Anti-skid tire chain device

An anti-skid device (20) for use in cooperation with a vehicle wheel (26) for positioning a traction member beneath the vehicle wheel (26) includes a frame assembly constructed and arranged to be attached to the vehicle, a swing arm (21) pivotally connected to the frame, and an electric, linear actuator (23) having an extendable shaft. The anti-skid device (20) includes a double pivot link (47) where one end is attached to the frame assembly and the opposite end is attached to the swing arm (21). The linear actuator (23) is attached to a movable pressure plate (92) and a biasing spring (109) is positioned between the movable pressure plate (92) and a back plate (93) for applying and maintaining contact pressure of the traction wheel (22) against the vehicle wheel (26). In the preferred embodiment, the traction member is a length of chain that is connected to the traction wheel (22) for positioning between the vehicle wheel (26) and the road surface.