Adjustable Or Folding Patents (Class 74/594.7)
  • Patent number: 11661136
    Abstract: A foldable pedal includes a connection member, a shaft, a pedal body, and an engagement device. The connection member includes a first and a second connection ends along a first axis. The shaft includes a first and a second ends. The first end is pivotally connected with the second connection end along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, so that the shaft pivots with respect to the connection member. The pedal body includes a shaft bore receiving the second end. The engagement device is on the connection member and switches between engagement and release positions. At the engagement position, the engagement device is engaged with the first end, and the shaft is coaxial with the first axis. At the release position, the pedal body is foldable to the crank, preventing direct effect of pedaling force and reducing distance between the pedal and the crank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: VP COMPONENTS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Wen-Hwa Lin
  • Patent number: 11120779
    Abstract: A structure for adjusting an angle of a pedal to be folded or unfolded includes a pedal seat, a rotating block and a locking element, wherein the pedal seat includes an upright post with a through lug, and the through lug is provided with a through hole, the rotating block includes a pivot hole to provide the through lug passing through and corresponding to the through hole, the rotating block and the upright post are provided with at least one contact surface, the rotating block and the upright post are respectively provided with at least one matched clamping structure to be correspondingly clamped at the at least one contact surface, the rotating block and the upright post are clamped by the locking element, so that matched clamping structures of the rotating block and matched clamping structures of the upright post are together engaged in a pairwise manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Inventor: Tsun-Chi Liao
  • Patent number: 11002304
    Abstract: The present application relates to the field of bicycle manufacturing technology, and in particular to a bicycle and a crank assembly thereof, comprising a first handle and a second handle, wherein one of the handles is connected to a transmission shaft and the other of the handles is connected to a pedal, the first handle and the second handle are rotatably connected, and the axis of rotation coincides with the extending direction of the crank; and further comprising a locking mechanism, wherein the first handle is rotatable with respect to the second handle when the locking mechanism is in the first state, and the locking mechanism limits the relative rotation of the first handle and the second handle when the locking mechanism is in the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Ningbo Tekmax Bicycle Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Peng Liu, Xiaofei Zhao, Xinfa Wu
  • Patent number: 10029143
    Abstract: A stationary exercise bicycle pedal system that can be easily manually modified during an exercise routine to greatly expand the number of different muscle groups that are stimulated during the exercise routine. The stationary exercise bicycle pedal system includes laterally adjustable and selectively positionable pedals received on elongated support shafts. Adjustable pedal stops are received on each elongated support shaft and are provided on each side of each pedal to lock or hold the respective pedal in a specific location along the respective elongated support shaft. The adjustable pedal stops are manually adjustable along a length of the respective elongated support shaft so that the respective pedal can be selectively positioned anywhere along the respective elongated support shaft and varied during the exercise routine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Inventors: Robert Milstein, William Jay Zemliak
  • Patent number: 9481427
    Abstract: A bicycle kickstand may include a crank arm to mount a pedal to a bicycle frame, which has a slot formed in a longitudinal direction thereof, a pedal coupled perpendicular to the slot of the crank arm and configured to rotate in the longitudinal direction of the crank arm, a middle arm received in the slot of the crank arm and having both end portions which are respectively connected to the crank arm and the pedal in order to allow the pedal to be inclined with respect to the crank arm, and a safety pin configured to be inserted through the slot of the crank arm and the pedal in order to support the pedal in a perpendicular state or an inclined state with respect to the crank arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chang Bok Ko, Kangho Choi
  • Patent number: 9284015
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a mount supporting a pedal and rotatably engaging a crank arm, a resilient member fixed to the mount, and a bracket fixed to the resilient member. The bracket selectively mechanically locks the mount in first and second positions relative to the crank arm. The first position of the mount locates the pedal in an operating position away from the crank arm, and the second position of the mount locates the pedal in a storage position along the crank arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Robert George Thompson
  • Patent number: 9187147
