BE1026004B1 - DOUBLE PEDAL, PEDAL ASSEMBLY, AND FURNITURE - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention comprises a double pedal for a piece of furniture that allows two pedals to simultaneously drive one bottom bracket. The double pedal includes a pedal carrier and two single pedals. Furthermore, the present invention includes a related pedal assembly, a piece of furniture comprising the pedal assembly, and the use of the piece of furniture for displaying commercial and / or informational messages.

Description

DOUBLE PEDAL, PEDAL ASSEMBLY, AND FURNITURE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device that allows two people to simultaneously drive one bottom bracket.

BACKGROUND

At our society, more and more time is being spent with portable display devices. A side effect of this is that, because the screen requires some focus, people often spend this time sitting down and moving less and less. This can have adverse consequences for your health.

There is also a continuing need for opportunities to limit the consumption of centrally generated energy by generating green energy. In this context, it is also important to encourage people to use energy more efficiently and to use alternative energy sources.

An example of an initiative to generate power through human movement is described in European patent number EP2744576. By offering a possibility to generate a small amount of energy yourself, one becomes aware that energy is 'not just there', and that a considerable amount of energy is needed to obtain a limited amount of electrical power. In the green furniture described in that patent, different people can generate electricity together, but a separate generator is required per user.

RESUME

The double pedal, the pedal assembly, and the furniture as provided herein allow two people to drive one bottom bracket. This can be interesting for various applications in which the movement of cycling is central, such as bicycles, fitness equipment and the like. Moreover, this allows two users to generate green electricity in a green electricity generating unit using only one generator.

In particular, the invention provides a double pedal for driving one bottom bracket. This invention also relates to a piece of furniture comprising the aforementioned double pedal.

The invention further provides a double pedal for a piece of furniture comprising a pedal carrier and two single pedals, wherein

- the two single pedals comprise a first single pedal and a second single pedal;

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- the first single pedal and the second single pedal attached to the pedal carrier z;

-the pedal carrier is rotatably attachable to a crank.

In some embodiments, the plane of the first single pedal and the plane of the second single intersect at an angle between 5 ° and 40 °.

In some embodiments, the pedal carrier comprises a plate on which the first single pedal and the second single pedal are mounted.

In some embodiments, the first single pedal and the second single pedal are provided with a non-slip surface.

Further provided is a pedal assembly comprising a crank and a double pedal as described herein, wherein the pedal carrier is rotatably attached to the crank and the crank is attachable to a bottom bracket.

Further provided herein is a piece of furniture

-two diametrically opposed seating areas;

- a set of two pedal assemblies as provided herein, each attached to a bottom bracket via a crank, the two pedal assemblies being arranged so that they allow two users to actuate the same bottom bracket from the diametrically opposed seating areas.

In some embodiments, the set of two pedal assemblies is mechanically coupled to a generator.

In some embodiments, the furniture comprises an energy buffer, the energy buffer being coupled to the generator.

In some embodiments, the furniture comprises one or more sockets, the one or more sockets preferably comprising a USB port and / or a micro-USB port, and wherein the one or more sockets are coupled to the generator and / or the energy buffer .

In some embodiments, the piece of furniture is furthermore provided with a network coupling which allows to produce produced energy to an electricity network.

In some embodiments, the furniture further comprises a table surface and / or handles, wherein the table surface and / or the handles are preferably connected to the seating sections.

In some embodiments, the two diametrically opposed seating areas comprise

BE2018 / 5470 a first seating area and a second seating area, and the first seating area is positioned lower than the second.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The following description of the figures of specific embodiments of the invention is by way of example only and is not intended to limit the present explanation, its application or use. In the drawings, corresponding reference numbers refer to the same or corresponding parts and features.

Figure 1 shows a double pedal (1) according to a particular embodiment of the invention, viewed from different perspectives.

Figure 2 shows a piece of furniture (10) according to a specific embodiment provided with the present invention provided with a double pedal (1) according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 shows a mechanism for a piece of furniture according to a particular embodiment of the present invention that comprises a double pedal (1) according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.

