Abstract:
A personal hydration system is provided including a pre-filled reservoir pouch. The pouch may be filled with a drink fluid by a supplier, heated, and aseptically sealed. The pouch may also be cold-filled with a drink fluid and preservatives and then sealed. The pouch is preferably designed as a disposable single-use item. In order to keep the pouch contents fresh and to facilitate delivery of the fluid from the reservoir through a drink tube, the pouch includes a unique tube connector structure. A first connector portion is mounted to a wall of the pouch. The first connector portion includes a closure member that keeps fluid sealed in the bladder. A second connector portion is matable with the first connector portion and includes a structure that operates to move the closure member to an open position when mated with the first connector portion. The second connector portion is shaped to fit with a conventional flexible drinking tube.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/615,859, filed Oct. 4, 2004. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention pertains to systems for providing drinking fluids to a user and particularly to a personal hydration system including a reservoir pouch and a drinking tube.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Hydration systems are generally known. A common drinking system includes a flexible reservoir pouch having a selectively openable fill port to permit the reservoir to be filled with a drink, such as water, sports drink, etc. Additionally, the common drinking system includes a fitting mounted to the pouch that connects to a length of flexible tubing. The tubing may be directed to the mouth of a user to deliver a drink, when desired. As is generally known, the reservoir is commonly carried in a backpack or carrier.  
         [0004]     Furthermore, current hydration systems require the user to fill the pouch prior to use. This step is inconvenient and time consuming. Additionally, sanitary problems exist with conventional hydration systems that are constructed to be reusable. For example, the interiors of conventional hydration systems tend to mildew unless the pouch and tube are washed out and permitted to dry between uses. Particularly, the reservoir pouch must be cleaned through the fill-port, then propped open to be aired out. This is tedious task is often skipped because it is inconvenient. Unfortunately, the resulting unsanitary conditions may cause a user to become sick, and moreover, the system is often discarded at this point. Conventional reservoirs are constructed with features to facilitate repeated use (e.g., fill port, heavy bladder wall construction, etc.), and such features are expensive to manufacture. Accordingly, to discard conventional hydration systems is wasteful and uneconomical.  
         [0005]     A need exists for an improved personal hydration system that avoids the inconvenience, expense, and waste associated with current systems.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     In an embodiment according to the present invention, an improved reservoir pouch for a personal hydration system is provided. The pouch is preferably provided in pre-filled condition to a user and is designed as a disposable single-use item. In order to keep the pouch contents fresh and to facilitate delivery of the fluid from the reservoir through a drink tube, a unique tube connector structure is provided. A first connector portion is mounted to a wall of the pouch. The first connector portion includes a closure that keeps fluid contents in the pouch. A second connector portion is matable with the first connector portion and includes a structure that operates to move the closure to an open position in the mated condition, permitting fluid to exit through a passage in the second connector portion. The second connector portion is shaped to fit with a first end of a conventional, flexible drinking tube. A second end of the tube can be placed in the user&#39;s mouth in a conventional manner.  
         [0007]     The connector may be provided in various alternative embodiments. For example, the closure may be a membrane, such as a wall of the bladder, and the membrane can be pierced by one of the connector members to permit fluid communication through the drinking tube. In another example, the closure is a seal layer adapted to be peelable away from the first connector member, wherein the first and second connector portions can then be threaded together to permit fluid communication from the interior of the bladder through the drinking tube.  
         [0008]     In an embodiment, a method of making a pre-filled reservoir pouch is provided. The pouch is filled with a beverage under sterile and aseptic conditions then sealed. This advantageously permits storage for a significant periods in a consumable state. The user can open the closure and utilize the first and second connector portions to consume fluid from the pouch through a flexible drinking tube. The beverage may be heated to destroy bacteria.  
         [0009]     In an embodiment, an advantage of the present invention is that it provides a single-use reservoir pouch for a hydration system, wherein the pouch can be discarded after use.  
         [0010]     In an embodiment, another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a reservoir pouch that may be supplied to consumers in a ready-to-consume condition, wherein the pouch is pre-filled with a particular beverage. A related advantage is that the present invention provides a pouch and method for making a pouch in which the contents are sealed in an aseptic condition until consumption is desired.  
