Wheel having a retractable system for optimising tyre grip

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wheel having a retractable system for optimising tyre grip, said wheel comprising a wheel structure (1) provided with covers (2), the opening of which is controlled by a central element (3) and elastic mechanisms (4). The covers (2) conceal extendable rods (5) ending in gripping elements (6) that can be positioned on the tread of the tyre (7).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Tire with retractable system for optimizing tire grip. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention, as the title of this specification indicates, consists of a rim with a retractable system for optimizing tire grip. This innovation offers advantages previously unknown within current technology.

[0004] TECHNICAL SECTOR

[0005] The present invention falls within the sector of diverse industrial techniques and transport, in the section on vehicle wheels, especially in improving wheel adhesion, as well as in wheels or wheel accessories, designed to increase traction force and stability.

[0006] Similarly, it falls under the classification of anti-slip and anti-skid devices that can be temporarily attached to elastic tires or wheels equipped with elastic tires, as well as to rims, specifically to attached parts.

[0007] STATE OF THE ART

[0008] The present invention arises from observing that heavy snowfall in many areas limits the mobility of vehicles, creating difficulties for the installation of snow chains and, consequently, affecting driving safety.

[0009] In adverse weather conditions that reduce road grip, drivers of vehicles that are not properly equipped (i.e., not 4x4s, without winter tires, etc.) are forced to use snow chains, which can be complicated for those without experience installing them. This problem is exacerbated at the most critical times, when snowfall is heaviest and a quick and effective solution is urgently needed. Fitting snow chains, both conventional and their extensions, is challenging, especially when poor visibility and cold temperatures make handling difficult. This not only limits vehicle mobility but also increases the risk of accidents and dangerous situations for cars and their occupants.

[0010] Consequently, this invention presents a tire with a retractable system for optimizing tire grip that is easy to install, allowing any user to quickly and safely install it on their vehicle. Furthermore, it helps optimize the vehicle's response in key aspects such as traction, braking, and stability, especially on surfaces with low grip, such as snow or mud.

[0011] Currently, there is no known existence of any tire with a retractable system for tire grip optimization that presents technical, structural and constitutive characteristics equal or similar to those described in this descriptive report, as claimed.

[0012] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The object of the present invention is the creation of a rim with a retractable system for improving the grip of the corresponding tire, which provides a notable innovation within its field of application in the current state of the art, the characterizing details that make it possible being conveniently included in the final claims that accompany this description.

[0014] The present invention relates to a rim with a retractable system for improving tire grip. It comprises a rim structure equipped with spoke caps that open when a central element, working in conjunction with elastic mechanisms, is unlocked and activated. This allows the extension of rods that, in turn, deploy gripping elements to increase tire traction on slippery and difficult terrain. Once all retractable parts have deployed, the gripping elements are positioned on the tire tread, in contact with it.

[0015] This innovation solves the problem of the difficulty in installing snow chains on vehicles, offering a practical and efficient system that allows users to equip their tires easily and quickly, without the need to carry complex chain systems that take up space in the vehicle and are more difficult to install.

[0016] This tire is very useful, as it allows any user, regardless of their experience, to quickly and safely equip their vehicle, thus contributing to the safety and mobility of the car in adverse situations and making it an easy, quick and effective solution for drivers.

[0017] The rim that integrates this invention can combine different characteristics, allowing it to adapt to all tires and vehicles.

[0018] It is important to note that this tire structure is similar to that of a traditional tire, but with a design adapted to integrate the caps, the central element, the elastic mechanisms, the extendable rods, the gripping elements and everything else necessary, without affecting the vehicle's rotation axis or the conventional functionality of the tire.

[0019] The hubcaps are sized to cover the spokes of the wheel structure and are connected at their lower ends (near the wheel axle) by pivots that allow them to rotate. The hubcaps are generally shaped like a sector of a circle or a triangle. Their upper portions open outwards from the wheel structure at an angle appropriate to the spokes, facilitating the extension of the struts and gripping elements.

[0020] Once the extension rods and gripping elements have fully deployed, the covers will return to a semi-retracted position using their internal elastic mechanisms. This positions the extension rods close to the rim structure, while the gripping elements rest on the tread in their optimal position for optimal performance.

[0021] Conveniently, the central element is a rotating push button located on the outer, central area of ​​the rim structure, which includes and controls a safety and locking mechanism. Rotating the central element unlocks it, and pressing it activates the opening of the spoke covers, ensuring that this deployment does not occur unintentionally.

[0022] The elastic mechanisms include elements that are activated and then return to their original position, such as springs, and are integrated into the connections between the caps and the spokes, at the lower ends of the extendable rods, and at the connection points between these rods and the gripping elements, as well as interconnected between the caps. This facilitates precise and controlled deployment.

[0023] Conveniently, the extendable rods are hidden beneath the caps in their resting state and extend outwards at a suitable angle, reaching the upper outer edge of the tire tread, thus ensuring the positioning of the gripping elements on said tread.

[0024] The gripping elements are elastic or plastic and have roughness, such as metallic inlays or similar, to improve adhesion, and are joined to the extendable rods in an articulated manner at their ends, using elastic mechanisms to unfold and place themselves on the tire tread.

[0025] These gripping elements feature internal and external protrusions. The internal protrusions make direct contact with the tire tread, while the external protrusions make contact with the ground between the tire and the surface. This configuration is designed so that, with the tire's rotation, the gripping elements are correctly positioned on the tread and the ground, thus improving traction and vehicle performance.

[0026] On the other hand, the rim structure, the caps and the central element are made of materials containing metal alloys, which ensures greater strength.

[0027] Likewise, the elastic mechanisms and extendable rods are made of stainless steel and / or elastic elements, which gives them the ability to meet the established requirements and ensure the reliability of the retractable system for optimized adhesion.

[0028] The gripping elements are made of elastic or plastic materials containing steel or similar inlays, allowing them to deform and adapt to various usage situations, increasing traction and stability on slippery surfaces.

[0029] Finally, the central element may include a remote activation mechanism that, via a button inside the vehicle, allows the driver to activate the central element and thus initiate the deployment and subsequent positioning of the traction enhancement elements from within the vehicle. The remote activation mechanism would comprise one or more motors and one or more batteries.

[0030] Furthermore, the caps, the central element, the elastic mechanisms and / or springs, the extendable rods and the gripping elements are easily separable from the rim structure, which facilitates maintenance and allows for repairs and replacements if necessary, thus saving costs and time.

[0031] To use the tire with a retractable system to improve grip, the user must carry out the installation of the tire structure on the vehicle, ensuring that the functions of all other vehicle components are not affected.

[0032] Next, twist and press the central element (on the manual model) to unlock and open the covers. This will release the extension rods and grip elements, which then easily and effectively fit onto the tire tread. Once the situation requiring improved grip has passed, fold the grip elements and extension rods back into the spoke covers and lock them into their resting position.

[0033] Finally, the user will only need to perform occasional maintenance to ensure optimal performance of the entire system.

[0034] EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES

[0035] To complete the description being made and in order to help in the better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, this descriptive report is accompanied as an integral part thereof by figures in which the invention has been represented for illustrative and non-limiting purposes.

[0036] Figure 1 shows a section of the rim structure, highlighting the initial position of the caps, the central element, the elastic mechanisms, the extendable rods, and the gripping elements.

[0037] Figure 2 illustrates a section highlighting the beginning of the process with the opening of the lids.

[0038] Figure 3 shows the moment of deployment of the extendable rods. Figure 4 shows a section highlighting the deployment of the gripping elements.

[0039] Figure 5 shows a section highlighting the positioning of the gripping elements on the tread to improve adhesion.

[0040] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION.

[0041] The tire with a retractable system for improving tire grip, the subject of this invention, is distinguished by comprising a rim structure (1) equipped with caps (2) on its spokes, which open when a central element (3) is unlocked and activated, cooperating with elastic mechanisms (4). This system allows the extension of extendable rods (5) which, in turn, deploy gripping elements (6) to increase the tire's (7) grip on slippery and difficult terrain.

[0042] Generally, the rim structure (1) has different sizes and characteristics to adapt to various diameters, widths, tire heights (7)... and all types of vehicles, maintaining a structural similarity with a traditional rim, but with a design adapted to integrate the caps (2), the central element (3), the elastic mechanisms (4), the extensible rods (5) and the gripping elements (6), without affecting the vehicle's rotation axis or the conventional functionality of the rim structure (1).

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the caps (2) are sized to cover the spokes of the rim structure (1) and are connected at their lower ends by pivots that allow them to rotate. This enables their upper portions to open outwards towards the rim structure (1) at an angle appropriate to the spoke, thereby facilitating the extension of the extension rods (5) and the gripping elements (6).

