Abstract:
An animal and attacker deterrent system to be mounted to a bicycle or equivalent vehicle is disclosed herein. The deterrent system in one form included: a gas cylinder; a valve coupled to the gas cylinder and mounted to the bicycle; a gas conduit having a first end coupled to the user actuated valve; and at least one fluid reservoir coupled to a second end of the gas conduit; a plurality of mist producing spray apertures fluidly coupled to at least one of the fluid reservoir(s). The system as disclosed may include a plurality of reservoirs mounted to each of the left and right front fork components of the bicycle and having spray apertures mounted thereto. Alternatively, the system may include a plurality of spray apertures mounted at a single position and directed to mist fluid to left and right sides of the bicycle therefrom.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     a) Field of the Disclosure 
     This disclosure relates to the field of fluid misting device to be mounted to a bicycle or similar vehicle wherein the fluid misting device has a pressurized portion, and a user-actuated valve for release of the fluid through at least one misting orifice to produce a fine “cloud” of the animal deterrent fluid. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     An animal and attacker deterrent system to be mounted to a bicycle or equivalent vehicle is disclosed herein. The deterrent system comprises: a compressed gas cylinder; a user actuated valve coupled to the compressed gas cylinder and mounted to the bicycle adjacent the handlebars; a gas conduit having a first end coupled to the user actuated valve; and at least one fluid reservoir coupled to a second end of the gas conduit; a plurality of mist producing spray apertures fluidly coupled to at least one of the fluid reservoir(s); and the spray apertures are mounted to the bicycle. 
     The deterrent system as disclosed may comprise a plurality of fluid reservoirs mounted to each of the left and right front fork components of the bicycle and having spray apertures mounted thereto. Alternatively, the deterrent system may comprise a plurality of spray apertures mounted at a single position and directed to mist fluid to left and right sides of the bicycle therefrom. 
     To reduce leakage past the orifice, a check valve may be positioned between each spray aperture and its associated fluid reservoir. In this embodiment, the cracking pressure of the check valve is above the pressure exerted by the fluid within the system when the user actuated valve is closed. 
     The overall desired outcome is to provide a mist cloud between the user and any attacking animal, such that the animal will be deterred from attacking and will not injure the rider. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top environmental view of one embodiment of the disclosure in use. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of one embodiment of the disclosure attached to a bicycle. 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of one embodiment of the disclosure shown separately from the bicycle. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of one embodiment of the disclosure shown separately from the bicycle. 
         FIG. 5  is a cutaway view of one component taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 3  with several components removed to better show the structure of the remaining components. 
         FIG. 6  is a plan view of one example of an elastic strap used to attach the apparatus to the bicycle. 
         FIG. 7  is a cutaway view of one component taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 2  with several components removed to better show the structure of the remaining components. 
         FIG. 8  is a cutaway view of a slight variation similar to the view of  FIG. 7  but using a single reservoir and misting orifice housing. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Anyone who has ridden a bicycle in rural or residential areas has very likely encountered animals, mainly dogs, which have approached the rider with the intent of chasing, barking at, biting, or otherwise confronting (attacking) the bicyclist. Not only does the animal attack often directly result in injury to the bicycle rider, but the situation also diverts the rider&#39;s attention away from the roadway and traffic and may exacerbate the situation in that the rider may drive off of the roadway, or into traffic, and significantly injure themselves. Several deterrent methods have been employed, including yelling at the animal, kicking at the animal, carrying pepper spray or other directionally projected fluid, or noises such as whistles, horns, or bells. Many of these methods are very inefficient and may not significantly deter the animal. Furthermore whistles, horns, pepper sprays may require that the rider be further distracted from the roadway, and particularly in the case of directed pepper sprays, require that the rider remove at least one hand from the handlebars to grab the spray, direct the device at the animal, and it triggered a mechanism. Pepper sprays also may be carried by the wind back toward the rider, causing pain, injury and further loss of attention. Thus a safe and efficient means for deterring animals while maintaining safety to the rider is greatly desired and as of yet has not been significantly achieved. 
     Additionally, devices have been created for spraying of the rider or otherwise providing a non-deterrent cooling or refreshing fluid to the rider. Obviously, such devices would generally not deter the attacking or chasing animal, or would at a minimum be additionally deterrent to the rider themself. 
