Fluid pack

Abstract

A backpack is configured to be secured to a backside of a wearer. An elongated fluid reservoir is disposed a generally horizontal orientation in or on the backpack. The elongated fluid reservoir has a horizontal-to-vertical elongation ratio of at least about 2:1 and is positioned adjacent a hip region of a wearer. A hip belt is configured to at least partially secure the backpack to a wearer and is further configured to compress the generally horizontally oriented elongated fluid reservoir against hips of a wearer. A fluid delivery tube is operatively connected with the elongated fluid reservoir to enable a wearer to selectively draw fluid from the elongated fluid reservoir.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The following relates to the personal hydration arts, such as hydration packs, backpacks including fluid bladders, containers, or reservoirs, or so forth.

[0002] A hydration pack is a fluid-carrying device used to carry water, a sports drink, coffee, an alcoholic beverage, or another consumable fluid during walking, backpacking, bicycling, hiking, jogging, or other athletic activities. The hydration pack includes a bladder or other fluid reservoir that is attached to the associated person by straps or other fasteners. A fluid delivery tube extends from the fluid reservoir, such as a fluid bladder, fluid container, or so forth, and at the distal end includes a bite valve or other mechanism to -selectively allow the person to drink. In some hydration packs, the bite valve or other delivery mechanism is configured to be readily accessed while performing rigorous activity.

[0003] A typical hydration pack employs an elongated fluid reservoir that is positioned vertically in a backpack substantially centered, on the spine of the back, with the fluid delivery tube connected at the bottom of the fluid reservoir. Such an arrangement promotes efficient and complete delivery of all fluid in the backpack, and also keeps weight centered on the spinal column. However, existing hydration packs are problematic in that they have a tendency to shift about during rigorous activity, which can tend to unbalance the wearer or in extreme cases cause a fall or other accident. In such a fall or accident, there is potential for serious injury, including in some cases injury to the kidneys, liver, or other vital organs.

SUMMARY

[0004] In at least one illustrated embodiment, a backpack is configured to be secured to a wearer. The backpack includes a hip region that overlaps a hip region of the wearer when the backpack is secured to the wearer. An elongated fluid reservoir is disposed in or on a hip region of the backpack. The elongated fluid reservoir has a direction of elongation oriented generally transverse to a spinal column of the wearer when the backpack is secured to the wearer. A hip belt is configured to secure the hip region of the backpack to a wearer and to compress the elongated fluid reservoir against hips of a wearer.

[0005] In at least one illustrated embodiment, a backpack is configured to be secured at least to a hip region of a wearer. An elongated fluid reservoir is disposed in a generally horizontal orientation in or on the backpack. A hip belt is configured to at least partially secure the backpack to a wearer and is further configured to compress the generally horizontally oriented elongated fluid reservoir against hips of a wearer.

[0006] In at least one illustrated embodiment, backpack configured to be secured to a backside of a wearer. An elongated fluid reservoir is disposed a generally horizontal orientation in or on the backpack. The elongated fluid reservoir has a horizontal-to-vertical elongation ratio of at least about 2:1 and is positioned adjacent a hip region of a wearer. A hip belt is configured to compress the generally horizontally oriented elongated fluid reservoir against hips of a wearer. The hip belt includes split elastic connection straps that produce stabilizing vertically converging retention forces. A fluid delivery tube is operatively connected with the elongated fluid reservoir to enable a wearer to selectively draw fluid from the elongated fluid reservoir.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIGS. 1-3 show front, back, and side views, respectively, of a backpack including a hydration system. The side view of FIG. 3 shows the backpack being worn by a wearer.

[0008] FIG. 4 shows a front view of the hydration pack of FIGS. 1-3, with the front cover removed to reveal internal features of the backpack.

[0009] FIG. 5 shows a back view of the harness of the backpack of FIGS. 1-3.

[0010] FIG. 6 shows an enlarged view of the adjustable hip belt of the backpack of FIGS. 1-5.

