Tool storage kit

Abstract

A tool storage assembly includes a container assembly and at least one multi-tool assembly detachably connected to the container assembly, wherein the container assembly and the multi-tool assembly include corresponding sliding connection portions that engage with each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tool storage assembly and a head tube assembly including such a tool storage assembly. Background Art

[0002] Bicycle headset assemblies are typically designed to allow for smooth rotation of the fork relative to the bicycle frame while minimizing the amount of "slack" or "play" (ie, the amount of movement) between the fork and the bicycle frame.

[0003] The upper and lower bearings between the fork steerer tube and the frame head tube must be preloaded, enough to eliminate play but not so much that it causes binding.

[0004] The most common system has a star nut that snaps inside the fork steerer tube, a screw that tightens into the star nut, and a cap on top of the stem.

[0005] As the cap screws are tightened, the upper and lower bearings are squeezed between the collar and fork, eliminating slack; the collar screws are then tightened while the collar is aligned with the front wheel.

[0006] In this case, the star nut blocks the interior of the fork steerer tube and it prevents installation of internal items such as a tool kit.

[0007] In other solutions currently on the market, the nut screw is replaced with an expanding top cap plug assembly that pushes into the fork steerer tube and, when tightened, preloads the headstock assembly.

[0008] Known Types In some other headstock tightening systems, such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10,107,049 (FIGS. 1 and 2), threads are cut into the inner surface of the fork steerer tube and a threaded cap is installed that preloads the headstock bearing when tightened.

[0009] This approach has several significant disadvantages, including the necessity to cut threads into the fork steerer tube, a reduction in the inside diameter for inserting the tool assembly, weakening of the fork steerer tube, limitation of being able to use the device with certain fork steerer tube materials, and the requirement to use a special tool for adjusting the head cup preload force.

[0010] In the same document (see FIGS. 1 and 2 ), a tool kit 500 is also disclosed that can be inserted inside the fork steerer tube for storage and slid through a threaded top cap 526 .

[0011] The cylindrical tool kit 500 includes a support body 510 adapted to hold a multi-tool 518 , a tire bar 524 , and a chain breaker 528 .

[0012] The support body 510 has a first end 512 and a second end 514 connected by an elongated mounting arm 516 .

[0013] A multi-tool 518 , a tire bar 524 , and a chain breaker 528 are housed between the ends 512 , 514 .

[0014] In addition, the container 522 is connected to the support body 510 .

[0015] The solution described above has some disadvantages.

[0016] The inner diameter of the threaded top cap 526 is smaller than the inner diameter of the fork steerer tube, which allows the outer diameter of the tool kit 500 to be smaller than if the threaded top cap 526 was not present.

[0017] This reduction in diameter of tool kit 500 has a profound impact on the usability of tool kit 500 .

[0018] For example, multi-tool 518 has fewer tools than is ideal, and container 522 is not large enough to accommodate a standard CO2 tank for emergency tire inflation.

[0019] The mounting arm 516 takes up valuable space that could otherwise be used for practical purposes, such as tools.

[0020] The tool stored between the ends 512, 514 is difficult to install and remove; for removal and installation, the mounting arm 516 must be bent significantly so that the tire bar 524 is released from the end 512, and the multi-tool 518 and chain breaker 528 must be properly aligned for proper assembly.

[0021] Typically, the fork steerer tube is unthreaded, and use of the tool kit 500 requires threading of the fork steerer tube.

[0022] This requires the use of an expensive tap, which most cyclists do not have, and is difficult to perform; in addition, the threads weaken the steerer tube and, in many cases, void the fork warranty.

[0023] Additionally, this threading is only recommended on aluminum steerer tubes, not steel or carbon steerer tubes.

[0024] It should also be noted that top cover 526 requires a special tool to adjust, and such tool is included in multi-tool 518 at the expense of eliminating a more common and useful tool.

[0025] Purpose of the Invention

[0026] Therefore, the technical object of the present invention is to improve the state of the art in the field of multi-tools.

[0027] Within this technical goal, an object of the present invention is to develop a multi-tool assembly suitable for insertion into a predetermined space or cavity inside a bicycle frame (eg, a steering tube).

[0028] Another object of the present invention is to develop a multi-tool assembly that is easy to put together before being inserted into a predetermined space inside a bicycle frame and easy to disassemble after it is removed from the same space.

