초록 ▼

A water bottle cage for bicycles with pivoting bands that automatically capture and lock a water bottle upon insertion into the cage. The cage allows easy installation and removal of the water bottle using one hand. The cage has three components molded from a resilient, substantially rigid polymeric

A water bottle cage for bicycles with pivoting bands that automatically capture and lock a water bottle upon insertion into the cage. The cage allows easy installation and removal of the water bottle using one hand. The cage has three components molded from a resilient, substantially rigid polymeric material including an elongated base portion with a half round band with a mating hinge at each end portion, a quarter round band with an extended curved leg at one end, a mating hinge generally in the middle and locking grooves at the other end, and a quarter round band with an extended curved leg at one end, a mating hinge generally in the middle and a locking member at the other end. The cage also includes two hinge pins and two torsion springs. The configuration allows the user to choose between a left or right side for the water bottle to be installed and removed. When installed, the water bottle cylindrical body is secured in place by a substantially round and locked band and the water bottle shoulder and base are secured between protruding surfaces on the cage. The cage is capable of readily receiving water bottles having side walls of slightly different diameters. Springs automatically open the band when a latch is released by the user. In a preferred embodiment, the structure of the cage creates an over-center spring action without physical springs. In this manner, the bands of the cage are spring-loaded in both the open and closed positions.

대표청구항 ▼

[ It is claimed:] [1.] A water bottle retaining apparatus for attachment to a bicycle, the apparatus comprising:an elongated spine base having an axis adapted to be positionable to be parallel to a water bottle and having first and second substantially semi-circular rigid ribs affixed to said base i

[ It is claimed:] [1.] A water bottle retaining apparatus for attachment to a bicycle, the apparatus comprising:an elongated spine base having an axis adapted to be positionable to be parallel to a water bottle and having first and second substantially semi-circular rigid ribs affixed to said base in a direction substantially perpendicular to said axis, each said semi-circular rigid rib having a mating hinge at adjacent ends of said ribs; andsaid first and second substantially semi-circular rigid ribs each having a mating hinge along the length of said first and second substantially semi-circular rigid ribs for mating with a respective mating hinge of said elongated spine base for articulation of each said semi-circular rigid rib relative to said spine in an over-center spring pivoting configuration for spring-loaded opening and closing of said apparatus.