Abstract: An injection molded foam bicycle helmet is disclosed and is constructed from a dome-shaped internal frame and a surrounding coating of a foam based material. The dome-shaped frame is formed from an integrally molded, planar member including an annular lower perimeter body, at least one lateral arc-shaped rib extending from one side of the body to the opposite side of the body, and at least one longitudinal arc-shaped rib extending from the front of the body to the rear of the body. Both the lateral and longitudinal ribs deform out of the plane of the body and into arched configurations, thereby forming the dome-shaped frame. Each lateral rib is also operative to engage each of the longitudinal ribs so as to provide additional structural support for the frame. A number of positioning pins are also formed along the inwardly and outwardly facing sides of the body and the ribs for centrally positioning the frame within the mold.

Abstract: An injection molded foam bicycle helmet and method of constructing same includes a dome-shaped internal frame and a surrounding coating of a foam based material. The dome-shaped frame is formed from an integrally molded, planar member including an annular lower perimeter body, at least one lateral arc-shaped rib extending from one side of the body to the opposite side of the body, and at least one longitudinal arc-shaped rib extending from the front of the body to the rear of the body. Both the lateral and longitudinal ribs deform out of the plane of the body and into arched configurations, thereby forming the dome-shaped frame. Each lateral rib is also operative to engage each of the longitudinal ribs so as to provide additional structural support for the frame. A number of positioning pins are also formed along the inwardly and outwardly facing sides of the body and the ribs for centrally positioning the frame within the mold.

Abstract: A pressure holding liquid bottle for mounting on a standard bicycle liquid bottle cage or bracket and having a container for holding a liquid, a cap removably attached to an open end of the container and a friction grip removably mounted on the bottle. The cap is provided with a spout forming a disengagable pressure seal having a number of different positions. These positions include a closed seal position, a pair of partially open positions providing different fluid flows and an extended open position that permits washing the underside of a large diameter surface on the spout which facilities closing the spout. The container, grip and cap include a color from a group of different colors which allow different color combinations for the completed bottle. The bottle can have extensions which expand its capacity and a one way air vent allowing air to replace displaced liquid.

Abstract: A strap retainer including a base plate and a disk ring, having a central aperture, joined together at their sides by two parts, and an elastic band circumscribing the posts so as to form a pair of passageways, one on each side of the elastic band, through which each strap of a pair of straps may be respectively passed. The embodiment further includes an identification cap which is mated with the aperture of the disk ring and may be readily replaced by similar disks of different colors or designs. When both straps are simultaneously pulled in the same direction the straps engage and stretch the elastic band causing the band to initially resist displacement of the straps with respect to the retainer and causing the straps and band to be drawn against the base plate and disk ring so as to further resist the displacement of the straps, but when only one strap is pulled, the elastic band is not so engaged and the strap is allowed to freely pass through its respective passageway.

Abstract: A helmet having a molded cover shell for decorating and protecting the exterior surface of a helmet body is formed from a helmet body and a thin clear plastic sheet of material molded in the shape of the upper exterior portion of the helmet's body and painted or colaminated on the interior surface of the cover prior to being fitted and affixed to the helmet's body, thereby giving the cover's decorative design a deep luster, and protecting both the helmet's exterior surface and the cover's decorative appearance.

Abstract: An aerodynamically streamlined bicycle racing helmet has a molded, plastic helmet body having an exterior shape which is streamlined to provide minimum resistance to frontal airflow. Downwardly extending ribs are formed in the interior surface to define channels for airflow to pass through the interior of the helmet. The rearward portions of the ribs of the helmet are extended downward beneath the lower edge of the helmet to insure that such airflow is not blocked by the back of the user. A pair of strap loops are also attached to the front and upper rear portions of the helmet and form a chin strap which is used to retain the helmet snugly in place upon the head of the user. The attachment points of the straps are specifically selected so that the sides of the strap engage the user's head and prevent tilting of the helmet when it is in use. The helmet may also be provided with a stretch cap with an airflow opening, which allows selection of exterior color, striping or other ornamentation.

Abstract: A pannier carrier (23, 23') for bicycles including a frame arrangeable substantially centered with respect to an associated bicycle wheel for supporting carrying bags (70). The frame is formed by a pair of mirror-image open frameworks (26, 26') disposed on respective sides of a turning fork (12) of an associated bicycle (10) for proper distribution of weight. Attachment of these frameworks (26, 26') to the turning fork (12) is accomplished for each of the frameworks (26, 26') by a connecting bracket (42) securable to an apertured lug (22) conventionally provided on each branch (16, 16') of a turning fork (12) of a bicycle (10) adjacent the point of attachment of the axle of the associated wheel (20), and by a standoff (60, 60') which space the frameworks from the associated branches (16, 16') to offset the slant of the turning fork branches. The frameworks (26, 26') can be spread apart and rigidified by a spreader bar ( 76) which can have an article support frame (92) provided at its top portion.