Improvements in or relating to Pedals.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 26th Aug., 1898
Complete Specification Left, 26th Mar., 1897-Accepted, 5th June, 1897
Improvements in or relating to Pedals.
A communication from MARMADUKE MATTHEWS, Artist, ALEXANDER JARDINE,
Merchant, and AGNES JARDINE, Wife of Alexander Jardine, all of the
Village of Bracondale, in the County of York, Province of Ontario,
Canada.
I, ALFRED JULIUS BOULT, of 111 Hatton Garden in the County of Middlesex,
Chartered Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
The invention relates to certain improvements in the construction of pedals and
consists, essentially of a plate pedal constructed to grip the sides of the sole of
the rider's shoe instead of gripping the front of the toe. The invention also
consists in the peculiar construction which enables a double pedal to be formed
from a single plate and in certain improvements in the spindle as hereinafter more
specifically described.
A metal plate, preferably of spring steel is provided, each end of this plate is
curved and shaped to form a flange or foot rest, the flanges being turned in
opposite directions so that whichever side of the pedal is uppermost, one of the
flanges will be in the position to receive the forward part of the sole of the rider's
shoe. Out of each end of the plate a portion is stamped by means of a suitable
die, and turned in the reverse direction to the flange. This portion thus forms a
rearward flange on the pedal on which the sole of the rider's shoe may rest.
From the construction thus described it will be seen that no matter which side
of the plate is uppermost the flanges will be in proper position for use. Each side
of one of the flanges or foot rosts is preferably provided with spring lugs or
gripping pieces which are shaped to grip the sides of the sole of the rider's shoe
when placed in position on the pedal or they may be of sufficient length to meet
and form a loop or socket for the toe, thus avoiding any projecting points and
making the pedal more suitable for ladies' use.
Each rearward flange is preferably toothed, as are the flanges of a rat trap
pedal, to bite ou the sole of the shoe.
One of the front flanges is preferably provided with a single rigid lng, so that
that side of the pedal is suited to a rider who does not wish to use anything in the
nature of a toe clip.
The centre of the plate is bent to fit one side or the other of the casing of the
pedal spindle and another plate is placed round the other side of the spindle and
clapped to the first-named plate by means of bolts, screws or rivets, and is slotted
to embrace the raised portion of the casing. The flanged plate is proferably
slotted in the same way. With some forms of casing no slotting of the plates is
required as they lie between two projections on the casing. It is evident that if a
single pedal only is required, that the forward flange on one side of the pedal and
the rearward flange on the other side may be cut away entirely leaving a single
pedal which will be very light and suitable for racing. If desired, the plate
securing the pedal to the casing may be extended to form a front toe clip.
On the end of the pedal spindle is formed a cone. Facing the cone is an innor
cone formed on the sleeve holding the spindle which is internally screw-threaded
for a short distance at one end so that it may be adjusted upon the spindle which
is similarly threaded.

page_text: On the casing are formed the cups which are complementary respectively to the
cones, and form the races of balls running in the bearings formed by the aforesaid
cups and cones.
The end of the sleeve is preferably sorew-threaded and screwed into a similarly-
threaded hole in the end of the crank, a shoulder being preferably formed on the
sleeve to abut upon the said crank. A clamping set-screw is provided having a
thread cut thereon, running in the opposite direction to the thread on the inside
of the sleeve and screwed into a similarly threaded hole within the end of the
spindle. This set-screw comes in contact with the end of the sleeve and the crank
and serves not only to clamp the spindle within the sleeve but also the sleeve
within the crank. This latter feature is not absolutely essential and the set-screw
may be made to bear against the end of the sleeve on the crank only.
A screw cap closing the outer end of the casing is also provided. When it is
desired to adjust the bearing the screw-cap is removed and the clamping set-screw
loosened. Then by means of a screw-driver engaging with the slot preferably
formed in the end of the spindle, the said spindle may be revolved within the
sleeve and the distance between the cones thus regulated. Then, by tightening up
the clamping eet-screw the parts may be securely held as adjusted. It is not
essential that the two races of balls be located at opposite ends of the spindle, na
they may be set close together, or the outer race may be placed under the centre
of the tread, thus avoiding the enlargement of the extreme outer end of the casing
and making a very neat and light spindle.