[0029] Another object of the present invention is to design a multi-tool assembly wherein the components are coupled together so as to prevent them from separating from one another when they are stored inside a predetermined space or cavity of a bicycle frame. Summary of the invention

[0030] This object and these goals are achieved by a tool storage assembly, which includes a first multi-tool assembly and a container assembly, the first multi-tool assembly including a plurality of tool heads, each of which is movable between an inactive position and an operative position, the inactive position having a minimum encumbrance, and the container assembly being removably connected to the first tool assembly.

[0031] The first tool assembly and the container include respective first and second sliding connection members that engage with each other.

[0032] The solutions disclosed hereinafter address the needs of cyclists and provide improvements over existing bicycle tool storage devices.

[0033] These solutions allow the user to store the bicycle tools in the bicycle head tube assembly, or in another predetermined space provided in the bicycle frame, or even in a bicycle pump.

[0034] In fact, the solution of the tool storage assembly according to the invention is very compact and it can be inserted into the internal volume of a bicycle frame, making maximum use of the available space.

[0035] The objects of the present invention are also achieved by a head tube assembly, which includes a head tube; a fork assembly, which in turn includes a fork tube, which includes a first bearing groove and a second bearing groove at its opposite ends; a neck assembly, which is connected to the fork tube and is configured to clamp a bicycle handlebar; a head bowl assembly, which includes a first bearing assembly and a second bearing assembly, which are inserted along the fork tube and press-fitted into the first bearing groove and the second bearing groove respectively; a head bowl tightener, which is configured to appropriately tighten the head bowl assembly; and a tool storage assembly according to the present invention, which is accommodated in the fork tube.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, a headstock tightener includes an outer ring and an inner ring connected to the outer ring by means of a threaded coupling; the inner ring is configured to engage the top of a fork tube so that no relative rotation is allowed between the inner ring and the fork tube.

[0037] Twisting the outer ring by hand will allow the cup assembly to be properly preloaded by axially loading the bearing assembly.

[0038] The head pipe assembly according to the present invention includes a head bowl tightener, which allows the head bowl assembly to be properly tightened without restricting the inner diameter of the fork tube, and does not require threading the inside of the fork tube.

[0039] The outer ring of the headstock tightener can be rotated by hand and can be locked very simply with an Allen key.

[0040] This allows for maximum usable space within the fork tube for inserting the tool storage assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] These and other advantages will be better understood by those skilled in the art from the following description and from the accompanying drawings given as non-limiting examples, in which:

[0042] FIG1 is a perspective view of a bicycle tool kit of the prior art;

[0043] FIG2 is an exploded view of the tool kit shown in FIG1 ;

[0044] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a tool storage assembly according to the present invention;

[0045] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 a cutaway view of the tool storage assembly shown;

[0046] Figure 5 is a side view of the tool storage assembly;

[0047] Figure 6 is a top view of the tool storage assembly;

[0048] Figure 7 Is a tool storage component along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken along the VII-VII plane;

[0049] Figure 8 Is a tool storage component along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken along the VIII-VIII plane;

[0050] Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 Detailed view of

[0051] Fig.10 is an exploded view of a first multi-tool assembly of the tool storage assembly;

[0052] Fig.11 is an exploded view of a second multi-tool assembly of the tool storage assembly;

[0053] Fig.12 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a tool storage assembly according to the present invention;

[0054] Fig.13 is a perspective view of a first multi-tool assembly;

[0055] Fig.14 is a partially exploded perspective view of a first multi-tool assembly with the tool head pivoted open;

[0056] Fig.15 is a partially exploded perspective view of a tool storage assembly;

[0057] Fig.16 is another perspective view of the tool storage assembly prepared for repairing a bicycle chain;

[0058] Fig.17 is a perspective view of a head pipe assembly according to the present invention;

[0059] Fig.18 yes Figure 8 a cross-sectional view of the head tube assembly shown;

[0060] Fig.19 is a perspective view of a tool storage assembly according to the present invention ready to be installed in a head tube assembly;

[0061] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the head tube assembly with the tool storage assembly already installed;

[0062] Fig.21 is a top view of the head tube assembly with the tool storage assembly installed;

