PEDAL ARRANGEMENT FOR A HUMAN-PROPELLED VEHICLE

Abstract

A shoe holder 16, 116 is provided for a pedal 14, 18, 114, which is provided for a human-propelled vehicle V. The shoe holder 16, 116 comprises a retaining element 40, 140 and a base element 42, 142. The base element 42, 142 is configured to mount the retaining element 40, 140 to the pedal 14, 18, 114. The base element 42, 142 is a separate element from the retaining element 40, 140. The base element 42, 142 has a fixing section 46, 146 and a support section 48, 148. The fixing section 46, 146 is configured to be fixed to the pedal 14, 18, 114. The support section 48, 148 is designed to support the retaining element 40, 140. In its assembled state, with the shoe holder 16, 116 mounted on the pedal 14, 18, 114, the support section 48, 148 extends in a first direction D1 from the fixing section 46, 146 beyond an outer periphery OP of the pedal 14, 18, 114.

Description

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a pedal assembly for a human-powered vehicle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a shoe holder for a pedal provided on a human-powered vehicle.

[0002] A pedal typically includes a pedal axle and a pedal body. The pedal axle is designed to be attached to a crank of a human-powered vehicle. The pedal body is rotatably mounted on the pedal axle. Pedals are often designed for a specific purpose, such as comfort, recreational cycling, off-road cycling, road racing, sports, etc., or for a user's preference. Some pedals are equipped with a pedal component that prevents a rider's foot from slipping off the pedal and / or improves pedaling efficiency. Some pedals, for example, are equipped with a shoe retainer such as a toe clip. An example of a pedal equipped with a toe clip is disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,269,084.

[0003] In general, the present invention relates to various features of a shoe holder for a pedal adapted for use with a human-powered vehicle. As used herein, the term "human-powered vehicle" refers to a vehicle that can be driven at least by human motive power to generate propulsion, but does not include a vehicle that uses only motive power other than human power. In particular, a vehicle that uses an internal combustion engine exclusively as motive power is not considered a human-powered vehicle. The human-powered vehicle is generally a compact, lightweight vehicle that sometimes does not require a driver's license to drive on public roads. The number of wheels of the human-powered vehicle is not limited.Human-powered vehicles include, for example, a unicycle and a vehicle with three or more wheels. Human-powered vehicles include, for example, various types of bicycles such as mountain bikes, racing bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, recumbent bikes, and electric-assisted bicycles (e-bikes).

[0004] In view of the prior art and according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shoe holder for a pedal, which is provided on a human-powered vehicle. The shoe holder comprises a holder member and a base member. The base member is configured to mount the holder member to the pedal. The base member is a separate member from the holder member. The base member has a fixing portion and a supporting portion. The fixing portion is configured to be fixed to the pedal. The supporting portion is configured to support the holder member. In an assembled state in which the shoe holder is mounted to the pedal, the supporting portion extends in a first direction from the fixing portion beyond an outer periphery of the pedal.

[0005] With the shoe holder according to the first aspect, the base element provides improved rigidity of the holder element.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the shoe holder according to the first aspect is configured such that the fixing portion of the base member is mounted on at least one of a first shoe contact surface of the pedal and a second shoe contact surface of the pedal. The first shoe contact surface of the pedal is opposite to the second shoe contact surface of the pedal. With the shoe holder according to the second aspect, the base member can be reliably coupled to the pedal.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the shoe holder according to the first aspect or the second aspect is configured such that the holder element has a fixed portion configured to be fixed to the support portion of the base member. With the shoe holder according to the third aspect, the holder element can be reliably supported on the base member by fixing the fixed portion of the holder element to the support portion of the base member.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the shoe holder according to the third aspect is configured such that the support portion of the base member has at least one support opening. The fixed portion of the holder member has at least one holder opening. Each of the at least one support opening of the support portion and the at least one holder opening of the fixed portion accommodates at least one common fastening element. With the shoe holder according to the fourth aspect, the holder member can be easily fixed to the base member by at least one common fastening element.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the shoe holder according to the fourth aspect is configured such that one of the at least one support opening of the support portion and the at least one holder opening of the fixed portion is an elongated hole. With the shoe holder according to the fifth aspect, the holder element can be easily adjusted relative to the base element.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the shoe holder according to any one of the first to fifth aspects is configured such that the fixing portion of the base member has at least one base fixing hole configured to receive at least one fastening element for fixing the fixing portion of the base member to the pedal. With the shoe holder according to the sixth aspect, the fixing portion of the base member can be securely attached to the pedal.

[0011] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the shoe holder according to any one of the first to sixth aspects is configured such that the base member is made of a metallic material. With the shoe holder according to the seventh aspect, the base member can be durable.

[0012] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the shoe holder according to any one of the first to seventh aspects is configured such that the fixing portion of the base member includes a first fixed part configured to be fixed to a first shoe contact side of the pedal and a second fixed part configured to be fixed to a second shoe contact side of the pedal. The first shoe contact side of the pedal is opposite to the second shoe contact side of the pedal. With the shoe holder according to the eighth aspect, the fixing portion of the base member can be firmly and reliably attached to the pedal.

[0013] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the shoe holder according to the eighth aspect is configured such that the first fixed part of the fixing portion has at least one first fixing hole configured to receive at least one first fixing element for fixing the first fixed part of the fixing portion to the first shoe contact side of the pedal. The second fixed part of the fixing portion has at least one second fixing hole configured to receive at least one second fixing element for fixing the second fixed part of the fixing portion to the second shoe contact side of the pedal. With the shoe holder according to the ninth aspect, the first fixed part and the second fixed part can be easily attached to the pedal.

