Improvements in or relating to Motor Road Vehicles.
Year: 1899

page_text: Improvements in or relating to Motor Road Vehicles.
I, MAURICE LOIR, of 95, Boulevard Beaumarchais, Paris, in the Republic of
France, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
The present invention relates to a motor vehicle, the principal parts of which
are so arranged as to be easily disconnected and replaced or substituted by
other parts or forms. The invention consists, for this purpose, in so arranging
the different parts of the vehicle, as to constitute three essential parts (the motor
part, the frame or housing for the accumulators together with all parts neces-
sary for working the vehicle, and- the body proper, of the vehicle), and to make
these three parts independent of each other.
The invention, therefore, permits the construction of a motor vehicle, of which
the back-motor or driving part can easily be detached, and replaced, in case
of any mishap, by a new motor part; it is also possible to so arrange the motor
as to be completely isolated from the main body of the car, so that it is not
exposed to the risk of deformation or any torsional strain, whatever position
the vehicle may take. Finally, owing to the independence from each other of
the three essential component parts, each part constitutes a kind of self-contained
whole, which, to a certain extent, is interchangeable, an arrangement which
makes it possible to substitute one part of one vehicle for the corresponding
part of any other carriage of similar construction, and especially to rapidly
" victoria into one of another kind,
transform a carriage of one kind, say a
say a "landau" or a coupé."
<
"
In carrying out the invention, the motor part comprises an axle and wheels
combined with a frame supported on this axle, which frame is to support the
motors, which may directly actuate both the driving wheels, by means of toothed
pinions, and which axle can be joined with the front axle by means of a very
flexible plate or rod ending in a ball terminal adapted to engage in a cup pro-
vided for this purpose in the centre of the front axle. This motor part has,
therefore, no other connection with the rest of the car than that formed by means
of the cup joint above described, which ensures freedom from the torsional
efforts, and by two connections firmly fixed to the back springs, forming part
of the framing containing the accumulators, and in which the axle can turn
to the extent required by the flexibility of the cup-joint rod.
The accumulator frame carries, say, two accumulator boxes, the front-wheel
parts, the back springs with the connections for the attachment of the motor
device, the seat for the driver, and all the apparatus necessary for working and
guiding the motor vehicle. The car-body, is simply placed over the accumulator
casings, to which it is fixed by means of four screw bolts; the said cases thus
acting as supports for the body.
The body of the carriage is secured to the accumulator bodies or framing by
means of four bolts. The cases of the accumulators are carried on the framing

page_text: to which is also secured the connections of the front wheels. Over the front
accumulator casing is mounted the driver's seat, and all the apparatus for steer-
ing and working the motor vehicle. The rear casing is provided with suspension
springs to which are secured the clamps or connections for the purpose of attach-
ing the motor part. These clamps are made in two parts, and serve as bearings
for the axle at the time when it may be required to make a slight movement of
rotation, as will be explained hereinafter.
The motor part consists of an axle on which are fixed two angle bars say of
steel, or tubes curving inwards and meeting towards the front where they are
connected to a flexible bar or plate terminating in a ball. The two bars are
stayed by a cross-bar parallel to the axle, and with two connections between
the axle and cross bar, which, together, with the bars, forms the support, for
the cases enclosing the electric motors. The latter actuate directly, by means
of a pinion a toothed wheel of large diameter fixed on the hub, of the wheel or
to the wheel itself which rotates on the axle.
To fix the motor part in position the clamps or connections secured to the
springs of the accumulator part, are placed on the axle of the motor device
between two collars or cheeks on the axle, and the ball is inserted into the cup
made in two parts and fixed to the centre of the front axle. The inner collars
are preferably forged in one with the axle, and the converging frame bars as
well as the longitudinal supports rest on surfaces substantially formed on the
axle of the driving wheels; these parts are therefore rigidly connected with and
part of the axle.
It will be easily understood, that the simplicity of the fastening devices of
the motor part makes it possible to replace with great rapidity the motor part
in the event of an accident or requirement of a stronger or weaker motor etc.,
the whole operation being reduced to the disconnection of the two clamps and
the cup and ball joint. Further any distortion or twisting of this portion of
the vehicle is avoided by this arrangement.
The provision of the flexible band arranged between the junction of the motor
frame bars and the ball of the cup and ball joint, not only ensures the inde-
pendence of the motor part, but also constitutes a spring support for the motors,
and makes it possible to start without any shock; the tendency of the motors
at starting being to rotate round the driving pinion and this movement is pro-
duced, effectually, in consequence of the flexibility of this band while the axle
turns lightly the clamps which serve as axle bearings; in consequence of such
arrangement the shock of starting is considerably reduced.