         [0011]     These and other advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a pre-filled drink pouch and a standard drink tube.  
         [0013]      FIG. 2  is a fragmentary, sectional elevation of the drink pouch illustrating an embodiment of a first connector portion in greater detail.  
         [0014]      FIG. 3A  is a fragmentary, sectional elevation of the drink pouch illustrating the drink pouch of  FIG. 2  with the a first connector portion having a snap-fit closure member in a closed and sealed condition, and a second connector shown exploded away, the second connector portion adapted to be mated with the first connector portion.  
         [0015]      FIG. 3B  is a fragmentary, sectional elevation of the drink pouch of  FIG. 2  wherein the second connector portion is partially inserted into the first connector portion against the closure in the closed condition.  
         [0016]      FIG. 3C  is a fragmentary, sectional elevation of the drink pouch of  FIG. 2  illustrating the second connector portion filly mated with the first connector portion, the closure member moved to an open condition.  
         [0017]      FIG. 4A  is a fragmentary, sectional elevation of a pre-filled drink pouch having a first connector in which the bladder wall acts as a selectively piercable seal membrane, and a second connector portion shown exploded away, the second connector portion configured to pierce the membrane when mated with the first connector portion.  
         [0018]      FIG. 4B  is a fragmentary, sectional elevation of the drink pouch of  FIG. 4A , wherein the second connector portion is mated with the first connector portion, the second connector portion having pierced through the membrane.  
         [0019]      FIG. 5A  is a fragmentary side elevation of a pre-filled drink pouch wherein the closure member is a peelable seal layer secured across the first connector member, a second connector member shown exploded away, wherein the first and second connector members are cooperatively threaded.  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of another second connector portion that could be used with the first connector portion of FIGS.  1 ,  3 A-C, the second connector portion having a deflectable locking flange to selectively release the second connector member from a locked engagement with the first connector portion.  
         [0021]      FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of a pouch holder for the drink pouch of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0022]      FIG. 7B  is an exploded perspective view of a pouch holder and the drink pouch of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0023]      FIG. 7C  is a plan view of a pouch holder for the drink pouch of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0024]     Now referring to the drawings,  FIGS. 1, 2  and  3 A-C illustrate a pre-filled drink pouch  10  having features in accordance with teachings of the present invention. The pouch includes a flexible bladder  12  and a first connector portion  14  that is mounted to the bladder. The bladder  12  includes a wall having an opening. The first connector portion  14  is mounted to the wall around the opening.  
         [0025]     According to a teaching of the invention, the pouch is pre-filled and sealed in aseptic conditions to contain a beverage fluid, such as water, juice, sports drink, etc, for shipping and later consumption. The pouch of the present invention has a dispensing outlet connector system that facilitates sealing during an aseptic pre-filling process and then convenient opening at a later time by a user for consumption through a standard flexible drink tube. Also, the bladder preferably has a shape and dimensions suitable to fit in a backpack or carry-pack for use during activities, such as during cycling, running, hiking, or combat.  
         [0026]     Additionally, in an embodiment, the pouch is disposable after the beverage has been consumed. According to an aspect of the invention, the drink pouch is preferably constructed of relatively inexpensive materials, without features such as a reusable fill port, and preferably having a dispensing outlet connector designed to discourage refilling and re-use, so that the drink pouch can be produced economically, using a minimum of materials, and be considered disposable. Advantageously, the pouch connector system is configured so that a user can consume the beverage contents through a standard drinking tube of a type that is commonly available.  
         [0027]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an optional seal layer  16  is secured to the first connector portion to prevent exposure of the first connector portion to dirt or contaminants. The seal layer may be made of polyester, a metalized polyester, or some other suitable material for blocking contaminants. The seal layer  16  can be peeled away to access the first connector portion when ready for use. In order to commence consumption of the beverage from the pouch through the connector portion, a second connector portion  18  is also provided, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The second connector portion  18  is configured to matably engage the first connector portion to provide a fluid conduit for delivering the beverage contents for consumption. The second connector portion  18  is also configured to receive a flexible drinking tube  20 . As will be recognized, the drinking tube is a standard component that is readily available.  
