Improvements in or relating to Rims or Felloes for Velocipede and other Wheels.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 27th Oct., 18941
Complete Specification Left, 29th July, 1895-Accepted, 12th Oct., 1895
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Rims or Felloes for Velocipede and
other Wheels.
We, BENJAMIN BARTON, WALTER HARRY BARTON and WILLIAM
STEVENSON LOUDON all of St. George's Works, Spon Street, Coventry in the
County of Warwick Cycle Fittings Manufacturers do hereby declare the nature of
this invention to be as follows:-
Our invention relates to rims or felloes, for velocipede and other wheels, adapte 1
to be fitted with tires to break the contact with the road or other surface on which
the said wheels are adapted to roll, and with spokes to connect them to the hubs or
naves of the said wheels.
Our invention relates partly to the formation of the joint between the ends of the
metal strip or strips forming the circular rim (hereinafter referred to as the
"transverse" joint) and, in hollow rims, to the formation of the joint between
the edges of the strip or strips forming the rim (hereinafter referred to as the
"longitudinal joint).
71
According to one method of forming the transverse joint in a solid rim we step-
down a suitable length of one end of the strip to a depth equal to the thickness of
the material. The other end of the strip lies on the stepped down portion and is
rivetted and brazed or otherwise secured thereto. The contour line of the step
need not be straight in plan, but the contour lines of the step and of the two
diameters of the strip are preferably all similar or corresponding. We prefer not
to remove any considerable quantity of the material, so that the rim may be left
of double thickness at the joint. This double portion forms a suitably strengthened
place in the rim for the formation of the hole to receive the valve of a pneumatic
tyre or for the occurance of any other detail or thing liable to cause local 'weakness.
The exposed surface of the stepped portion forms a suitable plate to bear the name
of the manufacturer or other particulars.
This method may be employed also to hollow rims. In all cases we prefer that
the stepped portion shall lie away from the tire, so that the surface next the tire
shall be even.
In the case of hollow rims both stepped portions may lie within the
rim, so that the exterior of the rim has an even surface both on the face and on
the back at the transverse joint.
According to one method of forming the longitudinal joint in hollow rims, we
make any suitable number of parallel and preferably equidistant cuts or slits inward
to a preferably regular depth from one edge of the two parts to be joined together,
thus forming a corresponding number of preferably rectangular tabs or wings.
These tabs are stepped alternately above and below their original position to the
extent of half the thickness of the material. The other edge of the two parts to
The two edges, are
be joined is stepped correspondingly to the first, but is not cut.
then shut into each other so that the un-cut edge lies between the two sets of tabs
that are stepped respectively up and down, and so that the raised tabs lie in the
depressed parts of the un-cut edge and the depressed tabs lie in the raised parts
thereof.
The two edges thus form an overlapping joint of double thickness and approxi-
mately even surface. The joint is further secured by brazing or soldering,
The double
preferably soldering as being less liable to injure the material.

page_text: thickness of material may be utilized to receive the immediate tension of the
spokes in a suspension wheel. This method. may also be applied to the formation
of the transverse joint in a solid or hollow rim.
According to another method of forming the longitudinal joint in hollow rims,
we proceed somewhat similarly to the last method. We make any suitable
number of parallel and preferably equidistant cuts or slots inward to a regular
depth from each of the two edges to be joined together, thus forming a corre-
sponding number of preferably rectangular tabs. These tabs are stepped
alternately above and below their original position to the extent of half the
thickness of material. Beyond the tabs, further inward from the edge, we prolong
the stepping of the material over areas of similar shape and size to those of
the respectively adjacent tabs, but do not prolong the cuts or slots. The two
edges are made to correspond to each other and are shut into each other so that
the raised tabs of each part lie in the depressed' areas beyond the depressed
tabs of the other part; and the depressed talis of each part lie in the raised areas
beyond the raised tabs of the other part. The two edges thus form an overlapping
joint somewhat similar to that lastly hereinbefore described, but having the
abutting line of the continuous parts of the edges lying in the centre of the joint
instead of at one side. The joint is further secured, and the double thickness of
material may be utilized to receive the tension of the spokes, as herein before
described. This method may also be applied to the formation of the transverse
joint in a solid or hollow rim:
According to another method of forming the longitudinal joint in hollow rims,
we make any suitable number of parallel and preferably equidistant cuts inward
to a regular depth from each of the two edges to be joined together and preferably
at right angles thereto thus forming a corresponding number of preferably
rectangular tabs. We remove every alternate tab from each edge thus leaving
a series of blanks or recesses and we arrange that the tabs on each edge shall
come opposite the blanks on the other edge respectively. We then fold the
remaining tabs in such a way as to form a discontinuous or interrupted tube or the
like along or approximately along the line of the roots of the tabs. The two edges
are then brought together and a continuous or approximately continuous tube or
the like is formed along or approximately along the abutting line or lines.
