IMPROVEMENTS IN WHEELS FOR VEHICLES, PART BEING APPLICABLE ALSO TO SHAFTS, PULLEYS, AND OTHER BEARING SURFACES
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Henry King, of the City and County of San
Francisco, and State of California, one of the United States of America,
Merchant, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN WHEELS FOR VEHICLES,
PART BEING APPLICABLE ALSO TO SHAFTS, PULLEYS, AND OTHER BEARING
SURFACES."
Sealed the 12th April 1878, and dated the 23rd February 1878.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said Thomas Henry King at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 23rd February 1878.
THOMAS HENRY KING, of the City and County of San Francisco, and State of
California, one of the United States of America, Merchant. "IMPROVEMENTS IN
WHEELS FOR VEHICLES, PART BEING APPLICABLE ALSO TO SHAFTS, PULLEYS, AND
OTHER BEARING SURFACES."
My Invention relates to certain improvements in wheels for wheeled vehicles, and
it consists in a novel construction of a hub in combination with certain lateral
bearing flanges constructed on an axle, and may have constructed between the hub,
flanges, and axle, peculiarly arranged antifriction rollers and balls, whereby I am
enabled to overcome much of the friction and wear of the parts, also to eliminate
the tendency of the axle to break by lateral strains of the wheel. These antifrictional
devices are in part also applicable to the bearings of shafts, axles, journals, and
particularly to block sheaves, bushings, and such devices, where it is necessary to
reduce the friction between the surfaces which move in contact.
My Invention also consists in the construction of a metallic hub, so that wooden
spokes may be secured in a perfectly solid manner within the mortice, and that the
hub may be closed at its end over the flanges, and its bearings protected from dust
or other substance by means of an elastic laterally-pressing flange or disk.
And, lastly, my Invention consists of a novel method of bolding and securing the
aforesaid antifriction rollers within a box, case, or bushing surrounding the axle, pin,
or shaft, and its especial adaptability to wooden as well as metal sheaves and
wheels.

page_text: The first part of my Invention consists in the employment of a novel combination
of antifrictional rollers, peculiarly arranged in alternate series within a case, box,
hub, or bushing, so that between them and the pin, shaft, journal, or axle, the bearing
is one of rolling contact when in motion. This I call an annular alternato
bearing.
The use of antifriction roller bearings has its widest practical use in block sheaves
or pulleys, and as generally constructed heretofore they have been in single file or
series to each bearing, held in relative position apart in single lines by rings at each
end, having pins or projections on one side reaching into holes in the ends of the
rollers, and such rings have been secured to each other in their position at each end
of the rollers by rivets, thus holding the rollers surrounding the pin in single file to
receive its bearing.
I here state a few of the many defects of this plan, all of which my Invention
remedies; chiefly, first, the centers of bearing of the rollers being so far apart as it
passes from the bearing on the pin, shaft, or axle, it does so with a shock, noise, and
abrasion upon the next rollers, but always at one place on the pin, and in proportion
to the strain upon it soon wears the pin; striking the following roller on its side of
center bearing, it causes it to slide back before getting under bearing, thus cutting
by friction the bushing or hub, and one side of the roller in contact. The shock or
blow as the roller falls on the pin, especially with the wheels' uneven rotation, reduces
more the ends of the rollers, allowing them to be forced over the necessary narrow
flange between which they move, at the same time elongating the rollers and
breaking their end rings apart.
In. block sheaves so constructed, with rollers approximately the size of pin
diameter, the pin when slightly worn by this excessive abrasion readily finds lodge-
ment between the rollers, and this acting as a wedge the rollers are prevented from
revolving when the bushing is forced around the rollers so held, and soon destroys
their cylindrical shape. In this position the pin also soon cuts its way between the
rollers through to the end rings and bushing rim bearing.
My Invention contemplates the employment of two or more systems of rollers so
placed and held in their relative positions that one system will be lapping upon the
division of the other systems, and thus afford an almost continuous bearing near
the centers of the rollers when in operation, thus rolling easier and with compara-
tively no noise, shock, abrasion, or wear, and not affording any space for lodgement
of the pins.
My Invention consists also of a novel means for holding the rollers in their relative
positions by means of interior rings between the sets of rollers, said rings having
pins projecting from the opposite sides alternately at equal distances apart from
each other, and used with or without corresponding frames to support their outer
ends.
And my Invention further consists in providing either on the axle, pin, or shaft,
or hub, bushing, box, or case, or both, a flange or lip corresponding with each interior
frame or annulus, and this flange or lip acts as a guide to the rollers, preventing their
friction on the ring, as well as a thrust bearing for the rollers when acted upon by
the lateral sway or wabbling of the sheave or wheel, and such flange or lip forms,
with the side bearing, an independent grove for each system of rollers.
