Disposable hydration pouch

An improved disposable hydration pouch and method of delivery is disclosed herein. The hydration pouch may be manufactured from poly-ethylene or other high self-friction polymers that can be thermally sealed, which allows the pouch to be inexpensive to manufacture and disposable. The hydration pouch also includes a plurality of latitudinal thermally sealed baffles to provide improved lateral support and strength while holding liquids during use over existing poly-ethylene hydration pouches in the prior art. The disposable hydration pouch may be used by athletes, hikers, cyclists, travelers, and more as a portable hydration source.

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to portable and disposable hydration systems, particularly passive hydration pouches relying on a reservoir or containment area to deliver liquids to a user during an outdoor activity wherein liquids may not be immediately available, such as cycling, skiing, hunting, or hiking.

DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

With the ever-increasing popularity of events such as hiking, snowboarding, downhill mountain biking, and other outdoor strenuous endurance activities, an efficient means to carry and deliver liquids to active participants is needed so that they can maintain sufficient hydration when performing those activities. Because the aforementioned outdoor activities often occur in remote locations, outdoor enthusiasts seek portable hydration pouches to improve their endurance.

Prior to the popularity of hydration pouches, athletes relied on water or other liquid bottles for hydration. Using a more solid and rigid plastic, water bottles were inflexible and rigid compared to the flexible hydration pouch system. Hydration pouch systems are increasingly popular amongst outdoor athletes because they can store a much larger volume of liquid than a traditional water bottle. Moreover, hydration pouches are easier for an athlete to access during activity compared to bottle-based systems.

Hydration pouches commonly comprise a bladder or pouch with liquids that can be stored on a person or bag and are accessed via an elongated tube connected to the pouch at one end and to a closure valve at the other end wherein a person can intake liquids from the pouch. A popular class of hydration pouches provides a bladder unit filled with liquids to be placed in a backpack or along the body, wherein the wearer can consume the liquids held in the bladder unit via a tube or hose running from the base of the hydration pouch and bite valve to the mouth of the wearer. Examples of such hydration pouch systems include U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,420,097, 5,941,640, 7,820,946, 7,806,300, and 7,975,880.

Unfortunately, hydration pouches such as those described above still have several issues. First, hydration pouches in the prior art suffer from buildup of bacteria and other pathogens such as mold because certain areas are difficult to clean as well as adequately dry. The openings of several hydration pouches in the prior art do not provide an easily accessible area where one could adequately clean all areas of the inner bladder. The inlets and outlets of most prior art devices are too small for most cleaning tools to easily access without piercing the bladder. Unfortunately, after numerous uses without proper cleaning, bacteria and other microorganisms can buildup along the inner lining of the hydration pouch increasing the likelihood a user could fall ill. Because hydration pouches are fairly expensive, they are not replaced as frequently as they should be replaced.

It is also difficult to remove trace amounts of other liquids stored previously in a hydration pouch. Popular electrolyte drinks include a variety of flavors consumed by outdoor athletes. The taste and flavors of electrolyte and other drinks are noticeable long after cleaning the inside of a hydration pouch in the prior art. The challenge in removing certain flavors and tastes from a hydration pouch is an issue with pouches in the prior art. A disposable hydration pouch would overcome this limitation; however, hydration pouches in the prior art are not intended to be disposable and are cost prohibitive to treat as such.

Further, most popular hydration pouches in the prior art do not provide a means to prevent excess lateral movement of liquids during use. The excess movement creates noise and requires energy to stabilize, which may inhibit the activity or can make carrying the hydration pouch uncomfortable for the user.

Thus, there is a need for an improved portable hydration pouch system that is disposable and affordable with sufficient means to protect against excess lateral movement of liquids. Such an improved hydration pouch should be inexpensive to manufacture, recyclable, and can securely hold one or more liters of liquid at a time.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved portable and disposable hydration pouch that is also inexpensive to manufacture. The present invention accomplishes these objectives.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present device is a disposable hydration pouch made from thermally sealable poly-ethylene, poly-urethane, urethane, and/or other polymers.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a hydration pouch that can be easily and inexpensively manufactured.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a hydration pouch that can be easily disposed of by a user.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a hydration pouch system that can be supported from any backpack designed to carry and deliver liquids.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a hydration pouch that can store a large volume of liquid but also with specifically placed baffles to reduce excess lateral movement of liquids stored in the pouch during use.

