EP0895728A1 - Chaussure de cyclisme - Google Patents

Chaussure de cyclisme Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0895728A1
EP0895728A1 EP98304370A EP98304370A EP0895728A1 EP 0895728 A1 EP0895728 A1 EP 0895728A1 EP 98304370 A EP98304370 A EP 98304370A EP 98304370 A EP98304370 A EP 98304370A EP 0895728 A1 EP0895728 A1 EP 0895728A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cleat
bicycle shoe
attachment
bicycle
slot
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP98304370A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0895728B1 (fr
Inventor
Yutaka Ueda
Yuji Nakashima
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Shimano Inc
Original Assignee
Shimano Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US08/908,967 external-priority patent/US5878514A/en
Application filed by Shimano Inc filed Critical Shimano Inc
Publication of EP0895728A1 publication Critical patent/EP0895728A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0895728B1 publication Critical patent/EP0895728B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
    • A43B5/14—Shoes for cyclists

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to bicycle shoes for clipless pedals. More specifically, the present invention is related to a bicycle shoe with a cleat fixedly coupled to the sole of the bicycle shoe, particularly a shoe suitable for use with a low profile bicycle pedal and cleat assembly as disclosed in EP 0,826,588A.
  • bicycle pedals have been designed for specific purposes such as for pleasure, off road biking, road racing, etc.
  • One particular type of bicycle pedal which is gaining more popularity is the step-in or clipless pedal which releasably engages a cleat secured to the sole of a cyclist's shoe.
  • the rider steps onto the pedal and a clamping mechanism automatically grips on to the cleat secured to the bottom of the cyclist's shoe.
  • a tension mechanism is usually provided in the pedal for adjusting the force required to release the shoe cleat from the step-in pedal.
  • the cyclist when attaching the cyclist's shoe to the step-in pedal through the cleat, the cyclist moves the shoe obliquely downwardly and forwardly relative to the pedal body such that the front end of the cleat engages a front hook or clamping member of the pedal body.
  • the cyclist places the rear end of the cleat in contact with a guide portion of the rear hook or clamping member of the pedal body. In this position, the cyclist presses the shoe downwardly against the pedal to cause the rear hook or clamping member to initially pivot rearwardly against the force of a spring to move the rear hook or clamping member to a cleat releasing position.
  • the rear end of the cleat then enters a position opposite a back face of the rear hook or clamping member. Then, the rear hook or clamping member returns under the force of a biasing member or spring so that the rear hook or clamping member engages the rear end of the cleat. This engagement fixes the cyclist's shoe to the pedal via the cleat.
  • the cyclist When releasing the shoe from the pedal, the cyclist will typically turn the shoe about an axis perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the tread of the pedal, using the front end of the cleat as a pivoting point. As a result of this pivoting action, the rear hook or clamping member is pivoted rearwardly against the force of the spring to a cleat releasing position to release the shoe.
  • step-in pedals When step-in pedals are used for road type bikes, the pedal is typically only provided with a single clamping assembly such that the cyclist's shoe can only be coupled to one of the two sides of the pedal.
  • Off road or mountain type bikes usually have a pair of clamping assemblies such that the cyclist's shoe can be clamped to either side of the pedal.
  • the first aspect of the present invention is directed to a bicycle shoe adapted to fixedly receive a cleat thereto for use with a bicycle pedal in accordance with Claim 1.
  • the second aspect of the present invention is directed to a bicycle shoe adapted to fixedly receive a cleat thereto for use with a bicycle pedal in accordance with Claim 11.
  • the third aspect of the present invention is directed to a bicycle shoe adapted to fixedly receive a cleat thereto for use with a bicycle pedal in accordance with Claim 27.
  • Preferred embodiments provide a bicycle shoe adapted to fixedly receive a cleat thereto for use with a bicycle pedal, comprising: a shoe sole portion having an inner surface facing the foot of the cyclist, an outer surface facing the pedal, a toe portion, a heel portion longitudinally spaced from the toe portion and a ball section located between the toe portion and the heel portion with first and second elongated attachment slots formed in the ball section which extend substantially parallel to each other in a substantially longitudinal direction between the toe portion and the heel portion, the first slot having a first longitudinal length and the second slot having a second longitudinal length which is longer than the first longitudinal length of the first slot, the first slot being laterally disposed relative to the second slot in the ball section with the first slot being located between first and second ends of the second slot.
  • a bicycle shoe adapted to fixedly receive a cleat thereto for use with a bicycle pedal, comprising: a shoe sole portion having an inner surface facing the foot of the cyclist, an outer surface facing the pedal, a toe portion, a heel portion longitudinally spaced from the toe portion and a ball section located between the toe portion and the heel portion with first and second elongated attachment slots formed in the ball section which extend substantially parallel to each other in a substantially longitudinal direction between the toe portion and the heel portion, the first slot having a first longitudinal length and the second slot having a second longitudinal length which is longer than the first longitudinal length of the first slot, the first slot being laterally disposed relative to the second slot in the ball section with the first slot being located between first and second ends of the second slot; and a cleat attachment member overlying the inner surface of the sole portion, the cleat attachment member having a first fixing portion overlying the second slot to fixedly couple the cleat to the outer surface of the sole
  • a bicycle shoe adapted to fixedly receive a cleat thereto for use with a bicycle pedal, comprising: a shoe sole portion having an inner surface facing the foot of the cyclist, an outer surface facing the pedal, a toe portion, a heel portion longitudinally spaced from the toe portion and a ball section located between the toe portion and the heel portion with first and second attachment apertures formed in the ball section which are substantially aligned in a substantially longitudinal direction between the toe portion and the heel portion, the first and second apertures having first and second longitudinal lengths which are substantially the same and first and second center points which are longitudinally spaced approximately 33.5 millimeters apart from each other.
