CZ2000615A3 - Clip of cycling shoe - Google Patents

Abstract

The clip has a mounting portion (100), a front attachment a portion (102) and a rear attachment portion (104). As front the attachment portion (102) and the rear attachment portion (104) has a pair of attachment surfaces (107, 108, 110) which keeps the clip (14) above the pedal body (22) of the pedal (10). The rear attachment portion (104) has a protrusion or a projection (116) extending outwardly from the rear edges (115), and wide third attachment surfaces (110) s with clip fasteners or surfaces.

Description

Cycling shoe clip

Technical field

The present invention is generally directed to a bicycle shoe clip for use with a bicycle pedal. More particularly, the present invention relates to a bicycle shoe clip that functionally cooperates with rotatably mounted clamping components of a clipless or stepping bicycle clamping pedal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, the design of bicycle pedals has focused on specific uses such as recreational, off-road, road racing cycling and the like. One particular type of bicycle pedal that is becoming increasingly popular is the stepping or clamping pedal, which releasably grips the clip formed on the sole of the cyclist's shoe. The clipless pedal has a pedal spindle that can be mounted on a bicycle crank, a pedal body rotatably mounted on said pedal spindle, and a clamping mechanism for clamping said clip. In the case of a bicycle intended for off-road driving, the projection clamping mechanism has front and rear clamp components for clamping the shoe that are attached to both sides of the pedal body to attach the front and rear of said clamp. In the case of road racing pedals, it is typical that the clip clamping mechanism is located on only one side of the pedal body. In any case, it can be concluded that, when using this type of bicycle pedal, the rider steps on the pedal and the clip fastening mechanism automatically grips the clip that is formed at the bottom of the cyclist's shoe.

More specifically, when the rider's shoe is attached to the tread pedal by the clamp, the rider guides the shoe downward and forward relative to the pedal body such that the front end of the clamp engages the front recess or the pedal clamping member. bodies. After the front end of the clamp comes into contact with the front hook of the pedal body, the cyclist places the rear end of the clamp.

The clamps in contact with the guide portion of the rear engage or clamp component of the pedal body. In this position, the cyclist pushes the shoe down against the pedal to cause an initial rotation of the rear hinged or clamping member rearwardly against the spring force, thereby moving the rear hinged or clamping member to the shoe clip release position. As a result, the rear end of the clamping clip is now in a position facing the rear of the rear insert or clamping member. Then, the rear hinge or clamping member returns under the force of the spring component or spring and attaches to the rear end of the shoe clip. This connection fixes the rider's shoe to the pedal by means of a clamp.

When releasing the shoe from the pedal, the rider typically rotates the shoe about an axis perpendicular to or approximately perpendicular to the pedal pedal surface, using the front end of the clamped clip as a pivot point. As a result of this pivoting operation, the rear hinged or clamping member is rotated backward against the force of the spring to release the clip and finally release the bolts.

When stepping pedals are used on road bicycles, this pedal is typically characterized by having only one clamping assembly, so that the rider shoe can only attach to one of the two sides of the pedal. On the other hand, bicycle types such as off-road and mountain bikes usually have a pair of clamping assemblies so that the rider's shoe can be clamped on either side of the pedal. In any case, it is desirable to provide a pedal design that is compact and as light as possible.

One problem that concerns most clipless pedals is that they are quite small, so that only a small portion of the pedal body is in contact with the rider's shoe. Specifically, the pedal body has a tread surface located on both sides of the clip fastener mechanism. This tread surface has only a small area because the pedal body is typically manufactured in as small a size as possible so that their weight is small. When using this type of clipless pedals, the rider's shoe is in a state of permanent engagement with the pedal when the shoe clip is clamped in the clip clamping mechanism so that the pedal force can be effectively transmitted to the pedals. As a result, handsome clip pedals are widely used on road and mountain bikes designed for cycling.

For this type of clipless pedals, it should be taken into account that if there is free space in the pedal to the right and left near the shoe clamp components, then the rider's foot will swing to the right and left, causing the pedal force the rider will not •

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-3 Effective transmission to the pedal. Therefore, any free space to the right or left between the shoe and the pedal should be minimized by forming a rubber portion on the shoe sole to the right and left of the shoe clamp where the sole comes into contact with the tread surface formed on the pedal body.

