Year: 1888

page_text: I, JOHN DONKIN of Ormond House, Pinetree Glen, Bournemouth, in the county
of Hants, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement :-
My invention relates to a device for attaching to the pedals of velocipedes, and it
has for its objects enabling the rider to exert power during the upward stroke of the
crank as well as during the downward one, thereby enabling increased power to be
imparted to the machine.
My device consists of a stirrup or loop made of leather or other suitable material
attached to the central crank-pin sleeve, in a manner that will allow it to adapt itself
to the position of the foot on the pedal.
In the accompanying drawing Figure 1. is a view in perspective of one form of
my improved stirrup or loop unattached, and Figure 2. is a view in perspective of
another form of the stirrup or loop attached to a pedal. In both views similar parts
are marked with like letters of reference.
The stirrup or loop A is formed-preferably out of one piece of leather or other
suitable material, and is shaped as illustrated by Figure 1. of the accompanying
drawing. The ends a, a, to overlap the foot are adapted to be adjusted to fit the foot
by means of a lace a', or by any other equivalent and suitable device. The part a²
adapted to embrace the central sleeve of the pedal, is either formed by sewing,
rivetting or lacing two overhanging edges as illustrated by Figure 1, or it may
consist of a metal sleeve a³ adapted to fit over the central sleeve of the pedal X, and
to receive the stirrup A which may be fixed to it by rivets or otherwise, as illustrated
by Figure 2. of the accompanying drawing.
When extra purchase on the foot is required as for hillclimbing or racing, I form
small projections a, a on the stirrup as illustrated by Figure 1. of the accompanying
drawing, to engage more closely with the hollow at the sides of the instep. These
projections are best formed by turning over and stitching down small overhanging
pieces on the stirrup A.

page_text: I am aware that loops, straps and stirrups have already been used on the pedals
of velocipedes, but they have not been popular on account of the imperfect manner
in which they have been constructed and adapted for use. In a stirrup constructed
as bereinbefore described and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, the pressure
on the foot is equally distributed over the instep, and any tendency to slip is prevented
by the stirrup tightening round the hollow of the foot underneath immediately upward
pressure is exerted, thus forming a clip which so long as any upward pressure is
exercised, holds the foot, but which releases its hold immediately the foot has reversed
its motion, and so admits of its being readily withdrawn.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is :-
1. A stirrup or loop for the pedals of velocipedos, constructed specifically as set
forth.
2. In a pedal for velocipedes, the stirrup A adapted to be capable of adjustment
to fit the foot, by means of the lace a¹, or equivalent device, and to accomodate itself
to the position of the foot on the pedal, as and for the purpose set forth.
3. In a velocipede the combination with the pedals, of sleeves a³ mounted on the
central bearing sleeves thereof, and carrying stirrups shaped to fit the instep of
the feet and adapted to be adjusted to the size thereof, as set.forth.
4. In a stirrup or loop adapted for use on the pedals of velocipedes, the projecting
pieces a, a formed on the inner sides of the said stirrup, as and for the purpose
set forth.