US20140117643A1 - Bicycle frame with integrated tool storage - Google Patents
Bicycle frame with integrated tool storage Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140117643A1 US20140117643A1 US13/663,200 US201213663200A US2014117643A1 US 20140117643 A1 US20140117643 A1 US 20140117643A1 US 201213663200 A US201213663200 A US 201213663200A US 2014117643 A1 US2014117643 A1 US 2014117643A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- bicycle
- cradle
- main frame
- accessory
- frame
- 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.)
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
- B62K19/00—Cycle frames
- B62K19/30—Frame parts shaped to receive other cycle parts or accessories
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
- B62K19/00—Cycle frames
- B62K19/30—Frame parts shaped to receive other cycle parts or accessories
- B62K19/40—Frame parts shaped to receive other cycle parts or accessories for attaching accessories, e.g. article carriers, lamps
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
- B62K25/00—Axle suspensions
- B62K25/04—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork
- B62K25/06—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with telescopic fork, e.g. including auxiliary rocking arms
- B62K25/08—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with telescopic fork, e.g. including auxiliary rocking arms for front wheel
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
- B62K25/00—Axle suspensions
- B62K25/04—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork
- B62K25/28—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with pivoted chain-stay
Definitions
- the present invention relates to bicycles and specifically to bicycle frames that facilitate storage of items on the frame.
- Bicycles commonly include devices for mounting bicycle accessories, such as water bottles and tools.
- bicycle accessories such as water bottles and tools.
- water bottle cages are often used to secure a water bottle to a frame tube
- tool pouches are often used to secure tools to a bicycle seat.
- bike computers and bells are frequently attached to mounting brackets attached to the handlebars of the bicycle.
- Other bicycle accessories that can be stored on a bicycle include pumps, CO2 cartridges, spare tubes, etc.
- the present invention provides a storage device that facilitates storage of accessories on a bicycle frame.
- the invention provides a bicycle including front and rear wheels, a main frame that has a mounting bracket, and a front fork that connects the main frame to the front wheel.
- the bicycle also includes a rear sub-frame that connects the main frame to the rear wheel and that is movable relative to the main frame, and a shock that is positioned to dampen movement between the main frame and the sub-frame.
- the shock has a front mount that is secured to the mounting bracket and that defines a space between the front mount and the main frame, and a bicycle accessory is positioned in the space.
- the invention provides a bicycle accessory assembly that includes a cradle comprising a resilient member, and an accessory positioned in the cradle and held in the cradle by the resilient member.
- the invention provides a bicycle including front and rear wheels, and a main frame that has a mounting bracket, and a front fork connecting the main frame to the front wheel.
- the mounting bracket has a first side flange and a second side flange cooperatively supporting a suspension pivot, and the second side flange is separated from the first side flange to define a space.
- the bicycle also includes a rear sub-frame connecting the main frame to the rear wheel and movable relative to the main frame, a shock positioned to dampen movement between the main frame and the sub-frame, and a bicycle accessory positioned in the space.
- the shock includes a front mount that is secured to the suspension pivot.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bicycle including a frame embodying the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the frame illustrating a shock mount secured to a mounting bracket on the frame and defining a space between the shock mount and the mounting bracket to support a bicycle accessory.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the frame without the shock mount and illustrating the space and the bicycle accessory disposed in the space.
- FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 5 is a section view taken along line 5 - 5 of FIG. 2 with the bicycle accessory exploded from the frame.
- FIG. 6 is a section view taken along line 6 - 6 of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 7 is a section view of the frame taken along line 7 - 7 of FIG. 2 and illustrating the space and the bicycle accessory disposed in the space.
- FIG. 1 shows a bicycle 10 that includes a front wheel 15 , a rear wheel 20 , and a main frame 25 .
- the frame 25 has a head tube 30 and a front fork 35 that is rotationally supported by the head tube 30 and that secures the front wheel 15 to the frame 25 .