  • a bicycle shoe adapted to fixedly receive a cleat thereto for use with a bicycle pedal comprising: a shoe sole portion having an inner surface facing the foot of the cyclist, an outer surface facing the pedal, a toe portion, a heel portion longitudinally spaced from the toe portion and a ball section located between the toe portion and the heel portion with first and second attachment apertures formed in the ball section which are substantially aligned in a substantially longitudinal direction between the toe portion and the heel portion, the first and second apertures having first and second longitudinal lengths which are substantially the same and first and second center points which are longitudinally spaced approximately 33.5 millimeters apart from each other; and a cleat attachment member overlying the inner surface of the sole portion, the cleat attachment member having a fixing portion overlying the first and second apertures to fixedly couple the cleat to the outer surface of the sole portion.
  • a bicycle shoe adapted to fixedly receive a cleat thereto for use with a bicycle pedal, comprising a shoe sole portion having an inner surface facing the foot of the cyclist, an outer surface facing the pedal, a toe portion, a heel portion longitudinally spaced from the toe portion and a ball section located between the toe portion and the heel portion, the ball section including first and second elongated attachment slots extending substantially parallel to each other in a substantially longitudinal direction between the toe portion and the heel portion to form a pair of first attachment points, the first slot having a first longitudinal length and the second slot having a second longitudinal length which is longer than the first longitudinal length of the first slot, the first slot being laterally disposed relative to the second slot in the ball section with the first slot being located between first and second ends of the second slot, the ball section further including three secondary attachment points arranged to form an isosceles triangular with one of its apexes pointing towards the toe portion, the three secondary attachment points being formed by
  • a bicycle shoe adapted to fixedly receive a cleat thereto for use with a bicycle pedal, comprising a shoe sole portion having an inner surface facing the foot of the cyclist, an outer surface facing the pedal, a toe portion, a heel portion longitudinally spaced from the toe portion and a ball section located between the toe portion and the heel portion, the ball section including first and second attachment apertures being substantially aligned in a substantially longitudinal direction between the toe portion and the heel portion to form a pair of first attachment points, the ball section further including three secondary attachment points arranged to form an isosceles triangular with one of its apexes pointing towards the toe portion, the three secondary attachment points being formed by secondary attachment apertures.
  • a bicycle shoe adapted to fixedly receive a cleat thereto for use with a bicycle pedal, comprising a shoe sole portion having an inner surface facing the foot of the cyclist, an outer surface facing the pedal, a toe portion, a heel portion longitudinally spaced from the toe portion and a ball section located between the toe portion and the heel portion, the ball section including a first attachment aperture extending at least approximately 32.0 millimeters in a substantially longitudinal direction between the toe portion and the heel portion to form a pair of first attachment points, the ball section further including three secondary attachment points arranged to form an isosceles triangular with one of its apexes pointing towards the toe portion, the three secondary attachment points being formed by secondary attachment apertures.
  • a bicycle shoe adapted to fixedly receive a cleat thereto for use with a bicycle pedal, comprising a shoe sole portion having an inner surface facing the foot of the cyclist, an outer surface facing the pedal, a toe portion, a heel portion longitudinally spaced from the toe portion and a ball section located between the toe portion and the heel portion, the ball section including first and second attachment holes being substantially aligned in a substantially longitudinal direction between the toe portion and the heel portion to form a pair of first attachment points, the first and second holes having first and second center axes which are longitudinally spaced approximately 32.0 millimeters to approximately 34.0 millimeters apart from each other, the ball section further including three secondary attachment points arranged to form an isosceles triangular with one of its apexes pointing towards the toe portion, the three secondary attachment points being formed by secondary attachment apertures.
  • a bicycle shoe 10 in accordance with a first embodiment is illustrated with a cleat assembly 12 coupled thereto.
  • bicycle shoe 10 and cleat assembly 12 is designed to be used with clipless pedals such as the low profile bicycle pedal 14 shown in Figs. 5 and 6.
  • Bicycle shoe 10 as illustrated in Figs. 1-4 is a left bicycle shoe, while a portion of a right bicycle shoe 10 is illustrated in Figs. 5-7.
  • the right bicycle shoe would be substantially identical to the left bicycle shoe illustrated in Figs. 1-4, but substantially a mirror image thereof. Therefore, bicycle shoe 10 as used herein refers to either a left bicycle shoe or a right bicycle shoe, and the drawings and description used herein will not differentiate therebetween.
  • bicycle shoe 10 has an upper peripheral portion 16, a shoe sole portion 18 fixedly coupled to upper peripheral portion 16 and an inner sole or cushion 20 overlying shoe sole portion 18.
  • upper peripheral portion 16, shoe sole portion 18 and inner sole 20 will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein. since the basic construction of a bicycle shoe is old and well-known in the prior art. Moreover, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention should not be limited to the precise construction of the non-claimed portion of bicycle shoe 10 as discussed and illustrated herein.
  • Bicycle shoe 10 with cleat assembly 12 coupled thereto is releasably coupled to bicycle pedal 14.
  • Pedal 14 basically includes a pedal body 22 for supporting a cyclist's foot, a pedal shaft 23 rotatably coupling pedal body 22 to crank arm 21, a front clamping member 24 fixedly coupled to pedal body 22 and a rear clamping member 26 pivotally coupled to pedal body 22.
  • a biasing member or torsion spring 28 is coupled between pedal body 22 and rear clamping member 26 to bias rear clamping member 26 from a cleat releasing position to a cleat engaging position.
  • Pedal body 22 can also be provided with a gap adjusting mechanism which is described in EP 0,826,588A. Reference is made to EP 0,826,588A to further explain the gap adjusting mechanism as well as to further understand the structure and functions of pedal 14.