insert a wire or the like in the tube or the like and thus form the joint. The
fold's of the tabs and the wire in the tube may be further secured by brazing or
other suitable means, preferably soldering.
We
There may be more than one of the above described longitudinal joints in a
hollow rin and they may be arranged in any convenient position or positions. For
example, in a crescent sectioned hollow rim there may be a "wired" joint (as lastly
hereinbefore described) along each horn of the crescent.
Another part of our invention relates to the general construction of an improved
form of hollow rim. We construct the rim of two strips of sheet steel or other
suitable material and of suitable dimensions. Along the centre of one (the first)
strip, (usually the wider) we make a groove and turn the edges inward upon them-
selves so as to form a tube or the like along each edge of the rim.
We arrange
the second strip within the groove of the first, with its extreme edges lying against
the respective sides of the rim close under the extreme edges of the first strip, so
that along each side of the rim, the soldering or brazing of both the extreme edge
of the first strip and the extreme edge of the second strip, to such side of the
rim may be performed at one operation. The second strip is arranged to lie in
contact with the first at the places adapted to receive the immediate tension of the
spokes, or so nearly in contact that the tension of the spokes, if applied directly to
the second strip, will cause it, the said second strip to come into contact at such
points with the first strip, the tension being thus borne by the double thickness of
metal, and the use of washers or the like for holding the spoke heads or nipples is
rendered unnecessary, and their cost may be saved. The transverse configuracion
of the rim may be adapted to any particular form of tire desired. The strips

page_text: having been arranged and secured together as described, the whole is formed into
a circle and the ends joined by any suitable means.
Doted this 26th der of October 1891
W. B. MAXFIELD,
Applicants' Agent.
Improvements in or relating to Rims or Felloes for Velocipede and
other Wheels.
We, BENJAMIN BARTON, WALTER HARRY BARTON, and WILLIAM
STEVENSON LOUDON, all of St. George's Works, Spon Street Coventry in the
County of Warwick, Cycle Fittings Manufacturers do hereby declare the nature
of this invention and in what inanner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement :→
Our invention relates to rims or felloes, for velocipede and other wheels, adapted
to be fitted with tyres to break the contact with the road or other surface on which.
the said wheels are adapted to roll and with spokes to connect them to the hubs or
Daves of the said wheels. Our invention relates partly to the formation of a joint
between the ends of the metal strip or strips forming the circular rim (hereinafter
referred to as the transverse joint) and, in hollow rims, to the formation of the
joint between the edges of the strip or strips forming the rim (hereinafter referred
to as the "longitudinal " joint).
And in order that our invention may be fully understood we append two sheets
of drawings which illustrate the following description but modifications may be
made without exceeding the limits of our invention.
Figure 1, Sheet 1 is a view in longitudinal sectional elevation and Figure II is a
plan of a transverse joint in a solid rim formed according to our invention.
Figure III is a view in longitudinal sectional elevation of a similar joint applied
to a hollow rim.
Figure IV is a general broken view of two strips of metal, or the two edges of
one strip, prepared for forming a longitudinal joint according to our invention,
and Figure V is a transverse sectional elevation of a hollow rim having the said
longitudinal joint applied thereto.
Figure VI is a view similar to Figure I showing a transverse joint constructed
like the longitudinal joint shown in Figures IV and V.
Figures VII and VIII are views similar to Figures IV and V respectively of
another or modified longitudinal joint formed according to our invention, and
Figure IX is a view similar to Figure III showing the transverse joint in a
hollow rim constructed like the longitudinal joint shown in Figures VII and VIII.
Figures X, XI and XII Sheet 2 are general broken views of two strips of
metal, or the two edges of one strip, prepared for forming another or modified
longitudinal joint according to our invention, and Figures XIII and XIV are views
in transverse section of hollow rims, composed respectively of one and two strips of
metal, having the lastly above mentioned longitudinal joints applied thereto.