[0044] In this preferred embodiment, the spoke covers (2), upon completion of the deployment of the extending rods (5) and the gripping elements (6), return to a position close to their closed position by means of the elastic mechanisms (4) they contain, placing the extending rods (5) close to the rim and the gripping elements (6) on the tread, in their optimal position for performing their function. In another preferred embodiment, the central element (3) is a rotary push-button located in the outer central area of ​​the rim structure (1), which includes and controls a safety and locking mechanism. Rotating the central element (3) unlocks it, and pressing it activates the deployment of the spoke covers (2), ensuring that this deployment does not occur unintentionally. This dual actuation is recommended to prevent accidental deployment of the spoke covers (2).

[0045] Generally, the elastic mechanisms (4) include elements that are activated and then return to their original position (manually or automatically), such as springs, integrated into the connections of the caps (2) with the spokes, at the lower ends of the extendable rods (5) and at the connection points between said extendable rods (5) and the gripping elements (6).

[0046] Preferably, the extendable rods (5) are concealed beneath the caps (2) in the resting or storage state and extend outwards at a suitable angle, reaching the outer edge of the tire tread (7), ensuring the positioning of the gripping elements (6) on said tread.

[0047] In another preferred embodiment, the gripping elements (6) have internal protrusions (6.1) and external protrusions (6.2). The internal protrusions (6.1) make direct contact with the tire tread (7), while the external protrusions (6.2) are in contact with the ground during use. This configuration is designed so that the rotation of the tire (7) itself ensures the correct positioning of the gripping elements (6) on both the tire tread (7) and the ground. This mechanism significantly improves tire grip and vehicle performance, ensuring greater traction, stability, and control under various driving conditions.

[0048] Preferably, the rim structure (1), the caps (2) and the central element (3) are made of materials containing metal alloys to ensure greater strength, durability and lightness.

[0049] Generally, the elastic mechanisms (4) and the extendable rods (5) are made of stainless steel and / or elastic elements, which gives them the ability to meet the established requirements and ensure the reliability of the retractable system for optimization of adhesion.

[0050] Preferably, the gripping elements (6) are made of elastic or plastic materials containing steel or similar inlays, capable of deforming and adapting to various usage situations, thus increasing traction and stability on slippery surfaces.

[0051] In another preferred embodiment, the central element (3) has a remote activation mechanism which, by means of a button incorporated inside the vehicle, allows the driver to operate the central element (3) without leaving the vehicle.

[0052] Generally, the covers (2), the central element (3), the elastic mechanisms (4), the extendable rods (5) and the gripping elements (6) are removable from the rim structure (1) while remaining firmly attached to fulfill their function, facilitating maintenance and allowing repairs and replacements if needed, saving costs and time.

[0053] Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any expert in the field may understand its scope and the advantages that derive from it, it being noted that, within its essentiality, it may be put into practice in other modes of embodiment that differ in detail from the one indicated as an example, and which will also achieve the protection sought provided that its fundamental principle is not altered, changed or modified.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Rim with retractable system for tire grip optimization, characterized by comprising a rim structure (1) equipped with covers (2) whose opening is controlled by a central element (3) and elastic mechanisms (4), where the covers (2) conceal extendable rods (5) terminated in gripping elements (6) positionable on the tire tread (7).

2. Wheel with retractable system for tire grip optimization, according to claim 1, characterized in that the caps (2) are connected at their lower ends through axles that allow their rotation.

3. Rim with retractable system for tire grip optimization, according to claim 1, characterized in that the central element (3) is a rotary push button located in the external and central area of ​​the rim structure (1).

4. Rim with retractable system for tire grip optimization, according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic mechanisms (4) are integrated into the connections of the caps (2) with the spokes, at the lower ends of the extendable rods (5) and at the connection points between said extendable rods (5) and the gripping elements (6).

5. Rim with retractable system for tire grip optimization, according to claim 1, characterized in that the gripping elements (6) are elements with metallic inlays.

6. Wheel with retractable system for tire grip optimization, according to claim 1, characterized in that the gripping elements (6) have internal protrusions (6.1) and external protrusions (6.2), where the internal protrusions (6.1) make direct contact with the tire tread (7), while the external protrusions (6.2) are oriented towards the outside of the wheel.

7. Rim with retractable system for tire grip optimization, according to claim 1, characterized in that the rim structure (1), the caps (2) and the central element (3) are made of materials containing metal alloys.

8. Wheel with retractable system for tire grip optimization, according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic mechanisms (4) and the extendable rods (5) are made of stainless steel, elastic elements.

9. Wheel with retractable system for tire grip optimization, according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a remote activation mechanism, a motor and a battery.

10. Wheel with retractable system for tire grip optimization, according to claim 1, characterized in that the caps (2), the central element (3), the elastic mechanisms (4), the extendable rods (5) and the gripping elements (6) are removable and replaceable.

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