U.S. patent application number 11/117107 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-02 for pressurized personal hydration system and kit.
Invention is credited to Peter V. Valeriana.
Application Number | 20060243765 11/117107 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37215198 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060243765 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Valeriana; Peter V. |
November 2, 2006 |
Pressurized personal hydration system and kit
Abstract
The present invention relates generally to personal hydration
systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a
pressurized personal hydration system and/or a kit for converting a
pre-existing non-pressurized back or torso mounted hydration system
into a pressurized hydration system.
Inventors: |
Valeriana; Peter V.; (Palm
City, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCHALE & SLAVIN, P.A.
2855 PGA BLVD
PALM BEACH GARDENS
FL
33410
US
|
Family ID: |
37215198 |
Appl. No.: |
11/117107 |
Filed: |
April 27, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/148.2 ;
220/703; 222/95; 224/148.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 2003/166 20130101;
A45F 3/04 20130101; A45F 2003/003 20130101; A45F 3/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/148.2 ;
224/148.5; 220/703; 222/095 |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/16 20060101
A45F003/16 |
Claims
1. A pressurized personal hydration system comprising: an enclosure
made of flexible material, said enclosure including at least one
opening for insertion of a first bladder and a second bladder, said
second bladder positioned juxtaposed to said first bladder within
said enclosure, wherein said first bladder is constructed and
arranged to contain a supply of liquid, said first bladder
including a liquid supply tube having a first end and a second end,
said first end of said liquid supply tube fluidly coupled to said
first bladder, said second end of said flow tube including a mouth
operated valve constructed and arranged to be held in a person's
mouth, said second bladder including a pressure supply tube, said
pressure supply tube having a first end fluidly coupled to said
second bladder, said pressure supply tube having a second end
fluidly coupled to a hand-operable pumping bulb; whereby operation
of said pumping bulb inflates said second bladder, pressurizing
said supply of liquid in said first bladder, whereby selective
operation of said mouth operated valve releases a portion of said
pressurized supply of liquid for hydration of an operator.
2. The pressurized personal hydration system in accordance with
claim 1 wherein said enclosure is constructed and arranged to
attach to the back of a user.
3. The pressurized personal hydration system in accordance with
claim 2 wherein said enclosure is a backpack.
4. The pressurized personal hydration system in accordance with
claim 1 wherein said enclosure is constructed and arranged to
attach to the torso of a user.
5. The pressurized personal hydration system in accordance with
claim 4 wherein said enclosure is a fanny-pack.
6. A pressurized personal hydration system comprising: an enclosure
made of flexible material, said enclosure including at least one
opening for insertion of a compartmental bladder, said
compartmental bladder including a first compartment and a second
compartment positioned juxtaposed to said first compartment within
said enclosure, wherein said first compartment is constructed and
arranged to contain a supply of liquid, said first compartment
including a liquid supply tube having a first end and a second end,
said first end of said liquid supply tube fluidly coupled to said
first compartment, said second end of said flow tube including a
mouth operated valve constructed and arranged to be held in a
person's mouth, said second compartment including a pressure supply
tube, said pressure supply tube having a first end fluidly coupled
to said second compartment, said pressure supply tube having a
second end fluidly coupled to a hand-operable pumping bulb; whereby
operation of said pumping bulb inflates said second compartment
pressurizing said supply of liquid in said first compartment,
whereby selective operation of said mouth operated valve releases a
portion of said pressurized supply of liquid for hydration of an
operator.
7. The pressurized personal hydration system in accordance with
claim 6 wherein said enclosure is constructed and arranged to
attach to the back of a user.
8. The pressurized personal hydration system in accordance with
claim 7 wherein said enclosure is a backpack.
9. The pressurized personal hydration system in accordance with
claim 6 wherein said enclosure is constructed and arranged to
attach to the torso of a user.
10. The pressurized personal hydration system in accordance with
claim 9 wherein said enclosure is a fanny-pack.
