U.S. patent application number 15/593218 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-24 for reservoir system and method of use.
The applicant listed for this patent is Samuel M. LOPEZ, Matthew J. LYON. Invention is credited to Samuel M. LOPEZ, Matthew J. LYON.
Application Number | 20170240319 15/593218 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59630910 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170240319 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LYON; Matthew J. ; et
al. |
August 24, 2017 |
RESERVOIR SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE
Abstract
A system for structurally supporting the interior of a fluid
reservoir is disclosed. The reservoir can have a reinforcing brace
within the reservoir. The brace can be splittable or separable,
which can allow the reservoir to be inverted, for example for
easier cleaning. The brace can maintain the shape of the reservoir
when the reservoir is filled with liquid, preventing the reservoir
from forming a cylindrical cross-section. The control of the shape
of the reservoir can prevent or minimize distortion of a backpack
which is carrying the reservoir.
Inventors: |
LYON; Matthew J.; (Moraga,
CA) ; LOPEZ; Samuel M.; (San Francisco, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LYON; Matthew J.
LOPEZ; Samuel M. |
Moraga
San Francisco |
CA
CA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59630910 |
Appl. No.: |
15/593218 |
Filed: |
May 11, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13353638 |
Jan 19, 2012 |
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15593218 |
|
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61461559 |
Jan 19, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 3/16 20130101; A45F
2003/166 20130101; A45F 3/20 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 33/25 20060101
B65D033/25; B65D 85/72 20060101 B65D085/72; A45F 3/20 20060101
A45F003/20; B65D 33/02 20060101 B65D033/02; B65D 33/01 20060101
B65D033/01 |
Claims
1. A liquid reservoir system comprising: a reservoir container
comprising a reservoir first wall, a reservoir second wall opposite
the reservoir first wall, wherein the reservoir first wall and the
reservoir second wall define a reservoir cavity configured to hold
a liquid, wherein the reservoir first wall has an interior first
wall side and an exterior first wall side, wherein the reservoir
second wall has an interior second wall side and an exterior second
wall side; an orifice first lip coupled to the reservoir first wall
and an orifice second lip coupled to the reservoir second wall,
wherein the orifice first lip and the orifice second lip define an
orifice in fluid communication with the reservoir cavity, wherein
the orifice first lip and the orifice second lip extend from a
first lateral edge of the reservoir container to a second lateral
edge of the reservoir container, and wherein at least one of the
first orifice lip and second orifice lip is bendable to open the
orifice; a bag seam sealing the first reservoir wall to the second
reservoir wall along the first lateral edge of the reservoir
container; a bag first reinforcement at the first lateral edge of
the reservoir container and proximate to the orifice; a bag second
reinforcement at the second lateral edge of the reservoir container
and proximate to the orifice; a bag third reinforcement sealing the
reservoir first wall to the reservoir second wall along a reservoir
bottom edge of the reservoir container; a brace located within the
reservoir cavity, wherein the brace includes a brace first end
coupled to the interior first wall side and a brace second end
coupled to the interior second wall side; an outlet socket coupled
to the exterior first wall side or the exterior second wall side,
wherein the outlet socket is in fluid communication with the
reservoir cavity; a reservoir slider slidable over the first
orifice lip and the second orifice lip, wherein the reservoir
slider comprises a slider top, a slider first side extending from
the slider top, a slider second side extending from the slider top,
a slider first arm extending from the slider first side, a slider
second arm extending from the slider second side, and wherein the
slider first and second arms are configured to releasably press the
first orifice lip to the second orifice lip, and wherein the
reservoir slider has a slider first end and a slider second end,
and wherein at least part of the slider first and second ends flare
away from a longitudinal center axis of the slider; and a guide
along at least one of the orifice first lip and the orifice second
lip, wherein the reservoir slider is configured to slide over the
guide.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a slider hole in the
slider.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the reservoir
first wall and the reservoir second wall comprises nylon.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the orifice first lip and orifice
second lip are thicker than the reservoir walls surrounding the
orifice first lip and orifice second lip.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the slider first arm extends at a
right angle from the slider first side, and wherein the slider
second arm extends at a right angle from the slider second
side.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the brace has a brace height from
3 inches to 9 inches.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein a bottom edge of the brace is
spaced apart from the outlet socket by a distance from zero inches
to 3 inches, wherein a top edge of the brace is spaced apart from a
top edge of the reservoir container by a distance from zero inches
to 5 inches.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the brace has a brace wall
thickness from 0.1 mm to 10 mm, and wherein the brace has a brace
depth from 0.5 inches to 4 inches.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first
reservoir wall and the second reservoir wall are translucent.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the brace first end is coupled
to the interior first wall side at a center point of the reservoir
first wall between the first lateral edge and the second lateral
edge, and wherein the brace second end is coupled to the interior
second wall side at a center point of the reservoir second wall
between the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the bag third reinforcement has
two ridges extending laterally across the bag third
reinforcement.
