Improvements in Hubs for Vehicles.
Year: 1899

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Hubs for Vehicles.
We, SAMUEL B. MCHENRY, Mechanical Engineer, residing at 5419, State Street,
Chicago, Illinois, United States of America, and MICHAEL G. ENRIGHT, Broker-
residing at 21, West Lake Street, Chicago, Illinois, aforesaid, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention to be as follows:
This invention has relation to the wheels of bicycles and other vehicles in
which pneumatic tires are applied to the wheels, the object of the invention
being to provide a hub of improved construction the use of which in a wheel will
dispense with the necessity of using pneumatic tires, the construction of the
improved hub being such that the elasticity and resiliency usually secured by
using pneumatic tires will be obtained by the use of this hub.
With this object in view the invention consists in the improved construction,
arrangement and combination of parts hereinafter fully described.
In the accompanying drawings,
Figure 1 is a transverse vertical section, through a hub on the dotted line 11
of Figure 2 constructed in accordance with the invention. Figure 2 is a longi-
tudinal vertical section on the dotted lines 22 of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a detail
sectional view on the radial dotted line 3, 3 of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a view of
the hub in side elevation, parts of spokes being also shown, the parts illustrated
in Figure 5 being omitted. Figure 5 is a detail perspective view illustrating a
rear axle of a bicycle mounted in the ends of the rear forks of the frame with
the stationary parts of the hub thereon. Figure 6 is a detail perspective view
illustrating one of the cups for holding the rubber cushions. Figure 7 is a
detail perspective view illustrating one of the rubber cushions.
Like numerals of reference mark the same parts wherever they occur in the
various figures of the drawings.
Referring to the drawings by numerals.
10 and 11 indicate the lower bifurcated or notched ends of the rear forks of
the frame of the bicycle, and 12 the rear axle of a bicycle secured in said ends in
any usual or ordinary manner, nuts 13 being used in this instance.
14, 15 indicate the outer sleeves (or "cones," as they are generally denomi-
nated) of ball-bearings, the inner members 16, 17 (or cones) being formed or
secured in the long sleeve or box 18 of the wheel, the balls 19 being seated
between the cones in the usual manner.
20 indicates one of the "cups" so called, of which there are four, in which
rubber cushions 21 are seated, one of the cups being shown detached in Figure 6
and one of the rubber cushions in Figure 7. These four cups are shaped so that
when arranged around the sleeve 18 they will entirely surround it, except that
spaces are left to receive separator plates or partitions 22 between adjacent cups,

page_text: such partitions being made of hard-tempered steel and projecting slightly beyond
the edges of the cups. Each cup consists of a casting comprising flat portions or
plates 23 and 24 at right angles to each other and a curved portion or plate 25
between and connecting them, with a flange 26 extending entirely around these
portions or plates and at right angles thereto.
The rubber cushions 21 are shaped to fit tightly in the cups and project
therefrom in shape of right-angled curved-faced cushions 27. The cups are secured
to the box 18, ninety degrees apart by rivets 28, passing through the shell of the
box and centrally through the curved portions or plates of said cups. The par-
titions 22 are secured between the cups by rivets 29, passing through them and
the adjacent flat portions of the cups.
The structure thus far described comprises all the parts of the hub which are
rigidly secured to the box 18 and directly moved by the rotation of the box,
which rotation is effected by means of the sprocket wheel 30, secured thereon.
31 and 32 indicate the casings of the hub, to which are connected in any
approved manner the usual wire spokes 33. These casings are annular and cup-
shaped, their inner and outer edge flanges lying at right angles to the box 18,
as at 34, 34, the central openings being somewhat greater in diameter than
the box. Within the outer edge Hanges 35 are rings consisting of flat flanges 36,
lying against flanges 35 and annular semi-cylinders 37, projecting outward into
the casings 31 and 32, containing wicks or cords 38, saturated with oil or other
lubricating fluid. The inner faces of flanges 36 and their semi-cylinders 37 bear
against the side edges of partitions 22 (see Figure 3) with close sliding contact,
and the casings 31 and 32 and their flanges 36 are separated and held at proper
distance apart by rollers 39, held by bolts 40, passing through the flanges and
rollers and forming the axles or shafts upon which the rollers rotate.
The box 18, being closed at its ends by the ball-bearings, forms an oil
chamber, access to which may be had by removing screw cap 41.
In operation the rotation of the box 18 is communicated to the balance of the
hub and rim by means of the rubber cushions acting upon the rollers 39, said
rollers resting in the angle of the cushions, and the elastic yielding nature of the
cushions prevents all jar in communicating such motion. The rollers being
supported by the rim of the wheel through the medium of the spokes, the weight
of the vehicle and rider is carried by the rubber cushions below the axle. In
the rotation of the wheel the cushions are continually coming into and passing
out of this supporting position, the weight passing upon and off each cushion in
succession, the rubber of the cushions yielding during such operations, causing
the roller to rotate slightly and the flanges 36 and lubricator cords 38 to slide
upon the edges of partitions 22, such movements corresponding in extent to the
yielding of the cushions as the weight passes upon them.