It should also be remarked that, the motors being suspended from the fixed
axle (the rotary movement of which, in all cases, is limited to the extent of
flexibility of the spring band which serves to reduce the shocks of the motors)
friction is absolutely reduced to a minimum. The body of the vehicle being
simply secured on the accumulator framing by the bolts, it is possible, as has
already been stated, to change the form of the vehicle body with the greatest
ease.
In order to effect in a simple and practical manner, the engagement at start-
ing, and changes in speed the following device has been adopted. The starting
gear is fixed on a differential shaft, as generally employed in motor cars, in such
a manner as to allow either the gearing of the two driving wheels with the
differential movement, or the uncoupling of one of these wheels, and the engage-
ment of one of the differential gears in such a manner as to communicate to
the gearing actuating the second driving wheel higher velocity than the first
velocity.
A tubular frame or bar of any form of vehicle carries by means of say four
supports a differential gear comprising a crown or toothed ring actuated by a
motor and carrying two spindles on which are mounted, so as to be able to turn,
two bevel pinions. These pinions are coupled, with other bevel wheels, which
aro keyed respectively on separate parts of the divided driving shaft...

page_text: The intermediate shaft of three the part driving shaft turns in the socket of
one of the supports and ends in a disc solidly connected with it, and acting as
a friction gearing disc.
2.
By means of this arrangement it is possible to make the intermediate shaft
either independent of the discs on either side of the friction disc or connected
with one or other of these discs.
The inner disc is formed solid with its support or bracket and is consequently
immovable.
The other disc is keyed to the outer shaft or part axle which carries at the
other extremity either a chain pinion actuating the driving wheel, or, directly,
in certain cases, one of the driving wheels.
This shaft is supported and can rotate in the socket of the outer support. The
outer shaft is supported and can rotate in the sockets of the corresponding sup-
ports and is provided at its extremity with either a chain pinion actuating the
other driving wheel, or in certain cases,. directly actuating said driving wheel.
The operation is as follows:-
Suppose the friction gearing disc be independent of the discs. on either side
of it and the toothed crown to be rotated by the motor.
One of the outer shafts prevented by the resistance of the vehicle, cannot
turn; so that only the intermediate shaft which is absolutely free will be rotated
without however moving the car.
If then the friction disc is brought into engagement with the outer disc its
shaft will be progressively operated and the vehicle will' start with a certain
velocity. If, then the disc is uncoupled from the outer driving disc and engaged
with the fixed disc this shaft will no longer be involved in the movement of
the vehicle and the corresponding wheel will no longer be a driving wheel but
simply a supporting wheel, and the intermediate shaft becoming fixed to the
fixed disc will be rendered immovable.
In consequence of this, each revolution of the toothed crown' will correspond
to, say, two revolutions of the other outer shaft (driving shaft) i.e. a velocity of
double the first velocity. In this case the corresponding wheel of the shaft
will be the only driving wheel and the vehicle will travel like a motor tricycle
with two steering wheels of which the rear wheel alone is the driving wheel.
One of the principal advantages of this arrangement which allows of a change
of velocity and of changing one of the driving wheels into a simple supporting
wheel, consists in almost totally avoiding the risks of slipping so much to be
dreaded when travelling at a high speed, as when the two wheels are both driving
wheels and the roads are muddy or slippery the slightest tendency of the wheels
to turn causes a sort of cross movement very pronounced and very dangerous
when travelling at a great speed.
One of the two driving wheels being used according to this invention "simply
as a supporting wheel, serves for steering the carriage and completely prevents
this kind of cross movement, thus avoiding the great danger of slipping."
It is easily understood that by varying the proportion of the number of teeth
of the bevel wheels any desired ratio of velocity can be obtained. Finally it
may be remarked that this invention is independent of the differential system
described thus the double series of bevel wheels may be replaced by a series of
straight wheels, the employment of which would still increase the effect of the
system.
.1.
For racing vehicles the wheels are reduced to a very small diameter, and are
carried on the shaft or shafts of the electric motors, the inductors of which are
independent. These wheels present the peculiarity of being simply constituted
of pneumatic tubes of large section, placed directly on the nave or hub of the
motor axle.
