Storage compartment for a frame tube

Abstract

Storage compartment in a frame tube of a bicycle, comprising at least one storage space (2), a frame tube section (1) radially limiting the storage space (2) and a storage opening (3), characterized in that the storage space (2) of the storage compartment is limited in at least one direction by at least one limiting element (31) arranged in the frame tube section (1) starting from the storage opening (3) in the longitudinal extension of the frame tube section (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a storage compartment in a frame tube of a bicycle, comprising at least one storage space, a frame tube section radially delimiting the storage space and a storage space opening.

[0002] With the increasing popularity of e-bikes, bicycle frames with large-volume frame tubes were developed to accommodate and conceal batteries. For bicycles without a battery but with a correspondingly large frame, the space available within a particular frame tube section can be used in other ways. For example, patent US8308179B2 proposes incorporating a hydration bladder into the down tube of a bicycle frame. The "Specialized EPIC 8 pro" and the "Canyon Grail CFR Di2" demonstrate the use of this as storage space, for example, to accommodate tools or other items.

[0003] The object of the invention is to further develop such a storage compartment in such a way that objects in it are secured against slipping and are safely accessible for a person removing them.

[0004] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1. Further developments and advantageous embodiments are specified in the subordinate claims.

[0005] The storage compartment in a frame tube of a bicycle, comprising at least one storage compartment, a frame tube section radially delimiting the storage compartment, and a storage compartment opening, is characterized according to the invention in that the storage compartment of the storage compartment is delimited, starting from the storage compartment opening in the longitudinal extension of the frame tube section, in at least one direction by at least one delimiting element arranged in the frame tube section. The storage compartment thus has defined dimensions, independent of the length of the frame tube section, within which objects can be stowed.

[0006] According to a further development, this limits the storage space in the direction of an end that is intended to be located below the storage space opening and prevents objects arranged in the storage space from slipping in the frame tube section and thus no longer being accessible to a person removing these objects.

[0007] In a further embodiment, the limiting element is formed by a sleeve with an internal screw thread that extends into the frame tube section. Such a sleeve is easy to manufacture, and the screw thread can be linked to at least one additional use of the limiting element. In order to position the limiting element in a fixed position within the frame tube section, it is also provided that the limiting element can be secured to the frame tube section in a rotationally secure manner.

[0008] To prevent stored objects from slipping in the frame tube section and to block a cross-sectional area of ​​the frame tube section, the limiting element, with its part projecting into the frame tube section, can have a length that corresponds to at least 50% of the inner diameter of the frame tube section, in particular at least to the inner diameter of the frame tube section. In particular, smaller objects can be stored in a pocket in the storage space, wherein the pocket has a width of at least half the inner diameter of the storage space.

[0009] As an additional use, the limiting element can be integrated into a mounting system on an outer side of the frame tube section, or the limiting element can form a mounting system on an outer side. This mounting system can be used in particular for the external attachment of cup holders, tools, or the like. The internal screw thread then advantageously forms a screwing point for the cup or tool holder.

[0010] The screwing point formed by the limiting element is further advantageously combined with another screwing point on the frame tube section outside the storage compartment to enable the use of commercially available cup or tool holders. In a simple manner, the mounting system comprises at least one additional sleeve with an internal screw thread extending into the frame tube section.

[0011] According to another refinement, the storage space opening is formed by at least one frame insert arranged in a frame tube recess of the frame tube section, circumferentially abutting the frame tube recess, and a storage space cover, the edge region of which can be brought into contact with at least one cover support surface of the frame insert, wherein the frame tube recess is closed when the storage space cover is placed over the storage space opening. The combination of abutting frame insert and storage space cover represents an option adaptable to different frame tube recesses, wherein the largest possible contact surface can be created between the storage space cover and the frame insert in a simple manner.

[0012] By the lid support surface of the frame insert tapering conically in the direction of the storage space, the edge region of the storage space lid having at least one insert support surface which, like the lid support surface of the frame insert, tapers conically in the direction of the storage space, in particular when the storage space lid is placed on the storage space opening, and the insert support surface resting flat against the lid support surface when the storage space lid is placed on the storage space opening, it is also achieved that the storage space lid is guided to all surfaces in contact with the frame insert and is centered relative to the frame insert when the storage space opening is closed. In contrast to the prior art, the storage space lid therefore not only rests on an edge of a frame insert, but is also guided laterally, i.e. in a plane spanned by the storage space opening, and is held in position.

