Improvements in Wheels.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 11th May, 1891
Complete Specification Left, 10th Feb., 1892-Accepted, 26th Mar.,
1892
Improvements in Wheels.
I CHARLES GÉRARD of 38 Rue Vernier Paris Engineer do hereby declare the
nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to a wheel capable of being taken entirely to pieces said
wheels being applicable to all kinds of vehicles and present the advantage of being
very flexible and consequently very durable.
My construction of wheels will be readily understood by reference to the annexed
illustrative drawings.
In these drawings
Fig. (1) shows a section through nave felloe and tyre of a wheel made partly of
wood and partly of iron. In this form I use for the tyre a U shaped iron such a
wheel is particularly suitable for steam-tricycles.
Fig. (2) is an elevation with the cover plate of the nave removed.
Fig. (3) is a section through nave felloe and tyre of a wheel partly of wood
partly of metal made with a tyre of different construction.
Fig. (4) an elevation with the cover plate of the nave removed.
Fig. (5) shows a wheel partly of wood and partly of iron which is particularly
adapted for omnibuses and stage-coaches.
Fig. (6) front view with the cover plate of the nave removed.
Fig. (7) shows in section a wheel made entirely of metal.
Fig. (8) elevation in section.
Fig. (9) shows an arrangement of felloe and tyre and the attachment for the
spokes, for very heavy vehicles, for instance gun carriages.
Fig. (10) shows a modification of the manner of attaching the spokes where the
felloe and tyre are formed by U shaped iron.
Fig. (11) shows in section and elevation a wheel for light field vehicles.
Fig. (12) shows an arrangement for taking up any looseness of the felloes whether
the wheel be metal or wood.
The wheel of mixed construction (i.. partly of wood, partly iron) shown in
Figs. 1 & 2 comprises a band U shaped iron at the bottom of which a band 6 of
rubber is provided as a cushion. The felloe e between the sides of the U iron
being elastically mounted on the rim. Tenons e connect the spokes d with the
felloe as usual but at the nave they form a number of sections as shown in
Fig. (2).
To admit of this arrangement, I make the axle box in three parts first the axle-
box properly so called consists of a plate g and against this plate the foot-ends of
all the spokes bear laterally. The second part is a ring tapered on the outside
which when driven home on the axlebox forces all the spokes outward simultaneously
and allows the felloe to be wedged into the U shaped iron and a plate which
pushed upon the axlebox holds the ring in place preventing the same working
loose and also holds the ends of the spokes against the fixed plate g. A sufficient
number of bolts j connect the movable plate with the fixed platej the bolts passing
between two spokes as shewn in Figs. (1) & (2).
To compensate for the play which must be given to the spokes in order to allow
of the admission of the felloc in the U iron a certain number of wedges (preferably
of wood) are introduced forcing the spokes one against the other, to prevent spaces
occurring between the felloes when placed in the tyre two sections are connected by
a clamp not shown in the drawings.
To the same end I may as shown in Fig. (12) insert at right and left between

page_text: al
two parts of the felloc a double wedge 6, 6 the two parts of which are connected by
screw 7 permitsing them to be forced in. In the modification shown in
Figs. (3) & (4) the band e is not filled with india-rubber the felloe is forced against
the same by the pressure from the central parts exerted upon the latter by wedges k
which bear upon the central part of the nave. Laterally the wedges are held
in place by the disc's a, i, arranged as shown in Figs. (3) and fixed by bolts.
The form shown in Figs. (5) and (6) also has wedges between the foot or
step of the spokes which latter are also driven outward from the centre by a
conical ring, held in position as shown in Fig. (5).
The construction shown in Figs. (7) & (8) is entirely of iron and has a nave n
(of cast iron or other metal) having holes for receiving the spokes & these holes
open into a circular recess o in which the nuts p are placed for holding the spokes,
the recess also accommodates an india-rubber ring upon which the ends of the
spokes bear so as to take up abrasion the recesses o are covered say by the plates
fixed in any convenient manner. In the centre of the nave is a ring or box of
chilled casting or other suitable material for the reception of the axle-end. To
retain the lubricant the box has a flange bearing against a washer of elastic
material provided in a recess on the neck e of the axle.
