Hydration system accessory device

The systems and processes described herein correspond to a device that is to be detachably coupled to a hydration system, such as a backpack-based hydration system. The device may receive fluid from a reservoir included within the hydration system via a reservoir hose coupled to the reservoir. The device may include a pump and one or more valves that control the extent to which the fluid flows in and out of the interior of the pump. The fluid may exit a mouthpiece of the device based at least partly in response to a user applying pressure to the exterior surface of the pump, such as by the user squeezing or otherwise compressing the pump. The user may consume or otherwise use the fluid without having to apply suction to the mouthpiece of the device.

BACKGROUND

Backpack-based hydration systems allow for consumers to engage in a relatively hands free drinking experience. Typically, backpack-based hydration systems include a backpack to be worn by a user, a reservoir included within the backpack that stores liquid (e.g., water) to be consumed or otherwise used by the user, a mouthpiece utilized by the user to consume the liquid, and a hose that allows the liquid to travel from the reservoir to the mouthpiece. Backpack-based hydration systems are frequently used when a user is engaging in physical activity, such as running, hiking, snow skiing, or bicycling. In these instances, rather than having to carry a bottle that stores liquid to be consumed, the user may instead wear the backpack and consume the liquid via the mouthpiece while engaging in that physical activity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are systems, devices, and techniques for delivering a fluid (e.g., a liquid or a gas) to be consumed or otherwise utilized by a user. More particularly, backpack-based hydration systems (also referred to herein as “hydration system(s)”) allow a user to wear a backpack that stores fluid (e.g., water, sports drink, etc.) that is to be consumed by the user. Although many configurations are likely possible, backpack-based hydration systems typically include a carrying case (e.g., a backpack), which includes one or more straps that can be worn by the user, a reservoir within the carrying case that stores the liquid, a mouthpiece that is utilized by the user to consume the liquid, and a hose that delivers the liquid from the reservoir to the mouthpiece. To consume the liquid, the user needs to apply suction to the mouthpiece, such as by the user using his/her mouth to suck on the mouthpiece.

An advantage of backpack based-hydration systems is that a user may easily access liquids while engaging in physical activity, such as running, hiking, snow skiing, bicycling, etc. For instance, rather than having to carry a bottle and lifting the bottle to the user's mouth each time he/she would like to consume some of the liquid, the user may instead carry the liquid on his/her back via the backpack. The user may consume the liquid by keeping the mouthpiece in his/her mouth. Alternatively, the user may cause the mouthpiece to remain in close proximity to his/her mouth while engaging in physical activity, such as by using an attaching mechanism (e.g., a strap, Velcro®, etc.). When the user would like to consume the liquid, he/she may easily place the mouthpiece in his/her mouth using a single movement of the hand, without needing to identify the location of the mouthpiece. In addition, the reservoir may also have a larger capacity as compared to a bottle, thereby allowing the user to store and have access to a larger volume of liquid.

Since the user needs to apply suction to (e.g., suck on) the mouthpiece in order for the backpack-based hydration system to deliver the liquid to the user, it may be difficult to consume the liquid while engaging in physical activity. For instance, when the user is sucking on the mouthpiece in attempt to consume the liquid, the user will be unable to breathe during that time. This presents a problem when the user is engaging in strenuous physical activity, which causes the user to breathe more rapidly and/or excessively. While engaging in such physical activity, the user applying suction to the mouthpiece is likely to cause the user to lose his/her breath, which may hinder the user's ability to engage in that physical activity, and which may decrease the performance of the user as a result. Accordingly, while the user is engaging in strenuous physical activity, the user may be unable to consume a desired amount of liquid using existing backpack-based hydration systems.

In addition, existing backpack-based hydration systems do not allow a user to spray liquid (e.g., water) in areas other than the user's mouth. For instance, while the user is engaging in physical activity (e.g., running, bicycling, hiking, etc.), and/or when the temperature is relatively high or higher than normal, the user may breathe more rapidly and feel warm or hot. Ideally, the user could spray water from the backpack hydrations system onto his/her face, head, arms, etc., in an attempt to cool down. Since existing backpack-based hydration systems typically require the user to apply suction with his/her mouth in order to cause liquid to be output, such backpack-based hydration systems are limited to consuming the liquid.

Therefore, described herein is a pump adapter device that allows a user to consume a desired amount of fluid utilizing a backpack-based hydration system while engaging in physical activity. The pump adapter device may be detachably coupled to the backpack-based hydration system, and may include a bulb or pump, one or more valves, and a mouthpiece. In various embodiments, the pump adapter device may detachably couple to the hose of the backpack-based hydration system at a location where the existing mouthpiece was previously located. That is, the pump adapter device may replace the mouthpiece that typically is connected to the reservoir via the hose of the backpack-based hydration system.