[0013] The storage lid, which is placed over the storage opening, is secured against slipping by a large-area connection between the lid support surface and the insert contact surface. In a further design, the lid support surface and the insert contact surface each taper conically, with the storage opening narrowing progressively, particularly evenly, toward the storage space.

[0014] To secure the attached storage compartment lid to the frame insert, the latter advantageously has at least one locking lever. This can be easily actuated by the locking lever being mounted on the storage compartment lid so that it can rotate about an axis perpendicular to a plane spanned by the storage compartment opening. A latch, in particular a pivotable latch, can then be actuated with the locking lever.

[0015] In a further embodiment, at least one recess for the pivotable latch can be formed in the lid support surface, into which the latch engages when the storage space opening is closed. The latch can thus be moved within the dimensions defined by the frame insert and does not protrude unnecessarily into the storage space. Alternatively, the latch can also simply engage behind the frame insert.

[0016] According to a further development, the storage compartment lid has receptacles, in particular holes, which are intended and configured to attach a cup holder to the outside of the storage compartment lid. The storage compartment lid can thus be integrated into a bicycle frame, in particular a down tube of a bicycle frame, in a space-saving manner without impairing established uses, such as the attachment of cup holders.

[0017] To prevent dirt and / or moisture from penetrating the storage compartment, the frame insert is further provided with a dirt and rain deflector lip on its outer edge, on an outer side of the frame tube section bordering the storage space, facing away from the storage space. This lip extends over the frame tube recess and rests circumferentially on the frame tube section. An offset is advantageously formed between the edge of the frame tube recess and the dirt and rain deflector lip resting on the frame tube section. Rain or splash water striking the storage compartment lid or the frame insert is thus directed away from the frame tube recess.

[0018] According to a further refinement, the storage compartment lid has at least one lashing eye on its inner side, which is intended to face the storage space. Items stored in the storage compartment, such as an air pump or repair kit, can thus be easily attached and secured to the storage compartment lid. For this purpose, a retaining strap, for example, can be passed through the lashing eye and around the item in question. In a further embodiment, lashing eyes are arranged in pairs in two rows aligned along the length of the storage compartment lid.

[0019] In order to protect cables routed within the frame tube section against damage caused by objects accommodated in the storage space, a further development provides for at least one cable duct to be formed on the frame tube section at least laterally of the storage space cover.

[0020] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a bicycle frame of a bicycle, characterized in that the bicycle frame has a storage compartment mentioned above. In a further embodiment, this storage compartment is then formed in a down tube of the bicycle frame.

[0021] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a bicycle with an aforementioned storage compartment.

[0022] An embodiment of the invention, from which further essential features of the invention may emerge, is illustrated in the drawing. Identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals throughout the figures of the drawing. They show: Fig. 1: a first perspective view of a frame tube section with a storage compartment according to the invention; Fig. 2: a second perspective view of a section of the frame tube section according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3: a perspective view of a frame insert of the storage compartment according to Fig. 1; Fig. 4: a cross-section through the frame insert of the storage compartment according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 3; Fig. 5: a perspective view of a frame insert according to the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 held storage compartment lid according to Fig. 1; Fig. 6: a perspective view of the storage compartment lid according to Fig. 5; Fig. 7: a detailed view of the storage compartment lid according to Fig. 1, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6; Fig. 8: a cross-section through a partial representation of a bicycle frame with the storage compartment according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2; and Fig. 9: a perspective view of a boundary element of the storage compartment according to Fig. 8.

[0023] From the perspective view in Fig. 1 shows a frame tube section 1 with a storage space 2, wherein the storage space 2 has a storage space opening 3. The storage space opening 3 is closed by an attached storage space cover 4, which is held in a frame insert 5. This frame insert 5 rests on the outside and circumferentially on the frame tube section 1 with a dirt and rain deflection lip 6 and surrounds the storage space opening 3 and the storage space cover 4 all the way around.

[0024] The storage compartment lid 4 and the frame insert 5 each have a substantially rectangular basic shape adapted to the frame tube section 1. Two receptacles 7, 7' are formed in the storage compartment lid 4, to which a cup holder can be attached. The receptacles 7, 7' are each formed by externally accessible screw threads in recesses which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal extension of the frame tube section 1 at a distance standardized for such accessories. The receptacles 7, 7' are arranged centrally, i.e. at an equal distance, between lateral edges of the storage compartment lid 4 and the frame insert 5, which edges are aligned in the longitudinal extension of the frame tube section 1. In addition, each of the receptacles 7, 7' forms a raised area relative to the remaining cover surface 8 of the storage compartment lid 4 surrounding it, so as not to protrude unnecessarily into the storage space 2.

[0025] Further is from Fig. 1 shows a locking lever 9. The locking lever 9 is mounted on the storage compartment lid 4 so as to be rotatable about an axis perpendicular to a plane spanned by the storage compartment opening 3. For this purpose, the storage compartment lid 4 has a section-wise recess 8' in its lid surface 8, in which the locking lever 9 is arranged such that it can be pivoted to release the storage compartment lid 4. The recess 8' of the lid surface 8 is flush with the frame insert 5 adjacent to it, so that the locking lever 9 can be pivoted over the frame insert 5 which is designed to run all the way around the storage compartment lid 4. The remaining lid surface 8 is raised compared to the frame insert 5 when the storage compartment lid 4 is placed on the storage compartment opening 3.

[0026] The locking lever 9 also has a thickened portion at its free end, opposite the pivot point of the locking lever 9, which forms a handle 9'. With the handle 9', the locking lever 9 protrudes from the lid surface 8, so that it can be easily grasped by a person handling it.

[0027] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a section of the frame tube section 1 with part of the storage space opening 3 but without the frame insert 5 and the storage space cover 4. This view shows that the frame insert 5 is arranged in a frame tube recess 10 and lines and covers an edge 10' of the frame tube recess 10. The edge 10' of the frame tube recess 10 is formed by a support surface 12 that is set back from an adjacent casing wall 11 of the frame tube section 1. This set back support surface 12 is arranged circumferentially around the entire frame tube recess 10 and serves to fasten the frame insert 5. For this purpose, the set back support surface 12 has a plurality of mounting points 13, 13' arranged on its short sides. The frame insert 5 can be fastened, in particular screwed, to the frame tube section 1 using correspondingly arranged mounting points via the mounting points 13, 13'.

[0028] The storage space 2 is formed inside the frame tube section 1 and is delimited by the casing wall 11 of the frame tube section 1. In order to protect strands 14 of cables, lines, or Bowden cables arranged within the frame tube section 1 from being damaged by objects stored in the storage space 2, two cable ducts 15, 15' are formed on the casing wall 11 in the longitudinal extension of the frame tube section 1, laterally of the edge 10' of the frame tube recess 10. These two cable ducts 15, 15' each protrude into the storage space 2 with trapezoidally angled surfaces in order to form surfaces and angles that are as flat as possible relative to one another and thus offer no undercuts or the like in which objects stored in the storage space 2 could become wedged. Both cable ducts 15, 15' extend over at least the entire length of the frame tube recess 10 in the longitudinal extension of the frame tube section 1.

[0029] Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 each show only the frame insert 5 of the storage compartment. The frame insert 5 is formed by an annular component, the central recess of which forms the storage opening 3. The outer end with which the frame insert 5 rests on the frame tube section 1 is, as can be seen in particular from Fig. 4, is formed by the dirt and rain deflector lip 6. This dirt and rain deflector lip 6 is angled to the frame tube section 1 and positioned at an angle of less than 90° to the frame tube section 1, thus extending further in the direction of the frame tube section 1. Rain, dirt, or splash water striking the frame insert 5 is thus directed away from the storage space opening 3 or the frame tube recess 10.

[0030] Furthermore, on the frame insert 5, a total of four mounting points 16, 16', 16'', 16''' are visible on its short sides, which lead to the Fig. 2 visible mounting points 13, 13' of the frame tube section 1 are arranged correspondingly. Via the mounting points 16, 16', 16'', 16''' and the mounting points 13, 13', the frame insert 5 and the frame tube section 1 are thus correspondingly Fig. 1 connectable.

[0031] The storage space opening 3 is delimited on the side of the frame insert 5 by a lid support surface 17 and a web 18 adjoining the lid support surface 17 in the direction of the storage space 2. From these, the lid support surface 17 tapers conically in the direction of the storage space 2, while the web 18 on both sides of the storage space opening 3 is formed from web surfaces aligned parallel to one another. On the side facing away from the storage space opening 3, the web 18 of the frame insert 5 inserted into the frame tube recess 10 rests against the edge 10' of the frame tube recess 10. The edge 10' and the dirt and rain deflector lip 6 resting on the frame tube section 1 are thus offset from one another, with at least the recessed support surface 12 of the casing wall 11 and the dirt and rain deflector lip 6 of the frame insert 5 overlapping one another.

[0032] Finally, the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 that the frame insert 5 has a recess 19 in the cover support surface 17 on one of its short sides. With this recess 19, as can be seen from Fig. 5, a latch 20 of the storage compartment lid 4 can be engaged to secure the storage compartment lid 4 to the frame insert 5. This latch 20 is connected to the locking lever 9 at a first end at the pivot point of the locking lever 9 and can be actuated via the locking lever 9 by pivoting it.

[0033] Opposite the recess 19 and the latch 20, the storage compartment cover 4 has a locking lug 21 which engages in a further recess 22 of the frame insert 5 and secures the storage compartment cover 4 in the direction opposite to the storage compartment 2 against falling out of the frame insert 5.

[0034] The storage compartment lid 4 also has lashing eyes 23, 23' on its inner side, which is intended to face the storage compartment 2, to which objects to be stored in the storage compartment 2 can be attached in order to secure them to the storage compartment lid 4 and remove them together with the storage compartment lid 4. These lashing eyes 23, 23' are arranged in pairs in two rows aligned with one another in the longitudinal extent of the storage compartment lid 4. The area of ​​the storage compartment lid 4 with the lashing eyes 23, 23' is reinforced with stiffening ribs 24 formed between the two rows, each extending from one row of lashing eyes 23 to the other row of lashing eyes 23'. In addition, one of the stiffening ribs 24 is assigned to each of the two receptacles 7, 7'.

[0035] The storage compartment cover 4 is located in Fig. 5 with the Fig. 6, the insert contact surface 25 rests flatly on the lid contact surface 17, both the lid contact surface 17 and the insert contact surface 25 forming coordinated surfaces which taper conically in the direction of the storage space 2 and which rest against one another when the storage space cover 4 is placed on the frame insert 4.

[0036] In Fig. Figure 7 shows, by way of example, how a bicycle air pump 25, as an object to be stowed accordingly, is attached to the storage compartment lid 4 with a retaining strap 26 with a hook-and-loop fastener. The retaining strap 26 with a hook-and-loop fastener is guided through two lashing eyes 23, 23', which are located parallel to one another, and around the bicycle air pump 25.

[0037] Fig. Figure 8 shows a cross-section through a bicycle frame, at least partially depicted with its down tube 27, its seat tube 28, and its chainstay 29. The frame tube section 1 with the storage compartment is formed by the down tube 27. The storage space 2 of the storage compartment is defined in its dimensions below the storage opening 3 by a limiting element 30, which prevents items stored in the storage compartment from slipping downward toward the chainstay 29 and bottom bracket, which then makes it difficult to retrieve.

[0038] The limiting element 30 is part of a mounting system 31 formed on the outside of the frame tube section 1 for cup holders 32, tools or the like to be additionally attached to the frame tube section 1. As can be seen from Fig. 9, the limiting element 30 is a sleeve 33 with an internal screw thread projecting into the frame tube section 1. At its end 30' directed toward the mounting system 31, the limiting element 30 has, on the one hand, a head 34 that is wider than the rest of the sleeve 33, with which the mounting system 31 can be Fig. 8 is fixed and secured to the frame tube section 1, and on the other hand, in front of the head 34, an anti-twist device 35 with which the limiting element 30 can be fixed to the frame tube section 1. The internal screw thread of the limiting element 30 then forms, together with a further screwing point 36 arranged in the direction of the chainstay 29, receptacles which, in turn, are arranged at the distance from one another standardized for cup holders 32 and the like. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 8308179B2

[0002]

Claims

[1] Storage compartment in a frame tube of a bicycle, comprising at least one storage space (2), a frame tube section (1) radially delimiting the storage space (2) and a storage space opening (3), characterized by that the storage space (2) of the storage compartment is delimited, starting from the storage space opening (3), in the longitudinal extension of the frame tube section (1) in at least one direction by at least one delimiting element (31) arranged in the frame tube section (1). [2] Storage compartment according to claim 1, characterized by that the limiting element (31) limits the storage space (2) in the direction of an end which is intended to be located below the storage space opening (3). [3] Storage compartment according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by that the limiting element (31) is formed by a sleeve (34) with an internal screw thread projecting into the frame tube section (1). [4] Storage compartment according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized bythat the limiting element (31) can be fixed to the frame tube section (1) in a rotationally secure manner. [5] Storage compartment according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the limiting element (31) with its part projecting into the frame tube section (1) has a length which corresponds to at least 50% of the inner diameter of the frame tube section (1), in particular at least to the inner diameter of the frame tube section (1). [6] Storage compartment according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the limiting element (31) is integrated into a mounting system (32) on an outer side of the frame tube section (1) or forms a mounting system (32). [7] Storage compartment according to claim 6, characterized by that the mounting system (32) has at least one further sleeve (34) with an internal screw thread projecting into the frame tube section (1). [8] Storage compartment according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized byin that the storage space opening (3) is formed by at least one frame insert (5) which is arranged in a frame tube recess (10) of the frame tube section (1), circumferentially abutting the frame tube recess (10), and by a storage space cover (4) which can be brought into contact with at least one cover support surface (17) of the frame insert (5) by way of its edge region, the frame tube recess (10) being closed when the storage space cover (4) is placed onto the storage space opening (3). [9] Storage compartment according to claim 7, characterized bythat the lid support surface (17) of the frame insert (5) tapers conically in the direction of the storage space (2), that the edge region of the storage space lid (4) has at least one insert contact surface (25) which, like the lid support surface (17) of the frame insert (5), tapers conically in the direction of the storage space (2), in particular when the storage space lid (4) is placed on the storage space opening (3), and that the insert contact surface (25) lies flat against the lid support surface (17) when the storage space lid (4) is placed on the storage space opening (3). [10] Storage compartment according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized by that the storage compartment cover (4) has at least one locking lever (9). [11] Storage compartment according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized by that the lid support surface (17) has at least one recess (19) for a latch (20) of the storage compartment lid (4). [12] Storage compartment according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized bythat the storage compartment lid (4) has receptacles (7, 7'), in particular bores, which are provided and designed to fasten a cup holder to the outside of the storage compartment lid (4). [13] Storage compartment according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized by that the frame insert (5) has on its outer edge a dirt and rain deflector lip (6) on an outer side of the frame tube section (1) bordering the storage space (2) facing away from the storage space (2), which overlaps the frame tube recess (10) and rests circumferentially on the frame tube section (1). [14] Storage compartment according to one of claims 8 to 13, characterized by that the storage compartment cover (4) has at least one lashing eyelet (23, 23') on its inner side facing the storage compartment (2). [15] Storage compartment according to one of claims 8 to 14, characterized bythat lashing eyes (23, 23') are arranged in pairs in two rows aligned in the longitudinal extension of the storage compartment cover (4). [16] Storage compartment according to one of claims 8 to 15, characterized by that at least one cable duct (15, 15') is formed on the frame tube section (1) at least laterally of the storage compartment cover (4). [17] Bicycle frame of a bicycle, characterized by that the bicycle frame has a storage compartment according to one of claims 1 to 16. [18] Bicycle frame according to claim 17, characterized by that the storage compartment is formed in a down tube (28) of the bicycle frame. [19] Bicycle, characterized by that it has at least one storage compartment according to one of claims 1 to 16.

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