For Riding (e.g., Cycling, Horse Riding, Etc.) Patents (Class 36/131)
  • Patent number: 5727429
    Abstract: A low profile bicycle pedal having a pedal body supported by a pedal shaft to be rotatably about an axis of the pedal shaft and at a least pair of clamping members attached to the pedal body for releasably coupling a cleat of a cyclist's shoe thereto. Preferably, at least one of the clamping members is pivotally coupled to the pedal body. The cleat has a substantially C-shape with a pair of attachment portions for coupling the cleat to the cyclist's shoe, and connecting portion for interconnecting the attachment portions together. The attachment portions and the connecting portions form a pedal shaft receiving notch for accommodating the pedal shaft when coupled to the pedal body. In the first embodiment, the pedal body is provided with a friction adjusting mechanism for selectively increasing and/or decreasing friction between the cleat and the pedal body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Yutaka Ueda
  • Patent number: 5724752
    Abstract: A water-proof bicycle shoe locating device adapted for fastening to the sole of a bicycle shoe for permitting the bicycle shoe to be secured to one pedal of a sports bicycle, the device including a rigid locating plate, a rubber cushion and a rubber packing plate respectively covered on both sides of the locating plate, the locating plate having screw holes adapted for mounting locating screws selectively, the rubber packing plate having detachable downward split rods adapted for fitting into vacant screw holes of the locating plate to seal the gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Inventor: Wen-Hwa Lin
  • Patent number: 5713142
    Abstract: A training shoe includes an anchorage device (3) adapted secure to receive one or more elastic cords (5) against which a wearer may exert him or herself. Preferably, the anchorage device includes a hole (3) extending transversely through the sole (1) of the shoe and through which hole (3) one or more elastic cords (5) are threaded so as to form an elastic loop which may be pulled by the wearer as part of an exercise regime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventor: Mohmed Osama Ahmed Fahmey El-Circy
  • Patent number: 5704256
    Abstract: A device for fastening a shoe to a pedal, e.g., a bicycle pedal, is light in weight and allows a cyclist to walk comfortably when wearing the shoes. The fastening device includes a magnetic element attached to at least one of the shoe and the pedal. A metallic element, which cooperates with the magnetic element, is attached to at least one of the shoe and the pedal. A spacer system is capable of moving the shoe and the pedal away from each other in a direction increasing an airgap between the magnetic element and the metallic element. The spacer system includes circumferential ramps carried by at least one of the shoe and the pedal, such that relative rotation of the shoe and the pedal causes movement of the shoe and the pedal away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventor: Bertrand De Lattre
  • Patent number: 5687492
    Abstract: A sandal comprises a sole and a strap connected to the sole for securing the sandal to the foot The sole includes a cleat attachment hole for fixing a cleat on a bottom surface thereof. The sole includes a middle sole and a covering sole disposed on a lower surface of the middle sole. The coveting sole includes a window for exposing a portion of the middle sole, and at least two cleat attachment holes are disposed in the window for fixing a cleat to a bottom surface of the sole so that the cleat does not extend below the lowermost surface of the sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Tsutomu Muraoka
  • Patent number: 5685093
    Abstract: A bicycle shoe which includes a sole having a top recess and a bottom recess aligned at two opposing sides and a plurality of through holes through the top recess and the bottom recess, at least one locating plate longitudinally slidably mounted in the top recess and then fixed to the through holes in place by screw bolts to hold a positioning plate in the bottom recess for securing to a bicycle pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Inventor: Wen-Hwa Lin
  • Patent number: 5662006
    Abstract: A bicycle pedal assembly includes a pedal axle to be fixed to a bicycle crank arm and rotated by a foot of a cyclist in a direction of drive rotation. A pedal on the pedal axle has a length to extend beneath substantially the entire foot of the cyclist. The pedal includes a portion to support the ball of the foot of the cyclist, such portion being positioned substantially directly above the pedal axle. The pedal also includes at a rear end thereof a heel attaching arrangement to achieve attachment of the rear end of the pedal to the heel of the foot of the cyclist. Mounted between the pedal and the pedal axle is a freewheel device that enables free rotating of the pedal relative to the pedal axle in a direction opposite to the direction of drive rotation, while blocking rotation of the pedal relative to the pedal axle in a direction corresponding to the direction of drive rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: Rune Angeltun
  • Patent number: 5659982
