GB2410994A

GB2410994A - Adjustable pedal and footrest mounting for a motorcycle

Info

Publication number: GB2410994A
Application number: GB0427081A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Benjamin John Ridehough
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-02-13
Filing date: 2004-12-09
Publication date: 2005-08-17
Anticipated expiration: 2024-12-09
Also published as: GB2410994B; GB0427081D0

Abstract

A pedal is mounted on a bracket 36 attached to a motorcycle by a backplate 29. In one embodiment the bracket and backplate are connected by a link 35 and two threaded components (fig 9), and their relative positions may be adjusted by selecting which splines to engage. Another embodiment has a bracket (9, fig 2) bolted to two holes selected from an array of holes in the backplate (6, fig 1). A brake master cylinder and a footrest (fig 13) can be attached to the bracket. The pedal may rotate on sealed ball bearings, and be made in one piece, or two parts (figs 3-5,11,12) connected by screws and with a positive engaging shaped portions, e.g. hexagonal. The components can be anodised aluminium alloy. A four start helix cut into an external diameter of the footrests improves the grip.

Description

24 1 0994 Improvements in or relating to motor cy,^ parts.

Present day motor cycles in particular that of racing bikes have several easy replaceable parts, for example, that of the "brake" and "gear" pedal assemblies.

The present conventional standard "brake" and "gear" peda] assemblies as supplied by the manufacturers are being replaced by what could be described as designer orientated parts which have become popular with the rider bike enthusiasts.

These "brake" and "gear" pedal assemblies predominantly manufactured from alloys of various material and design specifications are not in themselves interchangeable, (that is "brake" and "gear" pedal) coupled with a further disadvantage by way of non - positive drive connection which engages and secures the "brake" and "gear" pedal to the bikes assembly locations.

The main nucleus of the invention, and would be a distinct advantage would be by way of adjustment of both the "brake" and "gear" foot pedals to be adjustable to suit the foot positions of each individual user- rider. The present conventional supply does not have this facility.

By way of the following description and drawings, the invention seeks to offer and improve these features.

Fig 1 Plan view of back plate Fig 2 Plan view Fig 3 Plan and end elevation Fig 4 Plan view of pedal Fig 5 Front and end elevation Fig 6 Plan view of back plate Fig 6a Sectional view 'c'-'c' Fig 7 Plan view of connecting link Fig 8 Plan view of component member three Fig 9 Front, and end elevations Fig 10 Plan and end elevation of connecting link Fig 1 l Plan view of foot pedal Fig l I a Section on z-z Fig 1 lb Front foot rest Fig l 2 Front, back and end elevations of pedal connecting link Fig 13 Cross-sectional view on centre line of rear foot rest assembly Fig 14 Final assembly Item 6 Fig l is a conventional back plate for securing in position the "brake" and "gear" pedal assemblies positioned and secured to the bikes framework by securing studs or bolts at either side of the bike using the holes Item 7 Fig 1.

Tapped holes 8 Fig I of a designated thread form are positioned within the member at specified pitches.

Item 9 Fig 2 represents a typical mounting plate having a series of holes -- bores.

The holes 13 are clearance for bolts or set screws compatible with the thread form of the holes 8 Fig 1. Likewise the dimension "X" of these holes enables the plate Item 9 to be suitably located and secured in various attitudes to the Ditchings "X" of the holes 8 Fig I will by displacement, for selective positioning of the plate Item 9 Fig 2 satisfy the correct position for the "brake" and "gear" pedal assembly for comfort and suitability of position for the rider.

The holes 10 Fig 2 (in the case of the "brake" assembly only) are used for connection with the master brake hydraulic cylinder (not shown).

The hole or bore Item 11 Fig 2 is the location for the stud or brake assembly (not shown) for the "brake" and "gear" pedals pivot point.

Item 14 Fig 3 is a typical pivotable brake links which is mounted on the stud or pivot spindle (not shown). Via the bore 17 hole 18 enables the brakes actuation feature to be secured in position (not shown) by reason that this mechanical - hydraulic feature will vary for ditLerent makes and models.

The hexagonal form 15 Fig 3 is the main feature of the design, by reason that it provides a positive location and drive between the brake assembly and that of the "brake" pedal Item 19 Fig 4.

