Scottish veterinarian who developed a practical air tyre for his son’s bicycle
Robert William Thomson
Scottish engineer who patented an earlier air-filled tyre in 1845
André and Édouard Michelin
Made detachable pneumatic tyres for cars
Plate 075
1888
Belfast, Ireland
No photograph is shown for this exhibition. The museum displays an image only where it can show the object honestly.
About this date
John Boyd Dunlop patented a pneumatic tyre in 1888. Robert William Thomson had patented an air-filled tyre in 1845.
About credit
Thomson’s patent came first, but it was not commercially developed. Dunlop’s patent was later declared invalid owing to Thomson’s earlier one, yet he is remembered for making it practical.
Chapter II
The world before
Life before the Pneumatic Tyre
Bicycle tyres were solid rubber, giving a rough ride, and cart wheels rattled over stones.
II
The human achievement
How it came about
Dunlop wrapped an inflated rubber tube in canvas on his son’s tricycle. Bicycle racers adopted it and won, which promoted it. Detachable tyres made repairs easier.
III
Understanding the invention
How it works
The Pneumatic Tyre, explained in two steps.
01
Step 01 of 02
Air as a spring
Compressed air absorbs bumps instead of passing them to the rider.
Air as a spring
Grip
IV
The transformation
What changed for humanity
Cycling
Bicycles became comfortable and fast, fuelling a cycling boom in the 1890s.
Motoring
Cars could travel faster with less vibration.
Rides became comfortable and faster, helping bicycles, cars and aircraft.
V
Before and after
Life before and after The Pneumatic Tyre
Before
Jolting and slow.
After
A smoother, quicker ride.
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