DE102022212591A1 - CLEAT PLATE FOR A SHOE, PEDAL SYSTEM FOR A HUMAN-PROPELLED VEHICLE AND PEDAL FOR A HUMAN-PROPELLED VEHICLE - Google Patents

Abstract

A cleat 14, 114 includes a shoe attachment portion 16 and a first cleat projection 18. The first cleat projection 18 projects from a peripheral surface 26 of the shoe attachment portion 16. The first cleat projection 18 has a first engagement surface 18c inclined in a first inclination direction M1 and a first rolling engagement surface 18d inclined in a first additional inclination direction M2 that is different from the first inclination direction M1. The first engagement surface 18c inclines away from a shoe-side surface 22 of the shoe attachment portion 16 and approaches a pedal-side surface 24 of the shoe attachment portion 16 as the first engagement surface 18c extends outward relative to the shoe attachment portion 16 to a first distal end 18b of the first cleat projection 18. The first rolling engagement surface 18d inclines in a first direction M2a to form a rolling angle θ1 of the first cleat projection 18 as the first rolling engagement surface 18d approaches toward the pedal-side surface 24 relative to the shoe-side surface 22.

Description

The present invention relates generally to a cleat, a pedal system for a human-powered vehicle, and a pedal for a human-powered vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cleat configured to be attached to a shoe and configured to be selectively engaged with a pedal in a releasable manner.

Pedals have been designed for specific purposes, such as comfort, recreational cycling, off-road cycling, road racing, sports, and so on. A special type of pedal that is gaining popularity is the system pedal or clipless pedal. A conventional system pedal or clipless pedal is detachably connected to a cleat that is attached to the sole of the cyclist's shoe. Thus, the bottom of the rider's shoe is attached to the pedal to transfer pedaling power from the cyclist to the pedal. In other words, with clipless pedals, the shoes and pedals are in constant engagement as the cleats engage a cleat attachment mechanism so that pedaling power can be efficiently transferred to the pedals. A conventional clipless pedal includes a pedal axle that can be attached to a crank of a human-powered vehicle, a main pedal body that is rotatably mounted on the pedal axle, and a cleat attachment mechanism. In such a conventional bicycle pedal, the cleat is usually released by twisting the shoe so that the heel of the shoe moves outward while the shoe is connected to the pedal.

In general, the present invention relates to various features of a pedal for a human-powered vehicle.

In view of the prior art and according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cleat for a shoe, the cleat substantially comprising a shoe attachment portion and a first cleat protrusion. The shoe attachment portion has a shoe-side surface, a pedal-side surface, and a peripheral surface disposed between the shoe-side surface and the pedal-side surface. The peripheral surface includes a first peripheral surface, a second peripheral surface, a third peripheral surface extending between the first peripheral surface and the second peripheral surface, and a fourth peripheral surface extending between the first peripheral surface and the second peripheral surface. The first cleat protrusion protrudes from the first peripheral surface of the shoe attachment portion. The first cleat protrusion includes a first proximal end and a first distal end with respect to the shoe attachment portion. The first cleat protrusion has a first engagement surface inclined in a first inclination direction and a first rolling engagement surface inclined in a first additional inclination direction. The first inclination direction is different from the first additional inclination direction. The first engagement surface inclines away from the shoe-side surface and approaches the pedal-side surface as the first engagement surface extends outward relative to the shoe attachment portion toward the first distal end of the first cleat protrusion. The first additional inclination direction includes a first direction. The first rolling engagement surface inclines in the first direction either away from the fourth circumferential surface toward the third circumferential surface or away from the third circumferential surface toward the fourth circumferential surface to form a roll angle of the first cleat protrusion as the first rolling engagement surface approaches the pedal-side surface relative to the shoe-side surface.

With the cleat according to the first aspect, the release of the cleat from a pedal during a rolling operation can be effectively suppressed even with a small spring force.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the cleat according to the first aspect is configured such that the first additional inclination direction further includes a second direction different from the first direction, and the first roller engagement surface is inclined in the second direction away from the shoe-side surface and approaches the pedal-side surface as the first roller engagement surface extends outward relative to the shoe attachment portion toward the first distal end of the first cleat projection. With the cleat according to the second aspect, disengagement of the cleat from a pedal during a rolling operation can be further effectively suppressed using a small spring force.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the cleat according to the first or second aspect is designed such that the first engagement surface has a first surface portion with a first inclination and a first additional surface portion with a first additional inclination. The first inclination is different from the first additional inclination. In addition, the first surface portion is arranged closer to the pedal-side surface than the first additional surface portion. With the cleat according to the third aspect, the cleat can be reliably attached to a Pedal so that a suitable engagement state can be achieved even if the wear of a shoe sole increases.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the cleat according to any one of the first to third aspects further comprises a second cleat projection protruding from the second peripheral surface of the shoe attachment portion in a direction opposite to the first cleat projection. With the cleat according to the fourth aspect, the cleat can be more reliably attached to a pedal by providing the first cleat projection and the second cleat projection.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the cleat according to the fourth aspect is configured such that the second cleat projection has a second proximal end and a second distal end with respect to the shoe attachment portion. The second cleat projection has a second engagement surface inclined in a second inclination direction and a second rolling engagement surface inclined in a second additional inclination direction. The second inclination direction is different from the second additional inclination direction. The second engagement surface inclines away from the shoe-side surface and approaches the pedal-side surface as the second engagement surface extends outward relative to the shoe attachment portion toward the second distal end of the second cleat projection. The second additional inclination direction includes a third direction. The second rolling engagement surface inclines in the third direction either away from the fourth circumferential surface toward the third circumferential surface or away from the third circumferential surface toward the fourth circumferential surface to form a rolling angle of the second cleat projection as the second rolling engagement surface approaches the pedal-side surface relative to the shoe-side surface. With the cleat according to the fifth aspect, disengagement of the cleat from a pedal during a rolling operation can be more reliably suppressed with a small spring force.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the cleat according to the fifth aspect is configured such that the second additional inclination direction further includes a fourth direction different from the third direction, and the second rolling engagement surface is inclined in the fourth direction away from the shoe-side surface and approaches the pedal-side surface as the second rolling engagement surface extends outward relative to the shoe attachment portion toward the second distal end of the second cleat projection. With the cleat according to the sixth aspect, disengagement of the cleat from a pedal during a rolling operation can be further suppressed using a small spring force.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the cleat according to the fifth sixth aspect is configured such that the second engagement surface has a second surface portion having a second inclination and a second additional surface portion having a second additional inclination. The second inclination is different from the second additional inclination. In addition, the second surface portion is located closer to the pedal-side surface than the second additional surface portion. With the pedal according to the seventh aspect, the cleat can be more reliably attached to a pedal, so that an appropriate engagement state can be achieved even when wear of a shoe sole increases.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pedal system for a human-powered vehicle. The pedal system includes the cleat according to any one of the fourth to seventh aspects and a pedal. The pedal is configured to detachably attach the cleat. The pedal includes a pedal axle, a pedal body, a first cleat attachment member, and a second cleat attachment member. The pedal axle has a rotational center axis. The pedal body is rotatably arranged about the rotational center axis with respect to the pedal axle. The first cleat attachment member is movably arranged on the pedal body. The first cleat attachment member includes a first cleat engagement surface that contacts the first cleat projection in a state where the pedal attaches the cleat. The second cleat attachment member is arranged on the pedal body. The second cleat attachment member includes a second cleat engagement surface that contacts the second cleat projection in a state where the pedal attaches the cleat.

With the pedal system according to the eighth aspect, the cleat can be effectively prevented from coming off the pedal during rolling.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the pedal system according to the eighth aspect is designed such that the pedal body has a first support pin. The first cleat fastening element is movably mounted on the pedal body by the first support pin. The first cleat engagement surface has a first contact point which is formed is to contact the first rolling engagement surface of the first cleat projection of the cleat in the state where the pedal fixes the cleat during a rolling operation of the cleat, so that the first support pin is disposed between an extension line of an external force vector at the first contact point and the rotation center axis. With the pedal system according to the ninth aspect, a release force applied from the cleat to the first cleat engagement surface can be suppressed during a rolling operation.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pedal for a human-powered vehicle. The pedal is configured to detachably attach a cleat. The pedal includes a pedal axle, a pedal body, and a cleat attachment member. The pedal axle has a rotational center axis. The pedal body is rotatably arranged with respect to the pedal axle about the rotational center axis. The cleat attachment member is movably arranged on the pedal body. The cleat attachment member includes a cleat engagement surface that contacts a cleat projection of the cleat in a state where the pedal attaches the cleat, and a cleat rolling engagement surface that is farther from the pedal body than the cleat engagement surface to enable a rolling operation of the cleat.

With the pedal according to the tenth aspect, the release of the cleat from a pedal during a rolling operation can be suppressed even with a small spring force.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the pedal according to the tenth aspect is configured such that the cleat engagement surface has a first inclination with respect to the cleat. The cleat rolling engagement surface has a second inclination with respect to the cleat. The second inclination of the cleat rolling engagement surface is smaller than the first inclination of the cleat rolling engagement surface. With the pedal according to the eleventh aspect, the contact between the cleat and the cleat fastening member can be effectively maintained during a rolling operation.

Other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed cleat will also become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, discloses preferred embodiments of the cleat.

• 1 eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Pedalsystems mit einem Pedal (beispielsweise einem Fahrradpedal) ist, das mit einem Kurbelarm verbunden ist, und einer Schuhplatte, die mit einem Schuh (beispielsweise einem Fahrradschuh) verbunden ist, gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform;
• 2 eine erste vergrößerte schuhseitige perspektivische Ansicht der Schuhplatte zur Verwendung mit dem in 1 dargestellten Pedal ist;
• 3 eine zweite vergrößerte perspektivische Ansicht der in 2 dargestellten Schuhplatte auf der Schuhseite ist;
• 4 eine vergrößerte Draufsicht auf die in den 2 und 3 dargestellte Schuhplatte ist;
• 5 eine vergrößerte Unteransicht der in den 2 bis 4 dargestellten Schuhplatte ist;
• 6 eine erste Seitenansicht der in den 2 bis 5 dargestellten Schuhplatte ist;
• 7 eine zweite Endansicht der in den 2 bis 6 dargestellten Schuhplatte ist;
• 8 eine Seitenansicht einer dem Rahmen abgewandten Seite der in den 2 bis 7 dargestellten Schuhplatte ist;
• 9 eine Seitenansicht einer dem Rahmen zugewandten Seite der in den 2 bis 8 dargestellten Schuhplatte ist;
• 10 eine Teilansicht von oben auf einen ersten Schuhplattenvorsprung der in den 2 bis 9 dargestellten Schuhplatte ist;
• 11 eine Teilansicht von oben auf einen zweiten Schuhplattenvorsprung der in den 2 bis 9 dargestellten Schuhplatte ist;
• 12 eine Querschnittsansicht der in den 2 bis 11 dargestellten Schuhplatte entlang der Schnittlinie 12 - 12 von 4 ist;
• 13 eine vergrößerte Schnittansicht eines ersten Teils der in 12 dargestellten Schuhplatte ist;
• 14 eine vergrößerte Schnittdarstellung eines zweiten Teils der in 12 dargestellten Schuhplatte ist;
• 15 eine erste vergrößerte perspektivische Ansicht des in 1 dargestellten Pedals ist;
• 16 eine zweite vergrößerte perspektivische Ansicht des in den 1 und 16 dargestellten Pedals ist;
• 17 eine perspektivische Ansicht des Fahrradpedals ist, bei dem die Schuhplatte mit dem in den 1, 15 und 16 dargestellten Pedal in Eingriff gebracht wurde;
• 18 eine erste Seitenansicht des in den 1 und 15 bis 17 dargestellten Pedals ist;
• 19 eine zweite Seitenansicht des in den 1 und 15 bis 18 dargestellten Pedals ist;
• 20 eine Innenseitenansicht (dem Rahmen zugewandte Seite) des in den 1 und 15 bis 19 dargestellten Pedals ist;
• 21 eine Ansicht der Außenseite (nicht dem Rahmen zugewandte Seite) des in den 1 und 15 bis 20 dargestellten Pedals ist;
• 22 eine perspektivische Explosionsdarstellung des in den 1 und 15 bis 21 dargestellten Fahrradpedals ist;
• 23 eine Außenansicht (nicht dem Rahmen zugewandte Seite) ausgewählter Teile des in den 1 und 15 bis 21 dargestellten Fahrradpedals ist, bei dem das erste Schuhplattenbefestigungselement in die erste geschlossene Position vorgespannt ist und bei dem das dritte Schuhplattenbefestigungselement in die dritte geschlossene Position vorgespannt ist;
• 24 eine Innenseitenansicht (dem Rahmen zugewandte Seite) ausgewählter Teile des in den 1 und 15 bis 21 dargestellten Fahrradpedals ist, bei dem das erste Schuhplattenbefestigungselement in die erste geschlossene Position vorgespannt ist und bei dem das dritte Schuhplattenbefestigungselement in die dritte geschlossene Position vorgespannt ist;
• 25 eine erste perspektivische Ansicht des in den 23 und 24 dargestellten ersten Befestigungselements der Schuhplatte und des dritten Befestigungselements der Schuhplatte ist;
• 26 eine zweite perspektivische Ansicht des in den 23 und 24 dargestellten ersten Befestigungselements der Schuhplatte und des dritten Befestigungselements der Schuhplatte ist;
• 27 eine Außenansicht (nicht dem Rahmen zugewandte Seite) ausgewählter Teile des in den 1 und 15 bis 21 dargestellten Fahrradpedals ist, bei dem das zweite Schuhplattenbefestigungselement in die zweite geschlossene Position vorgespannt ist und bei dem das vierte Schuhplattenbefestigungselement in die vierte geschlossene Position vorgespannt ist;
• 28 eine Innenseitenansicht (dem Rahmen zugewandte Seite) ausgewählter Teile des in den 1 und 15 bis 21 dargestellten Fahrradpedals ist, bei dem das zweite Schuhplattenbefestigungselement in die zweite geschlossene Position vorgespannt ist und bei dem das vierte Schuhplattenbefestigungselement in die vierte geschlossene Position vorgespannt ist;
• 29 eine erste perspektivische Ansicht des in den 27 und 28 dargestellten zweiten Schuhplattenbefestigungselements und des vierten Schuhplattenbefestigungselements ist;
• 30 eine zweite perspektivische Ansicht des in den 27 und 28 dargestellten zweiten Schuhplattenbefestigungselements und des vierten Schuhplattenbefestigungselements ist;
• 31 eine Ansicht der Außenseite (nicht dem Rahmen zugewandte Seite) des ersten Schuhplattenbefestigungselements des in den 1 und 15 bis 21 dargestellten Fahrradpedals ist;
• 32 eine Querschnittsansicht des in 31 dargestellten ersten Befestigungselements der Schuhplatte ist;
• 33 eine Ansicht der Außenseite (nicht dem Rahmen zugewandte Seite) des zweiten Schuhplattenbefestigungselements des in den 1 und 15 bis 21 dargestellten Fahrradpedals ist;
• 34 eine Querschnittsansicht des in 33 dargestellten zweiten Befestigungselements der Schuhplatte ist;
• 35 eine Ansicht der Außenseite (nicht dem Rahmen zugewandte Seite) des dritten Schuhplattenbefestigungselements des in den 1 und 15 bis 21 dargestellten Fahrradpedals ist;
• 36 eine Querschnittsansicht des in 35 dargestellten dritten Befestigungselements der Schuhplatte ist;
• 37 eine Ansicht der Außenseite (nicht dem Rahmen zugewandte Seite) des vierten Schuhplattenbefestigungselements des in den 1 und 15 bis 21 dargestellten Fahrradpedals ist;
• 38 eine Querschnittsansicht des in 37 dargestellten vierten Befestigungselements der Schuhplatte ist;
• 39 eine äußere Seitenansicht, ähnlich wie 23, ausgewählter Teile des in den 1 und 15 bis 21 dargestellten Fahrradpedals ist, in der sich jedoch das erste Befestigungselement der Schuhplatte infolge des Beginns des Eingriffs der Schuhplatte mit dem Pedal zu bewegen beginnt;
• 40 eine Innenseitenansicht, ähnlich wie in 24, ausgewählter Teile des in den 1 und 15 bis 21 dargestellten Fahrradpedals ist, in der sich jedoch das erste Befestigungselement der Schuhplatte infolge des Beginns des Eingriffs der Schuhplatte mit dem Pedal zu bewegen beginnt;
• 41 eine erste Seitenansicht ausgewählter Teile des in den 1 und 15 bis 21 dargestellten Fahrradpedals ist, bei dem die Schuhplatte mit dem ersten Befestigungselement der Schuhplatte und dem zweiten Befestigungselement der Schuhplatte in Eingriff steht;
• 42 eine innere Seitenansicht der ausgewählten Teile des in 41 dargestellten Fahrradpedals ist, bei dem die Schuhplatte mit dem ersten Schuhplattenbefestigungselement und dem zweiten Schuhplattenbefestigungselement in Eingriff steht;
• 43 eine erste Seitenansicht der ausgewählten Teile des in den 41 und 42 dargestellten Fahrradpedals ist, in der die Schuhplatte verdreht wird, um einen Lösevorgang durchzuführen;
• 44 eine innere Seitenansicht der ausgewählten Teile des in 43 dargestellten Fahrradpedals ist;
• 45 eine erste Seitenansicht des in den 1 und 15 bis 21 dargestellten Fahrradpedals ist, in der die Schuhplatte aus der in den 43 und 44 dargestellten Position weiter verdreht wurde, um einen Lösevorgang durchzuführen;
• 46 eine innere Seitenansicht der ausgewählten Teile des in den 41 bis 45 dargestellten Fahrradpedals ist, in der die Schuhplatte weiter aus der in den 43 und 44 dargestellten Position gedreht wurde, um einen Lösevorgang durchzuführen;
• 47 eine erste Seitenansicht des in den 1 und 15 bis 21 dargestellten Fahrradpedals ist, bei dem die Schuhplatte mit dem ersten Schuhplattenbefestigungselement und dem zweiten Schuhplattenbefestigungselement in Eingriff steht;
• 48 eine dem Pedal zugewandte Seitenansicht ist, die 47 entspricht und die Schuhplatte zeigt, die mit dem ersten Schuhplattenbefestigungselement und dem zweiten Schuhplattenbefestigungselement in Eingriff steht;
• 49 eine erste Seitenansicht des in den 1 und 15 bis 21 dargestellten Fahrradpedals ist, in der die Schuhplatte verdreht wird, um einen Lösevorgang durchzuführen;
• 50 eine dem Pedal zugewandte Seitenansicht ist, die 49 entspricht und die Schuhplatte zeigt, die mit dem ersten Schuhplattenbefestigungselement und dem zweiten Schuhplattenbefestigungselement in Eingriff steht, bei der die Schuhplatte jedoch verdreht wird, um einen Lösevorgang durchzuführen;
• 51 eine Endansicht des in den 1 und 15 bis 21 dargestellten Fahrradpedals ist, die einen Rollvorgang der Schuhplatte in Bezug auf das erste Schuhplattenbefestigungselement und das zweite Schuhplattenbefestigungselement zeigt;
• 52 eine vereinfachte seitliche Querschnittsansicht des Fahrradpedals und der Schuhplatte ist, in der die Schuhplatte mit dem ersten Schuhplattenbefestigungselement und dem zweiten Schuhplattenbefestigungselement in einem Ruhezustand in Eingriff steht (ein Eingriffszustand, in dem keine äußere Kraft auf die Schuhplatte in Bezug auf das Pedal ausgeübt wird);
• 53 eine vereinfachte seitliche Querschnittsansicht des Fahrradpedals und der Schuhplatte ist, in der die Schuhplatte mit dem ersten Schuhplattenbefestigungselement und dem zweiten Schuhplattenbefestigungselement in einem Zustand in Eingriff ist, in dem ein Rollvorgang oder ein Lösevorgang der Schuhplatte beginnt;
• 54 eine vereinfachte seitliche Querschnittsansicht des Fahrradpedals und der Schuhplatte ist, in der die Schuhplatte mit dem ersten Schuhplattenbefestigungselement und dem zweiten Schuhplattenbefestigungselement in einem Zustand in Eingriff ist, in dem der Rollvorgang oder der Lösevorgang der Schuhplatte weiter fortgeschritten ist als in dem in 53 dargestellten Zustand;
• 55 eine Vergrößerung eines Teils der vereinfachten seitlichen Querschnittsansicht des in 54 dargestellten Fahrradpedals und der Schuhplatte ist;
• 56 eine schematische Ansicht des ersten Schuhplattenbefestigungselements ist, das den ersten Schuhplattenvorsprung der Schuhplatte während eines Lösevorgangs der Schuhplatte berührt.
• 57 eine schematische Ansicht des ersten Befestigungselements der Schuhplatte ist, das den ersten Schuhplattenvorsprung der Schuhplatte während eines Rollvorgangs der Schuhplatte berührt;
• 58 eine Ansicht der Außenseite (nicht dem Rahmen zugewandte Seite) ausgewählter Teile eines modifizierten Pedals gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform ist;
• 59 eine Ansicht der Innenseite (dem Rahmen zugewandte Seite) der ausgewählten Teile des in 58 dargestellten modifizierten Pedals ist;
• 60 eine perspektivische Ansicht eines modifizierten Schuhplattenbefestigungselements zur Verwendung mit einem Pedal wie dem in den 1 und 15 bis 21 dargestellten Pedal ist;
• 61 eine Ansicht des in 60 dargestellten modifizierten Befestigungselements für die Schuhplatte ist;
• 62 eine Querschnittsansicht des in den 60 und 61 dargestellten modifizierten Schuhplattenbefestigungselements ist, gesehen entlang der Schnittlinie 62 - 62 der 61;
• 63 eine Querschnittsansicht des in den 60 bis 62 dargestellten modifizierten Schuhplattenbefestigungselements ist, gesehen entlang der Schnittlinie 63 - 63 der 61;
• 64 eine vereinfachte Querschnittsansicht des in den 60 bis 63 dargestellten modifizierten Schuhplattenbefestigungselements ist, bei der die Schuhplatte mit der Schuhplatteneingriffsfläche des modifizierten Schuhplattenbefestigungselements in Eingriff ist; und
• 65 eine vereinfachte Querschnittsansicht des in den 60 bis 64 dargestellten modifizierten Schuhplattenbefestigungselements ist, die einen Rollvorgang der Schuhplatte zeigt, bei dem die Schuhplatte mit der Schuhplattenrolleingriffsfläche des modifizierten Schuhplattenbefestigungselements in Eingriff ist.

