FR2811632A1 - Cycle pedal comprises clamp supported on instep with adjusting screw in bottom part, clamp articulated on movable plate and spring in pedal body pushes piston in hollow cam located behind plate - Google Patents

Abstract

The pedal comprises a rigid clamp (61), with a flexible pad in its upper part, which is supported on the instep. The clamp bottom part has an adjusting screw (62) for its opening and the clamp is articulated on a movable plate (63). The plate spindle (66) is free to rotate and translate inside a slot (65) in the pedal body (64). A spring (68) housed in the body pushes a piston (67) into a hollow cam located behind the plate. A stop plate (71), articulated on the movable plate, is controlled in its upward movement by a finger (73) in contact with a cam (74) carried by the body. To fix the shoe in the pedal the foot is engaged against the clamp and is pushed forward. The plate moves to the left and the projecting part (75) is pushed upwards. To release the shoe the foot is turned to the left or right.

Description

l 2811632 The invention relates to an automatic pedal system of

  cycle whose particularity is to operate with non-cycle specific shoes, without wedges

  attached to the shoe which cooperates with the pedal retaining means.

  This pedal is designed to be used on road bikes and mountain bikes by the greatest number of people, competition is not the priority. Several means are known for making a shoe and a cycle pedal interdependent: - The traditional toe clip which is fitted to most bikes. It has the advantage of being able to ride on most pedals on the market, being lightweight and inexpensive. Its drawback is manual intervention for blocking the engagement of the shoe and its release. For good support, the cycling shoe must be fitted with a locking bar. Most cyclists do not tighten the toe strap to

  being able to release the foot quickly, which affects the connection of the shoe to the pedal.

  - The semi-automatic toe clip. It is a system that automatically releases the foot from the outside. It requires a manual intervention for the engagement of the shoe on the pedal and in the release it is necessary to overcome the friction given by! Cs notches located on the pedacle if the toe clip is scrubbed - The automatic pedal with integral toe clip used in the practice of triathlon. It is a system where the pedal surrounds the shoe. This is taken between a traditional toe clip on the front and a collar on the back of the heel. The engagement is automatic, the release takes place by cffaccmcnt dc the rear part after a rotation of the foot outwards. This pedal is very bulky, complex. It is reserved for competition. - The modern automatic pedal used on road bikes and mountain bikes. Its operation is very well developed. The major drawback is that cllec can only be used with specific shoes fitted with wedges. To the purchase price of a pair of pedals, add that of a pair of shoes. Cycling shoes are uncomfortable for walking. It is impossible to use automatic pedals with normal shoes, the foot being in an unstable position on the

  gripping members of the pedal.

  The object of the present invention is to obtain a connection system between a pedal and a non-specific sports shoe, without the use of a bar or wedge attached to the shoe, with automatic engagement and release by rotation of the foot inwards. or outside, whose purpose is not the use in competition but the provision of the greatest number of cyclists, mechanical operation and

  simple to use and low cost.

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  The object of the invention is an illustrated universal automatic cycle pedal

  by four nonlimiting embodiments.

  - Figure 1 shows a side view of the pedal, in section along the line AA of Figure 3, the shoe being engaged, according to a first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 represents a front view of the lower part of the pedal, in section

  along the line BB in FIG. 1, according to a first embodiment.

  FIG. 3 represents a top view of the pedal according to a first embodiment. FIG. 4 represents a top view of the pedal during engagement or

  shoe release according to a first embodiment of the invention.

  FIG. 5 represents a rear half-view of the pedal in section along the line

CC of figure 1.

  FIG. 6 represents a front view of the upper part of the flange in section

along line DD in Figure 1.

  - Figure 7 shows a side view of the pedal, in section along the line EE of Figure 9, the shoe being engaged, according to a second embodiment of the invention. FIG. 8 represents a front view of the lower part of the pedal, in section

  along the line FF of FIG. 7, according to a second embodiment.

  FIG. 9 represents a top view of the pedal according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 represents a top view of the pedal, during engagement

  or shoe release, according to a second embodiment of the invention.

  FIG. 11 represents a section of the lower part of the pedal along the line

GG of figure 9.

