Bicycle pedal

Abstract

The present invention discloses a bicycle pedal, which includes a pedal shaft and a pedal body. The pedal shaft has a first end, a second end, a middle portion, and a first protrusion, and the first protrusion extends radially outward relative to the central axis of the pedal shaft, and the first protrusion is located between the first end and the second end. The pedal body can be rotatably supported by the pedal shaft about the central axis. The pedal body includes: a main body portion that defines a pedal shaft receiving hole for receiving the second end of the pedal shaft; and a holding portion that defines a pedal shaft receiving hole opening for receiving the middle portion of the pedal shaft at a position outside the pedal shaft receiving hole. When viewed in the axial direction of the pedal shaft, the first protrusion extends radially outward relative to the central axis so as to at least partially overlap with the holding portion of the holding portion. The bicycle pedal may prevent the bicycle pedal from disconnecting from the bicycle crank during use.

Description

[0001] This divisional application is a divisional application of the patent application with Chinese invention patent application number 202111119237.8, invention title "Bicycle Pedal", and application date September 24, 2021. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a bicycle pedal. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a bicycle pedal having a pedal shaft and a body portion rotatably supported by the pedal shaft. Background Art

[0003] Generally, bicycle pedals are an essential part of most bicycles and are used to transfer cyclic power to the bicycle's drivetrain. Different styles of bicycles use different pedal styles designed for special purposes (such as, for recreation, mountain bikes, road racers, etc.). Typically, a bicycle pedal includes a pedal shaft and a pedal body, where the pedal shaft rotatably supports the pedal body at an end attached to a crank of the drivetrain. When a cyclist drives the crank by stepping on the pedal body, the rotation of the crank causes one or more wheels of the bicycle to rotate. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Generally, the present disclosure is directed to various features of a bicycle pedal for a human-powered vehicle. As used herein, the term "human-powered vehicle" refers to a vehicle that can be driven by at least human driving force, but does not include a vehicle that uses only driving power other than human power. In particular, a vehicle that uses only an internal combustion engine as driving power is not included in human-powered vehicles. It is generally assumed that a human-powered vehicle is a compact and lightweight vehicle that often does not require a license to drive on public roads. There is no limit to the number of wheels on a human-powered vehicle. Human-powered vehicles include, for example, unicycles and vehicles having more than three wheels. Human-powered vehicles include, for example, various types of bicycles, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, and recumbent bikes, as well as electric assist bikes (E-bikes).

[0005] In view of the state of the known art and according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a bicycle pedal including a pedal shaft, a body portion, and an end cap. The pedal shaft has a central axis. The body portion is rotatably supported by the pedal axis about the central axis. The body portion has a pedal shaft receiving hole having a first opening and a second opening. The first opening receives the pedal shaft along the central axis. The end cap is adjustably attached to the body portion at the second opening to adjust the position of the pedal shaft relative to the central axis in the axial direction within the pedal shaft receiving hole. With the bicycle pedal according to the first aspect, it is possible to adjust the rotational torque of the body portion relative to the pedal shaft.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to the first aspect further includes a first protrusion provided to the pedal shaft. The end cap is adjustable relative to the main body portion to adjust the position of the first protrusion relative to the main body portion in the axial direction. With the bicycle pedal according to the second aspect, it is possible to use the first protrusion to adjust the rotational torque of the main body portion relative to the pedal shaft.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to the second aspect is configured such that: the first protrusion includes at least one of a first O-ring and a protrusion. The protrusion is provided on the pedal shaft. With the bicycle pedal according to the third aspect, it is possible to easily move the first protrusion during pedal shaft adjustment.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to the third aspect is configured such that: the first protrusion includes a protrusion and a first O-ring, and the first O-ring is provided on the protrusion. With the bicycle pedal according to the fourth aspect, it is possible to fix the first O-ring to the protrusion such that the first O-ring moves together with the pedal shaft during pedal shaft adjustment.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to the third or fourth aspect is configured such that: the first O-ring is a sealing ring. With the bicycle pedal according to the fifth aspect, it is possible to seal the interior portion of the bicycle pedal against intrusion of water and debris.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to any one of the second to fifth aspects further includes a second protrusion provided to the pedal shaft. The end cap is adjustable relative to the main body portion to adjust the distance between the first protrusion and the second protrusion in the axial direction. With the bicycle pedal according to the sixth aspect, it is possible to use the second protrusion to adjust the rotational torque of the main body portion relative to the pedal shaft.

[0011] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to the sixth aspect is further configured such that: the bicycle pedal includes a retaining portion that restricts movement of the second protrusion in the axial direction toward the first opening within the pedal shaft receiving hole. The end cap is adjustable relative to the main body portion to adjust the first protrusion relative to the main body portion in the axial direction toward the second protrusion. With the bicycle pedal according to the seventh aspect, it is possible to fix the position of the second protrusion within the pedal shaft receiving hole.

[0012] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to the seventh aspect is configured such that: the second protrusion includes a second O-ring. With the bicycle pedal according to the eighth aspect, it is possible to easily surround the pedal shaft with the second protrusion.

[0013] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to the eighth aspect is configured such that: the second O-ring is a sealing ring. With the bicycle pedal according to the ninth aspect, it is possible to seal the inner part of the bicycle pedal against the intrusion of water and debris.

[0014] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to any one of the sixth to ninth aspects is configured such that: the end cap is adjustable relative to the main body part so that the first protrusion contacts the second protrusion. With the bicycle pedal according to the tenth aspect, it is possible to adjust the rotational torque of the main body part relative to the pedal shaft by adjusting the end cap.

[0015] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to any one of the sixth to tenth aspects is configured such that: the first protrusion and the second protrusion are located within the pedal shaft receiving hole. With the bicycle pedal according to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to seal the pedal shaft receiving hole with the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

[0016] According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects is configured such that: the end cap has a non-cylindrical outer surface, and at least part of the non-cylindrical outer surface is located outside the pedal shaft receiving hole. With the bicycle pedal according to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to use the end cap to control the intermittent adjustment of the pedal shaft relative to the main body part.

[0017] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to the twelfth aspect is configured such that: the non-cylindrical outer surface has a polygonal shape. With the bicycle pedal according to the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to use the end cap to control the intermittent adjustment of the pedal shaft relative to the main body part.

[0018] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to the twelfth or thirteenth aspect further includes at least one tread portion attached to the main body part. The at least one tread portion has a recess with an inner surface, and the inner surface at least partially mates with the non-cylindrical outer surface of the end cap. With the bicycle pedal according to the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to ensure that the end cap is in a desired configuration.

[0019] According to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to the fourteenth aspect is configured such that: the at least one tread portion includes: a first tread portion having a first inner surface that mates with the non-cylindrical outer surface of the end cap; and a second tread portion having a second inner surface that mates with the non-cylindrical outer surface of the end cap. With the bicycle pedal according to the fifteenth aspect, it is possible to ensure that the end cap is in a desired configuration.

[0020] According to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a bicycle pedal including a pedal shaft and a pedal body. The pedal shaft has a first end portion, a second end portion, an intermediate portion, and a first protrusion that extends radially outward relative to a central axis of the pedal shaft. The first protrusion is located between the first end portion and the second end portion. The pedal body is rotatably supported by the pedal shaft about the central axis. The pedal body includes: a main body portion that defines a pedal shaft receiving hole for receiving the second end portion of the pedal shaft; and a holding portion that defines a pedal shaft receiving hole opening for receiving the intermediate portion of the pedal shaft at a position outside the pedal shaft receiving hole. When viewed in the axial direction of the pedal shaft, the first protrusion extends radially outward relative to the central axis so as to at least partially overlap with a holding portion of the holding portion. With the bicycle pedal according to the sixteenth aspect, it is possible to prevent the bicycle pedal from disconnecting from the bicycle crank during use.