A more complete understanding of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

• 1 is a perspective view of a pedal system having a pedal (e.g., a bicycle pedal) connected to a crank arm and a cleat connected to a shoe (e.g., a bicycle shoe) according to a first embodiment;
• 2 a first enlarged shoe-side perspective view of the shoe plate for use with the 1 pedal shown;
• 3 a second enlarged perspective view of the 2 shown cleat on the shoe side;
• 4 an enlarged top view of the 2 and 3 shown shoe plate;
• 5 an enlarged bottom view of the 2 to 4 shown shoe plate;
• 6 a first side view of the 2 to 5 shown shoe plate;
• 7 a second final view of the 2 to 6 shown shoe plate;
• 8th a side view of a side facing away from the frame of the 2 to 7 shown shoe plate;
• 9 a side view of a side facing the frame of the 2 to 8 shown shoe plate;
• 10 a partial view from above of a first cleat projection in the 2 to 9 shown shoe plate;
• 11 a partial view from above of a second cleat projection in the 2 to 9 shown shoe plate;
• 12 a cross-sectional view of the 2 to 11 shown shoe plate along the section line 12 - 12 of 4 is;
• 13 an enlarged sectional view of a first part of the 12 shown shoe plate;
• 14 an enlarged sectional view of a second part of the 12 shown shoe plate;
• 15 a first enlarged perspective view of the 1 pedal shown;
• 16 a second enlarged perspective view of the 1 and 16 pedal shown;
• 17 is a perspective view of the bicycle pedal with the cleat in the 1 , 15 and 16 the pedal shown has been engaged;
• 18 a first side view of the 1 and 15 to 17 pedal shown;
• 19 a second side view of the 1 and 15 to 18 pedal shown;
• 20 an inside view (side facing the frame) of the 1 and 15 to 19 pedal shown;
• 21 a view of the outside (side not facing the frame) of the 1 and 15 to 20 pedal shown;
• 22 a perspective exploded view of the 1 and 15 to 21 shown bicycle pedal;
• 23 an external view (side not facing the frame) of selected parts of the 1 and 15 to 21 illustrated bicycle pedal, wherein the first cleat fastening element is biased to the first closed position and wherein the third cleat fastening element is biased to the third closed position;
• 24 an inside view (side facing the frame) of selected parts of the 1 and 15 to 21 illustrated bicycle pedal, wherein the first cleat fastening element is biased to the first closed position and wherein the third cleat fastening element is biased to the third closed position;
• 25 a first perspective view of the 23 and 24 shown first fastening element of the cleat and the third fastening element of the cleat;
• 26 a second perspective view of the 23 and 24 shown first fastening element of the cleat and the third fastening element of the cleat;
• 27 an external view (side not facing the frame) of selected parts of the 1 and 15 to 21 illustrated bicycle pedal, wherein the second cleat fastening element is biased to the second closed position and wherein the fourth cleat fastening element is biased to the fourth closed position;
• 28 an inside view (side facing the frame) of selected parts of the 1 and 15 to 21 illustrated bicycle pedal, wherein the second cleat fastening element is biased to the second closed position and wherein the fourth cleat fastening element is biased to the fourth closed position;
• 29 a first perspective view of the 27 and 28 illustrated second cleat fastening element and the fourth cleat fastening element;
• 30 a second perspective view of the 27 and 28 illustrated second cleat fastening element and the fourth cleat fastening element;
• 31 a view of the outside (side not facing the frame) of the first cleat fastening element of the 1 and 15 to 21 shown bicycle pedal;
• 32 a cross-sectional view of the 31 shown first fastening element of the shoe plate;
• 33 a view of the outside (side not facing the frame) of the second cleat fastening element of the 1 and 15 to 21 shown bicycle pedal;
• 34 a cross-sectional view of the 33 shown second fastening element of the shoe plate;
• 35 a view of the outside (side not facing the frame) of the third cleat fastening element of the 1 and 15 to 21 shown bicycle pedal;
• 36 a cross-sectional view of the 35 shown third fastening element of the shoe plate;
• 37 a view of the outside (side not facing the frame) of the fourth cleat fastening element of the 1 and 15 to 21 shown bicycle pedal;
• 38 a cross-sectional view of the 37 shown fourth fastening element of the cleat;
• 39 an external side view, similar to 23 , selected parts of the 1 and 15 to 21 illustrated bicycle pedal, but in which the first fastening element of the cleat begins to move as a result of the cleat beginning to engage the pedal;
• 40 an inside view, similar to 24 , selected parts of the 1 and 15 to 21 illustrated bicycle pedal, but in which the first fastening element of the cleat begins to move as a result of the cleat beginning to engage the pedal;
• 41 a first side view of selected parts of the 1 and 15 to 21 illustrated bicycle pedal, wherein the cleat engages the first cleat fastening element and the second cleat fastening element;
• 42 an internal side view of the selected parts of the 41 illustrated bicycle pedal, wherein the cleat engages the first cleat fastening element and the second cleat fastening element;
• 43 a first side view of the selected parts of the 41 and 42 shown bicycle pedal in which the cleat is twisted to perform a release operation;
• 44 an internal side view of the selected parts of the 43 shown bicycle pedal;
• 45 a first side view of the 1 and 15 to 21 shown bicycle pedal, in which the cleat is made of the material shown in the 43 and 44 position shown was further rotated to perform a release operation;
• 46 an internal side view of the selected parts of the 41 to 45 shown bicycle pedal, in which the cleat is further out from the 43 and 44 rotated to the position shown to perform a release operation;
• 47 a first side view of the 1 and 15 to 21 illustrated bicycle pedal, wherein the cleat engages the first cleat fastening element and the second cleat fastening element;
• 48 is a side view facing the pedal, the 47 and shows the cleat engaging the first cleat fastening element and the second cleat fastening element;
• 49 a first side view of the 1 and 15 to 21 shown bicycle pedal in which the cleat is twisted to perform a release operation;
• 50 is a side view facing the pedal, the 49 and shows the cleat engaged with the first cleat fastening element and the second cleat fastening element, but with the cleat being twisted to perform a release operation;
• 51 a final view of the 1 and 15 to 21 illustrated bicycle pedal showing a rolling action of the cleat with respect to the first cleat attachment member and the second cleat attachment member;
• 52 is a simplified side cross-sectional view of the bicycle pedal and cleat in which the cleat is engaged with the first cleat fastening member and the second cleat fastening member in a rest state (an engagement state in which no external force is applied to the cleat with respect to the pedal);
• 53 is a simplified side cross-sectional view of the bicycle pedal and the cleat in which the cleat is engaged with the first cleat fastening member and the second cleat fastening member in a state where a rolling operation or a release operation of the cleat begins;
• 54 is a simplified side cross-sectional view of the bicycle pedal and the cleat in which the cleat is engaged with the first cleat fastening element and the second cleat fastening element in a state in which the rolling operation or the release operation of the cleat is further advanced than in the state in 53 shown condition;
• 55 an enlargement of a portion of the simplified side cross-sectional view of the 54 shown bicycle pedal and cleat;
• 56 is a schematic view of the first cleat fastening element contacting the first cleat projection of the cleat during a cleat release operation.
• 57 is a schematic view of the first fastening element of the cleat contacting the first cleat projection of the cleat during a rolling operation of the cleat;
• 58 is an outer side view (non-frame side) of selected parts of a modified pedal according to a second embodiment;
• 59 a view of the inside (side facing the frame) of the selected parts of the 58 modified pedal shown;
• 60 a perspective view of a modified cleat attachment element ments for use with a pedal such as the one in the 1 and 15 to 21 pedal shown;
• 61 a view of the 60 modified cleat fastener shown;
• 62 a cross-sectional view of the 60 and 61 modified cleat fastening element shown, seen along section line 62 - 62 of the 61 ;
• 63 a cross-sectional view of the 60 to 62 modified cleat fastening element shown, seen along section line 63 - 63 of the 61 ;
• 64 a simplified cross-sectional view of the 60 to 63 illustrated modified cleat attachment element, wherein the cleat is engaged with the cleat engagement surface of the modified cleat attachment element; and
• 65 a simplified cross-sectional view of the 60 to 64 illustrated modified cleat fastener showing a rolling operation of the cleat in which the cleat is engaged with the cleat rolling engagement surface of the modified cleat fastener.

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the human powered vehicle art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are for illustration purposes only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

In 1 First, a pedal system 10 according to an embodiment is shown. As in 1 As can be seen, the pedal system 10 is intended for a human-powered vehicle V. The pedal system 10 essentially consists of a cleat 12 and a pedal 14. In one embodiment, the pedal system 10 is a bicycle pedal system. In the case of the bicycle pedal system, the cleat 12 is a bicycle pedal plate and the pedal 14 is a bicycle pedal. The cleat 12 is intended for a shoe S. The cleat 12 is attached, for example, to the bottom of a sole of the shoe S (for example a bicycle shoe). On the other hand, the pedal 14 is intended for the human-powered vehicle V. The pedal 14 is arranged, for example, on a crank arm CA of the human-powered vehicle V to rotate with the crank arm CA.

The pedal 14 is configured to releasably attach the cleat 12. Thus, the pedal 14 is a clipless pedal or system pedal configured to releasably attach the cleat 12 thereto during a release operation. As explained below, the cleat 12 is configured to enable a release operation with respect to the pedal 14 in a state where the pedal 14 is attached to the cleat 12. As used herein, a release operation refers to a situation where the cleat 12 is attached to the pedal and then the cleat 12 is moved relative to the pedal 14 to release the cleat 12 from the cleat 12. As explained below, the cleat 12 is configured to enable an engagement operation with respect to the pedal 14 to attach the cleat 12 to the pedal 14. As used herein, an engagement operation refers to a situation in which the cleat 12 is moved relative to the pedal 14 to cause the cleat 12 to be secured to the cleat 12. As explained below, the cleat 12 is configured to enable a rolling operation of the cleat 12 with respect to the pedal 14 in a state in which the pedal 14 is secured to the cleat 12. As used herein, a rolling operation refers to a situation in which the cleat 12 moves in a rolling motion away from the crank arm CA using the outer edge of the cleat as a pivot point and lifting the inner edge of the cleat 12 upward, or toward the crank arm CA using the inner edge of the cleat as a pivot point and lifting the outer edge of the cleat 12 upward. In the event of a rolling operation, the upward movement of the shoe plate 12 relative to the pedal 14 causes a large release force to be exerted on the pedal 14 by a small external force.

