CN116788416A

CN116788416A - Pedal of bicycle

Info

Publication number: CN116788416A
Application number: CN202310219197.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 井上晓
Original assignee: Shimano Inc
Current assignee: Shimano Inc
Priority date: 2022-03-21
Filing date: 2023-03-07
Publication date: 2023-09-22
Also published as: DE102022202747A1; TW202337756A

Abstract

A bicycle pedal 12 includes a pedal shaft 20, a pedal body 28, a pedal body 22, a first cleat fixing member 24 and a second cleat fixing member 26. The pedal body 28 is rotatably supported to the pedal shaft 20 to rotate about the rotation center axis R1 of the pedal shaft 20. The pedal body 22 is rotatably provided to the pedal shaft 20 to rotate about the rotation center axis R1, and pivots about the rotation center axis R1 with respect to the pedal body 28. First cleat securing member 24 and second cleat securing member 26 are pivotally supported to pedal body 22 to pivot between a cleat retaining position and a non-cleat retaining position. First cleat fixation member 24 pivots about a first pivot axis P1 that is offset from the central axis of rotation R1. The second clip fixing member 26 pivots about a second pivot axis P2 that is offset from the rotation central axis R1 and the first pivot axis P1.

Description

Pedal of bicycle

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to a bicycle pedal. More particularly, the present invention relates to a bicycle pedal that is removable and engageable with a locking plate.

Background

Bicycle pedals are designed for specific purposes such as comfort, recreational bicycle riding, off-road bicycle riding, road racing, and the like. One particular type of bicycle pedal that is becoming more popular is the push-in (step-in) or the click-on (click) pedal. Conventional penetrating or snap-in pedals are releasably coupled to a cleat (clean) secured to the sole of a cyclist. Thus, the bottom of the cyclist's shoe is secured to the pedal to transfer the pedaling force of the cyclist to the pedal of the bicycle. In other words, with the cartridge pedal, the shoe and the pedal are in a constantly engaged state when the cleat is engaged in the cleat clamping member, so the pedaling force can be efficiently transmitted to the pedal. A conventional cassette bicycle pedal includes a pedal shaft that can be attached to a bicycle crank, a main pedal body rotatably supported on the pedal shaft, and a cleat fixing mechanism. With such conventional bicycle pedals, the cleat releasing operation is typically performed by twisting the shoe such that the heel of the shoe is moved outward when the shoe is coupled to the pedal.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention is directed, in general, to various features of a bicycle pedal that are detachable and engageable with a locking plate.

In view of the state of the known technology, and in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a bicycle pedal is provided that generally includes a pedal shaft, a pedal body, a first cleat fixing member and a second cleat fixing member. The pedal shaft has a rotational center axis. The pedal body is rotatably supported with respect to the pedal shaft to rotate about a rotation center axis of the pedal shaft. The tread body has a first tread surface and a second tread surface. The pedal body is rotatably disposed with respect to the pedal shaft to rotate about the rotation center axis and pivot with respect to the pedal body about the rotation center axis. The first cleat retainer member pivotally supports the pedal body between a first cleat retaining position and a first cleat non-retaining position to pivot about a first pivot axis offset from the central axis of rotation. The second cleat retainer member pivotally supports the pedal body between a second cleat retaining position and a second cleat non-retaining position to pivot about a second pivot axis offset from the central axis of rotation and the first pivot axis.

With the bicycle pedal according to the first aspect, the options of how to attach the shoe with the locking tab to the pedal are increased.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the bicycle pedal according to the first aspect further comprises a first biasing member and a second biasing member. The first biasing member biases the first cleat securing member about the first pivot axis toward the first cleat retaining position. The second biasing member biases the second cleat securing member about the second pivot axis toward the second cleat retaining position. With the bicycle pedal according to the second aspect, the first cleat fixing member and the second cleat fixing member can be reliably returned to the cleat retaining position to fix the cleat after the cleat engagement operation.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the bicycle pedal according to the first or second aspect is configured such that the first cleat fixing member includes a first cleat engagement surface that is spaced apart from the pedal body with respect to the first pedal surface, and the second cleat fixing member includes a second cleat engagement surface that is spaced apart from the pedal body with respect to the first pedal surface. With the bicycle pedal according to the third aspect, the first cleat engagement surface and the second cleat engagement surface can be easily accessed to easily engage the cleat to the bicycle pedal during a cleat engagement operation.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle pedal according to any one of the first to third aspects is configured such that the first cleat fixing member further includes a first inclined surface arranged to receive a cleat pressing force to pivot the first cleat fixing member about the first pivot axis during a cleat engagement operation with the first cleat fixing member. The first inclined surface is inclined with respect to a reference plane entirely containing the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis in a state in which the first locking plate fixing member is in the neutral rest position. The second cleat fixation member further includes a second inclined surface arranged to receive a cleat compression force to pivot the second cleat fixation member about the second pivot axis during a cleat engagement operation with the second cleat fixation member. The second inclined surface is inclined with respect to the reference surface in a state in which the second locking plate fixing member is in the neutral rest position. With the bicycle pedal according to the fourth aspect, the first cleat fixing member and the second cleat fixing member can be pivoted more easily to engage the cleat during the cleat engagement operation.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle pedal according to any one of the first to fourth aspects further includes a third cleat fixing member and a fourth cleat fixing member. The third cleat retainer member is pivotally supported to the pedal body to pivot about the first pivot axis between a third cleat retaining position and a third cleat non-retaining position. The fourth cleat retainer member is pivotally disposed to the pedal body to pivot about the second pivot axis between a fourth cleat retaining position and a fourth cleat non-retaining position. With the bicycle pedal according to the fifth aspect, the locking plate can be reliably fixed to either side of the bicycle pedal.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle pedal according to the fifth aspect further comprises a third biasing member and a fourth biasing member. The third biasing member biases the third cleat fixing member about the first pivot axis toward the third cleat holding position. The fourth biasing member biases the fourth cleat securing member about the second pivot axis toward the fourth cleat retaining position. With the bicycle pedal according to the sixth aspect, the third cleat fixing member and the fourth cleat fixing member can be reliably returned to the cleat retaining position to fix the cleat after the cleat engagement operation.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle pedal according to the fifth or sixth aspect is configured such that the third cleat fixing member includes a third cleat engagement surface that is spaced outwardly from the pedal body relative to the second pedal surface, and the fourth cleat fixing member includes a fourth cleat engagement surface that is spaced outwardly from the pedal body relative to the second pedal surface. With the bicycle pedal according to the seventh aspect, the third cleat engagement surface and the fourth cleat engagement surface can be easily accessed to easily engage the cleat to the bicycle pedal during a cleat engagement operation.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle pedal according to any one of the fifth to seventh aspects is configured such that the third cleat fixing member further includes a third inclined surface arranged to receive a cleat pressing force to pivot the third cleat fixing member about the first pivot axis during a cleat engagement operation with the third cleat fixing member, and the fourth cleat fixing member further includes a fourth inclined surface arranged to receive a cleat pressing force to pivot the fourth cleat fixing member about the second pivot axis during a cleat engagement operation with the fourth cleat fixing member. With the bicycle pedal according to the eighth aspect, the third cleat fixing member and the fourth cleat fixing member can be pivoted more easily to engage the cleat during the cleat engagement operation.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle pedal according to any one of the first to eighth aspects further includes a biasing element operatively disposed between the tread body and the pedal body to bias the pedal body to a neutral rest position relative to the tread body. With the bicycle pedal according to the ninth aspect, the pedal body can be held in the neutral rest position before performing the cleat engagement operation, and can be pivoted relative to the pedal body to enable the cleat to be easily engaged with the pedal body in various ways.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle pedal according to the ninth aspect is configured such that the first cleat fixing member is configured to protrude at least partially from the pedal body with respect to the first pedal surface in a state in which the pedal body is in a neutral rest position with respect to the pedal body, and the second cleat fixing member is configured to protrude at least partially from the pedal body with respect to the first pedal surface in a state in which the pedal body is in a neutral rest position with respect to the pedal body. With the bicycle pedal according to the tenth aspect, the first and second cleat fixing members can be easily accessed to easily engage the cleat to the bicycle pedal during the cleat engagement operation.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle pedal according to the ninth or tenth aspect is configured such that the third cleat fixing member is configured to protrude at least partially from the pedal body with respect to the second pedal surface in a state in which the pedal body is in a neutral rest position with respect to the pedal body, and the fourth cleat fixing member is configured to protrude at least partially from the pedal body with respect to the second pedal surface in a state in which the pedal body is in a neutral rest position with respect to the pedal body. With the bicycle pedal according to the eleventh aspect, the third cleat fixing member and the fourth cleat fixing member can be easily accessed to easily engage the cleat to the bicycle pedal during a cleat engagement operation.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle pedal according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects is configured such that the rotation center axis is disposed between the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis when viewed in a direction parallel to the rotation center axis. With the bicycle pedal according to the twelfth aspect, the cleat fixing member of the bicycle pedal can be reliably coupled to the pedal body in a relatively compact manner.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle pedal according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects is configured such that the rotational center axis, the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are parallel to each other. With the bicycle pedal according to the thirteenth aspect, the cleat fixing member of the bicycle pedal can be further reliably coupled to the pedal body in a relatively compact manner.