11. A kit for converting a pre-existing non-pressurized personal
hydration system into a pressurized personal hydration system,
wherein said pre-existing personal hydration system includes an
enclosure made of flexible material, said enclosure including at
least one opening for insertion of a first bladder, said first
bladder including a liquid supply tube having a first end and a
second end, said first end of said liquid supply tube fluidly
coupled to said first bladder, said second end of said flow tube
including a mouth operated valve constructed and arranged to be
held in a person's mouth, wherein said kit comprises: a second
bladder, said second bladder constructed and arranged to be
positioned juxtaposed to said first bladder within said enclosure,
said second bladder including a pressure supply tube, said pressure
supply tube having a first end fluidly coupled to said second
bladder, said pressure supply tube having a second end fluidly
coupled to a hand-operable pumping bulb; whereby operation of said
pumping bulb inflates said second bladder pressurizing a supply of
liquid in said first bladder, whereby selective operation of said
mouth operated valve releases a portion of said pressurized supply
of liquid for hydration of an operator.
12. The pressurized personal hydration system in accordance with
claim 11 wherein said enclosure is constructed and arranged to
attach to the back of a user.
13. The pressurized personal hydration system in accordance with
claim 12 wherein said enclosure is a backpack.
14. The pressurized personal hydration system in accordance with
claim 11 wherein said enclosure is constructed and arranged to
attach to the torso of a user.
15. The pressurized personal hydration system in accordance with
claim 14 wherein said enclosure is a fanny-pack.
16. A kit for converting a pre-existing non-pressurized personal
hydration system into a pressurized personal hydration system,
wherein said pre-existing personal hydration system includes an
enclosure made of flexible material, said enclosure including at
least one opening for insertion of a first bladder, said first
bladder including a liquid supply tube having a first end and a
second end, said first end of said liquid supply tube fluidly
coupled to said first bladder, said second end of said flow tube
including a mouth operated valve constructed and arranged to be
held in a person's mouth, wherein said kit comprises: a
compartmental bladder, said compartmental bladder including a first
compartment and a second compartment positioned juxtaposed to said
first compartment within said enclosure, wherein said first
compartment is constructed and arranged to contain a supply of
liquid, said first compartment including a liquid supply tube
having a first end and a second end, said first end of said liquid
supply tube fluidly coupled to said first compartment, said second
end of said flow tube including a mouth operated valve constructed
and arranged to be held in a person's mouth, said second
compartment including a pressure supply tube, said pressure supply
tube having a first end fluidly coupled to said second compartment,
said pressure supply tube having a second end fluidly coupled to a
hand-operable pumping bulb; whereby said first bladder is removed
from said enclosure and replaced with said compartmental bladder;
whereby operation of said pumping bulb inflates said second
compartment pressurizing said supply of liquid in said first
compartment, whereby selective operation of said mouth operated
valve releases a portion of said pressurized supply of liquid for
hydration of an operator.
17. The pressurized personal hydration system in accordance with
claim 16 wherein said enclosure is constructed and arranged to
attach to the back of a user.
18. The pressurized personal hydration system in accordance with
claim 17 wherein said enclosure is a backpack.
19. The pressurized personal hydration system in accordance with
claim 16 wherein said enclosure is constructed and arranged to
attach to the torso of a user.
20. The pressurized personal hydration system in accordance with
claim 19 wherein said enclosure is a fanny-pack.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to personal hydration
systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a
pressurized personal hydration system and/or a kit for converting a
pre-existing non-pressurized back or torso mounted hydration system
into a pressurized hydration system.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0002] Knowledge regarding the importance of hydration during
physical activity is at an all time high. Many physical activities
are undertaken in the heat of summer and/or the bitter cold of
winter. As a result, the person completing the physical activity
experiences a large amount of fluid loss during the activity. In
order for the person to comfortably and safely complete the
physical activity, he or she will need to replenish the fluids lost
or suffer a serious case of dehydration, cramps or both.