Here, the pedal 14 is a left bicycle pedal. The pedal system 10 may also include a right pedal and an additional cleat. The right pedal may be identical to the pedal 14 (i.e., the left pedal) or a mirror image thereof, as needed and/or desired. Thus, the description of the pedal 14 applies to both a left and a right pedal. Therefore, only one pedal is shown in the drawings and will be discussed below. In the illustrated embodiment, the pedal 14 is a double-sided bicycle pedal, meaning that the cleat 12 can be removably attached to either side of the pedal 14. Thus, the pedal 14 is particularly designed for use with off-road bicycles as opposed to use with a road bicycle. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle art from this disclosure that the design of the pedal 14 can be modified to be a road bicycle pedal, if necessary and/or desired. In other words, it will be apparent that the pedal 14 can be designed so that the cleat 12 can be connected to only one side of the pedal 14.

As in the 2 to 9 , the cleat 12 essentially comprises a shoe attachment portion 16 and a first cleat projection 18. Here, the cleat 12 further comprises a second cleat projection 20. Here, the cleat 12 is constructed from three interconnected parts. Each of the parts of the cleat 12 is made of a rigid material such as a metallic material or a fiber-reinforced plastic. Alternatively, the cleat 12 may also be formed as a one-piece element. Alternatively, the cleat 12 may be made from more than two or more than three parts as needed and/or desired. In any event, the first cleat projection 18 and the second cleat projection 20 extend from opposite ends of the shoe attachment portion 16.

The shoe attachment portion 16 has a shoe-side surface 22, a pedal-side surface 24, and a peripheral surface 26. The peripheral surface 26 is disposed between the shoe-side surface 22 and the pedal-side surface 24. The shoe attachment portion 16 has a pair of attachment openings 16a. The attachment openings 16a extend through the shoe attachment portion 16 from the shoe-side surface 22 to the pedal-side surface 24. The attachment openings 16a are each configured to receive a fastener, such as a fastener screw, to attach the cleat 12 to the shoe S. The shoe attachment portion 16 further includes a pair of curved guide surfaces 16b for guiding the cleat during a release operation with respect to the pedal 14. As shown in 12 As can be seen, a reference extension direction RD is defined such that it runs parallel to a central axis of the fastening opening 16a through which a fastening element is guided when fastening the cleat 12 to the shoe S. In the first embodiment, the reference extension direction RD corresponds to a direction from the shoe-side surface 22 to the pedal-side surface 24.

A reference plane RP1 can be arranged between the shoe-side surface 22 and the pedal-side surface 24. The reference plane RP1 can be a plane that runs perpendicular to a thickness direction of the cleat 12. The reference plane RP1 can be a plane that runs perpendicular to the center axes of the fastening openings 16a through which the fastening elements are guided when fastening the cleat 12 to the shoe S. The reference plane RP1 can also be a plane that runs parallel to a contact surface of the pedal-side surface 24 of the cleat 12 that abuts the pedal 14 when the cleat 12 is in engagement with the pedal 14. The reference extension direction RD is perpendicular to the reference plane RP1, as in 12 shown.

The peripheral surface 26 includes a first peripheral surface 26a, a second peripheral surface 26b, a third peripheral surface 26c, and a fourth peripheral surface 26d. The third peripheral surface 26c extends between the first peripheral surface 26a and the second peripheral surface 26b. The third peripheral surface 26c faces the crank arm CA in a state where the cleat 12 is attached to the pedal 14 and the pedal 14 is arranged on the crank arm CA. The fourth peripheral surface 26d extends between the first peripheral surface 26a and the second peripheral surface 26b. The fourth peripheral surface 26d faces away from the crank arm CA in a state where the cleat 12 is attached to the pedal 14 and the pedal 14 is arranged on the crank arm CA. The third circumferential surface 26c is located on the opposite side of the fourth circumferential surface 26d with respect to the shoe attachment portion 16.

The first cleat projection 18 protrudes from the first circumferential surface 26a of the shoe attachment portion 16. The first cleat projection 18 protrudes in a first longitudinal direction LD1 of the cleat 12 from the first circumferential surface 26a, as shown in 10 As used herein, the first longitudinal direction LD1 refers to the direction of the cleat 12 that is parallel to a heel-toe direction or a toe-heel direction of the shoe S in a state where the cleat 12 is attached to the shoe S. In the first embodiment, the first longitudinal direction LD1 corresponds to the heel-toe direction of the shoe S. The second cleat projection 20 protrudes from the second peripheral surface 26b of the shoe attachment portion 16 in an opposite direction to the first cleat projection 18, as shown in 11 Thus, the second cleat projection 20 protrudes in a second longitudinal direction LD2 of the cleat 12 from the second peripheral surface 26b. As used herein, the second longitudinal direction LD2 refers to the direction of the cleat 12 that is parallel to a heel direction or a toe direction of the shoe S in a state in which the cleat 12 is attached to the shoe S. In the first embodiment, the second longitudinal direction LD2 corresponds to the toe direction of the shoe S. Accordingly, the peripheral surface 26 of the shoe attachment portion 16 does not include the first Cleat projection 18 and the second cleat projection 20.

As mentioned above, the cleat 12 is designed to be detachably attached to the pedal 14. Basically, the pedal 14 engages the first cleat projection 18 and the second cleat projection 20 to attach the cleat 12 to the pedal 14. In a state where the cleat 12 is attached to the pedal 14, the cleat 12 is arranged on the pedal 14 such that a limited rotational movement is possible between the cleat 12 and the pedal 14, but the cleat 12 is released from the pedal 14 when the rotational movement of the cleat 12 exceeds a prescribed angular movement with respect to the pedal 14. The rotational movement is, for example, a rotation about an axis perpendicular to the reference plane RP1. The rotational movement is, for example, a rotation about an axis perpendicular to the shoe contact surface of the shoe attachment portion 16. Therefore, the rotational movement is different from the rotation in the rolling process.

As can be seen from the 6 , 10 and 13 , the first cleat projection 18 has a first proximal end 18a and a first distal end 18b with respect to the shoe attachment portion 16. The first cleat projection 18 has a first engagement surface 18c inclined in a first inclination direction M1 and a first rolling engagement surface 18d inclined in a first additional inclination direction M2. The first inclination direction M1 is different from the first additional inclination direction M2. Here, the first inclination direction M1 is evenly inclined in a thickness direction T of the cleat 12 toward the first distal end 18b in the first longitudinal direction LD1 of the cleat 12, on the other hand, here the first additional inclination direction M2 is inclined in the thickness direction T of the cleat 12 toward the first distal end 18b and angled laterally to the first longitudinal direction LD1 of the cleat 12. The first engagement surface 18c slopes away from the shoe-side surface 22 and approaches the pedal-side surface 24 as the first engagement surface 18c extends outward relative to the shoe attachment portion 16 toward the first distal end 18b of the first cleat projection 18. The first additional slope direction M2 includes a first direction M2a. Here, the first direction M2a, viewed from a direction perpendicular to the reference plane RP1, is perpendicular to the first longitudinal direction LD1 of the cleat 12. The first rolling engagement surface 18d inclines in the first direction M2a either away from the fourth circumferential surface 26d toward the third circumferential surface 26c or away from the third circumferential surface 26c toward the fourth circumferential surface 26d to form a roll angle Θ1 of the first cleat projection 18 as the first rolling engagement surface 18d approaches the pedal-side surface 24 relative to the shoe-side surface 22. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the first rolling engagement surface 18d inclines in the first direction M2a away from the fourth circumferential surface 26d toward the third circumferential surface 26c. The first rolling engagement surface 18d is inclined at a roll angle Θ1 with respect to the reference plane RP1. The first rolling engagement surface 18d is inclined at a roll angle Θ1 with respect to the reference plane RP1 when viewed from the first longitudinal direction LD1. The roll angle Θ1 is characterized by an acute angle with respect to the reference plane RP1.

Referring to 10 the first additional inclination direction M2 further includes a second direction M2b different from the first direction M2a, and the first rolling engagement surface 18d inclines in the second direction M2b away from the shoe-side surface 22 and approaches the pedal-side surface 24 as the first rolling engagement surface 18d extends outward relative to the shoe attachment portion 16 toward the first distal end 18b of the first cleat projection 18.

As in the 7 , 11 and 14 As can be seen, the second cleat projection 20 includes a second proximal end 20a and a second distal end 20b with respect to the shoe attachment portion 16. The second cleat projection 20 has a second engagement surface 20c inclined in a second inclination direction M3 and a second rolling engagement surface 20d inclined in a second additional inclination direction M4. The second inclination direction M3 is different from the second additional inclination direction M4.

Here, the second inclination direction M3 is evenly inclined in a thickness direction T of the cleat 12 toward the second distal end 20b in the second longitudinal direction LD2 of the cleat 12. In contrast, here the second additional inclination direction M4 is inclined in the thickness direction T of the cleat 12 toward the first distal end 18b and angled laterally to the second longitudinal direction LD2 of the cleat 12. The second engagement surface 20c inclines away from the shoe-side surface 22 and approaches the pedal-side surface 24 as the second engagement surface 20c extends outward relative to the shoe attachment portion 16 toward the second distal end 20b of the second cleat projection 20. The second additional inclination direction M4 includes a third direction M4a. Here, the third direction M4a, seen from a direction perpendicular to the reference plane RP1, is perpendicular to the second longitudinal direction LD2 of the shoe plate 12. The second rolling engagement surface 20d inclines in the third direction M4a either away from the fourth circumferential surface 26d toward the third circumferential surface 26c or away from the third circumferential surface 26c toward the fourth circumferential surface 26d to form a roll angle Θ2 of the second cleat projection 20 as the second rolling engagement surface 20d approaches the pedal-side surface 24 relative to the shoe-side surface 22. The second rolling engagement surface 20d is inclined at a roll angle Θ2 with respect to the reference plane RP1. The second rolling engagement surface 20d is inclined at a roll angle Θ2 with respect to the reference plane RP1 when viewed from the second longitudinal direction LD2. The roll angle Θ2 is characterized by an acute angle with respect to the reference plane RP1. In the illustrated embodiment, the second rolling engagement surface 20d inclines in the third direction M4a from the fourth circumferential surface 26d toward the third circumferential surface 26c. Here too, the roll angle Θ2 of the second cleat projection 20 is equal to the roll angle Θ1 of the first cleat projection 18. The first rolling engagement surface 18d is, for example, a mirror image of the second rolling engagement surface 20d with respect to the shoe attachment portion 16.

Referring to 11 the second additional inclination direction M4 further includes a fourth direction M4b different from the third direction M4a, and the second rolling engagement surface 20d inclines in the fourth direction M4b away from the shoe-side surface 22 and approaches the pedal-side surface 24 as the second rolling engagement surface 20d extends outward relative to the shoe attachment portion 16 toward the second distal end 20b of the second cleat projection 20.

Referring to the 15 to 22 , the pedal 14 essentially comprises a pedal axle 30 and a pedal body 32. The pedal axle 30 is a rigid member that rotatably supports the pedal body 32 in a conventional manner. The pedal axle 30 has a central axis of rotation R1. The pedal body 32 is rotatably arranged with respect to the pedal axle 30. In particular, the pedal body 32 is rotatably arranged with respect to the pedal axle 30 so as to rotate about the central axis of rotation R1.

The pedal 14 further includes a cleat attachment member movably disposed on the pedal body 32. More specifically, the pedal 14 herein includes a first cleat attachment member 34 and a second cleat attachment member 36. The first cleat attachment member 34 may be referred to as a cleat attachment member 34, and the second cleat attachment member 36 may be referred to as a cleat attachment member 36. At least one of the cleat attachment members 34 and 36 is movably disposed on the pedal body 32. As explained below, the cleat attachment member includes a cleat engagement surface that contacts the cleat projection 18 or 20 of the cleat 12 in a state where the pedal 14 secures the cleat 12. Basically, the cleat 12 is held to the pedal body 32 by the first cleat attachment member 34 and the second cleat attachment member 36. When the cleat 12 is attached to the pedal body 32 as shown in the 1 and 17 , the first cleat projection 18 is engaged with the first cleat fastening element 34 and the second cleat projection 20 is engaged with the second cleat fastening element 36. As shown in the 1 and 17 As shown, the first cleat attachment member 34 is located at the front of the human-powered vehicle V with respect to the pedal body 32. As shown in the 1 and 17 As shown, the second fastening member 36 is arranged at the rear of the human-powered vehicle V with respect to the pedal body 32. Of course, in the first embodiment, the pedal body 32 is rotatably supported on the pedal axle 30 so that the cleat 12 can be attached to the other side of the pedal body 32, as explained below.

With reference to 13 the first engagement surface 18c of the first cleat projection 18 is explained in more detail. The first engagement surface 18c has a first surface portion 18c1 with a first inclination SP1 and a first additional surface portion 18c2 with a first additional inclination SP2. The first inclination SP1 is different from the first additional inclination SP2. The first surface portion 18c1 is arranged closer to the pedal-side surface 24 than the first additional surface portion 18c2. The first incline SP1 is steeper than the first additional incline SP2 with respect to the pedal-side surface 24. The first slope SP1 is greater than the first additional slope SP2 with respect to the reference plane RP1. In the embodiment shown, the angle of the incline surface and the size of the first incline SP1 are characterized by an acute angle with respect to the reference plane RP1. Likewise, the angle of the incline surface and the size of the first additional incline SP2 are indicated by an acute angle with respect to the reference plane RP1. The inclination angles of the first slope SP1 and the first additional slope SP2 can be defined with respect to the pedal-side surface 24 or the shoe-side surface 22.

Going back to 14 the second engagement surface 20c of the second cleat projection 20 is explained in more detail. The second engagement surface 20c has a second surface portion 20c1 with a second inclination SP3 and a second additional surface portion 20c2 with a second additional slope SP4. The second slope SP3 is different than the second additional slope SP4. In addition, the second surface portion 20c1 is arranged closer to the pedal-side surface 24 than the second additional surface portion 20c2. The second slope SP3 is steeper than the second additional slope SP4 with respect to the pedal-side surface 24. The second slope SP3 is greater than the second additional slope SP4 with respect to the reference plane RP1. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle of the slope surface and the magnitude of the second slope SP3 are indicated by an acute angle with respect to the reference plane RP1. Likewise, the angle of the slope surface and the magnitude of the second additional slope SP4 are indicated by an acute angle with respect to the reference plane RP1. The slope angles of the second slope SP3 and the second additional slope SP4 can be defined with respect to the pedal-side surface 24 or the shoe-side surface 22. The shoe-side surface 22 comprises, for example, at least one contact surface that rests against the sole of the shoe S when the cleat 12 is attached to the shoe S. The pedal-side surface 24 comprises, for example, at least one contact surface that rests against the pedal 14 when the cleat 12 is in engagement with the pedal 14.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cleat 12 is a dual position cleat in which the cleat 12 can be selectively engaged with the pedal 14 in two different positions relative to the pedal body 32. In particular, the cleat 12 is configured to engage the first cleat attachment member 34 and the second cleat attachment member 36 to establish a first engagement state or a second engagement state depending on the wear of the sole of the shoe S. Thus, the cleat 12 is arranged in different positions relative to the pedal body 32 depending on whether the cleat 12 is in the first engagement state or the second engagement state. When the cleat 12 is attached to the pedal 14 with the first surface portion 18c1 and the second surface portion 20c1 via the first cleat attachment member 34 and the second cleat attachment member 36, the first engagement state is established. When the cleat 12 with the first additional surface portion 18c2 and the second additional surface portion 20c2 is attached to the pedal 14 via the first cleat attachment element 34 and the second cleat attachment element 36, the second engagement state is established. In the second engagement state, the cleat 12 is at least partially arranged closer to the pedal body 22 compared to the first engagement state. In other words, in the first engagement state, the cleat 12 is at least partially arranged further away from the pedal body 22 compared to the second engagement state.