- a handlebar assembly 40 is coupled to the head tube 30 and is secured to the front fork 35 by a stem assembly 45 such that movement of the handlebar assembly 40 results in movement of the stem assembly 45 and the fork 35 .
- the frame 25 also has a top tube 50 connected to and extending rearward from the head tube 30 , and a down tube 55 connected to the head tube 30 below the top tube 50 and extending generally downward toward a drive train 60 .
- a seat tube 65 is connected to the top tube 50 and the down tube 55 , and a seat 70 is supported by the seat tube 65 .
- the frame 14 further includes a rear triangle or sub-frame 75 connected to the rear wheel 20 .
- the illustrated sub-frame 75 connects the frame 25 to the rear wheel 20 and is movable (e.g., pivotable) relative to the frame 25 about a frame pivot 80 coupled to the seat tube 65 .
- the sub-frame 75 includes right and left seat stays 85 (one shown), and right and left chain stays 90 (one shown). Each seat stay defines a shock attachment 95 adjacent a forward end of the seat stay.
- Rear dropouts 100 are disposed at lower ends of the left and right seat stays 85 and the rearward ends of the chain stays 90 .
- the dropouts rotatably secure the rear wheel 20 to the sub-frame 75 .
- a rear brake mount 105 is attached to the sub-frame 75 adjacent the left rear dropout and supports a rear brake 110 (e.g., a disc brake).
- a cavity 115 is disposed in and extends along the underside of the top tube 50 , and a mounting bracket 120 is formed in the top tube 50 adjacent the cavity 115 .
- the cavity 115 is defined by a recessed wall 125 of the top tube 50 , and a fastener hole 130 extends into the top tube 50 within a recessed section 135 of the cavity 115 .
- the fastener hole 130 is located near a forward end of the cavity 115 relative to the direction of travel for the bicycle.
- the illustrated cavity 115 is provided in the top tube 50 , the cavity 115 can be disposed in other portions of the frame 25 (e.g., the down tube 55 , the seat tube 65 , etc.).
- the mounting bracket 120 has a first side flange 140 and a second side flange 145 that is separated from the first side flange 140 .
- the first and second side flanges 145 extend outward (downward) from the top tube 50 such that the mounting bracket 120 forms an enlarged section of the top tube 50 (see FIGS. 1 and 2 ).
- the illustrated side flanges 140 are generally triangular-shaped, although the side flanges 140 can have any suitable shape.
- each side flange 140 , 145 has a raised platform 150 along its inward facing wall, although the side flanges 140 can be provided without the raised platform 150 .
- the mounting bracket 120 is illustrated as being integrally formed as part of the top tube 50 , it could instead be a separate part that is coupled to the top tube 50 .
- a shock 155 is coupled between the top tube 50 and the seat stays 85 to dampen movement between the frame 25 and the sub-frame 75 .
- the shock 155 has a rear mount 160 that is attached to the shock attachment 95 of the sub-frame 75 , and a front mount 165 that is attached to the mounting bracket 120 .
- the first and second side flanges 140 , 145 have axially aligned holes 170 a, 170 b that receive structural bosses or inserts 175 a, 175 b (e.g., shock reducers).
- the inserts 175 a, 175 b are sized according to the size (e.g., width) of the front mount 165 .
- the inserts 175 a, 175 b may be integrally formed in the side flanges 140 .
- FIG. 4 shows that the hole 170 a of the first side flange 140 is unthreaded to accommodate the non-threaded insert 175 a, and the hole 170 b of the second side flange 145 is threaded (e.g., left-hand threaded) to accommodate the threaded insert 175 b, although either or both holes 170 a, 170 b can be threaded or unthreaded based on the inserts 175 a, 175 b to be used.
- the hole 170 a of the first side flange 140 is unthreaded to accommodate the non-threaded insert 175 a
- the hole 170 b of the second side flange 145 is threaded (e.g., left-hand threaded) to accommodate the threaded insert 175 b, although either or both holes 170 a, 170 b can be threaded or unthreaded based on the inserts 175 a, 175 b to be used.
