Improvements in and relating to Cycles.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 6th Dec., 1892
Complete Specification Left, 26th July, 1893-Accepted, 9th Sept., 1893
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Cycles.
I ROBERT EDWARD PHILLIPS M.I.M.E. Consulting Engineer and Patent
Agent, of 70 Chancery Lane, in the Parish of St. Andrews Holborn, in the
County of London, do hereby declare the nature of this invention (which has
been communicated to me from abroad by Leopold Holt temporarily residing at
Frankfort-on-the-Main) to be as follows:-
My invention relates first to certain improvements in pneumatic tyres, secondly
to improvements in devices for inflating pneumatic tyres, and thirdly to an
improvement relating to stands for cycles.
According to the first part of my invention I place within the tyre in the air
chamber adapted to hold the air a series of strips or patches of film rubber which
are each attached to the bottom of the chamber at one edge or at one point by
solution, or other means, and they are arranged to overlap one another two or
more times. Although I prefer to use a film rubber for these strips or patches on
account of its lightness any other suitable flexible airproof material may be used.
When a tyre is punctured it may be temporarily repaired by turning the punctured
part of the tyre to the bottom of the wheel, having previously deflated the tyre if
it is not already completely deflated. This causes the strips or patches to fall by
their own weight down into contact with the outer part of the chamber containing
the air over the puncture. The tyre is then inflated which with the suction of the
air trying to escape through the puncture causes the strip or patch lying over the
puncture to close it. To permanently repair a puncture solution is injected
through the puncture to form a bead on the interior of the air chamber. The
outer part of the tyre at the point of puncture is then pressed down on to the rim
until the top inner side of the air chamber comes into contact with the bottom
inner side thereof whereby the bead of solution picks up one of the strips or
patches thereon and thus makes a permanent patch on the inside of the air
chamber. If the strips or patches are made short enough and are lightly enough
attached to the bottom of the air chamber they will tear away from the
bottom of the air chamber when the top part of the tyre is released, or
the tyre is inflated. As a modification may mount these strips or patches
on the outer face of an auxiliary air tube placed in the air chamber and
kept normally deflated and only inflated to bring the strips or patches into
contact with the top inner side of the air chamber and so enable the bead of
rubber solution injected through the puncture to adhere one of the strips or
patches carried by the said air tube. This construction allows the machine to be
ridden at once as the tyre is supported by the auxiliary air tube. As soon
however as the solution has dried, the auxiliary air tube is deflated and the air
chamber of the tyre is inflated which forces the auxiliary air tube down to the
bottom of the said air chamber and detaches the strip or patch sealing the
puncture in the tyre from the auxiliary air tube. Instead of using a series of strips
or patches a loose sheet or strip of film rubber may be used, in which case the
sheet or strip is of a considerably greater width than the diameter of the tyre and
of a considerably greater length than the circumference thereof, and it is preferably
attached to the bottom of the chamber containing the air, ie, the part that fits in
the rim of the wheel, or to the auxiliary air tube as the case may be. This
construction is applicable either to those types of tyres known as "solid wall
tyres, or to those types having the air tube or chamber separate from the cover.
When I use a separate cover I make it readily attachable to the rim of the
"

page_text: wheel in the following manner:-In the rim-which may be of the ordinary
crescent or any other convenient section-I place two endless bands or hoops of
wire or any other unstretchable metal or material. These hoops are of a smaller
diameter than the rim at the edges thereof so that they cannot be pulled out of the
rim. The cover has formed round its edges deep grooves or recesses with which
the endless bands or hoops are engaged to attach the cover to the rim. When the
air tube or chamber is inflated it causes the cover to pull against the endless bands
or hoops which cannot leave the rim and so fixes it thereto and closes up the
grooves or recesses in the edges of the cover. As a modification I sometimes use
a rim as described in my prior Patent No. 13076 of 1891 having a circumferential
groove or depression in the centre of its concave face, in which case the endless
bands or hoops are placed in this groove and are of a smaller diameter than the
edges thereof. In this construction I may dispense with one endless band or hoop,
using but one to engage with one edge of the cover and shape the other edge of
the cover to engage with the edge of the cover held by the said endless hoop or
band, or I may permanently attach one edge of the cover to the rim by means of
cement or solution.
