CN118062154A

CN118062154A - Cleat for shoe, pedal system for a human powered vehicle, and pedal for a human powered vehicle

Info

Publication number: CN118062154A
Application number: CN202311502727.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 井上晓
Original assignee: Shimano Inc
Current assignee: Shimano Inc
Priority date: 2022-11-24
Filing date: 2023-11-10
Publication date: 2024-05-24
Also published as: DE102022212591A1

Abstract

The cleat includes a shoe attachment portion and a first cleat projection. The first cleat projection projects from a peripheral surface of the shoe attachment portion. The first cleat projection has a first engagement surface that is inclined in a first oblique direction and a first rolling engagement surface that is inclined in a first additional oblique direction that is different from the first oblique direction. As the first engagement surface extends outwardly relative to the shoe attachment portion toward the first distal end of the first cleat projection, the first engagement surface slopes away from the shoe side surface of the shoe attachment portion and approaches toward the pedal side surface of the shoe attachment portion. As the first rolling engagement surface approaches toward the pedal side surface relative to the shoe side surface, the first rolling engagement surface is inclined in a first direction to establish a rolling angle of the first cleat projection.

Description

Cleat for shoe, pedal system for a human powered vehicle, and pedal for a human powered vehicle

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to cleats for shoes, pedal systems for human powered vehicles, and pedals for human powered vehicles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a cleat configured to be attached to a shoe and configured to be selectively engaged with a pedal in a detachable manner.

Background

Pedals have been designed for specific purposes such as comfort, casual riding, off-road riding, road racing, exercise, and the like. One particular type of pedal that is more popular is a step-in pedal or a click-in pedal (clipless). Conventional step-in pedals or truck pedals are releasably coupled to cleats secured to the sole of a rider's shoe. Thus, the bottom of the rider's shoe is fixed to the pedal for transmitting the rider's pedaling force to the pedal. In other words, with the card pedal, when the cleat is engaged in the cleat fixing mechanism, the shoe and the pedal are in a continuously engaged state, so the stepping force can be effectively transmitted to the pedal. A conventional truck pedal includes a pedal shaft attachable to a crank of a human powered vehicle, a main pedal body rotatably supported on the pedal shaft, and a cleat-securing mechanism. With such conventional bicycle pedals, the cleat-removing operation is typically accomplished by twisting the shoe so that the heel of the shoe moves outward while the shoe is attached to the pedal.

Disclosure of Invention

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

In view of the state of the known technology, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a cleat for a shoe is provided, wherein the cleat basically comprises a shoe attachment portion and a first cleat projection. 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 surfaces include 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 projection projects from a first peripheral surface of the shoe attachment portion. The first cleat projection includes a first proximal end and a first distal end relative to the shoe attachment portion. The first cleat projection has a first engagement surface that is inclined in a first oblique direction and a first rolling engagement surface that is inclined in a first additional oblique direction. The first tilt direction is different from the first additional tilt direction. As the first engagement surface extends outwardly relative to the shoe attachment portion toward the first distal end of the first cleat projection, the first engagement surface slopes away from the shoe side surface and approaches toward the pedal side surface. The first additional tilt direction includes a first direction. As the first rolling engagement surface approaches the pedal side surface with respect to the shoe side surface, the first rolling engagement surface is inclined away from the fourth peripheral surface toward the third peripheral surface in the first direction or inclined away from the third peripheral surface toward the fourth peripheral surface in the first direction to establish a rolling angle of the first cleat projection.

With the cleat according to the first aspect, even a small spring force is used during a rolling operation, the cleat can be effectively restrained from being disengaged from the pedal.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the cleat according to the first aspect is configured such that the first additional oblique direction further includes a second direction different from the first direction, and as the first rolling engagement surface extends outwardly relative to the shoe attachment portion toward the first distal end of the first cleat projection, the first rolling engagement surface is inclined away from the shoe side surface and toward the pedal side surface in the second direction.

With the cleat according to the second aspect, the disengagement of the cleat from the pedal can be further effectively suppressed using a small spring force during the rolling operation.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the cleat according to the first or second aspect is configured such that the first engagement surface has a first surface portion with a first slope and a first additional surface portion with a first additional slope. The first grade is different from the first additional grade. Further, the first surface portion is disposed 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 fixed to the pedal, so that even if wear of the sole of the shoe increases, a proper engaged state can be achieved.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the cleat according to any one of the first to third aspects further includes a second cleat projection that projects from the second peripheral surface of the shoe attachment portion in an opposite direction to the first cleat projection.

With the cleat according to the fourth aspect, by providing the first cleat projection and the second cleat projection, the cleat can be more reliably fixed to the pedal.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the cleat according to the fourth aspect is configured such that the second cleat projection includes 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 oblique direction and a second rolling engagement surface inclined in a second additional oblique direction. The second tilt direction is different from the second additional tilt direction. As the second engagement surface extends outwardly relative to the shoe attachment portion toward the second distal end of the second cleat projection, the second engagement surface slopes away from the shoe side surface and approaches toward the pedal side surface. The second additional tilt direction includes a third direction. As the second rolling engagement surface approaches the pedal side surface with respect to the shoe side surface, the second rolling engagement surface is inclined away from the fourth peripheral surface toward the third peripheral surface in the third direction or inclined away from the third peripheral surface toward the fourth peripheral surface in the third direction to establish a rolling angle of the second cleat projection.

With the cleat according to the fifth aspect, the disengagement of the cleat from the pedal can be more reliably suppressed using a small spring force during the rolling operation.

According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the cleat according to the fifth aspect is configured such that the second additional oblique direction further includes a fourth direction different from the third direction, and as the second rolling engagement surface extends outwardly with respect to the shoe attachment portion toward the second distal end of the second cleat projection, the second rolling engagement surface is inclined away from the shoe side surface and toward the pedal side surface in the fourth direction.

With the cleat according to the sixth aspect, the disengagement of the cleat from the pedal can be further suppressed using a small spring force during the rolling operation.

According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the cleat according to the fifth or sixth aspect is configured such that the second engagement surface has a second surface portion with a second slope and a second additional surface portion with a second additional slope. The second grade is different from the second additional grade. Further, the second surface portion is disposed 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 fixed to the pedal, so that even if the sole wear of the shoe increases, an appropriate engaged state can be achieved.

According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a pedal system for a human powered vehicle is provided. The pedal system includes a cleat and a pedal according to any one of the fourth to seventh aspects. The pedal is configured to releasably secure the cleat. The pedal includes a pedal shaft, a pedal body, a first cleat fixing member and a second cleat fixing member. The pedal shaft has a rotational center axis. The pedal is rotatably disposed about a rotational center axis relative to the pedal shaft. The first cleat fixing member is movably disposed to the pedal body. The first cleat fixing member includes a first cleat engagement surface that contacts the first cleat projection in a state where the cleat is fixed by the pedal. The second cleat fixing member is provided to the pedal body. The second cleat fixing member includes a second cleat engagement surface that contacts the second cleat projection in a pedal fixing cleat state.

With the pedal system according to the eighth aspect, the cleat can be effectively restrained from being disengaged from the pedal during the rolling operation.

According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the pedal system according to the eighth aspect is configured such that the pedal body includes a first support pin. The first cleat fixing member is movably supported to the pedal body by a first support pin. The first cleat engagement surface has a first contact point configured to contact the first rolling engagement surface of the cleat projection of the cleat in a state where the cleat is fixed during a rolling operation of the cleat, such that the first support pin is disposed between an extension of an external force vector at the first contact point and the center axis of rotation.

With the pedal system according to the ninth aspect, the disengagement force applied by the cleat to the first cleat engagement surface during a rolling operation can be suppressed.

According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a pedal for a human powered vehicle is provided. The pedal is configured to releasably secure the cleat. The pedal includes a pedal shaft, a pedal body, and a cleat fixing member. The pedal shaft has a rotational center axis. The pedal is rotatably disposed about a rotational center axis relative to the pedal shaft. The cleat fixing member is movably disposed to the pedal body. The cleat fixing member includes a cleat engagement surface that contacts the cleat projection of the cleat in a pedal-fixing cleat state, and a cleat rolling engagement surface that is disposed farther from the pedal body than the cleat engagement surface to accommodate the rolling operation of the cleat.

With the pedal according to the tenth aspect, even if a small spring force is used during the rolling operation, the separation of the cleat from the pedal can be suppressed.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, 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 relative to the cleat. The second inclination of the cleat rolling engagement surface is less than the first inclination of the cleat engagement surface.

With the pedal according to the eleventh aspect, contact between the cleat and the cleat fixing member can be effectively maintained during a rolling operation.

Furthermore, other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed splint will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the splint.

Drawings

Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this original disclosure.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a pedal system including a pedal (e.g., a bicycle pedal) coupled to a crank arm and a cleat coupled to a shoe (e.g., a bicycle shoe) in accordance with a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a first enlarged shoe side perspective view of a cleat used with the pedal shown in FIG. 1.

Fig. 3 is a second enlarged shoe side perspective view of the cleat shown in fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged top view of the splint shown in fig. 2 and 3.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged bottom view of the clamping plate shown in fig. 2-4.

Fig. 6 is a first end elevational view of the cleat shown in fig. 2-5.

Fig. 7 is a second end elevational view of the cleat shown in fig. 2-6.

Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of the non-frame-facing side of the cleat shown in fig. 2-7.

Fig. 9 is a side elevational view of the frame-facing side of the cleat shown in fig. 2-8.

Fig. 10 is a partial top view of a first cleat projection of the cleat shown in fig. 2-9.

Fig. 11 is a partial top view of a second cleat projection of the cleat shown in fig. 2-9.

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the cleat shown in fig. 2-11, as viewed along section line 12-12 of fig. 4.

Fig. 13 is an enlarged plan view of a first portion of the cleat shown in fig. 12.

Fig. 14 is an enlarged plan view of a second portion of the cleat shown in fig. 12.

Fig. 15 is a first enlarged perspective view of the pedal shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 16 is a second enlarged perspective view of the pedal shown in fig. 1 and 15.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the bicycle pedal with the cleat engaged with the pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1, 15 and 16.

Fig. 18 is a first side plan view of the pedal shown in fig. 1 and 15-17.

Fig. 19 is a second side plan view of the pedal shown in fig. 1 and 15-18.

Fig. 20 is an inside (frame-facing side) elevational view of the pedal shown in fig. 1 and 15-19.

Fig. 21 is an outside (non-frame-facing side) elevational view of the pedal shown in fig. 1 and 15-20.

Fig. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the bicycle pedal shown in fig. 1 and 15-2, 1.

FIG. 23 is an outside (non-frame facing side) elevational view of a selected portion of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 15-21, with the first cleat fixing member biased to the first closed position, and with the third cleat fixing member biased to the third closed position.

FIG. 24 is an inside (frame facing side) elevational view of a selected portion of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 15-21, with the first cleat fixing member biased to the first closed position, and with the third cleat fixing member biased to the third closed position.

Fig. 25 is a first perspective view of the first and third cleat fixing members shown in fig. 23 and 24.

Fig. 26 is a second perspective view of the first and third cleat fixing members shown in fig. 23 and 24.

FIG. 27 is an outside (non-frame facing side) elevational view of a selected portion of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 15-21, with the second cleat fixing member biased to the second closed position, and with the fourth cleat fixing member biased to the fourth closed position.

FIG. 28 is an inside (frame facing side) elevational view of selected parts of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 15-21, with the second cleat fixing member biased to the second closed position, and with the fourth cleat fixing member biased to the fourth closed position.

Fig. 29 is a first perspective view of the second and fourth cleat fixing members shown in fig. 27 and 28.

Fig. 30 is a second perspective view of the second and fourth cleat fixing members shown in fig. 27 and 28.

FIG. 31 is an outside (non-frame-facing side) elevational view of the first cleat fixing member of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 15-21.

Fig. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the first cleat fixing member shown in fig. 31.

FIG. 33 is an outside (non-frame-facing side) elevational view of the second cleat fixing member of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 15-21.

Fig. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the second cleat fixing member shown in fig. 33.

FIG. 35 is an outside (non-frame-facing side) elevational view of the third cleat fixing member of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 15-21.

Fig. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the third cleat fixing member shown in fig. 35.

FIG. 37 is an outside (non-frame-facing side) elevational view of the fourth cleat fixing member of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 15-21.