- the insert 175 a attached to the first side flange 140 has an unthreaded interior passageway 180
- the insert 175 b attached to the second side flange 145 has an interior threaded passageway 185 (e.g., right-hand threaded).
- the first and second side flanges 140 , 145 (and the inserts 175 a, 175 b, when provided) cooperatively support a suspension pivot 190 (e.g., a fastener such as a bolt) that pivotably supports the front mount 165 of the shock 155 .
- a suspension pivot 190 e.g., a fastener such as a bolt
- a bicycle accessory 195 is coupled to the top tube 50 within a space 205 cooperatively defined by the cavity 115 and the area between the side flanges 140 . That is, the space 205 in which the bicycle accessory 195 is supported is located between the front mount 165 of the shock 155 and the interior recessed wall 125 of the top tube 50 .
- the bicycle accessory 195 includes a cradle 200 that is disposed in the space 205 , and a tool 210 that is coupled to and supported by the cradle 200 .
- the cradle 200 is engaged with the top tube 50 , and can be formed from plastic, metal, composite, or other material.
- the illustrated tool 210 is a multi-tool accessory that has pins or axles 215 and a plurality of tool components 220 that pivot about one of the axles 215 , although the tool 210 can include other types of bicycle accessory components.
- the illustrated cradle 200 is defined by a substantially triangular-shaped shell 225 (when viewed from the side) that supports the tool 210 .
- the shell 225 is engaged with the recessed wall 125 of the top tube 50 and the interior walls of the side flanges 140 .
- the cradle 200 includes a central wall or backbone 230 (defining one leg of the triangular-shaped shell 225 ), and sidewalls 235 that are coupled to and extend outward from the backbone 230 (defining the second leg and the hypotenuse of the triangular-shaped shell 225 ).
- Each sidewall 235 defines a forked end 240 that at least partially wraps around the corresponding insert 175 a , 175 b to support the rearward end of the cradle 200 in the top tube 50 . As shown, the forked ends 240 are spaced from the backbone 230 .
- the cradle 200 also includes a resilient member 245 connected to and extending from the backbone 230 to support an end of the bicycle accessory 195 , and support members 250 that extend inward from the sidewalls 235 to define ledges 255 that support sides of the accessory 195 .
- the illustrated resilient member 245 is hook-like and defines an arcuate pocket that has a ridge 275 to define a snap-fit arrangement between the cradle 200 and the accessory 195 .
- the tool 210 is resiliently held in the cradle 200 by the resilient member 245 , and the support members 250 are spaced from the backbone 230 and support the accessory 195 within the cradle 200 when the accessory 195 is snapped into the resilient member 245 . That is, the accessory 195 is positioned between the backbone 230 and the support members 250 and is supported on the ledges 255 when the accessory 195 is completely inserted into the cradle 200 .
- the support members 250 are parallel or substantially parallel to the backbone 230
- the cradle 200 includes a ramp member 265 that is coupled to the rearward-most support member 250 on each sidewall. Each ramp member 265 is obliquely oriented relative to the support member 250 to guide the tool into the cradle 200 .
- the illustrated cradle 200 also can include opposed ribs 270 that are located between the backbone 230 and the support members 250 (e.g., disposed at the juncture between the backbone 230 and the sidewalls 235 ).
- the ribs 270 guide the tool during installation and removal relative to the cradle 200 , and limit upward movement of the accessory 195 when the accessory 195 is positioned within the cradle 200 .
- each rib 270 cooperates with the support member 250 on the same sidewall to sandwich the accessory 195 in the cradle 200 .
- the cradle 200 can be provided without the ribs 270 .
- the forward or “nose” end of the cradle 200 is nested in the recessed section 135 of the cavity 115 , and the rearward end of the cradle 200 abuts the inserts 175 a, 175 b.
- a hole 275 extending through the forward end is aligned with the fastener hole 130 in the top tube 50 so that a fastener 280 can secure the forward end of the cradle 200 to the top tube 50 .