  FIG. 12 represents a side view of the pedal in the disengaged position, in section along the line HH in FIG. 13, according to a third embodiment of the invention. -Figurc 13 represents an uncover from above the pedal, in the disengaged position,

  according to a third embodiment.

  FIG. 14 represents a side view of the pedal, the shoe being in engagement, in section along the line JJ of FIG. 15, according to a third embodiment of the invention. FIG. I5 represents a bottom view of the pedal, the shoe being in

  taken, according to a third embodiment.

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  FIG. 16 represents a side view of the pedal, in the disengaged position, in section along the line KK of FIG. 17, according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. FIG. 17 represents a top view of the pedal, in the disengaged position, according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 18 represents a side view of the pedal, the shoe being engaged,

  in section along line LL of Figure 19, according to a fourth embodiment.

  FIG. 19 represents a top view of the pedal, the shoe being in

  taken, according to a fourth embodiment.

  FIG. 20 represents a half front view of the lower part of the pedal, in

  section along line MM in Figure 18.

  FIG. 21 represents a top view of the pedal during the release of

  the shoe, according to a third embodiment of the invention.

  FIG. 22 represents a top view of the pedal being released from

  the shoe, according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

  FIG. 23 represents a front view of a length adjustment system of the

  rubber buffer on the articulated flange, cut along the line OO in Figure 24.

  FIG. 24 represents a side view of a system for adjusting the length of the

  rubber pad on the articulated flange, in section NN according to figure 25.

  FIG. 25 represents a top view of a length adjustment system of a

  rubber stamp on the articulated flange.

  FIG. 26 represents a side view of a movable pedal plate, in section

  along line PP in Figure 27.

  FIG. 27 represents a top view of a movable pedal stage according to

the invcntion.

  Figures 1 to 6 describe a first embodiment of the invention.

  A pedal body 1 receives a pedal axle system 2 connected to the pedal axle.

  This body i is traversed in its thickness by a bore 3 located in front of the pedal axis 2. A movable plate 4 has, on the longitudinal axis of the pedal, at its lower end, a pin 5 of the diameter of l 'bore 3. This pin 5 is pierced at its lower part with a thread 6 along its longitudinal axis and it is milled with a flat 7, perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, located at half its height, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pedal and placed on the outside of the pedal relative to the longitudinal axis of the pedal. The movable plate 4 is pierced in its front part, which is narrower than that which is in contact with the top of the pedal body 1, with a transverse hole 8. A flange 9 in the shape of a V when viewed from the side, made of rigid plastic, is

4 2811632

  provided at its upper part with a cradle 10 on which is fixed a pad 1 i1 made of flexible rubber, and at its lower part with a thread 12. The flange 9, when viewed from the front, has a recess 13 rectangular in shape, the width of which is that of the front part of the movable plate 4. A hole 14 of the same diameter as the hole 8 passes through the flange 9 in the middle of its front section. The flange 9 is mounted on the front of the plate 4 by the recess 13. The plate 4 and the flange 9 are connected by an axis 15. Two torsion springs 16, located in cavities on each side of the front of the plate 4, the branches of which bear on the plate 4 and the flange 9, permanently urge the latter upwards. A screw 17 with a domed head 18 is mounted in the internal thread 12 of the flange 9. This screw has a first function of adjusting the opening of the flange 9 to adapt it to the size of the shoe 85, for a small shoe it is necessary to screw what makes the flange 9 tilt down, and a second function for controlling the opening and closing of the flange 9 on the shoe by means of its domed head 18 in contact with the integral cam of the pedal body 1. The movable plate 4 is mounted by its journal 5 on the pedal body 1. A washer 19 and a screw 20 provide the connection, free in rotation, between the pedal body 1 and the movable platen 4. A piston 21 mounted in a bore 22 of the body i is pushed by a spring 23 against the flat 7 of the journal 5. A threaded plug 24 secured to the body 1 ensures the adjustment of the return torque of the movable plate 4 relative to the body 1 This elastic system allows the alignment of the plate 4 relative to the longitudinal axis of the pedal, it brings back the plate 4 in the axis of the pedal after a release, gives the possibility of varying the release torque and provides a damping function for lateral impacts. The plate 4 is hollowed out on each side in its widest part with a recess 25 of rectangular section. In this recess is mounted an L-shaped ear 26. These two ears are adjustable in spacing by sliding, so as to be at the width of the sole of the shoe, and are held in position by two screws 27 integral with the plate 4 Pins 28 mounted in the plate 4 are intended to penetrate the sole of the shoe, under the action of the strap 9, to ensure a good connection between the shoe and the plate 4. The rear part of the pedal body 1 has a slope 29, which is about 30 relative to the vertical, dcstinéc to facilitate misc cn placc dc pedal when dc the cngagcmcnt dc shoe on the pedal. On the front part of the pedal body 1 is the cam