According to the second part of my invention 1 form the inflator or pump for
inflating the pneumatic tyres as part of the handle bar stem or pillar, adapting it
to be worked either by a direct acting plunger, or through the brake lever which
is adapted to be uncoupled from the brake rod and coupled to the plunger of the
inflator or pump.
A detachable flexible tube is used to connect the inflator with
the valves of the tyres. As a modification I sometimes, when the machine is fitted
with a brake acting on the front wheel, form the inflator or pump in connection
with the brake rod either adapting it to be operated by the brake lever or directly
by detaching that part forming its plunger from the said brake lever. A further
modification consists in forming the inflator or pump in the length of the brake
rod coupling either directly or indirectly the one end of the cylinder of the inflator
or pump to the brake spoon or its equivalent and the plunger to the end of the
brake lever, or vice versa, by any suitable form of connection which will enable it
to be readily attached and detached.
According to the third part of my invention I combine the inflator or pump for
inflating the pneumatic tyres with a stand for supporting a cycle in a vertical
position when not in use. The stand consists of any suitable form of base and any
suitable form of top for engaging with the frame or any other convenient part of
the machine, these two parts being connected by a vertical stem made in two parts
so as to be adjustable in height. The one part of this vertical stem forms the
cylinder of the inflator or pump and the other part the plunger thereof. A clip or
any other suitable device is provided for locking the part forming the plunger to
the part forming the cylinder when it is used as a stand. A flexible tube is used
to connect the cylinder of the inflator or pump with the valves of the tyres. By
this combination a valuable apparatus is obtained serving two very useful
purposes.
Dated this 6th day of December 1892.
ROBT. ED. PHILLIPS.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Cycles.
I, ROBERT EDWARD PHILLIPS M.I.M.E. Consulting Engineer and Patent
Agent of 70 Chancery Lane in the Parish of St. Andrews Holborn in the County
of London, do hereby declare the nature of this invention (which has been com-
municated to me from abroad by Leopold Holt temporarily residing at Frankfort-
on-the-Main) and in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
My invention relates first to an improvement in pneumatic tyres of the solid wall

page_text: type, and it consists in placing within the tyre a series of strips or patches of film
rubber attached at one edge or point, the said strips or patches being adapted to
form sealing patches on the inner side of the tyre, the object being to repair
punctures in a more reliable and ready manner than is possible by any of the
known methods.,
My invention relates secondly to an improved method of attaching the covers
of pneumatic tyres to wheel rims, and it consists in the use of two hoops or rings of
unstretchable material located in the wheel rim, the diameter of the said hoops or
rings being smaller than the diameter of the rim at the edges thereof, and in
forming at the edges of the cover, open pockets or recesses into which the said
hoops or rings can be placed after the edges of the cover are placed in the wheel
rim, the objects being to facilitate the attachment and detachment of the
cover, and to facilitate the replacement of the hoops or rings should they
become broken.
My invention relates thirdly to an improved method of carrying the inflator
or pump used for inflating pneumatic tyres, and it consists in forming or mounting
the inflator or pump in the length of the coupling or operating rod of a front
wheel brake, the object being to utilize the inflator or pump when it is being
carried, and,
My invention relates fourthly to an improved construction of stand for supporting
a cycle in a vertical position when not in use, and it consists in constructing the
stand so that it can also be used as an inflating pump, the object being to combine
two necessary articles in one, and to obtain a powerful inflating pump for
home use.
I attain this end in the manner shown in the accompanying drawings, in
which
Figures 1 to 8 inclusive Sheet No. 1 illustrate the first part of my invention,
Figure 1 being a view in cross section of a pneumatic tyre showing one method
of arranging the repairing strips or patches, and Figure 2 is a similar view showing
how repairs are effected. Figure 3 is a view in transverse section of a tyre
showing another method of arranging the repairing strips or patches, and Figure 4
a similar view showing how repairs are effected. Figure 5 is a broken view in
sectional plan showing one method of arranging the repairing strips or patches.
Figures 6 and 7 are views in cross section showing an alternative method of
mounting and applying the repairing strips or patches, and Figure 8 a broken view
showing another method of mounting and applying the repairing strips or patches.
Figures 9 to 13 inclusive Sheet No. 2 illustrate the second part of my invention,
Figures 9 and 10 being views in cross section of a pneumatic tyre and wheel rim
embodying my invention, the edge of the cover on the right hand side of the rim
in each view being shown in its normal position after the inflation of the tyre, and
the edge of the cover on the left hand side of the rim in each view in its position
when passing the fixing hoop or ring into the pocket or recess at the edge of
the cover. Figures 11 and 12 are views in transverse section showing other forins
my invention may assume, and Figure 13 a view in transverse section of a further
form my invention may assume, in which one edge of the cover only is fitted with
a hoop or ring.
Figures 14 and 15 Sheet No. 3 illustrate the third part of my invention,
Figure 14 being a broken view in front elevation-partly in-section--of a front
wheel brake embodying this part of my invention, and Figure 15 is a view of the
inflator detached from the brake coupling or operating rod.
Figures 16, 17 and 18 Sheet No. 4 illustrate the fourth part of my invention,
Figure 16 being a broken view in sectional elevation of my combined stand and
inflator. Figure 17 a broken view showing the locking clip, and Figure 18 a view
in plan thereof.
Throughout the views similar parts are denoted by like letters of reference.
Referring to the first part of my invention I take a solid wall tyre A of the
usual construction having the air chamber, cauvas retaining cover or pocket, and

page_text: the outer cover or tread, all formed in one solid mass either during or after the
process of manufacture, and on to the inner surface of the air chamber of the tyre
either on the bottom thereof as shown by Figures 1 and 2 or on to the top thereof
as shown by Figures 3 and 4 are fixed a series of strips or patches of film
rubber B, B, etc. These strips or patches are each attached by rubber solution to
the inner surface of the air chamber of the tyre A. by one edge or at one point
so as to be easily detached therefrom, and they are arranged to overlap one
another either in the manner illustrated, or in any other convenient manner, so that
they completely cover the desired part of the air chamber of the tyre and overlap
each other. Although I prefer to use film rubber for these strips or patches, any
other flexible air-proof material may be used. Instead of applying the strips or
patches B, B, etc. direct to the tyre they may be fixed to a strip C of flexible
material as shown by Figure 8, adapted to be placed in and fixed to the inner
surface of the air chamber of the tyre.
To repair a puncture rubber solution is injected through the puncture in the
manner now well-known, and if the repairing strips or patches are located at the
bottom of the air chamber of the tyre the outer part of the tyre at the point of puncture
is pressed down until the bead of solution formed on the top side of the air chamber
comes into contact with one or more of the strips or patches B, B, etc. on the
bottom of the air chamber as shown by Figure 2. The tyre having been held in
this position for sufficient time for the solution to set, it is released and inflated
when the bead of solution a picks up and tears away the strip or patch to which
it has attached itself and thus makes a permanent patch on the inner side of the
puncture. If the repairing strips or patches are located at the top of the air
chamber of the tyre the rubber solution comes at once into contact with one or
more of the strips or patches as shown by Figure 4. On the inflation of the
tyre the patch is tightly pressed up against the punctured part of the air chamber
of the tyre ensuring the permanent attachment of the repairing strip or patch
thereto.
As a modification I sometimes mount the patches or strips B, B, etc. on the outer
face of an auxiliary air tube D placed within the tyre as shown by Figures 6
and 7. This air tube is kept normally deflated and is only inflated to bring the
strips or patches B, B, etc. carried by it into contact with the top side of the air
chainber of the tyre to enable the bead of solution & injected through a puncture
to adhere to one or more of them. This auxiliary air tube D is provided with a
- separate valve so that it can be inflated and deflated independently of the tyre. By
this construction a machine with a punctured tyre can be ridden immediately the
repair is effected, as the auxiliary air tube not only brings the repairing strip or
patch up into contact with the bead of solution at the puncture but also inflates
the tyre. As however the auxiliary air tube D is only intended as a means to
effect a repair it should be deflated as soon as the solution used for the repair is
set so as to prevent it becoming punctured, and as it is only used for the purpose
of effecting the repair of the tyre it can be made very light. When the auxiliary
air tube D is deflated after a repair has been made and air is pumped into the tyre
the auxiliary air tube is forced down to the bottom of the air chamber leaving the
repairing strip or patch attached to the punctured part of the tyre. To ensure the
auxiliary air tube returning to the bottom of the air chamber of the tyre when it
is deflated, it is preferably made of a shorter length than the inner circumference
of the tyre so that it is slightly stretched when in place.
