Quick-release overshoe for clipless bicycle pedals

Abstract

The present invention relates to a "quick-release overshoe for clipless bicycle pedals": an overshoe (10) capable of enveloping (13) a conventional dress or sports shoe (20) including at least one fastening system (14) on the shoe (20) and equipped on its lower part with a plate (17) that can receive a quick-release cleat (15) for a clipless bicycle pedal (16). The fastening system (14) can take several forms, such as a lace (141), and / or a rotating member (142) and its lacing system (143), etc. The invention allows the use of normal shoes on bicycles equipped with clipless cleats (15) with the following advantages: optimal performance; excellent safety in case of a fall; optimal foot positioning; the ability to clip in or out with clipless cleats engaged or not; ease of use, etc. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Quick-connect overshoe for an automatic bicycle pedal. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a device intended to help amateur, semi-professional or professional cyclists to mount their bicycle equipped with automatic pedals without having to put on shoes dedicated to cycling (i.e. equipped with a conventional cleat). Technological background of the invention

[0002] In a context of strong growth in the cycling market, particularly in the Electric Assist Bicycle and Gravel bicycle markets, a large number of people who have never cycled before are acquiring a bicycle in one of these categories.

[0003] The traction force required to move the cycle is provided by the action of the cyclist's foot on the pedal. Two main phases make up the rotation of the crankset: • a) The phase of pushing the foot on the pedal mechanically drives, via a lever arm, a torque on the axle of the crankset. • b) The upstroke phase of the pedal can be used to increase the efficiency of the cycle if a fastening system between the cyclist's shoe and the pedal is implemented, allowing the cyclist to pull on the pedal.

[0004] The cycling industry currently offers, exhaustively, the following different types of pedals, each with its own advantages and disadvantages: • a) The flat pedal • b) The footrest • c) The "strap" type pedal • d) The automatic pedal • e) The mixed pedal

[0005] The flat pedal The flat pedal is the historical rectangular-shaped system placed on a transverse axis. The advantages of this solution are: the use of normal shoes and ease of use. The limitations of this solution are: low efficiency because 50% of the complete pedaling cycle is used because the cyclist can only push on the pedal (only the push phase is valued, the recovery phase is not valued).

[0006] The footrest: The toe clip is the first historical attachment system, allowing for increased pedaling efficiency. Adding a strap system to the flat pedal allows, in addition to the push phase, the ability to use the upstroke phase of the pedal by pulling on it, thanks to the mechanical anchoring of the pedal / foot clip / shoe. The advantages of this solution are: superior efficiency, given that almost 100% of the pedaling cycle is utilized (push phase + pull phase). The limitations of this solution are: the pedal / toe clip / shoe system is mechanically attached, therefore a safety issue in case of a fall, as the cyclist remains attached to their bicycle. The toe clip imposes a stop on the toe: there is no possibility of depth adjustment; precise adjustment of the foot position on the pedal is impossible.

[0007] The "strap" type pedal: Widely used in the world of fixed gear cycling, the "strap" type pedal is very similar to the toe clip. The system is a strap attached to a flat pedal, but without a toe stop, unlike a toe clip. The advantages of this solution are: identical to the toe clip, with the added possibility of correct foot positioning on the pedal (no stop, which was previously a limitation). The limitations of this solution are: as with the footrest, lack of safety in case of a fall.

[0008] The automatic pedal: The clipless pedal has been the subject of several specific patents, such as the road bike style illustrated in publications EP 2,020,373, EP 1,106,495, and EP 1,803,638, or the Shimano Pedaling Dynamics (SPD) style as illustrated in publications US 9,290,234, EP 2,311,719, and EP 1,142,781. This pedal is a complex, integrated technical system that allows for mechanical attachment of the pedal to the shoe via a cleat, as illustrated in publication EP 1,568,585. The clipless pedal and the conventional cleat, which allows the foot to release in the event of a fall, ensure the cyclist's safety. Today it is the most developed system in competition, in all cycling disciplines (road, mountain biking, gravel).