  control 30 of the movements of the strap 9 to tighten or release the shoe.

  For a good functioning of the pedal, adjust by the screw 17 the opening of the bridc 9 with respect to the plane of the plate 4 and the gap between the orcs 26, using screws 27, to the dimensions of the shoe. If necessary, adjust the torque of the

plate 4 by screw 24.

2811632

  The elastic system housed in the body I always brings back the plate 4 in the axis of the pedal as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3. For the fitting of the shoe, introduce the front of it into the space created between the flange 9 and the plate 4, turn the foot to the right or to the left by leaning against the ears 26 by the sole of the shoe to rotate the plate 4. The flange 9 switches to the front when the head rounded 18 of the screw i7 leaves the flat part of the cam 30 secured to the body 1, after a rotation of about 10 of the plate 4. Push the shoe against the strap 9 and bring the plate 4 in the axis of the pedal by reverse rotation. The strap 9 closes on the shoe thanks to the action of

  slopes of the cam 30 on the flare 18 of the screw 17 which is found on the flat of the cam 30.

  The shoe held between the pad 11 of the flange 9, the ears 26 and the pins 28 of the plate 4 is immobilized on the pedal. To separate the shoe from the pedal turn the foot to the left or to the right, the strap 9 pivots again upwards and the shoe can

  easily get out of the pedal.

  The flange 9 being able to pivot downwards, against the springs 16, when the

  shoe is not engaged on the pedal is protected in the event of impact on its upper part.

  Figures 7 to 11 describe a second embodiment of the invention.

  The same as in the first embodiment: the general shape of the articulated flange 32 and of the movable plate 31. Their connection

  by a transverse axis and the return of the flange by torsion springs.

  maintaining the movable plate 31 on the pedal body 33 by a pin, a

washer and one screw.

  -the return system by a flat cam, a piston, a spring and a screw

torque adjustment.

-adjustable ears 34.

  The articulated flange 32 receives at its lower part a screw 35 which is supported, thanks to the torsion springs, against a boss 36 of the movable plate 31. This screw 35 makes it possible to adjust the opening of the flange 32 to adapt it to the size of the shoe. During the operation of the pedal, the screw 35 remains fixed relative to the boss 36. The plate 31 has an opening 37, in the shape of a trapezoid, plumb with its contact with the top of the pedal body 33. Ccttc opening 37 cst extended on the front of two brets 38 which end in two ribs 39, half the thickness of that of the plate 31 and of semi-cylindrical shape whose axis is located on the axis of the pin 40. The two ribs 39 serve as articulation axes to a stop plate 41 housed in the opening 37, the stop plate being nantic dc cuvcttcs 42 which cooperate with the ribs 39. The stop plate 41 thanks to the rear shape of the suspenders is hinged only down. It is mounted on the plate 31 before assembling it on the body 33. The plate 41

6 2811632

  comprises a stop 43 at its rear part, intended to penetrate into the sole of the shoe, and two pins 44 which are supported on cams 45 hollowed out in the body of

pedal 33.

  When the longitudinal axis of the plate 31 coincides with the axis of the pedal body 33, the pins 44 are on the tops of the cams 45 and the stop plate 41 is in the high position, the protruding stop 43. When the plate 31 pivots by about 10, to the right or to the left, the pins 44 leave their bearing on the tops of the cams 45 and the stop plate 41 can retract into the thickness of the plate 31 by releasing the shoe . The elastic system which acts on the pin 40, as in the first embodiment, brings back

  always the plate 31 in the axis of the pedal.

  The engagement, FIG. 10, of the shoe on the pedal takes place as in the first embodiment. First put the foot on the pedal, rotate the plate to retract the edge 43, push the foot against the flange 32 and bring the foot back

  in the axis. To release the shoe turn the foot right or left.

  Figures 12 to 15 and 21 describe a third embodiment of the invention. The flange 46 is articulated on the plate 58 by an axis and brought back by two torsion springs as is explained in the first two embodiments. At the upper part of the strap 46 is mounted, in a recess 47, a pad 48 articulated on an axis 49. Two screws 50 allow the pad 48 to be blocked on the strap 46 to adapt it to different shoes. The lower part of the flange 46 is terminated by a finger 51 which is in contact

  with a cam profile 59 carried by the pedal body 52.

  The pin 53 of the movable plate 58 is housed in a lumen 54 of the pedal body 52. The plate 58 and the integral flange 46 can thus move axially and in

  rotation on the body 52 within the limit of the light 54.

  At the rear of the body 52 are housed in a bore 55 a spring 56 and a piston with a semi-spherical head 57. The movable plate 58 has at its rear bottom part a dropped edge in which a cam profile 86 is hollowed out. shows it in Figures 12 and 13, the piston 57, pushed by the spring 56 separates the movable plate 58 from the pedal body 52. The finger 51 dc the bridc 46 which is integral dc the plate 58 rests on the partic bassc dc the

  cam 59 of body 52 and flange 46 is in the open position.

  To put the shoe in engagement it is necessary to engage the foot on the pedal, to push it on the front while taking support against the strap 46. The movable plate 58 moves axially on the left thanks to the lumierc 54, against the spring 56, finger key 51 rises on the cam 59 by the slope, the strap 46 closes on the shoe by pressing it against the

7 2811632

  plate 58 on the pins 60 and the finger 51 engages in the notch 61 of the cam 59,

  the assembly is immobilized, Figures 14 and 15.

  To release the foot from the pedal, rotate it to the right or to the left, figure 21. The finger 51 escapes from the cam 59, after a rotation of approximately 10 from the movable plate 58, and falls on a plane located at the level from the lower part of the cam, the strap 46 is released and the shoe can escape from the pedal. The elastic system returns the movable plate 58 to the rear position, in the axis of the pedal, ready to receive the shoe,

figure 12.

  Figures 16 to 19 and 22 describe a fourth embodiment of

the invention.

  This fourth embodiment combines the second and the third embodiment. The articulated strap 61 and provided at its lower part with an adjusting screw 62 of the opening of the strap to adapt it to the size of the shoe. This screw is supported on a boss of the movable plate 63. The pedal body 64 has a slot 65, as in the third embodiment, which allows the axial and angular displacement of the pin 66. A piston 67 pushed by a spring 68 in the hollow of the cam 69 of the plate 63 moves the latter away from the pedal body 64. As a result the movable plate 63 and the integral flange 61 are pushed to the right of the body 64, the system being in the standby position gripping shoe, Figures 16 and 17. The plate 63 is provided with a notch 70 in a trapezoid. In this notch is mounted a stop plate 71 which is articulated on the plate 63 by an axis 72. The stop plate 71 has at its lower rear part, located on the longitudinal axis, a finger 73 which bears on the bottom of a cam 74 when the

  shoe is not engaged. The cam 74 is cut in the thickness of the pedal body 64.

  On each side of the cam 74 are reserved spaces 75 intended to allow the escape of the finger 73, for the release of the boot, after a rotation of approximately

  of plate 63.

  To put the shoe in engagement with the pedal, FIGS. 18 and 19, it is necessary by pressing on the strap 61 to push the plate 63 on the front. The stop 75 of the plate 71 is forced on the top via the finger 73 and the cam 74 against the sole of the shoe. The finger 73 fell into the cavity 87 dc the camc 74, Figures 18 ct 19, the cnscmblc is immobilized. To release the shoe, the foot must be turned to the right or left by approximately 10, FIG. 22, the finger 73 falls into the space 75 and the shoe can be easily removed from the pedal. The system returns to position, figure i6, thanks to spring 68 which

  push piston 67 on camc 69 on plate 63.

