Bicycle pedal and threaded fastener and peg pin for bicycle pedal

Abstract

This invention discloses a bicycle pedal. The bicycle pedal includes: a pedal axle having a central axis of rotation; and a pedal body rotatably supported by the pedal axle about the central axis of rotation. The pedal body includes: a body portion receiving the pedal axle; and at least one resin tire surface attached to the body portion by at least one threaded fastener, the threaded fastener including a threaded portion screwed into a fixing hole in the body portion and a pin portion protruding outward relative to the resin tire surface. This application may provide a stable bicycle pedal that can be gripped by a cyclist's shoe or used in multiple orientations. The invention also discloses threaded fasteners and pins for bicycle pedals, which may improve the grip between the bicycle pedal and the cyclist's shoe and improve the contact between different parts of the pedal body.

Description

[0001] This divisional application is based on Chinese Invention Patent Application No. 202111118974.6, entitled "Bicycle Pedal", filed on September 24, 2021. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to a bicycle pedal. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a thin bicycle pedal with improved strength and interchangeable studded fasteners to improve rider grip on the pedal surface. Background Technology

[0003] Typically, bicycle pedals are a fundamental component of most bicycles, used to transmit cyclical power to the bicycle's drivetrain. Different styles of bicycles use different pedal styles designed for specific purposes (such as recreational, mountain biking, road racing, etc.). Typically, bicycle pedals consist of a pedal axle and a pedal body, wherein the pedal axle rotatably supports the pedal body at the end of the crank attached to the drivetrain. When the rider pedals the pedal body to drive the crank, the rotation of the crank causes one or more wheels of the bicycle to rotate.

[0004] Recently, the demand for lighter pedals has led to thinner pedals. Besides being lighter, thinner pedals increase the distance from the pedal to the ground, making it less likely for the pedal to hit the ground when the bicycle leans. Thinner pedals also improve pedal stability while riding because the distance from the axis of the pedal axle to the surface of the pedal body is shortened. However, thinner pedals require a smaller diameter pedal axle, and this smaller diameter reduces the strength of the pedal axle when the rider applies heavy loads. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In general, this disclosure relates to various features of bicycle pedals used in human-powered vehicles. As used herein, the term "human-powered vehicle" refers to a vehicle that can be propelled by at least human driving force, but excludes vehicles that use only driving power other than human power. In particular, vehicles that use only an internal combustion engine as their driving power are not included in human-powered vehicles. Human-powered vehicles are generally assumed to be compact, light vehicles that do not require a permit for use on public roads. There is no limitation on the number of wheels on a human-powered vehicle. Human-powered vehicles include, for example, unicycles and vehicles with three or more wheels. Human-powered vehicles include, for example, various types of bicycles such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, freight bikes, and recumbent bikes, as well as electric-assisted bicycles (E-bikes).

[0006] In view of the state of the prior art and according to a first aspect of this disclosure, a bicycle pedal is provided, comprising a pedal axle and a pedal body. The pedal axle has a first end configured to be attached to a bicycle crank, a second end located axially opposite the first end relative to the rotational axis of the pedal axle, and a contact portion located axially between the first and second ends. The pedal body has a body portion rotatably supported by the pedal axle and a load-receiving portion located along the rotational axis at a position corresponding to the contact portion of the pedal axle. The load-receiving portion is configured to receive a load from the contact portion of the pedal axle. The load-receiving portion is at least partially spaced from the contact portion under no-load conditions and contacts the contact portion when a rider applies a load to the pedal body. Using the bicycle pedal according to the first aspect, pedal stability can be improved under large loads from the rider.

[0007] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, the bicycle pedal of the first aspect is configured such that: the load receiving portion includes a load receiving contact portion that contacts a contact portion of the pedal shaft when the rider applies a load to the pedal body. At least one of the load receiving contact portion of the load receiving portion and the contact portion of the pedal shaft is made of resin material. Using the bicycle pedal according to the second aspect, it is possible to distribute the load received from the rider and reduce wear on the pedal components.

[0008] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, the bicycle pedal of the second aspect is configured such that the load receiving portion further includes a support portion supporting the load receiving contact portion. The support portion is made of a metallic material. Using the bicycle pedal according to the third aspect may improve the stability of the bicycle pedal.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a bicycle pedal according to any one of the first to third aspects is constructed such that the load receiving portion and the contact portion are at least partially separated by a distance under no-load conditions. The distance ranges from 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm. Using the bicycle pedal according to the fourth aspect, it is possible to smoothly rotate the pedal body about the pedal axis.

[0010] According to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, a bicycle pedal according to any one of the first to fourth aspects is configured such that the first outermost diameter of the contact portion is greater than the second outermost diameter of the second end portion. Using the bicycle pedal according to the fifth aspect, it is possible to distribute the load received from the rider to the thicker portion of the pedal axle.

[0011] According to a sixth aspect of this disclosure, a bicycle pedal according to any one of the first to fifth aspects is configured such that the load receiving portion includes a support attached to the main body portion. Using the bicycle pedal according to the sixth aspect may improve the stability of the bicycle pedal.

[0012] According to a seventh aspect of this disclosure, the bicycle pedal of the sixth aspect is configured such that the support portion of the load-receiving portion is attached to the main body portion by at least one fastener. Using the bicycle pedal according to the seventh aspect, the stability of the bicycle pedal may be improved.

[0013] According to the eighth aspect of this disclosure, a bicycle pedal according to any one of the first to seventh aspects is configured such that: the main body includes a pedal shaft receiving hole configured to receive at least a second end of a pedal shaft. Using the bicycle pedal according to the eighth aspect, it is possible to smoothly rotate the pedal body about the pedal shaft.

[0014] According to a ninth aspect of this disclosure, the bicycle pedal of the eighth aspect is configured such that the load receiving portion is axially spaced from the inlet opening of the pedal shaft receiving hole along the rotation center axis of the pedal. Using the bicycle pedal according to the ninth aspect, it is possible to distribute the load received from the rider away from the pedal shaft receiving hole.

[0015] According to a tenth aspect of this disclosure, the bicycle pedal of the ninth aspect is configured such that the pedal axle has an exposed portion disposed outside the pedal body, between the load receiving portion and the inlet opening of the pedal axle receiving hole. Using the bicycle pedal according to the tenth aspect, it is possible to distribute the load received from the rider away from the pedal axle receiving hole.

[0016] According to the eleventh aspect of this disclosure, a bicycle pedal according to any one of the first to tenth aspects is configured such that: the load receiving portion absorbs at least a portion of the force applied to the pedal body in a direction perpendicular to the rotational center axis of the pedal shaft. Using the bicycle pedal according to the eleventh aspect, the stability of the bicycle pedal under load from the rider may be improved.

[0017] According to the twelfth aspect of this disclosure, a bicycle pedal according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects is configured such that the load receiving portion includes a pedal shaft receiving aperture surrounding a contact portion of the pedal shaft. Using the bicycle pedal according to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to smoothly rotate the pedal body about the pedal shaft.

[0018] According to the thirteenth aspect of this disclosure, a bicycle pedal according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects is configured such that the main body portion is rotatably supported by at least one sliding bearing disposed at at least a second end of the pedal axle. Using the bicycle pedal according to the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to smoothly rotate the pedal body about the pedal axle.

[0019] According to the fourteenth aspect of this disclosure, the bicycle pedal of the thirteenth aspect is configured such that at least one sliding bearing includes a first sliding bearing disposed on a second end of the pedal shaft and a second sliding bearing disposed between the first sliding bearing and a contact portion. Using the bicycle pedal according to the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to make the pedal body rotate smoothly about the pedal shaft.

[0020] According to a fifteenth aspect of this disclosure, a bicycle pedal is provided, comprising a pedal axle and a pedal body. The pedal axle has a rotational central axis. The pedal body is rotatably supported by the pedal axle about the rotational central axis. The pedal body includes: a body portion receiving the pedal axle; and at least one resin tire tread portion attached to the body portion by at least one threaded fastener, said fastener including a threaded portion screwed into a retaining hole in the body portion and a stud portion projecting outward relative to the resin tire tread portion. Using the bicycle pedal according to the fifteenth aspect, a stable bicycle pedal that can be gripped by a rider's shoe may be provided.

[0021] According to the sixteenth aspect of this disclosure, the bicycle pedal of the fifteenth aspect is configured such that at least one threaded fastener includes a tool engagement portion located between a nail portion and a threaded portion. Using the bicycle pedal according to the sixteenth aspect, the pedal body can be easily constructed.

[0022] According to the seventeenth aspect of this disclosure, the bicycle pedal of the sixteenth aspect is configured such that the tool engagement portion includes a plurality of grooves extending parallel to the fastener axis of at least one threaded fastener. Using the bicycle pedal according to the seventeenth aspect, the pedal body can be easily constructed.

[0023] According to the eighteenth aspect of this disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to the sixteenth or seventeenth aspect is configured such that: the tool engagement portion includes a first tool engagement portion and a second tool engagement portion arranged axially along the fastener axis relative to at least one threaded fastener, and the first tool engagement portion and the second tool engagement portion have profiles different from each other. Using the bicycle pedal according to the eighteenth aspect, the pedal body can be easily constructed.

[0024] According to the nineteenth aspect of this disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to any one of aspects fifteen to eighteen is configured such that the stud portion includes a plurality of circumferential grooves or at least one helical groove. Using the bicycle pedal according to the nineteenth aspect, the grip between the bicycle pedal and the rider's shoe may be improved.

[0025] According to aspect 20 of this disclosure, a bicycle pedal according to any one of aspects 15 to 19 is configured such that at least one threaded fastener includes a head having a contact surface that contacts the outer surface of at least one resin tire tread. Using the bicycle pedal according to aspect 20, the contact between the various parts of the pedal body may be improved.

[0026] According to aspect twenty-one of this disclosure, a bicycle pedal according to any one of aspects fifteen to twenty is configured such that at least one threaded fastener comprises a plurality of threaded fasteners. Using a bicycle pedal according to aspect twenty-one may improve the grip between the bicycle pedal and the rider's shoe.

[0027] According to aspect twenty-two of this disclosure, a bicycle pedal according to any one of aspects fifteen to twenty-one is constructed such that: the threaded portion includes a first threaded section and a second threaded section. The diameter of the first threaded section is larger than the diameter of the second threaded section. The first threaded section is disposed at at least one resin tread portion, and the second threaded section is screwed into the body portion. Using the bicycle pedal according to aspect twenty-two, the contact between the various parts of the pedal body may be improved.

[0028] According to the twenty-third aspect of this disclosure, the bicycle pedal of the twenty-second aspect is configured such that: at least one resin tread portion has a through hole through which a threaded fastener passes. At least one thread of a first threaded section contacts the sidewall of the through hole. Using the bicycle pedal according to the twenty-third aspect, the contact between the various parts of the pedal body may be improved.

[0029] According to the twenty-fourth aspect of this disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to the twenty-second or twenty-third aspect is configured such that: at least one threaded fastener includes an additional abutment surface in the fastener direction, between a first threaded section and a second threaded section, relative to the fastener axis of the at least one threaded fastener. The additional abutment surface contacts the outer surface of the body portion. Using the bicycle pedal according to the twenty-fourth aspect, the contact between the portions of the pedal body may be improved.