[0009] The advantages of the automatic pedal are: • a) optimal efficiency throughout the entire pedaling cycle, • b) Increased safety: in the event of a fall, the cleat detaches from the pedal and a The shoe is detached from the cycle; the cycle is then carried out. • c) perfect foot positioning on the pedal limiting the risk of musculoskeletal injuries over long distances after correctly adjusting the cleat on the sole of the cycling shoe,

[0010] The limitations of the clipless pedal are: • a) the requirement to use a specific cycling shoe including a rigid sole as illustrated in publications EP 1 502 515 and EP 1 442 670 to interface with the conventional cleat, • b) the requirement for precise adjustment of the conventional cleat on the specific cycling shoe as illustrated in publications US 9,307,805; FR 2 940 020; US 2013 / 0318763; US 2013 / 0318805; US 2013 / 0333124. • c) the need to invest in several pairs of dedicated shoes, given that cleats are not standardized for the same style (example of road cycling) and even less so between styles themselves (example road and mountain biking). • d) the need for an acclimatization period with numerous possible falls during this period, • e) Finally, because cycling shoes are very rigid, it is impossible to walk for extended periods in them. This limitation is problematic during bike tours or in the event of a mechanical breakdown requiring the bike to be pushed for a long time on rough or steep terrain. Walking with conventional cleats causes them to wear out prematurely. When walking, conventional cleats can damage flooring, particularly for indoor cycling, which requires a specific, flexible cleat, as illustrated in US publication 2022 / 0015504.

[0011] The "mixed" pedal Intermediate pedal solution, generally with one side similar to a flat pedal and one side of the automatic type. This solution is a compromise, combining the advantages but also the limitations of each solution. It is more difficult and takes longer to perform the clipping because only one side has the system. General description of the invention

[0012] The present invention aims in particular to avoid these drawbacks of the previous technique.

[0013] For this purpose, it proposes an overshoe composed of an envelope part capable of enveloping a conventional city or sports shoe, of at least one tightening system of said envelope part on the shoe remarkable in that it includes in the lower part a quick linking device for an automatic cycle pedal.

[0014] One advantage of this overshoe is that it allows the use of everyday shoes to ride a bicycle equipped with clipless pedals without having to wear cycling shoes. Thus, the invention allows the user to retain the advantages of clipless pedals, namely: • a) optimal performance during physical exertion since it is possible to push and pull on the pedal, • b) excellent safety because in case of a fall, the automatic system being retained, it will always allow the whole {foot + street shoe + overshoe] to be extracted from the pedal and the bicycle.

[0015] Furthermore, the invention always allows for perfect foot positioning because the cyclist can adjust the position of the invention on the shoe with the foot already clipped into the pedal. The invention therefore eliminates the need for all the adjustment mechanisms of a conventional cleat on a cycling shoe and greatly simplifies its use.

[0016] The invention is suitable for all types of cyclists, regardless of their level of experience: • a) the "amateur-recreational" cyclist • b) the “long-distance” or “cycle-touring” cyclist • c) the “semi-professional” or “professional” cyclist • d) the “indoor cyclist”

[0017] The recreational cyclist is no longer forced to invest in a pair of cycling shoes to benefit from the advantages of clipless pedals. Whether they have a limited budget, are environmentally conscious, or commute to work by bike, the recreational cyclist will appreciate the ease of use. The invention will democratize the use of clipless pedals for the general public who have never dared to take the plunge by simplifying use, reducing cost and environmental impact.

[0018] The "long-distance" or "cyclotourist" cyclist will benefit from the efficiency of pedaling while allowing himself to push his bike if the slope is too steep, to take a coffee break, restaurant or cultural visit, without suffering from the discomfort of shoes dedicated to cycling (rigidity and bulky cleat).