    Abstract: A bicycling shoe having a shoe main body, a first tension-binding belt, a second tension-binding belt, a free ring, and a tensioning implement. The first tension-binding belt has at least one end connected to the shoe main body and has a first turnover portion. The second tension-binding belt has at least one end connected to the shoe main body and has a second turnover portion adjacent to the first turnover portion. The first and second turnover portions are inserted through the free ring such that the first and second belts link. Herein, since the belts having the turnover portions are linked by the free ring, fine adjustment can be made by means of the belts, responding to the shape of the foot of an individual wearer. Further, since a construction is made in which the first tension-binding belt is fixed to the shoe main body under tension by the tensioning implement, the shoes can be put on and taken off easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Muraoka, Satoshi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5657558
    Abstract: Assembly system for a sole of a shoe for receiving a piece of equipment adapted for use with the shoe is provided which includes a first assembly element having at least one nest for initially receiving a portion of a piece of equipment, and a second assembly element for positioning and immobilizing the piece of equipment on a sole after the first assembly element receives a portion of the piece of equipment. In the field of cycling shoes, a sole with these features is of a universal type that enables the installation of most existing wedge fastening elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventor: Georges Pohu
  • Patent number: 5553516
    Abstract: An automatic pedal is composed of a bracket member adapted to be supported by the pedal arm of a conventional bicycle, and a peg member adapted to be supported by a conventional riding shoe. The bracket member has an aperture configured to receive the peg member and to secure the peg member to the bracket when the bicycle rider places the riding shoe in a riding position. The aperture is configured to release the peg member upon the riding shoe being turned out of the riding position. The peg member is provided with two mating portions which allow the riding position (the position at which the peg member is secured to the riding shoe) to be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: Jonathan Weiss
  • Patent number: 5546829
    Abstract: The clipless pedal system for mountain bikes or other bicycles comprises a generally circular pedal body, at least one side of which has a mushroom or T-shaped extension which is created by extending tabs over a small diameter neck. The cleat consists of a mounting plate which can be attached to the sole of mountain biking shoe, and has a generally open interior of sufficient dimensions to permit insertion of the head therein. Engaging means extend inwardly at a spacing corresponding to the head of the extension. The engaging means can be inserted into the neck of the extension to catch just below the head of the extension. An eccentric stop prevents forward motion of the cleat relative to the pedal beyond a predetermined point. A spring tab is used to releasably lock the cleat and pedal extension together once the head is in position with respect to the engaging means and in contact with the eccentric stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Speedplay, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard M. Bryne
  • Patent number: 5522282
    Abstract: A connecting structure between a bicycle pedal and a cleat is formed of hooks pivotably supported by a pedal body for engaging and releasing the cleat, and an urging device for urging the hooks toward engaging positions. A first cam mechanism is provided between each of the hooks and the cleat for causing the hook to pivot in a releasing direction when the cleat is inclined about a first imaginary axis extending substantially along a direction of pivotal movement of the hooks. The first cam mechanism includes a first pressed edge defined on one of the hooks and opposed to the cleat, and a first pressing edge defined on the cleat and opposed to one of the hooks for slidable contact with the first pressed edge. The first pressed edge and first pressing edge overlap each other as seen in a direction perpendicular to the pedal body tread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Masashi Nagano
  • Patent number: 5520405
    Abstract: A snowboard binding including of a binding plate mounted to the snowboard. A binding having a rubber insulator is secured to the binding plate. The binding has an insert aperture, an insert position, a locked position, and a pair of stopping means therebetween. The insert position corresponds with the insert aperture. The locked position is rotatably perpendicular to the insert position. The stopping means serves to prevent the locked position from rotating beyond perpendicular. A boot has a walking peg secured to the heel and to the toe. The boot has a boot binding theresecured. The boot binding corresponds with the insert aperture and the insert position of the binding. The boot binding is capable of rotating the binding from the insert position to the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventor: Lyle J. Bourke
  • Patent number: 5505111
    Abstract: A connecting structure between a bicycle pedal and a cleat is formed of hooks pivotably supported by a pedal body for engaging and releasing the cleat, and an urging device for urging the hooks toward engaging positions. A first cam mechanism is provided between each of the hooks and the cleat for causing the hook to pivot in a releasing direction when the cleat is inclined about a first imaginary axis extending substantially along a direction of pivotal movement of the hooks. The first cam mechanism includes a first pressed edge defined on one of the hooks and opposed to the cleat, and a first pressing edge defined on the cleat and opposed to one of the hooks for slidable contact with the first pressed edge. The first pressed edge and first pressing edge overlap each other as seen in a direction perpendicular to the pedal body tread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Masashi Nagano