  • Upper peripheral portion 16 is adapted to receive a foot of a cyclist, and is fixedly secured to shoe sole portion 18.
  • Upper peripheral portion 16 is preferably constructed of conventional materials which are well-known in the bicycle art.
  • the major portions of upper peripheral portion 16 can be constructed of a flexible material such as leather or nylon or the like.
  • shoe sole portion 18 has an inner surface 30, an outer surface 32, a toe portion 34, a heel portion 36 and a ball section 38.
  • shoe sole portion 18 is constructed of any conventional shoe sole material which is known to be used in making bicycle shoes.
  • bicycle shoe 18 is illustrated as a road bike shoe.
  • shoe sole portion 18, in this embodiment is constructed of a substantially hard, rigid material such as a carbon graphite composite.
  • shoe sole portion 18 could be constructed of a more flexible material.
  • Inner surface 30 of sole portion 18 faces upwardly towards the foot of the cyclist and has inner sole 20, which can be one or more layers, overlying inner surface 30.
  • Outer surface 32 of sole portion 18 faces downwardly for engaging pedal 14 via cleat assembly 12.
  • Inner and outer surfaces 30 and 32 of shoe sole portion 18 has a typical outer peripheral shoe sole shape which basically conforms to the outer shape of a cyclist's foot.
  • sole portion 18 is a concaved contour as viewed from inner surface 30, with a further depression 49 formed longitudinally therealong.
  • Sole portion 18 has a longitudinally extending center line C which extends from a first center point of toe portion 34 to a second center point of heel portion 36.
  • center line C substantially bisects the front curve of toe portion 34 and substantially bisects the rear curve of heel portion 36.
  • shoe sole portion 18 is provided with a pair of longitudinally extending attachment apertures 40 and 42 for coupling cleat assembly 12 thereto as seen in Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 5-10.
  • first and second attachment apertures 40 and 42 could be combined as one single attachment aperture having either a generally T-shaped or a generally H-shaped configuration.
  • attachment apertures 40 and 42 could be constructed of a plurality of holes for accommodating cleat assembly 12.
  • first attachment aperture 40 is a longitudinally extending slot which lies on the center line C ofbicycle shoe 10.
  • Second attachment aperture 42 is spaced laterally from first attachment aperture 40 and extends substantially parallel thereto. More specifically, second attachment aperture 42 is spaced laterally towards the outside edge of bicycle shoe 10, and is in the form of an elongated slot which is parallel to first attachment aperture or elongated slot 40, but longer in length.
  • first attachment aperture or slot 40 has a first longitudinal length and second attachment aperture or slot 42 has a second longitudinal length which is longer than the first longitudinal length of first attachment aperture or slot 40.
  • first attachment aperture extends approximately 21.3 millimeters in longitudinal length and second attachment aperture 42 extends approximately 56.9 millimeters in length.
  • the first attachment aperture or slot 40 is laterally disposed relative to second attachment aperture or slot 42 in ball section 38 with first attachment aperture or slot 40 being located between first and second ends of the second attachment aperture or slot 42.
  • attachment apertures or slots 40 and 42 have substantially the same transverse width with their longitudinal axes being spaced approximately 14.0 millimeters apart from each other.
  • attachment apertures or slots 40 and 42 each have first and second center points or axes at each end which are longitudinally spaced approximately 32.0 millimeters to approximately 34.0 millimeters (preferably approximately 33.5 millimeters) apart from each other.
  • second attachment aperture 42 preferably, has its center line spaced approximately 12.0 millimeters from the longitudinal center line C of bicycle shoe 10.
  • cleat assembly 12 basically includes a cleat attachment plate or member 50, a cleat 52, a pair of washers 54 and a pair of threaded fasteners or screws 56.
  • Cleat assembly 12 is basically fixedly coupled to shoe sole portion 18 such that cleat attachment plate or member 50 engages inner surface 30 of sole portion 18 and cleat 52 engages outer surface 32 of sole portion 18.
  • Cleat assembly 12 is longitudinally adjustable along the ball section 38 of shoe sole portion 18.
  • cleat attachment member 50 has a generally T-shaped outline and has a base portion 60 and four cleat nuts 61-64 fixedly coupled to base portion 60.
  • Base portion 60 has a first fixing portion with cleat nuts 62-64 formed thereon and a second fixing portion with cleat nut 61 formed thereon.
  • base portion 60 and cleat nuts 61-64 are constructed as a one-piece, unitary member from a suitable rigid material.
  • attachment member 50 can be constructed of a hard rigid metallic material such as those commonly used for cleat nuts known in the prior art.
  • base portion 60 is preferably curved to match the curvature of inner surface 30 of sole portion 18.
  • Cleat nuts 61-64 are preferably internally threaded tubes which are selectively adapted to threadedly receive fasteners 56 therein.
  • cleat nuts 62-64 are longitudinally aligned for portions thereof being received within second attachment aperture 42 of sole portion 18, while cleat nut 61 is laterally spaced from cleat nuts 62-64 such that cleat nut 61 is aligned with first attachment aperture 40 of sole portion 18 with a portion of cleat nut 61 to be received in first attachment aperture 40 of sole portion 18.
  • cleat nuts 61-64 can be replaced with unthreaded holes such that fasteners can be threaded into the cleat 52.
  • the centers of cleat nuts 61 and 63 are spaced approximately 14.0 millimeters apart such that cleat nuts 61 and 63 can be used to attach a conventional cleat such as the ones manufactured by Shimano, Inc. (see Fig. 18).
  • the centers of cleat nuts 62 and 64 are spaced approximately 32.0 millimeters to approximately 34.0 millimeters (preferably approximately 33.5 millimeters) apart such that when cleat 52 is attached thereto by fasteners 56, the pedal shaft 23 of pedal 14 is located between cleat nuts 62 and 64.
  • cleat nuts 61 and 64 are spaced longitudinally from cleat nut 62 by a measurement of approximately 16.0 millimeters to approximately 16.5 millimeters as measured from the center axes of the holes of the cleat nuts 61, 62 and 64.
  • cleat 52 is designed to releasably couple sole portion 18 of bicycle shoe 10 to bicycle pedal 14. Specifically, cleat 52 is engaged with pedal 14 by pressing cleat 52 into pedal 14 with a forward and downward motion. This releasably locks cleat 52 to pedal 14. Cleat 52 can be released from pedal 14 by twisting the heel portion 36 of the shoe 10 to the outside of pedal 14.
  • cleat 52 has a front attachment portion 70 for engaging front clamping member 24 of pedal 14, a rear attachment portion 72 for engaging and moving rear clamping member 26, and a center or connecting portion 74 extending between front attachment portion 70 and rear attachment portion 72.