In particular, the pump adapter device may include one or more valves that restrict the flow of the fluid that enters and/or exits the pump adapter device. In some embodiments, the pump adapter device may include a first valve that is disposed between the reservoir of the backpack-based hydration system and a pump or bulb of the pump adapter device. This first valve may control the extent to which the fluid stored in the reservoir of backpack-based hydration system flows into the bulb/pump of the pump adapter device. As a result, the first valve may prevent the fluid from freely flowing into the bulb/pump via the hose of the backpack-based hydration system. As the exterior of the bulb/pump of the pump adapter device is depressed or squeezed by the user, the resulting pressure within the interior of the bulb/pump may cause the first valve to allow the fluid to flow into the bulb/pump of the pump adapter device. The fluid may then be stored, possibly only temporarily, within the bulb/pump of the pump adapter device.

In other embodiments, the first valve may allow the fluid to freely flow into the interior of the bulb/pump in a single direction. As a result, the first valve may cause the interior of the bulb/pump to fill with fluid from the reservoir. When the interior of the bulb/pump is empty or is not completely filled with fluid, the first valve may allow fluid to flow into the interior of the bulb/pump, thereby causing the bulb/pump to refill with the fluid.

Alternatively, or in addition to the first valve, the pump adapter device may include a second valve that is disposed between the bulb/pump and the mouthpiece of the pump adapter device. In certain embodiments, the second valve may control the extent to which the fluid flows from the interior of the bulb/pump into the mouthpiece of the pump adapter device. Upon the user depressing or squeezing the exterior of the bulb/pump, the resulting pressure within the interior of the bulb/pump may cause the second valve to allow the fluid to exit the interior of the bulb/pump and enter the mouthpiece. As a result, the fluid may exit the pump adapter device via the mouthpiece, such as via a nozzle included within, or otherwise associated with, the mouthpiece.

In additional embodiments, the hose of the backpack-based hydration system that transports the fluid to the pump adapter device may connect to the bulb/pump at the same side as the hose that delivers the fluid to the user via the mouthpiece and/or nozzle. Each hose may connect to a bulb cap that is attached to the bulb/pump. At least one valve may be disposed within, or in proximity to, the bulb cap in order to regulate the amount of fluid that is transported within the interior of the bulb/pump and/or the amount of fluid that is transported from the interior of the bulb/pump to the user via the mouthpiece/nozzle. The at least one valve may be any type of valve, such as a check valve or some other type of valve having one or more valve balls that allow, or prevent, fluid from passing through the valve. In certain embodiments, a hose may extend from one of the valves into the interior of the bulb/pump. That way, fluid that is situated at the bottom of the bulb/pump may still be delivered to the user when the user depresses the bulb/pump, or when the user applies suction to the mouthpiece/nozzle. Accordingly, the pump adapter device may be structured such that the hoses that transport fluid into and out of the bulb/pump are located on the same side of the bulb/pump. As a result, the pump adapter device may be positioned such that the pump adapter device delivers fluid directly to the user without the user having to manipulate the position of the pump adapter device.

Accordingly, the user may attach the pump adapter device to the backpack-based hydration system. Rather than having to apply suction to the mouthpiece, the user may instead squeeze or depress the exterior of the bulb/pump of the pump adapter device, which may cause fluid to be output (e.g., sprayed, streamed, etc.) from the mouthpiece. As a result, as compared to existing backpack-based hydration systems, the user may utilize the pump adapter device in conjunction with a backpack-based hydration system to consume fluids (e.g., water) in a relatively easier manner, even while engaging in strenuous physical activity.

FIG. 1illustrates an example system100for delivering a fluid to be consumed or otherwise used by a user. For the purposes of this discussion, a fluid may constitute a fluid (e.g., water, sports drink, etc.) or a gas (e.g., oxygen). As shown, the system100may include a hydration system102and a device104. For the purposes of this discussion, the size and shape of the hydration system102, the device104, and/or the components thereof as illustrated inFIG. 1may or may not be representative of their actual size and shape. In various embodiments, the device104may be detachably coupled to the hydration system102, such that the device104may be attached to, and also removed from, the hydration system102. However, in other embodiments, the device104may be permanently affixed to the hydration system102.

