Removable grip device for a motor vehicle wheel

Abstract

The invention relates to a removable grip device (100) for increasing the grip of a wheel, the device (100) comprising a main body (110) and a tread portion (120), characterized in that the tread portion (120) comprises a plurality of pads (121), at least some of the pads (121) including means (140) for holding the removable device (100) on the wheel, and in that the device (100) also comprises a plurality of arms (150) connected to the main body (110) and each bearing one of the pads (121), each arm (150) being movable in translation on the main body (110).

Description

Removable grip device for a motor vehicle wheel

[0001] The field of the invention is that of the design and manufacture of equipment for motor vehicles.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates in particular to a removable grip device for a wheel of a motor vehicle.

[0003] To increase the grip of vehicles on certain types of terrain, it is known to add grip devices to the wheel tires, particularly the drive wheel tires.

[0004] For this, two solutions coexist.

[0005] A first solution consists of integrating the grip devices directly into the tire.

[0006] For example, we can cite studded tires which include studs protruding from the tire tread to form cleats to create better grip on frozen, icy or snowy ground.

[0007] This first solution, however, has a major drawback.

[0008] Indeed, when the vehicle equipped with such tires has to travel on a tarmacked road, the presence of the studs presents a significant risk of damage to the tarmacked surface.

[0009] Furthermore, on some roads studded tires are simply prohibited.

[0010] Therefore, to avoid damaging the paved roads, it is necessary to change the tires depending on the type of road used.

[0011] This then requires a significant amount of time to change the tires and / or represents a significant cost when the driver is not equipped with the equipment to change the tires.

[0012] Additionally, when drivers have two sets of tires, they are usually already mounted on rims.

[0013] In other words, motorists have two sets of wheels that they swap depending on the season.

[0014] However, it requires a lot of storage space to store the set of wheels that are not in use.

[0015] A second solution is to temporarily equip the tires with removable grip devices.

[0016] These removable grip devices are used occasionally to increase the traction of motor vehicles depending on the type of terrain used.

[0017] These removable grip devices take the form, for example, of chains intended to surround the tires of the vehicle's wheels, particularly the drive wheels.

[0018] However, these removable grip devices are generally complicated to implement for motorists who only use them occasionally.

[0019] It is therefore common to see drivers on the roadsides who are unable to install the removable grip devices and must therefore give up or ask other drivers for help.

[0020] The difficulty in installing removable grip devices lies in the fact that it is generally necessary to hook the devices on either side of the wheel.

[0021] Access to the rear of the wheel, that is, access to the part of the wheel located in the wheel arch, can be difficult, especially when the vehicle has already traveled on a snowy or muddy road and the space in the wheel arch is dirty or even cluttered.

[0022] To address this issue, new removable grip devices have been developed. These removable grip devices have an attachment to the wheel that is only on the outer part of the wheel, i.e. the easily accessible part.

[0023] The patent document published under number DE2710323 describes such a removable grip device which comprises a main body intended to come into contact with a rim sidewall and a rolling portion intended to partially cover the tread.

[0024] The rolling portion includes clips intended to frame projections of the tire to prevent the unexpected removal of the device.

[0025] The device is tightened to the wheel by means of a tensioning system accessible from the outside of the wheel.

[0026] However, such a device has certain drawbacks.

[0027] Firstly, since tyres have different tread patterns, it is necessary that there are as many different devices as there can be tyre patterns or references.

[0028] Indeed, the patterns forming grooves in different places on the tread, the same staple could be located in a groove for a first tire reference, and outside the groove for a second tire reference.

[0029] Thus, for two different tires, the same device is not compatible to be maintained and to increase the wheel's grip.

[0030] Secondly, when the tires are worn, the grooves drawn by the patterns can have rounded edges, or even a reduced depth preventing the staples from holding properly.

[0031] Thus, even if the device is compatible with the reference of the used tire, its hold on the tire, and therefore on the wheel, remains precarious, and the risk of detachment of the device becomes significant, which can cause a loss of grip which could lead to an accident.