12. A liquid reservoir system comprising: a reservoir container
comprising an orifice, a reservoir first wall, and a reservoir
second wall opposite the reservoir first wall, an orifice first lip
coupled to the reservoir first wall, and an orifice second lip
coupled to the orifice second wall, wherein the reservoir first
wall and the reservoir second wall define a reservoir cavity
configured to hold a liquid, and wherein the orifice first lip and
the orifice second lip define an orifice in fluid communication
with the reservoir cavity, wherein the reservoir first wall is
coupled to the reservoir second wall along a first lateral edge and
a reservoir bottom edge of the reservoir container, wherein the
reservoir first wall has an interior first wall side and an
exterior first wall side, wherein the reservoir second wall has an
interior second wall side and an exterior second wall side, and
wherein the orifice first lip and the orifice second lip extend
from the first lateral edge to a second lateral edge; a brace
located within the reservoir cavity, wherein the brace has a brace
first end coupled to the interior first wall side and a brace
second end coupled to the interior second wall side; an outlet
socket coupled to the reservoir first wall or the reservoir second
wall, wherein the outlet socket is between the brace and the
reservoir bottom edge; and a reservoir slider slidable over the
orifice first lip and the orifice second lip to releasably seal the
orifice, and wherein the reservoir slider comprises a slider top, a
slider first side extending from the slider top, a slider second
side extending from the slider top, a slider first arm extending
from the slider first side, a slider second arm extending from the
slider second side, and wherein the slider first and second arms
are configured to releasably press the first orifice lip to the
second orifice lip, and wherein the reservoir slider has a slider
first end and a slider second end.
13. The system of claim 12: wherein the brace has a brace height
from 3 inches to 9 inches; wherein a bottom edge of the brace is
spaced apart from the outlet socket by a distance from zero inches
to 3 inches; wherein a top edge of the brace is spaced apart from a
top edge of the reservoir container from zero inches to 5 inches;
wherein the brace has a brace wall thickness from 0.1 mm to 10 mm;
wherein the brace has a brace depth from 0.5 inches to 4 inches;
wherein the brace first end is coupled to the interior first wall
side at a center point of the reservoir first wall between the
first lateral edge and the second lateral edge; and wherein the
brace second end is coupled to the interior second wall side at a
center point of the reservoir second wall between the first lateral
edge and the second lateral edge.
14. The system of claim 12, further comprising: a bag first
reinforcement at the first lateral edge of the reservoir container
and proximate to the orifice; a bag second reinforcement at the
second lateral edge of the reservoir container and proximate to the
orifice; a bag third reinforcement sealing the first reservoir wall
to the second reservoir wall along a reservoir bottom edge of the
reservoir container.
15. The system of claim 12, wherein the reservoir slider comprises
a slider first arm and a slider second arm configured to press the
orifice first lip to the orifice second lip.
16. The system of claim 12, further comprising a guide along the
exterior first wall side and the exterior second wall side and
wherein the reservoir slider is configured to slide over the
guide.
17. The system of claim 12, wherein at least one of the orifice
first lip and the orifice second lip is bendable to open the
orifice.
18. A liquid reservoir system comprising: a reservoir container
comprising a reservoir first wall, a reservoir second wall opposite
the reservoir first wall, an orifice first lip coupled to the
reservoir first wall, and an orifice second lip coupled to the
reservoir second wall, wherein the reservoir first wall and the
reservoir second wall define a reservoir cavity configured to hold
a liquid, wherein the orifice first lip and the orifice second lip
define an orifice in fluid communication with the reservoir cavity,
and wherein the reservoir first wall is coupled to the reservoir
second wall along a first lateral edge and a reservoir bottom edge
of the reservoir container; a brace located within the reservoir
cavity, the brace including a brace first end coupled to the
reservoir first wall and a brace second end coupled to the
reservoir second wall, wherein the brace first end is coupled to
the reservoir first wall at a center point of the reservoir first
wall between the first lateral edge and a second lateral edge
opposite the first lateral edge, and wherein the brace second end
is coupled to the reservoir second wall at a center point of the
reservoir second wall between the first lateral edge and the second
lateral edge; and an outlet socket coupled to the reservoir first
wall or the reservoir second wall, wherein the outlet socket is in
fluid communication with the reservoir cavity; and wherein the
orifice first lip is releasably sealable to the orifice second lip
to seal the reservoir cavity.
19. The system of claim 18: wherein the brace has a brace height
from 3 inches to 9 inches; wherein a bottom edge of the brace is
spaced apart from the outlet socket by a distance from zero inches
to 3 inches; wherein a top edge of the brace is spaced apart from a
top edge of the reservoir container by a distance from zero inches
to 5 inches; wherein the brace has a brace wall thickness from 0.1
mm to 10 mm; wherein the brace has a brace depth from 0.5 inches to
4 inches.
20. The system of claim 18, further comprising: a bag first
reinforcement at the first lateral edge of the reservoir container
and proximate to the orifice; a bag second reinforcement at the
second lateral edge of the reservoir container and proximate to the
orifice; a bag third reinforcement sealing the first reservoir wall
to the second reservoir wall along a reservoir bottom edge of the
reservoir container.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/353,638, filed Jan. 19, 2012, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional App. No. 61/461,559, filed Jan. 19,
2011, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to the field of fluid reservoirs.
More specifically, this invention relates to reservoirs that can be
stored in a larger bag.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Light weight, resealable bags are used increasingly in
sporting activities, such as hiking, biking, and snow sport
activities like skiing and snowboarding. The reservoirs are often
carried in a separate, larger bag, such as in a pocket of a
backpack. When storing liquid, the reservoir passively forms a
shape based on the placement of the seams and the strength of the
walls. Often, the empty reservoir will be generally flat and the
liquid-filled reservoir will form a generally cylindrical shape.
This change in overall shape results in an awkward fit of the
reservoir within the backpack when full, changing the ergonomics of
the backpack and pressing into the wearer's back.
[0006] Limited access to the interior of typical bags makes
cleaning more difficult and increases the potential for unclean and
unsanitary bags. Once liquids placed in the bags are consumed, the
remaining deposits encourage the growth of bacteria and mold. If
left uncleaned, such growths can leave stains on the bag, may
retain odors, taint any other fluids subsequently introduced into
the bag, and create health risks. Regular and thorough cleaning of
the inside of the reservoir is critical.
[0007] Commonly used bags for sporting are typically accessible
through a relatively small side port in the bag, often covered by a
removable cap. The side port limits the access to the interior of
the bag, thereby limiting the ability to clean the interior of the
bag.
[0008] Therefore, a closeable reservoir system is desired that is
capable of ease of internal reservoir cleaning and able to hold the
reservoir in a generally consistent shape whether empty or full. A
closeable reservoir system is also desired that can provide rapid,
convenient and clean liquid addition and removal without
significantly changing the overall shape of the reservoir. It is
also desired to have a closeable reservoir system with a reservoir
that can withstand significantly increased fluid pressures without
leaking or changing shape so much as to significantly distort the
overall shapes of surrounding components. A closeable reservoir
system is also desired that is easy and fast to open and close
without going through a change in shape.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A reservoir system is disclosed. The system has a container,
such as a bag, and a sealing member, and an internal wall, baffle,
strut or brace internally connecting opposite sides of the exterior
walls. The reservoir system can have a carrier, such as a backpack.
The carrier can have one or more pockets. The container can be in
one of the carrier pockets.
[0010] The container can have a reservoir and an orifice. The
orifice can have closed and open configurations. The reservoir can
be in fluid communication with the orifice. The orifice can have an
orifice closed length when the orifice is in the closed
configuration.
[0011] The sealing member can be configured to slidably attach to
the container. The sealing member can have has a seal length. The
seal length can be at least substantially equal to the orifice
closed length. The sealing mechanism can be configured to seal the
container. The sealing member can have a substantially straight
configuration.
[0012] The sealing member can be configured to attachably engage
the container. The container can have a first end and a first side,
and wherein the orifice is at the first end. The container can have
an opening on the first side of the container. The reservoir system
can have a cap removably attached to the opening. The cap can have
a socket configured to attach to a tube. The sealing member can be
tethered to the container. The sealing member can be configured to
be interference fit to the container.
[0013] The brace can be separable into two pieces and/or from one
or more sides of the exterior bag wall. The brace can have a
re-attachable component. The re-attachable component can be a
zipper, locking fork, brace slider, buckles, buttons and slots,
straps and slots, lace and holes, hook and loop tape, or
combinations thereof. With the sealing member removed and the brace
separated, the bag can be inverted, for example, for ease of
cleaning and access.
[0014] When finished with the need to access the inside of the bag,
the bag can be everted (or "inverted" if the original motion
described herein as inverting is actually considered by the reader
as everting), the brace can be reattached. The reservoir can then
be refilled with liquid, which may not cause a significant change
in the depth of the bag due to the tension of the brace. The slider
can be then be reattached to the bag, sealing the liquid in the
reservoir.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a variation of the reservoir system.
[0016] FIG. 2a is a front view of a variation of the reservoir
system.
[0017] FIG. 2b is a variation of cross-section A-A along a length
of the bag.
[0018] FIG. 2c is a perspective view of a variation of the brace of
the bag in FIG. 2a.
[0019] FIG. 3a is a front view of a variation of the reservoir
system.
[0020] FIG. 3b is a variation of cross-section B-B along a length
of the bag.
[0021] FIGS. 3c and 3d illustrate a variation of a method for
assembling the brace of FIG. 3b.
[0022] FIG. 4a is a front view of a variation of the reservoir
system.
[0023] FIG. 4b is a variation of cross-section C-C along a length
of the bag with the brace slider shown in see-through.
[0024] FIG. 4c is a perspective view of a variation of the brace of
the bag in FIG. 4a with the brace slider shown in see-through.
[0025] FIG. 5a is a front view of a variation of the reservoir
system.
[0026] FIG. 5b is a variation of cross-section D-D along a length
of the bag (with a buckle removed for illustrative purposes).
[0027] FIG. 5c is a perspective view of a variation of the brace of
the bag in FIG. 5a.
[0028] FIG. 6a is a front view of a variation of the reservoir
system.
[0029] FIG. 6b is a variation of cross-section E-E along a length
of the bag with the brace in an unassembled configuration.
[0030] FIG. 6c is a variation of cross-section E-E along a length
of the bag with the brace in an assembled configuration.
[0031] FIGS. 7a through 7c illustrate a method of attaching two
portions of a variation of a brace.
[0032] FIGS. 8a through 8c are width sectional views 8a-8a, 8b-8b,
and 8c-8c of a portion of FIGS. 7a through 7c, respectively.
[0033] FIGS. 9a through 9c are length sectional views 9a-9a, 9b-9b,
and 9c-9c of a portion of FIGS. 7a through 7c, respectively.
[0034] FIGS. 10a through 10s illustrate a variation of a method for
using a variation of the reservoir system.
[0035] FIG. 10m is a variation of cross-section 10m of FIG.
10l.
[0036] FIG. 10o is a variation of cross-section 10o of FIG.
10n.
[0037] FIG. 10q is a variation of cross-section 10q of FIG.
10p.
[0038] FIG. 10s is a variation of cross-section 10s of FIG.
10r.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates that a reservoir system 10 can have a
reservoir container, such as a bag 12, and a sealing member, such
as an elongated slider 14. The bag 12 can have a reservoir 15, such
as one or more partially or completely hollow cavities defined by
the bag 12. Multiple reservoirs (not shown) can be in the bag 12.
For example, the bag cavity can be divided into one or more
separate compartments by one or more septa, bladders and/or other
liquid dividers.
[0040] The bag 12 can have one or more bag reinforcements 16, such
as bag seals. The bag reinforcements 16 can strengthen one or more
higher-probability mechanical failure areas on the bag 12. For
example, first and second bag reinforcements 16a and 16b can be
located on opposite sides of the bag 12 adjacent to the primary bag
opening near the slider 14. A third reinforcement 16c can be
located along all or a portion of the width of the bottom of the
bag 12. The bag seals can have thicker dimensions than the
surrounding material. The bag seals can have layers of the material
of the bag 12 or a different material attached to and/or integral
with the bag 12. The bag seals can be along all or part (as shown)
of the circumference of the bag 12, for example, excluding the
portion of the bag 12 adjacent to the orifice.
[0041] The slider 14 and the bag 12 can be configured to facilitate
slidably translating the slider 14 on the bag 12. The slider 14 can
have a slider seal configured to seal the orifice. The slider seal
can be, for example, the location on the slider 14 where the
dimensions of slider arms force the bag 12 to seal the bag 12. The
top of the bag 12 can have an orifice and a first lip 18a and a
second lip 18b surrounding the orifice. The slider 14 can pressure
seal the bag 12 by pressing the first lip 18a and the second lip
18b together.
[0042] The bag 12 can be made from a single sheet or from separate
sheets, for example, integrated and/or attached at the bag seams.
The lips 18 can have lip seams. The lip seams can be part of the
bag seams. The bag and/or lip seams can be leak-proof and
water-tight when pressed together, for example by the slider
14.
[0043] The bag 12 and slider 14 can have any of the features,
elements, or other disclosure from U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/445,721, filed 2 Jun. 2006, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,043,005,
which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0044] The bag 12 can have a brace 20 inside of the reservoir 15.
The brace 20 can be positioned within a brace zone 22. The brace
zone 22 can be spaced from the outflow socket 25 or nozzle by a
brace zone bottom gap 24. The brace zone bottom gap 24 can be from
about 0 in. to about 3 in., for example about 0.5 in. The brace 20
can be spaced from the top of the bag 12 by a brace zone top gap
26. The brace zone top gap 26 can be from about 0 in. to about 5
in., for example about 2.75 in.
[0045] The bag 12 can have a bag width 26, for example any width or
widths about 1 in. wider than those described in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/445,721, supra.
[0046] FIG. 2a illustrates that the bag 12 can have a bag exterior
wall 28. The bag exterior wall 28 can be the wall of the bag 12
excluding the brace wall in the reservoir 15.
[0047] The bag 12 can have a brace exterior connector 30. The brace
exterior connector 30 may or may not be visible from the outside of
the bag 12 (e.g., the bag 12 can be opaque, the brace exterior
connector 30 can be transparent, or the bag 12 and/or brace
exterior connector 30 can be translucent). The brace exterior
connector 30 can be releasably attached or fused to the interior or
exterior of the bag exterior wall 30. The brace exterior connector
30 can be welded, epoxied or glued, melted, snapped, buttoned,
connected by a hook and loop tape, or combinations thereof to the
bag exterior wall 28. The brace exterior connector 30 can be an
integrated element or feature of the brace 20.
[0048] The brace exterior connector 30 can be positioned to be
laterally centered with respect to the bag 12 and/or the outlet
socket 25 or nozzle.
[0049] FIG. 2b illustrates that the brace 20 can have a catch or
brace first wall 32a and/or a catch or brace second wall 32b. The
brace first wall 32a can be attached or integrated with a first
side of the bag exterior wall 28. The brace second wall 32b can be
attached or integrated with a second side of the bag exterior wall
28 opposite the first side of the bag exterior wall where the brace
first wall 32a is attached or integrated.
[0050] The brace first wall 32a can be directly or indirectly
separably attached to the brace second wall 32b and/or the opposite
side of the bag exterior wall 28 (e.g., when the bag 12 has no
brace second wall 32b).
[0051] The brace 20 can have a brace depth 34 when the brace 20 is
assembled (e.g., when the zipper is zipped). The brace depth 34 can
be from about 0.5 in. to about 4 in., for example about 2 in.
[0052] The brace 20 can have a zipper 36 or zip fastener. The
zipper 36 can be a coil zipper, invisible zipper, metallic zipper,
plastic-molded zipper, open-ended zipper, closed-ended zipper, or
combinations thereof. The first brace wall 32a and second brace
wall 32b (or opposing exterior bag wall) can be connected to each
other when the zipper 36 is lined up and pressed together.
[0053] The zipper 36 can be attached to a zipper first wall 38a and
a zipper second wall 38b. The zipper first wall 38a can releasably
connect with a zipper second wall 38b. The catch walls or zipper
walls 38 can overlap each other beyond the zipper 36. The zipper
first wall 38a and/or zipper second wall 38b can be part of the
brace first wall 32a and/or brace second wall 32b, respectively, or
be a separate element attached to the respective brace walls
32.
[0054] The brace 20 can be configured to maintain a fixed depth
and/or maximum depth of the middle of the bag 12. For example, the
brace walls 32 and zipper walls 38 can be configured to resist
bending or distortion. For example, the brace walls 32 and/or
zipper walls 38 can have two, three or more layers of wall
material, reinforcing structural geometry such as ribs, struts, or
combinations thereof.
[0055] The brace walls 32 can have a brace wall thickness from
about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm, for example about 6.4 mm, about 5 mm,
about 2 mm or about 0.25 mm. The brace 20 and the components of the
brace 20 can be made from TPU, any of the other materials listed
herein or combinations thereof.
[0056] FIG. 2c illustrates that the brace exterior connectors 30
can extend at right angles from the ends of each of the brace walls
32. The brace exterior connectors 30 can be flanges securing the
brace 20 to the bag exterior wall 28.
[0057] FIG. 3a illustrates that the bag 12 can have two brace
exterior connectors 30 attached to each side (e.g., front and back)
of the bag 12. The lateral center of the connection points or lines
brace exterior connectors can be aligned laterally with the outlet
socket 25 or nozzle.
[0058] FIG. 3b illustrates that the brace 20 can have a removable
locking fork 40. The locking fork 40 can be a clamp. The locking
fork 40 can fixedly hold the first brace wall 32a to the second
brace wall 32b, for example at a fixed distance spaced apart or
compressed together. For example, the brace first wall 32a can be
held in contact with the second brace wall 32b or at a brace wall
gap. The brace wall gap can be from 0 mm to about 5 mm, for example
about 0 mm. The locking fork 40 can be substantially rigid.
[0059] The locking fork 40 can have a first arm or prong 42a and a
second arm or prong 42b. The arms 42 can be held together at a fork
head 44. The fork head 44 can be integral with or attached to the
prongs 42. The fork head 44 can hold the first and second prongs 42
in tension toward each other.
[0060] The brace 20 can have a brace height 46. The brace height 46
can be from about 1 in. to about 14 in., more narrowly from about 3
in. to about 9 in., for example about 8.8 in.
[0061] FIG. 3c illustrates that the brace first wall 32a and brace
second wall 32b can have U-shaped configurations. The brace first
wall 32a and brace second wall 32b can each form a tube with the
bag exterior wall 28.
[0062] FIG. 3d illustrates that the locking fork 40 can be slid
over the brace walls 32 so that the first prong 42a of the locking
fork 40 can be positioned lateral to the medial-most portion of the
brace first wall 32a, and the second prong can be positioned
lateral to the medial-most portion of the brace second wall 32b.
The first prong 42a can be in the tube formed by the brace first
wall 32a and the second prong 42b can be in the tube formed by the
brace second wall 38b. The prongs 42 can press medially against the
respective brace walls 32.
[0063] The locking fork 40 can be translated over the brace walls
32 until the locking fork head interference fits against the brace
walls 32. The locking fork 40 can be slidably removed from the
brace walls 32, for example releasing the brace walls 32 to allow
inverting of the bag 12.
[0064] FIGS. 4a through 4c illustrate that the brace 20 can have
catch first wall 48a opposite a catch second wall 48b. The catch
walls 48 can be part of (i.e., integrated with) or extend from the
brace walls 32.
[0065] The catch walls 48 can be configured to slidably engage a
brace slider 50. The first catch wall 48a can medially terminate at
a catch first side 52a. The second catch wall 48b can terminate at
a catch second side 52b. The catch sides 52 can have guides and/or
configurations similar to how the lips 18 of the bag 12 are
configured to receive the slider 14.
[0066] The brace slider 50 can be slid along and over the catch
first side 52a and catch second side 52b similar to the translation
of the locking fork 40, supra. The brace slider 50 can attach to
the catch first side 52a and the catch second side 52b. The brace
slider 50 can fix the catch first wall 52a to the catch second wall
52b. The brace slider 50 can hold the catch first side 52a sealed
against or at a fixed distance from the catch second side 52b. The
brace slider 50 can be slidably removed from the catch sides 52,
for example, to release the first catch wall 52a from the second
catch wall 52b allowing inverting of the bag 12.
[0067] FIGS. 5a through 5c illustrates that the brace 50 can have
one or more buckle straps 54 extending from one or both brace walls
32. The buckle straps 54 can be integral with the brace walls 32 or
attached to the brace walls 32 with strap attachments 56, such as a
weld, epoxy or glue, melting, snap, button, hook and loop tape, or
combinations thereof. The buckle straps 54 can be positioned along
the height of the bag 12 to align with a buckle strap 54 from the
opposite brace wall 32.
[0068] One or more buckles 58 can be attached to the buckle straps
54. The buckles 58 can be side release buckles. The buckle straps
54 can be wrapped around, threaded through or otherwise fed through
the buckles 58 to attach to the buckles 58. The buckle straps 54
can be welded, epoxied or glued, melted, snapped, buttoned,
attached by hook and loop tape, or combinations thereof to the
buckles 58. The buckle straps 54 can be wrapped around, threaded
through or otherwise fed through the buckles 58 and then the buckle
straps 54 can be secured to themselves, for example by welding,
epoxying or gluing, melting, snapping, buttoning, attaching by hook
and loop tape, or combinations thereof.
[0069] The buckles 58 can have two, separable portions or parts,
for example, a buckle male portion 60a and a buckle female portion
60b. The buckle male portion 60a can be slidably attachable and
detachable from the buckle female portion 60b. The buckle portions
60 can snap together and be squeezed to be released and separated.
The buckles 58 can releasably hold the brace first wall 32a to the
brace second wall 32b.
[0070] FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrates that the brace first wall 32a
can have one or more slots 62 and/or buttons 64. The brace second
wall 32b can have one or more buttons 64 and/or slots 62. The slots
62 and/or buttons 64 can be formed in or on or attached to the
brace walls 32 or on wall mounts 66 that are attached to the brace
walls 32. The slots 62 can be molded from or cut into the brace
wall 32 and/or wall mount 66 material. The buttons 64 can be a
bollard standard molded button. The buttons 64 can be attached to
the brace walls 32 and/or wall mounts 66 with a button rivet 65,
adhesive, hook and loop tape, or a combinations thereof.
[0071] The slots 62 can have a slot wide length 68a and a slot
narrow length 68b. The buttons 64 can be placed into the slot wide
lengths 68a of the corresponding slots 62. The slots 62 and buttons
64 can be configured so the button 64 can pass in and out of, and
slide along, the slot wide length 68a. The slots 62 and buttons 64
can be configured so the button 64 can not pass in and out of
(i.e., out of plane with the brace walls 32), but can still slide
along, the slot narrow length 68b. For example, the buttons 64 can
have button heads and button stems. The button heads can extend
from the button stems. The button heads can be wider than the width
of the slot narrow lengths 68b and narrower than the slot wide
lengths 68a. The buttons 64 and slots 62 can be positioned along
the height of the bag 12 to align with the opposite configuration
(i.e., if a button 64, then aligned with a slot 62, and vice versa)
on the opposite brace wall. The button 64 and slot 62 can be
configured so the button 64 can slide along the entire length of
the slot 62. The button 64 and slot 62 can be configured so the
button snaps or otherwise locks into the terminal end of the slot
narrow length 68b.
[0072] FIG. 6c illustrates that the brace first wall 32a and second
brace wall 32b can be brought toward each other, as shown by
arrows. The buttons 64 can be attached to the slots 62, for
example, holding the brace first wall 32a and the brace second wall
32b together or at a fixed distance.
[0073] FIGS. 7a, 8a and 9a illustrate that each button 64 can have
a button stem 70. The button stem 70 can extend from the brace wall
32 and/or catch wall at an angle from about 45.degree. to about
-45.degree. from the perpendicular. For example, the button stem 70
can extend perpendicular from the brace wall 32 and/or catch wall
48. The button rivet 65 can attach the button 64 to the brace wall
32 and/or catch wall 48. For example the button rivet 65 can
through the axial centerline of the button stem 70. The button stem
70 can have a button stem width or diameter 71. The button stem
diameter 71 can be from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, for example
about 4 mm.
[0074] The button 64 can have a button head 72 extending laterally
from the button stem 70. For example, the button head 72 can extend
perpendicular to the button stem 70 at the terminal end of the
button stem 70. The button head 72 can have a rounded triangular
configuration when viewed perpendicular to the plane of the brace
wall 32 and/or catch wall 48. The button head 72 can be spaced from
the surface of the brace wall 32 and/or catch wall 48 by the button
stem 70, for example at a length about equal to or greater than the
thickness of the opposing brace wall 32 and/or catch wall 48.
[0075] The slot 62 can have a slot snap 74. The slot snap 74 can be
a narrowing in the slot 62 between the slot wide length 68a and the
slot narrow length 68b. The slot snap 74 can have a slot snap width
75. The slot snap width 75 can be from about 1 mm to about 7 mm,
for example about 2.9 mm. The slot snap width 75 can be the same
width or a slightly narrower width than the button stem diameter
71. For example, the slot snap width 75 can be equal to or greater
than about 99% of the button stem diameter 71, more narrowly about
equal to or greater than about 95%, yet more narrowly about equal
to or greater than about 80%, yet more narrowly about equal to or
greater than about 72.5%, yet more narrowly about equal to or
greater than about 65%.
[0076] FIGS. 7b, 8b and 9b illustrate that the brace first wall 32a
and/or catch first wall 48a can be pulled toward and to overlap the
brace second wall 32b and/or catch second wall 48b. The buttons 64
of the brace second wall 32b and/or catch second wall 48b can be
inserted into the slot wide lengths 68b of the brace first wall 32a
and/or catch first wall 48a. The button heads 72 can be narrower
than the slot wide lengths 68b, for example the button heads 72 can
be passed through the slot wide lengths 68b. The brace second wall
32b and/or catch second wall 48b can be between the button head 72
and the brace first wall 32a and/or catch first wall 48a.
[0077] FIGS. 7c, 8c and 9c illustrate that the brace first wall 32a
and/or catch first wall 48a and the brace second wall 32b and/or
catch second wall 48b can be pulled away from each other, as shown
by arrows (i.e., or one of the walls 32a and/or 48a can be held
still while the other 32b and/or 48b is pulled away). The button
stem 70 can be initially in the slot wide length 68a. When the
brace first wall 32a and/or catch first wall 48a is be pulled away
from the brace second wall 32b and/or catch second wall 48b, the
button stem 70 can pass the slot snap 74 and be positioned in the
slot narrow length 68b. When the button stem 70 passes the slot
snap 74, the slot snap can elastically deform, for example as the
slot snap 74 is forced wider by the passing button stem 70. The
slot snap 74 can resist the button stem 70 from exiting the slot
narrow length 68b.
[0078] The button head 72 can prevent the brace first wall 32a
and/or catch first wall 48a from being separated from the brace
second wall 32b and/or catch second wall 48b out of plane of the
brace walls 32 or catch walls 48. For example, as shown in FIG. 9c,
the button head 72 can be wider than the slot narrow length 68b.
Accordingly, the button head 72 can interference fit against the
brace second wall 32b and/or the catch second head 48b.
[0079] The bag, brace, sliders, straps, buckles, buttons and any
and all other elements described herein can be made from
polyethylene, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE) or low
density polyethylene (LDPE) (e.g., linear LDPE),
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyurethane (e.g., thermoplastic
polyurethane (TPU)), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic
elastomer (TPE), polyoxymethylene (POM), also known as acetal
resin, polytrioxane and polyformaldehyde (e.g., Delrin by E. I. du
Pont de Nemours and Company, Wilmington, Del.), Nylon, or
combinations thereof. For example, the slider can be made from POM
and the bag can be made from TPU.
Method of Making
[0080] The bag can be molded and/or any and/or all of the elements
of the bag, including the brace, can be welded (e.g., RF welded)
together. The slider can be molded and/or any and/or all of the
elements of the slider can be welded (e.g., RF welded) together
Methods of Use
[0081] FIG. 10a illustrates a front view of the reservoir system 10
that can have a brace 20 with a zipper configuration, similar to
the configuration shown in FIGS. 2a through 2c. The slider 14 can
be tethered to the bag 12 by a leash attached to the slider 14 and
the bag 12, or the slider 14 can be untethered to the bag 12.
[0082] FIG. 10b illustrates a top view showing that the bag 12 can
have a bag depth 76. The bag depth 76 can be substantially or
absolutely constant whether the reservoir 15 is full or empty of
liquid. For example, the bag depth 76 can be substantially equal to
the brace depth 34, with the additional thickness of the bag
exterior wall 28. Accordingly, the bag 12 can maintain a
substantially similar shape whether the reservoir 15 is full or
empty of liquid, for example when the brace is in place and
assembled (e.g., when the brace first wall 32a is attached, fixed
or secured to the brace second wall 32b).
[0083] FIG. 10c illustrates that the slider 14 can be translatably
removed, as shown by arrow, from the bag 12. The removal of the
slider 14 from the bag 12 can expose the closed filling orifice 78
of the reservoir 15. FIG. 10d illustrates that the slider 14 can be
completely removed from the bag 12, allowing the lips 18
surrounding the orifice 78 to be manipulated, such as by being
opened or closed.
[0084] FIG. 10e illustrates that the bag can have the first lip 18a
and second lip 18b, for example, adjacent to the orifice 78. The
first lip 18a can be opposite the second lip 18b. The lips 18 can
be reinforced. The lips 18 can be thicker and/or otherwise more
reinforced and/or stronger than the surrounding material of the bag
12. The bag 12 can have one or more guides 80, for example on the
lips 18. The guide 80 can extend perpendicular to the bag exterior
wall 28 and/or lips 18. The guide 80 direct the slider 14 during
use as the slider 14 is slid over and off the lips 18. The first
lip 18a can have one or more first engagement members, such as
first guides 80. The guides 80 can be a part or all of the
engagement members. The second lip 18b can have one or more second
engagement members, such as second guides 80. The slider 14 can
slidably engage the guides 80. The slider 14 can attach to the lips
18 at the guides 80.
[0085] The first lip 12a and second lip 12b can be pulled apart, as
shown by arrows. When the orifice 78 is open, the brace 20 and
zipper 36 can be accessed and manipulated as described herein.
[0086] FIG. 10f illustrates that the bag 12 can be partially
inverted. (The use of "inverted" herein is describing turning the
bag inside out by pulling the lips of the bag outward around the
remainder of the bag. This manipulation may also be considered
"everted.") The zipper 36 can be pulled apart, as shown by arrows.
The zipper 36 can be pulled apart by inverting the bag 12 and/or by
manually pulling the zipper first wall 38a away from the zipper
second wall 38b, as shown.
[0087] FIGS. 10g and 10h illustrate that the zipper 36 can be
further separated by further inverting the bag 12 and/or by further
manually pulling the zipper first wall 38a away from the zipper
second wall 38b, as shown by arrows. The zipper 36 can be
progressively separated along the length of the zipper 36. If the
reservoir system 10 has another sequential attachment
configuration, such as the buttons 64 and slots 62 disclosed
herein, the attachment configuration can be attached or detached in
a sequential procession along the length of the attachment
configuration, such as the zipper 36.
[0088] FIG. 10i illustrates that the bag 12 can be further inverted
after complete separation of the zipper 36. FIG. 10j illustrates
that the bag 12 can be completely inverted, exposing the entire
interior surface of the bag exterior wall 28 to the outside of the
reservoir system 10. The bag exterior wall 28 can be washed or
otherwise cleaned, dried, repaired, or combinations thereof, while
in a completely inverted configuration.
[0089] FIG. 10k illustrates that to reconstruct the bag 12, the bag
12 can be partially everted (i.e., returned to a partially-inverted
configuration). The zipper first wall 38a can be aligned with the
zipper second wall 38b to place the two halves of the zipper 36, on
the zipper first wall 38a and the zipper second wall 38b, in
contact. The zipper 36 can then be pressed together to close the
zipper 36, for example using manual pressure applied with the
user's fingers, as shown by arrow.
[0090] FIGS. 10l and 10m illustrate that the closing pressure on
the zipper 36 can be applied, as shown by arrows, from one or both
sides at the top of the length of the zipper 36, for example, to
progressively seal the zipper 36 along the length of the zipper 36
while further everting the bag 12. The zipper 36 can be further
squeezed, for example to check and secure the attachment of the
zipper 36, while the bag 12 remains in a partially inverted
configuration or is fully reconfigured to a non-inverted (i.e.,
fully everted) outside-out configuration.
[0091] FIGS. 10n and 10o illustrate that the pressure to close the
zipper 36 can be progressively slid down the length of the zipper
36. For example, the zipper closing pressure can initially be at a
first terminal end of the zipper 36, as shown by arrows 82, and
then be slid down, as shown by arrow 84, to a second terminal end
of the zipper 36.
[0092] FIGS. 10p and 10q illustrate that when the bag 12 is fully
everted back to an outside-out configuration, manual pressure can
be applied through the bag 12 along the length of the zipper 36,
for example to insure a secure connection of the zipper 36. The
closing compressive pressure can be applied at a first length along
the zipper 36, as shown by arrows 86, and then slid further down
the zipper 36, as shown by arrow 88.
[0093] FIGS. 10r and 10s illustrate that the entire length of the
entire length of the zipper 36 can be closed by sliding the closing
pressure down, as shown by arrow 88, to the bottom terminal end of
the zipper 36, as shown by arrows 90. The zipper 36 can be closed
and secured (i.e., fixed) along the entire length of the zipper 36.
The bag 12 is shown in a collapsed stated in FIGS. 10p-10s, but the
brace exterior connectors 30 can rotate with respect to the bag
exterior walls 28, for example as the reservoir 15 is filled with a
fluid.
[0094] The zipper 36 can, but does not have to, be reattached
before liquid is delivered into the reservoir 15. After the
reservoir 15 is desirably refilled, the slider 14 can be
reattached, sealing the orifice 78. The zipper 36 can be
substituted with or used in additional to any of the other
attachment configurations shown herein, such as the fork 40, brace
slider 50, buckles 50, buttons 64 and slots 62, or combinations
thereof. For example, the insertion of the buttons 64 into the
respective slots 62 can be concurrent with each other or can be
sequential (e.g., as shown for the zipper in FIGS. 10k through 10s,
for example from the top end of the brace 20 to the bottom end of
the brace 20 while the bag 12 is reverted to an outside-out
configuration (i.e., while be everted).
[0095] When pressure in the bag 12 increases (e.g., when the bag 12
contains fluid and the bag 12 is squeezed), the brace 20 can apply
tension between the front and back walls of the bag 12 to maintain
the constant maximum depth of the bag 12. The slider 14 can apply
compression on the orifice 78, for example, sealing the reservoir
15.
[0096] When loaded in a backpack, the bag 12 can maintain a maximum
depth and shape when internal liquid pressure or external pressure
is applied to the bag 12. The backpack can, in turn, not be
subjected to deforming forces from the reservoir system 10.
[0097] It is apparent to one skilled in the art that various
changes and modifications can be made to this disclosure, and
equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention. Elements of systems, devices and methods shown
with any embodiment are exemplary for the specific embodiment and
can be used in combination or otherwise on other embodiments within
this disclosure.
* * * * *