[0063] Fig. 22 is a cross-section of the head tube assembly with the tool storage assembly installed;

[0064] Fig.23 is a front view of the head tube assembly with the tool storage assembly installed;

[0065] Fig.24 The head pipe assembly is along Fig.23 A further cross-sectional view taken along plane XXIV-XXIV of FIG. 1 and with the tool storage assembly installed;

[0066] Fig.25 is a side view of the head tube assembly before the head bowl tightener is tightened, and the tool storage assembly is installed;

[0067] Fig.26 is a side view of the head tube assembly after the head bowl tightener has been tightened, and the tool storage assembly has been installed;

[0068] Fig. 27 It is a perspective view of the head bowl tightener of the head pipe assembly;

[0069] Fig.28 This is an exploded view of the headstock tightener. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] Reference Figure 3-16 , a tool storage assembly according to the present invention is generally indicated by 10 .

[0071] According to the present invention, the tool storage assembly 10 includes at least a multi-tool assembly 60 , 130 and a container assembly 20 .

[0072] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tool storage assembly 10 includes a first multi-tool assembly 130 , a second multi-tool assembly 60 , and a container assembly 20 .

[0073] The first multi-tool assembly 130 , the second multi-tool assembly 60 , and the container assembly 20 are detachably connected to each other.

[0074] In more detail, according to one aspect of the present invention, the first multi-tool assembly 130, the second multi-tool assembly 60, and the container assembly 20 are detachably connected to each other so as to be aligned with each other along the axis A (the same axis A), for example, see Figure 7 .

[0075] This feature allows the tool storage assembly 10 to be minimally obstructed in the lateral direction and thus be stored within small available spaces, such as provided within a bicycle frame.

[0076] For example, such a space may be a steering tube of a bicycle frame, or any other suitable portion of a bicycle frame.

[0077] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first multi-tool assembly 130, the second multi-tool assembly 60 and the container assembly 20 include corresponding sliding connection parts 291, 91, 92, 41 to be detachably connected to each other, as better explained below.

[0078] The tool storage assembly 10 has a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape.

[0079] In the assembled configuration, the axis of cylindrical symmetry of the tool storage assembly 10 coincides with the axis A.

[0080] In more detail, each of the first multi-tool assembly 130, the second multi-tool assembly 60, and the container assembly 20 has a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical outer surface.

[0081] The first multi-tool assembly 130 includes a plurality of tool heads 140 , 150 , 160 , 170 , 180 , 190 , 200 , 210 , 220 , 230 .

[0082] Each of these tool heads 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220 can be selectively moved between a corresponding inactive position and a corresponding operating position, wherein the inactive position is minimally obstructive, and in the operating position, each of the tool heads 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220 can be used according to its specific function.

[0083] The first multi-tool assembly 130 includes a first frame bar 290 and a second frame bar 300 connected to each other.

[0084] The first frame bar 290 and the second frame bar 300 are connected to each other through a plurality of threaded shaft portions 250 and corresponding screws 240 (four threaded shaft portions 250 and eight screws 240).

[0085] The first frame bar 290 and the second frame bar 300 have radial edges, so their outer shapes are substantially cylindrical.

[0086] Each of the first frame bar 290 and the second frame bar 300 includes a respective aperture 292 , 302 .

[0087] In particular, the first frame bar 290 includes four corresponding first holes 292 arranged side by side near the opposite short sides; in the same manner, the second frame bar 300 includes four corresponding second holes 302 arranged side by side near the opposite short sides.

[0088] Eight screws 240 pass through the first and second holes 292 and 302 to engage the four threaded shaft portions 250 from opposite sides, thereby interconnecting the first and second frame bars 290 and 300 .

[0089] A number of tool heads 140 , 150 , 160 , 170 , 180 , 190 , 200 , 210 , 220 pivot about each threaded shaft portion 250 .

[0090] In more detail, at least two (or even three) of these tool heads 140 , 150 , 160 , 170 , 180 , 190 , 200 , 210 , 220 pivot side by side about a respective threaded shaft portion 250 .

[0091] The side washers 260 are inserted along the threaded shaft 250 between the tool bits 140 , 150 , 160 , 170 , 180 , 190 , 200 , 210 , 220 and the first and second frame bars 290 , 300 .