[0014] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the shoe holder according to the eighth aspect or the ninth aspect is configured such that the support portion has a connecting part that connects the first fixed part and the second fixed part to each other. With the shoe holder according to the tenth aspect, the first fixed part and the second fixed part can be arranged at an appropriate distance from each other via the connecting part.

[0015] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the shoe holder according to the tenth aspect is configured such that the connecting part of the support portion extends in a second direction between the first shoe contact side and the second shoe contact side. With the shoe holder according to the eleventh aspect, the first fixed part can be provided on the first shoe contact side of the pedal, and the second fixed part can be provided on the second shoe contact side of the pedal.

[0016] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the shoe holder according to any one of the first to sixth and eighth to eleventh aspects is configured such that the base member is made of a non-metallic material including resin. With the shoe holder according to the twelfth aspect, the base member can be relatively lightweight.

[0017] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the shoe holder according to any one of the second to twelfth aspects is configured such that the support portion includes a support surface configured to support the holder element, and the support surface of the support portion is offset from at least one of the first shoe contact surface and the second shoe contact surface. With the shoe holder according to the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to support the holder element such that the holder element is partially aligned with one of the first shoe contact surface and the second shoe contact surface.

[0018] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the shoe holder according to any one of the third to thirteenth aspects is configured such that the fixed portion of the holder element is at least partially aligned with one of the first shoe contact surface and the second shoe contact surface. With the shoe holder according to the fourteenth aspect, a sole of a shoe can be in contact with both the fixed portion and one of the first shoe contact surface and the second shoe contact surface simultaneously.

[0019] According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the shoe holder according to any one of the third to fourteenth aspects is configured such that the support portion of the base member includes a first contact surface. The fixed portion of the holder member includes a shoe sole contact surface and a second contact surface. The shoe sole contact surface and the second contact surface face the same direction. The first contact surface of the support portion of the base member is in contact with the second contact surface of the fixed portion of the holder member in an assembled state of the shoe holder. With the shoe holder according to the fifteenth aspect, the fixed portion of the holder member can be reliably supported by the support portion of the base member.

[0020] According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the shoe holder according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects is configured such that the fixing portion of the base member has one of an engaging hole and an engaging projection. The other of the engaging hole and the engaging projection is provided on the pedal. One of the engaging hole and the engaging projection of the fixing portion of the base member is configured to engage with the other of the engaging hole and the engaging projection of the pedal. With the shoe holder according to the sixteenth aspect, the shoe holder can be partially engaged with the pedal to facilitate attachment of the shoe holder to the pedal before the fixing portion is firmly fixed to the pedal.

[0021] Also other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed shoe holder for a pedal and the disclosed shoe holder will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, discloses preferred embodiments of the shoe holder and the pedal.

[0022] Selected embodiments of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the drawings that form a part of this original disclosure, wherein: Fig. 1 is a side view of a human-powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle) equipped with a pair of pedal assemblies according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is an outline of the human-powered vehicle (for example, a bicycle) that is compatible with the Fig. 1, viewed from the front of the human-powered vehicle and along a longitudinal direction to show a median plane vertically bisecting a frame of the human-powered vehicle; Fig. 3 a perspective view from above of one of the Fig. 1 illustrated pedal assemblies with a pedal and a shoe holder according to the first embodiment; Fig. 4 a perspective view from below of the Fig. 3 is the pedal arrangement illustrated; Fig. 5 a top view of the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is the pedal arrangement illustrated; Fig. 6 a plan view from below of the Fig. 3 to 5 illustrated pedal arrangement; Fig. 7 an external side view of the Fig. 3 to 6 illustrated pedal arrangement; Fig. 8 a longitudinal section view of the Fig. 3 to 7, seen along section line 8-8 of Fig. 5; Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the Fig. 3 to 8 illustrated pedal arrangement; Fig. 10 a perspective view from above, similar to Fig. 3, to which Fig. 3 to 9, but with the shoe holder adapted; Fig. 11 is a top perspective view of a pedal assembly including a pedal and a shoe holder according to a second embodiment; Fig. 12 a perspective view from below of the Fig. 11 illustrated pedal arrangement; Fig. 13 a top view of the Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 is the pedal arrangement illustrated; Fig. 14 a plan view from below of the Fig. 10 to 13 illustrated pedal arrangement; Fig. 15 an external side view of the Fig. 11 to 14; Fig. 16 a longitudinal section view of the Fig. 10 to 15, seen along section line 16-16 of Fig. 13; and Fig. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the Fig. 11 to 16 illustrated pedal arrangement.

[0023] Those skilled in the human-powered vehicle field (e.g., bicycle industry) will appreciate from this disclosure that the following descriptions of embodiments of the present invention are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0024] In Fig. 1, a human-powered vehicle V (e.g., a bicycle) is shown, which is equipped with a first pedal assembly 10 and a second pedal assembly 12 according to a first embodiment. In other words, the first pedal assembly 10 and the second pedal assembly 12 are provided for the human-powered vehicle V. Here, the human-powered vehicle V is, for example, a bicycle. In the illustrated embodiment, the human-powered vehicle V is, for example, an electric-assisted mountain bike (i.e., an off-road bicycle). Alternatively, the human-powered vehicle V can also be a road bicycle, a city bicycle, a cargo bike, a recumbent bicycle, or another type of off-road bicycle, such as a cyclocross bicycle. The number of wheels of the human-powered vehicle V is not limited.The human-powered vehicle V includes, for example, a unicycle and a vehicle with three or more wheels. Here, the human-powered vehicle V is a bicycle that uses at least partially human power as the driving force for locomotion and includes an electric drive unit that assists the human power. In particular, a vehicle powered solely by an internal combustion engine does not belong to the human-powered vehicle of this disclosure. More specifically, in the embodiments described below, the human-powered vehicle V is an electric-assisted bicycle (e-bike).