[0021] According to a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to the sixteenth aspect is configured such that: the holding portion of the holding portion includes a holding section that defines the pedal shaft receiving hole opening, and when viewed in the axial direction of the pedal shaft, the holding section at least partially overlaps with the first protrusion. With the bicycle pedal according to the seventeenth aspect, it is possible to prevent the bicycle pedal from disconnecting from the bicycle crank during use.

[0022] According to an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to the sixteenth aspect or the seventeenth aspect is configured such that: the holding portion includes at least one slit that is arranged to provide a radial expansion of the holding portion to be mounted on the pedal shaft. With the bicycle pedal according to the eighteenth aspect, it is possible to easily assemble the holding portion around the pedal shaft.

[0023] According to a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to any one of the sixteenth aspect to the eighteenth aspect is configured such that: the holding portion includes a first side and a second side, and the first side and the second side are split apart to position the pedal shaft receiving hole opening around the intermediate portion of the pedal shaft. With the bicycle pedal according to the nineteenth aspect, it is possible to easily assemble the holding portion around the pedal shaft.

[0024] According to a twentieth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to any one of the sixteenth aspect to the nineteenth aspect is configured such that: the pedal shaft has a second protrusion that extends radially outward relative to the central axis, the pedal shaft receiving hole opening of the holding portion is positioned around the intermediate portion of the pedal shaft, and the intermediate portion is located between the first protrusion and the second protrusion. With the bicycle pedal according to the twenty - first aspect, it is possible to easily hold a broken pedal shaft to the bicycle crank using the holding portion.

[0025] According to the twenty - first aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to the twentieth aspect is configured such that: when viewed in the axial direction of the pedal shaft, the second protrusion extends radially outward with respect to the central axis so as to at least partially overlap with the holding portion of the holding part. With the bicycle pedal according to the twenty - first aspect, it is possible to easily hold a broken pedal shaft to the bicycle crank using the holding part.

[0026] According to the twenty - second aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to any one of the sixteenth aspect to the twentieth aspect is configured such that: the holding part includes a support portion, the holding portion includes a pedal shaft receiving aperture, and the support portion attaches the holding portion to the main body portion. With the bicycle pedal according to the twenty - second aspect, it is possible to firmly attach the holding part to the main body portion.

[0027] Furthermore, according to the following detailed description, other objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosed bicycle pedal will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description discloses preferred embodiments of the bicycle pedal in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Reference is now made to the drawings which form a part of the present disclosure:

[0029] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a bicycle crank arm having a bicycle pedal according to one embodiment;

[0030] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a top plan view of the bicycle pedal shown;

[0031] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a bottom plan view of the bicycle pedal shown;

[0032] Figure 4 is Figure 1 an internal elevation view of the bicycle pedal shown;

[0033] Figure 5 is a side cross - sectional view showing the bicycle pedal shown in a first configuration Figure 1 taken along section line 5 - 5 from Figure 2 therein;

[0034] Figure 6 is showing Figure 5 a side cross - sectional view of the bicycle pedal shown in a second configuration;

[0035] Figure 7 is an enlarged view taken from Figure 5 the central portion of;

[0036] Figure 8 is taken fromFigure 6 An enlarged view obtained from the central part of

[0037] Figure 9 which shows a Figure 5 side cross-sectional view of a bicycle pedal as shown when a cyclist applies a load;

[0038] Figure 10 is Figure 1 a side cross-sectional view of the bicycle pedal as shown taken along the Figure 2 section line 10 - 10 in

[0039] Figure 11 is Figure 1 an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view of a part of the bicycle pedal taken through the central axis of the pedal shaft;

[0040] Figure 12 is Figure 1 an exploded top perspective view of the top of the bicycle pedal as shown;

[0041] Figure 13 is Figure 1 an exploded top perspective view of the bottom of the bicycle pedal as shown;

[0042] Figure 14 is Figure 1 another exploded top perspective view of the bicycle pedal as shown;

[0043] Figure 15 is Figure 1 an exploded top perspective view of the pedal shaft and the holding part of the bicycle pedal as shown;

[0044] Figure 16 is Figure 1 an exploded top perspective view of the main body part of the bicycle pedal as shown;

[0045] Figure 17 which shows Figure 16 a cross-sectional perspective view of half of the main body part as shown;

[0046] Figure 18 which shows Figure 16 a cross-sectional perspective view of half of the main body part with a sliding bearing installed; and

[0047] Figure 19 is a side cross-sectional view of a bicycle pedal according to a second embodiment. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0048] 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., the art of bicycles) according to the present disclosure that the following description of the embodiments is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0049] First, referring to Figure 1 , a bicycle pedal 12 for a human-powered vehicle according to a first embodiment is shown. The bicycle pedal 12 includes a pedal shaft 14. The pedal shaft 14 has a central axis CA. The bicycle pedal 12 further includes a pedal body 16. The pedal body 16 is rotatably supported by the pedal shaft 14 about the central axis CA. The pedal shaft 14 connects the pedal body 16 to an outer end portion 18a of a bicycle crank arm 18 such that the pedal body 16 is configured to rotate about the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14 relative to the bicycle crank arm 18. An inner end portion 18b of the bicycle crank arm 18 is configured to be attached to a drive system of the human-powered vehicle such that rotation of the bicycle crank 18 using the bicycle pedal 12 causes one or more wheels of the human-powered vehicle to rotate.

[0050] Figures 5 to 9 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 The pedal shaft 14 is shown in more detail. As shown, the pedal shaft 14 is an elongated rod having a longitudinal length extending along the central axis CA. Here, the pedal shaft 14 has a first end portion 20, a second end portion 22, and an intermediate portion 24. Each of the first end portion 20, the second end portion 22, and the intermediate portion 24 is positioned along the central axis CA. The pedal shaft 14 may be formed, for example, as a single piece made of a metallic material such as carbon steel or chrome molybdenum steel.

[0051] The first end portion 20 is configured to be attached to the bicycle crank arm 18. More specifically, the first end portion 20 is configured to be attached to the outer end portion 18a of the bicycle crank arm 18. To attach to the bicycle crank 18, the first end portion 20 includes at least one of an external thread 20a and a crank attachment hole 20b. Here, the external thread 20a surrounds the perimeter of the first end portion 20 and is configured to be screwed into a corresponding hole at the outer end portion 18a of the bicycle crank arm 18. A screw, nut, and bolt or other attachment means are then screwed into the crank attachment hole 20b from the opposite side of the outer end portion 18a. In this way, the pedal shaft 14 rotatably supports the pedal body 16 relative to the bicycle crank 18, where the pedal body 16 rotates about the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14.

[0052] The second end portion 22 is axially located on the opposite side of the pedal shaft 14 relative to the central axis CA from the first end portion 20. As will be described in more detail below, the second end portion 22 is configured to slide into the pedal body 16 to rotatably support the pedal body 16 on the bicycle crank 18. As in Figure 5 ,6 As seen in FIGS. 7 and 9, the diameter of the pedal shaft 14 remains constant or substantially constant proximal to the second end portion 22 to facilitate entry of the second end portion 22 into the pedal body 16 and to enable the pedal body 16 to freely rotate about the second end portion 22. The pedal shaft 14 generally has a larger diameter at the first end portion 20 than at the second end portion 22. Since a large load is applied to the large-diameter portion of the pedal shaft 14, it is easy to obtain the strength of the pedal shaft 14 to resist the load.

