System for Handling of Liquids

Abstract

A device for storing and delivering liquids comprising a watertight bag having at least one opening and a delivery system operatively connected to said opening; the device further comprises a first and second stiff surfaces connected by flexible flanks. The delivery system comprises a connection locking device for connecting the fluid-carrying pipes and fitting system, which comprises a spigot inserted in the collar of a hose, an external compression ring positioned onto the portion of the collar which is covering the spigot and a conical threaded sleeve locking said external compression ring onto said portion of the collar covering the spigot.

Description

The present invention relates to a device and a system for handling liquids, in particular to a device for storing, handling and delivering liquid; more in particular the present invention relates to a device for storing, handling and delivering drinkable liquid to a user.

When handling, storing or transporting liquids, it is important to have a container easy to handle. This condition is generally fulfilled when the container has a relatively stable shape. For this reason, rigid containers are normally used for storing and transporting liquid. A rigid container has a stable shape, in fact a constant shape. However, a rigid container has a number of drawbacks; for instance the volume occupied is always the same, independently from the rate of filling of the container itself. Also, when not filled completely, the presence of air inside the container and the possibility for the liquid of moving inside it, bring about undesired “gurgling” and other noises.

If used for drinking, a way of transporting the liquid to the mouth is also needed. In general, for use in the field or during sports, a hose with a good connection mechanism is needed. Previously described containers for liquids involve a great deal of piping and fittings, which need to be functioning well and be watertight over a wide range of temperatures, typically form −40C to +60C, and under extreme conditions. A simple hose pushed on a spigot generally do guarantee proper functioning over such a temperature range. Higher temperatures will cause hose expansion, and the connection will not be tight anymore; as an extreme consequence, the hose may even drop off the spigot. Consequences of losing water reserves may be dramatic in extreme conditions, for instance for a soldier in the desert. Equipment may also be damaged by water, and so on.

Several kinds of solutions have been explored in order to solve, or at least minimize, the above-mentioned problems. Some proposed solutions involve profiled and improved spigots, such as in EP 0 848 201 B to Hansel. All devices and solutions described in such patent tend to achieve a secure connection at stable temperature, but not when high temperatures hit.

Some other solutions involve a clamp to secure the hose on the spigot. For instance, this is the case described in EP443681 A2 to Bellazzi & al. This solution is simple, robust, stable, and watertight. However such clamps are sometimes difficult to remove, especially during cold weather and when the user is wearing gloves. Also the clamp may be easily lost, for instance in deep snow.

Other solutions involve a combination of profiled spigots and simple locking elements, such as GB 1310367 to Bailey and U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,262 to Dupont. However, in general, such solutions tend not to accept numerous connections/disconnections, if at all, and quickly start malfunctioning and losing tightness.

Still other solutions involve a combination of profiled spigots and several locking elements, such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,199 to Hozelock, so as to achieve a click-and-lock or disarm-and-unlock mechanisms. This solution is very practical when connecting again and again same elements, but is demanding when substituting pipe and fittings elements. There are many spare parts, and thus more risks to break, lose or be short of some of them.

Also refilling the container may be a problem for the existing liquid storing bags, which in most cases have to be taken out from their contained, in order to be refilled. For instance, the so called Camelbak bags, typically used when training outdoors, need to be taken out of their container, as a large diameter valve needs to be open. Also, in order to be refilled, the liquid bag needs to be hold without external pressure.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a system with both a liquid container and a good hose connection.

Another object of this invention is to provide a liquid container that is both easy to manufacture and user-friendly, and that can be easily stored and transported.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a container in which the “gurgling” of the liquid and other undesired noises are reduced to a minimum level.

Still another object of the present invention relates to a system with a relatively simple hose connection.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system for handling liquid having a hose connection secure and tight despite high temperature variations.

Thus, the present invention relates to a device for storing and delivering liquids comprising a watertight bag having at least one opening and a delivery system operatively connected to said opening; the device according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises a first and a second stiff surfaces connected by flexible flanks.

Thanks to the presence of the first and second stiff surfaces, the device according to the invention has a stable form that makes it easier to design an envelope, a support or a recess that allows handy handling, storing or transporting for device itself. If, for example, the container shape varies in only one dimension when the filling rate varies, it is practical for packaging in a flexible envelope, such as those made of textile material.