[0025] As in Fig. 1, the human-powered vehicle V includes a vehicle body VB equipped with a variety of vehicle components. As shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle body VB has a front frame body FB and a rear frame body RB (a swing arm) pivotally mounted on a rear portion of the front frame body FB so that the rear frame body RB can swing with respect to the front frame body FB. A rear wheel RW is mounted on the rear frame body RB, and a front wheel FW is mounted on the front frame body FB via a front suspension FS. A bicycle seat or saddle S is adjustably mounted on the front frame body FB via an adjustable seat post SP. A rear suspension RS is provided between the front frame body FB and the rear frame body RB to control the movement of the rear frame body RB with respect to the front frame body FB. Namely, the rear suspension RS is configured to absorb a shock applied to the rear wheel RW. The front suspension FS is pivotally mounted on a head tube of the front frame body FB.A handlebar H is mounted at an upper end of a steering tube of the front suspension FS. The front suspension FS is designed to absorb a shock acting on the front wheel FW. The front wheel FW is mounted at a lower end of the front suspension FS. The rear wheel RW is mounted at a rear end of the rear frame body RB.

[0026] The human-powered vehicle V further includes a drive train DT and a drive unit DU coupled to the drive train DT. The drive unit DU is also referred to as an electric assist unit. Here, the drive train DT is, for example, a chain drive that includes a crank C, a front pinion FSP, a plurality of rear pinions RSP, and a chain CN. The crank C includes a crank axle CA1 and a pair of crank arms CA2. The crank axle CA1 is rotatably supported on the front frame body FB via the electric assist unit DU. The crank arms CA2 are provided at opposite ends of the crank axle CA1.

[0027] The drivetrain DT can be selected from any type and can be belt-driven or shaft-driven. The human-powered vehicle V further includes a front derailleur FD mounted on the front frame body FB for shifting the chain CN between the front sprockets FSP, and a rear derailleur RD mounted on the rear frame body RB for shifting the chain CN between the rear sprockets RSP. The front derailleur FD and rear derailleur RD are a type of gear-changing device or transmission device for changing a gear ratio of the drivetrain DT.

[0028] The front pinion FSP is provided on the crank C to rotate along with the crank axis CA1. The rear pinions RSP are provided on a hub of the rear wheel RW. The chain CN runs around the front pinion FSP and the rear pinions RSP. The first pedal assembly 10 and the second pedal assembly 12 receive human driving force from a driver or user of the human-powered vehicle V, so that the driving force is transmitted to the rear wheel RW via the front pinion FSP, the chain CN, and the rear pinions RSP.

[0029] The drive unit DU is actuated to assist the propulsion of the human-powered vehicle V in a conventional manner. The drive unit DU is actuated, for example, in response to a human driving force acting on the first pedal assembly 10 and the second pedal assembly 12. The drive unit DU includes an electric motor operatively coupled to the front pinion gear FSP. The drive unit DU is driven by electrical energy supplied by a power supply PS.

[0030] In Fig. 2 is an outline of the human-powered vehicle V viewed from the front of the human-powered vehicle V and in a longitudinal direction to show a center plane CP vertically bisecting the vehicle body VB of the human-powered vehicle V. The center plane CP passes through a center of the vehicle body VB in a width direction of the vehicle body VB. The center plane CP separates a left side from a right side of the human-powered vehicle V. The following directional terms “front,” “rear,” “forward,” “backward,” “left,” “right,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” “upward,” and “downward,” and other similar directional terms refer to the directions determined based on a rider sitting upright on the seat S of the human-powered vehicle V while facing the handlebar H of the human-powered vehicle V.

[0031] As in Fig. 1, the first pedal assembly 10 is rotatably coupled to the distal end of one of the crank arms CA2, and the second pedal assembly 12 is rotatably coupled to the distal end of the other of the crank arms CA2. Here, the first pedal assembly 10 is provided on the left side of the human-powered vehicle V, and the second pedal assembly 12 is provided on the right side of the human-powered vehicle V. The first pedal assembly 10 essentially includes a pedal 14 and a shoe holder 16. Accordingly, the shoe holder 16 is provided for the pedal 14 on the human-powered vehicle V. The second pedal assembly 12 essentially includes a pedal 18 and the shoe holder 16. Thus, the shoe holder 16 is used for both the pedal 14 and the pedal 18. The pedal 14 is a left-side pedal, and the pedal 18 is a right-side pedal.The pedal 14 is attached to the crank arm CA2 on the left side of the human-powered vehicle V. The pedal 18 is attached to the crank arm CA2 on the right side of the human-powered vehicle V. Given the similarity between the first pedal assembly 10 and the second pedal assembly 12, the first pedal assembly 10 will be explained and illustrated in more detail below. However, the description of the first pedal assembly 10 also applies to the second pedal assembly 12 unless otherwise stated.

[0032] With reference to the Fig. 3 to 10, the first pedal assembly 10 will now be described in more detail. The pedal 14 essentially comprises a pedal axle 20 and a pedal body 22. The pedal axle 20 has a central axis of rotation RA. The pedal body 22 is rotatably mounted relative to the pedal axle 20 to rotate about the central axis of rotation RA. The shoe holder 16 is attached to the pedal body 22. In this case, the shoe holder 16 is removably attached to the pedal body 22, as described below. An axial direction X1 of the pedal 14 refers to a direction parallel to the central axis of rotation RA. A longitudinal direction Y1 of the pedal 14 refers to a direction perpendicular to the central axis of rotation RA and parallel to a reference plane that completely contains the central axis of rotation RA and bisects the pedal body 22.

