Improvements in Pneumatic Tyres and Rims for Wheels.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 3rd Oct., 1899-Accepted, 7th Apr., 1900
Improvements in Pneumatic Tyres and Rims for Wheels.
I, OLAF JOHAN MICHAEL ANCORA, of Grove and Washington Streets, Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, United States of America, Patent Attorney, 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 relation to improvements in tires and rims for wheels, more
especially for bicycle wheels.
The object is to provide a construction, in which the tire is most effectually
protected against puncture, and one, at the same time, in which, if a puncture
by any possibility occur, ready access can be obtained to said puncture for the
purpose of repair. Furthermore, the invention provides for a more convenient
location for the valve, and contemplates also an improved form of rim, of such
construction as to prevent cutting the sides of the tire, should the machine be
ridden, when the tire is deflated. With the above objects in view the invention
consists of the devices and parts, or their equivalents, as hereinafter more fully
set forth.
In the accompanying drawing, Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a tire equipped with.
my improvements.
Fig. 2 is a detail view of a filling for the space between the inner and outer
portions of the tire, at the tread thereof."
Fig. 3 is a view of detail.
Fig. 4 is a cross section of a modified form.
Fig.'s 5 and 6 are cross sections of other modified forms.
Fig.'s 7 and 8 are fragments of the tread of the tire, showing the preferred form
of constructing said tread.
Fig. 9 is a view of a spring-button used in the tire.
Fig. 10 is an enlarged section of the inflating valve.
The tire in all the several forms is composed of inner and outer portions 9
and 10, respectively, said inner portion constituting an inner closed tube, and the
outer portion an outer covering connected with the inner tube at a point 11.
The terminal end forms an overlapping tongue 12 which is located where the
rim of the wheel is connected to the tire.
In the construction shown in Fig.'s 1, 4 and 6 the overlapping tongue 12 is
located where the rim of the wheel is connected to the tire.
In the construction shown in Figs. 4 and 6 the overlapping tongue is formed on
its under side with a series of ribs 13, and the surface immediately below the
overlapping tongue is provided with similar ribs, forming a series of recesses 14,
to receive said ribs 13. By the engagement of the rbs 13 of the tongue with the
recessses, the two portions of the tire are held against lateral separation, and at
the same time in the Figs. 1 and 6 form the important function of providing a
perfectly airtight chamber 15.
In the forms of construction illustrated in Figures 1 & 6, the outer portion 10

page_text: of the tire is sufficiently greater in diameter than the inner portion 9 to form
the space or chamber 15 between the sides and bottoms of said two portions,
providing practically inner and outer tubes. These are both adapted to be inflated
with air, so that two pneumatic tubes are provided. It is desirable and advis-
able that the double pneumatic tire be constructed in such manner that the con-
nection of the cover with the inner closed tube, that is to say, the beginning of
the dividing point 11, must be located at such a place as to be either just inside
of the rim of the wheel, or in line with the edge of the rim. By thus making
the connection between the inner closed tube and the outer cover within the rim
of the wheel, or on a line with the edge of the rim, the pressure of the air in the
chamber 15 prevents splitting of the tire.
For the purpose of inflating these tubes, I prefer to use peculiar forms of valve
mechanism. These valve mechanisms are shown in Figures 1 & 4, and 10 and
it will be understood that similar valve mechanisms are also employed in
Figures 5 & 6. Each valve casing is composed of two sections, ri., a tubular
exteriorly-threaded portion 16, and an outer interiorly threaded cap-piece 17.
The cap-pieces are turned on to the outer ends of the tubes 16 so as to retain
the air. Each valve casing 16 is provided with an interior diaphragm 18, and
each diaphragm has an air opening 19 therethrough. A ball valve 20 is fitted
beneath the diaphragm, and is provided with a guide-stem 21 extending out-
wardly through the opening 19. These valves (in order to render them airtight)
are provided with coverings 22, of rubber, or analogous material. When the tire
is inflated the valves are held up to the diaphragms by means of the internal air
pressure and by the spring 52 which rests on a cross bar 23 provided in each
valve casing 16, so as to prevent the valve therein from dropping inwardly
through the valve casing and keep the valve against the diaphragm when the
tire is deflated. In the case of the valve casing for the inner tube, said casing
extends through both portions 9 & 10, as clearly shown in Fig. 10, so that a clear
passage is afforded to the inner tube, through the opening in the bottom of the
valve-casing. In the case of the outer tube, however, as the inner end of the
valve casing 16 thereof abuts against the inner portion 9 of the tire, I pre-
ferably provide said valve casing 16 with air-openings 24 arranged on the sides
of the valve casing, through which the air is free to pass and fill the space 15.