The hydration system102may take the form of a backpack-based hydration system, which may include a reservoir106and a reservoir hose108. The reservoir106may be any type of container (e.g., rigid, malleable, etc.) made from any type of material (e.g., plastic, metal, etc.) that is capable of storing fluid (e.g., water). A reservoir hose108carries or delivers the fluid from the reservoir106to the device104. The reservoir hose108may be any type of hose or tube that is capable of transporting the fluid from the reservoir106to the device104. Existing backpack-based hydration systems only include a mouthpiece at the end of the reservoir hose108. Here, the mouthpiece at the end of the reservoir hose108is removed and the device104is inserted at the same location, or at a location in proximity to where the existing mouthpiece was previously located. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece of the existing backpack-based hydration system may then be inserted at the other end of the device104.

As stated above, the device104may detachably couple to the hydration system102, such as by a connector110of the device104attaching or coupling to the reservoir hose108, or a connector associated with the reservoir hose108. In some embodiments, a first end of the reservoir hose108may be coupled to the reservoir106and a second end of the reservoir hose108may be detachably coupled to the connector110of the device104. The second end of the reservoir hose108may attach or couple to the connector110via a coupling mechanism, which may include a snapping mechanism, a screw mechanism, a clicking mechanism, and so on. That is, the connector110may snap onto, screw into, or click into the reservoir hose108, or vice versa. In any event, the connector110of the device104may fasten to the second end of the reservoir hose108in some manner. The fluid stored in the reservoir106may be transported through the reservoir hose108into the device104through the connector110.

In some embodiments, the connector110may not be present in the device104, such that a first stem112of the device104is connected directly to the reservoir hose108. For instance, the reservoir hose108may be inserted over a ridged inlet of the first stem112, and friction may cause the reservoir hose108and the first stem112to remain connected. In other embodiments, the connector110may be integrally formed with a next component of the device104, such as the first stem112or a first valve114.

The device104may optionally include the first stem112that is coupled to the connector110. The first stem112may be any type of tubing or hosing that allows the fluid to pass from the connector110to a first valve114. The first stem112may be coupled to the connector110and/or the first valve114in any manner, such as via an adhesive (e.g., glue). In other embodiments, however, the first valve114may be coupled directly to the connector110, and the first stem112may not be included in the device104. Alternatively, the first stem112may serve as the connector110and may be part of the housing of the first valve114.

The first valve114may be coupled to a bulb116of the device104. In various embodiments, the first valve114may control the extent to which the fluid flows into the interior of the bulb116. For the purposes of this discussion, a valve may correspond to a device that regulates, directs, or controls the flow of the fluid by opening, closing, or partially obstructing a passageway. In general, when the first valve114is closed, the fluid may not pass through the first valve114into the interior of the bulb116. However, if the first valve114is considered to be open, the fluid may flow in a direction from higher pressure to lower pressure. That is, if the pressure within the interior of the bulb116is less than the pressure on the other side of the first valve114, the fluid is likely to flow through the first valve114into the interior of the bulb116. As discussed in additional detail below, the first valve114may be a check valve, which may restrict the fluid to moving only in a single direction through the first valve114.

In other embodiments, the first valve114may allow the fluid to flow into the interior of the bulb116in a single direction, thereby allowing the bulb116to be filled and/or refilled with the fluid. That is, the fluid may passively flow from the reservoir106to the interior of the bulb116, while the first valve114may prevent the fluid from flowing in the opposite direction out of the interior of the bulb116. As a result, when the bulb116is empty, or when some of the fluid flows out of the bulb116, the first valve114may allow the bulb to fill with the fluid. However, in other instances, the first valve114may allow the fluid to flow in multiple directions, such that the fluid may flow into and out of the interior of the bulb116via the first valve114.

In certain embodiments, the first valve114may be connected or coupled to a first end of the bulb116and a second valve118may be connected or coupled to a second end of the bulb116. The bulb116may include any type of bulb, pump, or compressible object that the user may squeeze or depress (e.g., apply pressure to the exterior surface of the bulb116) for the purpose of causing the fluid to be output from the device104. For instance, the bulb116may be a pump having a trigger or lever mechanism that, when actuated by a user, causes the fluid to be output from the device104. Such a pump may also have a spring mechanism that draws the next dose of fluid into the pump/bulb116. The bulb116may include any other component or mechanism that causes fluid to be output from the device104, such as via the second valve118of the device104. Both the first end and the second end of the bulb116may have corresponding openings (e.g., a first opening and a second opening) that allow the fluid to pass into and out of the interior of the bulb116. The bulb116may be of any size and may be made of any material (e.g., rubber, plastic, etc.) that allows the bulb116to be compressed by the user, such as by the hand of the user. After being compressed by the user, and when the user decreases the pressure being applied to the exterior of the bulb116, the bulb116may then return to its original state.

