Fascinating
facts about the invention
of the
pneumatic tire by John Dunlop in
1887 |
PNEUMATIC TIRE |
AT A GLANCE:
In 1887, John Dunlop developed the first practical pneumatic tire for his
son's tricycle, tested it, and patented it on December 7, 1888. Dunlop’s development of
the pneumatic tire arrived at a crucial time in the development of road
transportation. Commercial production began in late 1890 in Belfast,
Ireland. Dunlop partnered with William Du Cros to form a company that
would later become the Dunlop Rubber Company.
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THE STORY
RELATED INFO |
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Invention: |
pneumatic
tire in 1887 |
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Function: |
noun / air-filled tire
/ inflatable tire |
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Definition: |
A device
covering the circumference of a wheel. It cushions the rider from a
bumpy road, reduces wear and tear on the wheels and provides a friction
bond between the vehicle and the ground |
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Patent: |
4.116 (UK)
issued March 8, 1889
435,995 (US) issued September 9, 1890 |
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Inventor: |
John Boyd
Dunlop |
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Criteria: |
First practical. Entrepreneur. |
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Birth: |
February 5,
1840 in Dreghorn, North Ayrshire, Scotland |
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Death: |
October 23,
1921 in Duplin, Ireland |
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Nationality: |
Scottish |
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Milestones:
1844 Charles Goodyear invented vulcanization, the process used to
produce cured rubber tires.
1846 Robert William Thomson invented and patented, but could not sell
his pneumatic
tire design
1887
John Boyd Dunlop invented and patented a pneumatic
tire for use on his son's tricycle
1889 Dunlop's pneumativ tire patented in the UK and the US on September,
1890
1890 Dunlop and partner William Harvey Du Cros begin production of
pneumatic tires in Ireland.
1891 Dunlop's patent invalidated in favor of the earlier Thampson patent
1898 Frank Seiberling starts Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Akron,
Ohio
1888 Michelin Tire Company incorporated on May 28,
1946 The radial tire was invented by Michelin
1924 Goodyear acquired Zeppelin patents, making possible construction of
rigid airships in the
1937 Goodyear built and tested first American-made synthetic rubber tire
1947 Goodyear introduces first nylon tires
1999 Dunlop Rubber Company becomes a subsidiary of Goodyear Tire and
Rubber Company |
The Story: |
TO
LEARN MORE
RELATED INFORMATION:
John Dunlop Biography from The Great Idea Finder
Charles Goodyear Biography from The Great Idea Finder
Transportation History from The Great Idea Finder
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Designated
trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. |
| Reference
Sources in BOLD Type. |
This
page revised
January
24, 2007. |
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