Patent Abstract:
The present invention relates to a storage element, preferably aerodynamic, designed for a bicycle frame, and more particularly a storage element designed in conjunction with the frame so as to increase the volume for storage proximate the frame.

Full Description:
This application claims as under 35 U.S.C. 119 of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/099,547 filed Sep. 23, 2008 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/136,679 filed Sep. 24, 2008. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a storage element, preferably aerodynamic, designed for a bicycle frame, and more particularly a storage element designed in conjunction with the frame so as to increase the volume for storage proximate the frame. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present applicant has appreciated that conventional bicycle frames and storage compartments do not utilize internal areas within the frame members for storage. 
     A conventional bicycle water bottle is mounted in a carrier attached to the down tube or seat tube of the frame. A conventional tool containing pouch is mounted to the frame behind the rider&#39;s seat. Typically, the water bottle or tool pouch profile extends well outside the envelope of the bicycle frame, when viewed head on, and thus adds to the frontal area of the bicycle increasing the aerodynamic drag on the bicycle. Further, the shape of the tool pouch or water bottle disturbs the air flowing across the bicycle frame members, thus further adding to the overall drag of the bicycle. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention at least to partially overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. Also, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved storage element for use with a bicycle frame to provide storage volumes internal and/or external to the frame members in order to increase storage capacity and/or reduce aerodynamic drag. 
     In the field of bicycle design and racing, aerodynamics plays an important role. Bicycles are now being designed to further reduce any aerodynamic drag to give the rider a further advantage over competitors or to improve their own times. 
     The present invention is directed to a storage element and bicycle frame that work in conjunction with each other. Bicycles made in the past have been designed in an aerodynamic fashion to reduce aerodynamic drag. As well, some storage elements, for example water bottles, have been designed to also be aerodynamic in shape. It is an object of the present invention to make both the frame and storage element complement each other so as to satisfy structural requirements of the frame yet allow for enhanced usage of volumes proximate the frame members for storage. Additionally the complementary arrangement of the frame and storage element, preferably are provided to be as aerodynamic as possible as with the storage element is designed to function as an integral aerodynamic element of the frame. 
     The aerodynamic shape of the bicycle frame in combination with the storage element may preferably be selected to be a shape that assists in reducing the aerodynamic drag when the bicycle moves forwardly through the air. Preferably, this may be an oval shape. Furthermore the oval shape may be a teardrop shape. A teardrop shape essentially has an enlarged rounded forward end and a reduced size at the rear end. Preferably the exterior surfaces of the tubes have a cross-section normal to the plane of the tubes which is a teardrop shape and the storage element is designed to fit within the teardrop shaped portions of the tubes, or to extend the tubes and form teardrop shapes in combination. 
     The storage element and frame may also be designed to facilitate the attachment of the storage element to the frame. The storage element may have concealed portions with complementary mating shapes to the concealed exterior portions of the exterior surface to a tube of the frame. 
     The storage element has an interior storage compartment. The interior storage compartment can be adapted to store any manner of items, including water, food, bicycle repair tools, collapsed inflatable bicycle tire replacement inner tubes, inner tube inflation devices, eyeglasses, goggles, clothing, maps, electronic equipment, computers, sensors, and other items. 
     The interior storage compartment can be configured to be accessible to the rider of the bicycle while the rider is riding the bicycle although it is not necessary, for example, when the compartment needs merely be accessible as when used for storing tools. 
     The storage element may also be or include a refillable container such as a water bottle for the storage of fluids for consumption by the rider. A drinking straw may be provided to allow the rider to drink from the storage element without removing the storage element from the frame itself. 
