Improvements in Pneumatic Tires.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 14th Aug., 1894-Accepted, 15th Sept.,
1894
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Pneumatic Tires.
I, GEORGE CHARLES MOORE, of Easthampton, in the County of Hampshire,
and State of Massachusetts, U.S.A., Manufacturer, 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 relates to pneumatic tires such as are employed on the wheels of
bicycles, and other light vehicles, and it consists in certain improvements which
first will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, after which
the characteristic features thereof will be particularly pointed out and distinctly
defined in the claims at the close of this Specification.
In the drawings,
Figure 1 is a view in perspective of the improved lining or foundation fabric,
which is described hereinafter.
Fig. 2 is a sectional view illustrating such fabric embodied in a shoe or cover,
the latter being combined with a wheel-rim and an air-tube.
Figs. 3 and 4 are views in cross section showing modifications in the fabric.
Fig. 5 is a sectional view illustrating the manner of joining the ends of the
lining fabric to make an endless ring of the same.
Figs. 6 and 7 are views in cross section and elevation illustrating certain features
of my invention.
The first feature of my present invention is the lining or foundation fabric which
I have produced for use in the shoes or covers of pneumatic tires. The said fabric
is shown separately in Fig. 1 of the drawings. The distinguishing characteristics
of the said fabric are, the facts that it is composed of two unequal longitudinal
segments 1 and 2, of which the large segment 1 constitutes substantially the major
portion of the lining or foundation, such segment having its greatest length at its
midwidth 3, while its marginal portions 4, 4, at both sides of the portion 3 of
greatest length, are of the least, that is to say, are of the minimum length in the
fabric, the said marginal portions 4, 4, constituting oppositely located portions of
least fixed length for the tubular fabric, and the small segment 2 connecting the
said margins and completing the tubular formation. The varied lengths of the
different portions of the large segment are shown clearly in Fig. 1.
I prefer to produce the foundation fabric by weaving, and in the shape of a
seamless tube, with the two segments 1 and 2 integrally united to each other along
their margins. Also, I prefer to vary the lengths of the successive portions of the
large segment 1 progressively from the portion which is at midwidth thereof at 3,
When the said
Fig. 1, to the marginal portions 4, 4, of the said large segment 1.
fabric is produced by weaving, this progressive variation in the lengths of the said
successive portions is secured by conducting the weaving in a manner to give the
greatest length of warp-threads to the middle portion of the large segment 1, and
to give proportionately decreased lengths of warp-threads to the successive portions
of the width of the said segment, on both sides of the said middle portion in
proceeding from the latter toward the margins 4, 4. Giving the successive portions
in the width of the large segment the said progressive variation in their length has
the advantage that it causes the said segment to have a regular continuous curve
in the direction of the fabric, so that it conforms naturally to the circle of the tire,
in which the fabric is embodied, the said large segment being located in the pro-
jecting or tread portion of the shoe or cover; also, in consequence of the curvature,
all the portions of the width of such segment are under absolutely equal strain

page_text: when a tire-cover or shoe containing the said fabrics is inflated and subjected to
practical use. However, in some embodiments of my invention, the variation in
length need not be gradual and progressive as above. The small segment 2 may
have all the warp-threads which are embodied in the same of uniform length.
I prefer, however, for reasons which presently will be made to appear, to weave
this segment so as that the different portions in the width thereof shall vary in
length, the middle portions of the said small segment being the longest and the
portions at each side of such middle portion being the shortest, the lengths of
such side portions decreasing gradually and proportionately to the margins of the
said small segment, where they unite with the margins of the large segment 1, as
shown in Fig. 1. However, the variation need not in all embodiments of my
invention be gradual and progressive.
At 5, Fig. 2 is shown the body of elastic material constituting the exterior of
the shoe or cover, and at 6 the air-tube. As stated above, the large segment 1 is
located in the outer or projecting portion of the cover or shoe, and constitutes the
major portion of the lining or foundation fabric. The small segment 2 is located
in the portion of the shoe or cover which lies against the rim of the wheel to which
the tire is applied.
The shoe or cover embodying my invention, as shown in Fig. 2, it containing a
lining or foundation fabric such as that which has been described herein, when
applied and used in the manner illustrated in the said Fig. 2, has several advantages
over the forms of shoes or covers heretofore proposed and used.
I have ascertained through practical tests that when a detachable shoe or cover
U-shape in cross-section, like the detachable shoes or covers now in common use,
is applied to the rim of a wheel and inflated, the tendency to lateral expansion and
to spreading apart of the sides is so great as in some instances to split the grooved
wooden rims which recently have come into use in the manufacture of the wheels
of bicycles. My improved shoe or cover, it containing my improved lining or
foundation fabric, is free from this objection, inasmuch as the small segment
connecting the inner margins of the large segnient limits the lateral expansion of
the tire, and hence protects against the splitting of the rim. Further than this,
the more completely my shoe or cover is inflated the firmer is the grip or hold
which its inner perimeter exerts against the outer surface or periphery of the rim
of the wheel to which it is applied. This results from the fact that the inner
portions or margins of the large segment of the lining or foundation fabric, they
lying opposite to each other in the shoe or cover, and adjacent to the inner peri-
meter of the latter, constitute oppositely located lines or portions of the least or
minimum length in the fabric, and between such lines or portions exists a portion
of suitable width, constituted by the small segment 2, which is protected by the
said lines or portions from excessive longitudinal or circumferential strain.
When the shoe or cover is inflated, the longitudinal or circumferential strain
in the lining or foundation fabric is borne altogether or chiefly by the portions
thereof which are comprised in the large segment, which portions stretch more or
less under such strain. The marginal portions 4, 4, of the said large segment being
of the least fixed length in the fabric, they relieve the small segment 2 of a
considerable portion of the longitudinal or circumferential strain incident to the
inflation. Consequently, when the large segment increases in diameter and circum-
ference under inflation, the small segment remains without material departure from
its original dimensions, and although the large segment has become enlarged by
the inflation, in a manner which would render the shoe or cover loose upon the rim
of a wheel if proper compensation were not made the compensation is secured
through leaving the small segment of substantially its original dimensions. Thus,
while the large segnient increases in diameter and circumference and expands out-
wardly, the small segment remains comparatively free from excessive tension, and
free from material extension, and is free to expand inwardly upon the rim of the
wheel, binding against the same with a pressure which is in proportion to the
degree of inflation.
•

page_text: The best results are secured when the small segment is longer in the portion at
midwidth thereof than it is in the marginal portions thereof. In this case, no
matter how much the marginal portions 4, 4, of the large segment may be
stretched by the inflation, the middle portion of the small segment will remain
comparatively lax or full and free to be pressed radially inward toward the rim
of the wheel.
In accordance with one modification, in the manner of embodying my invention
in practical form, the warp-threads may be omitted from the small segment 2, as
in Fig. 3. Or I may incorporate into the small segment 2 warp-threads consisting
of strands or threads of india-rubber, (caoutchouc), as in Fig. 4, at 11.
My lining or foundation fabric is self-shaped: that is, as produced and in its
normal condition and before being combined in a shoe or cover, it has naturally
the shape and characteristic features which are referred to herein and in the claims
at the close hereof.
In making a shoe or cover, a suitable length of the tubular lining or foundation
fabric is taken, and one end thereof is cut away in a slanting direction, as indicated
in Fig. 5, at 13. This end of the tubular fabric is then inserted a short distance
into the other end, as in the said figure, to form a lap joint extending entirely
around the shoe or cover, and is secured therein, as by cement, save at the inner
side of the shoe or cover, where the ends are left disconnected, as at 12. When
the elastic covering or surfacing is applied to the lining, this portion is left
disconnected in order to provide for the passage of the air-tube used in the
pneumatic tire, the latter being in the form of a straight tube which is introduced
or withdrawn endwise through the passage-way thus produced. The ends of the
tubular lining or foundation overlap at the said passage-way as shown, and after
the air-tube is in place the inflation thereof will cause the overlapping ends to be
compressed tightly together between the air-tube and the surface of the rim of the
wheel.
When the small segment 2 of the tubular lining is made longer in the portion
at midwidth thereof than it is at the opposite margins thereof, the tubular fabric
tends naturally to assume a shape which in, cross section is essentially like a
crescent, as shown clearly in Fig. 1. This facilitates the production of a detach-
able pneumatic tire which is fitted especially for application to the rims or fellies
of ordinary carriage wheels, in the manner shown in Fig. 6. For example, a shoe
or cover containing such a lining or foundation fabric may be applied to the rim
or felly of an ordinary carriage, with the small segment 2 resting against the
periphery thereof, and with the marginal line or lines on which the segments 1
and 2 are united, located at the opposite sides of the rim or felly, and lying on
opposite sides of the rim or felly 17. To the said marginal lines I apply wires or
cords or the equivalent thereof. These may be combined and connected with the
shoe or cover in a variety of ways.
I have shown in Fig. 6 wires 16 which are threaded in and out through slits
or openings formed in the shoe or cover. These wires, cords, or the like, serve as
a means of connection for detachable securing devices which are employed for the
more reliable holding of the tire in place. Thus I have shown wire fastenings,
each of which may be either U-shaped, as shown at 8, to pass around the spokes
of the wheel and arranged to have its free ends hooked or bent around one of the
wires or cords aforesaid, or they may be like that which is shown at 10, it extending
transversely across the inner face of the rim or felley, and having its opposite ends
bent or hooked around the opposite wires or cords as shown. A wide range of
variety is possible in the form and arrangements of the devices for engaging with
the sides of the shoe or cover. These devices hold the said sides drawn inwardly
along the opposite sides of the rim or felly of the wheel. The essential
characteristic of this portion of my invention consists in providing a detachable
pneumatic tire for use on carriages and similar vehicles, fitted to be readily and
securely applied to a wheel, which is or may be of the usual character throughout,
and such that in case of a puncture or other accident to the tire, the carriage still

page_text: may be used without waiting for repairs, and either with or without the removal
of the damaged tire having been effected.
So far as I am at present aware, when pneumatic tires have been used on the
wheels of vehicles heretofore, the construction of the rims or felleys of the wheels
has been modified or altered in such manner as to render it undesirable to use the
vehicle in the event of injury to the tire, until after the tire shall have been
mended or replaced.
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 lining fabric consisting of a self-shaped tube composed of two unequal
longitudinal segments, the large segment having its greatest length at midwidth
thereof and its minimum length in its marginal portions at both sides of such
length, the margins of such segment constituting oppositely located portions of
least fixed length for the tubular fabric, and the small segment connecting the said
margins, substantially as described.
2. A lining fabric consisting of a self-shaped tube composed of two unequal
longitudinal segments, the large segment having its greatest length at midwidth
thereof and its minimum length in its marginal portions at both sides of such
length, the margins of such segment constituting oppositely located portions of
least fixed length for the tubular fabric, and the small segment connecting the said
margins, it containing a greater length or fulness at midwidth than adjacent to the
said margins, substantially as described.
3. A lining fabric consisting of a self-shaped tube, composed of two unequal
longitudinal segments, the large segment having its greatest length at midwidth
thereof, and its minimum length in its marginal portions at both sides of such
length, the margins of such segment constituting oppositely located portions of
least fixed length for the tubular fabric, and the small segment connecting the said
margins, it having its greatest length at midwidth thereof, and being progressively
shorter in the successive portions intermediate such length and the said margins,
substantially as described.
4. A shoe or cover for pneumatic tires having a fabric foundation or lining
consisting of a self-shaped tube composed of two unequal longitudinal segments, the
large segment being located in the outer or tread portion of the shoe or cover and
the small segment in the inner portion of the shoe or cover which contacts with a
wheel-rim or felly, the said large segment having its greatest length at midwidth
thereof, and being progressively shorter in the portions at both sides of such length,
the margins of such segment constituting oppositely located portions of least fixed
length for the tubular fabric, and the said small segment connecting the said
margins, substantially as described.
5. A shoe or cover for pneumatic tires having a fabric foundation or lining
consisting of a self-shaped tube composed of two unequal longitudinal segments,
the large segment being located in the outer or tread portion of the shoe or
cover and the small segment in the inner portion of the shoe or cover which
contacts with a wheel rim or felly, the said large segment having its greatest
length at midwidth thereof and being progressively shorter in the portions at
both sides of such length, the margins of such seginent constituting oppositely
located portions of least fixed length for the tubular fabric, and the said small
segment connecting the said margins, it containing a greater length or fulness at
midwidth than adjacent to the said margins, substantially as described.
6. A shoe or cover for pneumatic tires having a fabric foundation or lining
consisting of a self-shaped tube composed of two unequal longitudinal segments, the
large segment being located in the outer or tread portion of the shoe or cover, and
the small segment in the inner portion of the shoe or cover which contacts with a
wheel-rim or felly, the said large segment having its greatest length at midwidth
thereof, and being progressively shorter in the portions at both sides of such length,

page_text: the margins of such segment constituting oppositely located portions of least fixed
length for the tubular fabric, and the said small segment connecting the said margins,
it having its greatest length at midwidth thereof and being progressively shorter in
the portions at both sides of such length intermediate such length and the said
margins, substantially as described.
7. The combination with the rim or felly of a wheel, of a pneumatic tire, having
a shoe or cover which is crescent-shaped in cross section and composed of two
unequal segments joined at their margins, of which the large segment constitutes the
face or tread portion of the shoe or cover and the small segment lies against the
surface of the rim or felly with the sides of the shoe or cover extending inwardly by
the sides of the rim or felly, and detachable securing devices engaging with the said
sides of the shoe or cover and holding it removably in place on the rim or felly,
substantially as described.
8. The combination with the rim or felly of a wheel, of a pneumatic tire having
a shoe or cover which is crescent-shaped in cross section and composed of two
unequal segments joined at their margins, of which the large segment constitutes
the face or tread-portion of the shoe or cover and the small segment lies against
the surface of the rim or felly with the sides of the shoe or cover extending
inwardly by the sides of the rim or felly, wires at opposite sides of the rim of
the wheel in engagement with the said sides of the shoe or cover, and detachable
securing devices engaging with the said wires and the wheel and removably holding
the shoe or cover in place on the rim or felly, substantially as described.
9. The shoe or cover for pneumatic tires consisting of a tubular lining or
foundation fabric and an elastic covering or surfacing, the said lining having one
end thereof inserted into the other to form a lap-joint extending entirely around the
shoe or cover and secured therein except at the inner side, where such ends, in
addition to being overlapped, are left disconnected from each other to permit of
the insertion of the air-tube, substantially as described.
Dated this Second day of August 1894.
H. B. BARLOW & GILLETT,
17, St. Ann's Square, Manchester, Agents for Applicant.