  • Patent number: 5497680
    Abstract: A bicycle pedal including a front engaging device and a rear engaging device arranged with a cleat bearing surface therebetween in a fore and aft direction of the pedal for engaging the cleat. The rear engaging device is pivotable about a pivotal axis extending parallel to a pedal shaft, and is urged by an urging element in a direction to engage the cleat. The rear engaging device includes a first split part for engaging the cleat, and a second split part attached to the pedal for supporting the first split part. The first split part is movable with the cleat in an engaged position, relative to the second split part within a predetermined range in a direction traversing the fore and aft direction of the pedal. The first split part includes a contact surface for pressing the cleat from above, and a plurality of engaging surfaces spaced from each other along the pedal shaft for pressing the cleat in a pivoting direction around the pivotal axis, i.e. in the fore and aft direction of the pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Masashi Nagano
  • Patent number: 5473963
    Abstract: A bicycling shoe has a ferromagnetic backing plate positionably connected to its sole. A nonmagnetic support plate has a plurality of through holes, and is fixed to the backing plate. NdFeB magnets of alternating polarity are attached by epoxy to the sidewalls of the through holes and make magnetic contact with the backing plate. A similar backing plate, support plate and alternating polarity magnet assembly is fixed to a bicycle pedal. A post extends from the pedal to position the shoe laterally. When the shoe is in a pedaling position, the polarity of the pedal magnets is opposite to the polarity of the shoe magnets, and the shoe is gripped to the pedal to permit transmission of power on the up stroke. To disengage, the shoe is rotated about the post, until like magnets are brought into opposition and the shoe is ejected from its position on the pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Inventor: James F. Aeschbach
  • Patent number: 5469637
    Abstract: Adaptable flexible protective leggings for protecting motorcycle and bicycle riders from the deleterious effects of rain storms and wet roads is disclosed. The leggings includes a molded flexible leg material that conforms generally to the shape of a rider's leg having an open area in back where at least one strap with Velcro type fasteners connects the leg material to the rider's leg. The leg material can run from just above the knee cap to the ankle of the rider where it is connected to a molded flexible shoe material that conforms to at least the front portion of the rider's shoes. The shoe material can be sized to fit over boots, shoes, sneakers, moccasins and the like. The shoe material is generally designed to leave the heel and rear of the shoe exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Inventor: James R. Adam
  • Patent number: 5446977
    Abstract: A cycling shoe having a bottom sole. The bottom sole includes a plate member having a cleat-attaching portion and a cover member for covering at least a cleat-attaching area including the cleat-attaching portion and its periphery of the plate member. A portion of the cover member overlapping the cleat-attaching area is rendered removable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Masashi Nagano, Shinpei Okajima
  • Patent number: 5442976
    Abstract: A pedal device includes a front part with a front portion and a rear part with a rear portion that is spaced from the front part by the use of a pair of spring-biased cylinders and a compression spring. The front part has a rearward flat abutting face spaced from the front portion and a bottom surface for abutting a pedal body mounted on a conventional pedal shaft of a bicycle. The rear part has a frontward flat abutting face which is spaced form the rear portion and which faces the rearward flat abutting face of the front part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Xerama Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Heng Cheng
  • Patent number: 5438769
    Abstract: Supporting device, particularly usable for motorcycling boots including a semirigid body which is formed monolithically and can be associated with the boot upper. The body is provided with a band which surrounds the lateral and rear regions of the foot. The body also has a pair of wings which embrace the malleolar region. A device is thus obtained which has optimum support characteristics for the upper and protective characteristics for the ankle region of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Alpine Stars S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giovanni Mazzarolo
  • Patent number: 5423233
    Abstract: A device for attaching a shoe to a bicycle pedal comprises a plate (23), adapted for mounting onto a sole of the shoe, and a pedal body (1). The pedal body has first and second stepping surfaces (A, B) on opposing sides and front and rear anchor members (5A, 5B, 31A, 31B) adapted to cooperate with front and rear portions of the plate. The rear anchor members each have a lever that is pivotable about a transverse axis between an anchor position, where the rear anchor members are configured to affix the plate to the stepping surfaces, and a release position, where the rear anchor members are configured to release the plate. A common return device (55) creates a single, adjustable biasing force to bias both levers into the anchor position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Look S.A.
    Inventors: Henri Peyre, Daniel Bontemps, Hugues Baume
  • Patent number: 5419218
    Abstract: A safety pedal for bicycles includes a spring which includes a retaining arm for locking a metal plate fixed to a shoe sole on the pedal. The spring includes a spiral portion which holds the retaining arm in the locking position. Furthermore, from the spiral portion there extends a single radial arm, arranged on one side with respect to the longitudinal median plane of the pedal, which acts as a torsion bar for allowing swinging movements of the retaining arm when the plate is rotated in the general plane of the pedal to release the plate from the pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Antonio Romano
  • Patent number: 5417128
    Abstract: A cycling shoe and pedal are provided with interlocking members to allow quick release; the pedal has one face provided with a stop and fastener while the cycling shoe has a sole provided with a wedge housed in a recess in the sole; the stop and fastening member includes a front stop and a retaining member located in front of the axis of the pedal and a rear fastening member located behind the axis of the pedal and which is capable of displacement in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the pedal against the action of an elastic member; the pedal has a front projection inclined towards the front with a lower edge which is situated, relative to the center plane of the pedal, on the side opposite the front stop member and the rear fastening member; the sole has a longitudinal guide capable of cooperating with the projection and with matting longitudinal guides provided on the pedal to ensure that the front part of the sole and the wedge slide relative to the pedal during the time the wedge app
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventor: Jean J. Beyl
  • Patent number: 5406723
    Abstract: The present invention provides a light and strong cycling shoe sole. A shoe according to the present invention includes a core, fibrous layers surrounding the core to reinforce the core, and a resin for integrating the fibrous layers and core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Shinpei Okajima
  • Patent number: 5381708
    Abstract: A pedal assembly for a bicycle includes a pedal and an adapter plate. The pedal has first and second ends each having a fixing device formed thereon for obtaining the adapter plate. The adapter plate has first and second ends and a plurality of attaching elements formed on an upper side thereof so as to be attachable to a sole of a footwear of a cyclist, an edge extending horizontally and inwardly from each of the ends of the adapter plate. The adapter plate can be releasably mounted onto the pedal and be retained between the fixing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Inventor: Wan M. Liao
  • Patent number: 5377561
    Abstract: The device for fixing a shoe to a bicycle pedal includes a plate which is fixed to the sole of the shoe and which has a front wing and a rear wing for the engagement of coupling elements which are associated with the pedal, the coupling elements being respectively constituted by a front fixed coupling element and by a rear movable coupling element which is biased forward by an elastic element in which a rotation of the sole about an axis perpendicular thereto causes the backward movement of the movable coupling element and its lateral disengagement from the pedal, due to the engagement of an inclined surface of a tooth of the rear wing with a corresponding inclined surface of the movable coupling element, and thereby the rear movable coupling element can slide in a straight line in a direction which is at right angles to the rotation axis of the pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Diadora S.p.A.