Figure XV is a view in transverse section of a hollow rim constructed according
to another part of our invention.
Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.
Referring to Figures I and 11 on Sheet 1. According to this method of
forming the transverse joint in a solid rim we step down in a press or by other
similar means a suitable length of one end 2 of the strip to a depth equal to the
thickness of the material. The other end 3 of the strip lies on the stepped down
portion 2 and is rivetted and brazed or otherwise secured thereto. The contour

page_text: line a of the step need not be straight in plan, but the contour line a of the step
and the contour line b, c of the two extremities of the strip are preferably all
similar or corresponding. We prefer not to remove any considerable quantity of
the material so that the rim may be left of double or approximately double
thickness at the joint. This double portion forms a suitably strengthened place in
the rim for the formation of the hole 4 to receive the valve of a pneumatic tyre or
for the occurrence of any other detail or thing liable to canse local weakness. The
exposed surface of the stepped portion 2 forms a suitable plate to bear the name of
the manufacturer or other particulars. This method may be applied also to hollow
rims.
In all cases we prefer that the stepped portion 2 shall lie away from the tyre
so that the surface 5 next the tyre shall be even. In the case of hollow rims both
stepped portions 2, 6 may lie within the rim as shown in Figure III on Sheet 1,
so that the exterior of the rim has an even surface both on the face 5 and on the
back 7 at the transverse joint.
Referring to Figures IV and V on Sheet 1. According to this method of
forming the longitudinal joint in hollow rims we make any suitable number of
parallel and preferably equidistant cuts or slots preferably corresponding in width
to the thickness of the material and extending inward to a preferably regular depth
'from one edge 9 of the two parts 10, 11 to be joined together, thus forming a
corresponding number of preferably rectangular tabs or wings 12, 13. These tabs
are stepped alternately above and below their original position to the extent of
half the thickness of the material as shown. The edge 15 of the other part 11 is
stepped correspondingly to the first, but is not cut or slotted. The two edges are
then shut into each other so that the uncut edge 15 lies between the two sets of
tabs 12, 13 that are stepped respectively up (12) and down (13) and so that the
raised tabs 12 lie in the depressed parts 17 of the uncut edge 15 and the depressed
tabs 13 lie in the raised parts 16 thereof. The two edges thus form an overlapping
joint of double thickness and approximately even surface.
The joint is further secured by brazing or by soft soldering, preferably soft
soldering as being less liable to injure the material. The double thickness of
material may be utilized to receive the immediate tension of the spokes in a
suspension wheel. This method may also be applied to the formation of the
transverse joint in a solid or hollow rim, as shown in Figure VI on Sheet 1 where
it is applied to a solid rim.
Referring to Figures VII and VIII on Sheet 1. According to this method of
forming the longitudinal joint in hollow rims, we proceed somewhat similarly to
the last method.
We make any suitable number of parallel and preferably equidistant cuts or
slots 8 preferably corresponding in width to the thickness of the material and
extending inward to a regular depth from each of the edges, 9, 15 of the two
parts 10, 11 respectively to be joined together; thus forming a corresponding
number of preferably rectangular tabs 12, 13. These tabs are stepped alternately
above (12) and below (13) their original position to the extent of half the thickness
of the material. Beyond the tabs, further inward from the edges, we prolong the
stepping of the material over areas of similar shape and size to those of the
respectively adjacent tabs, but do not prolong the cuts or slots 8. The two edges
are made to correspond to each other and are shut into each other so that the
raised tabs 12 of each part lie in the depressed areas 17 beyond the depressed
tabs 13 of the other part; and the depressed tabs 13 of each part lie in the raised
areas 16 beyond the raised tabs 12 of the other part. The two edges thus form an
overlapping joint somewhat similar to that lastly hereinbefore described, but
having the abutting line d-d of the continuous parts of the edges lying in the
centre of the joint, instead of at one side as in the arrangement described with
reference to Figures IV, V and VI. The joint is further secured, and the double
thickness of material may be utilized to receive the tension of the spokes, as

page_text: transverse joint in a solid or hollow rim, as shown in Figure IX where it is
applied to a hollow rim.