     In a further aspect, the present invention provides a bicycle frame comprising a plurality of structural elongate tubular members including a structural elongate first tubular member, the first tubular member extending about a longitudinal, the first tubular member having an elongate storage forming portion extending along the longitudinal from a first end of the storage forming portion to a second end of the storage forming portion, the first tubular member having an elongate first adjacent portion adjacent to the first end of the storage forming portion, the first adjacent portion extending along the longitudinal away from the storage forming portion from a first end of the first adjacent portion to a second end of the first adjacent portion, the storage forming portion at the first end of the storage forming portion merging into the first adjacent portion at the first end of the first adjacent portion, an exterior profile of the storage forming portion in cross section normal to the longitudinal being of reduced cross sectional area as compared to an exterior profile of first adjacent portion of the first tubular member in cross section normal to the longitudinal, a cover member removably coupled to the first tubular member over the storage forming portion and providing between the storage forming portion and the cover member a storage compartment, the combination of the storage forming portion with the cover member coupled thereto having an exterior profile in cross section normal to the longitudinal. 
     Preferably the exterior profile of the combination of the storage forming portion with the cover member coupled thereto smoothly merges with the exterior profile of the first adjacent portion of the first tubular member. Preferably the exterior profile of the combination of the storage forming portion with the cover member coupled thereto is a complementary shape in cross section normal to the longitudinal to a shape of the exterior profile of the first adjacent portion. Preferably the exterior profile of the combination of the storage forming portion with the cover member coupled having an average cross sectional area over its length as measured in cross section normal to the longitudinal thereto that is equal to or greater than the cross sectional area in cross section normal to the longitudinal of the exterior profile of the first adjacent portion 
     Preferably the exterior profile of the first adjacent portion as seen in cross-sections normal the longitudinal along the longitudinal over the first adjacent portion has an exterior shape which is substantially unchanged or gradually changes along the longitudinal over the first adjacent portion, the exterior profile of the combination of the storage forming portion with the cover member coupled thereto has an exterior shape which is substantially the same as or gradually changes from the exterior shape of the first adjacent portion. 
     Preferably the cover member is coupled to the storage forming portion extending longitudinally thereon and centered between two lateral sides of the first tubular member. Preferably the tubular members are engaged end to end to form a loop, and the cover member is coupled to the storage forming portion on a side of the first tubular member selected from a side directed inwardly into the loop and a side directed outwardly from the loop. The first adjacent portion the storage forming portion may appear to have a laterally extending slot there through, which slot is covered by the cover member. The exterior profile of the first adjacent portion, as seen in cross-sections normal the longitudinal, may comprise a truncated form of the exterior profile of the storage forming portion as seen in cross-sections normal the longitudinal. 
     The exterior profile of the first adjacent portion as seen in cross-sections normal the longitudinal along the longitudinal over the first adjacent portion has an exterior shape which is oval, and the exterior profile of the combination of the storage forming portion with the cover member coupled thereto has an exterior shape which is oval. Preferably the oval shape is a teardrop shape having an enlarged rounded forward end and a reduced size rear end. 
     The structural elongate tubular members preferably include a down tube, a head tube, and seat tube; wherein the first tubular member is selected from the down tube, the head tube, and the seat tube, wherein: when the first tubular member is the head tube, the cover member is rearward from the head tube with the head tube forming a front portion of an oval shape and the cover forming a rear portion of the oval shape; when the first tubular member is the seat tube, and the cover member is either is forward from the seat tube or rearward from the seat tube; and when the first tubular member is the top tube, the cover member is either upward from the top tube or downward from the top tube. 
     Preferably first tubular member is the down tube, the cover member bridges between the down tube and seat tube, the down tube forms the a front portion of the oval shape, the seat tube forms a rear portion of the oval shape and the cover forms a middle portion of the oval shape. 
     Preferably the interior storage compartment comprises a refillable container for storage of fluids. 
     Preferably the first tubular member having an elongate second adjacent portion adjacent to the second end of the storage forming portion, the second adjacent portion extending along the longitudinal away from the storage forming portion from a first end of the second adjacent portion to a second end of the second adjacent portion, the storage forming portion at the second end of the storage forming portion merging along the longitudinal into the second adjacent portion at the first end of the second adjacent portion, an exterior profile of the storage forming portion in cross section normal to the longitudinal being of reduced cross sectional area as compared to an exterior profile of second adjacent portion of the first tubular member in cross section normal to the longitudinal. 