  • front and rear attachment portions 70 and 72, together with center portion 74 are integrally formed together as a one-piece, unitary member which is constructed from a suitable rigid material.
  • Front attachment portion 70 and rear attachment portion 72 each has a hole or slot 76 for receiving one of the fasteners 56 therethrough for coupling cleat 52 to sole portion 18 of the bicycle shoe 10 in a relatively conventional manner as seen in Fig. 7.
  • This interconnection of cleat 52 to sole portion 18 is relatively well-known in the art, and thus, this interconnection will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein.
  • front attachment portion 70 has a nose portion 82 for engaging front clamping member 24 of pedal 14.
  • Nose portion 82 has a front coupling surface 84 and a curved stop surface 86 formed thereon.
  • Front coupling surface 84 is preferably a substantially flat, planar surface which is designed to engage front cleat engaging surface 25 of front clamping member 24.
  • Curved stop surface 86 is designed to engage a cutout portion of front clamping member 24 to prevent forward movement of cleat 54 relative to the pedal body 22.
  • Curved stop surface 86 engages front clamping member 24 to form a pivot point for pivotally releasing cleat 52 from pedal body 22.
  • Rear attachment portion 72 has a pair of rear coupling surfaces 88 for engaging rear cleat engaging surface 27 of rear clamping member 26 to secure cleat 52 to pedal body 22 via rear clamping member 26.
  • Rear coupling surfaces 88 are preferably substantially flat, planar surfaces which are substantially parallel to front coupling surface 84 of cleat 52.
  • Rear attachment portion 72 also has a curved or angled cam surface 90 which is designed to engage rear clamping member 26 during coupling of cleat 52 to pedal body 22.
  • cam surface 90 is designed to rotate rear clamping member 26 rearwardly from its normal cleat engaging position to its cleat releasing position during downward movement of cleat 52 relative to pedal body 22.
  • Rear attachment portion 72 also has a curved stop surface 92 for engaging rear clamping member 26 to prevent rearward movement of cleat 52 relative to pedal body 22 when coupled thereto.
  • Rear attachment portion 72 is also provided with a pair of upwardly extending protrusions 93 for engaging sole portion 18 to properly locate cleat 52 to sole portion 18.
  • Center portion 74 has a substantially planar bottom surface 94 which is designed to engage a cleat supporting surface of pedal 14.
  • the upper surface 96 of center portion 74 is recessed relative to front and rear attachment portions 70 and 72 and has a center opening 98 therein.
  • cleat assembly 12 is well-known in the prior art, and thus, will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein.
  • cleat assembly 12 is of the type manufactured by Shimano, Inc. for their line of SPD® shoes and pedals. More particularly, cleat assembly 12' has an attachment plate or member 50', a cleat 52', an adapter 54' and a pair of threaded fasteners or screws 56'.
  • Cleat assembly 12' is basically fixedly coupled to sole portion 18 such that attachment plate 50' engages inner surface 30 of sole portion 14, and cleat 52' engages outer surface 32 of sole portion 18. More specifically, cleat nuts 61' and 63' of attachment plate 50' are received in attachment apertures 40 and 42, respectively, such that attachment plate 50' mounts substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of sole portion 18.
  • Sole portion 18A is substantially identical to sole portion 18, discussed above, except that sole portion 18A has a pair of attachment apertures 42A which are longitudinally aligned.
  • attachment aperture 42 of sole portion 18 of the first embodiment has been divided into two separate attachment apertures 42A and the first attachment aperture 40 has been eliminated. Therefore, sole portion 18A will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein.
  • sole portion 18A is designed to be coupled to upper peripheral portion 16 in substantially the same manner as in the first embodiment and is designed to be utilized with cleat assembly 18 in substantially the same manner as in the first embodiment.
  • Shoe sole portion 18A has an inner surface 30A, an outer surface 32A, a toe portion 34A, a heel portion 36A and a ball section 38A.
  • shoe sole portion 18A is constructed of any conventional shoe sole material which is known to be used in making bicycle shoes.
  • Shoe sole portion 18A in this embodiment, is preferably constructed of a substantially hard, rigid material such as a carbon graphite composite.
  • shoe sole portion 18A could be constructed of a flexible, resilient material.
  • Inner surface 30A of sole portion 18A faces upwardly towards the foot of the cyclist and has inner sole or cushion 20, which can be one or more layers, overlying inner surface 30A.
  • Outer surface 32A of sole portion 18A faces downwardly for engaging pedal 14.
  • Inner and outer surfaces 30A and 32A of shoe sole portion 18A has a typical outer peripheral shoe sole shape which basically conforms to the outer shape of a cyclist's foot.
  • sole portion 18A is a concaved contour as viewed from inner surface 30A with a further depression 49A formed longitudinally therealong.
  • Sole portion 18A has a longitudinally extending center line C which extends from a first center point of toe portion 34A to a second center point of heel portion 36A.
  • center line C substantially bisects the front curve of toe portion 34A and substantially bisects the rear curve of heel portion 36A.
  • Attachment apertures 42A are spaced laterally from longitudinal center line C and extends substantially parallel thereto. More specifically, second attachment apertures 42A are spaced laterally towards the outside edge of bicycle shoe 10, and are in the form of elongated slots. Preferably, second attachment apertures 42A have their center lines spaced approximately 12.0 millimeters from the longitudinal center line C. Preferably, attachment apertures 42A extend approximately 21.3 millimeters in longitudinal length. Preferably, attachment apertures or slots 42A have their center points longitudinally spaced approximately 32.0 millimeters to approximately 34.0 millimeters (preferably approximately 33.5 millimeters) apart from each other, and substantially the same transverse width.
  • sole portion 18A utilizes only a pair of attachment apertures 42A which are longitudinally aligned.
  • attachment aperture 42 of sole portion 18 of the first embodiment has been divided into two separate attachment apertures 42A and the first attachment aperture 40 has been eliminated.
  • sole portion 18A is designed to be exclusively utilized with a low profile cleat such as cleat 52.
  • cleat attachment member 50A (depicted in broken lines) only has a curved plate or fixing portion with a pair of threaded holes or cleat nuts 62A and 64A which are aligned with attachment apertures 42A.
