Patent Application
20110203408
The present invention relates generally to pedals and pedal mounting structures. More particularly, the present invention relates to a pedal mounting structure and system that is adapted to quickly release and attach pedals to a bike or other vehicle.
Historically, bicycles (or bikes) have provided a very flexible and inexpensive form of transportation and recreation. In fact, in recent years, bike sales have reached into the millions and are being widely used by many owners.
Bikes are thus often transported to various recreation or other locations. Many devices and systems have thus been designed to mount a bike to a vehicle to transport the bike. Such mounting equipment is often located at the rear or top of the vehicle.
Similarly, many devices have been designed to easily store the bike while not in use. These devices have provided means for mounting bikes on garage walls, or hang from garage ceilings, or on balconies, to name a few.
Additionally, because of the bike's versatility, bikes are often found being shipped to various recreation or other locations (e.g., for use during a vacation or business trip) and transported through hallways, elevators, and offices.
In all the above actions associated with a bike, there is one common problem. Bike pedals are often in the way and are relatively difficult to remove.
For example, when mounting a bike on a vehicle, the pedals can, and in many instances will, often scratch the vehicle, or strike the person mounting the bike. When storing bikes in garages, the pedals make storing the bikes close together difficult.
Further, when shipping a bike, the pedals often create problems placing the bike in a shipping container. When transporting bikes down hallways, the pedals often hit the legs of the person moving the bike.
Various retractile (or retractable) pedal systems have thus been designed to facilitate storing, shipping and transporting a bike. However, all of the systems possess serious disadvantages and drawbacks. A major drawback associated with retractable pedal systems is that most known systems require locking or tightening of the pedals upon folding or swiveling about an axis; in the operative and/or non-use position of the pedals. Both actions do, however, involve special and tiresome conversion operations to change the pedals from one position to the other.
A further drawback associated with retractable pedal systems is that several systems only provide partial retraction of the pedals, whereby a portion of each pedal remains projecting outwardly at right angles from the crank.
Thus, to facilitate storing, shipping and transporting of a bike, and/or mounting a bike on a vehicle, the pedals are often removed. However, removal of conventional pedals (having threaded mounting structures) typically requires special tools and time consuming operations. Removal of pedals to facilitate storing, shipping and transporting of a bike, and/or mounting a bike on a vehicle is thus often deemed inconvenient and undesirable from a practical standpoint.
Removal (and replacement) of pedals is also deemed highly inconvenient and undesirable for avid or competitive riders where quick substitution or replacement of pedals is often required (e.g. during a race) or desired (e.g. changing from racing pedals to riding pedals). Further, to substitute or replace conventional pedals at a recreation or other location, or during a ride or race, the special tools must be carried by the bike owner (or rider).
Various systems and means for rapidly removing pedals have thus been proposed. Illustrative is the pedal mounting structure disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,387.
Referring to
As also illustrated in
As illustrated in
According to the invention, to release or disengage the connect coupling 14 (and, hence, pedal 10 connected thereto), the slide sleeve 15 is manually pulled back along the connector plug axis in the direction of the pedal 10, whereby internal springs contract. The ball bearings are then free to float within the coupling interior casing and the connector plug 12 can then be released or reconnected. When the slide sleeve 15 is released, spring tension forces the slide sleeve 15 forward along the connector plug axis to a retainer ring and the ball bearings are locked in position in the connector plug locking indent.
A major disadvantage and drawback of the noted pedal mounting structure, as well as most known pedal mounting and/or release structures, is that the structures comprise multiple complex components and assemblies. The structures are also generally expensive to manufacture.
A further disadvantage and drawback of most known pedal mounting and/or release structures is that the structure components are typically disposed on (and extend outwardly from) the outward facing side of the crank or crank arm. As a result, the structure produces a wider pedal stance and, hence, enhanced cantilever forces proximate the pedal-crank interface. Further, the structure can, and in many instances will, interfere with normal bike operation.
It would therefore be desirable to provide a pedal mounting structure and system that facilitates quick removal and replacement of pedals, requires minimal components for effective operation, does not increase the pedal stance, does not interfere with normal bike (or other apparatus) operation, can readily accommodate a multitude of pedals, requires minimal tools to remove and replace pedals, and is aesthetically clean.
The present invention provides a pedal mounting structure and system that facilitates quick removal and replacement of pedals, requires minimal components for effective operation, does not increase the pedal stance, does not interfere with normal bike (or other apparatus) operation, and can readily accommodate a multitude of pedals.
The present invention also provides a pedal mounting structure and system that is adapted to quickly release and attach a multitude of “conventional” pedals to a bike crank with minimal, if any, tools. In one embodiment of the invention, the system generally includes a crank arm and an arm insert that is adapted to threadably engage a pedal. In a preferred embodiment, the crank arm includes a moveable retention clip that is configured to releasably secure the arm insert (and, hence, pedal engaged thereto) in the crank arm receiving hole, and a retention ball assembly that is configured and positioned to releasably secure the retention clip in a pedal locking position.