[0030] According to aspect twenty-five of this disclosure, a bicycle pedal according to any one of aspects fifteen to twenty-four is configured such that: a body portion includes a first side and a second side located on the opposite side of the first side relative to the body portion. At least one threaded fastener includes a plurality of threaded fasteners. At least one resin tire face includes a first resin tire face and a second resin tire face. The first resin tire face is attached to the first side of the body portion by at least some of the plurality of threaded fasteners, and the second resin tire face is attached to the second side of the body portion by at least some of the plurality of threaded fasteners. Using the bicycle pedal according to aspect twenty-five, it is possible to construct a stable bicycle pedal that can be used by a rider in multiple orientations.

[0031] According to a twenty-sixth aspect of this disclosure, a bicycle pedal is provided, comprising a pedal axle and a pedal body. The pedal axle has a rotational central axis. The pedal body is rotatably supported by the pedal axle about the rotational central axis. The pedal body includes: a body portion receiving the pedal axle; and at least one resin tire surface attached to the body portion by at least one threaded fastener, the at least one threaded fastener including a first threaded section and a second threaded section. The diameter of the first threaded section is larger than the diameter of the second threaded section. The first threaded section is disposed at the resin tire surface, and the second threaded section is screwed into the body portion. Using the bicycle pedal according to the twenty-sixth aspect, the contact between the various parts of the pedal body may be improved.

[0032] According to the twenty-seventh aspect of this disclosure, the bicycle pedal of the twenty-sixth aspect is configured such that: at least one resin tread portion has a through hole through which a threaded fastener passes. At least one thread of a first threaded section contacts the sidewall of the through hole. Using the bicycle pedal according to the twenty-seventh aspect, it is possible to improve the contact between the various parts of the pedal body.

[0033] According to aspect twenty-eight of this disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to aspect twenty-six or twenty-seven is configured such that at least one threaded fastener includes a head having an abutment surface that contacts at least one resin tire surface. Using the bicycle pedal according to aspect twenty-eight, the contact between the various parts of the pedal body may be improved.

[0034] According to aspect twenty-nine of this disclosure, a bicycle pedal according to any one of aspects twenty-six to twenty-eight is configured such that at least one threaded fastener includes, relative to the fastener axis of the at least one threaded fastener, an additional abutting surface in the fastener direction, between a first threaded section and a second threaded section. The additional abutting surface contacts the outer surface of the body portion. Using the bicycle pedal according to aspect twenty-nine, the contact between the portions of the pedal body may be improved.

[0035] According to aspect 30 of this disclosure, a bicycle pedal according to any one of aspects 26 to 29 is configured such that at least one threaded fastener comprises a plurality of threaded fasteners. Using a bicycle pedal according to aspect 30, contact between portions of the pedal body may be improved.

[0036] According to a thirty-one aspect of this disclosure, a bicycle pedal according to any one of aspects twenty-six to thirty-twentieth is configured such that: a main body portion includes a first side and a second side located opposite the first side. At least one threaded fastener includes a plurality of threaded fasteners. At least one resin tire face includes a first resin tire face and a second resin tire face. The first resin tire face is attached to the first side of the main body portion by at least some of the plurality of threaded fasteners, and the second resin tire face is attached to the second side of the main body portion by at least some of the plurality of threaded fasteners. Using the bicycle pedal according to aspect thirty-one, it is possible to construct a stable bicycle pedal that can be used by a rider in multiple orientations.

[0037] According to a twenty-third aspect of this disclosure, a threaded fastener for a bicycle pedal includes: a first threaded section having a first diameter configured to be disposed in a hole formed in the bicycle pedal; and a second threaded section having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter configured to be screwed into the bicycle pedal. Using the threaded fastener according to the twenty-third aspect may improve the contact between the various parts of the bicycle pedal.

[0038] According to aspect thirty-third of this disclosure, the threaded fastener of aspect thirty-second is configured such that: a first threaded section is configured to be disposed at the tread portion of the bicycle pedal, and a second threaded section is configured to be screwed into the main body portion of the bicycle pedal. Using the threaded fastener of aspect thirty-third, the contact between the various parts of the bicycle pedal may be improved.

[0039] According to aspect thirty-four of this disclosure, the threaded fastener of aspect thirty-three is configured such that it includes a stud portion configured to project outward relative to the tread. Using the threaded fastener of aspect thirty-four may improve the grip between the bicycle pedal and the rider's shoe.

[0040] According to the thirty-fifth aspect of this disclosure, a pin for a bicycle pedal includes: a pin portion configured to protrude outward relative to the tread surface of the bicycle pedal; a threaded portion configured to screw into the bicycle pedal; and a tool engagement portion located between the pin portion and the threaded portion. Using the pin according to the thirty-fifth aspect may improve the grip between the bicycle pedal and the rider's shoe.

[0041] According to the thirty-sixth aspect of this disclosure, the pin according to the thirty-fifth aspect is configured such that the tool engagement portion includes a first tool engagement portion and a second tool engagement portion arranged in the axial direction of the pin relative to the pin axis. The first tool engagement portion and the second tool engagement portion have profiles that are different from each other. Using the pin according to the thirty-sixth aspect, bicycle pedals can be easily constructed.

[0042] Furthermore, other objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosed bicycle pedal will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which discloses preferred embodiments of the bicycle pedal. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Now refer to the accompanying drawings that form part of this original disclosure:

[0044] Figure 1 This is a top perspective view of a bicycle pedal attached to a bicycle crank according to one embodiment;

[0045] Figure 2 is Figure 1 The diagram shows a top view of the bicycle pedals.

[0046] Figure 3 is Figure 1 The image shows a bottom view of the bicycle pedals.

[0047] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The image shows the internal front view of a bicycle pedal.

[0048] Figure 5 This shows the condition under no-load conditions. Figure 1 The bicycle pedal shown is a side cross-sectional view taken from section line 5-5 in Figure 2;

[0049] Figure 6 It shows how when the rider applies a load. Figure 5 The image shows a side cross-sectional view of a bicycle pedal.

[0050] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 An exploded top perspective view of the top of the bicycle pedals shown;

[0051] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 An exploded top perspective view of the bottom of the bicycle pedals shown;

[0052] Figure 9 is Figure 1 Another exploded top perspective view of the bicycle pedals shown;

[0053] Figure 10 is Figure 1An exploded top perspective view of the pedal axle and load receiving portion of the bicycle pedal shown.

[0054] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 An exploded top perspective view of the main body of the bicycle pedal shown.

[0055] Figure 12 It is shown Figure 11 A perspective cross-sectional view of half of the main body shown;

[0056] Figure 13 It shows a device with a sliding bearing installed. Figure 11 A perspective cross-sectional view of half of the main body shown;

[0057] Figure 14 yes Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the bicycle pedal shown is taken from section line 14-14 in Figure 2;

[0058] Figure 15 is Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the bicycle pedal shown is taken from section line 15-15 in Figure 2;

[0059] Figure 16 is Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the bicycle pedal shown is taken from section line 16-16 in Figure 2;

[0060] Figure 17 According to the first embodiment, it is used for Figure 1 Top perspective view of the fasteners on the bicycle pedals;

[0061] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 Side elevation view of the fastener;

[0062] Figure 19 According to the second embodiment, it is used for Figure 1 Top perspective view of the fasteners on the bicycle pedals;

[0063] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 Side elevation view of the fastener;

[0064] Figure 21 According to the third embodiment, it is used for Figure 1 Top perspective view of the fasteners on the bicycle pedals;

[0065] Figure 22 yes Figure 21 Side elevation view of the fastener;

[0066] Figure 23 This is a top perspective view of the bicycle pedal according to the second embodiment;

[0067] Figure 24 yes Figure 23 The diagram shows a top view of the bicycle pedals.

[0068] Figure 25 yes Figure 23 An exploded top perspective view of the top of the bicycle pedals shown;

[0069] Figure 26 This shows the condition under no-load conditions. Figure 23 The bicycle pedal shown is from Figure 24 Side cross-sectional view cut by section line 26-26;

[0070] Figure 27 yes Figure 23 The bicycle pedal shown is from Figure 24 A cross-sectional view cut along section line 27-27;

[0071] Figure 28 yes Figure 23 The bicycle pedal shown is from Figure 24 A cross-sectional view cut by section line 28-28;

[0072] Figure 29 According to the first embodiment, it is used for Figure 23 Top perspective view of the fasteners on the bicycle pedals;

[0073] Figure 30 yes Figure 29 Side elevation view of the fastener;

[0074] Figure 31 According to the second embodiment, it is used for Figure 23 Top perspective view of the fasteners on the bicycle pedals;

[0075] Figure 32 yes Figure 31 Side elevation view of the fastener;

[0076] Figure 33 According to the third embodiment, it is used for Figure 23 Top perspective view of the fasteners on the bicycle pedals; and

[0077] Figure 34 yes Figure 33 Side elevation view of the fastener. Detailed Implementation

[0078] The selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art of human-powered vehicles (e.g., bicycles) that, based on this disclosure, the following description of the embodiments is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0079] First refer to Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a bicycle pedal 12 for a human-powered vehicle according to a first embodiment. The bicycle pedal 12 includes a pedal shaft 14 and a pedal body 16. The pedal shaft 14 has a rotational center axis AR. The pedal body 16 is rotatably supported by the pedal shaft 14 about the rotational center axis AR. The pedal shaft 14 also connects the pedal body 16 to the outer end 18a of a bicycle crank 18, such that the pedal body 16 is rotatable relative to the bicycle crank 18 about the rotational center axis AR of the pedal shaft 14. The inner end 18b of the bicycle crank 18 can be attached to the drivetrain of the human-powered vehicle, such that rotating the bicycle crank using the bicycle pedal 12 causes one or more wheels of the human-powered vehicle to rotate.

[0080] Figure 5 , Figure 6 The pedal shaft 14 is shown in more detail in Figure 10. As shown, the pedal shaft 14 is an elongated rod having a longitudinal length extending along the rotation center axis AR. The pedal shaft 14 includes a first end 20, a second end 22, and a contact portion 24. The pedal shaft may further include an exposed portion 26. Each of the first end 20, the second end 22, the contact portion 24, and the exposed portion 26 is positioned along the rotation center axis AR. The pedal shaft 14 may, for example, be formed as a single component made of a metallic material such as carbon steel or chromium-molybdenum steel.

[0081] The first end portion 20 is configured to attach to the bicycle crank 18. More specifically, the first end portion 20 is configured to attach to the outer end portion 18a of the bicycle crank 18. For attachment to the bicycle crank 18, the first end portion 20 may include at least one of an external thread 20a, a crank attachment hole 20b, and a lip 20c. Here, the external thread 20a surrounds the periphery of the first end portion 20 and can be screwed into a corresponding hole at the outer end portion 18a of the bicycle crank 18 until the lip 20c presses against the outer surface of the bicycle crank 18. A nut, bolt, or other attachment device can then be screwed into the crank attachment hole 20b from the opposite side of the outer end portion 18a. In this way, the pedal shaft 14 can rotatably support the pedal body 16 relative to the bicycle crank 18, wherein the pedal body 16 rotates about the rotational center axis AR of the pedal shaft 14.

[0082] The second end 22 is located axially on the opposite side of the pedal shaft 14 to the first end 20 relative to the rotation center axis AR. As described in more detail below, the second end 22 is configured to slide into the pedal body 16 to rotatably support the pedal body 16 on the bicycle crank 18. Figure 5 As seen in the diagram, the diameter of the pedal shaft 14 remains constant or substantially constant near the second end 22, so that the second end 22 can enter the pedal body 16 and allow the pedal body 16 to rotate freely about the second end 22.

