Abstract:
A modular storage system for use with a bicycle can include a rail coupled to the top tube of the bicycle and at least two rigid compartments or modules releasably coupled to the rail. Each of the rigid compartments has an interior compartment accessible while a rider is riding the bicycle. Each of the rigid compartments can be shaped to have low aerodynamic drag. Each rigid compartment can be configured to hold at least one of a fluid container, food, bicycle repair implements, a replacement tube, and a replacement tire.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    This application relates generally to accessories for bicycles and in particular, to storage systems for items carried on a bicycle. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Bicycles are used for transportation, exercise, competition, and recreation by many millions of people around the world. Around 20 million bicycles are sold each year in the United States alone. Because bicycles are very good at transporting people great distances, it is easy to travel far from civilization and potential help. Some people, particularly those training for competition, can ride up to 100 miles or more in a single day. In riding such distances, riders will need water and food, and often carry spare parts and tools because they can be required to repair a damaged tire or tube to avoid being stranded far from help and needing to wait a significant amount of time for help to arrive or to walk the bicycle to a safe place. 
         [0003]    Many devices have been made to aid in carrying water and other useful things that one can want or need when bicycling far from help, such as tools, replacement tires and tubes, etc. However, each of these devices is very specific for the particular item it is supposed to carry, and are generally not convenient to access when riding. Bicycle riders, especially racers or those training to race, often have different requirements on different days for carrying items. For example, a racer can want water, food, and a spare tube when training long distances, and only tools and a spare tire when racing as food and water are available along the race route. 
         [0004]    Each existing device for carrying a particular item, such as tools or food, tend to be mounted to the bicycle in a very particular manner, requiring significant effort to add or remove the device and mounting hardware, making it difficult to change the configuration of items to be carried for any particular day of riding. Similarly, bicycle racers tend to not use these devices because they generally create additional unwanted aerodynamic drag. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    Embodiments of a modular storage system for use with a bicycle are discussed and illustrated that can be used to quickly and easily attach items needed by a cyclist. Embodiments include a rail coupled to the top tube of a bicycle and at least two rigid compartments or modules releasably coupled to the rail. Each of the rigid compartments can have an interior accessible when riding the bicycle. Similarly, each of the rigid compartments can be shaped to have low aerodynamic drag. Each rigid compartment can be configured to hold at least one of a fluid container, food, bicycle repair implements, a replacement tube, and a replacement tire. 
         [0006]    In some embodiments, the modular storage system can include a third rigid compartment releasably coupled to the rail. One or more components of the modular storage system can be substantially formed from carbon fiber, HDPE, or a combination of the two, or from other rigid, lightweight materials such as aluminum. 
         [0007]    In some modules, the interior can be accessible through a hinged opening. In other modules, the interior can be accessible by removing a top portion of the rigid compartment. And in others, the interior can be accessible through a sliding door opening. The bicycle can be any type of bicycle, including a racing bicycle. 
         [0008]    An individual having a bicycle with the modular storage system can select different modules as desired for a particular day of riding. For example, the individual can select at least two modules from modules each containing at least one of food, water, bicycle repair tools, spare inner tube, spare tire, and personal accessories. The modules can then be attached to a rail coupled to a top bar of a bicycle. During the ride, the individual can access the interior of at least one of the selected modules without the need to stop. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The following description can be better understood in light of Figures, in which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a modular storage system for bicycles with a food storage module; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of the modular storage system of  FIG. 1  with a cover in an open position; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a modular storage system for bicycles with a tire storage module; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is an illustration of the modular storage system of  FIG. 3  with a cover in a closed position; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is an illustration of a rail for a modular storage system for bicycles. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is an illustration of an embodiment of a modular storage system for bicycles with two modules, one with an open cover; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a water storage module for a modular storage system for bicycles; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a tire/tube storage module for a modular storage system for bicycles; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a modular storage system for bicycles with three modules, including a module with a sliding cover. 
       
    
    
       [0019]    Together with the following description, the Figures demonstrate and explain the principles of inventive modular storage systems for bicycles and methods for using and making the systems. In the Figures, the thickness and configuration of components can be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals in different Figures represent the same component. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    The following description supplies specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding. Nevertheless, the skilled artisan would understand that embodiments of modular storage systems for bicycles and associated methods of using the systems can be implemented and used without employing these specific details. Indeed, exemplary embodiments and associated methods can be placed into practice by modifying the illustrated units and associated methods and can be used in conjunction with any other devices and techniques conventionally used in the industry. For example, while the description below focuses generally on a rail with detent positioning, any type of connection to a fixed rail can be used to easily change different modules as desired. 
         [0021]    One exemplary modular storage system for use with bicycles is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . In the Figures, modular storage system  100  is shown. Modular storage system  100  can be mounted to top bar  12  of bicycle  10 . Modular storage system  100  includes mounting rail  110  with two different modules coupled to mounting rail  110 , including food module  120  releasably coupled to rail  110 , and tube and tool module  130  coupled to mounting rail  110 . 
         [0022]    Different modules can be releasably coupled to mounting rail  110  as desired. For example, in  FIGS. 3-4 , replacement tire module  140  is in place of food module  120  shown in  FIGS. 1-2 . In some embodiments, each of the modules can be designed to be aerodynamically efficient, incorporating a door or cover to provide smooth air-flow over an otherwise aerodynamically inefficient shape, such as with replacement tire  246  in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0023]    The various modules can be rigid to hold the desired storage items to mounting rail  110 . Each of the components of modular storage system can be made of a rigid material, taking weight into consideration, such as carbon fiber, high density polyethylene (HDPE), or any other suitable material. Similarly, the various modules can have different types of covers or access configurations, depending on the desired use. For example, food module  120  of  FIGS. 1-2  is shown having hinged opening for cover  124  to allow access to the contents of module  120  by a rider while bicycle  10  is in motion, while replacement tire module  140  has removable rigid cover  144  more suited to tire repairs that necessarily cannot be performed while bicycle  10  is moving. Other embodiments can have a sliding cover. 
         [0024]    Each module includes a rigid base to removably connect with mounting rail  110 . For example, food module  120  includes rigid base  122  and replacement tire module  140  includes rigid base  142  holding replacement tire  146 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . Mounting rail  110  allows for a rider to select a desired module for a particular day and quickly and easily attach at least two desired modules to mounting rail  110  for a ride. For example, a racer can select a tool and tire module and a food module for race day when water is readily available throughout the course, while another bicyclist can select a food module and a water module for a leisurely afternoon ride. Any combination of modules for any desired purpose is possible. 
         [0025]    An exemplary embodiment of a mounting rail is shown in particular detail in  FIG. 5  as mounting rail  210 . Mounting rail  210  can be a horizontal plate with vertical members  214  and bicycle mounting flanges  216 . Vertical members  214  can includes mounting holes  212  to allow for the selectively releasable mounting of the various modules, as will be described in more detail below. Bicycle mounting flanges  216  can be any design that allows mounting rail  210  to be coupled to top bar  12  of bicycle  10 . For example, flanges  216  can have holes that correspond to holes in top bar  12  to allow screws or bolts to secure rail  210  to top bar  12 . Similarly, mounting rail  210  can be held to top bar  12  with straps that pass under top bar  12 . 
         [0026]    Any conventional mounting systems for mounting components to bicycles can be used to couple mounting rail  110 ,  210 ,  310  or any other embodiment of a mounting rail, to bicycle  10 . Similarly, mounting rail  110 ,  210 ,  310  can be configured to be mounted to both round tube and other types of top tube  12  profiles as different bicycle manufacturers have designed top tube  12  with various profiles for strength and performance. 
         [0027]    Various exemplary embodiments of modules are shown in  FIGS. 6-10 . Turing now to  FIG. 6 , a pair of general modules  260  are shown attached to mounting rail  210 . General module  260  can hold food, water, glasses, etc. General module  260  is illustrated as attached with detents  268  extending through holes  212  to provide a selectively releasable attachment to mounting rail  210 . In addition to the detent-type arrangement illustrated, other types of fastening arrangements for selectively attaching a module to a mounting rail can be employed. For example, the mounting rail can include a flat plate that lies above top bar  12 . The flat plate can have holes that correspond to protrusions from the bottom of a module that allows the module to snap into place on the mounting rail. Of course, any number of different mounting arrangements will be known to one of ordinary skill. Any module can be placed on rail  210  along with any other module. 
         [0028]    Detents  268  can be located in rigid body  262  such that when detents  268  are depressed, rigid body  262  can be placed between vertical members  214  of mounting rail  210 . Once detents  268  are lined up with corresponding holes  212 , detents  268  then extend through holes  212 , securing each general module  260  to mounting rail  210 . Each general module  260  can be removed from mounting rail  210  by pressing detents  268  and lifting rigid body  262  away from mounting rail  210 . 
         [0029]    General module  260  includes door  264  that opens with hinge  265 . Hinge  265  can be a barrel hinge or any other type of hinge. Door  264  can provide access to the interior of module  260  while a person riding a bicycle is in motion. Door  264  can be held shut with magnets, clips, corresponding snap features, or any other fasteners or holding devices to allow one-handed, easy access for a person operating a bicycle, preferably without having to look. 
         [0030]      FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate similar modules, water module  220  and tire/tube module  250 . Water module  220  includes rigid base  222  with door  224  attached to rigid base  222  with hinge  225 . Hinge  225  allows a user to easily lift door  224  while riding and access a water bottle  40  held in rigid base  222  with flanges  228 . As illustrated, water module  220  includes detents  268  for attaching to mounting rail  210 . Water module  220  can also include snap protrusions  229  and corresponding features on door  224  to allow door  224  to be held in place during normal riding. 
         [0031]    Similar to the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 7 ,  FIG. 8  illustrates tire/tube module  250  with door  254  attached to rigid base  252  through hinge  255 . Door  254  can cover replacement tire  60 , or a replacement tube, and can also include tools or other items used to repair or replace a punctured tire or tube. Tire/tube module  250  can also include snap protrusions  259  to hold door  254  in place during riding. In some embodiments, snap protrusions  259  can include magnets with corresponding magnetic material in cover  254 . Similarly, snaps or other types of fasteners can be used to hold door  254 , or any other cover or door of any module, in place during operation of the bicycle. 
         [0032]      FIG. 9  illustrates modular storage system  300  with general module  360 , sliding door module  370 , and hinged cover module  380  releasably attached to mounting rail  310 . Mounting rail  310  includes bicycle mounting flanges  316 , similar to mounting rail  110 ,  210  described above. General module  360  is similar to general module  260  described above, with door  364  attached to body  362  through hinge  365 . Sliding door module  370  includes door  374  in rigid body  372 . Door  374  can be opened by pushing against ridge  377  to force door  374  to slide, revealing the interior of module  370 . Module  380  includes a hinged cover  384  that opens to reveal the interior, similar to the modules shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
         [0033]    In addition to any previously indicated modification, numerous other variations and alternative arrangements can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this description, and appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the information has been described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred aspects, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, form, function, manner of operation and use can be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein. Also, as used herein, examples are meant to be illustrative only and should not be construed to be limiting in any manner.