It will be found upon experiment that a single or double pedal, constructed as
above, is superior in all respects to other pedals now in the market, being lighter,
of simpler construction, giving a firmer grip, gauging the tread accurately,
obviating the necessity for the use of very rough or sharp teeth and rubber treads.
The spindle is much shorter than usual, and as the ball bearings are brought
closer together, the wear upon them is equalized; whereas in an ordinary spindle,
the inner bearing, owing to the springing of the spindle, is the first to wear out
and the curving of the spindle deranges the true parallelism of the bearings.
When a pedal is constructed as first described the spring lngs on one side of the
pedal are preferably of such a width apart as to suit the ordinary riding shoe of
the user. The other side of the pedal having but one lug, will admit of the use of
any width of shoe so that the pedal may he conveniently used by different riders
or with shoes of different widths, or if preferred, both sides of the pedal can be
furnished with lugs set at similar or different widths to accommodate different
riders. The forward and rear flanges on each side of the pedal are preferably
constructed so that their upper surfaces are above the level of the upper surface
of the spindle casing or clamping plate, so that considerable force must be exerted
on the pedal before the sole of the shoe comes in contact with the spindle casing
or clamping plate. This spring in the pedal will be found to conduce to the
comfort of the rider. No trouble will be experienced at any time in engaging the
foot with the other side of the pedal, as it is apt to be the case when ordinary toe
clips are used.
Objection may be taken by some to the spring trend on account of the lost
motion. It is easily seen that the spring is not necessarily employed at high
speeds, as the action would then be circular rather than oscillating, power being
exerted at all points of the revolution by either a push or pull, and not concentrated
in a powerful downward push.
The clamping set-screw may be arranged to screw into the sleeve and bear
against the end of the spindlo. This is substantially an equivalent for the arrange-
ment already described and operates in precisely the same way. In this form an
additional set-screw is used to clamp the sleeve to the crank and the thread is
omitted.
Dated this 26th day of August 1896.
BOULT & WADE,
Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: A communication from MARMADUKE MATTHEWS, Artist, ALEXANDER JARDINE,
Merchant, and AGNES JARDINE, Wife of Alexander Jardine, all of the
Village of Bracondale, in the County of York, Province of Ontario,
Canada.
I, ALFRED JULIUS BOULT of 111 Hatton Garden, in the County of Middlesex,
Chartered Patent Agent, 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 :-
This invention relates to certain improvements in the construction of pedals, and
consists, essentially, of a plate pedal, constructed to grip the sides of the sole of the
rider's shoe instead of gripping the front of the toe. The invention also consists in
the peculiar construction which enables a double pedal to be formed from a single
plate and in certain improvements in the spindle, substantially as hereinafter more
specifically described.
Figure 1, is a perspective view of a pedal showing the improvements.
Figure 2, is a longitudinal section of the pedal spindle.
Figure 3, is a similar view of a slight modification of the same.
Figure 4, is a sectional elevation showing the lugs on the pedal.
Figure 5, is a sectional detail showing a modification of the clamping set-screw.
In the drawings like letters of refereuce indicate corresponding parts in the
different figures.
L, is a metal plate, preferably of spring steel. Each end of this plate is curved
and shaped to form a flange or foot rest N, as shown, the flanges. being turned in
opposite directions so that whichever side of the pedal is uppermost, one of the
flauges N, will be in the position to receive the forward part of the solo of the
rider's shoe. Out of each end of the plate L, a portion M, is stamped by means of
a suitable die, and turned in the reverse direction to the flange N. This portion
thus forms a rearward flange on the pedal on which the sole of the rider's shoe
may rest.
From the construction thus described, it will be seen that no matter which side
of the plate L is uppermost, flanges M and N will be in proper position for use.
