Improvements in or relating to Pneumatic Tyres or the like for Velocipedes or other Vehicles.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 15th Jan., 1895
Complete Specification Left, 14th Oct., 1895-Accepted, 14th Dec., 1895
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Pneumatic Tyres or the like for
Velocipedes or other Vehicles.
1, CHARLES HENRY SNOWDON, of 40 Euston Crescent London N.W. in the
County of Middlesex Designer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to
be as follows :-
This invention relates to an improved method of manufacturing and strengthening
the outer cover of pneumatic tyres or the like and has for its object to provide an
improved and simpler process for constructing and strengthening the outer cover in
such a manner as will give uniformity of tension throughout by using short threads
and entirely dispensing with long threads, running circumferentally around the
tyre.
And also relates to an improved method of detachabelly securing the same to
the rim.
And consists in forming or strengthening the outer cover with linen, cotton or any
suitable threads in such a manner as will give as nearly as possible the same length
to each thread, thus securing a uniformity of tension in every direction which is
more likely to keep the rubber in its normal condition, and therefore less likely to
puncture, and will also have a tendency to give greater speed, owing to the said
uniformity of tension, which will give greater resilience.
The usual practice of lining or strengthening the outer cover with fabrics, which
are generally manufactured from threads which considerably differ in length,
consider faulty for owing to the great internal pressure used in these tyres, the
longer threads will naturally stretch considerably more than the shorter ones, thus
causing the tension to be unequally divided throughout the tyre which is very
deterimental to the rubber and causing weak spots which are then very easily
punctured and which is also detrimental to the life in resilience of the said tyres
for speed purposes and likewise owing to the unequal tension as stated above the
tyre is more liable to side slip than with the method I propose to follow.
I prefer my outer cover should be moulded or vulcanized with a circular mould
but I may sometimes make it in the usual manner. It being understood in my
application noted above, I may get the same results in many ways but shall now
describe two modes as examples.
I take a suitable length of unvulcanized rubber or any suitable composition of
similar properties, of sufficient thickness and broad enough after being folded, to
make the said cover, I then take the said threads of sufficient length to cross the
said cover three times, either singly or woven in parallel lines or in any suitable
manner. I then place them upon the said rubber running obliqualy across at a
suitable angle say between 40 and 60 then after arranging the said threads in
a suitable manner, I then gently press the said threads into the rubber to any
suitable depth, by putting pressure upon each end. After sinking the threads as
described I then fold the said rubber in and around the centre, placing the right
hand edge upon the left hand edge running circumferentally around, I now have
the threads each crossing at the opposite angle with part of the said rubber under,
between and above the said threads.

page_text: I now take the remaining free ends of the thread and place them across the
rubber running at right angles with the edge of the cover.
By gently pressing them into the cover I have three short threads crossing each
other at different angles which enables me to entirely dispense with the usual long
⚫ threads running around the tyres.
This method giving a truer tension upon each thread and therefore will give
greater resilience for speed purposes and which will also considerably check
side slip.
I now huild up the necessary thickness of the tread upon the said cover if
needed with unvulcanized rubber the cover now ready for vulcanizing in the
usual manner.
I may sometimes build the cover as above but very lightly, for racing or other
purposes and then solution upon the said cover in the usual, or any suitable manner,
a circumferentally running band of vulcanized rubber, to form the tread of the
said cover.
When I use the said cover for tyres that are usually called wired on tyres I may
form loops at either side in any suitable manner.
I may sometimes form rings or half round beads upon the underside of the said
cover, which I shall call resilience producing rings running circumferentally
around.
Outer covers made according to this invention may be used in any description of
pneumatic tyres or the like.
may use any suitable air tube and valve, it being understood I do not claim
anything therein.
This invention also includes and relates to an improved method of detachabelly
securing the cover to the rim, and also a rim, which may be made from wood steel
or any suitable material either hollow or solid. I shall now describe my improved
rim, for example I give it an ordinary concave form or body or only slightly so, as
needed, with a hollow or solid ridge running circumferinally around at either side
of the rim and at a suitable distance from the edge and forming a right angle or
nearly so to the said edge.