As set forth in detail herein, release of a pedal from a crank (and, hence, bike) merely requires “manually” moving a retention clip to a pedal release position and sliding the arm insert (and, hence, pedal engaged thereto) out of the crank arm hole. Attachment of a pedal merely requires attaching the arm insert on the pedal axle, sliding the arm insert (and, hence, pedal engaged thereto) into the crank arm hole, and “manually” moving the retention clip to a pedal locking position.
As will readily be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, the present invention provides numerous advantages over conventional pedal mounting structures, as well as all known manually releasable pedal systems. Among the advantages are the following:
Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following and more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and in which like referenced characters generally refer to the same parts or elements throughout the views, and in which:
Before describing the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particularly exemplified apparatus, systems, structures or methods as such may, of course, vary. Thus, although a number of structures, systems and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the present invention, the preferred structures, systems and methods are described herein.
It is also to be understood that, although the pedal mounting structures and systems of the invention are illustrated and described in connection with a conventional road bike, the pedal mounting structures and systems of the invention are not limited to a road bike. According to the invention, the pedal mounting structures and systems of the invention can be employed on any vehicle or apparatus having one or more pedals, including single and multi-wheeled vehicles that are manually powered or powered by a power source that is adapted to convert any of various forms of energy into mechanical force and motion, including, but not limited to, unicycles, road bikes, racing bikes, mountain bikes, electric bikes, and mopeds.
It is further to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the invention only and is not intended to be limiting.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains.
Finally, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a fitting” includes two or more such fittings and the like.
The terms “bike” and “bicycle” are used interchangeably herein and mean and include any single or multi-wheeled vehicle that is manually powered or powered by a motor or engine, including, but not limited to, unicycles, road bikes, racing bikes, mountain bikes, electric bikes, and mopeds. The noted terms also include stationary apparatus, such as an exercise bike.
The following disclosure is provided to further explain, in an enabling fashion, the best modes of practicing one or more embodiments of the present invention. The disclosure is further offered to enhance the understanding of and appreciation for the inventive principles and advantages thereof, rather than to limit the invention in any manner. The invention is thus defined solely by the appended claims, including any amendments made during the pendency of this application, and all equivalents of those claims, as issued.
As will readily be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, the present invention substantially reduces or eliminates the disadvantages and drawbacks associated with conventional systems and methods for attaching the pedals to a bike or other vehicle (e.g., moped) or apparatus (e.g., exercise bike).
As discussed in detail below, the pedal mounting structures and systems of the invention provide a rapid and effective means for removing, attaching and replacing virtually all desired pedals (having a threaded axle) and, hence, pedal configurations to virtually all styles and sizes of bikes, and other vehicles and apparatus. Thus, although the pedal mounting structures and systems of the invention are illustrated and described in connection with a conventional road bike, it is again emphasized that the pedal mounting structures and systems of the invention are not limited to a road bike. Indeed, as stated above, the pedal mounting structures and systems of the invention can be employed on any vehicle or apparatus having one or more pedals, including single and multi-wheeled vehicles that are manually powered or powered by a power source that is adapted to convert any of various forms of energy into mechanical force and motion, including, but not limited to, unicycles, road bikes, racing bikes, mountain bikes, electric bikes, and mopeds.
Referring now to
The drive unit 30 that generally includes a front crankset 32, rear gear cassette unit 34, a chain 36, a front derailleur 37a, and a rear derailleur 37b. The front crankset 32 is typically operatively mounted on the bottom bracket 40 of the bike 20. The rear gear cassette unit 34 is mounted in a non-rotatable manner to the free hub of the rear wheel 28. The chain 36 is operatively connected to the front crankset 32 and the rear gear cassette unit 34 so as to span therebetween.
As illustrated in
Referring now to
Each end portion 54a, 54b further includes an internal threaded engagement region 56 that is adapted to receive a fixed bolt (e.g., crank bolt) to secure the crank 42 and crank arms 44, 46 thereto.
As indicated, a major problem associated with the noted conventional pedals and threaded mounting structures is that removal and/or replacement of the pedals require special tools (which must often be carried) and time consuming operations to effectuate removal and/or replacement of the pedals. The present invention eliminates this problem by providing pedal mounting structures (and systems) that facilitate rapid release, removal, and attachment of a multitude of desired pedal configurations to a vehicle; particularly, a bike.
According to the invention, the pedal mounting structures (and systems) of the invention can be employed with virtually any conventional vehicle pedal mounting or support structures or arms. In one embodiment of the invention, wherein the vehicle comprises a bicycle, the pedal support structure thus comprises a crank arm.
