Bicycle cleat cover

Abstract

A cleat cover for protecting and adding traction to a cleat plate of a bicycle shoe is disclosed. The cleat cover comprises a cover body that includes a main opening at a middle portion and an extended opening at a peripheral edge. A bridge area is present at the side of the cover body for conserving grip on the cleat. The opening of the cover body allows a bicycle pedal to lock into a bicycle cleat while allowing the cover body to remain on the cleat. The cover body covers a plurality of screws and parts that attach the cleat plate. The cleat cover allows a bicyclist to leave the cover on the cleat at all times; when riding, at stops, and when walking on various hard surfaces. Thus, it prevents the cleat plate from unnecessary wear when the bicycle shoe contacts the ground. The bicyclist does not have to remember to remove and replace the cover. The cover body can be releasably engaged with the cleat on the bicycle shoe.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application (PPA) No. 61 / 346,905, filed May 21, 2010 by the present Inventor, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not Applicable.SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM[0003]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND[0004]1. Field of the Invention[0005]This invention relates to cleat covers, and more particularly to bicycle shoe cleat covers for protecting a cleat plate of a bicycle shoe.[0006]2. Discussion of Related Art[0007]The following is a tabulation of some prior art that presently appears relevant (others are also discussed below):U.S. PatentsPat. No.TitleIssue DatePatentee7,472,498Cleat assembly forJan. 06, 2009Speedplay, Inc.clipless pedal6,494,117Pedal / cleat assemblyDec. 17, 2002Speedplay, Inc.D451261Bicycle shoe cleatDec. 04, 2001Patrick Mahercover5,031,342Device for enablingJul. 16, 1991R. Igor Crookwalking and protectingcleats on cyc...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]The present invention is a cleat cover for protecting a cleat plate on a bicycle shoe cleat and providing better traction while walking or standing. The cleat cover includes a cover body. The cover body is provided with a main opening at a middle portion with an extended opening at a peripheral edge. A bridge area is present on the cover body for conserving grip on the cleat. The cover body can be made of plastic, rubber, or other materials. The cleat cover can be worn while riding the bicycle and also while walking. The cleat cover can protect the cleat plate from wear, and also provides traction to help safely support a cyclist at stops and while walking. The main opening at the middle portion of the cover body and the extended opening at the peripheral edge allow the pedal and the pedal shaft the necessary space to engage and lock into the cleat, while allowing the cover body to remain on the cleat.

[0018]The bicycle pedal is shaped to allow a cleat worn by a user to be fastened by positioning the cleat over the bicycle pedal and by pressing the feet slightly to latch the cleat in place. The bicycle pedal includes a bicycle pedal shaft that extends diametrically through the bicycle pedal for attachment to a pedal crank. The cleat is fastened on to the bottom of the bicycle shoe by means of a plurality of screws. The cleat cover can bring sufficient grip with the surface when a user makes a stop. Also, the cover body covers a plurality of screws and parts that attach the cleat plate. Thus the cover body provides protection for the cleat plate on the bicycle shoe. The cleat cover needs to be detached only when service, adjustment, or replacement is required for the cleat. Since there is no need to attach or remove the cleat cover every time the bicyclist gets on and off the bicycle, this invention is safer and more convenient for the bicyclist. Normally, during a short stop, the bicyclist may rest the shoes on the ground. Over time, this will wear some of the metal off the cleats. In addition, a bicyclist may not always remember to put the cover on when getting off the bicycle. Thus, the cleat coming into contact with the ground will wear off much faster. With this invention, such problems can be avoided or minimized.

Problems solved by technology

Over time, this will wear some of the metal off the cleats.

In addition, a bicyclist may not always remember to put the cover on when getting off the bicycle.

Thus, the cleat coming into contact with the ground will wear off much faster.

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