As a further modification instead of mounting the strips or patches B, B, etc.
direct on to the auxiliary air tube D they may be mounted on a strip C as shown
by Figure 8, and the said strip then attached to the said air tube.
The strips or patches B, B, etc. may cover any desired part or portion of the air
chamber of the tyre, or of the auxiliary air tube therein, and they may be attached
thereto during the process of manufacture if desired.
Referring to the second part of my invention the rim of the wheel E may be
either hollow or solid, and either of the ordinary crescent shape as shown by

page_text: Figure 9, or of the ordinary flat-grooved shape as shown by Figure 10. The
cover A which is made of rubber reinforced with canvas in the well-known manner
has its edges a, a, turned upwards to form pockets or recesses a', a', at the outer
sides of the said edges. These pockets or recesses are adapted to receive the
bands or rings F which are made of a smaller diameter than that of the rim at the
edges thereof. These hoops or rings Fare made of wire or other suitable
longitudinally rigid material, and they are joined up after being placed in the rim
by brazing, clectric welding, or by any suitable mechanical device such as a right
and left hand coupling nut, so that they are permanently located in the wheel rim
and can only be removed therefrom when broken or uncoupled.
The relative diameters of the hoops or rings and of the wheel rim taken at the
extreme edge thereof are such that the said hoops or rings cannot unless broken or
uncoupled be removed from the wheel rim.
To attach the cover to the wheel rim, the edges are placed in the centre of the
rim, and the wires are passed into the grooves or recesses at its edges by lifting
them over the turned up edges of the cover. The air tube D which is of the usual
construction is provided with any suitable valve for inflation and deflation, and
when it is inflated it forces the edges of the cover outwards, binding the edges a, a,
of the pockets or recesses a', a', against the wheel rim and pulling the fixing bands
or rings outwards until their limit is reached when the tyre becomes firmly secured
to the wheel rim. To facilitate the passing of the hoops or rings into the grooves
or recesses at the edges of the cover, a groove or depression e may be formed in the
rim as shown by Figures 11 and 12.
I sometimes turn the edges of the rim E inwards to form undercut grooves at
the sides of the rim, and shape the turned up edges a, a, of the cover A to fit in
the said grooves as shown by Figure 12.
As a modification I form in one edge of the cover A a pocket a' in which I place
an unstretchable or longitudinally rigid hoop or ring F, and I form on the other
edge of the cover a bead or enlargement a, and I use a rim E having a central
groove e of a width equal to the width of the bead or enlargement a on the one
edge of the cover. To attach the cover to the wheel rim the edge thereof having
the pocket a¹ in which is the longitudinally rigid hoop or ring F (constructed as
hereinbefore described and made of such a diameter that when it is once placed in
the rim it cannot be removed therefrom unless it is broken or uncoupled) is placed
eccentrically in the groove e in the wheel rim which allows the other edge having
the bead or enlargement to be placed in the groove e in the wheel rim at one
point. The wired edge of the cover is then worked round until the whole of the
edge a is in the groove e in the wheel rim below the wired edge a¹. On the
inflation of the air tube the cover assumes the position as shown by Figure 13, in
which position it is securely attached to the wheel rim.
By attaching the cover to the wheel rim in the manner hereinbefore described it
cannot under any circumstances accidentally become detached from the wheel rim,
or become so displaced as to cause the air tube to burst.
Referring to the third part of my invention. 1 form the inflator or pump G in
the length or as part of the coupling or operating rod or bar of a front lever
brake. The said rod or bar is formed in two parts H and H' as is usual but the
lower part H adapted to carry or he attached to the brake is made very short and
the inflator or pump G is screwed on to it in the manner illustrated, or in any other
convenient manner. On to the top part H¹ of the rod or bar is mounted a collar J
capable of being adjusted thereon by means of a set screw thus providing for the
adjustment of the length of the brake rod as the handle bar is raised or lowered.
The collar Jis provided with a screw thread to enable the threaded end of the
piston rod G of the inflator or pump-into which the flexible tube is usually
screwed to be screwed on to it, thus making the inflator or pump G act as part of
the brake rod or bar. To remove the inflator, both the piston rod and the cylinder
are rotated by hand to unscrew them from the two parts of the brake rod or bar,
and it is then ready for use when the flexible connecting tube G' is attached to it.

page_text: .
It will be obvious that this arrangement may be carried into effect with all types
of front wheel brakes whether of the spoon type as illustrated or not.
Referring to the fourth part of my invention. The stand consists of any suitable
form of base K and a bracket L for engaging with the frame or other convenient
part of the machine to be supported. The two parts K and L are connected by a
vertical stem, or pillar made in two parts, M and N adapted to telescope one within
the other. I prefer to make the part M attached to the base K in the form of a
cylinder and the part N carrying the supporting bracket Lin the form of a piston
rod or plunger adapted to slide in the cylinder M, the piston rod or plunger being
provided with a piston n preferably made of cup leathers as shown. The lower end
of the cylinder M is provided with an inlet, non-return valve m of any suitable
type, and a delivery non-return valve m' fitted with a flexible tube () for connection
to the valve of the tyre. To enable the piston rod or plunger N carrying the
supporting bracket L to be adjusted in height a clip collar P. provided with an
adjusting screw p is fitted on to an extension of the cap m2 closing the top end of
the cylinder M and forming a split sleeve m³ thereon to contract the said, sleeve
and so cause the cap of the cylinder, through which the piston rod or plunger N
passes, to grip the said piston rod or plunger N, and thus provide a means of fixing
it at any desired height with respect to the cylinder M forming the stem or pillar
of the stand.
% As an alternative method of fixing the height of the bracket. L carried by the
spiston rod or plunger N, a plain collar provided with a set, screw may be mounted
on the piston rod or plunger and fixed thereto by the said set screw, to rest or bear
con: the top of the cap closing the top end of the cylinder. When the stand is used
as a pump this collar would be set free from the piston rod or plunger so that the
said piston rod or plunger can slide through it.
j
As an alternative construction the part forming the cylinder may carry the
supporting bracket, and the part forming the piston rod or plunger be attached to
the base, in which case the piston rod or plunger is made hollow-to deliver the air
at the base of the stand.
I wish it to be particularly understood that I do not limit myself to the precise
details of construction hereinbefore described and illustrated by the accompanying
drawings, but that I hold myself at liberty to make such changes and alterations
as fairly fall within the spirit and scope of my invention.
I am aware that prior to the date of my invention strips or patches of film
rubber or other air tight material have been used within the tubes or chambers of
pueumatic tyres to automatically close punctures by the pressure of air within the
_tyre, and I am also aware that the covers of pneumatic tyres have been secured
to wheel rims by means of metallic hoops or rings and I do not therefore claim
either of these devices broadly, but
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manuer the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. The improvements in cycles substantially as hereinbefore described and
illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
2. In a cycle the combination with pneumatic tyres of the solid wall type of
the repairing strips or patches, substantially as hereinbefore set forth.
3. In a cycle the improved method of attaching and securing the covers of
pneumatic tyres to the wheel rims substantially as herein before set forth.
4. In a cycle, the method of carrying an inflating pump and utilizing the same
on the machine, as hereinbefore set forth.
5. The combination with a pueumatic tyre of the solid wall type, of a series of
strips or patches attached by one point or part only to the inner surface of the air
chamber of the tyre so as to be easily detachable therefrom,.as and for the purpose
set forth.
6. The combination with a pneumatic tyre of the solid wall type, of an air tube

page_text: placed within the tyre and provided with an independent valve for inflation and
deflation and carrying on its outer surface a series of strips or patches attached
either directly or indirectly to the said air tube by one point or at one part so as to
be easily detachable therefrom, as and for the purpose set forth.