As will be discussed in more detail, the focus of the present invention is to provide a disposable hydration pouch that is more affordable to users than hydration pouches in the prior art. The apparatus and methods discussed herein can apply to any size or shapes that may be disclosed herein and are not limited to this Description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below in the accompanying Figures. The following detailed description provides detailed schematics for a thorough understanding of and an enabling description for these embodiments. One having ordinary skill in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without certain details. In other instances, well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.

Also, it is noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms, “a,” “and,” “said,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly states to the contrary. Conversely, it is also contemplated that the claims disclosed herein may be drafted as to require singular elements or exclude any optional element indicated to be so here in the accompanying text or drawings. This statement is to serve as an antecedent basis for the use of exclusive terminology as “solely,” “only” and similar terms in connection with the recitation of claims elements or the use of a “negative” claim limitation(s).

Further, for clarification purposes, the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the terms “reservoir,” “hydration pouch,” “delivery tube,” “bag,” “hose,” “tube,” and are used to provide a basic understanding of the operation of the systems, methods, and apparatuses of this invention. Thus, the terms “reservoir,” “hydration pouch,” “delivery tube,” “bag,” “hose,” and “tube” should not be construed as limiting in any way the systems, methods, and apparatuses of this invention.

With reference toFIG. 1, a front view of an unfilled disposable hydration pouch is shown. Generally speaking the hydration pouch is generally referred to in10and resembles a rectangular shape when unfilled. The initial components to form the hydration pouch include a first12and second13sheet of plastic or other polymer material and then placing one flat over the other and creating a sealed and bonded perimeter as shown in15a-15caround part of the top11aof the first12and second13sheets, the lateral sides11bof the sheets, and the bottom11cof the sheets. After the bonded15(a)-15(c) perimeter around the12first and second13sheets has been formed, an upper baffle42seal and a lower baffle43seal are created as shown inFIG. 1.

Suitable materials for the sheets include but are not limited to poly-ethylene, poly-propylene, poly-urethane, and urethane. Any polymers with a high self-friction will achieve the desired goal of ensuring that both sheets continually engage one another prior to being filled. Although the ideal embodiment of the invention includes bonding the sheets together via a heat sealer, the inventors imagine that any number of bonding methods including ultrasonic welders, adhesives, or other commercially practicable methods may be used.

Once the first12and second13sheets are bonded to one another at a portion of the top11a, all of the lateral sides11band bottom11cto form a perimeter, the basic body14of the hydration pouch10is in place. A plurality of equidistant inner baffles41are placed in the middle of the body14and runs generally horizontally or along a latitudinal axis. The inner baffles41are arranged parallel to the top11aand bottom11cof the sheets equidistant from each other, and are formed between the first12and second13sheets via a sealed and bonded baffle perimeter as shown in44. Similar to the bonding and sealing methods disclosed above, a heat sealer can be used to create the baffles bonding44for the inner41, lower42, and upper43baffles used in the hydration pouch10. In the ideal embodiment the inner baffles41are “bone-shaped,” with a horizontal linear shaft component and spherical ends connected at each shaft end. Other shapes may be used for the inner baffles41, depending on the intended design and needs of the hydration pouch10.

The upper42and lower43baffles are used to store liquids and adequately distribute the weight of liquids being carried in the hydration pouch10at a given time. The upper baffles42are a symmetrical horizontal heat seal originating from each lateral side of the body14that runs upward from the lateral perimeter to the tapered neck18of the hydration pouch10opening17. The lower baffles43resemble a concave right triangle and is also a symmetrical horizontal heat seal that runs from each lower lateral11bside in a downward curve that meets in the center of the bottom11cof the body14. The placement of each lower baffle43distributes the weight of the hydration pouch10so that too much liquid doesn't accumulate at the bottom11cof the containment area16. The unique placement and design of the upper42and lower43baffles as well as the inner baffles41in the containment area16allows the hydration pouch10to be manufactured with inexpensive materials with minimal concern for breakage during use.

It is important to note that liquids are to be added to the hydration pouch10via an opening17at the top11aof the body14between the first12and second13sheets. The top11aof the first12sheet and the top of the second13sheet are unbounded and form an opening17for liquid to be added to the containment area16. The unsealed top11aof the first12and second13sheets and curved upper baffle43creates a opening17and a tapered neck18to allow a user to deposit a desired amount of liquid into the containment area16of the hydration pouch10. When the neck18at the top11ais separated to create an opening18between the first12and second13sheets, available liquids can be delivered to the pouch. The ideal amount of liquid to be held by the containment area16ranges between 1 and 3 liters. Once the desired amount of liquids is added, the user can seal the top11aof the hydration pouch10via a mechanical clamp52.