[0033] The pedal axle 20 is a rigid member that rotatably supports the pedal body 22 in a conventional manner. The pedal axle 20 is preferably made of a hard, rigid material such as a metallic material or a fiber-reinforced material. The pedal axle 20 has an externally threaded section 24 (see Fig. 3 to 6) and a support section 26 (see Fig. 8). The external thread section 24 includes a left-hand thread configured to be screwed into the crank arm CA2 on the left side of the human-powered vehicle V. The support section 26 serves to rotatably support the pedal body 22 via one or more bearings.

[0034] The pedal body 22 is a rigid member rotatably supported on the pedal axle 20. The pedal body 22 is preferably made of a hard, rigid material such as a metallic material or a fiber-reinforced material. Preferably, the pedal body 22 includes, as in the illustrated embodiment, an annular tread cage 30 and an intermediate portion 32. The intermediate portion 32 is connected to the annular tread cage 30. The intermediate portion 32 has a bore 32a for receiving the pedal axle 20. In this way, the pedal body 22 is rotatably supported on the pedal axle 20. The pedal 14 has a first shoe contact side 34 and a second shoe contact side 36. The first shoe contact side 34 of the pedal 14 is opposite the second shoe contact side 36 of the pedal 14. The first shoe contact side 34 has a first shoe contact surface 34a. The second shoe contact side 36 has a second shoe contact surface 36a.The first shoe contact surface 34a of the pedal 14 is opposite the second shoe contact surface 36a of the pedal 14. The shoe holder 16 is attached to at least one of the first shoe contact surface 34a and the second shoe contact surface 36a. As shown in FIG. Fig. 3, the first shoe contact side 34 also has a first engagement projection 34b that engages the shoe holder 16, as described below. As shown in Fig. 4, the second shoe contact side 36 has a second engagement projection 36b as described below.

[0035] The shoe holder 16 is explained in more detail below. Essentially, the shoe holder 16 comprises a holder element 40 and a base element 42. The base element 42 is designed to mount the holder element 40 to the pedal 14. Preferably, the base element 42 is a separate element from the holder element 40. In this way, the holder element 40 and the base element 42 can be made of different materials. For example, the holder element 40 is preferably made of a non-metallic material that includes resin. The base element 42, on the other hand, is preferably made of a metallic material. Alternatively, the base element 42 can be made of a non-metallic material that includes resin. If the base element 42 is made of a non-metallic material, the resin is preferably a fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) material.The fiber-reinforced plastic material of the base element 42 may include glass fibers and / or carbon fibers.

[0036] Here, the holder element 40 is attached to the base element 42 by at least one common fastening element 44. While only one common fastening element 44 is used, it will be appreciated from this disclosure that two or more common fastening elements may be used. In the first embodiment, the common fastening element 44 includes a screw 44A and a nut 44B. As explained further below, the position of the holder element 40 relative to the base element 42 can preferably be adjusted as needed and / or desired.

[0037] The base element 42 is explained in more detail below. The base element 42 essentially has a fixing portion 46 and a support portion 48. The fixing portion 46 is designed to be fixed to the pedal 14. The support portion 48 is designed to support the holder element 40. Here, the fixing portion 46 and the support portion 48 are integrally formed as a one-piece element. As shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the fixing portion 46 of the base member 42 is mounted on at least one of the first shoe contact surface 34a of the pedal 14 and the second shoe contact surface 36a of the pedal 14. Here, in the first embodiment, the fixing portion 46 is mounted on the first shoe contact surface 34a and the second shoe contact surface 36a. The support portion 48 extends from the fixing portion 46 in a first direction D1, as shown in FIGS. Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. The first direction D1 corresponds to a forward direction in a state in which the base member 42 is mounted on the pedal 14 mounted on the human-powered vehicle V and is horizontally oriented in an operative position. The first direction D1 is parallel to the longitudinal direction Y1.

[0038] In the first embodiment, the fixing portion 46 of the base member 42 includes a first fixed part 50 and a second fixed part 52. The first fixed part 50 is configured to be fixed to the first shoe contact side 34 of the pedal 14. The second fixed part 52 is configured to be fixed to the second shoe contact side 36 of the pedal 14. The support portion 48 further includes a connecting part 54 that connects the first fixed part 50 and the second fixed part 52 to each other. The connecting part 54 of the support portion 48 extends in a second direction D2 between the first shoe contact side 34 and the second shoe contact side 36. The second direction D2 is perpendicular to the first direction D1.The second direction D2 corresponds to a vertical (up-down) direction in a state where the base member 42 is mounted to the pedal 14 mounted on the human-powered vehicle V and is oriented horizontally in the operative position.

