US20110272403A1 - Hydration System - Google Patents
Hydration System Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110272403A1 US20110272403A1 US13/101,118 US201113101118A US2011272403A1 US 20110272403 A1 US20110272403 A1 US 20110272403A1 US 201113101118 A US201113101118 A US 201113101118A US 2011272403 A1 US2011272403 A1 US 2011272403A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tank
- straw
- sleeve
- bracket
- bracket portion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F3/00—Travelling or camp articles; Sacks or packs carried on the body
- A45F3/16—Water-bottles; Mess-tins; Cups
- A45F3/18—Water-bottles; Mess-tins; Cups of rigid material
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
- B62J11/00—Supporting arrangements specially adapted for fastening specific devices to cycles, e.g. supports for attaching maps
- B62J11/04—Supporting arrangements specially adapted for fastening specific devices to cycles, e.g. supports for attaching maps for bottles
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
- B62J9/00—Containers specially adapted for cycles, e.g. panniers or saddle bags
- B62J9/20—Containers specially adapted for cycles, e.g. panniers or saddle bags attached to the cycle as accessories
- B62J9/21—Containers specially adapted for cycles, e.g. panniers or saddle bags attached to the cycle as accessories above or alongside the front wheel, e.g. on the handlebars
Definitions
- Embodiments of the invention are in the field of fluid containers, and certain embodiments pertain to systems for containing, carrying, and dispensing fluids while operating or utilizing conveyances.
- the invention is directed towards a fluid bottle for a bicycle.
- One traditional approach for carrying water during bicycling is a water bottle and water bottle cage mounted on a down tube of the user's bicycle.
- water or other fluid e.g., a vitamin fortified athletic beverage
- a wider hydration system for a bicycle should be designed to inhibit or minimize such splashing during rapid filling.
- the invention provides a hydration system that includes a tank and that typically includes a bracket.
- the invention provides an apparatus having a tank and a bracket comprising a conveyance bracket portion and a tank bracket portion that are releasably coupled to one another.
- the tank is connected to the tank bracket portion such that the tank may be connected and disconnected to the conveyance by coupling and decoupling the tank bracket portion from the conveyance bracket portion.
- the tank has a container with a fill opening and an elongate sleeve disposed in the tank proximal the fill opening, the sleeve defining a fluid conduit.
- the sleeve has a plurality of apertures which permit fluids poured into the fill opening of the container to rapidly exit from the interior of the elongate sleeve and fill the container.
- the tank also has a float sized to fit within the fluid conduit and cooperating with the sleeve to occlude the fill opening in response to the tank being filled with fluid. In this manner, the user may rapidly fill the tank by pouring fluid through fill opening. As the tank fills with fluid, the float rises to close the fill opening and provides a seal to retain the fluid within the tank.
- the tank has a cap with a flange sized to restrict movement of the float device out of the sleeve.
- the flange of the cap may extend around the fill opening so that the float seats against the flange of the cap as the float cooperates with the sleeve to occlude the fill opening in response to the tank being filled with fluid. In this manner, the float closes the fill opening as the tank is filled with fluid. This design eliminates time spent closing a valve or cap which would otherwise be used in some traditional water bottle systems.
- the elongate sleeve of the tank has a plurality of apertures including columns of spaced-apart apertures.
- the opposing columns of spaced-apart apertures permit fluid poured through the fill opening and into the fluid conduit of the elongate sleeve to rapidly exit the elongate sleeve through the opposing columns of apertures.
- the sleeve has portions without apertures that limit the rate at which fluid in the tank can enter the fluid conduit. This design limits the splashing that may occur within the fluid conduit during bicycling and while filling the tank.
- the invention provides an apparatus having a tank with a bracket coupling portion, the tank comprising a container having a fill opening and elongate sleeve disposed in the tank proximal the fill opening.
- the sleeve defines a fluid conduit in the tank and is provided with a plurality of apertures which permit fluid flow from within the conduit into the tank.
- the tank has a float sized fit within the fluid conduit and cooperating with the sleeve to occlude the fill opening in response to the tank being filled with fluid.
- the float When the tank has a low fill level, the float is disposed away from the fill opening such that a fluid source may be inserted into the fill opening or otherwise communicate fluidically with the tank to allow filling.
- the buoyancy of the float causes the float to rise within the fluid conduit until the float occludes the fill opening once the tank has been filled.
- the invention provides a bicycle that includes a hydration system as described herein.
- the bicycle may comprise a conventional bicycle structure having a frame, wheels, drive system, fork, handlebars, and steerer tube, and a tank mounted to the bicycle.
- the tank may be mounted via a bracket that is coupled to the steerer tube.
- the invention provides a method for introducing liquid into a hydration system. The method comprises introducing a liquid, such as water, into the fill opening of a hydration system as described herein.
- FIG. 1 is side elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of the hydration system of the invention mounted on a bicycle.
- FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the hydration system illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a partially cut-away side elevational view of the tank of the hydration system shown in FIG. 1 , illustrating a fluid level approximately three-quarters full, and further illustrating an internal sleeve and floats of the hydration system.
- FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 , but showing the fluid level approximately one-quarter full.
- FIG. 5 is a partially cut-away side elevational view of the tank and sleeve of the hydration system shown in FIG. 1 and further illustrating a drinking straw in a first configuration.
- FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 , but illustrating the straw in a second configuration.
- FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the hydration system shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 8A is a front elevational view of a steerer tube bracket portion of the hydration system illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 8B is a rear elevational view of a bracket of the hydration system shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the bracket shown in FIG. 8B .
- FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the bracket shown in FIG. 8B .
- FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the steerer tube bracket portion.
- FIG. 12A is a perspective view, enlarged with respect to FIG. 11 and partially cut-away, of one of the sockets shown in FIG. 11 .
- FIG. 12B is a perspective view, and partially cut away, of the socket of FIG. 12A engaged with a prong of a tank bracket portion of the hydration system shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 12C is a section taken along line 12 C- 12 C in FIG. 11 .
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a tank assembly comprising the tank and the tank bracket portion of the hydration system shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 14 is an elevational view, enlarged with respect to FIG. 13 , of one of the prong portions of the tank bracket portion.
- FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the bracket of the hydration system illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the tank assembly illustrating first and second sections of the tank bracket assembly.
- FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the tank and internal structures of the hydration system shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 18 is a front elevational view of the sleeve shown in FIG. 17 .
- FIG. 19 is a top plan view of the sleeve shown in FIG. 17 .
- FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the cap shown in FIG. 17 .
- FIGS. 21 and 22 are enlarged perspective views of the tank of the hydration system of FIG. 1 showing, respectively, a float of the tank occluding a fill opening of the tank and the float recessed within the tank such that the fill opening is exposed.
- a bicycle 10 includes a frame 12 , a front wheel 14 , and a fork 16 .
- the fork 16 is operably connected to a steerer tube 18 , which is coupled to a handle bar structure 20 via a stem 22 , by which the rider may turn the fork 16 and wheel 14 relative to the frame 12 to thereby steer the bicycle 10 .
- the bicycle 10 includes a hydration system 30 .
- the hydration system 30 generally comprises a tank 32 and a bracket 34 .
- the bracket 34 in the illustrated embodiment is a bracket composed of a tank bracket portion 36 and a conveyance bracket portion.
- the conveyance bracket portion is a steerer tube bracket portion 38 that is mounted to the steerer tube 18 of the bicycle as depicted in FIG. 1 .
- the tank 32 may be filled with a fluid, typically water or a sports beverage, through the fill opening 50 (shown in FIG. 17 ).
- the tank 32 includes a sump 54 and a straw 56 that extends through a first straw opening 58 (see FIG. 17 ) in the tank 32 , optionally but preferably disposed in the tank 32 such that a distal end 60 of the straw 56 is proximal the sump 54 . In this manner, most or all of the liquid that is in the tank 32 will be accessible to the rider via the straw 56 .
- the tank 32 includes the bottom wall 162 that is not flat, but in the illustrated embodiment, is angled. This creates the sump 54 , as seen in FIG. 2 .
- the full opening is covered by a cap 182 .
- the tank 32 is provided with a second straw opening 62 (see FIG. 17 ) that in normal use is covered with a plug 64 .
- the straw may be moved from the first straw opening 58 to the second straw opening 62 to suit the preference of the rider.
- the tank 32 is further provided with an elongate sleeve 70 and at least one float 52 , the purpose of which will be as discussed hereinbelow.
- the sleeve is shown as being a separate structure but may be otherwise configured, e.g., the sleeve may be formed integrally. At a minimum, the sleeve preferably is configured to restrict the flow to a range of travel proximal the fill opening 50 .
- the sleeve 70 is provided with a plurality of apertures 74 (as seen in FIG. 5 ).
- the sleeve 70 is provided with fourteen apertures, six of which are illustrated in FIGS. 3-6 .
- the apertures 74 in the illustrated embodiment are provided as opposing columns of spaced-apart apertures, where at least one aperture in each column is aligned with the corresponding aperture on the opposing column. In the embodiment illustrated, all of the apertures 74 in a first column are aligned with opposing apertures 75 (shown in FIG. 18 ) and the upper aperture 160 is opposed by aperture 161 .
- the steerer tube bracket portion 38 includes a steerer tube collar portion 80 having a retention screw 82 provided for purposes of securing the bracket 34 to the steerer tube 18 of a bicycle.
- the claimed apparatus is not necessarily limited to operation on a bicycle, and it is contemplated that the bracket 34 may be mounted to a different structure on a bicycle or to a different form of conveyance altogether.
- the steerer tube collar portion 80 is provided with a gap 84 (seen in FIG. 10 ) suitably dimensioned, such as having a gap width of approximately 1.5 mm, to permit sufficient clamping without crushing the steerer tube.
- the retention screw 82 is seated in a threaded socket 85 (shown in FIG. 8B ).