Referring to Figures X, XI, XII; XIII and XIV on Sheet 2. According to
this method of forming the longitudinal joint in hollow rims we make any suitable
number of parallel and preferably equidistant cuts 8 (see Figure X) inward to a
regular depth from each of the two edges to be joined together and preferably at
right angles thereto thus forming a corresponding number of preferably rectangular
tabs 12, 13. We remove every alternate tab 13 from each edge thus leaving a
series of blanks or recesses and we arrange that the tabs on each shall come opposite
the blanks on the other side respectively.
We then, by any suitable well known means fold the remaining tabs 12 in such
a way as to form a discontinuous or interrupted tube or the like 18 along or
approximately along the line of the roots of the tabs either with flaps 12" as shown
in Figures XI and XIII or without such flaps as shown in Figures XII and XIV.
The width of the strip or strips and the length of the cuts 8 are arranged
according as it is intended, or not intended, to employ the flaps 12; the two
edges 9, 15 are brought together and a continuous or approximately continuous'
tube or the like is formed along or approximately along the abutting line or
lines d-d (see Figure XII). We insert a wire or tube 19 or the like in the
tube 18 or the like and thus form the joint (see Figure XIII).
The folds of the tabs and the wire in the tube may be further secured by brazing
or other suitable means, but preferably by soldering. There may be more than
one of the above described longitudinal joints in a hollow rim and they may be
arranged in any convenient position or positions. For example, in a crescent
sectioned hollow rim there may be a wired joint (as lastly hereinbefore described)
along each horn of the crescent, as shown in Fig. XIV; and such joint may be
arranged either inside or outside the rim as shown at the right and left sides
respectively of the said figure.
Another part of our invention relates to the general construction of an improved
form of hollow rim.
Referring to Figure XV on Sheet 2. We construct the rim of two strips 20, 21
of sheet steel or other suitable material and of suitable dimensions. Along the
centre of the first strip 20 (usually the wider) we make a groove and turn the
edges 24 inward upon themselves so as to form a tube or the like 23 along each
edge of the rim.
We arrange the second strip 21 within the groove of the first with its extreme
edges 25 lying against the respective sides of the rim close under the extreme
edges 24 of the first strip, so that along each side of the rim the soldering or
brazing thereto of both strips, that is to say the extreme edge 24 of the first
strip 20 and the extreme edge 25 of the second strip 21, may be performed at one
operation. The strip 21 is arranged to lie in contact with the strip 20 at the
places, such as 26, adapted to receive the immediate tension of the spokes or so
Dearly in contact that the tension of the spokes, if applied directly to the strip 21
will cause it to come into contact at such places with the first strip 20. The
tension is thus borne by the double thickness of metal and the use of washers and
the like for holding the spoke heads or nipples is rendered unnecessary, and their
cost may be saved.
The transverse configuration of the rim may be adapted to any particular forin
of tyre desired. The strips having been arranged and secured together as
described, the whole is formed into a circle and the ends joined by any suitable
means.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what we
claim is :-
1. In a solid rim or felloe for velocipede or other wheels forming the transverse

page_text: joint by stepping down, a suitable portion of one end of the strip forming such
rim or felloe and securing the other end thereof to such stepped portion substan-
tially as herein described.
2. In a hollow rim or felloe for velocipede and other wheels, forming the
transverse joint by stepping a suitable portion of one end of the strip or strips
forming such rim or felloe and securing the other end thereof to such stepped
portion, substantially as herein described.
3. In a hollow rim or felloe for velocipede or other wheels, forming the 'longi-
tudinal joint or joints by cutting or slotting one of two edges to be joined together
so as to form tabs and causing such tabs to alternately overlap and underlap the
other, uncut edge and securing such tabs to the said other edge, substantially as
herein described.
4. In a hollow rim or felloe for velocipede or other wheels, forming the longi-
tudinal joint or joints by cutting or slotting one of two edges to be joined together
so as to form tabs, stepping the said tabs alternately above and below their original
position, stepping the other uncut edge, shutting the two edges together so that
the uncut edge lies between the two sets of tabs with the raised tabs in its
depressed parts and the depressed tabs in the raised parts and further securing the
joint, substantially as herein described.
5. In a solid or hollow rim or felloe for velocipede or other wheels, forming the
transverse joint by cutting or slotting one end of the strip or strips forming such
rim or felloe so as to form tabe and causing such tabs to alternately overlap and
underlap the other, uncut end of the said strip or strips and securing such tabs to
the said other end, substantially as herein described.