7. The combination with a pneumatic tyre of the solid wall type, of a strip of
flexible material adapted to be attached to the inner surface of the air chamber of
the tyre and on which are mounted a series of strips or patches attached to the
said strip at one point or part only so as to be easily and readily detachable
therefrom, as set forth.
8. The improved method of repairing punctures in pneumatic tyres of the solid
wall type, consisting of placing within the air chamber of the tyre on the bottom
part thereof a series of small strips or patches attached to the air chamber by one
point or part only so as to be easily detached therefrom, of injecting through the
puncture rubber solution, and of pressing the punctured part of the tyre down into
contact with the bottom part thereof so that the solution on the inside of the
puncture comes into contact with and picks up one or more of the strips or patches,
as set forth.
9. The improved method of repairing punctures in pneumatic tyres of the solid
wall type, consisting of placing within the tyre an air tube having a series of
strips or patches attached to its outer face by one point or part only so as to be
easily detached therefrom, of injecting through the puncture rubber solution, of
inflating the air tube carrying the repairing strips or patches to bring one or more
of them into contact with the solution injected through the puncture, and of
deflating the said air tube when the solution is set and firmly attached to one or
more of the repairing strips or patches, as set forth.
10. In a cycle wheel, the combination with a rim of the ordinary crescent or
flat-grooved shape, of a tyre cover constructed of rubber reinforced with canvas in
the well-known manner and having its edges turned upwards to form pockets or
recesses on the outer sides of the edges of the cover, of two unstretchable or
longitudinally rigid hoops or rings of a smaller diameter than the wheel rim at the
edges thereof permanently located in the wheel rim and adapted to be placed in
the open pockets or recesses at the edges of the cover, and of an air tube for
inflating the tyre, as set forth.
11. In a cycle wheel, the combination of a rim of a flat-grooved shape with a
central channel and turned over edges forming grooves or recesses on its inner
side, of a tyre cover having its edges turned upwards to form open pockets or
recesses on the outer sides of the cover the said turned up edges being shaped to
fit in the grooves or recesses at the sides of the wheel rim, of two unstretchable or
longitudinally rigid hoops or rings of a smaller diameter than the wheel rim
measured at its edges and adapted to be located in the pockets at the edges of the
cover, and of an air tube for inflating the tyre, as set forth.
12. In a cycle wheel, the combination with a crescent-shaped rim having a
central groove or channel, of a tyre cover constructed of rubber reinforced with
canvas in the well-known manner and having a pocket formed in one of its edges
in which is located an unstretchable or longitudinally rigid hoop or ring, and
having a bead or enlargement on its other edge, the said bead or enlargement
being of the same width as the groove or channel in the wheel rim, and of an air
tube for inflating the tyre, as set forth.
13. In a cycle, combining an inflator or pump with the brake operating rod or
bar so that it can be readily detached therefrom and attached thereto, as and for
the purpose set forth.
14. The combined stand and inflating pump, substantially as herein before
described and illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
15. In a stand for supporting bicycles made in two parts one telescoping within
the other, utilizing the tubular or female part as a cylinder and the male part as a
piston rod or plunger, fitting the piston rod or plunger with a piston and the
cylinder with an inlet and outlet or delivery valve the latter being fitted with a

page_text: delivery pipe, and fitting either the cylinder or the piston rod or plunger with a
clip or its equivalent whereby the one part may be fixed to the other, as and for
the purpose set forth.
16. The combination with a stand for supporting bicycles in an upright position
of an inflator or pump for inflating pneumatic tyres, as set forth.
17. In a cycle stand the combination of the cylinder M having a foot or base K
attached to it and fitted with an inlet valve m and an outlet or delivery valve m¹;
of the delivery pipe O; of the piston rod N fitted with a piston n and carrying a
bracket L adapted to engage with the frame of the cycle; of the cap m² closing
the top of the cylinder M and having a split sleeve m³; and of the clip collar P
mounted on the split sleeve m³ and fitted with a transverse screw p for contracting
it, as set forth.
Dated this 26th day of July 1893.
ROBT. ED. PHILLIPS.