[0019] The "semi-professional" or "professional" cyclist will be able to start a training session on their bike and finish it on foot, as well as to alternate, possibly with a partner, in a "Run & Bike" type training mode, without Consider the issue of bringing a dedicated pair of cycling shoes. As for triathletes, transition times will be optimized.

[0020] Finally, the "indoor cyclist" will appreciate being able to quickly unclip their shoes so they don't have to step on conventional cleats. Gym flooring will no longer be damaged by cleat friction.

[0021] The fastening system will be scalable, offering several options: from the most complex, such as an overshoe or sleeve, to a more basic version like a hook-and-loop fastener or other commercially available models. The user will be able to insert any type of shoe, position their foot optimally, and lock that position. The result will be a mechanically connected plate / fastening system / shoe assembly.

[0022] The overshoe according to the invention may further comprise one or more of the following characteristics, which may be combined with each other:

[0023] a) The quick-release device may consist of two parts: a linking plate attached to the outer part at its upper and lower sections, forming a surface capable of accepting any conventional quick-release cleat for clipless bicycle pedals. This allows the overshoe to be configured to attach any existing or future cleat.

[0024] b) The connecting plate may form a surface capable of accepting a conventional three-bolt cleat for road bikes 15a or stationary bikes, or a delta-style cleat, or a Shimano Pedaling Dynamics (SPD) 15b-style cleat, and may have one or more holes and / or one or more threaded holes for attaching said conventional quick-release cleat. The connecting plate is thus pre-arranged with a sufficient number of holes 151a, 151b or threaded holes 152a, 152b to accept any of the aforementioned quick-release cleats, at the user's choice. This allows the use of all cleats compatible with the various standards on the market. Its design ensures good grip between the plate and the shoe to prevent any unwanted slippage. In various embodiments, the plate 17 has a flat part 177 in the concave part in order to fit the SPD 15b shim.

[0025] c) the connecting plate can be made of a material that significantly increases the coefficient of friction and therefore the adhesion to the interfaces of the shoe and the conventional quick-connect cleat and formed of a texture capable of also increasing the adhesion to the interfaces.

[0026] d) The outer part may consist of an open rear part 11 allowing the insertion of a conventional shoe with a wide cross-section, and an open or closed front part 12 with a cross-section substantially smaller than the rear part 11, capable of positioning the shoe within the overshoe. The outer part 13 is composed of one or more textile parts made of natural, chemical or synthetic fibers, leather or other flexible material. The outer part accepts any size and shape of conventional shoe 20.

[0027] e) The fastening system (14) tightens the outer part (13) and secures all parts: the outer part (13) and the quick-release fastener (18) to the conventional shoe (20). The fastening system (14) accommodates any size and shape of conventional shoe (20) and is achieved in various embodiments, via a lace (141), and / or a rotating member (142) and its lacing system (143), and / or a hook-and-loop fastener (144), and / or a notched strap (145). The fastening system (14) allows the outer part to be partially or fully opened to release the shoe. Brief description of the drawings

[0028] The invention will be better understood and other features and advantages will become more apparent upon reading the description given below by way of purely illustrative and non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0029] [Fig. 1] shows, in side view, a cycle wheel, the crankset and an automatic pedal of the style fixing with three screws for the road bike onto which a conventional shoe equipped with the overshoe according to the invention is attached.

[0030] [Fig.2] presents a complete cycle equipped with three-screw fixing style automatic pedals for road bike.

[0031] [Fig.3] presents various embodiments of the overshoe tightening system according to the invention, including a lace 141, a rotating member 142 also called a bobbin and its lacing system 143, a self-gripping tape 144 also called a hook and loop fastener, and a notched strap 145.

[0032] [Fig.4] presents a variety of shoe types other than cycling shoes, without the list being exhaustive, for which the invention is compatible. All other illustrations show only the "Derby" model.

[0033] [Fig.5] presents the invention in side view in an embodiment with two sets, on the left the invention without conventional cleat, in the middle, the invention equipped with a 3-screw style cleat for road bikes and finally on the right, the invention equipped with an SPD cleat for mountain bikes,

[0034] [Fig.6] presents the invention in a bottom view, isometric view and exploded view for the 3-screw style wedge.

