greater than 180° between the first plate and the second plate. In still another embodiment, a step can be implemented for removing the vehicle jack associated with the first plate and the second plate from the first plate and the second plate to a fully-opened position to provide a traction mat surface.

In yet another embodiment, steps can be implemented for moving a first extendable member associated with the rounded hinge assembly and the first plate, and a second extendable member associated with the rounded hinge assembly and the second plate towards the rounded hinge assembly to decrease an angle between the first plate and the second plate; and moving the first extendable member associated with the rounded hinge assembly and the first plate, and the second extendable member associated with the rounded hinge assembly and the second plate away from the rounded hinge assembly to increase the angle between the first plate and the second plate.