CN116409426A - bicycle pedal - Google Patents

Abstract

A bicycle pedal includes a pedal shaft and a pedal body. The pedal shaft has a first end portion, a second end portion, an intermediate portion, and a first projection extending radially outwardly relative to a central axis of the pedal shaft, the first projection being located between the first end portion and the second end portion. The pedal body is rotatably supported by the pedal shaft about a central axis. The pedal body includes: a body portion defining a pedal axle receiving bore that receives a second end of a pedal axle; and a retaining portion defining a pedal shaft receiving aperture that receives an intermediate portion of the pedal shaft at a position outside the pedal shaft receiving hole. The first projection extends radially outwardly with respect to the central axis to at least partially overlap with the retaining portion of the retaining portion when viewed in the axial direction of the pedal shaft. The bicycle pedal may prevent the bicycle pedal from being disconnected from the bicycle crank during use.

Description

bicycle pedal

This divisional application is a divisional application based on the Chinese invention patent application number 202111119237.8, the invention name is "bicycle pedal", and the application date is September 24, 2021.

technical field

The present disclosure generally relates to bicycle pedals. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a bicycle pedal having a pedal shaft and a body portion rotatably supported by the pedal shaft.

Background technique

In general, bicycle pedals are a fundamental part of most bicycles, which are used to transmit cyclic power to the bicycle's drivetrain. Different styles of bicycles use different pedal styles designed for specific purposes (such as recreational, off-road bikes, road racing, etc.). Typically, bicycle pedals include a pedal shaft and a pedal body, wherein the pedal shaft rotatably supports the pedal body at the end attached to the crank of the drive train. When the cyclist drives the crank by depressing the pedal body, rotation of the crank rotates one or more wheels of the bicycle.

Contents of the invention

In general, the present disclosure is directed to various features of bicycle pedals for human-powered vehicles. The term "human-powered vehicle" as used herein refers to a vehicle that can be driven by at least human driving power, but does not include a vehicle using only driving power other than human power. In particular, vehicles that use only an internal combustion engine as driving power are not included in human-powered vehicles. Human-powered vehicles are generally assumed to be compact, lightweight vehicles that often do not require a permit to travel on public roads. There is no limit to the number of wheels on a human-powered vehicle. Human-powered vehicles include, for example, unicycles and vehicles with more than three wheels. Human-powered vehicles include, for example, various types of bicycles, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, and recumbent bikes, as well as electrically assisted bicycles (E-bikes).

In view of the state of the known technology and according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a bicycle pedal comprising a pedal shaft, a main body portion and an end cap. The pedal shaft has a central axis. The main body portion is rotatably supported about the central axis by the pedal axis. The main body portion has a pedal shaft receiving hole having a first opening and a second opening. The first opening receives the pedal shaft along the central axis. The end cover is adjustably attached to the main body portion at the second opening to adjust the position of the pedal shaft in the axial direction relative to the central axis within the pedal shaft receiving hole. With the bicycle pedal according to the first aspect, it is possible to adjust the rotational torque of the main body portion relative to the pedal shaft.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to the first aspect further includes a first protrusion provided to the pedal shaft. The end cap is adjustable relative to the main body to adjust the position of the first protrusion relative to the main body in the axial direction. With the bicycle pedal according to the second aspect, it is possible to adjust the rotational torque of the main body portion relative to the pedal shaft using the first protrusion.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to the second aspect is configured such that the first protrusion includes at least one of a first O-ring and a protrusion. The protrusion is provided on the pedal shaft. With the bicycle pedal according to the third aspect, it is possible to easily move the first protrusion during pedal shaft adjustment.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to the third aspect is configured such that the first protrusion includes a protrusion and a first O-ring, and the first O-ring is provided on the protrusion. With the bicycle pedal according to the fourth aspect, it is possible to fix the first O-ring to the protrusion so that the first O-ring moves together with the pedal shaft during adjustment of the pedal shaft.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to the third aspect or the fourth aspect is configured such that the first O-ring is a seal ring. With the bicycle pedal according to the fifth aspect, it is possible to seal the inner part of the bicycle pedal against the intrusion of water and debris.

According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to any one of the second to fifth aspects further includes a second protrusion provided to the pedal shaft. The end cap is adjustable relative to the body portion to adjust the distance between the first protrusion and the second protrusion in the axial direction. With the bicycle pedal according to the sixth aspect, it is possible to adjust the rotational torque of the main body portion relative to the pedal shaft using the second protrusion.

According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to the sixth aspect is further configured such that the bicycle pedal includes a holding portion that restricts the second protrusion in the pedal shaft receiving hole toward the first opening in the axial direction exercise. The end cap is adjustable relative to the body portion to adjust the first protrusion toward the second protrusion in an axial direction relative to the body portion. With the bicycle pedal according to the seventh aspect, it is possible to fix the position of the second protrusion within the pedal shaft receiving hole.

According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to the seventh aspect is configured such that the second protrusion includes a second O-ring. With the bicycle pedal according to the eighth aspect, it is possible to easily surround the pedal shaft with the second protrusion.

According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to the eighth aspect is configured such that the second O-ring is a seal ring. With the bicycle pedal according to the ninth aspect, it is possible to seal the inner part of the bicycle pedal from intrusion of water and debris.

According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to any one of the sixth to ninth aspects is configured such that the end cover is adjustable relative to the main body portion so that the first protrusion contacts the second protrusion. . With the bicycle pedal according to the tenth aspect, it is possible to adjust the rotational torque of the main body portion relative to the pedal shaft by adjusting the end cap.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to any one of the sixth to tenth aspects is configured such that the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion are located in the pedal shaft receiving hole. With the bicycle pedal according to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to seal the pedal shaft receiving hole with the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects is configured such that the end cap has a non-cylindrical outer surface at least partially located The outside of the pedal shaft receiving hole. With the bicycle pedal according to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to control intermittent adjustment of the pedal shaft relative to the main body portion using the end cap.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to the twelfth aspect is configured such that the non-cylindrical outer surface has a polygonal shape. With the bicycle pedal according to the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to control intermittent adjustment of the pedal shaft relative to the main body portion using the end cap.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect further includes at least one tread portion attached to the main body portion. The at least one tread portion has a recess with an inner surface that at least partially engages the non-cylindrical outer surface of the end cap. With the bicycle pedal according to the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to ensure that the end cap is in a desired configuration.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to the fourteenth aspect is configured such that: the at least one tread portion includes: a first tread portion having a first inner surface, a non-cylindrical portion of the first inner surface and the end cap and a second tread portion having a second inner surface that cooperates with the non-cylindrical outer surface of the end cap. With the bicycle pedal according to the fifteenth aspect, it is possible to ensure that the end cap is in a desired configuration.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a bicycle pedal including a pedal shaft and a pedal body. The pedal shaft has a first end, a second end, an intermediate portion and a first protrusion extending radially outward relative to a central axis of the pedal shaft. The first protrusion is located between the first end and the second end. The pedal body is rotatably supported about a center axis by the pedal shaft. The pedal main body includes: a main body portion defining a pedal shaft receiving hole receiving a second end portion of the pedal shaft; and a holding portion defining an intermediate portion receiving the pedal shaft at a position outside the pedal shaft receiving hole Pedal shaft receiving orifice. When viewed in the axial direction of the pedal shaft, the first protrusion extends radially outward with respect to the central axis so as to at least partially overlap the holding portion of the holding portion. With the bicycle pedal according to the sixteenth aspect, it is possible to prevent the bicycle pedal from being disconnected from the bicycle crank during use.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to the sixteenth aspect is configured such that the holding portion of the holding portion includes a holding section defining a pedal shaft receiving aperture, and when viewed in the axial direction of the pedal shaft, The retaining section at least partially overlaps the first protrusion. With the bicycle pedal according to the seventeenth aspect, it is possible to prevent the bicycle pedal from being disconnected from the bicycle crank during use.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to the sixteenth aspect or the seventeenth aspect is configured such that the holding portion includes at least one slit arranged to provide the holding portion to be mounted on the pedal shaft radial expansion. With the bicycle pedal according to the eighteenth aspect, it is possible to easily fit the holding portion around the pedal shaft.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to any one of the sixteenth to eighteenth aspects is configured such that the holding portion includes a first side and a second side, and the first side and the second side Split apart to position the pedal axle receiving aperture around the middle of the pedal axle. With the bicycle pedal according to the nineteenth aspect, it is possible to easily fit the holding portion around the pedal shaft.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to any one of the sixteenth to nineteenth aspects is configured such that: the pedal shaft has a second protrusion extending radially outward with respect to the central axis, the holding portion The pedal shaft receiving aperture is positioned around the middle portion of the pedal shaft, and the middle portion is located between the first protrusion and the second protrusion. With the bicycle pedal according to the twenty-first aspect, it is possible to easily hold the broken pedal shaft to the bicycle crank using the holding portion.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to the twentieth aspect is configured such that, when viewed in the axial direction of the pedal shaft, the second protrusion extends radially outward with respect to the central axis so as to coincide with the holding portion. The holding portions at least partially overlap. With the bicycle pedal according to the twenty-first aspect, it is possible to easily hold the broken pedal shaft to the bicycle crank using the holding portion.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle pedal according to any one of the sixteenth to twentieth aspects is configured such that: the holding portion includes a support portion, the holding portion includes a pedal shaft receiving aperture, and the support portion Attach the holder to the main body. With the bicycle pedal according to the twenty-second aspect, it is possible to securely attach the holding portion member to the main body portion.