[0092] A central washer 270 is also inserted along the threaded shaft portion 250 between the tool bits 140 , 150 , 160 , 170 , 180 , 190 , 200 , 210 , 220 .

[0093] Each of the tool heads 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220 (see, for example, Fig.14 ) include a corresponding pivot portion 142 and a respective operating portion 144.

[0094] The pivot portion 142 of each of the tool heads 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220 is substantially annular; the operating portion 144 of each of the tool heads 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220 may include, for example, a screwdriver, a hex wrench, etc., and these operating portions have different shapes and sizes (not limiting for the purposes of the present invention).

[0095] The inner surfaces of the first frame bar 290 and the second frame bar 300 include corresponding inner seats 294 in which the corresponding magnets 280 are fixed.

[0096] The magnet 280 is configured to retain a further tool head 230 (eg, a socket wrench, etc.) between the first frame bar 290 and the second frame bar 300 .

[0097] The first frame bar 290 and the second frame bar 300 further include respective outer seats 444 for receiving respective chain master links 440 .

[0098] The outer seat 444 includes corresponding apertures 296 , 306 extending through the first frame bar 290 and the second frame bar 300 .

[0099] The chain master link 440 has corresponding pins 442 that engage the holes 296, 306 so that the outer surface of the first multi-tool assembly 130 is substantially smooth.

[0100] In an embodiment of the present invention, the second multi-tool assembly 60 ( Fig.11 , 15 , 16) includes a chain breaker 62, and a CO2 inflator 64.

[0101] Additionally, the second multi-tool assembly 60 includes a spoke wrench 66 .

[0102] In more detail, the second multi-tool assembly 60 includes a main body 90 .

[0103] The main body 90 is substantially cylindrical.

[0104] The chain breaker 62 comprises a first threaded seat 68 made in the body 90 ; the axis of the first threaded seat 68 is parallel to the axis of cylindrical symmetry B of the body 90 .

[0105] The chain breaker 62 further comprises a first screw pin 120 which engages in the first threaded seat 68 .

[0106] The first threaded seat 68 communicates with a groove 69 made in a transverse surface of the body 90 .

[0107] The first screw pin 120 is used to push the chain pin into or out of the chain link, depending on how the chain link is placed on the body 90 (specifically, within the groove 69).

[0108] The CO2 inflator 64 includes a second threaded seat 72 ( Fig.15 , 16 ), made in the main body 90; the axis of the second threaded seat 72 is parallel to the cylindrical symmetry axis of the main body 90. .

[0109] The second threaded seat 72 communicates with a passage 73 through the body 90 ( Figure 8 ).

[0110] The CO 2 inflator 64 comprises a second screw pin 80 which engages in the second threaded seat 72 .

[0111] The CO 2 inflator 64 further includes an O-ring seal 70 , 110 engaged in the second threaded seat 72 and the passage 73 .

[0112] The second screw pin 80 is used to punch a hole in the end of the CO2 bottle.

[0113] The spoke wrench 66 includes a spoke wrench slot 99 formed in the body 90 and having various standard sizes.

[0114] The spoke spanner grooves 99 are realized along the lateral surface of the body 90 and they are parallel to the axis of cylindrical symmetry of the body 90 .

[0115] According to another aspect of the present invention, the container assembly 20 includes a container 40 .

[0116] The container 40 is cylindrical, or substantially cylindrical, and it has a cylindrical symmetry axis C; the container 40 has an opening, in particular a threaded opening 55 .

[0117] The container assembly 20 further includes a cover 30 associated with the container 40 .

[0118] The cover 30 engages in the threaded opening 55 of the container 40 ; the cover 30 comprises a flange 34 .

[0119] An O-ring seal 50 is interposed between the cap 30 and the threaded opening 55 to obtain a tight seal of the container 40 .

[0120] The container 40 may contain, for example, a CO2 bottle, or any other object, or tool.

[0121] According to one aspect of the present invention, the sliding connection portion 291, 91, 92, 41 is hook-type.

[0122] In other words, each of the first multi-tool assembly 130 , the second multi-tool assembly 60 and the container assembly 20 includes at least a corresponding pair of hook-shaped sliding connection parts 291 , 91 , 92 , 41 , or dovetail-shaped sliding connection parts 291 , 91 , 92 , 41 .