[0053] The intermediate portion 24 is located between the first end portion 20 and the second end portion 22 in the axial direction of the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14. As described in more detail below, the intermediate portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 is configured to contact a portion of the pedal body 16 when a load is applied by the rider, thereby absorbing at least a portion of the rider's load. However, the intermediate portion 24 does not contact the said portion of the pedal body 16 under no-load conditions. Here, the intermediate portion 24 is positioned closer to the first end portion 20 than the second end portion 22 in the axial direction of the central axis CA. In this way, when the pedal shaft 14 is attached to the bicycle crank arm 18, the intermediate portion 24 is positioned close to the outer end portion 18a of the bicycle crank arm 18. This enables the rider's load to be distributed near the bicycle crank arm 18, thereby reducing the amount of vertical displacement of the pedal body 16 caused by the rider's load.

[0054] The pedal shaft 14 has a first protrusion 26. The first protrusion 26 is located between the first end portion 20 and the second end portion 22. More specifically, the first protrusion 26 is located between the first end portion 20 and the second end portion 22 in the axial direction of the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14. The first protrusion 26 is also located between the second end portion 22 and the intermediate portion 24 in the axial direction of the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14. The first protrusion 26 extends radially outward relative to the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14. The first protrusion 26 extends radially outward from the pedal shaft 14 relative to the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14. The outermost diameter of the first protrusion 26 is greater than the outermost diameter of the intermediate portion 24. As used herein, the "outermost diameter" refers to the maximum diameter of the corresponding portion of the pedal shaft 14. Here, as seen in Figure 15 FIGS. 7 and 9, the first protrusion 26 surrounds the central axis CA with a constant diameter. However, the first protrusion 26 may also include one or more gaps that are circumferentially located at its outermost diameter relative to the central axis CA when viewed in the axial direction of the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14. For example, the first protrusion 26 may have a gap with a diameter the same as the outermost diameter of the intermediate portion 24. The first protrusion 26 may also include a single protrusion that extends radially outward only in one direction relative to the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14. The first protrusion 26 may also include a plurality of protrusions that extend radially outward in a plurality of directions relative to the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14.

[0055] The pedal shaft 14 has a second protrusion 27. The second protrusion 27 is located between a first end 20 and a second end 22 in the axial direction of the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14. The second protrusion 27 is also located between the first end 20 and the intermediate portion 24 on the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14. The second protrusion 27 extends radially outward relative to the central axis CA. The second protrusion 27 extends radially outward from the pedal shaft 14 relative to the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14. As seen in Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the second protrusion 27 extends further radially outward relative to the central axis CA than the first protrusion 26. The outermost diameter of the second protrusion 27 is greater than the outermost diameter of the intermediate portion 24. The second protrusion 27 also has an outermost diameter greater than the outermost diameter of the first protrusion 26. Here, as seen in Figure 15 , the second protrusion 27 surrounds the central axis CA with a constant radius. However, the second protrusion 27 may also include one or more gaps that are circumferentially relative to the central axis CA at its outermost diameter when viewed in the axial direction along the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14. For example, the gap of the second protrusion 27 may have the same diameter as the outermost diameter of the intermediate portion 24. The second protrusion 27 may also include a single protrusion that extends radially outward only in one direction relative to the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14. The second protrusion 27 may also include a plurality of single protrusions that extend radially outward in a plurality of directions relative to the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14. The second protrusion 27 is also configured to abut against the bicycle crank arm 18 when the pedal shaft 14 is attached to the bicycle crank 18.

[0056] The intermediate portion 24 is located between the first protrusion 26 and the second protrusion 27. Here, as seen in Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the outermost diameter of the intermediate portion 24 is substantially constant between the first protrusion 26 and the second protrusion 27. The outermost diameter of the intermediate portion 24 is also greater than the outermost diameter of the second end 22. In this way, the thicker portion of the pedal shaft 14 at the intermediate portion 24 is configured to receive at least a part of the rider load applied at the thinner portion of the pedal shaft 14 closer to the second end 22.

[0057] As seen in Figure 14 and Figure 15 , the intermediate portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 may be provided, for example, in a region A2 that is 1 / 4 of the axial length of the pedal shaft 14 from the second protrusion 27. The axial position of the intermediate portion 24 may be represented by the central position of the axial length of the intermediate portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14. As seen in Figure 15 , the axial length of the pedal shaft 14 is the end from the second protrusion 27 to the second end 22 in the axial direction. That is, the axial length of the pedal shaft 14 is the length of the pedal shaft 14 excluding the external thread 20a.

[0058] As seen in Figures 1 to 3 , the pedal shaft 14 includes an exposed portion 28. The exposed portion 28 of the pedal shaft 14 is located between the intermediate portion 24 and the second end portion 22 in the axial direction of the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14. The exposed portion 28 is also located between the first protrusion 26 and the second end portion 22 in the axial direction of the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14. Here, the exposed portion 28 is exposed outside the pedal body 16, between the intermediate portion 24 and the second end portion 22. By exposing the exposed portion 28 in this way, the pedal shaft 14 can flex at the exposed portion 28 under the rider load without rubbing against the inner surface of the pedal body 16, while enabling at least a part of the rider load to be transmitted to the intermediate portion 24. Here, as seen in Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the diameter of the exposed portion 28 generally tapers inwardly to decrease from the first protrusion 26 toward the second end portion 22.

[0059] The bicycle pedal 12 includes a main body portion 30. More specifically, the pedal body 16 includes the main body portion 30. The main body portion 30 receives the pedal shaft 14. The main body portion 30 is rotatably supported by the pedal shaft 14 about the central axis AR. As seen in Figures 16 to 18 , the main body portion 30 includes: a central portion 30a that extends along the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14 from the crank end side 30b to the free end side 30c; a first side portion 30d that extends radially outward from one side of the central portion 30A with respect to the central axis CA; and a second side portion 30e that extends radially outward from the opposite side of the central portion 30a with respect to the central axis CA. 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 in the lateral direction with respect to the rotation axis CA of the main body portion 30. The main body portion 30 includes a first side 30f and a second side 30g that is on the opposite side of the first side 30f with respect to the main body portion 30. 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 side and the rear side 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. The axis parallel to the thickness direction, the axis parallel to the lateral direction, and the central axis CA are orthogonal to each other. The central portion 30a, the first side portion 30d, and the second side portion 30e extend between the first side 30f (e.g., Figures 16 to 18 the "top" side in Figures 16 to 18 ) and the second side 30g (e.g., the "bottom" side in Figure 16As seen in, the multiple holes 30h cause 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 through one or more connecting sections 30j.

[0060] The main body portion 30 has a pedal shaft receiving hole 31. The main body portion 30 defines the pedal shaft receiving hole 31. More specifically, the central portion 30a of the main body portion 30 defines the pedal shaft receiving hole 31. The pedal shaft receiving hole 31 receives the pedal shaft 14. More specifically, the pedal shaft receiving hole 31 receives the second end portion 22 of the pedal shaft 14. The pedal shaft receiving hole 31 has a first opening 31a and a second opening 31b. As in Figure 17 and Figure 18 As seen in, the first opening 31a is offset by a distance D1 from the crank end side 30b of the main body portion 30 to form a first gap 32, while the second opening 31b is offset by a distance D2 from the free end side 30c of the main body portion 30 to form a second gap 33. The first gap 32 is located between the first opening 31a and the crank end side 30b in the axial direction of the pedal shaft 14. The second gap 33 is located between the second opening 31b and the free end side 30c in the axial direction of the pedal shaft 14. The first opening 31a receives the pedal shaft 14 along the central axis CA. As in Figure 14 As seen in, the first opening 31a receives the second end portion 22 of the pedal shaft 14. As in Figure 5 and 6 As seen in, when the first opening 31a receives the pedal shaft 14, the second end portion 22 is positioned close to the second opening 31b.