         [0028]     Now turning to  FIGS. 2 and 3 A-C, the details of the first and second connector portions  14 ,  18  will be explained in greater detail.  FIG. 2  illustrates details of the first connector portion  14  and the bladder  12 . In an embodiment, the first and second connector portions may be of a type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,126,045, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The bladder  12  includes a flexible bladder wall, which is a multiple-layer wall in the illustrated example. The bladder  12  defines an interior  24  to contain the beverage. The wall of bladder  12  has an opening around which the first connector portion  14  has a base flange  26  that is fused, bonded, or otherwise secured in a sealed manner to the bladder  12 . An outer wall  28  extends perpendicularly from the base flange  26 .  
         [0029]     The first connector portion  14  defines a duct  30  to provide fluid communication from the interior  24  and a closure  32  that is capable of preventing communication through the duct  30 . The closure  32  is shaped as a cap which can snap-fit to an interior end of the duct  28 , as shown in  FIG. 3A .  FIG. 3A  shows the closure  32  of the first connector portion  14  in a closed position, preventing fluid communication through the duct  30 . Referring back to  FIG. 2 , the first connector portion  14  preferably includes a plurality of resilient legs  34  which tether the closure  32  near the duct  30 .  
         [0030]     Also illustrated in  FIG. 3A  is the second connector portion  18 . The second connector portion has an end configured to mate with the first connector portion and an opposite end configured to receive a standard drinking tube. A fluid delivery channel extends through an interior of the second connector portion  18  to deliver the beverage from the first end to the drinking tube.  
         [0031]     More particularly in the illustrated embodiment, the second connector portion  18  is configured to mate with the first connector portion  14  and moves the closure member  32  to an open position, thereby permitting fluid flow through the mated connectors. More particularly, the second connector portion  18  includes an elongate body  36  shaped to be inserted into the duct  30  of the first connector portion  14 . In an embodiment, the first and second connector portions are configured so that movement to mate the second connector portion with the first connector portion causes the closure to move from the closed position to the open position. For example, referring to  FIG. 3B , the elongate body  36  of the second connector portion  18  is partially inserted into the duct  30  to abut the closure  32  in the closed position. Continued insertion results in movement of the closure  32  to an open position, as shown in  FIG. 3C .  
         [0032]     Referring to  FIG. 3C , wherein the first and second connector portions  14 ,  18  are illustrated in a mated condition, fluid from the interior  24  can flow through the connectors to the drink tube  20  for consumption. The second connector portion  18  also has a fitting  37  with tapered ridges shaped to receive the standard drink tube  20  in a secure manner.  
         [0033]     Thus, the closure  32  of the first connector portion  14  is provided initially in a closed position shown in  FIG. 3A , wherein the closure  32  snap-fits to an end of the duct  28 . In this closed position, the closure  32  prevents fluid from exiting from the  24  interior of the bladder  12 . Turning to  FIG. 3B , the second connector  18  is inserted through the duct toward an interior  24 , and when fully inserted, the closure is snapped to an open position as shown in  FIG. 3C . A distal end of the elongate body is provided with at least one aperture  38  to facilitate flow of the beverage through the second connector member.  
         [0034]     In the fully mated condition shown in  FIG. 3C , the second connector member  18  preferably secures into place. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the second connector member  18  includes a locking mechanism to lock the first and second connector members in a mated condition, and to prevent the first and second connector members from being separated. In a specific embodiment, for example, the locking mechanism includes resilient ramped portions  40  that lock into corresponding detents or against an end of the duct  30  of the first connector member  14 , thereby preventing withdrawal of the elongate body  36  from the duct  30  and securing the second connector portion  18  in a fully-mated position relative to the first connector portion  14 . As illustrated by arrows in  FIG. 3C , fluid flows through apertures  38  and the second connector portion directs the beverage fluid to the tube.  