Furthermore, other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed bicycle pedal will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which discloses preferred embodiments of the bicycle pedal in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Description of drawings

Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof:

1 is a top perspective view of a bicycle crank arm with bicycle pedals according to one embodiment;

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the bicycle pedal shown in Figure 1;

Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view of the bicycle pedal shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is an internal elevation view of the bicycle pedal shown in Fig. 1;

5 is a side cross-sectional view taken along section line 5-5 in FIG. 2 showing the bicycle pedal shown in FIG. 1 in a first configuration;

6 is a side cross-sectional view showing the bicycle pedal shown in FIG. 5 in a second configuration;

Figure 7 is an enlarged view taken from the central portion of Figure 5;

Figure 8 is an enlarged view taken from the central portion of Figure 6;

FIG. 9 is a side sectional view showing the pedal of the bicycle as shown in FIG. 5 when a load is applied by the rider;

Fig. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the bicycle pedal shown in Fig. 1 cut along line 10-10 in Fig. 2;

11 is an enlarged perspective view in cross section of a portion of the bicycle pedal shown in FIG. 1 cut through the central axis of the pedal shaft;

Figure 12 is an exploded top perspective view of the top of the bicycle pedal shown in Figure 1;

Figure 13 is an exploded top perspective view of the bottom of the bicycle pedal shown in Figure 1;

Figure 14 is another exploded top perspective view of the bicycle pedal shown in Figure 1;

15 is an exploded top perspective view of the pedal shaft and retaining portion of the bicycle pedal shown in FIG. 1;

Figure 16 is an exploded top perspective view of the main body portion of the bicycle pedal shown in Figure 1;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing half of the body portion shown in FIG. 16;

Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing half of the main body portion shown in Fig. 16 installed with a sliding bearing; and

Fig. 19 is a side sectional view of a bicycle pedal according to the second embodiment.

Detailed ways

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the field of human-powered vehicles (eg, bicycles) from this disclosure that the following description of the embodiments is provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. invention.

Referring first to FIG. 1 , there is shown a bicycle pedal 12 for a human-powered vehicle according to a first embodiment. The bicycle pedal 12 includes a pedal shaft 14 . The pedal shaft 14 has a center axis CA. The bicycle pedal 12 also includes a pedal body 16 . The pedal main body 16 is rotatably supported by the pedal shaft 14 about the central axis CA. The pedal shaft 14 connects the pedal body 16 to the outer end 18a of the bicycle crank arm 18 such that the pedal body 16 is configured to rotate about the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14 relative to the bicycle crank arm 18 . The inner end 18b of the bicycle crank arm 18 is configured to attach to the drive train of the human-powered vehicle such that rotation of the bicycle crank 18 using the bicycle pedals 12 causes rotation of one or more wheels of the human-powered vehicle.

5-9, 14 and 15 show the pedal shaft 14 in more detail. As shown, the pedal shaft 14 is an elongated rod having a longitudinal length extending along a central axis CA. The pedal shaft 14 here has a first end 20 , a second end 22 and a middle part 24 . Each of the first end portion 20 , the second end portion 22 and the intermediate portion 24 are positioned along the central axis CA. The pedal shaft 14 may, for example, be formed as a single piece of metallic material such as carbon steel or chrome molybdenum steel.

The first end 20 is configured to attach to the bicycle crank arm 18 . More specifically, the first end 20 is configured to attach to the outer end 18a of the bicycle crank arm 18 . For attachment to the bicycle crank 18, the first end 20 includes at least one of an external thread 20a and a crank attachment hole 20b. Here, an external thread 20a encircles the periphery of the first end 20 and is configured to screw into a corresponding bore at the outer end 18a of the bicycle crank arm 18 . Screws, nuts and bolts or other attachment means are then threaded into the crank attachment hole 20b from the opposite side of the outer end 18a. In this way, the pedal shaft 14 rotatably supports the pedal body 16 relative to the bicycle crank 18 , wherein the pedal body 16 rotates about the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14 .

The second end portion 22 is located on the opposite side of the pedal shaft 14 from the first end portion 20 in the axial direction with respect to the central axis CA. As described in more detail below, the second end 22 is configured to slide into the pedal body 16 to rotatably support the pedal body 16 on the bicycle crank 18 . As seen in Figures 5, 6 and 9, the diameter of the pedal shaft 14 remains constant or remains substantially constant proximal to the second end 22 so that the second end 22 enters the pedal body 16 and allows the pedal body to 16 is free to rotate about second end 22 . The pedal shaft 14 generally has a larger diameter at the first end 20 than at the second end 22 . Since a large load is applied to the large diameter portion of the pedal shaft 14, it is easy to obtain the strength of the pedal shaft 14 against the load.

The intermediate portion 24 is located between the first end portion 20 and the second end portion 22 in the axial direction of the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14 . As described in more detail below, the intermediate portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 is configured to contact a portion of the pedal body 16 when a rider applies a load, thereby absorbing at least a portion of the rider's load. However, the intermediate portion 24 does not contact said portion of the pedal body 16 under unloaded conditions. Here, the intermediate portion 24 is positioned closer to the first end portion 20 than the second end portion 22 in the axial direction of the center axis CA. In this manner, the intermediate portion 24 is positioned proximate to the outer end 18a of the bicycle crank arm 18 when the pedal axle 14 is attached to the bicycle crank arm 18 . This enables the rider's load to be distributed around the bicycle crank arm 18, thereby reducing the amount of vertical displacement of the pedal body 16 caused by the rider's load.