[0003] Additionally, physical activities are often completed in
potentially dangerous environments. In this type of environment, it
is important that the person keep his or her hands directed at
completing the activity. For example, a mountain biker needs to
keep his hands on the handlebars at all times to reduce the
propensity for accidents. Likewise, other activities such as snow
skiing, rock climbing and canoeing also require focused use of the
person's hands.
[0004] Present hydration devices used for physical activities
generally include water bottles or back and torso hydration
systems. Water bottles generally include a cylindrical container
with a lid. The lid includes a valve which may be opened with the
user's mouth or fingers. Thereafter, the bottle must be tipped back
or squeezed to force the water out of the bottle into the user's
mouth. After drinking, the valve is manually closed and the bottle
is returned to its storage mount until the next use.
[0005] These devices suffer from a number of disadvantages. For
example, using a water bottle forces the person to remove at least
one hand from the handlebars, ropes, oars etc. in order to grasp
and drink from the water bottle. Further, such an action distracts
the person's attention from the task at hand, not only hurting his
performance but also threatening his safety and the safety of those
around him.
[0006] Personal hydration systems currently available include
flexible water bladders constructed to be worn on the back or torso
of the user. One end of a flexible tubing connects to the bottom of
the flexible bladder, the opposite end of the tubing is coupled to
a bite valve which can be opened by the user's mouth for use like a
straw to draw fluid out of the bag. Such systems are available from
manufacturers such as CAMELBAK Products LLC of Petaluma, Calif., as
well as others.
[0007] While these systems are not as cumbersome to operate as the
water bottles, they do however provide similar distractions. These
systems require the user to grasp the end of the tubing with the
bite valve, place it in his or her mouth and draw the water from
the back or torso area to the mouth. Drawing the water through the
extended tube interrupts the person's concentration and breathing
rhythm. Because of the distracting nature of these systems, the
user may choose not to drink, resulting in dehydration and poor
performance.
[0008] Therefore, because it would be beneficial if the fluid was
more easily accessible, what is needed in the art is a kit for
converting the flexible back and/or torso mounted non-pressurized
hydration systems into pressurized hydration systems. A person is
much more likely to drink more fluid, and stay better hydrated, if
the fluid is easily accessible. Additionally, the liquids should be
available to the person any time he or she desires a drink without
distraction.
[0009] Furthermore, because the weight being carried by the person
exercising is critical, it is important that the pressurized
hydration system be as light as possible and not weigh much more
than the fluid itself.
[0010] There are numerous patents directed to systems, devices and
methods for dispensing liquids to people for exercise or
competition. Most of these have designs which are specifically
directed to a particular application, such as bicycling or
running.
[0011] For example, Edison et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,833,
discloses a water system that allows a bicyclist to drink liquids.
The system has a collapsible container of water or other liquid
stored within a flexible back pack that is removably secured at a
location between the shoulders of the bicyclist. A resilient
mouthpiece adapted to be held in the mouth of the bicyclist is
connected to the container by a length of tubing. The mouthpiece is
a valve device and has a cylindrical sidewall that forms a chamber.
A spring biased valve element located inside the chamber normally
prevents flow therethrough. When the opposed sidewalls of the
chamber are compressed between the teeth liquid may be drawn from
the container through the tubing and into the mouth of the
bicyclist.
[0012] McCook, U.S. Pat. No. 5,282,557, discloses a harness
supported liquid refreshment bag adapted to be carried on the back
of a person. A tube extending from the bag to the front of the
person enables the latter to draw liquid refreshment during
ambulation. In one alternative embodiment, a supplementary
reservoir means are provided having a passage connected to the bag
and manually activatable valve means for selectively enabling a
person to transfer the contents of the supplemental reservoir to
the bag during running or other physical activity.
[0013] Gardener et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,032,831, teaches a personal
hydration system with an improved mouthpiece for use in providing
fluid for delivery to a user. The mouthpiece includes a neck that
is adapted to be mounted on a supply tube to a hydration system and
which is joined to a resilient head. The head includes a dispensing
face with a pair of lips that define a normally closed slit,
through which fluid is dispensed from the mouthpiece.