The structure used hitherto, as described above, fully envisages bringing the rubber portion of the shoe sole into contact with a tread surface having a small area to suppress the wicked release to the right and left. Since the parts of the shoe sole that come into contact with the tread surface are the same parts that come into contact with the ground when the cyclist is walking, they tend to wear and if the sole actually wears, the tread surface and shoe sole do not get into contact evenly, making it difficult to suppress existing gaps between the cycling shoe and the pedal.

Downhill bike races, parallel slalom races, cyclo-cross races, and other off-road mountain bike and BMX races (ie motocross-like cycling) have grown considerably in recent years. Unlike road cycling, in this type of off-road cycling, riders move their bicycles along an unpaved track. In addition, in this type of off-road racing, the foot must be repeatedly released from the pedal when cornering and returning to the pedal as the corner turns. Since such races are run on unpaved tracks, mud adheres to the pedals, and there is a tendency for the clamp components to clog. If the clip fastening components become clogged with mud, the projection cannot come into contact with the clip fastening components and the shoe cannot attach to the pedal. Mud often clogs the spring mechanism and, as a result, the clamping parts cannot function properly.

Accordingly, there is a need for a bicycle pedal that overcomes the aforementioned problems of the prior art. In this sense, there is a need for developing a bicycle shoe clip for use with a clipless pedal that will reduce or prevent contamination of the adjustment mechanism by dirt, mud, and the like. The present invention addresses these needs in the art, along with other needs that will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this patent specification.

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4. Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention, a bicycle shoe clip according to claim 1 is provided.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a bicycle shoe clip. The clip of the cycling shoe releasably attaches the cycling shoe to the bicycle pedal. Basic components of the bicycle shoe clip include a fastening portion, a beer attachment member, and a second attachment member. The attachment portion has a first end, a second end, an upper, sole side that is oriented in a first direction and a lower, pedal side which is oriented in a second direction that is substantially opposite to said first direction. The first attachment member has a first attachment surface and a second attachment surface, wherein the first attachment surface is generally oriented in a first direction and is located between the top, sole and bottom, pedal side. The second attachment surface extends generally in a second direction. The second attachment member extends from the second end and has a pair of third attachment surfaces that are oriented in the first direction. The central abutment surface is located between the third attachment surfaces and a projection extends outwardly from a portion of the central abutment surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other features, aptitude, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the following technical description, which includes details of preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is an outer side view of a cycling shoe secured to a right clipless bicycle pedal by clamping a cycling shoe clip according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the right bicycle pedal that is assembled in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention and shown in Fig. 1;

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-5def. 3 is an external side view of the right bicycle pedal shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein this side view of the right bicycle pedal shows attachment of a portion of a bicycle shoe clip to said pedal;

Fig. 4 is an internal side view of the right bicycle pedal shown in Figs. 1 to 3 and assembled in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the left bicycle pedal of Figs. 1 to 4 taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a first cross-sectional view of the right bicycle pedal shown in Figs. 1 to 5 taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 2, wherein the clip, shown in broken lines, is attached to the pedal;

Figure 7 is a second cross-section of the right bicycle pedal shown in Figures 1 to 6; Fig. 8 is an elevational view of the inner end of one of the bicycle pedal clamping members shown in Figs. 1 to 7 as viewed along the rear tab engaging portion;

Fig. 9 is a front elevational view of the clamping member shown in Fig. 8 which is part of the bicycle pedal illustrated in Figs. 1 to 7, as viewed along the front tab engaging portion;

Fig. 10 is a plan view of the clamping member shown in Figs. 8 and 9 and contained in the bicycle pedal illustrated in Figs. 1 to 7;

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the clamping member shown in Figs. 8 to 10 and contained in the bicycle pedal illustrated in Figs. 1 to 7, taken along line 11-11 of Fig. 10; ;

Fig. 12 is a side view of one of the clamping members shown in Figs. 8 to 11 and contained in the bicycle pedal shown in Figs. 1 to 5;

Fig. 13 is an oblique view from the outside of the clamping member shown in Figs. 8 to 12 and contained in the bicycle pedal shown in Figs. 1 to 7, taken in the direction of the arrow X shown in Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is a bottom view of the clamping member shown in Figs. 8 to 14 and included in the bicycle pedal shown in Figs. 1 to 7;

Fig. 15 is an oblique view of the clamping member shown in Figs. 8 to 13 and contained within the bicycle pedal shown in Figs. 1 to 7, taken in the direction of the arrow Y shown in Fig. 12;

• · ·

-6def. 16 is a plan view of a clip that cooperates with the bicycle pedal shown in FIGS. 1 to 7;