By practical test it has been found that a bicycle provided with a hub
constructed as hereinbefore described and with solid rubber tires, rides with less
power and greater ease than a bicycle having wheels with ordinary pneumatic
tires. All danger of puncture is of course avoided. All necessary vibration and
yielding elasticity are provided. The rollers bear the weight and move from
side to side of the rubber cushions without excess of rub or wear and tear. The
partitions resist lateral movement of the hub-flanges and keep the wheel true
on the axle. The lubricating wicks or cords will contain sufficient oil for a
day's run and are so placed as to be comparatively well protected from dust and
dirt, but mud guards or caps may be used, if desired. The cups are shaped to
hold the cushions securely. but also to permit of their removal and replacement
when desired, without moving any other part. When the propelling power is
applied to the wheel, it lifts the weight off the rear part of the cushion and
throws it upon the front, and vice versa when the movement is reversed.
While we have illustrated and described what we consider to be efficient means
for carrying out the invention, we wish to be understood that we do not restrict our-
selves to the exact forms and constructions shown, but hold that any slight change

page_text: or variation therefrom, such as might suggest itself to the ordinary mechanic,
would elearly be comprehended in the limit and scope of the invention.
Dated this 21st day of December 1899.
F. WISE HOWORTH,
46, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Agent for the Applicants.
Improvements in Hubs for Vehicles.
We, SAMUEL B. MCHENRY, Mechanical Engineer, residing at 5419, State Street,
Chicago, Illinois, United States of America, and MICHAEL G. ENRIGHT, Broker-
residing at 21, West Lake Street, Chicago, Illinois, aforesaid, 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 relation to the wheels of bicycles and other vehicles in
which pneumatic tires are applied to the wheels, the object of the invention
being to provide a hub of improved construction the use of which in a wheel
will dispense with the necessity of using pneumatic tires, the construction of the
improved hub being such that the elasticity and resiliency usually secured by
using pneumatic tires will be obtained by the use of this "hub.
With this object in view the invention consists in the improved construction,
arrangement and combination of parts hereinafter fully described and afterward
specifically pointed out in the claims.
In the drawings filed with Provisional Specification,
Figure 1 is a transverse vertical section, through a hub on the dotted line 11
of Figure 2 constructed in accordance with the invention. Figure 2 is a longi-
tudinal vertical section on the dotted lines 2-2 of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a
detail sectional view on the radial dotted line 3, 3 of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a view
of the hub in side elevation, parts of spokes being also shown, the parts illus-
trated in Fig. 5 being omitted. Fig. 5 is a detail perspective view illustrating
a rear axle of a bicycle mounted in the ends of the rear forks of the frame
with the stationary parts of the hub thereon. Fig. 6 is a detail perspective view
illustrating one of the cups for holding the rubber cushions. Fig. 7 is a detail
perspective view illustrating one of the rubber cushions.
Like numerals of reference mark the same parts wherever they occur in the
various figures of the drawings.
Referring to the drawings by numerals,
10 and 11 indicate the lower bifurcated or notched ends of the rear forks of
the frame of the bicycle, and 12 the rear axle of a bicycle secured in said ends
in any usual or ordinary manner, nuts 13 being used in this instance.
14, 15 indicate the outer sleeves (or "cones," as they are generally denomi-
nated) of ball-bearings, the inner members 16, 17 (or cones) being formed or
secured in the long sleeve or box 18 of the wheel, the balls 19 being seated
between the cones in the usual manner.
20 indicates one of the "cups" so called, of which there are four, in which
rubber cushions 21 are seated, one of the cups being shown detached in Figure 6
and one of the rubber cushions in Fig. 7. These four cups are shaped so that
when arranged around the sleeve 18 they will entirely surround it, except that
spaces are left to receive separator plates or partitions 22 between adjacent cups;
such partitions being made of hard tempered steel and projecting slightly beyond
the edges of the cups. Each cup consists of a casting comprising flat portions.or
plates 23 and 24 at right angles to each other and a curved portion or plate 25

page_text: between and connecting them, with a flange 26 extending entirely around these
portions or plates and at right angles thereto.
The rubber cushions 21 are shaped to fit tightly in the cups and project there-
from in shape of right-angled curved-faced cushions 27. The cups are secured
to the box 18, ninety degrees apart by rivets 28, passing through the shell of the
box and centrally through the curved portions or plates of said cups. The par-
titions 22 are secured between the cups by rivets 29, passing through them and
the adjacent flat portions of the cups.
The structure thus far described comprises all the parts of the hub which are
rigidly secured to the box 18 and directly moved by the rotation of the box, which
rotation is effected by means of the sprocket wheel 30, secured thereon.
31 and 32 indicate the casings of the hub, to which are connected in any
approved manner the usual wire spokes 33. These casings are annular and cup-
shaped, their inner and outer edge flanges lying at right angles to the box 18,
as at 34, 34, the central openings being somewhat greater in diameter than
the box. Within the outer edge flanges 35 are rings consisting of flat flanges 36;
lying against flanges 35, and annular semi-cylinders 37, projecting outward into
the casings 31 and 32, containing wicks or cords 38, saturated with oil or other
lubricating fluid. The inner faces of flanges 36 and their semi-cylinders 37
bear against the side edges of partitions 22 (see Figure 3) with close sliding
contact, and the casings 31 and 32 and their flanges 36 are separated and held at
proper distance apart by rollers 39, held by bolts 40, passing through the flanges
and rollers and forming the axles or shafts upon which the rollers rotate.
The box 18, being closed at its ends by the ball bearings, forms an oil chamber,
access to which may be had by removing screw cap 41.
In operation the rotation of the box 18 is communicated to the balance of the
hub and rim by means of the rubber cushions acting upon the rollers 39, said
rollers resting in the angle of the cushions and the elastic yielding nature of
the cushions prevents all jar in communicating such motion. The rollers being
supported by the rim of the wheel through the medium of the spokes, the
weight of the vehicle and rider is carried by the rubber cushions below the axle.
In the rotation of the wheel the cushions are continually coming into
and passing out of this supporting position the weight passing
upon and off each cushion in succession, the rubber of the cushions yielding
during such operations, causing the roller to rotate slightly and the flanges 36
and lubricator cords 38 to slide upon the edges of partitions 22, such movements
corresponding in extent to the yielding of the cushions as the weight passes upon
them.
The
By practical test it has been found that a bicycle provided with a hub con-
structed as herein before described and with solid rubber tires, rides with less
power and greater ease than a bicycle having wheels with ordinary pneumatic
tires. All danger of puncture is of course avoided. All necessary vibration and
vielding elasticity are provided. The rollers bear the weight and move from
side to side of the rubber cushions without excess of rub or wear and tear.
partitions resist lateral movement of the hub-flanges and keep the wheel true on
the axle. The lubricating wicks or cords will contain sufficient oil for a day's
run and are so placed as to be comparatively well protected from dust and dirt,
but mud guards or caps may be used, if desired. The cups are shaped to hold
the cushions securely, but also to permit of their removal and replacement when
desired, without moving any other part. When the propelling power is applied
to the wheel it lifts the weight off the rear part of the cushion and throws it
upon the front, and vice versa when the movement is reversed.
While we have illustrated and described what we consider to be efficient means
for carrying out the invention, we wish to be understood that we do not restrict
ourselves to the exact forms and constructions shown, but hold that any slight
change or variation therefrom, such as might suggest itself to the ordinary
mechanic, would clearly be comprehended in the limit and scope of the invention.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what
we claim is:-
1. In a vehicle wheel hub, the combination with a box thereof, of set of right
angled rubber cushions secured thereto with their angles pointing inward forming
V-shaped seats on their outer surfaces, hub-casings suspended by the spokes and
surrounding the hub and cushions, and rollers resting in the cushion seats and
carried by the hub-casings substantially as described.
2. In a vehicle-wheel hub, the combination with the box thereof, of right-angled
cups secured thereto with their angles inward and their bottoms extending
radially outward, and correspondingly-shaped yielding cushions secured in said
cups, substantially as described.
8. In a vehicle-wheel hub, the combination with the box thereof, of right-
angled cups secured thereto with their angles inward and their bottoms extending
radially outward, correspondingly-shaped yielding cushions secured in said cups,
radially placed metal partitions between the adjacent cups, and bolts securing
the partitions between the cups, substantially as described.
4. In a vehicle-wheel hub, the combination with the hub-box, provided with
right-angled yielding cushions, with V-shaped outer bearings, of hub-casings
inclosing the yielding cushions and carried by the spokes, bolts connecting the
hub-casings together, and rollers on said bolts engaging the cushions, substan-
tially as described.
5 In a vehicle-wheel hub, the combination with the hub and its right-
angled metal cushion-carrying cups, of the hub-casings carried by the spokes,
the annular flanges on the inner sides of the casings, and the metal partitions
between the cups projecting into contact with the annular flanges, substantially
as described.
6. In a vehicle-wheel hub, the combination with the hub, right-angled metal
cups and the cushions carried thereby, of the hub-casings, the inner annular
flanges, the metal partitions between the cups projecting into contact with said
annular flanges, the bolts passing through the casings and annular flanges, and
the rollers on said bolts engaging the cushion, substantially as described.
7. In a vehicle-wheel hub, the combination with the box, its right-angled
cushion carrying cups and the metal radially placed partitions secured between
and projecting beyond the sides of the cups, of the casings carried by the spokes,
the annular flat and semi-circular grooved flanges secured to the inner sides of
said casings in contact with the partitions, and the lubricating wick or cords in
the grooves of the annular flanges; in contact with the partitions, substantially
as described.
8. The herein described vehicle-wheel hub, comprising the box, the right-
angled cushions in said cups, the partition secured between and projecting beyond
the sides of said cups, the casings carried by the spokes, the inner annular and
grooved flanges, lubricating wick or cord in the grooves contacting with the
partitions, the bolts securing the casings and annular flanges together, and the
rollers journalled on said bolts, and resting upon the cushions, substantially as
described.
F. WISE HOWORTH,
46, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Agent for the Applicant.