[0014] Forsman et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,998, discloses a
hydration system with an improved fluid reservoir. A drinking tube
extends from an outlet port of the reservoir and includes a distal
end upon which a mouthpiece may be mounted. In some embodiments,
the reservoir includes a relatively large-diameter fill port. In
some embodiments, the reservoir includes a closure member with a
handle for selectively sealing the input port. In some embodiments,
the reservoir includes a wrench assembly that enables the user to
more easily open and close the input port and/or to position the
reservoir for filling. In some embodiments, the hydration system
includes a pack into which the reservoir is received, and in some
embodiments, the pack includes a hanger assembly adapted to support
the reservoir within the pack.
[0015] In general, these devices require the user to draw or force
liquid from the devices to achieve hydration. As described above
this action often distracts the person exercising or competing from
the task at hand, which may prevent proper hydration during the
activity.
[0016] It is also known in the prior art to provide hydration
systems which include pumps, CO2 cartridges or elastic containers
to force liquid out of the container. These systems are generally
complex in nature and require the entire system to be purposely
built for each activity. Many of the systems, require complex
mounting hardware and modification of the bicycle or other device
for proper operation, resulting in high costs to consumers.
[0017] For example, Cushing, U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,339, discloses a
liquid dispensing apparatus, suitable for mounting on a bicycle
which provides the rider of the bicycle a way to refresh himself
without having to stop and dismount the bicycle. In a preferred
embodiment, the apparatus includes a cylindrical housing containing
a supply of liquid. The liquid is dispensed through a length of
flexible tubing, leading from the housing to a nozzle which is
disposed on the handle bars of the bicycle. A pleated bellows is
disposed at the bottom of the housing and forms a chamber for
holding compressed air. Each inward stroke of the bellows forces
air into the chamber so as to hold the contents under pressure.
Adjacent the nozzle, and integrally connected thereto is a hand
operated valve which, in its normal state is closed. Depressing the
valve forces the liquid out of the container, through the tubing
and nozzle, to the rider.
[0018] Allemang, U.S. Pat. No. 5,326,124, discloses a water
delivery apparatus which may be adapted to be mounted for use on a
bicycle. The device includes a diversion valve that allows liquid
to be selectively delivered through the sprayer or to a mouthpiece
which may be placed in a bicycle rider's mouth. This apparatus
operates with an existing standard water bottle for a bicycle and
alleviates the possibility of having a stream of water misdirected,
distracting the rider.
[0019] Holmes, U.S. Pat. No. 5,358,142, discloses a
mouth-pressurized drinking bag which includes a collapsible inner
bladder for holding a beverage, such as water. A long tube has a
proximal end communicably attached to the lowest portion of the
bladder, and a distal end extending away from the dispenser. A
closure clamp is disposed near the distal end of the tube. A highly
elastic outer case substantially and snugly surrounds the bladder.
The bladder can be filled through a funnel temporarily disposed at
the distal end of the tube. The filled bladder can be pressurized
by blowing air through the tube, so that the bladder and the
elastic outer case are expanded. After the bag is filled and
pressurized, the clamp is closed. When a drink is desired, the
clamp is released so that the beverage will be automatically forced
by the pressurized inner bladder to flow outwardly through the tube
and to the user's lips.
[0020] Bekkedahl, U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,368, discloses a liquid
dispensing apparatus installed on a bicycle for use by a person
operating the bicycle, or a liquid dispensing apparatus worn by a
person while operating inline skates. In the preferred embodiment,
a carbonated drink in a container is shaken by the bouncing of the
bicycle while moving which pressurizes the container. A tube
leading from the container to a mouthpiece allows a person to take
a drink. Another embodiment provides a pumping bulb to supply the
pressure. A third embodiment uses a CO.sub.2 cartridge to supply
the pressure. In another embodiment for inline skates, a carbonated
drink in a container is shaken by the skater to supply the pressure
which forces the liquid to the mouthpiece thereby allowing a person
using inline skates to take a drink.
[0021] Regalbuto, U.S. Pat. No. 5,735,440, discloses a fluid
dispensing apparatus mounted to and supported by a bicycle. One
embodiment of the invention incorporates one or a plurality of
serially connected pressurized water reservoir assemblies, a dual
piston-in-cylinder water pump assembly, a manually operated water
pump lever assembly, an assembly of multiple independent,
manually-activated triggers, and multiple independently aimable
nozzles. The reservoir, pump, and trigger assemblies are mounted to
and supported by frame members of the bicycle. The nozzles are
mounted to the trigger assembly, a point on the frame, or to the
helmet or body parts of the rider. The rider pressurizes the
container with a hand pump and thereafter can selectively release
the water through a series of tubes to nozzles for drinking or
cooling the rider.
[0022] Porter, U.S. Pat. No. 4,815,635, discloses a water supply
apparatus utilized in conjunction with a bicycle to enable a rider
to receive either a spray of cooling water or a stream for drinking
purposes. A diaphragm-type pump supplies the water. Plural
reservoirs enable a plurality of liquids to be transported and
utilized, such as water for cooling the rider and a sucrose
solution for energy.
[0023] Hillerson, U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,474, discloses a pressurized
cycling water spraying apparatus. The apparatus includes a
reservoir having an interior adapted to contain a fluid, an
electric generator adapted to generate electric power from the
rotation of the wheel, and an electric air pump powered by the
electric generator and adapted to pressurize the interior of the
reservoir by a flow of air from the pump through an air tube and
into the reservoir. Pressurized fluid is conveyed from the
reservoir through a first tube to a fluid valve adapted to block or
pass the pressurized fluid. With the valve in an open position,
fluid is further conveyed through a second fluid tube to a spray
nozzle adapted to provide a stream of fluid to the rider of the
cycling device.
[0024] It is also known in the medical art to pressurize bags of
intravenous fluids for delivery to the human body. These devices
are generally aimed at delivering a precise and steady flow of
liquid over an extended period of time. These devices typically
include large accumulators and flow restrictor valves for the
precise consistency required and are not suitable for exercise
and/or competition fluid delivery requirements.
[0025] Examples of these devices are shown in Beall et al., U.S.
Pat. No. 3,153,414, Hinck et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,090,514,
Leibinsohn, U.S. Pat. No. 4,507,116, and Laing, U.S. Pat. No.
5,059,182.
[0026] Such prior art systems have not met all of the needs of
manufacturers to provide a product that can be easily manufactured,
packaged and shipped; or the needs of consumers requiring
economical and versatile kits for modifying their pre-existing
personal hydration systems. Paramount among such needs is an easy
to assemble kit which can be easily assembled by an average person
without the complex and difficult to assemble mechanisms associated
with the prior art.
[0027] There are also commercial considerations that must be
satisfied by any viable pressurized personal hydration system or
kit; considerations which are not entirely satisfied by state of
the art products. The pressurized personal hydration system or kit
for converting a non-pressurized hydration system into a
pressurized personal hydration system must be formed of relatively
few component parts that are inexpensive to manufacture by
conventional techniques.
[0028] In addition, there are ergonomic needs that a pressurized
hydration system must satisfy in order to achieve acceptance by the
end user. The system must be easily and quickly assembled using
minimal hardware, and requiring a minimal number of tools. Further,
the system must not require excessive strength or specialized
knowledge to assemble. Moreover, the system must assemble together
in such a way so as not to detract from the internal storage volume
of the resulting pressurized personal hydration system or otherwise
negatively affect the utility of the pressurized personal hydration
system.
[0029] The present invention is directed to a pressurized personal
hydration system and kit for converting a pre-existing
non-pressurized personal hydration system into a pressurized
personal hydration system to overcome the drawbacks of the prior
art in order to provide an exercising or competing person with cool
liquids at any time, without compromising his or her concentration
or safety.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] The present invention provides a pressurized personal
hydration system or kit for converting a non-pressurized personal
hydration system into a pressurized hydration system. The
pressurized personal hydration system includes an enclosure made
from flexible material, preferably adapted to be secured to the
back or torso of the user. The enclosure typically includes an
opening for insertion of a first bladder and a second bladder
positioned in a juxtaposed relationship within the enclosure. In
the preferred embodiment, the first bladder is constructed to
contain a supply of liquid. A first end of a liquid supply tube is
fluidly attached to the first bladder while the second end of the
liquid supply tube includes a mouth operated valve. The mouth
operated valve is generally constructed and arranged to be operated
by an operator's mouth to control the flow of liquid flowing from
the first bladder to the operator's mouth. The second bladder
includes a pressure supply tube, the pressure supply tube having a
first end fluidly coupled to the second bladder and a second end
fluidly coupled to a hand-operable pumping bulb. In this manner,
pumping of the bulb inflates the second bladder, pressurizing the
supply of liquid in the first bladder; selective operation of the
mouth operated valve releases a portion of the pressurized supply
of liquid for hydration of the person.
[0031] In an alternative embodiment the pressurized hydration
system assembly may include a compartmental bladder. The
compartmental bladder includes a first compartment and a second
compartment positioned juxtaposed with respect to each other within
the enclosure. The first compartment is constructed and arranged to
contain a supply of liquid and includes a liquid supply tube having
a first end and a second end. The first end of said liquid supply
tube is fluidly coupled to the first compartment while the second
end of the flow tube includes a mouth operated valve constructed
and arranged to be held in a person's mouth. The second compartment
includes a pressure supply tube, the pressure supply tube includes
a first end fluidly coupled to the second compartment and a second
end fluidly coupled to a hand-operable pumping bulb. This
construction insures the juxtaposed positioning of the compartments
and thus insures pressurization of the first compartment.
[0032] The kit for converting a non-pressurized personal hydration
system into a pressurized hydration system generally includes the
second bladder as described above. The second bladder includes a
pressure supply tube, the pressure supply tube having a first end
fluidly coupled to the second bladder and a second end fluidly
coupled to a hand-operable pumping bulb. The second bladder may be
placed in a juxtaposed relationship with a first liquid bladder in
a pre-existing personal hydration system. In this manner, operation
of the pumping bulb inflates the second bladder, pressurizing the
supply of liquid in the first bladder and selective operation of
the mouth operated valve releases a portion of the pressurized
supply of liquid for hydration of an operator.
[0033] In an alternative embodiment the pressurized hydration kit
may include a compartmental bladder. The compartmental bladder is
constructed to include a first compartment and a second compartment
positioned juxtaposed with respect to each other. The first
compartment is constructed and arranged to contain a supply of
liquid and includes a liquid supply tube having a first end and a
second end. The first end of said liquid supply tube is fluidly
coupled to the first compartment while the second end of the flow
tube includes a mouth operated valve constructed and arranged to be
held in a person's mouth. The second compartment includes a
pressure supply tube, the pressure supply tube includes a first end
fluidly coupled to the second compartment and a second end fluidly
coupled to a hand-operable pumping bulb. Assembly of the kit
requires the liquid bladder within a pre-existing personal
hydration system to be removed from the enclosure. After removal,
the compartmental bladder is inserted into the enclosure and
positioned similarly to the bladder being replaced. This
construction insures the juxtaposed positioning of the compartments
and thus insures pressurization of the first compartment.
[0034] Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to
provide a pressurized personal hydration assembly.
[0035] It is a further objective of the present invention to
provide a kit to convert a pre-existing non-pressurized personal
hydration system into a pressurized personal hydration system.
[0036] Yet a further objective of the present invention is to
provide a pressurized hydration system kit that may be easily and
quickly assembled using minimal hardware, and requiring a minimal
number of tools.