I then place suitable pins, or slots or any similar or suitable arraingment either
upon the edge of the rim or upon the said ridge as desired or I may sometimes use
suitable springs in connection with the above stated slots.
I now form two bands endless or otherwise sufficiently large enough to fit tightly
upon the said ridge in conection with the rim. I also fix suitable pins or slots in or
upon the said bands or any suitable arrangment to keep the said bands from
shifting when the tyre is suddently deflated, and also to check the tyre from
creeping in the rim, thus putting all the power applied to the wheel into momentum.
I now securely fasten the edges of the outer cover to the said bands either by
solation, pins, rivets or I may return the edges of the said bands upon the edges
of the said cover or in any suitable manner, the cover is now ready for use.
By placing my securing bands upon the outside of the rim, I gain the advantage
of them being entirely free from the air tube and therefore cannot cut or damage
the air tube in any manner.
I may sometimes use a band of wash leather running around between the air
tube and the outer cover as a means to protect it from punctures.
Dated this 14th day of January 1895.

page_text: Improvements in or relating to Pneumatic Tyres or the like for
Velocipedes or other Vehicles.
I CHARLES HENRY SNOWDON, Designer of 40 Euston Crescent and 35 Euston
Street London N.W. Middlesex 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 relates to an improved method of manufacturing and strengthening
the outer cover or jacket of pneumatic tyres or the like in such a manner as will
give uniformity of tension throughout the whole circumference of the said
pneumatic tyre.
And consists in strengthening the outer cover with linen cotton or threads of any
suitable material or materials in such a manner as will give as nearly as possible
the same length to each thread throughout the whole tyre, thus securing an
uniformity of tension in every direction throughout the cover or tread, which I
consider is more likely to keep the rubber in its normal condition and therefore
will be more capable of resisting any article the said tyre may pass over or upon
and therefore will afford greater protection from puncturing.
A cover manufactured as stated will also have a tendency to give greater speed
owing to the said uniformity of tension throughout the said cover which will give
cut a more uniform and greater resilience force for the production of speed.
The usual practice of lining or strengthening the outer cover with fabrics which
are generally manufactured from threads which considerably differ in length, I
consider faulty for owing to the great internal pressure used in these tyres the
Jonger threads will naturally stretch considerably more than the shorter ones, thus
causing the tension to be unequally divided throughout the said tyre which is very
deteremental to the said rubber and which causes weak spots in the cover which is
then very easily punctured, and which is also deterimental to the life or resilience
of the said tyre, which is needed for speed purposes and likewise owing to the
unequal tension as stated above the tyre is more liable to side slip than in the
method of manufacturing which I propose to follow, which will give an uniformity
of tension throughout the whole of the tyre, which will therefore considerably
check sideslip.
I prefer that my tyre should be moulded and vulcanized in a circular mould
but may sometimes make it in the usual way so well known to tyre manufacturers.
I shall now describe a few modes or ways in which I may make my proposed tyre
or cover for example only. It being understood in my application above, I may
get the same results in many ways.
I take a suitable length of unvulcanized rubber or any suitable composition of
similar properties of sufficient thickness and large enough after being folded in a
suitable manner to make the said cover. 1 now cut the unvulcanized rubber, at
either ends to form a convenient angle so as to form a true joint when the ends of
the said cover are brought together for the purpose of joining them before
vulcanizing. I now take the threads or other analogous fabric of sufficient length
and then cross or pass them over the whole length of the said unvulcanized rubber,
running parallel with the cut angle at either end allowing sufficient length of thread
or fabric to remain free or loose over one edge only. I now press the said threads
or fabric into the unvulcanized rubber at a convenient depth sufficiently to bury
the said threads into the rubber. After sinking the said threads as described I
then fold the rubber longetudally placing the right hand edge upon or over the left
hand edge or vice versa." It will now be seen I have the threads crossing each
other or oppositely inclined, with a portion of the said rubber, under, between and
above the said threads. I now take the ends of the said cover and place them
"9

page_text: together placing the cut angle ends or portions together then gently press them
together, which owing to them being cut to an angle, will form a true joint with
the threads or analogus fabric crossing or oppositely inclined in the said joint.
