An Automatic Swinging Toe Clip for Attaching to Cycle Pedals.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 30th Oct., 1895
Complete Specification Left, 15th July, 1896-Accepted, 26th Sept., 1896
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
An Automatic Swinging Toe Clip for Attaching to Cycle Pedals.
I CHARLES HENINGHEM 2 Lawson Villas Glenwood Road, Catford Kent,
Commercial Clerk, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
< toe
I fashion a combination of metal parts into what is generally known as a
clip" or device intended for the convenience of persons when propelling a cycle,
its use being to prevent the foot of the rider from slipping forward on the pedals of
the machine.
My invention overcomes a great disadvantage at present existing with the use of
all toe clips hitherto devised for the purpose above named; whatever their shape
or form they are intended to be fixed rigidly to the front of the pedals, and a
person about to mount a cycle (the pedals of which are fitted with toe clips) finds
difficulty in placing the feet so that the toe clips come into their proper position
simultaneously with the resting of the feet for the first time on the pedals, as the
weight of the toe clips keeps the pedals in such a position that the feet are most
likely to descend at first on to the pedals with the toe clips underneath the feet,
and consequently useless.
What I claim as my invention is an automatic swinging toe clip for attaching to
cycle pedals, which, whilst by its own weight it keeps the pedals in the most
convenient position ready for the feet, also comes immediately into its required
position when the riders feet are placed upon the pedals. (Be it understood that
in actual use two toe clips, one on either pedal, are required for each rider: but
for the sake of simplicity I may refer in my following description to the "toe clip,"
and the "pedal.")
I will now proceed to describe my invention to which the accompanying drawing
refers:-
Firstly I stamp out by machinery a strip of mild steel or other desirable metal,
and of suitable guage, about 24" long, and of an equal width of about 1" except at
one end, where, for a length of some 3" the width is about 14". After six necessary
holes have been stamped or drilled in the strip, the extra width on either side is
turned down at right angles, so that I then have a strip of equal width with
tongues bent under it, the two tongues forming an inverted U.
I then bend the strip itself (with the tongues outside) into an elongated
Ushape E with a slight concave top and bottom which is necessary to insure a
grip when fixing to the centre tube H of a pedal. The strip so bent I call the
clamp E.
3
Secondly I stamp out another strip of steel or desirable metal, of suitable length
and guage and of an equal width of about ", except near one end where a point
measuring say "x" projects from either side. As this strip is intended to
swing in a bearing, these points are to form its pivot. This strip is then bent to
the desired shape C, having at the end nearest its pivot a lip turned up and closed
over, forming a small hole to take_about_" dia. spindle, and to which hole a
link D presently to be described, will be closed on. The strip so bent I call the
winging clip C.
The tongues of my clamp E having each a hole in to take " dia. spindle need
only be eased apart until the pivot provided on my swinging clip C will slip into

page_text: .
them they can then be closed towards each other sufficiently, and I have the
swinging clip C permanently hinged at the base of the clamp E.
The other parts of my mechanism are:-
Thirdly a metal screw F and elongated nut G.
Fourthly a metal plunger of suitable strength threaded at its end and with a
circular metal button fixed on top A.
Fifthly a small piece of metal B with a hole about " dia. drilled to receive the
link D to be afterwards described, and also drilled and tapped to receive the
screwed end of the plunger A. above mentioned.
Sixthly a piece of suitable wire about eleven gauge and about 14" long for the
purpose of forming a connecting link between the piece B and the end of the
swinging clip C nearest its pivot-through the hole in the swinging clip C I pass
this wire, and by bending down at right angles an equal length of it on either side,
and again bending up at right angles a small portion of each end and closing them
in to either side of the hole in the piece B, I obtain a link connecting the piece B
with the end of the swinging clip Callowing sufficient play in the joints to answer
my purpose.
Referring again to the drawing I will now proceed to describe the method of
fixing the automatic swinging toe clip on to the centre tube H of a pedal-and
explain its action.
The dotted lines Z represent the sides of the pedal, and Z Z the rubber bars of
the pedal. H is the centre tube or hollow cover of the axle on which the pedal
revolves. In fixing my device to the pedal of a cycle, the clamp E with swinging
clip C, link D, and piece B attached passed up from underneath, between the
rubber bars into its position on the centre tube H of the pedal which it occupies in
the drawing, and at equal distance from either side of the pedal.
for use.