Each side of one of the flanges or foot rests N, is preferably provided with the
spring lugs or gripping pieces O, which are shaped as shown in Figs. I and 4, to
grip the sides of the sole of the rider's shoe when placed in position on the pedal
or they may be of sufficient length to meet and form a loop or socket for the toe,
thus avoiding any projecting points and making the pedal more suitable for
ladies' use.
Each flange M, is preferably toothed, as are the flanges of a rat trap pedal, to
bite on the sole of the shoe.
One of the flanges N, is preferably provided with a single rigid lug P, so that
that side of the pedal is suited to a rider who does not wish to use anything in the
nature of a toe clip.
The centre of the plate L, is bent to fit one side or the other of the casing B of
the pedal spindle A, and tho plate Q, is placed round the other side of the spindle
and clamped to the plate L, by means of bolts, screws or rivets, as shown. It will
be noticed that the plate Q, is slotted to embrace the raised portion a of the
casing B. The plate L, is preferably slotted in the same way, though this is not
visible in the drawing. With the form of casing shown in Fig. 2, uo slotting of
the plates is required as they lie between the two projections b. It is evident that

page_text: if a single pedal only is required, that the flanger N on one side of the pedal, and
the flange M, on the other side may be cut away entirely, leaving a single pedal
which will be very light and suitable for racing. If desired, the plate Q, may be
extended, as shown in dotted lines, to form a front toe clip R.
In Figs. 2 and 3 is shown a section of the spindle of the pedal. On the end of
the spindle A, is formed a cone C. Facing the cone C, is the cone D, formed on
the sleeve E, which is internally screw-threaded for a short distance at one end so
that it may be adjusted upon the spindle A, which is similarly threaded.
On the casing B, are formed the cups I and J, which are complementary
respectively to the cones C and D.
K, are the races of balls running in the bearings formed by the aforesaid cups
and cones.
The end of the sleeve E, is preferably screw-threaded and screwed into a
similarly-threaded hole in the end of the crank F, the shoulder c being preferably
formed on the sleove to abut upon the said crank. G, is a clamping, set-screw
having a thread cut thereon, running in the opposite direction to the thread on the
inside of the sleeve E, and screwed into a similarly threaded hole within the end of
the spindle. As shown in the drawing, this set-screw comes in contact with the
end of the sleeve E, and the crank F, and serves not only to clamp the spindle
within the sleeve E, but also the sleeves within the crank F. This latter feature
is not absolutely essential, as the set-screw may be made to bear against the end of
the sleeve on the crank only.
H, is a screw cap closing the outer ond of the casing B. When it is desired to
adjust the bearing, the screw-cap H, is removed and the clasping set-screw G,
loosened. Then, by means of a screw driver engaging with the slot preferably
formed in the end of the spindle A, the said spindle may be revolved within the
sleeve E, and the distance between the cones C and D thus regulated. Then, by
tightening up the clamping set-screw G, the parts may be securely held as
adjusted. It is not essential that the two races of balls be located at opposite ends
of the spindle, as they may be set close together, as shown in Fig. 3, or the outer
race may be placed under the centre of the trend, thus avoiding the enlargement of
the extreme outer end of the casing and making a very neat and light spindle.
It will be found upon experiment that a single or double pedal, constructed as
above, is superior in all respects to other pedals now in the market, being lighter,
of simpler construction, giving a firmer grip, gauging the tread accurately,
obviating the necessity for the use of very rough or sharp teeth and rubber treads.
It will also be noticed that the spindle is much shorter than usual, and as the ball
bearings are brought closer together, the wear upon them is equalized; whereas in-
an ordinary spindle, the inner bearing, owing to the springing of the spindle, is the
first to wear out and the curving of the spindle deranges the true parallelism of the
bearings.
When a pedal is constructed as in Fig. 1, the spring lugs on one side of the pedal
Are preferably of such a width apart as to suit the ordinary riding shoe of the user.