The pedal shaft 14 has a first protrusion 26 . The first protrusion 26 is located between the first end 20 and the second end 22 . More specifically, the first protrusion 26 is located between the first end portion 20 and the second end portion 22 in the axial direction of the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14 . The first protrusion 26 is also located between the second end portion 22 and the middle portion 24 in the axial direction of the center axis CA of the pedal shaft 14 . The first protrusion 26 extends radially outward with respect to the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14 . The first protrusion 26 extends radially outward from the pedal shaft 14 with respect to the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14 . The outermost diameter of the first protrusion 26 is larger than the outermost diameter of the intermediate portion 24 . As used herein, “outermost diameter” refers to the largest diameter of the corresponding portion of the pedal shaft 14 . Here, as seen in FIG. 15 , the first protrusion 26 surrounds the central axis CA with a constant diameter. However, the first protrusion 26 may also include one or more gaps at its outermost diameter in the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis CA when viewed in the axial direction of the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14 . For example, the first protrusion 26 may have a gap having the same diameter as the outermost diameter of the middle portion 24 . The first protrusion 26 may also include a single protrusion extending radially outward in only one direction with respect to the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14 . The first protrusion 26 may also include a plurality of protrusions extending radially outward with respect to the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14 in a plurality of directions.

The pedal shaft 14 has a second protrusion 27 . The second protrusion 27 is located between the first end portion 20 and the second end portion 22 in the axial direction of the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14 . The second protrusion 27 is also located between the first end portion 20 and the middle portion 24 on the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14 . The second protrusion 27 extends radially outward with respect to the central axis CA. The second protrusion 27 extends radially outward from the pedal shaft 14 with respect to the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14 . As seen in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the second protrusion 27 extends further radially outward than the first protrusion 26 relative to the central axis CA. The outermost diameter of the second protrusion 27 is larger than the outermost diameter of the intermediate portion 24 . The second protrusion 27 also has an outermost diameter larger than that of the first protrusion 26 . Here, as seen in FIG. 15 , the second protrusion 27 surrounds the central axis CA with a constant radius. However, the second protrusion 27 may also include one or more clearances at its outermost diameter in the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis CA when viewed in the axial direction of the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14 . For example, the gap of the second protrusion 27 may have the same diameter as the outermost diameter of the middle part 24 . The second protrusion 27 may also include a single protrusion extending radially outward with respect to the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14 in only one direction. The second protrusion 27 may also include a plurality of single protrusions extending radially outward with respect to the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14 in a plurality of directions. The second protrusion 27 is also configured to abut the bicycle crank arm 18 when the pedal axle 14 is attached to the bicycle crank 18 .

The intermediate portion 24 is located between the first protrusion 26 and the second protrusion 27 . Here, as seen in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the outermost diameter of the intermediate portion 24 is substantially constant between the first protrusion 26 and the second protrusion 27 . The outermost diameter of the intermediate portion 24 is also greater than the outermost diameter of the second end portion 22 . In this way, the thicker portion of the pedal shaft 14 at the middle portion 24 is configured to receive at least a portion of the rider load applied at the thinner portion of the pedal shaft 14 closer to the second end portion 22 .

As seen in FIGS. 14 and 15 , the intermediate portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 may be provided, for example, in an area A2 from the second protrusion 27 to 1/4 of the axial length of the pedal shaft 14 . The axial position of the intermediate portion 24 may be represented by the center position of the axial length of the intermediate portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 . As seen in FIG. 15 , the axial length of the pedal shaft 14 is from the second protrusion 27 to the tip of the second end portion 22 in the axial direction. That is, the axial length of the pedal shaft 14 is the length of the pedal shaft 14 excluding the external thread 20 a.

As seen in FIGS. 1-3 , the pedal shaft 14 includes an exposed portion 28 . The exposed portion 28 of the pedal shaft 14 is located between the intermediate portion 24 and the second end portion 22 in the axial direction of the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14 . The exposed portion 28 is also located between the first protrusion 26 and the second end portion 22 in the axial direction of the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14 . Here, the exposed portion 28 is exposed outside the pedal body 16 between the intermediate portion 24 and the second end portion 22 . By exposing the exposed portion 28 in this manner, the pedal shaft 14 is able to flex at the exposed portion 28 under rider load without rubbing against the inner surface of the pedal body 16 while enabling the rider to load At least a portion of is passed to the intermediate portion 24. Here, as seen in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the diameter of the exposed portion 28 is generally inwardly tapered to decrease from the first protrusion 26 toward the second end 22 .

The bicycle pedal 12 includes a main body portion 30 . More specifically, the pedal body 16 includes a body portion 30 . The main body portion 30 receives the pedal shaft 14 . The main body portion 30 is rotatably supported about the center axis AR by the pedal shaft 14 . As seen in FIGS. 16 to 18 , the main body portion 30 includes: a central portion 30 a extending from a crank end side 30 b to a free end side 30 c along the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14 ; a first side portion 30 d , the first side portion 30d extends radially outward from one side of the central portion 30A with respect to the central axis CA; and a second side portion 30e, which extends from the opposite side of the central portion 30a with respect to the central axis CA Extend radially outward. For example, in the case where the main body portion 30 is plate-shaped, the first side portion 30 d and the second side portion 30 e are portions in the lateral direction with respect to the rotation axis CA of the main body portion 30 . The body portion 30 includes a first side 30f and a second side 30g on the opposite side of the first side 30f with respect to the body portion 30 . For example, in the case where the main body portion 30 is plate-shaped, the first side 30f and the second side 30g correspond to the front side and the rear side of the main body portion 30 . The first side 30f and the second side 30g face each other in the thickness direction of the main body portion 30 . The axis parallel to the direction of the thickness, the axis parallel to the transverse direction, and the center axis CA are orthogonal to each other. Central portion 30a, first side portion 30d, and second side portion 30e are formed on first side 30f (eg, the "top" side in FIGS. 16-18 ) and second side 30g (eg, in FIGS. 16-18 ). extends between the "bottom" sides of the )). The first side portion 30d and the second side portion 30e also include one or more holes 30h that are strategically placed and reduce the overall weight and material cost of the main body portion 30 . As seen, for example, in FIG. 16 , the plurality of holes 30h is such that each of the first side portion 30d and the second side portion 30e has a peripheral portion 30i connected to the central portion 30a by one or more connecting sections 30j.

The main body portion 30 has a pedal shaft receiving hole 31 . The main body portion 30 defines a pedal shaft receiving aperture 31 . More specifically, the central portion 30 a of the main body portion 30 defines a pedal shaft receiving hole 31 . The pedal shaft receiving hole 31 receives the pedal shaft 14 . More specifically, the pedal shaft receiving hole 31 receives the second end 22 of the pedal shaft 14 . The pedal shaft receiving hole 31 has a first opening 31a and a second opening 31b. As seen in FIGS. 17 and 18 , the first opening 31 a is offset a distance D1 from the crank end side 30 b of the body portion 30 to form the first gap 32 , while the second opening 31 b is offset from the free end side 30 c of the body portion 30 . Offset by a distance D2 to form a second gap 33 . The first gap 32 is located between the first opening 31 a and the crank end side 30 b in the axial direction of the pedal shaft 14 . The second gap 33 is located between the second opening 31 b and the free end side 30 c in the axial direction of the pedal shaft 14 . The first opening 31a receives the pedal shaft 14 along the central axis CA. As seen in FIG. 14 , the first opening 31 a receives the second end 22 of the pedal shaft 14 . As seen in FIGS. 5 and 6 , when the first opening 31 a receives the pedal shaft 14 , the second end 22 is positioned adjacent the second opening 31 b.