The screw F may now be passed through the holes in the clamp E arranged for
its reception, and into the elongated nut G, so that a few turns makes the clamp E
tight on the centre tube H of the pedal. The plunger A is now passed down
through holes provided in the clamp E for it (and in which it slides an easy fit)
and its threaded end engages with the piece B, after which the mechanism is ready
It will now be found that owing to the weight of the swinging clip C it,
and the plunger A assume the positions shown in drawing, the pedal of the cycle
being thereby kept constantly in the position shown; whilst the crank on which it is
fixed rotates consequently, the button on top of the plunger A is always in a position
to be pressed by the riders foot. As the plunger A recedes under pressure of the foot,
it carries down the piece B connected by the link D to the end of the swinging clip C,
the relative positions now changing until the positions as shown at A*-B*D* are
reached, during which time the swinging clip C has been moving upward and forward
until it has reached the position Cx, at which moment part of the surface of the button
on top of plunger A should be pressing on to the rubber bar of the pedal, but if
any little adjustment is necessary, the plunger A can be screwed up or down as
required. The riders foot is now prevented from slipping forward off the pedal,
any tendency of the clamp E to twist being overcome by the contact of the
elongated nut G with the under part of the rubber bar of the pedal, thus forming a
stop. In the case of what is known as the "rat trap" or all steel pedal, this
piece G is made slightly longer.
The parts resume their normal positions as shown in drawing immediately the
foot is removed from the pedal.
Dated this 20th day of Ontahan 100x
CHARLES HENINGHEM,
Applicant.

page_text: 3344CHICO
I CHARLES HENINGHEM, 2 Lawson Villas, Glenwood Road, Catford, Kent,
Commercial Clerk, 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:-
I fashion a combination of metal parts into what is generally known as a "toe-
clip" or device intended for the convenience of persons when propelling a cycle,
its use being to prevent the foot of the rider from slipping forward on the pedals of
the machine.
My invention overcomes a great disadvantage at present existing with the use of
all toe-clips hitherto devised for the purpose above mentioned--whatever their
shape or form, they are intended to be fixed rigidly to the front of the pedals, and
a person about to mount a cycle, (the pedals of which are fitted with toe-clips)
finds difficulty in placing the feet so that the toe-clips come into their proper
position simultaneously with the resting of the feet for the first time on the pedals,
as the weight of the toe-clips keeps the pedals in such a position that the feet are
most likely to descend at first on to the pedals with the toc-clips underneath
the feet, and consequently useless.
What I claim as my invention is an automatic swinging toe-clip for attaching to
cycle pedals, which, whilst by its own weight it keeps the pedals in the most
convenient position ready for the feet, also comes immediately into its required
position when the riders feet are placed upon the pedals. (Be it understood that
in actual use two toe-clips, one on either pedal, are required for each rider, but for
the sake of simplicity, I may refer in my following description to the "toe-clip,"
and the "pedal.")
I may make the toe-clip in either of two forms-the one I call the simple pattern,
and the other the sliding pattern but the object of both is the same.
I will now proceed to describe my invention as regards the simple pattern of
toe-clip as set forth in my Provisional Specification, and to which the drawings left
with my Provisional Specification refer-
Firstly I stamp out by machinery a strip of mild steel or other desirable metal,
and of suitable gauge, about 2 inches long, and of an equal width of about inch
except at one end, where, for a length of some three eighths of an inch the width is
about 1 inches. After six necessary holes have been stamped or drilled in the
strip, the extra width on either side is turned down at right angles, so that I then
have a strip of equal width, with tongues bent under it, the two tongues forming
an inverted U, I then bend the strip itself (with the tongues outside) into an
elongated U shape E, with a slight concave top and bottom which is necessary to
insure a grip when fixing to the centre tube H of a pedal. The strip so bent
I call the clamp E.
Secondly I stamp out another strip of steel or desirable metal, of suitable length
and gauge and of an equal width of about inch except near one end, where a
point measuring say three sixteenths of an inch x one eighth of au inch projects
from either side. As this strip is intended to swing in a bearing, these points are
to form its pivot. This strip is then bent to the desired shape C, having at the
end nearest its pivot a lip turned up and closed over, forming a small hole to take
about an eighth of an inch diameter spindle, and to which hole a link D, presently
to be described, will be closed on. The strip so bent I call the swinging
clip C.
The tongues of my clamp E having each a hole in to take an eighth of an inch

page_text: diameter spindle, need only be eased apart until the pivot provided on my
swinging clip C will slip into them--they can then be closed towards each other
sufficiently, and I have the swinging clip C permanently hinged at the base of the
clamp E.