- the bicycle accessory 195 can be installed in the frame 25 by inserting the inserts 175 a, 175 b into their respective holes 170 a, 170 b, and then inserting the cradle 200 into the space 205 .
- the forked ends 240 are oriented to abut and at least partially wrap around the inserts 175 a, 175 b, and the cradle 200 is then pivoted about the inserts 175 a, 175 b so that the nose end is nested in the recessed section 135 .
- the fastener 280 can then be threaded into the fastener hole 130 . As illustrated, the forked ends 240 and the fastener 280 cooperate to secure the cradle 200 in place within the space 205 .
- the shock 155 can be attached to the sub-frame 75 and the mounting bracket 120 before or after the cradle 200 is secured to the top tube 50 .
- the tool 210 is coupled to the cradle 200 by aligning the tool with the ramp members 265 and guiding the rearward-most axle 215 along the ramp members 265 into engagement with the rearward-most support members 250 and the ribs 270 .
- the outer ends of the axle 215 are supported by the ledges 255 of the rearward-most support members 250 (see FIG. 7 ).
- the other end of the tool 210 is pivoted upward to a position in which the forward-most axle 215 is aligned with the forward-most support members 250 and the ribs 270 .
- the tool 210 then slides further rearward between the support members 250 and the ribs 270 until the rear end of the tool 210 is engaged with the pocket of the resilient member 245 .
- the tool 210 is slidably engageable with the cradle 200 so that the tool 210 can be stored in the frame 25 and hidden from view.
- the snap fit arrangement provided by the resilient member 245 and the ridge 260 holds the tool 210 in the cradle 200 , while the support members 250 and the ribs 270 keep the tool 210 in place within the space 205 until it is desired to remove the tool 210 from the top tube 50 .
- the tool 210 can be coupled to the cradle 200 before or after the shock 155 is attached to the frame 25 .
- the cradle 200 illustrated in FIGS. 2-7 and described above utilizes the area in which the shock 155 is mounted to the frame 25 to integrate a bicycle accessory 195 into the frame 25 while keeping the accessory 195 hidden from view.
- the resilient member 245 and the support members 250 provide an accessory clip that is secured to the frame 25 and that facilitates attachment and detachment of a bicycle accessory 195 to the frame 25 to provide quick access to the accessory 195 without opening a hatch or a door.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to bicycles and specifically to bicycle frames that facilitate storage of items on the frame.
- Bicycles commonly include devices for mounting bicycle accessories, such as water bottles and tools. For example, water bottle cages are often used to secure a water bottle to a frame tube, and tool pouches are often used to secure tools to a bicycle seat. In addition, bike computers and bells are frequently attached to mounting brackets attached to the handlebars of the bicycle. Other bicycle accessories that can be stored on a bicycle include pumps, CO2 cartridges, spare tubes, etc.
- The present invention provides a storage device that facilitates storage of accessories on a bicycle frame. In one embodiment, the invention provides a bicycle including front and rear wheels, a main frame that has a mounting bracket, and a front fork that connects the main frame to the front wheel. The bicycle also includes a rear sub-frame that connects the main frame to the rear wheel and that is movable relative to the main frame, and a shock that is positioned to dampen movement between the main frame and the sub-frame. The shock has a front mount that is secured to the mounting bracket and that defines a space between the front mount and the main frame, and a bicycle accessory is positioned in the space.
- In another embodiment, the invention provides a bicycle accessory assembly that includes a cradle comprising a resilient member, and an accessory positioned in the cradle and held in the cradle by the resilient member.
- In another embodiment, the invention provides a bicycle including front and rear wheels, and a main frame that has a mounting bracket, and a front fork connecting the main frame to the front wheel. The mounting bracket has a first side flange and a second side flange cooperatively supporting a suspension pivot, and the second side flange is separated from the first side flange to define a space. The bicycle also includes a rear sub-frame connecting the main frame to the rear wheel and movable relative to the main frame, a shock positioned to dampen movement between the main frame and the sub-frame, and a bicycle accessory positioned in the space. The shock includes a front mount that is secured to the suspension pivot.
- Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bicycle including a frame embodying the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the frame illustrating a shock mount secured to a mounting bracket on the frame and defining a space between the shock mount and the mounting bracket to support a bicycle accessory. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the frame without the shock mount and illustrating the space and the bicycle accessory disposed in the space. -
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the assembly ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 5 is a section view taken along line 5-5 ofFIG. 2 with the bicycle accessory exploded from the frame. -
FIG. 6 is a section view taken along line 6-6 ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 7 is a section view of the frame taken along line 7-7 ofFIG. 2 and illustrating the space and the bicycle accessory disposed in the space. - Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.
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FIG. 1 shows abicycle 10 that includes a front wheel 15, arear wheel 20, and amain frame 25. Theframe 25 has ahead tube 30 and afront fork 35 that is rotationally supported by thehead tube 30 and that secures the front wheel 15 to theframe 25. Ahandlebar assembly 40 is coupled to thehead tube 30 and is secured to thefront fork 35 by a stem assembly 45 such that movement of thehandlebar assembly 40 results in movement of the stem assembly 45 and thefork 35. Theframe 25 also has atop tube 50 connected to and extending rearward from thehead tube 30, and a down tube 55 connected to thehead tube 30 below thetop tube 50 and extending generally downward toward adrive train 60. Aseat tube 65 is connected to thetop tube 50 and the down tube 55, and a seat 70 is supported by theseat tube 65. - The frame 14 further includes a rear triangle or
sub-frame 75 connected to therear wheel 20. With continued reference toFIG. 1 , the illustratedsub-frame 75 connects theframe 25 to therear wheel 20 and is movable (e.g., pivotable) relative to theframe 25 about aframe pivot 80 coupled to theseat tube 65. Thesub-frame 75 includes right and left seat stays 85 (one shown), and right and left chain stays 90 (one shown). Each seat stay defines ashock attachment 95 adjacent a forward end of the seat stay. Rear dropouts 100 (one shown) are disposed at lower ends of the left and right seat stays 85 and the rearward ends of the chain stays 90. The dropouts rotatably secure therear wheel 20 to thesub-frame 75. Arear brake mount 105 is attached to thesub-frame 75 adjacent the left rear dropout and supports a rear brake 110 (e.g., a disc brake). - With reference to
FIGS. 3-7 , acavity 115 is disposed in and extends along the underside of thetop tube 50, and amounting bracket 120 is formed in thetop tube 50 adjacent thecavity 115. With reference toFIGS. 4-6 , thecavity 115 is defined by arecessed wall 125 of thetop tube 50, and afastener hole 130 extends into thetop tube 50 within arecessed section 135 of thecavity 115. Thefastener hole 130 is located near a forward end of thecavity 115 relative to the direction of travel for the bicycle. Although the illustratedcavity 115 is provided in thetop tube 50, thecavity 115 can be disposed in other portions of the frame 25 (e.g., the down tube 55, theseat tube 65, etc.). - As illustrated in
FIGS. 3 and 4 , themounting bracket 120 has afirst side flange 140 and asecond side flange 145 that is separated from thefirst side flange 140. The first andsecond side flanges 145 extend outward (downward) from thetop tube 50 such that themounting bracket 120 forms an enlarged section of the top tube 50 (seeFIGS. 1 and 2 ). The illustratedside flanges 140 are generally triangular-shaped, although theside flanges 140 can have any suitable shape. Also, as shown inFIG. 4 , eachside flange platform 150 along its inward facing wall, although theside flanges 140 can be provided without the raisedplatform 150. Although themounting bracket 120 is illustrated as being integrally formed as part of thetop tube 50, it could instead be a separate part that is coupled to thetop tube 50. - With reference to