A nut 42 engages the threaded valve casing and serves to hold said casing in
place, preventing it from falling into the tire, when the cap 16 is unscrewed (see
left-hand valve in Fig. 1 and also Fig. 10).
Each valve casing is also formed or provided at its inner end with a flange 43,
which prevents the valve casing from working or pulling outwardly. This flange,
together with nut 42, forms a clamp for holding the valve casing in place.
It will be understood that the valve must be so located that no part of said
valve will extend outside of a vertical line drawn co-incident with the most pro-
jecting peripheral point on the side of the tire, when said tire is inflated, thus
obviating the danger of knocking off the valve-cap by contact with any obstruc-
tion or projection encountered outside of the wheel." As the tire when deflated
is widened out from side to side, and is thereby made broader than when inflated,
the valve-cap (when the valve is located as hereinbefore described) is even more
secure against contact with obstructions than when the tire is inflated, as the
greater peripheral projections on the sides of the deflated tire will act to still
more effectually guard the valve from being thrown off by any obstruction outside
of the wheel. Another advantage gained in locating the valve as herein shown
and described is that I avoid entirely the weakening of the rim of the wheel,
such as results when the valve is applied to the rim, and a hole necessarily drilled
through the rim for the location of said valve. Furthermore, another disadvan-
tage is avoided, riz., the ever-present liability of the creeping of the tire which
so frequently causes the valve to be cut off, resulting in instantaneous deflation,
and rendering road-repair most difficult. Again, in having the valve on the side
of the tire, it makes it easier to remove the tire from the rim. In using a cap

page_text: on my valve no material change is made in the construction of the common
valve, and any valve could therefore be used.
The valve may be arranged as usual in a hole through the rim of the wheel,
but I prefer to do away with the opening in the rim for this purpose, and to
place the valve or valves on the side or sides of the tire, thus obviating the
danger of breaking the pump hose or valve stem. By this arrangement the outer
side of the tire will serve as a washer for the valve cap 17, thus making an air-
tight closure. The opening in the side of the tire for the valve must be such a
distance from the sides of the rim that the valve will not come in contact with
the rim, when the bicycle or vehicle is in motion.
Fig. 4 is similar to the construction shown in Figs. 1 & 6, excepting that the
space 15 is not continued around the sides of the tube, but is only provided
between the bottoms of the inner and outer portions 9 & 10, respectively. At
the sides the portions 9 & 10 are adjacent to each other.
In Figs. 1,4 & 6 the inner surface of the outer portion 10 of the tire is pro-
vided with projecting lugs 25, 25, arranged in the lower portion of the tire, at a
desired distance apart and projecting into the space 15. I prefer to fill the
space confined between the fugs 25 25, with some suitable material, which can
easily be removed and another substituted therefor, and will resist puncture, or
hold the two portions 9 & 10 separated a sufficient distance to prevent a tack or
projection of ordinary length and which may pass through the tread of the outer
portion 10 from extending into and puncturing the inner portion 9. By this
construction of double pneumatic tire the rider can, if the tire should becomie
punctured and thereby deflated, continue to ride the bicycle, as the inflated
non-punctured inner tube will still be serviceable. In Fig. 1 I have shown this
space as filled with an elastic woven wire filling 26, which is also shown in
detail in Fig. 2.
:
Any other kind of woven wire can be used. The form delineated in Figs. 1
& 2 being shown only by way of illustration. In Figs. 4 & 6 I show a filling of
felt 27, feather, horse-hair filling or other analogous material, which fills the
Tength of the space between the lugs 25. It will be of course understood that in
the case of the form shown in Fig. 4 only one pneumatic tubing is provided, viz.,
an inner tubing, and that consequently but one valve mechanism is essential.
Fig. 5 differs from the other figures which have been described, in that no
space whatever is left between the inner and outer portions 9 & 10, and the
meshing corrugations at the joint are omitted. It is also of such construction
that the inner part of the tire is a closed tube, and the outer part is curled con-
tinuously around the inner part. It will of course be understood that the inner
part of this form of construction may be made elastic, if desired, and the inner
surface of the outer part provided with lugs, filling, as in Fig. 4.
In Fig. 1 one form of wheel rim is shown. This rim is indicated by the
numeral 28, and consists of a hollow metallic body having a flat outer side, which
is adjacent to a corresponding flat outer surface of the overlapping tongue 12.
The inner side of this rim is preferably rounded or convex, and the ends of the rim
are also rounded and if preferred tubular as indicated at 29, 29. These tubular
ends are adjacent to the side edges of the overlapping tongue 12, and together
with the flat outer side of the rim form a recess for the reception of the tire. The
outer flat side of the rim is provided with an opening 30, which permits the
spokes 31 of the wheel to be passed therethrough and secured through the inner
side of the rim, as clearly shown in Fig. 1. In order to assist the ribs 13 in
finding their proper place for meshing with the recesses, and to relieve the wood
or metal of the rim of all splitting strain (which strain exists in all so-called
clincher tires) and to prevent the overlapping tongue from lateral separation,
I provide a plate 32, which is inserted and held fast in a slit 33 formed in the
outer edge of the tongue 12. Any desired number of these plates around the tire
can be provided. The outer portion of this plate is bent downwardly or con-
caved, as indicated at 34, to forin a pocket for the reception of one of the founded

page_text: .
ends of the rim of the wheel. It is evident from this construction that even
should the intermeshing corrugations became disengaged, the engagement of the
rounded end of the rim with the pocket or concavity 34 of the plate 32 will
prevent the separation of the tongue 12 from the remaining portion of the tire.
The rim shown in Fig. 4, and indicated by the numeral 35, is similar in form
to the rim shown in Fig. 1. Instead of being hollow, however, it is solid, and
made of wood, laminated, or of one piece, or any other desirable material, being
formed on its under side with a recess 36 to receive the squared portion of the
tongue 12:
The rims indicated in Figs. 5 & 6, and designated by the numerals 37, 37, are
the ordinary forms of rims now commonly employed on bicycle wheels, having the
outer concave surface to receive the similar contour of the tire, instead of being
provided with a recess similar to the recess 36 of Fig. 4 to receive a squared
portion of the tire. The plate 32 shown in Figs. 5 & 6, owing to the somewhat
different form of rim shown in said figures, are shaped slightly different from
those illustrated in Figs. 1 & 4, in order to conform to the shape of the rims 37.
They are however, in all essential particulars substantially like those shown in
Figs. 1&2, and subserve a similar function. Each plate 32 Fig. 3 has three
holes of which the two lateral are made for fastening it into the slit 33 of the
cover. Through the end of the outer cover and the plate is made a button-hole 53
Fig. 3, and in the part of the tire below, the outer end is fastened a button 50.
This button will secure the end of the outer cover to the part of the tire below
the same, and subserve the same function as the ribs and recesses 13, 14, in
Figs. 1 & 4.
In Fig. 9 this button is made of a spring 56 and a threaded
shank 57, whereon a nut 55 can be turned.
In Fig. 1, I have shown in both the inner and outer portions 9 & 10 an inter-
mediate layer of canvas, or similar material, whereby both the inner and outer
portions are rendered non-elastic. These layers are indicated respectively by the
numeral 38, 38'. I also show these inner and outer layers in Figs. 5 & 6. In
Fig. 4 I only show the layer 38 in the outer portion 10, so that the inner portion
is rendered elastic, while the outer portion is rendered almost non-elastic. It
will also be understood that said inner portion may be rendered non-elastic,
if desired.
.
I wish it understood that I do not intent to limit myself to merely one layer
for securing the non-elasticity, but a plurality of layers may be employed, if
desired.