- the steerer tube collar portion 38 is composed of an intermediate portion 86 separated from the steerer tube collar portion 80 by a first angle 88 and a face portion 90 separated from the intermediate portion 86 by a second angle 92 .
- the face portion 90 and the steerer tube collar portion 80 are roughly in the nature of planar surfaces that are perpendicular to one another. This structure permits presentation of the face portion 90 at a roughly 90° angle with respect to the ground when the bracket is mounted to the steerer tube of a bicycle, and yet to provide clearance from the stem 22 , tire 14 , and other bicycle structures when so mounted.
- the steerer tube 18 is shown as inclined generally in the direction of the rider, but in other bicycles the steerer tube is inclined generally away from the direction of the rider.
- the illustrated bracket will allow the tank to be disposed proximal to the handle bar structure 20 but will permit clearance with respect to other bicycle structures such as the tire 14 and handle bar structure 14 .
- the steerer tube bracket portion 38 is provided with a cutout portion 100 for weight savings.
- the face portion 90 in the illustrated embodiment is provided with another cutout 102 and three socket cutouts 104 , 106 , 108 which accommodate three socket mechanisms 110 , 112 , 114 .
- the socket mechanisms 110 , 112 , 114 may have press fit engagement with the face portion 90 .
- the tank bracket portion 36 includes a plurality of prongs 120 , 122 , 124 that engage the sockets 110 , 112 , 114 to releasably couple the tank bracket portion 36 and the steerer tube bracket portion 38 .
- the sockets 120 , 122 , 124 are provided with a plurality of ball bearings 126 retained in a spring-loaded fashion within channels 127 in the sockets 110 , 112 , 114 .
- the springs of the sockets 120 , 122 , 124 that bias the ball bearings 126 radially inward may each have a spring tension of approximately 10 lbs.
- Each prong 120 , 122 , 124 is provided with a retaining groove 128 into which the ball bearings 126 seat when the plugs 120 , 122 , 124 are fully inserted into the sockets 110 , 112 , 114 .
- three ball bearings 126 are included, but it is contemplated that a different number of ball bearings 126 may be included or a different retention mechanism altogether may be provided.
- the illustrated design permits coupling of the tank bracket portion 36 and steerer tube bracket portion 38 with sufficient strength to retain the coupling during a typical bicycle race, but to permit manual decoupling of the tank bracket portion 36 and steerer tube bracket portion 38 by firmly pulling these portions 36 , 38 apart.
- the tank bracket portion 36 includes a first section 140 and a second section 142 , the first section 140 being provided with two prongs 120 , 122 and the second section 142 being provided with a single third prong 124 .
- the tank 32 is provided with a ridge 144 and the first and second sections 140 , 142 each are provided with a track 146 such that via engagement of the ridge 144 and the tracks 146 , the tank 32 is coupled to the tank bracket portion 36 to form a tank bracket portion assembly 150 .
- retention screws 152 are provided to releasably couple the first section 140 and the second section 142 . It is contemplated that, in normal usage, the tank 32 will remain coupled with the tank bracket portion 36 , but the illustrated structure permits the tank 32 to be removed for cleaning, repair, or replacement.
- a large water bottle or hose may be inserted into the fill opening 50 of the tank 32 to quickly fill the tank 32 during a bicycle race or otherwise.
- sleeve 70 having apertures 74 , in which there are several apertures each separated by a distance of 12 mm and each aperture having a diameter of 6 mm (except for the upper apertures 160 , 161 which have diameters of 4 mm) provides a useful anti-splash feature.
- the columns of apertures 74 (best seen in FIG.
- the tank 32 and sleeve 70 may be provided with a key structure (not illustrated) to ensure that the sleeve 70 is so positioned during normal use. It is believed that the water or other fluid entering the tank 32 will be substantially inhibited from splashing out of the tank 32 through the fill opening 50 by the sleeve 70 . As the fluid enters the sleeve 70 , the fluid will exit through the apertures 74 . It is contemplated that the bicycle and tank may be in motion as the tank is filled, that the water within the tank may splash internally. The sleeve, however, will partially occlude access to the fill opening 50 and will thereby inhibit splashing of liquid out of the tank 32 .
- the sleeve 70 preferably extends to a depth not quite to touch a bottom wall 162 of the tank, such that a fluid conduit 164 (seen in FIGS. 3 and 19 ) defined within the sleeve 70 permits communication of fluid from the fill opening 50 to the bottom of the sleeve 70 upon initial filling.
- the sleeve 70 is provided with an outwardly protruding flange 170 which, as seen in FIG. 17 , cooperates with an upper lip 172 of a neck 174 of the tank 32 to maintain the proper insertion depth of the sleeve 70 .
- the cap 182 engages threads on the neck 174 of the tank 32 to secure the cap 182 to the neck 174 and clamp the flange 170 of the sleeve 70 between the cap 182 and the neck 174 .
- the floats are best illustrated in FIGS. 3-4 , 17 , 21 , and 22 .
- the floats 52 , 53 rise within the sleeve 70 .
- the uppermost pair of apertures 160 , 161 (shown in FIG. 17 ) accommodates further filling of the tank 32 .
- the floats 52 , 53 will rise such that the uppermost float 52 cooperates with a flange 180 of the cap 182 to thereby occlude the fill opening 50 in response to the tank 32 being filled with fluid.
- the floats 52 , 53 are preferably sized such that some amount of fluid may be removed by the rider through the straw before the floats descend to a point such that the fill opening 50 is exposed. It has been found, that although a single float is operative, two floats (which may or may not be joined together) have been found to facilitate filling of the tank 32 and to inhibit splashing during normal bicycle riding.
- the bracket and tank and other parts may be made of any suitable materials.
- the bracket may be made from 7000 Series Aluminum and finished with an anodized finish.
- the tank, floats, sleeve, and straw should be made from a food-grade material, typically a plastic such as food grade white plastic.
- a hydration system that includes a tank and bracket is provided.
- Different features of the different embodiments described herein may be combined in various ways as may be operative. For instance, where a single sleeve is described and depicted, plural sleeves may be employed, and other features may be changed as desired.
Abstract
Disclosed is a hydration system that generally includes a tank and a bracket. The hydration system may include a two-part bracket comprising a conveyance bracket portion and a tank bracket portion. The tank may be provided with an elongate sleeve disposed in the tank proximal a fill opening and defining a fluid conduit, the sleeve being provided with a plurality of apertures, the tank further being provided with a float sized to fit within the fluid conduit and cooperating with the sleeve to occlude the fill opening in response to the tank being filled with fluid. In many embodiments, the hydration system described herein permits ready and rapid filling of the tank through the fill opening while inhibiting splashing of the fluid out of the tank.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 61/332,144, filed May 6, 2010, titled “Hydration System,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- Embodiments of the invention are in the field of fluid containers, and certain embodiments pertain to systems for containing, carrying, and dispensing fluids while operating or utilizing conveyances. In some embodiments, the invention is directed towards a fluid bottle for a bicycle.
- A number of approaches exist for providing and carrying liquids when the user is away from traditional water sources. Such containers and systems may be used to carry liquids while a user is operating or riding in a conveyance. One such situation is when a user carries a hydrating fluid while operating a bicycle. One traditional approach for carrying water during bicycling is a water bottle and water bottle cage mounted on a down tube of the user's bicycle.
- During bicycle races, it is desired to fill the water bottle as quickly as possible, to minimize the time taken for this operation. In many known designs, water or other fluid (e.g., a vitamin fortified athletic beverage) will be introduced into the bottle via pouring from a commercially purchased bottle or from a pitcher. In some known designs, the rapid filling cannot readily be accomplished quickly without causing the fluid to splash out of the water bottle. Desirably, a wider hydration system for a bicycle should be designed to inhibit or minimize such splashing during rapid filling.
- Generally, the invention provides a hydration system that includes a tank and that typically includes a bracket. In accordance with one aspect, the invention provides an apparatus having a tank and a bracket comprising a conveyance bracket portion and a tank bracket portion that are releasably coupled to one another. The tank is connected to the tank bracket portion such that the tank may be connected and disconnected to the conveyance by coupling and decoupling the tank bracket portion from the conveyance bracket portion. The tank has a container with a fill opening and an elongate sleeve disposed in the tank proximal the fill opening, the sleeve defining a fluid conduit. The sleeve has a plurality of apertures which permit fluids poured into the fill opening of the container to rapidly exit from the interior of the elongate sleeve and fill the container. The tank also has a float sized to fit within the fluid conduit and cooperating with the sleeve to occlude the fill opening in response to the tank being filled with fluid. In this manner, the user may rapidly fill the tank by pouring fluid through fill opening. As the tank fills with fluid, the float rises to close the fill opening and provides a seal to retain the fluid within the tank.
- In some embodiments, the tank has a cap with a flange sized to restrict movement of the float device out of the sleeve. The flange of the cap may extend around the fill opening so that the float seats against the flange of the cap as the float cooperates with the sleeve to occlude the fill opening in response to the tank being filled with fluid. In this manner, the float closes the fill opening as the tank is filled with fluid. This design eliminates time spent closing a valve or cap which would otherwise be used in some traditional water bottle systems.
- In some embodiments, the elongate sleeve of the tank has a plurality of apertures including columns of spaced-apart apertures. The opposing columns of spaced-apart apertures permit fluid poured through the fill opening and into the fluid conduit of the elongate sleeve to rapidly exit the elongate sleeve through the opposing columns of apertures. While the apertures of the elongate sleeve permit fluid to rapidly exit the fluid conduit, the sleeve has portions without apertures that limit the rate at which fluid in the tank can enter the fluid conduit. This design limits the splashing that may occur within the fluid conduit during bicycling and while filling the tank.
