GB2536444A

GB2536444A - Pedal for velocipedes

Info

Publication number: GB2536444A
Application number: GB1504440.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Boyd Alan; Mcmullan Dale
Original assignee: CHAIN REACTION CYCLES Ltd
Current assignee: CHAIN REACTION CYCLES Ltd
Priority date: 2015-03-17
Filing date: 2015-03-17
Publication date: 2016-09-21
Anticipated expiration: 2035-03-17
Also published as: GB2536444B; GB201504440D0

Abstract

A bicycle pedal having a body comprising a core 28, which includes a bore for receiving an axle, and an outer shell 30 with an internal cavity 32 for receiving the core 28. The cavity 32 has a mouth by which the shell 30 can slide onto or off the core 28. A plurality of fixings 70 releasably fix the shell 30 to the core 28 when the core 28 is inside the shell 30 and may extend fully through the same to form grip-pins (72, figure 1) on the pedal surface. The outer shell 30 is formed from a comparatively low density material such as a polymeric material or a composite material, while the core 28 is formed from a comparatively high-strength material such as a metal. The combination of a relatively strong core 28 and a relatively lightweight shell 30 provides a desirable strength / weight balance in comparison to conventional pedals. The shell can readily be changed for aesthetic or performance reasons, or in the event that a shell is damaged.

Description

Pedal for Velocipedes

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to pedals. The invention relates particularly but not exclusively to bicycle pedals.

Background to the Invention

Conventionally bicycle pedals are formed from metal or from a polymer material. Metal pedals have the advantage of durability but are relatively heavy. In addition metal pedals are typically formed by CNC machining or forging and this limits the shapes that they can take. Polymer pedals are lightweight and can be manufactured by techniques that allow more intricate designs. However, polymer pedals are relatively weak. When selecting pedals, therefore, a user is forced to compromise in one respect or another.

Another problem with conventional pedals is lack of versatility. For example pedals with different characteristics (e.g. with regard to size, shape, weight, grip and/or aesthetics) may be better suited to some uses and/or users than others. Further, if a conventional pedal is damaged it is often necessary to replace the entire pedal. Accordingly, a user may have to purchase multiple pedals, which can be expensive. Moreover, it can be time consuming to change pedals during a race.

It would be desirable to provide a pedal that mitigates the problems outlined above.

Summary of the Invention

From a first aspect the invention provides a pedal for a velocipede, the pedal having a body comprising: a core shaped to define a bore for receiving an axle; and an outer shell located around the core, wherein said core is formed from a material having a relatively high flexural strength compared to said shell, and said shell is formed from a material having a relatively low specific mass compared to said core.

From a second aspect the invention provides a pedal for a bicycle or other velocipede, the pedal having a body comprising: a core shaped to define a bore for receiving an axle; and an outer shell shaped to define an internal cavity for receiving the core, the cavity having a mouth by which the shell can slide onto or off the core; and retaining means for releasably retaining the shell on the core when the core is inside the shell.

From another aspect, the invention provides a pedal for a velocipede, the pedal having a body comprising: a core shaped to define a bore for receiving an axle; and an outer shell located around the core, the core and the shell being formed from different materials and wherein said core is formed from a material having a relatively high flexural strength, and said shell is formed from a material having a relatively low specific mass.

Typically, the shell is removably fitted to the core. The outer shell may be shaped to define an internal cavity for receiving the core, the cavity having a mouth by which the shell can slide onto or 10 off the core.

Typically the pedal includes retaining means for releasably retaining the shell on the core when the core is inside the shell.

The outer shell is typically formed from a non-metallic material, for example a polymeric material or a composite material. The core is typically formed from a metallic material.

Preferably, the cavity is shaped and dimensioned to match the shape and dimensions of the core.

In preferred embodiments the body includes a crank side at which, in use, the pedal is coupled to a pedal crank, wherein said cavity mouth is formed at a side of the shell corresponding to the crank side of the body.

When the core is received in the outer shell, the core is preferably contained within the shell such 25 that the shape of the body is determined substantially by the shape of the shell.

Typically, the body has a crank side opposite an off side, and opposite ends, which together surround opposing pedal platforms, wherein the shell provides at least the off side and ends of the body. The shell may also provide substantially all of the crank side. Optionally, a mid-portion of the 30 crank side is provided by the core.