[0083] The contact portion 24 is located axially between the first end 20 and the second end 22. More specifically, the contact portion 24 is located axially between the first end 20 and the second end 22 relative to the rotation center axis AR of the pedal shaft 14. The contact portion 24 is also located axially between the first end 20 and the exposed portion 26 relative to the rotation center axis AR of the pedal shaft 14. As described in more detail below, when a rider applies a load, the contact portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 contacts a portion of the pedal body 16, thereby absorbing at least a portion of the rider's load. However, the contact portion 24 does not contact the aforementioned portion of the pedal body 16 under no-load conditions. Here, the contact portion 24 is located closer to the first end 20 than the second end 22 in the direction of the rotation center axis AR. The contact portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 may, for example, be located near the lip 20c. In this way, when the pedal shaft 14 is attached to the bicycle crank 18, the contact portion 24 can be positioned close to the outer end 18a of the bicycle crank 18. This allows the rider's load to be distributed around the bicycle crank 18, thus reducing the amount of vertical displacement of the pedal body 16 caused by the rider's load.

[0084] The exposed portion 26 of the pedal shaft 14 is located axially between the contact portion 24 and the second end portion 22 relative to the rotation center axis AR of the pedal shaft 14. As described in more detail below, the exposed portion 26 is exposed on the outside of the pedal body 16, between the contact portion 24 and the second end portion 22. By exposing the exposed portion 26 in this way, the pedal shaft 14 can flex at the exposed portion 26 under rider load without rubbing against the inner surface of the pedal body 16, while allowing at least a portion of the rider load to be transmitted to the contact portion 24.

[0085] The outer contour of the pedal shaft 14 at the exposed portion 26 can be formed in various ways. Here, as in... Figure 5 As seen in the diagram, the diameter 26a of the exposed portion 26 generally tapers inward to decrease from the contact portion 24 towards the second end portion 22. The diameter of the pedal shaft 14 then remains substantially constant over most of its longitudinal length within the pedal body 16 between the exposed portion 26 and the second end portion 22. Those skilled in the art will recognize from this disclosure that the pedal shaft 14 may also have a non-uniform tapered portion or segment with a diameter that increases or decreases between the contact portion 24 and the second end portion 22.

[0086] As in Figure 5As seen in the diagram, the first outermost diameter 24a of the contact portion 24 is larger than the second outermost diameter 22a of the second end portion 22. As used herein, "outermost diameter" refers to the maximum diameter of the corresponding portion of the pedal shaft 14. By forming the first outermost diameter 24a of the contact portion 24 to be larger than the second outermost diameter 22a of the second end portion 22 shown, the thicker section of the pedal shaft 14 at the contact portion 24 is configured to receive at least a portion of the rider load applied by the thinner section at the second end portion 22, which is closer to the pedal shaft 14. Figure 5 As seen in the diagram, the diameter of the pedal shaft 14 also protrudes outward from the first outermost diameter 24a between the contact portion 24 and the first end 20, such that the outermost diameter at the first end 20 creates a lip 20c for contacting the bicycle crank 18. The diameter of the pedal shaft 14 at the first end 20 is generally larger than the diameter at the second end 22. Because a large load is applied to the larger diameter portion of the pedal shaft 14, the strength of the pedal shaft 14 to resist loads is readily obtained.

[0087] As in Figures 7 to 1 As seen in Figure 0, the pedal body 16 may include a body portion 30 and a load receiving portion 32. Alternatively or in combination, the pedal body 16 may include the body portion 30, at least one resin tread portion 34, and at least one threaded fastener 36. Here, the body portion 30 and the load receiving portion 32 are shown as separate components, but in alternative embodiments, the body portion 30 and the load receiving portion 32 may be formed together as a single component. At least one resin tread portion 34 is formed separately from the body portion 30 and is attached to the body portion 30 by at least one threaded fastener 36, as described in more detail below. In the embodiments described below, it is assumed that the tread portion is made of resin. The tread portion is primarily described as a resin tread portion. The resin tread portion makes the pedal lighter and restricts the loosening of the fastener, which will be described later. However, the material of the tread portion is not limited to resin. At least when the effect of restricting the loosening of the fastener is not desired, the tread portion may be made of a material other than resin. Therefore, the tread portion is also given the same reference numerals as the resin tread portion.

[0088] As in Figure 7As seen in Figure 9, the main body portion 30 includes: a central portion 30a extending from the crank end side 30b to the free end side 30c along the rotational center axis AR of the pedal shaft 14; a first side portion 30d extending radially outward from one side of the central portion 30a relative to the rotational center axis AR; and a second side portion 30e extending radially outward from the opposite side of the central portion 30a relative to the rotational center axis AR. For example, in the case where the main body portion 30 is plate-shaped, the first side portion 30d and the second side portion 30e are portions of the main body portion 30 in the transverse direction with respect to the rotational center axis AR. The main body portion 30 may include a first side 30f and a second side 30g, the second side 30g being on the side of the main body portion 30 opposite to the first side 30f. For example, in the case where the main body portion 30 is plate-shaped, the first side 30f and the second side 30g correspond to the front and rear sides of the main body portion 30. The first side 30f and the second side 30g face each other in the thickness direction of the main body portion 30. As described later, resin part 34a is attached to the first side 30f, and resin part 34b is attached to the second side 30g. The axes parallel to the thickness direction, the axis parallel to the lateral direction, and the rotation center axis AR are orthogonal to each other. The central portion 30a, the first side portion 30d, and the second side portion 30e can be located on the first side 30f (e.g., Figure 7 30g to the "top" side in Figure 9 and the second side (e.g., Figure 7 Extending between the "bottom" side (as shown in Figure 9). The first side portion 30d and the second side portion 30e may further include one or more holes 30h, which can be strategically placed to reduce the overall weight and material cost of the body portion 30. For example, as Figure 8 As shown, the plurality of holes 30h enable each of the first side portion 30d and the second side portion 30e to have an outer peripheral portion 30i connected to the central portion 30a via one or more connecting sections 30j.

[0089] The main body portion 30 is rotatably supported by the pedal shaft 14. The main body portion 30 receives the pedal shaft 14. The main body portion 30 may include a pedal shaft receiving hole 40 configured to receive at least the second end 22 of the pedal shaft 14. More specifically, the central portion 30a of the main body portion 30 may include the pedal shaft receiving hole 40 configured to receive at least the second end 22 of the pedal shaft 14. (As in...) Figures 11 to 13As seen in the diagram, the pedal shaft receiving hole 40 may include an inlet opening 40a and an outlet opening 40b. The inlet opening 40a is offset by a distance D1 from the crank end side 30b of the body portion 30 to create a first gap 42, while the outlet opening 40b is offset by a distance D2 from the free end side 30c of the body portion 30 to form a second gap 44. The inlet opening 40a may receive at least one of a sliding bearing 46, a first O-ring 48, a second O-ring 50, and a second end 22 of the pedal shaft 14. The outlet opening 40b may receive at least one of a sliding bearing 46, an end washer 52, and an end cap 54.

[0090] As in Figure 5 As seen in the image, the main body 30 is rotatably supported by at least one sliding bearing 46 disposed on at least the second end 22 of the pedal shaft 14. Here, the at least one sliding bearing 46 includes: a first sliding bearing 46A disposed on the second end 22 of the pedal shaft 14; and a second sliding bearing 46B disposed between the first sliding bearing 46A and the contact portion 24.

[0091] When the pedal shaft 14 is supported by at least two bearings, such as a first sliding bearing 46A and a second sliding bearing 46B, the load-receiving portion 32 is more effective. This is because with a bearing (e.g., the first sliding bearing 46A) near the second end 22 of the pedal shaft 14, the axial length of the pedal shaft 14 from the first end 20 to the portion where the bearing is mounted on the pedal shaft 14 can be sufficiently long. Here, the bearing (e.g., the first sliding bearing 46A) is located at the small-diameter portion of the pedal shaft 14. Then, by gradually reducing the diameter of the pedal shaft 14 from the first end 20 to the portion where the bearing (e.g., the first sliding bearing 46A) is mounted, stress concentration on the pedal shaft 14 can be easily suppressed. Especially when the two bearings are separated from each other, the length of the diameter-reducing portion becomes shorter and it is difficult to suppress stress concentration on the pedal shaft 14.

[0092] In order to construct such Figure 5 The pedal body 16 shown has an outlet opening 40b that receives a first sliding bearing 46A, then an end washer 52, and subsequently an end cap 54. Similarly, the inlet opening 40a receives a second sliding bearing 46B, then a first O-ring 48, then a second O-ring 50, and subsequently the second end 22 of the pedal shaft (e.g., during or after the attachment of the load receiving portion 32, as seen in Figure 9). When as... Figure 5In the illustrated configuration, the first sliding bearing 46A and the second sliding bearing 46B allow the pedal body 16 to rotate smoothly about the pedal shaft 14 relative to the rotation center axis AR. Simultaneously, the load receiving portion 32, the inlet first O-ring 48, the spare second O-ring 50, the end washer 52, and the end cap 54 form appropriate intervals at the inlet opening 40a and the outlet opening 40b. The first O-ring 48, the second O-ring 50, the end washer 52, and the end cap 54 also serve to limit unwanted dust and debris from entering the pedal shaft receiving hole 40 and to prevent interference with the rotation of the pedal body 16 about the pedal shaft 14. At least one sliding bearing 46 may be located in the central portion of the pedal shaft 14 in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the second sliding bearing 46B is located in the central portion of the pedal shaft 14 in the axial direction. Alternatively, for example, at least one bearing (e.g., a second sliding bearing 46B) may be located in region A1 (see Figures 9 and 10) which is 2 / 5 to 3 / 5 of the axial length of the pedal shaft 14 from the outer surface of the lip 20c. Typically, the pedal shaft diameter of the bearing portion is small. Since the pedal shaft diameter from the second sliding bearing 46B to the second end 22 can be reduced, it is easy to reduce the thickness of the bicycle pedal 12.

[0093] The first O-ring 48 may be made of, for example, polyoxymethylene (POM) material and can control the space between the pedal shaft 14 and the pedal body 16. The second O-ring 50 may be made of, for example, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) and can reduce friction between the pedal shaft 14 and the pedal body 16. The end washer 52 may be made of, for example, POM material and can further reduce friction and create a gap at the end of the second end 22 of the pedal shaft 14. The end cap 54 may be made of metal and may include threads that engage with corresponding threads on the inner surface of the outlet opening 40b to seal the outlet opening 40b and limit unwanted dust and debris from entering the pedal shaft receiving hole 40.

[0094] Figures 9 and 10 illustrate the load receiving portion 32 in detail. As shown, the load receiving portion 32 may include a load receiving contact 60 that contacts the contact portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 when a rider applies a load to the pedal body 16. The load receiving portion 32 may further include a support portion 62 supporting the load receiving contact 60. The support portion 62 may be attached to the body portion 30. More specifically, the support portion 62 may attach the load receiving contact 60 to the body portion 30 and then support the load receiving contact 60 when a rider applies a load. The load receiving portion 32 may also include at least one fastener 64. The support portion 62 of the load receiving portion 32 may be attached to the body portion 30 via at least one fastener 64. The load receiving portion 32 can be attached to the body portion 30 via the support portion 62 and at least one support fastener 64 (e.g., by inserting the load receiving contact portion 60 into the first gap 42 at the crank end side 30b of the body portion 30 and passing the support fastener 64 through the fastening hole 62a of the support portion 62). Once attached, the load receiving contact portion 60 is held in place between the body portion 30 and the support portion 62 by the support fastener 64.