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for synchronously actuating at least two independent controlled apparatuses at two sides of the bottom bracket of the bicycle through a driving process. The independent controlled apparatuses can be foldable pedals or quick-disassembling pedals or foldable cranks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Inventor: Dongjun Wang
  • Patent number: 9150272
    Abstract: A bicycle frame component includes a yoke member, a driveside arm fixed to the yoke member, and a pivot arm coupled to the yoke member opposite the driveside arm. The pivot arm includes a first portion rotatably coupled to the yoke member with a first hinge and a second portion rotatably coupled to the first portion with a second hinge. The pivot arm extends along the driveside arm in a first position, and the pivot arm has a second position including the first portion extending along the driveside arm and the second portion rotated away from the driveside arm and interfacing with the first portion. A first primary wheel mount portion is disposed within the driveside arm, and a second primary wheel mount portion is disposed within the second portion of the pivot arm. The pivot arm substantially axially aligns the primary wheel mounts in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Robert George Thompson
  • Patent number: 9120529
    Abstract: A controlling device for synchronous folding pedals for bicycle includes bicycle pedal folding assembly. The assembly includes pedal base configured for pivotal connection with pedal cranks of the bicycle, braking ring and folding transmission subassembly. A foldable pedal is rotatably attached to the pedal base, and the pedal base has the first t axial line, the foldable pedal has the second axial line. The foldable pedal has a working position and a folded position along its rotating track. The braking ring is configured to reciprocate along the first axial line, and the braking ring drives the foldable pedal by the transmission subassembly shifting from the working position to the folded position. When folding pedals, only driving the braking ring can fulfill folding process of the foldable pedal, which operation is simplified and during the course of folding pedals, it is not necessary to touch the foldable pedals by hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Inventor: Dongjun Wang
  • Patent number: 9073598
    Abstract: A foldable bicycle crank includes a crank having outer and inner ends, a central shaft passing through two axial holes of the inner end and an axial hole of the outer end, a crank head rotatable around the central shaft by a limited angle, and a slider. A piercing hole is on one side of a flank mortise between the two vertical axial holes. A tenon is formed on a recess at the inner end. A pedal hole and a vertical axial hole are on the crank head, and a tenon is on a recess on the crank head. At least one mortise and a protrusion are formed on the slider. An elastic member is placed into a room on a top portion of the protrusion which can be positioned into or can pass through the piercing hole. A press button in the room pushes against the elastic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Inventor: Shao-Hua Chu
  • Patent number: 9010217
    Abstract: A bicycle pedal with a locking function has a base and a securing member. The base is positioned on a side of the bicycle and has a U-shaped main body and a through hole disposed on the main body. The securing member has a securing rod with an end attached to the bicycle and disposed through the through hole, and a stopping portion disposed at another end of the securing rod. wherein the main body is capable of sliding along the securing rod between a locking position and a non-locking position, and when the main body is at the locking position, the main body moves to one end of the securing rod and pushes against the stopping portion to prevent wheels from rotating, and when the main body is at the non-locking position, the main body moves to another end of the securing rod to release the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Shu-Te University
    Inventors: Wen-Liang Chen, Ying-Liang Yao
  • Publication number: 20150033908
    Abstract: A foldable bicycle crank includes a crank having outer and inner ends, a central shaft passing through two axial holes of the inner end and an axial hole of the outer end, a crank head rotatable around the central shaft by a limited angle, and a slider. A piercing hole is on one side of a flank mortise between the two vertical axial holes. A tenon is formed on a recess at the inner end. A pedal hole and a vertical axial hole are on the crank head, and a tenon is on a recess on the crank head. At least one mortise and a protrusion are formed on the slider. An elastic member is placed into a room on a top portion of the protrusion which can be positioned into or can pass through the piercing hole. A press button in the room pushes against the elastic member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Shao-Hua Chu
  • Patent number: 8894082
    Abstract: A bicycle having rotatable drive member in the form of a hollow drum (22) with pedals (48, 49). Each pedal is mounted in a foldable manner to a crank arm (24, 25) which in turn is mounted to the drum (22) by a pivoting mechanism (26, 27) allowing the pedals to be moved between an operative configuration in which each pedal projects outwardly from the drum (22), and an inoperative configuration in which each pedal (48, 49) and each crank arm (24, 25) is contained within the interior of the drum (22). The bicycle can thus be used as a training aid without the use of pedals, or in a conventional manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Early Rider Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Loveland
  • Patent number: 8893581
    Abstract: A pedal adjuster which may be used with a pedal device such as a bicycle or stationary bicycle and which allows a user to tilt pedals relative to the horizontal plane in order to accommodate a foot that is everted or inverted relative to the vertical midline of the user's body. The illustrated embodiment of this invention includes an outer tube with a plurality of locking pin holes and a means for attachment to a crank arm, an inner rod housed coaxially within the outer tube and having a means for attachment to a pedal and a means for adjustably positioning the inner rod within the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Larry White
  • Patent number: 8789841
    Abstract: A pedaled vehicle includes a frame, a wheel rotatably coupled to the frame, a crank assembly operatively coupled to the wheel and having a bore, a pedal received in the bore, and a spring clip for securing the pedal to the crank assembly. The spring clip includes at least one flexible tab or leg capable of flexing between a first configuration, where the spring clip allows a shaft of the pedal to pass through the bore, and a second configuration, where the pedal shaft is prevented from being removed from the bore. A method for coupling a pedal to a vehicle in a tool-less manner is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Huffy Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Laipple, Robert L. Diekman
  • Publication number: 20140186803
    Abstract: The teachings provided herein relate to an articulable crankset for converting a pedal-powered vehicle into a push-powered vehicle having the articulable crankset in a retracted position to provide at least less of an obstruction to a user's legs during use of the push-powered vehicle than a non-retractable crankset. The vehicle can be a bicycle, and the articulable crankset can be a component of a production bicycle or a component of a conversion kit that will convert a bicycle from a pedal-powered bicycle to a convertible bicycle that can also function as a push-powered bicycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Kroozn, LLC
    Inventors: BRIAN Kinting SHIU, Vanessa Chen-Hwa Shiu
  • Patent number: 8707825
    Abstract: The teachings provided herein relate to an articulable crankset for converting a pedal-powered vehicle into a push-powered vehicle having the articulable crankset in a retracted position to provide at least less of an obstruction to a user's legs during use of the push-powered vehicle than a non-retractable crankset. The vehicle can be a bicycle, and the articulable crankset can be a component of a production bicycle or a component of a conversion kit that will convert a bicycle from a pedal-powered bicycle to a convertible bicycle that can also function as a push-powered bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Kroozn, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Kinting Shiu, Vanessa Chen-Hwa Shiu
  • Patent number: 8549958
    Abstract: This automatic bicycle pedal comprises a pedal body (2) equipped at a first end (5) with first attachment means (7) and at a second end (6) with second attachment means (10), an elastically deformable lever (8) bearing the second attachment means and capable of being deformed between a first position of holding a cleat fixed to the underside of a shoe between the first and second attachment means, and a deformed second position allowing the cleat to be attached and detached in respect of attachment and detachment movements. The deformable lever comprises at least one first deformable zone (12) that can be deformed during attachment and detachment movements and at least one second deformable zone (13) that can be deformed during one of the said attachment and detachment movements, the said first and second zones having different stiffnesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Look Cycle International
    Inventors: Julien Bouchez, Fabien Delangue
  • Patent number: 8516923
    Abstract: The pedal includes a pedal body (1) rotationally mounted on a pedal shaft. The pedal body (1) includes a fixed front catch element (4) and a movable rear catch element (6) that work with a retaining plate (3) fixed underneath the footwear of the cyclist. The movable rear catch element (6) is mounted to be able to pivot between a retaining position of the plate (3) and a position of release of the plate (3) by the pivoting of the rear catch element (6) in opposition to the action of an elastic return element (10). The elastic return element (10) is composed of an elastic leaf that forms a spring located in a longitudinal housing (11) of the pedal body (10) open to the rear, the leaf (10) being able to be stressed along its longitudinal axis in buckling during pivoting of the rear catch element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Look Cycle International
    Inventors: Jean Marc Hillairet, Frédéric Roudergues
  • Patent number: 8485063
