Improvements in Pneumatic Tyres.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 3rd May, 1898-Accepted. 4th June, 1898
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Pneumatic Tyres.
I, LEANDER DIXON JUNKINS, of Somerville, Massachusetts, United States of
America, 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 object of this invention is to construct a pneumatic tyre that will be very
durable, and one that will be incapable of being punctured under ordinary
conditions. My improved tyre is a composite structure made of rubber and
The outer cover may be
leather, certain parts being united by vulcanization.
made of any of the known or suitable rubber compounds with or without an
internal layer of canvas or other suitable fabric, or in some instances it may be
made of leather.
I will now describe my invention in detail, with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which
Fig. 1 is a transverse section of the tyre showing the same applied to the rim of
a bicycle wheel.
Fig. 2 is a like view of the tyre illustrating the manner of forming the same.
Fig. 3 is a transverse section of the outer sewed tube or cover.
Fig. 4 is a view of a short portion of the completed tube showing the seam.
Fig. 5 is a view of a portion of the leather shield hereinafter described, and
Fig. 6 is a longitudinal section of the said portion of shield.
Like reference numerals denote corresponding parts in the several figures.
1 is the outer sewed tube or cover, of rubber or rubber compound; 2 is the
inner endless and seamless inflatable air-tube also of rubber or rubber compound,
and 3 is a half tube of leather forming a shield to prevent puncture of the air-
tube. The outer tube or cover is moulded with an opening all the way round,
on the inner side, that is to say, the side which is in contact with the rim of the
wheel when in use. The edges of the said cover are formed with lips 4 adjacent
to the circumferential opening, and a groove or depression is formed adjacent to each
lip to prevent the needle or awl, used in sewing, from injuring the tube or cover while
the edges are being sewed together. The lips 4 are so formed as to be within the
circle of the cover, so that the tyre will conform to the rim 8 of the wheel.
The inflatable air-tube 2 and the half tube or shield 3 having previously been
united to each other, are inserted in the outer tube or cover 1, and the edges and
lips of the latter are coated with cement, and then sewed together as at 5.
I next form
to
The shield 3 is of such size as to cover about half of the circumference of the
inner tube 2, and about half of the inner circumference of the outer tube or cover 1.
In the manufacture of this shield, I take a strip of leather of suitable size and bevel
or scarf the same on one side from the two edges towards the centre.
it into shape by means of convex or concave rollers, or other suitable means,
The ends 7
make it conform to the circle and radius of the outer tube or cover 1.
of the leather may be bevelled and joined together by stitching 6 as indicated in
Fig. 6, or in any other known way, or the ends may be butted and a narrow strip
or piece put on the under side and stitched through. In either case rubber is
next applied over the seam and vulcanized to strengthen and protect the same.

page_text: From the foregoing description it will be understood that the tyre comprises an
open tube or cover 1 having its edges united by stitching or other means, an
endless inner tube of rubber 2, and a strip of leather 3 formed to the shape and
circle of the outer surface of the tube 2, and to the inner surface of the tube or
cover 1.
The leather strip 3 is preferably cemented to the inner endless tube 2 to hold it
firmly in place, and may be vulcanized thereto if desired. The circumferential
seam in the outer tube or cover 1 is not vulcanized and can therefore be readily
opened for repair when desired.
It is not essential that the outer tube or cover 1 be of rubber; in some instances
it is made of leather having the same construction and function substantially as
above described.
The valve for inflating the tyre is constructed and applied in the usual place and
manner.
My improved tyre is practically punctureless. If the outer cover should be
punctured, further penetration is avoided by the resistance offered by the leather
shield, so that the tyre will not collapse.
By making the outer tube or cover with a seam, as has been explained, it can be
taken apart very easily for repairs.
The application of rubber to the joint in the ends of the leather and vulcanizing
the ends together makes a strong and durable seam that resists all wear and
moisture. The tyre is specially adapted to bicycles, but it is also suitable for any
use where pneumatic tyres are advantageous. Minor changes may be made in the
tyre without materially changing the structure or departing from the spirit of my
invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. A pneumatic tyre comprising an inner endless inflatable air-tube, a half tube or
shield of leather on the outer surface of the air-tube and united thereto or not, and
an outer tube or cover formed with grooves and lips on its rim side, within its
outer circle, the lips being united by stitching, substantially as described.
2. A pneumatic tyre constructed substantially as described with reference to the
drawings
Nated this 97h day of April 1998.
GEORGE HARRISON,
35, Therapia Road, Honor Oak, London, Agent for the Applicant.
GEORGE HARRISON,
35, Therapia Road, Honor Oak, London, Agent for the Applicant.