[0011] FIG. 7 shows a front view of a modified backpack.

[0012] FIG. 8 shows a front view of a hydration system configured as a fanny pack.

[0013] FIG. 9 shows the hydration system of FIG. 8 with the front cover removed to reveal internal features of the hydration system.

[0014] FIG. 10 shows an enlarged view of an alternative adjustable hip belt suitably substituted for the hip belt of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] With reference to FIG. 1-5, an example backpack 10 is worn by a wearer W. The term "wearer" refers to a person wearing a backpack including a hydration system. The wearer is not part of the backpack or part of the hydration system. The term "backpack" as used herein is intended to encompass any pack that is worn on the backside of a wearer. The term "backpack" as used herein is intended to encompass, for example, a conventional backpack including shoulder straps and a hip belt for securing to the wearer, or a fanny pack, or a lumbar pack, or so forth.

[0016] With continuing reference to FIGS. 1-5, the example backpack 10 includes a back side 12 configured to rest against a wearer's back, and a front cover 14. The back side 12 and front cover 14 are operatively connected to define a generally hollow region therebetween for containing items. In the example embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, an upper portion of the generally hollow region is configured as a main pocket 16 for containing items, and is accessible via a main zipper 18 or other selectively sealable opening. Optionally, the main pocket includes one or more internal pockets 20 for organizing, separating, or otherwise arranging stored times. In the illustrated embodiment, one such pocket 22 is configured for storing a portable music player (not shown), such as an MP3 player, and a small opening 24 (see FIG. 1) is provided in the front cover 14 via which a headphone cable of the portable music player may extend. The backpack 10 optionally further includes other features for attaching or storing items, such as D-ring connectors 26 for tying or otherwise securing items, a lower zipper 28 for accessing a small lower gear compartment, or so forth. The area of the back side 12 of the backpack 10 that contacts the wearer's back typically includes a soft padding material to provide padding and enhance comfort. As shown in FIG. 3, the backpack 10 is configured to be secured to the wearer W, and when so secured has generally bilateral symmetry with respect to a spinal column S (diagrammatically indicated by a heavy dotted line in FIGS. 1-5) of the wearer W.

[0017] The example backpack 10 further includes an example hydration system. A bladder or other fluid reservoir 30 is disposed in a lower portion of the generally hollow region between the back side 12 and the front cover 14, that is, in a hip region 32 of the backpack 10 that overlaps a hip region H of the wearer W. The fluid reservoir 30 is an elongated fluid reservoir 30 having a direction of elongation 34 oriented generally transverse to the spinal column S of the wearer W when the backpack 10 is secured to the wearer W. The fluid reservoir 30 may be secured in the backpack 10 in various ways, such as being sewn to an interior wall of the backpack 10, or disposed in a conformably sized pocket or other compartment of the backpack 10, or so forth. It is also contemplated for the fluid reservoir 30 to be integrally formed into the backpack 10, for example being defined by a sealed water-tight integral compartment of the backpack 10. In some embodiments, the fluid reservoir 30 is permanently secured in the backpack 10, while in other embodiments the fluid reservoir 30 is removably secured or stored in the backpack 10. A removable arrangement has certain advantages such as facilitating cleaning of the fluid reservoir 30, replacement of the fluid reservoir 30, or so forth. A permanently secured arrangement may have certain manufacturing and cost advantages.

[0018] The arrangement of the elongated fluid reservoir 30 in the hip region 32 with the direction of elongation 34 oriented generally transverse to the spinal column S advantageously lowers an overall center of gravity (diagrammatically indicated in FIG. 4 by a diagrammatic symbol 36 for the case of the fluid reservoir 30 being fully filled with fluid) of the wearer W, and operatively mechanically joins the elongated fluid reservoir 30 with the body of the wearer W so that the fluid reservoir 30 moves with the body of the wearer W during rigorous activities such as downhill or free-ride mountain biking, MotoCross, snowboarding, rock climbing, jogging, running, skating, horse riding, or so forth. In contrast, existing hydration systems typically have the fluid reservoir oriented parallel with the spinal column, which typically results in a higher overall center of gravity and an undesirable tendency toward side-to-side movement of the fluid reservoir with strenuous activity. A high center of gravity and tendency toward side-to-side movement can unbalance the wearer and can lead to back strain, fatigue, discomfort, degraded balance, falling, and so forth.