A legend of the reference numbers is shown below: 1 - double pedal; 2 first single pedal; 3 - second single pedal; 4 - pedal carrier; 5 - connecting piece between pedal-carrying crank; 6 furniture; 7 seating area; 8-seater area; 9-central element; 10, holder for a display; 11 crank; 12 pass.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used further in this text, the singular forms "one," "the," "the," include both the singular and the plural unless the context is clearly different.

The terms "include", "includes" as used further are synonymous with "inclusive", "include" or "contain," contain "and are inclusive or open and do not exclude additional, unnamed members, elements or method steps. This also includes embodiments that contain only the aforementioned members, element or method steps.

The enumeration of numerical values based on numerical ranges includes all values and fractions in these ranges, as well as the cited endpoints.

The term "about" as used when referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, a quantity, a duration, and so on, is intended to encompass variations of +/- 10% or less, preferably +/- 5% or less, more preferably +/- 1% or less, and even more preferably +/- 0.1% or less, from and from the specified value, as far as the variations of

BE2018 / 5470 application to function in the disclosed invention. It is to be understood that the value to which the term "approximately" refers per se has also been disclosed.

All documents quoted in the current description are fully incorporated herein by reference.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms disclosed in the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as those skilled in the art usually understand them. As a further guide, definitions are included for further explanation of terms used in the description of the invention.

The invention relates in a first aspect to a double pedal. This is particularly suitable for installation in a piece of furniture, in particular for a piece of furniture that can produce green electricity. The double pedal includes two single pedals and a pedal carrier.

The two single pedals include a first single pedal and a second single pedal, referred to herein as "first" and "second" pedal.

Both the first pedal and the second pedal are attached to the pedal carrier at one end. The first single pedal is hereby attached to the pedal carrier in a first position and the second single pedal in a second position. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the first and second single pedals are arranged laterally with respect to each other. In a further preferred embodiment, the pedals are arranged so that the planes are not parallel to each other and are also not parallel to the plane perpendicular to the line connecting the longitudinal axes of both pedals. In certain embodiments, a first plane that includes the pedal plane of the first pedal and a second plane that includes the pedal plane of the second pedal intersect at a point with an angle of between 5 ° and 40 ° degrees. In certain embodiments, they are selected from an angle of between 5 ° -45 °, more particularly between 10 ° -30 °, more particularly about 25 °.

In other words, in certain embodiments, the position of the plane of the first pedal and / or the second pedal is such that the longitudinal section makes an angle of between 5 and 20 degrees with respect to the plane perpendicular to the line that connect the longitudinal axes of the pedals.

In a further preferred embodiment, the pedal surfaces are equidistant from the intersection of the two surfaces comprising the pedal surfaces of the first and second pedals, respectively. In other embodiments, one of the two pedals may be closer to the intersection of these planes

BE2018 / 5470 than the other pedal. In certain embodiments, both pedal surfaces are directly attached to the pedal carrier. In other embodiments, one of the two pedals is removed with a distance of between 5 and 20 cm from the pedal carrier.

The pedal carrier can be rotatably attached to a crank or crank (and is therefore rotatably attachable). In some embodiments, the pedal carrier is a flat plate with the first and second pedals attached to the ends of the plate. In further embodiments, the pedal carrier is a combination of elements that hold the pedals at a certain angle with respect to each other. In certain embodiments, the distance between the central longitudinal axes of the pedal surfaces is between 15-25 cm. In certain embodiments, the distance between the two pedal surfaces at the closest point is between 10-20 cm. In certain embodiments, the distance between the two pedal surfaces at the farthest point is between 20-30 cm. In some embodiments, the pedal carrier is provided with a mounting piece that permits attachment to a crank.

In some embodiments, the first single pedal and the second single pedal are provided with a non-slip surface. This increases the grip of a user on the single pedals. This non-slip surface can be generated by unevenness in the pedal surface or by applying anti-slip material to the pedal surface.

Further provided herein is a pedal assembly for use in an arrangement such as a piece of furniture for generating energy. The pedal assembly comprises a double pedal as described above and a crank. The pedal carrier of the double pedal is rotatably attached to the crank, usually via a connecting piece (which may or may not be part of the double pedal). The position of the pedal carrier is therefore independent of the rotation of the crank. The crank can be attached to a bottom bracket.