FIGS. 1 , 2, and 4, ashock 155 is coupled between thetop tube 50 and the seat stays 85 to dampen movement between theframe 25 and thesub-frame 75. Theshock 155 has arear mount 160 that is attached to theshock attachment 95 of thesub-frame 75, and afront mount 165 that is attached to themounting bracket 120. As illustrated, the first andsecond side flanges holes 170 a, 170 b that receive structural bosses orinserts 175 a, 175 b (e.g., shock reducers). Generally, theinserts 175 a, 175 b are sized according to the size (e.g., width) of thefront mount 165. In some constructions, theinserts 175 a, 175 b may be integrally formed in theside flanges 140. -
FIG. 4 shows that thehole 170 a of thefirst side flange 140 is unthreaded to accommodate thenon-threaded insert 175 a, and the hole 170 b of thesecond side flange 145 is threaded (e.g., left-hand threaded) to accommodate the threaded insert 175 b, although either or bothholes 170 a, 170 b can be threaded or unthreaded based on theinserts 175 a, 175 b to be used. As illustrated, theinsert 175 a attached to thefirst side flange 140 has an unthreadedinterior passageway 180, and the insert 175 b attached to thesecond side flange 145 has an interior threaded passageway 185 (e.g., right-hand threaded). As shown inFIGS. 2 and 7 , the first andsecond side flanges 140, 145 (and theinserts 175 a, 175 b, when provided) cooperatively support a suspension pivot 190 (e.g., a fastener such as a bolt) that pivotably supports thefront mount 165 of theshock 155. - With reference to
FIGS. 3-7 , abicycle accessory 195 is coupled to thetop tube 50 within aspace 205 cooperatively defined by thecavity 115 and the area between theside flanges 140. That is, thespace 205 in which thebicycle accessory 195 is supported is located between thefront mount 165 of theshock 155 and the interiorrecessed wall 125 of thetop tube 50. - The
bicycle accessory 195 includes acradle 200 that is disposed in thespace 205, and atool 210 that is coupled to and supported by thecradle 200. Thecradle 200 is engaged with thetop tube 50, and can be formed from plastic, metal, composite, or other material. The illustratedtool 210 is a multi-tool accessory that has pins oraxles 215 and a plurality oftool components 220 that pivot about one of theaxles 215, although thetool 210 can include other types of bicycle accessory components. - The illustrated
cradle 200 is defined by a substantially triangular-shaped shell 225 (when viewed from the side) that supports thetool 210. Theshell 225 is engaged with therecessed wall 125 of thetop tube 50 and the interior walls of theside flanges 140. As shown, thecradle 200 includes a central wall or backbone 230 (defining one leg of the triangular-shaped shell 225), andsidewalls 235 that are coupled to and extend outward from the backbone 230 (defining the second leg and the hypotenuse of the triangular-shaped shell 225). Eachsidewall 235 defines a forkedend 240 that at least partially wraps around thecorresponding insert 175 a, 175 b to support the rearward end of thecradle 200 in thetop tube 50. As shown, the forked ends 240 are spaced from thebackbone 230. - Referring to
FIGS. 3-7 , thecradle 200 also includes aresilient member 245 connected to and extending from thebackbone 230 to support an end of thebicycle accessory 195, andsupport members 250 that extend inward from thesidewalls 235 to defineledges 255 that support sides of theaccessory 195. The illustratedresilient member 245 is hook-like and defines an arcuate pocket that has aridge 275 to define a snap-fit arrangement between thecradle 200 and theaccessory 195. Generally, thetool 210 is resiliently held in thecradle 200 by theresilient member 245, and thesupport members 250 are spaced from thebackbone 230 and support theaccessory 195 within thecradle 200 when theaccessory 195 is snapped into theresilient member 245. That is, theaccessory 195 is positioned between thebackbone 230 and thesupport members 250 and is supported on theledges 255 when theaccessory 195 is completely inserted into thecradle 200. As shown inFIG. 6 , thesupport members 250 are parallel or substantially parallel to thebackbone 230, and thecradle 200 includes aramp member 265 that is coupled to therearward-most support member 250 on each sidewall. Eachramp member 265 is obliquely oriented relative to thesupport member 250 to guide the tool into thecradle 200. - With reference to
FIGS. 4-6 , the illustratedcradle 200 also can includeopposed ribs 270 that are located between thebackbone 230 and the support members 250 (e.g., disposed at the juncture between thebackbone 230 and the sidewalls 235). Theribs 270 guide the tool during installation and removal relative to thecradle 200, and limit upward movement of theaccessory 195 when theaccessory 195 is positioned within thecradle 200. In other words, eachrib 270 cooperates with thesupport member 250 on the same sidewall to sandwich theaccessory 195 in thecradle 200. In other constructions, thecradle 200 can be provided without theribs 270. - With reference to
FIGS. 4-6 , when thecradle 200 is attached to thetop tube 50, the forward or “nose” end of thecradle 200 is nested in the recessedsection 135 of thecavity 115, and the rearward end of thecradle 200 abuts theinserts 175 a, 175 b. As illustrated, ahole 275 extending through the forward end is aligned with thefastener hole 130 in thetop tube 50 so that afastener 280 can secure the forward end of thecradle 200 to thetop tube 50. - The
bicycle accessory 195 can be installed in theframe 25 by inserting theinserts 175 a, 175 b into theirrespective holes 170 a, 170 b, and then inserting thecradle 200 into thespace 205. The forked ends 240 are oriented to abut and at least partially wrap around theinserts 175 a, 175 b, and thecradle 200 is then pivoted about theinserts 175 a, 175 b so that the nose end is nested in the recessedsection 135. Thefastener 280 can then be threaded into thefastener hole 130. As illustrated, the forked ends 240 and thefastener 280 cooperate to secure thecradle 200 in place within thespace 205. Theshock 155 can be attached to thesub-frame 75 and the mountingbracket 120 before or after thecradle 200 is secured to thetop tube 50. - With reference to
FIGS. 5-7 , thetool 210 is coupled to thecradle 200 by aligning the tool with theramp members 265 and guiding therearward-most axle 215 along theramp members 265 into engagement with therearward-most support members 250 and theribs 270. As thetool 210 is inserted, the outer ends of theaxle 215 are supported by theledges 255 of the rearward-most support members 250 (seeFIG. 7 ). With thetool 210 partially supported in thecradle 200, the other end of thetool 210 is pivoted upward to a position in which theforward-most axle 215 is aligned with theforward-most support members 250 and theribs 270. Thetool 210 then slides further rearward between thesupport members 250 and theribs 270 until the rear end of thetool 210 is engaged with the pocket of theresilient member 245. - In this way, the
tool 210 is slidably engageable with thecradle 200 so that thetool 210 can be stored in theframe 25 and hidden from view. The snap fit arrangement provided by theresilient member 245 and theridge 260 holds thetool 210 in thecradle 200, while thesupport members 250 and theribs 270 keep thetool 210 in place within thespace 205 until it is desired to remove thetool 210 from thetop tube 50. Thetool 210 can be coupled to thecradle 200 before or after theshock 155 is attached to theframe 25. - The
cradle 200 illustrated inFIGS. 2-7 and described above utilizes the area in which theshock 155 is mounted to theframe 25 to integrate abicycle accessory 195 into theframe 25 while keeping theaccessory 195 hidden from view. Moreover, theresilient member 245 and thesupport members 250 provide an accessory clip that is secured to theframe 25 and that facilitates attachment and detachment of abicycle accessory 195 to theframe 25 to provide quick access to theaccessory 195 without opening a hatch or a door. - Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/663,200 US8727368B1 (en) | 2012-10-29 | 2012-10-29 | Bicycle frame with integrated tool storage |
AU2013237747A AU2013237747A1 (en) | 2012-10-29 | 2013-10-08 | Bicycle frame with integrated tool storage |