Figure 17 is a bottom view of the clip shown in Figure 16 for use with the bicycle pedal shown in Figures 1 to 7;

Fig. 18 is a side view of the clip shown in Fig. 16 for use with the bicycle pedal shown in Figs. 1 to 7;

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the clip shown in Fig. 16 for use with the bicycle pedal shown in Figs. 1 to 7, taken along line 19-19 of Fig. 16;

Fig. 20 is a right side view of the end of the clip shown in Figs. 16 to 19 for use with the bicycle pedal illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5;

Fig. 21 is a left side view of the end of the clip shown in Figs. 16 to 20 for use with the bicycle pedal illustrated in Figs. 1 to 7;

Fig. 22 is an enlarged, partial plan view of the rear contact portion of the clip shown in Figs. 16 to 21;

Fig. 23 is an enlarged, partial plan view of a front tactile portion of the clip that is in contact with the front tactile portion of the bicycle pedal clamping member shown in Figs. 1-7;

Fig. 24 is an enlarged, partial plan view of a rear contact portion of the clip that is in contact with the rear contact portion of the bicycle pedal clamping member shown in Figures 1 to 7;

Fig. 25 is a schematic view of a clip that attaches to the clamping components of the pedal illustrated in Figs. 1 to 7;

Fig. 26 is another schematic view, similar to Fig. 23, of the clip and clamping members of the pedal body, but in a situation following the application of a twisting force on said clamping members;

Fig. 27 is another schematic view, similar to Figs. 23 and 24, showing the clip and clamping members of the pedal body, but in a situation following continued application of torque on the clamping member, resulting in a change of position as shown in Fig. 26; and Fig. 28 is another schematic view similar to Figs. 23 to 25 showing the clip and clamping members of the pedal body, but in a situation following continuation of the effect of exerting a twisting force on the clamping member with the resultant change in position shown in Figs. 27

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Examples of embodiments of the invention

With reference to Figures 1 to 4, a bicycle pedal 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown in these figures. Said bicycle pedal 10 is a clip-on or stepless clamping pedal that can be used with a cycling shoe 12 having a clip 14 formed thereon. The bicycle pedal 10 is particularly designed for off-road use, as opposed to use on road bicycles. It goes without saying that the bicycle pedal 10 can be used on a road bicycle or any type of bicycle if there is such a need or requirement. It can be seen in Fig. 1 that the bicycle pedal 10 is permanently attached to the crank arm 16 with which it rotates together, while the clip 14 is firmly attached to the bottom of the sole 18 of the shoe 12.

The bicycle pedal 10 shown in Figures 1 to 7 is a right-hand pedal. Of course, the right and left sides of the bicycle have the same pedals, with the only exception that the left-hand pedal 10 is a mirror image of the right-hand pedal 10. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognize that the description of the right-hand pedal 10 can be applied to left-hand pedal.

2 to 4, the bicycle pedal 10 substantially comprises a pedal shaft or spindle 20 adapted to be coupled to the crank arm 16 and a pedal body 22 rotatably coupled to the spindle 20 to form support for the rider's foot. The pedal body 22 substantially comprises first and second clamping members 24. The first and second clamping members 24 form a front clip-engaging portion and a rear clip-engaging portion, as will be explained below. Each of the two clamping members 24 is pivotally connected to the pedal body 22 by a pivot pin 26, a pair of spring members 28 and a pair of tension adjusting mechanisms 30. In other words, each clamping member 24 has a front clip clamping mechanism on one side of the pedal body 22 and a rear clip clamping mechanism on the opposite side of the pedal body 22.

The pedal 10 according to the embodiment just described is provided with an additional mechanism for adjusting the spring tension of the spring component 28. The pedal 10 has a pair of adjusting elements or screws 31. Each adjusting element or screw 31 initially receives one of the spring components under the tensioning effect. In particular, the clamping members 24 and the resilient members 24 are spring-loaded.

When the components 28 are connected to the pedal body 22 by means of pivot pins 26, then the spring members 28 are normally not under tension. The adjusting element or bolt 31 is screwed into a threaded hole 29 formed in the pedal body 22 so that the free end of the bolt 31 contacts a portion of the associated clamping member 24 and thereby rotates the clamping member 24. The associated spring member 28 now comes under the tensioning effect. This design allows easy assembly of the bicycle pedal 10, since the clamping members 24 and spring members 28 can be attached to the pedal body 22 without the need to position the spring member under tension. This design also allows the initial tensioning to be controlled by using thin washers positioned between the screw head 31 and the pedal body 22.

