Abstract
The present invention is a case that holds weight material and is used to add weight to a bicycle. The case is attached to a bicycle frame at various locations via a plurality of attachment straps. The case can be attached to a bicycle frame top tube, down tube or in front of a seat tube. The weight material is removable and can be loaded directly into the case or into one or more removable weight pouches that are inserted into the case. The weight of the case is adjustable by adding or subtracting weight as needed. Weight pouches are segmented to enable the weight amount to be reduced incrementally and to help keep the contents from moving around.
Claims
1. A case for adding weight to a bicycle comprising: a housing having an interior space and an exterior surface, wherein at least a portion of the interior space is sized and dimensioned to receive a plurality of weights; a plurality of securing fasteners for securing the housing to the bicycle; and wherein the exterior surface of the housing has an abutting surface that abuts a surface of the bicycle when the housing is secured to the bicycle, wherein the abutting surface has a contour that is sized and dimensioned to receive the surface of the bicycle.
2. The case of claim 1, wherein the housing is linear.
3. The case of claim 1, wherein the contour of the abutting surface is concave.
4. The case of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises flexible material.
5. The case of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a single piece.
6. The case of claim 1, further comprising a stabilizing fastener for stabilizing the case.
7. The case of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the interior space is sized and dimensioned to receive a plurality of pouches.
8. The case of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises at least two materials.
9. The case of claim 1, wherein a cross section of the housing has a concave portion and a convex portion.
10. The case of claim 1, wherein a cross-section of the housing is one of round, ovalized, squared, oblong, or teardrop shaped.
11. The case of claim 1, wherein the interior space of the housing has an interior surface comprised of a semi-rigid material and the exterior surface comprises a fibrous material.
12. A method of adding weight to a bicycle comprising: attaching a first case, having a housing with an exterior surface and an interior space, to a first portion of a bicycle; wherein the exterior surface of the first case has an abutting surface that abuts a surface of the bicycle when attached to the bicycle, wherein the abutting surface has a contour that is sized and dimensioned to receive the surface of the bicycle; and wherein at least a portion of the interior space of the first case is sized and dimensioned to receive a plurality of weights.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the contour of the abutting surface is concave.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the first case comprises flexible material.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein a cross section of the first case has a concave portion and a convex portion.
16. The method of claim 12, wherein the first case can be of different shapes such that a cross-section of the first case can be round, ovalized, squared, oblong, or teardrop shaped.
17. The method of claim 12, further comprising adding at least one weight to the first case.
18. The method of claim 12, further comprising: detaching the first case from the first portion of the bicycle; and attaching the first case to a second portion of the bicycle different from the first portion.
19. The method of claim 12, further comprising attaching a second case having a housing with an exterior surface and an interior space, to a second portion of a bicycle; wherein the exterior surface of the second case has an abutting surface that abuts a surface of the bicycle when attached to the bicycle, wherein the abutting surface has a contour that is sized and dimensioned to receive the surface of the bicycle; and wherein at least a portion of the interior space of the second case is sized and dimensioned to receive a plurality of weights.
20. The method of claim 12, further comprising stabilizing the first case when attached to the bicycle.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the case as viewed from the side and top. It shows an open cap and concave up shaped upper surface.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the bottom of the case and two weight pouches filled with weight material.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a sectional view from the front of the case showing the concave up shaped upper surface.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the case attached to a bicycle down tube.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the case attached to a bicycle top tube.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the case attached to a bicycle top tube. It shows an alternative strap attachment method.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a weight pouch that is filled half way with weight material comprised of metal balls.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the case attached to a bicycle seat tube.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a section of the case and a strap with a plastic buckle.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the case as viewed from the side and top with a section cut out, which reveals weight material inside the case comprised of small metal balls.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] All descriptions and drawings are for the purpose of describing a selected version of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It is also to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.
[0031] Referring now to the invention in more detail, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the case 10 as viewed from the side and top. The case 10 is comprised of an elongated, hollow, circular or non-circular shaped housing with a concave up shaped upper surface 19. The case 10 opens on one side via a cap 14 with a zipper 13. The opposite end is permanently closed and has a strap 12 attached to it. The concave up shaped upper surface 19 is used to help stabilize the case when attached to a bicycle frame. Most bicycle frames tubes have round, flat, or oval shaped surfaces. The concave down upper surface abuts against the bicycle frame tube.
[0032] The case 10 and cap 14 can be comprised of many materials. In the preferred embodiment, the interior space of the housing has an interior surface comprised of a semi-rigid material and the exterior surface comprises a fibrous material. The case can be made from EVA foam with a fabric laminate, neoprene fabric, or from various fabrics with dense foam padding sandwiched between two layers of fabric. It will be clear to those skilled in the art, in light of this disclosure, that a variety of materials may be used alone or in combination to provide both padding and rigidity for the case. Alternatively, the case 10 and cap 14 can also be injection molded out of various plastics or made from metal. As molded plastics and metal are very rigid, foam padding or neoprene can be attached to the outside of the case 10 along the entire length of the upper surface 19, which will provide cushioning and protection of the bicycle frame tubes, when the case 10 is attached to a bicycle frame. Both cost and design will dictate which type of material is preferred. Nylon or polyester fabrics laminated to EVA foam are durable, flexible, provide intrinsic padding and stiffness, and can be molded. The padding protects both the bicycle frame and the contents of the case. The present invention as illustrated in FIG. 1 shows the preferred embodiment of the case 10 made from polyester or nylon fabric laminated to EVA foam. The case 10 may be molded or not molded. FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the case 10 with an outer fabric layer 28 and an inner EVA foam layer 29. The fabric is bonded to the EVA foam. The two end caps are molded and are made from polyester or nylon fabric laminated to EVA foam. The strap 12 attached to the closed-end side of the case 10 can be permanently attached to the case 10 or it can be made to be removable.
[0033] Referring to the invention in FIG. 2, the illustration shows a perspective view of the case 10 from a bottom, side view perspective and two weight pouches 18. The weight pouches 18 can be filled with weight material comprised of solid metal bar sections, metal rods, metal balls, metal shot, metal sand, metal powder, metal filings or a combination of said material. The case 10 can hold one weight pouch 18 or a plurality of two of more weight pouches 18. Ultimately, the length and width of the case 10 and the length and width of the weight pouches 18 will dictate how many pouches 18 can be inserted into the cavity of the case 10. FIG. 2 shows a case 10 designed to hold up to two full weight pouches 18 of a specific size and weight. The case 10 can also be filled with metal weights without the use of weight pouches 18. The length of the case 10 as measured from the cap 14 side of the case 10 to the opposite side can vary based on the desired weight amount the case 10 will hold, but it is preferable for the case 10 to be a length that will distribute the weight over a longer area. Generally a length of 28 centimeters or 11 inches or more is recommended as a starting reference size. The intended use of the case 10, the weight of the case 10, and the type of weight material inserted into the case 10 will be some of the factors which help determine the chosen length of the case 10.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 2, two securing fasteners are straps 11 located at both ends of the case 10. The positions of the straps 11 are set by belt loops 17 attached to the bottom of the case 10. The belt loops preferably have an inside width, which is the distance between inside attachment points, wider than the width of the straps 11 to allow slight position changes of the straps 11. The straps 11 are preferably 1.9 centimeters or 0.75 inches wide, but the width can be wider. The straps 11 have hook and loop fasteners 22 to provide the attachment mechanism. Straps with hook and loop fasteners 22 have a squared ring 21 that allows the strap to be fed through the ring in order to cinch down the straps 11 and adjust the tension when securing the case to a bicycle frame. Each strap 11 wraps around both the case 10 and a bicycle frame tube and attaches to itself with the hook and loop fasteners 22. This attachment method is very strong. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the straps 11 can use a plastic buckle 27 as an attachment mechanism. The straps 11 are preferably removable since removable straps are more useful if a strap needs to be moved or replaced. If the straps 11 are not removable, they will be attached at one or more locations on the case 10. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the straps 11 can be attached to the upper surface 30 of the case 10 and wrap around a bicycle frame tube. This attachment method is not as strong, since it would put stress on the case 10 where the strap 11 is attached to, but may be preferred for aesthetic or other reasons. The straps 11 are preferably made from nylon or polyester woven strapping material but can also be comprised from other materials.
[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the cap 14 at the front end of the case 10 has a clamshell style opening. It attaches at the bottom of the case and opens and closes via a closed-end zipper 13. The zipper 13 extends around the perimeter of the cap 14 and the case 10. The cap 13 is not removable. The zipper 13 can be of many types, but a hidden zipper style is preferred for the present invention. A hidden zipper has material that covers the zipper teeth. This is beneficial to the present invention as it prevents the zipper teeth from coming into contact with the tubing of a bicycle frame.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 3, the illustration shows a cross section of the case 10 as viewed from the front end of the case. The case 10 shape can be rounded, ovalized, teardrop, squared, or any other shape, but will have a concave up shaped upper surface 19. The width of the case 10, which is the distance from the left side outer edge to the right side outer edge in FIG. 3, can vary but should not be so wide as to touch the bicycle rider's legs during pedaling or moving parts of the bike. Generally, an outside width between 5.7 centimeters and 6.35 centimeters or 2.25 and 2.5 inches is a recommended outside width as this is narrower than the width of a bicycle frame bottom bracket shell. The height of the case 10 can vary, but ideally, it should not be so tall as to interfere with the use of standard size water bottles of about 500 milliliters or 17 ounces, which are attached to the bicycle frame down tube 16 as seen in FIG. 8 or attached to the seat tube 20 as seen in FIG. 5 via water bottle cages, for most frame sizes. If the case height is too tall, then it could prevent a user from being able to insert a water bottle into a water bottle cage. Additionally, if the case 10 is attached to the bottom of a bicycle down tube 16 as seen in FIG. 4, the height of the case 10 should not cause the case 10 to rub against the tire of the front wheel of a bicycle. Generally, an outside height between of 6.35 centimeters or 2.5 inches is a recommended height for a case designed to fit a large size range of adult bicycles. However, the height measurement for the case is not set to one size and will ultimately be determined by the intended use of the case. The overall interior volume of the case 10 should account for the weight limit of the bicycle frame tubing. If the present invention is intended to be attached to high-end, light weight bicycle frames, then the case 10 should have a volume that keeps the overall weight of the present invention to fewer than 4.5 kilograms or 10 pounds. If the intended use for the present invention is to be attached to bicycle frames of sturdier construction, then the weight limit may not be a factor. High-end racing bikes are often made from tubing and materials that are thinner and lighter. Each manufacturer can have different specifications for tubing strength, so weight limits for the case 10 could change to accommodate.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 4, the illustration shows the case 10 attached to a bicycle frame down tube 16 with two fastening straps 11. Each strap 11 wraps around both the case and the bicycle frame down tube 16 and attaches to itself with hook and loop fasteners 22. The case 10 is positioned along the down tube 16 so lower strap 11 rests against the seat tube 20. Attaching the case 10 in this manner will help keep the case 10 from sliding, which would be due to the angle of the down tube 16. Depending on the position of water bottle cage bosses and bolts 30 located along the down tube 16, the upper strap 11 may or may not end up situated above one of the water bottle bolts 30.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 5, the illustration shows the case 10 attached to a bicycle frame top tube 15 with two fastening straps 11. Each strap 11 wraps around both the case and the bicycle frame top tube 15 and attaches to itself with hook and loop fasteners 22. This attachment method is very strong. A third fastening strap 12 is attached to the back end of the case 10 and wraps around the bicycle frame seat tube 20 and attaches to itself with hook and loop fasteners. This strap 12 is a stabilizing fastener and not a weight bearing fastener. The strap 12 helps reduce side to side movement of the case 10 when the case 10 is attached to a bicycle frame tube. Its use by the user is optional.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 8, the illustration shows the case 10 attached to a bicycle frame seat tube 20 with two fastening straps 11. Each strap 11 wraps around both the case and the bicycle frame seat tube 20 and attaches to itself with hook and loop fasteners 22. This attachment method is very strong. A third fastening strap 12 is attached to the back end of the case 10 and wraps around the bicycle frame down tube 16 and attaches to itself with hook and loop fasteners. This fastening strap 12 is a stabilizing strap and not a weight bearing strap. Its use by the user is optional, but is recommended to help prevent the case from moving from side to side if the straps 11 are not tightened down enough.
[0040] The case 10 is generally loaded with weight material comprised of solid metal bar sections, metal rods, metal balls, metal shot, metal sand, metal powder, metal filings or a combination of said material. The case 10 can be filled loosely filled with weight material, or the case 10 can be loaded with weight pouches 18 containing weight material as illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 10 illustrates a case 10 filled directly with weight material 25 comprised of small steel or iron balls. Weight pouches are not used in the FIG. 10 example. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the use of weight pouches 18 is preferred because the pouches 18 help to retain the material and keep the material from moving around as easily. Weight pouches 18 in FIG. 2 can be made from various fibrous fabrics like ripstop nylon, or from flexible plastic like polyethylene. The pouches 18 can be sealed in many ways depending on the material used and the type of closure mechanism used. To accommodate various weight amounts, the pouch 18 is designed to close at the top 23, and optionally, in the middle 24 of the pouch 18. The pouch 18 as shown in FIG. 2 is an example of a fibrous fabric pouch 18 sealed at the top 23 by way of an internal closure mechanism comprised of hook and loop fasteners. As illustrated in FIG. 7, to reduce the weight to about half, the metal weights 25 are removed from the top half 26 of the pouch 18 and sealed in the middle section 24 by way of an internal closure mechanism comprised of hook and loop fasteners attached to the inside of the pouch 18. If one pouch 18 is inserted into the case 10 then the case 10 will be approximately half the weight as a fully loaded case 10. If the weight material 25 is removed from one half of one pouch 18 and the second pouch 18 is fully loaded, then the total weight of the case 10 will be one quarter of the total weight lighter. The segmented pouch design enables adjustability of the weight closely to set amounts without the requiring the need for a weight scale. Additionally, the remaining weight material left inside the pouch is secured more to help reduce shifting around of the weight material.
[0041] Alternatively to the preferred embodiment previously illustrated, if the case 10 and cap 14 are made from injection molded plastic the following are possible design considerations. The cap 14 can open in various ways with different styles of opening mechanisms. The cap 14 can have a screw on mechanism or it can have a hinge and clasp style mechanism. The case 10 may have foam padding or neoprene attached to the upper concave up shaped surface 19 to provide cushioning and stability. Additionally, the straps 11 may or may not need to wrap around the case 10. The fastening straps 11 can wrap around the case 10 or can be attached close to the upper top surface, which abuts a bicycle frame tube, of the case 10. The type of fastening straps 11 and 12 used with an injection molded case 10 can be made from many fibrous and non-fibrous materials. Fastening straps 11 and 12 can be comprised of nylon or polyester webbing, as previously described, or fastening straps 11 and 12 can be comprised of flexible plastic with a ratcheting buckle mechanism. The case 10 can also be custom made and molded to fit a particular bicycle frame tube shape.
[0042] It should be appreciated from the foregoing description that the present invention provides a way to add weight to a bicycle. The case has the benefit of allowing weight material of various types to be inserted or removed. Weight material can be inserted directly into the case, or it can be contained within pouches that are inserted into the case. The weight pouches can be segmented to allow the weight to be reduced or increased incrementally. Because more than one case can be attached to a bicycle frame at the same time, the user of said weighted cases can increase the weight beyond the weight provided by one case.
[0043] It also should be appreciated that the invention has been described in detail with reference only to the presently preferred embodiment. Various modifications can be made without departing from the invention. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein and by the claims.