     Preferably the exterior profile of the combination of the storage forming portion with the cover member coupled thereto smoothly merging with the exterior profile of the second adjacent portion of the first tubular member. Preferably the exterior profile of the combination of the storage forming portion with the cover member coupled thereto is a complementary shape in cross section normal to the longitudinal to a shape of the exterior profile of the second adjacent portion. 
     Preferably the exterior profile of the combination of the storage forming portion with the cover member coupled has an average cross sectional area over its length as measured in cross section normal to the longitudinal thereto that is equal to or greater than the cross sectional area in cross section normal to the longitudinal of the exterior profile of the second adjacent portion. 
     Preferably the exterior profile of the second adjacent portion as seen in cross-sections normal the longitudinal along the longitudinal over the second adjacent portion has an exterior shape which is substantially unchanged or gradually changes along the longitudinal over the second adjacent portion, the exterior profile of the combination of the storage forming portion with the cover member coupled thereto has an exterior shape which is substantially the same as or gradually changes from the exterior shape of the second adjacent portion. 
     When coupled to the storage forming portion, the cover member has an exposed surface that is continuous with an exposed surface of the storage forming portion. The cover member when coupled to the storage forming portion, has an exposed surface that is continuous with both an exposed surface of the storage forming portion and an exposed surface of the first adjacent portion. 
     In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a bicycle frame comprising a plurality of elongate tubular members engaged end to end to form forming a loop, each tubular members extending along a respective longitudinal axis, each tubular members having oppositely directed sides comprising a right hand lateral side and a left hand lateral side and oppositely directed sides comprising inwardly directed side directed inwardly into the loop and an outwardly directed side directed outwardly from the loop a slot provided laterally through a first of the tubular members from the right hand lateral side to the left hand lateral side and open to one of the inwardly directed side and inwardly directed side, a cover member removably coupled to the first tubular member over the storage forming portion to define between the storage forming portion and the cover member a storage compartment. 
     Further aspects of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and drawings, which illustrate the invention and preferred embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the invention: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a bicycle frame in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, 
         FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4  and  5  is each a cross section of  FIG. 1  along respective section lines A-A′, B-B′, C-C′, and D-D′ in  FIG. 1 , 
         FIG. 6  is a cross section similar to  FIG. 2  illustrating a first manner of attachment a storage element, 
         FIG. 7  is a cross section similar to  FIG. 6  illustrating a second manner of attachment a storage element, 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of a bicycle frame in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic partial pictorial side view of a lower portion of a bicycle frame in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention showing a storage element coupled thereto, 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded schematic partial pictorial side view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , 
         FIG. 11  is a pictorial side view of the storage element shown in  FIG. 9 , 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of a bicycle frame in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention, 
         FIGS. 13 ,  14 , and  15  are each a cross section of  FIG. 12  along respective section lines E-E′, F-F′ and G-G′ in  FIG. 12 , 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the storage element in  FIGS. 12 ,  13 ,  14  and  15 . 
         FIG. 17  is a side view of a bicycle frame in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention, 
         FIG. 18  is a side view of a bicycle frame in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention, 
         FIG. 19  is a side view of a bicycle frame in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the invention, 
         FIG. 20  is a cross-section of  FIG. 17  along section H-H′ in  FIG. 18 , 
         FIG. 21  is a cross-section of  FIG. 18  along section I-I′ in  FIG. 18 , 
         FIG. 22  is a cross-section of  FIG. 19  along section J-J′ in  FIG. 19 , and 
         FIG. 23  is an schematic exploded perspective view of a section of the down tube in  FIG. 1  with an elongated section removed between the jagged lines for ease of illustration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Preferred embodiments of the invention and its advantages can be understood by referring to the present drawings. Through all of the drawings the same reference numbers are used to refer to similar elements. 
