WO2024013689A1

WO2024013689A1 - Pedal for racing bicycles

Info

Publication number: WO2024013689A1
Application number: PCT/IB2023/057180
Authority: WO
Inventors: Giuseppe Guida
Original assignee: Giuseppe Guida
Priority date: 2022-07-14
Filing date: 2023-07-13
Publication date: 2024-01-18

Abstract

Pedal (1) for racing bicycles, comprising a first portion (3) and a second portion (4) hinged to each other in such a way as to be relatively movable with respect to each other at least between a position in which they are juxtaposed so that the pedal (1) assumes a closed configuration, and a position in which they are distanced so that the pedal (1) assumes an open configuration.

Description

DESCRIPTION

PEDAL FOR RACING BICYCLES

Technical field

The present invention relates to a pedal for racing bicycles.

Background art

As is known, racing bicycles are provided with pedals with a special quick coupling/release system for cycling shoes. Thereby, the cyclist's foot is firmly anchored to the pedal while pedalling, ensuring an excellent grip on the pedal.

However, the anchoring of the shoe to the pedal entails an extremely limited mobility of the limb. In a context such as pedalling on flat surfaces, this may not be a problem, but it is instead limiting when the cyclist is facing a descent, in particular hairpin turns, where the mobility of the limb is essential to be able to follow certain trajectories which make the cyclist gain precious seconds with respect to competitors. In fact, a descent consists of straight parts, in which the cyclist pedals and needs to have the foot anchored to the pedal to push as much as possible, and curved parts, i.e. , hairpin turns, in which the cyclist needs to have mobility of the limb.

There is currently no specific solution which solves this problem. Therefore, the cyclist must choose whether to keep the shoe anchored to the pedal, with consequent reduced limb mobility, or to release the shoe and lose grip with the pedal.

Disclosure of the invention

In this context, the technical task at the basis of the present invention is to propose a pedal for racing bicycles which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

In particular, the object of the present invention is to propose a pedal for racing bicycles, which allows an adequate mobility of the limb, in particular in a descent, while keeping the foot anchored to the pedal.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a pedal for racing bicycles, capable of improving ridability and increasing the safety of the cyclist.

The technical task set and the objects specified are substantially achieved by a pedal for racing bicycles, comprising a first portion and a second portion hinged to each other in such a way as to be relatively movable with respect to each other at least between a position in which they are juxtaposed so that the pedal assumes a closed configuration, and a position in which they are distanced so that the pedal assumes an open configuration.

In accordance with an embodiment, the first portion is rotatable around a hinge axis with respect to the second portion between a first position, in which the first portion is close to and substantially superimposed on the second portion, and a second position, in which the first portion is distanced and inclined with respect to the second portion.

In accordance with an embodiment, the first portion and the second portion respectively have a first side portion and a second side portion corresponding to each other. The first side portion and the second side portion are hinged around the hinge axis by means of a hinge.

In accordance with an embodiment, the pedal comprises a spring associated with the hinge and acting in such a way as to offer a predetermined resistance to the movement of the first portion from the first to the second position.

In accordance with an embodiment, the pedal comprises means for adjusting the resistance offered by the spring.

In accordance with an embodiment, the first and the second portion are shaped in such a way that, when the first portion is in the first position, they are superimposed so as to result as a single body.

In accordance with an embodiment, the pedal comprises mechanical stop means configurable at least between an operating position, in which they keep the first portion and the second portion coupled when the pedal is in the closed configuration, and a rest position, in which they allow the movement of the first portion with respect to the second portion so that the pedal passes to the open configuration. In accordance with an embodiment, the pedal comprises an actuator operatively active on the mechanical stop means and an electronic control system of the actuator.

In accordance with an embodiment, the pedal comprises releasable engagement means with a sole of a cycling shoe, said releasable engagement means being arranged on the first portion.

In accordance with an embodiment, the pedal comprises a pin having a first end adapted to be mounted on a pedal crank, said second portion being rotatably mounted on the pin.

Brief description of the drawings

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from an approximate, and thus non-limiting, description of a preferred, but non-exclusive embodiment of a pedal for racing bicycles, as illustrated in the appended drawings, in which:

- figure 1 shows a pedal for racing bicycles, according to the present invention, in perspective view, in a closed configuration with the mechanical stop means in the operating position;

- figures 2 and 3 show the pedal of figure 1 , in perspective view respectively from two opposite sides, in a closed configuration with the mechanical stop means in the rest position;

- figures 4 and 5 show the pedal of figure 1 , in perspective view respectively from two opposite sides, in an open configuration.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

With reference to the figures, number 1 indicates a pedal for racing bicycles. The pedal 1 comprises a first portion 3 and a second portion 4. In particular, the two portions 3, 4 are hinged to each other in such a way as to be relatively movable with respect to each other so that the pedal 1 can assume at least a closed configuration and an open configuration.

