Improvements in Wheels for Velocipedes and other Carriages
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 2nd Nov., 1892
Complete Specification Left, 2nd Aug., 1893-Accepted, 2nd Sept., 1893
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Wheels for Velocipedes and other Carriages
We, WILLIAM BOWN, 308, Summer Lane, Birmingham in the County of
Warwick, Manufacturer, and JAMES WILLIAM FLAVELL, Junior, Holly Lawn,
Beech Lanes, Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham aforesaid, Manager, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention has reference to the tyres and rims of velocipedes and other
carriages. Our object is to provide a tyre which has the same amount of elasticity,
and resiliency as a pneumatic tyre, but without the aid of compressed air.
In carrying our improvements into effect we take two steel rings or hoops to form
in the first instance a kind of slender double rim, either flat, angle, or any required
shape, all the spokes. on one side of the wheel being secured to one of these rings
or hoops, and all the spokes on the other side of the wheel being secured to the
other (if required the spokes of the left-hand side of the hub may be secured into
the right-hand side ring or hoop, and the right-hand side spokes into the left-hand
side ring or hoop): these rings or hoops are then connected together by a suitable
number of strips of spring steel bowed outwards so as to form part of a circle or
any other suitable shape, and secured at right angles to the said rings or hoops,
and at certain distances apart all round the entire circumference of the rings or
hoops in securing the spokes to the rings or hoops they may be passed through at
the points where the bowed strips are secured thereby acting as a rivet for the
bowed strips, or they may be passed through the rings or hoops at any point
between the said bowed strips. Fastened around the bowed springs or steel strips
in a parallel line with the two rings or hoops, and consequently at right angles to
the said bowed strips of steel, is one (or more) crescent or flat shaped spring steel
ring or hoop, which strengthens and securely holds in their proper position the
bowed strips of steel.
For the elasticity and reciliency of the wheel, we rely upon the general
springiness of the tyre as explained together with what we consider the most
important point, namely, the power of opening and closing latterally which is
given to the spokes. We may, however, if deemed necessary, insert suitable
springs at certain distances apart between the two rings or hoops in which the
spokes are secured for the purpose of preventing the sides of the wheel-as
represented by the spokes and rings or hoops-from opening out latterally, too freely
or too widely when the pressure by the weight of the rider is brought to bear upon
the outer face of the tyre. All the different parts may, if required, be fluted in
order that strength may be gained, and that lighter material may be used.
the wheel has been thus built up a suitable outer covering made of india rubber,
with an inner and outer lining of canvas, or a combination of leather and india
rubber is secured around the circumference of the wheel in any desired manner.
Dated this 1st day of November 1892.
After
.WILLIAM BOWN.
JAMES WILLIAM FLAVELL, JNR.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
* *. 48 54
Improvements in Wheels for Velocipedes and other Carriages.
We WILLIAM BOWN, 308, Summer Lane, Birmingham in the County of
Warwick, Manufacturer and JAMES WILLIAM FLAVELL, Holly Lawn, Beech
Lanes, Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham aforesaid, Manager, 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 :—
This invention has reference to the tyres and rims of velocipedes and other
carriages. Our object is to provide a tyre which has the same amount of elasticity,
and resiliency as a pneumatic tyre, but without the aid of compressed 'air.
In order that our invention may be clearly understood we have annexed the
accompanying sheet of drawings which illustrate same.
Fig. 1 is front elevation of a velocipede wheel constructed according to the
simplest of the forms mentioned in our invention, and
Fig. 2 is edge view of same.
A, A' are the two steel rings or hoops which form in the first instance a kind of
slender double rim either flat, angle or any required shape, but by preference we
use the angle shape, all the spokes B on one side of the wheel being secured to the
said ring or hoop A and all the spokes B' on the other side of the "wheel
being secured to the said ring or hoop A¹ (if required the spokes B may be
secured to the ring or hoop, A, and the spokes B¹ secured to the ring or 'hoop A.
The said rings or hoops A, A' are then connected together by any suitable
number of strips of spring steel C bowed outwards as shewn so as to form part of
a circle or any other suitable shape. The said strips C are rivetted at a or other-
wise secured at right angles and at certain distances apart all round the circumference
of the said rings or hoops A, A¹ as shewn more plainly at Fig. 3. "Or the strips C
may be crossed as shewn at Fig. 4 or secured at any angle as shewn at Fig. 5. If
desired the spokes B, B1 may be passed through the rings or hoops A; A at the
points where the said bowed strips C are secured by which means we can dispense
with the rivets a.
.
For the elasticity and resiliency of the wheel, we rely upon the general
springiness of the tyre as explained together with what we consider the most
important point-viz.-that when pressure by the weight of the rider is put upon
the wheel the rings or hoops A, A¹ will move apart consequently' the spokes B, B
open and close laterally. We may however if deemed necessary insert "suitable
springs at certain distances apart between the two rings or hoops A;'A¹ for the
purpose of preventing the sides of the wheel-as represented by the spokes B, B
and rings or hoops A, A-from opening out laterally too freely or too widely.
All the different parts-such as the rings or hoops A, A¹, spokes B, Band bowed
springs C-may, if required, be fluted in order that strength may be gained;"and
that lighter material may be used. If desired we may fasten around the bowed
springs C in a parallel line with the rings or hoops A, A', and consequently at
right angles to the said, bowed, springs C, one or more crescent or flat shaped
spring steel rings, or hoops for strengthening and securely holding in their proper
position the said bowed springs C.
After the wheel has thus been built up a suitable outer covering made of india
rubber, with an inner and outer lining of canvas, or a combination of leather and
india rubber is secured around the circumference of the said wheel in any desired
manner.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed we would have i
herein shew
understood that we do not confine ourselves to the exact details
and described, but what we wish to claim is :-
.as.
Firstly. A wheel constructed in such a manner that the spokes are enabled t

page_text: give or open laterally their entire length when pressure or weight is par
said wheel.
Secondly. Forming the periphery of a wheel out of a suitable number of
bowed springs in the manner substantially as herein shewn and described.
Thirdly. A wheel constructed in the manner substantially the same as herein
shewn and described.
WILLIAM BOWN.
JAMES WILLIAM FLAVELL.
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