U.S. patent application number 14/919392 was filed with the patent office on 2016-04-28 for reservoir.
The applicant listed for this patent is Shinji MARUI. Invention is credited to Shinji MARUI.
Application Number | 20160113379 14/919392 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55790933 |
Filed Date | 2016-04-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160113379 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MARUI; Shinji |
April 28, 2016 |
RESERVOIR
Abstract
A wearable fluid reservoir configured to contain liquids
includes a swinging suppressing mechanism to inhibit horizontal and
vertical swinging of a reservoir main body in relation to a
hydration pack in which the reservoir main body is inserted. The
pack includes a connecting mechanism that mates with the swinging
suppressing mechanism to form a detachable, yet secure fit between
the reservoir and the pack. A sipping tube is coupled to the
reservoir main body.
Inventors: |
MARUI; Shinji; (Kobe,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MARUI; Shinji |
Kobe |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
55790933 |
Appl. No.: |
14/919392 |
Filed: |
October 21, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/148.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 3/18 20130101; A45F
2003/166 20130101; A45F 3/20 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/20 20060101
A45F003/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 22, 2014 |
JP |
2014215070 |
Claims
1. A wearable fluid reservoir apparatus, comprising; a reservoir
main body; and a swinging suppressing mechanism coupled to the
reservoir main body and configured to inhibit horizontal and
vertical movements of the reservoir main body with respect to a
pack.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the swinging suppressing
mechanism is positioned on the reservoir main body in at least a
first location and a second location.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first location of the
swinging suppressing mechanism comprises a port of filling and
sealing the reservoir main body.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the swinging suppressing
mechanism comprises hook-and-loop fasteners.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the swinging suppressing
mechanism comprises a suction cup.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the swinging suppressing
mechanism comprises a corrugated sheet.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the swinging suppressing
mechanism comprises a strut vertically penetrating the reservoir
main body.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reservoir main body
comprises a soft material.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the swinging suppressing
mechanism comprises mounting sections integrally formed with the
reservoir main body.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a structural brace
coupled to the reservoir main body.
11. A wearable fluid reservoir apparatus, comprising; a reservoir
main body; and a swinging suppressing mechanism coupled to the
reservoir main body and configured to inhibit horizontal and
vertical movements of the reservoir main body with respect to a
pack, wherein the swinging suppressing mechanism covers a top
portion and a bottom portion of the reservoir main body.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising the pack, and
wherein the pack comprises a compatible connecting mechanism to be
removably coupled to the swinging suppressing mechanism.
13. A wearable fluid reservoir apparatus, comprising; a pack
comprising a connecting mechanism; and a reservoir housed within
the pack and comprising a reservoir main body including a swinging
suppressing mechanism removably coupled to the connecting mechanism
to inhibit horizontal and vertical movements of the reservoir main
body with respect to the pack.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein: the swinging suppressing
mechanism comprises a rigid connector having a geometric shape; and
the connecting mechanism comprises at least one opening configured
to receive the rigid connector.
15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein: the swinging suppressing
mechanism comprises a first patch of hook-and-loop fasteners; and
the connecting mechanism comprises a second patch of hook-and-loop
fasteners.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates generally to wearable portable liquid
containers and hydration backpacks.
[0003] 2. Description of Prior Art and Related Information
[0004] Conventional hydration backpacks typically include a pouch
for holding liquid that is inserted into a backpack worn by a user.
The pouch may be loosely on a hook within the backpack. The lack of
a secure attachment between the pouch and the backpack causes the
pouch to swing vertically and horizontally within the backpack,
particularly as the volume of the pouch shrinks due to consumption
of the fluids therein.
[0005] As the fluid within the pouch is consumed and the volume of
the pouch diminishes, a gap is created between the reduced pouch
and the backpack. Such gaps can lead to excessive swinging of the
pouch within the backpack particularly as the user engages in
intense shifting movements, e.g., making turns on a bicycle.
[0006] Examples of prior art hydration backpacks include:
[0007] http://www.e-mot.co.jp/platypus/hydration-systems.asp
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In accordance with the present invention, structures and
associated methods are disclosed which address these needs and
overcome the deficiencies of the prior art.
[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a portable
wearable reservoir that suppresses or inhibits swinging movements
of a reservoir within a bag, such as a backpack. The reservoir is
preferably detachable from the backpack. While the reservoir is
preferably removable, a secure attachment is made between the
reservoir and the backpack according to the invention in order to
inhibit swinging movements of the reservoir within the back.
[0010] The meaning of the term reservoir used in the present
specification generally refers to a container that can carry
liquids such as water.
[0011] Preferred embodiments of swinging suppressing mechanisms are
provided to removably secure a reservoir to the backpack in which
the reservoir is housed. The swinging suppressing mechanism reduces
the burden on the user's body by inhibiting loose movement of the
reservoir within the backpack.
[0012] The swinging suppressing mechanism may be attached in a
single location or in multiple locations. Even when attached to the
backpack at a single location, the swinging suppressing mechanism
provides a fixed position between the reservoir and the backpack so
as to suppress loose or rotating movements of the reservoir
relative to the backpack.
[0013] In one embodiment, the swinging suppressing mechanism
inhibits horizontal or lateral swinging movements through the use
of friction in the contact between the outer surface of the
reservoir and the inner surface of the backpack. The preferred
mechanism may comprise a material having a large coefficient of
friction.
[0014] In another embodiment, the swinging suppressing mechanism
may comprise a suction cup coupled to an outer surface of the
reservoir. The swinging suppressing mechanism may also comprise a
protrusion that mates with an opening formed in the backpack. The
swinging suppressing mechanism may comprise corrugated sheets
having horizontally and vertically oriented waves that mate with
similarly formed corrugated surfaces within the backpack. The
swinging suppressing mechanism may also comprise hooks or a strut
extending vertically through the reservoir.
[0015] The material of the reservoir may comprise a bag composed of
an elastic material or a hard material. Moreover, at least one
swinging suppressing mechanism may be deployed in the region of the
mechanism which closes the port used to seal the liquid within the
reservoir. Alternatively, an integrated form with the main body
unit of the reservoir can be also used.
[0016] The reservoir may be mounted on the side of the backpack in
contact with the user's back. In addition, a cushion with a
matching planar of three-dimensional shape may also be attached on
the side of the backpack in contact with the user, providing a more
comfortable fit.
[0017] A planar or three-dimensional member may also be attached as
a reinforcing member in order to maintain the shape of the main
body of the reservoir. Where the reservoir comprises a flexible
bag, a reinforcing member attached thereto helps maintain the shape
of the main body of reservoir regardless of the remaining amount of
liquid content therein.
[0018] The effect of the preferred reservoirs according to the
invention is that any shifting or swinging of the reservoir
relative to the backpack will be reduced and minimized even as the
user makes any quick or jolting movements.
[0019] In summary, a wearable fluid reservoir configured to contain
liquids includes a swinging suppressing mechanism to inhibit
horizontal and vertical swinging of a reservoir main body in
relation to a hydration pack in which the reservoir main body is
inserted. The pack includes a connecting mechanism that mates with
the swinging suppressing mechanism to form a detachable, yet secure
fit between the reservoir and the pack. A sipping tube is coupled
to the reservoir main body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 shows a front view of a first preferred embodiment of
a reservoir.
[0021] FIG. 2 is close-up perspective view of a preferred swinging
suppressing mechanism that also comprises a port for filling a
reservoir;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a rear view of a preferred hydration backpack
configured to hold the first preferred embodiment of the
reservoir;
[0023] FIG. 4 shows a front perspective view of a second preferred
embodiment of a reservoir;
[0024] FIG. 5 shows a rear partial cutaway view of an alternative
embodiment of a hydration backpack configured to hold the second
preferred reservoir;
[0025] FIG. 6 shows a front perspective view of a third preferred
embodiment of a reservoir;
[0026] FIG. 7 shows a rear partial cutaway perspective view of an
alternative embodiment of a hydration backpack configured to hold
the third preferred reservoir;
[0027] FIG. 8 shows a front perspective view of a fourth preferred
embodiment of a reservoir;
[0028] FIG. 9 shows a rear partial cutaway view of an alternative
embodiment of a hydration backpack configured to hold the fourth
preferred reservoir;
[0029] FIG. 10 shows a front perspective view of a fifth preferred
embodiment of a reservoir;
[0030] FIG. 11 shows a rear partial cutaway view of an alternative
embodiment of a hydration backpack configured to hold the fifth
preferred reservoir;
[0031] FIG. 12 shows a front perspective view of a sixth preferred
embodiment of a reservoir;
[0032] FIG. 13 shows a rear partial cutaway view of an alternative
embodiment of a hydration backpack configured to hold the sixth
preferred reservoir;
[0033] FIG. 14 shows a front perspective view of a seventh
preferred embodiment of a reservoir;
[0034] FIG. 15 shows a rear partial cutaway view of an alternative
embodiment of a hydration backpack configured to hold the seventh
preferred reservoir;
[0035] FIG. 16 shows a front perspective view of an eighth
preferred embodiment of a reservoir;
[0036] FIG. 17 shows a rear perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of a hydration backpack configured to hold the eighth
preferred embodiment of the reservoir;
[0037] FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of a ninth preferred
embodiment of a reservoir including structural reinforcements;
[0038] FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the ninth preferred
embodiment of the reservoir with the structural reinforcements;
and
[0039] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a tenth preferred
embodiment of a reservoir with a swinging suppressing mechanism
that also comprises a closure mechanism.
[0040] The invention and its various embodiments can now be better
understood by turning to the following detailed description wherein
illustrated embodiments are described. It is to be expressly
understood that the illustrated embodiments are set forth as
examples and not by way of limitations on the invention as
ultimately defined in the claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0041] A first preferred embodiment of a wearable fluid reservoir
is illustrated in FIG. 1 and designated generally by the reference
numeral 100. The portable reservoir 100 comprises a reservoir main
body 101 configured to hold liquids. One end portion 120 of a
sipping tube 102-2 is coupled to a lower portion 106 of the
reservoir main body 101 while an opposite tube portion 122 is in
fluid communication with a suction option 102-1. A user can drink
liquid from the suction opening 102-1.
[0042] The reservoir 100 includes a preferred swinging suppressing
mechanism 103 that inhibits swinging or loose movements of the
reservoir 100 in relation to a preferred embodiment of a hydration
backpack, or simply pack, 1100 shown in FIG. 3, into which the
reservoir 100 is inserted. In the first preferred embodiment shown
in FIG. 1, the swinging suppressing mechanism 103 comprises
mounting sections, or buttons, 103 arranged vertically in order to
fix the reservoir main body 101 to the preferred pack shown in FIG.
3.
[0043] In FIG. 3, the preferred backpack 1100 comprises a
connecting mechanism 1110 configured to removably mate with the
swinging suppressing mechanism 103 of the reservoir 100. The pack
1110 is configured to be worn on a user and comprises a pair of
shoulder straps 1120. In this preferred embodiment, the connecting
mechanism 1110 comprises two openings 1110 to receive the reservoir
buttons 103 in FIG. 1. Thus, the two openings 1110 are exactly
positioned and aligned with the two buttons 103 to provide a secure
fit. This prevents the reservoir main body 101 from swinging or
moving loosely within the backpack 1100, thereby reducing the
burden on the user. In particular, the combination of the swinging
suppressing mechanism 103 of the reservoir 100 removably coupled to
the connecting mechanism 1110 of the pack 1100 inhibits both
horizontal and vertical movement of the reservoir 100 with respect
to the pack 1100.
[0044] In FIG. 2, the swinging suppressing mechanism 103 may
comprise a removable, internally threaded button 103 that can be
screwed onto an externally threaded spout 120 through which the
reservoir 100 is filled with liquid. In this preferred embodiment
where the swinging suppressing mechanism 103 also comprises the
port for filling the reservoir 100, the reservoir 100 need not
include an additional opening for refilling.
[0045] A second preferred embodiment of a reservoir 200 in FIG. 4
is configured to be securely retained within an alternative
embodiment of a hydration pack 1200 in FIG. 5. In FIG. 4, the
swinging suppressing mechanism 204 comprises one or more hooks 204
that can hook through the connecting mechanism 1210 shown in FIG. 5
which preferably comprises loops 1210 or openings formed in the
pack 1200. Since such connectors 204 and the connecting mechanism
1210 form a detachable connection, the reservoir 200 can be
manually removed from the pack 1200 when the reservoir 200 is not
in use. The material of the reservoir main body 201 may a comprise
a material suitable for a soft bag that does not expand or contract
even when deformed. The reservoir main body 201 may also be
composed of a rigid material characterized by hardness. The
reservoir 200 also comprises a removable cap 220 covering an
opening through which the reservoir 200 may be filled with
liquid.
[0046] While the preferred swinging suppressing mechanisms
discussed thus far comprise rigid mechanical connectors with
geometric shapes that fit into correspondingly shaped connecting
mechanisms in the hydration pack, the preferred swinging mechanisms
are not limited to rigid connectors. FIG. 6 illustrates a front
view a third preferred embodiment of a wearable fluid reservoir 300
with a swinging suppressing mechanism 305 comprising hook-and-loop
fasteners (e.g., VELCRO.RTM.) formed on an outer surface 310 of the
reservoir main body 301. In the illustrated embodiment in FIG. 6,
the fasteners 305 are located in two vertically spaced groups or
patches 330. The third preferred reservoir 300 is configured to be
fit securely within an alternative embodiment of a hydration pack
1300 shown in FIG. 7 comprising a compatible connecting mechanism
1310. The pack 1300 comprises two vertically spaced apart patches
1330 of hook-and-loop fasteners 1310 that are aligned and
configured to mate with the patches 330 of hook-and-loop fasteners
310 on the reservoir 300 in FIG. 6.
[0047] FIG. 8 illustrates a fourth preferred embodiment of a
reservoir 400 that includes a swinging suppressing mechanism 405
comprising an elongated vertical strip of hook-and-loop fasteners
405 formed on an outer surface 410 of the reservoir main body 401.
The vertically extending arrangement 430 of hook-and-loop fasteners
405 preferably extends from top to bottom of the reservoir main
body 401. The fourth preferred reservoir 400 is configured to be
fit securely within an alternative embodiment of a hydration pack
1400 shown in FIG. 9 having a compatible connecting mechanism 1410.
The pack 1400 comprises a vertically elongated patch 1430 of
hook-and-loop fasteners 1410 aligned and configured to mate with
the vertically elongate patch 430 of hook-and-loop fasteners 410 on
the reservoir 400 in FIG. 8.
[0048] FIG. 10 illustrates a fifth preferred embodiment of a
reservoir 500 with a swinging suppressing mechanism 505 comprising
a panel 530 of hook-and-loop fasteners covering one-third to
one-half of the surface area of the outer surface of the reservoir
main body 501. Thus, the swinging suppressing mechanism 505
substantially covers an entire side or portion of the outer surface
510 facing the user. The fifth preferred reservoir 500 is
configured to be fit securely within an alternative embodiment of a
hydration pack 1500 shown in FIG. 11 having a compatible connecting
mechanism 1510 to removably secure the fasteners 510 of the
reservoir 500. The pack 1500 comprises a planar patch 1530 of
hook-and-loop fasteners 1510 that substantially covers the panel
530 of hook-and-loop fasteners 510 on the reservoir 500 in FIG.
10.
[0049] It will be appreciated that any of the foregoing preferred
embodiments of the reservoir comprising any arrangement of
hook-and-loop fasteners, including the preferred reservoirs of
FIGS. 6 and 8, may be used with the preferred pack 1500 in FIG. 11
comprising hook-and-loop fasteners that substantially cover a
vertical inner surface thereof.
[0050] FIG. 12 shows a front view of a sixth preferred embodiment
of a reservoir 600 with a swinging suppressing mechanism 606
comprising corrugated portions 606-1, 606-2 of the outer surface
610 of the reservoir main body 601, which mate with a compatible
connecting mechanism 1610-1, 1610-2 formed in an alternative
embodiment of a pack 1600 shown in FIG. 13. The first corrugated
portion 606-1 comprises vertically extending waves of alternating
convex and concave surfaces that collectively inhibit horizontal
swinging when mated with the first corrugated section 1610-1 in the
pack 1600 in FIG. 13. The second corrugated portion 606-2 comprises
horizontally extending waves that inhibit vertical swinging when
mated with similarly oriented waves 1610-2 formed in the pack 1600
in FIG. 13.
[0051] Any swinging or loose movements of the reservoir 600 in
relation to the pack 1600 are inhibited by the occlusal patterns of
the corrugated portions 606-1, 606-2. The corrugated sheets 606 can
be integrally molded with the reservoir 600.
[0052] FIG. 14 illustrates a front view of a seventh preferred
embodiment of a reservoir 700 including a swinging suppressing
mechanism 707 comprising one or more suction cups. The suction cups
707 are placed on an outer surface 710 of the reservoir main body
701. In the illustrated embodiment, the suction cups 707 are placed
in two vertically spaced apart locations, though the swinging
suppressing mechanism 707 may comprise more suction cups arranged
at different locations. Each suction cup 707 may be integrally
formed with the reservoir main body 701.
[0053] The reservoir 700 is inserted within and removably secured
to an alternative embodiment of a pack 1700 including a compatible
connecting mechanism 1710 as shown in FIG. 15. The connecting
mechanism 1710 comprises a pair of plates 1710 with substantially
smooth and flat surfaces 1712 onto which the suction cups 707 may
adhere. The number and position of plates 1710 in the pack 1700
correspond to the number and position of the suction cups 707 in
the reservoir 700.
[0054] FIG. 16 illustrates a front view of an eighth preferred
embodiment of a reservoir 800 that employs a swinging suppressing
mechanism 808 comprising a vertical strut 808. The strut 808
vertically penetrates through the reservoir main body 801
protruding out from the top 810 and bottom 812. FIG. 17 illustrates
an alternative embodiment of a pack 1800 with a connecting
mechanism 1810, 1812 comprising a top opening 1810 and a bottom
opening 1812 configured to receive the protruding top strut portion
820 and bottom strut portion 822, respectively. In the preferred
embodiment, the strut 808 may be integrally molded or otherwise
formed with the reservoir main unit 801.
[0055] FIGS. 18 and 19 show a ninth preferred embodiment of a
reservoir 900 including structural reinforcements 920 configured in
a crisscross manner across a vertical wall 930 of the reservoir
main body. The structural braces 920 help maintain the shape of the
reservoir body 901 and shield the reservoir 900 from impact as the
reinforcement members 920 face the back of the user. The
reinforcing structural members 920 help maintain the shape of the
main body of the reservoir, particularly when the main body of the
reservoir comprises a flexible bag that is not conducive to holding
a fixed shape while the amount of the liquid contained therein
decreases. Therefore, a reinforcing member is attached in order to
maintain the shape of the main body of the reservoir regardless of
the remaining amount of the liquid content.
[0056] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a tenth preferred
embodiment of a reservoir 1000 with a swinging suppressing
mechanism 1010 that also comprises a closure mechanism. In
particular, the swinging suppressing mechanism 1010 comprise a
zipper 1012 configured to open and seal a top portion of the
reservoir main body 1001. The zipper latch further comprises a hook
1014 which can then be received into a clip or opening formed in a
hydration backpack configured to hold the reservoir 1000 such as
the alternative embodiment of a backpack 1200 shown in FIG. 5.
[0057] In all of the foregoing preferred embodiments, the wearable
fluid reservoir may be mounted adjacent to the contact side of the
backpack that faces the user. In addition, a cushion member having
a matching planar or three-dimensional shape may be also attached
on the body-contacting side of the user, which makes it possible to
ensure comfortable wearing of the reservoir by the user. Also, at
least one mounting position may be deployed in the region of the
mechanism which closes the port used to seal the liquid within the
reservoir.
[0058] In all of the foregoing embodiments, the swinging
suppressing mechanism is positioned along at least a top portion
and a bottom portion of the reservoir in main body to inhibit
vertical and horizontal swinging of the reservoir main body with
respect to the pack to which the reservoir is attached. For
example, in FIG. 1, the top button 103 is positioned at a top
portion of the reservoir main body 101 while the bottom button 103
is positioned at the bottom portion of the reservoir main body 101.
Similarly, in FIG. 4, the top and bottom hooks 204 are positioned
at top and bottom portions of the reservoir main body,
respectively. The hook-and-loop fasteners shown in FIGS. 6, 8 and
10 are positioned at least along top and bottom portions of the
reservoir main body. The swinging suppressing mechanism in FIG. 12
comprises a top corrugated section 606-1 and a bottom corrugated
section 606-2. The swinging suppressing mechanism in FIG. 14
comprises top and bottom suction cups 707. Lastly, the swinging
suppressing mechanism in FIG. 16 comprises a strut that is
positioned not only along top and bottom portions of the reservoir
main body, but actually penetrates through the top and bottom ends
of the reservoir main body.
[0059] Accordingly, the preferred packs in each of the preferred
embodiments comprise compatible connecting mechanism that removably
receive or mate with the top and bottom swinging suppressing
mechanisms. Therefore, each connecting mechanism comprises at least
the same number and positions of corresponding structures that mate
with the swinging suppressing mechanisms of the reservoir.
[0060] The present invention is useful for reservoirs which are
stored in a portable bag for carrying a liquid, as well as for
hydration systems which are used to supply water during exercising
movements.
[0061] Many alterations and modifications may be made by those
having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that
the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the
purposes of examples and that they should not be taken as limiting
the invention as defined by the following claims. For example,
notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth
below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood
that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or
different ones of the disclosed elements.
[0062] The words used in this specification to describe the
invention and its various embodiments are to be understood not only
in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by
special definition in this specification the generic structure,
material or acts of which they represent a single species.
[0063] The definitions of the words or elements of the following
claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to not only
include the combination of elements which are literally set forth.
In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent
substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the
elements in the claims below or that a single element may be
substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements
may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even
initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that
one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases
be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination
may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a
subcombination.
[0064] Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as
viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or
later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently
within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions
now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are
defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.
[0065] The claims are thus to be understood to include what is
specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually
equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what
incorporates the essential idea of the invention.
* * * * *
References