The bicycle pedal 12 includes at least one tread portion 34 attached to the main body portion 30 . More specifically, the pedal body 16 includes at least one tread portion 34 attached to the body portion 30 . As seen in FIGS. 12 and 13 , at least one tread portion 34 is formed separately from the main body portion 30 . Here, the at least one tread portion 34 includes a first tread portion 34A and a second tread portion 34B. The first tread portion 34A is attached to the first side 30f of the main body portion 30 and the second tread portion 34B is attached to the second side 30g of the main body portion 30 . At least one tread portion 34 may be made of resin. For example, resin is advantageous because it improves the rider's grip on the bicycle pedal 12 and is less prone to wear from contact with the rider's shoes. The resin also makes the pedals lighter and limits loosening of the fasteners. However, the material is not limited to resin. At least when the effect of restricting loosening of the fastener is not expected, the tread portion may be made of a material other than resin. By having the tread portion 34 detachably attached as shown, the rider is able to replace the tread portion 34 or use a different tread portion 34 interchangeably as desired. Different tread portions 34 may, for example, be made of different materials or formed with different shapes or surface features.

The bicycle pedal 12 includes at least one fastener 36 . More specifically, the pedal body 16 includes at least one fastener 36 . Here, the at least one fastener 36 is a threaded fastener 36 . Here, the at least one fastener 36 includes a plurality of fasteners 36 . As seen in FIGS. 1 , 12 and 13 , a plurality of fasteners 36 attach at least one tread portion 34 to the body portion 30 . Here, fasteners 36 attach tread portion 34 to body portion 30 by extending through tread portion 34 and threading into body portion 30 .

As shown, the plurality of fasteners 36 need not all be identical. Here, the fasteners 36 include one or more first fasteners 36A, one or more second fasteners 36B, and one or more third fasteners 36C. By mixing or rearranging different types of fasteners 36, a rider can customize bicycle pedal 12 for optimal shoe grip. As seen in FIGS. 12 and 13 , different fastener configurations are used on the first side 30 f and the second side 30 g of the main body portion 30 so that the rider can rotate the pedal body 16 on the opposite side by turning the pedal body 16 to the opposite side. Alternate between two different configurations. For example, in FIG. 12, most fasteners 36 are third fasteners 36C (7 out of 12) without spikes, while in FIG. 13 most fasteners 36 are third fasteners 36C with The first fasteners 36A (6 out of 12) with spikes and the second fasteners 36B with spikes, (4 out of 12) by turning the pedal body 16, enable the rider to Alternate between mostly nailed grips and mostly nailless grips.

The bicycle pedal 12 includes a retaining portion 38 . More specifically, the pedal body 16 includes a retaining portion 38 . The retaining portion 38 is configured to retain the pedal body 16 and the bicycle crank 18 together should the pedal shaft 14 break under rider load. Here, the body portion 30 and the retaining portion 38 are shown as separate components, but in alternative embodiments the body portion 30 and the retaining portion 38 may be formed together as a single component.

14 and 15 show the retaining portion 38 in detail. As shown, the retaining portion 38 includes a retaining portion 40 . The holding portion 40 holds the bicycle crank 18 and the pedal body 16 together if the pedal shaft 14 breaks under rider load. As described in more detail below, the retaining portion 40 also contacts the intermediate portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 when the rider applies a load. The retaining portion 40 may maintain a clearance from the middle portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 when a load is applied by the rider. The holding portion 38 includes a support portion 42 . The support portion 42 attaches the holding portion 40 to the main body portion 30 . The support portion 42 also supports the holding portion 40 . More specifically, the support portion 42 attaches the retaining portion 40 to the main body portion 30 and thereafter supports the retaining portion 40 when a rider load is applied. Retention portion 38 also includes at least one support fastener 44 . At least one support fastener 44 attaches the support portion 42 to the body portion 30 . Retention portion 40 is configured to be attached to body portion 30 via support portion 42 and at least one support fastener 44, for example, by inserting retention portion 40 into first gap 32 at crank end side 30b of body portion 30 and placing A support fastener 44 is placed through the fastening hole 42a of the support portion 42 to attach the support portion 42 to the body portion 30 at the crank end side 30b. Once attached, the retaining portion 40 is held between the main body portion 30 and the support portion 42 by the support fastener 44 .

As seen in FIG. 15, the retaining portion 38 defines a pedal shaft receiving aperture 40a. Specifically, the holding portion 40 includes a pedal shaft receiving aperture 40a. More specifically, the retaining portion 40 of the retaining portion 38 includes a retaining section 40b defining a pedal shaft receiving aperture 40a. As seen in FIGS. 1 to 3 , 5 and 6 , the pedal shaft receiving aperture 40 a receives the intermediate portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 at a position outside the pedal shaft receiving hole 31 . The pedal shaft receiving aperture 40 a of the retaining portion 38 is positioned around the middle portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 . As seen in FIGS. 5 and 6 , as viewed in the axial direction of the pedal shaft 14 , the first protrusion 26 extends radially outward with respect to the central axis CA to at least partially overlap the holding portion 40 of the holding portion 38 . This includes the case where a portion of the holding portion 40 other than the pedal shaft receiving aperture 40 a overlaps the first protrusion 26 . Here, the first protrusion 26 extends radially outward from the pedal shaft 14 in an area A2 located between the second protrusion 27 and 1/4 of the axial length of the pedal shaft 14 . The holding section 40 b at least partially overlaps the first protrusion 26 as viewed from the axial direction of the pedal shaft 14 . For example, the shape of the pedal shaft receiving aperture 40 a overlaps with the first protrusion 26 . Therefore, when the holding portion 38 is mounted on the pedal shaft 14 as shown in FIG. 14 , the holding section 40 b cannot be pulled over the first protrusion 26 toward the second end 22 in the axial direction of the central axis CA. As viewed from the axial direction of the pedal shaft 14 , the second protrusion 27 extends radially outward with respect to the central axis CA to at least partially overlap the holding portion 40 of the holding portion 38 . Therefore, when the holding portion 38 is mounted on the pedal shaft 14 as shown in FIG. 14 , the holding section 40 b cannot be pulled over the second protrusion 27 toward the first end 20 in the axial direction of the central axis CA.

The retaining portion 38 includes a first side 38a and a second side 38b. The first side 38 a is split from the second side 38 b to position the pedal shaft receiving aperture 40 a about the middle portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 . More specifically, the retaining portion 40 of the retaining portion 38 is split to position the pedal shaft receiving aperture 40 a around the intermediate portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 . Here, the first side 38a is split from the second side 38b by a pair of slits 40c (eg, see FIGS. 10 and 15 ). As seen in FIGS. 14 and 15 , the retaining portion 38 includes at least one slot 40c arranged to provide radial expansion of the retaining portion 38 to be mounted on the pedal shaft 14 . More specifically, as seen in FIGS. 14 and 15 , the holding section 40 b of the holding portion 40 includes two slits 40 c spaced apart by 180°. In this case, the holder 40 has a plurality of slits which do not completely separate the holder 40 but instead increase the ability of the holder 40 to stretch over the first protrusion 26 . Alternatively, the slit 40c may be configured to be able to divide the holding portion 40 into two parts in the lateral direction. The slot 40 c enables the retaining section 40 b to fit around the middle part 24 of the pedal shaft 14 despite the presence of the first protrusion 26 . In these ways, as shown in FIG. 14 , the pedal shaft receiving aperture 40 a receives the intermediate portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 . Then, when the pedal shaft 14 is fully inserted into the main body portion 30, the pedal shaft receiving aperture 40a at least partially surrounds the middle portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 around the central axis CA.

The support portion 42 includes a pedal shaft receiving aperture 42b that is larger than the first protrusion 26 so that the support portion 42 fits over the first protrusion 26 and holds the retaining portion 40 together around the pedal shaft 14 during use. The holding portion 40 and the supporting portion 42 can be mounted on the pedal shaft 14 from the same direction. The diameter of the pedal shaft receiving aperture 42b is smaller than the outermost diameter of the second protrusion 27, so the support portion 42 cannot slide over the second protrusion toward the first end portion 20 in the axial direction of the central axis CA. That is, the support portion 42 at least partially overlaps the second protrusion 27 as viewed in the axial direction of the pedal shaft 14 . During assembly, the support portion 42 does not fall out of the pedal shaft 14 due to the second protrusion 27 .

In one embodiment, the retaining portion 40 may be made of multiple parts. For example, the retaining portion 40 may comprise separate components for the first side 38a and the second side 38b. The portion of the retaining portion 40 which at least partially overlaps the first protrusion 26 in the axial direction may also be a separate part from the retaining section 40b comprising the pedal shaft receiving aperture 40a. That is, a member other than the holding section 40 b having the pedal shaft receiving aperture 40 a is arranged at a position overlapping with the first protrusion 26 . In this case, the first protrusion 26 may travel through the pedal shaft receiving aperture 40a. However, due to the means overlapping the first protrusion 26 , the pedal shaft 14 does not disengage from the retaining portion 38 .

As seen in FIG. 15 , the holding portion 40 also includes an inlet hole 40 d and two side walls 40 e creating an exposure hole 40 f in a direction perpendicular to the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14 . The inlet aperture 40d encircles the pedal shaft 14 between the exposed portion 28 and the second end portion 22 about the central axis CA when the pedal shaft 14 is fully inserted into the main body portion 30 . Here, as seen in FIG. 14, when the retaining portion 38 is mounted on the pedal shaft, the inlet hole 40d is in the region of 2/5 to 3/5 of the axial length of the pedal shaft 14 from the second protrusion 27. A1 surrounds the pedal shaft 14 . As seen in FIGS. 5 and 6 , when the holding portion 38 is attached to the main body portion 30 , the inlet hole 40 d also protrudes into the first opening 31 a of the pedal shaft receiving hole 31 . When the retaining portion 38 is attached to the main body portion 30 , the side walls 40 e are aligned with and abut against corresponding side walls 32 a of the first gap 32 at the crank end side 30 b of the main body portion 30 . The sidewall 40e also includes one or more mating features 40g configured to mate with corresponding one or more mating features 32b on the corresponding sidewall 32a of the first gap 32 . Here, mating features 40g are one or more depressions extending longitudinally along each side wall 40e between pedal shaft receiving aperture 40a and inlet aperture 40d, and corresponding mating features 32b are along each side wall 40e. Wall 32a extends longitudinally and configures a protrusion that projects into mating feature 40g. Here, the recess is a slit passing through the side wall 40e. Alternatively, the mating feature 40g may include a protrusion and the corresponding mating feature 32b may include a recess. The exposure hole 40 f in the holding portion 38 forms a space in which the exposed portion 28 of the pedal shaft 14 is exposed when fully installed as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 . Here, the exposed portion 28 of the pedal shaft 14 is exposed on both the first side 30 f and the second side 30 g of the main body portion 30 .

As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the holding portion 38 is axially spaced apart from the first opening 31 a of the pedal shaft receiving hole 31 along the center axis CA of the pedal shaft 14 . More specifically, the inner surface of the pedal shaft receiving aperture 40 a of the holding portion 38 , which is in contact with the intermediate portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 under rider load, is spaced from the first opening 31A in the axial direction. The holding portion 38 is axially spaced a distance D3 from the first opening 31 a of the pedal shaft receiving hole 31 along the center axis CA of the pedal shaft 14 . In FIGS. 2 and 3 , this axial separation distance D3 is shown across the exposure hole 40 f exposing the exposure portion 28 . In this way, the pedal shaft 14 has the exposed portion 28 provided outside the pedal main body 16 between the holding portion 38 and the first opening 31 a of the pedal shaft receiving hole 31 . By forming the exposure hole 40f with the exposed portion 28 of the pedal shaft 14, the rider load is distributed away from the slide bearing as described below.

As seen in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the bicycle pedal 12 includes a first protrusion 48 provided to the pedal shaft 14 . In one embodiment, the first protrusion 48 includes at least one of a first O-ring 50 and a protrusion 52 . The protrusion 52 is provided on the pedal shaft 14 . Here, the first protrusion 48 includes a protrusion 52 and a first O-ring 50 . The protrusion 52 extends radially outward from the pedal shaft 14 with respect to the central axis CA. Here, as seen in FIG. 15 , the protrusion 52 has a constant diameter around the central axis CA. The protrusion 52 may also include one or more gaps at its outermost diameter in the circumferential direction. The protrusion 52 may also extend radially outward from the pedal shaft 14 at a single point or at multiple points. The first O-ring 50 is disposed on the protrusion 52 . The first O-ring 50 may also be press fit onto the pedal shaft 14 . In one embodiment, the first O-ring 50 may be made of a resin such as polyoxymethylene (POM) or other resin material. Therefore, the first O-ring 50 does not require a sealing function. However, the first O-ring 50 may be a seal ring. The first O-ring 50 is a sealing ring. Therefore, the first O-ring 50 can provide a sealing function to prevent water from entering the pedal shaft receiving hole 31 and to prevent fouling in the pedal shaft receiving hole 31 . The first O-ring 50 may be omitted. This protrusion 52 serves as a replacement for the first O-ring 50 .

The bicycle pedal 12 includes a second protrusion 54 . The second protrusion 54 is provided to the pedal shaft 14 . As explained in more detail below, the pedal shaft 14 translates relative to the second projection 54 in the axial direction of the central axis CA. The first protrusion 48 also translates relative to the second protrusion 54 in the axial direction of the central axis CA. Here, the second projection 54 comprises a second O-ring. The second O-ring is the seal ring. Therefore, the second O-ring can provide a sealing function to prevent water from entering the pedal shaft receiving hole 31 and to prevent fouling in the pedal shaft receiving hole 31 . However, the second O-ring does not require a sealing function. The second O-ring may be made of resin such as acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) or another resin material.

As seen in FIGS. 5 to 8 , the first protrusion 48 and the second protrusion 54 are located within the pedal shaft receiving hole 31 . The first protrusion 48 and the second protrusion 54 are positioned closer to the first opening 31 a than to the second opening 31 b. The first protrusion 48 or the second protrusion 54 provides a sealing function to prevent water from entering the pedal shaft receiving hole 31 and fouling inside the pedal shaft receiving hole 31 . However, a sealing function is not required. The second protrusion 54 may be omitted. The end of the holding portion 38 on the side of the second end 22 serves as a substitute for the second protrusion 54 .

The bicycle pedal 12 includes at least one sliding bearing 56 . The main body portion 30 is rotatably supported by at least one slide bearing 56 . Here, the at least one sliding bearing 56 includes a first sliding bearing 56A and a second sliding bearing 56B. The first slide bearing 56A is provided on the second end portion 22 of the pedal shaft 14 . The second sliding bearing 56B is disposed between the first sliding bearing 56A and the intermediate portion 24 . The bicycle pedal 12 is more efficient when the pedal shaft 14 is supported by at least two bearings 56 , such as a first slide bearing 56A and a second slide bearing 56B. This is because, with a bearing (for example, first sliding bearing 56A) near the second end 22 of the pedal shaft 14, the distance between the pedal shaft 14 from the first end 20 to the portion of the pedal shaft 14 where the bearing is mounted The axial length may be sufficiently long. Here, a bearing (for example, the first sliding bearing 56A) is located at the small-diameter portion of the pedal shaft 14 . Then, by gradually reducing the diameter of the pedal shaft 14 from the first end portion 20 to the portion where the bearing (for example, the first sliding bearing 56A) is mounted, stress concentration on the pedal shaft 14 is easily suppressed. Especially in the case where the two bearings 56A, 56B are separated from each other, the length of the reduced-diameter portion becomes shorter, and it becomes difficult to suppress stress concentration on the pedal shaft 14 .

When configured as shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6 , the first sliding bearing 56A and the second sliding bearing 56B enable the pedal main body 16 to rotate smoothly about the pedal shaft 14 with respect to the central axis CA. At least one slide bearing 56 is located in the central portion of the pedal shaft 14 in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the second slide bearing 56B is located in the central portion of the pedal shaft 14 in the axial direction of the pedal shaft 14 . Alternatively, for example, at least one bearing (for example, the second sliding bearing 56B) may be located in an area A1 (see FIGS. 14 and 15 ) of the axial length of the pedal shaft 14 from the second protrusion 27 2/5 to 3/5. Usually, the pedal shaft diameter of the bearing part is small. Since the diameter of the pedal shaft from the second slide bearing 56B to the second end portion 22 can be reduced, it is easy to reduce the thickness of the bicycle pedal 12 .

The bicycle pedal 12 includes an end washer 58 . The end washer 58 is configured to reduce friction and create spacing at the end of the second end 22 of the pedal shaft 14 . The end gasket 58 may for example be made of POM material.

The bicycle pedal 12 includes an end cap 60 . The end cap 60 includes threads 60a that mate with corresponding threads on the inner surface of the second opening 31b. The end cap 60 has a non-cylindrical outer surface 60b located at least partially outside the pedal shaft receiving bore 31 . More specifically, the non-cylindrical outer surface 60b is at least partially located outside the pedal shaft receiving bore 31 when the threads 60a are threaded into the second opening 31b. The non-cylindrical outer surface 60b is located within the second gap 33 when the thread 60a is threaded into the second opening 31b. The non-cylindrical outer surface 60b has a polygonal shape. Here, as seen in FIG. 10, the polygonal shape is an octagonal shape. End cap 60 also includes a non-cylindrical inner surface 60c. The non-cylindrical inner surface 60c is configured to receive a tool to enable the end cap 60 to be screwed into the second opening 31b. The non-cylindrical inner surface 60c is located on the same side of the end cap 60 as the non-cylindrical outer surface 60b. End cap 60 may be made of metal. In addition, the end cap 60 may be made of resin.

The end cap 60 is adjustably attached to the main body portion 30 at the second opening 31 b to adjust the position of the pedal shaft 14 in the axial direction relative to the central axis CA within the pedal shaft receiving hole 31 . In this way, the end cap 60 enables the bicycle pedal 12 to be adjusted between various configurations. 5 and 7 show the bicycle pedal 12 in a first configuration, while FIGS. 6 and 8 show the bicycle pedal 12 in a second configuration. In the first configuration, the pedal shaft 14 is relative to the main body portion 30 in the axial direction of the central axis CA compared to the second configuration (for example, in FIGS. 6 and 8 , the first protrusion 48 is further to the right). shift. Moreover, in the first configuration, compared with the second configuration (for example, in FIGS. 6 and 8 , the first projecting portion 48 is further to the right), the first projecting portion 48 is in the axial direction of the central axis CA. The upper part is displaced relative to the main body part 30. Accordingly, the end cap 60 is adjustable relative to the main body portion 30 to adjust the position of the first protrusion 48 relative to the main body portion 30 in the axial direction. As explained in more detail below, the rotational torque of the body portion 30 relative to the pedal shaft 14 is reduced in the second configuration than in the first configuration. This allows the bicycle pedal 12 to rotate more freely on the bicycle crank 18 in the second configuration than in the first configuration. The end cap 60 is also configured to seal off the second opening 31 b and restrict unwanted dirt and debris from entering the pedal shaft receiving bore 31 .

To construct the bicycle pedal 12 in a first configuration as shown in FIGS. The second end 22 of the shaft 14 (eg, as seen in FIG. 14 , during or after attachment of the retaining portion 38 ). The second opening 31 b receives the first sliding bearing 56A, the end washer 58 and the end cap 60 . Here, the end cap 60 is partially screwed into the second opening 31 b of the pedal shaft receiving hole 31 . The end cap 60 contacts the end washer 58 which contacts the second end 22 of the pedal shaft 14 so that the position of the end cap 60 in the axial direction of the central axis CA controls the position of the pedal shaft 14 in the axial direction of the central axis CA. position in the direction. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, in light of the present disclosure, alternative embodiments may enable the end cap 60 to directly contact the pedal shaft 14, or may include an end gasket 58 between the end cap 60 and the pedal shaft 14. other intermediate components.

To adjust the bicycle pedal 12 to the second configuration as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 , the end cap 60 is unscrewed from the second opening 31 b of the pedal shaft receiving hole 31 . When the end cover 60 moves in the axial direction of the central axis CA (for example, to the right in FIGS. moves upward toward the second opening 31b. The first protrusion 48 is fixed to the pedal shaft 14 and thus also moves in the axial direction toward the second opening 31b. However, as seen in FIGS. 6 and 8 , the holding portion 38 restricts the movement of the second protrusion 54 in the axial direction toward the first opening 31 a within the pedal shaft receiving hole 31 . When the first protrusion 48 moves toward the first opening 31 a in the axial direction, the second protrusion 54 is stationary relative to the main body portion 30 . Accordingly, the end cap 60 is adjustable relative to the main body portion 30 to adjust the distance between the first protrusion 48 and the second protrusion 54 in the axial direction. More specifically, when the end cap 60 is screwed into the second opening 31 b, the first protrusion 48 is pushed toward the second protrusion 54 . Thus, the end cap 60 is adjustable relative to the body portion 30 to adjust the first projection 48 in an axial direction relative to the body portion 30 towards the second projection 54 . As seen in FIGS. 5 and 7 , the end cap 60 is configured to be screwed into the second opening 31 b until the first protrusion 48 contacts or compresses the second protrusion 54 . Accordingly, the end cap 60 is adjustable relative to the body portion 30 such that the first protrusion 48 contacts the second protrusion 54 . When the first protrusion 48 contacts the second protrusion 54 , the rotational torque of the main body portion 30 relative to the pedal shaft 14 is due to the friction of the first protrusion 48 against the second protrusion during the rotation of the main body portion 30 about the pedal shaft 14 . Extension 54 increases. In one embodiment, the retaining portion 38 includes a second protrusion 54 .