    Abstract: A device for disassembling and assembling bicycle pedals comprises a bicycle crank (1), detachable pedals (17) connected with the crank (1), a fixing seat (11) arranged at an end of the crank (1), a control device arranged at the fixing seat (11) and a connection assembly between a pedal (17) and the control device. The control device also comprises an unlocking mechanism, a pushing mechanism and a rotating mechanism, wherein the pushing mechanism and the rotating mechanism are controlled by a gear mechanism. The device can conveniently and quickly disassembling and assembling bicycle pedals by one step without touching the pedals with hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Dongjun Wang
  • Patent number: 8464609
    Abstract: An articulable crankset for converting a pedal-powered vehicle into a push-powered vehicle is provided. The articulable crankset can be in a retracted position to provide at least less of an obstruction to a user's legs during use of the push-powered vehicle than a non-retractable crankset. The vehicle can be a bicycle, and the articulable crankset can be a component of a production bicycle or a component of a conversion kit that will convert a bicycle from a pedal-powered bicycle to a convertible bicycle that can also function as a push-powered bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Kroozn, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Kinting Shiu, Vanessa Chen-Hwa Shiu
  • Patent number: 8464608
    Abstract: A bicycle clipless pedal includes a pedal, a locking sheet pivotally mounted on the pedal, and a plastic elastomer located between the pedal and the locking sheet. The pedal has a first clipless end extending therefrom. The locking sheet has a second first clipless end extending therefrom opposite to the first clipless end. A clipping space is defined between the first clipless end and the second clipless end. The elastomer has one end abutting against the pedal and the other end abutting against the locking sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Wellgo Pedal's Corp.
    Inventor: Chung-I Chen
  • Publication number: 20130061715
    Abstract: A pedal for exercise equipment concentrates foot effort applied for driving and realizes stable stepping of pedal bodies with soles. The pedal includes a pedal body and a connection shaft connected to a crank rod of pedal exercise equipment. A pair of first and second inclination control plates are respectively mounted at the front and rear surfaces of the pedal body, and hinge-connected to the pedal body at the crank rod connection side thereof. A pair of fixing screws fix the second and first inclination control plates to the pedal body, wherein the positioning angle of the sole is set to be larger than 0° for effective driving power transmission to the crank rod, and deviation of the sole from the pedal body is prevented under the free control of the sole positioning angle according to the body type of a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Yu Chul Kim
  • Publication number: 20120234132
    Abstract: A controlling device for synchronous folding pedals for bicycle includes bicycle pedal folding assembly. The assembly includes pedal base configured for pivotal connection with pedal cranks of the bicycle, braking ring and folding transmission subassembly. A foldable pedal is rotatably attached to the pedal base, and the pedal base has the first t axial line, the foldable pedal has the second axial line. The foldable pedal has a working position and a folded position along its rotating track. The braking ring is configured to reciprocate along the first axial line, and the braking ring drives the foldable pedal by the transmission subassembly shifting from the working position to the folded position. When folding pedals, only driving the braking ring can fulfill folding process of the foldable pedal, which operation is simplified and during the course of folding pedals, it is not necessary to touch the foldable pedals by hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Dongjun Wang
  • Patent number: 8117944
    Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a pedal apparatus is provided. The pedal apparatus comprises a pedal member including a seat and an axle configured to cooperate with the seat to support the pedal member. The pedal apparatus is configured such that a rotation of the pedal member with respect to the axle causes translation of the pedal member with respect to the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Nikola Stevovich
  • Patent number: 7891271
    Abstract: A slide locking motorcycle kick arm with a foot pedal and a kick arm shaft that is attachable to an engine kick starter, where the foot pedal can rotate to be in the kick start position and rotated out of the way when kick starting is completed. The foot pedal can be locked in either position, only when the foot pedal slides to the end of the kick arm shaft, and can be locked in the rotated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: John Grant
  • Publication number: 20100192722
    Abstract: The teachings provided herein relate to an articulable crankset for converting a pedal-powered vehicle into a push-powered vehicle having the articulable crankset in a retracted position to provide at least less of an obstruction to a user's legs during use of the push-powered vehicle than a non-retractable crankset. The vehicle can be a bicycle, and the articulable crankset can be a component of a production bicycle or a component of a conversion kit that will convert a bicycle from a pedal-powered bicycle to a convertible bicycle that can also function as a push-powered bicycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: KROOZN, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Kinting Shiu, Vanessa Chen-Hwa Shiu
  • Patent number: 7624605
    Abstract: A combined bicycle pedal and lock and a method for its use, which is an integral part of a bicycle and serves both as an ordinary bicycle pedal and as a means of locking the bicycle to an object which is not a part of the bicycle. The combined bicycle pedal and lock includes a pedal shaft, several main components, which carry the majority of the load applied to the pedal when riding the bicycle, a complementary locking assembly, which has two modes, a folded mode when the combined bicycle pedal and lock is serving as a pedal, and mode that can be extended when the combined bicycle pedal and lock is serving to lock the bicycle to a suitable object, as well as a short pedal shaft, and a locking mechanism which is operated by means of a key, combination wheel, or any other suitable means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: Minin Vitali
  • Publication number: 20090229405
    Abstract: A pedal adjuster which may be used with a pedal device such as a bicycle or stationary bicycle and which allows a user to tilt pedals relative to the horizontal plane in order to accommodate a foot that is everted or inverted relative to the vertical midline of the user's body. The illustrated embodiment of this invention includes an outer tube with a plurality of locking pin holes and a means for attachment to a crank arm, an inner rod housed coaxially within the outer tube and having a means for attachment to a pedal and a means for adjustably positioning the inner rod within the outer tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Larry White
  • Publication number: 20090217783
    Abstract: A bicycle pedal (1) mounted at the end (3) of a pedal assembly crank arm (5), includes a main body (7) whereon a cyclist's foot is supported while cycling, the pedal (1) being assembled, along a link axis X1, to the crank arm (5). The pedal (1) includes an intermediate pantograph device (11) for assembling the body (7) to the crank arm (5) producing both a variable offset of the foot purchase on the body (7) relative to the link axis X1 to increase the cycling torque, and to direct the body (7) in a plane defined during the rotation of the crank arm over one pedalling cycle. Bicycles equipped with this type of pedal (1) are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventor: Michel Garnier
  • Publication number: 20090211395
    Abstract: An adjustable pedal system for changing the position of pedals along the crank arms of an exercise bike. The system provides a locking member, such as a rack, located along the crank arm and a locking member, such as one or more gear teeth formed on a slide sleeve to which the pedal is affixed. Thus the slide sleeve and pedal can be slid along the crank arm to the desired position whereupon the locking members intermesh to positively lock the pedal in the desired location. The intermeshing is maintained by a clamping device, such as a thumb screw that is tightened to lock the pedals in the desired location and loosened to disengage the locking members to allow the movement of the pedals to another location. The system can be operated without the need for tools and can be retrofitted to existing exercise bikes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Leonard Mul'e
  • Publication number: 20080229876
    Abstract: A foldable pedal includes an inner pedal body, an outer pedal body provided with a receiving chamber and a receiving channel, a biasing mechanism including a resting bar and a compression spring, and a stop member movably mounted in the receiving channel and provided with a through hole that is movable to align with the receiving chamber to allow passage of the resting bar. Thus, the outer pedal body is locked on the inner pedal body by an interlocking action of the resting bar and the stop member, so that the compression spring biased between the outer pedal body and the resting bar needs not to have a higher strength, and a user only needs to apply a little force to compress the compression spring so as to fold the foldable pedal easily and conveniently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Chin-Long Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7288048
    Abstract: A folding pedal is disclosed to include a pedal body, which has a center spindle pivotally connectable to a crank of a bicycle, and two pedal blocks that are respectively pivotally coupled to top and bottom sides of the pedal body and turnable relative to each other between a first position where the two pedals are closed together and extending in same extending direction of the center spindle and a second position where the two pedals are opened and respectively extending in direction perpendicular to the center spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: VP Components Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Hwa Lin
  • Patent number: 7228761
    Abstract: A foldable pedal assembly includes: a pedal frame formed with left and right studs opposite to each other in an axial direction; a crank-connecting part including left and right wing units that define left and right recesses, respectively, the left and right studs extending into the left and right recesses and being pivoted to the left and right wing units, respectively; left and right urging members disposed in the left and right recesses to urge the pedal frame in a first direction transverse to the axial direction, and to urge the crank-connecting part in a second direction opposite to the first direction; a first limiting unit abutting against at least one of the left and right studs by urging action of the urging members; and a second limiting unit abutting against at least one of the left and right wing units by urging action of the urging members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Chung-I Chen
  • Patent number: 7213673
    Abstract: A vehicle chassis having substantially all of the mechanical, electrical and structural componentry necessary for a fully functional vehicle, including at least energy conversion system, a steering system and a braking system. The chassis is configured for releasable engagement with a variety of different types or styles of vehicle bodies. Various prior art mechanical control linkages between a driver and controlled systems are replaced with non-mechanical control signal transmission components. Fuel cell technology is also implemented. A system for adjustable, reconfigurable foot pedals is also shown for generating driver input to the by-wire braking systems and energy conversion systems and for providing control and comfort for the driver and/or a passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Mohsen D. Shabana, Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, Adrian B. Chernoff, Robert Louis Vitale
  • Patent number: 7097597
    Abstract: The adjustable bicycle pedal training device of the invention is a simple, easy to install device used by beginner cyclists for learning how to balance and ride a two wheel bicycle without the physical support from a non-rider and without the aid of other bicycle training devices, wherein said device replaces the customary right and left pedals on a bicycle. Each pedal member can be adjusted into two stages, wherein stage 1, stage 1 is the shortened and contracted stage, such that, said device pedals do not interfere with the motion of the rider's legs when maneuvering the bicycle forward, while the octagonally shaped design of said invention in this stage provides the beginner with eight foot pedal surfaces that facilitate and improve the pedaling and learning process. After the cyclist has developed, learned, and mastered said balancing skills, the pedal training device is then adjusted to the longer and expanded stage and utilized as standard bicycle pedals to propel said bicycle forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Richard Tamian
  • Patent number: 7017444
    Abstract: A transmission for a bicycle pedal has a fixed axle with an end operatively connected to a wheel of the bicycle and a guide axle connected to the fixed axle to form a crank. A bicycle pedal is rotatably mounted on a slider which is movably mounted on a guide portion of the guide rod for translation therealong. The ration of gyration of the pedal can be varied by sliding the pedal along the guide axle and/or telescoping the guide axle relative to the fixed axle. The slider and mounted pedal can be rotated toward the bicycle frame for compact storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Jun-Suck Kim
  • Patent number: 6968754
    Abstract: A crank arm (1) is provided that is connected to the crank head (2) through an elastic rotation axis (6) and a lock axis (7) having a reduced diameter (D) in the middle of said lock axis (7), the crank arm (1) also comprises a lock device (4) that is connected to the push button (5) and both together are easily moved down and upward with the user's thumb to release and lock the crank arm (1) between its operative and folded position, when the lock device (4) is pulled down a retaining spring (3) is compressed allowing the upper end of the lock axis (7) to flush with the crank arm hole (H) and releasing the crank arm (1) to rotate freely along its longitudinal plane with a 180° rotation angle in relation to the elastic rotation axis (6), by releasing the lock device (4) to its upper position it will lock the crank arm (1) at its folded position, then the fixation of the pedal-sprocket on the head crank (2) is performed by means of a fastening nut (5) which fix the crank head (2) to any commercially available p
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Mario Jorge Leite Bandarra
  • Patent number: 6865969
    Abstract: A pedal structure for exercise devices includes a pedal having a groove for receiving an operation rod therein and two positioning ports are defined in a side of the pedal. The positioning ports are continuous notches which are in communication with each other. Two connection ports are located on the operation rod and communicate with the positioning ports. Two positioning members respectively extend through the positioning ports and are engaged with the connection ports. The positioning members are able to slide between the continuous notches so as to adjust the effective length of the pedal relative to the operation rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventor: Kerry Peters Stevens
  • Patent number: 6736233
    Abstract: An actuator including a motor having a drive shaft, and a gear train coupled to the drive shaft, wherein the gear train includes a plurality of output gears and an associated plurality of output ports for providing a mechanical output from the actuator. The gear train may be provided in a variety of configurations, and may include a worm gear and worm wheel configuration for reducing audible noise. Position sensing may be provided for determining the position of a movable element, e.g. one or more adjustable pedals of an adjustable pedal system. A controller may control the position of the movable element in response to a user input, and may facilitate auto-calibration of the element upon installation. Various configurations for isolating actuator components for reducing audible noise, including a sub-frame isolation configuration, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Stoneridge Control Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Beishline, Tom Schregardus, Kevin Hughes, Jeff Finkelstein, Andrew Mark Oakes
  • Patent number: 6637292
    Abstract: A foldable bicycle pedal crank, comprising a crank, a crank endpiece, a lock, and a pedal. The crank has a connecting yoke, passed through by a first crank hole and second crank holes which aim across an indentation thereof. The crank endpiece has an insertion part that is inserted in the indentation, with a first hole, second holes and a third hole passing through the insertion part. The lock further comprises a lock body, at least one first bolt and second bolts. The first and second bolts have outer ends connected with the lock body. The first bolt further has an inner end and is hollow, enclosing a space that towards the inner end is limited by a step and accommodates a rod. The rod has a far end that passes through the inner end of the first bolt and is fixed. A spring surrounds the rod, leaning against the step. The pedal is connected with the crank endpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Yu-Hsueh Chu
  • Patent number: 6589139
    Abstract: A cycle (or an adaptation for a cycle) comprises a primary crank arranged for rotation about a first axis, a secondary crank, and connection means for selective connection of the secondary crank to the primary crank at a selected one of a plurality of positions on both the primary crank and the secondary crank. A pedal is mounted on the secondary crank, and selectively operable means is provided for either permitting or preventing rotation of the secondary crank relative to the primary crank, in dependence of the nature of the disabilities or injuries of the user of the cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Paul John Butterworth
  • Patent number: 6564676
    Abstract: A pedal includes a pedal body (1) carrying engagement members (2, 3) of a hooking element fixed below a cyclist's shoe, as well as a casing (7) containing a pedal axle (8) adapted to be fixed to a pedal crank. The casing is connected to the pedal body by a support member (10) including adjustment elements (10, 12, 20, 21) of the transverse position and the angular position of the pedal body relative to the pedal axle. For adjusting the angular position, the adjustment elements comprise a set of interchangeable support members each defining a predetermined different angular position from one support member to the other. The support member comprises an elongated seat (12) receiving the casing of the pedal axle and this seat is provided with a tapping (21) adapted to coact with a screw thread (20) on said casing to permit the continuous adjustment of the transverse position of the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Look Cycle International
    Inventor: Nicolas Jean-Guy Bezet
  • Publication number: 20030041689
    Abstract: A foldable bicycle pedal crank, comprising a crank, a crank endpiece, a lock, and a pedal. The crank has a connecting yoke, passed through by a first crank hole and second crank holes which aim across an indentation thereof. The crank endpiece has an insertion part that is inserted in the indentation, with a first hole, second holes and a third hole passing through the insertion part. The lock further comprises a lock body, at least one first bolt and second bolts. The first and second bolts have outer ends connected with the lock body. The first bolt further has an inner end and is hollow, enclosing a space that towards the inner end is limited by a step and accommodates a rod. The rod has a far end that passes through the inner end of the first bolt and is fixed. A spring surrounds the rod, leaning against the step. The pedal is connected with the crank endpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Yu-Hsueh Chu
  • Publication number: 20030033902
    Abstract: A retractable structure of a bicycle pedal is disclosed. The retractable structure is characterized in that a bottom end of the crank arm body is a hollow cavity space holding a combinative positioning frame plate, corresponding to the frame plate, a sliding slot is provided and the inner edge of the external end of the frame plate is protruded with a positioning protruded edge for the positioning of a covered rotating seat, an insertion side of the frame plate is provided with an insertion slot for the easy positioning of an elastic body, the two sides of the rotating seat corresponding to the sliding slot is provided with a protruded peg directly insertion into the sliding slot and stopped by the shape of the slot, and achieve the corresponding rotating operation, a screw hole seat being provided at one side of the rotating seat and is screwed to the screw rod at one end of the pedal, thereby the rotatably controlling of the rotating seat, the pedal is simultaneously controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventor: Chin-Pin Lee