Appeal No. 2005-0028
Application No. 09/489,602
Appellant’s invention relates to a bicycle crank structure
providing both strength enhancement and weight reduction
benefits. More particularly, it is indicated on page 3 of the
specification that
This invention replaces the double ended crank arm
design currently used on bicycles, with a triangulated crank
structure. Triangulation is accomplished by replacing a
straight bar type structure that connects the spindle to the
pedal shaft end of a crank arm, with a split structure that
has two separate tube segments, spaced away from a line
between the spindle end and the corresponding pedal shaft
attachment location, that line being the neutral axis of the
structure. During the rider’s power stroke, one such tube
segment would be mostly under tension while the other would
be mostly under compression. This largely eliminates high
bending stresses associated with the straight crank design.
It does so by moving structural material much further away
from the neutral axis of the crank than is possible with a
straight crank design.
Independent claims 1, 10, 17 and 22 are representative of
the subject matter on appeal, and a copy of those claims may be
found in Appendix A of appellant’s brief.
The prior art references of record relied upon by the
examiner in rejecting the appealed claims are:
Bezin 4,811,626 Mar. 14, 1989
Schmidt 5,946,982 Sep. 7, 1999
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