Fig. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the fourth cleat fixing member shown in fig. 37.

FIG. 39 is an outside elevational view of selected parts of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 15-21, similar to FIG. 23, but with the first cleat fixing member beginning to move as a result of the initiation of the cleat engagement operation with the pedal.

FIG. 40 is an inside elevational view of the selected portion of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 15-21, similar to FIG. 24, but with the first cleat fixing member beginning to move as a result of the initiation of the cleat engagement operation with the pedal.

FIG. 41 is a first side plan view of selected portions of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 15-21 with the cleat engaged with the first and second cleat fixing members.

FIG. 42 is an inside elevational view of selected portions of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIG. 41, with the cleat engaged with the first and second cleat fixing members.

FIG. 43 is a first side plan view of selected portions of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 41 and 42, with the clamp plate being twisted to perform a release operation.

FIG. 44 is an inside elevational view of selected portions of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIG. 43.

FIG. 45 is a first side plan view of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 15-21, with the cleat having been further twisted from the position illustrated in FIGS. 43 and 44 to perform a release operation.

FIG. 46 is an inside elevational view of selected parts of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 41-45, with the cleat having been further twisted from the position illustrated in FIGS. 43 and 44 to perform a release operation.

FIG. 47 is a first side plan view of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 15-21, with the cleat engaged with the first and second cleat fixing members.

Fig. 48 is a pedal-facing side plan view of the cleat engaged with the first and second cleat fixing members, corresponding to fig. 47.

FIG. 49 is a first side plan view of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 15-21, with the clamp plate being twisted to perform a release operation.

Fig. 50 is a pedal-facing side plan view of the cleat engaged with the first and second cleat fixing members, corresponding to fig. 49, but with the cleat being twisted to perform a release operation.

FIG. 51 is an end elevational view of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 15-21, depicting the cleat in a rolling operation relative to the first and second cleat fixing members.

FIG. 52 is a simplified side cross-sectional view of the bicycle pedal and cleat with the cleat engaged with the first and second cleat fixing members in a rest state (an engaged state in which no external force is applied to the cleat relative to the pedal).

FIG. 53 is a simplified side cross-sectional view of the bicycle pedal and cleat in which the cleat is engaged with the first and second cleat fixing members in a state where the rolling or releasing operation of the cleat is initiated.

FIG. 54 is a simplified side cross-sectional view of the bicycle pedal and cleat in which the cleat has been engaged with the first and second cleat fixing members in a state where the rolling or releasing operation of the cleat has been further performed from the state shown in FIG. 53.

FIG. 55 is an enlarged view of a portion of a simplified side cross-sectional view of the bicycle pedal and cleat illustrated in FIG. 54.

Fig. 56 is a schematic view of the first cleat securing member in contact with the first cleat projection of the cleat during a releasing operation of the cleat.

Fig. 57 is a schematic view of the first cleat securing member in contact with the first cleat projection of the cleat during a rolling operation of the cleat.

Fig. 58 is an outside (non-frame-facing side) elevational view of selected portions of a modified pedal in accordance with the second embodiment.

Fig. 59 is an inside (frame-facing side) elevational view of selected portions of the modified pedal shown in fig. 58.

Fig. 60 is a perspective view of a modified cleat securing member for use with a pedal such as that shown in fig. 1 and 15-21.

Fig. 61 is an elevation view of the modified cleat retainer member shown in fig. 60.

Fig. 62 is a cross-sectional view of the modified cleat retainer member shown in fig. 60 and 61, as seen along section line 62-62 of fig. 61.

Fig. 63 is a cross-sectional view of the modified cleat retainer member shown in fig. 60-62, as viewed along section line 63-63 of fig. 61.

Fig. 64 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the modified cleat retaining member shown in fig. 60-63, with the cleat engaged with the cleat engagement surface of the modified cleat retaining member.

Fig. 65 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the modified cleat retainer member shown in fig. 60-64, depicting a cleat rolling operation in which the cleat engages the cleat rolling engagement surface of the modified cleat retainer member.

Detailed Description

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art of manually driven vehicles from this disclosure that the following description of the embodiments is provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a pedal system 10 is illustrated in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. As shown in fig. 1, the pedal system 10 is provided for a manually driven vehicle V. The pedal system 10 basically includes a cleat 12 and a pedal 14. In one embodiment, the pedal system 10 is a bicycle pedal system. In the case of a bicycle pedal system, the cleat 12 is a bicycle pedal cleat and the pedal 14 is a bicycle pedal. Cleat 12 is provided for shoe S. For example, cleat 12 is mounted to the underside of the sole of shoe S (e.g., a bicycle shoe). On the other hand, the pedal 14 is provided to the human-powered vehicle V. For example, the pedal 14 is mounted to a crank arm CA of the human-powered vehicle V to rotate together with the crank arm CA.

The pedal 14 is configured to releasably secure the cleat 12. Thus, the pedal 14 is a card pedal or a step-in pedal configured to releasably secure the cleat 12 thereto during a release operation. As described below, the cleat 12 is configured to provide a release operation relative to the pedal 14 in a state where the pedal 14 is fixed to the cleat 12. As used herein, a release operation refers to a situation in which the cleat 12 is secured to the pedal, and then the cleat 12 is moved relative to the pedal 14 so as to cause the cleat 12 to be released from the pedal 14. The cleat 12 is configured to provide an engagement operation with respect to the pedal 14 to secure the cleat 12 to the pedal 14, as described below. As used herein, an engagement operation refers to a situation in which the cleat 12 is moved relative to the pedal 14 such that the cleat 12 is secured to the pedal 14. As described below, the cleat 12 is configured to provide a rolling operation of the cleat 12 relative to the pedal 14, with the pedal 14 secured to the cleat 12. As used herein, the rolling operation refers to a case in which the cleat 12 moves in a rolling motion away from the crank arm CA and lifts up the inside edge of the cleat 12 using the outside edge of the cleat as a fulcrum, or moves in a rolling motion toward the crank arm CA and lifts up the outside edge of the cleat 12 using the inside edge of the cleat as a fulcrum. In the case of a rolling operation, a large release force can be applied to the pedal 14 by a small external force due to the upward movement of the cleat 12 relative to the pedal 14.

Here, the pedal 14 is a left bicycle pedal. The pedal system 10 may further include a right pedal and an additional cleat. The right pedal may be identical to pedal 14 (i.e., the left pedal) or may be a mirror image, as needed and/or desired. Accordingly, the description of the pedal 14 applies to both the left pedal and the right pedal. Thus, only one pedal is shown in the drawings and discussed below. In the illustrated embodiment, the pedal 14 is a two-sided bicycle pedal, meaning that the cleat 12 can be releasably secured to either side of the pedal 14. Thus, the pedal 14 is specifically designed for use with off-road bicycles, rather than on-road bicycles. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle art from this disclosure that the configuration of the pedal 14 can be modified to a road type bicycle pedal if needed and/or desired. In other words, it will be apparent that the pedal 14 may be designed such that the cleat 12 can only be coupled to one side of the pedal 14.

Referring to fig. 2 to 9, the cleat 12 basically includes a shoe attachment portion 16 and a first cleat projection 18. Here, the cleat 12 also includes a second cleat projection 20. Here, the splint 12 is made up of three pieces that are joined together. Each piece of the splint 12 is made of a rigid material such as a metallic material or a fiber reinforced plastic. Alternatively, the clamping plate 12 may be integrally formed as a one-piece member. Alternatively, the splint 12 may be constructed from more than two or more than three pieces 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 opening 16a extends through the shoe attachment portion 16 from the shoe side surface 22 to the pedal side surface 24. Each of the attachment openings 16a is configured to receive a fastener, such as a set bolt, to secure the cleat 12 to the shoe S. The shoe attachment portion 16 also includes a pair of curved guide surfaces 16b for guiding the cleat during a release operation relative to the pedal 14. As shown in fig. 12, the reference extending direction RD is defined to be parallel to the central axis of the attachment opening 16a through which the fastener is to pass when the cleat 12 is fixed to the shoe S. In the first embodiment, the reference extending direction RD corresponds to a direction from the shoe side surface 22 to the pedal side surface 24.

The reference plane RP1 may be disposed between the shoe side surface 22 and the pedal side surface 24. The reference plane RP1 may be a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction of the clamping plate 12. The reference plane RP1 may be a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the attachment opening 16a through which the fastener will pass when securing the cleat 12 to the shoe S. Further, the reference plane RP1 may be a plane parallel to an abutment surface of the pedal side surface 24 of the cleat 12 that abuts the pedal 14 in a state where the cleat 12 is engaged to the pedal 14. The reference extension direction RD is perpendicular to the reference plane RP1 as shown in fig. 12.

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 26 b. The third peripheral surface 26c faces the crank arm CA in a state where the cleat 12 is fixed to the pedal 14 and the pedal 14 is attached to the crank arm CA. The fourth peripheral surface 26d extends between the first peripheral surface 26a and the second peripheral surface 26 b. The fourth peripheral surface 26d faces away from the crank arm CA in a state where the cleat 12 is fixed to the pedal 14 and the pedal 14 is attached to the crank arm CA. The third peripheral surface 26c is disposed on an opposite side of the fourth peripheral surface 26d relative to the shoe attachment portion 16.

The first cleat projection 18 projects from the first peripheral surface 26a of the shoe attachment portion 16. As shown in fig. 10, the first clamping plate protrusion 18 protrudes from the first peripheral surface 26a in the first longitudinal direction LD1 of the clamping plate 12. As used herein, the first longitudinal direction LD1 refers to a direction of the cleat 12 parallel to one of a heel-to-toe direction and a toe-to-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-to-toe direction of the shoe S. As shown in fig. 11, the second cleat projection 20 projects from the second peripheral surface 26b of the shoe attachment portion 16 in a direction opposite to the first cleat projection 18. Accordingly, the second cleat projection 20 protrudes from the second peripheral surface 26b in the second longitudinal direction LD2 of the cleat 12. As used herein, the second longitudinal direction LD2 refers to a direction of the splint 12 parallel to one of the heel-to-toe direction and the toe-to-heel direction of the shoe S in a state where the splint 12 is attached to the shoe S. In the first embodiment, the second longitudinal direction LD2 corresponds to the toe-to-heel 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 described above, the cleat 12 is configured to be releasably secured to the pedal 14. Basically, the pedal 14 engages the first cleat projection 18 and the second cleat projection 20 to secure the cleat 12 to the pedal 14. In a state in which the cleat 12 is fixed to the pedal 14, the cleat 12 is attached to the pedal 14 in a manner that allows limited rotational movement between the cleat 12 and the pedal 14, but in which the cleat 12 is released from the pedal 14 when the rotational movement of the cleat 12 relative to the pedal 14 exceeds a prescribed angular movement. The rotational movement is for example a rotation about an axis perpendicular to the reference plane RP 1. The rotational movement is, for example, a rotation about an axis perpendicular to the shoe abutment surface of the shoe attachment portion 16. Thus, the rotational movement is different from the rotation in the scroll operation.

Referring to fig. 6, 10 and 13, the first cleat projection 18 includes a first proximal end 18a and a first distal end 18b relative to the shoe attachment portion 16. The first cleat projection 18 has a first engagement surface 18c that is inclined in a first oblique direction M1 and a first rolling engagement surface 18d that is inclined in a first additional oblique direction M2. The first oblique direction M1 is different from the first additional oblique direction M2. Here, the first inclination direction M1 is uniformly inclined toward the first distal end 18b along the first longitudinal direction LD1 of the splint 12 in the thickness direction T of the splint 12. On the other hand, here, the first additional oblique direction M2 is oblique in the thickness direction T of the splint 12 toward the first distal end 18b, and is angled laterally with respect to the first longitudinal direction LD1 of the splint 12. As the first engagement surface 18c extends outwardly relative to the shoe attachment portion 16 toward the first distal end 18b of the first cleat projection 18, the first engagement surface 18c slopes away from the shoe side surface 22 and approaches toward the pedal side surface 24. The first additional tilting direction M2 comprises a first direction M2a. Here, the first direction M2a is perpendicular to the first longitudinal direction LD1 of the clamping plate 12, as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the reference plane RP 1. As the first rolling engagement surface 18d approaches the pedal side surface 24 with respect to the shoe side surface 22, the first rolling engagement surface 18d is inclined away from the fourth peripheral surface 26d toward the third peripheral surface 26c in the first direction M2a or inclined away from the third peripheral surface 26c toward the fourth peripheral surface 26d in the first direction M2a to establish the rolling angle θ1 of the first cleat projection 18. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the first rolling engagement surface 18d is inclined away from the fourth peripheral surface 26d toward the third peripheral surface 26c in the first direction M2a. The first rolling engagement surface 18d is inclined at a rolling angle θ1 with respect to the reference plane RP 1. The first rolling engagement surface 18d is inclined at a rolling angle θ1 with respect to the reference plane RP1 when viewed from the first longitudinal direction LD1. The roll angle θ1 is represented by an acute angle relative to the reference plane RP 1.

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

As shown in fig. 7, 11 and 14, the second cleat projection 20 includes a second proximal end 20a and a second distal end 20b relative to the shoe attachment portion 16. The second cleat projection 20 has a second engagement surface 20c inclined in the second oblique direction M3 and a second rolling engagement surface 20d inclined in the second additional oblique direction M4. The second oblique direction M3 is different from the second additional oblique direction M4. Here, the second inclination direction M3 is uniformly inclined toward the second distal end 20b along the second longitudinal direction LD2 of the splint 12 in the thickness direction T of the splint 12. On the other hand, here, the second additional oblique direction M4 is inclined toward the second distal end 20b in the thickness direction T of the splint 12, and is laterally angled with respect to the second longitudinal direction LD2 of the splint 12. As the second engagement surface 20c extends outwardly relative to the shoe attachment portion 16 toward the second distal end 20b of the second cleat projection 20, the second engagement surface 20c slopes away from the shoe side surface 22 and approaches toward the pedal side surface 24. The second additional tilting direction M4 comprises a third direction M4a. Here, the third direction M4a is perpendicular to the second longitudinal direction LD2 of the clamping plate 12, as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the reference plane RP 1. As the second rolling engagement surface 20d approaches the pedal side surface 24 with respect to the shoe side surface 22, the second rolling engagement surface 20d is inclined away from the fourth peripheral surface 26d toward the third peripheral surface 26c in the third direction M4a or inclined away from the third peripheral surface 26c toward the fourth peripheral surface 26d in the third direction M4a to establish the rolling angle θ2 of the second cleat projection 20. The second rolling engagement surface 20d is inclined at a rolling angle θ2 with respect to the reference plane RP 1. The second rolling engagement surface 20d is inclined at a rolling angle θ2 with respect to the reference plane RP1 as viewed from the second longitudinal direction LD2. The roll angle θ2 is represented by an acute angle relative to the reference plane RP 1. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the second rolling engagement surface 20d is inclined away from the fourth peripheral surface 26d toward the third peripheral surface 26c in the third direction M4a. Further, here, the rolling angle θ2 of the second cleat projection 20 is equal to the rolling 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 relative to the shoe attachment portion 16.

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

Referring to fig. 15 to 22, the pedal 14 basically includes a pedal shaft 30 and a pedal body 32. The pedal shaft 30 is a rigid member that rotatably supports the pedal body 32 in a conventional manner. The pedal shaft 30 has a rotation center axis R1. The pedal body 32 is rotatably disposed with respect to the pedal shaft 30. Specifically, the pedal body 32 is rotatably provided with respect to the pedal shaft 30 to rotate about the rotation center axis R1.

The pedal 14 further includes a cleat securing member movably disposed to the pedal body 32. Specifically, here, the pedal 14 includes a first cleat fixing member 34 and a second cleat fixing member 36. The first cleat fixation member 34 may be referred to as a cleat fixation member 34, and the second cleat fixation member 36 may be referred to as a cleat fixation member 36. At least one of the cleat fixing members 34 and 36 is movably disposed to the pedal body 32. As described below, the cleat securing member includes a cleat engagement surface that contacts the cleat projection 18 or the cleat projection 20 of the cleat 12 in the state where the pedal 14 secures the cleat 12. Basically, the cleat 12 is held to the pedal body 32 by a first cleat fixing member 34 and a second cleat fixing member 36. When the cleat 12 is secured to the pedal body 32, as shown in fig. 1 and 17, the first cleat projection 18 engages the first cleat securing member 34, and the second cleat projection 20 engages the second cleat securing member 36. Accordingly, as shown in fig. 1 and 17, the first cleat fixing member 34 is disposed on the front side of the manually driven vehicle V with respect to the pedal body 32. Further, as shown in fig. 1 and 17, the second cleat fixing member 36 is provided on the rear side of the manually driven 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 shaft 30 such that the cleat 12 can be fixed to the other side of the pedal body 32 as described below.

Referring back to fig. 13, the first engagement surface 18c of the first cleat projection 18 will be discussed in more detail. The first engagement surface 18c has a first surface portion 18c1 and a first additional surface portion 18c2, the first surface portion 18c1 having a first slope SP1, the first additional surface portion 18c2 having a first additional slope SP2. The first gradient SP1 is different from the first additional gradient SP2. The first surface portion 18c1 is disposed closer to the pedal side surface 24 than the first additional surface portion 18c 2. The first gradient SP1 is steeper than the first additional gradient SP2 with respect to the pedal side surface 24. The first gradient SP1 is greater than the first additional gradient SP2 with respect to the reference plane RP 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle of the inclined surface and the magnitude of the first slope SP1 are represented by an acute angle relative to the reference plane RP 1. Likewise, the angle of the inclined surface and the magnitude of the first additional gradient SP2 are represented by an acute angle with respect to the reference plane RP 1. The angle of inclination of the first gradient SP1 and the angle of inclination of the first additional gradient SP2 may be defined with respect to the pedal side surface 24 or the shoe side surface 22.

Returning to fig. 14, the second engagement surface 20c of the second cleat projection 20 will be discussed in more detail. The second engagement surface 20c has a second surface portion 20c1 and a second additional surface portion 20c2, the second surface portion 20c1 having a second slope SP3, the second additional surface portion 20c2 having a second additional slope SP4. The second gradient SP3 is different from the second additional gradient SP4. Further, the second surface portion 20c1 is disposed closer to the pedal side surface 24 than the second additional surface portion 20c 2. The second gradient SP3 is steeper than the second additional gradient SP4 with respect to the pedal side surface 24. The second gradient SP3 is greater than the second additional gradient SP4 with respect to the reference plane RP 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle of the inclined surface and the magnitude of the second slope SP3 are represented by an acute angle with respect to the reference plane RP 1. Likewise, the angle of the inclined surface and the magnitude of the second additional gradient SP4 are represented by an acute angle with respect to the reference plane RP 1. The inclination angle of the second gradient SP3 and the inclination angle of the second additional gradient SP4 may be defined with respect to the pedal side surface 24 or the shoe side surface 22. The shoe side surface 22 includes, for example, at least one abutment surface that abuts the sole of the shoe S in a state in which the cleat 12 is attached to the shoe S. The pedal side surface 24 includes, for example, at least one abutment surface that abuts the pedal 14 in a state where the cleat 12 is engaged with the pedal 14.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cleat 12 is a two-position cleat, wherein the cleat 12 is selectively engageable with the pedal 14 at two different positions relative to the pedal body 32. Specifically, the cleat 12 is configured to engage the first and second cleat retaining members 34, 36 to establish either a first engaged state or a second engaged state depending on the amount of sole wear of the shoe S. Thus, the cleat 12 is disposed at different positions relative to the pedal body 32, depending on whether the cleat 12 is in the first or second engaged state. The first engaged state is established when the cleat 12 is secured to the pedal 14 via the first and second cleat securing members 34, 36 with the first and second surface portions 18c1, 20c 1. The second engaged state is established when the cleat 12 is secured to the pedal 14 via the first and second cleat securing members 34, 36 with the first and second additional surface portions 18c2, 20c 2. In the second engaged state, the cleat 12 is disposed at least partially closer to the pedal body 32 than in the first engaged state. In other words, in the first engaged state, the cleat 12 is disposed at least partially farther from the pedal body 32 than in the second engaged state.

Alternatively, the first and second additional surface portions 18c2 and 20c2 of the cleat 12 may be omitted such that the cleat 12 includes only the first and second surface portions 18c1 and 20c1 for securing the cleat 12 to the pedal body 32 via the first and second cleat securing members 34 and 36. In this case, the nip plate 12 includes only the first surface portion 18c1 and the second surface portion 20c1, and the rolling angles θ1 and θ2 can be reduced. In any event, the inclination of the roll angles θ1 and θ2 allows the first roll engagement surface 18d to make linear or planar contact with the first cleat fixing member 34 and the second roll engagement surface 20d to make linear or planar contact with the second cleat fixing member 36.

Referring to fig. 15 to 22, the pedal shaft 30 is preferably made of a hard rigid material such as a metal material or a fiber reinforced material. The pedal shaft 30 basically has an externally threaded section 30a and a support section 30b. The externally threaded section 30a is configured to be screwed into the crank arm CA. The support section 30b serves to rotatably support the pedal body 32 via one or more bearings provided to the pedal body 32. Thus, the support section 30b is at least partially disposed in the axle receiving opening 32a of the pedal body 32. The pedal shaft 30 also includes an externally threaded section 30c. A nut 30d is threaded onto the externally threaded section 30c for rotatably coupling the pedal body 32 to the pedal shaft 30.

As shown in fig. 15 to 21, the pedal body 32 is a rigid member having an overall H-shape. The pedal body 32 is rotatably supported on the support section 30b of the pedal shaft 30. Further, the first and second cleat fixing members 34 and 36 are 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 member 34 is movably disposed to the pedal body 32. More specifically, the first cleat fixing member 34 is movably disposed to 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. Specifically, here, the first cleat fixing member 34 is pivotally provided to the pedal body 32 to pivot between a closed position and an open position. The second cleat fixing member 36 is provided to the pedal body 32. As shown in fig. 1, 17 and 18, the second cleat fixing member 36 is spaced apart from the first cleat fixing member 34 to form a first cleat receiving area A1 therebetween. In the first embodiment, both the first cleat securing member 34 and the second cleat securing member 36 are movable relative to the pedal body 32, both for securing the cleat 12 and for releasing the cleat 12. Thus, the second cleat fixing member 36 is movably disposed to 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 and second cleat fixing members 34, 36 may be configured to be fixed or non-movable during engagement of the cleat 12 to the pedal body 32 and during release of the cleat 12 from the pedal body 32.

Referring to fig. 39 and 40, when the first cleat fixing member 34 moves from the first closed position toward the first open position during at least one of the rolling operation of the cleat 12 and the releasing operation of the cleat 12 in the engaged state of the cleat 12 with the first and second cleat fixing members 34 and 36, the first cleat fixing member 34 is configured to pivot about the first pivot axis P1 relative to the pedal body 32, and then configured to pivot about the second pivot axis P2 relative to the pedal body 32. On the other hand, the first cleat fixing member 34 is configured to at least initially pivot about the second pivot axis P2 when the first cleat fixing member 34 moves from the first cleat holding position toward the first cleat non-holding position during an engagement operation of the cleat 12 to the pedal body 32 by the first cleat fixing member 34. 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. The first pivot axis P1 is offset from the second pivot axis P2. The first and second pivot axes P1 and P2 are stationary relative to the pedal body 32 during movement of the first cleat fixing member 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the first pivot axis P1 and the second pivot axis P2 are different from the rotation central axis R1. The second pivot axis P2 is closer to the rotation center axis R1 than the first pivot axis P1. For example, the second pivot axis P2 is closer to the rotation central axis R1 than the first pivot axis P1 in a direction parallel to the entire single reference plane RP2 and perpendicular to the rotation central axis R1.

Similar to the first cleat fixing member 34, when the second cleat fixing member 36 moves from the second closed position toward the second open position during at least one of a rolling operation of the cleat 12 and a releasing operation of the cleat 12 in the engaged state, the second cleat fixing member 36 is configured to pivot about the third pivot axis P3 relative to the pedal body 32, and then configured to pivot about the fourth pivot axis P4 relative to the pedal body 32. On the other hand, the second cleat fixing member 36 is configured to pivot at least initially about the fourth pivot axis P4 when the second cleat fixing member 36 moves from the second cleat holding position toward the second cleat non-holding position during the engagement operation of the cleat 12 to the pedal body 32 by the second cleat fixing 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 relative to the pedal body 32 during movement of the second cleat fixing member 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the third pivot axis P3 and the fourth pivot axis P4 are different from the rotation central axis R1. The fourth pivot axis P4 is closer to the rotation center axis R1 than the third pivot axis P3. For example, the fourth pivot axis P4 is closer to the rotation center axis R1 than the third pivot axis P3 in a direction parallel to the entire single reference plane RP2 and perpendicular to the rotation center axis R1.