    Inventors: Diego Danieli, Angelo Mason
  • Patent number: 5363526
    Abstract: A last for use in making cycling shoes includes a sole supporting surface opposed to a shoe sole. The shoe sole defines a mounting bore for attaching a cleat or a shoe plate. The sole supporting surface includes position setting projections for engaging the mounting bore or the shoe sole to position the sole relative to the sole supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Shinpei Okajima
  • Patent number: 5363573
    Abstract: A cycling shoe and outsole with a rotatable cleat are disclosed. The outsole includes a thin, rigid outsole plate and a thin, flat, cleat support plate that partially extends beyond the perimeter border of the outsole plate. The cleat is configured to detachably attach to and release from a clipless pedal. A mechanism connects the cleat to the cleat support plate in a transversely off-center position, and in a manner which permits limited rotatability between the cleat and the support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce J. Kilgore, Thomas P. Allen, Perry W. Auger
  • Patent number: 5325738
    Abstract: The clipless pedal system for mountain bikes or other bicycles comprises a generally circular pedal body, at least one side of which has a mushroom or T-shaped extension which is created by either forming a larger diameter head over a small diameter neck or by forming grooves or slots in the extension slightly below its top, with the grooves being the equivalent of the neck. The cleat consists of a mounting plate which can be attached to the sole of mountain biking shoe, and has a generally open interior of sufficient dimensions to permit insertion of the head therein. Engaging means extend inwardly at a spacing corresponding to the head of the extension. The engaging means can be inserted into the neck of the extension to catch just below the head of the extension. One or more spring tabs may be used to releasably lock the cleat and pedal extension together once the head is in position with respect to the engaging means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Inventor: Richard M. Bryne
  • Patent number: 5284066
    Abstract: A peg is securable to each shoe and is releasably attachable to a bracket secured to each bicycle pedal. The bracket is securable to a conventional bicycle pedal for example by using screws and screw holes normally provided on conventional pedals for mounting reflectors, or the like, thereon. The peg is securable to the bottom of a conventional riding shoe for example by using the screw holes and screws normally provided on conventional riding shoes for mounting a cleat, or the like, thereon. The peg is shaped so as to fit into an aperture formed in the bracket and to constantly abut the edge of the aperture upon insertion. In one embodiment, the peg is provided with spiral shaped slots and the bracket with tabs, which operate together to releasably attach the peg to the bracket in a screw-threading manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Inventor: Jonathan Weiss
  • Patent number: 5279184
    Abstract: A shoe fixing device employed to a pedal of a mountain bike. A cleat is secured to a tread of the pedal body. A front edge and an inner edge of the cleat are held by a fixed inner side supporting member adapted to engage with the inner edge and a fixed outer side supporting member adapted to engage with an outer edge of the cleat. An outer edge of the cleat engages with a movable supporting member, an engagement convex portion formed on a side edge of the cleat engages with an engagement concave portion formed on the supporting member holding the cleat or the shoe on the pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Mikashima Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kouichiro Ogino
  • Patent number: 5269200
    Abstract: A clip device for detachably engaging the foot of a cyclist to the pedal of his bicycle. The pedal is basically a flat plate, rotatably mounted on the pedal crank, and having an opening extending from one side to the other. A cleat that is bolted to the cyclists shoe has a conical section that extends into the plate opening such that recessible catches on the wall of the conical section engage a groove on the inside wall of the opening. The groove is not a complete ring so that when the ankle is rotated, the catches are recessed thereby permitting withdrawal of the foot from the pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventor: Tranel Hawkins
  • Patent number: 5259270
    Abstract: A bicycle pedal having a pedal body and at least one swivel hook plate and one fixed hook plate spaced on either side, thereof and at least one plate spring received in a respective chamber on the pedal body which presses on either swivel hook plate against the respective fixed hook plate. Either swivel hook plate can be turned outwards relative to the respective fixed hook plate for fastening or unfastening the bottom fastening plate of a bicycle shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Inventor: Wen-Hwa Lin
  • Patent number: 5251508
    Abstract: A device for connecting a cycling shoe to the crank arm of a bicycle which allows rapid changes in the shoe position relatively to the pedal pivot axis without the necessity of physically disconnecting the cycling shoe from the bicycle. The device comprises a first member for rotational connection to the crank arm about the pedal pivot axis and a second member for connection to the sole of a cycling shoe, the members being in a mutual engagement permitting transmission of pedalling efforts to the crank arm and also allowing a translatory motion of one member relatively to the other. A lock is provided between the members for normally blocking a translatory motion therebetween. The lock is releasable upon rotation of one member relatively to the other, whereby permitting longitudinal repositioning of the cycling shoe with respect to the pedal pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: 174805 Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Steven E. Robbins
  • Patent number: 5211076
    Abstract: A cycle pedal arrangement comprises a cycle pedal and an associated shoe. In this arrangement the shoe has a contour in at least a region of its sole which is matched to at least one essentially complementary contour formed in a region of the cycle pedal and cooperates with the latter in at least a force transmitting manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Look S.A.