[0035] [Fig.7] presents the invention in a bottom view, isometric view and exploded view for the SPD style wedge.

[0036] Description of a preferred embodiment of the invention

[0037] The overshoe according to the invention in its immediate environment is shown in [Fig. 1], while [Fig. 6] and [Fig. 7] illustrate the overshoe according to the invention. The outer part 13 encloses the shoe and includes the fastening system 14 as well as, at the bottom, an attachment to the connecting plate 17.

[0038] The outer part 13 can be made of leather or a synthetic or natural textile. It has two lower parts that slide into two oblong holes belonging to the connecting plate 17. Together, they form a loop and enclose the shoe 20 after tightening, thus securing the connecting plate 17 to the shoe 20 and the outer part 13.

[0039] The tightening system 14 is illustrated in various embodiments in [Fig. 3] according to the invention. The tightening system secures the shoe 20 to the plate 17 under the sole of said shoe. The fastening system 14 can be Velcro 144, a lace system 143 with winder 142, simple laces 141.

[0040] The plate 17 is attached below the base plate by one or more screws 174 or similar hardware to attach the wedge 15. In one embodiment, the base plate is adapted to receive each screw through a corresponding hole 151 in the base plate to connect to the corresponding hardware inside the base plate. In various embodiments, the conventional wedge 15 is removable. The fastening hardware may include other components such as a plate positioned between the head of the screw 175 and the wedge, the washer 175, and / or other hardware components.

[0041] In a certain embodiment, the plate 17 consists of one, two or more openings 176 allowing the envelope part 13 to slide. These openings allow the plate 17 to be secured with the shoes 20 via the fastening system 14.

[0042] In one embodiment, the plate 17 is manufactured using a plastic injection molding process and is adapted to match the shape of the pedal. In various embodiments, the plate 17 is made of a hard substrate such as glass fiber reinforced nylon 181, using a double-injection expanded polyethylene mold that adds a layer to harden parts of the plate. The plate includes a textured lower portion 182, which adds an adhesion layer.

[0043] The flexible part can adapt to the different concave shapes of the wedges.

[0044] In various embodiments, the plate 17 is formed of several parts, including the main body 17a, which is formed using a plastic injection molding process that includes one, two, or more substrates, and an attachment piece 17b formed, for example, from sheet metal and metallic materials such as treated steel or stainless steel. The attachment piece 17b has tapped holes 152 for fixing the conventional shim 15 to ensure its mechanical strength (transmission of forces). of the crankset). In some embodiments, the attachment piece 17b slides inside the main body 17a and is held in position by means of the screws 174.

[0045] In various embodiments, the plate 17 is formed in one piece using an injection molding process that includes one, two, or more substrates. In some embodiments, the body of the plate is formed from a hard polymer substrate (e.g., nylon, polyamide, etc.) and a lower layer is formed from a soft substrate (e.g., thermoplastic elastomer (TPEs), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs), silicone, etc.) with a soft textured surface to facilitate the adaptation of the plate to the shoe and the adaptation of the plate to the cleat. The layers may be superimposed as follows:

[0046] a) A first molded layer (181) comprising a rigid substrate, the first molded layer forming one or more hole(s) to connect the molded layer to a cycle cleat for automatic pedal, and the first molded layer forming one or more orifices to connect the molded layer to the envelope part.

[0047] b) A second molded layer (182) formed on a lower portion of the first molded layer, the second molded layer substantially conforming to the shape of a portion of the first molded layer on the one hand and on the other hand forming a surface capable of accepting a conventional 3-bolt road bike cleat (15a), a stationary bike cleat, and / or a delta-style cleat, and / or a Shimano Pedaling Dynamics (SPD)-style cleat (15b), and / or another style of cleat via a concave or other shape. The flexible layer being capable of adapting to the different variations in shape of the cleat during attachment.