As stated above, the second end of the bulb116may be connected or coupled to the second valve118, which may be the same as, or different from, the first valve114. The second valve118may control the extent to which the fluid flows from the interior of the bulb116through the second valve118to a second stem120of the device104. Similar to the first stem112, inclusion of the second stem120in the device104is optional, and the second valve118may instead be coupled directly to a mouthpiece122of the device104. Inclusion of the first stem112and/or the second stem120in the device104may cause the device104to be extended or elongated, while exclusion of the first stem112and/or the second stem120may cause the device104to be shorter or more compact. Provided that the first stem112and/or the second stem120is included in the device104, the size and/or length of the device104may vary based on the length and overall size of the first stem112and/or the second stem120.

In various embodiments, the second valve118may be connected or coupled to the mouthpiece122via the second stem120, or the second valve118may be directly connected or coupled to the mouthpiece122. The second valve118may control the extent to which the fluid flows from the interior of the bulb116through the second valve118into the mouthpiece122. Provided that does occur, the fluid may exit the mouthpiece122via a nozzle124. The mouthpiece122may correspond to the portion of the device104that comes near or in contact with the user's mouth during use. That is, the user may place the mouthpiece122inside of, in front of, or in close proximity to his/her mouth for the purpose of consuming the fluid that exits the mouthpiece122. In certain embodiments, a stream or spray of the fluid may exit the mouthpiece122. For instance, in addition to causing the fluid to spray into his/her mouth, the user may position the mouthpiece122such that the fluid sprays onto other parts of the user's body, such as his/her face, head, hair, arms, back, chest, and so on. The user may do so to cool down while engaging in physical activity.

In various embodiments, the mouthpiece122may optionally include, be associated with, or be in fluid communication with the nozzle124. For the purposes of this discussion, the mouthpiece122being in fluid communication with the nozzle124may indicate that the fluid flows from the mouthpiece122to the nozzle124, which then outputs the fluid. That is, the mouthpiece122may temporarily store the fluid after the fluid has exited the interior of the bulb116via the second valve118and possibly the second stem120.

The nozzle124may correspond to a device or portion or mouthpiece122that is designed to control the direction or characteristics of the flow (e.g., increase the velocity of the flow) of the fluid that is exiting the device104. In some embodiments, the nozzle124may include a pipe or tube of varying cross sectional area, which is used to direct or modify the flow of the fluid as it exits the device104. Moreover, the nozzle124may control the rate of flow, speed, direction, mass, shape, and/or pressure of the stream of fluid that exits the mouthpiece122. The nozzle124may be manually adjusted by the user, or may adjust automatically, to modify the flow of the fluid exiting the device104. As a result, the user may customize the device104by modifying the nozzle124to determine a preferred rate, pressure, and/or direction in which the fluid exits the device104. For instance, the user may adjust the nozzle124based on the amount of fluid that the user would like to consume. In various embodiments, if the nozzle124was not included in the device104, the fluid may flow out of an opening in the mouthpiece122.

The extent to which the fluid exits the device104may be dependent upon actions taken by the user operating and/or wearing the hydration system102and the device104. In particular, the user may control the extent to which the fluid exits the mouthpiece122by applying pressure to the exterior surface of the bulb116, such as by squeezing, depressing, or compressing the bulb116of the device104. If there is no, or little, fluid included in the bulb116, compression of the bulb116may cause fluid to pass through the first valve114into the interior of the bulb116. The fluid may also freely flow into the interior of the bulb116via the first valve114. However, compression of the bulb116when fluid is currently present in the bulb116may cause that fluid to pass through the second valve118and then out of the mouthpiece122and/or nozzle124. The resulting pressure within the interior of the bulb116may also cause additional fluid to pass through the first valve114into the interior of the bulb116, which would replace the fluid that previously exited the device104via the nozzle124. As stated above, when the fluid within the interior of the bulb116exits through the second valve118, the first valve114may allow the fluid to passively flow into the interior of the bulb116, thereby causing the bulb116to refill with the fluid. As a result, the different components of the device104may contain fluid while the device104is in use, and even when the device104is not currently being used.

Therefore, by squeezing, or otherwise applying pressure to the exterior surface of, the bulb116of the device104while the device104is coupled to the hydration system102, the user may cause the fluid stored in the reservoir106of the hydration system102to exit the device104, without having to apply suction to a mouthpiece of the hydration system102and/or the device104. Provided that the user places the mouthpiece122of the device104in, or in close proximity to, his/her mouth, the user may consume the fluid as a result of squeezing the bulb116, thereby avoiding or significantly decreasing breathing difficulties while using the hydration system102during physical activity. In addition, the mouthpiece122may be placed in a position such that the fluid is sprayed on other parts of the user's body, such as the user's face, head, hair, arms, chest, back, and so on. By spraying the fluid on himself/herself, the user may cool down while engaging in physical, and possibly strenuous, activity.