[0037] Still yet a further objective of the present invention is to
provide a pressurized hydration system and kit that assembles
together in such a way so as not to detract from the internal
storage volume of the resulting pressurized personal hydration
system or otherwise negatively affect the utility of the
pressurized personal hydration system.
[0038] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a
pressurized personal hydration system and kit which allows an end
user to customize a new or pre-existing personal hydration system
to suit an individual application.
[0039] Other objectives and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent from the following description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth,
by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this
invention. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and
include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and
illustrate various objects and features thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0040] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pre-existing back mounted
water hydration system;
[0041] FIG. 2 is a section view taken along line 1-1 of FIG. 1;
[0042] FIG. 3 is a perspective view, illustrating one embodiment of
the pressure bladder utilized in the instant invention;
[0043] FIG. 4 is a rear view illustrating installation of one
embodiment of the instant invention;
[0044] FIG. 5 is a section view taken along line 1-1 of FIG. 1,
illustrating the installed position of the pressure bladder shown
in FIG. 3 of the instant invention;
[0045] FIG. 6 is a perspective view, partially sectioned,
illustrating one embodiment of a compartmentalized pressure bladder
of the instant invention;
[0046] FIG. 7 is a rear view illustrating installation of the
compartmentalized pressure bladder shown in FIG. 6;
[0047] FIG. 8 is a section view taken along line 1-1 of FIG. 1,
illustrating the installed position of the pressure bladder shown
in FIG. 6 of the instant invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0048] While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in
various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter
be described a presently preferred embodiment with the
understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an
exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the
invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.
[0049] FIGS. 1 and 2 which are now referenced illustrate
perspective and section views of a pre-existing back mounted
personal hydration system, generally referenced as 10. The
pre-existing personal hydration systems generally include an
enclosure 12 made of flexible material. The enclosure is
constructed to include one or more adjustable straps 14 which allow
the enclosure to be secured to a user's back or torso area. The
enclosure also includes at least one aperture 16 for insertion of a
first bladder 18. The enclosure is also provided with a suitable
means of closure for the aperture such as, hook and loop, snaps,
ties or other means well known in the art. The first bladder is
constructed to contain a supply of liquid. A first end 20 of a
liquid supply tube 22 is fluidly attached to the first bladder
while the second end 24 of the liquid supply tube includes a mouth
operated valve 26. The mouth operated valve is generally
constructed and arranged to be operated by an operator's mouth to
allow the liquid to be drawn from the first bladder to the
operator's mouth. To permit refilling, the first bladder also
includes a fill port 28 and a cooperating closure member 30.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 3-5, one embodiment of a kit for
pressurizing the fluid contained in a first bladder of a
pre-existing personal hydration system is illustrated. The kit
includes a second bladder 32. The second bladder is constructed
from a flexible and/or elastic material such as plastic, rubber,
silicone or the like. It should be noted that while the second
bladder is illustrated as being generally rectangular in shape, the
size and shape of the bladder may vary depending upon the enclosure
into which the bladder will be placed and the volume of liquid that
the first bladder is designed to hold. Typically, the first bladder
will be constructed to hold between 25 and 200 ounces of liquid and
the second bladder will preferably be constructed to contain a
similar volume of compressed air. In the most preferred embodiment,
the bladder is sized and shaped to fit in a parallel and juxtaposed
position with respect to the first bladder 18 as shown in FIGS. 4
and 5. The second bladder includes a pressure supply tube 34 for
supplying pressurized gas to the second bladder. The pressure
supply tube includes a first end 36 fluidly coupled to the second
bladder and a second end 38 fluidly coupled to a hand-operable
pumping bulb 40. The pressure supply tube may be integrally formed
or otherwise fixedly attached to the bladder, or alternatively may
be removeable and reattachable to the second bladder by means well
known in the art.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, installation of the kit shown in
FIG. 3 is illustrated. Installation of the kit comprises opening
the enclosure aperture 16 (FIG. 2) and sliding the second bladder
32 between an inner enclosure surface 42 and the most forward
surface 44 of the first bladder 18 so that the second bladder sets
juxtaposed to both surfaces. After insertion of the second bladder
the aperture can be re-secured. Pressurizing the personal hydration