In some embodiments, the crank comprises a first end and a second end. The first end of the crank can be attached to a bottom bracket. The first end of the pedal carrier is attached to the second end of the crank.

The double pedal therefore allows two users to cycle the same bottom bracket at the same time. The dual pedal and pedal assembly are especially but not exclusively suitable for use in furniture for generating energy as further described herein. The double pedal allows two users to drive the same generator at the same time, which is more efficient and allows for cost savings. However, it is also possible to use the dual-pedal pedal carrier in furniture used for other purposes such as fitness training, or in certain mobile arrangements such as in a bicycle.

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Furthermore, a piece of furniture is provided in which two people can simultaneously drive one bottom bracket. In certain embodiments, the piece of furniture is a piece of furniture for generating electricity that comprises two diametrically opposed seats and a set of two pedal assemblies. In other words, the two seating sections are positioned on an axis perpendicular to the axis that connects the set of two pedal assemblies. The pedal assemblies are described above and allow two users to control the same bottom bracket from the diametrically opposite seating areas. The furniture thus comprises one and only one bottom bracket to which the pedal assemblies are mechanically connected. In certain embodiments, the furniture forms one whole, the seating parts being connected to the set of two pedal assemblies. In other embodiments, the seating portions are detached from a central piece of furniture that includes the set of pedal assemblies. The seating sections preferably comprise a seating surface and optionally a backrest. A user can sit on the seat, and the backrest supports the back. The seating area can be provided in different materials and take different forms. Examples of a suitable seating area are a wooden bench, a saddle, and a seat.

In some embodiments, the two diametrically opposed seating areas comprise a first seating area and a second seating area. In certain preferred embodiments, the seating surfaces are provided at different heights in the furniture, which facilitates the stepping. In some embodiments, the first seating area is positioned lower than the second seating area. In certain embodiments, each of the pedal assemblies are arranged such that the intersection of the two surfaces that each includes one of the two pedal surfaces is on the side of the second, higher-lying seat portion of the furniture. In certain embodiments, the furniture is a fitness device or a bicycle.

In some embodiments, the furniture is a furniture provided to generate power. Examples of furniture to generate electricity are provided in EP2744576 and WO2016156590, the content of which is incorporated herein. In these embodiments, the furniture also includes a power generator and the set of two pedal assemblies is mechanically coupled to a generator. In this way the mechanical work done by the users on the double pedals can be converted into electrical energy.

In some embodiments, the furniture includes an energy buffer, and the energy buffer is electrically coupled to the generator. Through the energy buffer, electrical energy produced by the users can be stored for later use. Additional or as

BE2018 / 5470 alternatively, the energy buffer can be used to capture moments of peak production. Examples of suitable energy buffers are batteries and capacitors. In certain embodiments, the furniture also includes a control system provided to adjust the resistance of the pedal crank movement during the pedal crank movement as provided in WO2016156590.

In some embodiments, the furniture comprises one or more sockets that are electrically coupled to the generator and / or the energy buffer. The one or more sockets preferably comprise a USB port and / or a micro USB port. Electrical devices such as smartphones can be charged using the energy produced by users through the one or more sockets. In addition or as an alternative, the furniture may be equipped with a grid connection that allows to produce produced energy to an electricity grid.

In certain embodiments, the furniture also comprises additional structures, whether or not detachably coupled to the furniture, such as holders for screens / telephones, holders for drinking cups, table surfaces, handles, etc. In certain embodiments, the furniture also comprises a central element between the two seating areas . This central element is preferably raised relative to the seating areas. In certain embodiments, the sockets / USB ports are provided in this central element. Moreover, the above-mentioned additional structures can also be provided for this. In some embodiments, the furniture comprises one or two table surfaces. A table surface allows the users to work on this, or to put food on it and / or to put drinks on it. The handles offer support to the users.

In certain embodiments, the furniture also comprises one or more screens, optionally connected to the central element. In certain embodiments, this screen can be used to display commercial and / or informational messages.

The invention is described below by non-limiting examples.

EXAMPLES

Example 1 - Double Pedal

In a first example, FIG. 1 referred. FIG. 1 shows a double pedal as provided herein in different views a) to d). In particular, view a) is a front view, view b) is a side view, view c) is section A-A, and view d) is a perspective view.