[0095] As seen in Figure 10, the load receiving portion 32 may include a pedal shaft receiving aperture 60a surrounding the contact portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14. More specifically, the load receiving contact portion 60 may include a pedal shaft receiving aperture 60a. The load receiving contact portion 60 may also include an inlet aperture 60b and two sidewalls 60c, which form an exposure aperture 60d in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis AR of the pedal shaft 14. The pedal shaft receiving aperture 60a surrounds the contact portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 around the rotational axis AR when the pedal shaft 14 is fully inserted into the body portion 30. The inlet aperture 60b surrounds the pedal shaft 14 around the rotational axis AR between the exposure portion 26 and the second end portion 22 when the pedal shaft 14 is fully inserted into the body portion 30. Figure 5As seen in the image, the inlet hole 60b can also protrude into the inlet opening 40a of the pedal shaft receiving hole 40 when the load receiving portion 32 is attached to the main body portion 30. When the load receiving portion 32 is attached to the main body portion 30, the side wall 60c aligns with and abuts against the corresponding side wall 42a of the first gap 42 at the crank end side 30b of the main body portion 30. The side wall 60c may further include one or more mating features 60e configured to mate with one or more corresponding mating features 42b on the corresponding side wall 42a of the first gap 42. Here, the mating feature 60e is one or more recesses extending longitudinally along each side wall 60c between the pedal shaft receiving hole opening 60a and the inlet hole 60b, and the corresponding mating feature 42b is a protrusion extending longitudinally along each side wall 42a and configured to protrude into the mating feature 60e. The recess may be a slit passing through the side wall 60c. Alternatively, the mating feature 60e may include a protrusion, and the corresponding mating feature 42b may include a notch. When... Figure 1 When fully installed as shown in Figure 3, the exposure hole 60d in the load receiving contact portion 60 forms a space that exposes the exposure portion 26 of the pedal shaft 14. Here, the exposure portion 26 of the pedal shaft 14 is exposed on both the first side 30f and the second side 30g of the main body portion 30. The axial position of the portion of the pedal shaft 14 that receives the load receiving portion 32 is, for example, near the lip 20c. In this embodiment, the portion of the pedal shaft 14 that receives the load receiving portion 32 is the pedal shaft receiving aperture 60a. For example, as seen in Figure 9, the axial position of the pedal shaft receiving aperture 60a is from the outer surface of the lip 20c to 1 / 4 of the axial length. The axial position of the pedal shaft receiving aperture 60a can be represented by the center position of the axial length of the pedal shaft receiving aperture 60a.

[0096] As seen in Figure 10, the contact portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 can, for example, be provided in a region A2 (see Figures 9 and 10) extending from the outer surface of the lip 20c to one-quarter of the length of the pedal shaft 14. The axial position of the contact portion 24 can be represented by the center position of the axial length of the contact portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14. As seen in Figure 10, the axial length of the pedal shaft 14 extends axially from the outer surface of the lip 20c to the end of the second end 22. That is, the axial length of the pedal shaft 14 is the length of the pedal shaft 14 excluding the external thread 20a.

[0097] As seen in Figure 3, the load receiving portion 32 is axially spaced from the inlet opening 40a of the pedal shaft receiving hole 40 along the rotation center axis AR of the pedal shaft 14. More specifically, the inner surface of the pedal shaft receiving hole 60a of the load receiving portion 32 contacts the contact portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 under the load of the rider. The load receiving portion 32 is axially spaced from the inlet opening 40a of the pedal shaft receiving hole 40 along the rotation center axis AR of the pedal shaft 14 by a distance D3. In Figures 2 and 3, this axial distance D3 is shown as spanning the exposure hole 60d that exposes the exposure portion 26. Thus, the pedal shaft 14 has an exposure portion 26 arranged outside the pedal body 16, between the load receiving portion 32 and the inlet opening 40a of the pedal shaft receiving hole 40. By forming the exposure hole 60d and the exposure portion 26 of the pedal shaft 14, the rider's load can be distributed away from the first sliding bearing 46A within the pedal shaft receiving hole 40, and instead concentrated at the location where the contact portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 contacts the load receiving portion 32. For example, the load applied to the first sliding bearing 46A is greater than the load applied to the second sliding bearing 46B until the contact portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 contacts the load receiving portion 32. However, when the contact portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 contacts the load receiving portion 32, the load applied to the load receiving portion 32 and the second sliding bearing 46B becomes greater than the load applied to the first sliding bearing 46A.

[0098] Figure 5The diagram illustrates a no-load condition where the rider is not pressing down on the pedal body 16. Here, the load receiving portion 32 is located at a position corresponding to the contact portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 along the rotation center axis AR. More specifically, the inner surface of the pedal shaft receiving orifice 60a of the load receiving portion 32 is located at a position corresponding to the contact portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 along the rotation center axis AR. In this configuration, the load receiving portion 32 is configured to receive load from the contact portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14. The load receiving portion 32 is configured to receive load when the rider presses down on the pedal body 16. Here, the load receiving portion 32 is at least partially spaced from the contact portion 24 under no-load conditions. More specifically, under no-load conditions, the inner surface of the pedal shaft receiving orifice 60a of the load receiving portion 32 is at least partially spaced from the contact portion 24. Under no-load conditions, the load receiving portion 32 is at least partially separated from the contact portion 24 by a distance D4. For example, the distance D4 can be in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm. More preferably, the distance D4 can be in the range of 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm. Distance D4 is obtained in a direction perpendicular to the rotation center axis AR. Distance D4 can also exist under predetermined load conditions, under which the load applied to the pedal body 16 does not exceed a predetermined value. When distance D4 exists under predetermined load conditions, the first and second portions support the pedal body 16 on the bicycle crank 18. The first portion is located at the first end 20 of the pedal shaft 14. The second portion is located within the pedal shaft receiving hole 40, near the second end 22 of the pedal shaft 14. The predetermined load is the load without contact between the load receiving portion 32 and the contact portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14. For the predetermined load, the first portion receives a larger load than the second portion.

[0099] Figure 6 The load applied to the pedal body 16 by the rider is shown. Here, the load receiving portion 32 contacts the contact portion 24 when the rider applies the load to the pedal body 16. At position L1, the load receiving portion 32 on the inner surface of the pedal shaft receiving orifice 60a contacts the contact portion 24 when the rider applies the load to the pedal body 16. In doing so, the load receiving portion 32 absorbs at least a portion of the force F applied to the pedal body in a direction perpendicular to the rotation center axis of the pedal shaft 14. For example, the direction perpendicular to the rotation center axis is... Figure 6The direction is downward. Force F can be caused by the rider stepping on the pedal body 6. For example, force F can be greater than the pedaling force applied by the rider sitting on the saddle. For example, the force is the pedaling force applied by the rider standing off the saddle. Under a predetermined load condition, the pedaling force applied by the rider sitting on the saddle can be less than a predetermined value. That is, when the force F exceeds the predetermined value while the rider is riding, the pedal shaft 14 can contact the load receiving portion 32. The predetermined value is a force value greater than a specific value that occurs when the rider is riding. For example, contact can occur at position L1 because the exposed portion 26 of the pedal shaft 14 bends slightly within the exposed hole 60d under the action of the force F from the rider. Therefore, by exposing the exposed portion 26 as discussed herein, and by aligning the contact portion 24 with the inner surface of the pedal shaft receiving hole 60a as shown, the load from the rider can be distributed to the load receiving portion 32. For example, when a large force is applied from outside the bicycle, a force applied by the rider occurs. A strong force applied from the outside of the bicycle, such as the impact force generated when the bicycle goes down stairs.

[0100] At least one of the load-receiving contact 60 of the load-receiving portion 32 and the contact 24 of the pedal shaft 14 may comprise a resin material. The resin material may be, for example, nylon or polyoxymethylene (POM). A resin material may be advantageous because it is less prone to wear from contact with the pedal shaft 14, which may be made of a metal material such as carbon steel or chromium-molybdenum steel. The support portion 62 may comprise a metal material. The metal material can increase the rigidity and strength of the load-receiving portion 32 and hold the load-receiving contact 60 in place when in contact with the contact 24 of the pedal shaft 14.

[0101] Figure 7 and Figure 8The attachment of the resin tire face 34 to the body portion 30 is shown. As shown, at least one resin tire face 34 can be attached to the body portion 30 via at least one threaded fastener 36. Here, the at least one threaded fastener 36 includes a plurality of threaded fasteners 36. The at least one resin tire face 34 includes a first resin tire face 34A and a second resin tire face 34B. The first resin tire face 34A is attached to a first side 30f of the body portion 30 via at least some of the threaded fasteners 36. The second resin tire face 34B is attached to a second side 30g of the body portion 30 via at least some of the threaded fasteners 36. The resin tire face 34 is advantageous, for example, because it improves the rider's grip on the bicycle pedals 12 and is less prone to wear from contact with the rider's shoes. By making the resin tire face 34 removably attached as shown, the rider can replace the resin tire face 34 or use other resin tire face 34 interchangeably as needed. Different resin surfaces 34 can be made of different materials or have different shapes or surface features.

[0102] As in Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figures 14 to 1 As seen in Figure 6, each threaded fastener 36 is configured to attach a resin tire face 34 to the body portion 30. Here, at least one resin tire face 34 has a through-hole 66 through which the threaded fastener 36 can pass. More specifically, each resin tire face 34 has multiple through-holes 66 through which the threaded fastener 36 can pass. The body portion 30 also has multiple retaining holes 68 that align with the multiple through-holes 66 when the resin tire face 34 is positioned against the body portion 30. In some embodiments, the diameter of the through-holes 66 of the resin tire face 34 may be larger than the diameter of the corresponding retaining hole 68 of the body portion 30 with which it is aligned. The resin tire face 34 can be removably attached to the body portion 30 by passing a fastener 36 through each of the through-holes 66 and inserting it into each of the retaining holes 68. The body portion 30 may also include multiple retaining holes 69 not used for attaching the resin tire face 34. The retaining holes 69 are positioned adjacent to the sidewall 42a. The retaining holes 69 are laterally arranged outside the first gap 42. Threaded fasteners 36A and 36B with pin portions 72A and 72B are attached, for example, to fixing holes 69.

[0103] To facilitate attachment of the resin tire surface 34 to the main body portion 30, the resin tire surface 34 and the main body portion 30 have corresponding features to ensure proper alignment. For example, as in Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figures 14 to 1As can be seen in Figure 6, each fixing hole 68 has an outer surface 68a protruding outward from a first side 30f or a second side 30g of the main body portion 30. This protrusion is configured to align with a corresponding recess 66a of the corresponding through hole 66 surrounding the resin tire surface portion 34. However, this protrusion can be omitted. In the following description, the outer surfaces 68a, 168a are described as protruding outer surfaces to easily distinguish them from the other outer surfaces 34b, 66c, 166c. The protruding outer surface 68a has a top wall and a side wall. The recess 66a has a side wall and a bottom wall. The side wall of the recess 66a contacts the side wall of the protruding outer surface 68a. The bottom wall of the recess 66a contacts the top wall of the protruding outer surface 68a. That is, when the resin tire surface portion 34 is attached to the main body portion 30, the recess 66a is provided on the side of the resin tire surface portion 34 facing the main body portion 30. In addition, as in Figure 8 As seen in the image, the mating surface 34a of each resin tire section 34 is recessed relative to the outer surface 34b and one or more surface protrusions 34c, thereby aligning the first side 30f or the second side 30g of the body portion 30 with the recessed mating surface 34a. Each resin tire section 34 also includes a portion 34d that fills the second gap 44 of the outlet opening 40b when fully installed.