In particular, when the pedal 1 assumes the closed configuration the two portions 3, 4 are substantially juxtaposed, while when the pedal 1 assumes the open configuration the two portions 3, 4 are distanced. In accordance with the embodiment described and illustrated herein, one of the two portions 3, 4 is movable and the other portion is fixed.

In particular, the first portion 3 is rotatable around a hinge axis A-A with respect to the second portion 4, which remains fixed.

In particular, the first portion 3 is rotatable between a first position, in which it is close to and substantially superimposed on the second portion 4, and a second position, in which it is distanced and inclined with respect to the second portion 4.

For example, the first portion 3 can rotate away from the second portion 4 by an angle comprised between 0° and 90°.

In particular, when the first portion 3 is in the first position, the first portion 3 and the second portion 4 are superimposed so as to result as a single body, like a common bicycle pedal.

In this embodiment, when the first portion 3 is in the first position the pedal 1 assumes the closed configuration, while when the first portion 3 is in the second position the pedal 1 assumes the open configuration.

Preferably, the first portion 3 and the second portion 4 respectively have a first side portion 3a and a second side portion 4a.

With reference to an assembled condition of the pedal 1 (i.e., the pedal 1 is installed on the frame of a bicycle), such side portions 3a, 4a are external, i.e., on the opposite side with respect to the area of coupling to the bicycle. Preferably, the pedal 1 comprises a hinge 5 operatively active at the hinge axis A-A to join the first side portion 3a and the second side portion 4a.

Preferably, the first portion 3 and the second portion 4 are separate bodies and are joined together only by means of the hinge 5.

In the embodiment described and illustrated herein, the movement of the first (movable) portion 3 between the first and the second position with respect to the second (fixed) portion 4 allows the opening/closing of the pedal 1 in the manner of a book. Preferably, the pedal 1 comprises a spring 6 associated with the hinge 5 and mounted to oppose the movement of the first portion 3 from the first to the second position (i.e., away from the second portion 4). Thereby, the cyclist must impart a certain force to move the first portion 3 from the first position, avoiding an accidental movement thereof.

Preferably, the pedal 1 comprises means for adjusting the resistance offered by the spring 6. The cyclist can thus calibrate the resistance offered by the spring to the opening movement as desired. It is possible to use already known solutions for adjusting the spring, for example, providing a screw on which the cyclist acts to vary the resistance of the spring and consequently the force required to overcome the spring.

The pedal 1 is intended for a racing bicycle. Preferably, the pedal 1 has releasable engagement means 7 with a sole of a cycling shoe. As is known, cycling shoes are provided with a notch on the sole which engages with the releasable engagement means 7 to maintain the shoe integral with the pedal during pedalling.

Such releasable engagement means 7 are known in the art and therefore will not be further described here. It should be noted that for the present invention, one of the many known solutions for the releasable engagement means 7 can be selected indistinctly, as this does not in any way affect the operation of the pedal 1 .

Purely by way of example, reference may be made to EP1106495A2 for an embodiment of releasable engagement means 5.

The releasable engagement means 7 are arranged on the first portion 3, as the shoe must remain integral with the latter to obtain the desired mobility of the limb.

Preferably, the pedal 1 comprises a pin 8 having a first end 8a adapted to be mounted on a pedal crank. The pin 8 is a known and commonly used component in bicycles, and serves to connect the pedal with the crank so as to transfer the thrust of the foot on the pedal to the wheels.

In accordance with the embodiment described and illustrated herein, the second portion 4 is rotatably mounted on the pin 8. In particular, the second portion 4 comprises a recess for receiving a section of the pin 8 which includes a second end of the pin 8 opposite the first end 8a. Thereby, when the first portion 3 is raised and moved away, the pin 8 remains partially covered and inside the second portion 4.

In particular, the hinge 5 is arranged on the opposite side of the pedal 1 with respect to the coupling end 8a of the pin 8.

Preferably, the pedal 1 comprises mechanical stop means 9 movable at least between an operating position, in which they keep the pedal 1 in the closed configuration, and a rest position in which they allow the pedal 1 to pass to the open configuration.

In the embodiment described and illustrated herein, when the mechanical stop means 9 are in the operating position, they are configured to keep the first portion 3 (which is in the first position) and the second portion 4 coupled. When the mechanical stop means 9 are in the rest position, they are configured to allow the movement of the first portion 3 with respect to the second portion 4. That is, they allow the passage of the first portion 3 from the first to the second position.

In the embodiment described and illustrated herein, the mechanical stop means 9 comprise a first track 10 obtained on the first portion 3, a second track 11 obtained on the second portion 4, and a block 12 engageable by sliding on one or both of the tracks 10, 11.

With the pedal 1 in the closed configuration, i.e., with the two portions 3, 4 juxtaposed, the first track 10 and the second track 11 are substantially parallel.

