U.S. patent application number 11/254335 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-27 for universal hydration system.
Invention is credited to Peter Coles.
Application Number | 20060086758 11/254335 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36205288 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060086758 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Coles; Peter |
April 27, 2006 |
Universal hydration system
Abstract
The present invention relates to a hydration system. One
embodiment of the present invention relates to a universal
hydration system for drinking fluid from an independent container.
The universal hydration system includes a tube and a cap configured
to couple with an independent container. The tube extends through
the cap in a leak resistant manner and is disposed within the
interior of the independent container. The other end of the tube
may be coupled to a tube cap of some sort including a bite valve or
a cover, or may be left exposed. The cap is coupled to the
independent container using the independent container's coupling
system. Additional caps configured for coupling to various
containers may also be included with the system. In addition, the
additional caps may be stored on the tube so as to create a one
piece universal hydration system. Likewise, the full length of the
tube can be extended into the container for storage purposes.
Additional embodiments may also include the ability to pressurize
the independent container via some form of pump and valve
system.
Inventors: |
Coles; Peter; (Salt Lake
City, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BAKER ASSOCIATES PLLC
470 EAST NINTH AVENUE
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84103
US
|
Family ID: |
36205288 |
Appl. No.: |
11/254335 |
Filed: |
October 20, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60620780 |
Oct 21, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
222/211 ;
215/229 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 3/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/211 ;
215/229 |
International
Class: |
B65D 51/00 20060101
B65D051/00; B65D 37/00 20060101 B65D037/00; B65D 39/00 20060101
B65D039/00; B65D 41/00 20060101 B65D041/00 |
Claims
1. A universal hydration system comprising: a tube having a
particular tube diameter, and wherein the tube includes a fluid end
and a user end, and wherein the fluid end is configured to extend
into a container; and at least one cap configured to couple and
thereby provide a water-tight seal with a particular sized
container opening, and wherein the at least one cap includes a
recess with a diameter smaller than the tube diameter.
2. The universal hydration system of claim 1 further including a
tube cap disposed on the user end of the tube.
3. The universal hydration system of claim 2, wherein the tube cap
is a bite valve configured to seal the user end of the tube unless
a user applies a biting force upon the bite valve.
4. The universal hydration system of claim 1, wherein the at least
one cap includes a plurality of caps and wherein the plurality of
caps are stored on the tube in a manner such that a particular cap
can be selectively utilized to accommodate a particular container
opening.
5. The universal hydration system of claim 4, wherein the plurality
of caps are coupled back to back and interlaced within one another
to form a multi-cap capable of accommodating a wide range of
container openings.
6. The universal hydration system of claim 1, wherein the at least
one cap includes at least one auxiliary recess for insertion of
auxiliary tube related items.
7. The universal hydration system of claim 6, wherein the at least
one cap includes two auxiliary recesses, a second tube with a check
valve extended through one of the auxiliary recesses, and a third
tube with a pump extended through the other auxiliary recess.
8. The universal hydration system of claim 1, wherein the at least
one cap includes a check valve for allowing air into the container
while preventing water leakage.
9. The universal hydration system of claim 1, wherein the container
originated from a retail sale independent of the universal
hydration system.
10. The universal hydration system of claim 1, wherein the tube is
slidably coupled with the at least one cap such that the tube can
be extended into the container for storage and retracted out of the
container for operation.
11. The universal hydration system of claim 1, wherein tube further
includes a pump for use in pressurizing the container.
12. The universal hydration system of claim 11, wherein the pump is
a bulb pump with a check valve.
13. The universal hydration system of claim 11, wherein the pump is
disposed between the at least one cap and the user end.
14. The universal hydration system of claim 1, wherein tube
includes two independent internal chambers, and wherein one
independent internal chamber extends the entire length of the tube
for fluid transportation, and wherein the second independent
internal chamber includes an input and output end, and only extends
a portion of the tube length, and wherein input end is coupled to a
pump and check valve and the output end is disposed such that it is
within the container.
15. A universal hydration system comprising: a container, wherein
the container originated from a retail sale independent of the
universal hydration system; a tube having a particular tube
diameter, and wherein the tube includes a fluid end and a user end,
and wherein the fluid end is configured to extend into a container;
a plurality of caps configured to couple to and thereby provide a
water-tight seal with a plurality of container openings, and
wherein the plurality of caps include a recess with a diameter
smaller than the tube diameter, and wherein the plurality of caps
are configured to be stored on the tube in a manner such that a
particular cap can be selectively utilized to accommodate a
particular container opening.
16. A method of coupling a universal hydration system to an
independent container comprising the acts of: extending a tube a
particular distance through a hole in a cap, wherein the hole is
sized smaller than the diameter of the tube; and coupling the cap
to an independent sold fluid container thereby providing a water
tight seal between the tube, the cap, and the fluid container.
17. The method of claim 16 further including the act of
pressurizing the fluid container to facilitate pressurized
assistance in delivering fluid from the fluid container through the
tube.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the tube includes a fluid end
and a user end, and wherein a tube cap is disposed on the user end
of the tube.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein the tube includes a pump for
facilitating the pressurization of the fluid container.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the pump is a bulb pump and a
check valve.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional
application Ser. No. 60/620,780 filed Oct. 21, 2004.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a hydration system. One
embodiment of the present invention relates to a universal
hydration system for drinking fluid from an independent
container.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] The human body is composed of over 90% water and a human
being is said to only be able to survive for three days without
liquid. Therefore, the consumption of fluids is extremely important
during all activities. The consumption of fluid is especially
necessary during athletic activities.
[0006] Traditionally, people transport fluids in sealable
containers for consumption during activities away from home. These
sealable containers include thermoses, canteens, flasks,
polycarbonate bottles, etc. However, recently companies such as
Camelbak, Platypus, etc have introduced hands free bladder type
hydration systems that allow individuals to consume fluids without
opening a sealable container and interrupting their activities. All
of these systems generally include a bladder, a tube and some form
of bite valve. The bladder is a flexible container configured to
hold the fluid. The tube is generally coupled to the outside of the
bladder and is positioned at the bottom of the bladder to allow for
access to all of the fluid. The tube does not extend into the
bladder in any of these hydration systems. The other end of the
tube is coupled to a bite valve that allows a user to open the
valve using some form of hands free mouth movement. Once the bite
valve is opened, a user is able to suck out fluid. These hands free
bladder systems have significant advantages over existing sealable
fluid transportation systems.
[0007] Unfortunately, existing hands free bladder systems also have
significant problems. One problem is the inherent weakness present
in almost all existing bladders. Bladders are generally flexible
containers composed of some form of rubber or plastic. These
containers are very vulnerable to punctures and leaks. For example,
if an individual falls while mountain biking, the impact of the
fall may cause the bladder to leak. In addition, the retail price
of bladders is too expensive to make them disposable to low income
individuals. Many users avoid putting sports drinks in bladders
because of the inherent bacteria problems that occur from dormant
sports drinks. Likewise, it is very difficult to clean a bladder
because of their shape and dimensions.
[0008] Therefore, there is a need in the industry for a hydration
system that maintains the hands free capability of existing systems
but minimizes or avoids the many problems.
SUMMARY
[0009] The present invention relates to a hydration system. One
embodiment of the present invention relates to a universal
hydration system for drinking fluid from an independent container.
The universal hydration system includes a tube and a cap configured
to couple with an independent container. The tube extends through
the cap in a leak resistant manner and is disposed within the
interior of the independent container. The other end of the tube
may be coupled to a tube cap of some sort including a bite valve or
a cover, or may be left exposed. The cap is coupled to the
independent container using the independent container's coupling
system. Additional caps configured for coupling to various
containers may also be included with the system. In addition, the
additional caps may be stored on the tube so as to create a
one-piece universal hydration system. Likewise, the full length of
the tube can be extended into the container for storage purposes.
Additional embodiments may also include the ability to pressurize
the independent container via some form of pump and valve
system.
[0010] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will be set forth or will become more fully apparent in
the description that follows and in the appended claims. The
features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of
the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the
appended claims. Furthermore, the features and advantages of the
invention may be learned by the practice of the invention or will
be obvious from the description, as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] In order that the manner in which the above-recited and
other advantages and features of the invention are obtained, a more
particular description of the invention briefly described above
will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which
are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these
drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are
not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention
will be described and explained with additional specificity and
detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a component view of a universal hydration
system in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates an assembled view of one embodiment of
the present invention configured for hydration use;
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a tube
extending through a cap in accordance with the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 4A illustrates a multi-sided multi-cap for use with a
hydration system embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 4B illustrates a single-sided multi-cap for use with a
hydration system embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a hydration
system in which a pressurization system is incorporated; and
[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a hydration system embodiment of the
present invention in which the tube is disposed within the
container for efficient storage.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] The present invention relates to a hydration system. One
embodiment of the present invention relates to a universal
hydration system for drinking fluid from an independent container.
The universal hydration system includes a tube and a cap configured
to couple with an independent container. The tube extends through
the cap in a leak resistant manner and is disposed within the
interior of the independent container. The other end of the tube
may be coupled to a tube cap of some sort including a bite valve or
a cover, or may be left exposed. The cap is coupled to the
independent container using the independent container's coupling
system. Additional caps configured for coupling to various
containers may also be included with the system. In addition, the
additional caps may be stored on the tube so as to create a one
piece universal hydration system. Likewise, the full length of the
tube can be extended into the container for storage purposes.
Additional embodiments may also include the ability to pressurize
the independent container via some form of pump and valve system.
While embodiments of the present invention are directed towards a
universal hydration system, the teachings of the present invention
are also applicable to other areas. For example, the teachings of
the present invention may be applied to a universal fluid
dispensing system.
[0020] Reference is initially made to FIG. 1, which illustrates a
component view of a universal hydration system in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention. The universal hydration
system is designated generally at 100. The universal hydration
system 100 generally includes a tube 110 and at least one bottle
cap 120. The universal hydration system 100 can be configured for
use with any one of a plurality of existing bottles 140. The
bottles are independent of the hydration system in that they
originated from an independent sale. For example, a Gatorade.RTM.
bottle may have originally been sold containing Gatorade.RTM.
fluid. The bottle may be reused/recycled as an independent
container for use with the universal hydration system. The
universal hydration system 100 may also optionally include one or
more tube ends 130. The tube 110 further includes a body 104, a
bottle end 106, and a user end 102. The tube 110 is flexible and
may be composed of any material including but not limited to
polyethylene, Tygon, PVC, urethane, elastomer, rubber, vinyl, etc.
The diameter of the tube 110 should be sufficiently large to
provide adequate fluid transportation.
[0021] The universal hydration system 100 may include one or more
bottle caps 120 to provide flexibility upon which types of bottles
it can operate with. Each bottle cap 120 is sized for a particular
bottle 140. For example, two liter soda bottles require a very
small cap similar to cap 122. Likewise, sports drink bottles
generally have a medium sized opening and may conform to the cap
124. Any type of cap may be used and remain consistent with the
present invention. Each of the bottle caps 120 include a hole or
recess through which the tube 110 is configured to extend. The hole
is generally sized smaller than the diameter of the tube to
facilitate a substantially leak proof seal. This seal will be
discussed in more detail with reference to FIG. 3. Alternatively, a
multi-cap could be utilized which accommodates a variety bottle
sizes. A multi-sided and single-sided multi-cap are illustrated and
described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B
respectively.
[0022] The universal hydration system optionally includes one or
more tube ends 130. A tube end 130 is a device positioned on the
user end 102 of the tube in order to provide a particular function.
One common function of a tube end 130 is to prevent leakage of
fluid when the hydration system is not in use. For example, a bite
valve 134 seals the user end 102 of the tube 110 until a user
applies a biting force causing it to open. Likewise, a cap end 130
allows the user end 102 of the tube 110 to be capped when not in
use. Various other tube ends 130 may be used and remain consistent
with the present invention. For example, a manual valve may be
added to some portion of the tube 110 to allow a user to block the
flow of liquid through the tube.
[0023] The universal hydration system also requires the use of an
existing bottle 140. The existing bottle 140 is generally recycled
from another use but may be sold as part of the universal hydration
system. A two liter soda bottle 144 is generally composed of a
smooth yet durable plastic material. Likewise, a sports drink
bottle 142 is composed of a durable plastic material. The concept
behind the universal hydration system is to allow it to be used
with any fluid bottle. The use of an existing bottle rather than a
bladder with traditional types of tube oriented hydration systems
saves money and promotes recycling.
[0024] Reference is next made to FIG. 2, which illustrates an
assembled view of one embodiment of the present invention
configured for hydration use. The tube body 104 extends all the way
to the bottom of the bottle 200 in order to allow a user to access
all of the fluid 210 within the container 200. This embodiment
includes two caps 122, 124. Cap 122 is disposed in a storage
configuration while cap 124 is disposed in an operational
configuration. Additional storage caps may also be stored on the
tube wither in or out of the container. The tube body 104 extends
through the cap 124 in a sealed manner to prevent leakage of fluid
210. The user end 102 of the tube 110 is covered with a bite valve
type tube cap to prevent leakage of fluid 210. Various suspension
systems and backpacks may be utilized in conjunction with this
system to facilitate hands free hydration.
[0025] Reference is next made to FIG. 3, which illustrates a
cross-sectional view of a tube extending through a cap in
accordance with the present invention. The cap 124 includes a
plurality of threads used for coupling to an existing bottle. The
cap 124 also includes a hole sized slightly smaller than the
diameter of the tube body 104 in order to facilitate a seal between
the tube body 104 and the cap 124. Since the tube is flexible it
can be pushed through the cap in a compressed configuration. The
resiliency of the tube will cause it to expand into the hole in the
cap 124 forming the seal therebetween. In addition, a one way valve
may be included in the hole that would allow air into the container
but prevent fluid from exiting the container. A pressure vacuum may
result from sucking fluid out of the container and a one-way
valve/air breather vent would prevent the vacuum from inhibiting
the flow of liquid out the tube.
[0026] Reference is next made to FIGS. 4A and 4B which illustrate
cutaway profile views of multi-sided and single-sided multi-caps
respectively. Multi-caps allow a single cap to accommodate a
variety of container opening shapes. FIG. 4A illustrates a cap in
which multiple receiving recesses are disposed on both the top and
bottom of the cap. In order to utilize both sides of the cap, the
cap may need to be removed and reinserted such that the receiving
recesses are facing towards to container. Alternatively, the tube
could be reversed such that the fluid end becomes the user end and
vice versa. Any additional end caps would need to be removed and
coupled on the alternative tube end. FIG. 4B illustrates a cap in
which multiple receiving recesses are disposed on a single side of
the cap. Multi-caps may be especially useful for efficient
manufacturing in that a single cap could be manufactured which
accommodates a wide variety of containers.
[0027] Reference is next made to FIG. 5, which illustrates an
alternative hydration system embodiment including a pressurization
system, designated generally at 500. The illustrated hydration
system 500 includes a bite valve 505, a tube 510, a pump 515, a cap
520, and a container 530. The illustrated pump 515 is a bulb pump
which can be squeezed causing an evacuation of air. The pump 515
also includes a check valve 517 which allow air into the pump as it
resumes its original shape. The check valve 517 also seals the air
within the pump 515 such that the evacuated air can be directed
into the tube 510. The container 530 further includes an air region
535 and a fluid region 540. As air is pumped into the container 530
via the pump 515, it will act to increase the pressure within the
air region 535 causing a force to be applied on the fluid. This
force will assist in fluid transportation up through the tube
during operation of the hydration system.
[0028] A pressurization system includes an air intake mechanism and
some form of valve to maintain pressure. The illustrated
pressurization system is the bulb pump 515 attached to the tube
510. The valve is the check valve 517 disposed on the bulb pump
515, which allows air into the bulb but not out of the bulb. The
bulb can then be repeatably compressed to insert air into the
container 530 thereby pressurizing the container 530. The check
valve 517 on the bulb pump 515, the seal between the cap 520 and
the container 530, and the seal between the tube 510 and the cap
520 all operate to maintain the pressure within the container.
Numerous alternative pressurization systems are contemplated and
are consistent with the present invention. For example, the tube
510 may include multiple independent chambers in which one chamber
is dedicated to pressurization while another is utilized for fluid
transportation. Likewise, the caps may include one or more
auxiliary recesses for use in attaching pressurization tools such
as a pump and/or a check valve. A further embodiment of a
pressurization system includes a check valve and relies on the
compliance properties of the container to act as a pump in response
to a compression force.
[0029] Reference is next made to FIG. 6, which illustrates a
hydration system embodiment of the present invention in which the
tube is disposed within the container for efficient storage,
designated generally at 600. The illustrated hydration system 600
includes a bite valve 605, cap 620, tube 610, and container 630.
The container further includes an air region 635 and a fluid region
640. As illustrated, the tube body 610 may be extended entirely
within the container 630 for the purpose of storage and efficient
transportation. During operation, the tube body 610 may be extended
out from the container 630 to accommodate a desired length or
function.
[0030] Thus, as discussed herein, the present invention relates to
a hydration system. One embodiment of the present invention relates
to a universal hydration system for drinking fluid from an
independent container. The present invention may be embodied in
other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
* * * * *