[0104] As in Figure 7 and Figure 8 As seen in the diagram, each resin tire section 34 is configured to at least partially cover either a first side 30f or a second side 30g of the main body portion 30. Here, the first resin tire section 34A at least partially covers the first side portion 30d and the second side portion 30e on the first side 30f of the main body portion 30. Similarly, the second resin tire section 34B at least partially covers the first side portion 30d and the second side portion 30e on the second side 30g of the main body portion 30. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the resin tire section 34 does not cover the central portion 30a of the main body portion 30, thus allowing the pedal body 16 to be formed as thin as possible, with sufficient space in the central portion 30a to receive the pedal shaft 14.

[0105] As shown in the figure, the multiple threaded fasteners 36 do not need to be all identical. The threaded fasteners 36 may include one or more first threaded fasteners 36A, one or more second threaded fasteners 36B, and one or more third threaded fasteners 36C. By mixing or rearranging different types of threaded fasteners 36, cyclists can customize the bicycle pedals 12 for optimal shoe grip. Figure 7 and Figure 8For example, multiple first threaded fasteners 36A, multiple second threaded fasteners 36B, and multiple third threaded fasteners 36C are used to attach each of the first resin tire surface 34A and the second resin tire surface 34B to the body portion 30. Here, different fastener configurations are used on the first side 30f and the second side 30g of the body portion 30, so that the rider can alternate between two different configurations by rotating the pedal body 16 to the opposite side. For example, in Figure 2, most of the threaded fasteners 36 are third threaded fasteners 36C without studs (7 out of 12), while in Figure 3, most of the threaded fasteners 36 are first threaded fasteners 36A with studs (6 out of 12) and second threaded fasteners with studs (4 out of 12), so that the rider can alternate between a predominantly studded grip and a predominantly studless grip by rotating the pedal body 16.

[0106] As in Figures 14 to 1 As seen in Figure 6, the fixing holes 68 on opposite sides of the main body 30 can be aligned with each other. For example, in Figure 14 In this configuration, the first fixing hole 68A is aligned with the second fixing hole 68B, and the third fixing hole 68C is aligned with the fourth fixing hole 68D. Therefore, the first hole passing through the first side 30f and the second side 30g of the main body portion 30 includes the first fixing hole 68A and the second fixing hole 68B, and the second hole passing through the first side 30f and the second side 30g of the main body portion 30 includes the third fixing hole 68C and the fourth fixing hole 68D. Here, the fixing holes 68 on opposite sides of the main body portion 30 are connected to each other (e.g., fixing holes 68A and 68B form a continuous hole through the main body portion 30, while fixing holes 68C and 68D form a continuous hole through the main body portion 30) and the threaded inner surface 68b passes continuously therethrough. However, the fixing holes 68 on opposite sides of the main body portion 30 need not be connected, or may include separate, spaced-apart threaded inner surfaces 68b. By aligning the mounting holes 68 in this manner and using different types of threaded fasteners 36 on opposite sides of the body portion 30, the manufacturer or cyclist can customize each side of the body portion 30, for example, to use with different types of shoes. When customized in this way, the cyclist can rotate the bicycle pedal to accommodate any shoe intended for that side.

[0107] Figure 17 and Figure 18The first threaded fastener 36A is shown in more detail. Here, the first threaded fastener 36A includes a threaded portion 70A and a nail portion 72A. The threaded portion 70A and the nail portion 72A are located at opposite ends of the fastener axis AF1. The threaded portion 70A is configured to screw into a retaining hole 68 in the body portion 30. The nail portion 72A is configured to protrude in opposite directions to grip the rider's shoe. Thus, the first threaded fastener 36A serves a dual purpose: attaching the resin tire surface 34 to the body portion 30; and providing a nail to grip the rider's shoe. Since the first threaded fastener 36A is removably attached to the body portion 30 via the threaded portion 70A, threaded fasteners 36 with different sizes or types of nail portions 72A can be moved or interchanged to suit the needs of a rider using the bicycle pedals 12 (e.g., the rider can modify the position and height of the nail as needed).

[0108] The threaded portion 70A may further include a first threaded section 74A and a second threaded section 76A. The first threaded section 74A has a first diameter, and the second threaded section 76A has a second diameter. (As in...) Figure 17 and Figure 18 As seen in Figures 15 and 16, the diameter of the first threaded section 74A is larger than the diameter of the second threaded section 76A. That is, the second threaded section 76A has a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. The first threaded section 74A is configured to be disposed in a hole formed in the bicycle pedal 12. The second threaded section 76A is configured to be screwed into the bicycle pedal 12. As seen in Figures 15 and 16, the first threaded section 74A is disposed at the resin tire surface 34, and the second threaded section 76A is screwed into the main body portion 30. Specifically, as seen in Figures 15 and 16, the first threaded section 74A is located in the through hole 66 of the resin tire surface 34, and the second threaded section 76A is screwed into the corresponding fixing hole 68 of the main body portion 30. Both the first threaded section 76A and the second threaded section 76A may include threads. At least one thread of the first threaded section 74A may contact the sidewall 66b of the through hole 66. At least one thread of the second threaded section 76A may be screwed into the fixing hole 68. In addition, at least one thread of the first threaded section 74A can be cut into the sidewall 66b of the through hole 66 to deform the resin material, and at least one thread of the second threaded section 76A can be screwed into the threaded inner surface 68b of the sidewall corresponding to the fixing hole 68.

[0109] As in Figures 14 to 1 As seen in Figure 6, the spike portion 72A protrudes outward relative to the resin tire surface 34. More specifically, when attached to the pedal body 16, the spike portion 72A protrudes outward relative to the resin tire surface, such that the spike portion 72A helps to grip the rider's shoe when the rider uses the bicycle pedal 12. The spike portion 72A may include a circumferential surface 78A and a top surface 80A. The circumferential surface 78A of the spike portion 72A may include a plurality of circumferential grooves or at least one helical groove (in... Figure 17 and Figure 18 (Not shown in the image). Thus, the spike 72A can protrude into the tread within the cyclist's shoe and grip the tread surface. Here, the top surface 80A is shown as a flat surface, but the top surface 80A may also include other surfaces or grooves for assisting in gripping the cyclist's shoe. Additionally, although in Figure 17 and Figure 18 The circumferential surface 78A is shown as forming a straight cylinder, but the circumferential surface 78A can also be formed, for example, by... Figure 19 and Figure 20 The second threaded fastener 36B shown is tilted.

[0110] The first threaded fastener 36A may include a head 82A having an abutment surface 84A that contacts the outer surface of the resin tire head 34. Therefore, as seen in Figures 15 and 16, when the second threaded section 76A is screwed into the retaining hole 68 of the body portion 30, the abutment surface 84A contacts the outer surface 66c surrounding the through hole 66, pressing the resin tire head 34 into the body portion 30 for secure attachment. The outer surface 66c has sidewalls and a bottom wall. The bottom wall of the outer surface 66c contacts the abutment surface 84A of the head 82A. That is, when the resin tire head 34 is attached to the body portion 30, the outer surface 66c is positioned on the foot surface side of the resin tire head 34.

[0111] The first threaded fastener 36A may include an additional abutment surface 86A between the first threaded section 74A and the second threaded section 76A in the fastener direction relative to the fastener axis AF1 of the first threaded fastener 36A. The additional abutment surface 86A contacts the outer surface of the body portion 30. This limits the depth of the first threaded fastener 36A, thereby positioning the pin portion 72A at an appropriate height. When the second threaded section 76A is screwed into the retaining hole 68 of the body portion 30, the additional abutment surface 86A may contact the protruding outer surface 68a surrounding the retaining hole 68 to limit the depth of the first threaded fastener 36A in the fastener axis AF1 direction. The additional abutment surface 86A may contact the protruding outer surface 68a surrounding the retaining hole 68 to generate an axial force securing the first threaded fastener 36A to the body portion 30. As described above, the protruding outer surface 68a has a top wall and side walls. The additional abutment surface 86A may contact the top wall of the protruding outer surface 68a.

[0112] The first threaded fastener 36A may include a tool engagement portion 88A located between the pin portion 72A and the threaded portion 70A. The tool engagement portion 88A may include a plurality of slots 90A extending parallel to the fastener axis AF1 of the first threaded fastener 36A. Therefore, a tool can be fitted onto the pin portion 72A and engage with the plurality of slots 90A, thereby enabling the first threaded fastener 36A to be attached or detached by rotating the tool. The tool engagement portion 88A may have other shapes. The tool engagement portion 88A may have a polygonal shape, such as a hexagonal shape.

[0113] Figures 15 and 16 illustrate a plurality of first threaded fasteners 36A that attach first resin facets 34A and second resin facets 34B to a body portion 30. To attach the resin facets 34 to the body portion 30, the resin facets 34 are first positioned against the body portion 30 such that one or more through-holes 66 of the resin facets 34 are aligned with one or more retaining holes 68 of the body portion 30. Then, a second threaded section 76A is screwed into the inner surface 68b of the retaining hole 68 until an additional abutting surface 86A abuts against the outer surface 68a of the body portion 30 surrounding the retaining hole 68. Simultaneously, the first threaded section 74A may contact the sidewall 66b of the through-hole 66. Optionally, the first threaded section 74A may cut into the sidewall 66b of the through-hole 66 (e.g., by approximately 0.2 mm) and deform the resin for attachment gripping, thereby limiting loosening of the first threaded fasteners 36A. Here, the first threaded section 74A is sized such that the abutting surface 84A contacts the outer surface 66c of the surrounding through-hole 66 of the resin tire surface 34. Therefore, the first threaded section 74A is configured to be disposed on the resin tire surface 34 of the bicycle pedal 12, and the second threaded section 76A is configured to screw into the main body portion 30 of the bicycle pedal 12. Additionally, the stud portion 72A is configured to protrude outward relative to the resin tire surface 34. As seen in Figures 15 and 16, the stud portion 72A is configured to protrude outward from the recess 66d surrounding the through-hole 66, thereby concealing the head 82A within the recess 66d, so that only the stud portion 72A is contacted by the rider's shoe. In Figure 15, the abutting surface 84A of the head 82A contacts the outer surface 66c. However, the additional abutting surface 86A does not contact the protruding outer surface 68a. Tighten the first threaded fastener 36A until the additional abutting surface 86A contacts the outer surface 66c. In that case, even after the abutting surface 84A contacts the outer surface 66c, the abutting surface 84A is pressed against the outer surface 66c. Therefore, the outer surface 66c deforms due to the abutting surface 84A. This deformation can, for example, be within the elastic deformation range of the outer surface 66c.

