UPPER TORSO COVERING WITH INTEGRATED HYDRATION APPARATUS

Abstract

A combined upper torso covering having a hydration assembly secured thereto which includes a camelback to provide a hydration source for users of the assembly. In one embodiment the upper torso covering is an athletic chest protector which handily provides access to any liquid stored in the camelback via a delivery line and nozzle placed in proximity to the mouth of the user

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to upper torso chest and back coverings and, in particular, to a chest protector having an integrated hydration apparatus to generally allow a wearer of the device to hydrate while wearing the device.

2. Prior Art

Currently there are a number of solutions for catchers and umpires to stay hydrated during a game. One of these solutions attempts to keep a water bottle next to them, but this solution fails to meet the needs of the market because it can interfere with a play. Another solution attempts to hydrate when there is a time-out between innings, but this solution is similarly unable to meet the needs of the market because there could be a long period of time were this break does not occur. Still another solution seeks hydration before and after the game, but this solution also fails to meet market needs because the catchers and umpires may have to attend to different responsibilities or additional games, result in them not having enough time to hydrate.

It would be advantageous to have an apparatus that is built into the safety equipment padding used in sporting activities, such as baseball or in other environments.

Furthermore, it would also be advantageous to have an apparatus that is reusable. Still, further, it would be advantageous to have an apparatus that stores a liquid within an internal cavity for hydration. Therefore, there currently exists a need in the market for an apparatus that stores a liquid in conjunction with a torso covering, such as for on individuals participating in a sporting event, such as catchers and umpires.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an easy access to a liquid source by a user and comprises an upper torso arrangement including: (a) a chest and back covering, and (b) a hydration assembly disposed on the covering.

The upper torso arrangement includes a front cover portion, a rear back cover portion interconnected by shoulder straps which extend over the shoulder, from the front to the back one.

The hydration assembly, generally, comprises: (a) a source of hydrating liquid, (b) a liquid delivery line for delivering a liquid to a dispenser, and (c) a nozzle-like dispenser in fluid communication with the delivery line and positionable in proximity to the mouth of the user.

The hydration assembly includes a camelback removably mounted on the back of the covering.

Means, such as a traditional hook and loop fastener disposed on the covering, maintains the delivery line in position.

In a first embodiment, a pocket provided in the front cover of the covering removably stows the nozzle. Alternatively, in other embodiments, a pair of opposed arcuate flexible harness elements upstanding from a base secured to a shoulder strap, removably retain or stow the delivery line therebetween.

For a more complete understanding of the present invention reference is made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawing.

In the drawing like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the back of a first embodiment of the present arrangement;

FIG. 2 shows the bottom of the arrangement;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the arrangement;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a first side portion of the arrangement;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the arrangement;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the opposite portion;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the arrangement; and

FIG. 8 is a front view of a second embodiment hereof;

FIG. 9 is a partial front view of a further embodiment hereof;

FIG. 10 is a partial side view of the further embodiment; and

FIG. 11 is a partial top view of the further embodiment hereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Now, and with reference to the drawing, there is depicted therein, an upper torso arrangement in accordance with the present invention and, generally, denoted at 10. The upper torso arrangement, as previously noted, generally, comprises a chest and back covering 12 and a hydration assembly disposed on the covering and, generally, denoted at 14.

The covering 12 can take on any form such as an athletic chest protector, clothing, jacket, vest or the like.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention and as shown in FIGS. 1-7 the present invention is incorporated into a chest protector 15 of the type used in athletics and primarily in baseball environments.

As shown in FIGS. 1-7 the chest protector 15 has a protective front 16 forming a protective barrier for protecting a wearer from an object impacting against the wearer's chest. The chest protector 15 has a rear portion 18.

The rear portion 18 of the chest protector 15 is used to removably stow a source for a hydrating fluid as detailed below.

A plurality of straps 20, 22 extend from the protective front 16 of the protector 15 over the shoulders of the user and terminate in a stowage area 24 in which is removably stowed a hydrating liquid container or source (not shown).

The liquid storage area 24 is connected to and integrated with the shoulder strap members 20, 22. Opposed body straps 26, 28 secured to the protector 15 secure the arrangement around the body of the wearer (not shown) and across the back of the wearer via straps 26, 28.

The hydration assembly 14 generally comprises:

• • (a) a source of hydrating liquid 30;
  • (b) a liquid delivery line 31, and (c) nozzle-like dispenser 32 in fluid communication with the delivery line 31 and positionable in proximity to the mouth of the user.

A pocket 40 is provided on the front portion 16 and is disposed in proximity to a user's mouth. The pocket 40 is configured and sized for receipt of the nozzle 32 to protect the nozzle from damage and contact with debris.

The liquid source is, generally, removably received on the back or rear portion 18 of the arrangement 10 in the stowage area 24, adjacent to the shoulder blades of the wearer.

The delivery line 31 comprises a drinking hose and extends. The nozzle 32 is preferably a twist-to-close nozzle portion 30 which is draped over one shoulder strap 20 or 22.

At least one fastening member 32, such as a hook and loop strap 34 is secured to a strap 20 or 22 and secures the line 31 in place to prevent it from moving during use and non-use.

The liquid storage apparatus 14, generally, comprises a camelback 42.

As is known to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains a camelback is a bladder which is used to store a liquid, such as water therewithin.

A pouch 44 is used to removably stow the camelback. The pouch 44 may be fixedly secured to the rear portion of the area 24 such as by sewing, or may be removably attached such as with a hook and loop fastener.

The pouch 44 includes a zipper closure 46 for access to the interior for removing and/or reinserting the camelback.

The delivery line 31, as shown in the drawing, is fitted to the camelback and extends through an opening 48 formed in the pouch and loops through the fastening member(s) 32 and terminates at the twist-to-turn nozzle 32.

In use, once the bladder 42 is filled and connected to the nozzle, the user removes the nozzle from the pocket, opens the nozzle and draws liquid through the delivery line. When finished, the user closes the nozzle and replaces it in the pocket.

Referring now to FIG. 8 there is depicted therein a second embodiment of the present invention. Here, the upper torso covering is in the form of a vest, generally, denoted at 110 and includes a front portion 112, a rear portion 114 and shoulder straps 116, 118. Here, the liquid storage apparatus 120 is as before and includes a camelback (not shown) which is removably stowed within a pouch 122 in the manner heretofore described.

Now, and with reference to FIGS. 9-11, there is depicted therein a further embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, a delivery line 210, which is a flexible hose-like material, extends from a pouch to a pocket, similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-8.

According to this embodiment, a flexible harness 211 is interposed the pouch and pocket. The harness 211 generally comprises a base 216, which is secured to a shoulder strap 218. A pair of opposed upstanding arcuate flexible members 220, 222 extend upwardly from the base 216. A gap 222 is defined between the outermost ends 224, 226 of the opposed members to enable the delivery line 210 to be easily removed therefrom. As shown, the opposed members or elements define a passageway 228 for the delivery line.

A fabric strap 230 is interposed the pouch and the harness 211 and which defines a passageway 232 through which the delivery line 210 travels prior to engaging the flexible harness 211. The strap 230 snuggly engages the delivery line 210 and prevents or mitigates any flexing or snapping of the delivery line 210 when liquid is drawn therethrough through the nozzle.

In all other respects, the apparatus is the same as described with respect to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-8.

While the invention has been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Upon reading the teachings of this disclosure many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims. It is indeed intended that the scope of the invention should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings.

Having, thus, described the invention, what is claimed is:

REFERENCE NUMERALS

• • 10 Upper Torso Arrangement
  • 12 Front and Back Covering
  • 14 Hydration Assembly
  • 15 Chest protector
  • 16 Protective Front
  • 18 Rear Portion
  • 20,22 Plurality of Straps
  • 24 Liquid Storage Area
  • 26,28 Straps 26, 28
  • 30 Source of Liquid
  • 31 Liquid Delivery Line
  • 32 Nozzle
  • 34 Loop strap
  • 40 Pocket
  • 42 Camelback
  • 44 Pouch
  • 46 Zipper closure
  • 48 Opening
  • 110 Upper Ttorso Covering, Vest
  • 112 Front Portion
  • 114 Rear Portion
  • 116,118 Shoulder Strap
  • 112 Front portion
  • 120 Liquid storage apparatus
  • 122 Pouch
  • 210 Delivery line
  • 212 Pouch
  • 214 Pocket
  • 211 Flexible harness
  • 216 Base
  • 218 Shoulder strap
  • 222 Gap
  • 224,226 Outermost ends
  • 228 Passageway
  • 230 Fabric strap
  • 232 Passageway

Claims

1. In combination: (a) an upper torso covering, comprising: 1) a front portion;2) a back portion;3) shoulder straps interconnecting the back portion to the front portion; and(b) a hydration assembly, comprising: 1) a liquid containing bladder disposed on the back portion;2) a liquid delivery line having a first end and a second end for delivering a fluid from the bladder; and3) a nozzle, the nozzle being configured to be placed on the front portion in proximity to the mouth of a user when worn;(c) a flexible harness interposed between the bladder and the nozzle for retaining the delivery line in position;(d) a strap secured to at least one shoulder strap and overlying the delivery line and interposed the harness and the bladder, the strap defining a passageway for the delivery line and maintaining the delivery line in position;(e) a pouch removably secured to the back portion, the pouch having an opening therethrough through which the delivery line project, andwherein the delivery line is removably connected to the bladder at the first end thereof and to the nozzle at the second end thereof.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein; the bladder being removably disposed in the pouch; andthe liquid delivery line projects through the pouch.

3. The combination of claim 1 wherein: the front portion, straps and the back portion cooperate to define a chest protector.

4. The combination of claim 3 which further comprises: a removably mounted pocket disposed on the front portion, the pocket removably seating the nozzle.

5. The combination of claim 1 wherein the harness comprises: a base secured to a shoulder strap, a pair of opposed arcuate flexible members for retaining the delivery line in position defining a control passageway, the delivery line extending therethrough.

6. The combination of claim 1 wherein: the liquid containing bladder is a camelback.