         [0035]     In an embodiment, the second connector portion  18  is provided together with the filled pouch so that the second connector portion is readily available to a user. For example, the second connector portion  18  can be removably secured (in an unmated condition) to a side of the first connector portion  14  by a breakable, co-molded tab. The user can remove the second connector portion  18 , fit a standard drink tube  20  to the second connector portion, mate the first and second connector portions, and then consume the drink. The second portion  18  may also be removably secured to other structure of the pouch by other means, such as tape or an adhesive, or provided separately. The second connector portion  18  may additionally be provided in a separate plastic package in order to maintain sterile conditions until use, in which case the separate package may be secured to the pouch by tape, an adhesive or another suitable means.  
         [0036]      FIG. 6  shows an alternative second connector portion  18 A, which has a resiliently deflectable locking flange  60 . The flange  60  has a detent  62  that engages a side of the first connector member to provide a locked engagement. The locking flange can be deflected to selectively release the second connector portion  18 A from a locked engagement with the first connector portion.  
         [0037]     Various connector configurations are possible, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. For example, FIGS.  4 A-B illustrate a pouch  110  having a flexible bladder  112  and a first connector portion  114  wherein a closure is provided by a breakable membrane, or more particularly in the specific example illustrated, wherein the closure is a wall of the bladder. The first connector portion  114  is mounted within an interior of the bladder  112  and may be secured against the bladder wall. A second connector member  118  is provided which has an elongate body  136  adapted with a distal pointed tip  140  configured to pierce the bladder wall  112  when the second connector member  118  is mated with the first connector member  114 , as shown in  FIG. 4B . The first connector portion  214  has a flange  126  secured to the bladder  112  and includes an opening  130  configured to receive the elongate body  136  of the second connector portion. The second connector portion  118  is configured with a fitting  137  to receive a standard drinking tube  20 . It will be recognized that the closure could be a layer of breakable membrane material other than the bladder wall, such that the closure prevents passage of fluid when the closure is intact and in the closed condition.  
         [0038]     Another pouch  210  is illustrated in FIGS.  5 A-B. The pouch  210  includes a flexible bladder  212  and has a first connector portion  214  secured around an opening in a wall of the bladder. As illustrated in FIGS.  5 A-B, the first connector portion  214  has a closure  232  constructed as a membrane secured across a duct  230  that extends from an interior of the pouch through the first connector member.  FIG. 5A  illustrates the closure in a closed position, and  FIG. 5B  illustrates the membrane closure  230  being peeled away such that the closure is in an open condition. The first connector portion  214  and second connector portions  218  are provided with cooperative threads and engage in a threaded manner for use. The second connector portion  218  includes a fitting  237  configured with tapered ridges to receive a standard flexible drink tube  20 .  
         [0039]     For convenience and to avoid unsanitary conditions, the pouch  10 ,  110 ,  210  is preferably disposable, and accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the pouch is constructed with minimal features to reduce materials, cost, and waste. For example, the pouch is preferably constructed without a refill port and associated removable cap of the type provided on conventional hydration systems. Moreover, the bladder is made of a flexible, durable material, however in a preferred embodiment, the bladder wall is constructed of lighter weight materials than bladders of known hydration systems intended for reuse. For example, a suitable bladder can be constructed of any of various thermoplastics, such as polyethylene, as will be recognized by one skilled in the art. In a specific example, a suitable bladder may include walls constructed of dual polyethylene layers bonded on opposite sides of a nylon layer. It has been found that DURASHIELD 34 and FLEXITECH 15 serve as suitable materials.  
         [0040]     According to an aspect of the invention, the pouch is filled according to a sterile and aseptic packaging process, and the pouch is constructed to be aseptically sealed and to maintain the contents in an aseptic, sterile condition for a suitable time for shipping and storage until consumption. For example, in an aseptic filling process, the beverage product is heated to a high temperature in a closed atmosphere, and the product is cooled such as by flowing the product through hot pipes and then through cold pipes. The pouches are sterilized by irradiation or some other appropriate means. The sterile container is filled with the sterile beverage and then sealed. Notably, where the beverage is water, water can be treated through a reverse osmosis system to remove impurities and then filled into the pouch and sealed in a closed atmosphere, avoiding a need for heat treatment of the beverage and yielding an aseptically sealed pouch. Additionally, in an alternate method, the beverage may be treated with a preservative, such as an appropriate amount of sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate, and sealed in the pouch, in which case a heat treating step could be avoided.  
