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Description  |
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to devices for storing and
dispensing fluids and, specifically, to a device for storing and
dispensing pressurized fluid such as water to athletes and other
individuals similarly situated during the performance of their particular
activity.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Devices for storing and/or dispensing fluids, such as water, are well known
within the art and have had various forms and functions over the years,
for example, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,911,339 (Cushing), 4,815,635
(Porter), 4,807,813 (Coleman), 4,441,638 (Shimano), 4,386,721 (Shimano)
and 4,095,812 (Rowe), the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by
reference as though fully set forth herein.
Some of the prior devices relate to water bottles for use by bicyclists to
quench one's thirst without the need to stop and dismount the bicycle.
Accordingly, such water bottles are removably mounted along the bicycle
frame to be removed by the rider during use of the bicycle. However, such
water bottles have several disadvantages and limitations associated with
their use. For example, one problem associated with the use of the type of
devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,441,638 (Shimano) and 4,386,721
(Shimano), is that use of the device diverts the rider's attention from
the road for both removal and, particularly, return of the bottle to its
support cage or holder. In addition, the rider is forced to steer and
balance the bicycle with only one hand. It is also necessary for the rider
to change her/his body position to a less aerodynamic body position and
change the cadence of her/his pedaling pace.
Another limitation associated with such devices is caused by the location
of the water bottle, which are usually located beneath the rider along the
diagonal support or the vertical support of the bicycle frame. Such a
location raises the center of gravity which is preferably as low as
possible.
Several of the prior devices attempt to overcome or minimize such
limitations by including a straw or tubing connected to the water bottle
by which the rider may obtain fluid. These types of devices are disclosed
in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,911,339 (Cushing), 4,815,635 (Porter) and 4,095,812
(Rowe). However, limitations remain with respect to the use of such
devices, particularly during endurance events utilizing bicycles such as a
tour, biathlon, triathlon and like, During such events, the rider's body
requires repeated replenishment of fluids and electrolytes over an
extended period of time due to dehydration. The water bottles for such
devices do not hold a sufficient quantity of fluid for use during the
entire event and as a result of their construction are not readily
replaceable during the event. Accordingly, the fluid supply needs to be
replenished by refilling the water bottle while remaining mounted to the
bicycle. To simply enlarge the size of the water bottles, would add undue
weight to the bicycle and hinder access to the fluid.
In addition, the devices disclosed in the patents to Cushing and Porter
both attempt to supply pressurized fluid to the rider. But in order to
dispense the water, the devices require manipulation by the rider, which
again diverts the attention of the rider from the road. For example, the
device disclosed in the patent to Cushing requires that the water be
pressurized by a hand pump in the form of a pleaded bellows or otherwise
pumped by a nozzle assembly. Similarly, the device disclosed in the patent
to Porter requires manipulation by hand of a diaphragm-type pump in order
to supply water to the rider.
Thus, there has been a need for a pressurized fluid dispensing device,
which would eliminate the problems and limitations associated with the
prior devices discussed above, most significant of the problems being
associated with the use of such devices in endurance events. These and
other objects will be apparent from the following detailed description and
appended claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In contrast to the prior devices discussed above, it has been found that a
pressurized fluid dispensing device particularly suited for use during
endurance events such as for example a bicycle tour, biathlon, triathlon
and the like can be constructed which is able to dispense fluid contained
therein without diverting the attention of the rider from the road and
without requiring manipulation of the device by the rider's hand. In
addition, the device of the present invention is lightweight, streamline,
and able to be located on the bicycle such as to get the center of gravity
as low as possible. Further, the portion of the device containing the
fluid supply is readily removable and replaceable to insure that
sufficient fluid is made available to the rider for an extended period of
time during endurance events.
The pressurized fluid dispensing device of the present invention includes a
vessel, a support cage, tubing, a check valve and an actuateable valve.
The vessel is for storing a fluid therein under pressure, and the vessel
is adapted to include a sealable opening. The support cage is for
releasably supporting the vessel and sealingly engaging the vessel means.
The tubing is for communicating the fluid from the vessel to an athlete.
The check valve is in fluid communication with the vessel, the support
cage and the tubing so that when the vessel is sealingly engaged with the
support cage, fluid may flow through the check valve from the vessel along
the tubing. The actuateable valve is sealingly connected to an end of the
tubing for selectively dispensing fluid from the tubing upon actuation of
the valve by the mouth of the athlete.
In the disclosed embodiment, the pressurized fluid dispensing device is for
use by athletes in endurance events, such a bicycle tour, biathlon,
triathlon and the like. The device includes a vessel, a support cage,
tubing, a check valve and an actuateable valve. The vessel is for storing
a fluid therein under pressure, and the vessel is adapted to include a
bottom and a sealable opening through which fluid may be introduced into
the vessel. The support cage is mountable to the frame of a bicycle for
releasably supporting the vessel and sealingly engageable with the vessel.
The check valve extends from the bottom of the vessel in fluid
communication with the vessel. The check valve is sealingly engageable
with the support cage so that when the vessel is sealingly engaged with
the support cage, fluid may flow through the check valve from the vessel
through the support cage. The check valve is engageable with a
pressurizable device for pressurizing the fluid contained within the
vessel. The tubing communicates the fluid from the vessel to an athlete.
The tubing is adapted to be connected at an end to the check valve. The
actuateable valve is sealingly connected to an other end of the tubing for
selectively dispensing fluid from the tubing upon actuation of the valve
by the mouth of the athlete.
In the disclosed embodiment, the check valve is adapted for engagement with
a pressurizing device for pressurizing the fluid contained within the
vessel. The device also includes an adapter, whereby the check valve and
the pressurizing device may be interconnected.
In an alternative embodiment, the pressurized fluid dispensing device of
the present invention includes a vessel, a support cage, a mounting
assembly, a check valve, tubing, and an actuateable valve. The vessel has
a top, a bottom, a generally vertical side, a generally diagonal side, two
generally lateral sides, and a sealable opening in the top, with the
vessel being pressurizable. The support cage is mountable to the frame of
a bicycle and has a generally vertical side, a generally diagonal side,
and a bottom. The mounting assembly attaches the support cage to the
bicycle frame. The check valve extends from the bottom of the vessel in
fluid communication with the vessel and is sealingly engageable with a
recess formed in the bottom of the support cage, so that when the vessel
is sealingly engaged with the support cage, the fluid may flow through the
check valve from the vessel. The flexible tubing has a first end and a
second end, with the tubing attached at the first end to the bottom of the
support cage in fluid communication with the check valve for communicating
the fluid from the vessel to an athlete. The actuateable valve is
sealingly connected to the second end of the tubing for selectively
dispensing fluid from the tubing upon actuation of the actuateable valve
by the mouth of the athlete.
In the preferred embodiment, the actuateable valve includes a deformable,
hollow member, whereby when a cyclist deforms the deformable, hollow
member by biting thereon, fluid is released through one end thereof. In
addition, the support cage is mountable above a crank assembly of the bike
and engageable with a generally vertical support of the frame and a
generally diagonal support of the frame. The check valve includes an
extending portion which upon being moved permits the flow of fluid through
the check valve.
Further, the device includes a cap for sealing the opening in the vessel.
Also, the vessel is of generally wedge-shape and the support cage is of
generally V-shape.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The various features, objects, benefits, and advantages of the present
invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed
description of the preferred embodiment along with the appended claims in
conjunction with the drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify
corresponding components, and:
FIG. 1 is perspective, side view of a bicycle illustrating the pressurized
fluid dispensing device of the present invention mounted to the frame of
the bicycle;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of the bicycle illustrated in FIG.
1;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of the bicycle illustrating an
alternative embodiment of the pressurized fluid dispensing device
illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of the actuateable valve of the
pressurized fluid dispensing device illustrated in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a side view of the support cage of the pressurized fluid
dispensing device;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the support cage of the pressurized fluid
dispensing device illustrated in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary side view of the check valve inserted
into the recess of the support cage of the pressurized fluid dispensing
device;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the support cage illustrating the tubing of
the pressurized fluid dispensing device;
FIG. 9 is a side view of the fluid vessel of the pressurized fluid
dispensing device;
FIG. 10 is a fragmentary, side view of the support cage and fluid vessel
illustrating the details of the interconnection therebetween;
FIG. 11 is a enlarged, side view of the check valve of the fluid vessel
illustrating the adapter for pressurizing the fluid contained therein.
FIG. 12 is a side view of the support cage of the pressurized fluid
dispensing device mounted to the bicycle frame shown in fragmentary;
FIG. 13 is a side view of the support cage of FIG. 12 with the fluid vessel
inserted therein;
FIG. 14 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the support cage of
the pressurized fluid dispensing device mounted to the bicycle frame shown
in fragmentary;
FIG. 15 is a side view of the support cage of FIG. 14 with the fluid vessel
inserted therein;
FIG. 16 is a side view of another embodiment of the support cage with the
fluid vessel inserted therein;
FIG. 17 is a side view of another embodiment of the support cage with the
fluid vessel inserted therein illustrating the passage of the tubing
between the fluid vessel and the support cage; and
FIG. 18 is a side view illustrating insertion of the support cage into the
fluid vessel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The pressurized fluid dispensing device of the present invention is
illustrated in FIGS. 1-18 and is generally designated as 30.
Referring to FIG. 1, the pressurized fluid dispensing device 30 of the
present invention may be mounted to the frame 32 of a bicycle 34 of
ordinary construction. As illustrated in greater detail in FIGS. 2 and 3,
the pressurized fluid dispensing device 30 is mounted at the bottom of the
frame triangle 36 between the generally vertical support or seat tube 37
and the generally diagonal support or down tube 38 above the center
bracket or crank assembly 39 to get the weight and center of gravity as
low as possible.
The pressurized fluid dispensing device 30 of the present invention
includes a support cage or housing 40, a fluid vessel or bottle 42, tubing
44 and an actuateable valve 46. The tubing is preferably flexible and of
sufficient length to extend from the pressurized fluid dispensing device
30, along the diagonal support 38 of the bicycle frame, between the
support cage 40 and the vessel 42, and past the handle bars 48 of the
bicycle. In addition, the tubing may include a second piece of tubing 44'
which is stiffer and will retain its shape and positioning upon being
bent, such a tubing 44' may include wire reinforced tubing.
The tubing 44 or 44' may be attached to the handle bars 48 by a zip tie,
clamp or other means 49 for attaching and holding the tubing in place. In
the event arrow type bars are used, the tubing may be further extended
over the wheel of the bicycle so that the rider does not have to lean
forward or otherwise change position to obtain fluid.
In the preferred embodiment of the pressurized fluid dispensing device 30
of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6 and 8, the support cage
40 is of a generally V-shape and includes two generally lateral sides 50
interconnected by a generally vertical side 52 and a generally diagonal
side 54. The side 54 is generally rounded to reduce drag and make the
device more streamline.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, a groove or a pair of fins 56 extend along the
vertical side 52 of the cage 40 for resilient engagement with the vertical
support 37 of the triangle 36 of the bicycle frame. A foam sleeve or other
resilient means may be provided between the cage 40 and the vertical
support to prevent the two from rubbing and vibrating, and to insure
resilient engagement of the cage with the vertical support. In the
preferred embodiment, the diagonal side 58 of the cage 40 includes an
extending portion 58 for abutting engagement with the diagonal support 38.
The extending portion 58 includes a groove 59 extending along the length
thereof. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, screws 62 or other fastening
means may be inserted through the groove 59 of the extending portion into
corresponding openings formed in the diagonal support 38 of the bicycle
frame 34 and tightened for securing the support cage 40 to the bicycle
frame.
A nipple 60 extends from the bottom of the support cage 40 as illustrated
in FIG. 5 and in greater detail in FIG. 7. The nipple 60 is dimensioned to
be sealingly engageable with the inner surface of the tubing 44 as
illustrated in FIG. 8.
As illustrated in FIG. 9, the fluid vessel 42 includes a hollow cavity for
containing fluid therein, such as for example water. The vessel 42 is of
generally wedge-shape for insertion into the support cage 40. In the
preferred embodiment, a pair of ribs 70 extend from the lateral sides 72
of the vessel 42. The ribs 70 (illustrated in FIG. 7) are slidingly
engageable with corresponding grooves 74 (illustrated in FIG. 5) formed in
the inner portion of the lateral sides 50 of the support cage 40.
In the preferred embodiment, the vessel 42 includes a raised portion 75
corresponding to the outer configuration of the lateral sides 50 of the
support cage. In this way, when the vessel 42 is inserted into the support
cage 40, the raised portion 75 of the vessel abuts the contour of the
support cage and locks in place and makes it a flushed, streamlined
surface to reduce air turbulence.
An opening 76 is formed in the top of the vessel with a lip 78 extending
therefrom through which fluid may be placed into the hollow cavity of the
vessel 42. A lid or snap on cap 79 is engageable with the lip 78 of the
opening to seal the vessel.
In addition, a check valve 80 extends from the bottom of the vessel 42 as
illustrated in FIG. 9. The check valve includes a biased, extending
portion 84 which when fully extended prevents the flow of fluid from the
vessel and which when depressed permits the flow of fluid from the vessel.
The check valve may be inserted into a recess 82 formed in the bottom of
the support cage 40 as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7. Such a valve is
commercially available from, for example, Colder Products Company of St.
Paul, Minnesota. The particular valve is not essential to the present
invention as long as it selectively prevents and permits the flow of fluid
from the vessel.
An O-ring seal 86 is disposed in a recess formed in the outer wall of the
check valve. The O-ring seal 86 comes in contact with the wall of the
recess 82 formed in the support cage to seal the interconnection of the
vessel 42 and the support cage 40. Accordingly, when the vessel 42 is
inserted into the support cage 40, the check valve 80 sealingly engages
the recess 82, and when fully inserted into the cage, the bottom of the
recess depresses the extending portion 84 of the check valve to permit the
flow of fluid therefrom as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 10.
As illustrated in FIG. 10, a passage is formed between the support cage 40
and the vessel 42 along the their diagonal sides through which the tubing
44 may pass.
Fluid contained within the vessel 42 may be pressurized by using an adapter
88 to connect the check valve to a bicycle pump, CO.sub.2 cartridge, or
similar means for supplying pressurized air as illustrated in FIG. 11. To
provide an indication of the amount of pressure exerted within the vessel,
the cap may include a pressure indicating valve or similar means. As an
alternative, the cap 79 may be replaced with a screw cap or a radiator
type cap which will allow the individual to pump up the vessel 42 until
pressure is released by the cap to let the person know that the pressure
in the vessel is at an appropriate level.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the actuateable valve 46 includes a generally
hollow member 90 tapering at one end to form a tube engaging portion 92
for sealing engagement with the tubing 44 or 44'. The other end of the
member 90 includes an opening 94 though which fluid may pass. Located
within the hollow member near the opening 94 is a pair of opposed flanges
96 which are in fluid sealing engagement, but which are separated from one
another when the hollow member 90 is deformed from, for example, being
bitten. Deformation of the hollow member 90 separates the flanges 96 to
allow fluid to flow through the hollow member 90. The particular valve is
not essential to the present invention as long as it may be actuated by
the mouth of the rider.
In an alternative embodiment of the support cage 40' illustrated in FIGS.
3, 12 and 13, the groove 56 may be replaced with an extending portion 58'
for abutting engagement with the vertical support 37 in much the same way
as the other extending portion 58. It should be appreciated that various
means may be utilized for mounting the support cage to the bicycle
including clamps and the like. The particular means is not significant to
the pressurized fluid dispensing device 30 of the present invention.
The support cage of the pressurized fluid dispensing device 30 of the
present invention may be made in a variety of sizes. FIGS. 14-17,
illustrate various embodiments of the pressurized fluid dispensing device
30 of the present invention in which the sides of the support cage 40 are
of various dimensions and propositions. Such dimensions are not intended
to limit the present invention.
The materials used for construction of the support cage 40 and the fluid
vessel 42 is not essential to the present invention and may be made from a
variety of materials having properties of being light-weight but durable,
impermeable and flexible, such as polymer materials.
The product can be manufactured by several manufacturing processes well
known to those skilled in the art. Normally, the manufacturers of this
product will select the best commercially available material, based upon
price, application and manufacturing process such as injection molding.
The particular material of which the tubing 44 and 44' is made is not
essential to the present invention and may be made from a variety of
materials having properties of impermeability, flexibility, and durability
such as polymers, including polyvinylchloride, polyolefin, polypropylene
etc., and in the case of tubing 44' may include reinforcing wires.
OPERATION AND USE
The pressurized fluid dispensing device 30 of the present invention is
readily adaptable for use in athletic endurance events such as for example
a bicycle tour, biathlon, triathlon and the like as illustrated in FIG. 1
mounted to a bicycle. It should also be appreciated that the device may be
used in auto racing and like events.
In use, the fluid vessel is supplied with a fluid, such as water, and
sealed. Then the vessel is connected to a bicycle pump by an adapter 88
and pressurized to the desired level. Next the pressurized vessel is fully
inserted into the support cage 40 mounted to the frame 32 of a bicycle
above the center bracket or crank assembly 39 so that the check valve 80
engages the recess 82 of the support cage 40. In this way, the extending
portion 84 of the check valve is depressed to permit pressurized fluid to
flow from the vessel 42 along the tubing 44.
In order for the rider to obtain fluid during competition, he/she simply
has to bite on the actuateable valve 46 to deform the hollow member 90 and
obtain the desired amount of fluid and release the valve once the desired
amount of fluid has been obtained. Further, if the rider desires to
refresh her/his self, the rider can squeeze the actuateable valve 46 by
hand to spray fluid therefrom.
Once the fluid in the vessel is exhausted, the spent vessel can be removed
and replaced with a new pressurized fluid vessel. Replacement of the
vessel can be readily accomplished by a simple hand-off during competition
or using a musette bag or sling in which the replacement vessel is hung
for handing-off.
Furthermore, it should be appreciated that in the event of a pressure
failure, the vessel can be removed much like a conventional water bottle,
and by simply removing the cap or depressing the extending portion 84 of
the check valve 80, fluid can still be obtained by the rider.
While the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described
so as to enable one skilled in the art to practice the device of the
present invention, it is to be understood that variations and
modifications may be employed without departing from the concept and
intent of the present invention as defined in the following claims. The
preceding description is intended to be exemplary and should not be used
to limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention should be
determined only by reference to the following claims.
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