The wider opening17at the top11aof the body14presents several advantages to hydration pouches10in the prior art. First, additional items such as ice or cooling articles may be added to liquids stored in the hydration pouch10. Most hydration pouches10in the prior art require a user to store the pouch overnight in a refrigerator in order for liquids to be chilled and maintain a desired temperature. This design consideration reduces the spontaneity in which outdoor activities can be initiated. The present invention eliminates this consideration because the opening17eliminates the need for the pouch to be externally cooled prior to use. Users can easily place ice or other cooling articles into the hydration pouch10from the opening17. Moreover, the wider mouth of the opening17allows a user to quickly deposit liquids into the hydration pouch without having to be slowed by a narrow opening or neck. It is also easier to add powders such as solid nutritional supplements via the opening at the top11aof the hydration pouch10than it would with a narrow or limited opening.

Once the user has filled the hydration pouch10via the open neck17and sealed the top11a, liquids from the hydration pouch10are delivered to the wearer via a connection valve31attached to the first sheet12, a delivery tube32coupled at one end to the connection valve31and to a user accessible valve33at the other end. In the preferred embodiment, the connection12and is proximal to the hydration pouch10. Also, in the preferred embodiment, the user accessible valve33is a bite valve system and is distal to the hydration pouch10.

While the device remains ultimately disposable, a user may choose to refill the hydration pouch10one or more times before disposing of it. It would be advantageous for a user to maximize use of the hydration pouch10by using it and cleaning it on several occasions before disposing of it. A user may refill or fill a partially filled hydration pouch10by adding liquids to the containment area16via the opening17and neck18at the top11aof the body14.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the delivery tube32may include a insulating means such as a delivery tube32cover made from neoprene, or other composition that would prevent freezing. The insulating system is important when active in winter athletic events that take place in below-freezing environments.

The user accessible valve33is placed into an open configuration by biting down on the valve using the jaws and teeth. Once the wearer provides sufficient vacuum-suction to facilitate transfer of liquids via the user accessible valve33in an open position, liquids flow from the bottom11cof the hydration pouch10through the delivery tube32, ultimately to the wearer's mouth. Once the wearer ceases providing sufficient vacuum-suction through the user accessible valve33, the liquids remain available through the delivery tube32but are not spilled or lost because the user accessible valve33component remains closed. Another advantage of the bite a bottle or other cylindrical liquid storage device. Instead, the user can be actively moving or participating while simultaneously consuming liquids.

Because the delivery tube32can be quickly and easily separated from the hydration pouch10, the preparation and change-out times for the hydration pouch10are substantially reduced. Allowing the delivery tube32to be detachable improves the storage of the hydration pouch10because a user can place or store a hydration pouch10without being concerned about the placement of a piece of extraneous tubing.

FIG. 2Ais a side cross-sectional view of the disposable hydration pouch10without liquid in the containment area16. First, the top11a, lateral11b, and bottom11care heated around the ends to the first12and second13sheets to create the body14and containment area16for the hydration pouch10. BecauseFIG. 2Ais a side view, the top11aand bottom11cof the hydration pouch10is not readily visible. At the bottom of the body14is the liquid delivery apparatus30attached to the first sheet12via the connection valve end31. The connection valve end31includes an insert to connect one end of the delivery tube32, which connects at the other end to the user accessible valve33. When the delivery tube32is separated from the connection valve end31, liquids are quickly expelled from the hydration pouch10because the connection valve end31is set to a open position without an inserted delivery tube32. The delivery tube32can be separated from the connection valve end31by disconnecting it.

Liquids are added to the hydration pouch10by widening the opening17at the top11abetween the first12and second13sheets and then depositing liquids in the containment area16of the body14. Once poured into the opening17and through the neck18, the liquids will begin to accumulate at the bottom11cof the containment area16and fill upwards if a delivery tube32is attached to the connection valve end31. If the first12and second13sheets are not separated at the opening17, then the side profile view of the apparatus resembles the Figure inFIG. 2A.

Further, in the unfilled configuration shown inFIG. 2A, the hydration pouch10may be rolled up for storage purposes and the liquid delivery apparatus30may be separated for space saving purposes. When rolled up into a compressed unfilled configuration, the likelihood that the hydration pouch10will be damaged during transport is reduced.

FIG. 2Bshows a side cross-sectional close-up view of an unfilled disposable hydration pouch ofFIG. 1taken along the line2B-2B. Turning our attention to the hydration pouch10inFIG. 2B, the inner baffle is present in41and the bonding and seal for the inner baffle is shown in44. The first12and second13sheets are shown with the sealed body14including a containment area16. Note that the inner baffle41prevents the excess lateral movement of liquid and weight thereof when the liquids are being transported during activity.