Alternatively, the first additional surface portion 18c2 and the second additional surface portion 20c2 of the cleat 12 may be omitted so that the cleat 12 includes only the first surface portion 18c1 and the second surface portion 20c1 for attaching the cleat 12 to the pedal body 32 via the first cleat attachment member 34 and the second cleat attachment member 36. In this case, the cleat 12 includes only the first surface portion 18c1 and the second surface portion 20c1, the roll angles Θ1 and Θ2 can be reduced. In any case, the inclination of the roll angles Θ1 and Θ2 allows the first rolling engagement surface 18d to come into linear or surface contact with the first cleat attachment member 34 and the second rolling engagement surface 20d to come into linear or surface contact with the second cleat attachment member 36.

As in the 15 to 22 , the pedal axle 30 is preferably made of a hard, rigid material such as a metallic material or a fiber-reinforced material. The pedal axle 30 essentially has an externally threaded portion 30a and a support portion 30b. The externally threaded portion 30a is designed to be screwed into the crank arm CA. The support portion 30b serves to rotatably support the pedal body 32 via one or more bearings provided on the pedal body 32. The support portion 30b is arranged at least partially in an axle receiving opening 32a of the pedal body 32. The pedal axle 30 further comprises an externally threaded portion 30c. A nut 30d is screwed onto the externally threaded portion 30c in order to rotatably connect the pedal body 32 to the pedal axle 30.

As in the 15 to 21 As can be seen, the pedal body 32 is a rigid member having an overall H-shape. The pedal body 32 is rotatably supported on the support portion 30b of the pedal axle 30. The first cleat fixing member 34 and the second cleat fixing member 36 are also movably supported on the pedal body 32. The pedal body 32 is preferably made of a hard, rigid material such as a metallic material or a fiber-reinforced material.

The first cleat fixing element 34 is movably arranged on the pedal body 32. More specifically, the first cleat fixing element 34 is movably arranged on the pedal body 32 between a first closed position and a first open position. The first closed position may also be referred to as a first cleat holding position, and the first open position may also be referred to as a first cleat non-holding position. In particular, here, the first cleat attachment member 34 is pivotally provided on the pedal body 32 to pivot between the closed position and the open position. The second cleat attachment member 36 is arranged on the pedal body 32. The second cleat attachment member 36 is spaced from the first cleat attachment member 34 to form a first cleat receiving area A1 therebetween, as shown in FIGS. 1 , 17 and 18 In the first embodiment, both the first cleat fastening member 34 and the second cleat fastening member 36 are movable relative to the pedal body 32 to secure the cleat 12 and release the cleat 12. Thus, the second cleat fastening member 36 is provided to be movable on the pedal body 32 between a second closed position and a second open position. The second closed position may also be referred to as a second cleat holding position, and the second open position may also be referred to as a second cleat non-holding position. Alternatively, one of the first cleat fastening member 34 and the second cleat fastening member 36 may be fixed or immovable during engagement of the cleat 12 with the pedal body 32 and disengagement of the cleat 12 from the pedal body 32.

With reference to the 39 and 40 the first cleat fastening member 34 is configured to pivot relative to the pedal body 32 about a first pivot axis P1 and then configured to pivot relative to the pedal body 32 about a second pivot axis P2 when the first cleat fastening member 34 moves from the first closed position toward the first open position in an engaged state in which the cleat 12 is engaged with the first cleat fastening member 34 and the second cleat fastening member 36 during at least one of a rolling operation of the cleat 12 and a disengaging operation of the cleat 12. on the other hand, the first cleat fastening member 34 is configured to pivot at least initially about the second pivot axis P2 when the first cleat fastening member 34 moves from the first cleat holding position toward the first cleat non-holding position during an engaging operation of the cleat 12 with the pedal body 32 by the first cleat fastening member 34. The first closed position may also be referred to as the first cleat holding position, and the first open position may also be referred to as the first cleat non-holding position. The first pivot axis P1 is offset from the second pivot axis P2. The first pivot axis P1 and the second pivot axis P2 are stationary during movement of the first cleat attachment member 34 with respect to the pedal body 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the first pivot axis P1 and the second pivot axis P2 are different from the rotational center axis R1. The second pivot axis P2 is closer to the rotational center axis R1 than the first pivot axis P1. For example, the second pivot axis P2 is closer to the rotational center axis R1 than the first pivot axis P1 in a direction that is parallel to the entire single reference plane RP2 and perpendicular to the rotational center axis R1.

Similar to the first cleat fastening member 34, the second cleat fastening member 36 is configured to pivot relative to the pedal body 32 about a third pivot axis P3 and then configured to pivot relative to the pedal body 32 about a fourth pivot axis P4 when the second cleat fastening member 36 moves from the second closed position toward the second open position in the engaged state during the rolling operation of the cleat 12 and/or the release operation of the cleat 12. On the other hand, the second cleat fastening member 36 is configured to pivot at least initially about the fourth pivot axis P4 when the second cleat fastening member 36 moves from the second cleat holding position toward the second cleat non-holding position during an engagement operation of the cleat 12 with the pedal body 32 by the second cleat fastening member 36. The second closed position may also be referred to as a second cleat holding position and the second open position may also be referred to as a second cleat non-holding position. The third pivot axis P3 is offset from the fourth pivot axis P4. The third pivot axis P3 and the fourth pivot axis P4 are stationary with respect to the pedal body 32 during movement of the second cleat attachment member 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the third pivot axis P3 and the fourth pivot axis P4 are different from the rotational center axis R1. The fourth pivot axis P4 is closer to the rotational center axis R1 than the third pivot axis P3. For example, the fourth pivot axis P4 is closer to the rotational center axis R1 than the third pivot axis P3 in a direction that is parallel to the entire single reference plane RP2 and perpendicular to the rotational center axis R1.

In this embodiment, as in the 15 to 22 , the pedal 14 further comprises a third cleat attachment member 38 and a fourth cleat attachment member 40. Here, the third attachment member 38 is arranged on the pedal body 32. The fourth cleat attachment member 40 is also arranged on the pedal body 32. The fourth cleat attachment member 40 is spaced from the third cleat attachment member 38 to form a second cleat receiving area A2 therebetween, as shown in FIGS. 19 to 21 can be seen. In particular, the third cleat attachment member 38 is pivotally arranged on the pedal body 32 to pivot between a closed position and an open position. Thus, the third cleat attachment member 38 is movably supported on the pedal body 32 between a third closed position and a third open position. The third closed position may also be referred to as a third cleat holding position, and the third open position may also be referred to as a third cleat non-holding position. Here, the third cleat attachment member 38 is pivotally supported on the pedal body 32 about the first pivot axis P1 and the second pivot axis P2, like the first cleat attachment member 34. The fourth cleat attachment member 40 is pivotally arranged on the pedal body 32 to pivot between a closed position and an open position. Thus, the fourth cleat attachment member 40 is movably supported on the pedal body 32 between a fourth closed position and a fourth open position. The fourth closed position may also be referred to as a fourth cleat holding position, and the fourth open position may also be referred to as a fourth cleat non-holding position. Here, the fourth cleat attachment member 40 is pivotally mounted on the pedal body 32 to pivot about the third pivot axis P3 and the fourth pivot axis P4 in the same manner as the second cleat attachment member 36.

The pedal 14 further comprises a first hinge pin 41 and a second hinge pin 42. The first hinge pin 41 is coupled to the pedal body 32 and defines the first pivot axis P1. The second hinge pin 42 is coupled to the pedal body 32 and defines the second pivot axis P2. The pedal 14 further comprises a third hinge pin 43 and a fourth hinge pin 44. The third hinge pin 43 is coupled to the pedal body 32 and defines the third pivot axis P3. The fourth hinge pin 44 is coupled to the pedal body 32 and defines the fourth pivot axis P4. The first hinge pin 41 can also be referred to as a first support pin 41. Thus, the pedal body 32 comprises the first support pin 41. The first cleat fastening element 34 is movably mounted on the pedal body 32 by the first support pin 41. The third cleat fastening element 38 is also movably supported on the pedal body 32 by the first support pin 41. The second hinge pin 42 can also be referred to as the second support pin 42. The first cleat fastening element 34 and the third cleat fastening element 38 are movably supported on the pedal body 32 by the second support pin 42. The third hinge pin 43 can also be referred to as the third support pin 43. The fourth hinge pin 44 can also be referred to as the fourth support pin 44. Thus, the pedal body 32 further comprises the second support pin 42, the third support pin 43 and the fourth support pin 44. The second cleat fastening element 36 and the fourth cleat fastening element 40 are movably supported on the pedal body 32 by the third support pin 43 and the fourth support pin 44.

The pedal 14 further includes a biasing structure 46. The biasing structure 46 is configured to apply a biasing force to the first cleat fastening member 34 to bias the first cleat fastening member 34 toward the closed position. The biasing structure 46 is configured to apply a biasing force to the third cleat fastening member 38 to bias the third cleat fastening member 38 toward the closed position. The pedal 14 further includes a biasing structure 48. The biasing structure 48 is configured to apply a biasing force to the second cleat fastening member 36 to bias the second cleat fastening member 36 toward the closed position. The biasing structure 48 is configured to apply a biasing force to the fourth cleat fastening member 40 to bias the fourth cleat fastening member 40 toward the closed position.

The pedal 14 also includes a force amplifying structure 50. The force amplifying structure 50 is configured to increase the biasing force exerted on the first cleat fastening element 34 during a rolling operation of the cleat 12 and/or a release operation of the cleat 12 in an engaged state in which the cleat 12 is engaged with the first cleat fastening element 34 and the second cleat fastening element 36, as compared to an engaged operation. The pedal 14 may be configured such that the cleat 14 is easy to fasten and less likely to be accidentally released. In particular, as explained below, the force amplifying structure 50 is configured to receive a first input force from the cleat 12 and to increase the biasing force during the rolling operation of the cleat 12 and/or the release operation of the cleat 12 in the engaged state. In the illustrated embodiment, the force amplifying structure 50 is configured to increase the preload force exerted on the first cleat fastening element 34 both during the rolling operation of the cleat 12 and during the release operation of the cleat 12 as compared to an engaged operation.

The force amplifying structure 50 is also configured to increase the preload force exerted on the third cleat fastening element 38 during a rolling operation of the cleat 12 and/or a disengaging operation of the cleat 12 in an engaged state in which the cleat 12 is engaged with the third cleat fastening element 38 and the fourth cleat fastening element 40 as compared to an engaged operation. In particular, the force amplifying structure 50 is configured to receive an input force from the cleat 12 and increase the preload force during the rolling operation of the cleat 12 and/or the disengaging operation of the cleat 12 in the engaged state. In the illustrated embodiment, the force amplifying structure 50 is configured to increase the preload force exerted on the third cleat fastening element 38 during both the rolling operation of the cleat 12 and the release operation of the cleat 12 as compared to an engagement operation.

As can be seen from the 18 and 19 , the pedal 14 further comprises a first biasing element 51. The biasing structure 46 comprises the first biasing element 51. In addition, the pedal 14 comprises a second biasing element 52. The biasing structure 48 comprises the second biasing element 52. In the first embodiment, the pedal 14 further comprises a third biasing element 53. The biasing structure 46 comprises the third biasing element 53.

Additionally, the pedal 14 includes a fourth biasing member 54. The biasing structure 48 includes the fourth biasing member 54. As discussed below, the third biasing member 53 cooperates with the cleat 12 while the cleat 12 is engaged with the first cleat fastening member 34 during the rolling operation of the cleat 12 and the disengaging operation of the cleat 12. Accordingly, the third biasing member 53 may also be referred to as a first additional biasing member 53. Similarly, the fourth biasing member 54 cooperates with the cleat 12 while the cleat 12 is engaged with the second cleat fastening member 36 during the rolling operation of the cleat 12 and the disengaging operation of the cleat 12. Accordingly, the fourth biasing member 54 may also be referred to as a second additional biasing member 54.

Here, the prestressing force of the prestressing structure 46 comprises a first prestressing force F1 (see 23 and 24 ) and a first additional preload force AF1. The preload structure 46 is configured to apply a preload force to the first cleat fastening element 34 to bias the first cleat fastening element 34 toward the closed position. The preload force on the first cleat fastening element 34 includes the first preload force F1 and the first additional preload force AF1 (F3). The first additional preload force AF1 may also be referred to as a third preload force F3. In the illustrated embodiment, as explained below, the preload structure 46 includes the first preload element 51 applying the first preload force F1 and the first additional preload element 53 applying the first additional preload force AF1. The first preload force F1 and the first additional preload force AF1 preload the first cleat fastening element 34. on the other hand, the third preload force F3 and the third additional preload force AF3 load the third cleat fastening element 38. As explained further below, the preload structure 46 is also configured to apply a preload force to the third cleat fastening element 38 to bias the third cleat fastening element 38 toward the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the preload force on the third cleat fastening element 38 includes the third additional preload force AF3 (F1) and a third preload force F3 (AF1), as explained below. In an alternative embodiment, the pedal 14 may be configured such that the preload force on the first cleat fastening element 34 is provided only by the first preload element 51. In the alternative embodiment, the pedal 14 may also be configured such that the preload force on the third cleat fastening element 38 is provided only by the third preload element 53.

Here, the prestressing force of the prestressing structure 48 includes a second prestressing force F2 (see 27 and 28 ) and a second additional preload force AF2. The preload structure 48 is configured to apply a preload force to the second cleat fastening element 36 to preload the second cleat fastening element 36 toward the closed position. The preload force on the second cleat fastening element 36 comprises the second preload tension force F2 and the second additional preload force AF2 (F4). The second additional preload force AF2 may also be referred to as a fourth preload force F4. In the illustrated embodiment, as explained below, the preload structure 48 includes the second preload member 52 applying the second preload force F2 and the second additional preload member 54 applying the second additional preload force AF2. The second preload force F2 and the second additional preload force AF2 preload the second cleat fastening member 36. On the other hand, the fourth preload force F4 and the fourth additional preload force AF4 load the fourth cleat fastening member 40. As explained below, the preload structure 48 is also configured to apply a preload force to the fourth cleat fastening member 40 to bias the fourth cleat fastening member 40 toward the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing force on the fourth cleat attachment member 40 includes the fourth biasing force F4 and the fourth additional biasing force AF4 (F2), as explained below. In an alternative embodiment, the pedal 14 may be configured such that the biasing force on the second cleat attachment member 36 is provided only by the second biasing member 52. In the alternative embodiment, the pedal 14 may also be configured such that the biasing force on the fourth cleat attachment member 40 is provided only by the second additional biasing member 54.

With reference to the 23 to 26, 31, 39 and 40 the first biasing member 51 is configured to apply the first biasing force F1 to the first cleat fastening member 34 to bias the first cleat fastening member 34 toward the first closed position. The first biasing member 51 is configured to apply the first biasing force F1 to the first cleat fastening member 34 at a first action point AP1 to bias the first cleat fastening member 34 toward the first closed position. The first biasing member 51 includes a pair of first arms 51a and 51b. Here, the first biasing member 51 is a torsion spring having the first arms 51a and 51b. The first biasing member 51 thus includes a coiled portion 51c in which the first arms 51a and 51b extend from opposite ends of the coiled portion 51c. The first arm 51a contacts the first action point AP1 of the first cleat fastening element 34. The first arm 51b contacts the force amplifying structure 50, as explained below. In the illustrated embodiment, the first arm 51b contacts the first force amplifying element 50A. The first biasing element 51 is configured to exert a biasing force on the third cleat fastening element 38 during an engagement process, a disengagement process, and a rolling process of the cleat 12 with the third cleat fastening element 38. In this way, the first biasing element 51 forms a third additional biasing element. Therefore, the first biasing element 51 can also be referred to as a third additional biasing element. The third additional biasing element 51 comprises a pair of third additional arms 51a and 51b.

As in the 27 to 30 , the second biasing member 52 is configured to apply the second biasing force F2 to the second cleat fastening member 36 to bias the second cleat fastening member 36 toward the second closed position. The second biasing member 52 includes a pair of second arms 52a and 52b. Here, the second biasing member 52 is a torsion spring having the second arms 52a and 52b. Thus, the second biasing member 52 includes a coiled portion 52c in which the second arms 52a and 52b extend from opposite ends of the coiled portion 52c. The second arm 52a contacts the second action point of the second cleat fastening member 36. The second arm 52b contacts the force amplifying structure 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the second arm 52b contacts the second force amplifying member 60A. The second biasing member 52 is configured to apply a biasing force to the fourth cleat fastening member 40 during an engagement operation, a disengagement operation, and a rolling operation of the cleat 12 with the fourth cleat fastening member 40. In this way, the second biasing member 52 forms a fourth additional biasing member. Therefore, the second biasing member 52 may be referred to as a fourth additional biasing member. The fourth additional biasing member 52 includes a pair of fourth additional arms 52a and 52b.

With reference to the 23 to 26, 39 and 40 the third preloading element 53 is designed to provide the third preload force F3 (see 23 and 24 ) on the third cleat fastening element 38 to bias the third cleat fastening element 38 toward the third closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing force for the first cleat fastening element 34 comprises the first biasing force F1 and the first additional biasing force AF1 (the third biasing force F3). The third biasing element 53 comprises a pair of third arms 53a and 53b. The first additional biasing element 53 includes a pair of first additional arms 53a and 53b. Here, the third biasing element 53 (the first additional biasing element) is a torsion spring having the third arms 53a and 53b. Thus, the third biasing element 53 includes a coiled portion 53c in which the third arms 53a and 53b extend from opposite ends of the coiled portion 53c. The third arm 53a contacts the third action point of the third cleat fastening element 38. The third arm 53b contacts the force amplifying structure 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the third arm 53b contacts the first additional force amplifying element 50B. The third biasing element 53 is configured to exert a biasing force on the first cleat fastening element 34 during an engagement, a disengagement, and a rolling operation of the cleat 12 with the first cleat fastening element 34. In this way, the third biasing member 53 constitutes the first additional biasing member as mentioned above. Therefore, the third biasing member 53 may be referred to as the first additional biasing member 53. The first additional biasing member 53 comprises a pair of first additional arms 53a and 53b.

As in the 27 to 30 shown, the fourth preloading element 54 is designed to provide the fourth preload force F4 (see 27 and 28 ) on the fourth cleat fastening member 40 to bias the fourth cleat fastening member 40 toward the fourth closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing force for the second cleat fastening member 36 includes the second biasing force F2 and the second additional biasing force AF2 (the fourth biasing force F4). The fourth biasing member 54 includes a pair of fourth arms 54a and 54b. The second additional biasing member 54 includes a pair of second additional arms 54a and 54b. Here, the fourth biasing member 54 (the second additional biasing member) is a torsion spring having the fourth arms 54a and 54b. Thus, the fourth biasing member 54 includes a coiled portion 54c in which the fourth arms 54a and 54b extend from opposite ends of the coiled portion 54c. The fourth arm 54a contacts the fourth action point of the fourth cleat fastening element 40. The fourth arm 54b contacts the force amplifying structure 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the fourth arm 54b contacts the second additional force amplifying element 60B. The fourth biasing element 54 is configured to exert a biasing force on the second cleat fastening element 36 during an engagement, disengagement, and rolling operation of the cleat 12 with the second cleat fastening element 36. In this way, the fourth biasing element 54 forms the second additional biasing element, as mentioned above. Therefore, the fourth biasing element 54 may be referred to as the second additional biasing element 54. The second additional biasing element 54 includes a pair of second additional arms 54a and 54b.

The power amplifying structure 50 includes a first power amplifying member 50A. The first power amplifying member 50A is pivotally mounted on the pedal body 32. The first power amplifying member 50A is configured to pivot in response to a first input force from the cleat 12 and is configured to urge the other of the pair of first arms 51a and 51b in a direction in which the first biasing force F1 increases. One of the pair of first arms 51a and 51b is operatively engaged with the first cleat attachment member 34 and the other of the pair of first arms 51a and 51b is operatively engaged with the first power amplifying member 50A. Here, the first arm 51a is in operative engagement with the first cleat fastening element 34, while the first arm 51b is in operative engagement with the first force amplifying element 50A.

As in the 52 to 54 As can be seen, at least two of the first pivot axis P1, the second pivot axis P2 and the rotation center axis R1 lie entirely within a single reference plane RP2. The single reference plane RP2 can be defined to completely enclose the second pivot axis P2 and the fourth pivot axis P4 when both the first cleat attachment element 34 and the second cleat attachment element 36 are movable. As in 55 As can be seen, the first pivot axis P1 is spaced a first distance X1 from the rotation center axis R1, and the second pivot axis P2 is spaced a second distance X2 from the rotation center axis R1. The first distance X1 is greater than the second distance X2. The first pivot axis P1 is located on the reference line RL or on an opposite side relative to the rotation center axis R1 with respect to the reference line RL. In 55 the first pivot axis P1 is located on an opposite side relative to the rotation center axis R1 with respect to the reference line RL. The reference line RL is defined as a line that runs parallel to a reference extension direction RD and, in the engagement state, runs through the first contact point CP1. The second pivot axis P2 is also located between the rotation center axis R1 and the reference line RL. For example, the second pivot axis P2 lies between the rotation center axis R1 and the reference line RL in a direction that runs parallel to the single reference plane RP2 and perpendicular to the rotation center axis R1. The first point of action AP1 is spaced apart by a third distance X3 from the rotation center axis R1. The third distance X3 is greater than the first distance X1 and the second distance X2. The second pivot axis P2 is farther from the first action point AP1 of the preload force that rotates the first cleat fastening member 34 than the first pivot axis P1. For example, the second pivot axis P2 is farther from the first action point AP1 of the preload force that rotates the first cleat fastening member 34 in a direction parallel to the single reference plane RP2 and perpendicular to the rotation center axis R1. This increases the engagement force of the first cleat fastening member 34 about the second pivot axis P2. For example, the first distance X1 is measured in a direction parallel to the single reference plane RP2 and perpendicular to the rotation center axis R1. Similarly, the second distance X2 is measured in a direction parallel to the single reference plane RP2 and perpendicular to the rotation center axis R1. The third distance X3 is measured in a direction parallel to the entire reference plane RP2 and perpendicular to the central axis of rotation R1.

As in 31 As can be seen, the first pivot axis P1 is located between a first extension line L1, which corresponds to a first preload force vector VF1, which results from the first preload force F1 at the first point of action AP1 (see 21 ) and a second extension line L2 corresponding to an external force vector VF2 resulting from the shoe plate 12 acting at the first contact point CP1, viewed in a direction parallel to the first pivot axis P1. In addition, the second pivot axis P2 is located between the first extension line L1 and the second extension line L2, viewed in a direction parallel to the second pivot axis P2. Each of the first extension lines L1 and the second extension line L2 may be simply referred to as an extension line.

In addition, as in the 31 and 32 , the first pivot axis P1 is spaced a fourth distance X4 from the first point of action AP1 in a direction perpendicular to a first preload force vector VF1 of the first preload force F1, and the second pivot axis P2 is spaced a fifth distance X5 from the first point of action AP1 in the direction perpendicular to the first preload force vector VF1. The fifth distance X5 is greater than the fourth distance X4. In addition, a reference extension direction RD is defined such that it runs parallel to a central axis of the fastening opening 16a through which a fastening element is guided when fastening the shoe plate 12 to the shoe S. The first pivot axis P1 is spaced a sixth distance X6 from the reference line RL which runs parallel to the reference extension direction RD and through the first contact point CP1 in the engaged state. The second pivot axis P2 is spaced a seventh distance X7 from the reference line RL in the engaged state. The seventh distance X7 is greater than the sixth distance X6. In 31 the reference line RL is located between the first pivot axis P1 and the second pivot axis P2. The reference line RL can be defined as a line that is perpendicular to the single reference plane RP2 and passes through the first contact point CP1 in the engagement state.

The following description refers to a process in which the cleat 12 is engaged with the first cleat fastening element 34. During the 23 During the engagement shown, the cleat 12 presses on the first cleat fastening member 34 and the first cleat fastening member 34 pivots from the first closed position to the first open position. As a result, the first arm 51a of the first biasing member 51 is deflected to deform the coiled portion 51c while the first arm 51b remains stationary and engages the first force amplifying member 50A. Specifically, the cleat 12 contacts the first cleat fastening member 34, causing the first cleat fastening member 34 to move with respect to the pedal body 32 and deflecting the first arm 51a of the first biasing member 51. Thus, the first biasing force of the first biasing member 51 is solely due to the deflection of the first arm 51a by the first cleat fastening member 34. The biasing member 51 presses the first cleat fastening member 34 in the engagement direction. The engagement direction is a direction in which the first cleat fastening member 34 is biased from the open position to the closed position. Since the third cleat fastening member 38 is not moved during the movement of the first cleat fastening member 34 from the first closed position toward the first open position, the first force amplifying member 50A remains stationary. The third input portion 95 of the third cleat fastening member 38 contacts the first input portion 50A1 of the first force amplifying member 50A.

But even during the 24 shown engagement process, when the first cleat fastening element 34 pivots from the first closed position to the first open position, a first input portion 75 of the first cleat fastening element 34 presses on the lever of the first additional power amplification element 50B. In the embodiment shown, the lever of the first additional power amplification element ments 50B a first additional input section 50B1. In 24 the first input section 75 pushes the lever 50B1 upward during the illustrated engagement. The first additional force amplifying member 50B, which is pivoted to move the third arm 53b of the third biasing member 53, moves in the direction of increasing the biasing force exerted by the third biasing member 53 on the first cleat fixing member 34. In 24 the first additional force amplifying member 50B pivots clockwise during the illustrated engagement. Thus, the third biasing member 53 urges the first cleat fastening member 34 in the engagement direction via the first additional force amplifying member 50B. Since the third cleat fastening member 38 does not rotate, the third arm 53a of the third biasing member 53 remains stationary during movement of the first cleat fastening member 34 from the first closed position to the first open position. Initially, when the first cleat fastening member 34 is in the first closed position, the third biasing member 53 is configured such that the third biasing member 53 applies no biasing force or only a small biasing force to the first cleat fastening member 34.

When the cleat 12 engages the third cleat fastening member 38 during an engagement operation, the external force from the cleat 12 is applied to the third cleat fastening member 38 to cause the third cleat fastening member 38 to pivot from the third closed position to the third open position. When the third cleat fastening member 38 is pivoted from the third closed position to the third open position, the first additional force amplifying member 50B remains stationary so that the third biasing member 53 applies no biasing force or a low biasing force to the third cleat fastening member 38. Thus, the first cleat fastening member 34 is not moved during movement of the third cleat fastening member 38 from the third closed position toward the third open position. In other words, the engagement of the third cleat fastening element 38 with the cleat 12 occurs in a similar manner as described above with respect to the engagement of the first cleat fastening element 34 with the cleat 12.

When the cleat 12 is released from the first cleat attachment element 34, the cleat 12 is rotated relative to the pedal body 32. As a result, the cleat 12 contacts the first cleat attachment element 34, whereby the first cleat attachment element 34 is pivoted from the first closed position to the first open position. During the 23 During the release operation shown, the first arm 51a of the first biasing member 51 is deflected by the first cleat fixing member 34, and the first arm 51b of the first biasing member 51 is deflected by the first force amplifying member 50A. When the cleat 12 is twisted, the cleat 12 pushes the first cleat fixing member 34 from the first closed position toward the first open position, causing the first cleat fixing member 34 to move with respect to the pedal body 32 and deflect the first arm 51a of the first biasing member 51. In addition, the first force amplifying member 50A receives the first input force from the cleat 12 via the third cleat fixing member 38 due to the twisting movement of the cleat 12. In other words, when the cleat 12 is rotated relative to the pedal body 32 during a release operation, the cleat 12 contacts one of the two third input elements 95a and 95b of a third input portion 95 of the third cleat fastening element 38, which causes the third cleat fastening element 38 to pivot from the third closed position to the third open position. This movement of the third cleat fastening element 38 pushes the first input portion 50A1 of the first force-amplifying element 50A downward. This movement of the third cleat fastening element 38 causes a rotation of the first force-amplifying element 50A. In 23 the first force amplifying element 50A rotates clockwise. This causes the first arm 51b to deflect to deform the wound portion 51c and increase the preload force exerted by the first preload element 51 on the first cleat fixing element 34. Thus, the first preload force of the first preload element 51 is increased during a release operation of the cleat 12 compared to the engagement operation of the cleat 12 due to the deflection of the first arm 51a by the first cleat fixing element 34 and the deflection of the first arm 51b by the first force amplifying element 50A. During the 24 During the release process shown, the third arm 53b of the third biasing element 53 is deflected by the first cleat fastening element 34 via the first additional force amplifying element 50B, and the third arm 53a of the third biasing element 53 is deflected by the third cleat fastening element 38. In particular, when the cleat 12 is twisted, the cleat 12 presses the first cleat fastening element 34 from the first closed position toward the first open position, which fastening element 34 to move with respect to the pedal body 32 and to rotate the first additional power amplifying element 50B. The first input portion 75 of the first cleat fastening element 34 presses on the first additional input portion 50B1 of the first additional power amplifying element 50B. The first additional power amplifying element 50B rotates clockwise. This deflects the first arm 53b of the third biasing element 53. In addition, the first auxiliary force amplifying member 50B receives the first input force from the cleat 12 due to the twisting movement of the cleat 12. In other words, for example, when the cleat 12 is twisted relative to the pedal body 32 during a release operation, the cleat 12 contacts the auxiliary input member 95b of the third auxiliary input portion 95 of the third cleat fastening member 38, causing the third cleat fastening member 38 to pivot from the third closed position to the third open position. This movement of the third cleat fastening member 38 causes the third cleat fastening member 38 to press on the third arm 53a of the third biasing member 53. This deflects the third arm 53a to deform the coiled portion 53c and increase the biasing force exerted by the third biasing member 53 on the first cleat fastening member 34. Thus, the first biasing force of the third biasing member 53 is increased during a release operation of the cleat 12 compared to the engagement operation of the cleat 12 due to the deflection of the third arm 53b by the first additional force amplifying member 50B and the deflection of the third arm 53a by the third cleat fixing member 38. For example, in a case where the rolling operation is performed, the cleat 12 presses down the additional input member 95b of the third additional input portion 95 on the side that serves as a fulcrum of the rolling operation. As a result, the third cleat fixing member 38 rotates. Therefore, the rolling operation behaves in the same manner as the release operation. In other words, the two first arms 51a and 51b are deflected so that the force for securing the cleat 12 increases compared to an engagement operation. The two third arms 53a and 53b are deflected such that the force for securing the shoe plate 12 increases compared to an engagement process.

In 51 1 illustrates a rolling action in which the cleat 12 rolls relative to the pedal body 32 toward the outside of the pedal body 32. During a rolling action, the cleat 12 rolls relative to the pedal body 32 until the first cleat attachment member 34 comes into contact with the rolling engagement surface 18d of the cleat 12 and the second cleat attachment member 36 comes into contact with the rolling engagement surface 20d of the cleat 12. As a result of the rolling motion of the cleat 12 relative to the pedal body 32, the engagement distances of the first cleat attachment member 34 and the second cleat attachment member 36 with respect to the first engagement surface 18c and the engagement surface 20c are generally reduced. However, as mentioned below, the rolling engagement surface 18d contacts the first cleat fastening member 34 and the rolling engagement surface 20d contacts the second cleat fastening member 36 to suppress a reduction in the engagement distances of the cleat 12 with the first cleat fastening member 34 and the second cleat fastening member 36.

As the cleat 12 is vertically separated from the pedal body 32 during the rolling operation, the pivot point of the first cleat fixing member 34 changes from the first pivot axis P1 to the second pivot axis P2. The first pivot axis P1 is closer to the reference line RL that passes vertically through a point where the first cleat fixing member 34 contacts the first cleat projection 18 than the second pivot axis P2. The point where the first cleat fixing member 34 contacts the first cleat projection 18 corresponds to the contact point CP1. In other words, the contact point CP1 rotates mainly in a lateral direction with respect to the pedal body 32. A case where the first contact point CP1 rotates in the lateral direction of 32 moved by the same distance is described below. An amount of downward movement in 32 when the first contact point CP1 rotates about the first pivot axis P1 is defined as a first downward movement amount. An amount of downward movement in 32 when the first contact point CP1 rotates about the second pivot axis P2 is defined as the second downward movement amount. The second downward movement amount is larger than the first downward movement amount. Therefore, in 32 a distance between the first contact point CP1 in the case of the first downward movement amount and the pedal body 32 is larger than a distance between the position of the first contact point CP1 in the case of the second downward movement amount and the pedal body 32. That is, in a case where the engagement span is the same, the first cleat fixing member 34 rotating about the first pivot axis P1 can hold the cleat 12 farther away from the pedal body 32 than the first cleat fixing member 34 rotating about the second pivot axis P2.

During a rolling operation of the cleat 12 in which the cleat 12 is engaged with the first cleat fixing member 34, the first arm 51a of the first biasing member 51 is deflected by the first cleat fixing member 34, and the first arm 51b of the first biasing member 51 is deflected by the first force amplifying member 50A. Specifically, the cleat 12 lifts the first cleat fixing member 34, causing the first cleat fixing member 34 to move with respect to the pedal body 32 and deflecting the first arm 51a of the first biasing member 51. The first cleat fixing member 34 moves from the first closed position toward the first open position. In addition, the first force amplifying member 50A receives the first input force from the cleat 12 via the third cleat fixing member 38 due to the rolling motion of the cleat 12. The third input member 95a of the third cleat fixing member 38 receives the first input force from the cleat 12. Then, the third input portion 95 of the third cleat fixing member 38 presses the first input portion 50A1 of the first force amplifying member 50A. Thus, the first biasing force of the first biasing member 51 is increased during a rolling operation of the cleat 12 compared to the engaging operation of the cleat 12 due to the deflection of the first arm 51a by the first cleat fixing member 34 and the deflection of the first arm 51b by the first force amplifying member 50A. As described above, the first biasing member 51 and the first force amplifying member 50A effect the same operation as the disengaging operation.

In the first embodiment, which is shown in the 52 to 54 As can be seen, the cleat 12 may be engaged during the rolling operation with an initial engagement force until the first cleat attachment member 34 engages the rolling engagement surface 18d of the cleat 12. In this case, the first cleat attachment member 34 pivots about the first pivot axis P1. After the first cleat attachment member 34 engages the rolling engagement surface 18d of the cleat 12, the pivot axis is changed from the first pivot axis P1 to the second pivot axis P2 to increase the engagement holding force over the initial engagement force. As shown in 52 As shown, initially there is a gap between the bottom of the second hinge pin 42 and the edge of the second hinge pin receiving hole 74 of the first cleat fastening element 34. The second hinge pin 42 is inserted through the second hinge pin receiving hole 74. On the other hand, the first hinge pin 41 contacts the edge of the first hinge pin receiving hole 73 of the first cleat fastening element 34. However, as the first cleat fastening element 34 pivots on the first hinge pin 41 about the first pivot axis P1, the second hinge pin 42 contacts the edge of the second hinge pin receiving hole 74 of the first cleat fastening element 34, and the gap below the second hinge pin 42 disappears, as shown in 53 As shown in 54 As shown, further movement of the first cleat fastening element 34 causes the first cleat fastening element 34 to pivot on the second pivot pin 42 about the second pivot axis P2 and a gap is created under the first pivot pin 41 with respect to the first pivot pin receiving opening 73.

The pedal 12 also includes a first additional force amplifying member 50B. The first additional force amplifying member 50B is configured to increase the first additional preload force AF1 exerted on the first cleat fastening member 34. More specifically, the first additional arm 53a is in operative engagement with the third cleat fastening member 38 and the first additional arm 53b is in operative engagement with the first additional force amplifying member 50B. The first additional input portion 50B1 of the first additional force amplifying member 50B abuts the first input portion 75 of the first cleat fastening member 34. Thus, the first additional force amplifying member 50B is configured to increase the first additional preload force AF1 exerted by the third preload member 53 on the first cleat fastening member 34. As the third cleat fastening member 38 rotates during the rolling operation, the third biasing member 53 and the first additional force amplifying member 50B cause the same operation as the release operation. This rotational movement of the third cleat fastening member 38 causes the third cleat fastening member 38 to press on the third arm 53a of the third biasing member 53. Thus, the third arm 53a is deflected to deform the coiled portion 53c and increase the biasing force exerted by the third biasing member 53 on the first cleat fastening member 34. Thus, the first biasing force of the third biasing member 53 is increased during the rolling operation of the cleat 12 compared to the engaging operation of the cleat 12 due to the deflection of the third arm 53b by the first additional force amplifying member 50B and the deflection of the third arm 53a by the third cleat fastening member 38.

The pedal 14 also includes a force amplifying structure 60. The force amplifying structure 60 is configured to increase the preload force exerted on the second cleat fastening element 36 during a rolling operation of the cleat 12 and/or a disengaging operation of the cleat 12 in an engaged state in which the cleat 12 is engaged with the first cleat fastening element 34 and the second cleat fastening element 36, as compared to an engaged operation. In particular, as discussed below, the force amplifying structure 60 is configured to receive a first input force from the cleat 12 and increase the preload force during the rolling operation of the cleat 12 and/or the disengaging operation of the cleat 12 in the engaged state. In the illustrated embodiment, the force amplifying structure 60 is configured to increase the preload force exerted on the second cleat fastening element 36 during both the rolling operation of the cleat 12 and the release operation of the cleat 12 as compared to an engagement operation.

The force amplifying structure 60 is configured to increase the preload force exerted on the fourth cleat fastening element 40 during a rolling operation of the cleat 12 and/or a disengaging operation of the cleat 12 in an engaged state in which the cleat 12 is engaged with the third cleat fastening element 38 and the fourth cleat fastening element 40, as compared to an engaged operation. In particular, the force amplifying structure 60 is configured to receive an input force from the cleat 12 and increase the preload force during the rolling operation of the cleat 12 and/or the disengaging operation of the cleat 12 in the engaged state. In the first embodiment, the force amplifying structure 60 is configured to increase the preload force exerted on the fourth cleat fastening element 40 during both the rolling operation of the cleat 12 and the release operation of the cleat 12 as compared to an engagement operation.

The force amplifying structure 60 includes a pair of force amplifying members 60A and 60B. The force amplifying members 60A and 60B are pivotally mounted on the pedal body 32. The force amplifying member 60A is configured to pivot in response to an input force from the cleat 12 and is configured to urge the second arm 52b in a direction in which the preload force increases. The second arm 52a is operatively connected to the second cleat attachment member 36 and the second arm 52b is operatively connected to the second force amplifying member 60A. The force amplifying member 60B is configured to increase the second additional preload force AF2 exerted on the second cleat attachment member 36. More specifically, the fourth arm 54a is operatively engaged with the fourth cleat fastening element 40 and the fourth arm 54b is operatively engaged with the force amplifying element 60B. Thus, the force amplifying element 60B is configured to increase the preload force exerted by the fourth preloading element 54 on the second cleat fastening element 36.

As mentioned above, the first cleat fastening member 34 pivots during the rolling operation of the cleat 12 and/or the disengaging operation of the cleat 12 in the engaged state. In the first embodiment, the pedal 14 includes a first auxiliary member 61 that cooperates with the first cleat fastening member 34 to increase the engaging force of the first cleat fastening member 34 during the rolling operation of the cleat 12 and/or the disengaging operation of the cleat 12 in the engaged state. In the first embodiment, the first auxiliary member 61 increases the engaging force of the first cleat fastening member 34 during both a rolling operation of the cleat 12 and a disengaging operation of the cleat 12 in the engaged state.

The first auxiliary member 61 has the same functions as the third cleat fastening member 38, except for its ability to engage the cleat 12. Therefore, like the third cleat fastening member 38, the first auxiliary member 61 cooperates with the biasing structure 46 to increase the engagement force of the first cleat fastening member 34 with the cleat 12. The biasing structure 46 includes the first biasing member 51 and the first additional biasing member 53. The first auxiliary member 61 is pivotally disposed on the pedal body 32. The first auxiliary member 61 is configured to pivot in response to a first input force from the cleat 12. The first auxiliary member 61 is configured to urge the one of the pair of first additional arms 53a and 53b in a direction in which the first additional biasing force AF1 increases. The first auxiliary element 61 comprises the third additional input section 95, which is designed to receive a first input force from the cleat 12. In particular, the third additional input section 95 comprises the third additional input elements 95a and 95b, which are designed to receive a first input force from the cleat 12. The first input force is transmitted to the first force amplifying element 50A via the first auxiliary element 61. Likewise, the first input force is transmitted to the first additional force amplifying member 50B via the first auxiliary member 61 and the first additional biasing member 53. Both the first force amplifying member 50A and the first additional force amplifying member 50B pivot in the engaged state during the rolling operation of the cleat 12 and/or the disengaging operation of the cleat 12. In the first embodiment, both the first force amplifying member 50A and the first additional force amplifying member 50B are designed to pivot in the engaged state during both a rolling operation of the cleat 12 and a disengaging operation of the cleat 12.

The shoe plate 12 contacts the third additional input element 95a of the first auxiliary element 61, causing the first auxiliary element 61 to pivot. As shown in 23 , in the first embodiment, the first auxiliary member 61 is configured to urge the first input portion 50A1 of the first force amplifying member 50A in a direction in which the first biasing force F1 increases. More specifically, one of the pair of first arms 51a and 51b is operatively connected to the first cleat fixing member 34, and the other of the pair of first arms 51a and 51b is operatively connected to the first force amplifying member 50A. In the first embodiment, the first arm 51a is engaged with the first cleat fixing member 34, and the first arm 51b is engaged with the first force amplifying member 50A. Thus, the first force amplifying member 50A is configured to increase the first biasing force F1 exerted on the first cleat fixing member 34 via the first biasing member 51. The shoe plate 12 contacts the third additional input element 95b of the first auxiliary element 61, which causes the first auxiliary element 61 to pivot. As in 24 , in the first embodiment, the first auxiliary member 61 is configured to urge the first auxiliary arm 53a in a direction in which the first auxiliary biasing force AF1 increases. More specifically, one of the pair of first auxiliary arms 53a and 53b is operatively engaged with the first auxiliary member 61, and the other of the pair of first auxiliary arms 53a and 53b is operatively engaged with the first auxiliary force amplifying member 50B. In the first embodiment, the first auxiliary arm 53a is engaged with the first auxiliary member 61 including the third cleat fixing member 38, and the first auxiliary arm 53b is engaged with the first auxiliary force amplifying member 50B. Thus, the first additional force amplifying member 50B is configured to increase the first additional biasing force AF1 exerted on the first cleat fixing member 34 via the first auxiliary member 61, the first additional biasing member 53, and the first additional force amplifying member 50B. In the first embodiment, the first auxiliary member 61 includes the third cleat fixing member 38 pivotally provided on the pedal body 32 to pivot between the closed position and the open position.

With reference to the 22 to 26, 31 and 56 , the first cleat attachment member 34 includes a first cleat engagement surface 70. The first cleat engagement surface 70 contacts the first cleat projection 18 in a state in which the pedal 14 secures the cleat 12. The first cleat engagement surface 70 has a first contact point CP1. The first contact point CP1 is configured to contact the cleat 12 in the first engagement state. The first contact point CP1 is configured to contact the first rolling engagement surface 18d of the first cleat projection 18 of the cleat 12 in the state in which the pedal 14 secures the cleat 12 during a rolling operation of the cleat 12 such that the second support pin 42 is disposed between the second extension line L2 of an external force vector VF2 at the first contact point CP1 and the rotation center axis R1. In this configuration, which is shown in 56 As shown, the first cleat fastening element 34 is biased toward the first closed position when the cleat 12 is pushed away from the pedal body 32. Therefore, the force of the first cleat fastening element 34 to secure the cleat 12 is increased. On the other hand, in 57 the second extension line L2 of an external force vector VF2 is arranged at the first contact point CP1 between the second support pin 42 and the rotation center axis R1. In a 57 In the configuration shown, the first cleat fastening element 34 is biased toward the first open position when the cleat 12 is pushed away from the pedal body 32. Therefore, the force of the first cleat fastening element 34 to secure the cleat 12 is reduced. By changing the configuration described above, the force with which the first cleat fastening element 34 engages the cleat 12 can be adjusted. The adjustment of the engagement force described above can also be applied to the other cleat fastening elements 36, 38 and 40. The first pivot axis P1 is located on the reference line RL or on an opposite side of the rotational center axis R1 with respect to the second extension line L2.

In addition, the first cleat fastening element 34 comprises a first inclined surface 71 arranged to receive a cleat pressing force in order to fix the first cleat fastening element 34 relative to the pedal body 32 during an engagement operation of the cleat 12 with the first cleat fastening element 34. The first inclined surface 71 is inclined with respect to the single reference plane RP2 in a state in which the first cleat fastening element 34 is in the first closed position in which the cleat 12 is not engaged.

The first cleat attachment member 34 further includes a pair of attachment flanges 72 for movably supporting the first cleat attachment member 34 on the pedal body 32 via the first support pin 41 and the second support pin 42. The first cleat attachment member 34 is movably supported on the pedal body 32 by the first support pin 41 and the second support pin 42. As shown in the 31 and 32 , the first cleat fastening element 34 comprises at least one first hinge pin receiving opening 73 having a larger dimension than a cross-sectional dimension of the first hinge pin 41 that is perpendicular to the first pivot axis P1, such that the first cleat fastening element 34 slides with respect to the first pivot axis P1 during the rolling operation of the cleat 12 and/or the release operation of the cleat 12 on the first hinge pin 41. Here, the first hinge pin receiving opening 73 is formed in each of the fastening flanges 72. Thus, the first hinge pin 41 extends through each of the first hinge pin receiving openings 73. Again, the first cleat fastening element 34 includes at least one second hinge pin receiving opening 74 having a larger dimension than a cross-sectional dimension of the second hinge pin 42 that is perpendicular to the second pivot axis P2, such that the first cleat fastening element 34 slides on the second hinge pin 42 with respect to the second pivot axis P2 during the rolling operation of the cleat 12 and/or the release operation of the cleat 12. Here, the second hinge pin receiving opening 74 is formed in each of the fastening flanges 72. Thus, the second hinge pin 42 extends through each of the second hinge pin receiving openings 74. In this way, the first cleat fastening element 34 is configured to move in a radial direction with respect to at least one of the first pivot axis P1 and the second pivot axis P2. In the first embodiment, the first cleat fixing member 34 is configured to move in a radial direction with respect to the first pivot axis P1 and the second pivot axis P2.

As in the 24 , the first cleat fastening member 34 includes a first input portion 75. The first input portion 75 is configured to receive a second input force from the first additional force amplifying member 50B. In this manner, the third biasing member 53 functions as a first additional biasing member during an engagement operation, a disengagement operation, and a rolling operation of the cleat with the first cleat fastening member 34. In the first embodiment, the first input portion 75 has an additional function in a case where the cleat 12 is engaged with the third cleat fastening member 38. The disengagement operation will be described later. The first input portion 75 of the first cleat fastening member 34 includes a pair of first input members 75a and 75b provided on opposite sides of the second cleat receiving area A2 with respect to an axial direction of the rotational center axis R1. The shoe fastening portion 16 also includes four stoppers 16c. The first input members 75a and 75b are configured to selectively engage one of the stops 16c during the release operation. One of the stops 16c of the cleat 12 presses on one of the first input members 75a and 75b of the first cleat fastening member 34. This causes the first cleat fastening member 34 to rotate toward the first open position.

The following describes how the cleat 12 is connected to the third cleat fixing elements 38 and the fourth cleat fixing elements 40. That is, the cleat 12 is held in the second cleat receiving area A2. In the 48 and 50 the third cleat fastening element 38 and the fourth cleat fastening element 40 are not shown. As shown in the 48 and 50 , the first cleat fixing member 34 further includes at least one cleat guide surface configured to guide the cleat 12 when the cleat 12 rotates relative to the pedal body 32 during the release operation of the cleat 12 in an engaged state in which the cleat 12 is engaged with the third cleat fixing member 38 and the fourth cleat fixing member 40. In the first embodiment, the first cleat fixing member 34 includes a pair of cleat guide surfaces 76. Here, the cleat guide surfaces 76 are provided on the first input members 75a and 75b. Thus, the cleat guide surfaces 76 are provided on opposite sides of the second cleat receiving portion A2 with respect to an axial direction of the rotation center axis R1. The cleat guide surfaces 76 cooperate with the curved guide surfaces 16b of the cleat 12 so that the curved guide surfaces 16b the shoe plate 12 is guided by the shoe plate guide surfaces 76 during a release process.

As in the 22 and 27 to 28, 33 and 34 , the second cleat fastening member 36 is identical to the first cleat fastening member 34. Thus, the second cleat fastening member 36 functions and acts in the same manner as the first cleat fastening member 34 during an engagement, disengagement, and rolling operation. The second cleat fastening member 36 includes a second cleat engagement surface 80. The second cleat engagement surface 80 contacts the second cleat projection 20 in a state where the pedal 14 secures the cleat 12. The second cleat engagement surface 80 has a contact point similar to the first contact point CP1 of the first cleat engagement surface 70. In addition, the second cleat fixing member 36 includes a second inclined surface 81 arranged to receive a cleat compressive force to move the second cleat fixing member 36 relative to the pedal body 32 during an engagement operation of the cleat 12 with the second cleat fixing member 36. The second inclined surface 81 is inclined with respect to the single reference plane RP2 both in a state in which the second cleat fixing member 36 is in a neutral rest position and in a state in which the second cleat fixing member 36 has moved to the second closed position. The neutral rest position corresponds to the closed position in which the cleat 12 is not engaged. The second cleat attachment member 36 further includes a pair of attachment flanges 82 for supporting the second cleat attachment member 36 to the pedal body 32 via the third support pin 43 and the fourth support pin 44. The second cleat attachment member 36 is movably supported on the pedal body 32 by the third support pin 43 and the fourth support pin 44.

As in 27 , the second cleat fastening member 36 includes a second input portion 85. The second input portion 85 is configured to receive a second input force from the second additional force amplifying member 60B. In this manner, the fourth biasing member 54 acts as a second additional biasing member during an engagement operation, a disengagement operation, and a rolling operation of the cleat 12 with the second cleat fastening member 36. The second input portion 85 has an additional function when the cleat 12 is engaged with the fourth cleat fastening member 40. The disengagement operation will be described below. In the first embodiment, the second input portion 85 of the second cleat fastening member 36 includes a pair of second input members 85a and 85b provided on opposite sides of the second cleat receiving area A2 with respect to an axial direction of the rotational center axis R1. The shoe fastening portion 16 also includes four stoppers 16c. The second input elements 85a and 85b are designed to selectively abut one of the stops 16c during a release operation. One of the stops 16c of the cleat 12 presses on one of the second input elements 85a and 85b of the second cleat fastening element 36. This rotates the second cleat fastening element 36 toward the second open position.

The following describes how the cleat 12 is connected to the third cleat fixing elements 38 and the fourth cleat fixing elements 40. That is, the cleat 12 is held in the second cleat receiving area A2. As shown in the 48 and 50 , the second cleat fixing member 36 further includes at least one cleat guide surface configured to guide the cleat 12 when the cleat 12 rotates relative to the pedal body 32 during the release operation of the cleat 12 in the engaged state in which the cleat 12 is engaged with the third cleat fixing member 38 and the fourth cleat fixing member 40. In the first embodiment, the second cleat fixing member 36 includes a pair of cleat guide surfaces 86. Here, the cleat guide surfaces 86 are provided on the second input members 85a and 85b. Thus, the cleat guide surfaces 86 are located on opposite sides of the second cleat receiving portion A2 with respect to an axial direction of the rotation center axis R1. The cleat guide surfaces 86 cooperate with the curved guide surfaces 16b of the cleat 12 so that the curved guide surfaces 16b of the cleat 12 are guided by the cleat guide surfaces 86 during a release operation. Then, one of the stops 16c of the cleat 12 presses on one of the second input elements 85a and 85b of the second cleat fastening element 36. As described above, the cleat guide surface 86 functions similarly to the cleat guide surface 76 and cooperates with the cleat guide surface 76 to guide the cleat 12. Typically, in the event of engagement, the cleat 12 is first brought into engagement with the first cleat fastening element 34 or the second cleat fastening element 36 by the first cleat projection 18 or the second cleat projection 20 is hooked under the first cleat engagement surface 70 or the second cleat engagement surface 80. Then, the cleat 12 is pressed onto the other member, that is, the first cleat fastening member 34 or the second cleat fastening member 36, to connect the cleat 12 to the other member, that is, the first cleat fastening member 34 or the second cleat fastening member 36.

As in the 22 and 23 to 26, 35 and 36 As shown, the third cleat fastening member 38 is identical to the first cleat fastening member 34. Thus, the third cleat fastening member 38 functions and acts in the same manner as the first cleat fastening member 34 during an engagement operation, a disengagement operation, and a rolling operation. The third cleat fastening member 38 includes a third cleat engagement surface 90. The third cleat engagement surface 90 contacts the second cleat projection 20 in a state where the pedal 14 secures the cleat 12. The third cleat engagement surface 90 has a contact point similar to the first contact point CP1 of the first cleat engagement surface 70. In addition, the third cleat fastening member 38 includes a third inclined surface 91 arranged to receive a cleat pressing force to move the third cleat fastening member 38 relative to the pedal body 32 during an engagement operation of the cleat 12 with the third cleat fastening member 38. The third inclined surface 91 is inclined with respect to the single reference plane RP2 in a state in which the third cleat fastening member 38 is in a third closed position in which the cleat 12 is not engaged. The third cleat fastening member 38 further includes a pair of mounting flanges 92 for supporting the third cleat fastening member 38 on the pedal body 32 via the first support pin 41 and the second support pin 42. The third cleat fastening member 38 is movably supported on the pedal body 32 by the first support pin 41 and the second support pin 42. The third cleat fastening element 38 includes at least a first hinge pin receiving opening 93 and at least a second hinge pin receiving opening 94. The first hinge pin receiving opening 93 corresponds to the first hinge pin receiving opening 73 of the first cleat fastening element 34. The second hinge pin receiving opening 94 corresponds to the second hinge pin receiving opening 74 of the first cleat fastening element 34. Similarly, the second cleat fastening element 36 includes at least a third hinge pin receiving opening 83 corresponding to the first hinge pin receiving opening 73 and at least a fourth hinge pin receiving opening 84 corresponding to the second hinge pin receiving opening 74. The fourth cleat fastening element 40 includes at least a third hinge pin receiving opening 103 corresponding to the first hinge pin receiving opening 73 and at least a fourth hinge pin receiving opening 104 corresponding to the second hinge pin receiving opening 74. The third hinge pin 43 is inserted through the third hinge pin receiving openings 83 and 103. The fourth hinge pin 44 is inserted through the fourth hinge pin receiving openings 84 and 104.

As in the 23 and 24 As can be seen, in a case where the third cleat fastening element 38 engages the cleat 12, the third input portion 95 includes the third input portion 95 as mentioned above. The third input portion 95 is configured to receive a second input force from the first force amplifying element 50A. In this way, the first biasing element 51 acts as a third additional biasing element during an engagement operation, a disengagement operation, and a rolling operation of the cleat 12 with the third cleat fastening element 38. The third input portion 95 has an additional function in a case where the cleat 12 is engaged with the first cleat fastening element 34. The disengagement operation will be described further below. In the first embodiment, the third input portion 95 of the third cleat fixing member 38 includes the pair of third input members 95a and 95b provided on opposite sides of the first cleat receiving portion A1 with respect to an axial direction of the rotation center axis R1. The third input portion 95 functions as a first auxiliary input portion of the first auxiliary member 61. Therefore, the third input portion 95 may be referred to as a third auxiliary input portion 95 of the first auxiliary member 61. The third auxiliary input portion 95 of the first auxiliary member 61 includes a pair of third auxiliary input members 95a and 95b provided on opposite sides of the first cleat receiving portion A1 with respect to an axial direction of the rotation center axis R1. One of the pair of first additional arms 53a and 53b of the first additional biasing member 53 is configured to be urged in a direction in which the first biasing force increases in response to a first input force from the cleat 12 by at least one of the pair of third additional input members 95a and 95b. Similarly, one of the pair of first arms 51a and 51b of the first biasing member 51 is configured to be urged in a direction in which the first biasing force increases in response to a first input force from the cleat 12. plate 12 is pressed by at least one of the pair of third additional input elements 95a and 95b in a direction in which the first biasing force increases.

Next, it will be described how the cleat 12 is engaged with the first cleat fixing members 34 and the second cleat fixing members 36. That is, the cleat 12 is held in the first cleat receiving area A1. As shown in the 47 and 49 , the third cleat fastening member 38 and the fourth cleat fastening member 40 each include at least one cleat guide surface configured to guide the cleat 12 when the cleat 12 rotates relative to the pedal body 32 during the release operation of the cleat 12 in the engaged state. In the first embodiment, the third cleat fastening member 38 includes a pair of cleat guide surfaces 96. In other words, each of the pair of third input members 95a and 95b (also referred to as third additional input members 95a and 95b) includes at least one cleat guide surface 96 configured to guide the cleat 12 when the cleat 12 rotates relative to the pedal body 32 during the release operation of the cleat 12 in the engaged state. Here, the cleat guide surfaces 96 are provided on the third input members 95a and 95b. Thus, the cleat guide surfaces 96 are provided on opposite sides of the first cleat receiving portion A1 with respect to an axial direction of the rotation center axis R1. The third input members 95a and 95b are configured to be selectively engaged with one of the stoppers 16c during a release operation. The cleat guide surfaces 96 cooperate with the guide surfaces 16b of the cleat 12 so that the guide surfaces 16b of the cleat 12 are guided by the cleat guide surfaces 96 during a release operation.

As in the 22 and 27 to 28, 37 and 38 As shown, the fourth cleat fastening member 40 is identical to the first cleat fastening member 34. Thus, the fourth cleat fastening member 40 functions and acts in the same manner as the first cleat fastening member 34 during an engagement operation, a disengagement operation, and a rolling operation. The fourth cleat fastening member 40 includes a fourth cleat engagement surface 100. The fourth cleat engagement surface 100 contacts the first cleat projection 18 in a state where the pedal 14 secures the cleat 12. The fourth cleat engagement surface 100 has a contact point similar to the first contact point CP1 of the first cleat engagement surface 70. In addition, the fourth cleat fastening member 40 includes a fourth inclined surface 101 arranged to receive a cleat pressing force to move the fourth cleat fastening member 40 relative to the pedal body 32 during an engagement operation of the cleat 12 with the fourth cleat fastening member 40. The fourth inclined surface 101 is inclined with respect to the single reference plane RP2 in a state in which the fourth cleat fastening member 40 is in a fourth closed position in which the cleat 12 is not engaged. The fourth cleat fastening member 40 further includes a pair of mounting flanges 102 for supporting the fourth cleat fastening member 40 to the pedal body 32 via the third support pin 43 and the fourth support pin 44. The fourth cleat fastening member 40 is movably held to the pedal body 32 by the third support pin 43 and the fourth support pin 44.

As in the 27 and 28 , in a case where the fourth cleat fastening element 40 is engaged with the cleat 12, the fourth cleat fastening element 40 includes a fourth input portion 105. The fourth input portion 105 is configured to receive a first input force from the second force amplifying element 60A. In this way, the second biasing element 52 acts as a fourth additional biasing element during an engagement operation, a disengagement operation, and a rolling operation of the cleat 12 with the fourth cleat fastening element 40. The fourth input portion 105 has an additional function in a case where the cleat 12 is engaged with the second cleat fastening element 36. The disengagement operation is described further below. In the first embodiment, the fourth input portion 105 of the fourth cleat fixing member 40 includes a pair of fourth input members 105a and 105b provided on opposite sides of the first cleat receiving area A1 with respect to an axial direction of the rotation center axis R1. The shoe fixing portion 16 also includes four stoppers 16c. The fourth input members 105a and 105b are configured to selectively abut one of the stoppers 16c during a release operation. One of the stoppers 16c of the cleat 12 presses one of the fourth input members 105a and 105b of the fourth cleat fixing member 40. As a result, the fourth cleat guide member 40 rotates toward the second open position. The cleat guide surfaces 106 cooperate with the guide surfaces 16b of the cleat 12 so that the guide surfaces 16b of the cleat 12 during a release process by the cleat guide surfaces 106. Then, one of the stops 16c of the cleat 12 presses on one of the fourth input elements 105a and 105b of the fourth cleat fastening element 40.

Next, it will be described how the cleat 12 is engaged with the first cleat fixing members 34 and the second cleat fixing members 36. That is, the cleat 12 is held in the first cleat receiving area A1. In the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 47 and 49 , the fourth cleat attachment member 40 includes a pair of cleat guide surfaces 106. Here, the cleat guide surfaces 106 are provided on the fourth input members 105a and 105b. Thus, the cleat guide surfaces 106 are located on opposite sides of the first cleat receiving portion A1 with respect to an axial direction of the rotational center axis R1. As described above, the cleat guide surface 106 functions similarly to the cleat guide surface 96 and cooperates with the cleat guide surface 96 to guide the cleat 12.

With reference to the 58 and 59 A modified pedal 114 according to a second embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between the first and second embodiments, the parts of the second embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. In addition, the descriptions of the parts of the second embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity.

In the second embodiment, the pedal 114 is identical to the pedal 14 described above, except that the cleat attachment members and the power amplifying structures of the pedal 114 have been changed. Here, the pedal 114 includes a first cleat attachment member 134, a third cleat attachment member 138, a first power amplifying member 150A, and the first additional power amplifying member 150B. The first cleat attachment member 134 replaces the first cleat attachment member 34 and is attached to the pedal body 32 via the first hinge pin 41 and the second hinge pin 42. Similarly, the third cleat attachment member 138 replaces the third cleat attachment member 38 and is attached to the pedal body 32 via the first hinge pin 41 and the second hinge pin 42. The first power amplification element 150A replaces the first power amplification element 50A and is attached to the pedal body 32 via the first hinge pin 41. The first additional power amplification element 150B replaces the first additional power amplification element 50B and is attached to the pedal body 32 via the first hinge pin 41.

In addition, the pedal 114 preferably includes a second cleat attachment member, a fourth cleat attachment member, a second power amplification member, and a second additional power amplification member. The second cleat attachment member and the fourth cleat attachment member are modified in the same manner as the first cleat attachment member 134 and the third cleat attachment member 138 and replace the second cleat attachment member 36 and a fourth cleat attachment member 40.

The second force amplifying element and the second additional force amplifying element are modified in the same manner as the first force amplifying element 50A and the first additional force amplifying element 50B and replace the second force amplifying element 60A and the second additional force amplifying element 60B.

The first cleat attachment member 134 is identical to the first cleat attachment member 34 except that the first input members 75a and 75b have been removed. Similarly, the third cleat attachment member 138 is identical to the third cleat attachment member 38 except that the third input members 95a and 95b have been removed.

The first power amplifying member 150A is identical to the first power amplifying member 50A, except that the first power amplifying member 150A is provided with a first input portion 150A1 configured to directly contact the cleat 12. Similarly, the first auxiliary power amplifying member 150B is identical to the first auxiliary power amplifying member 50B, except that the first auxiliary power amplifying member 150B is provided with a first auxiliary input portion 150B1 configured to directly contact the cleat 12. With this arrangement, the third cleat fixing member 138 does not function as the first auxiliary member 61 during the rolling operation of the cleat 12 in the engaged state. While the first input portion 150A1 of the first force amplifying element 150A is shown with only a single input element, the first input portion 150A1 of the first force amplifying element 150A may include a pair of input elements arranged on opposite opposite sides of the first cleat receiving portion A1 with respect to the axial direction of the rotation center axis R1. When the first power amplifying member 150A includes a pair of input members, the first power amplifying member 150A rotates when an input member is pressed by the cleat 12. While the first additional input portion 150B1 of the first additional power amplifying member 150B is shown with only a single input member, the first additional input portion 150B1 of the first additional power amplifying member 150B may include a pair of input members provided on opposite sides of the second cleat receiving portion A2 with respect to the axial direction of the rotation center axis R1. When the first additional power amplifying member 150B includes a pair of input members, the first additional power amplifying member 150B rotates when an input member is pressed by the cleat 12. As a result, the spring forces of both the first preloading element 51 and the first additional preloading element 53 are increased.

During a rolling operation, the cleat 12 pushes the first input portion 150A1 of the first power amplifying member 150A toward the pedal body 32. The first power amplifying member 150A rotates to deflect the first arm 51b of the first biasing member 51 in the direction in which the biasing force applied to the first cleat fastening member 134 increases. In this way, the engagement force increases during a rolling operation. The first additional power amplifying member 150B functions and acts in the same manner as the first power amplifying member 150A.