     Before beginning a detailed description of the device and a method for operating the device disclosed herein, an axes system  10  is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  which generally comprises a transverse axes  12  and a longitudinal axis  14 . In  FIG. 2  the longitudinal axis  14  is shown along with a vertical axis  16  which is generally orthogonal to both the transverse axes  12  and longitudinal axis  14 . In  FIG. 1 , the longitudinal axis of  14  generally points in a forward direction with the opposite direction being defined as reward direction, and the transverse axes  12  points in a leftward direction with the opposite direction being defined as a rightward direction. Similarly, the vertical axis  16 , shown in  FIG. 2  points in upward direction, with the opposite direction is generally defined as downward. These axes are intended for discussion only. 
     Additionally, a numbering system will be utilized wherein specific components use a single or double apostrophe to indicate for example right or left versions of a similar component. For Example, the reservoirs of  FIG. 2  are generally denoted with the label  60 , and as shown in  FIG. 3  the right reservoir is labeled  60 ′, and the left reservoir is labeled  60 ″. A variation is shown in  FIG. 8  where similar components use the same numeric identifier as the variation of  FIG. 3  with a numeral “2” prefix. For example, the reservoir  260  of  FIG. 8  is similar to the reservoirs  60  of  FIG. 3 . 
     Looking to  FIG. 1 , the deterrent system  20  is shown mounted to a bicycle  22 . While the components of the bicycle are well-known several components will be pointed out here. Specifically, a front wheel  24  is mounted to the front forks  26  (where the left fork portion is indicated by  26 ″ and the right fork is indicated by  26 ′). The front wheel  24  rotates about an axle  76  (axis) at the radial center of the wheel, where the front wheel attaches to the fork. Handlebars  28  are generally mounted through the frame  30  and control motion of the bicycle  22 . Commonly, a seat  32  is also mounted to the frame  30  as are pedals  34  and a rear wheel  36 . These components are well-known in the art and vary from bicycle to bicycle. 
     While the term bicycles used herein, the device can operate as well on other vehicles such as scooters, skateboards, tricycles, unicycles and the like. Larger motorized vehicles generally have the speed, power and in the case of enclosed vehicles, protective shell, where such a deterrent system may not be needed. 
     Looking to  FIG. 2 , the deterrent system  20  can be seen attached to the bicycle  22 . Specifically, in one form the deterrent system  20  comprises a compressed gas cartridge  38  which may be as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  contained within a housing  40 . The housing  40  is threaded  42  are otherwise attached to an actuator/valve housing  44 . The actuator/valve housing  44  is attached by way of a mounting strap  46  or other mechanism to the handlebars  28  or other part of the bicycle  22 . Protrusions  96  may be provided on the housing  44  for attachment of the strap  46 . The strap  46  may be similar or identical to the strap  80  ( FIG. 6 ) described herein. In one form the mounting strap is elastic, and has surfaces defining voids there through for attachment to studs or projections of the housing  44 . The actuator  48  (such as a push button) is easily within the reach of the user such that the user does not have to significantly remove their attention from the roadway to activate the actuator  48 . 
     As can be seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the actuator  48  in this embodiment is connected to a normally closed valve  50  which is fluidly connected by way of a conduit  52  to the compressed gas cartridge  38 . When a compressed gas cartridge  38  is properly attached, pressure is provided to the valve  50  and when the valve  50  is opened, the compressed gas flows outward through conduit  54 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a tee  56  may be utilized to split the gas flow to a right conduit  58 ′ and left conduit  58 ″ which are in turn coupled to the associated reservoir  60 ′ of  60 ″ respectively. 
     The reservoirs  60  are at least partially filled through fill openings  62  with a deterrent fluid  66  such as water, water mixed with scents or chemicals such as ammonia, eucalyptus, peppermint, and citrus. Testing has shown that many dogs dislike the smell of citrus and will avoid a rider who has previously sprayed citrus towards them. Of course it will likely be desired to avoid chemicals which will damage the bicycle or environment or harm the rider such as bleach etc. A fill cap  64  may be provided to close and provide a pressure containing seal to the fill openings  62 . 
     At the lower end of the reservoir  60  is provided a mister housing  68  (the term mister used to identify a spraying apparatus having a mister orifice  70 ). 
     Testing of the device in operation has shown that the apparatus in some embodiments benefits from the use of check valves  72  positioned between the reservoir  60  and the orifice  70 . In operation, without the check valves or an equivalent device, when the fluid level  74  is above the orifice  70 , the fluid may drain out by way of gravity. 
