CA2591066A1 - Pedal stand - Google Patents

Abstract

A pedal stand for use with a pedal is provided. The pedal stand comprises an arm and a foot. The foot extends from the arm to form an L-shaped structure. The arm and foot define a base of sufficient length to support a rider and bicycle. The arm is configured at a proximal end to accept fasteners for attaching the pedal stand to the pedal.
In use, the pedal stand allows a rider to maintain their riding position while at a standstill.

Description

PEDAL STAND

Field:
The technology relates to a device for supporting a cyclist and bike while at rest. More specifically, the technology is a device that is for attachment to a bicycle pedal, to allow the cyclist to engage the device by pressing down on their heel, the device then contacting the ground and supporting the cyclist and bike.

Background:
There are various methods of supporting a bicycle when not in use. One that is affixed to the bicycle is a kick stand. This simple device can be attached to various parts of the bike frame, and is engaged by striking the stand with force, thereby shifting it from a resting position, which is usually close to the frame, to an engaged position, whereby the kickstand extends from the bicycle to the ground.

Cyclists would benefit from a means to support both the rider and the bicycle.
For example, bicycle commuters could use a device when stopped at traffic lights, thereby allowing them to keep both feet on the pedals. This would be especially useful for cyclists using clipless pedals or pedals with toe clips, as it would save the bother of having to release and then replace the cyclist's shoe in the pedal. Despite the need for such a device, one does not seem to exist. It is an object of the invention to overcome the deficiencies in the prior art.

Summary:
A pedal stand for use with a pedal is provided. The pedal stand comprises an arm and a foot, wherein:
(i) the foot extends from said arm to form an L-shaped structure, the arm and foot defining a base of sufficient length to support a rider and bicycle; and (ii) the arm is configured at a proximal end to accept fasteners for attaching said pedal stand to said pedal.

In one aspect, the arm has a series of positioning apertures to permit adjustment of the length of said arm.

In another aspect, the arm has a distal end shaped to provide a heel rest.
In another aspect, the base is about 4 inches long.

In another aspect, the base is further provided with a friction pad.
In another aspect, the stand is metal.

In another aspect, the stand is a polymeric material.
In another aspect, the arm and the foot are integral.
In another aspect, the stand is injection-molded.

In another aspect, the stand is welded.

In another aspect, the foot is affixed to said arm.
In another aspect, the friction pad is rubber.

In another aspect, the friction pad is brake pad.
Figures:

Figure 1. A pedal stand on a pedal in accordance to an embodiment of the technology.

Figure 2. An exploded view of the technology of Figure 1.

Figure 3. A pedal stand in accordance with a second embodiment of the technology.
Detailed Description:

A pedal stand, generally referred to as 10 is shown in Figure 1. The stand 10 has an arm 12 and a foot 14. The length of the arm 12 is such that the foot 14 is engaged only when a rider depresses their heel below that of the normal riding position. The arm is preferably about 6 inches to about 9 inches in length, more preferably about 7 inches to about 8 inches in length and most preferably about 7 inches in length. The arm 12 has an upper surface 16 that is shaped to provide a heel rest 18 at a distal end 20.
As shown in Figure 2, the proximal end 22 is configured to accept fasteners, to affix the stand 10 to a pedal 100. Preferably the proximal end 22 is bolted to the underside of the peda124.

The foot 14, in use, extends outward from the pedal 100. In other words, the foot 14 and arm 12 form an L-shaped structure with a base 24 for engaging the ground that is about 4 inches long - the length being sufficient to support a bicycle and rider in a stable manner.
The foot is preferably between about 2 inches and about 6 inches in length, more preferably between about 3 inches and about 5 inches in length and most preferably about 4 inches in length. In one embodiment the foot has at least one holding aperture 26 and the arm 12 has a plurality of positioning apertures 28 at different attachment positions to permit attaching the foot 14 at different positions along the length of the arm 12 and to permit attachment of the arm 12 to the pedal 100 at different positions along the length of the arm 12. This permits adjustment of the length of the arm 12. Excess length can be trimmed from the arm 12. Fasteners, such as bolts 30 affix the arm 12 to the foot 14.
The stand 10 can be assembled for use on the right or left pedal 100.

In a second embodiment, shown in Figure 3, the pedal stand 10 is an integral unit that is molded, for example, injection molded, or welded, whether plastic or metal welded, or glued. Adjustment for length of the arm 12 is effected by placement of the proximal end 22 relative to the pedal 100. To this end, the proximal end is also provided with positioning apertures 28. Again, excess length can be trimmed from the arm 12.
The base 24 is optionally provided with a friction pad 32.

In use, the pedal stand can support both the rider and the bicycle. Bicycle commuters can use the pedal stand when stopped at traffic lights, thereby allowing them to keep both feet on the pedals. This is especially useful for cyclists using clipless pedals or pedals with toe clips, as it will save the bother of having to release and then replace the cyclist's shoe in the pedal.

The foregoing is an embodiment of the technology. As would be known to one skilled in the art, variations that do not alter the scope of the technology are contemplated. For example, the stand can, for example, but not limited, be constructed from metal, or polymeric material. It can, for example be, but not limited to solid, hollow, reticulate, a framework, such as a truss structure. The friction pad can be, for example, but not limited to, rubber, or similar material, brake pad. The means of attaching the stand to a pedal can be any suitable means, as can the means of attaching the foot to the arm, for example.

Claims (7)

1. A pedal stand for use with a pedal, said pedal stand comprising an arm and a foot, wherein:
(i) said foot extends from said arm to form an L-shaped structure, the arm and foot defining a base of sufficient length to support a rider and bicycle; and (ii) said arm is configured at a proximal end to accept fasteners for attaching said pedal stand to said pedal.

2. The pedal stand of claim 1 wherein said arm has a series of positioning apertures to permit adjustment of the length of said arm.

3. The pedal stand of claim 2 wherein said arm has a distal end shaped to provide a heel rest.

4. The pedal stand of claim 2 wherein said base is about 4 inches long.

5. The pedal stand of claim 2 wherein said base is further provided with a friction pad.

6. The pedal stand of claim 5, wherein said stand is metal.

7. The pedal stand of claim 2 wherein said stand is a polymeric material.
9. The pedal stand of claim 2 wherein said arm and said foot are integral.
10. The pedal stand of claim 9 wherein said stand is injection-molded.

11. The pedal stand of claim 9 wherein said stand is welded.

12. The pedal stand of claim 2 wherein said foot is affixed to said arm.

13. The pedal stand of claim 5 wherein said friction pad is rubber.
14. The pedal stand of claim 5 wherein said friction pad is brake pad.