I now take the remaining portion or the free ends of thread or fabric and place
them across the rubber running the whole length of the said cover at right angles
to the edge of the said cover. I now gently press the said threads into the rubber
as before described.
I now have three short threads incorporated in the thickness of the cover,
crossing each other at different angles, or oppositely inclined which will enable me
to entirely dispence with the usual long threads running circumferentialy around
the tyre.
By this method I get a truer tension upon each thread which will therefore
considerably increase the life and utility of these pneumatic tyres.
I may now build up the necessary thickness of the tread upon the said cover if
needed with unvulcanized rubber, the cover is now ready for moulding and
vulcanizing in the usual way so well known to rubber manufacturers, or I may
sometimes build up the said cover precisely as above described for racing or other
suitable purposes and then afterwards solution upon the said cover in the usual or
in any suitable manner, a circumferentally running band to form the tread of any
suitable thickness, which may either be plain or with a device moulded thereon, of
course should build the above described extremely light, if it is so desired.
In the event of using a circular mould for moulding and vulcanizing the said
cover, I use a cast iron or steel mould made in three or more parts, with a central
ring or former to receive the rubber and to manipulate it thereon.
1 may then build up my cover precisely as described above placing the
unvulcanized rubber upon the former or central portion or ring of the said circular
mould. I then place and press the outer parts or outer rings of the said circular
mould upon the central ring or former when the parts of the mould are placed in
their correct positions the cover may then be moulded and ready for vulcanizing in
the ordinary or in any suitable manner.
Or I may place the unvulcanized rubber circumferentially around the former or
central portion of the said circular mould. I may then wind or wrap the threads
or analogus fabric either singly or in a woven form, or any equivalent or suitable
manner at a convenient angle going over the rubber and also going over the
underside of the former and then gently pressing the threads into the rubber as
before described, or I may add a very light band, or portion of unvulcanized
rubber upon the said threads. I then cross the threads in a similar manner as
described but oppositely inclined, again running circumferentially around the said
cover and also the former or central ring of mould, after pressing the threads into
the unvulcanized rubber as above described. I now cross the said threads at right
angles to the edge of the said cover. I now have three threads each running or
oppositely inclined as above described.
may now build up the necessary thickness of the tread with unvulcanized
rubber if needed for moulding, either smooth or with a device as above described.
When the parts of the circular mould are placed together in a suitable manner
the cover will then be moulded and then ready for vulcanizing. After vulcanizing
I may remove the circular ring or former from the mould, I may then cut the
portions of thread which is now wrapped around the said former I may then
remove the cover from the said former.'"
I may sometimes mould rings or halfround beads upon the inner or underside of
the said cover, and owing to their action in connection with the said cover and the
ground surface when the wheel is fully inflated and running they will possibly
produce a greater resilience force for the production of greater speed, therefore 1
call them resilience producing rings.
By placing the aforesaid rings upon the underside of the said cover as stated
I get a greater force of resilience owing to the rubber being concentrated into
rings just where it is needed upon the tread to assist the tyre in regaining it

page_text: normal position and also to partly resist the weight of the rider throwing the
energy into resilience force for the production of speed. They also have the
advantage of lessening the suction upon the surface of the tyre when coming in
contact with the ground surface when running by exerting a centrifugal force upon
the said tyre.
Outer covers made according to this invention may be used in any description of
tyres of the pneumatic principle and may have a loop formed upon either side if
desired by any suitable process or in any suitable manner.
I may use any suitable air tube or valve in connection with the above cover it
being understood I do not claim anything therein.
This invention also relates to an improved method of detachably securing the
said cover to the rim.
The rim and also the bands in connection with the said rim may be made from
or of one or two or more pieces of steel or wood, or any suitable material or
materials. The said rim may be made either solid or hollow. The cross section
of the rim I prefer to use resembles an ordinary concave rim with the addition of
a ridge running circumferentially around either side at a convenient distance from
the top edge, forming a right angle or nearly so to the said edge of rim.
1 now place suitable pius, slots or springs or any similar or suitable arrangement
either upon the edge of the rim, or upon the ridges at either side of the rim in any
suitable manner.
I now form two bands which may be made flat, halfround or they may take the
form of an angle, or any suitable form or shape either endless or otherwise
sufficiently large to fix tightly upon the said ridges in connection with the
said rim.