In the present embodiment, as seen in fig. 15 to 22, the pedal 14 further includes a third cleat fixing member 38 and a fourth cleat fixing member 40. Here, the third cleat fixing member 38 is provided to the pedal body 32. Also, a fourth cleat fixing member 40 is provided to the pedal body 32. As shown in fig. 19 to 21, the fourth cleat fixing member 40 is spaced apart from the third cleat fixing member 38 to form a second cleat receiving area A2 therebetween. Specifically, the third cleat fixing member 38 is pivotally provided to the pedal body 32 to pivot between a closed position and an open position. Thus, the third cleat fixing member 38 is movably supported to 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 fixing member 38 is pivotally supported to the pedal body 32 to pivot about the first and second pivot axes P1 and P2 in the same manner as the first cleat fixing member 34. The fourth cleat fixing member 40 is pivotally provided to the pedal body 32 to pivot between a closed position and an open position. Thus, the fourth cleat fixing member 40 is movably supported to 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 fixing member 40 is pivotally supported to 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 fixing member 36.

The pedal 14 further includes a first pivot pin 41 and a second pivot pin 42. The first pivot pin 41 is coupled to the pedal body 32 and defines a first pivot axis P1. The second pivot pin 42 is coupled to the pedal body 32 and defines a second pivot axis P2. The pedal 14 further includes a third pivot pin 43 and a fourth pivot pin 44. The third pivot pin 43 is coupled to the pedal body 32 and defines a third pivot axis P3. The fourth pivot pin 44 is coupled to the pedal body 32 and defines a fourth pivot axis P4. The first pivot pin 41 may also be referred to as a first support pin 41. Thus, the pedal body 32 includes the first support pin 41. The first cleat fixing member 34 is movably supported to the pedal body 32 by a first support pin 41. Further, the third cleat fixing member 38 is movably supported to the pedal body 32 by the first support pin 41. The second pivot pin 42 may also be referred to as a second support pin 42. The first and third cleat fixing members 34 and 38 are movably supported to the pedal body 32 by second support pins 42. The third pivot pin 43 may also be referred to as a third support pin 43. The fourth pivot pin 44 may also be referred to as a fourth support pin 44. Accordingly, the pedal body 32 further includes a second support pin 42, a third support pin 43, and a fourth support pin 44. The second and fourth cleat fixing members 36 and 40 are movably supported to the pedal body 32 by third and fourth support pins 43 and 44.

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

The pedal 14 also includes a force enhancing structure 50. The force enhancing structure 50 is configured to increase the biasing force applied to the first cleat fixing member 34 during at least one of a rolling operation of the cleat 12 and a releasing operation of the cleat 12 in an engaged state in which the cleat 12 is engaged with the first and second cleat fixing members 34, 36, as compared to the engaging operation. The pedal 14 may have features that allow the cleat 12 to be easily attached and less likely to be accidentally released. Specifically, as described below, the force enhancing structure 50 is configured to receive a first input force from the cleat 12 and increase the biasing force during at least one of a rolling operation of the cleat 12 and a releasing operation of the cleat 12 in the engaged state. In the illustrated embodiment, the force enhancing structure 50 is configured to increase the biasing force applied to the first cleat securing member 34 during both the rolling operation of the cleat 12 and the releasing operation of the cleat 12 as compared to the engaging operation.

The force enhancing structure 50 is also configured to increase the biasing force applied to the third cleat fixing member 38 during at least one of a rolling operation of the cleat 12 and a releasing 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, as compared to the engaging operation. Specifically, the force enhancing structure 50 is configured to receive an input force from the cleat 12 and increase the biasing force during at least one of a rolling operation of the cleat 12 and a releasing operation of the cleat 12 in the engaged state. In the illustrated embodiment, the force enhancing structure 50 is configured to increase the biasing force applied to the third cleat securing member 38 during both the rolling operation of the cleat 12 and the releasing operation of the cleat 12 as compared to the engaging operation.

As shown in fig. 18 and 19, the pedal 14 further includes a first biasing member 51. The biasing structure 46 includes a first biasing member 51. In addition, the pedal 14 also includes a second biasing member 52. The biasing structure 48 includes a second biasing member 52. Further, in the first embodiment, the pedal 14 further includes a third biasing member 53. The biasing structure 46 includes a third biasing member 53. In addition, the pedal 14 also includes a fourth biasing member 54. The biasing structure 48 includes a fourth biasing member 54. As described below, in the engaged state, the third biasing member 53 cooperates with the cleat 12 when the cleat 12 is engaged with the first cleat fixing member 34 during a rolling operation of the cleat 12 and a releasing operation of the cleat 12. Thus, the third biasing member 53 may also be referred to as a first additional biasing member 53. Similarly, in the engaged state, the fourth biasing member 54 cooperates with the cleat 12 when the cleat 12 is engaged with the second cleat securing member 36 during both the rolling operation of the cleat 12 and the releasing operation of the cleat 12. Thus, the fourth biasing member 54 may also be referred to as a second additional biasing member 54.

Here, the biasing force of the biasing structure 46 includes a first biasing force F1 (see fig. 23 and 24) and a first additional biasing force AF1. The biasing structure 46 is configured to apply a biasing force to the first cleat fixation member 34 to bias the first cleat fixation member 34 toward the closed position. The biasing force on the first cleat fixing member 34 includes a first biasing force F1 and a first additional biasing force AF1 (F3). The first additional biasing force AF1 may also be referred to as a third biasing force F3. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing structure 46 includes a first biasing member 51 that applies a first biasing force F1 and a first additional biasing member 53 that applies a first additional biasing force AF1, as described below. The first biasing force F1 and the first additional biasing force AF1 bias the first cleat fixing member 34. On the other hand, the third biasing force F3 and the third additional biasing force AF3 bias the third cleat fixing member 38. The biasing structure 46 is also configured to apply a biasing force to the third cleat fixing member 38 to bias the third cleat fixing member 38 toward the closed position, as described below. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing force on the third cleat fixing member 38 includes a third additional biasing force AF3 (F1) and a third biasing force F3 (AF 1), as described below. In alternative embodiments, the pedal 14 may be configured such that the biasing force against the first cleat fixing member 34 is provided solely by the first biasing member 51. Further, in alternative embodiments, the pedal 14 may be configured such that the biasing force against the third cleat fixing member 38 is provided solely by the third biasing member 53.

Here, the biasing force of the biasing structure 48 includes a second biasing force F2 (see fig. 27 and 28) and a second additional biasing force AF2. The biasing structure 48 is configured to apply a biasing force to the second cleat fixing member 36 to bias the second cleat fixing member 36 toward the closed position. The biasing force on the second cleat fixing member 36 includes a second biasing force F2 and a second additional biasing force AF2 (F4). The second additional biasing force AF2 may also be referred to as a fourth biasing force F4. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing structure 48 includes a second biasing member 52 that applies a second biasing force F2 and a second additional biasing member 54 that applies a second additional biasing force AF2, as described below. The second biasing force F2 and the second additional biasing force AF2 bias the second cleat fixing member 36. On the other hand, the fourth biasing force F4 and the fourth additional biasing force AF4 bias the fourth cleat fixing member 40. The biasing structure 48 is also configured to apply a biasing force to the fourth cleat fixing member 40 to bias the fourth cleat fixing member 40 toward the closed position, as described below. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing force on the fourth cleat fixing member 40 includes a fourth biasing force F4 and a fourth additional biasing force AF4 (F2), as described below. In alternative embodiments, the pedal 14 may be configured such that the biasing force against the second cleat fixing member 36 is provided solely by the second biasing member 52. Further, in alternative embodiments, the pedal 14 may be configured such that the biasing force against the fourth cleat securing member 40 is provided solely by the second additional biasing member 54.

Referring to fig. 23-26, 31, 39 and 40, the first biasing member 51 is configured to apply a first biasing force F1 to the first cleat fixing member 34 to bias the first cleat fixing member 34 toward the first closed position. The first biasing member 51 is configured to apply a first biasing force F1 to the first cleat fixing member 34 at the first point of application AP1 to bias the first cleat fixing 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 first arms 51a and 51b. Accordingly, the first biasing member 51 includes a coiled portion 51c with the first arms 51a and 51b extending from opposite ends of the coiled portion 51 c. The first arm 51a contacts the first point of application AP1 of the first cleat fixing member 34. The first arm 51b contacts the force enhancing structure 50 as described below. In the illustrated embodiment, the first arm 51b contacts the first force enhancing member 50A. The first biasing member 51 is configured to apply a biasing force to the third cleat fixing member 38 during each of the engagement operation, the release operation, and the rolling operation of the cleat 12 with the third cleat fixing member 38. In this way, the first biasing member 51 constitutes a third additional biasing member. Thus, the first biasing member 51 may be referred to as a third additional biasing member. The third additional biasing member 51 includes a pair of third additional arms 51a and 51b.

Referring to fig. 27-30, the second biasing member 52 is configured to apply a second biasing force F2 to the second cleat fixing member 36 to bias the second cleat fixing 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 with second arms 52a and 52b. Accordingly, the second biasing member 52 includes a coiled portion 52c with the second arms 52a and 52b extending from opposite ends of the coiled portion 52 c. The second arm 52a contacts a second point of action of the second cleat fixing member 36. The second arm 52b contacts the force enhancing structure 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the second arm 52b contacts the second force enhancing member 60A. The second biasing member 52 is configured to apply a biasing force to the fourth cleat fixing member 40 during each of the engagement operation, the release operation, and the rolling operation of the cleat 12 with the fourth cleat fixing member 40. In this way, the second biasing member 52 constitutes a fourth additional biasing member. Thus, 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.

Referring to fig. 23-26, 39 and 40, the third biasing member 53 is configured to apply a third biasing force F3 (see fig. 23 and 24) to the third cleat fixing member 38 to bias the third cleat fixing member 38 toward the third closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, for the first cleat securing member 34, the biasing forces include a first biasing force F1 and a first additional biasing force AF1 (third biasing force F3). The third biasing member 53 includes a pair of third arms 53a and 53b. The first additional biasing member 53 includes a pair of first additional arms 53a and 53b. Here, the third biasing member 53 (first additional biasing member) is a torsion spring having third arms 53a and 53b. Accordingly, the third biasing member 53 includes a coiled portion 53c with the third arms 53a and 53b extending from opposite ends of the coiled portion 53 c. The third arm 53a contacts a third point of action of the third cleat fixing member 38. The third arm 53b contacts the force enhancing structure 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the third arm 53B contacts the first additional-force reinforcing member 50B. The third biasing member 53 is configured to apply a biasing force to the first cleat fixing member 34 during each of the engagement operation, the release operation, and the rolling operation of the cleat 12 with the first cleat fixing member 34. In this way, the third biasing member 53 constitutes the first additional biasing member as described above. Thus, the third biasing member 53 may be referred to as a first additional biasing member 53. The first additional biasing member 53 includes a pair of first additional arms 53a and 53b.

Referring to fig. 27-30, the fourth biasing member 54 is configured to apply a fourth biasing force F4 (see fig. 27 and 28) to the fourth cleat fixing member 40 to bias the fourth cleat fixing member 40 toward the fourth closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, for the second cleat securing member 36, the biasing forces include a second biasing force F2 and a second additional biasing force AF2 (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 (second additional biasing member) is a torsion spring with fourth arms 54a and 54b. Thus, the fourth biasing member 54 includes a coiled portion 54c with the fourth arms 54a and 54b extending from opposite ends of the coiled portion 54 c. The fourth arm 54a contacts a fourth point of action of the fourth cleat fixing member 40. The fourth arm 54b contacts the force enhancing structure 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the fourth arm 54B contacts the second additional-force reinforcing member 60B. The fourth biasing member 54 is configured to apply a biasing force to the second cleat fixing member 36 during each of the engagement operation, the release operation, and the rolling operation of the cleat 12 with the second cleat fixing member 36. In this way, the fourth biasing member 54 constitutes a second additional biasing member as described above. Thus, the fourth biasing member 54 may be referred to as a second additional biasing member 54. The second additional biasing member 54 includes a pair of second additional arms 54a and 54b.

The force enhancing structure 50 includes a first force enhancing member 50A. The first force enhancing member 50A is pivotally disposed to the pedal body 32. The first force enhancing member 50A is configured to pivot in response to a first input force from the clamping plate 12 and is configured to press 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 securing member 34 and the other of the pair of first arms 51a and 51b is operatively engaged with the first force enhancing member 50A. Here, the first arm 51a is operatively engaged with the first cleat fixing member 34, while the first arm 51b is operatively engaged with the first force enhancing member 50A.

As shown in fig. 52 to 54, at least two of the first pivot axis P1, the second pivot axis P2, and the rotation center axis R1 are disposed entirely within a single reference plane RP 2. When both the first and second cleat fixing members 34, 36 are movable, the single reference plane RP2 may be defined to entirely include the second and fourth pivot axes P2, P4. As shown in fig. 55, the first pivot axis P1 is spaced apart from the rotation central axis R1 by a first distance X1, and the second pivot axis P2 is spaced apart from the rotation central axis R1 by a second distance X2. The first distance X1 is greater than the second distance X2. The first pivot axis P1 is located at the reference line RL or on the opposite side with respect to the rotation central axis R1 with respect to the reference line RL. In fig. 55, the first pivot axis P1 is located on the opposite side with respect to the rotation center axis R1 with respect to the reference line RL. Here, the reference line RL is defined as a line that extends parallel to the reference extending direction RD and extends through the first contact point CP1 in the engaged state. Further, the second pivot axis P2 is located between the rotation central axis R1 and the reference line RL. For example, the second pivot axis P2 is located between the rotation central axis R1 and the reference line RL in a direction parallel to the single reference plane RP2 and perpendicular to the rotation central axis R1. Here, the first action point AP1 is spaced apart from the rotation central axis R1 by a third distance X3. 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 point of application AP1 of the biasing force that rotates the first cleat fixing member 34 than the first pivot axis P1. For example, the second pivot axis P2 is farther from the first point of action AP1 of the biasing force that rotates the first cleat fixing member 34 than the first pivot axis P1 in a direction parallel to the single reference plane RP2 and perpendicular to the rotational central axis R1. Accordingly, the engagement force of the first cleat fixing member 34 about the second pivot axis P2 increases. For example, the first distance X1 is measured in a direction parallel to the single reference plane RP2 and perpendicular to the rotation central axis R1. Similarly, the second distance X2 is measured in a direction parallel to the single reference plane RP2 and perpendicular to the central axis of rotation R1. The third distance X3 is measured in a direction parallel to the entire reference plane RP2 and perpendicular to the rotation central axis R1.

As shown in fig. 31, the first pivot axis P1 is located between the first extension line L1 and the second extension line L2, the first extension line L1 corresponds to a first biasing force vector VF1 (see fig. 21) generated by the first biasing force F1 at the first point of action AP1, and the second extension line L2 corresponds to an external force vector VF2 generated by the clamping plate 12 acting at the first point of contact CP1 when viewed from a direction parallel to the first pivot axis P1. Further, the second pivot axis P2 is located between the first extension line L1 and the second extension line L2 as viewed from a direction parallel to the second pivot axis P2. Each of the first extension line L1 and the second extension line L2 may be simply referred to as an extension line.

Further, as shown in fig. 31 and 32, the first pivot axis P1 is spaced from the first point of action AP1 by a fourth distance X4 in a direction perpendicular to the first biasing force vector VF1 of the first biasing force F1, and the second pivot axis P2 is spaced from the first point of action AP1 by a fifth distance X5 in a direction perpendicular to the first biasing force vector VF 1. The fifth distance X5 is greater than the fourth distance X4. Further, the reference extending direction RD is defined to be parallel to the central axis of the attachment opening 16a through which the fastener is to pass when the splint 12 is fixed to the shoe S. The first pivot axis P1 is spaced apart from a reference line RL extending parallel to the reference extension direction RD and passing through the first contact point CP1 in the engaged state by a sixth distance X6. The second pivot axis P2 is spaced from the reference line RL by a seventh distance X7 in the engaged state. The seventh distance X7 is greater than the sixth distance X6. In fig. 31, the reference line RL is located between the first pivot axis P1 and the second pivot axis P2. The reference line RL may be defined as a line extending perpendicular to the single reference plane RP2 and extending through the first contact point CP1 in the engaged state.

The following description relates to an operation during which the cleat 12 is engaged with the first cleat retaining member 34. During the engagement operation shown in fig. 23, the cleat 12 pushes against the first cleat retaining member 34, and the first cleat retaining member 34 pivots from the first closed position toward the first open position. Thus, 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 enhancing member 50A. Specifically, the cleat 12 contacts the first cleat fixing member 34, which causes the first cleat fixing member 34 to move relative to the pedal body 32 and deflect the first arm 51a of the first biasing member 51. Accordingly, the first biasing force of the first biasing member 51 is due only to the first arm 51a being deflected by the first cleat fixing member 34. The first biasing member 51 urges the first cleat fixing member 34 in the engagement direction. The engaging direction is a direction in which the first cleat fixing member 34 is biased from the open position toward the closed position. Because the third cleat fixing member 38 does not move during movement of the first cleat fixing member 34 from the first closed position toward the first open position, the first force enhancing member 50A remains stationary. The third input portion 95 of the third cleat fixing member 38 contacts the first input portion 50A1 of the first force enhancing member 50A.

However, during the engagement operation shown in fig. 24, as the first cleat fixing member 34 pivots from the first closed position toward the first open position, the first input portion 75 of the first cleat fixing member 34 pushes against the lever of the first additional force reinforcing member 50B. In the illustrated embodiment, the stem of the first additional-force reinforcing member 50B corresponds to the first additional input portion 50B1. In fig. 24, during the illustrated engagement operation, the first input portion 75 pushes the lever 50B1 upward. The first additional force enhancing member 50B pivots to move the third arm 53B of the third biasing member 53 in a direction that increases the biasing force applied by the third biasing member 53 to the first cleat fixing member 34. In fig. 24, the first additional-force reinforcing member 50B pivots clockwise during the illustrated engagement operation. Thus, the third biasing member 53 urges the first cleat fixing member 34 in the engagement direction via the first additional force reinforcing member 50B. Since the third cleat fixing member 38 does not rotate, the third arm 53a of the third biasing member 53 remains stationary during movement of the first cleat fixing member 34 from the first closed position toward the first open position. Initially in the first closed position of the first cleat fixing member 34, the third biasing member 53 is configured such that the third biasing member 53 does not apply a biasing force to the first cleat fixing member 34 or applies a small biasing force to the first cleat fixing member 34.

Further, in the case where the cleat 12 engages the third cleat fixing member 38 during the engagement operation, an external force from the cleat 12 is applied to the third cleat fixing member 38 to cause the third cleat fixing member 38 to pivot from the third closed position toward the third open position. As the third cleat fixing member 38 pivots from the third closed position toward the third open position, the first additional force reinforcing member 50B remains stationary such that the third biasing member 53 does not apply a biasing force to the third cleat fixing member 38 or applies a small biasing force to the third cleat fixing member 38. Thus, the first cleat securing member 34 does not move during movement of the third cleat securing member 38 from the third closed position to the third open position. In other words, engagement of the third cleat securing member 38 with the cleat 12 occurs in a similar manner as discussed above with respect to engagement of the first cleat securing member 34 with the cleat 12.

During the operation of releasing the cleat 12 from the first cleat fixing member 34, the cleat 12 is twisted relative to the pedal body 32. Thus, the cleat 12 contacts the first cleat securing member 34, causing the first cleat securing member 34 to pivot from the first closed position toward the first open position. During the release operation shown in fig. 23, 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 enhancing member 50A. Specifically, when the cleat 12 is torqued, the cleat 12 presses the first cleat securing member 34 from the first closed position toward the first open position, which causes the first cleat securing member 34 to move relative to the pedal body 32 and deflect the first arm 51a of the first biasing member 51. Further, due to the torsional movement of the cleat 12, the first force enhancing member 50A receives a first input force from the cleat 12 via the third cleat fixing member 38. In other words, when the cleat 12 is twisted relative to the pedal body 32 during a release operation, the cleat 12 contacts one of the pair of third input members 95a and 95b of the third input portion 95 of the third cleat fixing member 38, causing the third cleat fixing member 38 to pivot from the third closed position toward the third open position. This movement of the third cleat securing member 38 pushes the first input portion 50A1 of the first force enhancing member 50A downward. This movement of the third cleat securing member 38 causes rotation of the first force enhancing member 50A. In fig. 23, the first force enhancing member 50A rotates clockwise. Accordingly, the first arm 51b is deflected to deform the coiled portion 51c and increase the biasing force applied to the first cleat fixing member 34 by the first biasing member 51. Accordingly, due to the deflection of the first arm 51a by the first cleat securing member 34 and the deflection of the first arm 51b by the first force enhancing member 50A, the first biasing force of the first biasing member 51 is increased during the releasing operation of the cleat 12 as compared to the engaging operation of the cleat 12. During the release operation shown in fig. 24, the third arm 53B of the third biasing member 53 is deflected by the first cleat fixing member 34 via the first additional force reinforcing member 50B, and the third arm 53a of the third biasing member 53 is deflected by the third cleat fixing member 38. Specifically, when the cleat 12 is torqued, the cleat 12 presses the first cleat securing member 34 from the first closed position toward the first open position, which causes the first cleat securing member 34 to move relative to the pedal body 32 and rotate the first additional force reinforcing member 50B. The first input portion 75 of the first cleat fixing member 34 pushes against the first additional input portion 50B1 of the first additional force reinforcing member 50B. The first additional-force reinforcing member 50B rotates clockwise. Thus, the third arm 53b of the third biasing member 53 is deflected. Further, the first additional force enhancing member 50B receives a first input force from the clamping plate 12 due to the torsional movement of the clamping plate 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 additional input member 95b of the third additional input portion 95 of the third cleat fixing member 38, causing the third cleat fixing member 38 to pivot from the third closed position toward the third open position. This movement of the third cleat fixing member 38 causes the third cleat fixing member 38 to push against the third arm 53a of the third biasing member 53. Accordingly, the third arm 53a is deflected to deform the coiled portion 53c and increase the biasing force applied by the third biasing member 53 to the first cleat fixing member 34. Accordingly, due to the deflection of the third arm 53B by the first additional force enhancing member 50B and the deflection of the third arm 53a by the third cleat fixing member 38, the first biasing force of the third biasing member 53 is increased during the releasing operation of the cleat 12 as compared to the engaging operation of the cleat 12. In the case of performing a scroll operation, for example, the cleat 12 pushes down the additional input member 95b of the third additional input portion 95 on the side serving as a fulcrum of the scroll operation. Thus, the third cleat fixing member 38 rotates. Thus, the scroll operation is represented in the same manner as the release operation. In other words, both the first arms 51a and 51b are deflected such that the force of the fixed cleat 12 is increased compared to the engaging operation. Both the third arms 53a and 53b are deflected so that the force of the fixed jaw 12 is increased compared to the engaging operation.

As shown in fig. 51, a rolling operation is shown in which the cleat 12 rolls toward the outside of the pedal body 32 relative to the pedal body 32. During a rolling operation, the cleat 12 rolls relative to the pedal body 32 until the first cleat securing member 34 contacts the rolling engagement surface 18d of the cleat 12, and the second cleat securing member 36 contacts the rolling engagement surface 20d in the cleat 12. As a result of the rolling movement of the cleat 12 relative to the pedal body 32, generally, the engagement boundaries of the first and second cleat fixing members 34, 36 relative to the first and second engagement surfaces 18c, 20c decrease. However, as described below, the rolling engagement surface 18d contacts the first cleat fixing member 34 and the rolling engagement surface 20d contacts the second cleat fixing member 36 to inhibit a decrease in the engagement boundary of the cleat 12 with the first and second cleat fixing members 34 and 36.

