Patent GB-191002262-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in and relating to Wheels for Vehicles.
Inventor: BROWN FREDERICK WILLIAM
IPC: B60B9/06
Filed: 1910-01-29
Granted: 1911-01-30
Abstract: 2262. Brown. F. W. Jan. 29. [Cognate Application 17,577/10.] Metallic spring bodies and cores; block tyres. -A flexible laminated steel rim is supported by bell-crank levers, the inner ends of which engage tangentially the rims of drums rotating on the hub against the resistance of helical springs. In the form shown, three drums a<1>, a<2>, a3, Figs. B and C, are mounted on ball bearings. Each is fitted with a compound spring s', s<2>. At one end a lever b is pivoted centrally on a block b<1> adjustable through a bar e<9> fixed to the wheel body r<6>, Fig. A. The ends of the springs are connected by links to the ends of the lever. The spring s<2> is pivoted at its other end to a bar, fixed to the body and carrying a lever l<1>. The other end of this lever bears against a stop e<10>, which keeps the springs in tension, and pivoted to it is a bar connected to the spring s<1> and pivoted centrally on a lever e<2>. One end of the lever rests on a stop e<11> fixed to the body; the other end is connected by a pivoted link l to a spoke f of the wheel. The lever l is adjustable at both ends, and the arrangement is such that the leverage increases as the springs extend, with the result that the rate of increase of resistance is reduced and a long spring range is obtained. In order to damp the recoil of the wheel, an air brake is fitted. A cylinder n<4> is carried by the body. A lever n<6> divided into a long and short arm is pivoted at n<8>, and its ends are connected to a piston n<3> and a spring. To the centre of the long arm is pivoted a forked bar n<7> engaged by a stop on a spoke f. Further, a stop e' is provided for a spoke. The bell-crank levers e are pivoted centrally on rods u<1>, Fig. D, mounted in the body. The inner ends are connected by sliding tangential links c', c<2>, c<3> to the wheels. The outer ends are pivoted to brackets v<8>, which have rounded faces resting on the inner surface of the rim t. The brackets are pivoted laterally to clamps v<7> engaging the notched sides of the rim. Riveted to the clamps v<7> through a flexible cover j are plates m<1> with inwardly-turned edges which hold india-rubber block tyres m. The plate is formed with a central boss v<1>, and the block is further held by a screw v<3> passing through an embedded plate v<2>. The aperture of the plate and the screw are locked by means of serrations. Fitted in a groove in each block is a chain v<6>, the ends of which are respecively looped over, and hooked to, eyes fixed to the end of the plate m<1>. The wheel body consists of spokes r<6> stayed by plates r<5>. The sides are fitted with disks of metal or celluloid in which are panels removable for inspection of the interior. Stops e<4>, e<5>, e<6> are provided for the lever e and rim. In order to increase the spring resistance when the vehicle turns a corner, a block x<3>, Fig. 9, carried by a spring-controlled lever x<4> is thrown across the wheel and jams between a bar x and the end of the lever b, so as to put the spring s<2> out of action.