Improvements a
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 16th Dec., 1897
Complete Specification Left, 17th Oct., 1898-Accepted, 16th Dec., 1898
I, FREDERICK WESTWOOD, Aitken Chambers, Cannon Street, Birmingham,
Managing Director, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:
My improvement relates to the fastening of the tyre to the rim and its adapt-
ability for attachment and removal.
There are several forms of attaching tyres the principal being either a non-
extensile wire which prevents the edges from expanding and coming over the
rim and lipped or grooved rims with counterparts that hook into them and so
prevent. the cover blowing off the rim; or thirdly, mechanically held by hooks,
screws, or bands of metal.
Such
In my improved arrangement I dispense with all these. I construct the
fabric so that one layer of fabric pulls a segment of the edge down upon the rim
and another layer of fabric or portion of a layer pulls another segment down
upon the rim, so that when I commence to inflate, the various segments which
constitute the. edges of the tyre are automatically closed upon the rim. . . .
a fabric is formed by using two distinct layers of diagonal threads, the threads
of each layer running in opposite directions; and the threads of each layer running
across the width in one direction for one half the circumference of the tyre and
in the opposite direction in the other half of the circumference. Bands of tape
which are not endless are sewn to each edge of each layer.
In order however that the edge may at once spring thereon and take a definite
shape by closing together before inflation takes place in some cases between these
edges or attached thereto I fasten an automatic spring of either coiled wire or
india rubber or any form applicable so that the edge may be very elastic and
easily removed from the rim when deflated, but very effectively held to the rim
by inflation owing to the contractibility and expansibility of the fabric.
Dated 15th day of December 1897.
Improvements avic yo
I, FREDERICK WESTWOOD, Aitkin Chambers, Cannon Street, Birmingham,
Managing Director, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
D
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page_text: manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement:-
My improvements relate to the fastening of the tyre to the rim and its adapt-
ability for attachment and removal.
There are several forms or methods of attaching tyres, the principle being a
non-extensile wire which prevents- the edges from expanding and coming over
the rim, lipped or grooved rims with counterparts that hook into them and so
prevent the cover blowing off the rim, and thirdly, mechanically attaching by
hooks, screws, or bands of metal.
In my improved arrangement I dispense with all such methods. I construct
the fabric of the tyre or the outer cover of the same so that one layer of fabric
pulls a segment of the edge down upon the rim and another layer of fabric or
portion of a layer pulls another segment down upon the rim, so that when I com-
mence to inflate, the various segments which constitute the edges of the tyre are
automatically closed upon the rim.
Such a fabric is formed by using two distinct layers of diagonal threads, the
threads of each layer running in opposite directions; and the threads of each
layer running across the width in one direction for one half the circumference of
the tyre and in the opposite direction in the other half of the circumference.
Bands of tape or continuous threads which are not endless are sewn or fastened
to the edge of each layer, for the purpose of enabling such edges to obtain a
better grip upon the rim of the wheel, and to cause the edges to automatically
contract firmly upon the rim as inflation takes place.
In order however that the edges may at once spring on the rim and take a
definite shape by closing together before inflation takes place, in some cases
between these edges or attached thereto I fasten an automatic spring of either
coiled wire or india rubber or any form applicable so that the edge may be very
clastic and easily removed from the rim when deflated, but very effectively held
to the rim by inflation owing to the contractibility and expansibility of the fabric.
The accompanying illustration is a plan representing a portion of a tyre cover
showing the arrangement of one of the double layers of fabric. Such layer, or
ring is preferably of two lengths, each being equal to about one half of the cir-
cumference of the tyre and solutioned to the second and similar layer A. To
avoid confusion the threads of the second layer A are not shown on the drawing.
The threads cross the strip in one direction as B for half the circumference, and
in the reverse direction as B₁ for the other half. The edges of the fabric are
provided with bands of tape as C for the purpose herein before described.
The second layer of the fabric A is the same in every respect as the first except
that the threads run in the opposite direction. When the tyre is not inflated the
diagonal strands or threads lie at a greater angle across the cover than when
inflation, takes place, and as they become straightened across the cover (under
the action of inflation) they pull together the bands C, so that under the strain
of inflation, when the tyre is in position, the tendency to contract the said edges C
of the tyre cover thus decreases the circumference and causes the tyre: to: tightly
grip the rim.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my 'said in-
vention and in what manner the same is to he performed, I declare that what I
claim is:-
1. The use of a tyre fabric as herein before described and illustrated whereby
on inflation of the tyre the fabric is shortened circumferentially and so caused to
grip the rim of the wheel on which it is placed for the purpose of securing the
tyre thereto.
2. A tyre fabric composed of two or more layers each layer comprising two
lengths of diagonal fabric so formed that the threads run in one direction for
one, half the length and in the opposite direction for the other half of the length

page_text: of fabric, in combination with tapes or fabric strips at the edges, substantially
as herein before described and as illustrated.
3. The combination of a tyre fabric as claimed in the preceding claim, with
spring edges, substantially as and for the purposes described.
Doted this 15th dox of Ontahan 1808
MARKS & CLERK,
18, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., and
13, Temple Street, Birmingham, Agents for the Applicant.