The clip 14 is designed to releasably attach the sole 18 of the shoe 12 to the bicycle pedal 10 based on the operation of the first and second clamping members 24. This type of pedal is often referred to as a stepping or clamping pedal. Specifically, the clip 14 attaches to the pedal 10 by pushing the clip 14 into the pedal 10 as a result of forward and downward movement. This action releasably attaches the clip 14 to the pedal 10. The clip 14 may be released from the pedal 10 by rotating the heel portion of the shoe outwardly relative to the pedal 10 as shown in Figures 23 to 26 and as described in more detail below. next text.

It can be seen in Fig. 1 that the pedal spindle 20 is attached to the bicycle handle 16 so that the pedal body 22 can rotate relative to the pedal spindle 20 and provide support for the rider's foot. In particular, the clip 14 is permanently attached to the shoe 12, which is releasably connected to the pedal body 22 by the clip 12 by means of one of the clamping members 24.

The pedal spindle 20 is a multistage spindle having a plurality of stepped portions and which enters a stepped bore 31 (see FIG. 3) formed in the pedal body 22. The pedal spindle 20 has a first end 33 on which threads are formed for screwed connection of the pedal 10 to the handle 16 in a manner known per se. The other end of the pedal spindle 20 rotatably supports the pedal body 22 in a manner known per se. The pedal body 22 can rotate freely about the central longitudinal axis A of the pedal spindle 20. Since the pedal spindle 20 is a relatively common part and its design is not essential to the present invention, the construction of the pedal spindle will not be described in detail.

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FIG. 2 shows that the pedal body 22 has a central tubular portion 36 for receiving the pedal spindle 20 and for rotating the pedal body 22 about the central longitudinal axis A and a pair of side portions 38 supporting the clamping members 24. The pedal body is preferably made of a lightweight material such as an aluminum alloy. One end of the pedal body 22 is provided with one of the clamping members 24. In particular, the pedal body 22 is a generally H-shaped part (see FIG. 2). The pedal body 22 has, on the one hand, a front or first end with one of the clamping members 24 that is pivotally attached to this end by one of the pivot pins 26, and a rear or other end with a rear clamping member 24 that is pivotally attached to this end of the second pivot pin 26.

The lateral portions 38 extend back and forth from the central tubular portion 36. The clamping member 24 is disposed between the lateral portions 38. At each end of the lateral portions 38, openings 40 are provided to permanently locate the pivot pins 26 on which the clamping members are rotatably mounted. The side portion 38, which is located on the inside of the pedal body 22, is followed by a section of the tubular part 36 that extends outwardly.

2 to 4, it is best seen that the pedal body 22 is rotatably mounted on the pedal shaft 20 for rotation about the central longitudinal axis A of the pedal shaft 20. The pedal body 22 has a central longitudinal axis B that extends between the front and rear The central longitudinal axis B of the pedal body 22 extends substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis A of the pedal shaft 20. On each side of the pedal body 22, an area for entering and clamping the clip 14 of the cycling shoe is formed. . More specifically, the clip entry area is defined between the clamping members 24.

The clamping members 24 control the cycling shoe 12 as desired by attaching the sole of the cycling shoe 12 to the pedal 10. The clamping members 24 are pivotally mounted on pivot pins 26 at opposite ends of the pedal body 22. The clamping members 24 are curved to form a "U" shape. wherein both ends of each component 24 are pivotably hinged on pivot pins 26 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) that extend between the side portions 38 of the pedal body 22.

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2 and 7, it is best seen that each spring member 28 is preferably a pair of torsion springs. The torsion spring coil portions of the resilient member 28 are disposed on the pivot pins 26 such that one end of each spring contacts a portion of the pedal body 22 and the other end of each spring contacts a portion of the tension adjusting mechanism 30. These springs will be discussed in more detail below. The resilient members 28 normally force the clamping members 24 to rotate about respective pivot pins 26 that are guided from their released positions in which the clip 14 is released to those positions where the clip 14 is attached or clamped. In other words, the spring member 28 normally holds the clamping members 24 in the positions in which the clip 14 is clamped under the conditions of use of the clip. The clamping hold forces exerted by the spring members 28 relative to the clamping members 24 are adjusted by the operation of the tension adjusting mechanism 30.