         [0041]     As used herein, forms of the terms “aseptic” and “sterile,” and the associated processes and structures, are used in a manner consistent with commercially acceptable standards defined by the FDA. In Title 21 CFR 113.3, the FDA provides the following definitions: “Aseptic processing and packaging means the filling of a commercially sterilized cooled product into presterilized containers, followed by aseptic hermetical sealing, with a presterilized closure, in an atmosphere free of microorganisms.” 21 CFR 11.3.3 (a) (emphasis in original) This regulation further states, “Commercial sterility: (1)°‘Commercial sterility’ of thermally processed food means the condition achieved—i) By the application of heat which renders the food free of—a) Microorganisms capable of reproducing in the food under normal nonrefrigerated conditions of storage and distribution; and (b) Viable microorganisms (including spores) of public health significance; or (ii) By the control of water activity and the application of heat, which renders the food free of microorganisms capable of reproducing in the food under normal nonrefrigerated conditions of storage and distribution.” 21 CFR 113.3 (e) (emphasis in original).  
         [0042]     In an embodiment, the pouch is constructed to enable the sealed contents to be frozen. This advantageously enables the user to consume the contents at a chilled temperature as the beverage melts over a period of time. In order to facilitate expansion that occurs during freezing of the beverage contents without rupturing the pouch, the beverage, in a liquid form, is packaged and sealed in the pouch in amount suitably less than the maximum liquid capacity. For example, the pouch may be filled with beverage in its liquid state to approximately 80% to approximately 90% of the maximum liquid capacity of the pouch. Additionally, it is preferred to construct the bladder and connector of materials suitable to maintain their integrity when the contents are frozen. As used herein, terms “fill” and “filling” do not require filling to maximum capacity.  
         [0043]     In order to facilitate protected shipping and convenient storage and use, an aspect of the invention includes a holder. For example, as shown in  FIG. 7B , the pouch  10  may be placed into a pouch holder  70  after it has been filled and sealed. In an embodiment, the pouch holder  70  includes an elongated outer wall  72  made of thick, corrugated cardboard. In an embodiment, the pouch holder  70  is vertical and the pouch  10  is placed into the pouch holder  70  with the first connector portion  14  proximate to the top of the outer wall  72 . The pouch holder  70  containing the pouch  10  may be placed into a cooled environment to allow the sealed contents to become chilled or frozen. By placing the pouch  10  into the pouch holder  70  in this manner, a desired orientation and shape are maintained. In particular, the sealed contents settle to the end of the pouch  10  distal from the first connector portion  14  so that the sealed contents do not block the first connector portion  14  and the duct  30  when frozen, and each pouch  10  is kept in a generally straight configuration.  
         [0044]     The pouch holder  72  may include a divider structure configured to define a plurality of cavities in a generally vertical orientation, and holding a plurality of pouches  10  in the respective cavities, wherein the first connector portion is proximate to a top end of the pouch holder  72 . As shown in  FIGS. 7A-7C , the pouch holder  70  may be sized such that it can hold a plurality of pouches  10  in individual cavities of the pouch holder  70 . In an embodiment of a pouch holder  70  that holds six pouches  10 , six individual cavities may be formed by a divider structure comprising a first divider  76  having approximately the length of the length of the pouch holder  70  and two second dividers  74  having approximately the length of the width of the pouch holder  70 . A pouch holder  70  holding fewer or greater pouches  10  could be constructed by changing the width of the pouch holder  70  and adding or removing additional second dividers  74 . In an embodiment, the first divider  76  and the second dividers  74  preferably are approximately the same height as the outer wall  72  of the pouch holder  70  so as to maintain the form of the pouch  10  when the sealed contents of the pouch  10  are frozen. While  FIGS. 7A-7C  illustrate one embodiment of the pouch and pouch holder, it will be appreciated that other embodiments of the pouch, e.g., the pouches  110 ,  210  described above, may be similarly placed into a pouch holder.  
         [0045]     Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. It should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary only, and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.