[0032] The invention aims in particular to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0033] More specifically, the invention aims to propose a removable grip device whose installation is simple, rapid, and independent of the state of wear of the tire.

[0034] The invention also aims to provide such a device which is adaptable to different wheel sizes.

[0035] The invention further aims to provide such a device which is secure and space-saving.

[0036] These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved thanks to the invention which relates to a removable grip device for a wheel of a motor vehicle, the wheel having a rim surmounted by a tire having a tread, the device comprising a main body intended to come into contact with a sidewall of the rim and a rolling portion intended to at least partially cover the tread, said rolling portion having grip means, characterized in that the rolling portion comprises a plurality of pads intended to be distributed over the length of the tread, at least some of the pads including means for holding the removable device on the wheel, the holding means comprising a flap capable of adopting a clamping position in which it extends transversely to the pad and forms with the main body and the pad a clamping rider intended to grip the wheel,and in that the device also comprises a plurality of arms connected to the main body by a first end and each carrying one of the pads at a second end, each arm being movable in translation on the main body between: a first position in which the pads are intended to be moved away from the tread and the or each flap is intended to be moved away from the wheel, and a second position in which the pads are intended to be in contact with the tread and the or each flap is intended to be in contact with the wheel.,

[0037] Thanks to the translational mobility of the arms on the main body, the installation of the device on a wheel of a motor vehicle is facilitated.

[0038] In fact, to install the device on a vehicle wheel, or uninstall it, simply position the arms in their first position. This moves the pads away from the tread, and each flap away from the wheel.

[0039] The user then simply has to position the main body against the side of the rim, or on the contrary, move the main body away from the side of the rim to install, or uninstall, the device.

[0040] During installation, once the main body is in contact with the side of the rim, the user simply positions each arm in its second position to secure the device to the wheel.

[0041] In fact, the passage of each of the arms from its first position to its second position causes the pads to come into contact with the tread of the tire, as well as the contact of each flap with the wheel.

[0042] Thus, each flap forms, with the main body and its pad, a rider which encloses the wheel.

[0043] The device is thus secured to the wheel and the vehicle can then take a difficult road with increased grip.

[0044] The user can thus, thanks to the device, increase the grip of his vehicle quickly and easily, without having to use tools.

[0045] According to an advantageous aspect, the or each flap is rotatably mounted on a pad between a free position in which the flap extends the pad, in the first position of the arm, and the clamping position to form the clamping rider, in the second position of the arm.

[0046] The rotational mobility of the flap on its pad makes it easier to install the device on a wheel.

[0047] In fact, in its free position, the flap does not hinder the insertion of the device into a wheel arch, to allow said wheel to be clamped.

[0048] The movement of the arms from their first position to their second position then causes each flap to move into its clamping position from its free position, which causes the formation of the clamping riders and guarantees that the wheel is clamped.

[0049] This way, the user does not have to worry about manually positioning each of the flaps in its clamping position.

[0050] This makes installing and uninstalling the device much easier.

[0051] According to another advantageous aspect, the holding means also comprise, for each flap, a spring strip extending on an internal face of the pad intended to come into contact with the tread, the strip being designed to pivot the flap from its free position to its clamping position, simultaneously with the passage of the arm from its first position to its second position.

[0052] The presence of the spring blade makes it possible to automatically move the flap from its free position to its clamping position, or vice versa, depending on the movement of the arms relative to the main body.

[0053] This then contributes to the ease of installation and uninstallation of the device.

[0054] In fact, the user does not have to adopt difficult positions or get dirty by entering the wheel arch to reach and operate the flaps.

[0055] According to another advantageous aspect, each strip carries a finger intended to be inserted into a hole made in the pad to allow the arms to pass from their first position to their second position.

[0056] The finger thus forms a key to ensure the correct installation of the device on a wheel.

[0057] In fact, if the positioning is incorrect, the finger cannot be inserted into a hole, which prevents the device from being installed on the wheel.

[0058] According to another advantageous aspect, the device also comprises means for locking each arm in its second position.