[0114] Figure 19 and Figure 20The second threaded fastener 36B is shown in more detail. Here, the second threaded fastener 36B includes a threaded portion 70B and a stud portion 72B. The threaded portion 70B and the stud portion 72B are located at opposite ends of the fastener axis AF2. The threaded portion 70B is configured to screw into a retaining hole 68 in the body portion 30. The stud portion 72B is configured to protrude in opposite directions to grip the rider's shoe. Thus, the second threaded fastener 36B achieves the dual purpose of attaching the resin tire surface 34 to the body portion 30 and providing a stud for gripping the rider's shoe. Since the second threaded fastener 36B is removably attached to the body portion 30 via the threaded portion 70B, different threaded fasteners 36 with different sizes or types of stud portions 70B can be moved or interchanged to suit the needs of a rider using the bicycle pedals 12.

[0115] Here, the threaded portion 70B includes a single diameter. Therefore, as in Figure 14 As seen in the diagram, the threaded portion 70B passes through both the through-hole 66 of the resin tread portion 34 and the fixing hole 68 of the body portion 30. At least one thread of the threaded portion 70B can contact the sidewall 66b of the through-hole 66, and at least one thread of the threaded portion 70B can be screwed into the fixing hole 68. Furthermore, at least one thread of the threaded portion 70B can cut into the sidewall 66b of the through-hole 66 to deform the resin material, and at least one thread of the threaded portion 70B can be screwed into the threaded inner surface 68b corresponding to the sidewall of the fixing hole 68. In an alternative embodiment, the threaded portion 70B may include multiple segments with different diameters, for example, as shown in the first threaded segment 74A and the second threaded segment 76A of the first threaded fastener 36A discussed above.

[0116] As in Figure 14 As seen in the diagram, the stud portion 72B protrudes outward relative to the resin tread portion 34. More specifically, the stud portion 72B protrudes outward relative to the resin tread portion 34 when attached to the pedal body 16, such that the stud portion 72B helps to grip the rider's shoe when the rider uses the bicycle pedal 12. The stud portion 72B may include a circumferential surface 78B and a top surface 80B. Here, the circumferential surface 78B includes angled sidewalls to form a conical shape. Like the circumferential surface 78A of the first threaded fastener 36A, the circumferential surface 78B may also include a plurality of circumferential grooves or at least one helical groove. In this way, the stud portion 72B can protrude into the tread in the rider's shoe and grip the surface of the tread. Here, the top surface 80B is shown as having rounded corners and a flat surface, but the top surface 80B may also include other surfaces or grooves for assisting in gripping the rider's shoe.

[0117] The second threaded fastener 36B also includes a head 82B having an abutment surface 84B that contacts the outer surface of the resin mating surface 34. Therefore, as in Figure 14As seen in the image, when the threaded portion 70B is screwed into the fixing hole 68, in the main body portion 30, the abutment surface 84B contacts the outer surface 66c surrounding the through hole 66 and presses the resin mating part 34 into the main body portion 30 for secure attachment. Here, the head 82B also includes a plurality of recesses 85B around its periphery. The abutment surface 84B can contact the outer surface 66c surrounding the through hole 66 to generate an axial force that secures the second threaded fastener 36B to the main body portion 30.

[0118] The second threaded fastener 36B may further include a tool engagement portion 88B located between the nail portion 72B and the threaded portion 70B. The tool engagement portion 88B may include a plurality of grooves 90B extending parallel to the fastener axis AF2 of the second threaded fastener 36B. Therefore, a tool can be fitted onto the nail portion 72B and engage with the plurality of grooves 90B, thereby allowing the second threaded fastener 36B to be installed or removed by rotating the tool. Here, the head 82B also includes a plurality of recesses 85B surrounding its periphery. The plurality of recesses 85B serve to reduce the weight of the fastener. Additionally, the plurality of recesses 85B may function as tool engagement portions. The plurality of recesses 85B and the plurality of grooves 90B have different profiles relative to each other. Here, the different profiles include at least one of different sizes and different shapes. By having two tool engagement portions, even if one tool engagement portion breaks, the other tool engagement portion can still be used.

[0119] Figure 14 Two second threaded fasteners 36B are shown for attaching a first resin tire facet 34A and a second resin tire facet 34B to a body portion 30. To attach the resin tire facet 34 to the body portion 30, the resin tire facet 34 is first positioned against the body portion 30 such that one or more through holes 66 of the resin tire facet 34 are aligned with one or more retaining holes 68 of the body portion 30. Then, the threaded portion 70B is screwed into the threaded inner surface 68b of the retaining hole 68 until the abutting surface 84B contacts the outer surface 66c of the resin tire facet 34 surrounding the through hole 66. As shown, the pin portion 72B is configured to protrude outward relative to the resin tire facet 34 when fully installed. Figure 14 As seen in the image, the spike 72B is constructed to protrude outward from the notch 66d surrounding the through hole 66, thereby hiding the head 82B within the notch 66d, so that only the spike 72B is in contact with the cyclist's shoe.

[0120] Figure 21 and Figure 22The third threaded fastener 36C is shown in more detail. Here, the third threaded fastener 36C includes a threaded portion 70C and a tool engagement portion 88C located at the opposite end of the fastener axis AF3. The threaded portion 70C is configured to screw into the retaining hole 68 of the body portion 30. The tool engagement portion 88C has a short height and does not have the nail portion included by the first threaded fastener 36A and the second threaded fastener 36B. By using the tool engagement portion 88C without the nail portion, the third threaded fastener 36C can be interchanged with the first threaded fastener 36A or the second threaded fastener 36B to allow the rider to remove the nail from the position on the bicycle pedal 12 while still keeping the resin tire surface 34 attached to the position of the body portion 30. As seen in Figure 16, the height of the tool engagement portion 88C of the third threaded fastener 36C allows most or all of the tool engagement portion 88C to be located within the notch 66d of the through hole 66 surrounding the resin tire surface 34, thereby limiting the interference of the third threaded fastener 36C with the rider's shoe. Here, the tool engagement portion 88C includes a top hexagonal notch for receiving the corresponding tool, but other tool engagement surfaces are also possible.

[0121] The threaded portion 70C may also include a first threaded section 74C and a second threaded portion 76C. For example, in Figure 21 and Figure 22 As seen in Figure 16, the diameter of the first threaded section 74C is larger than the diameter of the second threaded section 76C. When the third threaded fastener 36C attaches the resin facet 34 to the body portion 30, the first threaded section 74C is positioned at the resin facet 34, and the second threaded section 76C is screwed into the body portion 30. Specifically, as seen in Figure 16, the first threaded section 74C is located within the through-hole 66 of the resin facet 34, and the second threaded section 76C is screwed into the corresponding fixing hole 68 of the body portion 30. Both the first threaded section 74C and the second threaded section 76C may include threads. At least one thread of the first threaded section 74C may contact the sidewall 66b of the through-hole 66, and at least one thread of the second threaded section 76C may be screwed into the fixing hole 68. Additionally, at least one thread of the first threaded section 74C can be cut into the sidewall 66b of the through hole 66 to deform the resin material, and at least one thread of the second threaded section 76C can be screwed into the threaded inner surface 68b of the sidewall corresponding to the fixing hole 68.

[0122] The third threaded fastener 36C also includes a head 82C having an abutment surface 84C that contacts the outer surface of the resin facet 34. Thus, as seen in FIG16, when the second threaded section 76C is screwed into the retaining hole 68 in the body portion 30, the abutment surface 84C contacts the outer surface 66c surrounding the through hole 66 and presses the resin facet 34 into the body portion 30 for secure attachment.

[0123] The third threaded fastener 36C also includes an additional abutment surface 86C between the first threaded section 74C and the second threaded section 76C in the fastener direction relative to the fastener axis AF3. The additional abutment surface 86C contacts the outer surface of the body portion 30, limiting the depth of the third threaded fastener 36C. When the second threaded section 76C is screwed into the retaining hole 68 of the body portion 30, the additional abutment surface 86C contacts the protruding outer surface 68a surrounding the retaining hole 68 to limit the depth of the third threaded fastener 36C in the direction of the fastener axis AF3. The additional abutment surface 86C can contact the protruding outer surface 68a surrounding the retaining hole 68 to generate an axial force securing the third threaded fastener 36C to the body portion 30.

[0124] Figure 16 illustrates a third threaded fastener 36C attached to a first resin facet 34A and a body portion 30. To attach the resin facet 34 to the body portion 30, the resin facet 34 is first positioned against the body portion 30 such that one or more through-holes 66 of the resin facet 34 are aligned with one or more retaining holes 68 of the body portion 30. Then, a second threaded portion 76C is screwed into the inner threaded surface 68b of the retaining hole 68 until an additional abutting surface 86C abuts against the outer surface 68a of the body portion 30 surrounding the retaining hole 68. Simultaneously, the first threaded section 74C may contact the sidewall 66b of the through-hole 66. Optionally, the first threaded section 74C may cut into the sidewall 66b of the through-hole 66 (e.g., by approximately 0.2 mm) and deform the resin for attachment gripping, thereby preventing the third threaded fastener 36C from loosening. Here, the first threaded section 74C is sized such that the abutting surface 84C contacts the outer surface 66c of the surrounding through-hole 66 of the resin tire surface 34. Therefore, the first threaded section 74C is configured to be located at the resin tire surface 34 of the bicycle pedal 12, and the second threaded section 76C is configured to screw into the main body of the bicycle pedal 12. Figure 14 As shown in Figure 16, the abutting surface 84C of the head 82C contacts the outer surface 66c. However, the additional abutting surface 86C does not contact the protruding outer surface 68a. Tighten the third threaded fastener 36C until the additional abutting surface 86C contacts the outer surface 66c. In that case, even after the abutting surface 84C contacts the outer surface 66c, the abutting surface 84C is pressed against the outer surface 66c. Therefore, the outer surface 66c deforms due to the abutting surface 84C. This deformation can, for example, be within the elastic deformation range of the outer surface 66c.

[0125] The first threaded fastener 36A and the second threaded fastener 36B discussed herein can also be referred to as "pins" for bicycle pedals 12. Thus, for example, a pin for bicycle pedals 12 may include pin portions 72A, 72B, threaded portions 70A, 70B, and tool engagement portions 88A, 88B. Pin portions 72A, 72B may be configured to protrude outward relative to the resin tire surface 34 of the bicycle pedal 12. Threaded portions 70A, 70B may be configured to screw into the bicycle pedal 12. Tool engagement portions 88A, 88B may be located between pin portions 72A, 72B and threaded portions 70A, 70B. The remaining features discussed above may also be included in the pin, and for brevity, this description is omitted.

[0126] Now for reference Figures 23 to 28 The bicycle pedal 112 according to the second embodiment will be described. Given the similarity between the first and second embodiments, components in the second embodiment that are identical to those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment. Furthermore, for the sake of brevity, descriptions of components in the second embodiment that are identical to those in the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0127] Figures 23 to 28 Bicycle pedals 112 and Figures 1 to 1 The main difference between the bicycle pedals 12 of the 6 is that the bicycle pedal 112 uses an alternative body portion 130, resin tire surface 134, and threaded fastener 136. Those skilled in the art will understand from this disclosure that any feature of the bicycle pedal 112 can be added to the bicycle pedal 12 of the first embodiment, and vice versa.