FIG. 2illustrates an example diagram200of the device104, as described above with respect toFIG. 1. As shown, the device104may include the connector110, the first stem112, the first valve114, the bulb116, the second valve118, the second stem120, the mouthpiece122, and the nozzle124. However, the device104may include some or all of the components listed above. For instance, the first stem112and/or the second stem120may not be included in the device104. In addition, the device104may include one or both of the first valve114and the second valve118.

Although not shown inFIG. 2, the device104, and the connector110in particular, may be connected or coupled to the reservoir hose108of the hydration system102, or to a connector associated with the reservoir hose108. The connector110may also be part of the first stem112or the first valve114. As a result, the device104may receive input202, which may correspond to the fluid that is stored in the reservoir106of the hydration system102. The fluid may flow through the connector110and, optionally, through the first stem112to the first valve114. In various embodiments, the first valve114may control the extent to which the fluid flows into the interior of the bulb116of the device104. Moreover, the second valve118may control the extent to which fluid currently residing in the interior of the bulb116flows through the second valve118into the mouthpiece122. As shown, the second valve118and the mouthpiece122may be connected via the second stem120, or the second valve118and the mouthpiece122may be connected directly to one another. Upon the second valve118allowing the fluid to pass through, the fluid may flow into the mouthpiece122and exit out the nozzle124as output204. That is, the fluid may flow out of the nozzle124and be consumed or otherwise used (e.g., sprayed on the body of the user) by the user operating the device104in conjunction with the hydration system102.

In various embodiments, the fluid may exit the device104as a result of a bulb depression306performed by a user operating the device104. That is, in response to the user applying pressure to the exterior surface of the bulb116, such as by squeezing, depressing, or compressing the bulb116, the device104may output the fluid via the mouthpiece122and/or the nozzle124. More particularly, the user manually squeezing the bulb116may cause the second valve118to allow the fluid to flow from the interior of the bulb116to the mouthpiece122, which results in the output204. The bulb depression306may also cause the first valve114to allow the fluid to flow into the interior of the bulb116. As discussed in additional detail below, provided that the first valve114and the second valve118are each check valves, the fluid flows in a direction from the connector110to the mouthpiece122. In other words, the check valves cause the fluid to flow in a single direction, as opposed to the fluid flowing multiple directions through the first valve114and the second valve118.

FIG. 3illustrates an example diagram300of a portion of the device104, as described above with respect toFIGS. 1 and 2. In particular,FIG. 3illustrates the first valve114, the bulb116, and the second valve118of the device104. Although not shown, the device104may also include the connector110, the first stem112, the second stem120, the mouthpiece122, and/or the nozzle124.

In various embodiments, the first valve114and/or the second valve118may each be a check valve, which also may be referred to as a clack valve, a non-return valve, or a one-way valve. For the purposes of this discussion, a check valve may correspond to a valve that typically allows a fluid to flow through the check valve only in a single direction, meaning that the first valve114and/or the second valve118may allow the fluid to flow in a first direction, but may not allow the fluid to flow in a second, different or opposite direction (e.g., backflow). Moreover, a check valve may be considered a two-port valve, meaning that a check valve has at least two openings in the body of the check valve. A first opening may allow fluid to enter the check valve, while a second opening may allow the fluid to exit the check valve. Moreover, the check valve may be designed for and specified for a particular pressure, which may be referred to as a cracking pressure. The cracking pressure may correspond to a minimum amount of upstream pressure (e.g., upstream with respect to the flow of the fluid) at which the check valve can operate. That is, the check valve may allow fluid to pass from an area of higher pressure (a first side of the check valve) to an area of lower pressure (a second side of the check valve). The first valve114and the second valve118may be one of many different types of check valves, including a ball check valve, a diaphragm check valve, a swing check valve (also referred to as a tilting disc check valve), a stop-check valve, a lift-check valve, an in-line check valve, a duckbill valve, a double check valve, a wafer check valve, a ball-and-cone check valve, a piston check valve, and/or a pneumatic non-return valve.

Therefore, the first valve114and the second valve118may prevent the fluid from flowing freely from the reservoir hose108of the hydration system102to the mouthpiece122of the device104. As shown inFIG. 3, the first valve114may include a first opening302, a body304, and a second opening306. The body304of the first valve114may include a mechanism or one or more components that control the extent to which the fluid flows into the first valve114via the first opening302and out of the first valve114via the second opening306. Moreover, the bulb116of the device104may include a first bulb opening308in which fluid enters the interior of the bulb116and a second bulb opening310in which the fluid exits the interior of the bulb116into the second valve118. The fluid that exits the bulb116via the second bulb opening310may enter the second valve118via a first opening312. Similar to the first valve114, one or more mechanisms or components within a body314of the second valve118may control the extent to which the fluid exits the second valve118via a second opening316. The fluid exiting the second valve118may be referred to as output320.

While using the device104in conjunction with the hydration system102, the user may perform a bulb depression322, which may constitute the user applying pressure to the exterior surface of the bulb116, such as by squeezing, depressing, or compressing the bulb116. As a result of the bulb depression322, the pressure within the body of the bulb116(i.e., the interior of the bulb116) may increase. If the pressure within the interior of the bulb116is greater than the pressure on the opposite side of the second valve118, the second valve118may cause the fluid within the interior of the bulb116to pass through the second valve118and flow out of the second opening316of the second valve118as the output320. That is, the second valve118may open, allowing the fluid to pass through the second valve118. Once the pressure within the bulb116is approximately equal to the pressure on the opposite side of the second valve118, the second valve118may prevent additional fluid from passing through. As a result, when the user squeezes the bulb116of the device104, fluid within the bulb116may flow out of the device104, thereby allowing the user to consume or otherwise use the outputted fluid. When the user releases the bulb116, the second valve118may close, thereby preventing additional fluid from exiting the interior of the bulb116via the second valve118.

In addition, prior to the bulb depression322, the pressure within the bulb116may be less than the pressure on the opposite side of the first valve114. Provided this occurs, the first valve114may allow the fluid to flow from the first opening302of the first valve114through the second opening306of the first valve114, causing the interior of the bulb116to at least partially fill with the fluid. Then, after the bulb depression322causes the second valve118to allow the fluid within the bulb116to exit through the second opening316of the second valve118, the pressure within the interior of the bulb116may return to a level that is approximately the same as the pressure prior to the bulb depression322. As a result, the first valve114may allow the fluid to flow into the bulb116, thus replacing the fluid that previously exited the device104. That is, the extent to which fluid enters and exits the interior of the bulb116may depend upon the pressure within the interior of the bulb116, which may be generated and may vary based on the amount of pressure being applied to the exterior surface of the bulb116(e.g., how hard the user is squeezing the bulb116).

Accordingly, the presence of check valves within the device104prevents the fluid from freely flowing into and out of the device, and allows for at least some fluid to remain within the bulb116of the device104. This allows the user to consume the fluid at his/her disposal by merely squeezing the bulb116of the device104, as opposed to needing to suck on the mouthpiece122of the device104.

However, in other embodiments, the first valve114may allow the fluid to pass freely into the interior of the bulb116, depending upon the amount of fluid currently within the bulb116. Accordingly, when the interior of the bulb116is not full with fluid, the first valve114may allow the interior of the bulb116to fill or refill with the fluid. As stated above, the first valve114may only allow the fluid to flow in a single direction from the reservoir106into the bulb116. Alternatively, the first valve114may allow the fluid to flow freely into and out of the bulb116.

FIG. 4illustrates an example system400for delivering a fluid to be consumed or otherwise used by a user. For the purposes of this discussion, the hydration system102, the reservoir106, and the reservoir hose108may be similar to those illustrated in, and described with respect to,FIGS. 1-3. However, the device104may be different in some respect with respect to the device104illustrated in, and described with respect to,FIGS. 1-3. As shown, the hydration system102may transport fluid (e.g., water, a sports drink, etc.) to the device104from the reservoir106via the reservoir hose108. The reservoir hose108may be permanently or detachably coupled to the device104via a bulb cap402of the device104. The bulb cap402may be made of any material (e.g., plastic, metal, etc.) or shape (e.g., cylindrical, a cube, rectangular, spherical, etc.) and may be permanently or detachably coupled to the bulb116.

Although any configuration is contemplated, the bulb cap402may include or house the first valve114and the second valve118. As a result, fluid may be transported via the reservoir house108into a first side of the bulb cap402and through the first valve114, such that the fluid is delivered to the interior of the bulb116via a second side of the bulb cap402. As shown, the device104also includes an interior hose404that is located/positioned within the interior of the bulb116. The interior hose404may extend from the second side of the bulb cap402down to the opposite end of the bulb116. The interior hose404may be connected to the second side of the bulb cap402and/or the second valve118, which is also located within the bulb cap402. Also attached (either permanently or detachably) to the first side of the bulb cap402is a fluid delivery hose406that is connected to the mouthpiece122and the nozzle124.