In particular, the first track 10 has a shorter length than the second track 11 . Thereby, there is at least one position of the block 12 in which it does not engage the first track 10 but only the second track 11 , leaving the first portion 3 free to move. To lock the first portion 3, it will be sufficient to return it to the first position and slide the block 12 so that it simultaneously engages the first track 10 and the second track 11 .

Alternatively, by way of non-exhaustive example, the mechanical stop means 9 comprise a portion mounted on the second portion 4 and rotatable therearound to engage the first track 10 and thus secure the first portion 3 to the second portion 4.

Still alternatively, the mechanical stop means 9 comprise a toothed portion mounted on the fixing pin 8. Such a toothed portion is open on one side and is rotatably movable between an engagement position, in which it engages a corresponding extension of the first portion 3, blocking the movement thereof, and a rest position, in which the open portion is located at the first portion 3 and allows the movement thereof.

However, other known solutions and/or within the reach of the person skilled in the art can be considered for stopping the movement of the first portion 3.

In accordance with an embodiment, the mechanical stop means 9 are manually operable by the cyclist.

In accordance with an embodiment, the pedal 1 comprises an actuator operatively active on the mechanical stop means 9 and an electronic control system of the actuator. For example, the electronic control system communicates with the actuator by means of Bluetooth. It is possible to use the same technology used for the electronic gearbox of modem bicycles.

In accordance with an alternative embodiment (not shown), both portions 3, 4 are movable with respect to the hinge axis A-A.

Therefore, the two portions 3, 4 are both rotatable in such a way as to be juxtaposed (for which the pedal 1 assumes the closed configuration) or distanced (for which the pedal 1 assumes the open configuration).

From the description provided, the features of the pedal for racing bicycles according to the present invention are clear, as are the advantages.

In particular, the division of the pedal body into two hinged portions allows the cyclist to have the mobility of the limb desired for downhill hairpin turns, obtained for example by moving the first portion from the first position towards the second position. In fact, the cyclist can follow more intense bending angles having the possibility of stretching out the leg, in particular the knee, as is the case for motorcyclists in curves. At the same time, the foot remains anchored to the pedal by the releasable engagement means and, once the curve is finished, the cyclist returns the first portion to the first position, i.e. , juxtaposed and resting on the second portion, so as to be able to continue pedalling.

Furthermore, the presence of the spring allows the cyclist's foot to impose a minimum lateral thrust threshold to move the first portion from the first position.

Furthermore, the presence of mechanical stop means allows to make the pedal extremely versatile: when these block the rotation of the first portion, the pedal acts as a common racing bicycle pedal on the market, while when they do not act on the first portion, the pedal gives the cyclist mobility of the limb.

Claims

1 . A pedal (1 ) for racing bicycles, comprising a first portion (3) and a second portion (4) hinged to each other in such a way as to be relatively movable with respect to each other at least between a position in which they are juxtaposed so that the pedal (1 ) assumes a closed configuration, and a position in which they are distanced so that the pedal (1 ) assumes an open configuration.

2. The pedal (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the first portion (3) is rotatable around a hinge axis (A-A) with respect to the second portion (4) between a first position, in which the first portion (3) is close to and substantially superimposed on the second portion (4), and a second position, in which the first portion (3) is distanced and inclined with respect to the second portion (4).

3. The pedal (1 ) according to claim 2, wherein the first portion (3) and the second portion (4) have respectively a first side portion (3a) and a second side portion (4a) corresponding to each other, said first side portion (3a) and said second side portion (4a) being hinged around said hinge axis (A-A) by means of a hinge (5).

4. The pedal (1 ) according to claim 3, comprising a spring (6) associated with the hinge (5) and acting in such a way as to offer a predetermined resistance to the movement of the first portion (3) from the first to the second position.

5. The pedal (1 ) according to claim 4, comprising means for adjusting the resistance offered by the spring (6).

6. The pedal (1 ) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first and second portion (3, 4) are shaped in such a way that, when the first portion (3) is in the first position, they are superimposed so as to result as a single body.

7. The pedal (1 ) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, comprising mechanical stop means (9) configurable at least between an operating position, in which they keep the first portion (3) and the second portion (4) coupled when the pedal (1 ) is in the closed configuration, and a rest position, in which they allow the movement of the first portion (3) with respect to the second portion (4) so that the pedal (1 ) passes to the open configuration.

8. The pedal (1 ) according to claim 7, comprising an actuator operatively active on the mechanical stop means (9) and an electronic control system of the actuator.

9. The pedal (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising releasable engagement means (7) with a sole of a cycling shoe, said releasable engagement means (7) being arranged on the first portion (3).

10. The pedal (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a pin (8) having a first end (8a) adapted to be mounted on a pedal crank, said second portion (4) being rotatably mounted on the pin (8).