[0061] The bicycle pedal 12 includes at least one tread portion 34 attached to the main body portion 30. More specifically, the pedal body 16 includes at least one tread portion 34 attached to the main body portion 30. As in Figure 12 and Figure 13 As seen in, the at least one tread portion 34 is formed separately from the main body portion 30. Here, the at least one tread portion 34 includes a first tread portion 34A and a second tread portion 34B. The first tread portion 34A is attached to the first side 30f of the main body portion 30, and the second tread portion 34B is attached to the second side 30g of the main body portion 30. The at least one tread portion 34 can be made of resin. For example, resin is advantageous because it improves the rider's grip on the bicycle pedal 12 and is not easily worn due to contact with the rider's shoes. Resin also makes the pedal lighter and limits the loosening of fasteners. However, the material is not limited to resin. At least when the effect of limiting the loosening of fasteners is not expected, the tread portion can be made of a material other than resin. By detachably attaching the tread portion 34 as shown, the rider can replace the tread portion 34 or interchangeably use different tread portions 34 as needed. The different tread portions 34 can be made of different materials or formed with different shapes or surface features, for example.

[0062] The bicycle pedal 12 includes at least one fastener 36. More specifically, the pedal body 16 includes at least one fastener 36. Here, the at least one fastener 36 is a threaded fastener 36. Here, the at least one fastener 36 includes a plurality of fasteners 36. As seen in Figure 1 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 , the plurality of fasteners 36 attach at least one tread portion 34 to the body portion 30. Here, the fasteners 36 attach the tread portion 34 to the body portion 30 by extending through the tread portion 34 and screwing into the body portion 30.

[0063] As shown, the plurality of fasteners 36 do not all need to be the same. Here, the fasteners 36 include one or more first fasteners 36A, one or more second fasteners 36B, and one or more third fasteners 36C. By mixing or rearranging different types of fasteners 36, the cyclist can customize the bicycle pedal 12 for optimal shoe grip. As seen in Figure 12 and Figure 13 , different fastener configurations are used on the first side 30f and the second side 30g of the body portion 30, enabling the cyclist to alternate between two different configurations by rotating the pedal body 16 to the opposite side. For example, in Figure 12 , most of the fasteners 36 are third fasteners 36C without studs (7 out of 12), while in Figure 13 , most of the fasteners 36 are first fasteners 36A with studs (6 out of 12) and second fasteners 36B with studs (4 out of 12). By rotating the pedal body 16, the cyclist can alternate between mostly studded grip and mostly non-studded grip.

[0064] The bicycle pedal 12 includes a retaining portion 38. More specifically, the pedal body 16 includes a retaining portion 38. The retaining portion 38 is configured to hold the pedal body 16 together with the bicycle crank 18 if the pedal shaft 14 breaks under the cyclist's load. Here, the body portion 30 and the retaining portion 38 are shown as separate components, but in an alternative embodiment, the body portion 30 and the retaining portion 38 can be formed together as a single component.

[0065] Figure 14 and Figure 15The retaining portion 38 is shown in detail. As shown, the retaining portion 38 includes a holding part 40. If the pedal shaft 14 breaks under the cyclist load, the holding part 40 holds the bicycle crank 18 and the pedal body 16 together. As described in more detail below, when the cyclist applies a load, the holding part 40 also contacts the intermediate portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14. When the cyclist applies a load, the holding part 40 can maintain a gap with the intermediate portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14. The retaining portion 38 includes a support portion 42. The support portion 42 attaches the holding part 40 to the main body portion 30. The support portion 42 also supports the holding part 40. More specifically, the support portion 42 attaches the holding part 40 to the main body portion 30 and then supports the holding part 40 when a cyclist load is applied. The retaining portion 38 also includes at least one support fastener 44. The at least one support fastener 44 attaches the support portion 42 to the main body portion 30. The holding part 40 is configured to be attached to the main body portion 30 through the support portion 42 and the at least one support fastener 44. For example, by inserting the holding part 40 into a first gap 32 at the crank end side 30b of the main body portion 30 and placing the support fastener 44 to pass through a fastening hole 42a of the support portion 42 to attach the support portion 42 to the main body portion 30 at the crank end side 30b. Once attached, the holding part 40 is held between the main body portion 30 and the support portion 42 by the support fastener 44.

[0066] As seen in Figure 15 the retaining portion 38 defines a pedal shaft receiving orifice 40a. Specifically, the holding part 40 includes a pedal shaft receiving orifice 40a. More specifically, the holding part 40 of the retaining portion 38 includes a holding section 40b that defines the pedal shaft receiving orifice 40a. As seen in Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 the pedal shaft receiving orifice 40a receives the intermediate portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 at a position outside the pedal shaft receiving hole 31. The pedal shaft receiving orifice 40a of the retaining portion 38 is positioned around the intermediate portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14. As observed in Figure 5 and Figure 6 as viewed along the axial direction of the pedal shaft 14, the first protrusion 26 extends radially outward relative to the central axis CA to at least partially overlap the holding part 40 of the retaining portion 38. This includes the case where portions of the holding part 40 other than the pedal shaft receiving orifice 40a overlap the first protrusion 26. Here, the first protrusion 26 extends radially outward from the pedal shaft 14 in a region A2 located between the second protrusion 27 and 1 / 4 of the axial length of the pedal shaft 14. As viewed from the axial direction of the pedal shaft 14, the holding section 40b at least partially overlaps the first protrusion 26. For example, the shape of the pedal shaft receiving orifice 40a overlaps the first protrusion 26. Thus, as Figure 14As shown, when the holding portion 38 is mounted on the pedal shaft 14, the holding section 40b cannot be axially pulled along the central axis CA toward the second end portion 22 beyond the first protrusion 26. As viewed in the axial direction of the pedal shaft 14, the second protrusion 27 extends radially outward relative to the central axis CA so as to at least partially overlap the holding portion 40 of the holding portion 38. Thus, as Figure 14 shown, when the holding portion 38 is mounted on the pedal shaft 14, the holding section 40b cannot be axially pulled along the central axis CA toward the first end portion 20 beyond the second protrusion 27.

[0067] The holding portion 38 includes a first side 38a and a second side 38b. The first side 38a is split from the second side 38b to position the pedal shaft receiving aperture 40a around the intermediate portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14. More specifically, the holding portion 40 of the holding portion 38 is split to position the pedal shaft receiving aperture 40a around the intermediate portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14. Here, the first side 38a and the second side 38b are split by a pair of slits 40c (for example, see Figure 10 and Figure 15 ). As seen in Figure 14 and Figure 15 , the holding portion 38 includes at least one slit 40c that is arranged to provide radial expansion of the holding portion 38 to be mounted on the pedal shaft 14. More specifically, as seen in Figure 14 and Figure 15 , the holding section 40b of the holding portion 40 includes two slits 40c spaced 180°. Here, the holding portion 40 has a plurality of slits that do not completely separate the holding portion 40 but increase the ability of the holding portion 40 to stretch over the first protrusion 26. Alternatively, the slit 40c can be configured to be able to divide the holding portion 40 into two components in the transverse direction. The slit 40c enables the holding section 40b to fit around the intermediate portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 despite the presence of the first protrusion 26. In these ways, as Figure 14 shown, the pedal shaft receiving aperture 40a receives the intermediate portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14. Then, when the pedal shaft 14 is fully inserted into the main body portion 30, the pedal shaft receiving aperture 40a at least partially surrounds the intermediate portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 around the central axis CA.

[0068] The support portion 42 includes a pedal shaft receiving aperture 42b that is larger than the first protrusion 26, so that the support portion 42 is assembled above the first protrusion 26 and holds the holding portion 40 together around the pedal shaft 14 during use. The holding portion 40 and the support portion 42 can be mounted on the pedal shaft 14 from the same direction. The diameter of the pedal shaft receiving aperture 42b is smaller than the outermost diameter of the second protrusion 27, so that the support portion 42 cannot slip past the second protrusion in the axial direction of the central axis CA towards the first end portion 20. That is, as viewed in the axial direction of the pedal shaft 14, the support portion 42 at least partially overlaps the second protrusion 27. During assembly, the support portion 42 does not fall off the pedal shaft 14 due to the second protrusion 27.

[0069] In one embodiment, the holding portion 40 can be made of multiple components. For example, the holding portion 40 can include separate components for the first side 38a and the second side 38b. The portion of the holding portion 40 that at least partially overlaps the first protrusion 26 in the axial direction can also be a separate component from the holding section 40b that includes the pedal shaft receiving aperture 40a. That is, a device different from the holding section 40b having the pedal shaft receiving aperture 40a is arranged at a position overlapping the first protrusion 26. In this case, the first protrusion 26 can travel through the pedal shaft receiving aperture 40a. However, due to the device overlapping the first protrusion 26, the pedal shaft 14 does not disengage from the holding portion 38.

[0070] As seen in Figure 15 the holding portion 40 further includes an inlet hole 40d and two side walls 40e that create an exposed hole 40f in a direction perpendicular to the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14. The inlet hole 40d surrounds the pedal shaft 14 around the central axis CA between the exposed portion 28 and the second end portion 22 when the pedal shaft 14 is fully inserted into the main body portion 30. Here, as seen in Figure 14 when the holding portion 38 is mounted on the pedal shaft, the inlet hole 40d surrounds the pedal shaft 14 in a region A1 that is 2 / 5 to 3 / 5 of the axial length of the pedal shaft 14 from the second protrusion 27. As seen in Figure 5 and Figure 6As seen in, when the retaining portion 38 is attached to the main body portion 30, the inlet hole 40d also protrudes into the first opening 31a of the pedal shaft receiving hole 31. When the retaining portion 38 is attached to the main body portion 30, the side wall 40e aligns with and abuts against the corresponding side wall 32a of the first gap 32 at the crank end side 30b of the main body portion 30. The side wall 40e also includes one or more mating features 40g configured to mate with corresponding one or more mating features 32b on the corresponding side wall 32a of the first gap 32. Here, the mating feature 40g is one or more recesses longitudinally extending along each side wall 40e between the pedal shaft receiving hole opening 40a and the inlet hole 40d, and the corresponding mating feature 32b is a protrusion longitudinally extending along each side wall 32a and configured to protrude into the mating feature 40g. Here, the recess is a slit passing through the side wall 40e. Alternatively, the mating feature 40g may include a protrusion, and the corresponding mating feature 32b may include a recess. When fully installed as shown in Figures 1 to 3 When fully installed as shown, the exposed hole 40f in the retaining portion 38 forms a space for exposing the exposed portion 28 of the pedal shaft 14. Here, the exposed portion 28 of the pedal shaft 14 is exposed on both the first side 30f and the second side 30g of the main body portion 30.

[0071] As in Figure 2 and Figure 3 As seen in and, the retaining portion 38 is axially spaced from the first opening 31a of the pedal shaft receiving hole 31 along the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14. More specifically, the inner surface of the pedal shaft receiving hole opening 40a of the retaining portion 38 is axially spaced from the first opening 31A, and this inner surface contacts the intermediate portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 under the rider load. The retaining portion 38 is axially spaced from the first opening 31a of the pedal shaft receiving hole 31 by a distance D3 along the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14. In Figure 2 and Figure 3 This axial spacing distance D3 is shown as crossing the exposed hole 40f that exposes the exposed portion 28. In this way, the pedal shaft 14 has an exposed portion 28 disposed outside the pedal body 16, between the retaining portion 38 and the first opening 31a of the pedal shaft receiving hole 31. By forming the exposed hole 40f with the exposed portion 28 of the pedal shaft 14, the rider load is distributed away from the sliding bearing as described below.

[0072] As in Figure 7 and Figure 8As seen in, the bicycle pedal 12 includes a first protrusion 48 that is disposed on the pedal shaft 14. In one embodiment, the first protrusion 48 includes at least one of a first O-ring 50 and a protrusion 52. The protrusion 52 is disposed on the pedal shaft 14. Herein, the first protrusion 48 includes the protrusion 52 and the first O-ring 50. The protrusion 52 extends radially outward from the pedal shaft 14 relative to the central axis CA. Herein, as in Figure 15 As seen in, the protrusion 52 has a constant diameter around the central axis CA. The protrusion 52 may also include one or more gaps at its outermost diameter in the circumferential direction. The protrusion 52 may also extend radially outward from the pedal shaft 14 at a single point or multiple points. The first O-ring 50 is disposed on the protrusion 52. The first O-ring 50 may also be press-fitted onto the pedal shaft 14. In one embodiment, the first O-ring 50 may be made of a resin such as polyoxymethylene (POM) or other resin material. Thus, the first O-ring 50 does not require a sealing function. However, the first O-ring 50 may be a sealing ring. The first O-ring 50 is a sealing ring. Thus, the first O-ring 50 may provide a sealing function to prevent water from entering the pedal shaft receiving hole 31 and prevent fouling within the pedal shaft receiving hole 31. The first O-ring 50 may be omitted. The protrusion 52 serves as a substitute for the first O-ring 50.

[0073] The bicycle pedal 12 includes a second protrusion 54. The second protrusion 54 is disposed on the pedal shaft 14. As explained in more detail below, the pedal shaft 14 translates in the axial direction of the central axis CA relative to the second protrusion 54. The first protrusion 48 also translates in the axial direction of the central axis CA relative to the second protrusion 54. Herein, the second protrusion 54 includes a second O-ring. The second O-ring is a sealing ring. Thus, the second O-ring may provide a sealing function to prevent water from entering the pedal shaft receiving hole 31 and prevent fouling within the pedal shaft receiving hole 31. However, the second O-ring does not require a sealing function. The second O-ring may be made of a resin such as acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) or another resin material.

[0074] As in Figures 5 to 8 As seen in, the first protrusion 48 and the second protrusion 54 are located within the pedal shaft receiving hole 31. The first protrusion 48 and the second protrusion 54 are positioned closer to the first opening 31a than the second opening 31b. The first protrusion 48 or the second protrusion 54 provides a sealing function to prevent water from entering the pedal shaft receiving hole 31 and prevent fouling within the pedal shaft receiving hole 31. However, a sealing function is not required. The second protrusion 54 may be omitted. The end of the holding portion 38 on the second end 22 side serves as a substitute for the second protrusion 54.

[0075] The bicycle pedal 12 includes at least one sliding bearing 56. The main body portion 30 is rotatably supported by at least one sliding bearing 56. Herein, the at least one sliding bearing 56 includes a first sliding bearing 56A and a second sliding bearing 56B. The first sliding bearing 56A is provided on the second end portion 22 of the pedal shaft 14. The second sliding bearing 56B is provided between the first sliding bearing 56A and the intermediate portion 24. The bicycle pedal 12 is more effective when the pedal shaft 14 is supported by at least two bearings 56 (such as the first sliding bearing 56A and the second sliding bearing 56B). This is because when there is a bearing (for example, the first sliding bearing 56A) near the second end portion 22 of the pedal shaft 14, the axial length of the pedal shaft 14 from the first end portion 20 to the portion where the bearing is mounted on the pedal shaft 14 can be long enough. Herein, the bearing (for example, the first sliding bearing 56A) 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 portion 20 to the portion where the bearing (for example, the first sliding bearing 56A) is mounted, it is easy to suppress stress concentration on the pedal shaft 14. Especially when the two bearings 56A, 56B are separated from each other, the length of the diameter-reducing portion becomes shorter, and it becomes difficult to suppress stress concentration on the pedal shaft 14.

[0076] When constructed as shown in Figure 5 or Figure 6 , the first sliding bearing 56A and the second sliding bearing 56B can enable the pedal body 16 to rotate smoothly relative to the central axis CA about the pedal shaft 14. The at least one sliding bearing 56 is located in the central portion of the pedal shaft 14 in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the second sliding bearing 56B is located in the central portion of the pedal shaft 14 in the axial direction of the pedal shaft 14. Alternatively, for example, at least one bearing (such as the second sliding bearing 56B) can be located in the region A1 (see Figure 14 and Figure 15 ), and the region A1 is 2 / 5 to 3 / 5 of the axial length of the pedal shaft 14 starting from the second protrusion 27. Generally, the diameter of the pedal shaft at the bearing portion is small. Since the diameter of the pedal shaft from the second sliding bearing 56B to the second end portion 22 can be reduced, it is easy to reduce the thickness of the bicycle pedal 12.

[0077] The bicycle pedal 12 includes an end washer 58. The end washer 58 is configured to reduce friction and create a space at the end of the second end portion 22 of the pedal shaft 14. The end washer 58 can be made of, for example, POM material.

[0078] The bicycle pedal 12 includes an end cap 60. The end cap 60 includes a thread 60a that mates with a corresponding thread on the inner surface of the second opening 31b. The end cap 60 has a non-cylindrical outer surface 60b that is at least partially located outside the pedal shaft receiving hole 31. More specifically, when the thread 60a is threaded into the second opening 31b, the non-cylindrical outer surface 60b is at least partially located outside the pedal shaft receiving hole 31. When the thread 60a is screwed into the second opening 31b, the non-cylindrical outer surface 60b is located within the second gap 33. The non-cylindrical outer surface 60b has a polygonal shape. Here, as seen in Figure 10 the polygonal shape is an octagonal shape. The end cap 60 further includes a non-cylindrical inner surface 60c. The non-cylindrical inner surface 60c is configured to receive a tool to enable the end cap 60 to be screwed into the second opening 31b. The non-cylindrical inner surface 60c is located on the same side of the end cap 60 as the non-cylindrical outer surface 60b. The end cap 60 can be made of metal. Additionally, the end cap 60 can be made of resin.

[0079] The end cap 60 is adjustably attached to the body portion 30 at the second opening 31b to adjust the position of the pedal shaft 14 within the pedal shaft receiving hole 31 relative to the central axis CA in the axial direction. Thus, the end cap 60 enables the bicycle pedal 12 to be adjusted between multiple configurations. Figure 5 and Figure 7 show the bicycle pedal 12 in a first configuration, while Figure 6 and Figure 8 show the bicycle pedal 12 in a second configuration. In the first configuration, compared to the second configuration (e.g., in Figure 6 and Figure 8 the first protrusion 48 further to the right), the pedal shaft 14 is displaced relative to the body portion 30 in the axial direction of the central axis CA. Moreover, in the first configuration, compared to the second configuration (e.g., in Figure 6 and Figure 8 the first protrusion 48 further to the right), the first protrusion 48 is displaced relative to the body portion 30 in the axial direction of the central axis CA. Thus, the end cap 60 is adjustable relative to the body portion 30 to adjust the position of the first protrusion 48 relative to the body portion 30 in the axial direction. As explained in more detail below, the rotational torque of the body portion 30 relative to the pedal shaft 14 is reduced in the second configuration compared to the first configuration. This enables the bicycle pedal 12 to rotate more freely on the bicycle crank 18 in the second configuration than in the first configuration. The end cap 60 is also configured to seal the second opening 31b and restrict the entry of unwanted dust and debris into the pedal shaft receiving hole 31.

[0080] In order to as in Figure 5 and Figure 7Construct the bicycle pedal 12 in the first configuration shown, where the first opening 31a of the main body portion 30 receives the second sliding bearing 56B, the first protrusion 48, the second protrusion 54, and the second end 22 of the pedal shaft 14 (e.g., as seen in Figure 14 during or after attaching the retaining portion 38). The second opening 31b receives the first sliding bearing 56A, the end washer 58, and the end cap 60. Here, the end cap 60 is partially screwed into the second opening 31b of the pedal shaft receiving hole 31. The end cap 60 contacts the end washer 58, and the end washer 58 contacts the second end 22 of the pedal shaft 14. Thus, the position of the end cap 60 in the axial direction of the central axis CA controls the position of the pedal shaft 14 in the axial direction of the central axis CA. Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that, according to the present disclosure, alternative embodiments may enable the end cap 60 to directly contact the pedal shaft 14 or may include other intermediate elements between the end cap 60 and the pedal shaft 14 in addition to the end washer 58.

[0081] To adjust the bicycle pedal 12 to the second configuration as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 8 , unscrew the end cap 60 from the second opening 31b of the pedal shaft receiving hole 31. When the end cap 60 moves in the axial direction of the central axis CA (e.g., to the right in Figures 5 to 8 ), the end cap 60 allows the pedal shaft 14 to move relative to the main body portion 30 in the axial direction of the central axis CA toward the second opening 31b. The first protrusion 48 is fixed to the pedal shaft 14 and thus also moves axially toward the second opening 31b. However, as seen in Figure 6 and Figure 8 , the retaining portion 38 restricts the movement of the second protrusion 54 in the axial direction toward the first opening 31a within the pedal shaft receiving hole 31. When the first protrusion 48 moves axially toward the first opening 31a, the second protrusion 54 remains stationary relative to the main body portion 30. Thus, the end cap 60 can be adjusted relative to the main body portion 30 to adjust the distance between the first protrusion 48 and the second protrusion 54 in the axial direction. More specifically, when the end cap 60 is screwed into the second opening 31b, the first protrusion 48 is pushed toward the second protrusion 54. Thus, the end cap 60 can be adjusted relative to the main body portion 30 to adjust the first protrusion 48 relative to the main body portion 30 toward the second protrusion 54 in the axial direction. As seen in Figure 5 and Figure 7As can be seen, the end cap 60 is configured to be screwed into the second opening 31b until the first protrusion 48 contacts or compresses the second protrusion 54. Thus, the end cap 60 can be adjusted relative to the main body portion 30 such that the first protrusion 48 contacts the second protrusion 54. When the first protrusion 48 contacts the second protrusion 54, the rotational torque of the main body portion 30 relative to the pedal shaft 14 increases due to the first protrusion 48 rubbing against the second protrusion 54 during rotation of the main body portion 30 about the pedal shaft 14. In one embodiment, the retaining portion 38 includes the second protrusion 54.

[0082] Once in the first configuration, the bicycle pedal 12 is configured to be adjusted to a second configuration by unscrewing the end cap 60 axially out of the second opening 31b. Here, the position of the pedal shaft 14 in the second configuration is determined by the contact between the second end 22 of the pedal shaft 14 and the end washer 58. The position of the pedal shaft 14 in the second configuration is determined by the contact between the first protrusion 48 and the second protrusion 54. It should be further understood from the present disclosure that the bicycle pedal 12 is configured to be placed in a variety of configurations between the first configuration and the second configuration. Each rotation of the end cap 60 causes the pedal shaft 14 to move intermittently axially to a new configuration. Here, the pitch of the thread 60a is 1 mm. The non-cylindrical inner surface 60c of the end cap is octagonal in shape, and a 45-degree rotation of the end cap 60 relative to the main body portion 30 is configured to move the pedal shaft 14 0.125 mm in the axial direction of the central axis CA.

[0083] Here, in the second configuration, the clearance distance between the first protrusion 48 and the second protrusion 54 in the axial direction of the central axis CA is set to a positive value. In the first configuration, when the end cap 60 is fully screwed into the second opening 31b, the clearance distance between the first protrusion 48 and the second protrusion 54 in the axial direction of the central axis CA is set to a negative value. More specifically, in the first configuration, the clearance distance is set to be between approximately -0.4 and 0 mm. Thus, in the first configuration where the end cap 60 is fully screwed into the second opening 31b, the first protrusion 48 presses against the second protrusion 54 to increase the rotational torque of the main body portion 30 relative to the pedal shaft 14. By reducing the clearance between the first protrusion 48 and the second protrusion 54 in the axial direction relative to the central axis CA, it is possible to obtain a lightweight rotary bicycle pedal with a relatively small axial movement of the pedal body 16 relative to the pedal shaft. In the bicycle pedal 12 according to this embodiment, the clearance between the first protrusion 48 and the second protrusion 54 in the axial direction relative to the central axis CA can be adjusted intermittently by 0.125 mm.

[0084] Once the bicycle pedal 12 is adjusted to a desired configuration, at least one tread portion 34 is configured to be attached to the body portion 30. The at least one tread portion 34 is also configured to enable multiple configurations of the bicycle pedal 12. As seen in Figure 10 and Figure 11 , the at least one tread portion 34 has a recess 62, and an inner surface 64 of the recess 62 at least partially mates with a non-cylindrical outer surface 60b of the end cap 60. As shown, the at least one tread portion 34 includes: a first tread portion 34A having a first inner surface 64A that mates with the non-cylindrical outer surface 60b of the end cap 60; and a second tread portion 34B having a second inner surface 64B that mates with the non-cylindrical outer surface 60b of the end cap 60. Thus, as long as the end cap 60 is rotated to the position shown in Figure 10 , the first inner surface 64A and the second inner surface 64B mate with the non-cylindrical outer surface 60b on opposite sides of the non-cylindrical outer surface 60b. The tread portion 34 thus helps to control the intermittent adjustment of the end cap 60. Here, the non-cylindrical outer surface 60b of the end cap 60 is shown as having a decagonal shape. However, the non-cylindrical outer surface 60b of the end cap 60 can have other non-cylindrical shapes. The pitch of the thread 60a is 1 mm. When the non-cylindrical outer surface 60b of the end cap 60 has an octagonal shape, the intermittent axial movement distance of the end cap 60 is, for example, 0.125 mm for a 45° rotation of the end cap 60.

[0085] Figure 12 and Figure 13 Further illustration of the attachment of the tread portion 34 to the body portion 30 is shown. As shown, the tread portion 34 is attached to the body portion 30 by at least one fastener 36. Here, the first tread portion 34A is attached to a first side 30f of the body portion 30 by at least some of the plurality of fasteners 36. Similarly, the second tread portion 34B is attached to a second side 30g of the body portion 30 by at least some of the plurality of fasteners 36. The fasteners 36 are configured to travel through through-holes 66 in the tread portion 34 and be screwed into fixing holes 66 in the body portion 30. By inserting the fasteners 36 through each through-hole 66 and into each fixing hole 66, the tread portion 34 can be detachably attached to the body portion 30. When installed, the first tread portion 34A fills the second gap 33 and covers the end cap 60 on the first side 30f of the body portion 30. Similarly, the second tread portion 34B fills the second gap 33 and covers the end cap 60 on the second side 30g of the body portion 30. Thus, with the tread portion installed, the end cap 60 cannot be adjusted. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the tread portion 34 does not cover the central portion 30a of the body portion 30, so that the pedal body 16 can be formed as thin as possible, where there is sufficient space in the central portion 30a to receive the pedal shaft 14.

[0086] Once the bicycle pedal 12 is constructed as required, the bicycle pedal 12 is configured to be attached to the bicycle crank 18 and operate under no-load conditions or under load. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The no-load condition where the rider does not press down on the pedal body 16 is shown. Here, the holding portion 38 is located at a position corresponding to the middle portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 along the central axis CA. More specifically, the pedal shaft receiving orifice 40a surrounds the middle portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 along the central axis CA. In this configuration, the holding portion 38 is configured to receive a load from the middle portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 when a load is applied. The holding portion 38 is configured to receive a load when the rider presses down on the pedal body 16. Here, the holding portion 38 is at least partially spaced apart from the middle portion 24 under no-load conditions. More specifically, the inner surface of the pedal shaft receiving orifice 40a of the holding portion 38 is at least partially spaced apart from the middle portion 24 under non-load-bearing conditions. The holding portion 38 is at least partially spaced apart from the middle portion 24 by a distance D4 under no-load conditions. For example, the range of the distance D4 can be from 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm. More suitably, the range of the distance D4 can be from 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm. The distance D4 is taken in a direction perpendicular to the central axis CA. The distance D4 can also exist under a predetermined load condition where the load applied to the pedal body 16 does not exceed a predetermined value. When the distance D4 exists under the predetermined load condition, the first portion and the second portion support the pedal body 16 on the bicycle crank 18. The first portion is located at the first end portion 20 of the pedal shaft 14. The second portion is located within the pedal shaft receiving hole 31, near the second end portion 22 on the pedal shaft 14. The predetermined load is the load when the holding portion 38 does not contact the middle portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14. For the predetermined load, the first portion receives a greater load than the second portion.

[0087] Figure 9 The load applied by the rider to the pedal body 16 is shown. Here, when in a first configuration corresponding to Figure 5 the bicycle pedal 12 is used. When the rider applies a load to the pedal body 16, the holding portion 38 contacts the middle portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14. More specifically, the holding portion 38 contacts the pedal shaft 14 at a position L1 between the first protrusion 26 and the second protrusion 27. At the position L1, when the rider applies a load to the pedal body 16, the holding portion 38 at the inner surface of the pedal shaft receiving orifice 40a contacts the middle portion 24. In doing so, the holding portion 38 absorbs at least a part of the force applied to the pedal body 16 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14. For example, the direction perpendicular to the central axis CA is as Figure 9In the downward direction, this force can be generated when the cyclist steps on the pedal body 16. For example, the force can be greater than the pedaling force exerted by the cyclist sitting on the saddle. For example, the force can be the pedaling force exerted by a cyclist standing up from the saddle. The pedaling force exerted by the cyclist sitting on the saddle can be less than a predetermined value under a predetermined load condition. That is, the pedal shaft 14 is configured to contact the holding portion 38 when the force exceeds the predetermined value during the cyclist's ride. The predetermined value is a force value greater than a certain value that occurs when the cyclist is riding. For example, due to the exposed portion 28 of the pedal shaft 14 being slightly bent within the exposed hole 40f under the force from the cyclist, contact at position L1 is caused. Therefore, by exposing the exposed portion 28 as discussed herein and by aligning the intermediate portion 24 with the inner surface of the pedal shaft receiving port 40a as shown in the figure, the load from the cyclist is distributed to the holding portion 38. A large force exerted by the cyclist occurs, for example, when a large force is applied from the outside of the bicycle. A large force applied from the outside of the bicycle is, for example, an impact force generated when the bicycle goes up and down stairs.

