Disclosed herein are embodiments of hydration bladders that include flexible wall portions along with relatively more rigid structural portions that are shaped to help define the shape of the bladder and can also help a user grip and manipulate the bladder. The structural portions can also support or incorporate other bladder features, such as inlet ports, caps, outlet ports, valves, tubes, attachment points, graphic designs, and/or other features. Some embodiments include an outlet tube that is retractable and extendable through an upper port at the top of the bladder.

FIELD

This application relates to the field of hydration bladders for containing and dispensing fluids for drinking.

BACKGROUND

Conventional bladders include flexible walls that define an internal fluid space that can expand and contract in volume, along with a port for adding and dispensing the fluid.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are embodiments of hydration bladders that include flexible wall portions along with relatively more rigid structural portions that are shaped to help define the shape of the bladder and can also help a user grip and manipulate the bladder. The structural portions can also support or incorporate other bladder features, such as inlet ports, caps, outlet ports, valves, tubes, attachment points, graphic designs, and/or other features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This following description proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures, which are filed herewith and form part of this application. Disclosed herein are embodiments of flexible fluid reservoirs that may include a front sheet and a rear sheet that may be fully or partially sealed around their mutual perimeters to form a bladder. In some embodiments, the front and/or rear sheet may be formed to create a 3-dimensional shape. The reservoirs may include at least a first fluid port in an upper portion of the reservoir and at least a second fluid port in the upper or a lower portion of the reservoir. The first fluid port may be relatively larger than the second port and can be used to fill the reservoir with fluid and/or solids (e.g., ice), dispense the contents from the reservoir, and/or to clean the reservoir by inserting objects into the reservoir. The second port can be used as an exit port, such as by coupling the exit port to a tube and/or outlet valve.

While the front and rear walls of a bladder-type reservoir are normally flexible to allow the bladder to expand and contract as the fluid volume changes, the reservoirs disclosed herein can include rigid structural portions in combination with flexible bladder wall portions to provide increased stiffness in desired portions of the reservoirs. Some disclosed reservoirs may include a rigid spout assembly that may be coupled to all or a portion of a top seam of the bladder and may include at least the first fluid port. The spout assemblies disclosed herein may also include a removable and resealable cap, such as a threaded screw-type cap, to open and close the first fluid port. Such rigid spout assemblies can provide a gripping portion to hold and manipulate the reservoir, can provide an enlarged surface area that connects to the top seam of the bladder to distribute forces applied between the bladder and the spout portion, can provide a desired size, shape and orientation of at least the first fluid port, can help counteract torque applied while twisting the cap, and/or can help shape and/or flatten the bladder.

Some embodiments of the disclosed reservoirs may include a generally oval-shaped spout assembly that may be coupled a top seam of a bladder, for example by welding. The spout assembly may include an outer frame, which may be welded to the top seam or top bladder opening, and a sealable insert. The sealable insert may be insertable and removable from the outer frame and/or may include lockable cam levers configured to seal the insert within the outer frame. The sealable insert may include one or both of a first fluid port and a second fluid port.

Additionally and/or alternatively, some embodiments may include a generally oval-shaped spout assembly having an outer frame and an insert. The insert may be removably locked and/or sealed within the outer frame via a tightening collar disposed around a first fluid port. The tightening collar may include at least two wing members disposed on opposing sides of the tightening collar. The outer frame may include at least two engagement members, such as slots, disposed on opposing sides of the outer frame configured to retain the at least two wing members. A second fluid port may be removably disposed within the first fluid port. A drink tube disposed within the second fluid port may act as a tether for a cap of the first fluid port.

Additionally and/or alternatively, some embodiments may include a spout assembly including an outer frame and an insert wherein the outer frame may be semi-flexible and/or tensionable. The outer frame may be anchored to a top bladder seam (via welding, bonding, and/or belt loops disposed along top seam of the bladder). The outer frame may be disposed within the belt loops and may be anchored to the top bladder seam via a cam lever. The cam lever may be tightened and/or loosened to secure or remove the insert. The insert may include at least a first fluid port.

Additionally and/or alternatively, some embodiments may include a spout assembly including at least a first fluid port and/or one or more handle anchors welded within the bladder top seam.

Additionally and/or alternatively, some embodiments may include a spout assembly that may be welded to a center of a bladder sheet. The bladder sheet may then be folded and sealed along perimeter. The spout assembly may include one or more foldable wings that may also be sealed to the bladder and/or may fold with the bladder and serve as grasping features. A foldable wing may include a hang loop mount and/or a connecting feature for a long handle.

Additionally and/or alternatively, some embodiments an reservoir can include a flexible bladder, a first fluid port and a second fluid port assembly including a cap for sealing a first fluid port. The reservoir can also include a strut member and a spout assembly including a cap for sealing a first fluid port. The first fluid port may include a threaded spout, such as in internally threaded spout. In some embodiments, the cap can include one or more grip features configured to assist with twisting the cap to seal the first fluid port or to remove the cap from the first fluid port. The cap can include a second fluid port disposed within it. The second fluid port can include an outlet valve, such as a bite-valve that can be operated by biting on the valve. The cap may include a base and the second fluid port can extend from the base such that the outlet valve opening extends towards or beyond a top portion of the bladder. In some embodiments, the cap and/or outlet valve can include an open position, in which fluid can flow from the bladder through the outlet valve, and an off position, in which fluid is blocked from flowing out of the outlet valve.