Once in the first configuration, the bicycle pedal 12 is configured to be adjusted to the second configuration by readjusting the end cap 60 by unscrewing the end cap 60 in the axial direction out of the second opening 31b. Here, the position of the pedal shaft 14 in the second configuration is determined by the contact between the second end 22 of the pedal shaft 14 and the end washer 58 . The position of the pedal shaft 14 in the second configuration is determined by contact between the first protrusion 48 and the second protrusion 54 . It should be further understood from this disclosure that the bicycle pedal 12 is configured to be placed in various configurations between the first configuration and the second configuration. Each rotation of end cap 60 causes intermittent axial movement of pedal shaft 14 to a new configuration. Here, the pitch of the thread 60a is 1 mm. The non-cylindrical inner surface 60c of the end cap is octagonal in shape, and the 45 degree rotation of the end cap 60 relative to the main body portion 30 is configured to move the pedal shaft 14 in the axial direction of the central axis CA by 0.125 mm.

Here, in the second configuration, the gap distance between the first projecting portion 48 and the second projecting portion 54 in the axial direction of the central axis CA is set to a positive value. In the first configuration, when the end cap 60 is fully screwed into the second opening 31b, the gap distance between the first protrusion 48 and the second protrusion 54 in the axial direction of the central axis CA is set as negative value. More specifically, in the first configuration, the gap distance is set between about -0.4 and 0 mm. Thus, in the first configuration in which the end cap 60 is fully screwed into the second opening 31b, the first protrusion 48 is pressed against the second protrusion 54 to increase the rotational torque of the main body portion 30 relative to the pedal shaft 14 . By reducing the gap between the first projection 48 and the second projection 54 in the axial direction relative to the central axis CA, it is possible to obtain a light rotation of the pedal body 16 with small axial movement relative to the pedal shaft. Bicycle Pedals. In the bicycle pedal 12 according to this embodiment, the gap between the first projecting portion 48 and the second projecting portion 54 in the axial direction with respect to the central axis CA can be adjusted intermittently by 0.125 mm.

At least one tread portion 34 is configured to attach to the main body portion 30 once the bicycle pedal 12 is adjusted to the desired configuration. The at least one tread portion 34 is also configured to enable a variety of configurations for the bicycle pedal 12 . As seen in FIGS. 10 and 11 , the at least one tread portion 34 has a recess 62 whose inner surface 64 at least partially cooperates with the non-cylindrical outer surface 60b of the end cap 60 . As shown, the at least one tread portion 34 includes: a first tread portion 34A having a first inner surface 64A that mates with the non-cylindrical outer surface 60b of the end cap 60; Second tread portion 34B, second inner surface 64B cooperates with non-cylindrical outer surface 60b of end cap 60 . Thus, as long as the end cap 60 is rotated to the position shown in FIG. 10, the first inner surface 64A and the second inner surface 64B engage the non-cylindrical outer surface 60b on opposite sides of the non-cylindrical outer surface 60b. The tread portion 34 thus facilitates controlled intermittent adjustment of the end cap 60 . Here, the non-cylindrical outer surface 60b of the end cap 60 is shown as having a decagonal shape. However, the non-cylindrical outer surface 60b of the end cap 60 may have other non-cylindrical shapes. The pitch of the thread 60a is 1mm. When the non-cylindrical outer surface 60b of the end cap 60 has an octagonal shape, the intermittent axial movement distance of the end cap 60 is, for example, 0.125 mm for a 45° rotation of the end cap 60 .

12 and 13 further illustrate the attachment of tread portion 34 to body portion 30 . As shown, tread portion 34 is attached to body portion 30 by at least one fastener 36 . Here, the first tread portion 34A is attached to the first side 30f of the main body portion 30 by at least some of the plurality of fasteners 36 . Likewise, the second tread portion 34B is attached to the second side 30g of the main body portion 30 by at least some of the plurality of fasteners 36 . The fastener 36 is configured to travel through a through hole 66 in the tread portion 34 and to thread into a securing hole 66 of the body portion 30 . The tread portion 34 may be detachably attached to the main body portion 30 by inserting a fastener 36 through each through hole 66 and into each fixing hole 66 . When installed, the first tread portion 34A fills the second gap 33 and covers the end cap 60 on the first side 30f of the main body portion 30 . Likewise, the second tread portion 34B fills the second gap 33 and covers the end cap 60 on the second side 30 g of the main body portion 30 . Therefore, the end cap 60 cannot be adjusted with the tread portion installed. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the tread portion 34 does not cover the central portion 30a of the main body portion 30, thereby enabling the pedal body 16 to be formed as thin as possible with sufficient room in the central portion 30a to receive the pedal shaft 14.

Once the bicycle pedal 12 is configured as desired, the bicycle pedal 12 is configured to attach to the bicycle crank 18 and operate under no-load conditions or under load. 5 and 6 illustrate the no-load condition in which the rider is not pressing down on the pedal body 16 . Here, the holding portion 38 is located at a position corresponding to the middle portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 along the central axis CA. More specifically, the pedal shaft receiving aperture 40a encircles the middle portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 along the central axis CA. In this configuration, the retaining portion 38 is configured to receive a load from the intermediate portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 when a load is applied. The retaining portion 38 is configured to receive a load when the rider presses down on the pedal body 16 . In this case, the retaining part 38 is at least partially spaced from the central part 24 under the unloaded condition. More specifically, the inner surface of the pedal shaft receiving aperture 40a of the retaining portion 38 is at least partially spaced from the intermediate portion 24 in the unloaded condition. The retaining portion 38 is at least partially spaced a distance D4 from the intermediate portion 24 under unloaded conditions. For example, distance D4 may range from 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm. More suitably, the distance D4 may range from 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm. The distance D4 is taken in a direction perpendicular to the central axis CA. The distance D4 may also exist under a predetermined load condition in which the load applied to the pedal body 16 does not exceed a predetermined value. The first and second portions support the pedal body 16 on the bicycle crank 18 when the distance D4 exists under predetermined loading conditions. The first portion is located at the first end 20 of the pedal shaft 14 . The second portion is located within the pedal shaft receiving bore 31 near the second end 22 on the pedal shaft 14 . The predetermined load is a load in the case where the holding portion 38 is not in contact with the intermediate portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 . For a predetermined load, the first part receives a greater load than the second part.

FIG. 9 shows the load applied to the pedal body 16 by the rider. Here, the bicycle pedal 12 is used in a first configuration corresponding to FIG. 5 . The retaining portion 38 contacts the intermediate portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 when a rider applies a load to the pedal body 16 . More specifically, the holding portion 38 contacts the pedal shaft 14 at a position L1 between the first protrusion 26 and the second protrusion 27 . At position L1 , the retaining portion 38 at the inner surface of the pedal shaft receiving aperture 40 a contacts the intermediate portion 24 when the rider applies a load to the pedal main body 16 . In doing so, the retaining portion 38 absorbs at least a portion of the force applied to the pedal body 16 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis CA of the pedal shaft 14 . For example, the direction perpendicular to the central axis CA is the downward direction as in FIG. 9 , and the force may be generated by the rider stepping on the pedal body 16 . For example, the force may be greater than the pedaling force exerted by a rider sitting on the saddle. For example, the force may be the pedaling force exerted by a cyclist standing from the saddle. The pedaling force exerted by the rider sitting on the saddle may be less than a predetermined value under predetermined load conditions. That is, the pedal shaft 14 is configured to contact the holding portion 38 when the force exceeds a predetermined value while the rider is riding. The predetermined value is a force value greater than a certain value that occurs in a situation where a cyclist is riding. For example, the contact at position L1 is caused due to the exposed portion 28 of the pedal shaft 14 being slightly bent in the exposure hole 40f under the force from the rider. Thus, by exposing the exposed portion 28 as discussed herein, and by aligning the intermediate portion 24 with the inner surface of the pedal shaft receiving aperture 40a as shown, the load from the rider is distributed to the retaining portion 38 . A strong force exerted by the cyclist occurs, for example, when a strong force is applied from the outside of the bicycle. A large force applied from the outside of the bicycle is, for example, an impact force generated when the bicycle ascends and descends stairs.

