A Dunlop Semi-pneumatic Tyre.
Page 8
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
WE understand that the Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd. has for some time past been experimenting with an Acrocore tyre, designed to fill, in some measure; the gap which exists hetvveeu pneumatic tyres and solids. The shock. absorbing qualities of the. pneumatic and the durability of the solid tyre are, we understand, very successfully combined in the new Dunlop production. The tyre is of special design, and has a. hollow centre—in which air is • hermetically sealed. The tyre incorporates a metal base,, which varies according to the type of_ sehicle, or wheel for which the tyre is intended.
The walls and tread are of great strength, and in appearance the tyre is remarkably distinctive, a very effective non-skid tread being incorporated in the B24 design. It is impossible, of course, for the air in the sealed chamber to escape, and this, in conjunction with the ilexiaility under stress due to the peculiar design of, the tyre walls, ensures permanent cushioning capacity without tendency to "roil." A point which will find favour with those owners formerly using pneumatic tyres is that the carrying of a spare as a reserve against possible punctures_or bursts is not necessary. At present it is being produced to replace, without any wheel or rim alteration, the standard 32-in. by 41--in. straight-side pneumatic' tyre when used with a demountable rim. All that is necessary when fitting the Dunlop Aerocore tyre is that the straight-side tyre, together with its demountable rim, shall be removed and the Aerocore tyre put into its place. The base of the Aeracore tyre in every way replaces the base of the demountable rim taking the. pneumatic tyre, and the bolts, wedges, etc., which already exist on the wheel are used.
For Ford ton trucks the tyre is rot-limed with rim fitments, displacing either the Kelsey or Hayes aypo of rim, both of which are in use as MAnclai•d on Ford thriller rear wheels. The design of thetyre is such that it causes no appreciable difference in gearing or clearances. The extreme ease of fitment and the combination of great cushioning capacity with durability and eimmunity from punctures are potent arguments in favour of this new tyro. The tyre is also being produced in other sizes for heavier commercial vehicles.