       FIG. 1  is a side view of a bicycle frame  10  in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. The frame  10  has a head tube  20 , a top tube  30 , a down tube  40  and a seat tube  50 . The frame, as part of a bicycle when in normal use, moves in a forward direction where the head tube  20  and down tube  40  are forward of the seat tube  50 . The top tube generally extends in forward direction. Each of the head tube  20 , top tube  30 , down tube  40  and seat tube  50  is connected end-to-end to one another and form substantially a closed main frame loop and a central cavity  15  as shown in  FIG. 1 . The central cavity  15  is the area enclosed by the main frame loop  14 . Chain stays  60  extend rearwardly to join with seat stays  70  where a wheel not shown is to be journalled. 
     While not shown a fork is to be rotatably coupled to the head tube  20  to extend through the head tube carrying at an upper end the handlebars and at a lower end a front wheel. The head tube  20  has a top end  21  and a lower end  22 . The top tube  30  has a front end  31  and a rear end  32 . The down tube has a front end  41  and a rear end  42 . The seat tube  50  has a top end  51  and a lower end  57 . 
     The front end  31  of the top tube  30  is connected to the top end  21  of the head tube  20 . The front end  41  of the down tube  40  is connected to the lower end  22  of the head tube  20 . The top tube  30  and down tube  40  diverge away from each other as they extend rearwardly from the head tube  20 . The rear end  42  of the down tube  40  is coupled to the lower end  57  of the seat tube  50 . The rear end  32  of the top tube  30  is connected to the top end  51  of the seat tube  51 . 
     Each of the head tube  20 , top tube  30 , down tube  40  and seat tube  50  are elongate members disposed about their own longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of each of the head tube  20 , top tube  30 , down tube  40  and seat tube  50  lie in their own respective flat plane, which is parallel to the forward direction of travel of the bicycle frame. In a further embodiment, the longitudinal axis of each of the head tube  20 , top tube  30 , down tube  40  and seat tube  50  lie in the same flat central plane. 
     Each of the head tube  20 , top tube  30 , down tube  40  and seat tube  50  have a circumferential wall about their longitudinal axis, each point along the length of each of the longitudinal axis and parallel to the central plane. 
     Each of the head tube  20 , top tube  30 , down tube  40  and seat tube  50  are preferably generally symmetrical about the central plane. Each of these tubes preferably has an annular tubular wall with an external surface which is symmetrical about the central plane. Each of these tubes  20 ,  30 ,  40  and  50  has inwardly directed portions of its exterior surface facing the central cavity  15  within the mainframe loop. 
       FIG. 1  is a preferred first embodiment of the frame  10  schematically showing four different storage elements  102 ,  103 ,  104 , and  105  at four different locations on the frame. Storage element  102  is provided in a slot-like cavity  202  formed in the upper rear of the down tube  40 . As seen in  FIG. 2  the down tube  40  in the cavity  202  has a cross section which is but the forward portion of a teardrop shape and the storage element  102  is provided rearwardly of the down tube  40  to complete the teardrop shape. Above and below the cavity  202  the down tube  40  has a cross section corresponding to the exterior profile of both the down tube  40  and the storage element  102  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     Storage element  103  is provided in a slot-like cavity  203  formed in the lower portion of the top tube  30 . As seen in  FIG. 3 , the top tube  30  in the cavity  203  has a cross section which is but the upper end portion of an oval shape and the storage element  103  is provided below the top tube  30  to complete the oval shape. Forward and rearward of the cavity  203 , the top tube  30  has a cross section corresponding to the exterior profile of both the top tube  30  and the storage element  103  shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     Seat tube  50  is shown in cross section in  FIG. 4  with the forward portion of a teardrop shape having a flat rear surface with the storage element  104  provided rearwardly of the seat tube  50  to complete the teardrop shape. Below the storage element  104  the seat tube  50  has a teardrop shape proportional to but tapered down, that is reduced in front to rear dimension from the exterior profile of both the seat tube  50  and the storage element  104  shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     Storage element  105  is provided in a slot-like cavity  205  formed in the rear of the head tube  20 . As seen in  FIG. 5  the head tube  20  in the cavity  205  has a cross section which is but the forward portion of a teardrop shape and the storage element  105  is provided rearwardly of the head tube  20  to complete the teardrop shape. 
     The storage elements and frame tubes shown in  FIGS. 1 to 5 , as well as  FIGS. 7 to 8  and  12  to  15  are schematically shown for simplicity of illustration principally by their own exterior surfaces indicating that the tubes are hollow members and that the storage elements provide internal storage compartments or cavities either alone or in combination with external surfaces of the tubes. As seen in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4  and  6 , each storage element is effectively a C-shaped cover, which encloses a storage volume closed on one side by an associated tube. As seen in  FIGS. 5 and 7 , the storage element is a hollow tube. 
       FIG. 6  schematically illustrates the storage element  102  coupled to the down tube  40  by a hinge  302  on one side to be movable from a closed position shown to an open position and with a latch or releasable closure element  14  on the other side to secure the storage element  102  in the closed position. In this embodiment the storage element may be considered a hollow cover defining a cavity under the cover rearward of the rear surface of the down tube  40 . 
       FIG. 7  schematically illustrates the storage element  102  coupled to the down tube  40  by a friction fit barbed fastener  304  to extend into an opening into the wall of the down tube  40 . In this embodiment the storage element may be considered a hollow tubular member with an interior cavity and some access to the cavity which may be a separate door or cover carried for example on the storage element  102  but not shown. 
       FIG. 8  is a side view of a bicycle frame in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention and schematically showing three different storage elements  108 ,  208 , and  308  each located at a junction of two or more of the tubes of the frame  10  and the storage element at each junction may be have as part of its interior cavity volumes where the tubes are reduced in cross section as compared to cross sections of the same tubes longitudinally spaced from the storage element. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a schematic partial pictorial side view of a lower portion of a bicycle frame in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention, showing the lower portions of the down tube  40  and the seat tube  50  as well as a forward portion of the chain stays  60 . A storage element  109  is shown at the junction of the down tube  40  and the seat tube  50  as a preferred embodiment of a storage element more generically shown as  108  in  FIG. 8 . 
     The storage element  109  in  FIGS. 9 to 11  comprises a hollow shroud or cover which is adapted to enclose the junction of the down tube  40  and the seat tube  50 . Support plugs  120  are mounted to interior surfaces of the seat tube and down tube by screws  122  and the storage element  109  is removably mounted to these plugs  120  by attachment screws  124  extending laterally through edge portions of the storage element  109  into ends of the plugs  120 . 
     The down tube  40  has a slot-like cavity  102  formed in its upper rear proximate its juncture with the seat tube  50 . The down tube  40  above the slot-like cavity  102  has in cross section a teardrop shape directed forwardly. In cross section through the slot-like cavity  102  the down tube  40  approximately has a cross section which is but the forward portion of a teardrop shape. The storage element  109  has an upper most portion  126  which is a complementary rear portion to fill in the upper portion of the slot-like cavity  102  and with juxtapositioned portions of the down tube  40  providing in combination an external teardrop shape. Below the upper most portion  126  the storage element  109  is effectively a U-shaped rear portion  128  with a relatively flat top wall  130  and two downwardly extending side walls  132  and  134 , The periphery of the side walls  132  and  134  are adapted to mate in a flush relation with side wall portions of the seat tube and down tube in a flush arrangement as seen in  FIG. 9 . A storage compartment is provided internally within the storage element  109  and between the storage element and the seat tube and the down tube. The storage element  109  may be a structural member increasing the strength and integrity of the frame  10 , or it may comprise merely a decorative cover. 
       FIG. 12  is a side view of a bicycle frame in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention and showing a storage element  112  formed internally within the frame  10  open through the top of the top tube  30  and extending down through the top tube  30 , down through a rear portion of the head tube  20  rearwardly of the journal opening  140  to receive the steering tube (not shown), and down into the down tube  40 , ending internally in the upper rear of down tube  40  at a blind lower end  142 .  FIG. 16  shows the storage element  112  as a hollow upwardly directed cup, suitable to receive articles in its upwardly opening end, as for example adapted to receive a water bottle. The cup could have a closable lid accessible from above the top tube  20 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 13 , which is a cross-section along E-E′ in  FIG. 12 , the head tube  20  has an exterior tear drop shape. The volume is located at the rear portion of the head tube and is adapted to accept the storage element  114 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 14 , which is a cross-section along F-F′ in  FIG. 12 , the storage element  114  is located within the top tube  30 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 15 , which is a cross-section along G-G′ in  FIG. 12 , the storage element extends through the volume in the down tube  40 . 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the storage element in  FIGS. 12 ,  13 ,  14  and  15 . 
       FIG. 17  is a side view of a bicycle frame in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention and showing a storage element  116  formed in the upper portion of the top tube  30 . 
     Storage element  116  is provided in a slot-like cavity  206  formed in the upper portion of the top tube  30 . As seen in  FIG. 20 , the top tube  30  has a cross-section which is the lower end portion of an oval shape. Forward and rearward of the cavity  206 , the top tube has an oval shape in cross-section corresponding to the exterior profile of both the top tube  30  and storage element  116  shown in  FIG. 20 . 
       FIG. 18  is a side view of a bicycle frame in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention and showing a storage element  117  attached on the upper portion of the top tube  30 . As seen in  FIG. 21 , the top tube  30  has a cross-section which is roughly rectangular with curved corners. The storage element  117  has a bottom portion  119  which corresponds to the upper portion  120  of the top tube  30 . The top tube  30  and the storage element  117 , together form an oval shape. 
       FIG. 19  is a side view of a bicycle frame in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the invention and showing a storage element  118  attached to the upper portion of the top tube  30 . As shown in  FIG. 19 , the storage element  118  is substantially placed at the front end  31  of the top tube  30 . The storage element  118  has in cross-section indicated as J-J′ in  FIG. 22  the same cross-section as seen in  FIG. 21 , that is with the storage element  118  is designed to complement top tube  30  to form a substantially oval shape. 
     The storage elements may be secured to the frames permanently or for removal. For example, any one or more of the storage elements may be held in place on the frame  10  by a number of non-permanent fastening methods, for example, with complementary mating shapes on the storage element and on the frame  10 . 
     The disclosure can also be understood to teach that at least one of the head tube  20 , down tube  40 , seat tube  50  and top tube  30  of a bicycle frame  10  has a portion with a reduced cross-section rather than being referred to as a slot-like cavity  102 ,  202 ,  203 ,  205  and  206 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 23 , bicycle frame  10  includes a down tube  40  that is an elongate tubular member. The down tube  40  extends about a longitudinal  401 . The down tube  40  has an elongate storage forming portion  403  extending along the longitudinal  401  from a first end  404  of the storage forming portion to a second end  405  of the storage forming portion. 
     The down tube  40  also has an elongate first adjacent portion  406  adjacent to the first end  404  of the storage forming portion. The first adjacent portion  406  extends along the longitudinal  401  away from the storage forming portion  403  from a first end  407  of the first adjacent portion to a second end  408  of the first adjacent portion. 
     The storage forming portion  403  at the first end  404  of the storage forming portion merges into the first adjacent portion  406  at the first end  407  of the first adjacent portion. 
     As shown in  FIG. 23 , an exterior profile of the storage forming portion  403  in cross section normal to the longitudinal has a reduced cross sectional area as compared to an exterior profile of first adjacent portion  406  of the down tube  10  in cross section normal to the longitudinal. 
     A cover member  402  is removably coupled to the down tube  10  over the storage forming portion  403 . A storage compartment is created between the storage forming portion  403  and the cover member  402 . 