- In another aspect, the invention provides an apparatus having a tank with a bracket coupling portion, the tank comprising a container having a fill opening and elongate sleeve disposed in the tank proximal the fill opening. The sleeve defines a fluid conduit in the tank and is provided with a plurality of apertures which permit fluid flow from within the conduit into the tank. The tank has a float sized fit within the fluid conduit and cooperating with the sleeve to occlude the fill opening in response to the tank being filled with fluid. When the tank has a low fill level, the float is disposed away from the fill opening such that a fluid source may be inserted into the fill opening or otherwise communicate fluidically with the tank to allow filling. As the fluid level rises within the tank, the buoyancy of the float causes the float to rise within the fluid conduit until the float occludes the fill opening once the tank has been filled.
- In some embodiments, the invention provides a bicycle that includes a hydration system as described herein. The bicycle may comprise a conventional bicycle structure having a frame, wheels, drive system, fork, handlebars, and steerer tube, and a tank mounted to the bicycle. The tank may be mounted via a bracket that is coupled to the steerer tube. In other embodiments, the invention provides a method for introducing liquid into a hydration system. The method comprises introducing a liquid, such as water, into the fill opening of a hydration system as described herein.
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FIG. 1 is side elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of the hydration system of the invention mounted on a bicycle. -
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the hydration system illustrated inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a partially cut-away side elevational view of the tank of the hydration system shown inFIG. 1 , illustrating a fluid level approximately three-quarters full, and further illustrating an internal sleeve and floats of the hydration system. -
FIG. 4 is a view similar toFIG. 3 , but showing the fluid level approximately one-quarter full. -
FIG. 5 is a partially cut-away side elevational view of the tank and sleeve of the hydration system shown inFIG. 1 and further illustrating a drinking straw in a first configuration. -
FIG. 6 is a view similar toFIG. 5 , but illustrating the straw in a second configuration. -
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the hydration system shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 8A is a front elevational view of a steerer tube bracket portion of the hydration system illustrated inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 8B is a rear elevational view of a bracket of the hydration system shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the bracket shown inFIG. 8B . -
FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the bracket shown inFIG. 8B . -
FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the steerer tube bracket portion. -
FIG. 12A is a perspective view, enlarged with respect toFIG. 11 and partially cut-away, of one of the sockets shown inFIG. 11 . -
FIG. 12B is a perspective view, and partially cut away, of the socket ofFIG. 12A engaged with a prong of a tank bracket portion of the hydration system shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 12C is a section taken alongline 12C-12C inFIG. 11 . -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a tank assembly comprising the tank and the tank bracket portion of the hydration system shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 14 is an elevational view, enlarged with respect toFIG. 13 , of one of the prong portions of the tank bracket portion. -
FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the bracket of the hydration system illustrated inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the tank assembly illustrating first and second sections of the tank bracket assembly. -
FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the tank and internal structures of the hydration system shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 18 is a front elevational view of the sleeve shown inFIG. 17 . -
FIG. 19 is a top plan view of the sleeve shown inFIG. 17 . -
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the cap shown inFIG. 17 . -
FIGS. 21 and 22 are enlarged perspective views of the tank of the hydration system ofFIG. 1 showing, respectively, a float of the tank occluding a fill opening of the tank and the float recessed within the tank such that the fill opening is exposed. - Terms of orientation and relative size are intended solely for reference to the drawings herein, and are not intended to be limiting.
- With reference to
FIG. 1 , abicycle 10 includes aframe 12, afront wheel 14, and afork 16. Thefork 16 is operably connected to asteerer tube 18, which is coupled to ahandle bar structure 20 via astem 22, by which the rider may turn thefork 16 andwheel 14 relative to theframe 12 to thereby steer thebicycle 10. In the illustrated embodiment, and with further reference toFIG. 2 , thebicycle 10 includes ahydration system 30. - With further reference to
FIGS. 2 and 3 , thehydration system 30 generally comprises atank 32 and abracket 34. Thebracket 34 in the illustrated embodiment is a bracket composed of atank bracket portion 36 and a conveyance bracket portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the conveyance bracket portion is a steerertube bracket portion 38 that is mounted to thesteerer tube 18 of the bicycle as depicted inFIG. 1 . - With reference to
FIGS. 3-6 and 17, thetank 32 may be filled with a fluid, typically water or a sports beverage, through the fill opening 50 (shown inFIG. 17 ). Thetank 32 includes asump 54 and astraw 56 that extends through a first straw opening 58 (seeFIG. 17 ) in thetank 32, optionally but preferably disposed in thetank 32 such that adistal end 60 of thestraw 56 is proximal thesump 54. In this manner, most or all of the liquid that is in thetank 32 will be accessible to the rider via thestraw 56. As seen, thetank 32 includes thebottom wall 162 that is not flat, but in the illustrated embodiment, is angled. This creates thesump 54, as seen inFIG. 2 . The full opening is covered by acap 182. - As further illustrated, the
