Clipless pedal system

Abstract

A clipless pedal system is provided. In various embodiments, systems of the present disclosure comprise pedals and cleats for interaction with the pedals. At least one of a pedal and an associated cleat comprises a magnet, and at least one of the pedal and the associated cleat comprises a ferrous metal for interaction with the magnet. Geometric features are provided to enable both a secure connection between a cleat and a pedal and to enable a user-friendly release of the cleat from the pedal.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A clipless bicycle pedal system comprising:
 a pedal body rotatably interconnected to a spindle that is operable to be secured to a bicycle component;   the pedal body comprising a pocket having a recessed surface for selectively receiving at least one of a shoe and an attachment member provided on a shoe, and wherein the recessed surface is provided at least partially within a sidewall;   wherein the sidewall comprises an angled sidewall extending above the recessed surface by at least 0.10 inches;   at least one magnet provided within the pedal body and at least partially within the sidewall, and wherein the magnet is recessed relative to an upper portion of the sidewall;   at least one lateral extension adjacent to the pocket and extending in a direction substantially parallel to the spindle, the lateral extension comprising a planar contact surface that is operable to be provided in contact with and receive a force from an article of footwear in communication with the pedal body.   
     
     
         2 . The clipless bicycle pedal system of  claim 1 , wherein the pedal comprises first and second pockets on opposing sides of the pedal body. 
     
     
         3 . The clipless bicycle pedal system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one magnet is provided flush with the recessed surface. 
     
     
         4 . The clipless bicycle pedal system of  claim 1 , wherein the sidewall extends above the recessed surface by at least approximately 0.125 inches. 
     
     
         5 . The clipless bicycle pedal system of  claim 1 , further comprising an attachment member with a first side and a second side, the first side being operable to contact the pedal body and the second side being operable to be secured to an article of footwear. 
     
     
         6 . The clipless bicycle pedal system of  claim 5 , wherein the attachment member comprises a ferrous material. 
     
     
         7 . The clipless bicycle pedal system of  claim 1 , wherein the pocket comprises an ovoid shape. 
     
     
         8 . A clipless bicycle pedal system comprising:
 a pedal body rotatably interconnected to a spindle that is operable to be secured to a bicycle component;   the pedal body comprising a pocket having a recessed surface for selectively receiving at least one of a shoe and an attachment member provided on a shoe, and wherein the recessed surface is provided at least partially within a sidewall;   at least one magnet provided within the pedal body and at least partially within the sidewall, and wherein the magnet is recessed relative to an upper portion of the sidewall;   at least one lateral extension adjacent to the pocket and extending in a direction substantially parallel to the spindle.   
     
     
         9 . The clipless bicycle pedal system of  claim 8 , wherein the pedal comprises first and second pockets on opposing sides of the pedal body. 
     
     
         10 . The clipless bicycle pedal system of  claim 8 , wherein the sidewall comprises an angled sidewall. 
     
     
         11 . The clipless bicycle pedal system of  claim 8 , wherein the at least one magnet is provided flush with the recessed surface. 
     
     
         12 . The clipless bicycle pedal system of  claim 8 , wherein the sidewall extends above the recessed surface by at least approximately 0.125 inches. 
     
     
         13 . The clipless bicycle pedal system of  claim 8 , further comprising an attachment member with a first side and a second side, the first side being operable to contact the pedal body and the second side being operable to be secured to an article of footwear. 
     
     
         14 . The clipless bicycle pedal system of  claim 13 , wherein the attachment member comprises a ferrous material. 
     
     
         15 . The clipless bicycle pedal system of  claim 8 , wherein the pocket comprises an ovoid shape. 
     
     
         16 . A clipless bicycle pedal system comprising:
 a rotatable body;   the rotatable body comprising a recessed surface for selectively receiving at least one of a shoe and an attachment member provided on a shoe, and wherein the recessed surface is provided at least partially within a sidewall;   at least one magnet provided within the pedal body and at least partially within the sidewall, and wherein the magnet is recessed relative to an upper portion of the sidewall.   
     
     
         17 . The clipless bicycle pedal system of  claim 16 , further comprising at least one lateral extension adjacent to the pocket, the lateral extension comprising a flush contact surface. 
     
     
         18 . The clipless bicycle pedal system of  claim 16 , further comprising an attachment member operable to be secured to an article of footwear and selectively securable to the rotatable body. 
     
     
         19 . The clipless bicycle pedal system of  claim 18 , further comprising a second attachment member comprising a non-ferrous material that is sized and operable to contact the flush contact surface of the lateral extension. 
     
     
         20 . The clipless bicycle pedal system of  claim 16 , wherein the recessed surface comprises an ovoid shape.