Tires for Motorbuses.
Page 18
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The tire which we illustrate on this page has been designed with a view to easy fitting to, and removal from, the rim of the wheel, and, at the same time, to ensure that it has a perfect grip and cannot slip or creep on the rim. The steel rim is made With a slight flange on the outer edge, which prevents the tire from working off that side. All the edges of this flange are well rounded off so as not to injure the rubber in any way, and the inside edge of the rim is con structed to take a " bayonet slot-ring " which clamps the tire strongly and firmly in position. The tires are prevented from creeping, by making the steel rims with a cross-ridge (or key) which fits exactly into the groove on the inner surface of the Lire.
The tires are made slightly smaller in internal diameter than the steel rims, and must be pressed or driven on. As it is impassible to expand the steel band which is vulcanised into the rubber, a layer of soft rubber, i-inch thick, is inserted under the steel band, and, by its elasticity, a very tight-fitting tire is secured. The sectional drawing clearly shows : the manner in which the steel band is vulcanised into the rubber ; the layer of soft rubber which is provided for giving a good grip on the rim; and the manner in which the tire is gripped by the bayonet slot-ring. The sketch of the three component parts of the wheel shows the key and the bayonet-socket teeth on the steel rim. In putting the tire on the steel rim, care must be taken to ensure that the key fits exactly into the groove on the inner surface of the tire. The tire may then be pressed on to the rim until the outer edge butts up against the outside flange, and, when in that position, the bayonet slot-ring is put on and driven round until the tire is tightly wedged in; the slot-ring is now secured by two screws which prevent it working back.
Although our illustratitn shows a single tire, twin tires may be fitted in precisely the same manner by simply making the steel rim of a suitable width. Twin tires are, of course, essential where the axle loads are heavy, as in omnibus work.
When this type of tire is fitted to a east-steel wheel, the teeth for the slot-ring, must, of course, be made part of the wheel.
A large number of these tires have now been fitted and are giving entire satisfaction, particularly in omnibus work. The guarantee of to,000 miles, which the makers give, indicate that they have entire confidence in their production, and in their uniform quality.