[0059] The locking means allow the device to be held in place on a wheel during use.

[0060] In fact, vibrations linked to the rolling of the vehicle can cause the arms to move involuntarily from their second position to their first position, which would cause the device to become detached from the wheel.

[0061] The locking means then prevent such separation.

[0062] According to another advantageous aspect, the main body comprises a plurality of sheaths each receiving an arm to guide it in translation relative to the main body.

[0063] Thanks to the guidance of the arms in the sleeves, the position of the pads on the tire tread is ensured.

[0064] This then avoids the risk of incorrect installation of the device on the wheel, which could lead to damage to the device and, in the worst case, an accident caused by a lack of grip.

[0065] According to another advantageous aspect, the device also comprises, for each arm, means for returning the arm to its second position.

[0066] The return means ensure that the pads are in contact with the tread.

[0067] In the event of failure of the locking means, the return means ensure that the pads remain in contact with the tire tread.

[0068] According to another advantageous aspect, the device also comprises means for adjusting the position of the pads on the second end of the arms.

[0069] The adjustment means allow the device to be adapted to different wheel dimensions, and in particular to different wheel diameters.

[0070] This means that the same device can be used on several vehicles, each with a different wheel size.

[0071] This is particularly advantageous for families who own several vehicles, or who change vehicles, since they do not have to buy a removable traction device for each vehicle.

[0072] According to another advantageous aspect, the adjustment means comprise a series of housings made on the arms and at least one pin secured to each pad and intended to be housed in one of the housings.

[0073] Such adjustment means are simple to manufacture and implement.

[0074] In fact, the user simply has to select the appropriate housing and insert the pin to immobilize the skate on the arm depending on the diameter of the wheel on which the device is intended to be used.

[0075] According to another advantageous aspect, the device comprises means for moving the arms, the moving means comprising a disc rotatably mounted in the main body and having, for each arm, a cam path, each arm being coupled to a cam follower intended to cooperate with one of the cam paths.

[0076] Such means of movement allow each of the arms to be moved simultaneously.

[0077] Thus, by manipulating the disc, the user can move each of the arms and thus lock the device onto a wheel.

[0078] This makes it easier to install the device on a wheel.

[0079] According to another advantageous aspect, each cam path has a first termination spaced from a center of rotation of the disc and corresponding to the first position of the arm, and a second termination close to the center of rotation and corresponding to the second position of the arm.

[0080] The two ends allow the movement of the arms to be limited.

[0081] In fact, when the cam followers are located in the first termination or in the second termination, the rotational movement of the disc is prevented, which avoids damage to the device and / or the vehicle by causing the pads to strike the wheel arch.

[0082] Furthermore, the two endings allow the user to realize, by apathetic feedback, that the arms are either in their first position or in their second position.

[0083] According to another advantageous aspect, the disc has an imprint and the device comprises a removable tool complementary in shape with the imprint to allow rotation of the disc.

[0084] Using a removable tool makes the device safer and easier to use.

[0085] Indeed, by its removable characteristic, the tool can be removed from the device when it is installed on a wheel, which prevents the disc from rotating accidentally or maliciously which would cause the arms to move from their second position to their first position and would then make the device free to move relative to the wheel.

[0086] Furthermore, the tool can be used to create a lever arm to facilitate the rotation of the disc and therefore the passage of the arms from their first position to their second position, or vice versa.

[0087] According to another advantageous aspect, the device also comprises means for fixing to a rim, the fixing means comprising studs intended to cooperate with screws for fixing the rim to a hub, the studs being adjustable in depth to allow adaptation of the device to the width of the wheel.

[0088] The use of adjustable studs allows the device to be adapted to different rims.

[0089] In fact, to stand out from other vehicles, manufacturers offer rims with different shapes and in particular different recesses in relation to the external face of the tire.

[0090] Thus, by adjusting the stud optimally, the device can be adapted to different rims, which limits the equipment requirements of a household for example.

[0091] According to another advantageous aspect, the adhesion means comprise projections forming an alternation of hollows and ridges on the pad.

[0092] The presence of the projections improves the wheel's grip by creating channels for ejecting loose material which makes it difficult for the wheels to grip.

[0093] For example, discharge channels allow snow, sand or mud to be received and ejected quickly and easily.

[0094] In addition, the protrusions allow the device to penetrate into soft ground, which improves the grip of the vehicle's wheels and therefore the vehicle's traction.

[0095] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings described below.

[0096] This is a schematic perspective representation of a removable grip device for a wheel of a motor vehicle, according to the invention.

[0097] This is a schematic front representation of the removable adhesion device according to the invention, during installation on a motor vehicle wheel.

[0098] This is a schematic sectional representation of a detail of the removable grip device according to the invention, during installation on a motor vehicle wheel.

[0099] This is a schematic sectional representation of a detail of the removable adhesion device according to the invention, in a storage configuration.

[0100] This is a schematic front representation of a detail illustrating means for adjusting the removable adhesion device according to the invention.

[0101] This is a schematic sectional representation of a first embodiment of fixing means of the removable adhesion device according to the invention.

[0102] This is a schematic sectional representation of a second embodiment of fixing means of the removable adhesion device according to the invention.

[0103] This is a schematic representation of a detail of the means for moving the removable adhesion device according to the invention.

[0104] With reference to 8, a removable adhesion device 100 according to the invention is described.

[0105] Such a device 100 makes it possible to increase the grip of a wheel 200 on difficult ground, for example snow-covered ground.

[0106] Conventionally, a wheel 200 has a rim 210 surmounted by a tire 220. The tire 220 has a tread 230 intended to come into contact with the ground.

[0107] The device 100 makes it possible to increase the grip of the wheel 200 by partially replacing the tread 230.

[0108] For this, the device 100 comprises a main body 110 intended to come into contact with a sidewall of the rim 210, and a rolling portion 120 intended to at least partially cover the tread 230 of the tire 220.

[0109] The rolling portion 120 comprises a plurality of pads 121 intended to be distributed over the length of the tread 230 of the tire 200.

[0110] The pads 121 may comprise telescopic means for adjusting their width to adapt to the dimension of the wheel 200 on which the device 100 is mounted.

[0111] To increase the grip of the wheel 200 on the ground, the rolling portion 120 has grip means 130 formed by a plurality of projections 131.

[0112] The adhesion means 130 are located on an external face 123 of the pad 121, opposite an internal face 122 intended to be opposite the tread 230 of the tire 220.

[0113] As can be seen in particular, the projections 131 form an alternation of hollows and ridges on the pad 121.

[0114] The hollows define grooves in which loose material from the ground (e.g. snow or sand) can lodge to be easily removed and thus increase the grip of the wheel 200.

[0115] With reference to the in particular, the device 100 also comprises a plurality of arms 150 connected to the main body 110 by a first end 151.

[0116] At a second end 152, opposite the first end 151, each arm 150 carries one of the pads 121.

[0117] The arms 150 thus form a junction between the main body 110 and the pads 121.

[0118] Each arm 150 is movable in translation on the main body 110 between: a first position in which the pads 121 are intended to be spaced from the tread 230 of the tire 220, and a second position in which the pads 121 are intended to be in contact with the tread 230 of the tire 220.

[0119] In the first position of the arms 150, the device 100 can thus be easily placed on a wheel 200 or, on the contrary, be disengaged from it.

[0120] On the other hand, in the second position of the arms 150, the device 100 is secured to the wheel 200 by placing the internal face 122 of the pads 121 in support on the tread 230 of the tire 220.

[0121] To guide each arm 150 in translation, the main body 110 comprises a plurality of sheaths 111 each receiving an arm 150.

[0122] The arms 150 are thus each slidably mounted in a sheath 111.

[0123] Furthermore, the device 100 comprises, for each arm 150, means 160 for returning the arm 150 to its second position.

[0124] The return means 160 are for example in the form of a spring which adopts a stretched configuration when the arms 150 are in their first position, and a relaxed configuration when the arms 150 are in their second position.