In preferred embodiments, the shell is a unitary, or single-piece, structure.

Optionally, the core comprises a mid-section that is shaped to define the bore, the mid-section having an open end providing a mouth of the bore and extending a long a rotational axis of the pedal. When the core is inserted into the shell, the open end of the mid-section may form part of the crank side of the body, preferably a mid-portion of the crank side. The core may include a respective lateral section located on a respective side of the mid-section. Each lateral section may project from the mid-section in a direction perpendicular with the rotational axis, the lateral sections being substantially coplanar with one another. The lateral sections may be shaped and dimensioned to extend in the direction of the rotational axis beside the mid-section, preferably along the whole length of the mid-section, each lateral section including an end extending substantially parallel with the rotational axis. The lateral sections may be substantially symmetrical about the mid-section. Each lateral section may be shaped as a loop.

Optionally, the respective end of each lateral section is shaped to define a lip projecting out of a common plane in which the lateral sections are disposed and extending in the direction substantially parallel with the rotational axis. Each lip may project from the common plane in a direction substantially opposite to the direction in with the other lip projects.

Optionally, the cavity formed in the shell includes a respective recessed channel for receiving a respective one of the lips.

Each end of each lateral section, or lip, may be shaped to provide the respective lateral section with an end face that is substantially parallel with the respective end face provided by the shell at the ends of the pedal body. The cavity may be shaped at its ends to match the end faces of the lateral sections. Preferably, the end faces of the shell, the end faces of the lateral sections, and preferably also the cavity ends, are disposed substantially in respective planes that are oblique with respect to the pedal platforms provided by the pedal body.

In preferred embodiments, the retaining means comprises a plurality of removable fixings that are positioned and dimensioned to extend through the core and through the shell on both sides of the core. The fixings are preferably dimensioned such that at least one end of each fixing projects from the respective pedal platform provided by one or other face of the body. Advantageously, the fixings are provided in pairs, each fixing of a pair being located adjacent the other fixing of the pair and passing through the body in the opposite direction to the other fixing of the pair. Advantageously, the end of one fixing of a pair projects from one of the pedal platforms while the end of the other fixing of the pair projects from the other one of the pedal platforms. The fixings are preferably located symmetrically about the rotational axis. Preferably, the pairs of fixings are located symmetrically about the rotational axis, the respective direction of the fixings in a pair on one side of the rotational axis being the opposite of the corresponding fixing in the pair on the other side of the rotational axis. Typically, at least one fixing, or pair of fixings, is provided on either side of the rotational axis. Preferably, at least two fixings, pairs of fixings, are provided on either side of the rotational axis spaced apart in a direction parallel with the rotational axis.

Preferred embodiments include a plurality of grip pins removably fitted to the body. Typically, a respective socket is formed in the body for each pin, each pin being removably fitted in its socket. Conveniently, wherein the sockets are threaded and a portion of each pin is correspondingly threaded to provide a releasable screw-fit.

Further advantageous aspects of the invention will be apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of a specific embodiment and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An embodiment of the invention is now described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pedal embodying the present invention, the pedal being shown mounted on an axle; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the pedal of Figure 1 shown without the axle; Figure 3 is an exploded view of the pedal of Figure 1; Figure 4 is an end view of a core part of the pedal of Figure 1; Figure 5 is an end view of a shell part of the pedal of Figure 1; and Figure 6 is a side view of an axle assembly suitable for use with the pedal of Figure 1.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown, generally indicated as 10, a pedal embodying the invention. The illustrated pedal 10 is a bicycle pedal although it will be understood that pedals embodying the invention may alternatively be used in other applications, especially with velocipedes. In typical embodiments, the pedal 10 is of a general type known as a platform pedal. As such, the pedal 10 has a body 12 that is shaped and dimensioned to provide a respective pedal platform 14, 14' on opposite faces for supporting a rider's foot (not shown). In preferred embodiments, each platform 14, 14' is provided with a plurality of grip pins 74 projecting from the respective platform 14, 14'. Typically, the grip pins 74 project substantially perpendicularly from the respective platform 14, 14'. The grip pins 74 each project from the platform 14, 14' by the same amount to provide a multi-point grip surface upon which the rider's foot rests when pedalling. Hence, while the platforms 14, 14' provide support for the rider's foot, it is the grip pins 74 with which the sole of the foot engages. The pins 74 may be distributed across the respective platform 14, 14' in any suitable pattern, although it is preferred that the pattern is the same for each platform 14, 14'.