TW102137568A TW201422476A (en) | 2012-10-29 | 2013-10-17 | Bicycle frame with integrated tool storage |
DE102013221317.4A DE102013221317A1 (en) | 2012-10-29 | 2013-10-21 | Bicycle frame with integrated tool storage space |
FR1360389A FR2997375B1 (en) | 2012-10-29 | 2013-10-24 | BICYCLE FRAME WITH INTEGRATED RANGE TOOLS |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/663,200 US8727368B1 (en) | 2012-10-29 | 2012-10-29 | Bicycle frame with integrated tool storage |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20140117643A1 true US20140117643A1 (en) | 2014-05-01 |
US8727368B1 US8727368B1 (en) | 2014-05-20 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/663,200 Active 2032-10-31 US8727368B1 (en) | 2012-10-29 | 2012-10-29 | Bicycle frame with integrated tool storage |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US8727368B1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2013237747A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE102013221317A1 (en) |
FR (1) | FR2997375B1 (en) |
TW (1) | TW201422476A (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140159338A1 (en) * | 2011-08-30 | 2014-06-12 | Canyon Bicycles Gmbh | Vehicle frame |
USD774970S1 (en) | 2015-02-27 | 2016-12-27 | Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. | Bicycle frame |
US9950827B1 (en) | 2014-11-03 | 2018-04-24 | Lawrence Michael Lau | Hydration container with self-adjusting drink and storage compartments |
USD839674S1 (en) | 2017-12-04 | 2019-02-05 | Charlene Lyu | Bottle |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10399631B2 (en) | 2015-03-13 | 2019-09-03 | Evan J. DeGray | Integrated cycling tool |
US9656716B2 (en) | 2015-03-13 | 2017-05-23 | Evan J. DeGray | Integrated cycling tool |
US10197049B2 (en) | 2016-06-16 | 2019-02-05 | D3 Innovation Inc. | Portable storage device for bicycle tools |
US11511824B2 (en) * | 2019-05-02 | 2022-11-29 | Trek Bicycle Corporation | In-tube cavity and storage |
US20210187713A1 (en) * | 2019-12-23 | 2021-06-24 | Crank Brothers, Inc. | Tool storage assembly, and head tube assembly including the tool storage assembly |
DE102021132022A1 (en) | 2021-12-06 | 2023-06-07 | MPR GmbH & Co. KG | System for attaching accessories to a bicycle frame |
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US5810228A (en) * | 1997-03-19 | 1998-09-22 | Brokering; Christopher N. | Side loading water bottle holder |
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DE20208249U1 (en) * | 2002-05-27 | 2002-08-08 | Nuvo Entpr Co | Frame for holding a beverage container on the bike |
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CA2596987C (en) * | 2006-08-10 | 2014-04-22 | Gerard Vroomen | Aerodynamic storage element and frame |
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-
2012
- 2012-10-29 US US13/663,200 patent/US8727368B1/en active Active
-
2013
- 2013-10-08 AU AU2013237747A patent/AU2013237747A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2013-10-17 TW TW102137568A patent/TW201422476A/en unknown
- 2013-10-21 DE DE102013221317.4A patent/DE102013221317A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2013-10-24 FR FR1360389A patent/FR2997375B1/en active Active
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US5810228A (en) * | 1997-03-19 | 1998-09-22 | Brokering; Christopher N. | Side loading water bottle holder |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140159338A1 (en) * | 2011-08-30 | 2014-06-12 | Canyon Bicycles Gmbh | Vehicle frame |
US9469369B2 (en) * | 2011-08-30 | 2016-10-18 | Canyon Bicycles Gmbh | Vehicle frame |
US9950827B1 (en) | 2014-11-03 | 2018-04-24 | Lawrence Michael Lau | Hydration container with self-adjusting drink and storage compartments |
USD774970S1 (en) | 2015-02-27 | 2016-12-27 | Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. | Bicycle frame |
USD839674S1 (en) | 2017-12-04 | 2019-02-05 | Charlene Lyu | Bottle |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE102013221317A1 (en) | 2014-04-30 |
AU2013237747A1 (en) | 2014-05-15 |
TW201422476A (en) | 2014-06-16 |
FR2997375B1 (en) | 2015-05-15 |
FR2997375A1 (en) | 2014-05-02 |
US8727368B1 (en) | 2014-05-20 |
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