Pedal positioning apparatus and method of use
View Patent ↗A removable pedal positioner to engage a crank arm and a pedal of a bicycle to position the pedal in a generally horizontal position. One embodiment comprises a bridge, at least one prong, and a mounting post. The mounting post engages the crank arm while the at least one prong extends past the crank arm to position the pedal in a generally horizontal position. In other embodiments, the positioner utilizes a flexible clamp to secure the positioner to the crank arm thereby positioning the pedal in a generally horizontal position. Upon rotation of the pedal, the device disengages from the crank arm.
1. A positioner for positioning a pedal attached to a crank arm comprising:
a mounting post, for attaching the positioner to the crank arm, engaged with the crank arm;
at least one prong supported by the mounting post and adjacent the pedal;
wherein rotation of the pedal disengages the mounting post from the crank arm; and
wherein rotation of the pedal creates a shear force on the at least one prong.
2. The positioner of claim 1 wherein rotation of the pedal severs the at least one prong from the mounting post.
3. The positioner of claim 1 further comprising:
a fastener attaching the pedal to the crank arm;
a fastener hole in the fastener; and,
the mounting post frictionally engaged with the fastener hole.
4. The positioner of claim 1 , wherein the mounting post further comprises:
a bridge;
a mounting post attached to the bridge; and,
the at least one prong extending from the bridge.
5. The positioner of claim 4 , wherein the mounting post extends from the bridge, and engages a hole fixed with respect to the crank arm.
6. The positioner of claim 5 , wherein the hole has a first cross-sectional shape and the mounting post has a second cross-sectional shape and wherein the first cross-sectional shape matches the second cross-sectional shape.
7. The positioner of claim 4 further comprising:
a break-away notch in the bridge and adjacent the at least one prong.
8. The positioner of claim 7 further comprising:
wherein rotation of the pedal urges the at least one prong to contact the crank arm and the bridge fractures at the break-away notch.
9. The positioner of claim 1 , wherein the mounting post further comprises:
at least one clamp.
10. The positioner of claim 9 , further comprising:
at least one extension attached to the at least one clamp;
the at least one prong attached to the at least one extension; and,
the at least one clamp frictionally engaging the crank arm.
11. A pedal positioning device for releasable engagement with a crank arm connected to a bicycle pedal comprising:
a mounting post frictionally engaged with the crank arm;
a bridge attached to the mounting post;
a prong extending from the bridge; and,
wherein rotation of the pedal initiates a shear force on the prong that causes disengagement of at least a portion of pedal positioning device from the crank arm.
12. The pedal positioning device of claim 11 further comprising:
a notch in the bridge; and,
wherein rotation of the pedal fractures the bridge at the notch.
13. A method for temporarily positioning a pedal attached to a crank arm comprising the steps of:
providing a pedal positioner comprising a mounting post and at least one prong attached to the mounting post;
mounting the pedal positioner on the crank arm and adjacent the pedal;
positioning the pedal to a beginning position;
applying a force to the pedal sufficient to rotate the crank arm;
rotating the pedal about a longitudinal axis extending from the crank arm;
dismounting the pedal positioner from the crank arm;
initiating a shear force on the at least one prong; and,
forcing the disengagement of at least a portion of the pedal positioner from the crank arm.
14. The method of claim 13 further comprising:
initiating a shear force on the at least one prong; and,
severing the at least one prong from the mounting post.