U.S. patent application number 10/298034 was filed with the patent office on 2003-05-22 for bottle-cage device for bicycles.
This patent application is currently assigned to Campagnolo Srl. Invention is credited to Meggiolan, Mario.
Application Number | 20030094556 10/298034 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26332879 |
Filed Date | 2003-05-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030094556 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Meggiolan, Mario |
May 22, 2003 |
Bottle-cage device for bicycles
Abstract
A carrier device for a bicycle, comprises an anchoring portion,
which is to be fixed to the frame, an anchoring portion, and a
holding element, within which the object is introduced. The holding
element changes its longitudinal axis upon introduction of the
object into the holding element.
Inventors: |
Meggiolan, Mario; (Creazza,
IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VOLPE AND KOENIG, P.C.
SUITE 400, ONE PENN CENTER
1617 JOHN F. KENNEDY BOULEVARD
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103
US
|
Assignee: |
Campagnolo Srl
Vicenza
IT
|
Family ID: |
26332879 |
Appl. No.: |
10/298034 |
Filed: |
November 15, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/311.2 ;
248/223.21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62J 11/04 20200201 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/311.2 ;
248/223.21 |
International
Class: |
A47K 001/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 16, 2001 |
IT |
TO2001A001078 |
Nov 16, 2001 |
IT |
TO2001U000214 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An accessory supporting device for bicycles, particularly a
bottle-cage device, defining a seat for housing an accessory,
particularly a bottle, the device comprising an anchoring portion,
which is to be fixed to the frame of a bicycle, and a holding
portion, substantially of annular shape, connected to said
anchoring portion and defining a through axial aperture, provided
for receiving the body of the accessory therethrough, characterized
by said annular holding portion is connected to said anchoring
portion so that it is able to elastically pivot with its axis (AF),
with respect to the axis (AS) of said anchoring portion, from a
first position to a second position, as a result of the
introduction of the accessory into said seat, in such a way that in
said second position said annular holding portion elastically holds
the accessory in said seat.
2. Device according to claim 1, characterized by said annular
holding portion is in a strip form.
3. Device according to claim 2, further characterized by said strip
has an upper part and extends in a cantilever fashion from the said
upper part along a generally downwardly inclined plane, so as to
define a strip portion diametrically opposite to said upper part
and downwardly displaced relative thereto.
4. Device according to claim 3, further characterized by said strip
is connected to said anchoring portion at said upper part.
5. Device according to claim 1, characterized by said anchoring
portion and said holding portion being an integral, one piece
body.
6. Device according to claim 5, further characterized by said one
piece body flexible portion which is close to the location of said
connecting portion between said anchoring portion and said holding
portion.
7. Device according to claim 1, characterized by a lower supporting
portion, which is also connected to the anchoring portion and
provided for supporting a bottom portion of the body of the
accessory.
8. Device according to claim 7, further characterized by said
anchoring portion, said holding portion and said supporting portion
being an integral, one piece body.
9. Device according to claim 1, characterized by to said holding
portion there is associated an elastically deformable tab which is
for co-operating with said accessory when said holding portion is
in said second position.
10. Device according to claim 9, further characterized by said
anchoring portion, said holding portion, said supporting portion
and said tab form a body in one piece.
11. Device according to claim 1, characterized by guiding and
positioning means are provided, comprising at least two projections
which extend longitudinally along a prevailing portion of said
anchoring portion, so as to define a cavity.
12. Device according to claim 11, further characterized by said
anchoring portion, said holding portion, said supporting portion,
said tab and said projections form a body in one piece.
13. Device according to claim 5, characterized by said body in one
piece is made of carbon fibre material.
14. Device according to claim 1, characterized by: in said first
position, the axis (AF) of said through aperture is inclined with
respect to the axis (AS) of the anchoring portion; in said second
position, the axis (AF) of said through aperture is substantially
parallel to the axis (AS) of the anchoring portion.
15. Device according to claim 1, characterized by said holding
portion has an inner projection substantially diametrically
opposite to the portion thereof connected to said anchoring
portion.
16. Device according to claim 15, characterized by in said first
position, the axis (AF) of said through aperture is substantially
parallel to the axis (AS) of the anchoring portion; in said second
position, the axis (AF) of said through aperture is inclined with
respect to the axis (AS) of the anchoring portion.
17. Device according to claim 1, characterized by said holding
portion has an upper flared edge.
18. An accessory supporting device for bicycles, particularly a
bottle-cage device, defining a seat for housing an accessory,
particularly a bottle, the device comprising an anchoring portion,
which is to be fixed to the frame of a bicycle, and a holding
portion, connected to said anchoring portion and defining a through
axial aperture, provided for receiving the body of the accessory
therethrough, characterized by said holding portion presents a
relatively thin thickness and a first edge shaped so as to have a
cross section with a profile having a curved end, said holding
portion having a relatively thin thickness also along said first
edge.
19. Device according to claim 18, characterized by said holding
portion comprises also a second edge and is shaped along the latter
so as to have a cross section with a profile having a curved end,
said holding portion having a relatively thin thickness also along
said second edge.
20. Device according to claim 18, characterized by said holding
portion has a substantially constant thickness.
21. Device according to claim 18, characterized by said holding
portion has a generally annular shape.
22. Device according to claim 18, characterised by comprising a
curved blade element presenting a pair of curved elements which are
opposite to each other in a jaw-like fashion.
23. Device according to claim 18, characterised by comprising a
lower supporting element which is for supporting the lower part of
the accessory.
24. Device according to claim 18, characterized by said anchoring
portion and said holding means are formed in a single piece
body.
25. Device according to claim 24, characterized by said single
piece body is made of carbon fibre.
26. Device according to claim 21, characterized by the connecting
portion between said holding portion and said anchoring portion is
elastically deformable, so that the holding portion is able to
elastically pivot with its axis (AF) with respect to the axis (AS)
of the anchoring portion, between at least two different positions
as a result of the introduction of the bottle in said housing, in
one of said positions, said holding portion being elastically urged
in such a way to keep the accessory locked in its housing.
27. A cycle accessory support device for a generally circular
object having a longitudinal body portion of defined length that is
generally flat at one end and terminated at an opposite end of the
body portion in a circumferential groove, the device comprising a
longitudinal anchoring portion that is fixed to the cycle, the
anchoring portion has a supporting appendage form at one end
thereof, a connecting portion at an opposite end thereof, and an
elliptical holding strip connected to and flexible about the
connecting portion, the holding strip having a first axis in a
first condition and a second axis in a second condition, wherein
the elliptical holding strip transitions from the first to the
second condition when the accessory is positioned adjacent to the
anchoring portion and on the supporting appendage.
28. The device of claim 27 wherein the connecting portion includes
a curved tab that abuts the circumferential groove when the
accessory is positioned adjacent to the anchoring portion and on
the supporting appendage.
29. The device of claim 27 wherein the connecting portion includes
a projection that abuts the longitudinal body portion when the
accessory is positioned adjacent to the anchoring portion and on
the supporting appendage.
30. The device of claim 27 wherein the longitudinal anchoring
portion has a length generally equal to the longitudinal body
portion.
31. The device of claim 30 wherein the connecting portion includes
a curved tab that abuts the circumferential groove when the
accessory is positioned adjacent to the anchoring portion and on
the supporting appendage.
32. The device of claim 30 wherein the connecting portion includes
a projection that abuts the longitudinal body portion when the
accessory is positioned adjacent to the anchoring portion and on
the supporting appendage.
33. The device of claim 27 wherein the anchoring portion has spaced
apart longitudinal supporting surfaces that restrict lateral
movement the object.
34. A cycle accessory support device for supporting an object
having a tubular body portion of defined length and diameter and at
least one closed end, the device comprising a longitudinal
anchoring portion that is fixed to the cycle, the anchoring portion
has first and second ends and a connecting portion adjacent at
least one end thereof, and a holding element connected to and
flexible about the connecting portion, the holding element having a
first axis in a first condition and a second axis in a second
condition, wherein the holding element transitions from the first
to the second condition when the accessory is positioned adjacent
to the anchoring portion.
35. The device of claim 34 wherein the holding element is a closed
strip of a diameter greater than that of the tubular body.
36. The device of claim 35 wherein the anchoring portion has a
supporting appendage at an end opposite the connecting portion.
37. The device of claim 34 wherein the holding element is an
elliptical strip having a minor diameter greater than the diameter
of the tubular body.
38. The device of claim 37 wherein the anchoring portion has a
supporting appendage at an end opposite the connecting portion.
39. The device of claim 34 wherein the holding element is comprised
of at least two opposed curvilinear elements that define a diameter
greater than that of the tubular body.
40. The device of claim 39 wherein the anchoring portion has a
supporting appendage at an end opposite the connecting portion.
41. The device of claim 34 wherein the anchoring portion has spaced
apart longitudinal supporting surfaces that restrict lateral
movement the object.
42. A cycle accessory support device for an elongated object having
a defined length, the device comprising: a longitudinal anchor
having top, bottom and middle portions; and a holding element
connected to and flexible about the anchor's top portion, the
holding element having a first axis in a first condition and a
second axis in a second condition, wherein the holding element
transitions from the first to the second condition when the
accessory is positioned within the holding element and in contact
with the anchor.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a supporting device for an
auxiliary article, particularly a bottle-cage device, for
bicycles.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Devices of the above mentioned type are commonly used for
supporting a bottle or similar container.
[0003] In most known solutions the device comprises a main body,
fixed to the bicycle frame, to which there is associated a
supporting part, constituted by a metal wire frame defining a
housing for the bottle. When the bottle is introduced into its
housing, a slight widening of the frame takes place, so that the
bottle is held within the housing by the elastic reaction of the
metal wire. A solution of the above mentioned type is disclosed for
example in U.S. Pat. No. 5,392,971.
[0004] In known devices of the above mentioned type, the supporting
part made of metal wire has a poor structural strength. With such
devices, for example, the improper introduction of the bottle into
the above mentioned frame may give rise to permanent deformations
of the frame.
[0005] In other known solutions, an annular element within such a
bottle can be inserted, in lieu of the metal wire frame, is rigidly
associated to the main body of the device. To the lower end of the
main body there is associated a supporting base for the bottle,
whereas at the upper end of the same body a locking element is
present which can be activated manually.
[0006] In use, the bottle is inserted into the annular element from
above, along a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal
axis of the main body, until the lower portion of the bottle comes
into abutment against the lower base. The locking element is then
manually brought to a position in which it locks the bottle within
the device. Withdrawal of the bottle from the device is obtained
through an inverted sequence of operations with respect to those
indicated above. A solution of this type is disclosed for example
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,170,981.
[0007] Although this device may have greater structural strength
than the previous solution, it is relatively inconvenient in use,
especially while riding the bicycle, since it requires a specific
manual operation by the cyclist on the locking element, in order to
lock and/or unlock the bottle relative to the device.
[0008] Furthermore, the previously mentioned prior art devices are
formed by a number of separate parts, which complicates the
assembling of the device and the mounting thereof on the bicycle
frame.
[0009] Still further, in some prior art devices the means for
housing and holding the bottle in position is not an annular strip,
but opposed thin, flexible curved blades or walls which hold the
bottle in a jaw-like manner. In some circumstances, typically
during the movement of introduction or withdrawal of the bottle
with respect to its housing, the hand of the cyclist may come in
contact with the edges of the reduced thickness walls or blades
which may be sharp and cause injuries.
[0010] The present invention solves the previously mentioned
drawbacks, and provides an accessory supporting device for
bicycles, particularly a bottle cage device, which is simple to
manufacture and assemble, easy to use and reliable in
operation.
SUMMARY
[0011] These objects are achieved according to the present
invention by an accessory supporting device for bicycles,
particularly a bottle-cage device, defining a seat for housing an
accessory, particularly a bottle, the device comprising an
anchoring portion, which is to be fixed to the frame of a bicycle,
and
[0012] a holding portion connected to said anchoring portion and
defining a through axial aperture, provided for receiving the body
of the accessory therethrough. The holding portion is connected to
the anchoring portion and pivots, with respect to the axis of said
anchoring portion, from a first position to a second position that
holds the accessory in said seat.
[0013] Alternatively, the holding portion may be of relatively
thin, flexible blades or walls having an edge shaped with a curved
profile in cross section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0014] Further objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the detailed description which
follows and the annexed drawings, given purely by way of
illustrative and non-limiting examples, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an accessory supporting
device according to the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a side view of the device of FIG. 1, mounted on a
frame post, with an object in the insertion stage;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a front view of the device and the bottle
illustrated in FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a cross-section taken along line IV-IV of FIG.
3;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating the bottle of FIG. 2
inserted into the device;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a
supporting device according to the invention;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a side view of the device of FIG. 6, with an
article inserted therein;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a cross-section taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG.
7;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative device
according to the present invention; and
[0024] FIG. 10 is a cross-section taken along line X-X of FIG.
9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0025] In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 generally designates an
accessory supporting device for bicycles made according to the
teachings of the present invention.
[0026] The body of the device 1, preferably formed in one piece,
such as of carbon fibre, comprises an anchoring portion 2, which is
to be associated to the frame of a bicycle.
[0027] Substantially at the upper end of the anchoring portion 2, a
supporting or holding portion 3 is provided, defining an axial
passage. In the example shown, the supporting portion 3 is in the
form of an annular strip, having a relative thickness of about 1.5
millimetres.
[0028] At the lower end of the anchoring portion 2, there extends
orthogonally a supporting appendage 4. At the opposite end there is
a tab 5 with a curved end, which depends from the edge of strip 3
above the area where it is connected to the anchoring portion
2.
[0029] In FIGS. 2 and 3, the device 1 according to the invention is
mounted on a generic post 6, which typically forms part of a
bicycle frame. To this end, the anchoring portion 2 has through
holes for fixing screws or anchors designated by 7, which are to
secure the device to tube 6.
[0030] Also in FIGS. 2 and 3, reference number 8 generally
designates an article, such as a bottle, which is to be supported
by the device 1. Along the periphery of bottle 8, at the upper
portion thereof is a continuous groove 9 which is the point of
engagement for the flexible tab 5.
[0031] Reference AF designates the axis of the annular strip 3,
that is the axis of the axial passage thereof. With AS an axis is
further designated, which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of
the anchoring portion 2. Axis AS also represents the axis on which
the bottle 8 is housed, when it is introduced down to the bottom of
device 1.
[0032] According to one aspect of the present invention, the
connecting portion 10 between the anchoring portion 2 and the
annular strip 3 is elastically deformable or flexible. In this
manner, as it will become clearly apparent in the following
description, the annular strip 3 has different angular positions,
depending upon whether the object 8 is present or not present
within the device 1, the axis AF having a different inclination in
these positions. Thus, when the bottle 8 is inserted down to the
bottom of the device, the connecting portion 10 holds a portion of
the inner surface of strip 3 elastically pressed against a portion
of the surface of bottle 8.
[0033] In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-5, when
the bottle 8 is not inserted into the device 1, the axis AF has a
given inclination or incidence angle AI with respect to axis
AS.
[0034] As it can be noted in FIGS. 3 and 4, the anchoring portion 2
has two side projections, designated by 2A on its surface opposite
to that in contact with tube 6. These projections 2A extend
longitudinally along portion 2 through most part of the length
thereof, defining a cavity 2B.
[0035] As it will become apparent in the following, the projections
2A have the function to provide two separate supporting surfaces
for the bottle 8, in order to prevent lateral movements thereof
when it is inserted within the device 1 and also in order to guide
the bottle 8 in its movements when it is inserted into or withdrawn
from the device 1, due to the presence of cavity 2B.
[0036] The operation of device 1, in the embodiment of the
invention shown in FIGS. 1-5 is the following.
[0037] The bottle 8 is introduced from above into the strip 3. As
it can be noted in FIG. 2, the direction of this introduction of
the bottle 8 within the strip 3 (which direction corresponds
substantially to axis AF) forms a given incidence angle AI with
respect to axis AS.
[0038] This means that contact of the lower portion of the object 8
with the projections 2A and the cavity 2B provides guidance for
movement of the object 8. In this embodiment, the groove 9 and the
tab 5 come into contact, see FIG. 5. As is illustrated in FIG. 5,
the annular strip 3 is in tension against the body of bottle 8. A
further holding function is provided by the action of tab 5.
[0039] Given the above mentioned incidence angle AI, during the
progressive lowering of the bottle 8, the latter comes in contact
both with the projections 2A and with the surface of the axial
passage of strip 3. This causes an increasing urging force being
applied to the body of device 1 at the connecting portion 10
between this annular strip 3 and the anchoring portion 2.
[0040] The above mentioned urging force causes the connecting
portion 10 to undergo an elastic deflection, which enables a
movement of the annular strip 3. This movement is such that the
axis AF becomes coincident with axis AS, when the lower end of the
bottle 8 comes into abutment against the lower support 4.
[0041] Since a longitudinal portion of the rounded surface of the
bottle 8 is positioned within the cavity 2B, possible sideward
movements of the bottle 8 are virtually prevented. The object can
be withdrawn by a simple upward drawing action which causes the
return of device 1 to the condition of FIG. 2.
[0042] In FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, an alternative embodiment of the
invention is shown. In this embodiment, the annular strip 3 has a
convex portion or projection 3A, substantially diametrically
opposite to the connecting portion 10. In this embodiment, the
relative positions between strip 3 and portion 2 as such that axes
AF and AS as identified above, are coincident with each other. When
the bottle 8 is introduced into annular strip 3 along a direction
substantially parallel to portion 2, a portion of the outer surface
of the bottle 8 contacts the projection 3A in a sliding motion and
the lower portion of the bottle 8 contacts with the anchoring
portion 2.
[0043] Also in this case, the progressive sliding downward movement
of the bottle 8, in contact with projection 3A and projections 2A,
causes an increasing urging action at the connecting portion 10,
thus determining a movement of the annular strip 3 with respect to
the anchoring portion 2. Therefore, when the lower end of the
bottle 8 reaches the lower support 4, the annular strip 3 is held
in tension, so that the bottle is held in position and vibrations
and lateral movements thereof are virtually prevented. In this
position, as shown in FIG. 6, axes AF and AS are inclined relative
to each other.
[0044] Another alternative embodiment is shown with reference to
FIGS. 9 and 10, in which the same reference numerals previously
mentioned are used, the annular strip 3 may have a relatively
constant thickness, also at its upper and lower edges, designated
by 3B and 3C respectively.
[0045] FIG. 10 particularly shows how the strip 3 is shaped along
its two edges 3B and 3C so as to have in cross section a profile
with ends curved towards the inside of the housing for the bottle,
i.e. towards the inside of the axial space defined by the annular
strip 3. Alternatively, the edge 3B and/or 3C may be curved
outwardly, for instance by an angle greater than 270.degree., to
avoid potentially cutting projections.
[0046] It is to be noted that the advantages of the invention can
be obtained also in case the holding means of the bottle are formed
differently from a single annular strip or wall, in particular in
case they are of jaw-like type, i.e. comprising a pair of opposite
curved blade elements.
[0047] Finally, the upper edge of the annular strip 3 can
advantageously be made with a flared shape in order to make the
insertion of the bottle 8 easier.
[0048] In a similar manner, the lower supporting appendage 4 may
have a curved edge, similar to what has been described and shown
above with reference to the annular strip 3.
[0049] In some applications, the supporting portion 4 could be
eliminated and its function accomplished by a part of the bicycle
frame located below the fixing spot for the device 1.
[0050] Since the device 1 according to the invention is applicable
also for supporting containers or articles other than a bottle, it
should be understood that the cross-section of strip 3 could have a
different shape depending upon the article which is to be
supported.
* * * * *