[0123] The hook-shaped (or dovetail-shaped) sliding connection portions 291 , 91 , 92 , 41 are configured to engage / disengage each other in a sliding manner in a direction perpendicular to the above-mentioned axis A (thus, in a direction perpendicular to the axis of cylindrical symmetry of the tool storage assembly 10 ).

[0124] Such hook-shaped sliding connection parts 291, 91, 92, 41, or dovetail-shaped sliding connection parts 291, 91, 92, 41 may have rounded edges for more practical mutual connection and more comfortable use.

[0125] Special reference Fig. 9 The first multi-tool assembly 130 includes a first pair of hook-shaped (or dovetail-shaped) sliding connection parts 291; they are arranged in a mirror-image manner relative to the central plane of the first multi-tool assembly 130 at one end of the multi-tool assembly 130.

[0126] The first pair of hook-shaped (or dovetail-shaped) sliding connection portions 291 may be arranged to define a surface depression or a surface protrusion therebetween.

[0127] In the particular embodiment shown in the drawings, the first pair of hook-shaped (or dovetail-shaped) sliding connection portions 291 of the first multi-tool assembly 130 are arranged to define a surface depression therebetween.

[0128] The second multi-tool assembly 60 includes two pairs of second pairs of hook-shaped (or dovetail-shaped) sliding connection parts 91, 92; they are arranged in a mirror manner at both ends of the second multi-tool assembly 60 relative to the central plane of the second multi-tool assembly 60 (the axis B of the cylindrical symmetry of the main body 90 belongs to this plane).

[0129] The second pair of hook-shaped (or dovetail-shaped) sliding connection portions 91 , 92 may be arranged to define a surface depression or a surface protrusion therebetween.

[0130] In the specific embodiment shown in the drawings, the two pairs of second pairs of hook-shaped (or dovetail-shaped) sliding connection parts 91, 92 of the second multi-tool assembly 60 are arranged to define a surface depression (at one end) and a surface protrusion (at the other end) therebetween, respectively.

[0131] The container assembly 20 comprises a third pair of hook-shaped (or dovetail-shaped) sliding connection parts 41; they are arranged in a mirrored manner at one end of the container assembly 20 relative to the central plane of the container assembly 20 (the axis C of cylindrical symmetry of the container 40 belongs to this plane).

[0132] A third pair of hook-shaped (or dovetail-shaped) sliding connection portions 41 is arranged at the end of the container 40 opposite to the threaded opening 55 thereof.

[0133] The third pair of hook-shaped (or dovetail-shaped) sliding connection portions 41 may be arranged to define a surface depression or a surface protrusion therebetween.

[0134] In the particular embodiment shown in the drawings, the third pair of hook-shaped (or dovetail-shaped) sliding connection portions 41 of the container assembly 20 are arranged to define a surface protrusion therebetween.

[0135] The arrangement of the pairs of hook-shaped (or dovetail-shaped) sliding connection parts 291, 91, 92, 41 of the first multi-tool assembly 130, the second multi-tool assembly 60 and the container assembly 20 may be arbitrary in combination with specific application requirements.

[0136] like Fig. 9 As shown in detail in FIG. 1 , the first pair of hook-shaped (or dovetail-shaped) sliding connection parts 291 of the first multi-tool assembly 130 include two lips 292 and two grooves 293 facing each other (ie, facing inward).

[0137] The two pairs of second pairs of hook-shaped (or dovetail-shaped) sliding connection parts 91, 92 of the second multi-tool assembly 60 include two pairs of second pairs of lips and grooves 93, 94 and 95, 96, which face each other (face inward) at one end and face outward at the other end.

[0138] The third pair of hook-shaped (or dovetail-shaped) sliding connection portions 41 of the container assembly 20 includes two lips 42 and two grooves 43 facing outward.

[0139] According to another aspect of the present invention, the container assembly 20 includes a side connection area 45 ( Fig.15 ).

[0140] In more detail, the container 40 includes a side connection area 45 for the second multi-tool assembly 60 .

[0141] like Fig.16 As shown, the side connection area 45 allows the second multi-tool assembly 60 to be connected to the container 40 so that the axis of the first screw pin 120 is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis C of cylindrical symmetry of the container 40 .