[0039] Here, the fixing portion 46 of the base member 42 is detachably attached to the pedal body 22 of the pedal 14. In particular, as shown in Fig. 9, the fixing portion 46 of the base member 42 has at least one base fixing hole configured to receive at least one fastener for fixing the fixing portion 46 of the base member 42 to the pedal 14. Here, in the first embodiment, the first fixed part 50 of the fixing portion 46 has at least one first fixing hole 56, and the second fixed part 52 of the fixing portion 46 has at least one second fixing hole 58. The at least one first fixing hole 56 is configured to receive at least one first fixing element 60 for fixing the first fixed part 50 of the fixing portion 46 to the first shoe contact side 34 of the pedal 14. The at least one second fixing hole 58 is configured to receive at least one second fastening element 62 to fix the second fixed part 52 of the fixing section 46 to the second shoe contact side 36 of the pedal 14.Preferably, the first fixed part 50 has a pair of the first fixing holes 56 and the second fixed part 52 has a pair of the second fixing holes 58. Thus, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9, two of the first fastening elements 60 (e.g., two screws) are used to releasably fix the first fixed part 50 to the first shoe contact side 34 of the pedal 14, and two of the second fastening elements 62 (e.g., two screws) are used to releasably fix the second fixed part 52 to the second shoe contact side 36 of the pedal 14. The first fastening elements 60 are attached to the first shoe contact side 34 of the intermediate portion 32 of the pedal body 22. The second fastening elements 62 are attached to the second shoe contact side 36 of the intermediate portion 32 of the pedal body 22. In the case where the first fastening elements 60 and the second fastening elements 62 are screws, the intermediate portion 32 has a pair of mounting parts 32b (e.g., threaded holes) for threadably receiving the first fastening elements 60 and the second fastening elements 62.Preferably, the first fixed portion 50 has an annular shape defining a first opening 64. Similarly, the second fixed portion 52 has an annular shape defining a second opening 66. In an alternative embodiment, the second fixed portion 52 of the fixing portion 46 of the base member 42 may be omitted.

[0040] The fixing portion 46 of the base member 42 has one of an engagement opening and an engagement projection. The other of the engagement opening and the engagement projection is provided on the pedal 14. One of the engagement opening and the engagement projection of the fixing portion 46 of the base member 42 is configured to engage with the other of the engagement opening and the engagement projection of the pedal 14. In the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the fixing portion 46 of the base member 42 has a first engagement opening 68, while the pedal 14 has the first engagement projection 34b. In addition, in the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the fixing portion 46 of the base member 42 has a second engagement opening 70, while the pedal 14 has the second engagement projection 36b. The first engagement opening 68 is sized relative to the first engagement projection 34b to limit relative movement between the pedal 14 and the shoe holder 16. Likewise, the second engagement opening 70 is sized relative to the second engagement projection 36b to limit relative movement between the pedal 14 and the shoe holder 16.

[0041] As in the Fig. 3 to 5, in an assembled state in which the shoe holder 16 is mounted to the pedal 14, the support portion 48 extends in the first direction D1 from the fixing portion 46 beyond the outer periphery OP of the pedal 14. In other words, the support portion 48 corresponds to the portion of the base member 42 that extends beyond the outer periphery OP of the pedal 14 when the shoe holder 16 is mounted to the pedal 14. Here, the support portion 48 projects relative to the pedal 14 when the shoe holder 16 is mounted to the pedal 14.

[0042] The support portion 48 includes a support surface 72 configured to support the holder element 40. The support surface 72 of the support portion 48 is offset from at least one of the first shoe contact surface 34a and the second shoe contact surface 36a. Here, the support surface 72 of the support portion 48 is offset from both the first shoe contact surface 34a and the second shoe contact surface 36a. Preferably, the support surface 72 of the support portion 48 is closer to the first shoe contact surface 34a than to the second shoe contact surface 36a. The support surface 72 is preferably provided with a plurality of serrations or serrations 72a to assist in fixing the position of the holder element 40 relative to the base element 42.

[0043] The support portion 48 of the base member 42 has at least one support opening 74. The support opening 74 is used for attaching the holder element 40 to the support portion 48 of the base member 42. Here, in the first embodiment, the support opening 74 extends through the support surface 72 of the support portion 48. The support opening 74 is configured to receive the one common fastening element 44. The support portion 48 of the base member 42 has a pair of support elements 76 provided on the underside of the support portion 48. The support elements 76 are also provided on the connecting part 54 of the support portion 48. The support elements 76 thus function as struts to reinforce the support portion 48.

[0044] The holder element 40 is explained in more detail below. Basically, the holder element 40 has a fixed portion 80 which is designed to be fixed to the support portion 48 of the base element 42. As shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 9, the fixed portion 80 of the holder element 40 has at least one holder opening 82. Each of the at least one support opening 74 of the support portion 48 and the at least one holder opening 82 of the fixed portion 80 receives the at least one common fastening element 44. One of the at least one support opening 74 of the support portion 48 and the at least one holder opening 82 of the fixed portion 80 is an elongated hole. Here, in the first embodiment, the support opening 74 is an elongated hole and the holder opening 82 is a cylindrical bore. This configuration allows the position of the holder element 40 relative to the pedal 14 to be adjusted.

[0045] The fixed portion 80 of the retainer member 40 is at least partially aligned with one of the first shoe contact surface 34a and the second shoe contact surface 36a. Here, in the first embodiment, the fixed portion 80 has a shoe sole contact surface 84 that is at least partially aligned with the first shoe contact surface 34a. Preferably, the shoe sole contact surface 84 is configured to contact a sole of a rider's shoe when the sole of the rider's shoe is in contact with the pedal 14 and the toe area of ​​the rider's shoe is in contact with the retainer member 40. Preferably, the shoe sole contact surface 84 has serrations to provide a slip-resistant surface. The fixed portion 80 of the retainer member 40 further includes a plurality of serrations or serrations 86.The teeth 86 engage with the teeth 72a of the support surface 72 to assist in fixing the position of the holder element 40 with respect to the base element 42.

[0046] The holder member 40 has a toe clip portion 88. Here, in the first embodiment, the toe clip portion 88 is formed integrally with the holder member 40. The toe clip portion 88 is configured to limit movement of a rider's foot in the longitudinal direction Y1.

[0047] With reference to the Fig. 11 to 17, a first pedal assembly 110 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will now be described in more detail. The first pedal assembly 110 essentially includes a pedal 114 and a shoe holder 116. The pedal 114 essentially comprises a pedal axle 120 and a pedal body 122. The pedal axle 120 has a central axis of rotation RA. The pedal body 122 is rotatably mounted with respect to the pedal axle 120 for rotation about the central axis of rotation RA. The shoe holder 116 is attached to the pedal body 122. Here, the shoe holder 116 is removably attached to the pedal body 122, as described further below.