[0128] The main body portion 130 includes a fixing hole 168 that is geometrically different from the fixing hole 68 of the main body portion 30. As in the previous embodiments, the protruding outer surface 168a of the fixing hole 168 can protrude outward from either a first side 30f or a second side 30g of the main body portion 130. The protruding outer surface 168a has sidewalls and a top wall. However, here, the sidewalls 168 of the protruding outer surface 168a of the fixing hole are inclined inward in a direction away from the main body portion 130 to form a conical shape. The main body portion 130 may also include a fixing hole 169 that is not used for attaching the resin tire surface portion 134. For example, threaded fasteners 136A and 136B having pin portions 172A and 172B are attached to the fixing hole 169.

[0129] Similarly, the resin face portion 134 includes a plurality of through holes 166, different from the through holes 66 of the resin face portion 34. Like the notch 66a, the notch 166a also has sidewalls. Like the protruding outer surface 68a, the protruding outer surface 168a also has sidewalls and a top wall. As in Figure 27As seen in the image, each through-hole 166 has a sidewall with a notch 166a, the angle of which generally matches the angle of the sidewall of the protruding outer surface 168a of the corresponding fixing hole 168. Therefore, the alignment of the bicycle pedal 112 with the resin tire surface 134 and the body portion 130 differs from that of the bicycle pedal 12.

[0130] Figure 25 The attachment of a resin tire surface 134 to a body portion 130 is shown. As shown, the resin tire surface 134 is attached to the body portion 130 by at least one threaded fastener 136. Here, the at least one threaded fastener 136 includes a plurality of threaded fasteners 136, and the at least one resin tire surface 134 includes a first resin tire surface 134A and a second resin tire surface 134B.

[0131] As shown in the figure, the threaded fasteners 136 do not all need to be identical. The threaded fasteners 136 may include one or more first threaded fasteners 136A, one or more second threaded fasteners 136B, or one or more third threaded fasteners 136C. As described above, by mixing or rearranging different types of threaded fasteners 136, cyclists can customize the bicycle pedals 112 for optimal shoe grip.

[0132] Figure 29 and Figure 30 The first threaded fastener 136A is shown in more detail. Here, the first threaded fastener 136A includes a threaded portion 170A and a stud portion 172A. The threaded portion 170A and the stud portion 172A are located at opposite ends of the fastener axis AF4. The threaded portion 170A is configured to screw into a retaining hole 168 in the body portion 130. The stud portion 172A is configured to protrude in opposite directions to grip the cyclist's shoe. Thus, the first threaded fastener 136A achieves the dual purpose of attaching the resin tire surface 134 to the body portion 130 and providing a stud for gripping the cyclist's shoe.

[0133] As in Figures 26 to 28 As seen in the image, the spike 172A is configured to protrude outward relative to the resin tread portion 134, such that when the rider uses the bicycle pedal 112, the spike 172A helps to grip the rider's shoe. The spike 172A may include a circumferential surface 178A and a top surface 180A. The circumferential surface 178A of the spike 172A may include a plurality of circumferential grooves or at least one helical groove (in... Figure 29 and Figure 30 (Not shown in the image). Thus, the spike 172A can protrude into the tread within the rider's shoe and grip the surface of the tread. Here, the top surface 180A is shown as a flat surface, but the top surface 180A may also include other surfaces or grooves to aid in gripping the rider's shoe. Additionally, although in Figure 29 and Figure 30The circumferential surface 178A is shown as forming a straight cylinder, but the circumferential surface 178A can also be, for example, as... Figure 31 and Figure 32 The second threaded fastener 136B shown is angled as indicated.

[0134] The first threaded fastener 136A may further include a head 182A having an abutment surface 184A that contacts the outer surfaces 166c, 168a and the resin-coated part 134 of the body portion 130. The abutment surface 184A contacts the bottom wall of the outer surface 166c. The abutment surface 184A contacts the top wall of the protruding outer surface 168a. Similar to the first embodiment, the abutment surface 184A first contacts the outer surface 166c. Then, the abutment surface 184A deforms the outer surface 166c. Thereafter, the abutment surface 184A contacts the protruding outer surface 168a. Here, the head 182A includes a plurality of recesses 185A, such that the head 182A has a smaller inner radius R1 extending from the fastener axis AF4 to the center of the recess 185A and a larger outer radius R2 extending from the fastener axis AF4 to the periphery of the head 182A between the recesses 185A. Figure 27 As seen in the diagram, when the resin tire face 134 is attached to the body portion 130, this configuration allows the portion of the abutment surface 184A within the smaller inner radius R1 to contact the protruding outer surface 168a of the surrounding fixing hole 168 of the body portion 130, while the portion of the abutment surface 184A between the smaller inner radius R1 and the larger outer radius R2 contacts the surface of the resin tire face 134 surrounding the through hole 166, thereby pressing the resin tire face 134 into the body portion 130. The portion of the abutment surface 184A within the smaller inner radius R1 can generate an axial force that secures the first threaded fastener 136A to the body portion 130. The portion of the abutment surface 184A between the smaller inner radius R1 and the larger outer radius R2 presses the resin tire face 134 into the body portion 130 for secure attachment.

[0135] The first threaded fastener 136A may further include a tool engagement portion 188A located between the pin portion 172A and the threaded portion 170A. The tool engagement portion 188A may include a plurality of slots 190A extending parallel to the fastener axis AF4 of the first threaded fastener 136A. Therefore, a tool can be fitted onto the pin portion 172A and engage with the plurality of slots 190A, thereby enabling the first threaded fastener 136A to be attached or detached by rotating the tool.

[0136] Here, the tool engagement 188A includes a first tool engagement 192A and a second tool engagement 194A arranged in the axial direction of the fastener relative to the fastener axis AF4 of the first threaded fastener 136A. (As in...) Figure 29 and Figure 30As seen in the diagram, the first tool engagement 192A and the second tool engagement 194A have profiles that differ from each other. Here, the shapes and sizes of the profiles differ. For example, the shapes and thicknesses of the multiple grooves 190A within the first tool engagement 192A differ from those of the second tool engagement 194A, wherein the protrusions 196A surrounding the grooves 190A have increased thickness and a triangular shape at the second tool engagement 194A. By using the first tool engagement 192A and the second tool engagement 194A with different profiles in this way, the first threaded fastener 136A can be removed from the body portion 130 using a variety of different types of tools, which is advantageous in the event that one of the sections of groove 190A or protrusion 196A breaks during installation or use. The various types of tools include tools of the same type but different sizes and tools of different types.

[0137] Figure 31 and Figure 32 The second threaded fastener 136B is shown in more detail. Here, the second threaded fastener 136B includes a threaded portion 170B and a stud portion 172B. The threaded portion 170B and the stud portion 172B are located at opposite ends of the fastener axis AF5. The threaded portion 170B is configured to screw into a retaining hole 168 in the body portion 130. The stud portion 172B is configured to protrude in opposite directions to grip the cyclist's shoe. Thus, the second threaded fastener 136B achieves the dual purpose of attaching the resin tire surface 134 to the body portion 130 and providing a stud for gripping the cyclist's shoe.

[0138] As in Figures 26 to 28 As seen in the image, the spike 172B is configured to protrude outward relative to the resin tire surface 134, such that the spike 172B helps to grip the rider's shoe when the rider uses the bicycle pedals 112. The spike 172B may include a circumferential surface 178B and a top surface 180B. Here, the circumferential surface 178B includes angled sidewalls to form a conical shape. The circumferential surface 178B of the spike 172B may also include a plurality of circumferential grooves or at least one helical groove. Figure 31 and Figure 32 (Not shown in the image). Thus, the spike 172B can protrude into the tread of the cyclist's shoe and grip the surface of the tread. Here, the top surface 180B is shown as having rounded corners and a flat surface, but the top surface 180B may also include other surfaces or grooves to help grip the cyclist's shoe.

[0139] The second threaded fastener 136B may further include a head 182B having an abutment surface 184B that contacts the outer surfaces 166c, 168a and the resin-coated surface 134 of the body portion 130. The abutment surface 184B contacts the bottom wall of the outer surface 166c. The abutment surface 184B contacts the top wall of the protruding outer surface 168a. Similar to the first embodiment, the abutment surface 184B first contacts the outer surface 166c. Then, the abutment surface 184B deforms the outer surface 166c. Afterward, the abutment surface 184B contacts the protruding outer surface 168a. Here, the head 182B includes a plurality of recesses 185B, such that the head 182B has a smaller inner radius R3 extending from the fastener axis AF5 to the center of the recess 185B and a larger outer radius R4 extending from the fastener axis AF5 to the periphery of the head 182B between the recesses 185B. When the resin tire face 134 is attached to the body portion 130, this configuration allows the portion of the abutment surface 184B within the smaller inner radius R3 to contact the protruding outer surface 168a of the body portion 130 surrounding the fixing hole 168, while the portion of the abutment surface 184B between the smaller inner radius R3 and the larger outer radius R4 contacts the surface of the resin tire face 134 surrounding the through hole 166, thereby pressing the resin tire face 134 into the body portion 130. The portion of the abutment surface 184B within the smaller inner radius R3 can generate an axial force that secures the second threaded fastener 136B to the body portion 130. The portion of the abutment surface 184B between the smaller inner radius R3 and the larger outer radius R4 presses the resin tire face 134 into the body portion 130 for secure attachment.

[0140] The second threaded fastener 136B may further include a tool engagement portion 188B located between the pin portion 172B and the threaded portion 170B. The tool engagement portion 188B may include a plurality of slots 190B extending parallel to the fastener axis AF5 of the second threaded fastener 136B. Therefore, a tool can be fitted onto the pin portion 172B and engage with the plurality of slots 190B, thereby enabling the second threaded fastener 136B to be attached or detached by rotating the tool.

[0141] Here, the tool engagement portion 188B includes a first tool engagement portion 192B and a second tool engagement portion 194B arranged in the fastener axial direction relative to the fastener axis AF5 of the second threaded fastener 136B. (As in...) Figure 31 and Figure 32As seen in the diagram, the first tool engagement 192B and the second tool engagement 194B have different profiles from each other. Here, the shapes and sizes of the profiles differ. For example, compared to the second tool engagement 194B, the multiple grooves 190B within the first tool engagement 192B have different shapes and thicknesses, wherein the protrusions 196B surrounding the grooves 190B have increased thickness and a triangular shape at the second tool engagement 194B. By using the first tool engagement 192B and the second tool engagement 194B with different profiles in this way, the second threaded fastener 136B can be removed from the body portion 130 using a variety of different types of tools, which is advantageous in the event that one of the sections of the groove 190B or the protrusion 196B breaks during installation or use.

[0142] Figure 33 and Figure 34 The third threaded fastener 136C is shown in more detail. Here, the third threaded fastener 136C includes a threaded portion 170C and a tool engagement portion 188C. The threaded portion 170C and the tool engagement portion 188C are located at opposite ends of the fastener axis AF6. The threaded portion 170C is configured to screw into a retaining hole 168 in the body portion 130. The tool engagement portion 188C has a short height and does not have the nail portion included by the first threaded fastener 136A and the second threaded fastener 136B. By using the tool engagement portion 188C without the nail portion, the third threaded fastener 136C can be interchanged with the first threaded fastener 136A or the second threaded fastener 136B, so that the rider can remove the nail from the position on the bicycle pedal 112 while still keeping the resin tire surface 134 attached to the body portion 130 in that position. Figure 28 As seen in the image, the height of the tool engagement 188C of the third threaded fastener 136C allows most or all of the tool engagement 188C to be located within the recess of the through-hole 166 surrounding the resin tire surface 134, thereby limiting the interference of the third threaded fastener 136C with the rider's shoe. Here, the tool engagement 188C includes a top hexagonal recess to receive the corresponding tool, but other tool engagement surfaces are also possible.