My Invention further consists of a novel method of constructing the bushing, case,
or box for sheave or wheel bushings, so that I am enabled to make deeper than usual
flanges on sides, by which I produce also a steadying center bearing, preventing
unsteady movement or wabbling of the sheave or wheel when in motion; and,
lastly, in a method of securing the parts of the bushing, case, or box to each other,
and the whole bushing or box within the sheave or wheel, so that it can be used
with equal facility for wooden or metal sheave or wheel.
Referring to the accompanying Drawings for a more complete explanation of my
Invention,-
Figure 1 is a side view of a sheave or wheel containing my antifrictional
mechanism

page_text: Figure 2 is a view showing one side of the bushing and one roller removed.
Figure 3 is a view of the rollers partly mounted upon their supporting frame.
Figure 4 is a view of the enclosing case or box.
Figures 5, 6, and 12, show modifications of my devices.
Figure 7 is a section view of the hub of a vehicle wheel, showing this application
of my Invention.
Figure 8 is a vertical transverse section of the wheel hub.
Figure 9 shows the step-bearing rollers or balls to retain end or lateral bearing
friction of the hub upon the flanges of the axle
Figures 10 and 11 show modifications when lubrication is used.
A is a pulley, sheave, or wheel, which I use to illustrate one part of my Invention.
Within the centre is fitted tightly a bushing or box B of sufficient size to contain
the mounted rollers E and an axle, shaft, or pin. This bushing or box extends
through the sheave or wheel, and has flanges C upon each side, projecting slightly
outside of the rim and inwardly, so as to nearly conceal the rollers, but leaving space
enough for the shaft or pin to be well clear of the flanges as they revolve. One of
these flanges C may be cast with the bushing B, while the other C¹ or both may
have the rim solid, which rim may have a thread cut upon its exterior so as to screw
into the bushing or box B, while the interior of the rim serves as a bearing for one
or more sets of rollers.
'
A flange D projects towards the centre of the box B from a proper distance
between the flange C with which it forms independent groves for the separate sets
of rollers, and acts as a thrust bearing for the rollers, being on a line with the frame
F which holds the rollers. This annulus frame F is formed having a number of
pins or projections G from each side to receive the rollers E; these pins stand
so that those on one side alternate with those upon the opposite side at equal
distances apart, as shown; the device may be economically cast and milled, or made
by drop dies.
The rollers E have holes formed in their centre, in some cases extending through,
but usually only sufficient distance to give them a proper support, thus leaving a
greater body of metal on the outer side where there is most strain. When, as shown,
use only two sets of these rollers, one set is placed into the compartment which is
formed by the permanent flange D and flange C of the bushing or box B, when the
ring F is then placed so that the pins G on one side enter the holes in that set of
rollers E, then the other set of rollers E are placed upon the remaining pins G on
other side of the ring F, when the other flange C is secured into its place, thus enclosing
the whole, and when fitted up close the outer rim of both flanges C fit into counter-
bored depressions which are formed in the sheave or wheel A. The outer faces of
these flanges C are made slightly convex, or rather their plane projects just
enough beyond the sides of the sheave or wheel to form a central side bearing,
which serves to steady the sheave or wheel, and also to afford greater length to roller
E, consequently a desirable longer bearing, it being understood in construction of
all metal sheave the bushing or box B may form a solid part of such metal
sheave or wheel.
By my construction it will be seen that the shaft, axle, or pin, passing through
the centre between rollers will be at all times supported upon three of the rollers,
and the distances between the tops of these rollers alternating, being only a small
part of what it would be with a single set, they leave no space for lodgement of the
pin, however much worn, no space between rollers to wedge them from revolving,
and the multiplied bearing is all kept so near the top of the rollers that it gives
greater ease in running as well as prevents the pounding, abrading, and noise, which
is reduced to a minimum. The greater depth of flange C which is made possible
by this construction prevents the rollers overiding as with narrow flanges.
Various modifications of my device for securing alternating roller bearings and
their inclosing cases will suggest themselves among them, as is shown in Figures
5, 6, and 12; where the rollers are mounted between rings alternately, and have
each end of the pins supported, forming two or more sets to each bearing where

page_text: desirable; the enclosing pins of the box or bushing are screwed into the outer box B,
as shown, extending entirely across and carrying in it the flange D; this method,
either for one or both pins or flanges C, allows them fitted in metal sheaves or wheel
to be renewed when worn. The bushing or box needs no other security save a
simple pin H.
That part of my Invention which is illustrated in Figures 7, 8, and 9, shows the
application to vehicle wheels. In the ordinary construction of vehicle wheels there
is great strain brought upon the axle, which in its horizontal position sustains the
leverage exerted by the lateral sway of the wheel upon the hub, and thus acts as a
powerful lever to break the axle close to the outside of the collar.
In my construction I propose to relieve the axle spindle from strain caused
by lateral bearing or wabbling motion, so that nearly all but vertical bearing is taken
off the axle spindle, as I will now proceed to describe:-I is the axle, and it is
provided with a flange J, which may form a solid part of the axle or be firmly
secured thereto, the diameter of the flange being nearly that of hub K, the length
of which will be approximately double the width of a spoke; and another flange
J corresponding with the first is secured to the outer end or point of the axle, so
that when in position the hub is on the axle between the two flanges, and these flanges
will sustain the lateral strain of the wheel from the spindle, which has its upper side
curved, forming an arc from end to end, reaching both flanges, to avoid the wabbling
motion of the hub straining the spindle, and allow such strain to fall on flange J.
In order to relieve the friction of the end of the hub against the flanges they may
be constructed with conical cog rollers fitting and rolling between the face of the hub
and corresponding faces of the flanges, this construction being used with lubrication
on axle.
The same construction of flanges and hub I also use in combination with
antifriction roller bearings, both vertical and lateral, which I will now describe in
Figure 7-I is the axle with flange as before described, but in this case the flange
has a groove around its face to serve as a track for balls Q, which are mounted
upon a spider S and placed in the groove.
The axle spindle has a slight solid flange D between the flanges J; the spindle has
surrounding it, and each side of the flange D, my annular alternate bearing E, fully
described in former part of this Specification; the hub K is then placed upon the
rollers covering the spindle, and another spider with balls Q is placed so that the
balls fit a groove on the outer end of the hub and flange J which is secured to the
point of the axle; this holds the hub and balls at each end and the flanges,
so that the hub has a complete vertical and lateral antifriction bearing; in order
to prevent noise and rattle of the roller and balls I have made a slight groove on their
outside, into which an elastic washer or strip may be introduced, as shown,
which, while it does not prevent a complete metallic bearing where pressure
comes upon the parts, will expand so as to prevent looseness and rattling when
pressure is removed.
The outer end of the hub is closed by a cap L secured to the hub so as to cover
the flange. In order to close the inner end against dust, I employ a concave elastic
disk M, having a center hole allowing the axle to freely pass through the disk when
secured to hub K, and having an elastic washer fixed upon the inside of the disc
near the center, which bearing upon the flange J, near the axle, causes the disk to
assume a convex form, as shown, by a light elastic lateral constant contact, thus
preventing the entrance of any substances to the interior bearing parts; it should
be understood that I do not limit the application of this disk to this particular kind
of hub and axle, for it is obvious that it may be applied to the ordinary hub and an
axle with collar, when the disk being adjusted to the hub and reaching behind the
collar, it will in like manner seal that side of the hub.
As will be seen, my peculiar construction of the hub admits using metal or wood
spokes.
In the ordinary construction of metal hubs, much difficulty has been found in
securing a wooden spoke from lateral working in the mortice owing to the absence of
adhesiveness between the metal hub and wooden spoke. This working, I prevent by

page_text: serrating or corrugating the sides of the mortice N in the hub, as shown, and also
to better sustain the wooden spoke, have formed a lip or projection P at the
bottom of the mortice, and a corresponding groove or notch is made at the end of
the spoke to fit this lip; wedges are also introduced into the end of the spoke as it
is driven into the mortice.
The serrations or corrugations N cut into the sides of spokes O, and its end groove
fitting astride the lip P while the wedges force the end of the spoke apart, filling
the tapering mortice, and make the whole as solid as possible.
Having thus described my Invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure
by Letters Patent is,―
1st. The rollers E mounted in series alternating with each other, so as to form an
annular alternate bearing for pin, shaft, axle, or journal, substantially as herein
described.
2nd. The ring F having pins G projecting from opposite sides, each set on each
side alternating with those on opposite sides of the ring for the purpose of supporting
the rollers E in their relative positions, substantially as herein described.
3rd. The box or bushing B with interior flanges D serving as thrust bearing
for rollers E, and guard for ring F, and in combination with flanges C, either one
or both removable, forming an independent groove for each set of rollers E,
substantially as herein described.
4th. The axle I constructed with flanges J and D, forming with rollers E,
ring F, and balls Q, a vertical and lateral bearing, substantially as herein described.
5th. The hub K with serrated mortices N and step P to firmly hold wooden
spoke O, substantially as herein described.
6th. The concave elastic disk M secured to the hub K, and extending behind
collar or flange, so as to exert a constant lateral pressure and serve as a dust cap,
substantially as herein described.
7th. The antifriction rollers F and Q having grooves for the reception of an
elastic substance, to prevent noise and rattling, substantially as herein described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Thomas Henry King, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-third day of January, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight.
Witnesses,
GEORGE H. STRONG,
FRANK A. BROOKS.
THOMAS HENRY KING. (L.S.)