This construction for wheels entirely made of metal also comprises an arrange-
ment of tyre and spokes allowing ready removal and replacing of the same the
tyres are so arranged and have an angular rib y receiving a winged nut see
Figs. 7 & 8 of the drawing. The nutz receives the threaded ends of the spokes
and bears on a ring of india-rubber inserted in the channel of the tyre the whole
being closed and retained by a flat hoop of metal 1 concentrically placed under the
tyre and finished in any convenient way in applying this invention to gun-carriages
or vehicles for very heavy loads. I adopt the metal tyre shown in Fig. 9.. It will
be seen to consist of a U shaped hoop of iron into which passes the spoked at the
end whereof a crosspiece is formed and made with a hole for a stud or pin 3 io
pass through, this pin also connects and presses towards one another a set of
washers 4 which prevents shaking of the spoke in the rim. A sheet metal covering 5
may close the wheel in any manner. In the construction shown in Fig. 10 the
rim a is a U shaped iron internally fitted with rubber for cushioning a metal
felloe 6 into which are screwed the ends of the spokes up to a shoulder thereon
provided at the end of the threaded neck S Fig. 11 shows a wheel for light military
vehicles (in section and elevation). The manner of attaching the spokes to the
felloe is only a modification of Fig. 9 and the spokes are fixed on the nave by
heads, these wheels will resist the strain of field pieces which hitherto have forced
all wheels out of truth. I obviously do not limit myself to the details of the several
arrangements above shown whether for the wheels of mixed construction or for
those entirely of metal as I reserve myself the right to make any alterations that
may be convenient without affecting the mature of my invention. I have also
stated that I prefer to use rubber as a cushioning but I may employ any other
material say leather, or even springs.
Dated this 11th day of May 1891.
BROWNE & Co..
60, Chancery Lane, W.C., Agents for Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Wheels.
I CHARLES GERARD of 38 Rue Vernier, Paris, Engineer, do hereby declare
the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, 5
to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
This invention relates to a wheel capable of being taken entirely to pieces
said wheels being applicable to all kinds of vehicles and present the advantage of
being very flexible and consequently very durable.
.

page_text: My construction of wheels will be readily understood by reference to the
illustrated drawings, filed with the Provisional Specification.
In these drawings
Fig. (1) shews a section through nave felloe and tyre of a wheel made partly of
wood and partly of iron. In this form I use for the tyre a U shaped iron such a
wheel is particularly suitable for steam tricycles.
Fig. (2) is an elevation with the cover plate of the nave removed.
Fig. (3) is a section through nave felloe and tyre of a wheel partly of wood
partly of metal made with a tyre of different construction.
Fig. (4) an elevation with the cover plate of the nave removed.
Fig. (5) shews a wheel partly of wood and partly of iron which is particularly
adapted for omnibuses and stage coaches.
Fig. (6) front view with the cover plate of the mave removed.
Fig. (7) shews in section a wheel made entirely of metal.
Fig. (8) clevation in section.
Fig. (9) shews an arrangement of felloe and tyre and the attachment for the
spokes for very heavy vehicles for instance gun carriages.
Fig. (10) shews a modification of the manner of attaching the spokes where the
felloe and tyre are formed of U shaped iron.
Fig. (11) shews in section and elevation wheel for light field vehicles.
Fig. (12) shews an arrangement for taking up any looseness of the felloes
whether the wheel is metal or wood
The wheel of mixed construction (e. partly of wood and partly iron) shewn in
Figs. (1) and 2 comprises a band of Ų shaped iron at the bottom of which a band b
of rubber is provided as a cushion. The felloe between the sides of the U iron
being elastically mounted on the rim. Tenons e connect the spokes d with the
felloes as usual but at the nave they form a number of sections as shewn in
Fig. (2).
To admit of this arrangement I make the axlebox in three parts first the
axlebox properly so called consists of a plate made in one piece therewith and
against this plate the foot-ends of all the spokes bear laterally. The second part
is a ring tapered on the outside which when driven home on the axle-box
forces all the spokes outward simultanously and allows the felloe to be wedged
into the Ushaped iron and a plate which pushes upon the axlebox holds the ring h
in place preventing the same working loose and also holds the ends of the spokes
against the fixed plate g. A sufficient number of bolts connect the movable
plate with the fixed plate the bolts passing between two spokes as shewn in
Figs. (1) & (2).
k
To compensate for the play which I must give to the spokes in order to allow of
the admission of the felloe in the U iron a certain number of wedges (preferably
of wood) are introduced forcing the spokes one against the other to prevent spaces
occurring between the felloes when placed in the tyre two sections are connected by
a clamp not shewn in the drawings.
To the same end I may as shewn in Fig. (12) insert at right and left between
two parts of the felloe a double wedge 6. 6. the two parts of which are connected by
a screw 7 permitting them to be forced in.
In the modification shewn in Figs. (3) & (4) the band c is not filled with initia-
rubber the fellee is forced against the same by the pressure from the central parts
exerted upon the latter by wedges which bear upon the centre part m of the
nave laterally the wedges are held in place by the discs g, i arranged as shewn
in Fig. (3) and fixed by bolts j.
The form shown in Figs. (5) & (6) also has welges between the foot or step"
of the spokes which latter are also driven outward from the centre by a conical
ring held in position as shewn in Fig. (6).
The construction shewn in Figs. (7) & (8) is entirely of iron and has a nave n (of
cast iron or other metal) having holes for receiving the spokes & these holes opening
in circular recesso in which the nuts p are placed for holding the spokes, the recess

page_text: 7'
also accommodating an indiarubber ring 7. upon which the ends of the spokes bear
so as to take up vibration the recesses o are covered say by the plates fixed in any
convenient manner. In the centre of the nave is a ring or box. of chilled casting
or other suitable material for the reception of the axle ends.
To retain the lubricant the box has a flange t. bearing against a washer u. of
elastic material provided in a recess on the neck r. of the axle.
This construction for wheels entirely made of metal, also comprises an arrange-
ment of tyre and spokes allowing ready removal and replacing of the same the
tyres are so arranged and have an angular rib y. receiving a winged nut . see
Figs. 7 and 8 of the drawing. The nut. receives the threaded ends of the spokes
and bears on a ring b. of indiarubber inserted in the channel of the tyre the whole
being closed and retained by a flat hoop of metal 1 concentrically placed under the
tyre and finished in any convenient way in applying this invention to gun-carriages
or vehicles for very heavy loads, adopt the metal tyre shewn in Fig. 9. It will be
seen to consist of a U shaped hoop of iron into which passes the spoke d. at the end
thereof a crosspiece is formed and made with a hole for a stad or pin 3 to pass
through. This pin also connects and presses towards one another a set of washers 4.
which prevent shaking of the spoke in the rim. A sheet metal covering 5 may
close the wheel in any convenient manner.
In the construction shewn in Fig. 10 the rim a is a U shaped iron internally
fitted with rubber b. for cushioning a metal felloe 6. into which are screwed the ends
of the spokes up to a shoulder 7. thereon provided at the end of the threaded
neck 8.
Fig. 11 shews. a wheel for light military velicles in section and elevation. The
manner of attaching the spokes to the felloe is only a modification of Fig. 9. and
the spokes are fixed on the nave by heads these wheels, will resist the strain of field
pieces which hitherto have forced all wheels out of truth. 1 obviously do not limit
myself to the details of the several arrangements above shewn whether for the
wheels of mixed construction or for those entirely of metal as I reserve myself the
right to make any alterations that may be convenient without affecting the nature
of my invention. I have also stated that I prefer to use rubber as a cushioning
.but I may employ any other materials say leather or even springs.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what 1
claim is :-
1. In wheels partly of metal a means for securing the spokes consisting in
clamping them in the felloes by a ring of truncated cone shape so as to force the
same outward from the centre as shewn in Figs. 1, 2 and 5 substantially as
described.
II. The use of a Ụ shaped iron band between the wings whereof the tyre is
inserted as shown in Figs. 1, 9 and 10 substantially as described.
III. The interposition of indiarubber or other elastic body between felloe and
tyre as shewn in Figs. 1 and 10 said rubber or other band lining the bottom of the
Ushaped iron rim and forming a cushion for the tyre to bear against the rubber
being if preferred arranged under the felloe in a bent rib as in Figs. 7 and S
substantially as described.
IV. The use of wedges at the nave inserted laterally so as to force the spokes
from the centre towards the felloe and serving the same purpose as the ring of
truncated cone shape, said wedges being if desired employed in combination with
the ring last referred to so as to lock the inner ends of the spokes one against the
other (see Figs. 2, 4 and 6) substantially as described.
V. A. wheel entirely of metal having spokes fixed to the felloe and nave as shewn
in Figs. 7, 8, 9, and 10 with or without an indiarubber ring on the felloc at the
part where the spokes bear upon, the same, and likewise at the nave substantially as
described.
VI. The wheel specially designed for gun carriages and shewn in Fig. 11.

page_text: VII. The system of wedges shewn in Fig. 12. and serving to take up wear of
the tyres, or looseness caused or otherwise substantially as described.
Dated this 10th day of February 1892.
BROWNE & Co.,
9, Warwick Court, Gray's lun, W.C., Agents for Applicant.