Provided that there is fluid within the interior of the bulb116, a user may depress or squeeze the bulb116, such as by the user holding the bulb116in his/her hand and squeezing the bulb116using his/her fingers to exert pressure/force on one or more exterior surfaces of the bulb116. Upon the bulb116being depressed/squeezed, the fluid within the interior of the bulb116may be delivered into the user's mouth, or onto the user's face, hair, etc. More particularly, the fluid within the interior of the bulb116may be directed into the interior hose404, transported through the second valve118, transported through the fluid delivery hose406, and transported out of the mouthpiece122/nozzle124of the device104.

In certain embodiments, the interior hose404may be permanently or detachably coupled to the second side of the bulb cap402that is located proximate to the interior of the bulb116. Moreover, the interior hose404may be made of any material (e.g., plastic, metal, etc.), and may be coupled to the second valve118via a stem. Additional stems may also be included, such as a stem that couples the reservoir hose108to the bulb cap402or first valve114, a second stem that is positioned between the first valve114or the bulb cap402and the interior of the bulb116, a third stem that couples the interior hose404to the bulb cap402or the second valve118, and/or a fourth stem that couples the fluid delivery hose406to the bulb cap402or the second valve118. Moreover, the fluid delivery hose406may be any mechanism that transports the fluid to the user via the mouthpiece122and/or the nozzle124, such as plastic/metal tubing. Moreover, the fluid delivery hose406may be of any length, or may be absent if the mouthpiece122/nozzle124is connected directly to the first side of the bulb cap402or a stem coupled to the first side of the bulb cap402.

FIG. 5illustrates an example diagram500of the device104, as described above with respect toFIG. 4. As shown, the reservoir hose108that transports fluid from the reservoir106of the hydration system102to the device104is coupled to a first side of the bulb cap402of the device104. The fluid delivery hose406that delivers the fluid to the user via the mouthpiece122/nozzle124is also coupled to the first side of the bulb cap402of the device104. In various embodiments, the bulb cap402serves to house the first valve114and/or the second valve118, and to prevent fluid within the interior of the bulb116from exiting out of the bulb116. For instance, the bulb116may have a single opening, and the bulb cap402may be coupled/attached to that opening. Moreover, the bulb cap402may have two openings, such as a first opening in which fluid is transported into the bulb116(via the reservoir hose108) and a second opening in which the fluid exits the bulb116(via the fluid delivery hose406.

As referenced above with respect toFIG. 4, the device104may (or may not) include one or more stems. For instance, the reservoir hose108may be coupled to the first side of the bulb cap402and/or the first valve114via a first stem502. Moreover, the fluid that is transported via the reservoir house108and that passes through the first valve114may enter the interior of the bulb116via a second stem504that is coupled to the second side of the bulb cap402and/or the first valve114. In additional embodiments, the interior hose404that is located within the interior of the bulb116may be coupled to the second side of the bulb cap402and/or the second valve118via a third stem506. Moreover, the fluid delivery hose406that transports the fluid to the user may be coupled to the first side of the bulb cap402and/or the second valve118via a fourth stem508. For the purposes of this discussion, some, all, or none of the stems described above may be included on or within the device104.

As stated above, the device104may include any number of valves that allow fluid to be transported (or not) into the interior of the bulb116and/or that allow fluid to be transported (or not) from the interior of the bulb116to the user via the fluid delivery hose406. However, as illustrated inFIG. 5, the device104may include two valves—a first valve114and a second valve118. The first valve114and the second valve118may be any type of valve, such as a check valve. For instance, the first valve114and/or the second valve118may include one or more balls that may allow or prevent fluid from passing through the valves. As shown, although any number of valve balls may be included within, or otherwise associated with, the valves, the first valve114may include a first valve ball510and the second valve118may include a second valve ball512. The first valve ball510and the second valve ball512may be of any size or shape, and may be made of any material (e.g., plastic, metal, stone, etc.). The first valve ball510and the second valve ball512may be of a size and/or shape that prevent fluid from freely passing through the first valve114and the second valve, respectively. The interior of the bulb cap402may also include other physical components that maintain the position of the first valve ball508and the second valve ball512.

In certain embodiments, a user may physically hold the device104such that the first side of the bulb cap402is facing upwards. That is, the side of the bulb cap402that is coupled to the reservoir hose108and the fluid delivery hose406is facing up. In this embodiment, the second side of the bulb cap402and the bulb116itself will be facing downwards. As a result, in this orientation, any fluid that is included within the interior of the bulb116will collect at the bottom of the bulb116, which may be represented by bulb fluid514. Provided that the device104is being held in the configuration/orientation described above, the interior hose404within the bulb116will extend from the second side of the bulb cap402downwards towards the bottom of the bulb116. As shown, the interior hose404may extend down into the bulb fluid514that has collected at the bottom of the bulb116due to gravity.

As a result of the interior hose404extending into the bulb fluid514, the user depressing or squeezing the bulb116with his/her hand or fingers may cause the bulb fluid514to enter the interior hose404and be transported towards the second valve114. The bulb fluid514may pass through the second valve118and be delivered to the user via the fluid delivery hose406and mouthpiece122/nozzle124. Accordingly, when the amount of bulb fluid514within the bulb116becomes low, the interior hose404may still allow the user to have access to the water that is positioned towards the bottom of the bulb116. Otherwise, without the interior hose404, depression/squeezing of the bulb116by the user may result in the bulb fluid514not flowing through the second valve118, remaining within the interior of the bulb116, and not being delivered to the user. Moreover, without the interior hose404, the user may need to depress/squeeze the bulb116with a relatively large amount of force in order to drink (or otherwise use) the bulb fluid514.

FIG. 6illustrates an example process for delivering fluid to a user of a hydration system. The example process is described in the context of the environment ofFIGS. 1-5, but is not limited to those environments. The order in which the operations are described in each example process is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described blocks can be combined in any order and/or in parallel to implement each process. Moreover, the operations illustrated inFIG. 6may be performed by the device (e.g., device104) illustrated inFIGS. 1-5.

Block602illustrates receiving, by a device, fluid from a reservoir. More particularly, the device104may be detachably coupled to a hydration system102, such as a backpack-based hydration system, that includes a reservoir106and a reservoir hose108. Provided that the device104detachably couples or connects to the hydration system102, the device104may be considered an accessory device for the hydration system102. In other embodiments, the device104may be permanently attached or affixed to the hydration system102. Stored within the reservoir106of the hydration system102may be a fluid (e.g., a liquid, a gas, etc.), such as water, a sports drink, etc. The fluid may flow from the reservoir106and through the reservoir hose108to the device104, which may be coupled to the reservoir hose108via the connector110. The fluid may flow in a single direction from the reservoir106of the hydration system102to the device104. The device104may also only allow the fluid to flow in a single direction within the device104based at least partly on one or more valves (e.g., the first valve114and/or the second valve118), such as one or more check valves. In some embodiments, the reservoir hose108and a second hose that transports the fluid to the user (e.g., the fluid delivery hose406) may be positioned/located on the same side of the bulb116, or on the same side of a bulb cap402coupled to the bulb116.

Block604illustrates determining that a bulb of the device has been depressed. In various embodiments, the device104may include a bulb116or pump that can be depressed, compressed, squeezed, etc., by the user operating the device104. For example, when the user would like to consume (e.g., drink) or otherwise consume (e.g., spray the fluid on the user's body) the fluid, the user may apply an amount of pressure to the exterior surface of the bulb116, such as by squeezing the bulb116of the device104.

Block606illustrates directing the fluid through one or more valves of the device. In response to the user squeezing the bulb116of the device, the fluid contained within the bulb116may be directed through a valve (e.g., the second valve118) and into the mouthpiece122of the device104. Depression of the bulb116may cause the pressure within the interior of the bulb116to exceed the pressure on the other side of the second valve118, which may cause the second valve118to allow the fluid to flow through the second valve118. Fluid may also flow into the interior of the bulb116via a valve (e.g., the first valve114). For example, when the pressure within the interior of the bulb116is less than the pressure on the other side of the first valve114, the first valve114may allow the fluid to pass through the first valve114into the interior of the bulb116. In other embodiments, the valve may allow the fluid to pass freely into the interior of the bulb116, thereby allowing the fluid to fill and/or refill the bulb116.

Block608illustrates causing the fluid to be output via a nozzle of a mouthpiece of the device. More particularly, and as stated above, based at least partly on the user squeezing the bulb116, the fluid may pass through the second valve118into the mouthpiece122. The mouthpiece122may include a chamber that stores the fluid before it is output through the nozzle124of the device104. The fluid within the mouthpiece122may flow through the nozzle124for consumption (or other use) by the user. As a result, rather than having to apply suction to the mouthpiece122/nozzle124to consume the fluid, the user may instead squeeze the bulb116of the device104in order to cause the fluid to be output.