system merely requires several squeezes of the hand-operable
pumping bulb 40 to inflate the second bladder 32. Thereafter the
liquid may be released from the first bladder 18 by operation of
the mouth operated valve 26. In this manner liquid from the first
bladder is forced through the liquid supply tube to the user's
mouth.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 6, an alternative embodiment of the
instant invention is illustrated. In this embodiment the
pressurized hydration kit includes a compartmental bladder 50. The
compartmental bladder is constructed to include a first compartment
52 and a second compartment 54 positioned juxtaposed with respect
to each other. The first compartment 52 is constructed and arranged
to contain a supply of liquid and includes a liquid supply tube 22
having a first end 20 and a second end 24. The first end of the
liquid supply tube is fluidly coupled to the first compartment
while the second end of the liquid supply tube includes a mouth
operated valve 26 constructed and arranged to be held in a person's
mouth. For filling the compartment, the first compartment also
includes a fill port 28 through which fluid may be added or removed
from the first compartment and a cooperating closure member 30. The
fill port should be suitably sized to allow cleaning of the
internal surfaces of the first compartment. As shown, the fill port
may include a neck 29. The neck may be integrally formed with the
compartmental bladder or alternatively may be joined to the
compartmental bladder via a suitable sealing process. Suitable
sealing processes include, but should not be limited to, adhesives,
heat sealing, welding, and suitable combinations thereof. The
closure member 30 preferably forms a watertight seal with the fill
port 28. Engagement between the neck and the sealing member may be
provided with threads, bayonet mounts and the like. The sealing
member may also include a gasket, sealing ring, o-ring or any other
sealing device well known in the art for creating water-tight
closures.
[0053] The second compartment 54 includes a pressure supply tube
34, the pressure supply tube includes a first end 36 fluidly
coupled to the second compartment and a second end 38 fluidly
coupled to a hand-operable pumping bulb 40. The compartmental
bladder should be suitably flexible and may be constructed of, but
should not be limited to, various plastics, rubbers, silicones and
the like. It should be noted that while the compartmental bladder
is illustrated as being generally rectangular in shape, the size
and shape of the bladder may vary depending upon the enclosure into
which the bladder will be placed and the volume of liquid that the
first compartment is designed to hold. Typically, the first
compartment will be constructed to hold between 25 and 200 ounces
of liquid and the second compartment will preferably be constructed
to contain a similar volume of compressed air.
[0054] Referring to FIGS. 7-8, assembly of the alternative
embodiment kit is illustrated. Assembly of the kit requires the
first bladder 18 within a pre-existing personal hydration system 10
to be removed from the enclosure 12. After removal, the
compartmental bladder 50 is inserted into the enclosure and
positioned similarly to the first bladder 18 being replaced. The
aperture of the enclosure is thereafter secured. Pressurizing the
personal hydration system merely requires several squeezes of the
hand-operable pumping bulb 40 to inflate the second compartment 54.
Thereafter the liquid may be released from the first bladder 18 by
operation of the mouth operated valve 26. In this manner liquid
from the first bladder is forced through the liquid supply tube to
the user's mouth. This construction insures the juxtaposed
positioning of the compartments and thus insures pressurization of
the first compartment.
[0055] All patents and publications mentioned in this specification
are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which
the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein
incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual
publication was specifically and individually indicated to be
incorporated by reference.
[0056] It is to be understood that while a certain form of the
invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific
form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent
to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made
without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention
is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in
the specification.
[0057] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the
present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and
obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent
therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques
described herein are presently representative of the preferred
embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as
limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur
to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit
of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended
claims. Although the invention has been described in connection
with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that
the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such
specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the
described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to
those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the
following claims.
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