Treadle

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
heddles. The heddles are connected by a rope over the heddle pulleys
, so that they rise and fall alternately. One treadle is attached to the bottom of each heddle.

A treadle (from

Old English: tredan, "to tread") is a foot-powered lever mechanism; it is operated by treading on it repeatedly. A treadle, unlike some other types of pedals, is not directly mounted on the crank (see treadle bicycle
for a clear example).

Most treadle machines convert

heddles; a common treadle pump uses the reciprocating motion to raise and lower pistons
.

Before

electric machinery
.

Other, similar mechanisms for allowing human and

potter's kick wheel
.

Operation and uses

A tailor in Chad with a treadle sewing machine

A treadle is operated by pressing down on it repeatedly with one or both feet, causing a rocking motion.[1] This movement can then be stored as rotational motion via a crankshaft driving a flywheel. Alternatively, energy can be stored in a spring, as in the pole lathe.

A homemade treadle pump in use in Bangladesh

Treadles were once used extensively to power most machines including lathes, rotating or reciprocating saws, spinning wheels, looms, and sewing machines.

Today the use of treadle-powered machines is common in areas of the developing world where other forms of power are unavailable. It is also common among artisans, hobbyists and

historical re-enactors.[2]

Some treadle looms in Africa and South Asia use toggles on a string as treadles. The toggles are held between the weaver's toes.

Dictation using a treadle-powered cylinder phonograph, circa 1897

See also

References