[0125] In their relaxed configuration, the return means 160 maintain minimal tension to retain the arms 150 in their second position.

[0126] Furthermore, as illustrated by the, the arms 150 are connected to the sheaths 111 by means of a first return element 154 and a second return element 155.

[0127] The first return element 154 and the second return element 155 are calibrated identically, or almost identically, and are arranged such that they each exert a force in an opposite direction.

[0128] More specifically, the first return element 154 and the second return element 155 are compression springs. The first return element 154 is arranged to move the arm 150 in the sheath 111 towards its first position, and the second return element 155 is arranged to move the arm 150 in the sheath 111 towards its second position.

[0129] The first return element 154 and the second return element 155 make it possible to ensure functional play for the device 100.

[0130] Indeed, in the event of a one-off increase in the diameter of the tire 220, for example due to over-inflation, or in the event of a localized decrease in the diameter of the tire 220, for example due to crossing an obstacle, the arm 150 can move slightly in the sheath 111 under the influence of the first return element 154 or the second return element 155 in order to maintain contact between the pad 121 and the tire 220.

[0131] To keep it secured to the wheel 200, the device 100 comprises holding means 140.

[0132] More particularly, at least some of the pads 121 include the holding means 140. According to the embodiment illustrated in the, all of the pads 121 include the holding means 140.

[0133] The holding means 140 comprise, for each pad 121 which carries them, a flap 141 which can adopt a clamping position in which it extends transversely to the pad 121 and forms with the main body 110 and the pad 121 a clamping rider intended to grip the wheel 200.

[0134] Thus, in the first position of the arms 150, the pads 121 are intended to be moved away from the tread 230 of the tire 220, and the or each flap 141 is intended to be moved away from the wheel 200.

[0135] On the other hand, in the second position of the arms 150, the pads 121 are intended to be in contact with the tread 230 of the tire 220, and the or each flap 141 is intended to be in contact with the wheel 200.

[0136] To further facilitate the installation of the device 100 on a wheel 200, or its removal from a wheel 200, each flap 141 is rotatably mounted on a pad 121.

[0137] Relative to the pad 121, the flap 141 is then movable between a free position in which the flap 141 extends the pad 121, and the clamping position to form the clamping rider.

[0138] The flap 141 is in its free position in the first position of the arm 150, and in its clamping position in the second position of the arm 150.

[0139] Furthermore, the holding means 140 also comprise, for each flap 141, a spring strip 142 extending on the internal face 122 of the pad 121.

[0140] The strip 142 is intended to come into contact with the tread 230 of the tire 220 to control the movement of the flap 141 from its free position to its clamping position, or vice versa.

[0141] Indeed, the strip 142 is designed to pivot the flap 141 from its free position to its clamping position, simultaneously with the passage of the arm 150 from its first position to its second position.

[0142] For this, the strip 142 has a curved shape defining a cavity which opens onto the internal face 122 of the pad 121.

[0143] When the arms 150 move from their first position to their second position, the pads 121 move closer to the tread 230, which causes the crushing, and therefore the elastic deformation, of the strip 142 between the tread 230 and the pad 121.

[0144] This crushing then causes the flap 141 to move from its free position to its clamping position by cooperation between the strip 142 and the flap 141.

[0145] The cooperation between the slat 142 and the flap 141 can be achieved by a sliding pivot connection for example. Any other ad hoc connection can also be used.

[0146] On the contrary, when the arms 150 move from their second position to their first position, the pads 121 move away from the tread 230, and the strip 142 tends to recover its original curved shape, which causes the flap 141 to move from its clamping position to its free position, still through cooperation between the strip 142 and the flap 141.

[0147] To ensure safe installation of the device 100 on a wheel, each strip 142 carries a finger 143 intended to be inserted into a hole 124 made in the pad 121.

[0148] When the finger 143 does not fit into a hole 124, it then prevents the arms 150 from passing from their first position to their second position.

[0149] In fact, the fingers 143 then form a stop which prevents the internal face 122 of the pad 121 from coming to bear on the tread 230 and therefore, consequently, prevents the arms 150 from reaching their second position.

