US3701290A - Reflective pedal - Google Patents

Abstract

The pedal frame comprises a pair of spaced legs onto each of which is telescoped an elongate extruded tread member or block having formed therein open-ended passageway or channel means receptive of a frame leg and a reflector element, the frame legs each having a pair of spaced parallel rigid flanges outwardly turned to overlie and underlie the reflective element, thereby to buffer and protect the reflective element against twisting and compressive forces directed onto the tread member by the foot of the cyclist, and to preclude internal cutting of the tread member by the reflective element.

Description

United States Patent Pawsai et al.

[54] REFLECTIVE PEDAL [72] Inventors: Carlton P. Pawsai, 47 Bryant Circle;

Robert F. Humlong, 46 Bryant Circle, both of Maysville, Ky. 41056 [22] Filed: April 29, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 138,646

Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 56,291, July [52] [1.8. CI ..74/5 94.4 [51] Int. Cl. ..B62m-3/12 [58] Field of Search ..74/594.4

[56] RelerencesCited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,478,735 8/1949 Anderson ..74l594.4 X

[451 Oct. 31, 1972 3,127,789 4/1964 Van De Loo ..74/594.4

Primary ExaminerMilton Kaufman Assistant Examiner-F. D. Shoemaker Attorney-4. Warren Kinney, Jr.

[5 7 ABSTRACT The pedal frame comprises a pair of spaced legs onto each of which is telescoped an elongate extruded tread member or block having formed therein openended passageway or channel means receptive of a frame leg and a reflector element, the frame legs each having a pair of spaced parallel rigid flanges outwardly turned to overlie and underlie the reflective element, thereby to buffer and protect the reflective element against twisting and compressive forces directed onto the tread member by the foot of the cyclist, and to preclude internal cutting of the tread member by the reflective element.

7 Claims, 28 Drawing Figures PATENTED i973 3.701. 290 sum 1 or 5 INVENTORS CARLTON R PAWSAT ROBERT F. HUMLONG PATENTED I973 3,701,290

sum 2 OF 5 l/VVE/VTORS CARLTON P. PAWSAT ROBERT F. HUMLONG PA'TENTED B I I9 2 3.701.290

sum 3 or s INVENTORS CARLTON P. PAWSAT ROBERT F. HUMLONG AT Y PATENTEDucI 31 m2 SHEET I; 0F 5 INVENTORS CARLTON P. PAWSAT ROBERT F. HUMLONG PKTENTED 0m 31 m2 SHEET 5 [IF 5 FIG 23 INVENTORS CARLTON P. PAWSAT ROBERT F. HUMLONG AT Y REFLECTIVE PEDAL This is a continuation-impart of our copending US. Pat. application, Ser. No. 56,291, filed July 20, I970.

This invention relates to a reflective pedal for use on thereby to minimize the likelihood of collision or other accidents involving the cycle due to inadequate lighting.

The reflectors carried by the pedals will be visible whether the cyclist is pedaling or coasting, as long as his feet remain normally upon the pedals. During pedaling, the reflected light will afford the appearance of colored bars or lines of light moving in a vertical plane. Even when the cyclist is coasting, sufficient animation of the pedal reflectors results from the natural ankle movements of the cyclist to ensure attracting attention of approaching vehicle drivers.

An object of the present invention is to provide highly effective means associated with the pedals of bicycles and the like, for reflecting warning light both forwardly and rearwardly of the line of travel of the cycle, the light emanating from an external source.

Another object of the invention is to provide an imwill deliver greatly prolonged service under all conditions of use, including adverse conditions involving dust, dirt, moisture and other foreign substances.

Another object is to provide an improved reflective pedal of the character referred to, which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.

A further object of the invention is to provide such a Still a further object of the invention is to provide a pedal having the hereinabove described characteristics and wherein the pedal frame includes a pair of outturned flanges integral with an intermediate web for providing an elongate support for a tread member associated with the pedal frame.

Another object of the invention is to provide a pedal wherein a tread member constitutes the sole anchoring means for a reflector when a reflector is associated with the pedal.

The foregoing and other objects are attained by the means described herein and illustrated upon the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a reflective cycle pedal embodying the improvements of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the FIG. 1 pedal, detailing certain structural improvements.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the FIG. 1 pedal.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are enlarged cross-sections taken on lines 4-4 and 5-5, respectively, of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a cross-section showing a modification of FIG. 5.

FIGS. 7 through 12 are cross-sections similar to FIG. 5, each showing a modification wherein the pedal frame legs, as in FIGS. 1 through 6, are completely enclosed by the tread member and/or the reflector element of the pedal assembly.

FIG. 13 is a side elevation of a modified pedal wherein the tread member is open at one side to expose a limited area of the pedal frame leg.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-section taken on line 1414 of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 14 showing a modification thereof.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a pedal construction wherein the frame legs are apertured to provide reflector windows.

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the FIG. 16 pedal.

FIG. 18 is a side elevation of the FIG. 16 pedal.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged cross-section taken on line 19-19 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a view similar to FIG. 19 showing a modification thereof.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a bow-type pedal which embodies the improvements aforesaid.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the pedal frame characterizing the pedal of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of a pedal incorporating a modification of the FIG. 1 1 construction.

FIG. 24 is a cross-section on line 24-24 of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the FIG. 23 pedal.

FIG. 26 is a view similar to FIG. 24 and showing a modification thereof.

FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the pedal of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a view similar to FIG. 26 showing a modification thereof.

In accordance with the present invention, the reinforcing flanges of the legs of the U-shaped pedal frame are utilized to advantage, for protecting the reflective material or element and prolonging its useful life, as well as that of the tread member. This is accomplished by turning the rigid leg flanges outwardly rather than inwardly, so that the flanges may overlie and underlie the reflector, and thereby buffer the reflector against twisting and compressive forces directed onto the tread member incident to vigorous pedaling or braking of the cycle.

With reference to FIGS. 1 through 5, the reference numeral 30 indicates generally the rigid metallic frame of a cycle pedal, usually U-shaped in form, and comprising spaced substantially parallel legs 32, 34 connected by a base or strut portion 36. The base or strut portion 36 may be suitably ribbed as at 38 for purposes of reinforcement and rigidity, and may carry a central dome or cap 40 adapted to cover or protect the outer pedal bearing which usually is confined in a raceway 42. A second bearing cover 44 may be provided for the inner bearing of the pedal, as is usual. The pedal shaft or axle is denoted 46, and may terminate as a screwthreaded stud 48 attachable to the crank or hanger of the drive sprocket, not shown.

The pedal frame legs 32, 34, disposed in spaced substantial parallelism, are rigidified by means of upper and lower outwardly extended flanges 50, 52, which may extend substantially the full length of the legs. The

intermediate portion of each leg may be referred to as the web or main wall of the pedal frame. The flanges 50, 52 are of substantial width, but preferably are not as wide as the width dimension of the web. The reinforcing ribs 38 of strut 36 may extend partly into the webs 54, 54, as shown.

The free ends of webs 54, 54 may be developed to provide tangs 56, 56 which are receptive in slots 58, 58 of a connecting bar 60 that carries bearing cover 44. The tangs may be bent over or twisted to lock the bar 60 onto the ends of the webs or arms of the pedal frame, (See FIG. 1).

It is important to note that the pedal frame flanges 50, 52 are turned outwardly relative to the axis of pedal shaft 46, and are parallel thereto.

The reference character 62 indicates generally an elongate pedal block or tread member, against which the foot of the cyclist applies a considerable force in pedaling or braking the cycle. The block or tread member may be generally rectangular of cross-section, and may be ribbed longitudinally as shown to minimize slippage. The tread member may be molded, extruded, or otherwise formed of a plastic or rubber-like material having a measure of inherent resiliency and flexibility, by preference.

The tread member may be formed with a longitudinal internal primary channel 64 shaped and dimensioned complementarily to the cross-sectional shape and size of a pedal leg 32, so that the tread member may be slid onto the pedal leg, substantially into end abutment against strut 36. Each pedal leg may be so furnished with a tread member, after which the bar 60 and its associated shaft and bearing parts may be applied to the tanged ends of the pedal legs according to FIGS. 1 and 3. The primary channel 64 includes angularly disposed branches 66 receptive of the outwardly turned leg flanges 50, 52.

Between the primary channel branches 66, 66, the tread member is provided with a secondary elongated channel 68 which in length may be coextensive with the length of channel 64. The secondary channel is adapted to receive and hold a reflective element 70, which in FIGS. 1 through 5, is shown as a substantially flat reflective strip of uniform width and thickness dimensioned for slidable entry lengthwise into the confines of secondary channel 68.