     Check valves are generally two-port valves, meaning they have two openings in the body, one for fluid to enter and the other for fluid to leave. There are various types of check valves used in a wide variety of applications. Although they are available in a wide range of sizes and costs, check valves generally are very small, simple, and/or inexpensive. Check valves work automatically and most are not controlled by a person or any external control; accordingly, most do not have any valve handle or stem. The bodies (external shells) of most check valves may be made of plastic or metal. An important concept in check valves is the cracking pressure which is the minimum upstream pressure at which the valve will operate. Typically the check valve is designed for and can therefore be specified for a specific cracking pressure. In the applications shown, it will generally be desired that the cracking pressure of the check valve be higher (larger) than the head pressure caused by the fluid  66  being vertically above the orifice  70 . When the fluid level  74  is below the orifice  70 , check valves may not be needed. 
     A variation is shown in  FIG. 8  wherein a single reservoir  260  is utilized. In this variation, similar components use the same numeric identifier as previously described with a numeral “2” prefix. For example, the reservoir  260  of the variation is similar to the reservoirs  60  above. This apparatus is also attached to the bicycle near the front axle  76 . In the variation shown, the reservoir  260  is attached at the left fork  226 ″, but the device could just as easily be attached to the right fork  226 ′. In this embodiment, the left orifice  270 ″ points away from the bicycle in the same way as the previous embodiment, but the right orifice  270 ′ points toward the bicycle, in one form so as to direct a fluid spray through the spokes of the front wheel  24 . As the orifice is providing a mist, rather than a directed spray, the mist contacting the spokes should not cause significant detriment. 
     While the device may be welded, glued, taped or otherwise attached at many different locations on the bicycle, one efficient mode of attaching each reservoir  60  and/or the actuator  48  and compressed gas cartridge  38  to the bicycle  22  is shown in  FIGS. 5-7 . In this embodiment, one or more protrusions  78  are provided on the component to be attached to the bicycle. A strap  80  having at least one surface defining a void  82  is attached to the component, by setting a protrusion  78 ′ into a void  82 , wrapping the strap around a portion of the bicycle, and then fixing a second void  82  around a second protrusion  78 ″. The apparatus may also be attached by hook and loop fastening, or alternately by more permanent attachment such as adhesives, or fasteners. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the strap  80  may then be wrapped around a front fork  26 , and then a second protrusion  78 ″ is inserted in another void  82  in the strap  80  to secure the component to the bicycle. In one form, a rubber-like material is used for the strap. Such a rubber material not only stretches to provide additional securement to between the component and bicycle, but also may provide a non-slip surface on the inner surface  94  of the strap  80  to increase friction and reduce relative movement between the strap and the bicycle frame. To aid in installation, the strap  80  may be longer than needed, to provide a grasping portion  84  which extends beyond the protrusion  78 ″. Such an extension makes attachment and removal much easier. 
     In one form as shown in  FIG. 5 , each protrusion  78  further may include a catch  86  extending radially therefrom. The catch  86  functions to retain the strap  80  on the protrusion  78 . 
     While the strap as shown only has two voids  82 , additional voids could easily be incorporated to allow attachment to other, larger, or smaller portions of the bicycle. Such as to be used as the strap  46  which as shown attaches to the handlebar stem of the bicycle. As the handlebar stem may be larger in diameter than the fork, a larger distance between voids  82  may be needed on the strap  80 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 , attachment locations  88   a ,  88   b  may be provided at more than one position on the component to be attached to the bicycle. Such positions are provided to further resist movement of the component relative to the bicycle. 
     In operation, a user may mount the reservoir(s)  60 , actuator  48 , and compressed gas cartridge  38  to the bicycle where the actuator  48  is readily accessible to the user while riding the bicycle with their hands on the handlebars  28 . As attacking animals  90  instinctively attack from the side, and from the rear as shown in  FIG. 1 , and generally not from the front, it is desired to for the user to continue riding forward as the animal  90  attacks. To deter the animal, as the animal approaches, the user engages the actuator  48 , opening the valve  50 , opening a conduit between the cartridge  38  and the reservoir(s)  60 , providing pressure to the reservoir(s)  60  thus forcing a volume of fluid  66  past the check valve(s)  72  and through the orifice(s)  70  to provide the mist cloud(s)  92  shown. As it is not possible for the animal  90  to engage the user or bicycle  22  without passing through the cloud  92 , the cloud  92  should deter the animal  90  in their attack. While a simple water cloud may be effective, the mist cloud  92  is especially deterrent when it is comprised of a scent, irritant, or other materials repellant to animals. 
     While the present invention is illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments are described in detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications within the scope of the appended claims will readily appear to those sufficed in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicants&#39; general concept.