[0150] With reference to figures 1 and 8, the device 100 also comprises means 180 for moving the arms 150.

[0151] The displacement means 180 comprise a disc 181 rotatably mounted in the main body 110.

[0152] The disc 181 has, for each arm 150, a cam path 182, making it possible to act on the arms 150 to ensure their movement.

[0153] For this, each arm 150 is coupled to a cam follower 183 intended to cooperate with one of the cam paths 182.

[0154] Each cam track 182 has a first termination 184 spaced from a center of rotation of the disc 181 and corresponding to the first position of the arm 150, and a second termination 185 close to the center of rotation and corresponding to the second position of the arm 150.

[0155] In other words, when the disc 181 is rotated, it moves each of the arms 150 between its first position and its second position by the cooperation between the cam tracks 182 and the cam followers 183. When the cam followers 183 are located at the first end 184 of the cam tracks 182, then the arms 150 are in their first position, and when the cam followers are located at the second end 185 of the cam tracks 182, then the arms 150 are in their second position.

[0156] The device 100 further comprises a removable tool 300 intended to facilitate the handling of the disc 181.

[0157] As can be seen in the, the disc 181 has an imprint 186. The removable tool 300 has at least one end which is complementary in shape with the imprint 186 to allow rotation of the disc 181.

[0158] The imprint 186 can be hollowed out in the disc 181 or, on the contrary, protrude from the disc 181.

[0159] To prevent its unexpected removal from a wheel 200, the device 100 also comprises locking means 170 for each arm 150 in its second position.

[0160] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 8, the locking means 170 are in the form of a keyhole allowing the insertion of a key.

[0161] A lock mechanism (not visible in the figures) can thus be operated by a key through the keyhole to engage a bolt with the body 110 and lock the disc 181 in rotation. This therefore makes it possible to immobilize the arms 150 in their second position.

[0162] Alternatively, the locking means 170 can prevent the rotation of the disc 181. In this case, the locking means form an anti-theft device. Removing the key then causes the anti-theft device to be armed. A pin is then moved away from the body 110 by an elastic member so as to press it against the disc 181. When the arms 150 are in their second position, the disc 181 then has a housing in which the pin is placed to block the rotation of the disc 181. Only inserting the key can then unlock the anti-theft device.

[0163] In order to allow its adaptation to different wheel diameters 200, the device 100 also comprises means for adjusting the position of the pads 121 on the second end 152 of the arms 150.

[0164] With reference to the, the adjustment means comprise a series of housings 153 made on the arms 150, and at least one pin 125 secured to each pad 121 and intended to be housed in one of the housings 153.

[0165] More specifically, each skate 121 carries two pins 125 each intended to come into a housing 153.

[0166] Each pin 125 is for example mounted elastically on the pad 121 so that it can retract into the pad 121, against return members, to allow the pad 121 to move on the arm 150. When the pins 125 face a housing 153, then return members push the pins 125 back so that they protrude from the pad 121 to be housed in the housings 153 which they face.

[0167] By adjusting the position of the pads 121 on the arms 150, it is then possible to adapt the same device 100 to wheels 200 of different diameters.

[0168] In other words, the adjustment means make it possible to adapt the device 100 to a wheel 200 to ensure that the internal face 122 of the pads 121 comes into contact with the tread 230 on the one hand and, on the other hand, the adoption of the second position of the arms 150, that is to say the coming of the cam followers 183 into the second termination 185 of the cam paths 182.

[0169] With reference to figures 4, 6 and 7, the device 100 also comprises fixing means 190 on a rim 210, the fixing means 190 comprising studs 191 intended to cooperate with screws for fixing the rim 210 on a hub.

[0170] The studs 191 are secured to the main body 110, for example by screwing, and are adjustable in depth to allow the device to be adapted to the width of the wheel 200.

[0171] More particularly, the depth adjustment of the studs 191 makes it possible to move the main body 110 away from or towards the sidewall of the rim 210 so that the flaps 141 come to bear on the inside of the wheel 200 in the second position of the arms 150.

[0172] A first embodiment of the fixing means190 is illustrated by the.

[0173] In this first embodiment, the stud 191 comprises a rod 1911 secured to the main body 110, and a sleeve 1912 mounted on the rod 1911. A spring 1913 is mounted around the rod 1911, in the sleeve 1912, to separate the sleeve 1912 from the main body 110. Ad hoc means for retaining the sleeve 1912 on the main body 110 may be provided to limit the movement of the sleeve 1912 along the rod 1911.

[0174] A second embodiment of the fixing means 190 is illustrated by the.

[0175] In this second embodiment, the stud 191 is used to replace the wheel fixing studs 200 of the vehicle.

[0176] The stud 191 thus comprises the sleeve 1912 inside which a retaining part is movably mounted.

[0177] The retaining part 193 has a head 1931 intended to cooperate with a retaining member 192 secured to the main body 110.

[0178] The retaining member 192 takes for example the form of an inclined groove made in a secondary disc and opening into a cavity 194 for receiving the head 1931, also made in the secondary disc, the secondary disc carrying the cavity 194 being located in the main body 110.

[0179] The inclined groove forming the retaining member 192 is advantageously circular so that when the device 100 is put in place, a rotation of the main body causes the head 1931 to be blocked in the cavity 194.

[0180] The disk 181 and the secondary disk are then linked to each other so that manipulation of the imprint 186 causes the simultaneous rotation of the disk 181 and the secondary disk.

[0181] When the device 100 is installed and the arms 150 are in their second position, the fixing means 190 make it possible to move apart (for the first embodiment illustrated by la) or bring closer (for the second embodiment illustrated by la) the main body 110 to the sidewall of the rim 210 to ensure contact between the flap 141 and the inside of the wheel 200, which ensures that the device 100 is held on the wheel 200.

[0182] According to a simplified variant, not illustrated by the figures, the device 100 is devoid of fixing means 190.

[0183] In this case, the device is held on a wheel 200 by clamping, that is to say when the arms 150 are in their second position so that the pads 121 are in contact with the tread 230 and the or each flap 141 is in contact with the wheel 200.

[0184] In operation, a user positions the device 100 on a wheel 200.

[0185] More precisely, the user positions the main body 110 against the sidewall of the rim 210.

[0186] The user then makes the studs 191 cooperate with the nuts of the rim 210. Depending on the case, the user pivots the main body 110 so as to insert the heads 1931 into the cavities 194.

[0187] When the main body is positioned, the user uses the tool 300 to rotate the disc 181.

[0188] This has the effect of moving the arms 150 from their first position to their second position by cooperation between the cam followers 183, integral with the arms 150, and the cam tracks 182 made in the disc 181.

[0189] As the arms 150 move from their first position to their second position, the fingers 143 secured to the slats 141 are housed in the holes 124 made in the pads 121, which allows the inner face 122 of the pads to come against the tread 230.

[0190] At the same time, as the arms 150 move from their first position to their second position, the flaps 141 move from their free position to their clamping position so as to grip the wheel 200.

[0191] When the flaps 141 are in their clamping position and the arms 150 are in their second position, the user can then lock the arms 150 in position by means of the locking means 170, which prevents the unexpected removal of the device 100. The user can then store the tool 300 in his trunk and use his vehicle.

[0192] The external face 123 of the pads 121 can then be used to increase the grip of the wheel 200 thanks to its grip means 130, so as to increase the traction of the vehicle with which the wheels 200 have just been equipped.

[0193] When the user wishes to remove the device 100 from a wheel 200, he proceeds in reverse.

[0194] The user unlocks the arms 150 via the locking means 170.

[0195] The user takes hold of the tool 300 to manipulate the disc 181 and cause the arms 150 to move from their second position to their first position.

[0196] This then causes, through the elasticity of the strip 142, the flaps 141 to move from their clamping position to their free position.

[0197] When the flaps 141 are in their free position and the arms 150 are in their first position, the user can remove the device 100 from the wheel 200 and store it in his trunk for example.

[0198] The device 100 which has just been described allows for rapid and simple installation compared to the devices of the prior art.

[0199] Indeed, the user does not have to move his vehicle or have to enter the wheel arch to fix the device 100 on the wheel 200.

[0200] Furthermore, the device 100 does not risk being removed from the wheel 200 involuntarily thanks to the locking means 170.

[0201] Finally, the fingers 143 form a visual means of the correct installation of the device on a wheel 200, which allows the user to use his vehicle in complete safety. Indeed, when the fingers 143 do not fit into their housings 124, the user sees it immediately and can remedy the problem to ensure the correct installation of the devices 100 on the wheels 200.

Claims

Removable grip device (100) for a wheel (200) of a motor vehicle, the wheel (200) having a rim (210) surmounted by a tire (220) having a tread (230), the device (100) comprising a main body (110) intended to come into contact with a sidewall of the rim (210) and a rolling portion (120) intended to at least partially cover the tread (230), said rolling portion (120) having grip means (130), characterized in that the rolling portion (120) comprises a plurality of pads (121) intended to be distributed over the length of the tread (230), at least some of the pads (121) including holding means (140) of the removable device (100) on the wheel (200),the holding means (140) comprising a flap (141) capable of adopting a clamping position in which it extends transversely to the pad (121) and forms with the main body (110) and the pad (121) a clamping rider intended to grip the wheel (200), and in that the device (100) also comprises a plurality of arms (150) connected to the main body (110) by a first end (151) and each carrying one of the pads (121) at a second end (152), each arm (150) being movable in translation on the main body (110) between: a first position in which the pads (121) are intended to be spaced from the tread (230) and the or each flap (141) is intended to be spaced from the wheel (200), and a second position in which the pads (121) are intended to be in contact with the tread (230) and the or each flap (141) is intended to be in contact with the wheel (200)., Device (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the or each flap (141) is rotatably mounted on a pad (121) between a free position in which the flap (141) extends the pad (121), in the first position of the arm (150), and the clamping position to form the clamping rider, in the second position of the arm (150). Device (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the holding means (140) also comprise, for each flap (141), a spring strip (142) extending on an internal face (122) of the pad (121) intended to come into contact with the tread (230), the strip (142) being designed to pivot the flap (141) from its free position to its clamping position, simultaneously with the passage of the arm (150) from its first position to its second position. Device (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each strip (142) carries a finger (143) intended to be inserted into a hole (124) made in the pad (121) to allow the arms (150) to pass from their first position to their second position. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also comprises locking means (170) of each arm (150) in its second position. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main body (110) comprises a plurality of sheaths (111) each receiving an arm (150) to guide it in translation relative to the main body (110). Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also comprises, for each arm (150), means (160) for returning the arm (150) to its second position. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also comprises means for adjusting the position of the pads (121) on the second end (152) of the arms (150). Device (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the adjustment means comprise a series of housings (153) made on the arms (150) and at least one pin (125) integral with each pad (121) and intended to be housed in one of the housings (153). Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (180) for moving the arms (150), the moving means (180) comprising a disc (181) rotatably mounted in the main body (110) and having, for each arm (150), a cam path (182), each arm (150) being coupled to a cam follower (183) intended to cooperate with one of the cam paths (182). Device (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each cam path (182) has a first termination (184) spaced from a center of rotation of the disc (181) and corresponding to the first position of the arm (150), and a second termination (185) close to the center of rotation and corresponding to the second position of the arm (150). Device (100) according to any one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the disc (181) has an imprint (186) and the device (100) comprises a removable tool (300) complementary in shape with the imprint (186) to allow rotation of the disc (181). Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also comprises fixing means (190) on a rim (210), the fixing means (190) comprising studs (191) intended to cooperate with screws for fixing the rim (210) on a hub, the studs (191) being adjustable in depth to allow adaptation of the device (100) to the width of the wheel (200). Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adhesion means (130) comprise projections (131) forming an alternation of hollows and ridges on the pad (121).

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