     When the storage forming portion  403  is coupled with the cover member  402 , the two have an exterior profile in cross section normal to the longitudinal. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , when the cover member  402  is coupled to the down tube  40  at the storage forming portion  403 , the exterior profile of the combination of the storage forming portion  403  with the cover member  402  smoothly merges with the exterior profile of the first adjacent portion  406  of the down tube  40 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the exterior profile of the combination of the storage forming portion  403  with the cover member  402  when coupled is a complementary shape in cross section normal to the longitudinal to a shape of the exterior profile of the first adjacent portion  406 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  18  and  23 , the exterior profile of the combination of the storage forming portion  403  with the cover member  402  coupled has an average cross sectional area over its length as measured in cross section normal to the longitudinal that is equal to ( FIG. 1 ) or greater than ( FIG. 18 ) the cross sectional area in cross section normal to the longitudinal of the exterior profile of the first adjacent portion  406 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 23 , the exterior profile of the first adjacent portion  406  as seen in cross-sections normal the longitudinal along the longitudinal over the first adjacent portion  406  has an exterior shape which is substantially unchanged or gradually changes along the longitudinal over the first adjacent portion  406 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  9  and  23 , the exterior profile of the combination of the storage forming portion  403  and the cover member  402  when coupled has an exterior shape which is substantially the same as or gradually changes from the exterior shape of the first adjacent portion  406 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 23 , the cover member  402  is coupled to the storage forming portion  403  and extends longitudinally and is centered between two lateral sides of the down tube  40 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 17 , the down tube  40 , seat tube  50 , top tube  30  and head tube  20  are engaged end to end to form a loop. The cover member  402  is coupled to the storage forming portion  403  on a side of the down tube  40  selected from a side directed inwardly into the loop ( FIG. 1 ) and a side directed outwardly from the loop ( FIG. 17 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 23 , the storage forming portion  403 , when compared to the first adjacent portion  406 , appears to have a laterally extending slot  410  through the storage forming portion  403 , which slot  410  is covered by the cover member  402 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 23 , the exterior profile of the down tube  40  as seen in cross-sections normal the longitudinal comprises a truncated form of the exterior profile of the storage forming portion  403  as seen in cross-sections normal the longitudinal. 
     As shown in  FIG. 23 , the exterior profile of the down tube  40  as seen in cross-sections normal the longitudinal along the longitudinal  401  over the first adjacent portion  406  has an exterior shape which is oval. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 23 , the exterior profile of the combination of the storage forming portion  403  when the cover member  402  is coupled has an exterior shape which is oval. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 23 , the oval shape is a teardrop shape having an enlarged rounded forward end and a reduced size rear end. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8 ,  9  and  10 , the cover member  440  may bridge between the down tube  40  and seat tube  50  with the down tube  40  forming a front portion of the oval shape, the seat tube  50  forming a rear portion of the oval shape and the cover forming a middle portion of the oval shape. 
     The interior storage compartment may comprise a refillable container for storage of fluids. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 23 , the down tube  40  has an elongate second adjacent portion  450  adjacent to the second end  405  of the storage forming portion  403 . The second adjacent portion  450  has a first end  451  of the second adjacent portion and a second end  452  of the second adjacent portion. The second adjacent portion  450  extends along the longitudinal  401  away from the storage forming portion  403  from the first end  451  of the second adjacent portion to the second end  452  of the second adjacent portion. 
     The storage forming portion  403  at the second end  405  of the storage forming portion merges along the longitudinal  401  into the second adjacent portion  450  at the first end  451  of the second adjacent portion. 
     An exterior profile of the storage forming portion  403  in cross section normal to the longitudinal is of reduced cross sectional area as compared to an exterior profile of second adjacent portion  450  of the down tube  40  in cross section normal to the longitudinal. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 23 , the exterior profile of the combination of the storage forming portion  403  and the cover member  402  when coupled smoothly merges with the exterior profile of the second adjacent portion  450  of the down tube  40 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 23 , the exterior profile of the combination of the storage forming portion  403  and the cover member  402  when coupled is a complementary shape in cross section normal to the longitudinal to a shape of the exterior profile of the second adjacent portion  450 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 23 , the exterior profile of the combination of the storage forming portion  403  and the cover member  402  when coupled has an average cross sectional area over its length as measured in cross section normal to the longitudinal that is equal to or greater than the cross sectional area in cross section normal to the longitudinal of the exterior profile of the second adjacent portion  450 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 23 , the exterior profile of the second adjacent portion  450  as seen in cross-sections normal the longitudinal along the longitudinal  401  over the second adjacent portion  450  has an exterior shape which is substantially unchanged or gradually changes along the longitudinal  401  over the second adjacent portion  450 . 
     The exterior profile of the combination of the storage forming portion  403  and the cover member  402  when coupled has an exterior shape that is substantially the same as or gradually changes from the exterior shape of the second adjacent portion  450 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 23 , when the cover member  402  is coupled to the storage forming portion  403 , the cover member  402  has an exposed surface that is continuous with an exposed surface of the storage forming portion  402 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 23 , when the cover member  402  is coupled to the storage forming portion  403 , the cover member  402  has an exposed surface that is continuous with both an exposed surface of the storage forming portion  403  and an exposed surface of the first adjacent portion  406 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the bicycle frame includes a plurality of elongate tubular members, including the head tube  20 , down tube  40 , seat tube  50  and top tube  30 , engaged end to end to form forming a loop. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the structural elongate tubular members of the bicycle frame  10  include the down tube  40 , the top tube  30 , the head tube  20 , and the seat tube  50 . It is understood that the head tube  20  may have an elongate storage portion  412  with a first end  413  and second end  414  as described above for the down tube  40 . When the head tube  20  has the elongate storage portion  412 , the cover member  415  is rearward from the head tube  20  with the head tube  20  forming a front portion of an oval shape and the cover forming a rear portion of the oval shape. 
     The cover member  415  may bridge between the down tube  40  and top tube  30 , with the head tube  20  and down tube  40  forming the front portion of the oval shape and the cover  415  forming the rear portion of the oval shape. 
     As shown is  FIGS. 1 and 4 , it is understood that the seat tube  50  may have an elongate storage portion  421  with a first end  422  and second end  423  as described above for the down tube  40 . When the first tubular member is the seat tube  50 , the cover member  424  is either is forward from the seat tube  50  or rearward from the seat tube  50 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 ,  17  and  20 , it is understood that the top tube  30  may have an elongate storage portion  431  with a first end  432  and second end  433  as described above for the down tube  40 . When the first tubular member is the top tube  30 , the cover member  434  is either upward from the top tube  30  ( FIG. 1 ) or downward from the top tube  30  ( FIG. 17 ). 
     The embodiment expressed above is described with respect to a down tube  40  having a storage forming portion  403 , a first adjacent side  406  with a first end  407  and a second end  408  and a second adjacent side  450  with a first end  451  and a second end  452 . However, each of the seat tube  50 , top tube  30  and head tube  20  can each have a storage forming portion and a first adjacent side with a first end and a second end. Each of the seat tube  50 , top tube  30  and head tube  20  may also have a second adjacent side with a first end and a second end. 
     Each of the head tube  20 , down tube  40 , seat tube  50  and top tube  30  extends along a respective longitudinal axis and has oppositely directed sides comprising a right hand lateral side and a left hand lateral side. The head tube  20 , down tube  40 , seat tube  50  and top tube  30  also have oppositely directed sides comprising inwardly directed side directed inwardly into the loop and an outwardly directed side directed outwardly from the loop. 
     A slot ( 102 ,  202 ,  203 ,  205 ,  206 ) is provided laterally through one of the head tube  20 , down tube  40 , seat tube  50  and top tube  30  from the right hand lateral side to the left hand lateral side and open to one of the inwardly directed side and inwardly directed side. A cover member  415 ,  402 ,  424 ,  434  is removably coupled to the one of the head tube, down tube, seat tube and top tube over the storage forming portion  412 ,  403 ,  421 ,  431  to define between the storage forming portion  412 ,  403 ,  421 ,  431  and the cover member  415 ,  402 ,  424 ,  434  a storage compartment. 
     While the storage forming portion  403  in  FIG. 23  is shown as having a solid wall, it is understood that in particular embodiments a solid wall is not necessary. Furthermore, while the first end of the first adjacent portion in  FIG. 23  is shown as being open to the interior of the down tube  40 , it is understood that the first end  407  of the first adjacent portion and the first end  451  of the second adjacent portion may be open to the interior of the down tube  40  or may be a solid wall closed to the interior of the down tube  40 . 
     While the invention will be described in conjunction with the illustrated embodiments, it is understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to such embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1