[0019] The illustrated elongated fluid reservoir 30 is kept in the desired central location with the direction of elongation 34 oriented generally transverse to the spinal column S of the wearer W by an illustrated hook-and-loop bladder locator arrangement 40 securing an elastic containment mesh (not shown) surrounding the fluid reservoir 30, or by another fastening mechanism. The fluid reservoir 30 is fillable and refillable via a threaded fill cap 42 that can be screwed onto or unscrewed off of a mating coupling (not shown) of the fluid reservoir 30. The illustrated fluid reservoir 30 is accessible for removal or installation via an interior elasticized opening 43 and outer zippered access openings 44, 45. Velcro, buttoned, or otherwise configured access openings may also be used, and the number of openings may range between one access opening, two access openings, or more access openings. In some embodiments, the fluid reservoir may be permanently secured in the backpack, in which case no access openings may be provided except for some coupling for filling.

[0020] A fluid delivery tube 50 extends from the fluid reservoir 30, an terminates in a bite valve 52 or other mechanism for selectively allowing the wearer W to sip or otherwise draw fluid from the fluid reservoir 30. The illustrated fluid delivery tube 50 is coupled with the elongated fluid reservoir 30 at a bottom of the fluid reservoir 30 using a pivoting tube coupling 54 such as a ball bearing-type coupling. This arrangement advantageously allows the fluid delivery tube 50 to extend over the right side of the wearer W (as shown for example in FIG. 3) or over the left side of the wearer, as well as the ability to route the tube under either the left or right arm. The illustrated fluid delivery system 50, 52, 54 is an example. In other embodiments, for example, the fluid delivery tube may extend from a dedicated side of the elongated fluid reservoir, such as from a right end of the elongated fluid reservoir.

[0021] The backpack may be secured to the wearer in various ways. The illustrated backpack 10 includes a shoulder harness 60 depicted in FIG. 5 and shown in part in FIGS. 1 and 2. The shoulder harness 60 includes adjustable shoulder straps 62 secured to the shoulders of the wearer W (see FIG. 3) and including strap couplings 64 that connect with straps 66 that support the upper portion of the backpack 10. The hip region 32 of the backpack 10 that overlaps the hip region H of the wearer W is secured by an adjustable hip belt 70. Additional securing mechanisms may be provided, such as an optional adjustable chest tightening strap 72 (shown only in FIG. 5) arranged across the chest to tighten the shoulder straps. The adjustable hip belt 70 advantageously cinches the hip region 32 of the backpack 10, including the elongated fluid reservoir 30, to the hip region H of the wearer W to ensure that the fluid reservoir 30 is operatively mechanically joined with the hip region H of the wearer W so that the fluid reservoir 30 moves with the body of the wearer W during rigorous activities. Additionally, the positioning of the elongated fluid reservoir 30 around at least the back portion of the hip region H provides protection of vital organs such as the kidneys and liver in the event that the wearer W does fall or suffers some other sudden impact to the lower torso region. Indeed, in some embodiments, it is contemplated for the elongated fluid reservoir to be further elongated to so as to extend along the hip belt 70 over to the front-side of the wearer W so as to provide protection for the front portion of the lower torso as well.