The hexagonal hole 21 Fig 4 is compatible with the raised hexagonal form 15 Fig 3, such that the "brake" pedal 19 Fig 4 is a "close" fit when the two assemblies are secured to each other by means of screws or fasteners (not shown) positioned within the holes 20 Fig 4 and the identical pitch locations of the threaded holes 16 Fig 3.

The various shaped holes/cut - outs 12 and 22 Figs 2 and 4 are for reduction in mass and do not constitute a mechanical function.

The hole/bore 23 Fig 4 is for attaching and securing the footrest (not shown).

The "gear" side of the bike would utilise a back plate the same as or similar to that of the brake side (REF Item 6 Fig 1). Attached to this would be a lever similar to that of the brake lever (REF Item 9 Fig 2) the Stop" end of this lever would terminate at a position indicated by the line A-B, as the hole 10 Fig 2 would not be a functional requirement at the "gear" side.

Item 24 Fig 5 is a pivotable link mounted as aforesaid described via the bore 27.

The hole 25 via a fastening means (not shown) would be coupled to the gear box via cable and linkages, both this pivot 24 and that of the "brake" link 14 Fig 3 are very similar, except flee "brake" link will have a "stop" like restriction in the "neutral" or "brake - off" position located at the rear of the link, denoted by Item 26 Fig 3.

The hexagonal form 28 Fig 5 will as aforesaid described provide a positive location for the "gear" pedal Item l 9 Fig 4.

It is important to state that both the -'brake" and "gear" pedal are identical to each other, and are interchangeable as a mechanical part. The "foot" rest (not shown) will require fitting at the opposite side, which will cause tl:e pedal I 9 Fig 4 to become landed.

The gear lever via the hexagonal hole 21 Fig 4 is secured to the link 24 by screws or fasteners (not shown) positioned within the holes 29 Fig 5 and the holes 20 Fig 4.

Both the "brake" and "gear" link can have fitted ball bearings within the bores 30 Figs 3 and 5.

The holes 21 Fig 4 and the hexagon fonns 15 Fig 3 and 28 Fig 5, can have other shape forms for example, that of square, triangular, semi - circular and rectangular, ensuring that the shape provides a positive location and drive for the "brake" and "gear" pedal assemblies.

A further embodiment of the invention is by way of an alternative design to that of the aforesaid described, although, providing the saline feature by having both easy adjustment of "brake" and "gear" pedals, a wider range of adjustment will be possible than that described, (reference thread form holes item 8 fig I) and the securing holes (item 13 fig 2), only permits limited movement or setting, governed by the pitch; represented by 'x' fig's] and 2.

By way of reference to fig's 6-14 inclusive the alternative method will be described, (for the "brake" pedal assembly only).

Item 29 fig 6 is the back plate, which is secured by screw fastenings to the frame or chassis of the bike using the two holes 30.

A recessed portion 31 fig 6 to a depth 't' shown in the sectional view fig 6a having internal splines 32. A threaded hole 33 provides a metric fine thread compatible with the thread form 34 fig 9.

(Fine) pitch metric thread is used as opposed to metric coarse thread, providing a secure hold. Item 35 fig's 7 and 10 is a connecting link member having male-external splines 37 defined by dimension 'x' fig 10.

These splices are compatible and by engageable means locate positively within the female-internal splines 32 fig 6 and 38 fig 8.

The third member in the assembly is item 36 fig 8, which contains a recessed portion 3 la equal in dimensional size to that of recessed portion 31 fig 6; having internal splines 38 fig 8.

A threaded hole 39 provides a fine metric thread compatible with the thread form 34 fig 9.

The component item 35a fig 9 is Eased to secure in place the link component 35 fig 7 to the back plate 29 fig 6, also securing the opposite end of the link 35 to the third component 36 fig 8.

The 'six' feature internal star-like socket enables the two components 35a to be positively locked in position using a special tool aid (not shown).

Threaded holes 40 are at fixed centres and correspond to mounting holes positioned within mounting 'lugs' on commercially available hydraulic master brake cylinders (not shown); this enables a brake cylinder to be fitted by means of screws at the final assembly stage.