If desired the meshing ribs in Figs. 1, 4, & 6, or the projecting edge of Fig. 5
can be pasted together with any suitable paste, and this will enable the parts
to be easily taken apart for repairing a puncture etc., without disturbing the tire.
Figs. 6, 7, & 8 represent a preferred manner of constructing the tread of the
tire. This construction is designed to secure a firm grip by the tread of the tire
on the surface travelled over, and at the same time act as a means for throwing
the dirt and mud from off the tread. Fig. 6 shows a fragment of the tread of
the tire illustrating one means, which consists of forming said tread with a series
of rectangular or square projections 39, said projections necessarily leaving a
series of spaces there-between. As the wheel is revolved these projections are
compressed, and forced together without leaving a space at any point, making it
practically a continuous smooth surface, and immediately after contact with the
surface travelled over they resume their normal shape, and in doing so, tend to
throw off any mud, dirt, or adhering particles, so that the tread of the wheel is
self cleaning. In the form illustrated in Fig. 8 each alternate projection is of a
different shape. One projection 40 is circular, and the next projection 41 square
or rectangular, with the sides of the square or rectangle concave. Fig. 6 is a
section through a tire having the tread formed with the projections shown in
Fig. 7.
It is obvious that the projections 40, 41 of Fig. 8 will subserve the
same function as the projections 39 of Fig. 7.
I wish it understood that in case of the constructions shown in Figs. 1, 4 & 6,

page_text: where the intermeshing corrugations and teeth are employed, that, if desired, the
double pneumatic tire can be formed by having the outer cover made separate
from the inner tube, but I prefer in these forms of construction to have the cover
connected with the inner closed tube, as this arrangement is more convenient, and
there is less danger of getting out of order.
My tire is preferable to other kinds of double tube tires on account of the case
with which most punctures can be repaired, without removing the tire from the
rim, and also it is eminently adapted for wood rims, which are considerably
lighter than steel. Wood rims are not so suitable for most of the detachable
double tube tires, owing to the strong outward strain tending to break the rim in
its weakest section, whereas my tire construction readily strengthens the rim by
gripping it very tightly when inflated, thus acting much in the same way as the
iron tire of a carriage wheel.
By having the valve arranged on the side of the tire, as in my improved con-
struction, it is possible to repair a puncture of the inner tube of the tire without
removing the tire from the rim (see Fig. 4). In order to accomplish this, it is
only necessary to unroll the tire, letting the squared part, remain in connection
with the rim, rolling the inner tube out, and the tire can then be reinflated and
the puncture found. The same advantageous arrangement is secured by placing
the valve on the left side of the tire shown in Figs. 5 & 6, thus doing away with
the trouble of unscrewing the wheel, and pasting the tire again after repairing.
In the operation of inflating my tire, the inner tube must first be inflated. The
pressure of the air in the inner tube will thus make the connection between the
overlapping edge of the cover and the part of the tire below an airtight closure.
The compartment between the inner closed tube and the cover can then thereafter
be inflated, or both compartments of the tire can be inflated at once
In the operation of repairing the tire, the inner tube should be rolled outside
of the cover and deflated. The puncture can then be readily found in the usual
way by dipping the inner tube in water etc.
if desired, the button shown in Figs. 5 and 9 can also be used for making the
connection between the inner closed tube and the outer cover, or it can be used
for buttoning the outer tube alone, in which case the inner tube need not have
any structural connection with the outer cover.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is:-
:-
1. A tire consisting of an inner closed tube and an outer cover connected there-
with at one place, but elsewhere divided or separated therefrom and rolled around
the inner tube, the end of said outer cover overlapping the inner tube under the
rim of a wheel.
2. The combination with a tire for wheels consisting of an inner closed tube
and an outer cover connected therewith at one place, but elsewhere divided or
separated therefrom and rolled around the inner tube, the end of said outer cover
overlapping the inner tube under the rim of a wheel, of means for preventing
the separation of the end of the outer cover from the. portion of the tire below
the same.
3. A tire consisting of an inner closed tube and an outer cover connected there-
with at one place, but elsewhere divided or separated therefrom and rolled around
the inner tube, the end of said outer cover overlapping the inner tube under the
rim of a wheel, and said end of the outer cover provided on its under side with
ribs adapted to engage registering recesses in the portion of the tire beneath
the same.
4. A tire for wheels, consisting of an inner elastic portion and an outer sub-
stantially non-elastic portion, said portions comprising an inner closed tube and
an outer cover connected therewith at one place, but elsewhere divided therefrom

page_text: and rolled around the inner tube, the end of said outer cover overlapping the
inner tube under the rim of a wheel.
5. The combination, of a tire composed of inner and outer portions, a plate
secured to the outer portion, said plate formed with a concavity or pocket, and
a rim having a part thereof fitting in said. concavity or pocket.
6. A tire comprising inner and outer portions, the end of the outer pertion pro-
vided on its under side with depending teeth, and the upper surface of the inner
portion beneath the end of the outer portion provided with recesses to receive
the teeth, a plate secured to said terminal portion, said plate formed with a con-
cavity or pocket, and a rim having a part thereof fitting said concavity or pocket.
7. The combination of a tire consisting of an inner closed tube and an outer
cover connected therewith at one place, but elsewhere divided or separated there-
from and rolled around the inner tube, the end of said outer cover formed with
a squared and shouldered portion, and a rim provided with a recess similar in
shape to and adapted to receive the squared and shouldered portion of the end of
the cover.
8. The combination with a tire comprising inner and outer portions, the, end
of the outer portion formed with a squared and shouldered projection, a plate
secured to the outer portion, said plate formed with a concavity or recess, and
a hollow rim provided with a recess similar in shape to and adapted to receive
the square and shouldered portion, and said rim alsó provided with rounded ends
fitting the concavity or pocket of the plate.
9. A tire consisting of an inner closed tube and an outer cover connected
therewith at one place, but elsewhere divided or separated therefrom and rolled
around the inner tube, the end of said outer cover overlapping the inner tube
under the rim of a wheel, the two portions of the tire forming an inner and an
outer tube, the outer tube being of such circumference as to provide a compart-
ment between it and the inner tube.
10. The combination, with a tire consisting of an inner closed tube and an
outer cover connected therewith at one place, but elsewhere divided or separated
therefrom and rolled around the inner tube, the end of said outer cover over-
lapping the inner tube under the rim of a wheel, the two portions of the tire
forming an inner and an outer tube, the outer tube being of such circumference
as to provide a compartment between it and the inner tube, of mechanism lead-
ing, respectively, to said inner and outer tubes, whereby said tubes may bo
inflated so as to form a double pneumatic tire.
11. The combination, with a tire consisting of an inner closed tube, and an
outer cover connected therewith at one place, but elsewhere divided or separated
therefrom and rolled around the inner tube, the end of said outer cover over-
lapping the inner tube under the rim of a wheel, the two portions of the tire form-
ing an inner and an outer tube, the outer tube being of such circumference as
to provide a compartment between it and the inner tube, and said outer tube
being provided on its inner surface at the tread with lugs or projections located
a desired distance apart, and the end of the outer portion being detachably secured
to the inner portion, of a filling inserted between the two portions of the tire and
confined between the two lugs.
12. The combination, with inner and outer tubes, the outer tube being of such
circumference as to leave a compartment between it and the inner tube, lugs or
projections located within the compartment and at the tread and arranged a desired
distance apart, of a ring of woven wire filling arranged in said compartment and
confined between the lugs.
13. A tire consisting of an inner closed tube and an outer cover connected there-
with at one place, but elsewhere divided or separated therefrom and wound in a
continuous cover around the inner closed tube, the end of said outer cover over-
lapping the inner tube under the rim of a wheel.
14. A tire for wheels consisting of an inner substantially non-elastic portion

page_text: and an outer substantially non-elastic portion, said portions comprising an inner
closed tube and an outer cover connected therewith at one place, but elesewhere
divided therefrom and rolled around the inner tube, the end of said outer cover
overlapping the inner tube under the rim of a wheel.
15. A tire consisting of an inner closed tube and an outer cover connected
therewith at one place, but elsewhere divided or separated therefrom and rolled
all around the inner closed tube, which is thereby enclosed by the outer cover.
16, A tire consisting of an inner closed tube, and an outer cover connected
therewith at one place, but elsewhere divided or separated therefrom and rolled..
around the inner closed tube, which is thereby enclosed by the outer cover, and
means for securing the outer cover to the rim.
17. A tire consisting of an inner closed tube and an outer cover connected there-
with at one place, but elsewhere divided or separated therefrom and rolled around
the inner tube, one end of said outer cover overlapping the inner tube and the
connection between the inner closed tube and the outer cover.
18. A tire consisting of an inner closed tube and an outer cover connected
therewith at one place, but elsewhere divided or separated therefrom and rolled.
around the inner tube under the rim of a wheel, means for preventing the separa-
tion of the end of the cover from the portion of the tire below the same, and
means for connecting the outer cover to the rim.
19. A tire consisting of an inner closed tube and an outer cover connected
therewith at one place, but elsewhere divided or separated therefrom and rolled
around the inner tube, the point of connection to the outer cover being at such
a place as to be within or in line with the edge of the rim, and the end of said
outer cover overlapping the inner tube under the rim of a wheel.
20. The combination, with a tire consisting of an inner closed tube and an
outer cover connected therewith, at one place, but elsewhere divided or separated
therefrom and rolled around the inner tube, the end of said outer cover overlapping
the inner tube under the rim of a wheel, said outer cover thereby forming a
tube, but adapted to be opened on one side under the rim of a wheel, of means
for preventing the separation of the end of the outer cover from the portion of
the tire below the same.
21. A double pneumatic tire comprising an inner closed tube and an outer por-
tion or tube, both being inflatable, the outer portion being provided on its under
side with ribs or projections and the inner closed tube provided with recesses to
receive the ribs or projections.
22. The combination, of a tire consisting of an inner closed tube and an outer
cover connected therewith at one place, but elsewhere divided or separated
therefrom and rolled around the inner tube, the end of said, outer cover overlapping
the inner tube under the rim of a wheel, and a valve, said valve located at the side
of the tire.
23. The combination, of a tire consisting of an inner closed tube and an outer
cover connected therewith at one place, but elsewhere divided or separated there-
from and rolled around the inner tube, the end of said outer cover overlapping
the inner tube under the rim of a wheel, means for preventing the separation of
the end of the outer cover from the portion of the tire below the same, and a
valve located at the side of the tire.
24. The combination, with a tire consisting of an inner closed tube and an
outer cover connected therewith at one place, but elsewhere divided or separated
therefrom and rolled around the inner tube, the end of said outer cover over-
lapping the inner tube under the rim of a wheel, means for preventing the
separation of the outer cover from the portion of the tire below the same, means
for having the outer cover in fixed connection to the rim, and a valve located at
the side of the tire, the inner closed tube being thereby adapted to be opened or
unrolled for the purpose of repairing the same, without the necessity of removing
the tire from the rim of a wheel, or of removing the cap from the valve, or of
removing the valve from the rim,

page_text: 25. The combination with a tire of a valve mechanism having an interior
separate valve and an exterior cap adapted to be screwed on to the valve mech-
anism against the tire.
26. The combination of a pneumatic or inflatable tire, a threaded inflation-tube
secured in the tire, and having its outer end arranged closely adjacent to the
exterior of the tire, and a cap-threaded to engage the inflation-tube, and having
its inner end bearing against the tire.
27. A tire consisting of an inner closed tube and an outer cover connected there-
with at one place, but elsewhere separated therefrom and rolled around the
inner tube under the rim of a wheel, and a valve mechanism being secured to
the inner tube and passing through the outer cover.
28. A tire consisting of an inner closed tube and an outer cover or tube and a
valve mechanism secured to the inner tube and passing through the outer cover
or tube, said valve mechanism provided with a cap, said cap adapted to be
screwed on to the valve mechanism against the tire.
29. A tire consisting of inner and outer portions, one portion thereof provided
with button-holes, another portion provided with buttons fitting the button-holes.
30. A tire consisting of inner and outer portions, one portion thereof provided
with button-holes, another portion provided with spring-buttons fitting the
button-holes.
Dated this 2nd day of Dotal 1800
HERBERT HADDAN & Co.,
Agents to Applicant, 18, Buckingham Street, Strand, London.