  • portions of cleat nuts 62A and 64A extend into attachment apertures 42A.
  • cleat nuts 62A and 64A can be replaced with unthreaded holes such that fasteners can be threaded into the cleat.
  • the centers of cleat nuts are spaced approximately 32.0 millimeters to approximately 34.0 millimeters (preferably approximately 33.5 millimeters) apart such that when cleat 52 is attached thereto by fasteners 56, the pedal shaft 23 of pedal 14 is located between cleat nuts.
  • bicycle shoe 10B is a bicycle shoe which is specifically designed for mountain bikes. More specifically, in this embodiment, the sole portion 18B is constructed of a flexible, resilient material which is typically utilized in mountain bike type bicycle shoes.
  • Bicycle shoe 10B has an upper peripheral portion 16B, a shoe sole portion 18B fixedly coupled to upper peripheral portion 16B and an inner sole or cushion 20B overlying shoe sole portion 18b.
  • the precise construction of upper peripheral portion 16B, shoe sole portion 18B and inner sole 20B will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein. since the basic construction of a bicycle shoe is old and well-known in the prior art. Moreover, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention should not be limited to the precise construction of the non-claimed portion of bicycle shoe 10B as discussed and illustrated herein.
  • Sole portion 18B includes a pair of attachment apertures 42B.
  • sole 18B is substantially identical to sole portion 18A, discussed above, except that this is a mountain bike version instead of a road bike version.
  • Shoe sole portion 18B has a toe portion 34B, a heel portion 36B and a ball section 38B.
  • shoe sole portion 18B is constructed of any conventional shoe sole material which is known to be used in making bicycle shoes.
  • Shoe sole portion 18B in this embodiment, is constructed of a substantially flexible, resilient material such as those used within the art.
  • Sole portion 18B has a longitudinally extending center line C which extends from a first center point of toe portion 34B to a second center point of heel portion 36B.
  • center line C substantially bisects the front curve of toe portion 34B and substantially bisects the rear curve of heel portion 36B.
  • Attachment apertures 42B are spaced laterally from longitudinal center line C and extends substantially parallel thereto. More specifically, second attachment apertures 42B are spaced laterally towards the outside edge of bicycle shoe 10B, and are in the form of elongated slots. Preferably, second attachment apertures 42B have their center lines spaced approximately 12.0 millimeters from the longitudinal center line C. Preferably, attachment apertures 42B extend approximately 21.3 millimeters in longitudinal length.
  • cleat attachment member of this embodiment is formed by a pair of separate cleat fixing portions 51C and 53C.
  • Cleat fixing portions 51C and 53C have first and second cleat nuts 62C and 64C for coupling cleat 52 thereto via a pair of threaded fasteners in substantially the same manner as discussed above.
  • Sole portion 18C has an elongated attachment aperture or slot 42C which receives cleat nuts 62C and 64C therein.
  • Slot 42C is longitudinally arranged between the toe and heel portions of sole portion 18C, and has a longitudinal length of at least approximately 32.0 millimeters to approximately 34.0 millimeters (preferably at least approximately 33.5 millimeters) such that when cleat 52 is attached thereto by fasteners, the pedal shaft 23 of pedal 14 is located between cleat nuts 62C and 64C.
  • Slot 42C has a plurality of opposed curved sections which are sized to engage cleat nuts 62C and 64C. The opposed curved sections of slot 42C are sized to engage cleat nuts 62C and 64C for retaining them within slot 42C to prevent longitudinal movement of fixing portions 51C and 53C from moving within slot 42C.
  • cleat attachment member of this embodiment is formed by a pair of separate cleat fixing portions 51D and 53D.
  • Cleat fixing portions 51D and 53D have first and second cleat nuts 62D and 64D for coupling cleat 52 thereto via a pair of threaded fasteners in substantially the same manner as discussed above.
  • Sole portion 18D has a pair of elongated attachment apertures or slots 42D which receives cleat nuts 62D and 64D therein. Slots 42D are longitudinally arranged between the toe and heel portions of sole portion 18D. Slots 42D are substantially identical to slots 42A ,discussed above, such that when cleat 52 is attached thereto by fasteners, the pedal shaft 23 of pedal 14 is located between cleat nuts 62D and 64D.
  • shoe sole portion 18E is substantially identical to shoe sole portion 18 discussed above, except that sole portion 18E has three additional circular attachment apertures 43E-45E. Apertures 43E-45E are arranged to accommodate attachment plate 50E as seen in Fig. 26 for coupling "Look®" compatible cleats thereto. More specifically, sole portion 18E is a universal sole which can accommodate several different types of cleat assemblies such as the ones discussed herein. For example, cleat attachment plate 50 of cleat assembly 12 of Fig. 7 can be attached to sole portion 18E as seen in Fig. 27.
  • cleat attachment plates 50', 50A, 51C, 53C and 50E can be attached to sole portion 18E for coupling either cleats 52 or 52' thereto.
  • sole portion 18E will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein.
  • sole portion 18E is designed to be coupled to upper peripheral portion 16E in substantially the same manner as in the first embodiment and is designed to be utilized with cleat assembly 12E in substantially the same manner as in the first embodiment.
  • shoe sole portion 18E can be divided into the sections, i.e., a toe portion 34E, a heel portion 36E and a ball section 38E.
  • Sole portion 18E has a longitudinally extending center line C which extends from a first center point of toe portion 34E to a second center point of heel portion 36E.
  • center line C substantially bisects the front curve of toe portion 34E and substantially bisects the rear curve of heel portion 36E.
  • shoe sole portion 18E is constructed of any conventional shoe sole material which is known to be used in making bicycle shoes.
  • Shoe sole portion 18E in this embodiment, is preferably constructed of a substantially hard, rigid material such as a carbon graphite composite.
  • shoe sole portion 18E could be constructed of a flexible, resilient material.
  • sole portion 18E utilizes three additional attachment apertures 43E-45E.
  • Apertures 43E-45E are arranged to accommodate the attachment plate 50E of a "Look®" compatible cleats as seen in Fig. 26.
  • the three threaded holes 63E-65E of attachment plate 50E are aligned with apertures 43E-45E of sole portion 18E so that bolts can be used to secure a Look® compatible cleat thereto.
  • the "Look®" compatible cleats require that the three additional attachment apertures 43E-45E be arranged in the pattern of an isosceles triangle, with one of the attachment apertures 43E-45E being located at each apex of the triangle. Moreover, the triangle formed by apertures 43E-45E has the apex formed by the intersection of the two equal sides of the isosceles triangle pointing toward toe portion 34E of shoe sole portion 18E. More specifically, the front most aperture 43E is located midway between slots 40E and 42E with the front most aperture 43E intersecting with slot 42E. The remaining two rear apertures 43E and 45E are arranged substantially perpendicular to center line C and has slots 40E and 42E located therebetween.
  • the unequal side of the isosceles triangle formed by apertures 44E and 45E is perpendicular to center line C of bicycle shoe 10E.
  • the centers of apertures 44E and 45E are spaced approximately 37.0 millimeters apart, while the center of aperture 43E is spaced approximately 34.0 millimeters from the centers of apertures 44E and 45E.
  • the isosceles triangle formed by apertures 43E could be rotated as needed and/or desired.
  • apertures 43E could be other shapes and/or sizes as needed and/or desired to fit other types of cleat arrangements.
  • apertures 43E could be hexagonally shaped.
  • shoe sole portion 18E is provided with a pair of longitudinally extending attachment apertures 40E and 42E which substantially identical to apertures 40 and 42 in shoe sole portion 18 of the first embodiment as seen in Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 5-10.
  • First attachment aperture 40E is a longitudinally extending slot which substantially lies on the center line C of bicycle shoe 10E.
  • Second attachment aperture 42E is spaced laterally from first attachment aperture 40E and extends substantially parallel thereto. More specifically, second attachment aperture 42E is spaced laterally towards the outside edge of bicycle shoe 10E, and is in the form of an elongated slot which is parallel to first attachment aperture or elongated slot 40E, but longer in length.
  • first attachment aperture or slot 40E has a first longitudinal length and second attachment aperture or slot 42E has a second longitudinal length which is longer than the first longitudinal length of first attachment aperture or slot 40E.
  • first attachment aperture 40E extends approximately 21.3 millimeters in longitudinal length and second attachment aperture 42E extends approximately 56.9 millimeters in length.
  • first attachment aperture or slot 40E is laterally disposed relative to second attachment aperture or slot 42E in ball section 38E with first attachment aperture or slot 40E being located between first and second ends of the second attachment aperture or slot 42E.
  • attachment apertures or slots 40E and 42E have substantially the same transverse width with their longitudinal axes being spaced approximately 14.0 millimeters apart from each other.
  • attachment apertures or slots 40E and 42E have first and second center end points which are longitudinally spaced approximately 32.0 millimeters to approximately 34.0 millimeters (preferably approximately 33.5 millimeters) apart from each other.
  • second attachment aperture 42E preferably, has its center line spaced approximately 12.0 millimeters from the longitudinal center line C of bicycle shoe 10E.
  • first and second attachment apertures 40E and 42E could be combined as one single attachment aperture having either a generally T-shaped or a generally H-shaped configuration.
  • attachment apertures 40E and 42E could be constructed of a plurality of holes for accommodating cleat assembly 12E.
  • a modified cleat 52A in accordance with the present invention is illustrated to be used with the modified pedal 14A.
  • This cleat and pedal is fully described and illustrated in EP 0,826,588A, to which reference is made.
  • fasteners 54 can be utilized to attach cleat 52A to either sole portion 18, 18A or 18B in substantially the same manner as discussed above with respect to cleat 52. Accordingly, cleat 52A and pedal 14A will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein.
  • cleat 52A has a front attachment portion 70A for engaging front clamping member 24A of pedal 14A, a rear attachment portion 72A for engaging and moving rear clamping member 26A, and a center or connecting portion 74A extending between front attachment portion 70A and rear attachment portion 72A.
  • front and rear attachment portions 70A and 72A, together with center portion 74A are integrally formed together as a one-piece, unitary member which is constructed from a suitable rigid material.
  • Front attachment portion 70A and rear attachment portion 72A each has a hole or slot 76A for receiving one of the fasteners 56 therethrough for coupling cleat 52A to sole portion 18 of the bicycle shoe 10 in a relatively conventional manner.
  • This interconnection of cleat 52A to sole portion 18 is relatively well-known in the art, and thus, this interconnection will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein.
  • Front attachment portion 70A has a nose portion 82A for engaging front clamping member 24A of pedal 14A.
  • Nose portion 82A has a front coupling surface 84A and a curved stop surface 86A formed thereon.
  • Front coupling surface 84A is preferably a substantially flat, planar surface which is designed to engage front cleat engaging surface 25A of front clamping member 24A.
  • Curved stop surface 86A is designed to engage a cutout portion of front clamping member 24A to prevent forward movement of cleat 54A relative to the pedal body 22A.
  • Curved stop surface 86A engages front clamping member 24A to form a pivot point for pivotally releasing cleat 52A from pedal body 22A.
  • Rear attachment portion 72A has a pair of rear coupling surfaces S8A for engaging rear cleat engaging surface 27A of rear clamping member 26A to secure cleat 52A to pedal body 22A via rear clamping member 26A.
  • Rear coupling surfaces 88A are preferably substantially flat, planar surfaces which are substantially parallel to front coupling surface S4A of cleat 52A.
  • Rear attachment portion 72A also has a curved or angled cam surface 90A which is designed to engage rear clamping member 26A during coupling of cleat 52A to pedal body 22A.
  • cam surface 90A is designed to rotate rear clamping member 26A rearwardly from its normal cleat engaging position to its cleat releasing position during downward movement of cleat 52A relative to pedal body 22A.
  • Rear attachment portion 72A also has a curved stop surface 92A for engaging rear clamping member 26A to prevent rearward movement of cleat 52A relative to pedal body 22A when coupled thereto.
  • Center portion 74A has a substantially planar bottom surface 94A which is designed to engage a cleat supporting surface of pedal 14A.
  • the upper surface 96A of center portion 74A is designed to engage outer surface 32 of sole portion 18.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
EP19980304370 1997-08-08 1998-06-03 Chaussure de cyclisme Expired - Lifetime EP0895728B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US908967 1997-08-08
US08/908,967 US5878514A (en) 1996-08-26 1997-08-08 Bicycle shoe
US3806 1998-01-07
US09/003,806 US5924220A (en) 1996-08-26 1998-01-07 Bicycle shoe