The other parts of my mechanism are-
Thirdly a metal screw F, and elongated nut G.
Fourthly a metal plunger of suitable strength, threaded at its end, and with a
circular metal button fixed on top A.
Fifthly a small piece of metal B with a hole about an eighth of an inch diameter
drilled to receive the link D to be afterwards described, and also drilled and
tapped to receive the screwed end of the plunger A above mentioned.
Sixthly a piece of suitable wire about eleven gauge and about 1 inches long for
the purpose of forming a connecting link between the piece B and the end of the
swinging clip C nearest its pivot-through the hole in the swinging clip C I put
this wire, and by bending down at right angles an equal length of it on either side,
and again bending up at right angles a small portion of each end and closing them
into either side of the hole in the piece B, I obtain a link connecting the piece B
with the end of the swinging clip Ċ allowing sufficient play in the joints to answer
my purpose.
Referring again to the drawing left with my Provisional Specification, I will
now proceed to describe the method of fixing the simple pattern automatic
swinging toe-clip on to the centre tube H of a pedal, and explain its action. The
dotted lines Z represent the sides of the pedal, and Z Z the rubber bars of the
pedal. H is the centre tube or hollow cover of the axle on which the pedal
revolves. In fixing my device to the pedal of a cycle, the clamp E with swinging
clip C, link D, and piece B attached is passed up from underneath, between the
rubber bars into its position on the centre tube H of the pedal which it occupies
in the drawing, and at equal distance from either side of the pedal. The screw F
may now be passed through the holes in the clamp E arranged for its reception,
and into the elongated nut G, so that a few turns makes the clamp E tight on the
centre tube H of the pedal. The plunger A is now passed down through the holes
provided in the clamp E for it (and in which it slides an easy fit) and its threaded
end engages with the piece B, after which the mechanism is ready for use.
It will
now be found that owing to the weight of the swinging clip C it, and the plunger A
assume the positions shown in drawing, the pedal of the cycle being thereby kept
constantly in the position shown, whilst the crank on which it is fixed rotates-con-
sequently, the button on top of the plunger A is always in a position to be pressed by
the riders foot. As the plunger A recedes under pressure of the foot, it carries down
the piece B connected by the link D to the end of the swinging clip C, the relative
positions now changing until the positions as shown at A-B*-D are reached,
during which time the swinging clip C has been moving upward and forward
until it has reached the position Cx, at which moment part of the surface of the
button on top of plunger A should he pressing on to the rubber bar of the
pedal, but if any little adjustment is necessary, the plunger A can be screwed up
or down as required. The riders foot is now prevented from slipping forward
off the pedal, any tendency of clamp E to twist being overcome by the contact
of the elongated nut G with the under part of the rubber har of the pedal, thus
forming a stop. In the case of what is known as the "rat trap" or all steel pedal,
this piece G is made slightly longer.
The parts resume their normal positions as shown in drawing immediately the
foot is removed from the pedal. In view of the fact that in some of the newest
types of cycles, the pedals, at their lowermost point, come somewhat near the
ground, leaving too little clearance between the ground and the swinging clip C
when hanging down-I may make the swinging clip C in several parts instead
of in one piece, arranging it so that when hanging down, the combination of a
sliding arrangement and a suitable spring keeps it about 14 inches further above
the ground than if made in one piece-the sliding arrangement enabling the

page_text: swinging clip C, when brought into position for use, to be elongated by the
forward pressure of the foot, such elongation being regulated by a stop screw.
Also, in view of the fact that persons frequently ride a cycle while wearing
ordinary walking shoes, and that measured through from the walking surface of
the sole to the top of the toe, a (mens) walking shoe is much thicker than a (mens)
cycling shoe, partly owing to the stout sole and partly owing to the "blocking
of the toe cap and that measured in the same way, a womans cycling shoe
occupies less height than a mans, I may make an adjustment in the swinging clip C
to suit the toe of any shoe.
My automatic swinging toe-clip made with these provisions I call the sliding
pattern, and the swinging portion only of the toe-clip is modified. I use the same
clamp E, tightening screw F, elongated nut G, plunger and knob A, piece B, and
link D, as described in my Provisional Specification.
I will now proceed to describe the sliding pattern toe-clip to which the
accompanying drawings refer.
I stamp out a piece of sheet steel of suitable gauge J Fig. 1, its narrowest end
provided with the pivot to swing in the clamp E, and also provided with the turned
up lip to take the link D, as previously described in my Provisional Specification,
in the preparation of the swinging clip C. From this piece J Fig. 1, at a suitable
point, an arm J J Fig. 2 projects at right angles, the width of the plate increases,
and after four necessary holes to take about No. 8 gauge round wire have been
provided, its widest part is bent into a U shape J 2 Fig. 1.
The piece so made I call the base plate.
I next fashion a piece of round steel wire of about gauge into the shape
of a link with the top cut off K Figs. 1 & 2. this link is passed through the
holes in the Ushaped part of the plate J Fig. 1, in which it slides easily.
At N
I then stamp out a piece of strip steel L Fig. 3, and a piece of strip steel M
Fig. 3, of suitable gauge, and bend them into their requisite shapes, side views of
which are seen in Fig. 1, and front view in Fig. 3. Two cars LL, on the piece L
Fig. 3, tapering in width, are bent round to form a shield for the foot, and a small
notch L 2 Figs. 1 & 3 is bent down, measuring about three sixteenths of an inch
wide, and standing out about an eighth of an inch from the plate L.
Figs. 1 & 3, the metal is turned round to form a hole into which are brazed
the ends of the liuk K Figs. 1 & 2, these holes will be better seen in Fig. 3. The
width between these holes corresponds with the width between the wires of the
link K Figs. 1 & 2. For the length from M1 to M 2 Fig. 3, a slot is provided
in the piece M about three sixteenths of an inch wide. By screwing into the
piece L Fig. 3 a suitable screw S, with washer under the head, I am enabled to
fix the piece M tightly on to the piece L, whilst the small notch L 2 Fig. 1,
protruding through the slot of the piece M, further helps to keep the piece M in
position.
I now braze the ends of the link K Figs. 1 & 2, into the holes N N Fig. 3 in the
piece L Fig. 3-I can now push the link K in and out within certain limits, I can
push it in as far as shown in Fig. 1, I can pull it out till K1 reaches 2 Fig. 1,
but as it is required always drawn in until extended by the forward movement of
the riders foot, I provide a spring formed by coiling a piece of wire of suitable
gauge about three times round the shank of a screw P Figs. 2 & 3 in the end of
the arm JJ Fig. 2, one end of the wire being dropped into the slot of the screw
before making the coils round same, the other end of the wire, which now exerts a
pull, is passed between the base plate J Fig. 2 and the link K Fig. 2 and provided
with a loop by which it can exert its pull on the link K. I showed that the travel
of the link K was from K1 to K2 Fig. 1, but in the base plate J Figs. 1 & 2
I provide a half way stop screw R, which shortens the distance of the travel by
half. This screw is easily removed if necessary, and its use will be hereafter
explained.
I will now explain the method of fixing and using the sliding pattern toe-clip.
The method of fixing on to the pedal, and the means employed for bringing into

page_text: position for use are precisely as described for the simple pattern. The adjust-
iment to suit the toe of any shoe is accomplished by slacking the screw S Fig. 3
in the piece L, which permits the piece M to be adjusted as required, and
tightened up again-thus the distance between T and V Fig. 1 can be adjusted to
a nicety.
When the foot is pressed on the pedal, and the sliding pattern toe-clip brought
into use, the toe is pushed forward as far as it will go, overcoming the power
of the spring fixed in the screw P Fig. 2-if the rider has a long foot the stop
screw R Fig. 2 will be taken out, allowing the maximum forward movement of
the link K, but if the rider has a short foot the stop screw will remain in,
shortening the movement of the link K.
If desirable, I may place in the recess W Fig. 1, a little cotton wool soaked in
oil, as a lubricant.
I do not confine myself to any particular form or shape or gauge of metal in
the various parts forming my automatic swinging toe-clip.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is―
1. An automatic swinging toe-clip which can be fixed by the combination of a
clamp and screw to either a rubber or "rat trap" cycle pedal, and detached if
and when desired.
2. The arrangement by means of which the heaviest part of the toe-clip is
made to hang under the pedal when out of use, balancing the same in a horizontal
position no matter what the position of the pedal crank, and when wanted for use
is immediately brought into position by depressing a metal plunger with the foot.
3. The sliding arrangement, in combination with an automatic swinging toe-clip
as described in my Provisional Specification which, while it provides the maximum
distance between the toe-clip when out of use and the ground when the pedal
is at its lowest point, yet allows the toe-clip to be easily elongated by the riders
foot when in use.
4. Also in combination with an automatic swinging toe clip as described in my
Provisional Specification the parts forming the adjustment as described, to suit
the toe of any shoe.
Dated this 15th das of July 1896
CHARLES HENINGHEM,
Applicant.