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US 2003/0192399 A1Published application
Bicycle pedal adapter
AssigneeNone recorded
InventorTodd Milanowski
Life of this patent
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AssigneeNone recorded
InventorTodd Milanowski
Estimating the term…
A bicycle pedal adapter and bicycle pedal assembly is disclosed for use on a bicycle having a crank arm and a clipless bicycle pedal supported by the crank arm, wherein the pedal includes engagement structure engageable with a shoe having complementary structure for fixing the shoe to the pedal. In one embodiment, the bicycle pedal adapter includes a first portion engaging the clipless bicycle pedal and covering at least a portion of the engagement structure to eliminate the need for the shoe having the complementary structure. A second portion is coupled to the first portion. The clipless bicycle pedal is received in a cavity defined between the first and second portions. At least one engagement surface is formed on at least one of the first and second portions, wherein the at least one engagement surface is engageable with a shoe not having the complementary structure to pedal the bicycle.
A bicycle pedal assembly for use on a bicycle, said bicycle pedal assembly comprising:
The bicycle pedal assembly as in 8, in which said insert is designed to fit a particular brand of pedal.
A bicycle pedal adapter for use on a bicycle having a crank arm and a clipless bicycle pedal supported by the crank arm, wherein the pedal includes engagement structure engageable with a shoe having complementary structure for fixing the shoe to the pedal to pedal the bicycle, said bicycle pedal adapter comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.
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From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.
Backward citations are indexed for grants only.
Pedals: attachments between shoe and pedal other than toe clips, e.g. cleats
Construction of cranks operated by hand or foot: pedals
Cranks and pedals: pedals
Pedals: with toe or shoe clips
Term end not estimated
Not Applicable
This invention relates to the field of bicycles and more specifically to a pedal adapter.
Many bicycle riders prefer to use clipless bicycle pedals for racing and operation over rough terrain. Clipless bicycle pedals are bicycle pedals that have locking mechanisms that can engage the cleats on the bottom of special shoes worn by a bicycle rider. This allows for a tight fit between the shoes of the user and the clipless bicycle pedal. This provides for efficient pedaling when the special bicycle shoes are worn.
For a more complete understanding of the present invention and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions, taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a drawing of a bicycle illustrating a pedal assembly having a crank arm that supports a clipless pedal;
FIG. 2 is a view of the pedal body of FIG. 1;
Referring to FIGS. 1-4 a bicycle 100 includes a pedal assembly 101 having a crank arm 102 that supports a clipless pedal 406. The clipless pedal 406 is rotatably coupled to the crank arm 102 by a pedal shaft 202, and includes engagement structure 408 which requires a special shoe. A pedal adapter 104 is placed over the clipless pedal 406 to allow the user to operate bicycle 100 without the need of special cleated shoes.
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the pedal adapter 104 is attached to the pedal 406 and covers, or otherwise renders inoperable, the engagement structure 408 to eliminate the need for the special shoe. The adapter is fixed to the pedal by sandwiching the pedal 406 between the top and bottom adapter portions 302, 304 joined by a hinge 402. Preferably, the top and bottom portions 302, 304 enclose the clipless pedal sandwiched therebetween.
The hinge 402 couples the top portion 302 and bottom portion 304 in a clam-shell fashion to allow the portions 302, 304 to be easily slipped around the pedal 406. The hinge 402 can be molded to the top portion 302 and bottom portion 304, screwed into the top portion 302 and bottom portion 304, or coupled to the top portion 302 and bottom portion 304 in any other fashion. Although a hinge 402 is preferred, it is not required, and the top portion 302 and bottom portion 304 can be secured to the pedal 406 by two or more latching devices.