FIG. 3shows a front view of a disposable hydration pouch filled with liquids50. In the filled configuration, the containment area16is much more pronounced compared toFIG. 1and the body14of the hydration pouch10protrudes outward. Liquids50also surround the inner baffles41, providing support to prevent excess lateral movement of the liquids50. Note that the hydration pouch10is in a closed configuration at the top because it is sealed via a mechanical clamp52.

The mechanical clamp52couples to the outer19or inner20annular ports located at the top11aof the body14and also seals the opening17of the first12and second13sheets. The invention includes both outer19and inner20annular ports that are symmetrically placed to the lateral ends11bof the hydration pouch10. The mechanical clamp52acts as a hangar and serves to connect and hang the hydration pouch10to another apparatus such as the top of an inner pocket of a backpack or bag. Specifically, the mechanical clamp52couples to the inner20annular ports of the hydration pouch10located at the top11aof the body14. Based on the desired use, a user may wish to use the outer19annular ports located at the top11aof the body14to better stabilize the hydration pouch10. Once the hydration pouch10is able to hang from a backpack inner pocket or body and the user accessible valve33and delivery tube32is available to a user's mouth, the hydration system can be used. By hanging the hydration pouch10via the mechanical clamp52, liquids can be efficiently delivered to a user during activity.

Liquids50are delivered to the user via the liquid delivery apparatus30by placing the user accessible valve33into an open configuration through biting the valve33and providing vacuum-suction. Once the user provides sufficient vacuum-suction from the user accessible valve33to facilitate transfer of liquids50via the delivery tube32, liquids50flow from the bottom11cof the hydration pouch10through the delivery tube32and user accessible valve33to the user's mouth. Once the user ceases providing sufficient vacuum-suction through the user accessible valve33, the liquids remain available through the delivery tube32but are not spilled or lost because the user accessible valve33component remains closed once the user ceases biting the user accessible valve33. To prevent loss of liquids50the default position for the user accessible valve33is closed. However, if the liquid delivery apparatus30is disengaged from the connection valve end31, then liquids50are quickly expelled from the hydration pouch10via the open connection valve end31.

FIG. 4Ais a side cross-sectional view of the disposable hydration pouch10with liquids50in the containment area16. BecauseFIG. 4Ais a side view, the top11aand bottom11cof the hydration pouch10is not readily visible. At the bottom of body14is the liquid delivery apparatus30attached to the first sheet12via the connection valve end31. The connection valve end31includes an insert to connect one end of the delivery tube32, which connects at the other end to the user accessible valve33. Similarly, when the delivery tube32is separated from the connection valve end31, liquids50are quickly expelled from the hydration pouch10because the connection valve end31is set to an open position without an inserted delivery tube32.

Liquids50are added to the hydration pouch10by widening the opening17at the top11abetween the first12and second13sheets and then adding liquids50to the containment area16of the body14. Once poured into the opening17and through the neck18, the liquids50accumulate at the bottom11cof the containment area16and fill upwards if a delivery tube32is attached to the connection valve end31. If the first12and second13sheets are not separated at the opening17, then the side profile view of the apparatus resembles the Figure inFIG. 4A.

FIG. 4Bshows a side cross-sectional close-up view of a liquid filled disposable hydration pouch ofFIG. 3taken along the line2B-2B. The first12and second13sheets making up the body14containment area16between the sheets. The lateral bonding15band sides11bprovide support and a shape for the liquid50to fill into the hydration pouch10. In the hydration pouch10ofFIG. 4B, the inner baffle is present in41and the bonding and seal for the inner baffle is shown in44. The first12and second13sheets are shown with the sealed body14including an expanded containment area16as a result of the added liquids50. Note that the position of the inner baffle41prevents the excess lateral movement of liquids50and weight thereof when the liquids are being transported during activity.

While a particular embodiment of the invention has been described and disclosed in the present application, it is clear that any number of permutations, modifications, or embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and the scope of this invention. Accordingly, it is not the inventor's intention to limit this invention in the present application, except as by the appended claims.

In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention under the claims.

In light of the above “Detailed Description,” Inventors may make changes to the invention. While the detailed description outlines possible embodiments of the invention and discloses the practiced in a myriad of ways. Thus, implementation details may vary considerably while still being encompassed by the spirit of the invention as disclosed by the inventor. As discussed herein, specific terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated.