HYDRATION APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD OF USE

BACKGROUND ART

Hydration packs have become popular gear for hikers, backpackers, climbers, runners, joggers, cyclists, and other outdoor enthusiasts who wish to hydrate themselves while engaged in activities that may require use of their hands. Existing hydration packs typically include within the hydration pack a soft-shell bladder constructed using flexible materials such as flexible plastic. However, existing hydration packs and their internal soft-shell bladders suffer from various drawbacks that limit their effectiveness and user satisfaction.

One drawback faced by users of typical hydration packs is the vulnerability of the packs to tears and punctures of the flexible plastic of the bladder. Soft-shell bladders are prone to punctures and tearing. Such damage can result in leaks and may render the hydration pack unusable. To mitigate this concern, a user may be required to carry repair kits or backup bladders, adding to the user's burden and reducing convenience. Another drawback is the difficulty in cleaning and drying the bladders. The interior of the flexible soft-shell bladders is difficult to access and thoroughly clean, leading to potential hygiene issues. Similarly, it is difficult to completely dry the bladders after use, as the structure and material inhibit efficient air circulation in the interior of the bladder.

Refilling existing hydration packs while in use, such as on the trail, is also problematic. Existing products often require removing the hydration pack from the user's back or backpack and removing the bladder from the hydration pack to refill with water from a water source. This process is time-consuming and inconvenient, especially in situations where the user is limited by time and/or the availability of clean water sources. Further, fitting a now-full bladder back into the user's pack requires re-arranging the contents of pack, which are often carefully balanced with the weight of the contents evenly distributed to assist the user in carrying the pack.

Filtration systems integrated into hydration packs also present challenges. Existing products are cumbersome and difficult to use, adding complexity to the refilling process and impeding the user's ability to obtain clean, filtered water during outdoor activities.

Moreover, existing hydration packs are often designed with extensions and connections for fluid originating from the lower portion of the bladder. The lower portion of the pack and bladder are commonly incorporated within a storage bag, such as a backpack, with other supplies surrounding them. Extensions from the hydration pack are thus easily disrupted and disconnected within the bag, resulting in leaks and/or inconvenience to the user.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved hydration system that addresses the aforementioned issues and provides users with enhanced durability, versatility, ease of use, and efficient cleaning methods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The need for an improved hydration system is addressed by the hydration apparatuses, systems, and methods of use disclosed herein.

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a hydration apparatus, comprising: a stiff outer shell defining a fluid reservoir; a drinking conduit extending from the stiff outer shell and having a first fluid channel in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; a valve positioned in series with the first fluid channel and configured to control passage of fluid through at least a portion of the first fluid channel; a pressurizing conduit extending from the stiff outer shell and having a second fluid channel in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; and a pump coupled to the pressurizing conduit and located a distance from the stiff outer shell, the pump being configured to supply air through the pressurizing conduit into the fluid reservoir so as to increase a pressure within the fluid reservoir above an ambient pressure. The hydration apparatus may be used in conjunction with a wearable hydration apparatus holder, sized and dimensioned to be worn by a user and receive the stiff outer shell.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method, comprising: wearing a holder having a stiff outer shell of a hydration apparatus positioned within the holder, the stiff outer shell defining a fluid reservoir containing a hydration fluid; operating a pump located a distance from the stiff outer shell to supply air into the fluid reservoir so as to elevate a pressure within the fluid reservoir above an ambient pressure; and dispensing at least a portion of the hydration fluid through a fluid channel of a drinking conduit extending from the stiff outer shell using the elevated pressure within the fluid reservoir, the fluid channel being in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more implementations described herein and, together with the description, explain these implementations. The drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale, and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated, to scale or in schematic in the interest of clarity and conciseness. Not every component may be labeled in every drawing. Like reference numerals in the figures may represent and refer to the same or similar element or function. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a hydration apparatus constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of an exemplary hydration apparatus used in conjunction with a wearable holder constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a side perspective view of an exemplary hydration apparatus used in conjunction with a wearable holder constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the hydration apparatus shown in FIG. 2, wherein the hydration apparatus is in use by a user.

FIG. 4A is a front view of an exemplary hydration apparatus constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a back view of the exemplary hydration apparatus of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the hydration apparatus shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary filtration device for use with the hydration apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a front view of an exemplary hydration apparatus having a container coupled to a fluid conduit, constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an exploded front view of components of the hydration apparatus shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an exemplary spray nozzle for use with the hydration apparatus, constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of an exemplary push-pull mouthpiece for use with the hydration apparatus, constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 9C is a perspective view of an exemplary bite mouthpiece for use with the hydration apparatus, constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 9D is a perspective view of an exemplary spout for use with the hydration apparatus, constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an exemplary adapter lid shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of an exemplary storage lid for use with the hydration apparatus, constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a side view of an exemplary adapter conduit for use with the hydration apparatus, constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary conduit clamp for use with the hydration apparatus, constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a process flow chart of an exemplary method of using the hydration apparatus, constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a partial-cross-sectional view of an exemplary hydration apparatus for use with a filtration device, constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before explaining at least one implementation of the inventive concept(s) in detail by way of exemplary language and results, it is to be understood that the inventive concept(s) is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description. The inventive concept(s) is capable of other implementations or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. As such, the language used herein is intended to be given the broadest possible scope and meaning; and the implementations are meant to be exemplary, not exhaustive. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Headings are provided for convenience only and are not to be construed to limit the invention in any manner. Implementations illustrated under any heading or in any portion of the disclosure may be combined with implementations illustrated under the same or any other heading or other portion of the disclosure. Any combination of the elements described herein in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Unless otherwise required by context, singular terms shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular, with the exception that the term “plurality” as used herein, does not include the singular.

All patents or published patent applications referenced in any portion of this application are herein expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual patent or publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

All of the assemblies, systems, kits, and/or methods disclosed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. Where a method claim does not specifically state in the claims or description that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow, plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation, or the number or type of implementations described in the specification.

As utilized in accordance with the present disclosure, the following terms, unless otherwise indicated, shall be understood to have the following meanings:

The use of the term “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,” and “one or more than one.” The term “plurality” refers to “two or more.”

The use of the term “at least one” will be understood to include one as well as any quantity more than one. In addition, the use of the term “at least one of X, Y, and Z” will be understood to include X alone, Y alone, and Z alone, as well as any combination of X, Y, and Z.

The use of ordinal number terminology (i.e., “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc.) is solely for the purpose of differentiating between two or more items and is not meant to imply any sequence or order or importance to one item over another or any order of addition, for example.

The use of the term “or” in the claims is used to mean an inclusive “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or unless the alternatives are mutually exclusive.

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1-3, shown therein is an exemplary implementation of an improved hydration apparatus 104 (hereinafter, the “apparatus 104”) constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. The apparatus 104 is generally used in conjunction with a wearable hydration-apparatus holder 108 (hereinafter, the “holder 108”). The hydration apparatus 104 in conjunction with the hydration-apparatus holder 108 may be referred to as a hydration apparatus system 100.

The hydration apparatus 104 comprises a stiff outer shell 112 defining an internal fluid reservoir 116, a drinking conduit 120 extending from the stiff outer shell 112 and defining a first fluid channel 124 (hereinafter, the “drinking channel 124”) in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 116, a valve 128 (hereinafter the “drinking valve 128”) positioned in series with the drinking channel 124, a pressurizing conduit 132 extending from the stiff outer shell 112 and defining a second fluid channel 136 (hereinafter, the “pressurizing channel 136”) in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 116, and a pump 140 coupled to the pressurizing conduit 132. In some implementations, the pump 140 may be located a distance from the stiff outer shell 112. In some implementations, the pressurizing conduit 132 may have a proximal end 141 in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 116, and a distal end 142 in fluid communication with the pump 140. The pump 140 may be configured to supply air through the pressurizing conduit 132 into the fluid reservoir 116 so as to increase a pressure within the fluid reservoir 116 above an ambient pressure. The drinking valve 128 is configured to control passage of fluid through at least a portion of the drinking channel 124.

It should be understood that the drinking conduit 120 (and therefore, the drinking channel 124) and the pressurizing conduit 132 (and therefore, the pressurizing channel 136) may have any length or inner diameter. In some implementations, the drinking conduit 120 (and therefore, the drinking channel 124) may have a length of 29 inches. In some implementations, the drinking conduit 120 (and therefore, the drinking channel 124) may have a length in a range from 25 inches to 35 inches. In some implementations, the pressurizing conduit 132 (and therefore, the pressurizing channel 136) may have a length of 39 inches. In some implementations, the pressurizing conduit 132 (and therefore, the pressurizing channel 136) may have a length in a range from 35 inches to 45 inches. In some implementations, one or more of the drinking conduit 120 (and therefore, the drinking channel 124) and the pressurizing conduit 132 (and therefore, the pressurizing channel 136) may have an inner diameter of ¼ inch. In some implementations, the one or more of the drinking conduit 120 (and therefore, the drinking channel 124) and the pressurizing conduit 132 (and therefore, the pressurizing channel 136) may have an inner diameter in a range from ⅛ inch to ½ inch.

The holder 108 is sized and dimensioned to be worn by a user 144 and in some implementations may have a pocket 148 sized and dimensioned to receive the stiff outer shell 112. As shown in FIG. 2A, the stiff outer shell 112 may be positioned within the pocket 148. While the pocket 148 may be internal to the holder 108, as shown in FIG. 2A, the pocket 148 may also be external to the holder 108. For example, in some implementations, the hydration apparatus 104 may be attached or connected to the outside of a pack or to a belt or the like.

In the implementations shown, the holder 108 is a backpack that is worn such that the stiff outer shell 112 is located on a back of the user 144. However, in some implementations, the holder 108 may be a fanny pack, shoulder bag, shirt, vest, jacket, dress, skirt, pants, shorts, hat, cap, belt, or other article, for example, that may be worn such that the stiff outer shell 112 is located on a chest, waist, side, arm, leg, or head of the user 144. In implementations where the holder 108 is a backpack, the holder 108 may have a bag portion 152 and one or more strap 156 (hereinafter, the “straps 156”) extending from the bag portion 152, each of the straps 156 having one or more attachment point, such as an upper attachment point 160a and a lower attachment point 160b (collectively, the “attachment points 160”), for example.

In accordance with the present invention, the stiff outer shell 112 is configured to substantially maintain a shape when receiving, containing, and dispensing fluid product(s). The stiff outer shell 112 provides sufficient structural integrity such that it can withstand typical external forces and environmental conditions without deformity, and also withstand impact without failure (such as cracks, breaks, shattering, or leaks), demonstrating energy absorption under stress, such as drops or impacts.

To preserve sufficient structural integrity, the stiff outer shell 112 may be constructed using a generally stiff material such as one or more of: metals; metal compounds; stainless steel; aluminum; titanium; resins; and plastics, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), bisphenol A (BPA)-free polycarbonate (PC), or another amorphous or semi-crystalline polymer. In some implementations, the stiff outer shell 112 may be constructed, partially or completely, of low-density polyethylene (LDPE). In some implementations, the material is a commercially available product such as that using the name YUPLENE™ R370Y (available from SK Geo Centric, 99 Seorin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-110, Korea), a random polypropylene copolymer with high impact strength, high fluidity, and dimensional stability.

In some implementations, the polypropylene copolymer may have the following typical material properties (using the test methods (as of 2021) detailed in ASTM D256, D638, D648, D785, D790, and D1525): Tensile Strength at Yield of 320 kg/cm²; Elongation at Break of >500%; Flexural Modulus of 12000 kg/cm²; Izod Impact Strength (Notched, 23° C.) of 6.0 kg·cm/cm; Hardness (Rockwell) of 85 on the R Scale; Softening Point (Vicat) of 130° C.; Heat Distortion Temperature (0.45 Mpa) of 80° C.; Haze (1 mm) of 10%. A person having ordinary skill in the art will understand that the above listed material properties are typical readings and may vary, for example, based on manufacturing tolerances and conditions.

In some implementations, the stiff outer shell 112 may comprise a wall 113 defining the fluid reservoir 116. The wall 113 may have a thickness between 0.25 mm and 1.25 mm. In an exemplary implementation, the thickness of the wall 113 is 0.8 mm. The thickness of the wall 113 may be dependent on the material comprising the wall 113.

In some implementations, the stiff outer shell 112 may comprise polypropylene copolymer and the wall 113 of the stiff outer shell 112 may have a thickness of between 0.6 mm and 1.0 mm, such as a thickness of 0.8 mm. In some implementations, the stiff outer shell 112 may comprise titanium and the wall 113 of the stiff outer shell 112 may be between 0.25 mm and 3 mm thick. In some implementations, the stiff outer shell 112 may comprise high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and the wall 113 of the stiff outer shell 112 may be between 0.25 mm and 3 mm thick. In some implementations, the stiff outer shell 112 may comprise low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and the wall 113 of the stiff outer shell 112 may be between 0.25 mm and 5 mm thick. In some implementations, the stiff outer shell 112 may comprise a blend of HDPE and LDPE and the wall 113 of the stiff outer shell 112 may be between 0.25 mm and 5 mm thick.

It will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art that the material comprising the wall 113 may be one or more of the listed materials or other materials, and that the thickness of the wall 113 of the stiff outer shell 112 may be selected based at least in part on the material properties of the material(s) of the wall 113 in order to reach a predetermined stiffness or other predetermined material property level for the stiff outer shell 112. It will be further understood that the thickness of the wall 113 may vary. As one example, different areas of the wall 113 (such as corners, bends, seams, or openings for example) have different thicknesses.

The exemplary stiff outer shell 112 shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 5, for example, is constructed of a semi-translucent material; however, the stiff outer shell 112 may be constructed of one or more materials that may be translucent, transparent, or opaque.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 5, a portion of the stiff outer shell 112 may define one or more opening 414 in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 116. In one implementation, the hydration apparatus 104 may further comprise one or more adapter lid 400 sealingly engageable with the portion of the stiff outer shell 112 defining the opening. In one implementation, the adapter lid 400 may have a first inlet 404a in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 116, a second inlet 404b in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 116, a first outlet 408a in fluid communication with the first inlet 404a, and a second outlet 408b in fluid communication with the second inlet 404b. In one implementation, the adapter lid 400 may have an inner threaded portion configured to engage a threaded portion 410 defined by the stiff outer shell 112. In some implementations, one or more of the first outlet 408a and the second outlet 408b may be a male fitting configured to be removably coupled to a female fitting, such as a female fitting of one or more conduit adapter to be described below. In some implementations, the first outlet 408a and the second outlet 408b may be integrated with the adapter lid 400 so as to form a single piece. For example, the adapter lid 400 may be produced via a mold that includes the first outlet 408a and the second outlet 408b.

One or more conduit adapter 416 may be removably coupled to the adapter lid 400, such as a drinking-conduit adapter 416a and an air-conduit adapter 416b (collectively, the “conduit adapters 416”), for example. When coupled, the drinking-conduit adapter 416a may provide fluid communication between the first outlet 408a and the drinking conduit 120, for example. When coupled, the air-conduit adapter 416b may provide fluid communication between the second outlet 408b and the pressurizing conduit 132, for example. In one implementation, the drinking-conduit adapter 416a may contain a one-way valve which only allows fluid communication out of the first outlet 408a into the drinking conduit 120, without allowing fluid back through the drinking-conduit adapter 416a to the first outlet 408a. In one implementation, the drinking-conduit adapter 416a may contain a two-way valve which has a first state that allows fluid communication out of the first outlet 408a into the drinking conduit 120, without allowing fluid back through the drinking-conduit adapter 416a to the first outlet 408a; and that has a second state that allows fluid through the drinking-conduit adapter 416a into the first outlet 408a.

In some implementations, the adapter lid 400 may have an adapter guard 412 extending outwardly from the adapter lid 400. The adapter guard 412 may be configured to shield one or more of the drinking-conduit adapter 416a and the air-conduit adapter 416b from impact by, for example, other equipment that the user 144 may store in the holder 108. The adapter guard 412 may be further configured to prevent one or more of the drinking-conduit adapter 416a and the air-conduit adapter 416b from accidental separation caused by the user 144 unintentionally actuating a release 516 (shown in FIG. 5) of each of the conduit adapters 416.

As shown in FIGS. 4-5, in one implementation, the pressurizing conduit 132 may comprise a plurality of conduit segments, such as a first conduit segment 420a, a second conduit segment 420b, a third conduit segment 420c, and a fourth conduit segment 420d (shown in FIG. 6), for example (collectively, the “conduit segments 420”). Thus, the pressurizing channel 136 may be formed by the conduit segments 420 collectively. However, it will be understood that the pressurizing conduit 132 may be a single piece or have more or fewer conduit segments than shown.

Likewise, the drinking conduit 120 may be a single piece or may have multiple segments.

The stiff outer shell 112 may have a top surface 426a, a bottom surface 426b opposite the top surface 426a. The threaded portion 410 of the stiff outer shell 112 may define the opening 414 in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 116. In one implementation, the threaded portion 410 extends from the top surface 426a. Providing the stiff outer shell 112 with the threaded portion 410 extending from the top surface 426a may assist in providing the stiff outer shell 112 with a minimal number of openings, reducing a length required for the drinking conduit 120 and/or the pressurizing conduit 132, and/or reducing a potential for leaks from the apparatus 104, for example.

The stiff outer shell 112 may have one or more side surfaces extending between the top surface 426a and the bottom surface 426b. For example, the side surfaces may include one or more side surfaces, such as a first side surface 430a, a second side surface 430b, a third side surface 430c, a fourth side surface 430d, and a fifth side surface 430e (collectively, the “side surfaces 430”). In some implementations, one or more of the side surfaces 430 may be flat, concave, or convex. In some implementations, the fifth side surface 430e may be flat. In one implementation, the stiff outer shell 112 may have one or more curved side surfaces. In one implementation, the one or more curved side surfaces may include a convexly-curved side surface 434a (collectively, the “curved side surfaces 434”). The side surfaces 430 and the curved side surfaces 434 together, collectively, may be referred to herein as the “side surfaces 430, 434”. Providing the stiff outer shell 112 with the side surfaces 430, 434 may assist in providing the stiff outer shell 112 with a streamlined shape that is easier to be stored in the holder 108 (for example, providing a low-profile shape) and/or may be sized to be gripped by the user 144 (that is, to fit within an average person's grip), for example. As shown in FIG. 4A, the top surface 426a may be inclined toward the threaded portion 410.

In some implementations, the flat, fifth side surface 430e may be the “back” of the apparatus 104 and may be configured to fit within the holder 108, such as a backpack, such that the flat, fifth side surface 430e may be positioned against the back of the user 144.

In one implementation, where the side surfaces 430, 434, meet the top surface 426a and bottom surface 426b, the stiff outer shell 112 may have one or more chamfers, such as chamfered radii and/or chamfered edges.

As shown in FIGS. 4-5, in one implementation, the pump 140 may be a manual air pump. For example, the pump 140 may have a bulb portion 446, an air intake valve 450, and an air release valve 454. The bulb portion 446 may be configured to send air into the pressurizing conduit 132 in response to being squeezed by the user 144. The air intake valve 450 may be a one-way check valve configured to allow the bulb portion 446 to receive ambient air without allowing air contained within the bulb portion 446 to escape. The air release valve 454 may be movable between a first position (i.e., a closed position) in which air is not allowed to escape the apparatus 104 through the air release valve 454 and a second position (i.e., an open position) in which air is allowed to escape the apparatus 104 through the air release valve 454.

The pump 140 may be configured to modify a pressure within the apparatus 104. That is, the user 144 may actuate the pump 140 (e.g., by squeezing the bulb portion 446) to introduce air from the ambient atmosphere into the apparatus 104 through the air intake valve 450, thereby pressurizing the apparatus 104. Similarly, the user may move the air release valve 454 from the first position (i.e., the closed position) to the second position (i.e., the open position) to allow air to escape from the apparatus 104 through the air release valve 454, thereby depressurizing the apparatus 104. In some implementations, moving the air release valve 454 from the first position (i.e., the closed position) to the second position (i.e., the open position) may depressurize the apparatus 104 without discharging the fluid contained within the stiff outer shell 112.

In the implementation shown, the pump 140 is a pressurizing bulb configured to send air into the pressurizing conduit 132 in response to the user 144 squeezing the bulb portion 446; however, in some implementations, the pump 140 may be a hand pump configured to push air into the pressurizing conduit 132 in response to the user 144 depressing a plunger, or a pump configured to receive air from the user 144 blown into the pressurizing conduit 132, or an electronic pump configured to push air into the pressurizing conduit 132 in response to the user 144 pressing a button or flipping a switch, for example.

In some implementations, the hydration apparatus 104 is further provided with a mouthpiece 458 and a mouthpiece cap 462. The mouthpiece 458 may have a mouthpiece portion 466 configured to be held in the mouth of the user 144 while drinking and an adapter portion 470 configured to be coupled to the drinking valve 128, for example. The mouthpiece cap 462 may have a cap portion 474 sized and dimensioned to cover the mouthpiece 458 when not in use and a retaining loop 478 connected to the cap portion 474 by a connecting portion 482. As discussed further below, the mouthpiece 458 may be provided with one or more retaining ring 486 (hereinafter the “retaining rings 486”) for connecting the mouthpiece cap 462 to the mouthpiece 458. For purposes of clarity, only one of the retaining rings 486 is labeled with a reference character in FIG. 5.

In one implementation, the drinking valve 128 may have a first adapter portion 490, a second adapter portion 494, and a lever 498 movable between a first position (i.e., a closed position) in which fluid is not allowed to flow through the drinking valve 128 and a second position (i.e., an open position) in which fluid is allowed to flow through the drinking valve 128. In some implementations, the drinking valve 128 may be a quarter-turn valve, for example.

As shown in FIG. 5, in one implementation, the apparatus 104 may comprise a dispenser tube 504 disposed within the fluid reservoir 116 and removably connected to the first inlet 404a. The dispenser tube 504 may extend from the adapter lid 400 and into the fluid reservoir 116 to collect fluid that is pooled in the fluid reservoir 116 and carry the fluid to the first inlet 404a. In one implementation, the dispenser tube 504 may have a flat end 508a configured to be coupled to the first inlet 404a, for example, and a beveled end 508b.

As further shown in FIG. 5, one or more of the conduit adapters 416 may have a male fitting 512 configured to be removably coupled to the drinking conduit 120 or the pressurizing conduit 132. In the example shown, the male fitting 512 is a barbed fitting, but other male fitting types may be used. Further, the one or more of the conduit adapters 416 may have a female fitting 514, which may be removably coupled to the first outlet 408a or the second outlet 408b. However, it will be understood that in some implementations, the male fittings 512 may be configured to be coupled to the first outlet 408a or the second outlet 408b and/or the female fittings 514 may be coupled to the drinking conduit 120 or the pressurizing conduit 132.

In some implementations, the apparatus 104 may comprise one or more seals between the one or more of the conduit adapters 416 and the first outlet 408a or the second outlet 408b.

In some implementations, the one or more of the conduit adapters 416 may comprise a release 516 configured to disconnect the female fittings 514 of the conduit adapters 416 from the outlets 408 of the adapter lid 400, for example, in response to the user 144 actuating the release 516. For purposes of clarity, only one male fitting 512, only one female fitting 514, and only one release 516 is labeled with a reference character.

As shown in FIG. 5, in one implementation, the apparatus 104 may comprise a gasket 500. The gasket 500 may be positioned between the lid 400 and the opening 414. The gasket 500 may be positioned within an interior of the lid 400 or on the exterior of the threaded portion 410 of the stiff outer shell 112. The gasket 500 may be sized and dimensioned to create a seal between the adapter lid 400 and the threaded portion 410 of the stiff outer shell 112.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 14, in some implementations, the apparatus 104 may comprise one or more filtration device 600. As shown in FIG. 8, the filtration device 600 may have an inlet 604a, an outlet 604b in fluid communication with the inlet 604a, and a filter 608 positioned between the inlet 604a and the outlet 604b. The filtration device 600 may be positioned within the fluid reservoir 116 (FIG. 14) and/or the filtration device 600 may be positioned in line with (or part of) the drinking conduit 120 exterior to the fluid reservoir 116.

Referring now to FIG. 6 and FIG. 14, in some implementations, the dispenser tube 504 may be replaced with an interior conduit segment 420e and a filtration device 600. That is, in such implementations, the interior conduit segment 420e and the filtration device 600 may be located within the fluid reservoir 116. The filtration device 600 may be coupled to the interior conduit segment 420e, for example, so that fluid flowing from the fluid reservoir 116 is forced (such as by air pressure in the fluid reservoir 116) through the filtration device 600 before flowing into the drinking channel 124. In some implementations, the interior conduit segment 420e may be optional such that the filtration device within the fluid reservoir 116 is connected directly to the adapter lid 400 in fluid communication with the drinking conduit 120.

As shown in FIG. 14, fluid in the fluid reservoir 116 may move through the inlet 604a of the filtration device 600 into the filtration device 600 and exit the outlet 604b of the filtration device 600, the outlet 604b of the filtration device being in fluid communication with the drinking conduit 120, such as through the interior conduit segment 420e. In some implementations, the outlet 604b of the filtration device 600 may be barbed and configured to be coupled to the interior conduit segment 420e, for example.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in some implementations, the filtration device 600 may be located outside of the stiff outer shell 112.

In some implementations, the apparatus 104 may be configured to filter and/or transfer fluid from a container 702 to the fluid reservoir 116. Similarly, the apparatus 104 may be configured to filter and/or transfer fluid from the fluid reservoir 116 to the container 702. In one implementation, for example, the filtration device 600 may be reversed so that the apparatus 104 may be inverted to transfer fluid from the fluid reservoir 116 to the container 702. In one implementation, the pressure within the fluid reservoir 116 may be increased by using the pump 140, which assists in transferring fluid from the fluid reservoir 116 to a container 702.

In some implementations, the drinking conduit 120 may comprise a first coupler adapter 700a (shown in FIG. 8), a sixth conduit segment 420f, a third conduit adapter 416c, the filtration device 600, a seventh conduit segment 420g, a second coupler adapter 700b (shown in FIG. 8) (the first coupler adapter 700a and the second coupler adapter 700b, collectively, may be referred to as the “coupler adapters 700”), the drinking valve 128, and an eighth conduit segment 420h.

The container 702 may have a container outer shell 704 defining a container fluid reservoir 708 and an opening 716 in fluid communication with the container fluid reservoir 708, when connected via one or more of the interior conduit segment 420e and/or the sixth through eighth conduit segments 420e-420h. In some implementations, the opening 716 may be defined by a threaded portion 712 (shown in FIG. 8). The container 702 may be provided with a container adapter lid 720 configured to engage with the opening 716 of the container outer shell. The container adapter lid 720 may have an inner threaded portion (not shown) configured to engage the threaded portion 712 defined by the container outer shell 704, or may attach to the container in other, sealable manners. The container adapter lid 720 may have an adapter portion 724 configured to be coupled to the first coupler adapter 700a, for example.

The first coupler adapter 700a and the second coupler adapter 700b may each have a first end 728a configured to be coupled to the adapter portion 724 of the adapter lid 720 or the first adapter portion 490 of the drinking valve 128, for example, and a second end 728b configured to be coupled to the drinking conduit 120 or the conduit segments 420, for example.

However, it will be understood that the drinking conduit 120 may have more or fewer conduit segments and respective adapters. For example, in some implementations, the outlet 604b of the filtration device 600 may attach directly to the container 704, such as to the adapter portion 724 of the container adapter lid 720. Further, it will be understood that the conduit segments and/or adapters of the drinking conduit 120 may be arranged in other orders than that shown. Additionally, the conduit segments and/or adapters of the drinking conduit 120 may be separate or contiguous or unified pieces.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9D, shown therein are various implementations of the mouthpiece 458. In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 9A, the mouthpiece 458 may be replaced with a spray nozzle 458a defining an orifice 904 operable to atomize and disperse a fluid flowing through the spray nozzle 458a. In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 9B, the mouthpiece 458 may be replaced with a push-pull mouthpiece 458b having a push-pull valve 908 defining an orifice 912. The push-pull mouthpiece 458b may be movable between a first position (i.e., a closed position) in which fluid is not allowed to flow out of the orifice 912 and a second position (i.e., an open position) in which fluid is allowed to flow out of the orifice 912. In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 9C, the mouthpiece 458 may be replaced with a bite mouthpiece 458c having a bite valve 916 defining an orifice 920. The bite valve 916 may be configured to be moveable between a first, origin, position in which fluid is not able to flow out of the orifice 920, to a second position in which fluid is able to flow out of the orifice 920 in response to the user 144 exerting pressure (such as by biting down) on the bite valve 916. In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 9D, the mouthpiece 458 may be replaced with a pour spout 458d having a spout portion 924 defining a beveled orifice 928. The pour spout 458d may be configured to be moveable between a first position in which fluid is blocked from flowing out of the orifice 928 and a second position in which fluid can freely flow out of the beveled orifice 928 so that the user 144 may pour the fluid on their hands for washing, for example.

Referring now to FIG. 10A, the container 702 may have another container adapter lid 720a which may have a lid portion 1000 and adapter portion 1004. The adapter portion 1004 may comprise an adapter lock 1008 configured to hold in place the drinking conduit 120 or the conduit segments 420, for example, such as is shown in FIG. 7. Further, the adapter portion 1004 of the container adapter lid 720a may comprise an adapter release 1012 configured to disconnect the drinking conduit 120 or the conduit segments 420, for example, in response to the user 144 actuating the adapter release 1012.

Referring now to FIG. 10B, shown therein is an alternative implementation of the adapter lid 400 and/or the container adapter lid 720 and/or the other container adapter lid 720a. In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 10, the adapter lid 400 for the drinking apparatus 104 and/or the container adapter lid 720 for the container 702 may be replaced with a storage lid 1016. In some implementations, the storage lid 1016 may have an inner threaded portion (not shown) configured to engage the threaded portion 410 defined by the stiff outer shell 112 and/or threaded portion 712 defining the opening 716 of the container 702, though it will be understood that other sealable means of connection may be used. As shown in FIG. 10, the storage lid 1016 may have a storage lid portion 1020 and an attachment loop 1024 extending from storage the lid portion 1020 so that the storage lid 1016 may be attached to the holder 108, for example.

Referring now to FIG. 11, shown therein is an adapter conduit 1100 that may be used to replace a combination of a conduit adapter 416, a conduit segment 420, and a coupler adapter 700. Accordingly, the adapter conduit 1100 may have a first adapter portion 1104, a conduit portion 1108, and a second adapter portion 1112. Similar to the conduit adapter 416, the first adapter portion 1104 may have the release 516 configured to disconnect the adapter conduit 1100 from the adapter lid 400, for example. The conduit portion 1108 may have a first end 1116a and a second end 1116b opposite the first end 1116a, wherein the first adapter portion 1104 is disposed at the first end 1116a and the second adapter portion is disposed at the second end 1116b.

Referring now to FIG. 12, shown therein is a conduit clamp 1200 having a first clamp 1204a and a second clamp 1204b, each of the first clamp 1204a and the second clamp 1204b being configured to connect to one of the drinking conduit 120, the pressurizing conduit 132, or the conduit segments 420, for example. The conduit clamp 1200 may be configured to hold two of drinking conduit 120, the pressurizing conduit 132, or the conduit segments 420 in place.

It should be understood that the drinking channel 124 may be formed by any ordered combination of one or more of: the drinking conduit 120, the drinking valve 128, the adapter lid 400, the conduit adapters 416, the conduit segments 420, the mouthpiece 458, the spray nozzle 458a, the push-pull mouthpiece 458b, the bite mouthpiece 458c, the pour spout 458d, the dispenser tube 504, the filtration device 600, the coupler adapters 700, the container 702, the adapter lid 720, the storage lid 1016, and/or the adapter conduit 1100; thus providing the apparatus 104 with a modular arrangement that can be rearranged to accommodate the present needs of the user 144.

Referring now to FIG. 13, shown therein is an exemplary method 1300 of using the apparatus 104 disclosed herein. The method 1300 generally comprises the steps of: wearing a holder 108 having a stiff outer shell 112 of a hydration apparatus 104 containing a hydration fluid, the stiff outer shell 112 positioned within the holder 108 (step 1304); operating a pump 140 located a distance from the stiff outer shell 112 to supply air into a fluid reservoir 116 defined by the stiff outer shell 112 so as to elevate a pressure within the fluid reservoir 116 above an ambient pressure (step 1308); and dispensing at least a portion of the hydration fluid from the fluid reservoir 116 through a fluid channel (i.e., the drinking channel 124) of a drinking conduit 120 extending from the stiff outer shell 112 using the elevated pressure within the fluid reservoir 116 (step 1312).

In some implementations, the method 1300 further comprises passing the hydration fluid through a filtration device 600 positioned in series with the fluid channel (i.e., the drinking channel 124). In some such implementations, the method 1300 further comprises positioning the filtration device 600 in series with the fluid channel (i.e., the drinking channel 124) prior to passing the hydration fluid through the filtration device 600.

As shown in FIG. 14, in some such implementations, the method 1300 may comprise passing the filtration device 600 through the opening 414 defined by the stiff outer shell 112, so that the filtration device is within the fluid reservoir 116, subsequent to positioning the filtration device 600 in series with the fluid channel (i.e., the drinking channel 124). For example, in some implementations, the interior conduit segment 420e may be attached to the outlet 604b of the filtration device 600 and to the adapter lid 400, such that the fluid in the fluid reservoir 116 flows from the fluid reservoir 116 through the filtration device 600 through the interior conduit segment 420e and through the drinking conduit 120. However, it will be understood that the filtration device 600 may be positioned in other manners within the fluid reservoir 116, such as proximate to the adapter lid 400, with or without the interior conduit segment 420e and/or with other conduit segments.

In some implementations, the step of passing the hydration fluid through the filtration device 600 positioned in series with the fluid channel (i.e., the drinking channel 124) is further defined as passing the hydration fluid through the filtration device 600 prior to passing the hydration fluid into the fluid reservoir 116. In some implementations, the step of passing the hydration fluid through the filtration device 600 positioned in series with the fluid channel (i.e., the drinking channel 124) is further defined as passing the hydration fluid through the filtration device 600 prior to wearing the holder 108.

In some implementations where the holder 108 is a backpack, as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3, the step of wearing the holder 108 having the stiff outer shell 112 of the hydration apparatus 104 containing the hydration fluid, the stiff outer shell 112 positioned within the holder 108 (step 1304), is further defined as wearing the backpack (i.e., the holder 108) such that the stiff outer shell 112 is located on a back of a user 144. In some such implementations, the step of operating the pump 140 located a distance from the stiff outer shell 112 to supply air into the fluid reservoir 116 defined by the stiff outer shell 112 so as to elevate the pressure within the fluid reservoir 116 above an ambient pressure (step 1308) is further defined as operating the pump 140 while the pump 140 is located in front or to the side of the user 144 and the stiff outer shell 112 is located on the back of the user 144.

In some implementations, the step of dispensing at least a portion of the hydration fluid through the fluid channel (i.e., the drinking channel 124) of the drinking conduit 120 extending from the stiff outer shell 112 using the elevated pressure within the fluid reservoir 116 (step 1312) is further defined as opening a valve (i.e., the drinking valve 128) positioned in series with the fluid channel (i.e., the drinking channel 124) and drinking the hydration fluid. In some implementations, the step of dispensing at least a portion of the hydration fluid through the fluid channel (i.e., the drinking channel 124) of the drinking conduit 120 extending from the stiff outer shell 112 using the elevated pressure within the fluid reservoir 116 (step 1312) is further defined as opening a valve (i.e., the drinking valve 128) positioned in series with the fluid channel (i.e., the drinking channel 124) and directing the hydration fluid into a container 702.

In some implementations, the hydration apparatus 104 may be a hydration apparatus kit, comprising: a stiff outer shell defining a fluid reservoir; a drinking conduit configured to extend from the stiff outer shell and have a first fluid channel in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; a valve positioned in series with the first fluid channel and configured to control passage of fluid through at least a portion of the first fluid channel; a pressurizing conduit configured to extend from the stiff outer shell and having a second fluid channel in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; and a pump configured to be coupled to the pressurizing conduit, the pump configured to supply air through the pressurizing conduit into the fluid reservoir so as to increase a pressure within the fluid reservoir above an ambient pressure.

From the above description, it is clear that the inventive concepts disclosed and claimed herein are well adapted to carry out the objects and to attain the advantages mentioned herein, as well as those inherent in the invention. While exemplary implementations of the inventive concepts have been described for purposes of this disclosure, it will be understood that numerous changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are accomplished within the spirit of the inventive concepts disclosed and claimed herein.

HYDRATION APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD OF USE

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