I may sometimes use a right and lefthanded running screw in connection with the
said or any equivalent or suitable device. I may then use or fix suitable pins or
slots or springs or any similar or suitable arrangement into or upon the said bands
that the bands may be detachably secured or fixed upon the rim, either when the
cover in connection with the said bands is fully inflated or when deflated as the case
may be.
The above arrangement is also intended to check what is known as creeping in
the rim, therefore applying or allowing all the power that is put into the wheel to
be used or put into momentum.
I now securely fasten the said bands to either side of the outer cover, either by
a form of solution or rivets or their equivalents or I may return the edge of the
said bands upon the edges of the said covers or fix them in any suitable manner
sufficiently strong for the purpose. The cover is now ready for placing upon the
rim, for inflating and using in the ordinary manner.
By placing the detachably securing bands upon the outerside of the rim, I gain
a great advantage as the bands are entirely separate and apart from the air tube
and therefore cannot cut or damage it in any manner, also by the above arrange-
ment of the bands creeping is also checked and therefore cannot damage the air
tube by chafing as in the ordinary form of tyres.
In order that my invention may be fully understood I will now particularly describe
it, making references to the accompanying drawings, in which the figures are views
in transverse section of various forms my invention may assume similar parts being
marked with like letters of reference.
Referring to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings, A. represents the unvul-
canized rubber. C and C. I. shows where either end is cut at a suitable angle for
joining or connecting the said ends together, for moulding and vulcanizing.
A. I. represents the line where the said rubber may be folded, folding the edge
marked B. upon the edge B. I. or "vice versa." D. represents the threads or
analogous fabric which is or are placed across the rubber running parallel with the
angle of the cut ends, when the rubber A. is folded as above described the threads
marked D. will then have crossed each other, but running or oppositely inclined.
1 now bring the ends marked C and C. I. together for the purpose of joining them

page_text: to form the cover. After doing so I pass the free ends of the said thread
marked D. 1. across the said rubber running at right angles to the said edge of cover
I now have three short threads each running or oppositely inclined of nearly equal
lengths, I now build up the tread of the said cover, with unvulcanized rubber when
necded, then mould and valcanize in the ordinary or any suitable manner, either with
a smooth tread or with a device as per drawings.
I nay sometimes mould and vulcanize the said cover in a circular mould made in
three or more parts, I then use the central part or former of the said mould for
placing and manipulating the unvulcanized rubber precisely as described above, or
may build the said cover very lightly upon the central part or former of the said
mould, placing the unvulcanized rubber, all around in the ordinary manner. I then
wind or wrap the threads or analogus fabric around the rubber going also around
the underside of the former at a suitable angle, to incorporate the said threads or
fabric with the said rubber.
I may now press the said threads into the rubber, or I may place a very small
portion of unvulcanized rubber thereon, going circumferentially around. I then
again cross the said threads upon the rubber but oppositely inclined again running
all around the said former, as already described. I again press the threads into
the unvulcanized rubber or again placing a portion of unvulcanized rubber upon
the threads as above described.
I now take the remaining portion of threads or fabric, and again pass or wrap
then upon the rubber as described, but now placing them at right angles with
the edge of cover, going all around. I again press the threads into the rubber
as above described.
I may now mould the said cover by affixing the corresponding parts of the
mould together in the usual manner the cover is then ready for vulcanizing.
Or I may mould a tread entirely smooth or with a device moulded thereon
entirely separate from the cover. I then may attach the above tread to the cover
cither by solution or in any suitable manner, the above figure is greatly reduced
in size.
Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings illustrates my device which may be
used for racing or other suitable purposes which I propose to have moulded or
solutioned upon the outer cover or tread if desired, the said device which represents
a chain, with a single link and two alternative links in inverse order as per drawings
the letter K. representing the ordinary links the letters L and L. I. representing
the inverse links. M and M. I. representing a very small bead, having a square
or sharp edge, at either side of the chain. Each link in the said chain is graduated
intumiscently or risen towards the centre having a square edge at either side and
slightly hollowed towards the centre.