In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle pedal according to the thirteenth aspect is configured such that the rotational center axis, the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are all disposed in a single reference plane. With the bicycle pedal according to the fourteenth aspect, the cleat fixing member of the bicycle pedal can be further reliably coupled to the pedal body in a relatively compact manner.

Further, other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed bicycle pedal will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the bicycle pedal.

Drawings

Selected embodiments of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this original disclosure, in which

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bicycle pedal assembly that includes a bicycle pedal coupled to a crank arm and a cleat coupled to a riding shoe in accordance with a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is another enlarged perspective view of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 6 is an outside elevational view of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1-5;

FIG. 7 is an inside elevational view of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1-6;

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1-7;

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of selected portions of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1-7;

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of selected portions of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1-7;

FIG. 11 is an outside elevational view of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, with a portion of the pedal body broken away and the pedal body in a neutral rest position relative to the pedal body;

FIG. 12 is an outside elevational view of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7, similar to FIG. 11, but with the pedal body having been pivoted relative to the pedal body as a result of the cleat applying a cleat pressing force to the first cleat fixing member by the cleat;

FIG. 13 is an outside elevational view of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, similar to FIGS. 11 and 12, but with the cleat having been moved relative to the pedal body from the position illustrated in FIG. 12 to engage the second cleat fixing member;

FIG. 14 is an outside elevational view of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, similar to FIGS. 11-13, but with the cleat having applied another cleat pressing force to the first cleat fixing member, pivoting the first cleat fixing member from the position illustrated in FIG. 13 to allow the cleat to engage the first cleat fixing member;

FIG. 15 is an outside elevational view of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7, similar to FIGS. 11 to 14, but with the locking tab engaged with the first and second locking tab securing members;

FIG. 16 is an outside elevational view of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7, similar to FIGS. 11 to 15, but with the pedal body having been pivoted relative to the pedal body as a result of the cleat applying a cleat pressing force to the second cleat fixing member;

FIG. 17 is an outside elevational view of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, similar to FIGS. 11-16, but with the cleat having been moved relative to the pedal body from the position illustrated in FIG. 16 to engage the first cleat fixing member;

FIG. 18 is an outside elevational view of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, similar to FIGS. 11-17, but with the cleat having yet another cleat pressing force applied to the second cleat fixing member, causing the second cleat fixing member to pivot from the position illustrated in FIG. 17 to allow the cleat to engage the second cleat fixing member;

FIG. 19 is an outside elevational view of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7, similar to FIGS. 11 to 18, but with the cleat pressed downwardly against both the first and second cleat fixing members when the pedal body is in a neutral rest position relative to the pedal body;

FIG. 20 is an outside elevational view of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7, similar to FIGS. 11 to 19, but with the cleat compression forces being applied to the first and second cleat fixing members simultaneously by the cleat, such that the first and second cleat fixing members are pivoted simultaneously from the position illustrated in FIG. 19, thereby allowing the cleat to engage the first and second cleat fixing members;

FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, with the cleat engaged with the first and second cleat fixing members;

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, with the locking tab rotated to initiate disengagement of the locking tab from the first and second locking tab securing members;

FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, with the locking tab rotated to disengage the locking tab from the first and second locking tab securing members;

FIG. 24 is an outside elevational view of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, with the locking tab rotated to disengage the locking tab from the first and second locking tab securing members;

FIG. 25 is a bottom plan view of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, with the locking tab rotated to initiate disengagement of the locking tab from the third and fourth locking tab securing members;

FIG. 26 is an enlarged, partial, outside elevational view of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7, with the first cleat fixing member in the first cleat retaining position and the third cleat fixing member in the third cleat retaining position;

FIG. 27 is an enlarged, partial outside elevational view of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIG. 26, with the first cleat fixing member having been pivoted to the first cleat non-retaining position and the third cleat fixing member being in the third cleat retaining position.

Description of the reference numerals

10. Bicycle pedal assembly

12. Pedal of bicycle

14. Locking plate

14a shoe attachment

14b first locking tab projection

14c second locking tab projection

20. Pedal shaft

20a external thread segment

20b support section

22. Pedal body

22a bump

24. First locking plate fixing member

24a first locking tab engagement surface

24b first inclined surface

24c mounting flange

24c1 pivot hole

24c2 opening

24d contact portion

26. Second locking plate fixing member

26a second locking tab engagement surface

26b second inclined surface

26c mounting flange

26c1 pivot hole

26c2 opening

26d contact portion

28. Pedal body

28a first tread surface

28b second tread surface

28c bump

29. Support member

30. Fastening piece

31. Fastening piece

32. Biasing element

32a winding part

32b first leg

32c second leg

34. Third locking plate fixing member

34a third locking tab engagement surface

34b third inclined surface

34c mounting flange

34c1 pivot hole

34c2 opening

34d contact portion

36. Fourth locking plate fixing member

36a fourth locking tab engagement surface

36b fourth inclined surface

36c mounting flange

36c1 pivot hole

36c2 opening

36d contact portion

40. First pivot pin

42. Second pivot pin

50. First biasing member

50a winding portion

50b first leg

50c second leg

52. Second biasing member

54. Third biasing member

56. Fourth biasing member

60. First support member

62. Second support member

64. First resistance member

64A first locking tab contact member

64A1 first bump

64B first elastic member

66. Second resistance member

66A second locking tab contact member

66A1 second bump

66B second elastic member

68. Third resistance member

68A third locking tab contacting member

68A1 third bump

68B third elastic member

70. Fourth resistance member

70A fourth locking plate contact member

70A1 fourth bump

70B fourth elastic member

A1 and A2 locking plate receiving area

B bicycle

CA crank arm

D1, D2 direction

P1 first pivot axis

P2 second pivot axis

R1 rotation center axis

RP single reference plane

S-shaped shoes

X1 and X2 directions

Detailed Description

It will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a bicycle pedal assembly 10 is illustrated in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the bicycle pedal assembly 10 generally includes a bicycle pedal 12 and a cleat 14. The bicycle pedal 12 is a snap-on or penetrating pedal that is configured to releasably secure the cleat 14 thereto. Here, the bicycle pedal 12 is a left bicycle pedal. The bicycle pedal assembly 10 can further include a right bicycle pedal and an additional cleat. The right bicycle pedal may be identical to the bicycle pedal 12 (i.e., the left bicycle pedal) or mirrored, as desired and/or needed. Accordingly, the description of the bicycle pedal 12 applies to both the left and right bicycle pedals. Accordingly, only one bicycle pedal is illustrated in the drawings and discussed below.