[0142] This connection configuration allows a comfortable, firm handle for the lever, since a great torque is required to disconnect a bicycle chain (to push the chain pin out of position); in actual use, the container 40 constitutes the handle.

[0143] The side connection area 45 includes a fourth pair of hook-shaped (or dovetail-shaped) sliding connection portions 46 .

[0144] The fourth pair of hook-shaped (or dovetail-shaped) sliding connection portions 46 are arranged so that their sliding directions are perpendicular to the sliding directions of the third pair of hook-shaped (or dovetail-shaped) sliding connection portions 41 .

[0145] The fourth pair of hook-shaped (or dovetail-shaped) sliding connection portions 46 may be arranged to define a surface depression or a surface protrusion therebetween.

[0146] In the specific embodiment shown in the drawings, the fourth pair of hook-shaped (or dovetail-shaped) sliding connection portions 46 of the side connection area 45 are arranged to define a surface protrusion therebetween.

[0147] The fourth pair of hook-shaped (or dovetail-shaped) sliding connection portions 46 of the side connection area 45 includes two lips 47 and two grooves 48 facing outward.

[0148] like Fig.16 As shown, a simple yet secure slidable connection is achieved between the container 40 and the body 90 of the second multi-tool assembly 60 .

[0149] To operate the chain breaker 62 , one of the tool heads 180 of the first multi-tool assembly 130 is pivoted out and it is inserted into the hexagonal wrench socket 122 of the first screw pin 120 .

[0150] The sliding connection portions 291, 91, 92, 41, 46 allow for extremely easy connection between the components of the tool storage assembly 10, secure connection during storage, and easy separation once removed from storage.

[0151] Fig.12 An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in which the tool storage assembly 10 includes only the container assembly 20 and the first multi-tool assembly 130 that are directly connected to each other.

[0152] In another embodiment of the present invention not shown in the figures, the tool storage assembly 10 may include a container assembly 20 and a second multi-tool assembly 60 that are directly connected to each other.

[0153] According to another aspect of the present invention, a head pipe assembly 400 ( Figure 17-28 ).

[0154] The head tube assembly 400 includes a head tube 382 which is part of a bicycle frame 380 .

[0155] The head tube 382 is tapered with its largest section facing downward, referring to the configuration used (see, for example, Fig. 22 ).

[0156] The head pipe 382 includes a first bearing groove 384 and a second bearing groove 386 at opposite ends thereof.

[0157] The head tube assembly 400 further includes a fork assembly 390 ; the fork assembly 390 in turn includes a fork tube 392 .

[0158] The head pipe assembly 400 further includes a neck assembly 350 , and a head bowl assembly 490 .

[0159] The neck assembly 350 is connected to the fork tube 392 and is configured to clamp a bicycle handlebar (not shown).

[0160] In more detail, the neck assembly 350 includes a neck body 360 and a screw 370 that allows tightening of the neck body 360 at the top of the fork tube 392 .

[0161] The neck body 360 includes a clamping portion 364, which together with a panel (not shown) can clamp a bicycle handlebar.

[0162] The head assembly 490 includes a first bearing assembly 460 (in detail, a first angle contact bearing assembly 460) and a second bearing assembly 470 (in detail, a second angle contact bearing assembly 470); the first bearing assembly 460 and the second bearing assembly 470 are inserted along the fork tube 392, and they are pressed into the first bearing groove 382 and the second bearing groove 384, respectively.

[0163] The head tube assembly 400 may also include a bottom plug assembly 410 mounted in the bottom of the fork tube 392 (see also Figure 3 , 4 ).

[0164] As will be better explained below, the bottom plug assembly 410, when installed, is inserted into the interior of the fork tube 392 when the tool storage assembly 10 is inserted into the fork tube 392 ( Fig. 20 ), providing more stability to the tool storage assembly 10, and it prevents dust, debris and contaminants from entering the fork tube 392.

[0165] The bottom plug assembly 410 includes a plug body 420 and an O-ring 430 .

[0166] The plug body 420 includes a plurality of legs 422 and ribs 424 arranged longitudinally.

[0167] The plug body 420 is made of a flexible material such as nylon, and thus the legs 422 can be bent slightly open.

[0168] Due to this feature, the plug body 420 can accept the insertion of the tool storage assembly 10 in accordance with the present invention, thereby helping to prevent rocking between the tool storage assembly 10 and the fork tube 392.