If the driving wheels are fixed to the axles of the motors, the framing carries
the motors the axles of which revolve and are supported in bearings carried by
the framing of the motors. The rear axle is divided and is formed of the "two

page_text: independent axles of the motors; the driving wheels being directly keyed or
. secured to these axles. .
This arrangement is especially applicable for obtaining a high speed, and
consequently is especially adapted for racing vehicles.
Dated this 11th day of Anril 1899.
BOULT & WADE,
Agents for the Applicant.
I, MAURICE LOIR, of 95, Boulevard Beaumarchais, Paris, in the Republic of
France, 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:-
The present invention relates to a motor vehicle, the principal parts of which
are so arranged as to be easily disconnected and replaced or substituted by
other parts or forms. The invention consists, for this purpose, in so arranging
the different parts of the vehicle, as to constitute three essential parts (the motor
part, the frame or housing for the accumulators together with all parts neces-
sary for working the vehicle, and the body proper of the vehicle), and to make
these three parts independent of each other.
The invention, therefore, permits the construction of a motor vehicle, of which
the back-motor or driving part can easily be detached, and replaced, in case
of any mishap, by a new motor part; it is also possible to so arrange the motor
as to be completely isolated from the main body of the car, so that it is not
exposed to the risk of deformation or any torsional strain whatever position
the vehicle may take. Finally, owing to the independence from each other of
the three essential component parts, each part constitutes a kind of self contained
whole, which, to a certain extent, is interchangeable, an arrangement which
makes it possible to substitute one part of one vehicle for the corresponding
part of any other carriage of similar construction, and especially to rapidly
transform a carriage of one kind, say a "victoria into one of another kind,
say a "landau" or a 'coupé."
66
In carrying out the invention, the motor part comprises an axle and wheels
combined with a frame supported on this axle, which frame is to support the
motors, which may directly actuate both the driving wheels, by means of toothed
pinions, and which axle can be joined with the front axle by means of a very
flexible plate or rod ending in a ball terminal adapted to engage in a cup pro-
vided for this purpose in the centre of the front axle. This motor part has,
therefore no other connection with the rest of the car than that formed by means
of the cup joint above described, which ensures freedom from torsional
efforts, and by two connections firmly fixed to the back springs, forming part
of the framing containing the accumulators, and in which the axle can turn
to the extent required by the flexibility of the cup-joint rod.
The accumulator frame carries, say two accumulator boxes, the front-wheel
parts, the back springs with the connections for the attachment of the motor
device, the seat for the driver and all the apparatus necessary for working and
guiding the motor vehicle. The car body, is simply placed over the accumulator
casings, to which it is fixed by means of four screw bolts; the said cases thus
acting as supports for the body.

page_text: The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention by way of an example;
of them
Figure 1 shows a side elevation of one form of motor vehicle.
Figure 2 shows, separately, the framework or casing for the accumulators etc.,
the car-body and the motor being omitted.
Figure 3 represents a plan view of the motor part separately, and Figure 4
a side elevation of the same.
Figure 5 represents a transverse section of means for readily effecting the
engagement for working and the changes in speed.
Figure 6 shows, as an example, a construction which may be adopted in the
construction of racing vehicles, and
Figure 7 represents a section through the axis of the driving wheels of racing
motor cars, showing the special construction of the driving wheels.
A represents the body of the carriage secured to the accumulator bodies or
framing by means of four bolts B (Figures 1 and 2). The cases C C¹ of the
accumulators are carried on the framing D to which is also secured the con-
nections of the front wheels E. Over the accumulator casing C is mounted the
driver's seat, and all the apparatus for steering and working the motor vehicle.
The casing C is provided with suspension springs F to which are secured the
clamps or connections G for the purpose of attaching the motor part. These
clamps are made in two parts as shown in Figure 2, and serve as bearings for the
axle at the time when it may be required to make a slight movement of rotation,
as will be explained hereinafter.
The motor part (see Figures 3 and 4) consists of an axle H on which are
fixed two angle bars say of steel or tubes I curving inwards and meeting towards
the front at I' where they are connected to a flexible bar or plate K terminating
in a ball L. The two bars I are stayed by a cross-bar I" parallel to the axle,
and with two connections I between the axle and cross bar which, together
with the bars I, form the support for the cases enclosing the electric motors.
The latter actuate directly, by means of a pinion m a toothed wheel n of large
diameter fixed on the hub of the wheel N or to the wheel itself which rotates on
the axle H.
To fix the motor part in position the clamps or connections G secured to the
springs F of the accumulator part, are placed on the axle H of the motor device
between two collars or cheeks o o¹ on the axle and the ball L is inserted into
the cup R made in two parts and fixed to the centre of the front axle. The
inner collars o' are preferably forged in one with the axle, and the converging
frame bars I as well as the longitudinal supports I rest on surfaces suitably
formed on the axle of the driving wheels; these parts are therefore rigidly con-
nected with and part of the axle.
It will be easily understood that the simplicity of the fastening devices of
the motor part makes it possible to replace with great rapidity the motor pȧrt
in the event of an accident or requirement of a stronger or weaker motor, etc.;
the whole operation being reduced to the disconnection of the two clamps G
and the cup and ball joint L R. Further any distortion or twisting of this
portion of the vehicle is avoided by this arrangement.
The provision of the flexible band K, arranged between the junction of the
motor frame bars I and the ball of the cup and ball joint, not only ensures the
independence of the motor part, but also constitutes a spring support for the
motors, and makes it possible to start without any shock; the tendency of the
motors at starting being to rotate around the driving pinion n and this move-
ment is produced effectually in consequence of the flexibility of this band K
while the axle H turns lightly in the clamps G which serve as axle bearings:
in consequence of such arrangement the shock of starting is considerably reduced.
It should also be remarked that the motors being suspended from the fixed
axle (the rotary movement of which, in all cases, is limited to the extent of
flexibility of the spring band K which serves to reduce the shocks of the motors)

page_text: friction-is absolutely reduced to a minimum. The body of the vehicle being
simply secured on the accumulator framing by the bolts B, it is possible, as
has already been stated, to change the form of the vehicle body with the greatest
ease..
In order to effect in a simple and practical manner, the engagement at start-
ing, and changes in speed, the following device represented in section by Figure 5
has been adopted. The starting gear is fixed on a differential shaft, as generally
employed in motor cars, in such a manner as to allow either the gearing of the
two driving wheels with the differential movement, or the uncoupling of one
of these wheels, and the engagement of one of the differential gears in such a
manner as to communicate to the gearing actuating the second driving. wheel
higher velocity than the first velocity.
A (Figure 5) represents a tubular frame or bar of any form of vehicle; this
frame carries by means of four-supports B B B B, Fig. 5, a differential gear
comprising a crown or toothed ring C, actuated by a motor M, and carrying
two spindles C C on which are mounted, so as to be able to turn, two bevel
pinions D and D¹ (Figure 5). These pinions D D are coupled with other bevel
wheels E E, which are keyed respectively on separable parts of the divided
uriving shaft.
The intermediate shaft F, (Fig. 5) of the three part driving shaft, turns in
the socket of one of the supports B', and ends in a disc G, solidly connected with
it, and acting as a friction gearing disc.
By means of this arrangement it is possible to make the intermediate shaft F
either independent of the discs H and I on either side of the friction disc or
connected with one or other of these discs H I, Fig. 5.
The inner disc I is formed solid with its support or bracket B¹ (Fig. 5) and
is consequently immovable.
The other disc H (Fig. 5) is keyed to the outer shaft or part axle J which
carries at the other extremity either a chain pinion J actuating the driving
wheel, or, directly, in certain cases, one of the driving wheels.
This shaft J (Fig. 5) is supported and can rotate in the socket of the outer
support B. The other outer shaft F¹ (Fig. 5) is supported and can rotate in
the sockets of the corresponding supports 13 B, and is provided at its extremity
with either a chain pinion Factuating the other driving wheel, or in certain
cases, directly actuating said driving wheel.
The operation is as follows:--
Suppose (Figure 5) the friction gearing disc G be independent of the discs H
and I on either side of it and the toothed crown to be rotated by the motor M.
One of the outer shafts F1 prevented by the resistance of the vehicle, cannot
turn, so that only the intermediate shaft F which is absolutely free will be
rotated without however moving the car.
If then the friction disc G (Fig. 5) is brought in engagement with the outer
disc H, its shaft J will be progressively operated and the vehicle will start with
a certain velocity. If, then the disc G is uncoupled from the outer driving
disc H and engaged with the fixed disc I, this shaft J will no longer be involved
in the movement of the vehicle and the corresponding wheel will no longer be
a driving wheel but simply a supporting wheel; and the intermediate shaft F
becoming fixed to the fixed disc I will be rendered immovable.
In consequence of this each revolution of the toothed crown C will correspond
to, say, two revolutions of the other outer shaft (driving shaft) F, i.e. a velocity
of double the first velocity. In this case the corresponding wheel of the shaft Fi
will be the only driving wheel, and the vehicle will travel like a motor tricycle
with two steering wheels of which the rear wheel alone is the driving wheel..
One of the principal advantages of this arrangement which allows of a change
of velocity and of changing one of the driving wheels into a simple: supporting
wheel, consists in almost totally avoiding the risks of slipping so much to be
dreaded when travelling at a high speed, as when the two wheels are both driv-

page_text: ing wheels and the roads are muddy or slippery, the slightest tendency of the
wheels to turn causes a sort of cross movement very pronounced and very dan-
gerous when travelling at a great speed.
One of the two driving wheels being used according to this invention simply
as a supporting wheel serves for steering the carriage and completely prevents
this kind of cross movement, thus avoiding the great danger of slipping.
It is easily understood that by varying the proportion of the number of teeth
of the bevel wheels E E any desired ratio of velocity can be obtained; in the
above example the ratio of the gear is equal to one, and the second velocity
obtained therefore will be exactly equal to double the first velocity. Finally
it may be remarked that the invention is independent of the differential system
described, thus the double series of bevel wheels EE, D D¹ may be replaced
by a series of straight wheels, the employment of which would still increase the
effect of the system.
For racing vehicles the wheels are reduced to a very small diameter, and are
carried on the shaft or shafts of the electric motors, the inductors of which are
independent. These wheels present the peculiarity of being simply constituted
of pneumatic tubes of large section, placed directly on the nave or hub of the
motor axle, as shown in Figure 7.
If the driving wheels are fixed to the axles of the motors, the framing L
(Figure 7) carries the motors M the axles of which revolve and are supported
in bearings carried by the framing of the motors. The rear axle is divided
and is formed of the two independent axles H of the motors, the driving wheels
being directly keved or secured to these axles.
This arrangement is especially applicable for obtaining a high speed and con-
sequently is especially adapted for racing vehicles.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said in-
vention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is―
1. An electric motor vehicle characterised by the arrangement in independent
parts each forming an interchangeable whole of the various parts forming the
body of the vehicle of the accumulator framing, on which is placed the apparatus
for directing and driving the vehicle and of the motor substantially as described.
2. In an electric motor vehicle of the kind described a separable motor part
united to the accumulator framing by two connections serving as bearings for
the axle and by a ball adapted to be secured in a cup or recess on the centre
of the front axle substantially as described.
3. In an electric motor vehicle provided with a separable motor part connected
to the front axle by a cup and ball joint, a flexible band between the ball and
the framing of the motor, forming a spring support for the motor part, substan-
tially as described.
4. In an electric motor vehicle provided with a separable motor part united
with the front axle by a cup and ball joint and a flexible suspension band, motors
carried on cross bars united with the rear axle, said motors actuating the road
wheels by means of pinions fixed to the hubs of the road wheels and gearing
directly with toothed pinions keyed on the shafts of the motors substantially
as described.
5. In an electric motor vehicle of the kind described the combination of the
accumulator framing with the apparatus for guiding and driving the vehicle
with the front wheels. the seat for the driver and the springs for the motor
part substantially as described.
6. A transmission device characterized by the arrangement of driving gear on
a divided differential shaft, and by the combination with this gearing of a second
fixed gearing crown intended to operate the differential gearing for the purpose
of effecting not only a driving action but also a variation in speed and when
running at a high speed, the employment of only one driving wheel, the other

page_text: wheel becoming simply a supporting and steering wheel, substantially as
described.
7. In a motor vehicle for rapid travelling in order to increase the stability of
the vehicle and the elasticity of the tyres, with a diminution of the risks of acci-
dent, a construction of wheel characterised by a tyre of large cross section being
directly mounted on the hub of the wheel which serving also as the felly of
the wheel, substantially as described.
8. A motor vehicle characterised by the combination of an accumulator fram-
ing and motor mechanism the shafts of the motors acting directly on the driving
road wheels keyed on to these shafts, substantially as described.
9. The complete motor vehicle with readily detachable and interchangeable
parts substantially as described or illustrated in Figures 1, 2 3 and 4 of the
accompanying drawings.
10. In a motor vehicle the arrangement of driving mechanism substantially
as described and illustrated in Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings.
11. The arrangement of a low frame, small wheels and motors acting directly
thereon, substantially as described and illustrated in Figure 7 of the accompanying
drawings.
Dated this 5th day of January 1900.
BOULT, WADE, & KILBURN,
Agents for the Applicant.