[0048] The pedal axle 120 is a rigid member that rotatably supports the pedal body 122 in a conventional manner. The pedal axle 120 is preferably made of a hard, rigid material such as a metallic material or a fiber-reinforced material. The pedal axle 120 has an externally threaded section 124 (see Fig. 11 to 14) and a support section 126 (see Fig. 16).

[0049] The pedal body 122 is a rigid member that is rotatably mounted on the pedal axle 120. The pedal body 122 is preferably made of a hard, rigid material such as a metallic material or a fiber-reinforced material. Preferably, as in the illustrated embodiment, the pedal body 122 includes an annular tread cage 130 and an intermediate portion 132. The intermediate portion 132 is connected to the annular tread cage 130. The intermediate portion 132 has a bore 132a for receiving the pedal axle 120, as shown in Fig. 16. In this way, the pedal body 122 is rotatably mounted on the pedal axle 120. The pedal 114 has a first shoe contact side 134 and a second shoe contact side 136. The first shoe contact side 134 of the pedal 114 is opposite the second shoe contact side 136 of the pedal 114. The first shoe contact side 134 has a first shoe contact surface 134a. The second shoe contact side 136 has a second shoe contact surface 136a. The first shoe contact surface 134a of the pedal 114 is opposite the second shoe contact surface 136a of the pedal 114. The shoe holder 116 is attached to at least one of the first shoe contact surface 134a and the second shoe contact surface 136a. As shown in Fig. 11, the first shoe contact side 134 also has an engagement projection 134b which engages the shoe holder 116 as described below.

[0050] The shoe holder 116 is explained in more detail below. Essentially, the shoe holder 116 comprises a holder element 140 and a base element 142. The base element 142 is designed to mount the holder element 140 to the pedal 114. Preferably, the base element 142 is a separate element from the holder element 140. In this way, the holder element 140 and the base element 142 can be made of different materials. Preferably, the holder element 140 is made of a non-metallic material that contains resin, for example. The base element 142, on the other hand, is preferably made of a metallic material. Alternatively, the base element 142 can be made of a non-metallic material that contains resin.

[0051] Here, the holder element 140 is attached to the base element 142 with at least one common fastening element 144. While only one common fastening element 144 is used, it will be appreciated from this disclosure that two or more common fastening elements may be used. In the second embodiment, the common fastening element 144 includes a bolt 144A, a nut 144B, and a washer 144C.

[0052] The base member 142 will now be explained in more detail. The base member 142 essentially has a fixing portion 146 and a support portion 148. The fixing portion 146 is configured to be fixed to the pedal 114. The support portion 148 is configured to support the holder member 142. Here, the fixing portion 146 and the support portion 148 are integrally formed as a one-piece element. Here, in the second embodiment, the fixing portion 146 is mounted on the first shoe contact surface 134a.

[0053] In the second embodiment, the fixing portion 146 of the base member 142 includes a fixed part 150. The fixed part 150 is configured to be fixed to the first shoe contact side 134 of the pedal 114. The fixing portion 146 of the base member 142 is removably attached to the pedal body 122 of the pedal 114. Specifically, the fixing portion 146 of the base member 142 has a pair of base fixing holes 156 configured to receive fasteners 160 for fixing the fixing portion 146 of the base member 142 to the pedal 114. In the case where the fasteners 160 are screws, the intermediate portion 132 has a pair of mounting parts 132b (e.g., threaded holes) for threadably receiving the fasteners 160. Preferably, the fixed part 150 has an annular shape defining an opening 164.

[0054] Here, in the second embodiment, as in Fig.As shown in Figure 11, the fixing portion 146 of the base member 142 has an engagement opening 168, while the pedal 114 has the engagement projection 134b. The engagement opening 168 is sized relative to the engagement projection 134b to limit relative movement between the pedal 114 and the shoe holder 116.

[0055] The support portion 148 of the base member 142 includes a first contact surface 172. The first contact surface 172 is configured to contact the holder member 140 in the assembled state. The support portion 148 of the base member 142 has at least one support opening 174. The support opening 174 is used to attach the holder member 140 to the support portion 148 of the base member 142. Here, in the second embodiment, the support opening 174 extends through the first contact surface 172 of the support portion 148. The support opening 174 is configured to receive the one common fastener 144.

[0056] The holder element 140 is explained in more detail below. Basically, the holder element 140 has a fixed portion 180 that is designed to be fixed to the support portion 148 of the base element 142. The fixed portion 180 of the holder element 140 has at least one holder opening 182.

[0057] Each of the at least one support opening 174 of the support portion 148 and the at least one retainer opening 182 of the fixed portion 180 receives the at least one common fastening element 144. One of the at least one support opening 174 of the support portion 148 and the at least one retainer opening 182 of the fixed portion 180 is an elongated hole. Here, in the second embodiment, the support opening 174 is an elongated hole, and the retainer opening 182 is a cylindrical bore. This configuration allows the position of the retainer element 140 relative to the pedal 114 to be adjusted.

[0058] The fixed portion 180 of the holder element 140 includes a shoe sole contact surface 184 and a second contact surface 186. The shoe sole contact surface 184 and the second contact surface 186 face in the same direction. The second contact surface 186 is recessed from the shoe sole contact surface 184. Preferably, the shoe sole contact surface 184 is configured to contact the sole of a rider's shoe when the sole of the rider's shoe is in contact with the pedal 114 and the toe portion of the rider's shoe is in contact with the holder element 140. The first contact surface 172 of the support portion 148 of the base element 42 contacts the second contact surface 186 of the fixed portion 180 of the holder element 140 in an assembled state of the shoe holder 116.