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0895728A1 true EP0895728A1 (fr) 1999-02-10
EP0895728B1 EP0895728B1 (fr) 2002-04-17

Family

ID=26672220

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19980304370 Expired - Lifetime EP0895728B1 (fr) 1997-08-08 1998-06-03 Chaussure de cyclisme

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0895728B1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2991703B2 (fr)
CN (1) CN1178604C (fr)
DE (1) DE69804912T2 (fr)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1389483B1 (fr) * 2002-08-12 2008-05-14 Rhys James Couzyn Palme de natation à voilure amovible
EP2238849A1 (fr) 2009-04-10 2010-10-13 Campagnolo Sportswear S.r.l. Chaussure de cyclisme et procédé de fabrication correspondant
WO2020117131A1 (fr) * 2018-12-04 2020-06-11 Cop Iztok Système de fixation et parties de celui-ci pour attacher des chaussures d'aviron au bateau
US20220017179A1 (en) * 2020-07-14 2022-01-20 DNJA Co., Ltd. Cleat capable of multi-stage power adjustment
US11291266B2 (en) 2012-07-06 2022-04-05 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Cycling shoe
USD974005S1 (en) 2020-12-23 2023-01-03 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Shoe
USD975970S1 (en) 2020-12-23 2023-01-24 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Shoe
USD975969S1 (en) 2020-10-27 2023-01-24 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Shoe
USD980609S1 (en) 2020-07-31 2023-03-14 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle shoe
US20230119609A1 (en) * 2021-10-15 2023-04-20 Shimano Inc. Cleat adapter assembly for cycling shoe