[0169] An o-ring 430 is fitted around the leg portion 422 to provide additional leg portion spring action.

[0170] The ribs 424 are configured to press fit the plug body 420 into the fork tube 392 .

[0171] According to another aspect of the present invention, the head pipe assembly 400 includes a head cup tightener 310 .

[0172] As will be discussed further, the bowl tightener 310 is configured to appropriately tighten the bowl assembly 490 .

[0173] By using such a head bowl tightener 310 according to the present invention, the head bowl tightener does not reduce the inner diameter of the bicycle fork tube 392, the bicycle fork tube 392 can accommodate slightly larger tool components, and this has a profound impact on the usefulness of these tool components.

[0174] Importantly, the headstock tightener 310 does not require threading inside the fork tube 392 as required by some prior art devices.

[0175] In this manner, the fork tube 392 is more secure, and the installation process is easier and less costly since no special threaded tap is required, and the system is adaptable to any steerer tube material.

[0176] According to the present invention ( Fig. 27 , 28 ), the head bowl tightener 310 includes an outer ring 320 and an inner ring 330 connected by a threaded connector; the inner ring 330 is configured to engage with the top of the fork tube 392.

[0177] In more detail, the outer ring 320 includes an internal thread 328 ; correspondingly, the inner ring 330 includes an external thread 332 that engages with the internal thread 328 of the outer ring 320 .

[0178] The inner ring 330 further includes an inner channel 321 .

[0179] The outer ring 320 includes divided portions 322; the divided portions 322 are radially arranged.

[0180] The outer ring 320 further includes outer peripheral contours 323 , 324 , 325 , 326 .

[0181] Specifically, the profiles 325, 326 are separated by the partition 322; the profiles 325, 326 include corresponding holes 327a, 327b, wherein the first hole 327a is smooth and the second hole 327b is threaded.

[0182] The outer ring 320 further includes a screw 340, whose threads 342 engage with the threaded second hole 327b.

[0183] The purpose of the profiles 323 , 324 , 325 , 326 is to provide sufficient grip when the outer ring 320 is turned by hand, thereby providing sufficient preload to the headstock assembly 490 .

[0184] The headstock tightener 310 further includes two O-rings 450; the O-rings 450 cooperate with the inner channel 321, so that when the outer ring 320 is pushed onto the fork tube 392, there is sufficient friction to rotationally assemble the inner ring 330 to the fork tube 392, and when the outer ring 320 rotates, the inner ring 330 will not rotate relative to the fork tube 392.

[0185] Fig.25 The head bowl tightener 310 is shown prior to tightening the head bowl assembly 490 .

[0186] In actual operation, during assembly of the fork tube 392 , the first and second bearing assemblies 460 , 470 , the head tube 382 , the head bowl tightener 310 and the neck assembly 350 are pushed together by hand, and the stem screw 370 is tightened to assemble the neck body 360 to the fork tube 392 .

[0187] Fig.25Shown, for descriptive purposes, is a gap G between the top surface 329 of the outer ring 320 and the bottom surface 362 of the neck body 360 , in actual operation the gap will be so small that it will not be visible because the head tube assembly 400 will be pushed together by hand before tightening the screws 370 .

[0188] The screws 340 are loose enough to allow rotational threaded movement between the outer ring 320 and the inner ring 330 .

[0189] When the outer ring 320 is rotated by hand, the gap G will close and further rotation will then cause the first bearing assemblies 460 and 470 to be preloaded, eliminating play in the head cup assembly 490 .

[0190] Specifically, as the outer ring 320 rotates relative to the inner ring 330, the distance between the top surface 329 of the outer ring 320 and the bottom surface 334 of the inner ring 330 will increase.

[0191] Fig.26 The head bowl tightener 310 is shown prior to tightening the head bowl assembly 490 .

[0192] By twisting the outer ring 320 while the inner ring 330 remains rotationally fixed to the fork tube 392 , the top surface 329 of the outer ring 320 will push against the bottom face 362 of the tube neck body 360 while the bottom face 334 of the inner ring 330 pushes against the top of the angle contact bearing 470 .

[0193] Torsing the outer ring 330 causes the head cup assembly 490 to become preloaded by axially loading the first bearing assembly 460 and the second bearing assembly 470 .

