Importance

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Abstract

A traction cable is provided for use on a vehicle tire to increase traction in snow and ice. The traction cable comprises a pair of elongated flexible side members having first and second ends, a plurality of flexible cross members interconnecting the side members, a transverse connector mechanism for transversely connecting the ends of the cross members to the side members, and a releasable connector mechanism for releasably connecting the first and second ends of each of the side members. The cross members have ends and each of the cross members includes a cable having a plurality of traction elements slidably and rotatably mounted thereon. Each of the traction elements define a plurality of edges. The releasable connector mechanism includes first and second metal stampings which are preferably identical, a metal ring, and a flexible strap having first and second ends. A metal stamping is also provided which may be deformed in different manners into one of at least two configuration, each configuration contributing to the releasable connector mechanism. A method of making a releasable connector mechanism receiving a flexible strap to interconnect ends of a lateral side member of a traction cable is also provided. A side cable clip for transversely interconnecting members of a traction cable, and a method of making such a side cable clip are also provided.

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First Claim