Referring now to Figures 8 to 15, it will be appreciated that each of the clamping members 24 includes a coupling portion 50 having a pair of legs 52 that extend downwardly from the coupling portion 50 and serves to attach the clamping member 24 to the pedal More specifically, in each of the legs 52 of the rear clamping members 24, a connection hole 54 is provided for receiving a sleeve (not shown) into which the pivot pin 26 further rotates. the clamping member 24 is rotated about the respective pivot pin 26 as it moves between the clamping position of the clip and the clip release position. Each of the legs 52 also has a stop portion or a flange 58 that contacts the pedal body 22 to define the extent of rotational movement of the clamping member 24 in cooperation with the spring member 28.

Each of the clamping members 24 has a front clamp clamping portion 60 and a rear clamp clamping portion 62. The clip fastener portion 60 projects from one side of the connector portion 50, while the clip fastener portion 62 protrudes from the expensive side of the connector portion 50. The clip fastener portion 60 grips the clip front portion 14, while the clip fastener portion 62 grips the rear bracket section. part of clip 14 cycling shoes. Each clamp front portion 60 of each of the clamping members 24 has a first clamp contact surface 64 that is oriented in a first direction and an expensive clamp contact surface 66 that is oriented in a second direction that is substantially opposed in relation to each other. to said first direction.

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The first clip-engaging surface 64 is formed by an elevated central flange 67 having a curved, clip-engaging abutment surface 68 of the cycling shoe 12 that restricts the longitudinal movement of the clip 14 relative to the pedal body 22. The curved, abutment surface 68 faces in substantially perpendicular to the beer surface 64 for engaging the clip. The second clip-engaging surface 66 is formed by a pair of side flanges or sections 69 located on opposite sides of the raised central flange 67. In other words, the second clip-engaging surface 66 has two sections which are spaced apart apart, wherein the first clip-engaging surface 64 is defined between sections spaced apart from one another by side flanges or sections 69 of the second clip-engaging surface 66. The side flanges or sections 69 forming the second clip-engaging surface 66 are closer to the tubular portion 36 of the pedal body 22 than the first clip-engaging surface 64. In this connection, a gap is formed between the tubular portion 36 of the pedal body 22 and the lower surface of the clip 14. A minimum clearance of approximately 0.35 mm is preferably formed between the tubular member of the pedal body 22 and the bottom surface of the clip 14. In other words, the side flanges or sections 69 of the second clip-engaging surface 66 are closer to the tubular portion of the pedal body 22 than the first clip-engaging surface 64.

It is preferred that the first clip-engaging surface 64 and the second clip-engaging surface 66 lie substantially in the same plane, but face each other in opposite directions. More specifically, the staple contacting surface 64 faces downwardly from the sole 18 of the shoe 12, while the second staple contacting surface 66 faces the sole 18 of the shoe 12. In this sense, the first staple contacting surface 64 and the flat surface 66 for engaging the clip, they retain the clip 14 near the tubular portions 36 of the pedal body 22.

In Figures 8, 9 and 11, it is best seen that the rear clip clamping portion 62 has a central flange or clip contact portion 70 and a pair of side flanges or portions 71. The side flanges 71 lie in a plane that It extends below the plane of the central flange 70. On the central flange 70 is formed a surface 72 for engaging the clip that faces downwards. The fastener engaging surface 72 forms a third fastener engaging surface that extends substantially in the same direction as the first fastener engaging surface 64 by the front fastener clamping portion 60 of the opposite fastener 24.

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A curved stop surface 73 is also provided to the central flange 72 of the clip retaining portion 62, which limits the longitudinal movement of the clip 14 relative to the pedal body 22, as will be explained below. The curved stop surface 73 extends substantially perpendicular to the clip engaging surface 72. Above the curved stop surface 72 is a curved retainer contact surface 75 whose angle is derived from the curved retainer surface 73. The curved retainer contact surface 75 contacts a portion of the retainer 14 so as to prevent further downward movement of the retainer 14. In this context, a gap is formed between the tubular portion 36 of the pedal body 22 and the lower surface of the clip 14. A minimum clearance of approximately 0.35 mm is preferably created between the tubular member of the pedal body 22 and the bottom surface of the clip 14.

The side flanges 71 have snap-on guide surfaces 74 whose angular design is adapted to contact the clip 14. The snap-on guide surfaces 74 are in the form of guides that help release the clip 14 from the pedal 10. During pivoting of the clip 14 relative to the pedal 10, the clip 14 the pedal body 22 has a central plane C that extends through the longitudinal axis A of rotation and divides the pedal body 22 in half. The clip guide surfaces 74 are located in planes substantially perpendicular to the plane defining the rear clip contact surface 72.