[0194] Correct preload is usually verified by feeling for smooth handlebar rotation and by feeling for play by applying the front brake and pushing the bike forward and backward.

[0195] Once the proper preload is achieved, the screws 340 are tightened, thereby reducing the size of the split portion 322 to join the outer ring 320 to the inner ring 330 : this prevents the head bowl tightener 310 from inadvertently loosening and prevents play from developing in the head bowl assembly 490 .

[0196] As previously described, and according to another aspect of the present invention, the tool storage assembly 10 having the above-described features may be installed into the head tube assembly 400 according to the present invention (more specifically, accommodated into the fork tube 392 ).

[0197] The O-ring 50 of the container assembly 20 is friction fit into the fork tube 392 for easy installation and removal.

[0198] The flange 34 of the cover 30 is larger than the inner diameter of the fork tube 392 to ensure that the cover 30 remains over the top of the fork tube 392 for safe and easy removal of the tool storage assembly 10 .

[0199] The outer diameters of the first multi-tool assembly 130 , the second multi-tool assembly 60 , and the container assembly 20 are slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the fork tube 392 .

[0200] It is also emphasized that the second multi-tool assembly 60, having the features disclosed above, represents the original combination of a chain breaker and a CO2 inflator, which is done in a very compact and convenient way.

[0201] It has thus been seen how the invention achieves the objects set forth.

[0202] In previously disclosed embodiments, various features (given as being associated with such particular embodiment) may in fact be interchanged with other different features present in other embodiments.

[0203] The invention has been described according to preferred embodiments, but equivalent variations can be devised without departing from the scope of protection offered by the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A tool storage assembly comprising: Container components; as well as at least one multi-tool assembly removably connectable to the container assembly, wherein the container assembly and the multi-tool assembly comprise corresponding sliding connection parts engaging with each other, wherein the sliding connection parts of the container assembly and the multi-tool assembly are hook-shaped or dovetail-shaped, wherein the container assembly and the multi-tool assembly are detachably connected to each other so as to be aligned with each other along an axis, and wherein the sliding connection portion is configured so as to engage or disengage with each other in a sliding manner in a direction perpendicular to the axis, The at least one multi-tool assembly comprises a second multi-tool assembly, the second multi-tool assembly comprising a chain breaker, the chain breaker comprising a first screw pin, and wherein the container of the container assembly comprises a side connection area for the second multi-tool assembly, the side connection area allowing the second multi-tool assembly to be connected to the container with the axis of the first screw pin perpendicular to the axis of the container, whereby the container can be used as a handle to operate the chain breaker, and Wherein, the side connection area includes a hook-shaped or dovetail-shaped sliding connection part.

2. The tool storage assembly of claim 1, wherein: The multi-tool assembly also includes a first multi-tool assembly, which includes a plurality of tool heads, each of which can be moved between a corresponding inactive position and a corresponding operating position, in which each of the tool heads can be used according to the specific function of the tool head.

3. The tool storage assembly of claim 2, wherein: The first multi-tool assembly includes a first frame rod and a second frame rod, which are connected to each other by a plurality of threaded shaft portions and corresponding screws, and wherein a plurality of tool heads pivot around each of the threaded shaft portions, wherein each of the tool heads includes a pivot portion inserted along one of the threaded shaft portions and includes an operating portion, wherein the operating portion includes a screwdriver or an Allen wrench.

4. The tool storage assembly of claim 1, wherein: The second multi-tool assembly also includes a CO2 inflator and / or a spoke wrench.

5. The tool storage assembly of claim 4, wherein: The second multi-tool assembly comprises a substantially cylindrical body, and wherein the chain breaker comprises a first threaded seat made in the body, the first screw pin being engaged in the first threaded seat.

6. The tool storage assembly of claim 4, wherein: The CO2 inflator comprises a second threaded seat made in the body of the second multi-tool assembly and a second screw pin engaged in the second threaded seat.

7. The tool storage assembly of claim 4, wherein: The spoke wrench includes a spoke wrench slot formed in the body of the second multi-tool assembly and having various standard sizes.

8. The tool storage assembly of claim 1, wherein: The container assembly includes a container that is cylindrical or substantially cylindrical and includes a cover portion associated with the container, wherein the cover portion includes a flange.

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