At least one of the retaining portion 38 and the intermediate portion 24 may include a resin material since the retaining portion 38 and the intermediate portion 24 are in contact with each other during loading conditions. The resin material may be nylon or POM, for example. Here, the holding part piece 38 is made of a resin material. The resin material is advantageous because it is less prone to wear due to contact with the pedal shaft 14, which is usually made of a metal material such as carbon steel or chrome molybdenum steel. Here, the support portion 42 includes a metal material. The metallic material of the support portion 42 may increase the stiffness and strength of the retaining portion 38 and hold the retaining portion 40 in place when in contact with the intermediate portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 .

The bicycle pedal 12 is configured to retain the pedal body 16 and the bicycle crank 18 together even if the pedal shaft 14 breaks during use. More specifically, the retaining portion 38 is configured to retain the main body portion 30 and the bicycle crank 18 together even if the pedal shaft 14 breaks during use. Even if the pedal shaft 14 breaks in the maximum load region, the holding section 40b of the holding portion 40 remains inside the first protrusion 26 with respect to the bicycle crank arm 18 in the axial direction of the central axis CA, so that the pedal main body 16 does not Dropped from the bike crank 18. This is because the first protrusion 26 at least partially overlaps the holding section 40b when viewed in the axial direction. The holding section 40b of the holding portion 40 also remains outside the second protrusion 27 relative to the bicycle crank arm 18 in the axial direction of the central axis CA so that the pedal body 16 is not separated from the intermediate portion 24 of the pedal shaft 14 . In other words, the holding section 40b of the holding portion 40 remains between the first protrusion 26 and the second protrusion 27 in the axial direction of the central axis CA. Here, it is assumed that the pedal shaft 14 is damaged at the exposed portion 28 . This is because the greatest stress is applied to the exposed portion 28 in the case where the bicycle axle 14 is bent.

Referring now to FIG. 19 , a bicycle pedal 112 according to a second embodiment will be explained. In view of the similarity between the first and second embodiments, parts of the second embodiment that are identical to parts of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as parts of the first embodiment. Also, descriptions of parts of the second embodiment that are the same as parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity.

The main difference between the bicycle pedal 112 of FIG. 19 and the bicycle pedal 12 of FIGS. 1-18 is that the bicycle pedal 112 uses an alternative end cap 160 having a cylindrical outer surface rather than a polygonal outer surface. However, the end cap 160 is still configured to accommodate the pedal shaft 14 and the first protrusion 48 as described above. Since the end cap 160 has a cylindrical outer surface rather than a polygonal outer surface, the first tread portion 134A and the second tread portion 134B of the bicycle pedal 112 do not require recesses that mate with the polygonal outer surface. Without employing the polygonal positioning structure of the end cap 160, the end cap 160 may be fixed to the second opening 31b with an adhesive. The bicycle pedal 112 also includes a first fastener 136A and a second fastener 136B that are configured differently than the bicycle pedal 12 . In light of this disclosure, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any of the features of the bicycle pedal 112 may be added to the bicycle pedal 12 of the first embodiment, and vice versa.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives used herein are intended to be open-ended terms which specify the presence of stated features, elements, parts, groups, integers and/or steps, but do not exclude There are other unstated characteristics, elements, parts, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the terms "comprising", "having" and their derivatives. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the terms "part", "section", "portion", "member" or "element" may also have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts when used in the singular.

As used herein, the following directional terms "frame-facing side", "non-frame-facing side", "forward", "backward", "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "above ", "below", "up", "down", "top", "bottom", "side", "vertical", "horizontal", "vertical" and "landscape" and any other similar directionality The terms refer to those orientations in the field of human-powered vehicles (eg, bicycles) in an upright riding position and equipped with bicycle pedals. Accordingly, these directional terms used to describe bicycle pedals should be interpreted relative to the field of human-powered vehicles (eg, bicycles) equipped with bicycle pedals in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface. The terms "left" and "right" are used to mean "right" when referring to the right side when viewed from behind the human-powered vehicular domain (e.g., a bicycle), and to mean "right" when viewed from the rear of the human-powered vehicular domain (e.g., a bicycle). When referring to the left side, it means "left".

The phrase "at least one" as used in this disclosure means "one or more" of a desired selection. For one example, the phrase "at least one" is used in this disclosure to mean "only a single option" or "both of the two options" if the number of options is two. For another example, the phrase "at least one" as used in this disclosure means "only a single selection" or "any combination of two selections or more" if the number of its selections is equal to or greater than three.

Also, it should be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components. Thus, for example, a first element discussed above could be termed a second element and vice versa without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

As used herein, the term "attached" or "attached" encompasses configurations in which an element is directly fixed to another element by directly attaching the element to the other element; to one or more intermediate elements which are in turn attached to another element and indirectly fixed to the other element; part of another element. This definition also applies to words of similar import, such as "join", "connect", "connect", "mount", "join", "fix" and their derivatives. Finally, terms of degree such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean an amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims, in Various changes and modifications can be made here. For example, unless specifically stated otherwise, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components may be changed as needed and/or desired so long as the changes do not substantially affect their intended function. Unless specifically stated otherwise, components shown directly connected or contacting each other may have intermediate structures disposed therebetween so long as the changes do not substantially affect their intended function. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the functions of one element may be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. Not all advantages necessarily occur in a particular embodiment at the same time. Each feature which is unique with respect to the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, is also to be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant, including structural and/or functional concepts embodied by one or more of such features . Accordingly, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (7)

1. A bicycle pedal comprising:

a pedal shaft having a first end, a second end, a middle portion, and a first protrusion extending radially outward relative to a central axis of the pedal shaft, the first protrusion being located between the first end and the second end; and

a pedal body rotatably supported by a pedal shaft about a central axis, the pedal body comprising: a body portion defining a pedal axle receiving bore that receives a second end of a pedal axle; and a retaining portion defining a pedal shaft receiving aperture that receives an intermediate portion of the pedal shaft at a position outside the pedal shaft receiving hole;

the first projection extends radially outwardly with respect to the central axis to at least partially overlap with the retaining portion of the retaining portion when viewed in the axial direction of the pedal shaft.

2. The bicycle pedal of claim 1, wherein

The retaining portion of the retaining portion includes a retaining section defining a pedal shaft receiving aperture, an

The retaining section at least partially overlaps the first projection when viewed in the axial direction of the pedal shaft.

3. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein

The retaining portion includes at least one slit arranged to provide radial expansion of the retaining portion to be mounted on the pedal shaft.

4. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein

The holding portion includes a first side and a second side, and

the first side is separated from the second side to position the pedal shaft receiving aperture about a middle portion of the pedal shaft.

5. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein

The pedal shaft has a second projection extending radially outwardly relative to the central axis,

the pedal shaft receiving aperture of the retaining portion is positioned about a middle portion of the pedal shaft, and

the intermediate portion is located between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

6. The bicycle pedal of claim 5, wherein

The second projection extends radially outwardly with respect to the center axis to at least partially overlap with the retaining portion of the retaining portion, as viewed in the axial direction of the pedal shaft.

7. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein

The holding portion includes a support portion that is configured to be coupled to the frame,

the retaining portion includes the pedal shaft receiving aperture, and

the support attaches the retention portion to the body portion.

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