    Inventors: Hugues Baume, Jean-Louis Chretien
  • Patent number: 5205056
    Abstract: A structure for securing a cleat to a cycling shoe includes a shoe bottom defining a recess in an upper surface thereof, and at least one slot extending through a bottom surface of the recess and parallel to a longitudinal axis of the shoe; a plate accommodate in the recess and having a fore and aft length at least half a length of the slot; a sleeve-like guide element attached to an offset position of the plate; a washer fitted in an opening defined in the cleat; and a screw extending through the washer from below for engaging the guide element. The guide element is offset to such an extent that an end of the plate is out of contact with an end wall of the recess when the guide element contacts an end of the slot lying in the direction in which the guide element is offset. The plate in this structure has a length equal to or greater than a half length of the slot, which results in a reduced extent of the slot exposed to the ground to restrict small stones, nails and the like entering the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Shinpei Okajima, Yoshinori Inubuse
  • Patent number: 5203229
    Abstract: A quick-release clipless pedal includes a cleat to be secured to a shoe sole and a pedal body to be mounted on a pedal shaft and releasably retaining the cleat. The cleat has first and second engaging parts respectively formed on front and rear ends thereof. The pedal body includes a frame portion and a tubular portion which partitions the frame portion in a transverse direction. The tubular portion receives one end of the pedal shaft. The frame portion has front and rear ends respectively formed with an opening. The pedal body further includes a pair of cleat engaging members respectively provided on upper and lower sides of the tubular portion and respectively having a claw portion to receive releasably the first engaging part of the cleat, and a pair of retaining units revertably engaging the second engaging part of the cleat. The cleat is rotatable relative to the pedal body so as to disengage the first engaging part from the claw portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Inventor: Chung-I Chen
  • Patent number: 5199192
    Abstract: A cycling shoe and outsole with a rotatable cleat are disclosed. The outsole includes a thin, rigid outsole plate and a thin, flat, cleat support plate that partially extends beyond the perimeter border of the outsole plate. The cleat is configured to detachably attach to and release from a clipless pedal. A mechanism connects the cleat to the cleat support plate in a transversely off-center position, and in a manner which permits limited rotatability between the cleat and the support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce J. Kilgore, Thomas P. Allen, Perry W. Auger
  • Patent number: 5199324
    Abstract: A pedal assembly for bicycles, velocipedes, and the like is disclosed wherein the pedal is adjustably attached to the crank arm at a predetermined angle of inclination to or perpendicular to the crank arm. Rotation of the crank arm varies the angle of inclination of the pedal; the predetermined angle of inclination is the sum of first incremental angle provided by a beveled cam and a second incremental angle provided by an inclined pedal platform.Also disclosed is a quick-release pedal-and-cleat structure in the pedal assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Saisan Partners
    Inventor: Charles J. Sain
  • Patent number: 5170574
    Abstract: A new and improved connector is provided for footwear and associated specific footwear step-on devices and surfaces. The invention utilizes complementing members of a type of separable, coacting, flexible gripping means, such as hook and loop "Velcro" type or knob-knob type or other similar flexible type fastening members. These members are arranged to form an integral firmly attached part of the invention specific sole of footwear worn by individuals and associated interfacing invention tailored step-on device surfaces and permit proper positioning mating and omnidirectional on-demand break-away disengagement between footwear sole and interfacing step-on device surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Inventor: Alfred L. Weisbrich
  • Patent number: 5159853
    Abstract: A bicycle pedal has two opposed bilaterally symmetric tracks which are substantially identical. Each track is bounded by an axially disposed central concave surface and two substantially parallel apposed side surfaces. Each side surface extends inward, in equidistant juxtaposition with the central convex surface. Each track is slightly wider at the free end of the pedal than the end fixed to the crank arm. A shoe cleat has a bottom with a longitudinally disposed central concave surface and adjacent flat lateral surfaces as well as upper bilateral cleat side surfaces. The bottom central concave and two upper bilateral surfaces mate with the corresponding pedal track surfaces in an engagement parallel to the pedal axis. Attached to the free end of the pedal is a lead which has an exterior flush with the central convex surfaces of both pedal tracks. The lead tapers bilaterally into fins lying in front of the area between the two opposed pedal tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Inventor: Peter O. Gibson
  • Patent number: 5142938
    Abstract: Torsional stress of a cyclist's leg is minimized by providing spaced limit surfaces on opposing parts of a cycle pedal and a shoe cleat that are designed for step-in, twist-out engagement. Floating adjusters, in the form of threaded rods, are rotated to select the effective width of spaces between the spaced limit surfaces. The full width of the space allows full floating rotation of the cleat relative to the pedal, whereas adjustment of the rods selects smaller floating rotating of the cleat relative to the pedal. The spaced limit surfaces and the rods are provided in LOOK and SAMPSON types of step-in, twist-out pedals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: Sampson Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric A. Sampson