Figure 3. representing another form or device, which I may sometimes use in
place of Figure 2 as shown which is designed and moulded after the manner or
order similar to fish scales, Nos. 1, 2, 3, representing the apex or point which is
slightly raised with a gradually pointed form rising from the crescent parts,
marked 4, 5, 6 and terminating at each point as 1, 2, 3, the letters N and N. I.
representing a small bead raised and running at either side of the above device.
Figure 4, of the accompanying drawings illustrates my cover and rim, with the
detachably securing bands therein. F. representing the outercover or jacket.
Nos. 1, 2 and 3 representing the resilience producing rings moulded upon the inner
side of the outer cover. G and G. I. representing the detachably securing bands,
attached to the cover, which may be made of one or two or more parts, either
endless or otherwise or with a right and left handed running screw or any
equivelent device for the adjustment of the said bands if needed.
The said cover or jacket may be either attached to the inner or to the outerside
of the said bands.
The bands may be sometimes fitted to the underside of the said ridge, instead of
being placed upon the upper side as described.
I may sometimes use suitable springs, in place of pins, or a combination of the

page_text: sid pins or springs. The pins may be made with a thumb piece for turning at a
suitable angle after entering the slots to form a catch for keeping the pins in there
places or I may fix a catch with suitable pins or rivets to keep the said pins at
home. Nos. 4 and 5. representing the pins attached to the bands in conection
with the cover for fitting into the slots in conection with the rim. Nos. 6 and 7
representing the ridges in conection with the rim running circumferentially around.
at either side of the said rim.
The aforesaid bands are made sufficiently large to fit tightly upon the said
ridges 6 and 7, in conection with the rim.
The letter H. represents what is generally designated a solid rim, which can
either be made of one or more pieces of material as desired, but I may sometimes.
use what is known as a hollow rim of similar section, if desired.
Nos. 8 and 9 showing the position of slots cut in the ridges in conection with
the said rim, for the pins or there equivelents in conection with the bands G
&G I, to enter therein, for securing the outer cover to the rim. I may cut four
or more slots upon each ridge with the equivalent number of pius or their
equivalents in connection with the bands, the said slots take
may
form sufficient for the securing and detaching of the said bands.
any convenient
I wish it to be particularly understood, I do not limit myself to the precise
details of construction hereinbefore described and shown by the figures of the
accompanying drawings, but that I hold myself at liberty to make such changes
and alterations as fall within the spirit and scope of my invention.
Having now particulary described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the said is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is, viz.-
1st. The improvements in wheels for velocipedes and other road vehicles as and
for the purposes herein before set forth.
2nd. In a wheel for a velocipede and other road vehicles having a hollow tyre,
fixing the outer cover or tread of the said tyre to the rim of the wheel and
strengthening it in the manner herein before set forth.
3rd. In a wheel having a hollow tyre the combinations of an outer cover or tread
arch-shaped in cross sections and having bands or their equivalents placed or fixed
upon either edge of the said cover, and of a rim having ridges running circum-
ferentially around the edges thereof adapted to receive the said bands or their
equivalents as set forth.
4th. In a wheel having a hollow tyre the combinations of an outer cover or
tread arch shaped in cross section and having beads or rings moulded upon the
inner side of the said cover or their equivalents and of a rim having a circum-
ferentially running ridge upon either side thereof adapted to receive a band or its
equivalents which may fit tightly upon the said ridge as set forth.
5th. In a wheel having a hollow tyre the combinations of an outer cover or tread
arch shaped in cross section having bands fitted upon either edges of the said
cover either endless or fitted with a right and lefthanded running screw or their
equivalents, adapted to be fitted either with pins, springs and slots or a combination
of the aforesaid or their equivalents as set forth.
6th. In a wheel having a hollow tyre the combinations of an outer cover or tread
arch shaped in cross section with or without non slipping devices moulded thereon,
of a rim having ridges on either edge adapted to receive a band as set forth, in
connection with either edges of the said cover or tread, adapted to be detachably
secured by pins, or springs or slots or their equivalents either upon the ridges in
connection with the rim or upon or in connection with the said bands or a combi-
nation of the aforesaid or their equivalents as set forth.
Dated this 10th dox of October 1805
CHARLES H. SNOWDON.