The bicycle pedal 12 is mounted to the crank arm CA of the bicycle B for rotation therewith. The locking piece 14 is mounted to the bottom surface of the sole of the riding shoe S. The cleat 14 is configured to be releasably secured to the bicycle pedal 12. The cleat 14 is configured to be attachable to the bicycle pedal 12 in the following manner: this approach allows limited rotational movement, but releases the locking plate 14 from the bicycle pedal 12 when the rotational movement of the locking plate 14 exceeds a prescribed angular movement with respect to the bicycle pedal 12.

As seen in fig. 2 to 4, the bicycle pedal 12 generally includes a pedal axle 20, a pedal body 22, a first cleat fixing member 24 and a second cleat fixing member 26. The cleat 14 is held to the pedal body 22 by a first cleat securing member 24 and a second cleat securing member 26. In particular, as shown in fig. 14 to 18, the locking piece 14 has a shoe attachment portion 14a, a first locking piece protrusion 14b, and a second locking piece protrusion 14c. When the cleat 14 is secured to the pedal body 22, the first cleat securing member 24 engages the first cleat boss 14b and the second cleat boss 14c engages the second cleat securing member 26. The pedal shaft 20 has a rotation center axis R1. The pedal body 22 is rotatably provided about the pedal shaft 20. In particular, the pedal body 22 is rotatably provided about the pedal shaft 20 to rotate about the rotation center axis R1.

As shown in fig. 3 and 8, the pedal shaft 20 is a rigid member that rotatably supports the pedal body 22 in a conventional manner. The pedal shaft 20 is preferably made of a hard rigid material such as a metallic material or a fiber reinforced material. The pedal shaft 20 has an externally threaded section 20a and a support section 20b. The externally threaded section 20a is configured to be screwed into the crank arm CA. The support section 20b is used to rotatably support the pedal body 22 through one or more bearings.

As shown in fig. 4 and 5, the pedal body 22 is a rigid member having a generally H-shape for pivotally supporting the first and second cleat fixing members 24 and 26. The pedal body 22 is preferably made of a hard rigid material such as a metallic material or a fiber reinforced material. The first cleat securing member 24 is pivotally provided to the pedal body 22 to pivot about the first pivot axis P1 between a first cleat retaining position and a first cleat non-retaining position. On the other hand, the second cleat fixing member 26 is pivotally provided to the pedal body 22 to pivot about the second pivot axis P2 between the second cleat retaining position and the second cleat non-retaining position. The second cleat retaining member 26 is disposed to the pedal body 22 and spaced apart from the first cleat retaining member 24 to form a cleat receiving area A1 therebetween.

As shown in fig. 24, the rotation center axis R1 is disposed between the first pivot axis P1 and the second pivot axis P2 when viewed from a direction parallel to the rotation center axis R1. The first pivot axis P1 is offset from the rotation center axis R1. The second pivot axis P2 is offset from the rotation central axis R1 and the first pivot axis P1. Further, as shown in fig. 4 and 5, the rotation center axis R1, the first pivot axis P1, and the second pivot axis P2 are parallel to each other. As shown in fig. 24, the rotation center axis R1, the first pivot axis P1, and the second pivot axis P2 are all disposed in a single reference plane RP.

In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 11 to 20, both the first and second locking piece fixing members 24 and 26 are movable with respect to the pedal body 22 for fixing the locking piece 14 and releasing the locking piece 14. Alternatively, one of the first cleat securing member 24 and the second cleat securing member 26 may be configured to be fixed or immovable during engagement of the cleat 14 to the pedal body 22 and release of the cleat 14 from the pedal body 22.

In this embodiment, as seen in fig. 6 and 7, the bicycle pedal 12 further includes a tread body 28. The tread body 28 has a first tread surface 28a and a second tread surface 28b. The first tread surface 28a and the second tread surface 28b face in opposite directions. The tread body 28 substantially surrounds the pedal body 22. The pedal body 28 is rotatably supported about the pedal shaft 20 to rotate about the rotation center axis R1 of the pedal shaft 20. Thus, both the pedal body 22 and the pedal body 28 rotate about the rotation center axis R1 of the pedal shaft 20. Further, the pedal body 22 and the pedal body 28 are configured to pivot a prescribed amount of angular movement relative to each other. In other words, the pedal body 22 is rotatably provided about the pedal shaft 20 to rotate about the rotation center axis R1 and pivot about the rotation center axis R1 with respect to the pedal body 28.

Here, as seen in fig. 3, 7 and 8, the bicycle pedal 12 further includes a support member 29 coupled to the tread body 28 by a pair of fasteners 30. Here, the fastener 30 is a screw. The pedal shaft 20 passes through an opening in the support member 29. The support member 29 is configured to limit bending of the pedal shaft 20. The pedal body 28 is attached to the pedal shaft 20 by a fastener 31. Here, the fastener 31 is a set screw that is screwed into a threaded hole formed in the end of the pedal shaft 20.

As seen in fig. 11 to 18, the bicycle pedal 12 further includes a biasing element 32. A biasing element 32 is operatively disposed between the pedal body 28 and the pedal body 22 to bias the pedal body 22 to a neutral rest position relative to the pedal body 28. Here, the biasing element 32 is a torsion spring that is provided on the fastener 31 and is located between the pedal body 22 and the pedal body 28. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the biasing element 32 has a coiled portion 32a, a first leg 32b, and a second leg 32c. The first leg portion 32b and the second leg portion 32c extend from the winding portion 32a and cross each other. The first leg portion 32b and the second leg portion 32c contact the projection 28c of the pedal body 28 and the projection 22a of the pedal body 22. For example, in the neutral rest position, the first leg 32b and the second leg 32c contact the projection 28c of the pedal body 28 and the projection 22a of the pedal body 22. The projection 28c is located between the first leg portion 32b and the second leg portion 32c when viewed from the direction of the rotation center axis R1. The projection 22a of the pedal body 22 is located between the first leg portion 32b and the second leg portion 32c when viewed from the direction of the rotational center axis R1. The engagement of the first and second legs 32b, 32c with the projections 28c, 22a of the pedal body 28 and the pedal body 22 maintains the pedal body 22 in a neutral rest position relative to the pedal body 28. As shown in fig. 12 and 16, the pedal body 22 may pivot relative to the pedal body 28 against the biasing force of the biasing element 32. For example, as shown in fig. 12, cleat 14 may be compressed against first cleat securing member 24 to cause second leg 32c to deflect and cause pedal body 22 to pivot relative to pedal body 28. The second leg portion 32c is urged by the projection 22a in the circumferential direction about the axis R1 to generate a spring force about the projection 22a in the circumferential direction. The first leg 32b is held in the same position as the neutral rest position by the projection 28 c. Further, for example, as shown in fig. 16, the cleat 14 may compress the second cleat securing member 26 to cause the first leg 32b to deflect and cause the pedal body 22 to pivot relative to the pedal body 28. The first leg 32b is urged by the projection 22a in the circumferential direction about the axis R1 to generate a spring force about the projection 22a in the circumferential direction. The second leg 32c is held in the same position as the neutral rest position by the projection 28 c. These spring forces act to return the pedal body 22 to a neutral rest position with respect to the pedal body 28.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle pedal 12 is a dual sided bicycle pedal, meaning that the cleat 14 can be releasably secured to either side of the bicycle pedal 12. Thus, the bicycle pedal 12 is specifically designed for off-road bicycles, rather than on-road bicycles. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle art from this disclosure that the structure of the bicycle pedal 12 can be modified to a road type bicycle pedal as needed and/or desired. In other words, it will be apparent that the bicycle pedal 12 can be designed such that the locking plate 14 can only be coupled to one side of the bicycle pedal 12.

Thus, in this embodiment, as seen in fig. 5 to 7, the bicycle pedal further includes a third cleat fixing member 34. The third cleat fixing member 34 is pivotally supported to the pedal body 22 between a third cleat retaining position and a third cleat non-retaining position to pivot about the first pivot axis P1. Further, in this embodiment, the bicycle pedal further includes a fourth cleat fixing member 36. The fourth cleat fixing member 36 is pivotally provided to the pedal body 22 to pivot about the second pivot axis P2 between a fourth cleat retaining position and a fourth cleat non-retaining position. Here, the third and fourth cleat fixing members 34 and 36 are provided to the pedal body 22, and are spaced apart from each other to form a cleat receiving area A2 therebetween.

The first cleat retainer member 24 is pivotally coupled to the pedal body 22 by a first pivot pin 40 defining a first pivot axis P1. The first cleat fixing member 24 is configured to at least partially protrude from the pedal body 28 with respect to the first pedal surface 28a in a state where the pedal body 22 is in a neutral rest position with respect to the pedal body 28. In this way, during the engagement operation of the cleat 14 with the pedal body 22, the cleat 14 may be engaged with the first cleat fixing member 24 by hooking the cleat 14 to the first cleat fixing member 24, or by pressing the cleat 14 against the first cleat fixing member 24.

As shown in fig. 6 and 7, first cleat securing member 24 includes a first cleat engagement surface 24a. The first cleat engagement surface 24a is spaced apart from the pedal body 28 relative to the first pedal surface 28 a. Further, first cleat securing member 24 further includes a first inclined surface 24b that is arranged to receive a cleat compression force to pivot first cleat securing member 24 about first pivot axis P1 during an engagement operation of cleat 14 with first cleat securing member 24. In a state in which the first clip fixing member 24 is in the neutral rest position, the first inclined surface 24b is inclined with respect to the reference plane RP that entirely contains the first pivot axis P1 and the second pivot axis P2. First cleat retainer member 24 further includes a pair of mounting flanges 24c for pivotally mounting first cleat retainer member 24 to pedal body 22 by way of a first pivot pin 40. Here, as shown in fig. 10, each mounting flange 24c includes a pivot hole 24c1 for receiving the first pivot pin 40.

The second cleat retainer member 26 is pivotally coupled to the pedal body 22 by a second pivot pin 42 defining a second pivot axis P2. Similar to the first cleat fixing member 24, the second cleat fixing member 26 is configured to at least partially protrude from the pedal body 28 with respect to the first pedal surface 28a in a state where the pedal body 22 is in a neutral rest position with respect to the pedal body 28. In this way, during the engagement operation of the cleat 14 with the pedal body 22, the cleat 14 may be engaged with the second cleat fixing member 26 by hooking the cleat 14 to the second cleat fixing member 26, or by pressing the cleat 14 against the second cleat fixing member 26.

As shown in fig. 6 and 7, the second clip securing member 26 includes a second clip engaging surface 26a. The second cleat engagement surface 26a is spaced apart from the pedal body 28 relative to the first pedal surface 28 a. Further, the second latch fixing member 26 also includes a second inclined surface 26b arranged to receive a latch pressing force to pivot the second latch fixing member 26 about the second pivot axis P2 during an engagement operation of the latch with the second latch fixing member 26. In a state where the second clip fixing member 26 is in the neutral rest position, the second inclined surface 26b is inclined with respect to the reference plane RP. The second cleat retainer member 26 further includes a pair of mounting flanges 26c for pivotally mounting the second cleat retainer member 26 to the pedal body 22 by a second pivot pin 42. Here, as shown in fig. 10, each mounting flange 26c includes a pivot hole 26c1 for receiving the second pivot pin 42.

The third cleat retainer member 34 is pivotally coupled to the pedal body 22 by a first pivot pin 40. The third cleat fixing member 34 is configured to at least partially protrude from the pedal body 28 with respect to the second pedal surface 28b in a state where the pedal body 22 is in a neutral rest position with respect to the pedal body 28. In this way, during the engagement operation of the cleat 14 with the pedal body 22, the cleat 14 may be engaged with the third cleat fixing member 34 by hooking the cleat 14 to the third cleat fixing member 34, or by pressing the cleat 14 against the third cleat fixing member 34.

The fourth cleat retainer member 36 is pivotally coupled to the pedal body 22 by a second pivot pin 42. Similar to the third cleat fixing member 34, the fourth cleat fixing member 36 is configured to at least partially protrude from the pedal body 28 with respect to the second pedal surface 28b in a state where the pedal body 22 is in a neutral rest position with respect to the pedal body 28. In this way, during an engagement operation of cleat 14 with pedal body 22, cleat 14 can engage third cleat fixation member 34 and/or fourth cleat fixation member 36 in the same manner as first cleat fixation member 24 and second cleat fixation member 26.

As shown in fig. 6 and 7, the third cleat securing member 34 includes a third cleat engagement surface 34a that is spaced outwardly from the pedal body 28 relative to the second pedal surface 28 b. Further, the third cleat fixation member 34 also includes a third inclined surface 34b that is arranged to receive a cleat compression force to pivot the third cleat fixation member 34 about the first pivot axis P1 during engagement operation of the cleat 14 with the third cleat fixation member 34. The third cleat retainer member 34 further includes a pair of mounting flanges 34c for pivotally mounting the third cleat retainer member 34 to the pedal body 22 by means of the first pivot pin 40. Here, as shown in fig. 10, each mounting flange 34c includes a pivot hole 34c1 for receiving the first pivot pin 40.

As shown in fig. 6 and 7, the fourth cleat securing member 36 includes a fourth cleat engagement surface 36a that is spaced outwardly from the pedal body 28 relative to the second pedal surface 28 b. Further, the fourth cleat securing member 36 further includes a fourth inclined surface 36b that is arranged to receive a cleat compression force to pivot the fourth cleat securing member 36 about the second pivot axis P2 during engagement operation of the cleat 14 with the fourth cleat securing member 36. The fourth cleat retainer member 36 also includes a pair of mounting flanges 36c for pivotally mounting the fourth cleat retainer member 36 to the pedal body 22 by the second pivot pin 42. Here, as shown in fig. 10, each mounting flange 36c includes a pivot hole 36c1 for receiving the second pivot pin 42.

Referring to fig. 11-20, three different locking tab engagement operations are illustrated. Specifically, during an engagement operation of the cleat 14 with the pedal body 22, one of the first and second cleat fixing members 24 and 26 is pivoted, or both the first and second cleat fixing members 24 and 26 are pivoted.

For example, fig. 11 to 15 show a cleat engagement operation in which only first cleat fixing member 24 is pivoted relative to pedal body 22, to fix cleat 14 to pedal body 22 by first cleat fixing member 24 and second cleat fixing member 26. In particular, as shown in fig. 12, the rider may press the cleat 14 downwardly on the first cleat securing member 24 to move the second cleat securing member 26 upwardly to a position farther above the stepped surface 28 a. Then, as shown in fig. 13, the rider can slide the locking piece 14 in the D1 direction such that the second locking piece protrusion 14c of the locking piece 14 is located under the second locking piece engagement surface 26 a. The direction D1 is perpendicular to the rotation center axis R1, parallel to the reference plane RP, and is a direction from the first clip fixing member 24 to the second clip fixing member 26. Now, as shown in fig. 14, the rider can further press down on the cleat 14 such that the first cleat securing member 24 pivots relative to the pedal body 22 to secure the cleat 14 to the pedal body 22 via the first cleat securing member 24 and the second cleat securing member 26. Further, as shown in fig. 14, by pushing the locking piece 14 in the D1 direction against the second locking piece fixing member 26, the pedal body 22 is rotated in the X1 direction about the rotation center axis R1 with respect to the pedal body 28. The direction X1 is a direction in which the pedal body 22 rotates about the rotation axis R1 such that the first cleat fixing member 24 protrudes with respect to the first tread surface 28a of the tread body 28 with respect to the neutral rest position. Accordingly, the first cleat fixing member 24 further protrudes from the first stepped surface 28 a. Now, as shown in fig. 15, the locking piece 14 is fixed to the pedal body 22 by the first locking piece fixing member 24 and the second locking piece fixing member 26. In this example, the second cleat securing member 26 does not move relative to the pedal body 22 during the engagement operation of the cleat 14 with the pedal body 22. Alternatively, the second cleat retainer member 26 may be configured to move relative to the pedal body 22 during the engagement operation of the cleat 14 with the pedal body 22.