At the same time, the device according to the invention is characterised by the fact that the two relatively stiff surfaces are joined by flexible flanks which function as bellows. Thus, the relative position of the stiff surfaces with respect to each other will depend on the filling rate. When the container is empty, the opposite sides will typically be against each other. When there is some liquid in the container, the opposite sides will be separated by a distance which will be a function of the flexibility of the flanks. Consequently, the volume of the watertight bag varies in accordance to its filling rate.

This is especially advantageous when the storage volume is scarce, such as is the case when the liquid is drinking water carried by people during trekking, sports or soldiers in the field. A variable volume is also favourable to air removal from the container, thus avoiding the “gurgling” during transport, as known from currently used containers.

Further characteristics and advantages will become more clear from the description of preferred, but not limiting, embodiments of the device according to the invention, illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a watertight bag used in the device according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a watertight bag used in the device according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a watertight bag used in the device according to the invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a watertight bag used in the device according to the invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a watertight bag used in the device according to the invention;

FIG. 6 shows the procedure of filling a watertight bag from another bag;

FIG. 7 shows the procedure of filling a watertight bag from a bottle;

FIG. 8 shows a first particular embodiment of a delivery system used in the device according to the invention;

FIG. 9 shows a second particular embodiment of a delivery system used in the device according to the invention;

FIGS. 10 and 11 show in the details the piping system and the connections to a mouthpiece;

FIG. 12 shows in details a mouthpiece with a possible embodiment of a case for the mouthpiece;

FIG. 13 shows in details a possible embodiment of a valve system used in the delivery system of the device according to the invention;

FIG. 14 shows in details a possible embodiment of a three-way valve used in the delivery system of the device according to the invention;

FIG. 15 shows in details a possible embodiment of a connection locking device used in the delivery system of the device according to the invention.

With reference to the attached figures, the device 1 for storing and delivering liquids according to the invention comprises a watertight bag 2 which has at least one opening 3 serving as inlet/outlet of the liquid. In the embodiments of the attached figures, the bag is provided with a single opening 3; other solutions, in which the bag is provided with more than one opening dedicated to the inlet or outlet of the liquid, are also possible. Inlet and outlet of the liquid, i.e. filling and delivery of the liquid, are carried out through a delivery system which comprises one or more pipes connected to the opening(s).

The device of the invention comprises a first 20 and a second 30 stiff surfaces which are connected by flexible flanks 40, 50. As explained above, thanks to the stiff surfaces, the device according to the invention has a substantially stable shape; at the same time, the flexible flanks allow expansion of the watertight bag in one direction, thereby adapting the overall volume of the device to the amount of the liquid contained into it. In an alternative embodiment, the two opposite stiff surfaces may be drawn to each other by elastic elements. In both cases, the stiff surfaces and their connecting flanks or elastic elements will form an envelope with a thickness that will be dependent on the filling rate of the internal bag.

If desirable, distant pieces may be interposed between said first and second stiff surfaces, so as to keep the two surfaces at a desired and predetermined distance, particularly when the watertight bag is empty or almost empty.

According to a preferred embodiment, the flanks may be such that the expansion of the watertight bag in its variable dimension will be proportional along the whole extension of the flanks. Preferably, as represented in the attached figures, the first and second stiff surfaces are substantially flat and parallel to each other.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the first and second stiff surfaces 20, 30, as well as the flanks 40, 50, are integral made with the watertight bag 2. In other words, according to this embodiment, the necessary stiffness is provided directly by the material used for the fabrication of the bag.

Alternatively, the watertight bag and said first and second stiff surfaces are separated pieces, said first and second stiff surfaces being fixed or loosely attached to said watertight bag. This is the case of the embodiment represented in FIG. 2, in which the device 10 comprises a watertight bag 102 with one opening 103 functioning as an inlet and an outlet. The bag 102 is flexible, and is freely disposed in an envelope made of two opposite stiff surfaces 60, 70 connected to each other by flexible flanks 80, 90 which function as bellows.

Also in this case, the first and second stiff surfaces 60, 70 can be connected to each other through one or more elastic elements pulling together said surfaces 60, 70.

The stiff surfaces may be made as a single layer, or sheet, of stiff material or may comprise one or more different layers. Accordingly, the resulting stiffness may thus be adapted to different functions, depending on the characteristics of the layers used. In order to improve the versatility, the layers can be interchangeable, so as to adapt the resulting stiffness according to the needs.

According to a preferred embodiment, said first 20, 60 and second 30, 70 stiff surfaces are made of bullet-proof material. In this way, it is possible, for instance, to combine the drinking water functions with bullet dampening characteristics.

One embodiment of this is a bullet-proof jacket for soldiers or various security forces, featuring liquid containers held between surfaces stiffened by bullet-proof plates. For an exposed mission, the soldier may select heavier and more effective bullet-proof ceramic plates, while he may prefer lighter ones (for instance Kevlar-based textile) for a long distance reconnaissance. The jacket is then designed so as to allow an easy replacement of the plates. One way to achieve this is to have double-layered opposite surfaces, each surface forming an envelope where the bullet-proof plate may be inserted both outside and inside the liquid containing bag. The liquid container will have additional protecting functions by reducing speed, destabilising the bullet (which may then present a larger perforating surface) and distributing the shock-wave on a larger surface. For a better protection, it is important to have a good distribution of water over the whole container, and keep the air out. This can be done simply by sucking in the air contained in the bag. As mentioned above, in case the bag went empty, distance pieces to keep the stiff plates apart even if there is no more liquid in the bag may be advantageous.

Such functions are advantageous when implemented as a bullet-proof jacket. They may also be applied to the protection of war field vehicles, by inserting such liquid container between external and internal armoured plates. The liquid container will then have same absorbing, destabilising and distributing functions.

According to a particular embodiment, the device of the invention may comprise a liquid-treatment unit 90. Conveniently, when the device is used as a reservoir for drinking water, said liquid-treatment unit 90 is a drinking water purifying unit.

With reference to FIG. 9, the water-cleaning filter 90 may be inserted on the filling line 520, upstream a three-way valve 510 which alternatively connects the watertight bag (not shown in FIG. 9) with the filling line 520 or with the user (through the pipe 51 and the mouthpiece 550). In this way it is possible to keep the watertight bag quite clean. This solution allows for example the use of manually actuated filters, such as those from Katadyn®.

Another possibility, illustrated in FIG. 8, is to place the water-cleaning filter 90 downstream the three-way valve 510, on the line 51 between the water bag (not shown) and the drinking mouthpiece 550. In such case, the watertight bag is filled with dirty water, and this may favour unwanted bacterial growth. Chemicals against growths of algae, bacteria etc. . . . may also be used.

In order to be able to totally empty the bag containing the liquid, several solutions are considered.

According to a first embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 4, it is possible to put an insert 150 in place within the watertight bag 122, so as to always keep a drain on a portion of the bag, preferentially from the opening area 123 to the bottom of the bag 122. This will prevent the sides 20, 30 of the bag to collapse, and isolate the liquid from the aspiration effect. The insert 150 may for instance be a hose of the type which is used outside the bag 122, and it may have multiple perforations (as in the case shown in FIG. 4) to further improve draining. However, all elongated non-perforating insert with a thick section can be used.

Another solution, illustrated in FIG. 5, is to force such draining channel to the sides of the bag thanks to reinforcing strip on the side(s), using for instance the solution described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,893,731 to Richter. In this case, a typical watertight bag 132 has a profile 45 on the sides 20, 30 in order to be able to pump or suck out all the liquid through the opening 133. The profile is, for instance, made of grooves aligned differently on each side of the bag 132, and presenting a 90 degrees angle.

The watertight bag, when empty, can either be refilled, or the liquid bag replaced. If the bag is to be replaced, easy replacement handling can be designed. An envelope-type structure for the watertight bag as described above will for example allow the following sequence: close and disconnect piping connections, lift the cover of the envelope if existing, extract the empty bag, replace it with the new full one, install and connect the piping.

If the bag is to be refilled, there are many solutions, several of which are described here.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the watertight bag 11 can typically be filled from a similar bag 160, a bottle 150 or a water tank by using a standard rubber pipe connection. There must be a level difference between filling bag 160, bottle 150 or tank and the filled bag 11, so as to create the head necessary to generate enough filling flow. As an alternative to give extra head, filling bag 160 or bottle 150 can be pressed, for example under the arm or in the hand.

Alternatively, the watertight bag may also be filled from the water tap of a pressurised drinking water piping. In such case, a pressure reducer may help smoothing the operation.

To make filling operations effective, it is important to prevent air coming in the flow. This is easily achieved by putting filling units in a “head-down” position, so the air-liquid interface keeps above the tap. It is also advisable to remove all air trapped in the filled bag by for example sucking in air from the bag with the mouthpiece.

