An Improved Combination Wheel Rim and Tyre.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 10th Dec., 1896--Accepted; 20th Mar., 1897
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Combination Wheel Rim and Tyre.
I, EBENEZER ERSKINE SCOTT of 38, Lombard Street, London, Actuary,
Public Auditor, and Accountant, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
My invention has for its object to construct an improved combination wheel-rim
and tyre that unites the essential advantages of resiliency and easy travel with
great durability, while, owing to its non-liability to puncture, it is particularly
adapted to supersede the pneumatic and other rubber tyres now in use.
And in order that my said invention may be readily carried into effect, I will
now with the aid of the accompanying drawings, whereon similar letters of
reference indicate corresponding parts, proceed more particularly to describe and
ascertain the same.
Figure 1 shews in side elevation a portion of a wheel rim and tyre made
according to my invention, one side being removed in order to shew more clearly
its construction.
Figures 2 and 3 shew transverse sections taken through the line A, A, Figure 1;
while Figure 4 shews a vertical section of such figure, and
Figures 5, 6, and 7, shew detail views of one of the springs b, and face plates d,
and of the washer f, presently referred to.
According to my invention the two sides and periphery of a wheel rim A, are
covered with a thin sheet metal casing a, made of steel, iron, or any other suitable
metal. Springs b are then screwed to such periphery, as shewn at Figure 1; after
which a metal tyre c, furnished with lateral flanges c', and made preferably of
rolled steel, is fitted to the wheel rim and secured thereon by means of face plates d,
which are screwed to the flanges e, of the tyre c, as shewn at Figures 2 and 3.
When the tyre has been so fitted, the air space existing between the lateral
flanges and the periphery of the wheel rim forms a chamber e, wherein the springs
play up and down as the wheel revolves.
Each spring consists of two curvilinear plates, rivetted or otherwise fastened
together, as shewn in Figure 5, and, if preferred, in lieu of fastening such springs
to the periphery of the wheel rim, as shewn in Figure 1, they may be fastened to
the inner surface of the tyre as shewn in Figures 2, 3, and 4.
In order to facilitate the renewal and re-adjustment of such springs when
requisite, the face plates may be made in two, three, or more sections, and screwed
together, as shewn at Figure 6.
For the purpose of taking up wear 1 may fit the tyre with washers f,
as shewn
in Figures 3, and 7, and I may insert a packing 9, of brown paper or other
suitable substance, between the metal casing and the wheel rim, as shewn at
Figure 3.
Dust excluders h, made of leather, thin vulcanite, or other suitable material,
may be fitted to the wheel rim, one on each side thereof, as shewn at Figure 2.
The operation of my invention is as follows:-
As the wheel revolves the lower springs are compressed while the upper springs
expand, and when the wheel encounters any obstacle, the shock or jar created
thereby is effectually absorbed by the springs, owing to the tyre not being rigidly

page_text: connected to the wheel rim but moving in harmony with the face plates, which
work up and down over the sides of such rim; at the same time that such face
plates serve to prevent any lateral play of such tyre.
The compression of the springs is controlled by the depth of the flanges on the
tyre, as the wheel rim cannot descend below such flanges but takes a bearing
thereon when the maximum degree of compression is put on the springs.
By this means any lateral movement of the wheel rim is effectually obviated, at
the same time that sufficient vertical play is afforded to ensure the comfort and
convenience both of the operator and the occupants of the vehicle.
In order to prevent any retardation arising from any frictional contact, the
springs may be so fitted that they do not make contact with the periphery of the
wheel rim in the course of their expansion as the wheel revolves.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, 1 declare that what I
claim is :-
1. An improved combination wheel rim and tyre consisting of a wheel rim A,
covered with a thin sheet metal casing a, and furnished with springs b, and a metal
tyre c, having flanges c', whereto face plates d, are secured; all constructed,
combined, arranged, and operating, substantially in the manner herein before
described.and shewn in the accompanying drawings.
2. Fitting such improved combination wheel rim and tyre with suitable washers,
packing, and dust excluders, employed either in conjunction with each other, or
separately, all substantially in the manner hereinbefore described and shewn at
Figures 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 10th day of December 1896
ELT & Co.,
Registered Patent Agents,
43 Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for Applicant.