Alternatively, for example, fig. 16 to 18 show a cleat engagement operation in which only the second cleat fixing member 26 is pivoted with respect to the pedal body 22 to fix the cleat 14 to the pedal body 22 by the first cleat fixing member 24 and the second cleat fixing member 26. In particular, as shown in fig. 16, the rider may press the cleat 14 downwardly on the second cleat securing member 26 to move the first cleat securing member 24 upwardly to a position further above the first tread surface 28 a. Then, as shown in fig. 17, the rider can slide the locking tab 14 in the D2 direction such that the first locking tab projection 14b of the locking tab 14 is located under the first locking tab engagement surface 24 a. The direction D2 is perpendicular to the rotation center axis R1, parallel to the reference plane RP, and is a direction from the second clip fixing member 26 to the first clip fixing member 24. The direction D2 is opposite to the direction D1. Now, as shown in fig. 18, the rider can further press down on the cleat 14 such that the second cleat securing member 26 pivots relative to the pedal body 22 to secure the cleat 14 to the pedal body 22 via the first cleat securing member 24 and the second cleat securing member 26. Further, as shown in fig. 18, by pushing the locking piece 14 in the D2 direction against the first locking piece fixing member 24, the pedal body 22 is rotated about the rotation center axis R1 in the X2 direction with respect to the pedal body 28. The direction X2 is a direction in which the pedal body 22 rotates about the rotation axis R1 such that the second cleat fixing member 26 protrudes with respect to the first tread surface 28a of the tread body 28 with respect to the neutral rest position. The direction X2 is opposite to the direction X1. Accordingly, the second cleat fixing member 26 further protrudes from the first stepped surface 28 a. Now, as shown in fig. 15, the locking piece 14 is fixed to the pedal body 22 by the first locking piece fixing member 24 and the second locking piece fixing member 26. In this example, first cleat securing member 24 does not move relative to pedal body 22 during the engagement operation of cleat 14 with pedal body 22. Alternatively, first cleat retainer member 24 may be configured to move relative to pedal body 22 during engagement operation of cleat 14 with pedal body 22.

Also, for example, fig. 19 and 20 show a cleat engagement operation in which both first cleat securing member 24 and second cleat securing member 26 are pivoted relative to pedal body 22, to secure cleat 14 to pedal body 22 by first cleat securing member 24 and second cleat securing member 26. Here, as shown in fig. 19 and 20, during the engagement operation of the cleat 14 with the pedal body 22, the cleat 14 may be pressed down simultaneously against both the first cleat fixing member 24 and the second cleat fixing member 26 to pivot both the first cleat fixing member 24 and the second cleat fixing member 26 from the cleat non-holding position to the cleat holding position. Accordingly, as shown in fig. 15, the locking piece 14 is fixed to the pedal body 22 by the first locking piece fixing member 24 and the second locking piece fixing member 26.

As seen in fig. 4 and 10, the bicycle pedal 12 further includes a first biasing member 50. Here, the first biasing member 50 includes a torsion spring. The first biasing member 50 is operatively disposed between the pedal body 22 and the first cleat fixing member 24. First biasing member 50 biases first cleat securing member 24 about first pivot axis P1 toward the first cleat retaining position. In particular, first biasing member 50 is configured to apply a first biasing force to first cleat securing member 24 to bias first cleat securing member 24 about first pivot axis P1 toward the first cleat retaining position. As shown in fig. 26 and 27, the first biasing member 50 has a coiled portion 50a, a first leg 50b, and a second leg 50c. First leg 50b contacts abutment 24d of first cleat securing member 24 to bias first cleat securing member 24 toward the first cleat retaining position.

As seen in fig. 4 and 10, the bicycle pedal 12 further includes a second biasing member 52. Here, the second biasing member 52 includes a torsion spring. The second biasing member 52 is operatively disposed between the pedal body 22 and the second cleat fixing member 26. The second biasing member 52 biases the second cleat securing member 26 about the second pivot axis P2 toward the second cleat retaining position. In particular, second biasing member 52 is configured to apply a second biasing force to second cleat securing member 26 to bias second cleat securing member 26 about second pivot axis P2 toward the second cleat retaining position. The second biasing member 52 has the same configuration as the first biasing member 50. The second biasing member 52 contacts the abutment 26d of the second clip securing member 26 and applies a biasing force to the second clip securing member 26 toward the second clip holding position.

As seen in fig. 5 and 10, the bicycle pedal 12 further includes a third biasing member 54. Here, the third biasing member 54 includes a torsion spring that is operatively disposed between the pedal body 22 and the third cleat fixing member 34. The third biasing member 54 biases the third cleat fixing member 34 about the first pivot axis P1 toward the third cleat retaining position. The third biasing member 54 is configured to apply a third biasing force to the third cleat fixing member 34 to bias the third cleat fixing member 34 about the first pivot axis P1 toward the third cleat retaining position. The third biasing member 54 has the same configuration as the first biasing member 50. The third biasing member 54 contacts the abutment 34d of the third clip fixing member 34 and applies a biasing force to the third clip fixing member 34 toward the third clip holding position.

As seen in fig. 5 and 10, the bicycle pedal 12 further includes a fourth biasing member 56. Here, the fourth biasing member 56 includes a torsion spring that is operatively disposed between the pedal body 22 and the fourth cleat fixing member 36. The fourth biasing member 56 biases the fourth cleat fixing member 36 about the second pivot axis P2 toward the fourth cleat retaining position. Fourth biasing member 56 is configured to apply a fourth biasing force to fourth cleat securing member 36 to bias fourth cleat securing member 36 about second pivot axis P2 toward the fourth cleat retaining position. The fourth biasing member 56 has the same configuration as the first biasing member 50. The fourth biasing member 56 contacts the abutment 36d of the fourth cleat fixing member 36 and applies a biasing force to the fourth cleat fixing member 36 toward the fourth cleat holding position.

As shown in fig. 4 and 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and third biasing members 50, 54 are supported on the pedal body 22 by a first support member 60. In particular, the coiled portion 50a of the first biasing member 50 is supported on the first support member 60. Likewise, the coiled portion of the third biasing member 54 is supported on the first support member 60. In general, the first support member 60 is a round bar or shaft that is fixed to the pedal body 22. More specifically, the first support member 60 includes a threaded section for releasably securing the first support member 60 to the pedal body 22. The first support member 60 passes through the opening 24c2 of the mounting flange 24c and the opening 34c2 of the mounting flange 34 c. This contact between first support member 60 and mounting flange 24c of first cleat securing member 24 establishes a resting or non-retaining position of first cleat securing member 24. Likewise, this contact between the first support member 60 and the mounting flange 34c of the third cleat fixation member 34 establishes a resting or non-retaining position of the third cleat fixation member 34.

Further, as shown in fig. 4 and 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the second and fourth biasing members 52, 56 are supported on the pedal body 22 by the second support member 62. In particular, the coiled portion of the second biasing member 52 and the coiled portion of the fourth biasing member 56 are supported on the second support member 62. In general, the second support member 62 is a round bar or shaft that is fixed to the pedal body 22. More specifically, the second support member 62 includes a threaded section for releasably securing the second support member 62 to the pedal body 22. The second support member 62 passes through the opening 26c2 of the mounting flange 26c and the opening 36c2 of the mounting flange 36 c. This contact between second support member 62 and mounting flange 26c of second cleat fixation member 26 establishes a resting or non-retaining position of second cleat fixation member 26. Likewise, this contact between the second support member 62 and the mounting flange 36c of the fourth cleat securing member 36 establishes a resting or non-retaining position of the fourth cleat securing member 36. Here, the head of the second support member 62 forms the projection 22a of the pedal body 22. As described above, the projection 22a (the head of the second support member 62) contacts the first leg 32b and the second leg 32c of the biasing element 32.