[0048] c) A third molded layer (183) formed on an upper portion of the first molded layer, the third molded layer substantially conforming to the shape of a portion of the first molded layer on the one hand and on the other hand forming a surface capable of accepting a shoe sole. The flexible layer being capable of adapting to the different variations in shape and texture of conventional shoe soles when tightened onto the shoe.

[0049] In various embodiments, the second (182) and third flexible molded layers (183) may have a substrate allowing the increase of the coefficient of friction to produce ideal adhesion on the interfaces at the level of the shoe (171) and the interfaces at the level of the conventional quick link cleat (172).

[0050] In various embodiments, the plate 17 consists of several parts assembled together, including flexible parts connected to the hard part of the plate using screws, washers.

[0051] In various embodiments, an improved plate includes a soft surface for the interface with the shoe and a soft surface for the interface with the cleat, both formed by overmolding onto the hard base. The soft surfaces are molded directly onto the hard substrate of the turntable body. The flexible molded layer has a substrate that increases the coefficient of friction to produce ideal adhesion at its interfaces.

[0052] In various embodiments, the connecting plate 17 is adapted to fit the specifications of a standard shim 15, including the method of connecting the shim to the plate.

[0053] In various embodiments, the quick-release device (18) consists of a single body, allowing direct connection to a clipless cycle pedal (16). In this embodiment, a different quick-release device (18) will be required for each type of pedal. The quick-release device is therefore itself a conventional 3-bolt cleat for road bikes 15a, stationary bikes, and other bicycles that adapts to the conventional clipless pedal and attaches to the outer part using a fastening method such as hook and loop fasteners or lacing. In various embodiments, the plate is a delta-style cleat, a Shimano Pedaling Dynamics (SPD) style cleat 15b, or another style of cleat that adapts to the clipless pedal and attaches to the outer part using a fastening method such as hook and loop fasteners or lacing. List of reference signs

[0054] 10: Overshoe

[0055] 11: Open rear section

[0056] 12: Front part

[0057] 13: Envelope

[0058] 131: Textile part(s)

[0059] 14: Clamping system

[0060] 141: Lace

[0061] 142: Rotating member

[0062] 143: Lacing system for the rotating member 142

[0063] 144: Self-gripping tape

[0064] 145: Notched flange

[0065] 15: Quick-release connecting wedge

[0066] 15a: 3-bolt style quick link cleat for road bike

[0067] 15b: Delta-style or SPD-style quick-release shim

[0068] 151: Hole, 151a or 151b

[0069] 15la: Hole for 3-bolt style quick link cleat for road bike.

[0070] 151b: Hole for delta-style or SPD-style quick-release shim

[0071] 152: Tapping, 152a or 152b

[0072] 152a: Threading for 3-screw style quick link cleat for road bike.

[0073] 152b: Thread for delta-style or SPD-style quick-connect shim

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[0089] 16: Automatic cycle pedal 17: Linking plate 17a: Main body of linking plate 17 17b: Attachment piece of linking plate 17 171: Interface between linking plate 17 and shoe 20 172: Interface between linking plate 17 and quick-release cleat 15 173: Texture of interfaces 174: Screw for attaching cleat 15 to plate 17 175: Washer 176: Openings in plate 17 177: Flat part on interface plate 18: Quick-release fastening device 181: Rigid molded first layer 182: Flexible molded second layer 183: Flexible molded third layer 20: Standard dress or sports shoe

Claims

Demands

1. Overshoe (10) comprising an envelope part (13) capable of enveloping a conventional dress or sports shoe (20), of at least one tightening system (14) of said envelope part (13) on the shoe (20) characterized in that it comprises in its lower part a quick linkage device (18) for an automatic cycle pedal (16).

2. Overshoe according to claim 1 characterized in that the quick link device is composed of two bodies, a link plate (17) attached to the outer part (13) at its upper part, and at its lower part, forming a surface capable of accepting any conventional quick link cleat (15) for automatic cycle pedal (16).