[0143] The third threaded fastener 136C may further include a head 182C having an abutment surface 184C that contacts the outer surfaces 166c, 168a and the resin-coated part 134 of the body portion 130. The abutment surface 184C contacts the bottom wall of the outer surface 166c. The abutment surface 184C contacts the top wall of the protruding outer surface 168a. Similar to the first embodiment, the abutment surface 184C first contacts the outer surface 166c. Then, the abutment surface 184C deforms the outer surface 166c. Afterward, the abutment surface 184C contacts the protruding outer surface 168a. Here, the head 182C includes a plurality of recesses 185C, such that the head 182C has a smaller inner radius R5 extending from the fastener axis AF6 to the center of the recess 185C and a larger outer radius R6 extending from the fastener axis AF6 to the periphery of the head 182C between the recesses 185C. When the resin tire face 134 is attached to the body portion 130, this configuration allows the portion of the abutment surface 184C within the smaller inner radius R5 to contact the protruding outer surface 168a of the surrounding fixing hole 168 of the body portion 130, while the portion of the abutment surface 184C between the smaller inner radius R5 and the larger outer radius R6 contacts the surface of the resin tire face 134 surrounding the through hole 166, thereby pressing the resin tire face 134 into the body portion 130. The portion of the abutment surface 184C within the smaller inner radius R5 can generate an axial force that secures the third threaded fastener 136C to the body portion 130. The portion of the abutment surface 184C between the smaller inner radius R5 and the larger outer radius R6 presses the resin tire face 134 into the body portion 130 for secure attachment.

[0144] The first threaded fastener 136A and the second threaded fastener 136B discussed herein may also be referred to as "pins" for bicycle pedals 112. Therefore, for example, a pin for bicycle pedals 112 may include pin portions 172A and 172B, threaded portions 170A and 170B, and tool engagement portions 188A and 188B. Pin portions 172A and 172B may be configured to protrude outward relative to the resin tread portion 134 of the bicycle pedal 112. Threaded portions 170A and 170B may be configured to screw into the bicycle pedal 112. Tool engagement portions 188A and 188B may be located between pin portions 172A and 172B and threaded portions 170A and 170B. Tool engagement portions 188A and 188B may include first tool engagement portions 192A and 192B and second tool engagement portions 194A and 194B, the second tool engagement portions 194A and 194B being arranged in the pin axial direction relative to the pin axis. The first tool engagements 192A and 192B and the second tool engagements 194A and 194B have profiles that differ from each other. Here, different profiles include at least one of different sizes and different shapes. By having two tool engagements, even if one tool engagement breaks, the other tool engagement can be used. The remaining features discussed above may also be included in the pin, and for brevity, this description is omitted. The shape of the screw that secures the pedal shaft 14 to the bicycle crank 18 is specified by ISO standards. In this embodiment, the screw that secures the pedal shaft 14 to the bicycle crank 18 is an external thread 20a screw. Moreover, the lip 20c of the pedal shaft 14 generally has the same diameter for compatibility. For example, the thickness of thin bicycle pedals 12, 112 is less than the diameter of the lip 20c of the pedal shaft 14. In this embodiment, the diameter of the lip 20c can be 18 mm. The diameter of the pedal shaft in the bearing portion is, for example, equal to or greater than 6.5 mm. The diameter of the pedal shaft in the bearing portion is more preferably equal to or greater than 6.7 mm. The diameter of the pedal shaft in the bearing section is, for example, equal to or less than 13 mm. If the diameter of the pedal shaft in the bearing section is less than 8 mm without the load receiving part 32, the pedal shaft 14 may break. Stress concentration on the pedal shaft 14 may occur at the portion where the shaft diameter varies between short axial lengths. In other words, stress concentration may occur when a stepped portion is formed on the pedal shaft 14 in the axial direction. Furthermore, stress concentration can be reduced by making the stepped portion curved in the axial direction. Stress concentration can be reduced by providing an R-shaped corner between the wall surface of the stepped portion and the outer peripheral surface of the pedal shaft 14 with a small diameter.

[0145] In understanding the scope of this invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives as used herein are intended to be open-ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps. The foregoing also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the terms "comprising," "having," and their derivatives. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the terms "part," "section," "section," "component," or "element" may have a dual meaning of a single part or multiple parts when used in the singular.

[0146] As used herein, the following directional terms, “facing the frame side,” “not facing the frame side,” “forward,” “backward,” “front,” “back,” “up,” “down,” “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” and “lateral,” as well as any other similar directional terms, refer to those directions of a human-powered vehicle field (e.g., a bicycle) in an upright riding position with pedals. Therefore, these directional terms used to describe bicycle pedals should be interpreted relative to a human-powered vehicle field (e.g., a bicycle) in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface with pedals. The terms “left” and “right” are used to mean “right” when viewed from the rear of the human-powered vehicle field (e.g., a bicycle) with reference to the right, and “left” when viewed from the rear of the human-powered vehicle field (e.g., a bicycle) with reference to the left.

[0147] As used in this disclosure, the phrase "at least one" means "one or more" of the desired choices. For one example, the phrase "at least one" as used in this disclosure means "only one single choice" or "both of the two choices" if the number of choices is two. For another example, the phrase "at least one" as used in this disclosure means "only one single choice" or "any combination of two choices" if the number of choices is equal to or greater than three.

[0148] Similarly, it should be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from others. Thus, for example, the first component discussed above may be referred to as the second component without departing from the teachings of the invention, and vice versa.

[0149] As used herein, the term “attached” or “attached” encompasses constructions in which an element is directly fixed to another element by attaching it directly to that element; constructions in which an element is indirectly fixed to another element by attaching it to one or more intermediate elements, which in turn are attached to another element; and constructions in which one element is integral with another element, i.e., one element is essentially part of another element. This definition also applies to words with similar meanings, such as “connect,” “link,” “attach,” “install,” “combine,” “fix,” and their derivatives. Finally, the degree terms used herein, such as “substantially,” “approximately,” and “about,” refer to the amount of deviation of the modified term such that the final result is not significantly altered.

[0150] Although only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art, based on this disclosure, that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, unless otherwise specifically stated, the size, shape, position, or orientation of various components may be changed as needed and / or desired, provided that such changes do not substantially affect their intended function. Unless otherwise specifically stated, components shown as directly connected or in contact with each other may have an intermediate structure between them, provided that such changes do not substantially affect their intended function. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the function of one element may be performed by two elements, and vice versa. The structure and function of one embodiment may be employed in another embodiment. Not all advantages must appear simultaneously in a particular embodiment. Each feature unique relative to the prior art, individually or in combination with other features, should also be considered as a separate description by the applicant of further inventions, including structural and / or functional concepts embodied by one or more such features. Therefore, the foregoing description providing embodiments according to the invention is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A bicycle pedal, comprising: A pedal shaft having a rotation center axis; and A pedal body, rotatably supported by the pedal shaft about the rotation center axis, the pedal body comprising: The main body portion, which receives the pedal shaft; and At least one resin tire surface, said at least one resin tire surface is attached to said body portion by at least one threaded fastener, said threaded fastener including a threaded portion screwed into a retaining hole in said body portion and a pin portion protruding outward relative to said resin tire surface; The at least one threaded fastener includes a tool engagement portion located between the nail portion and the threaded portion; the threaded portion includes a first threaded section and a second threaded section, the diameter of the first threaded section being larger than the diameter of the second threaded section, the first threaded section being disposed at the at least one resin tread portion, and the second threaded section being screwed into the main body portion.

2. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1, wherein The tool engagement includes a plurality of grooves on its outer circumference, the plurality of grooves extending parallel to the fastener axis of the at least one threaded fastener.

3. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1, wherein... The tool engagement includes a fastener axis relative to the at least one threaded fastener, a first tool engagement, and a second tool engagement arranged in the axial direction of the fastener. The first tool engagement portion and the second tool engagement portion have different profiles relative to each other.

4. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1, wherein The nail portion includes multiple circumferential grooves or at least one spiral groove.

5. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1, wherein The at least one threaded fastener includes a head having an abutting surface that contacts the outer surface of the at least one resin tire head.

6. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1, wherein The at least one threaded fastener includes a plurality of threaded fasteners.

7. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1, wherein The at least one resin tire section has a through hole through which the threaded fastener passes, and At least one thread of the first threaded section contacts the sidewall of the through hole.

8. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1, wherein The at least one threaded fastener includes an additional abutment surface relative to the fastener axis, in the fastener direction, between the first threaded section and the second threaded section; and The additional abutment surface contacts the outer surface of the main body portion.

9. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1, wherein The main body portion includes a first side and a second side located on the opposite side of the first side relative to the main body portion. The at least one threaded fastener includes a plurality of threaded fasteners, and The at least one resin tire face includes a first resin tire face and a second resin tire face, the first resin tire face being attached to the first side of the body portion by at least some of the plurality of threaded fasteners, and the second resin tire face being attached to the second side of the body portion by at least some of the plurality of threaded fasteners.

10. A bicycle pedal, the bicycle pedal comprising: A pedal shaft having a rotation center axis; and A pedal body, rotatably supported by the pedal shaft about the rotation center axis, the pedal body comprising: The main body portion receives the pedal shaft; and At least one resin tire surface is attached to the body portion by at least one threaded fastener, the at least one threaded fastener including a first threaded section and a second threaded section, the diameter of the first threaded section being larger than the diameter of the second threaded section, the first threaded section being disposed at the resin tire surface, and the second threaded section being screwed into the body portion.

11. The bicycle pedal according to claim 10, wherein The at least one resin tire section has a through hole through which a threaded fastener passes, and At least one thread of the first threaded section contacts the sidewall of the through hole.

12. The bicycle pedal according to claim 10, wherein The at least one threaded fastener includes a head having an abutting surface that contacts the outer surface of the at least one resin tire head.

13. The bicycle pedal according to claim 10, wherein The at least one threaded fastener includes an additional abutment surface relative to the fastener axis, in the fastener direction, between the first threaded section and the second threaded section, and The additional abutment surface contacts the outer surface of the main body portion.

14. The bicycle pedal according to claim 10, wherein The at least one threaded fastener includes a plurality of threaded fasteners.

15. The bicycle pedal according to claim 10, wherein The main body portion includes a first side and a second side located on the opposite side of the first side relative to the main body portion. The at least one threaded fastener includes a plurality of threaded fasteners, and The at least one resin tire face includes a first resin tire face and a second resin tire face, the first resin tire face being attached to a first side of the body portion by at least some of the plurality of threaded fasteners, and the second resin tire face being attached to a second side of the body portion by at least some of the plurality of threaded fasteners.

16. A threaded fastener for bicycle pedals, the threaded fastener comprising: A first threaded section having a first diameter is configured to be disposed in a hole formed in the bicycle pedal; and A second threaded section having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter is configured to be screwed into the bicycle pedal.

17. The threaded fastener according to claim 16, wherein, The first threaded section is configured to be located on the tread of the bicycle pedal, and The second threaded section is configured to screw into the main body of the bicycle pedal.

18. The threaded fastener according to claim 17, wherein, The threaded fastener includes a nail portion configured to project outward relative to the tread portion.

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