[0088] Since the holding portion 38 and the intermediate portion 24 contact each other during the load condition, at least one of the holding portion 38 and the intermediate portion 24 may include a resin material. The resin material can be, for example, nylon or POM. Here, the holding portion 38 is made of a resin material. The resin material is advantageous because the resin material is not easily worn due to contact with the pedal shaft 14, which is typically made of a metal material such as carbon steel or chrome molybdenum steel. Here, the support portion 42 includes a metal material. The metal material of the support portion 42 can increase the stiffness and strength of the holding portion 38 and hold the holding portion 40 in place when contacting the intermediate portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14.

[0089] The bicycle pedal 12 is configured to keep the pedal body 16 attached to the bicycle crank 18 even if the pedal shaft 14 breaks during use. More specifically, the retaining portion 38 is configured to keep the body portion 30 attached to the bicycle crank 18 even if the pedal shaft 14 breaks during use. Even if the pedal shaft 14 breaks in the maximum load area, the retaining section 40b of the retaining portion 40 remains inside the first protrusion 26 with respect to the bicycle crank arm 18 in the axial direction of the central axis CA, so that the pedal body 16 does not fall off the bicycle crank 18. This is because the first protrusion 26 and the retaining section 40b at least partially overlap when viewed in the axial direction. The retaining section 40b of the retaining portion 40 also remains outside the second protrusion 27 with respect to the bicycle crank arm 18 in the axial direction of the central axis CA, so that the intermediate portion 24 of the pedal body 16 and the pedal shaft 14 do not separate. In other words, the retaining section 40b of the retaining portion 40 remains between the first protrusion 26 and the second protrusion 27 in the axial direction of the central axis CA. Here, it is assumed that the pedal shaft 14 is damaged at the exposed portion 28. This is because in the case where the bicycle shaft 14 is bent, the maximum stress is applied to the exposed portion 28.

[0090] Now referring to Figure 19 , the bicycle pedal 112 according to the second embodiment will be explained. In view of the similarity between the first embodiment and the second embodiment, parts of the second embodiment that are the same as those of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment. In addition, for the sake of brevity, the description of parts of the second embodiment that are the same as those of the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0091] Figure 19 The main difference between the bicycle pedal 112 of Figures 1 to 18 and the bicycle pedal 12 of

[0092] In understanding the scope of the present 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 preclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings, such as the terms "including", "having", and their derivatives. Further, unless otherwise stated, the terms "part", "section", "portion", "member", or "element" when used in the singular may also have a dual meaning of a single part or multiple parts.

[0093] As used herein, the following directional terms "towards the frame side", "non-towards the frame side", "forward", "backward", "front", "rear", "up", "down", "above", "below", "upward", "downward", "top", "bottom", "side", "vertical", "horizontal", "perpendicular", and "lateral" and any other similar directional terms refer to those directions in the field of human-powered vehicles (e.g., bicycles) in an upright riding position and equipped with bicycle pedals. Thus, these directional terms used to describe bicycle pedals should be interpreted with respect to the field of human-powered vehicles (e.g., bicycles) in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface and equipped with bicycle pedals. The terms "left" and "right" are used to denote "right" when referring to the right side when viewed from the rear of the field of human-powered vehicles (e.g., bicycles), and denote "left" when referring to the left side when viewed from the rear of the field of human-powered vehicles (e.g., bicycles).

[0094] As used in this disclosure, the phrase "at least one" means "one or more" of the desired selections. For one example, the phrase "at least one" as used in this disclosure means "only a single selection" or "both of two selections" if the number of its selections is two. For another example, the phrase "at least one" as used in this disclosure means "only a single selection" or "any combination of two or more selections" if the number of its selections is equal to or greater than three.

[0095] Likewise, 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 only used to distinguish one component from other components. Thus, for example, without departing from the teachings of the present invention, the first component discussed above may be referred to as the second component, and vice versa.

[0096] As used herein, the terms "attached" or "attachment" cover the following configurations: a configuration in which an element is directly fixed to another element by directly attaching the element to the other element; a configuration in which an element is indirectly fixed to another element by attaching the element to one or more intermediate elements and then attaching the intermediate elements to the other element; and a configuration in which one element is integral with another element, i.e., one element is essentially a part of the other element. This definition also applies to words having similar meanings, such as "coupled", "connected", "joined", "mounted", "combined", "fixed" and their derivatives. Finally, degree terms used herein, such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately", mean the amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

[0097] Although only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from 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 can be changed as needed and / or desired, so long as such changes do not substantially affect their intended functions. Unless otherwise specifically stated, intermediate structures can be provided between components shown as being directly connected or in contact with each other, so long as such changes do not substantially affect their intended functions. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the function of one element can be performed by two elements and vice versa. The structure and function of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. Not all advantages need to be present in a particular embodiment simultaneously. Each feature that is unique relative to the prior art, either alone or in combination with other features, should also be considered a separate description by the applicant of a further invention, including the structural and / or functional concepts embodied by one or more such features. Accordingly, the foregoing description of embodiments according to the present invention is provided for purposes of illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A bicycle pedal, comprising: A pedal shaft having a first end, a second end, a middle portion, and a first protrusion that extends radially outward relative to the central axis of the pedal shaft, and the first protrusion is located between the first end and the second end; And A pedal body that can be rotatably supported by the pedal shaft about the central axis, and the pedal body includes: a main body portion that defines a pedal shaft receiving hole for receiving the second end of the pedal shaft; and a holding portion that defines a pedal shaft receiving hole opening for receiving the middle portion of the pedal shaft at a position outside the pedal shaft receiving hole; When viewed in the axial direction of the pedal shaft, the first protrusion extends radially outward relative to the central axis to at least partially overlap with the holding portion of the holding portion.

2. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1, wherein The holding portion of the holding portion includes a holding section that defines the pedal shaft receiving hole opening, and When viewed in the axial direction of the pedal shaft, the holding section at least partially overlaps with the first protrusion.

3. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The holding portion includes at least one slit arranged to provide radial expansion of the holding portion to be mounted on the pedal shaft.

4. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The holding portion includes a first side and a second side, and The first side is separated from the second side to position the pedal shaft receiving hole opening around the middle portion of the pedal shaft.

5. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The pedal shaft has a second protrusion that extends radially outward relative to the central axis, The pedal shaft receiving hole opening of the holding portion is positioned around the middle portion of the pedal shaft, and The middle portion is located between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

6. The bicycle pedal according to claim 5, wherein When viewed in the axial direction of the pedal shaft, the second protrusion extends radially outward relative to the central axis to at least partially overlap with the holding portion of the holding portion.

7. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The holding portion includes a support portion, The holding portion includes the pedal shaft receiving hole opening, and The support portion attaches the holding portion to the main body portion.

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