Experience on prototype showed a 3 liters bag filled with water in approximately 2 minutes with a 0.1 bar head. The typical volume for liquid bags in an outdoor application is between 1 and 3 liters, but any other volume can be considered.

The present invention is particularly meant to allow filling while the watertight bag is in place. This is not the case with existing containers for liquids, such as the Camelbak ones used typically when training outdoors. To allow filling, Camelbak bags need to be taken out of their container, as a large diameter valve needs to be open. Then, in order to be refilled, the liquid bag needs to be hold without external pressure. The device according to the invention can be refilled even when submitted to external pressure: the filling container need only be dispensing at slight extra head (0.1 or 0.2 bar).

When used to carry water for outdoor activities, the device of the present invention allows avoiding gurgle noises by simply sucking in the air present in the bag. Some details on piping solutions are given hereinafter and in the attached figures.

A standard two-way valve 570, illustrated in details in exploded view in FIG. 13, can be used for filling operations (see FIGS. 6 and 7), or for connection with a mouthpiece 550 (see FIG. 11) through a spigot 210 or, in general, in all cases in which it is necessary to isolate different sections of the piping 51 (see FIG. 10). In the latter case, the connection can be done using a spigot 220 whose feature can be any depending on the needs.

A three-way valve 510, illustrated in details in FIG. 14, can be used when using a treatment unit 90, such as a drinking water purifying filter, to avoid complex connections/disconnections. It can also be used when connecting several bags or containers. In FIG. 14, the three way valve 510 is represented in exploded view (510A) and under two different operating positions (510B, 510C).

When the device of the invention is used for storing and dispensing drinkable water, a mouthpiece 550 of elastic material and ergonomic larger dimensions is normally used. The mouthpiece 550 is advantageously provided with a split in the middle so as not to leak water when unused (the mouthpiece seems closed), but allow drinking when this split is open by pressing the mouthpiece 550 in the mouth while sucking in from the watertight bag. The mouthpiece 550 may need regular washing so as to avoid growth of micro-organisms. This can be done by simply pulling it away from the spigot 210 (see FIG. 11).

In order to protect it, the mouthpiece 550 may be covered by some sort of rubber cap 580, as illustrated in FIG. 11, or be clipped-in in a dedicated case 590, as illustrated in FIG. 12.

In the case where the device this invention is used as a man-borne drinking water reservoir for soldier, the whole system can easily be kept under the bacteriological/chemical protection dress and hood. The water container may typically be borne in jacket or rucksack, and the feeding pipe to the mouth crosses the mask thanks to specially designed crossing nipples. Drinking water is neither infected nor polluted.

The watertight bag can be made with different materials; preferably it is made of a material resisting extreme temperature, typically in the range from −40 C to +60° C., such as an elastomer, capable of keeping its flexible properties over the whole temperature range and not subject to cracks or leaks.

When the device of present invention is applied to carry drinkable water outdoor, for instance in a specially designed jacket, there are several advantages for the user. In very cold conditions, the drinking line may be kept within the clothes, for example along the arm with the mouthpiece positioned closed to the wrist. The watertight bags may also be kept above freezing point if they are covered by some clothes worn by the user.

In very warm conditions, care should be taken to prevent unwanted disconnections between the hoses and the fittings. It may have dramatic consequences on the chances for survival of the user. This is the object of a locking ring for secure hose connection.

Previously described container for liquids involves a great deal of piping and fittings, which need to be functioning well and be watertight under extreme temperatures, typically −40C to +60° C. A simple hose pushed on a spigot will generally not do. Higher temperatures will cause hose expansion, and the connection will not be tight anymore, and the hose may even drop off the spigot.

It would be advantageous to have a secure connection, which has the following properties. It shall be simple and robust, as we are talking about equipment taken typically to outdoors and war activities. It shall require as few spare parts as possible, and preferably some also used for other equipment as a person cannot move with to heavy spare parts a load. It shall be easy to remove and reassemble numerous times, so as to allow swift and repeated substitution of bags, pipings, or fittings such as a mouthpiece, or any combination of those, even under stressful situation. And it shall be watertight.

Accordingly, with reference in particular to FIG. 15, the present invention relates also to a connection locking device 200 for fluid-carrying pipes and fitting system, particularly for use in the delivery system of a device for storing and delivering liquids as previously described.

The connection locking device 200 of the present invention comprises a spigot 201 which is inserted in the collar 501 of a flexible hose 51. An external compression ring 202 is positioned onto the portion of the collar 501 which is covering the spigot 201 and a conical threaded sleeve 203 is then used for locking said external compression ring 202 onto said portion of the collar 501 which covers the spigot 201.

In this way, the threaded conical sleeve 203 which tightens the compression ring 202 around the end 501 of a hose 51 in which the spigot 201 of a pipe 51 or fitting has been introduced. This brings about several benefits.

The connection is secure: the conical threaded sleeve 203 can be easily screwed by hand and compresses the compression ring 202 onto the hose 51 in which the spigot 201 has been introduced. As a consequence, the hose 51 is well applied on the spigot 201, even if temperature were to increase dramatically.

Also, only few parts of simple design and construction are involved. In addition to the hose 51 carrying the liquid and the spigot 201 of the required pipe or fitting (typically a valve or a mouth piece), the device requires only a compression ring 202 and a conical threaded sleeve 203 made of metal (such as Aluminium) or plastic material. Advantageously, the compression ring 202 is made of a slice of a hose of larger diameter than the hose 51. Preferably, the sleeve 203 has a rough surface to make turning easier.

With the device of the present invention, connecting and disconnecting are simple and repeatable operations: they are mostly limited to screwing and unscrewing the threaded sleeve 203, and connecting or disconnecting the connection between the hose 51 and the spigot 201. As a further advantage, the threaded sleeve cannot easily be missed, as it is barred from dropping off the hose 51 by the compression ring 202.

The spigot 201 is preferably as simple as possible: cylindrical and smooth. However, it could also be rough and with a more complex profile.

The connection locking device of the present invention has been designed to solve in particular locking problems with low pressure connections, typically less than one bar. However, there is no reason to limit its pressure use at that stage.

The device of the present invention has been tested by soldiers in the field. After many connection/disconnection operations, the connection tested by soldiers still were tight and secure.

Claims

1. A device for storing and delivering liquids comprising a watertight bag having at least one opening and a delivery system operatively connected to said opening, characterized in that it comprises a first and a second stiff surfaces connected by flexible flanks.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterised in that said a first and a second stiff surfaces are substantially parallel.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterised in that said first and second stiff surfaces are integral made with said watertight bag.

4. The device according to claim 1, characterised in that said watertight bag and said first and second stiff surfaces are separated pieces, said first and second stiff surfaces being fixed or loosely attached to said watertight bag.

5. The device according to claim 4, characterised in that said first and second stiff surfaces are connected by flexible flanks.

6. The device according to claim 4, characterised in that said first and second stiff surfaces are connected to each other through one or more elastic elements pulling together said surfaces.

7. The device according to one or more of the previous claims, characterised in that distant pieces are interposed between said first and second stiff surfaces.

8. The device according to claim 1, characterised in that said first and second stiff surfaces comprise one or more stiff layers.

9. The device according to claim 8, characterised in that said one or more stiff layers are interchangeable.

10. The device according to claim 1, characterised in that said first and second stiff surfaces are made of bullet-pro of material.

11. The device according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprise a liquid-treatment unit.

12. The device according to claim 11, characterised in that said liquid-treatment unit is a drinking water purifying unit.

13. The device according to claim 1, characterised in that said delivery system comprises an insert positioned inside the watertight bag and extending through said opening.

14. The device according to claim 13, characterised in that said insert has multiple perforations.

15. The device according to claim 1, characterised in that said delivery system comprises a flexible hose.

16. The device according to claim 1, characterised in that said watertight bag comprises one or more profiled strip (45) on the outside.

17. A connection locking device for fluid-carrying pipes and fitting system, characterized in that it comprises a spigot inserted in the collar of a hose, an external compression ring positioned onto the portion of the collar which is covering the spigot and a conical threaded sleeve locking said external compression ring onto said portion of the collar covering the spigot.

18. A connection locking device according to claim 17, characterized in that the compression ring is made of the same material as the hose.

19. The device according to claim 1, characterised in that said delivery system comprise a connection locking device comprises a spigot inserted in the collar of a hose, an external compression ring positioned onto the portion of the collar which is covering the spigot and a conical threaded sleeve locking said external compression ring onto said portion of the collar covering the spigot.

20. The device according to claim 2, characterised in that said first and second stiff surfaces are integral made with said watertight bag.