A threaded hole 4 l fig 8 is required for assembly of the foot pedal component item 42 fig 11 in position in association with the pedal connecting link item 43 fig l 2.

The outer portion 44 fig 12 of the link via the thro' hole 45 provides a pivotable connection to the outer end 'clevis' of the master cylinder rod (not shown). Hence, providing connection of the foot-pedal item 42 fig 1 l to the piston rod.

The foot pedal item 42 fig 11 having thro' holes 46 equally spaced provide fixing locations for screws which enables the pedal to be s > connected rigidly to the link item 43 fig 12 using the threaded holes 47 which are positioned on a P.C.D. (pitch circle diameter) to that of the P. C.D. of the holes 46 fig 11.

The hexagon shaped hole 48 fig l l is compatible in size to fit and register firmly on the male hexagon profile portion 49 fig 12, such that once the securing screws (not shown) are fitted in the three holes 46 and 47 fig's 11 and l 2 the pedal and link become an integral part.

It is apt to note at this stage of the description, that dependent on decisions at design and manufacture stages regarding the foot-pedal 42 fig 11 and the piston rod connecting link item 43 fig 12 are produced as one singular component as an alternative to aforesaid described.

Fig 13 is a cross-sectional view showing in greater detail the subassembly of the component 36 fig 8 and the foot-pedal and link items 42 and43 fig's l 1 and 12.

Within the counter-bored hole 50 fig's 12 and 13 are two sealed ball bearings' items 50a (which are standard commercial items).

These bearings are a 'press' fit within the bore 50 of the member 43 fig's ]2 and 13; the inner bore diameter oftle bearings are a clearance fit on the socket head screw item 51 fig l 3.

The 'inner' races ofthe ball bearings are 'trapped' -'clamped' rigidly to provide adequate angular movement, allowing free angular movement of tle foot-pedal and link items 42 and 43.

The clamping of the inner race of the lower bearing is achieved by a spacer item 52 fig l 3 clamping on the 'top' surface 53 of the component member 36 fig's 8 and fig 13.

The outer race of the lower bearing is located by abutment on the annular ledge at the base of the counter-bored hole 50 Fig 13.

The uppermost 'inner' race is 'trapped'-'clamped' by the reduced diameter portion 54 fig 13 of the 'rear foot-rest (shown chain-dot); as the socket head screw item 51 fig 13 is locked tight in position within the "breaded hole 41 of component 36 fig's 8 and 13.

Fig 14 is a final assembly showing one set position of the items 29, 35 and 36, relative to each other, as aforesaid described. - 6

The front or 'toe' position of the foot-pedal 42 fig 11 shows section 'z'z' fig I I a, this is the location point for the 'front' foot pedal rest item 55 The front foot-rest item 55 is located by means of the inner hexagon recess 56 within the pedal 42; which is compatible with the raised hexagon portion 57 of the front foot-rest item 55 fig 1 1 b. This allows angular offset location of the footrest controlled by the 'six' locational positions of the hexagon and the offset of 'e' dimension relative to the centre-line (by. A threaded hole within the centre of the 'male' raised portion 57 f g I I b allows screw fastening to the pedal 42 fig I 1 and the thro' hole 58.

The shaped holes 59 and 60 fig's 8 and 11 are not functional requirements; they will reduce the 'mass' only and do not constitute a mechanical function.

The internal splines 31 and 31 a fig's 6 and 8 and the compatible mating male splines 37 fig 7 are shown equally pitched on a pitch circle diameter (P.C.D.) dependent on the overall diameter represented by the dimension A' he's 6, 7 and 8, which is determined dimensionally by the overall design specification. Twelve splines as shown in total, representing an angular pitch of 30 on the P.C.D.

Tl:e number of splines can alternatively have 'greater' or 'less' angular pitches, (for example twenty-for splines would have an angular pitch of end so on).

The governing factors for the pitch variation of the splines will be both strength of spline in relation to its physical size coupled with the material specification, also the greater number of splines will give a larger selection of setting positions for the foot-pedal item 42 figs 1.

Likewise, the reduction in the number of splines ignoring the strength factor which will probably increase relatively, as the choice of setting positions for the foot-pedal decreases.

The "gear" pedal assembly is almost identical to the "brake" pedal assembly and its components, except all the "gear" pedal components are the opposite hand, (example if the "brake'' pedal components are right hand (R.H.) as drawn, then the "gear" pedal components are left hand).

The only difference being that the brake pedal hydraulic master cylinder is not required on the "gear', pedal side, therefore the lower mount hole in component 36 fig 8 will not be required and the component length will be reduced somewhat represented by the line 'B'-'B' shown, a hole (not shown) will be required for attaching the "gear" box link mechanism.

The two components that will not be handed are the front and back foot rests.

Finally an improved 'grip' can be achieved on the front and back foot rests which as been incorporated in the design but not shown is as follows.

Using a four start 'left' and 'right' hand helix fond on the 'front' footrest on an external diameter of 15 millimetres executes a diamond like pattern over a pitch length of 30 millimetres.

On the 'rear' foot-rest a six start 'left' and 'right' helix forth on an external diameter of 25 millimetres executes an almost identical diamond like pattern over a pitch of 60 millimetres giving a somewhat different aesthetic appearance to that of conventional foot-rest.

The remainder of the components can be anodised to any colour as the material is that of an aluminium alloy.

All dimensions and material specifications will satisfy the design criteria.

The procedure for setting-altering the position of the foot pedal item 42 fig 11 is as follows. The component parts item's 35a (two off) fig 9 are slackened-off using a standard spanner and tooling aid (not shown) via the six sided internal star shapes 35b sufficiently to allow disengagement of the spines 32 and 37 fig's 6 and 7; Ells procedure can be applied to one or both ends ofthe connecting link 35 fig 7 dependent upon the degree of movement required to the foot pedal; this will permit incremental angular movement as indicated by the arrows 'E' and 'F'.

As the foot pedal item 42 fig I 1 is secured directly to component 36 figs 8ndl3. -x

Claims

Claims 1. A back plate secured to the framework of the motorcycle is used

for attaching the foot pedal assembly.

(For reference only, at both sides of the motorcycle.) Tapped holes with specified thread form are provided at specified pitches within the back plate. A corresponding member (item 9 Fig 2) leas mounting loles/bores for bolts or set screws compatible with the threaded holes in the back plate to secure same in position. The foot pedal is attached via a connecting link.
2. By r eason that selection can be made for securing the member (item 9) in position on the back plate using various combinations of pitches of the mounting holes, resulting in various positions and attitudes of the foot pedal relative to the positions of the user.
3. A hexagon form on both the foot pedal and the connecting link claim I will provide positive location of the members.
4. A back plate as in claim l whereupon a recessed portion (31 Fig 6) Replaces the tapped holes. This recessed portion having internal splines to a specified number, pitch circle diameter and depth. A fine metric threaded bore is provided on the centre-line of the splined recess. A secondary member or connecting link (37) has male splines at each end which are compatible with the internal splines. A bore which is of clearance fit for the metric thread is provided on the centre-line of the male splines.

A third member (36) is also provided with internal splines identical to those in the back plate.

The foot pedal via the pedal connecting link (43) is secured by screw fastening means to the third member (36).

The two components (35a) have a thread form compatible with the threaded bores within both the back plate and third member (36)' enabling via the clearance holes in the connecting link (37) to secure or lock together all three members such that they are as one integral member.
5. The splines as in claim 4 can be of varying number which will provide varying angular pitch, this will determine either a greater or less angular displacement of the three component members (29, 35 and 36) which wilt provide and facilitate the available attitudes and positions of the foot pedal.
6. Additional angular adjustment 'rbe achieved to the front/toe rest relative to the pedal by the offsmension 'e' and the six positions of the hexagonal location of the-l/toe rest to the pedal.
7. Alternative shaped locations as in claim 5 may be provided for example that of a four, five, seven and eight sided location. The dimension 'e' could be either increased or decreased providing greater or less angular offset.
8. An improved grip for the feet on both the 'brake' and 'gear' foot rests is achieved by providing a four-start helix form to the entire outer circumference on both the front and rear foot rests which provides not only extra grip but a diamond like pattern improving the appearance.
9. Adjustable foot pedal means as claimed in claims 1-8 and substantially as herein before described and illustrated in the accompanying

description and drawings. - lo