3. Overshoe according to claim 2 characterized in that the connecting plate (17) forms a surface capable of accepting a conventional connecting cleat (15) of the three-bolt style for road bike (15a) or cardio bikes, or a delta style cleat or a Shimano Pedaling Dynamics (SPD) style cleat (15b) and that it has one or more holes (151) and / or one or more threads (152) allowing the attachment of said conventional quick-connect cleat (15); the connecting plate (17) is thus pre-arranged with holes (151) or threads (152) in sufficient number to accept any of the aforementioned quick-connect cleats (15), at the user's choice.

4. Overshoe according to claim 2 characterized in that the connecting plate (17) is made of a material significantly increasing the coefficient of friction, such as a flexible material in thermoplastic elastomer TPE and / or a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and / or a silicone, and thus increasing the adhesion to the interfaces at the level of the shoe (171) and the conventional quick-connect wedge (172) and formed of a texture (173) capable of also increasing the adhesion to the interfaces.

5. An overshoe according to claim 1 comprising the outer portion (13) characterized in that the outer portion (13) is composed of an open rear portion (11) allowing the insertion of a conventional shoe (20) of wide cross-section, and an open or closed front portion (12) of substantially smaller cross-section. to the rear part (11) capable of positioning the shoe in the overshoe; the outer part (13) is composed of one or more textile parts (131) made of natural, chemical or synthetic fibers, leather or other flexible material; the outer part accepts any size and shape of conventional shoe (20).

6. Overshoe according to claim 1 characterized in that the tightening system (14) tightens the outer part (13) and holds all the parts: the outer part (13), and the quick-release fastening device (18) on the conventional shoe (20); the tightening system (14) accepts any size and shape of conventional shoe (20) and is carried out by various embodiments, via a lace (141), and / or a rotating member (142) and its lacing system (143), and / or a hook and loop fastener (144), and / or a notched strap (145); the tightening system (14) allows partial or total opening of the outer part (13) to release the shoe (20).

7. Overshoe according to claim 1 characterized in that the quick link device (18) is composed of a single body, allowing a direct link for automatic cycle pedal (16); in this embodiment, a different quick link device (18) will be required for each type of pedal.

8. An overshoe according to any one of claims 2 or 7, characterized in that the connecting plate (17) comprises: • a) a first molded layer (181) comprising a rigid substrate, the first molded layer forming one or more holes for connecting the molded layer to a clipless pedal cleat, and the first molded layer forming one or more openings for connecting the molded layer to the outer portion; • b) a second molded layer (182) comprising a flexible substrate formed on a lower portion of the first molded layer (181), the second molded layer (182) substantially conforming to the shape of a portion of the first molded layer (181) on the one hand and, on the other hand, forming a surface capable of accepting a conventional 3-bolt connecting cleat (15) for road bikes (15a), stationary bikes, and / or a delta-style cleat and / or a cleat

9. Shimano Pedaling Dynamics (SPD) style (15b) and / or another cleat style via a concave shape or other; the second flexible molded layer (182) being able to adapt to the different variations in shape of the quick link cleat (15) during attachment; • c) a third molded layer (183) comprising a flexible substrate formed on an upper part of the first molded layer (181), the third molded layer (183) substantially conforming to the shape of a part of the first molded layer (181) on the one hand and on the other hand forming a surface capable of accepting any conventional shoe sole (20); the third flexible layer (183) being capable of adapting to the different variations in shape and texture of conventional shoe soles (20) when tightened on the shoe. Overshoe according to claim 8, wherein the second (182) and third flexible molded layers (183) have a substrate enabling the increase of the coefficient of friction to produce ideal grip on the interfaces at the level of the shoe (171) and the interfaces at the level of the conventional quick-release cleat (172); flexible substrate such as a thermoplastic elastomer TPE and / or a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and / or a silicone.

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