tank 32 is provided with a second straw opening 62 (seeFIG. 17 ) that in normal use is covered with aplug 64. As seen by comparison ofFIGS. 5 and 6 , the straw may be moved from the first straw opening 58 to the second straw opening 62 to suit the preference of the rider. Thetank 32 is further provided with anelongate sleeve 70 and at least onefloat 52, the purpose of which will be as discussed hereinbelow. The sleeve is shown as being a separate structure but may be otherwise configured, e.g., the sleeve may be formed integrally. At a minimum, the sleeve preferably is configured to restrict the flow to a range of travel proximal thefill opening 50. Thesleeve 70 is provided with a plurality of apertures 74 (as seen inFIG. 5 ). In the illustrated embodiment, thesleeve 70 is provided with fourteen apertures, six of which are illustrated inFIGS. 3-6 . Theapertures 74 in the illustrated embodiment are provided as opposing columns of spaced-apart apertures, where at least one aperture in each column is aligned with the corresponding aperture on the opposing column. In the embodiment illustrated, all of theapertures 74 in a first column are aligned with opposing apertures 75 (shown inFIG. 18 ) and theupper aperture 160 is opposed byaperture 161. - With reference now to
FIGS. 8A-11 , the steerertube bracket portion 38 includes a steerertube collar portion 80 having aretention screw 82 provided for purposes of securing thebracket 34 to thesteerer tube 18 of a bicycle. The claimed apparatus is not necessarily limited to operation on a bicycle, and it is contemplated that thebracket 34 may be mounted to a different structure on a bicycle or to a different form of conveyance altogether. Because conventional high-performance steerer tubes are made of carbon fiber or other material with a relatively low tensile strength, the steerertube collar portion 80 is provided with a gap 84 (seen inFIG. 10 ) suitably dimensioned, such as having a gap width of approximately 1.5 mm, to permit sufficient clamping without crushing the steerer tube. Theretention screw 82 is seated in a threaded socket 85 (shown inFIG. 8B ). - With particular reference to
FIG. 9 , the steerertube collar portion 38 is composed of anintermediate portion 86 separated from the steerertube collar portion 80 by afirst angle 88 and aface portion 90 separated from theintermediate portion 86 by asecond angle 92. Theface portion 90 and the steerertube collar portion 80 are roughly in the nature of planar surfaces that are perpendicular to one another. This structure permits presentation of theface portion 90 at a roughly 90° angle with respect to the ground when the bracket is mounted to the steerer tube of a bicycle, and yet to provide clearance from thestem 22,tire 14, and other bicycle structures when so mounted. With reference again toFIG. 1 , thesteerer tube 18 is shown as inclined generally in the direction of the rider, but in other bicycles the steerer tube is inclined generally away from the direction of the rider. In either case, the illustrated bracket will allow the tank to be disposed proximal to thehandle bar structure 20 but will permit clearance with respect to other bicycle structures such as thetire 14 and handlebar structure 14. - With further reference to
FIGS. 8-12B , the steerertube bracket portion 38 is provided with acutout portion 100 for weight savings. With particular reference toFIGS. 8A and 11 , theface portion 90 in the illustrated embodiment is provided with anothercutout 102 and threesocket cutouts socket mechanisms socket mechanisms face portion 90. - As seen in
FIGS. 13 and 14 , thetank bracket portion 36 includes a plurality ofprongs sockets tank bracket portion 36 and the steerertube bracket portion 38. As seen inFIG. 12A-12C , thesockets ball bearings 126 retained in a spring-loaded fashion withinchannels 127 in thesockets sockets ball bearings 126 radially inward may each have a spring tension of approximately 10 lbs. Eachprong groove 128 into which theball bearings 126 seat when theplugs sockets ball bearings 126 are included, but it is contemplated that a different number ofball bearings 126 may be included or a different retention mechanism altogether may be provided. The illustrated design permits coupling of thetank bracket portion 36 and steerertube bracket portion 38 with sufficient strength to retain the coupling during a typical bicycle race, but to permit manual decoupling of thetank bracket portion 36 and steerertube bracket portion 38 by firmly pulling theseportions - As seen in
FIG. 16 , thetank bracket portion 36 includes afirst section 140 and asecond section 142, thefirst section 140 being provided with twoprongs second section 142 being provided with a singlethird prong 124. Thetank 32 is provided with aridge 144 and the first andsecond sections track 146 such that via engagement of theridge 144 and thetracks 146, thetank 32 is coupled to thetank bracket portion 36 to form a tankbracket portion assembly 150. In the illustrated embodiment, retention screws 152 are provided to releasably couple thefirst section 140 and thesecond section 142. It is contemplated that, in normal usage, thetank 32 will remain coupled with thetank bracket portion 36, but the illustrated structure permits thetank 32 to be removed for cleaning, repair, or replacement. - With reference now to