As seen in fig. 4, 10 and 21-23, the bicycle pedal 12 further includes a first resistance member 64. The first resistance member 64 is provided to the pedal body 22 through the first support member 60. First resistance member 64 is configured to apply a first resistance force to locking tab 14 in addition to the first biasing force during disengagement of the locking tab from first and second locking tab securing members 24, 26. Thus, first resistance member 64 increases the disengagement force required to disengage locking tab 14 from first and second locking tab securing members 24, 26. The first and third biasing members 50, 54 may be disposed on the first pivot pin 40. Accordingly, the first support member 60 may be omitted. Likewise, the second biasing member 52 and the fourth biasing member 56 may be disposed on the second pivot pin 42. Accordingly, the second support member 62 may be omitted.

Further, as shown in fig. 21 to 23, the first resistance member 64 is configured not to apply the first resistance to the first clip fixing member 24. More specifically, first resistance member 64 is configured to not apply a first resistance to latch 14 during the engagement operation of the latch with first and second latch securing members 24, 26. In other words, the first resistance member 64 is configured such that the engagement force required for engagement of the locking tab 14 with the first and second locking tab securing members 24, 26 does not increase. In the illustrated embodiment, first resistance member 64 is spaced apart from cleat 14 in the state where cleat 14 is secured to pedal body 22 by first cleat securing member 24 and second cleat securing member 26. Further, first resistance member 64 is configured to contact locking tab 14 in a state in which locking tab 14 is twisted during disengagement of locking tab 14 from first and second locking tab securing members 24, 26. Alternatively, the first resistance member 64 may be configured to contact the locking tab 14 during the engagement operation, but the first resistance during the engagement operation may be formed smaller than the first resistance during the disengagement operation.

In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in fig. 10 and 21-23, the first resistance member 64 includes a first cleat contact member 64A and a first resilient member 64B. First cleat contacting member 64A is configured to contact cleat 14 and move against the elastic force of first elastic member 64B during a disengagement operation where cleat 14 is disengaged from first cleat securing member 24 and second cleat securing member 26. More specifically, first cleat contacting member 64A is configured to contact a first lateral side surface of cleat 14 during a disengagement operation in which cleat 14 is disengaged from first cleat securing member 24 and second cleat securing member 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the first cleat contacting member 64A includes a first projection 64A1 disposed in the path of the cleat 14 as the cleat 14 is twisted during the cleat disengagement operation. Due to this contact of the latch 14 against the first projection 64A1 of the first latch contact member 64A, the first latch contact member 64A moves against the elastic force of the first elastic member 64B during the disengaging operation of the latch 14. In other words, the first projection 64A1 moves against the elastic force of the first elastic member 64B during the disengaging operation of the lock piece 14. Here, the first elastic member 64B includes a torsion spring. In the illustrated embodiment, the first resilient member 64B includes the third biasing member 54. In other words, in the illustrated embodiment, a single torsion spring is used for both the third biasing member 54 and the first resilient member 64B. In the illustrated embodiment, first cleat securing member 24 is disposed between first resistance member 64 and first biasing member 50. Alternatively, a separate torsion spring may be provided for each of the third biasing member 54 and the first resilient member 64B. In the illustrated embodiment, the first projection 64A1 of the first cleat contact member 64A is biased by the first elastic member 64B to rotate toward the pedal shaft 20 side. That is, the first projection 64A1 of the first cleat contact member 64A is biased to approach the pedal shaft 20. One arm of the torsion spring of the first elastic member 64B biases the third clip fixing member 34, and the other arm biases the first clip contacting member 64A. The first cleat contact member 64A contacts the first pivot pin 40 and is positioned in a circumferential direction with respect to the first support member 60.

As seen in fig. 4, 10 and 21-24, the bicycle pedal 12 further includes a second resistance member 66. The second resistance member 66 is provided to the pedal body 22 through the second support member 62. Second resistance member 66 is configured to apply a second resistance force to locking tab 14 in addition to the second biasing force during a disengagement operation of locking tab 14 from first locking tab securing member 24 and second locking tab securing member 26. Thus, second resistance member 66 increases the disengagement force required to disengage locking tab 14 from first and second locking tab securing members 24, 26.

Further, as shown in fig. 21 to 24, the second resistance member 66 is configured not to apply the second resistance to the first clip fixing member 24. Further, the second resistance member 66 is configured not to apply the second resistance to the second clip fixing member 26. More specifically, second resistance member 66 is configured to not apply a second resistance to latch 14 during the engagement operation of latch 14 with first and second latch securing members 24, 26. In other words, the second resistance member 66 is configured such that the engagement force required for engagement of the cleat 14 and the first cleat securing member 24 with the second cleat securing member 26 does not increase. In the illustrated embodiment, second resistance member 66 is spaced apart from cleat 14 in the state where cleat 14 is secured to pedal body 22 by first cleat securing member 24 and second cleat securing member 26, and second resistance member 66 is configured to contact cleat 14 in the state where cleat 14 is twisted during the disengagement operation of cleat 14 and first cleat securing member 24 from second cleat securing member 26. Alternatively, the second resistance member 66 may be configured to contact the locking tab 14 during the engagement operation, but the second resistance during the engagement operation may be formed to be smaller than the second resistance during the disengagement operation.

In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in fig. 10 and 21-24, the second resistance member 66 includes a second cleat contact member 66A and a second resilient member 66B. Second cleat contacting member 66A is configured to contact cleat 14 and move against the elastic force of second elastic member 66B during a disengagement operation in which cleat 14 is disengaged from first cleat securing member 24 and second cleat securing member 26. More specifically, second cleat contacting member 66A is configured to contact a second lateral side surface of cleat 14 during a disengagement operation in which cleat 14 is disengaged from first cleat securing member 24 and second cleat securing member 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the second cleat contact member 66A includes a second projection 66A1 that is disposed in the path of the cleat 14 as the cleat 14 is twisted during the cleat disengagement operation. As a result of this contact of the locking tab 14 against the second projection 66A1, the second locking tab contact member 66A moves against the elastic force of the second elastic member 66B during the disengaging operation of the locking tab 14. In other words, the second projection 66A1 moves against the elastic force of the second elastic member 66B during the disengaging operation of the lock piece 14.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second resilient member 66B comprises a torsion spring. Here, the second elastic member 66B includes the fourth biasing member 56. In other words, in the illustrated embodiment, a single torsion spring is used for both the fourth biasing member 56 and the second resilient member 66B. In the illustrated embodiment, second cleat securing member 26 is disposed between second resistance member 66 and second biasing member 52. Alternatively, separate torsion springs may be provided for each of the fourth biasing member 56 and the second resilient member 66B.

As shown in fig. 22 and 23, in the illustrated embodiment, during the latch disengagement operation, the latch 14 simultaneously contacts the first projection 64A1 of the first resistance member 64 and the second projection 66A1 of the second resistance member 66. Alternatively, during the latch disengagement operation, the latch 14 may sequentially contact the first projection 64A1 of the first resistance member 64 and the second projection 66A1 of the second resistance member 66. Additionally, alternatively, one of the first resistance member 64 and the second resistance member 66 may be omitted if needed and/or desired. In the illustrated embodiment, the second projection 66A1 of the second cleat contact member 66A is biased by the second elastic member 66B to rotate toward the pedal shaft 20 side. That is, the second projection 66A1 of the second cleat contact member 66A is biased to approach the pedal shaft 20. One arm of the torsion spring of the second elastic member 66B biases the fourth latch fixing member 36, and the other arm biases the second latch contact member 66A. The second cleat contact member 66A is in contact with the second pivot pin 42 and is positioned in a circumferential direction with respect to the second support member 62.

As seen in fig. 5, 10 and 25, the bicycle pedal 12 further includes a third resistance member 68. The third resistance member 68 is provided to the pedal body 22 through the first support member 60. First cleat securing member 24 is disposed between first resistance member 64 and third resistance member 68. The third resistance member 68 is configured to apply a third resistance force to the locking tab 14 in addition to the third biasing force during a disengagement operation of the locking tab 14 from at least the third locking tab securing member 34. Preferably, the third resistance member 68 is configured to apply a third resistance force to the locking tab 14 in addition to the third biasing force during a disengagement operation of the locking tab 14 from the third and fourth locking tab securing members 34, 36. Thus, the third resistance member 68 increases the disengagement force required to disengage the locking tab 14 from the third and fourth locking tab securing members 34, 36.

Further, as shown in fig. 25, the third resistance member 68 is configured not to apply the third resistance to the third clip fixing member 34. Further, the third resistance member 68 is configured not to apply the third resistance to the fourth cleat fixing member 36. More specifically, the third resistance member 68 is configured to not apply a third resistance force to the locking tab 14 during engagement operation of the locking tab 14 and the third locking tab securing member 34 with the fourth locking tab securing member 36. In other words, the third resistance member 68 is configured such that the engagement force required for engagement of the locking tab 14 and the third locking tab securing member 34 with the fourth locking tab securing member 36 does not increase. In the illustrated embodiment, the third resistance member 68 is spaced apart from the cleat 14 in a state where the cleat 14 is secured to the pedal body 22 by the third cleat securing member 34 and the fourth cleat securing member 36. In addition, the third resistance member 68 is configured to contact the locking tab 14 in a state in which the locking tab 14 is twisted during a disengagement operation of the locking tab 14 from the third and fourth locking tab securing members 34, 36. Alternatively, the third resistance member 68 may be configured to contact the locking tab 14 during the engagement operation, but the third resistance during the engagement operation may be formed to be smaller than the third resistance during the disengagement operation.

In the illustrated embodiment, as seen in fig. 5, 10 and 25, the third resistance member 68 includes a third cleat contact member 68A and a third resilient member 68B. The third cleat contacting member 68A is configured to contact the cleat 14 and move against the elastic force of the third elastic member 68B during a disengagement operation in which the cleat 14 is disengaged from at least the third cleat fixing member 34. Preferably, third cleat contacting member 68A is configured to contact cleat 14 and move against the elastic force of third elastic member 68B during a disengagement operation in which cleat 14 is disengaged from third cleat fixing member 34 and fourth cleat fixing member 36. More specifically, the third cleat contacting member 68A is configured to contact the second lateral side surface of the cleat 14 during the operation of disengaging the cleat 14 from the third cleat securing member 34 and the fourth cleat securing member 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the third cleat contacting member 68A includes a third projection 68A1 disposed in the path of the cleat 14 when the cleat 14 is twisted during the cleat disengagement operation. As a result of this contact of the locking tab 14 against the third projection 68A1, the third locking tab contact member 68A moves against the elastic force of the third elastic member 68B during the disengagement operation of the locking tab 14. In other words, the third projection 68A1 moves against the elastic force of the third elastic member 68B during the disengagement operation of the lock piece 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the third projection 68A1 of the third cleat contact member 68A is biased by the third elastic member 68B to rotate toward the pedal shaft 20 side. That is, the third projection 68A1 of the third cleat contact member 68A is biased to approach the pedal shaft 20. One arm of the torsion spring of the third elastic member 68B biases the first latch fixing member 24, and the other arm biases the third latch contact member 68A. The third cleat contact member 68A is in contact with the first pivot pin 40 and is positioned in a circumferential direction with respect to the first support member 60.

In the illustrated embodiment, the third resilient member 68B comprises a torsion spring. Here, the third elastic member 68B includes the first biasing member 50. In other words, in the illustrated embodiment, a single torsion spring is used for both the first biasing member 50 and the third resilient member 68B. In the illustrated embodiment, the third cleat securing member 34 is disposed between the third resistance member 68 and the third biasing member 54. Alternatively, separate torsion springs may be provided for each of the first biasing member 50 and the third resilient member 68B.

As seen in fig. 5, 10 and 25, the bicycle pedal 12 further includes a fourth resistance member 70. The fourth resistance member 70 is provided to the pedal body 22 through the second support member 62. Second cleat securing member 26 is disposed between second resistance member 66 and fourth resistance member 70. The fourth resistance member 70 is configured to apply a fourth resistance force to the locking tab 14 in addition to the fourth biasing force during a disengagement operation in which the locking tab 14 is disengaged from at least the fourth locking tab securing member 36. Preferably, the fourth resistance member 70 is configured to apply a fourth resistance force to the locking tab 14 in addition to the fourth biasing force during a disengagement operation in which the locking tab 14 is disengaged from the third locking tab securing member 34 and the fourth locking tab securing member 36. Thus, the fourth resistance member 70 increases the disengagement force required for disengagement of the locking tab 14 from the third and fourth locking tab securing members 34, 36.

Further, as shown in fig. 25, the fourth resistance member 70 is configured not to apply the fourth resistance to the third clip fixing member 34. Further, the fourth resistance member 70 is configured not to apply the fourth resistance to the fourth clip fixing member 36. More specifically, fourth resistance member 70 is configured to not apply a fourth resistance to latch 14 during the engagement operation of latch 14 with third and fourth latch fixing members 34, 36. In other words, the fourth resistance member 70 is configured such that the engagement force required for engagement of the locking tab 14 with the third and fourth locking tab securing members 34, 36 does not increase. In the illustrated embodiment, the fourth resistance member 70 is spaced apart from the cleat 14 in a state where the cleat 14 is secured to the pedal body 22 by the third cleat securing member 34 and the fourth cleat securing member 36. In addition, the fourth resistance member 70 is configured to contact the locking tab 14 in a state in which the locking tab 14 is twisted during a disengagement operation of the locking tab 14 from the third locking tab securing member 34 and the fourth locking tab securing member 36. Alternatively, the fourth resistance member 70 may be configured to contact the locking tab 14 during the engagement operation, but the fourth resistance during the engagement operation may be formed to be smaller than the fourth resistance during the disengagement operation.

In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in fig. 5, 10 and 25, the fourth resistance member 70 includes a fourth cleat contact member 70A and a fourth resilient member 70B. The fourth cleat contacting member 70A is configured to contact the cleat 14 and move against the elastic force of the fourth elastic member 70B during the operation of disengaging the cleat 14 from at least the fourth cleat securing member 36. Preferably, fourth cleat contacting member 70A is configured to contact cleat 14 and move against the elastic force of fourth elastic member 70B during a disengagement operation of cleat 14 from third cleat securing member 34 and fourth cleat securing member 36. More specifically, the fourth cleat contacting member 70A is configured to contact the first lateral side surface of the cleat 14 during a disengagement operation in which the cleat 14 is disengaged from the third cleat fixing member 34 and the fourth cleat fixing member 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the fourth cleat contacting member 70A includes a fourth projection 70A1 disposed in the path of the cleat 14 when the cleat 14 is twisted during a disengagement operation. As a result of this contact of the lock tab 14 against the fourth projection 70A1, the fourth lock tab contact member 70A moves against the elastic force of the fourth elastic member 70B during the disengaging operation of the lock tab 14. In other words, the fourth projection 70A1 moves against the elastic force of the fourth elastic member 70B during the disengaging operation of the lock piece 14. The above-described latch contact members 64A, 66A, 68A, 70A may be replaced by arm portions of torsion springs. More specifically, the protrusions 64A1, 66A1, 68A1, 70A1 of the above-described lock plate contact members 64A, 66A, 68A, 70A may be replaced by arm portions of torsion springs. That is, the latch contact members 64A, 66A, 68A, 70A may be omitted. In the illustrated embodiment, the fourth projection 70A1 of the fourth cleat contact member 70A is biased by the fourth elastic member 70B to rotate toward the pedal shaft 20 side. That is, the fourth projection 70A1 of the fourth cleat contact member 70A is biased to approach the pedal shaft 20. One arm of the torsion spring of the fourth elastic member 70B biases the second latch fixing member 26, and the other arm biases the fourth latch contact member 70A. The fourth cleat contact member 70A is in contact with the second pivot pin 42 and is positioned in a circumferential direction with respect to the second support member 62.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fourth resilient member 70B comprises a torsion spring. Here, the fourth elastic member 70B includes the second biasing member 52. In other words, in the illustrated embodiment, a single torsion spring is used for both the second biasing member 52 and the fourth resilient member 70B. In the illustrated embodiment, the fourth cleat securing member 36 is disposed between the fourth resistance member 70 and the fourth biasing member 56. Alternatively, separate torsion springs may be provided for each of the second biasing member 52 and the fourth resilient member 70B.

In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in fig. 25, the locking tab 14 simultaneously contacts the third projection 68A1 of the third resistance member 68 and the fourth projection 70A1 of the fourth resistance member 70 during a locking tab disengaging operation. Alternatively, the locking tab 14 may sequentially contact the third projection 68A1 of the third resistance member 68 and the fourth projection 70A1 of the fourth resistance member 70 during a locking tab disengaging operation. Additionally, alternatively, one of the third resistance member 68 and the fourth resistance member 70 may be omitted if needed and/or desired.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, "including", "having" and their derivatives. Furthermore, unless specifically stated otherwise, the terms "section," "segment," "portion," "member" or "element" when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts.

As used herein, the following directional terms "frame-facing side", "non-frame-facing side", "forward", "rearward", "front", "rearward", "upward", "downward", "above", "below", "upward", "downward", "top", "bottom", "side", "longitudinal", "horizontal", "vertical", "transverse" and any other similar directional terms refer to the direction of a bicycle in an upright riding position and equipped with a bicycle pedal. Accordingly, these directional terms used to describe the bicycle pedal should be understood with respect to a bicycle in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface and equipped with the bicycle pedal. The terms "left" and "right" are used to denote: "Right" when referenced from the right side when viewed from the rear of the bicycle, and "left" when referenced from the left side when viewed from the rear of the bicycle.

The phrase "at least one" as used in this disclosure refers to "one or more" in a desired selection. For example, if the number of choices is two, the phrase "at least one" as used in this disclosure means "only one single choice" or "two of two choices". As another example, if the number of choices is equal to or greater than three, the phrase "at least one" in this disclosure means "only a single choice" or "any combination of two or more choices. In addition, the term "and/or" as used in this disclosure refers to "one or both of.

Furthermore, it should be understood that, although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. Thus, for example, a first element discussed above could be termed a second element, and vice versa, without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

The term "attached" or "attached" as used herein includes the following configurations: one element directly secures the element to another element by direct adhesion; indirectly securing an element to another element by attaching the element to an intermediate member that is in turn bonded to the other element; and the arrangement in which one element is integral with another element, meaning that one element is essentially part of the other element. This definition also applies to words of similar meaning, such as "joined," "connected," "coupled," "mounted," "adhered," "affixed," and derivatives thereof. Finally, terms of degree such as "substantially", "about" and "substantially" as used herein mean a deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, unless specifically stated otherwise, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components may be changed as needed and/or desired, provided that such changes do not materially affect their intended function. Unless otherwise indicated, components shown as being directly connected or contacting each other may have intermediate structures disposed between them, provided that such changes do not materially affect their intended function. The functions of one element may be performed by two, and vice versa, unless otherwise specified. The structures and functions of one embodiment may be employed in another embodiment. Not all advantages may be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Each feature, whether alone or in combination with other features, unique to the prior art, is also contemplated as a separate description of the further inventions by the applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such features. Accordingly, the foregoing description of the embodiments provided according to the present invention is provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A bicycle pedal comprising:

a pedal shaft having a rotational center axis;

a pedal body rotatably supported about the pedal shaft to rotate about the rotation center axis of the pedal shaft, the pedal body having a first pedal surface and a second pedal surface;

a pedal body rotatably supported about the pedal shaft to rotate about the rotation center axis and pivoted about the rotation center axis with respect to the pedal body;

a first cleat fixing member pivotally supported to the pedal body between a first cleat retaining position and a first cleat non-retaining position to pivot about a first pivot axis offset from the central axis of rotation;

a second cleat fixing member pivotally supported to the pedal body between a second cleat retaining position and a second cleat non-retaining position to pivot about a second pivot axis offset from the rotational central axis and the first pivot axis.

2. The bicycle pedal of claim 1, further comprising

A first biasing member biasing the first cleat securing member about the first pivot axis toward the first cleat retaining position, an

A second biasing member biases the second cleat securing member about the second pivot axis toward the second cleat retaining position.

3. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein

The first cleat fixing member includes a first cleat engagement surface spaced from the pedal body relative to the first pedal surface, and

the second cleat fixing member includes a second cleat engagement surface spaced from the pedal body relative to the first pedal surface.

4. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein

The first cleat securing member further includes a first inclined surface arranged to receive a cleat compression force to pivot the first cleat securing member about the first pivot axis during a cleat engagement operation with the first cleat securing member,

in a state in which the first locking plate fixing member is in the neutral rest position, the first inclined surface is inclined with respect to a reference plane completely containing the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis,

The second cleat fixation member further includes a second inclined surface arranged to receive a cleat compression force to pivot the second cleat fixation member about the second pivot axis during engagement operation of the cleat with the second cleat fixation member, and

the second inclined surface is inclined with respect to the reference surface in a state where the second locking plate fixing member is in the neutral rest position.

5. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising

A third cleat fixing member pivotally supported to the pedal body for pivoting about the first pivot axis between a third cleat retaining position and a third cleat non-retaining position; and

a fourth cleat fixing member is pivotally provided to the pedal body to pivot about the second pivot axis between a fourth cleat retaining position and a fourth cleat non-retaining position.

6. The bicycle pedal of claim 5, further comprising

A third biasing member biasing the third cleat fixing member about the first pivot axis toward the third cleat holding position, an

A fourth biasing member biases the fourth cleat securing member about the second pivot axis toward the fourth cleat retaining position.

7. The bicycle pedal of claim 5, wherein

The third cleat fixing member includes a third cleat engagement surface spaced outwardly from the pedal body relative to the second pedal surface, and

the fourth cleat securing member includes a fourth cleat engagement surface spaced outwardly from the pedal body relative to the second pedal surface.

8. The bicycle pedal of claim 5, wherein

The third cleat fixation member further includes a third inclined surface arranged to receive a cleat compression force to pivot the third cleat fixation member about the first pivot axis during a cleat engagement operation with the third cleat fixation member, and

the fourth cleat fixation member further includes a fourth inclined surface arranged to receive a cleat compression force to pivot the fourth cleat fixation member about the second pivot axis during engagement operation of the cleat with the fourth cleat fixation member.

9. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising

A biasing element is operably disposed between the tread body and the pedal body to bias the pedal body to a neutral rest position relative to the tread body.

10. The bicycle pedal of claim 9, wherein

The first cleat fixing member is configured to protrude at least partially from the pedal body with respect to the first pedal surface in a state where the pedal body is in the neutral rest position with respect to the pedal body, and

the second cleat fixing member is configured to at least partially protrude from the pedal body with respect to the first pedal surface in a state where the pedal body is in the neutral rest position with respect to the pedal body.

11. The bicycle pedal of claim 9, wherein

The third cleat fixing member is configured to protrude at least partially from the pedal body with respect to the second pedal surface in a state where the pedal body is in the neutral rest position with respect to the pedal body, and

the fourth cleat fixing member is configured to at least partially protrude from the pedal body with respect to the second pedal surface in a state where the pedal body is in the neutral rest position with respect to the pedal body.

12. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein

The rotation center axis is disposed between the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis when viewed in a direction parallel to the rotation center axis.

13. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein

The rotation central axis, the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are parallel to each other.

14. The bicycle pedal of claim 13, wherein

The rotational central axis, the first pivot axis, and the second pivot axis are all disposed within a single reference plane.