  • Patent number: 5131291
    Abstract: The fixing device includes, on the one hand, on the pedal body (2), a front stop (14) situated in front of the axis (X) and a rear fastening element (6) capable of being displaced against an elastic restoring force; on the other hand, an upward retaining elements (14) for cooperating with a retaining element fixed under the sole; finally, moreover, a wedge (15) intended to be fixed beneath the sole, includes towards the front, a front stop elements (38). The wedge (15) includes at least one lower rearwardly projecting fastening flange (31) delimiting a transverse groove (33) issuing at each transverse end; at least one transverse end of the rear flange is provided with a canted surface (35b) inclined along an angle determined in relation to the transverse direction of the wedge, the canted surface (35b) and the portion adjoining the rear flange forming an outwardly convex dihedron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Inventor: Jean J. Beyl
  • Patent number: 5125173
    Abstract: A cycling shoe having a cleat-attaching hole in its sole. The shoe has a pair of attaching holes for attaching a cleat to a sole of the shoe, the attaching holes being formed in the sole. The attaching holes are a pair of elongated slots formed substantially along a longitudinal direction of the shoe and are disposed substantially in parallel with each other along a lateral direction of the shoe. Each of the elongated slots can be alternately formed of a series of small holes aligned along the longitudinal direction of the shoe. A distance between the centers of the pair of elongated slots relative to the width of the shoe is limited at not greater than 19 mm so as to obtain a sufficient and necessary amount of cleat attachment angle range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: Shimano Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Nagano, Shinpei Okajima
  • Patent number: 5105683
    Abstract: A device for releasably securing a shoe to a bicycle pedal comprises a hook member provided on a hook carrier mounted on the pedal body, the hook carrier being formed as an inherently elastic pivotal hook carrier which can be deflected in a plane perpendicular to the pedal axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mercat, Jean-Louis Chretien
  • Patent number: 5097687
    Abstract: A toe strap for use on a pedal of a bicycle includes a strap portion with a length-varying mechanism to adjust the length of the strap and a pressure-release connector adapted to interconnect opposite ends of the strap portion so that a bicyclist foot will be released from the pedal upon the application of a predetermined pressure. A bolt is provided on the pressure release connector with the effective length of the bolt being variable to vary the pressure required to affect a release of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Inventors: David J. Turrin, Michael J. Turrin
  • Patent number: 5086576
    Abstract: A bicycle shoe for use in the sport of cycling including a unitary sole portion having a bottom panel which has interior and exterior facing surfaces; a stretchable envelope made integral with the interior facing surface of the bottom panel and which encloses the athlete's foot; a harness made integral with the interior facing surface of the bottom panel and which is disposed in a position exterior to the envelope, the harness operable to secure the shoe on the athlete's foot; a rigid insole received in the envelope and disposed in rested receipt in the interior facing of the bottom panel and a cushioned insole received in the envelope and disposed in rested receipt on the rigid insole and wherein the athlete's foot rests on the cushioned insole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Inventor: Donald W. Lamson
  • Patent number: 5081883
    Abstract: A device for attaching a shoe to a bicycle pedal, comprising a pedal body and a counter-member fixed to the sole of the shoe and adapted to be fitted to the body of the pedal. Attachement is achieved by means of a tooth which is carried by the counter-member and engages a recess formed in the body of the pedal so as to prevent the backwards displacement of the counter-member relative to the body of the pedal. A step carried by the counter-member cooperates in the body of the pedal and prevents the upward detachment of the counter-member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Antonio Romano
  • Patent number: 5079968
    Abstract: A rotating bicycle shoe cleat consisting of an outer stationary structure and an inner, rotating structure. The stationary structure has front and rear locking portions which allow rigid engagement to a spring loaded clipless bicycle pedal. The rotary structure is mounted on the sole of a bicycle shoe. The two structures share a common axis of rotation. This common axis allows the rotary structure to pivot within the stationary structure when there is a dynamic lateral rotational force present. The amount of rotation is controlled by suitably located compression pads and limiting embrasures. In addition, the compression pads act as dampers. In all other respects, the rotating bicycle shoe cleat functions as a standard bicycle shoe cleat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Inventor: Alan L. Starner
  • Patent number: D362928
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Inventor: Karen M. Redden