The operation of the pedal 10 will now be briefly described with reference to Figs. 1, 3, 4 and 23 to 26. When attaching the cycling shoe 12 to the pedal 10, the toe of the shoe 12 moves forward toward one of the front portions 60 for the pedal 10. clamping the clip so that the tab of the clip 14 is inserted into one of the clip clamping members 24 (see Figures 23 to 26).

Upon insertion of the tab 14 into one of the tab fastening members 24 of the clip fastening portion 60, a force is exerted on the heel side of the shoe 12 so as to press the shoe down toward the pedal 10. When the heel is further down In this condition, the rear end of the clip 14 pivots the rear clip clamping portion 62 backward against the spring force of the springs 28. Then, the clip 14 slides between the two clip clamping portions 60 and 62. After the clip 14 has slid between the two clip clamping portions 60 and 62, the rear clip clamping portion 62 is pushed back into its original position by the action of the springs 28. The rotation of the clip clamping rear portions 62 is stopped by a stop spring 58.

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As a result, the clip 14 engages between the two clip clamping parts 60 and 62 of the clip shoe clamping parts 24 (see FIGS. 1 and 5).

When the shoe 12 is released from the pedal 10, the heel portion of the shoe 12 slightly rotates outward. This rotation causes the clip clamping portion 62 to rotate against the spring force of the springs 28. During this rotation of the clip 14 relative to the pedal 10, the clip 14 travels one of the guide surfaces 74, resulting in a rotation of the clamping member 24 back against the spring force 28 After a reasonably effective rotation of the clip 14, the rear end of the clip 14 is released.

Referring to FIG. 7, each of the tension adjusting mechanisms 30 preferably includes an adjusting screw 77 and an adjusting nut 78. The adjusting screw 77 rotatably enters an aperture 90 formed in the clamping member 24. In addition, a adjusting nut 77 is screwed onto the adjusting screw 77 having a pair of flanges for actuating one of the ends of the springs roasting component 28. Accordingly, rotation of the adjustment screw 22 causes movement of the nut 28 in the axial direction along the shaft of the adjustment screw 22 · Rotating the adjusting screw 22 ⁱⁿ the clockwise direction advantageously increases the efficiency of the spring of the spring member or springs 28 relative to the clip fastening member 24, while rotating the adjusting screw 22 counterclockwise advantageously reduces the resilient efficiency of the spring member or springs 28 relative to the clip fastening member 24. The guide tab of the adjusting nut 78 is located in a slot formed in the clip clamping member 24. It appears advantageous that the adjusting nut 28 is seen through a slot in the clip fastening member 24 so that it serves as a tension indicator to the user in determining the level of compressive spring force of the spring member 28 relative to the clip fastening member 24. This allows the user to easily adjust the pair of bicycle pedals 10 so that both pedals have the same level of spring efficiency.

Referring now to Figures 16 to 22, it will be appreciated that the base portions of the bolt clip 14 include a fastening portion 100, a first attachment portion or component 102 protruding from one end of the attachment portion 100, and a second attachment portion or component 104 protruding from the second end of the fastening portion 100. In the embodiment just described, the first fastening portion or component 102 is a front member that contacts the front t Φ »» • • φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ • φ · <

φ φ · · · · · · · · φ. φ..

14, the clip engaging portion 60, while the second attachment portion or component 104 is a rear engaging member that contacts the rear clip engaging portion 62.

The fastening portion 100 has a top side oriented in a first direction that determines its attachment to the sole 18 of the shoe 12 and a bottom side oriented in a second direction that is substantially opposite to said first direction. It appears advantageous to make the fastening portion 100 and the fastening portions 102 and 104 in the form of a single, integral piece which is made of a rigid material that is acceptable for the purpose.

The fastening portion 100 has an opening or slot 103 for receiving one or more fasteners for permanently attaching the clip 14 to the sole 18 of the cycling shoe 12 in a relatively known manner. Attachment of the clip 14 to the sole 18 is well known in the art, and will not be given much attention in this description.

The first or front attachment portion 102 has a protrusion portion 105 with a curved stop surface 106 and a first attachment surface 107. The first or front portion 102 also has side portions with second attachment surfaces 108. The first attachment surface 107 faces the sole 18 of the shoe 12 while the second the attachment surfaces 108 are oriented substantially in the opposite direction to the pedal body 22. The first attachment surface 107 is located between the upper and lower pedal side of the attachment portion 100. It seems advantageous if the attachment surfaces 107 and 108 are shaped so as to lie basically in the same plane.

The front attachment portion 102 forms a first attachment portion that protrudes from the front end of the attachment portion 100. The front attachment portion 102 has a protrusion portion 105 whose design meets the requirements for attaching it to the clip portion 60 of the clip clamping member 24. The curved stop surface 106 of the protrusion portion 105 faces substantially perpendicular to the attachment surfaces 107 and 108. The front attachment surfaces 107 and 108 preferably have the form of a substantially flat, planar surface that is designed to contact the front surfaces 64 and 66 for contacting the clip. a front clamp engaging portion 60 of the respective clamping member 24, as previously discussed. The front attachment surface 107 takes the form of a substantially flat or planar surface that curves along a curved stop surface 106. The front attachment surfaces 108 form a split two-section attachment surface. The front attachment surface 107 is located between the front attachment surfaces 108. The front attachment surface 107 is further away from the attachment portion 100 than the front attachment surfaces 108.

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The curved, stop surface 106 is designed to cooperate with the curved, stop surface 68 of the front clamping member 24 to prevent the clip 14 from moving forward relative to the pedal body 22. The curved, stop surfaces 68 and 106 together act as rotatable a point for releasing the clip 14 from the pedal body 22.

The second or rear attachment portion 104 projects from the second end of the attachment portion 100 and comprises a protrusion portion 109 having a pair of third attachment surfaces 110 that extend substantially in the same direction as the first attachment surface 106 of the first attachment portion 102. The rear attachment surfaces 110 of the rear attachment portion 104 cooperate with a clamp surface 72 of the clip clamping portion 62 of said clamping member 24 when clamping the clip 14 to the pedal body via one of the clamping members 24. The rear attachment surfaces 110 preferably have the form of substantially flat, planar surfaces.

The rear attachment portion 104 also has a curved or angled inclined surface Π4, the design of which allows control of the rear portion 62 for clamping the clip of the clamping member 24 while attaching the clip 14 of the shoe 12 to the pedal body 22. Specifically, The inclined surface 114 allows the clamping member 24 to pivot backward from the normal clamping position of the clip to the clip release position during the downward movement of the clip 14 relative to the pedal body 22.

The rear attachment portion 104 also includes a curved, stop surface 115 that cooperates with the curved, stop surface 73 to prevent rearward movement of the clip 14 relative to the pedal body 22 when said clip 14 is attached to the bicycle pedal 10. A protrusion Π6 extends from the curved stop surface 115 outward and upward. This projection 1.16 is in contact with the curved surface 75 for engaging the clip of said central flange 70 above the curved stop surface 73, as seen in Figures 6 and 23 to 26. This contact of the projection 116 with the curved surface 75 for contact with the clip defines downward movement of the clip 14 relative to the pedal body 22. Accordingly, a gap is formed between the tubular portion 36 of the pedal body 22 and the bottom surface of the clip 14.

The side edges 117 of the attachment surfaces 110 are in contact with the angular guide surfaces 74 of the side flanges 71 of the clamping member 24. During rotation of the clip 14 in relation to:

The pedal 10 traverses the side edges 117 of the clip 14 on one of the angular guide surfaces 74, and the projection 116 travels over the clip contact surface 75, resulting in a rotation of the clamping member 24 against the force of the spring member 28.

When attaching the clip 14 to the bicycle pedal 10, the cyclist treads on the pedal body 22, resulting in the automatic clamping of the fasteners 24 into the clip 14 mounted on the sole 18 of the cycling shoe 12. The tension adjusting mechanism 30 may be adjusted to some extent releasing the shoe clip 14 from the tread pedal 10.

More specifically, when attaching the cycling shoe to the tread pedal 10 via the clip 14, the rider moves the shoe 12 diagonally down and forward relative to the pedal body 22 so that the front end or protrusion portion 105 of the clip 14 contacts the front portion 60. For attaching the clip of one of the clamping members 24 of the pedal body 22. After attaching the front end of the clip 14 to the front clip clamping portion 60 of one of the clamping members 24, the cyclist places the rear end of the clip 14 in contact with the rear part 62 of another clamping member 24. Accordingly, the inclined surface 114 contacts the angular surface with the rear clip clamping portion 62. In this position, the cyclist pushes the shoe 12 down against the pedal 10, resulting in an initial movement of the rear clamping member 24 against the spring force by the spring member 28 until the clip release position is reached. Then, the rear end of the clip 14 enters a position in which it faces the rear face of the rear clamping member 62 of the clamping member 24. Subsequently, the rear clamping member 24 returns under the force of the spring member 28 and the rear clamping portion 62 of the clamping member 24 clamps the rear This gripping method provides a firm attachment of the cyclist shoe to the pedal 10 via the clip 14.

In the clamping position of the clip, the front attachment portions 102 of the clip 14 are held in place and their vertical movement is prevented. Specifically, the first clip-engaging surface 64 is in contact with the first front attachment surface 106 and the second clip-engaging surface 66 is in contact with the second front attachment surface 108. The rear clamp surface 72 for clamping the fastener 24 is in contact with the rear attachment surface 110 and the projection 116 of the clip 14 so as to ensure a firm connection of the rear attachment portion 104 of the clip 14 to the pedal body 22.

When releasing the boot 12 from the pedal 10, the rider typically rotates the shoe 12 about an axis that is perpendicular to or approximately perpendicular to the B axis of the pedal 10. As a result, the rear of the clamping members 24 is rotated against the spring force 28 to reach the release position and release the shoe 12 from the pedal 10. During this rotation or twisting movement of the projection 14, the curved stop surface 115 of the clip 14 passes over the curved stop surface 73 of the central flange 70. During this passage, the rear clip 104 the clip member 104 arrives at the corner or end of the curved stop surface 73 of the central flange 70, the two clip mounting surfaces 110 are completely released from the rear fastener 24. At this time, the lateral edges 117 of the clip 14 push the clip guide surfaces 7 The gripping guide surfaces 74 of the gripping member 24 come into contact with the side edges 117 of the grip 14 at the very end of the torsional movement of the grip 14 to help release the grip 14 from the pedal 10. Accordingly, the rider can easily exit the pedal 10. The function of the gripping guide surfaces 74 of the gripping member 24 and the side edges 117 of the grip 14 provides for lifting the grip 14 and the gripping member 24 upward so that the rider can easily exit.

Although only one embodiment has been selected for the purpose of explaining the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. claims. In addition, the description of embodiments of the present invention performed is for the purpose of demonstrating the invention only and not for the exclusive limitation of the invention as defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (9)

A bicycle shoe clip (14) for releasably attaching a shoe (12) to a bicycle pedal (10), comprising a fastening portion (100) having a first end, a second end, an upper, sole side that is oriented a first direction and a lower, pedal side which is oriented in a second direction that is substantially opposite to said first direction; a first attachment member (102) projecting from said first end, said attachment member (102) having a first attachment surface (107) and a second attachment surface (108), said first attachment surface (107) being generally oriented in a beer direction and located between said top , with the sole side and said lower, pedal side, said second attachment surface (108) extends generally in an expensive direction; and the expensive attachment member (104) extends from said expensive end and has a pair of third attachment surfaces (110) that are oriented in a first direction, a central stop surface (115) located between said third attachment surfaces (110) and a projection (116) extending outwardly from a portion of said central stop surface (115). The cycling shoe clip (14) of claim 1, further comprising a pair of guide surfaces (117) located on said third attachment surfaces (110) and extending therefrom at certain angles from said third surfaces. A cycling shoe clip (14) according to claim 2 wherein said guide surfaces (117) extend partially of said central stop surface (115) away from said protrusion (116) for contact with the clip guide pedal (74). (10). A bicycle shoe clip (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said fastening portion (100), said first attachment portion (102) and said expensive attachment portion (104) are formed in one piece, integral components. -19 A bicycle shoe clip (14) according to claim 2 wherein said second attachment surface (104) is formed in two sections, said first attachment surface (102) being located between the two sections. Cycling shoe clip (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first attachment surface (102) and said second attachment surface (104) are generally in a single plane. A bicycle shoe clip (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first attachment surface (102) is further away from said attachment portion (100) than said second attachment surface (104). Cycling shoe clip (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that both said first attachment member (102) and said second attachment member (104) have a stop surface (106, 115) which is guided substantially perpendicular to said first attachment surface (107), said second attachment surface (110) and third attachment surfaces (110). A cycling shoe clip (14) according to any preceding claim wherein said second attachment member (104) comprises an inclined surface (114) sloping at an angle.