The other side of the pedal having but one lug, will admit of the use of any width
of shoe so that the pedal may be conveniently used by different ridors or with shoes
of different widths, or if preferred, both sides of the pedal can be furnished with
lugs set at similar or different widths to accommodate differeut riders. The
forward and rear flanges on each side of the pedal are proferably constructed so
that their upper surfaces are above the level of tho upper surface of the spindle
casing or clamping plate, so that considerable force must be exerted on the pedal
before the sole of the shoe comes in contact with the spindle casing or clamping
plate. This spring in the pedal will be found to conduce to the comfort of the
rider. No trouble will be experienced at any time in engaging the foot with the
other side of the pedal, as is apt to be the case when ordinary toe clips are used.
Objection may be taken by suine to the spring tread on account of lost motion.
It is easily seen that the spring is not necessarily employed at high speeds, as the

page_text: action would then be circular rather than oscillating, power being exerted at all
points of the revolution by either a push or pull, and not concentrated in a powerful
downward push.
As shown in Fig. 5, the clamping set-screw G, may be arranged to screw into
the sleeve E, and bear against the end of the spindle A. This is substantially
an equivalent for the arrangement shown in Figs. 2 and 3 and operates in precisely
the same way.
In this form an additional set-screw S is used to clamp the
sleeve E, to the crank and the thread is omitted.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is :-
1. In a pedal and in combination with the spindle casing thereof, a plate having
B flange formed on its rear end and two lugs on the other end adapted to grip the
sides of the rider's shoe, the middle part of the plate being socured to the said
casing, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
2. In a pedal and in combination with the spindle casing thereof, a plate rigidly
connected to the said casing and stamped out at each side thereof to form a
rearward flange for one side of the pedal and a forward flange or foot rest for the
other side of the pedal, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
3. In a pedal and in combination with the spindle casing thereof, a plate rigidly
connected to the said casing and stamped out at each side thereof to form a
rearward flange for one side of the pedal, and a forward flange or foot rest for the
other side of the pedal, one or both of the forward flanges or foot rests being
provided with lugs to grip the sides of the soles of the rider's shoe, substantially as
and for the purpose specified.
4. In a pedal and in combination with the spindle casing thereof, a plate rigidly
connected to the said casing and stamped out at each side thereof to form a
rearward flange for the other side of the pedal, one of the forward flanges on one
side being provided with a single lug and that on the other side with two spring
lugs adapted to grip the sides of the sole of the rider's shoe, substantially as and
for the purpose specified.
5. In a pedal, the spindle A, having thereon the stationary cone C; the cone D,
formed on the sleeve E, screwed on the spindle, and the clamping set-screw G,
adapted to bear against both the spindle and the sleeve, in combination with the
casing B, having cups I and J, formed thereon; one or more races of balls located
between the said cups and cones, and the crank F, into which the said sleeve is
screwed, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
6. In a pedal, the spindle A, having thereon the stationary cone C; and the
cone D formed on the sleeve E, screwed on the spindle, in combination with the
casing B, having cups I and J formed thereon; one or more races of balls located
between the said cups and cones; the crank F, into which the said sleeve is
screwed, and the clamping set-screw G, sorewed into the end of the sleeve, and
bearing against the spindle, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
7. In a pedal, the spindle A, having its end slotted to receive a screw driver,
and having thereon a stationary cone C; a cone D, formed on the sleeve E, having
n shoulder c formed thereon and screwed on the spindle, and the clamping
set-screw G, screwed into the end of the sleeve and spindle, in combination with
the casing B, having cups I and J, forined thereon; one or more races or balls
located between the said cups and cones; the crank F, into which the said sleeve
is screwed, and the clamping set-screw G, screwed into the end of the spindle and
bearing against the end of the sleeve and the crank arm, substantially as and for
the purpose specified.
8. In a pedal, the spindle A, having thereon the stationary cone C; and tho
cone D formned on the sleeve E, screwed on the spindle in a direction contrary to
that in which the spindle moves when the machine is in motion, in combination

page_text: with the casing B, having cups I and J formed thereon; one or more races of balls
located between the said cups and cones; the crank F, into which the said sleeve
is fitted; the set screw S and the clamping set-screw G, screwed into the end of
the sleeve, and bearing against the spindle, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
Dated this 20th dán a 100%
BOULT & WADE,
Agents for the Applicant.