When the cleat 12 is vertically separated from the pedal body 32 during a rolling operation, the center of rotation 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 a reference line RL that extends vertically through the point where the first cleat fixing member 34 contacts the first cleat projection 18 than the second pivot axis P2. The point at which 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 the lateral direction with respect to the pedal body 32. The case where the first contact point CP1 moves the same distance in the lateral direction of fig. 32 will be described below. The amount of downward movement when the first contact point CP1 rotates about the first pivot axis P1 in fig. 32 is defined as the first amount of downward movement. The amount of downward movement when the first contact point CP1 rotates about the second pivot axis P2 in fig. 32 is defined as the second amount of downward movement. The second amount of downward movement is greater than the first amount of downward movement. Therefore, in fig. 32, the gap between the first contact point CP1 in the case of the first downward movement amount and the pedal body 32 is larger than the gap between the position of the first contact point CP1 in the case of the second downward movement amount and the pedal body 31. That is, with the same engagement boundary, the first cleat fixing member 34 that rotates about the first pivot axis P1 is able to hold the cleat 12 farther from the pedal body 32 than the first cleat fixing member 34 that rotates about the second pivot axis P2.

During a rolling operation of the cleat 12 with the cleat 12 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 enhancing member 50A. Specifically, the cleat 12 lifts the first cleat fixing member 34, which causes the first cleat fixing member 34 to move relative to the pedal body 32 and deflect the first arm 51a of the first biasing member 51. The first cleat securing member 34 moves from the first closed position toward the first open position. Further, the first force enhancing member 50A receives a first input force from the cleat 12 via the third cleat securing member 38 due to the rolling movement 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 pushes against the first input portion 50A1 of the first force enhancing member 50A. Accordingly, due to the deflection of the first arm 51a by the first cleat securing member 34 and the deflection of the first arm 51b by the first force enhancing member 50A, the first biasing force of the first biasing member 51 is increased during the rolling operation of the cleat 12 as compared to the engaging operation of the cleat 12. As described above, the first biasing member 51 and the first force enhancing member 50A cause the same operation as the releasing operation.

In the first embodiment, as shown in fig. 52 to 54, the cleat 12 may be engaged with an initial engagement force during a rolling operation until the first cleat fixing member 34 is engaged with the rolling engagement surface 18d of the cleat 12. In this case, the first cleat fixing member 34 pivots about the first pivot axis P1. After the first cleat securing member 34 engages the rolling engagement surface 18d of the cleat 12, the pivot axis changes from the first pivot axis P1 to the second pivot axis P2 to increase the engagement retention force from the initial engagement force. Initially, as shown in fig. 52, there is a gap between the bottom side of the second pivot pin 42 and the edge of the second pivot pin receiving opening 74 of the first cleat fixing member 34. The second pivot pin 42 is inserted through the second pivot pin receiving opening 74. On the other hand, the first pivot pin 41 contacts the edge of the first pivot pin receiving opening 73 of the first cleat fixing member 34. However, when the first cleat fixing member 34 pivots on the first pivot pin 41 about the first pivot axis P1, the second pivot pin 42 contacts the edge of the second pivot pin receiving opening 74 of the first cleat fixing member 34, and the gap under the second pivot pin 42 disappears, as shown in FIG. 53. As shown in fig. 54, further movement of the first cleat fixing member 34 causes the first cleat fixing member 34 to pivot on the second pivot pin 42 about the second pivot axis P2 and causes a gap to occur below the first pivot pin 41 relative to the first pivot pin receiving opening 73.

The pedal 14 also includes a first additional force reinforcing member 50B. The first additional force enhancing member 50B is configured to increase the first additional biasing force AF1 applied to the first cleat fixing member 34. More specifically, the first additional arm 53a is operatively engaged with the third cleat fixing member 38 and the first additional arm 53B is operatively engaged with the first additional force reinforcing member 50B. The first additional input portion 50B1 of the first additional force reinforcing member 50B abuts the first input portion 75 of the first cleat fixing member 34. Accordingly, the first additional force enhancing member 50B is configured to increase the first additional biasing force AF1 applied to the first cleat fixing member 34 by the third biasing member 53. As the third cleat fixing member 38 rotates during the rolling operation, the third biasing member 53 and the first additional force reinforcing member 50B cause the same operation as the releasing operation. This rotational movement of the third cleat fixing member 38 causes the third cleat fixing member 38 to push against the third arm 53a of the third biasing member 53. Accordingly, the third arm 53a is deflected to deform the coiled portion 53c and increase the biasing force applied by the third biasing member 53 to the first cleat fixing member 34. Accordingly, due to the deflection of the third arm 53B by the first additional force enhancing member 50B and the deflection of the third arm 53a by the third cleat fixing member 38, the first biasing force of the third biasing member 53 is increased during the rolling operation of the cleat 12, as compared to the engaging operation of the cleat 12.

The pedal 14 also includes a force enhancing structure 60. The force enhancing structure 60 is configured to increase the biasing force applied to the second cleat fixing member 36 during at least one of a rolling operation of the cleat 12 and a releasing operation of the cleat 12 in an engaged state in which the cleat 12 is engaged with the first and second cleat fixing members 34, 36, as compared to the engaging operation. Specifically, as described below, the force enhancing structure 60 is configured to receive a first input force from the cleat 12 and increase the biasing force during at least one of a rolling operation of the cleat 12 and a releasing operation of the cleat 12 in the engaged state. In the illustrated embodiment, the force enhancing structure 60 is configured to increase the biasing force applied to the second cleat securing member 36 during both the rolling operation of the cleat 12 and the releasing operation of the cleat 12 as compared to the engaging operation.

The force enhancing structure 60 is configured to increase the biasing force applied to the fourth cleat fixing member 40 during at least one of a rolling operation of the cleat 12 and a releasing 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, as compared to the engaging operation. Specifically, the force enhancing structure 60 is configured to receive an input force from the cleat 12 and increase the biasing force during at least one of a rolling operation of the cleat 12 and a releasing operation of the cleat 12 in the engaged state. In the first embodiment, the force enhancing structure 60 is configured to increase the biasing force applied to the fourth cleat fixing member 40 during both the rolling operation of the cleat 12 and the releasing operation of the cleat 12 as compared to the engaging operation.

The force enhancing structure 60 includes a pair of force enhancing members 60A and 60B. The force enhancing members 60A and 60B are pivotally provided to the pedal body 32. The force enhancing member 60A is configured to pivot in response to an input force from the cleat 12 and is configured to press the second arm 52b in a direction in which the biasing force increases. The second arm 52a is operably engaged with the second cleat fixing member 36 and the second arm 52b is operably engaged with the second force enhancing member 60A. The force enhancing member 60B is configured to increase the second additional biasing force AF2 applied to the second cleat fixing member 36. More specifically, the fourth arm 54a is operatively engaged with the fourth cleat fixing member 40 and the fourth arm 54B is operatively engaged with the force enhancing member 60B. Accordingly, the force enhancing member 60B is configured to increase the biasing force applied to the second cleat fixing member 36 by the fourth biasing member 54.

As described above, the first cleat fixing member 34 pivots in the engaged state during at least one of the rolling operation of the cleat 12 and the releasing operation of the cleat 12. In the first embodiment, the pedal 14 includes the first auxiliary member 61, and the first auxiliary member 61 cooperates with the first cleat fixing member 34 to increase the engagement force of the first cleat fixing member 34 during at least one of the rolling operation of the cleat 12 and the releasing 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 fixing member 34 during both the rolling operation of the cleat 12 and the releasing operation of the cleat 12 in the engaged state.

The first auxiliary member 61 has the same function as the third cleat fixing member 38 except for the ability of the third cleat fixing member 38 to engage the cleat 12. Thus, as with the third cleat fixing member 38, the first auxiliary member 61 cooperates with the biasing structure 46 to increase the engagement force of the first cleat fixing member 34 with the cleat 12. The biasing structure 46 includes a first biasing member 51 and a first additional biasing member 53. The first auxiliary member 61 is pivotably provided to 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 press 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 member 61 includes a third additional input portion 95 configured to receive a first input force from the splint 12. Specifically, the third additional input portion 95 includes third additional input members 95a and 95b configured to receive the first input force from the splint 12. The first input force is transferred to the first force enhancing member 50A via the first auxiliary member 61. Similarly, the first input force is transferred to the first additional-force reinforcing member 50B via the first auxiliary member 61 and the first additional biasing member 53. Each of the first force enhancing member 50A and the first additional force enhancing member 50B pivots in the engaged state during at least one of a rolling operation of the cleat 12 and a releasing operation of the cleat 12. In the first embodiment, each of the first force enhancing member 50A and the first additional force enhancing member 50B is configured to pivot during both the rolling operation of the cleat 12 and the releasing operation of the cleat 12 in the engaged state.

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

Referring to fig. 22-26, 31 and 56, the first cleat securing member 34 includes a first cleat engagement surface 70. The first cleat engagement surface 70 contacts the first cleat projection 18 in the state where 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 clamping plate 12 in a first engaged 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 a state where the cleat 12 is fixed by the pedal 14 during the rolling operation of the cleat 12, such that the second support pin 42 is disposed between the second extension line L2 of the external force vector VF2 at the first contact point CP1 and the rotation center axis R1. In this configuration, as shown in fig. 56, the first cleat securing member 34 is biased toward the first closed position as the cleat 12 is forced away from the pedal body 32. Accordingly, the force of the first cleat fixing member 34 for fixing the cleat 12 increases. On the other hand, in fig. 57, a second extension L2 of the external force vector VF2 at the first contact point CP1 is provided between the second support pin 42 and the rotation center axis R1. In the configuration shown in fig. 57, the first cleat retaining member 34 is biased toward the first open position as the cleat 12 is forced away from the pedal body 32. Thus, the force of the first cleat fixing member 34 for fixing the cleat 12 is reduced. By varying the configuration as described above, the force with which the first cleat securing member 34 engages the cleat 12 can be adjusted. The adjustment of engagement force described above may also be applied to other cleat retaining members 36, 38 and 40. The first pivot axis P1 is located at the reference line RL or on the opposite side with respect to the rotation center axis R1 with respect to the second extension line L2.

Further, the first cleat fixing member 34 also includes a first inclined surface 71, the first inclined surface 71 being configured to receive a cleat pressing force to move the first cleat fixing member 34 relative to the pedal body 32 during an engagement operation of the cleat 12 with the first cleat fixing member 34. The first inclined surface 71 is inclined with respect to the single reference plane RP2 in a state in which the first cleat fixing member 34 is located in the first closed position in which the cleat 12 is not engaged.

The first cleat fixing member 34 also includes a pair of mounting flanges 72 for movably supporting the first cleat fixing member 34 to the pedal body 32 via the first and second support pins 41 and 42. The first cleat fixing member 34 is movably supported to the pedal body 32 by a first support pin 41 and a second support pin 42. Here, as shown in fig. 31 and 32, the first cleat fixing member 34 includes at least one first pivot pin receiving opening 73, the first pivot pin receiving opening 73 having a size greater than the lateral dimension of the first pivot pin 41 perpendicular to the first pivot axis P1, such that the first cleat fixing member 34 moves on the first pivot pin 41 relative to the first pivot axis P1 during at least one of a rolling operation of the cleat 12 and a releasing operation of the cleat 12. Here, a first pivot pin receiving opening 73 is formed in each mounting flange 72. Thus, the first pivot pin 41 extends through each first pivot pin receiving opening 73. Further, here, the first cleat securing member 34 includes at least one second pivot pin receiving opening 74, the second pivot pin receiving opening 74 having a dimension that is greater than the lateral dimension of the second pivot pin 42 perpendicular to the second pivot axis P2, such that the first cleat securing member 34 moves on the second pivot pin 42 relative to the second pivot axis P2 during at least one of a rolling operation of the cleat 12 and a releasing operation of the cleat 12. Here, a second pivot pin receiving opening 74 is formed in each mounting flange 72. Thus, the second pivot pin 42 extends through each of the second pivot pin receiving openings 74. In this way, the first cleat fixing member 34 is configured to move in a radial direction relative to at least one of the first and second pivot axes P1 and P2. In the first embodiment, the first cleat fixing member 34 is configured to move in a radial direction relative to both the first pivot axis P1 and the second pivot axis P2.

As shown in fig. 24, the first cleat fixing 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 reinforcing member 50B. In this way, the third biasing member 53 acts as a first additional biasing member during each of the engaging operation, the releasing operation and the rolling operation of the cleat with the first cleat fixing member 34. In the first embodiment, the first input portion 75 has an additional function with the cleat 12 engaged with the third cleat fixing member 38. The release operation will be described below. The first input portion 75 of the first cleat fixing member 34 includes a pair of first input members 75a and 75b disposed on opposite sides of the second cleat receiving area A2 with respect to the axial direction of the rotational central axis R1. The shoe attachment portion 16 further includes four abutments 16c. The first input members 75a and 75b are configured to be selectively abutted by one of the abutment portions 16c during a release operation. One of the abutment portions 16c of the cleat 12 pushes one of the first input members 75a and 75b of the first cleat fixing member 34. Thus, the first cleat fixing member 34 rotates toward the first open position.

The following is a description of when the splint 12 is engaged with the third and fourth splint fixing members 38, 40. That is, the splint 12 is held in the second splint receiving area A2. In fig. 48 and 50, the third and fourth cleat fixing members 38 and 40 are not shown. As shown in fig. 48 and 50, the first cleat fixing member 34 also includes at least one cleat guiding surface configured to guide the cleat 12 as the cleat 12 rotates relative to the pedal body 32 during a releasing 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 clamp plate guide surface 76 is provided on the first input members 75a and 75 b. Accordingly, the cleat guide surfaces 76 are disposed on opposite sides of the second cleat receiving area A2 with respect to the axial direction of the rotational central axis R1. The cleat guide surface 76 cooperates with the curved guide surface 16b of the cleat 12 such that during a release operation, the curved guide surface 16b of the cleat 12 is guided by the cleat guide surface 76.

Referring to fig. 22 and 27 to 28, 33 and 34, the second cleat fixing member 36 is identical to the first cleat fixing member 34. Thus, the second cleat fixing member 36 functions and operates in the same manner as the first cleat fixing member 34 during each of the engagement operation, the release operation, and the rolling operation. The second cleat securing member 36 includes a second cleat engagement surface 80. The second cleat engagement surface 80 contacts the second cleat projection 20 in the 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. Further, the second cleat fixing member 36 also includes a second inclined surface 81, the second inclined surface 81 being configured to receive a cleat pressing 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 in a state where the second cleat fixing member 36 is in the neutral rest position and in a state where the second cleat fixing member 36 has been moved to the second closed position. The neutral rest position corresponds to a closed position in which the cleat 12 is not engaged. The second cleat fixing member 36 also includes a pair of mounting flanges 82 for supporting the second cleat fixing member 36 to the pedal body 32 via the third and fourth support pins 43, 44. The second cleat fixing member 36 is movably supported to the pedal body 32 by a third support pin 43 and a fourth support pin 44.

As shown in fig. 27, the second cleat fixing 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 reinforcing member 60B. In this way, the fourth biasing member 54 acts as a second additional biasing member during each of the engaging operation, the releasing operation and the rolling operation of the cleat 12 with the second cleat fixing member 36. The second input portion 85 has an additional function in the case where the splint 12 is engaged with the fourth splint fixing member 40. The release operation will be described below. In the first embodiment, the second input portion 85 of the second cleat fixing member 36 includes a pair of second input members 85a and 85b that are disposed on opposite sides of the second cleat receiving area A2 with respect to the axial direction of the rotational center axis R1. The shoe attachment portion 16 further includes four abutments 16c. The second input members 85a and 85b are configured to be selectively abutted by one of the abutment portions 16c during a release operation. One of the abutment portions 16c of the cleat 12 pushes one of the second input members 85a and 85b of the second cleat fixing member 36. Thus, the second cleat fixing member 36 rotates toward the second open position.

The following is a description of when the splint 12 is engaged with the third and fourth splint fixing members 38, 40. That is, the splint 12 is held in the second splint receiving area A2. As shown in fig. 48 and 50, the second cleat fixing member 36 also includes at least one cleat guiding surface configured to guide the cleat 12 as the cleat 12 rotates relative to the pedal body 32 during a releasing 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 second cleat fixing member 36 includes a pair of cleat guide surfaces 86. Here, the nip plate guide surface 86 is provided on the second input members 85a and 85 b. Accordingly, the cleat guide surfaces 86 are disposed on opposite sides of the second cleat receiving area A2 with respect to the axial direction of the rotational central axis R1. The cleat guide surface 86 cooperates with the curved guide surface 16b of the cleat 12 such that during a release operation, the curved guide surface 16b of the cleat 12 is guided by the cleat guide surface 86. Then, one of the abutting portions 16c of the cleat 12 pushes one of the second input members 85a and 85b of the second cleat fixing member 36. 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, as described above.

Generally, in the case of an engagement operation, the cleat 12 is initially engaged with one of the first and second cleat fixing members 34, 36 by hooking one of the first and second cleat projections 18, 20 below one of the first and second cleat engagement surfaces 70, 80. The splint 12 is then depressed on the other of the first and second splint fixing members 34, 36 to engage the splint 12 with the other of the first and second splint fixing members 34, 36.

Referring to fig. 22 and 23-26, 35 and 36, the third cleat fixing member 38 is identical to the first cleat fixing member 34. Thus, the third cleat fixing member 38 functions and operates in the same manner as the first cleat fixing member 34 during each of the engagement operation, the release operation, and the rolling operation. The third cleat securing member 38 includes a third cleat engagement surface 90. The third cleat engagement surface 90 contacts the second cleat projection 20 in the 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. Further, the third cleat fixing member 38 also includes a third inclined surface 91, the third inclined surface 91 being configured to receive a cleat pressing force to move the third cleat fixing member 38 relative to the pedal body 32 during an engagement operation of the cleat 12 with the third cleat fixing 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 fixing member 38 is in the third closed position in which the cleat 12 is not engaged. The third cleat fixing member 38 also includes a pair of mounting flanges 92 for supporting the third cleat fixing member 38 to the pedal body 32 via the first and second support pins 41 and 42. The third cleat fixing member 38 is movably supported to the pedal body 32 by a first support pin 41 and a second support pin 42. The third cleat retaining member 38 includes at least one first pivot pin receiving opening 93 and at least one second pivot pin receiving opening 94. The first pivot pin receiving opening 93 corresponds to the first pivot pin receiving opening 73 of the first cleat fixing member 34. The second pivot pin receiving opening 94 corresponds to the second pivot pin receiving opening 74 of the first cleat retaining member 34. Similarly, the second cleat retaining member 36 includes at least one third pivot pin receiving opening 83 corresponding to the first pivot pin receiving opening 73 and at least one fourth pivot pin receiving opening 84 corresponding to the second pivot pin receiving opening 74. The fourth cleat retaining member 40 includes at least one third pivot pin receiving opening 103 corresponding to the first pivot pin receiving opening 73 and at least one fourth pivot pin receiving opening 104 corresponding to the second pivot pin receiving opening 74. The third pivot pin 43 is inserted through the third pivot pin receiving openings 83 and 103. The fourth pivot pin 44 is inserted through the fourth pivot pin receiving openings 84 and 104.

As shown in fig. 23 and 24, with the third cleat securing member 38 engaging the cleat 12, the third cleat securing member 38 includes the third input portion 95 as described above. The third input portion 95 is configured to receive a second input force from the first force enhancing member 50A. In this way, the first biasing member 51 acts as a third additional biasing member during each of the engaging operation, the releasing operation and the rolling operation of the cleat 12 with the third cleat fixing member 38. The third input portion 95 has an additional function in the event that the cleat 12 is engaged with the first cleat fixing member 34. The release operation will be described below. In the first embodiment, the third input portion 95 of the third cleat fixing member 38 includes a pair of third input members 95a and 95b that are disposed on opposite sides of the first cleat receiving area A1 with respect to the axial direction of the rotational center axis R1. The third input portion 95 serves as a first additional input portion of the first auxiliary member 61. Therefore, the third input portion 95 may be referred to as a third additional input portion 95 of the first auxiliary member 61. The third additional input portion 95 of the first auxiliary member 61 includes a pair of third additional input members 95a and 95b, which are disposed on opposite sides of the first cleat receiving area A1 with respect to the axial direction of the rotational 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 by at least one of the pair of third additional input members 95a and 95b in response to the first input force from the cleat 12. 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 by at least one of the pair of third additional input members 95a and 95b in response to the first input force from the cleat 12.

The following is a description of the cleat 12 when engaged with the first and second cleat retaining members 34, 36. That is, the splint 12 is held in the first splint receiving area A1. As shown in fig. 47 and 49, each of the third and fourth cleat fixing members 38 and 40 includes at least one cleat guiding surface configured to guide the cleat 12 as the cleat 12 rotates relative to the pedal body 32 during a releasing operation of the cleat 12 in the engaged state. In the first embodiment, the third cleat fixing 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 95b and 95 a) includes at least one cleat guiding surface 96 that is configured to guide the cleat 12 as the cleat 12 rotates relative to the pedal body 32 during a release operation of the cleat 12 in the engaged state. Here, the clamp plate guide surface 96 is provided on the third input members 95a and 95 b. Accordingly, the cleat guide surfaces 96 are disposed on opposite sides of the first cleat receiving area A1 with respect to the axial direction of the rotational central axis R1. The third input members 95a and 95b are configured to be selectively engaged by one of the abutments 16c during a release operation. The cleat guide surface 96 cooperates with the curved guide surface 16b of the cleat 12 such that during a release operation, the curved guide surface 16b of the cleat 12 is guided by the cleat guide surface 96.

Referring to fig. 22 and 27 to 28, 37 and 38, the fourth cleat fixing member 40 is identical to the first cleat fixing member 34. Thus, the fourth cleat fixing member 40 functions and operates in the same manner as the first cleat fixing member 34 during each of the engagement operation, the release operation, and the rolling operation. The fourth cleat securing member 40 includes a fourth cleat engagement surface 100. The fourth cleat engagement surface 100 contacts the first cleat projection 18 with the pedal 14 securing 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. Further, the fourth cleat fixing member 40 also includes a fourth inclined surface 101, the fourth inclined surface 101 being configured to receive a cleat pressing force to move the fourth cleat fixing member 40 relative to the pedal body 32 during an engagement operation of the cleat 12 with the fourth cleat fixing member 40. The fourth inclined surface 101 is inclined with respect to the single reference plane RP2 in a state where the fourth cleat fixing member 40 is located in the fourth closed position where the cleat 12 is not engaged. The fourth cleat fixing member 40 also includes a pair of mounting flanges 102 for supporting the fourth cleat fixing member 40 to the pedal body 32 via the third and fourth support pins 43, 44. The fourth cleat fixing member 40 is movably supported to the pedal body 32 by a third support pin 43 and a fourth support pin 44.

As shown in fig. 27 and 28, the fourth cleat fixing member 40 includes a fourth input portion 105 with the fourth cleat fixing member 40 engaging the cleat 12. The fourth input portion 105 is configured to receive a first input force from the second force enhancing member 60A. In this way, the second biasing member 52 acts as a fourth additional biasing member during each of the engaging operation, the releasing operation and the rolling operation of the cleat 12 and the fourth cleat fixing member 40. The fourth input portion 105 has an additional function in the case where the splint 12 is engaged with the second splint fixing member 36. The release operation will be described 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 that are disposed on opposite sides of the first cleat receiving area A1 with respect to the axial direction of the rotational central axis R1. The shoe attachment portion 16 further includes four abutments 16c. The fourth input members 105a and 105b are configured to be selectively abutted by one of the abutment portions 16c during a release operation. One of the abutment portions 16c of the cleat 12 pushes one of the fourth input members 105a and 105b of the fourth cleat fixing member 40. Thus, the fourth cleat fixing member 40 rotates toward the fourth open position. The cleat guide surface 106 cooperates with the curved guide surface 16b of the cleat 12 such that during a release operation, the curved guide surface 16b of the cleat 12 is guided by the cleat guide surface 106. Then, one of the abutting portions 16c of the cleat 12 pushes one of the fourth input members 105a and 105b of the fourth cleat fixing member 40.

The following is a description of the cleat 12 when engaged with the first and second cleat retaining members 34, 36. That is, the splint 12 is held in the first splint receiving area A1. In the first embodiment, as shown in fig. 47 and 49, the fourth cleat fixing member 40 includes a pair of cleat guiding surfaces 106. Here, the cleat guide surface 106 is provided on the fourth input members 105a and 105 b. Accordingly, the cleat guiding surface 106 is disposed on the opposite side of the first cleat receiving area A1 with respect to the axial direction of the rotational central axis R1. 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, as described above.

Referring now to fig. 58 and 59, a pedal 114 according to a modification of the 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 will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. Further, 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 fixing members and the force enhancing structure of the pedal 114 have been modified. Here, the pedal 114 includes a first cleat securing member 134, a third cleat securing member 138, a first force enhancing member 150A, and a first additional force enhancing member 150B. The first cleat fixing member 134 replaces the first cleat fixing member 34 and is mounted to the pedal body 32 via the first pivot pin 41 and the second pivot pin 42. Similarly, the third cleat fixing member 138 replaces the third cleat fixing member 38 and is mounted to the pedal body 32 via the first pivot pin 41 and the second pivot pin 42. The first force enhancing member 150A replaces the first force enhancing member 50A and is mounted to the pedal body 32 via the first pivot pin 41. The first additional-force reinforcing member 150B replaces the first additional-force reinforcing member 50B and is mounted to the pedal body 32 via the first pivot pin 41.

Further, preferably, the pedal 114 includes a second cleat securing member, a fourth cleat securing member, a second force enhancing member, and a second additional force enhancing member. The second and fourth cleat fixing members are modified in the same manner as the first and third cleat fixing members 134 and 138 and replace the second and fourth cleat fixing members 36 and 40.

The second force enhancing member and the second additional force enhancing member are modified in the same manner as the first force enhancing member 150A and the first additional force enhancing member 150B and replace the second force enhancing member 60A and the second additional force enhancing member 60B.

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

The first force enhancing member 150A is identical to the first force enhancing member 50A except that the first force enhancing member 150A is provided with a first input portion 150A1 configured to directly contact the cleat 12. Similarly, the first additional-force reinforcing member 150B is identical to the first additional-force reinforcing member 50B except that the first additional-force reinforcing member 150B is provided with a first additional input portion 150B1 configured to directly contact the splint 12. With this arrangement, the third cleat fixing member 138 does not act as the first auxiliary member 61 during the rolling operation of the cleat 12 in the engaged state. Although the first input portion 150A1 of the first force enhancing member 150A is illustrated as having only a single input member, the first input portion 150A1 of the first force enhancing member 150A may include a pair of input members disposed on opposite sides of the first cleat receiving area A1 with respect to the axial direction of the rotational central axis R1. If the first force enhancing member 150A has a pair of input members, the first force enhancing member 150A rotates when one of the input members is pushed by the cleat 12. Likewise, while the first additional input portion 150B1 of the first additional-force reinforcing member 150B is illustrated as having only a single input member, the first additional input portion 150B1 of the first additional-force reinforcing member 150B may include a pair of input members disposed on opposite sides of the second cleat receiving area A2 with respect to the axial direction of the rotational central axis R1. If the first additional-force reinforcing member 150B has a pair of input members, the first additional-force reinforcing member 150B rotates when one input member is pushed by the clamping plate 12. Thus, the spring force of both the first biasing member 51 and the first additional biasing member 53 increases.

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

Referring now to fig. 60-65, a modified cleat retaining member 234 is illustrated. In the pedal 14, each of the cleat fixing members 34, 36, 38 and 40 is replaced with a cleat fixing member 234. Two of the cleat fixing members 234 are pivotally mounted on the first pivot pin 41 of the pedal 14, and two of the cleat fixing members 234 are pivotally mounted on the third pivot pin 43 of the pedal 14. When the cleat fixing member 234 is used, the second pivot pin 42 and the fourth pivot pin 44 are omitted. The remainder of the pedal 14 is the same as discussed above.

The cleat fixing member 234 shown in fig. 60 will hereinafter be referred to as the first cleat fixing member 234. However, the following description applies to the other cleat retaining members 234 of the pedal 14. The first cleat fixation member 234 includes a first cleat engagement surface 270, the first cleat engagement surface 270 being configured to engage a cleat projection of the cleat 212 (only partially shown). The first cleat fixing member 234 also includes a pair of mounting flanges 272 for pivotally mounting the first cleat fixing member 234 to the pedal body 32 via the first pivot pin 41. Here, the first cleat retaining member 234 includes a first cleat rolling engagement surface 278, with the first cleat rolling engagement surface 278 being disposed farther from the pedal body 32 than the first cleat engagement surface 270 to accommodate the rolling operation of the cleat 212. Here, the first cleat retaining member 234 includes a pair of first cleat rolling engagement surfaces 278. One of the first cleat rolling engagement surfaces 278 is located outboard of the first cleat engagement surface 270, while the other of the first cleat rolling engagement surfaces 278 is disposed inboard of the first cleat engagement surface 270. Here, the inside is closer to the crank arm CA than the outside in the axial direction with respect to the rotation center axis R1. As shown in fig. 62, the first cleat engagement surface 270 has a first inclination relative to the cleat 212. As shown in fig. 63, the first cleat rolling engagement surface 278 has a second inclination relative to the cleat 212. The second inclination of the first cleat rolling engagement surface 278 is less than the first inclination of the first cleat engagement surface 270. The magnitudes of the first and second inclinations are represented by an acute angle relative to the reference plane RP 1.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be 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 unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, "including", "having" and their derivatives. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the terms "portion," "section," "portion," "member" or "element" when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts.

As used herein, the following directional terms "frame-facing side", "non-frame-facing side", "forward", "rearward", "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "above", "below", "upward", "downward", "top", "bottom", "side", "vertical", "horizontal", "vertical" and "transverse" as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of a bicycle in an upright, riding position and equipped with a bicycle pedal. Accordingly, these directional terms used to describe the bicycle pedal should be interpreted relative to a bicycle in an upright riding position on a horizontal plane and equipped with the bicycle pedal. The terms "left" and "right" are used to denote "right" when referenced from the right side when viewed from the rear of the bicycle, and "left" when referenced from the left side when viewed from the rear of the bicycle.

The phrase "at least one" as used in this disclosure means "one or more" in a desired selection. For example, if the number of choices is two, the phrase "at least one" as used in this disclosure means "only one single choice" or "both choices". As another example, the phrase "at least one" as used in this disclosure means "only a single selection" or "any combination of two or more selections" if the number of selections is equal to or greater than three. Furthermore, the term "and/or" as used in this disclosure refers to "one or both of.

Furthermore, it should be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. Thus, for example, a first element discussed above could be termed a second element, and vice versa, without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

The term "attached" or "attached" as used herein encompasses such configurations: a configuration in which an element is directly fixed to another element by directly adhering the element to the other element; a configuration in which an element is indirectly secured to another element by adhering the element to intermediate member(s) which in turn are adhered to the other element; and a configuration in which one element is integral with another element, i.e., one element is substantially part of the other element. This definition also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, "joined", "connected", "coupled", "mounted", "adhered", "fixed" and their derivatives. Finally, terms of degree such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean a deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

While 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 can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, unless specifically stated otherwise, the size, shape, position or orientation of the various components may be changed as needed and/or desired, provided that such changes do not materially affect the intended function thereof. Unless specifically stated otherwise, components shown as directly connected or contacting each other may have intermediate structures disposed therebetween, so long as such changes do not materially affect the intended function thereof. The functions of one element may be performed by two, and vice versa, unless otherwise specified. The structures and functions of one embodiment may be employed in another embodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Each feature, alone or in combination with other features, distinct from the prior art is also to be considered as a separate description of the further invention by the applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature. Accordingly, the foregoing description of embodiments in accordance with the invention is provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A cleat for a shoe, the cleat comprising:

A shoe attachment portion having 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 including 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; and

A first cleat projection projecting from the first peripheral surface of the shoe attachment portion, and including a first proximal end and a first distal end relative to the shoe attachment portion, wherein

The first cleat projection has a first engagement surface that is inclined in a first oblique direction and a first rolling engagement surface that is inclined in a first additional oblique direction,

The first tilt direction is different from the first additional tilt direction,

As the first engagement surface extends outwardly relative to the shoe attachment portion toward the first distal end of the first cleat projection, the first engagement surface slopes away from the shoe side surface and approaches toward the pedal side surface,

The first additional tilt direction includes a first direction, and

As the first rolling engagement surface approaches toward the pedal side surface with respect to the shoe side surface, the first rolling engagement surface is inclined away from the fourth peripheral surface toward the third peripheral surface in the first direction or inclined away from the third peripheral surface toward the fourth peripheral surface in the first direction to establish a rolling angle of the first cleat projection.

2. The cleat for footwear of claim 1, wherein

The first additional tilt direction further includes a second direction different from the first direction, and

As the first rolling engagement surface extends outwardly relative to the shoe attachment portion toward the first distal end of the first cleat projection, the first rolling engagement surface is inclined away from the shoe side surface and toward the pedal side surface in the second direction.

3. The cleat for footwear according to claim 1 or 2, wherein

The first engagement surface has a first surface portion having a first slope and a first additional surface portion having a first additional slope, wherein the first slope is different from the first additional slope, the first surface portion being disposed closer to the pedal-side surface than the first additional surface portion.

4. A cleat for footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising

A second cleat projection projecting from the second peripheral surface of the shoe attachment portion in a direction opposite to the first cleat projection.

5. The cleat for footwear of claim 4, wherein

The second cleat projection includes a second proximal end and a second distal end relative to the shoe attachment portion,

The second cleat projection has a second engagement surface inclined in a second oblique direction and a second rolling engagement surface inclined in a second additional oblique direction,

The second tilt direction is different from the second additional tilt direction,

As the second engagement surface extends outwardly relative to the shoe attachment portion toward the second distal end of the second cleat projection, the second engagement surface slopes away from the shoe side surface and approaches toward the pedal side surface,

The second additional tilt direction includes a third direction, and

As the second rolling engagement surface approaches toward the pedal side surface with respect to the shoe side surface, the second rolling engagement surface is inclined away from the fourth peripheral surface toward the third peripheral surface in the third direction or inclined away from the third peripheral surface toward the fourth peripheral surface in the third direction to establish a rolling angle of the second cleat projection.

6. A cleat for footwear according to claim 5, wherein

The second additional tilt direction further includes a fourth direction different from the third direction, and

As the second rolling engagement surface extends outwardly relative to the shoe attachment portion toward the second distal end of the second cleat projection, the second rolling engagement surface slopes away from the shoe side surface and approaches toward the pedal side surface in the fourth direction.

7. A cleat for footwear according to claim 5 or 6, wherein

The second engagement surface has a second surface portion having a second slope and a second additional surface portion having a second additional slope, wherein the second slope is different from the second additional slope, the second surface portion being disposed closer to the pedal-side surface than the second additional surface portion.

8. A pedal system for a human-powered vehicle, the pedal system comprising:

the splint according to any one of claims 4 to 7, and

A pedal configured to releasably secure the cleat, the pedal comprising:

A pedal shaft having a rotational center axis;

a pedal body rotatably disposed about the rotational center axis with respect to the pedal shaft;

A first cleat fixing member movably provided to the pedal body and including a first cleat engagement surface that contacts the first cleat projection in a state where the pedal fixes the cleat; and

A second cleat fixing member that is provided to the pedal body and includes a second cleat engagement surface that contacts the second cleat projection in a state where the pedal is fixed to the cleat.

9. The pedal system for a human-powered vehicle as recited in claim 8, wherein

The pedal body includes a first support pin,

The first cleat fixing member is movably supported to the pedal body by the first support pin, and

The first cleat engagement surface has a first contact point configured to contact the first rolling engagement surface of the first cleat projection of the cleat in a state where the cleat is fixed by the pedal during a rolling operation of the cleat, such that the first support pin is disposed between an extension of an external force vector at the first contact point and the rotational center axis.

10. A pedal for a human powered vehicle, the pedal configured to releasably secure a cleat, the pedal comprising:

A pedal shaft having a rotational center axis;

a pedal body rotatably disposed about the rotational center axis with respect to the pedal shaft; and

A cleat fixing member movably provided to the pedal body, and including a cleat engagement surface that contacts a cleat projection of the cleat in a state where the cleat is fixed by the pedal, and a cleat rolling engagement surface provided farther from the pedal body than the cleat engagement surface to accommodate a rolling operation of the cleat.

11. The pedal for a human-powered vehicle as recited in claim 10, wherein

The cleat engagement surface having a first inclination relative to the cleat;

the cleat rolling engagement surface having a second inclination relative to the cleat; and

The second inclination of the cleat rolling engagement surface is less than the first inclination of the cleat engagement surface.