Referring now to
As set forth in detail herein, release of a pedal (with an engaged arm insert of the invention) merely requires moving the retention clip to a pedal release position and sliding the arm insert (and, hence, pedal engaged thereto) out of the crank arm hole. Attachment of the same pedal merely requires sliding the arm insert (and pedal engaged thereto) into the crank arm hole, and moving the retention clip to a pedal locking position. Attachment of a substitute or replacement pedal merely requires attaching an arm insert on the pedal axle, sliding the arm insert (and pedal engaged thereto) into the crank arm hole, and moving the retention clip to a pedal locking position.
Referring first to
The bottom bracket engagement end 64 of the crank arm 60 also includes a raised region 66 (having a plurality of teeth) disposed proximate the crank axle receiving (square shaped) hole 65, which is configured and adapted to slideably engage a correspondingly shaped arm engagement region on the crank 42. As will readily be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the illustrated crank arm 60 with the raised region 66 is a unique Doug White Industries, Inc. crank arm.
Since the second (or left) crank arm includes a similar pedal engagement end 62 and the structure and axle engagement means are well known in the art, in the interest of brevity and minimization of any risk of obscuring the features and concepts of the invention, the crank mounting structures (and systems) of the invention will be illustrated and described in connection with only one crank arm, i.e. crank arm 60.
Referring now to
In some embodiments (i.e. an option), the insert seat 63 includes means for abating rotation of the arm insert 91 when seated therein. As will readily be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, various means can be employed (or incorporated in the seat 63) to abate rotation of the arm insert 91.
In some embodiments of the invention (discussed in detail below), the rotation abatement means comprises a plurality of raised projections (or teeth) that are adapted to cooperate with a correspondingly similar shaped region on a crank arm (see
In embodiment illustrated in
According to the invention, the insert stop 94 includes a correspondingly similar shape as the insert seat 63 (with the rotation stops), whereby when the arm insert 91 is operatively positioned in seat 63 the flat regions 69 of stops 67 mate with the correspondingly similar shaped regions 96 on the insert stop 94 (see
Referring back to
It is further important to note that the pedal mounting structures and systems of the invention have minimal, if any, effect on the original pedal stance. Indeed, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pedal mounting structures and systems of the invention do not increase the pedal stance.
As will thus be readily apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art, the pedal mounting structures and systems of the invention will not increase the cantilever forces that are typically realized at the pedal-crank arm interface.
As illustrated in
Referring to FIGS. 6 and 8-9, the retention clip 72 preferably comprises a substantially planar structure having an engagement end 74 and a retention ball receiving hole 76 that is configured and positioned to partially receive the retention ball 82 therein when (as discussed in detail below) the retention clip 72 is in a pedal engagement or locked position.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
Referring now to
As will readily be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, the retention ball assembly 80 described above is but one means that can be employed to releasably secure the retention clip 72 in a locking position. Indeed, various other conventional means, such a pin assembly, can be employed within the scope of the invention to releasably secure the retention clip 72 in a locking position.
Referring now to
Referring to
Operation of the illustrated pedal mounting system described above will now be described in detail. It should be noted that the pedal release and attachment operations described below require minimal, if any, special tools.
Referring first to
Referring now to
Referring to
Attachment of a replacement or substitute pedal merely requires placing an arm insert 91 on the axle of the replacement or substitute pedal, as illustrated in
Referring now to
Referring first to
As illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, the rotation abatement region includes at least one, preferably, a plurality of raised projections (or teeth) 106 that project inwardly toward the axle hole 101. In a preferred embodiment, the raised projections 106 have a correspondingly similar shape as the raised projections (or teeth) 132 of the arm insert 130 to facilitate cooperation therewith.
In some envisioned embodiments of the invention (not shown), the insert seat 104 further includes an o-ring seat proximate the base of the insert seat 104 that is adapted to receive and seat an o-ring therein. In this embodiment, the arm insert 130 would also include an o-ring seat proximate the base 131 of the arm insert 130 that would similarly be adapted to receive the o-ring, whereby upon operational engagement of the arm insert 130 to the crank arm 100, the o-ring would be seated in the crank arm and arm insert o-ring seats to provide motion and sound dampening.
Referring now to
Referring to
As illustrated in
As further illustrated in
One having ordinary skill in the art will thus readily appreciate that the pedal mounting structures (and systems) of the invention provide numerous advantages over conventional pedals and mounting means therefore, as well as all know manually releasable pedal systems. Among the advantages are the following:
Without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention, one of ordinary skill can make various changes and modifications to the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions. As such, these changes and modifications are properly, equitably, and intended to be, within the full range of equivalence of any issued claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/338,821, filed Feb. 23, 2010.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61338821 | Feb 2010 | US |