The reflective element 70 flatly abuts the back of channel 68 (FIG. and its opposite side edges rest in grooves or trackways 72, 72 defined by integral overlying lips 74, 74 which may extend the full length of channel 68. The lips 74, 74 are spaced from each other in substantial parallelism, thereby to define an elongate narrow window through which the reflective face of element 70 is visible. Due to the inherent resiliency of the material constituting the tread member, lips 74, 74 effectively embrace and hold the reflective element 70 very snugly, not only to prevent displacement thereof from channel 68, but also to afford a seal against entry of dirt and moisture behind the reflective element.

The reflective element 70 may be of any suitable known construction. It is sometimes made as a plastic stamping or molded strip, or a strip of glass, metal, acrylic resin or other material suitably treated so as to have light reflective qualities.

It is readily apparent from the disclosure of FIG. 5, that the rigid flanges 50, 52 of the pedal frame overlie and underlie the reflective element 70, to protect it from any crushing forces applied to the tread member by the foot of the cyclist. Also, by intercepting and absorbing such forces, the flanges 50 and 52 prevent distortion of the channel 68, its grooves 72, and lips 74, thereby to chafing within the channel and possible internal cutting of the tread member by the reflective element, which cutting and chafing invariably will prematurely reduce the effective life and serviceability of the pedal.

The reflective element 70 may be somewhat shorter in length than channel 68, as evidenced by FIG. 3, and one end of said element may be stopped at rib 38 which in the example shown, distorts channel 68 according to FIG. 4 as the tread member is advanced to home position in assembly upon the leg of the pedal frame. Rib 38 may be reduced in height or eliminated from the web 32, if desired, to permit extending the reflector element closer to strut 36.

The modification, FIG. 6, is distinguished from FIGS. 1 through 5 only in that the reflective element 70 is thinner, being constructed of a thin sheet metal strip rendered reflective by coating or otherwise treating the strip with a reflective paint or equivalent material. In this case, of course, the secondary channel 68 may be quite shallow, and lips 74, 74 may be made thicker to embrace the reflective element well within the confines of protective flanges 50 and 52.

FIGS. 7 through 12 show various possible modifications of FIGS. 5 and 6, described as follows.

FIG. 7 shows a clear plastic window element 76 overlying the reflective element and holding it within channel 68. In this instance, the window element 76 may be an integral transparent or translucent area of the tread element.

FIG. 8 shows a modification wherein the inside face of web 54 is exposed so as to carry a reflective adhesive tape or a reflective coating 78 visible in the space between flanges 50 and 52.

FIG. 9 shows a modification wherein reflective element 70 is secured to a backing strip 80 of metal or other suitable backing material, strip 80 having a width dimension greater than that of the reflective element, so that opposite side marginal portions 82, 82 of the backing strip are embraced within the secondary channel 68. This construction may omit opposing retaining lips such as are shown at 74 of FIG. 5, if desired, but utilizing instead the end- contact retaining lips 84, 84.

FIG. 10 shows a modification wherein reflective element 70 is placed in direct flatwise abutment against that face of web 54 which is included between the protective flanges 50 and 52 of the pedal frame leg. This construction requires no secondary tread channel, the primary channel 64 being suflicient as a means for accommodating both the frame leg and the reflective element.

FIG. 11 shows a modification quite similar to FIG. 10, but wherein reflective element 70 is secured flatwise to a strip of backing material 80, the strip having a width dimension greater than that of the reflective element, so that opposite side marginal portions 82, 82 of the backing strip are embraced within the secondary channel 68. This construction may employ end-contact retaining lips such as are shown at 84, 84 of FIG. 10, if desired. The backing strip may be secured to the reflective element in any suitable manner, as by mechanical means, an adhesive, or the like.

The FIG. 12 modification is quite similar to FIG. 10, with the exception that reflective element 70 instead of being substantially flat, is channel-shaped in cross-section to include an elongate recess 86 spaced from the frame leg or web 54. In this instance, as in FIGS. 8, l0, and 11, the end- contact retaining lips 84, 84 define a window opening through which the reflective element is readily visible.

The tread member 62 of the modifications, FIGS. 13, 14 and 15, is distinguished from others in that it is pierced through to provide a window 88 and a coinciding back aperture 90. The back aperture 90 exposes the back face of web 54 while window 88 exposes the reflective element 70. In FIGS. 13 and 14, the reflective element may be a reflective strip or a coating applied to the channel face of web 54. According to FIG. 15, the reflective element is in elongate strip form backed against the channel face of web 54 and held in place by retainer lips 92, 92.