  Figures 23 to 25 describe a system for adjusting the length of the flexible pad which presses on the instep of the shoe, relative to the articulated strap carried by the plate of the pedal. This system can intervene on the flanges of the modes of

achievements 1, 2, 4.

  The upper end of the flange 76 is provided with a light 77 and a recess 78. A cradle 79 on which a flexible rubber pad 80 is fixed is housed in the recess 78. The flange 76 and the cradle 79 are connected by a screw 81. To adjust the cradle 79 relative to the shoe, it is necessary to loosen the screw 81, move the

  cradle on flange 76 and tighten the screw.

  FIGS. 26 and 27 show a movable plate in which are tapped holes 83 at various locations on the surface of the plate. In these holes 83 can be screwed or removed from the pins 84, on request depending on the shape of the underside of the sole of the

  shoe to ensure good retention of the shoe on the plate 82.

  The four universal automatic cycle pedals described are very simple to operate. The majority of parts are plastic, the target market not being primarily competition. These pedals can be mounted on all types of bikes. The purchase of a pair of pedals does not entail the purchase of a pair of shoes

  specific, the potential for customers is very high.

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Claims (8)

  1) Univcrscllc automatic pedal dc cyclc usable with non specific shoes, not requiring the use of wedge or bar fixed to the sole, which ensure the connection between the shoe and the pedal, can be mounted on all types of bikes , characterized in that a rigid flange (9, 32, 46, 61) and a plate (4, 31, 58, 63) movable relative to a pedal body (1, 33, 52, 64), plate provided fixed (28, 60) or centered (41, 71) stop means and on which the rigid flange is articulated ensure the retention   and automatic shoe release.   2) Universal automatic cycle pedal according to claim 1, characterized in that the movements of the rigid articulated strap (9, 46), for the retention and release of the shoe are controlled by a contact (1 8, 51) of the flange on a cam   (30, 59) integral with the pedal body (1, 52).   3) Universal automatic cycle pedal according to claim 1, characterized in that the movements of the focused stop means (41,71) carried by the movable plate (31, 15 63), for retaining and releasing the shoe are controlled by a contact (44, 73)   stop means centered (41,71) on a cam (45, 74) integral with the pedal body (33, 63).   4) Universal automatic cycle pedal according to claims 1, 2, 3   characterized in that the retention, relative to the longitudinal axis of the pedal, and the return, after release of the boot, of the movable plate (4, 31) are ensured by a flat cam system (7) and piston (21) with spring (23) adjustable in load, housed inside the pedal body (1, 33) system positioned on the pin (5,40) of the movable plate.   ) Pedal. Universal. automatic cycle according to claims 1, 2, 3   characterized in that the retention, relative to the longitudinal axis of the pedal, and the return, after release of the boot, of the movable plate (58, 63) are ensured by a piston system (57, 67) pushed by a spring (56,68) housed inside the body of   pedal (52,64) against a hollow cam (69, 86) carried by the movable stage.   6) Universal automatic cycle pedal according to claims 1, 2, 3   characterized in that the rigid articulated flange (9, 32, 46, 61) is adjustable in opening for   adapt to shoe dimensions.   7) Universal automatic cycle pedal according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4   characterized in that the retention of the shoe on the pedal is ensured by two opposite rotating movements of the foot driving the movable plate (4, 31), 8) Univcrscllc automatic pedal pedal according to claims 1, 2, 3, 5 characterized in that the retention of the shoe on the pedal is ensured by a   movement of the rear foot forward driving the movable stage (58, 63). 2811632   9) Universal automatic cycle pedal according to claims 1, 2, 3 and 7   characterized in that the movable plate (4,31) has ears (26, 34) adjustable in width.   ) Universal automatic cycle pedal according to claims 1, 2, 3, 6, 7,   8 characterized in that the flexible pad (80) which presses on the instep of the shoe   is adjustable in position on the rigid articulated flange (76).   11) Universal automatic cycle pedal according to claim 1 characterized in that the fixed stop means (84) carried by the movable plate (82) are adjustable in   positioning (83) on this mobile stage.