Families Citing this family (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2858184B1 (fr) * 2003-07-30 2005-10-21 Look Cycle Int Chaussure de cycliste a cale de retenue de la chaussure sur une pedale a fixation automatique
US8272150B2 (en) * 2008-12-12 2012-09-25 Speedplay, Inc. Shoe sole mounting standard for bicycle cleat
US9826794B2 (en) 2008-12-12 2017-11-28 Speedplay, Inc. Shoe sole mounting standard for bicycle cleat
US8745900B2 (en) 2009-05-26 2014-06-10 Speedplay, Inc. Aerodynamic bicycle shoe cover and pedal cover
US8857292B2 (en) 2010-11-01 2014-10-14 Speedplay, Inc. Pedal-cleat assembly
CA2830641C (fr) * 2011-03-25 2018-01-02 Dashamerica, Inc. D/B/A Pearl Izumi Usa, Inc. Semelle de chaussure souple
US9511817B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2016-12-06 Speedplay, Inc. Pedal and cleat assembly
US9499231B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2016-11-22 Speedplay, Inc. Pedal and cleat assembly
US10188171B2 (en) 2014-01-22 2019-01-29 Speedplay, Inc. Alignment system for a cleat and base assembly
US10182609B2 (en) * 2014-07-28 2019-01-22 Speedplay, Inc. Aperture cover for bicycle cleat assembly
US10279862B2 (en) 2014-09-02 2019-05-07 Speedplay, Inc. Cleat assembly for clipless bicycle pedal
TWI674076B (zh) * 2018-10-08 2019-10-11 新可大國際股份有限公司 競速型自行車專用鞋之鞋底扣片塊
USD975405S1 (en) 2021-01-14 2023-01-17 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Shoe

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4679335A (en) * 1985-10-22 1987-07-14 Remo Berlese Vented bicycle shoe
US4815222A (en) * 1987-01-09 1989-03-28 Nike, Inc. Cleated cycling shoe with support straps
DE29605919U1 (de) * 1996-03-29 1996-06-13 Lin Wen Hwa Fahrradschuh
EP0726037A2 (fr) * 1995-02-10 1996-08-14 Shimano Inc. Chaussures de cyclisme
DE29702071U1 (de) * 1997-02-06 1997-03-27 Adidas Ag Fahrradschuh
EP0826588A1 (fr) 1996-08-26 1998-03-04 Shimano Inc. Ensemble d'une pédale pour bicyclette et d'une cale de pédale

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4679335A (en) * 1985-10-22 1987-07-14 Remo Berlese Vented bicycle shoe
US4815222A (en) * 1987-01-09 1989-03-28 Nike, Inc. Cleated cycling shoe with support straps
EP0726037A2 (fr) * 1995-02-10 1996-08-14 Shimano Inc. Chaussures de cyclisme
DE29605919U1 (de) * 1996-03-29 1996-06-13 Lin Wen Hwa Fahrradschuh
EP0826588A1 (fr) 1996-08-26 1998-03-04 Shimano Inc. Ensemble d'une pédale pour bicyclette et d'une cale de pédale
DE29702071U1 (de) * 1997-02-06 1997-03-27 Adidas Ag Fahrradschuh

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1389483B1 (fr) * 2002-08-12 2008-05-14 Rhys James Couzyn Palme de natation à voilure amovible
EP2238849A1 (fr) 2009-04-10 2010-10-13 Campagnolo Sportswear S.r.l. Chaussure de cyclisme et procédé de fabrication correspondant
US11291266B2 (en) 2012-07-06 2022-04-05 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Cycling shoe
WO2020117131A1 (fr) * 2018-12-04 2020-06-11 Cop Iztok Système de fixation et parties de celui-ci pour attacher des chaussures d'aviron au bateau
US20220017179A1 (en) * 2020-07-14 2022-01-20 DNJA Co., Ltd. Cleat capable of multi-stage power adjustment
USD980609S1 (en) 2020-07-31 2023-03-14 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bicycle shoe
USD975969S1 (en) 2020-10-27 2023-01-24 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Shoe
USD974005S1 (en) 2020-12-23 2023-01-03 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Shoe
USD975970S1 (en) 2020-12-23 2023-01-24 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Shoe
US20230119609A1 (en) * 2021-10-15 2023-04-20 Shimano Inc. Cleat adapter assembly for cycling shoe
US11793277B2 (en) * 2021-10-15 2023-10-24 Shimano Inc. Cleat adapter assembly for cycling shoe

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPH11103902A (ja) 1999-04-20
CN1216692A (zh) 1999-05-19
EP0895728B1 (fr) 2002-04-17
DE69804912D1 (de) 2002-05-23
JP2991703B2 (ja) 1999-12-20
DE69804912T2 (de) 2002-12-12
CN1178604C (zh) 2004-12-08

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5924220A (en) Bicycle shoe
EP0895728B1 (fr) Chaussure de cyclisme
EP0999123B1 (fr) Pédale de bicyclette
US6151989A (en) Bicycle cleat
EP1293424B1 (fr) Ensemble d'une pédale
US6997080B2 (en) Bicycle pedal
EP0826587B1 (fr) Pédale de bicyclette avec mécanisme pour régler un espacement
EP1219532A2 (fr) Pédale de bicyclette
EP0826586B1 (fr) Pédale de bicyclette à faible encombrement avec des surfaces supérieures et inférieures pour la fixation d'une platine
EP0937637B1 (fr) Pédale de bicyclette
EP1055595B1 (fr) Pédale de bicyclette
US6012356A (en) Bicycle pedal with gap adjustment mechanism
EP1106494B1 (fr) Pédale de bicyclette
US6293169B1 (en) Bicycle pedal
JP2000289679A (ja) 自転車用クリート
EP1033298B1 (fr) Pédale de cycle
EP1803638A1 (fr) Pédale pour bicyclette

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19980617

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): DE FR GB IT

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI

AKX Designation fees paid

Free format text: DE FR GB IT

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20000307

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE FR GB IT

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69804912

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20020523

ET Fr: translation filed
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20030120

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20050526

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20050601

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20050608

Year of fee payment: 8

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060603

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20060630

Year of fee payment: 9

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070103

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20060603

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20070228

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070603