[0059] The holder member 140 has a toe clip portion 188. Here, in the second embodiment, the toe clip portion 188 is formed integrally with the holder member 140. The toe clip portion 188 is configured to limit movement of a rider's foot in the longitudinal direction Y1.

[0060] For the purpose of understanding the scope of the present invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are to be understood as 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 unspecified features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps. The foregoing also applies to words similar in meaning to the terms "include," "have," and their derivatives. Also, the terms "part," "section," "portion," or "element," when used in the singular, can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts, unless otherwise noted.

[0061] The directional terms "frame-side," "non-frame-side," "forward," "backward," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "over," "under," "upward," "downward," "lateral," "vertical," "horizontal," "perpendicular," and "across," as well as any other similar directional terms, refer to the directions of a human-powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle) in an upright riding position and equipped with a pedal with the shoe holder. Accordingly, these directional terms used to describe the pedal and / or the shoe holder should be interpreted with respect to a human-powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle) in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface and equipped with the pedal.The terms "left" and "right" are used to mean "right" when speaking from the right side as viewed from the rear of the human-powered vehicle (e.g., bicycle), and "left" when speaking from the left side as viewed from the rear of the human-powered vehicle (e.g., bicycle).

[0062] The phrase "at least one of" as used in this disclosure means "one or more" of a desired selection. For example, the phrase "at least one of" as used in this disclosure means "only a single selection" or "both of two selections" when the number of selections is two. As another example, the phrase "at least one of" as used in this disclosure means "only a single selection" or "any combination of at least two selections" when the number of selections is at least three. Also, the term "and / or" as used in this disclosure means "either one or both of." For example, the phrase "at least one of A and B" includes (1) A alone, (2) B alone, and (3) both A and B.The term "at least one of A, B and C" includes (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) both A and B, (5) both B and C, (6) both A and C and (7) all of A, B and C. In other words, the phrase "at least one of A and B" in this disclosure does not mean "at least one of A and at least one of B".

[0063] Although the terms "first" and "second" are 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 another. For example, a first component described above could be referred to as a second component, and vice versa, without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

[0064] The term "attached" or "attach," as used herein, includes configurations in which one element is directly attached to another element by attaching the element directly to the other element; configurations in which the element is indirectly attached to the other element by attaching the element to intermediate element(s) that are in turn attached to the other element; and configurations in which one element is integral with another element, that is, one element is substantially part of the other element. This definition also applies to words of similar meaning, such as "connected," "attached," "coupled," "mounted," "bonded," "fixed," and their derivatives. Finally, terms such as "substantially," "approximately," and "approximately," as used herein, imply a variation of the modified term such that the end result is not substantially changed.

[0065] 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 without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, unless expressly stated otherwise, the size, shape, location, or orientation of the various components may be changed as needed and / or desired, as long as the changes do not substantially affect their intended function. Unless expressly stated otherwise, components that are directly connected or in contact may include intermediate structures as long as the changes do not substantially affect their intended function. The functions of one element may be performed by two elements and vice versa, unless expressly stated otherwise.The structures and functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment. It is not necessary that all advantages be present in a particular embodiment. Any feature that, alone or in combination with other features, stands out from the prior art should also be considered a separate description of other inventions of the applicant, including the structural and / or functional concepts embodied by that feature(s). The foregoing descriptions of the embodiments of the present invention are therefore only illustrative and not limitative of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. REFERENCE SYMBOL 10 first pedal arrangement 12 second pedal arrangement 14 Pedal / left pedal 16 shoe holders 18 Pedal / right pedal 20 pedal axle 22 pedal body 24 external thread section 26 Support section 30 annular raceway cage 32 Intermediate section 32a bore 32b Mounting part / threaded hole 34 first shoe contact side 34a first shoe contact surface 34b first engagement projection 36 second shoe contact side 36a second shoe contact surface 36b second engagement projection 40 holder element 42 Basic element 44 common fastening element 44A screw 44B mother 46 Fixation section 48 support section 50 first fixed part 52 second fixed part 54 connecting part 56 first fixation hole 58 second fixation hole 60 first fastening element 62 second fastening element 64 first opening 66 second opening 68 first access opening 70 second access opening 72 support surface 72a Serrations / toothing 74 Support opening 76 Support element 80 fixed section 82 holder opening 84 Shoe sole contact area 86 serrations / toothings 88 Toe clamp section 110 first pedal arrangement 114 Pedal 116 shoe racks 120 pedal axle 122 pedal body 124 External thread section 126 Support section 130 annular raceway cage 132 Intermediate section 132a bore 132b Mounting part / threaded hole 134 first shoe contact side 134a first shoe contact surface 134b engagement projection 136 second shoe contact side 136a second shoe contact surface 140 holder element 142 Base element 144 common fastening element 144A screw 144B Mother 144C Washer 146 Fixation section 148 support section 150 fixed part 156 Base fixing hole 160 Fastener / Screw 164 Opening 168 access opening 172 first contact surface 174 Support opening 180 fixed section 182 holder opening 184 Shoe sole contact area 186 second contact surface 188 Toe clamp section C crank CA1 crank axle CA2 crank arm CN chain CP Middle Level D1 first direction D2 second direction DT drivetrain DU drive unit / electrical support unit FB front frame body FD front derailleur FS front suspension FSP front sprocket FW front wheel H handlebar Surgery outer periphery PS power supply RA rotation center axis RB rear frame body / swing arm RD rear derailleur RS rear suspension RSP rear pinion RW rear wheel S bicycle seat / saddle SP adjustable seat post V human-powered vehicle VB vehicle body X1 axial direction Y1 longitudinal direction QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 4 269 084 A

[0002]

Claims

[1] Shoe holder (16, 116) for a pedal (14, 18, 114) provided on a human-powered vehicle (V), the shoe holder (16, 116) comprising: a holder element (40, 140); and a base element (42, 142) configured to mount the holder element (40, 140) on the pedal (14, 18, 114), wherein the base element (42, 142) is a separate element from the holder element (40, 140), wherein the base element (42, 142) has a fixing portion (46, 146) configured to be fixed to the pedal (14, 18, 114) and a supporting portion (48, 148) configured to support the holder element (40, 140), wherein the support portion (48, 148) extends in a first direction (D1) from the fixing portion (46, 146) beyond an outer periphery (OP) of the pedal (14, 18, 114) in an assembled state in which the shoe holder (16, 116) is mounted on the pedal (14, 18, 114). [2] Shoe holder (16, 116) according to claim 1, wherein the fixing portion (46, 146) of the base member (42, 142) is mounted on at least one of a first shoe contact surface (34a, 134a) of the pedal (14, 18, 114) and a second shoe contact surface (36a, 136a) of the pedal (14, 18, 114), the first shoe contact surface (34a, 134a) of the pedal (14, 18, 114) being opposite to the second shoe contact surface (36a, 136a) of the pedal (14, 18, 114). [3] Shoe holder (16, 116) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the holder element (40, 140) has a fixed portion (80, 180) which is adapted to be fixed to the support portion (48, 148) of the base element (42, 142). [4] Shoe holder (16, 116) according to claim 3, wherein the support portion (48, 148) of the base element (42, 142) has at least one support opening (74, 174), the fixed portion (80, 180) of the holder element (40, 140) has at least one holder opening (82, 182), and each of the at least one support opening (74, 174) of the support section (48, 148) and the at least one holder opening (82, 182) of the fixed section (80, 180) receives at least one common fastening element (44, 144). [5] Shoe holder (16, 116) according to claim 4, wherein one of the at least one support opening (74, 174) of the support portion (48, 148) and the at least one holder opening (82, 182) of the fixed portion (80, 180) is an elongated hole. [6] Shoe holder (16, 116) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fixing portion (46, 146) of the base member (42, 142) has at least one base fixing hole (56, 58, 156) configured to receive at least one fastening element (60, 62, 160) for fixing the fixing portion (46, 146) of the base member (42, 142) to the pedal (14, 18, 114). [7] Shoe holder (16, 116) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the base element (42, 142) is made of a metallic material. [8] Shoe holder (16) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the fixing portion (46) of the base member (42) includes a first fixed part (50) configured to be fixed to a first shoe contact side (34) of the pedal (14, 18) and a second fixed part (52) configured to be fixed to a second shoe contact side (36) of the pedal (14, 18), and the first shoe contact side (34) of the pedal (14, 18) is opposite the second shoe contact side (36) of the pedal (14, 18). [9] Shoe holder (16) according to claim 8, wherein the first fixed part (50) of the fixing section (46) has at least one first fixing hole (56) configured to receive at least one first fastening element (60) for fixing the first fixed part (50) of the fixing section (46) to the first shoe contact side (34) of the pedal (14, 18), and the second fixed part (52) of the fixing section (46) has at least one second fixing hole (58) configured to receive at least one second fastening element (62) for fixing the second fixed part (52) of the fixing section (46) to the second shoe contact side (36) of the pedal (14, 18). [10] Shoe holder (16) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the support portion (48) includes a connecting part (54) connecting the first fixed part (50) and the second fixed part (52) to each other. [11] Shoe holder (16) according to claim 10, wherein the connecting part (54) of the support section (48) extends in a second direction (D2) between the first shoe contact side (34) and the second shoe contact side (36). [12] Shoe holder (16, 116) according to one of claims 1 to 6 and 8 to 11, wherein the base member (42, 142) is made of a non-metallic material including resin. [13] Shoe holder (16) according to one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the support portion (48) includes a support surface (72) configured to support the holder element (40), and the support surface (72) of the support portion (48) is offset from at least one of the first shoe contact surface (34a) and the second shoe contact surface (36a). [14] Shoe holder (16, 116) according to one of claims 3 to 13, wherein the fixed portion (80, 180) of the holder element (40, 140) is at least partially aligned with one of the first shoe contact surface (34a, 134a) and the second shoe contact surface (36a, 136a). [15] Shoe holder (116) according to one of claims 3 to 14, wherein the support portion (148) of the base element (142) includes a first contact surface (172), the fixed portion (180) of the holder element (140) includes a shoe sole contact surface (184) and a second contact surface (186), the shoe sole contact surface (184) and the second contact surface (186) point in the same direction, and the first contact surface (172) of the support portion (148) of the base element (142) is in contact with the second contact surface (186) of the fixed portion (180) of the holder element (140) in an assembled state of the shoe holder (116). [16] Shoe holder (16, 116) according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the fixing portion (46, 146) of the base member (42, 142) has one of an engagement opening (68, 70, 168) and an engagement projection (34b, 36b, 134b), the other of the engagement opening (68, 70, 168) and the engagement projection (34b, 36b, 134b) is provided on the pedal (14, 18, 114), and one of the engagement opening (68, 70, 168) and the engagement projection (34b, 36b, 134b) of the fixing portion (46, 146) of the base member (42, 142) is configured to engage with the other of the engagement opening (68, 70, 168) and the engagement projection (34b, 36b, 134b) of the pedal (14, 18, 114).

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