The double pedal 1) comprises a first single pedal (2), a second single pedal (3), and a pedal carrier (4). The pedal carrier (4) is shaped like a plate and has a first one

BE2018 / 5470 end and a second end. The first single pedal (2) is fixedly attached to the first end of the pedal carrier (4). The second single pedal (3) is fixedly attached to the second end of the pedal carrier (4). Both the first single pedal (2) and the second single pedal (3) have a non-slip surface. The first end of the pedal carrier (4) is rotatably attachable to a crank by means of a connecting piece (5).

Example 2 - Furniture

Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of a piece of furniture (6) that comprises two double pedals according to the first example. The dual pedals can be operated simultaneously by two users while the users sit on a seating area (7.8).

The piece of furniture (6) actually comprises two pedal assemblies. In each pedal assembly, a double pedal according to the first example is included and a crank. In each pedal assembly, the first end of the pedal carrier of the double pedal (1) is rotatably attached to a crank. Each crank is in turn attached to a bottom bracket.

In this embodiment, the two pedal assemblies are operatively linked via the bottom bracket to a generator (not visible in the figure) so that work supplied by the users can be converted into electrical energy. The furniture includes an energy buffer that is connected to the generator. Electrical energy for later use can be stored in the energy buffer during moments of high production.

The furniture (6) comprises a central part (9). This central part can be provided with sockets, such as a USB port and a micro USB port (not visible in the figure). The central part (9) in this embodiment is also provided with a holder (10) for a telephone or other electronic screen. The sockets are electrically connected to the generator and the energy buffer so that they can be supplied with electricity.

Furthermore, the furniture is equipped with a grid connection that allows to produce produced energy to an electricity grid.

Example 3 - Mechanism

Figure 3, panels a) and b) show a mechanism for a piece of furniture according to a particular embodiment of the present invention that comprises two double pedals (1) according to a particular embodiment of the present invention. Each double pedal (1) is connected to the central bottom bracket via a crank (11). This arrangement makes it possible to drive the same bottom bracket (12) with two users.

Claims (12)

CONCLUSIONS ^{BE2018 / 5470} A double pedal (1) for a piece of furniture comprising a pedal carrier (4) and two single pedals (2,3), wherein - the two single pedals (2,3) comprise a first single pedal (2) and a second single pedal (3); - the first single pedal (2) and the second single pedal (3) are fixed to the pedal carrier (4); - the pedal carrier (4) is rotatably attachable to a crank. The double pedal (1) according to claim 1, wherein the plane comprising the pedal plane of the first single pedal and the plane comprising the pedal plane of the second single pedal intersect at an angle between 5 ° and 40 °. The double pedal (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pedal carrier (4) comprises a plate on which the first single pedal (2) and the second single pedal (3) are mounted. The double pedal (1) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first single pedal (2) and the second single pedal (3) are provided with a non-slip surface. A pedal assembly for a piece of furniture (6) comprising a crank and a double pedal as in claims 1 to 4, wherein the pedal carrier (4) is rotatably attached to the crank and the crank is attachable to a bottom bracket. 6. Including a piece of furniture - two diametrically opposite seating areas (7.8); - a set of two pedal assemblies as claimed in claim 5, both attached to a bottom bracket via its own crank, the two pedal assemblies being arranged such that they allow two users to actuate the same bottom bracket from the diametrically opposed seating areas. The furniture of claim 6 wherein the set of two pedal assemblies is mechanically coupled to a generator. The piece of furniture according to claim 7, wherein the piece of furniture comprises an energy buffer, the energy buffer being coupled to the generator. The furniture according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the furniture comprises one or more sockets, wherein the one or more sockets preferably comprise a USB port and / or a micro-USB port, and wherein the one or more sockets are coupled to the generator and / or the energy buffer. ^{BE2018 / 5470} The piece of furniture as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, which is further provided with a grid connection that allows to produce produced energy to an electricity grid. The piece of furniture according to any of claims 6 to 10 further comprising a table surface and / or 5 handles, wherein the table surface and / or the handles are preferably connected to the seating areas. The piece of furniture according to any of claims 6 to 11, wherein the two diametrically opposed seating sections comprise a first seating section and a second seating section, and wherein the first seating section is positioned lower than the second seating section.