In each of FIGS. 13, 14 and 15, the webs 54 of the pedal frame legs are shown imperforate, and this characteristic applies also to FIGS. 1 through 12, preferably. The structure of FIG. 15 embodies a primary channel 64 and a secondary channel 68, wherein that of FIG. 14 employs only a primary channel 64.

In FIGS. 16 through 20, the construction involves piercing the webs 54 to provide apertures 94, 94, the pedal frame being otherwise similar to FIG. 2. Apertures 94, 94 provide sockets for receiving and positioning the reflective elements 70, 70, which may be formed as a one-piece reflector according to FIG. 17, or if desired, furnished as two separate reflectors by severance midway between the ends thereof.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 19, the reflective element carries parallel flanges 96, 96 which abut the margins of apertures 94 to preclude outward displacement of the reflective elements through the apertures. The rear face 98 of the reflective element abuts the inner face 100 of channel 102. An adjacent channel 104 accommodates the web and the flanges of the pedal frame leg.

The construction exemplified by FIG. 20 is substantially like that of FIG. 19, with the exception that the reflective element 70 of FIG. 20 consists of a thin strip or coating of reflective material applied against the face 100 and requiring only a very shallow channel 102. The width of reflective element 70 is greater than the width of web aperture 94, so that opposite margins of the reflective element are cramped between the rigid material of web 54 and the back wall or face 100 of channel 102.

FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate a bow-type of pedal, which may be treated in accordance with any of the various forms of the invention previously disclosed herein. The reflective element is displayed at 70 of FIG. 21, to fulfill the several objects of the invention. The pedal frame, if desired, may be apertured according to FIG. 17 or it may present imperforate webs for the purposes of FIGS. 1 through 15.

In the modified structure, FIGS. 23, 24 and 25, the pedal frame legs or webs 54 have been subjected to a press operation which produces in each web an elongate shallow well or pocket 106, said wells or pockets each being receptive of a reflector element fitted therein. The length and width dimensions of the pockets may exceed slightly the corresponding dimensions of the reflector elements, so that said elements may not shift materially within the pockets. As will be understood, the reflector element utilized here may correspond to one having a form previously disclosed herein, although in the example of FIGS. 23 through 25, the reflector element is shown as an elongate strip of uniform width backed up by a backing member 80. Backing member may or may not be attached to the back of reflector element 70.

The reflector element 70 may include opposed side marginal portions or parallel flanges 108, 108, which serve as seats or abutments against which may bear the end- contact retaining lips 84, 84 of the tread member or pedal block 62, for maintaining the reflector element normally sealed within pocket 106. As in the other embodiments described, the retaining lips 84, 84 are spaced apart to provide an elongate window opening through which the reflector element may be seen. The channel 112 defined by the retaining lips 84, 84 and the back wall of the tread member, snugly accommodates the pedal frame leg in the course of pedal assembly. Said channel 1 12 includes an elongate secondary channel 114 adapted to accommodate the pocket or well portion 106 of the pedal frame leg.

The modification of FIGS. 23, 24 and 25 as illustrated by FIGS. 26, 27 and 28 adds a rigid rectangular retainer plate 116 which rests against the flanges 108, 108 and surrounds the exposed forward portion of the reflector element 70. Retainer plate 116 may be sub stantially flat, having a large central rectangular opening 117 into which the forward reduced portion of the reflector element is fitted. The outer marginal portions 118 of the retainer plate are clamped between the retaining lips 84 and the web 54 of the pedal frame leg, to provide an extensive seal effective to exclude dirt and moisture from the well or pocket 106 which embraces the reflector element. As in the case of FIG. 24, the reflector element of FIG. 26 may or may not include a backing member 80.

As is readily evident from the disclosures of FIGS. 24 and 26, the provision of the well or pocket 106 assures a relatively deep disposition of the reflector within the pedal frame and the pedal tread member, thereby to furnish maximum protection of the reflector against defacement, mechanical injury, and possible loss or displacement. The construction is inducive also to rapid and accurate assembly of the pedal structure, without the employment of skilled labor.