FIG. 17 , and with further reference toFIGS. 3-4 , it is contemplated that a large water bottle or hose may be inserted into thefill opening 50 of thetank 32 to quickly fill thetank 32 during a bicycle race or otherwise. It has been found that the illustrated configuration ofsleeve 70 havingapertures 74, in which there are several apertures each separated by a distance of 12 mm and each aperture having a diameter of 6 mm (except for theupper apertures FIG. 18 ) are positioned in thetank 32 such that a line through opposing apertures in the columns of apertures will be normal to the major dimension of thetank 32, as illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4 . Thetank 32 andsleeve 70 may be provided with a key structure (not illustrated) to ensure that thesleeve 70 is so positioned during normal use. It is believed that the water or other fluid entering thetank 32 will be substantially inhibited from splashing out of thetank 32 through thefill opening 50 by thesleeve 70. As the fluid enters thesleeve 70, the fluid will exit through theapertures 74. It is contemplated that the bicycle and tank may be in motion as the tank is filled, that the water within the tank may splash internally. The sleeve, however, will partially occlude access to thefill opening 50 and will thereby inhibit splashing of liquid out of thetank 32. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 3 and 4 , thesleeve 70 preferably extends to a depth not quite to touch abottom wall 162 of the tank, such that a fluid conduit 164 (seen inFIGS. 3 and 19 ) defined within thesleeve 70 permits communication of fluid from thefill opening 50 to the bottom of thesleeve 70 upon initial filling. As seen inFIGS. 17-19 , thesleeve 70 is provided with an outwardlyprotruding flange 170 which, as seen inFIG. 17 , cooperates with anupper lip 172 of aneck 174 of thetank 32 to maintain the proper insertion depth of thesleeve 70. In the illustrated embodiment, thecap 182 engages threads on theneck 174 of thetank 32 to secure thecap 182 to theneck 174 and clamp theflange 170 of thesleeve 70 between thecap 182 and theneck 174. - The floats are best illustrated in
FIGS. 3-4 , 17, 21, and 22. As seen inFIGS. 3-4 , as thetank 32 is filled and the water level rises, thefloats sleeve 70. As the water level reaches the top of thetank 32, the uppermost pair ofapertures 160, 161 (shown inFIG. 17 ) accommodates further filling of thetank 32. When thetank 32 is substantially completely full, thefloats uppermost float 52 cooperates with aflange 180 of thecap 182 to thereby occlude thefill opening 50 in response to thetank 32 being filled with fluid. The floats 52, 53 are preferably sized such that some amount of fluid may be removed by the rider through the straw before the floats descend to a point such that thefill opening 50 is exposed. It has been found, that although a single float is operative, two floats (which may or may not be joined together) have been found to facilitate filling of thetank 32 and to inhibit splashing during normal bicycle riding. - The bracket and tank and other parts may be made of any suitable materials. In some embodiments, the bracket may be made from 7000 Series Aluminum and finished with an anodized finish. The tank, floats, sleeve, and straw should be made from a food-grade material, typically a plastic such as food grade white plastic.
- It is thus seen that a hydration system that includes a tank and bracket is provided. Different features of the different embodiments described herein may be combined in various ways as may be operative. For instance, where a single sleeve is described and depicted, plural sleeves may be employed, and other features may be changed as desired.
- Uses of singular terms such as “a,” “an,” are intended to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms. Any description of certain embodiments as “preferred” embodiments, and other recitation of embodiments, features, or ranges as being preferred, or suggestion that such are preferred, is not deemed to be limiting. The invention is deemed to encompass embodiments that are presently deemed to be less preferred and that may be described herein as such. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended to illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention. Any statement herein as to the nature or benefits of the invention or of the preferred embodiments is not intended to be limiting. This invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited herein as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The description herein of any reference or patent, even if identified as “prior,” is not intended to constitute a concession that such reference or patent is available as prior art against the present invention. No unclaimed language should be deemed to limit the invention in scope. Any statements or suggestions herein that certain features constitute a component of the claimed invention are not intended to be limiting unless reflected in the appended claims. Neither the marking of the patent number on any product nor the identification of the patent number in connection with any service should be deemed a representation that all embodiments described herein are incorporated into such product or service.
Claims (18)
1. An apparatus comprising:
a tank and a bracket,
the bracket comprising a conveyance bracket portion and a tank bracket portion, the tank bracket portion being releasably coupled to the conveyance bracket portion;
the tank being connected to the tank bracket portion and comprising a container having a fill opening and a straw opening, the tank further including an elongate sleeve disposed in the tank proximal the fill opening and defining a fluid conduit, the sleeve being provided with a plurality of apertures;
the tank further being provided with a float sized to fit within the fluid conduit and cooperating with the sleeve to occlude the fill opening in response to the tank being filed with fluid.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 , the tank bracket portion comprising engaging first and second sections that define a tank-retaining region, the tank being connected to the tank bracket portion assembly at the tank-retaining region.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1 , the plurality of apertures including opposing columns of spaced-apart apertures, at least one aperture in each row being aligned with a corresponding aperture on the opposing column.
4. An apparatus according to claim 1 , the tank including a cap, the cap having a flange sized to restrict movement of the float device out of the sleeve.