[0022] With reference to FIG. 6, one suitable embodiment of the hip belt 70 includes elastic connection straps 76 connected to the backpack 10. The hip belt optionally includes a size adjustment for accommodating a larger or smaller wearers. The illustrated hip belt 70 includes an elastic hip adjustment strap 78 with a hook-and-loop attachment 80 that connects with a side strap that includes a canvas or mesh side strap portion 82 and a Nylon webbing portion 84. The side strap terminates in a buckle 86 or other fastener. The elastic nature of the hip belt 70, provided in the illustrated embodiment by the elastic connection straps 76, advantageously allows the backpack 10 to be maintained snug against the wearer's body without being locked into a tight position, so as to allow the position of the fluid reservoir 30 to elastically flex and move with the body instead of on its own trajectory. The splitting of the elastic connection straps 76 into upper and lower straps, as shown in FIG. 6, creates vertically converging retention forces F1, F2 (indicated diagrammatically by arrows in FIG. 6) that are believed to advantageously help stabilize the elongated fluid reservoir 30 against the back of the wearer. The illustrated hip belt 70 is an example, and other configurations are contemplated for providing elasticity, including configurations that do not include the illustrated split elastic connection straps 76. While the illustrated hip belt 70 is elastic, it is also contemplated to substitute an inelastic hip belt for the illustrated elastic hip belt 70. The hip belt may be adjustable, as in the case of the illustrated hip belt 70 having the elastic hip adjustment strap 78 and hook-and-loop attachment 80, or may be non-adjustable. It is contemplated to provide different elastic or inelastic hip belt sizes (e.g., different lengths) to accommodate different wearer sizes, e.g. a "small", "medium", "large", "extra-large" or other size configuration.

[0023] With reference to FIG. 7, a front view of a modified backpack 10' is shown. The modified backpack 10' is similar to the backpack 10 of FIGS. 1-6, except that the elongated fluid reservoir 30 is replaced by a modified elongated fluid reservoir 30' (outline shown in phantom by dashed lines in FIG. 7) that, in addition to being elongated along the direction of elongation 34, also extends upwards partway. In effect, the backpack 10' trades off a reduction in storage space in the upper compartment for the larger-capacity elongated fluid reservoir 30'. The general elongation of the fluid reservoir 30' in the direction of elongation 34 provides an advantageously lowered center of gravity 36', which however is not as lowered as the center of gravity 36 of the fluid reservoir 30 due to the additional upward extension portion of the fluid reservoir 30'. However, it will be noted that the indicated center of gravity 36' corresponds to a relatively high diagrammatically indicated fluid level L of the fluid reservoir 30'. As the fluid is consumed by the wearer, the fluid level will rapidly drop (due to the narrowness of the upward extension of the fluid reservoir 30', so that the indicated center of gravity 36' will drop toward the center of gravity 36 of the fluid reservoir 30. The illustrated elongated fluid reservoirs 30, 30' are examples, and other fluid reservoirs can be used with other configurations that include substantial elongation in the direction of elongation 34 generally transverse to the spinal column S of the wearer W.

[0024] With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, an example hydration system configured as a fanny pack 110 is disclosed. A generally hollow elongated containment pack 112 contains the elongated fluid reservoir 30 that is elongated along the direction of elongation 34 generally transverse to the spinal column S, as in the backpack embodiment 10. The elongated fluid reservoir 30 is accessible for removal or installation via the outer zippered access openings 44, 45. The containment pack 112 and elongated fluid reservoir 30 overlap the hip region H of the wearer W is are secured thereto by the adjustable hip belt 70, again as in the backpack embodiment 10. The fanny pack 110 does not include the upper storage compartment or internal pockets 20, 22. Rather, the illustrated fanny pack 110 contains only the fluid reservoir 30. A fanny pack such as the illustrated fanny pack 110 further provided with one or more small compartments (not shown) for storage of keys or other small items is also contemplated.

[0025] The illustration of the fanny pack 110 in FIG. 9 shows details of the connection of the drinking tube 50 to the elongated fluid reservoir 30. A threaded fill cap 142 is included that is similar to the fill cap 42 of the backpack 10. The connection configuration shown in FIG. 9 includes a retractable reel 144 that retracts and extends the fluid delivery tube 50 to allow a user to pull and extend the bite valve 52 from the hip of the wearer to the wearer's mouth then have it retract back to the hip when not in use. The illustrated retractable reel 144 is a spring-biased retractable reel that is built into the fill cap 142, and includes a 90.degree. elbow 146 and a swiveling ball bearing 148 allowing the connected drinking tube 50 to rotate into either left-hand or right-hand output positions. Semi-automated "roll-up" type retraction is provided by a biasing spring 150, similar to a key lanyard, while the tube is withdrawn against the biasing spring force by pulling on the portion of the drinking tube 50 that extends out of the containment pack 112. In some embodiments, the biasing spring 150 is configured similarly to a circular watch-type spring to roll the drinking tube 50 onto a spindle (not shown) while still allowing fluid to be drawn seamlessly from the fluid reservoir 30 by sucking on the bite valve 52. The illustrated retractable reel 144 is an example, and more generally substantially any type of retractable reel can be used to keep the drinking tube 50 inside the containment pack 112 except when temporarily reeled or drawn out by the user to drink. Using a retractable reel for the fluid delivery tube 50 advantageously keeps the drinking tube 50 stowed when not in use, so that the drinking tube 50 does not impede the user when engaging in strenuous activity. Moreover, although the retractable reel 144 is illustrated in FIG. 9 in conjunction with the fanny pack-type hydration system 110 of FIG. 9, it is to be understood that the illustrated retractable cord 144, or another suitable retractable reel, is advantageously integrated into substantially any type of hydration pack, including the illustrated backpack-type hydration packs 10, 10' or substantially any other type of hydration pack. The illustrated retractable reel is disposed inside the containment pack 112, which advantageously protects it from damage from exposure to the elements. However, it is also contemplated to dispose the retractable reel outside of the containment pack or backpack, such a configuration having the advantage of facilitating repair in the field of the tube gets tangled up with the retractable reel.

[0026] With reference to FIG. 10, the configuration of the hip belt can substantially affect the comfort and security of the fastening, and impacts the wearer's comfort. FIG. 10 shows a hip belt 70' that is optionally substituted for the hip belt 70 shown in FIG. 6. The hip belt 70' of FIG. 10 includes the split elastic connection straps 76, hook-and-loop attachment 80, canvas or mesh side strap portion 82, and Nylon webbing portion 84 as in the hip belt 70 of FIG. 6. However, the elastic hip adjustment strap 78 of the hip belt 70 is replaced in the hip belt 70' by an inelastic and narrower sewn connection 78' that provides more play for making the hip adjustment. The split connection straps 76 are typically elastic; however, it is also contemplated to employ inelastic connection straps. The shape or curvature of the cover 14 in the vicinity of attachment to the split connection straps 76 can also be tailored for enhanced comfort for specific sizes and body characteristics of the wearer.

[0027] The illustrated embodiments are examples. It will be appreciated that the disclosed hydration systems including elongated fluid reservoirs elongated in the direction generally transverse to the spinal column are readily incorporated into substantially any sort of backpack, including backpacks for hiking or backpacking that have internal frames, backpacks for hiking or backpacking that have external frames, lightweight daypacks that include a hip belt, fanny packs, lumbar packs, and so forth. Such a backpack can be dedicated solely to supporting the hydration system (as for example is the case for the fanny pack 110 of FIGS. 8 and 9) or may additionally include compartments or pockets for storing or carrying other items (as for example is the case for the backpacks 10, 10' of FIGS. 1-7). Advantages of such an elongated fluid reservoir are many, including but not limited to better ergonomic design for rigorous activities, lowered center of gravity, improved balance, fluid-based protection for internal organs of the lower torso such as kidneys and the liver, and so forth.

[0028] The elongation of the elongated reservoir 30, 30' should be sufficient to provide the desired lowered center of gravity. In some embodiments, the elongated fluid reservoir 30, 30' has an elongation ratio of at least about 2:1. In some embodiments, the elongated fluid reservoir 30, 30' has a horizontal-to-vertical elongation ratio (that is, a ratio of length in the direction of elongation 34 to a length in the direction transverse to elongation) of at least about 3:1. In some embodiments, the elongated fluid reservoir 30, 30' has a horizontal-to-vertical elongation ratio of at least about 4:1. Generally, an increased elongation ratio provides a lower center of gravity and increased protection of the lower torso through distribution of more liquid around the lower torso. However, if the elongation ratio is increased to a large value, the fluid capacity may be compromised. An arrangement such as that of the fluid reservoir 30' in which only a central portion of the fluid reservoir extends in the vertical direction (that is in the direction generally transverse to the direction of elongation 34) can provide increased fluid capacity in a smaller elongation ratio with reduced impact on the position of the center of gravity.

[0029] The invention' has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: a backpack configured to be secured to a wearer, the backpack including a hip region that overlaps a hip region of the wearer when the backpack is secured to the wearer; an elongated fluid reservoir disposed in or on a hip region of the backpack, the elongated fluid reservoir having a direction of elongation oriented generally transverse to a spinal column of the wearer when the backpack is secured to the wearer; and a hip belt configured to secure the hip region of the backpack to a wearer and to compress the elongated fluid reservoir against hips of a wearer.

2. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the elongated fluid reservoir is shaped to overlap kidney regions of a wearer whereby the elongated fluid reservoir provides protection for kidney regions.

3. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the elongated fluid reservoir is shaped to overlap a liver region of a wearer.

4. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the backpack comprises: shoulder straps configured to secure an upper portion of the backpack to a wearer.

5. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the backpack comprises: a fanny pack including the hip region elongated transverse to the vertical direction, the fanny pack not including shoulder straps.

6. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: a fluid delivery tube extending from the elongated fluid reservoir and terminating in a bite valve.

7. The apparatus as set forth in claim 6, further comprising: a retractable reel disposed in or on the backpack to bias the fluid delivery tube toward retraction into the backpack.

8. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the backpack comprises: one or more storage compartments not configured to store the elongated fluid reservoir.

9. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the elongated fluid reservoir has an elongation ratio of at least about 2:1.

10. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the elongated fluid reservoir has an elongation ratio of at least about 3:1.

11. A apparatus comprising: a backpack configured to be secured at least to a hip region of a wearer; an elongated fluid reservoir disposed in a generally horizontal orientation in or on the backpack; and a hip belt configured to compress the generally horizontally oriented elongated fluid reservoir against hips of a wearer.

12. The apparatus as set forth in claim 11, further comprising: a fluid delivery tube in fluid communication with the elongated fluid reservoir; and a retractable reel disposed in or on the backpack and configured to retract the fluid delivery tube.

13. The apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein the elongated fluid reservoir extends at least partway along the hip belt to provide protection to the lower torso against mechanical impact.

14. The apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein the backpack comprises: a hiking or backpacking backpack including shoulder straps.

15. The apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein the hip belt comprises: split elastic connection straps that produce stabilizing vertically converging retention forces.

16. The apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein the backpack comprises: a fanny pack that does not include shoulder straps.

17. The apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein the backpack comprises: one or more storage compartments not configured to store the elongated fluid reservoir.

18. The apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein the elongated fluid reservoir has a horizontal-to-vertical elongation ratio of at least about 2:1.

19. The apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein the elongated fluid reservoir has a horizontal-to-vertical elongation ratio of at least about 4:1.

20. A apparatus comprising: a backpack configured to be secured to a backside of a wearer; an elongated fluid reservoir disposed in a generally horizontal orientation in or on the backpack, the elongated fluid reservoir having a horizontal-to-vertical elongation ratio of at least about 2:1 and positioned adjacent a hip region of a wearer; a hip belt configured to compress the generally horizontally oriented elongated fluid reservoir against hips of a wearer, the hip belt including split elastic connection straps that produce stabilizing vertically converging retention forces; and a fluid delivery tube operatively connected with the elongated fluid reservoir to enable a wearer to selectively draw fluid from the elongated fluid reservoir.