With reference to FIG. 13 wherein a single elongate opening 88 is shown in the side wall of the tread member 62, it should be noted that said illustration is exemplary, rather than restrictive, and that the present invention contemplates modifications wherein the single opening is divided into two, or more axially spaced, elongate openings in the wall of the plastic tread.

What is claimed is:

1. A bicycle pedal comprising a rigid pedal frame, an inner end plate and a shaft, the frame being of U-shape configuration, the base being the outer end plate and the legs having the inner end plate connected thereto at the free end thereof, the shaft extending through the inner end plate and into a bearing carried by the base of the frame, the legs of the frame comprising a vertical web with flanges extending outwardly normal to each longitudinal edge of the web, pedal tread blocks mounted on the legs, the pedal blocks having a channel therethrough, the channel having a base portion and outwardly extending branch portions adjacent each longitudinal edge of the base portion, the configuration of the legs of the pedal frame fitting in the configuration of the channel in the pedal block, the pedal block being maintained on the legs of the pedal frame and being prevented from rotation on the longitudinal axis thereof, the web having a longitudinal depression in a direction opposite to the flanges and forming pockets in the web, the pedal block having an outwardly facing side with a longitudinal opening therein, upper and lower wall portions of the opening extending toward the web and being inwardly of the branch portions of the channel, the opening extending the full length of the pedal block, the opening being of less width than the distance between the flanges of the legs, a light reflective element having a base portion, the base portion being seated in the depression, and means within the opening retaining the reflective element within the opening and depression.

v 8 2. Bicycle pedal as set flirt? in claim 1, wherein the retaining means comprise inner end portions of the upper and lower wall portions.

3. The combination according to claim 2, wherein I said opening is defined by said retaining means.

4. The bicycle pedal as defined by claim 1, wherein said light-reflective element is in the form of an elongate strip of material having a pair of opposing marginal side flanges, and said retaining means bear upon said side flanges to maintain the light-reflective element within the opening.

5. The combination as defined by claim 2, wherein said light-reflective element is in the form of an elongate strip of material having a pair of opposing marginal side flanges; an apertured retainer plate having an inner marginal portion overlying said side flanges, and an outer marginal portion abutted by said retaining means, said retaining means acting upon said outer marginal portion of the retainer plate for holding it against the web.

6. The combination according to claim 4, wherein said window is defined by said retaining means.

7. The combination according to claim 5, wherein said window is defined by said retaining means.

Claims (7)

1. A bicycle pedal comprising a rigid pedal frame, an inner end plate and a shaft, the frame being of U-shape configuration, the base being the outer end plate and the legs having the inner end plate connected thereto at the free end thereof, the shaft extending through the inner end plate and into a bearing carried by the base of the frame, the legs of the frame comprising a vertical web with flanges extending outwardly normal to each longitudinal edge of the web, pedal tread blocks mounted on the legs, the pedal blocks having a channel therethrough, the channel having a base portion and outwardly extending branch portions adjacent each longitudinal edge of the base portion, the configuration of the legs of the pedal frame fitting in the configuration of the channel in the pedal block, the pedal block being maintained on the legs of the pedal frame and being prevented from rotation on the longitudinal axis thereof, the web having a longitudinal depression in a direction opposite to the flanges and forming pockets in the web, the pedal block having an outwardly facing side with a longitudinal opening therein, upper and lower wall portions of the opening extending toward the web and being inwardly of the branch portions of the channel, the opening extending the full length of the pedal block, the opening being of less width than the distance between the flanges of the legs, a light reflective element having a base portion, the base portion being seated in the depression, and means within the opening retaining the reflective element within the opening and depression.

2. Bicycle pedal as set forth in claim 1, wherein the retaining means comprise inner end portions of the upper and lower wall portions.

3. The combination according to claim 2, wherein said opening is defined by said retaining means.

4. The bicycle pedal as defined by claim 1, wherein said light-reflective element is in the form of an elongate strip of material having a pair of opposing marginal side flanges, and said retaining means bear upon said side flanges to maintain the light-reflective element within the opening.

5. The combination as defined by claim 2, wherein said light-reflective element is in the form of an elongate strip of material having a pair of opposing marginal side flanges; an apertured retainer plate having an inner marginal portion overlying said side flanges, and an outer marginal portion abutted by said retaining means, said retaining means acting upon said outer marginal portion of the retainer plate for holding it against the web.

6. The combination according to claim 4, wherein said window is defined by said retaining means.

7. The combination according to claim 5, wherein said window is defined by said retaining means.

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