5. An apparatus according to claim 4 , including plural floats.
6. An apparatus according to claim 1 , the bracket including a plug and socket mechanism, whereby one of the tank bracket portion and the conveyance bracket portion includes a prong and the other of the tank bracket portion and the conveyance bracket portion includes a socket, the socket including a bearing to enable releasable retention of the prong and socket.
7. An apparatus according to claim 6 , the prong and socket mechanism including three prongs and three sockets.
8. An apparatus according to claim 1 , including a straw extendable through the straw opening into the tank.
9. An apparatus according to claim 1 , the tank having a non-flat bottom wall defining a sump.
10. An apparatus according to claim 9 , including a straw extendable through the straw opening into the tank, the straw having a distal end, the distal end being proximal the sump when the straw is inserted at normal operating depth into the tank.
11. An apparatus comprising:
a tank having a container with a fill opening and a straw opening, the tank further including an elongate sleeve disposed in the tank proximal the fill opening and defining a fluid conduit, the sleeve being provided with a plurality of apertures;
the tank further being provided with a float sized to fit within the fluid conduit and cooperating with the sleeve to occlude the fill opening in response to the tank being filed with fluid;
the tank having a bracket coupling portion.
12. An apparatus according to claim 11 , the plurality of apertures including opposing columns of spaced-apart apertures, at least one aperture in each row being aligned with a corresponding aperture on the opposing column.
13. An apparatus according to claim 10 , the tank including a cap, the cap having a flange sized to restrict movement of the float out of the sleeve.
14. An apparatus according to claim 13 , including plural floats.
15. An apparatus according to claim 10 , including a straw extendable through the straw opening into the tank.
16. An apparatus according to claim 1 , the tank having a non-flat bottom wall defining a sump.
17. An apparatus according to claim 16 , including a straw extendable through the straw opening into the tank, the straw having a distal end, the distal end being proximal the sump when the straw is inserted at normal operating depth into the tank.
18. An assembly comprising the apparatus of claim 11 coupled to a tank portion of a bracket.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/101,118 US20110272403A1 (en) | 2010-05-06 | 2011-05-04 | Hydration System |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US33214410P | 2010-05-06 | 2010-05-06 | |
US13/101,118 US20110272403A1 (en) | 2010-05-06 | 2011-05-04 | Hydration System |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20110272403A1 true US20110272403A1 (en) | 2011-11-10 |
Family
ID=44901267
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/101,118 Abandoned US20110272403A1 (en) | 2010-05-06 | 2011-05-04 | Hydration System |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20110272403A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110011908A1 (en) * | 2007-08-30 | 2011-01-20 | Dietterle David W | Quick fill adaptor for a fluid container |
US20130181015A1 (en) * | 2011-07-19 | 2013-07-18 | William Cason | Aerobottle Plus Mount Apparatus and Related Methods of Use |
USD738286S1 (en) | 2012-10-01 | 2015-09-08 | Nathan Sports, Inc. | Mounting support |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4542839A (en) * | 1982-09-30 | 1985-09-24 | Rhode Gear Usa | Bicycle handlebar mounted carrier bag |
US4597599A (en) * | 1984-02-02 | 1986-07-01 | Southco, Inc. | Blind latch |
US5988415A (en) * | 1994-02-23 | 1999-11-23 | Paul And Sara Garbarini 1989 Family Trust | Bottle flow controller |
US6255101B1 (en) * | 1997-01-24 | 2001-07-03 | Diagnostica Stago | Seal for reagent flask usable by a blood analyzer |
US6953135B2 (en) * | 2001-11-28 | 2005-10-11 | Nrz, Inc. | Liquid delivery apparatus for bicycle |
-
2011
- 2011-05-04 US US13/101,118 patent/US20110272403A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4542839A (en) * | 1982-09-30 | 1985-09-24 | Rhode Gear Usa | Bicycle handlebar mounted carrier bag |
US4597599A (en) * | 1984-02-02 | 1986-07-01 | Southco, Inc. | Blind latch |
US5988415A (en) * | 1994-02-23 | 1999-11-23 | Paul And Sara Garbarini 1989 Family Trust | Bottle flow controller |
US6255101B1 (en) * | 1997-01-24 | 2001-07-03 | Diagnostica Stago | Seal for reagent flask usable by a blood analyzer |
US6953135B2 (en) * | 2001-11-28 | 2005-10-11 | Nrz, Inc. | Liquid delivery apparatus for bicycle |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110011908A1 (en) * | 2007-08-30 | 2011-01-20 | Dietterle David W | Quick fill adaptor for a fluid container |
US20130181015A1 (en) * | 2011-07-19 | 2013-07-18 | William Cason | Aerobottle Plus Mount Apparatus and Related Methods of Use |
USD738286S1 (en) | 2012-10-01 | 2015-09-08 | Nathan Sports, Inc. | Mounting support |
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Legal Events
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Owner name: CARAT ENGINEERING LLC, ILLINOIS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:CORSELLO, KEVIN;BROWN, JEFFREY;SCOTT, GEOFF;REEL/FRAME:026623/0420 Effective date: 20110718 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |