IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CON- STRUCTION OF WHEELS APPLICABLE TO CARRIAGES FOR ROAD, TRAMWAY, OR RAILWAY
Year: 1878

page_text: "
LETTERS PATENT to Joseph Smith, of Siddal, near Halifax, in the County
of York, Woolstapler, for the Invention of IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CON-
STRUCTION OF WHEELS APPLICABLE TO CARRIAGES FOR ROAD, TRAMWAY, OR
RAILWAY."
Sealed the 30th July 1878, and dated the 4th May 1878.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Joseph Smith at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 4th May 1878.
JOSEPH SMITH, of Siddal, near Halifax, in the County of York, Woolstapler.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF WHEELS APPLICABLE TO CARRIAGES FOR
ROAD, TRAMWAY, OR RAILWAY."
The object of this Invention is to render the wheels of such carriages applicable
for either rod, railway, or tramway, and this I effect by forming the flange of such
wheels separately from the bearing wheel. The said flange consists of a ring or
disc of metal, rather larger than the bearing wheel, and it is retained behind the
bearing wheel by a second disc or plate of smaller size. In the centre of the flange
is a ring or washer of india-rubber, which fits on to the axis of the wheel. When
running on rails the elasticity of the rubber keeps the flange in proper position,
that is to say, projecting beyond the periphery of the wheel a regular distance all
round, but when removed from the rails on to an ordinary road the weight of the
carriage compresses the india-rubber until the wheels touch the ground, whilst the
flange, instead of projecting equally all round, becomes doubly prominent at the
upper surface of the wheel.
As the wheel goes round the india-rubber ring is compressed at every part in
succession, the flange being always eccentric to the axis of the wheel.
Instead of india-rubber, metal springs may be employed for the purpose.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Joseph Smith in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 4th November
1878.
JOSEPH SMITH, of Siddall, near Halifax, in the County of York, Woolstapler.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF WHEELS APPLICABLE TO CARRIAGES FOR
ROAD, TRAMWAY, OR RAILWAY."
The object of this Invention is to render the wheels of such carriages applicable
for either road, railway, or tramway in such manner that a vehicle may be trans-
ferred from the rails or permanent way on to the ordinary road, and thence to the
rails again, as often as may be desired. For this purpose I form the flange or
guiding portion of such wheels separately from the bearing part. The said flange
consists of a ring or disc of metal rather larger than the bearing wheel, and it is
retained behind the bearing wheel by a second disc or plate of smaller size. In the
central portion of the retaining disc there is a double thickness of material, and
this thickened portion extends over about two-thirds of the diameter. When the
parts are fitted together the thickened part of the retaining plate fills the greater
part of the space in the interior of the ring or disc forming the flange, the
remainder of the space being occupied by an india-rubber ring or washer. When
running on rails the elasticity of the rubber keeps the flange in proper position,
that is to say, projecting beyond the periphery of the wheel a regular distance ali.
round, but when removed from the rails on to an ordinary road the weight of the
carriage compresses the india-rubber untill the wheels touch the ground, whilst the
flange, instead of projecting equally all round, becomes doubly prominent at the
upper surface of the wheel.
As the wheel revolves the india-rubber is compressed at every part in succession,
the flange always being eccentric to the axis of the wheel.
Instead of india-rubber, metal springs may be employed for the purpose; or I
may make use of the two so as to act in combination.
In the accompanying Sheet of Drawings Fig. 1 represents elevation of wheel
with back or retaining plate removed, shewing the application of india-rubber or
other elastic ring; and Fig. 2 is a cross section of entire wheel.
A is the bearing portion of the wheel, and B the disc forming the flange or
guiding part, which is secured to the part A by means of the plate C, bolts D
passing through the whole of the parts to secure them together. These bolts are
so screwed up and regulated as to allow the flange B to move between the other
two parts. Between the projection or shoulder a of the plate or wheel A. and the
inside of the flange B, I place an india-rubber ring E perforated with a number of
holes e, so as to give it more elasticity. When the wheel is running on rails the
tendency of the india-rubber is to keep the flange concentrical with the other parts;
but when running on an ordinary road the flange B is allowed by the india-rubber
ring to become eccentric to the axle, the centre of the flange being always above
the centre of the bearing wheel, as shewn in dotted line in Fig. 1.
In Fig. 3 I shew an arrangement whereby india-rubber and coach or other
springs may be employed.
G are sections of india-rubber perforated with holes g for elasticity, and H are
springs secured or held in position on the shoulder a of the plate A by means of
set screws b. I are projections or stop pieces, which are employed for the purpose
of preventing the flange B from being pushed too far inwards. These stops are so
placed that when the loose flange is pushed inward it cannot go beyond the
bearing part of the flange A.
Having now described the nature of my said Invention, and shewn by Drawings
how the same may be put into practice, I would have it understood that I do not
confine myself to the exact details of construction as herein shewn, but what I do

page_text: claim and consider to be new is, the use and employment of the loose flange B
applicable to road, tramway, or railway, and operated in the manner substantially
as herein shewn and described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Joseph Smith, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Second day of November, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and seventy-eight.
JOSEPH SMITH. (L.S.)