The body 12 has a crank side 16 opposite an off side 18, and opposite ends 20, 22, which together surround the platforms 14, 14'. In use, the pedal 10 is coupled to a pedal crank (not shown) at the 40 crank side 16, as is described in more detail hereinafter.

The pedal 10 is shaped to define a bore 24 for rotatably receiving an axle assembly 26 including an axle 27. In use, the pedal 10 is coupled to the pedal crank by the axle assembly 26, and is rotatable with respect to the pedal crank about a rotational axis A-A' aligned, or co-incident, with the longitudinal axis of the bore 24. The pedal 10 may be rotatably mounted on the axle assembly 26 in any conventional manner.

The body 12 comprises a core 28 and an outer shell 30 located around the core 28. In preferred embodiments the shell 30 is shaped and dimensioned to define an internal cavity 32 for receiving, preferably removably, the core 28. The cavity 32 has a mouth 34 shaped and dimensioned to allow the shell 30 to slide onto or off the core 28. The mouth 34 is typically located at a side of the shell 30, preferably the side corresponding to the crank side 16 of the body 12. Advantageously, the cavity 32 is shaped and dimensioned to match the shape and dimensions of the core 28, thereby providing a close fit between the shell 30 and the core 28.

In preferred embodiments, when the shell 30 is located around the core 28, the core 28 is contained within the shell 30 such that the shape of the body 12 is determined substantially by the shape of the shell 30. Accordingly, the shell 30 preferably provides the off side 18 and ends 20, 22 of the body 12. The shell 30 preferably also provides substantially all of the crank side 16 (which will include the mouth 34 in preferred embodiments), although a mid-portion 36 of the crank side 16 is typically provided by the core 28. The shell 30 typically also provides all or substantially all of the platforms 14, 14', although in the illustrated embodiment the shell 30 is shaped to define an open portion 38 in each platform 14, 14' (only one visible) that exposes part of the core 28. The respective open portion 38 may extend in a direction substantially parallel with the bore 24 (and the rotational axis A-A'), and conveniently opens onto the crank side 16 of the body 12 at the mid-portion 36.

The shell 30 is advantageously a unitary, or single-piece, structure. In preferred embodiments the shell 30 is formed from a non-metallic material, for example a polymeric material e.g. ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or polycarbonate, or a composite material, for example a fibre-reinforced polymeric material, e.g. carbon fibre, or a solid foam material or rubber. It is possible however that the shell 30 is formed from a metallic material, e.g. a metal or metal alloy. More generally, the shell 30 is advantageously formed from a material with a specific mass, or density, that is less than that of the material from which the core 28 is made. This makes the weight of the shell 30 relatively low compared to what it would have been if the shell 30 had been made from the same material as the core 28. The shell 30 may be formed by any manufacturing technique that suits the material from which it is made, e.g. moulding, casting, milling, or forging. By way of example, the shell 30 may be formed from a material having a specific density (or specific gravity) of less than 2000 kg/m3, typically between 500-1500 kg/m3, e.g. 750 to 1200 kg/m3. For example, ABS or polycarbonate may have a specific gravity of approximately 800 to 1500 kg/m3.

The core 28 comprises a mid-section 40 that is shaped to define the bore 24, the mid-section 40 having an open end 42 providing a mouth of the bore 24 through which the axle assembly 26 may be inserted into and removed from the bore 24. When the pedal is assembled, the end 42 of the midsection 40 forms part of the crank side 16 of the body 12, in particular the mid-portion 36 of the crank side 16. The mid-section 40 extends from the end 42 in the direction of the rotational axis A-A'.

In preferred embodiments, the core 28 includes a respective lateral section 44, 46 located on a respective side of the mid-section 40. Each lateral section 44, 46 projects from the mid section in a direction perpendicular with the rotational axis A-A', the lateral sections 44, 46 being substantially coplanar with one another. Preferably, the lateral sections 44, 46 are shaped and dimensioned to extend in the direction of the rotational axis A-A' beside the mid-section 40, typically along the whole length of the mid-section 40. It is also preferred that the lateral sections 44, 46 are substantially symmetrical about the mid-section 40. In typical embodiments, each lateral section 44, 46 is shaped as a loop. In preferred embodiments, each lateral section 44, 46 includes an end 48, 50 extending substantially parallel with the rotational axis A-A'.

As can best be seen from Figure 4, it is preferred that each end 48, 50 is shaped to define a lip projecting out of the common plane in which the lateral sections 44, 46 are disposed and extending in the direction substantially parallel with the rotational axis A-A'. Each lip 48, 50 preferably extends along the whole length of the respective end. It is further preferred that each lip 48, 50 projects from the common plane in a direction substantially opposite to the direction in with the other lip 50, 48 projects. It can be seen from Figure 5 in particular that the cavity 32 formed in the shell 30 includes a respective recessed channel 52, 54 for receiving the lips 48, 50.

In preferred embodiments, each end, or lip, 48, 50 is shaped to provide the respective lateral section 44, 46 with an end face 56, 58 that is substantially parallel with the respective end face 60, 62 provided by the shell 30 at ends 20, 22 of the pedal body 12. The cavity 32 is correspondingly shaped at its ends 64, 66, i.e. to match the end faces 56, 58 of the lateral sections 44, 46. Typically, end faces 60, 62 of the shell 30, and correspondingly the end faces 56, 58 of the lateral sections 44, 46, and cavity ends 64, 66 are disposed substantially in respective planes that are oblique with respect to the platforms 14, 14'.

In preferred embodiments, the core 28 is formed from a metallic material, e.g. a metal or metal alloy. For example, the core may be formed from steel, aluminium, aluminium alloy or magnesium. Alternatively the core 28 may be made from a non-metallic material. More generally, the core 28 is advantageously formed from a material that is relatively strong, in particular stronger than the material from which the shell 30 is made. In this context, the stiffness, or resistance to bending, of the material is of primary interest and so any conventional indication(s) of the flexural strength of the material may be used as a measure of the strength of the material (including for example ultimate tensile strength). Typically, the core 28 is formed by forging or CNC machining, although it could be formed by other suitable metal forming processes, e.g. casting, or other suitable manufacturing technique, e.g. moulding, as suits the material. By way of example, the core may be formed from a material having a flexural yield strength of greater than 150 MPa and preferably greater than 200 MPa. For example, stainless steel typically has a flexural yield strength of approximately 800-900 MPa. By way of example, the core may be formed from a material having an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of greater than 150 MPa and preferably greater than 200 MPa. For example, aluminium typically has a UTS of approximately 200-400 MPa, while steel, depending on type, typically has a UTS of approximately 400-900 MPa.

By way of contrast, the flexural strength of ABS or polycarbonate (and therefore of the material from which the shell 30 might be formed) is typically in the range 10-120 MPa, usually 20-80 MPa, while their UTS may typically be 20-75 MPa or up to approximately 100 MPa. The specific density (or specific gravity) of the material forming the core 28 is typically greater than 1500 kg/m3, usually greater than 2500 kg/m3. For example aluminium typically has a specific gravity of approximately 2700 kg/m3, while steel tends to have a specific gravity of approximately 7000-8000 kg/m3.

It will be seen that, in preferred embodiments, the core 28 and the shell 30 are formed from different materials, or more particularly from respective materials having different mechanical properties, especially specific mass and flexural strength. The preferred combination of a relatively strong core 28 and a relatively lightweight shell 30 provides the pedal 10 with a desirable strength / weight balance in comparison to conventional pedals.

The pedal 10 includes retaining means for releasably coupling the shell 30 to the core 28. Conveniently, the retaining means comprises a plurality of removable fixings 70, e.g. screws, pins or the like. Preferably, the fixings 70 are positioned and dimensioned to extend through the core 28 and through the shell 30 on both sides of the core 28. Advantageously, the fixings 70 are dimensioned such that at least one end of each fixing 70 (the leading end 72 in the illustrated embodiment) projects from the respective platform 14, 14', preferably substantially perpendicularly from the platform 14, 14'. This allows the fixings 70 to serve as part of the grip surface, i.e. to serve as a grip pin. Conveniently, the fixings 70 may take the form of screws, respective aligned threaded apertures being formed in the core 28 and adjacent shell portions for each screw.

Preferably, the fixings 70 are provided in pairs, each fixing 70 of a pair being located adjacent the other fixing of the pair and passing through the body 12 in the opposite direction to the other fixing of the pair. In the preferred embodiment, this results in the end 72 of one fixing 70 of a pair projecting from one of the platforms 14, 14' while the end 72 of the other fixing 70 of the pair projects from the other one of the platforms 14', 14. In the preferred embodiment, the pairs of fixings are located symmetrically about the rotation axis A-A' but the respective direction of the fixings 70 in a pair on one side of the axis A-A' is the opposite of the corresponding fixing 70 in the pair on the other side of the axis A-A'. As a result, the pattern of the projecting ends 72 presented to a user's foot is the same for each face of the pedal 10.

It is preferred to provide at least one fixing (or pair of fixings) on either side of the axis A-A'. More preferably at least two fixings (or pair of fixings) are provided on either side of the axis A-A' spaced apart in a direction parallel with the axis A-A'.

In preferred embodiments, the grip pins 74 are removable from the body 12. This may be achieved by forming a respective socket (not visible) in the body 12 for each pin 74. Conveniently, the sockets are threaded and a portion of each pin is correspondingly threaded to provide a releasable screw-fit. The sockets may be formed in the body 12 during the body moulding process, or may be formed by a machining process after the body 12 is formed. Optionally, a respective case (not shown), may be inserted into each socket, the case being shaped and dimensioned (and threaded as applicable) to receive the respective grip pin 74. The grip pins 74, and optionally the cases, are typically formed from a metallic material, e.g. a metal or metal alloy such as steel or aluminium.

In the illustrated embodiment, the body 12 (and correspondingly the core 28 and shell 30) is shaped 15 to define apertures 80. The number, size and shape of apertures 80 may vary as desired from embodiment to embodiment although it is preferred that the apertures 80 are symmetrical about the axis A-A'.

In alternative embodiments (not illustrated) the shell and the core may be held together, typically releasably, by any suitable retaining means (as well as or instead of the fixings 70 described and illustrated herein). For example, the retaining means may comprise one or more clips or clamps, or may be embodied by providing a friction fit or interference fit between the shell 30 and the core 28, e.g. between the internal cavity of the shell and the exterior surface of the core.

In preferred embodiments, the shell is removable from the core, preferably as a single piece that can slide onto or off the core via the mouth. Alternatively, the shell may be removable by other means, for example the shell may be formed from multiple separable or hinged pieces that allow the shell to be opened and closed to allow it to be fitted to a removed from the core. Alternatively still, the shell may be non-removable from the core. This maybe achieved by any conventional means, for example providing permanent mechanical fixings, welding, fusing and/or adhesive (in which case the mouth 34 may still be provided to allow the shell to be fitted over the core during initial assembly). Alternatively, the pedal body may be formed by moulding the shell around the core, e.g. by overmoulding or insert moulding. For example the shell may be formed by injection overmoulding the desired shell material around the core. In such embodiments the mouth 34 may be omitted.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are advantageous in a number of respects. The combination of a relatively strong core 28 and a relatively lightweight shell 30 provides a desirable strength / weight balance in comparison to conventional pedals. The shell 30 is preferably formed from a material that readily allows it to adopt a wide variety of sizes, shapes and/or colours. A rider can change the shell 30 as desired, e.g. for aesthetic or performance reasons, or in the event that a shell is damaged. In preferred embodiments, the shell 30 can be changed without removing the pedal 10 from the pedal crank, and independently of the core 28. Similarly, the grip pins 74 can be changed or replaced as required, e.g. for aesthetic or performance reasons, or in the event that an existing pin is damaged. The engagement of the lips 48, 50 and channels 52, 54 improve the fit between the shell 30 and core 28 by restricting relative twisting movement. Having the lips 48, 50 extend in opposite direction, i.e. being non-symmetrical about the axis A-A', ensures that the shell 30 is correctly fitted to the core 28 and prevents the shell 30 for a right pedal 10 from being fitted to a core 28 for a left pedal 10 and vice versa. The end faces 56, 58 of the lips 48, 50 help to protect the body 12 by dissipating forces caused by impact of the ends 20, 22 of the body 12 with a rock or other obstacle. Having the fixings 70 extend through the core 28 and both sides of the shell 30 reduces the amount 10 of the shell 30 that may be broken off the pedal 10 in the event that the shell 30 is damaged.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) described herein but can be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.