Abstract:
A device for providing traction between a wheel and a road/ground comprises a main panel having a top surface with a panel pattern for the main panel to be used as a mat for a vehicle with the panel pattern exposed. The panel pattern cooperating with a tread of a wheel to provide an engagement with the wheel. Spikes project from a bottom surface of the main panel. The spikes are concealed under the main panel when the main panel is used as a mat, the spikes gripping into the road/ground when the tire is against the main panel. An extension projects from an edge of the main panel and is lodged under a seat when the device is used as a mat, the extension having a top surface with an extension pattern cooperating with the tread of the wheel to engage the main panel with the wheel.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention generally relates to adaptors positionable on tires to increase traction between the tire and the ground, and to a method for installing the adaptors with respect to the tires. 
         [0003]    2. Background Art 
         [0004]    During colder periods of the year, drivers frequently experience a reduction of traction between their vehicle and the ground/road. The reduction of traction may be caused by various factors: ice build-ups on the road, snow accumulations on the road, slippery terrain, the presence of fluids such as water, oil and other vehicle leaks, presence of snow or ice in the tire treads. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, various solutions have been developed in order to lessen the reduction of traction due to some of these factors. For instance, some types of tires are specifically designed for winter conditions, or for all four seasons. Such tires have deeper treads, sharper tread edges, and/or increased ratio of tread grooving to road contact surface. 
         [0006]    In some harsh conditions, winter or four-season tires are not enough and additional traction is required. For instance, after a snowfall, or when a vehicle is idling with its tires on an icy surface, adaptors are used to provide this additional traction. Such adaptors are positioned between the drive tires and the ground. These adaptors grip the ground while engaging with the tires to give the vehicle the necessary momentum to move on the icy surface. 
         [0007]    One type of these adaptors takes the form of a metal track. The metal track has teeth that grip onto ice or snow, and is typically formed of segments interconnected by revolute joints, such that the metal track adapts to the shape of the road and of the tire. 
         [0008]    An inconvenience known to these metal tracks is that they are often propelled by the tires after having served their purpose, as the tires rotate at high revolutions as a result of a lack of traction. The metal tracks hence propelled are a hazard (especially when used on the back wheels of rear-wheel drives or all-wheel drives), and may cause damage to nearby vehicles, or harm pedestrians standing close to the car. 
         [0009]    Another inconvenience with such tracks is that they are typically kept in the trunks of vehicles. Therefore, following a snowfall, at which time these tracks are often required, the trunk must be opened in order to get the tracks. This may result in snow getting into the trunk of the vehicle, whereby unwanted humidity reaches the trunk. 
         [0010]    Another type of these adaptors is a chain system that covers the wheels. The chains grip the icy/snowy surface to provide the required traction to enable the vehicle to gain some momentum. After use, the chains must often be removed, and their removal, as well as their installation, are lengthy procedures. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0011]    It is an aim of the present invention to provide a novel tire traction adaptor. 
         [0012]    It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a tire traction adaptor that substantially overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. 
         [0013]    It is a still further aim of the present invention to provide a novel method for installing a tire traction adaptor. 
         [0014]    Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a device for providing traction between a wheel and a road/ground, comprising: a main panel having a top surface with a panel pattern for the main panel to be used as a mat for a vehicle with the panel pattern exposed, the panel pattern cooperating with a tread of a wheel to provide an engagement with the wheel; spikes projecting from a bottom surface of the main panel, the spikes being concealed under the main panel when the main panel is used as a mat, the spikes gripping into the road/ground when the tire is against the main panel; and an extension projecting from an edge of the main panel and lodged under a seat when the device is used as a mat, the extension having a top surface with an extension pattern cooperating with the tread of the wheel to engage the main panel with the wheel. 
         [0015]    Further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for using a traction device to add traction to a vehicle, comprising the steps of: removing the traction device from a floor of a vehicle where the traction device is used as a mat; positioning an extension of the traction device against a wheel, with a main panel having downwardly-facing spikes oriented in a direction where the vehicle is headed; and actuating the wheel such that the cooperation between the extension and main panel causes the main panel to contact the wheel, whereby the spikes provide additional traction. 
         [0016]    Still further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a device for providing traction between a wheel and a road/ground, comprising: an elongated panel having a first and a second surface; gripping means on the first surface of the elongated panel; and complementary connectors at opposed ends of the elongated panel, the complementary connectors being releasably connectable to one another, so as to install the elongated panel on a periphery of the wheel with the first surface being exposed radially, whereby the gripping means cooperate with the road/ground to create traction between the wheel and the road/ground. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    Having thus generally described the nature of the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, showing by way of illustration a preferred embodiment thereof and in which: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a tire traction adaptor in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a bottom plan view of the tire traction adaptor of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of the tire traction adaptor of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4A  is a schematic side view illustrating the tire traction adaptor of  FIG. 1 , as positioned with respect to a tire for a subsequent use; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4B  is a schematic side view illustrating the tire traction adaptor of  FIG. 1 , as positioned with respect to the tire when in use; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of a tire traction adaptor in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is a bottom plan view of the tire traction adaptor of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7A  is a schematic side view illustrating the tire traction adaptor of  FIG. 5 , as positioned with respect to a tire for a subsequent use; 
           [0026]      FIG. 7B  is a schematic side view illustrating the tire traction adaptor of  FIG. 5 , as positioned for subsequently being installed onto the tire; 
           [0027]      FIG. 7C  is a schematic side view illustrating the tire traction adaptor of  FIG. 5 , as installed on the tire; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged view of connected ends of the tire traction adaptor of  FIG. 5 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0029]    Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to  FIG. 1 , a tire traction adaptor in accordance with a first embodiment has a car mat  10 . The car mat  10  has a panel having a top surface  12  and an undersurface  14 . 
         [0030]    The car mat  10  has a generally rectangular shape, but has a tapering portion  16  that projects from a rectangular portion  18 . The tapering portion  16  is typically positioned under the pedals of the vehicle when the car mat  10  is positioned on the driver&#39;s side. The rectangular portion  18  has a series of transverse slats  20 , and longitudinal slats  22 , that all project upwardly from the top surface  12 . 
         [0031]    The slats  20  and  22  are optionally provided in the car mat  10  as a pattern for the main panel of the mat  10 , so as to prevent trouser bottoms of a driver of the vehicle from dipping into the humidity present at the feet of the driver. For instance, this humidity is a result of melted snow, water and the like that is inadvertently brought into the vehicle on the footwear of the driver. This humidity, in the liquid phase, gathers between the slats  20  and/or  22 , while the trouser bottoms are generally prevented from contacting this liquid by the slats  20  and/or  22 . 
         [0032]    The car mat  10  is to be used as a traction adaptor, by being positioned between the wheel and the ground/road. Accordingly, referring concurrently to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , spikes  24  project downwardly from the undersurface  14  of the car mat  10 . The spikes  24  are provided in accordance with a first embodiment so as to grip the road when the car mat  10  is used as traction adaptor. 
         [0033]    The spikes  24  are made of a rigid material that will grip the ice/snow or the road surfacing (e.g., asphalt, soil, or the like), such that the wheel will roll onto the top of the car mat  10  to gain sufficient momentum to move forward or backward. 
         [0034]    In order to ensure that the wheel cooperates with the car mat  10 , an extension ramp  30  projects from the rear end of the car mat  10 . The extension ramp tapers vertically toward its free end, and supports a plurality of slats  31  on its top surface, the slats  31  forming an extension pattern. The slats  31  are illustrated as being similar in size to the slats  20 , but may be smaller or larger as well. Moreover, it is considered to space the slats  31  apart, in view of an interconnection between the slats  31  and the tread of a tire. 
         [0035]    The extension ramp  30  is made of a rubbery material, and is typically molded integrally with the car mat  10 . It is pointed out that the extension ramp  30  is lodged under that car seat, and is therefore not visible when installed in the car. 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the ramp  30  is shown having spikes  24  on its bottom surface. The spikes  24  are of a rigid material such as a metal, and will grip the road when the car mat  10  is used as a traction aid. Suitable dimensions for the ramp extension  30  are a length of 7 inches by a width of 6 inches. However, it is considered to provide the ramp extension  30  in other dimensions. Moreover, it is not required that the ramp extension  30  be tapered vertically. 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the car mat  10  is shown during its use as a traction aid. More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 4A , the car mat  10  is positioned just in front of a tire A, with the undersurface  14  against the ground B, and the ramp extension  30  in contact with the tire A (with the slats  31  in contact with the tire A). Thereafter, the rotation of the tire A, in a direction indicated as C in  FIG. 4B , catches the extension  30  and causes the car mat  10  to grip the ground B, while the tire A moves onto the top surface  14 . The vehicle therefore gains momentum, that will enable it to move forward. It is pointed out that there is illustrated in  FIG. 4B  the previous position of the tire A, shown in dashed lines. 
         [0038]    Vehicles generally have carpeting on their floors. Preferably, the spikes  24  are sized so as to squeeze between carpet fibers, with the undersurface  14  of the car mat  10  lying on top of the carpet fibers. Accordingly, the cat mat  10  of the present invention lies generally flat on the carpeting of the car, such that the car mat  10  resembles typical car mats. 
         [0039]    Considering that the car mat  10  will be subjected to various stresses (e.g., traction of the wheel on the top surface  12  while being retained on the road/ground by the spikes  24 , exposure to various liquids at cold temperatures), the car mat  10  should be constructed so as withstand these conditions over several uses. The car mat  10  is for instance made of a plastic, a rubber, or has a carpeted top face with a plasticized base material, but has a structure element that will enable the car mat  10  to withstand these conditions. 
         [0040]    As seen in  FIG. 2 , the car mat  10  is optionally provided with a metallic structure  35  covered by a plastic body of the car mat  10 . The spikes  24  may form a single piece with the metallic structure  35 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Accordingly, the car mat  10  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 3  may thus be injection-molded, with the metallic structure  35  first being inserted into the injection mold. 
         [0041]    Alternatively, the car mat  10  may consist of an integral piece in which spikes  24  are formed. The spikes  24  may take various shapes, such as inverted pyramids, inverted cones, granulated surfacing, in accordance with the surfacing they will engage. 
         [0042]    The car mat  10  of the first embodiment is advantageous in that it is in the driver&#39;s cabin, and not in the trunk. The fact that it serves both as a car mat and as a traction aid increases its appeal to consumers. Although not required for the first embodiment, the slats  20  increase the traction between the extension  30  and the tire A. 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a tire traction adaptor in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention is generally shown at  50 . The tire traction adaptor  50  has a band  52  (i.e., elongated panel) having a top surface  54  and an undersurface  56 . The top surface  54  has a pattern thereon that cooperates with a tread of a tire. The undersurface  56  has spikes  58  projecting downwardly therefrom. The spikes  58  will grip the road/ground. The spikes  58  may take various shapes, such as small cylinders, inverted pyramids or cones, etc. 
         [0044]    The tire traction adaptor  50  has a first end  60  and a second end  62 , which are provided with complementary connectors as is described below. The first end  60  has a receptacle  64 , with a pair of holes  66  lateral to the receptacle  64 . The holes  66  emerge out of a side of the band  52 . 
         [0045]    The second end  62  has a connector  68  projecting therefrom. A pair of fingers  70  are laterally positioned with respect to the connector  68 . The fingers  70  are spring-loaded, such that they may be pressed inwardly into the connector  68 . 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , the first end  60  and the second end  62  are shown interconnected. More specifically, the connector  68  is received in the receptacle  64 , such that the undersurface  56  from both ends forms a continuous smooth surface. The fingers  70  are received in the holes  66 , and emerge out therefrom. As they are spring-loaded, the fingers  70  are simply depressed inwardly to enable the connection between the first end  60  and the second end  62 . The first end  60  and the second end  62  may be separated from one another by pressing the fingers  70  inwardly. 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIG. 7A , the tire traction adaptor  50  is positioned in front of the tire A prior to being used, with the spikes  58  facing downwardly, against the ground B. Thereafter, the vehicle moves forward, assisted by the traction provided by the tire traction adaptor  50 , whereby the tire A moves onto the tire tractor adaptor  50 . 
         [0048]    Once the tire A is on the tire traction adaptor  50 , as illustrated in  FIG. 7B , the tire traction adaptor  50  may be strapped onto the tire A, as shown in  FIG. 7C . The ends  60  and  62  are connected to one another as described previously. In the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 7C , the spikes  58  project radially from the tire A, whereas the pattern on the top surface  54  ( FIG. 5 ) of the tire traction adaptor  50  generally prevents slippage between the adaptor  50  and the tire A. 
         [0049]    The tire traction adaptor  50  is advantageously used in instances where traction is required for small distances. For instance, traction may be required for more than an initial momentum push, like to drive on an unplowed road segment (e.g., a long driveway leading to a cottage) In such instances, the tire traction adaptor  50  stays on the tire to provide continuous traction. It is considered to also provide the tire traction adaptor  50  in a semi-permanent configuration (for instance, using a threaded fastener to interconnect the ends  60  and  62 ), such that the tire traction adaptor  50  could be used for longer time spans. 
         [0050]    The tire traction adaptor  50  is typically made of a plastic/rubber material. It is also contemplated to make the tire traction adaptor  50  of recycled tires. The tire traction adaptor  50  may have some resilience, so as to adapt to a range of tire sizes. Alternatively, the tire traction adaptor  50  may come in various sizes, specific to some tires. 
         [0051]    It is within the ambit of the present invention to cover any obvious modifications of the embodiments described herein, provided such modifications fall within the scope of the appended claims.