Cycle Frame Fluid Reservoir

Abstract

A fluid reservoir for a cycle frame, the cycle frame including a top tube extending from a head end to a seat mounting, the fluid reservoir including a body defining a cavity for containing a fluid, the body positioned in abutment with at least a part of the top tube in use, and wherein the body is shaped so that the fluid reservoir and the at least a part of the top tube cooperate to define an aerodynamic profile.

The claims defining the invention are as follows: 
     
         1 ) A fluid reservoir for a cycle frame, the cycle frame including a top tube extending from a head end to a seat mounting, the fluid reservoir including a body defining a cavity for containing a fluid, the body positioned in abutment with at least a part of the top tube in use, and wherein the body is shaped so that the fluid reservoir and the at least a part of the top tube cooperate to define an aerodynamic profile. 
     
     
         2 ) A fluid reservoir according to  claim 1 , wherein the reservoir includes a recess extending at least part way along an edge surface of the reservoir, and wherein the recess is adapted to receive at least one of:
 a) at least part of an underside of the top tube;   b) at least part of an upper side of the top tube; and,   c) at least part of a rear end of the top tube.   
     
     
         3 ) A fluid reservoir according to  claim 1 , wherein the body is positioned at least partially in abutment with a trailing edge surface of the cycle frame. 
     
     
         4 ) A fluid reservoir according to  claim 1 , wherein at least part of a leading edge surface of the reservoir conforms to a shape of at least part of a leading edge of the frame to define a substantially continuous aerodynamic surface. 
     
     
         5 ) A fluid reservoir according to  claim 1 , wherein a leading edge surface of the body abuts against a shroud, the shroud conforming to a shape of at least part of a leading edge of the frame to define a substantially continuous aerodynamic surface. 
     
     
         6 ) A fluid reservoir according to  claim 1 , wherein at least part of a leading edge surface of the reservoir is curved so as to flare outwardly from at least part of the frame in a direction of travel of the cycle. 
     
     
         7 ) A fluid reservoir according to  claim 1 , wherein at least part of the body is tapered in a direction of travel of the cycle. 
     
     
         8 ) A fluid reservoir according to  claim 1 , wherein at least part of a trailing edge of the body is tapered. 
     
     
         9 ) A fluid reservoir according to  claim 1 , wherein the body includes a recess located on at least part of a leading edge surface of the body. 
     
     
         10 ) A fluid reservoir according to  claim 1 , wherein the cycle frame includes a head end, and wherein the body includes a recess that is adapted to receive at least part of a rear side of the head end. 
     
     
         11 ) A fluid reservoir according to  claim 1 , wherein the cycle frame includes a down tube extending from a head end to a bottom bracket, and wherein the body includes a recess that is adapted to receive at least part of a rear side of the down tube. 
     
     
         12 ) A fluid reservoir according to  claim 1 , wherein the fluid reservoir is configured for use on a V-frame cycle. 
     
     
         13 ) A fluid reservoir according to  claim 1 , wherein the top tube includes a reservoir recess and the fluid reservoir is removably mounted within the reservoir recess in use. 
     
     
         14 ) A fluid reservoir according to  claim 13 , wherein the cycle frame further includes:
 a) a connecting portion extending from one of the head end or the seat mounting to a bottom bracket mounting; and,   b) a wheel mounting portion extending from the bottom bracket mounting to a wheel mounting end.   
     
     
         15 ) A fluid reservoir according to  claim 14 , wherein the reservoir recess is provided in one of:
 a) an upper surface of the top tube;   b) a lower surface of the top tube; and,   c) a lateral side surface of the top tube.   
     
     
         16 ) A fluid reservoir according to  claim 15 , wherein the reservoir recess extends at least one of:
 a) substantially along a length of the top tube; and,   b) part way down the connecting portion.   
     
     
         17 ) A fluid reservoir according to  claim 1 , wherein the top tube includes a substantially elongate through-opening extending from a first side of the top portion to a second side of the top portion and wherein the fluid reservoir is removably mounted within the through-opening in use. 
     
     
         18 ) A fluid reservoir according to  claim 1 , wherein the fluid reservoir includes one or more reservoir portions that contain respective fluids in use. 
     
     
         19 ) A cycle frame including a top tube extending from a head end to a seat mounting and a fluid reservoir including a body defining a cavity for containing a fluid, the body positioned in abutment with at least a part of the top tube in use, and wherein the body is shaped so that the fluid reservoir and the at least a part of the top tube cooperate to define an aerodynamic profile. 
     
     
         20 ) A cycle frame including:
 a) a top tube extending from a head end to a seat mounting, the top tube including a reservoir recess;   b) a connecting portion extending from one of the head end or the seat mounting to a bottom bracket mounting;   c) a wheel mounting portion extending from the bottom bracket mounting to a wheel mounting end; and,   d) a fluid reservoir removably mounted within the reservoir recess in use, wherein the fluid reservoir is shaped so that the fluid reservoir and top tube cooperate to define an aerodynamic profile.