In the 60 to 65 1 is a modified cleat attachment member 234. In the pedal 14, the cleat attachment members 34, 36, 38 and 40 are each replaced by the cleat attachment member 234. Two of the cleat attachment members 234 are pivotally mounted on the first pivot axis 41 of the pedal 14 and two of the cleat attachment members 234 are pivotally mounted on the third pivot axis 43 of the pedal 14. When the cleat attachment members 234 are used, the second pivot pin 42 and the fourth pivot pin 44 are eliminated. The remaining parts of the pedal 14 are the same as described above.

The 60 The cleat attachment member 234 shown is hereinafter referred to as the first cleat attachment member 234. However, the following description also applies to the other cleat attachment members 234 of the pedal 14. The first cleat attachment member 234 includes a first cleat engagement surface 270 configured to engage a cleat projection of a cleat 212 (only partially shown). The first cleat attachment member 234 further includes a pair of attachment flanges 272 for pivotally attaching the first cleat attachment member 234 to the pedal body 32 via the first pivot pin 41. Here, the first cleat attachment member 234 includes a first cleat rolling engagement surface 278 that is farther from the pedal body 32 than the first cleat engagement surface 270 to enable a rolling action of the cleat 212. Here, the first cleat fixing member 234 includes a pair of the first cleat rolling engagement surfaces 278. One of the first cleat rolling engagement surfaces 278 is located on the outside of the first cleat engagement surface 270, while the other of the first cleat rolling engagement surfaces 278 is located on the inside of the first cleat engagement surface 270. Here, the inner side is closer to the crank arm CA than the outer side in an axial direction with respect to the rotation center axis R1. As shown in 62 As can be seen, the first cleat engagement surface 270 has a first inclination with respect to the cleat 212. As in 63 , the first cleat rolling engagement surface 278 has a second inclination with respect to the cleat 12. The second inclination of the first cleat rolling engagement surface 278 is less than the first inclination of the first cleat rolling engagement surface 270. The magnitude of the first inclination and the second inclination is indicated by an acute angle with respect to the reference plane RP1.

For the purpose of understanding the scope of the present invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives as used herein are to be understood as open-ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unspecified features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words of similar meaning such as the terms "including," "having" and their derivatives. Also, the terms "part," "section," "portion," "member," or "element," when used in the singular, can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts, unless otherwise specified.

The directional terms used here "frame side", "non-frame side", "forward", "backward", "front", "back", "top", "bottom", "over", "under", "upwards", "downwards", "top", "bottom", "side", "vertical", "horizontal", "perpendicular "right" and "across" and all other similar directional terms refer to the directions of a bicycle in the upright riding position and with the bicycle pedal engaged. Accordingly, these directional terms used to describe the bicycle pedal are to be interpreted with respect to a bicycle in the upright riding position on a horizontal surface and equipped with the bicycle pedal. The terms "left" and "right" are used to mean "right" when referring to the rear of the bicycle as viewed from the right side and "left" when referring to the rear of the bicycle as viewed from the left side.

The phrase "at least one of" as used in this disclosure means "one or more" of a desired selection. For example, the phrase "at least one of" as used in this disclosure means "only a single selection" or "both of two selections" when the number of selections is two. As another example, the phrase "at least one of" as used in this disclosure means "only a single selection" or "any combination of at least two selections" when the number of selections is at least three. Also, the term "and/or" as used in this disclosure means "either one or both of."

It is to be understood that while the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various components, those components should not be limited by those terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component described above could be referred to as a second component and vice versa without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

The term "attached" or "attach" as used herein includes configurations in which one element is directly attached to another element by placing the element directly on the other element; configurations in which the element is indirectly attached to the other element by placing the element on intermediate element(s) which are in turn attached to the other element; and configurations in which one element is integrated with another element, that is, one element is substantially part of the other element. This definition also applies to words of similar meaning, such as "joined," "connected," "coupled," "mounted," "glued," "attached," and their derivatives. Finally, terms such as "substantially," "about," and "approximately," as used herein, mean a variation of the modified term such that the end result is not substantially changed.

Although 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 various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, unless expressly 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 materially affect their intended function. Unless expressly stated otherwise, components that are directly connected or in contact with one another may have intermediate structures, so long as the changes do not materially affect their intended function. The functions of one element may be performed by two elements, and vice versa, unless expressly stated otherwise. The structures and functions of one embodiment may be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessary that all advantages be present simultaneously in a particular embodiment. Any feature that stands out from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, should also be considered a separate description of applicant's other inventions, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). The foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are therefore intended to be illustrative only and not limitative of the invention as defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

REFERENCE SIGNS

10

Pedal system

12

Shoe plate

14

pedal

16

Shoe fastening section

16a

Mounting opening

16b

Curved guide surface

16c

attack

18

First cleat projection

18a

First proximal end

18b

First distal end

18c

First intervention area

18c1

First area section

18c2

First additional area section

18d

First rolling engagement surface

20

Second cleat projection

20a

Second proximal end

20b

Second distal end

20c

Second intervention area

20c1

Second area section

20c2

Second additional area section

20d

Second rolling engagement surface

22

Shoe side surface

24

Pedal side surface

26

Circumferential area

26a

First circumferential surface

26b

Second circumferential surface

26c

Third circumferential surface

26d

Fourth circumferential surface

30

Pedal axle

30a

External thread section

30b

Support section

30c

External thread section

30d

Mother

32

Pedal body

32a

Axle mounting opening

34

First cleat fastening element

36

Second cleat fastening element

38

Third cleat fastening element (First auxiliary element 61)

40

Fourth cleat fastening element

41

First hinge pin (first support pin)

42

Second hinge pin (second support pin)

43

Third hinge pin (third support pin)

44

Fourth hinge pin (fourth support pin)

46

Preload structure (first / third cleat fastening element)

48

Preload structure (second / fourth cleat fastening element)

50

Force amplification structure

50A

First power amplification element

50A1

First input section

50B

First additional power amplification element

50B1

First additional input section

51

First pre-tensioning element (third additional pre-tensioning element)

51a, 51b

First arm (third additional arm)

51c

Wrapped section

52

Second preload element (Fourth additional preload element)

52a, 52b

Second arm (fourth additional arm)

52c

Wrapped section

53

Third preload element (First additional preload element)

53a, 53b

Third arm (first additional arm)

53c

Wrapped section

54

Fourth preload element (second additional preload element)

54a, 54b

Fourth arm (second additional arm)

54c

Wrapped section

60

Force amplification structure

60A, 60B

Power amplification element

60A

Second force amplification element

60B

Second additional force amplification element

61

First auxiliary element (third cleat fastening element 38)

70

First cleat engagement surface

71

First inclined surface

72

Mounting flange

73

First hinge pin receiving opening

74

Second hinge pin receiving opening

75

First input section

75a, 75b

First input element

76

Cleat guide surface

80

Second cleat engagement surface

81

Second inclined surface

82

Mounting flange

83

Third hinge pin receiving opening

84

Fourth hinge pin receiving opening

85

Second input section

85a, 85b

Second input element

86

Cleat guide surface

90

Third cleat engagement surface

91

Third inclined surface

92

Mounting flange

93

First hinge pin receiving opening

94

Second hinge pin receiving opening

95

Third input section (third additional input section of a first auxiliary element 61)

95a, 95b

Third input element (third additional input element of a first auxiliary element 61)

96

Cleat guide surface

100

Fourth cleat engagement surface

101

Fourth inclined surface

102

Mounting flange

103

Third hinge pin receiving opening

104

Fourth hinge pin receiving opening

105

Fourth input section

105a, 105b

Fourth input element

106

Cleat guide surface

114

Modified pedal

134

First cleat fastening element

138

Third cleat fastening element

150A

First power amplification element

150A1

First input section

150B

First additional power amplification element

150B1

First additional input section

212

Shoe plate

234

(First) cleat fastening element

270

First cleat engagement surface

272

Mounting flange

278

First cleat rolling engagement surface

A1

First cleat receiving area

A2

Second cleat receiving area

AP1

First point of impact

CA

Crank arm

CP1

First point of contact

F1

First preload force (AF3 third additional preload force)

F2

Second preload force (AF4 fourth additional preload force)

F3

Third preload force (AF1 first additional preload force)

F4

Fourth preload force (AF2 second additional preload force)

L1

First extension line

L2

Second extension line

LD1

First longitudinal direction

LD2

Second longitudinal direction

M1

First inclination direction

M2

First additional inclination direction

M2a

First direction

M2b

Second direction

M3

Second inclination direction

M4

Second additional inclination direction

M4a

Third direction

M4b

Fourth direction

P1

First swivel axis

P2

Second swivel axis

P3

Third swivel axis

P4

Fourth swivel axis

R1

Rotation center axis

RD

Reference extension direction

RL

Reference line

RP1

Reference plane (shoe plate 12)

RP2

Single reference level (Pedal 14)

S

shoe

SP1

First climb

SP2

First additional climb

SP3

Second climb

SP4

Second additional climb

T

Thickness direction

V

Human-powered vehicle

VF1

First preload force vector

VF2

External force vector

X1

First distance

X2

Second distance

X3

Third distance

X4

Fourth distance

X5

Fifth distance

X6

Sixth distance

X7

Seventh distance

θ1, θ2

Roll angle

Claims (11)

A cleat (12) for a shoe (S), the cleat (12) comprising: a shoe attachment portion (16) having a shoe-side surface (22), a pedal-side surface (24), and a peripheral surface (26) disposed between the shoe-side surface (22) and the pedal-side surface (24), the peripheral surface (26) comprising a first peripheral surface (26a), a second peripheral surface (26b), a third peripheral surface (26c) extending between the first peripheral surface (26a) and the second peripheral surface (26b), and a fourth peripheral surface (26d) extending between the first peripheral surface (26a) and the second peripheral surface (26b); and a first cleat projection (18) protruding from the first peripheral surface (26a) of the shoe attachment portion (16), the first cleat projection (18) having a first proximal end (18a) and a first distal end (18b) with respect to the shoe attachment portion (16), wherein the first cleat projection (18) has a first engagement surface (18c) inclined in a first inclination direction (M1) and a first rolling engagement surface (18d) inclined in a first additional inclination direction (M2), the first inclination direction (M1) is different from the first additional inclination direction (M2), the first engagement surface (18c) inclines away from the shoe-side surface (22) and approaches the pedal-side surface (24) as the first engagement surface (18c) moves outward relative to the shoe attachment portion (16) toward the first distal end (18b) of the first cleat projection (18), the first additional inclination direction (M2) comprises a first direction (M2a), and the first rolling engagement surface (18d) is inclined in the first direction (M2a) either away from the fourth circumferential surface (26d) toward the third circumferential surface (26c) or away from the third circumferential surface (26c) toward the fourth circumferential surface (26d) to form a roll angle (θ1) of the first cleat projection (18) as the first rolling engagement surface (18d) approaches the pedal-side surface (24) relative to the shoe-side surface (22). Shoe plate (12) for a shoe (S) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the first additional inclination direction (M2) further comprises a second direction (M2b) different from the first direction (M2a), and the first rolling engagement surface (18d) is inclined in the second direction away from the shoe-side surface (22) and approaches the pedal-side surface (24) as the first rolling engagement surface (18d) extends outward relative to the shoe attachment portion (16) toward the first distal end (18b) of the first cleat projection (18). Shoe plate (12) for a shoe (S) according to Claim 1 or 2 , whereby the first engagement surface (18c) has a first surface portion (18c1) with a first inclination (SP1) and a first additional surface portion (18c2) with a first additional inclination (SP2), wherein the first inclination (SP1) differs from the first additional inclination (SP2), the first surface portion (18c1) is arranged closer to the pedal-side surface (22) than the first additional surface portion (18c2). Shoe plate (12) for a shoe (S) according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , further comprising a second cleat projection (20) protruding from the second peripheral surface (26b) of the shoe attachment portion (16) in a direction opposite to the first cleat projection (18). Shoe plate (12) for a shoe (S) according to Claim 4 , characterized in that the second cleat projection (20) has a second proximal end (20a) and a second distal end (20b) with respect to the shoe attachment portion (16), the second cleat projection (20) has a second engagement surface (20c) which is inclined in a second inclination direction (M3) and a second rolling engagement surface (20d) which is inclined in a second additional inclination direction (M4), the second inclination direction (M3) is different from the second additional inclination direction (M4), the second engagement surface (20c) inclines away from the shoe-side surface (22) and approaches the pedal-side surface (24) when the second engagement surface (20c) extends outward relative to the shoe attachment portion (16) toward the second distal end (20b) of the second cleat projection (20), the second additional inclination direction (M4) has a third direction (M4a), and the second rolling engagement surface (20d) is inclined in the third direction (M4a) either away from the fourth circumferential surface (26d) toward the third circumferential surface (26c) or away from the third circumferential surface (26c) toward the fourth circumferential surface (26d) to form a roll angle (θ2) of the second cleat projection (20) as the second rolling engagement surface (20d) approaches the pedal-side surface (22) relative to the shoe-side surface (24). Shoe plate (12) for a shoe (S) according to Claim 5 wherein the second additional inclination direction (M4) further includes a fourth direction (M4b) different from the third direction (M4a), and the second rolling engagement surface (20b) is inclined in the fourth direction (M4b) away from the shoe-side surface (22) and approaches the pedal-side surface (24) as the second rolling engagement surface (20d) extends outward relative to the shoe attachment portion (16) toward the second distal end (20b) of the second cleat projection (20). Shoe plate (12) for a shoe (S) according to Claim 5 or 6 , wherein the second engagement surface (20c) has a second surface portion (20c1) with a second inclination (SP3) and a second additional surface portion (20c2) with a second additional inclination (SP4), wherein the second inclination (SP3) differs from the second additional inclination (SP4), the second surface portion (20c1) is arranged closer to the pedal-side surface (22) than the second additional surface portion (20c2). A pedal system (10) for a human-powered vehicle (V), the pedal system (10) comprising: the shoe plate (12) according to one of the Claims 4 until 7 , and a pedal (14, 114) configured to detachably attach the cleat (12), the pedal (14, 114) comprising: a pedal axle (30) having a rotational center axis (R1); a pedal body (32) rotatably disposed with respect to the pedal axle (30) about the rotational center axis (R1); a first cleat attachment member (34) movably disposed on the pedal body (32) and having a first cleat engagement surface (70) that contacts the first cleat projection (18) in a state in which the pedal (14, 114) attaches the cleat (12); and a second cleat attachment member (36) provided on the pedal body (32) and having a second cleat engagement surface (80) that contacts the second cleat projection (20) in a state in which the pedal attaches the cleat (12). Pedal system (10) for a human-powered vehicle (V) according to Claim 8 , wherein the pedal body (32) has a first support pin (41), the first cleat fixing member (34) is movably disposed on the pedal body (32) through the first support pin (41), and the first cleat engagement surface (70) has a first contact point (CP1) configured to contact the first rolling engagement surface (18d) of the first cleat projection (18) of the cleat (12) in the state where the pedal (14, 114) secures the cleat (12) during a rolling operation of the cleat (12), such that the first support pin (41) is disposed between an extension line (L2) of an external force vector (VF2) at the first contact point (CP1) and the rotation center axis (R1). A pedal (14, 114) for a human-powered vehicle (V), the pedal (14, 114) being adapted to releasably secure a cleat (12), the pedal (14, 114) comprising: a pedal axle (30) having a rotational center axis (R1); a pedal body (32) rotatably arranged with respect to the pedal axle (30) about the rotational center axis (R1); and a cleat fixing member (234) movably provided on the pedal body (32) and having a cleat engaging surface (270) that contacts a cleat projection (18, 20) of the cleat (12) in a state where the pedal (14, 114) fixes the cleat (12), and a cleat rolling engaging surface (278) located farther from the pedal body (32) than the cleat engaging surface (270) to enable a rolling operation of the cleat (12). Pedal (14, 114) for a human-powered vehicle (V) according to Claim 10 , wherein the cleat engagement surface (270) has a first inclination with respect to the cleat (12); the cleat rolling engagement surface (278) has a second inclination with respect to the cleat (12); and the second inclination of the cleat rolling engagement surface (278) is less than the first inclination of the cleat engagement surface (270).

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