6. In a hollow rim or felloe for velocipede or other wheels, forming the longi-
tudinal joint or joints by cutting or slotting both of two edges to be joined together
so as to form tabs and causing the tabs on each of such edges to alternately overlap
and underlap the uncut portion or portions of the strip or strips forming the said
rim or felloe beyond the said tabs on the other of such edges respectively and
securing such tabs to the said portion or portions beyond the same, substantially as
.herein described.
7. In a hollow rim or felloe for velocipede or other wheels, forming the longi-
tudinal joint or joints by cutting or slotting each of two edges to be joined together
so as to form tabs, stepping the said tabs alternately above and below their original
positions, prolonging such stepping beyond the said tabs, shutting the two edges
together so that the raised tabs of each part lie in the depressed areas beyond the
depressed tabs of the other parts, and the depressed tabs of each part lie in the raised
areas beyond the raised tabs of the other part, and further securing the joint,
substantially as herein described.
8. In a solid or hollow rim or felloe for velocipede or other wheels, forming the
transverse joint by cutting or slotting both of the two ends of the strip or strips
forming, such rim or felloe so as to form tabs and causing the tabs on each of such
ends to alternately overlap and underlap the uncut portion or portions beyond the
said ends of the other of the said ends respectively, and securing such tabs to the
said uncut portion or portions, substantially as herein described."
9. In a hollow rim or felloe for velocipede or other wheels, forming the longi-
tudinal joint or joints by forming a discontinuous tube along each of two edges to
be joined together, bringing the two tubes together in line and inserting a wire or
the like therein, with or without further means for securing the joint or joints,
substantially as herein described.
10. In a hollow rim or felloe, for velocipede or other wheels, constructed of two
strips of material, turning the edges of one strip inward along each edge of the rim
and arranging the extreme edges of the second strip close under the extreme edges
of the first strip, so that the soldering. or brazing of the extreme edges of both strips
along each side of the rim may be performed at one operation, substantially as
herein described.
11. The transverse joint for a solid rim or felloe for velocipede and other wheels

page_text: substantially as herein described; with reference to Figures
of the accompanying drawings.
and on Sheet I
12: The transverse joint for a hollow rim or felloe for velocipede or other wheels
substantially as herein described with reference to Figure III on Sheet 1 of the
accompanying drawings.
13. The longitudinal joint for a hollow rim or felloe for velocipede and other
wheels substantially as herein described with reference to Figures IV and V on
Sheet 1 of the accompanying drawings.
14. The transverse joint for a solid rim or felloe for velocipede and other wheels
substantially as herein described with reference to Figures IV and VI on Sheet 1
of the accompanying drawings.
15. The longitudinal joint for a hollow rim or felloe for velocipede and other
wheels substantially as herein described with reference to Figures VII and VIII
on Sheet 1 of the accompanying drawings.
16. The transverse joint for a bollow rim or felloe for velocipede or other wheels
substantially as herein described with reference to Figures VII and IX on Sheet 1
of the accompanying drawings.
17. The longitudinal joint for a hollow rin or felloe for velocipede and other
wheels, substantially as herein described with reference to Figures X, XI, XII,.
and XIII on Sheet 2 of the accompanying drawings.
18. The longitudinal joint for a hollow rim or felloe for velocipede and other
wheels substantially as herein described with reference to Figures X, XI, XII
and XIV on Sheet 2 of the accompanying drawings.
19. The longitudinal joint for a hollow rim or felloe for velocipede and other
wheels substantially as herein described with reference to Figure XV on Sheet 2
of the accompanying drawings.
20. A hollow rim or felloe for velocipede and other wheels constructed of two
strips of material the first of which has a groove along the centre and its end turned
inwards to form tubes and the second of which has its extreme edges lying and
secured close under the extreme edges of the first strip, both strips being adapted
to lie in contact at the places adapted to receive the immediate tension of the spokes
or so nearly in contact that the tension of the spokes if applied directly to the
second strip, will cause it to come into contact with the first strip, at such places,.
substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
21. The improvements in or relating to rims or felloes for velocipede and other
wheels, substantially as herein described and illustrated.
Deted this 26th day of July 1895
W. BESTWICK MAXFIELD,
Registered Patent Agent,
19 Bowling Green Street, Leicester, Applicants' Agent.