In some embodiments, the strut member can at least partially or completely be disposed around the cap and/or the first fluid port. In some embodiments, the strut member can be welded or bonded to the bladder. Alternatively, the strut member can be removably attached to the bladder. For example, the upper portion and the lower portion can be removably attached to the bladder via a snap fit mechanism. Additionally, the strut member may incorporate handling features such as a finger loop.

In some embodiments, all or a portion of the strut member can include an angle of curvature that can approximate the curvature of the bladder when filled with fluid. Alternatively, the strut member can be substantially planar. The strut member can have a width that is greatest at the top portion and a width that is narrowest at the middle portion.

In some embodiments, the spout assembly and/or the strut member may be disposed on a first side of the bladder. In some embodiments, the strut member can be disposed on the first side, top seam and the second side of the bladder. Additionally and/or alternatively, the spout assembly can be disposed on the top seam of the bladder. In some embodiments, the strut member may comprise all or part of one side of the bladder that is made with a relatively stiff film or similar stiff material.

In some embodiments, the bladder can include a first sheet, a second sheet, a top seam and/or a bottom gusset. The top seam can be substantially straight. The bottom gusset can include a gusset piece attached by welding, bonding or other known attachment means to the first sheet and the second sheet. The gusset piece can include a rectangular, triangle, rhombus and/or other gusset shape. In some embodiments, the reservoir can include a top gusset and/or a bottom gusset. The gusset can include a gusset piece having central fold such that excess material of the gusset piece folds inwards towards the center of the bladder. In some embodiments, the bladder can include a bottom opening and/or a top opening that can be removably sealed via a clip or a slider or other removably sealing means.

In some embodiments, the bladder can include a first sheet and a second sheet. The second sheet can include a substantially planar configuration. The first sheet can be larger than the second sheet. For example, the first sheet can include a three dimensional shape such that the spout assembly and/or strut member are elevated above the second sheet. The first sheet can be molded to include the three dimensional shape and/or the first sheet can be attached to the strut member, wherein the strut member is molded into a non-planar shape. The bladder can include a first depth at a top portion and a second depth at a bottom portion. The first depth can be greater than the second depth.

FIG. 1Ashows is a front view of an exemplary bladder assembly2comprising a bladder4having a formed front sheet and a flat back sheet, large screw port with cap6, seam-welded exit port8, drink tube10, and mouthpiece12.FIG. 1Bshows a side view ofFIG. 1A.FIG. 1Cillustrates how the drink tube10is longitudinally slidably adjustable relative to the exit port, and may be positioned within the bladder4(as shown by dashed lines14), which can make it more compact, provide column strength, and/or improve bladder emptying. The tube10can comprise a material that is relatively more rigid than the bladder material, for example.FIG. 2shows an assembly view of aFIG. 1A, showing the large screw port and cap6, seam-welded exit port8comprising a base18mounted to the top seam of the bladder, a collar16, and an o-ring20mounted therebetween. The tube10slides through the exit port and is sealed around the outside of the tube by the o-ring20to prevent fluid from leaking out through the exit port around the tube. The tube10has an extend position wherein a majority of the outlet tube is positioned outside of the internal reservoir, and the tube has a retracted position wherein a majority of the tube is inside the internal reservoir.FIG. 3shows top and front views of the bladder assembly2with the tube10separate.

FIG. 4illustrates a bladder assembly30featuring a side seam-welded exit port. The assembly comprises a flexible bladder32with a front positioned fluid port and cap34, a side mounted drink tube36with mouthpiece38coupled to the side edge of the bladder and fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir by exit port40positioned at the bottom side of the bladder. The tube36can pass through the side seam anywhere along the side seam between the top and bottom of the bladder.

FIG. 5shows a bladder assembly50with a face mounted exit port. The assembly comprises a flexible bladder52with a front positioned fluid port and cap54, a front mounted drink tube56with mouthpiece58coupled to the front side of the bladder and fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir by exit port60positioned at the bottom middle of the bladder. The tube36can be attached to the front of the bladder anywhere along the front between the top and bottom of the bladder.

FIG. 6shows a bladder assembly70with the mouthpiece attached directly to a seam-welded exit port. The assembly comprises a flexible bladder72with a front positioned fluid port and cap74, and a top mounted outlet port76with a mouthpiece78coupled directly to the outlet port. The outlet port76can be mounted in the top seam between the front and back of the bladder, or at the top of either the front or the back of the bladder.

FIG. 7shows a bladder assembly80comprising a bladder82, a large screw-port and cap84, and an outlet port86integrated into the screw-port cap84. In this embodiment, the outlet port86is comprised of a rotatable exit port valve that has an open and closed position, and a mouthpiece88can be mounted directly to the outlet port. The exit port valve can rotate (e.g., 180 degrees) between open and closed positions, such that the mouthpiece also rotates along with it (e.g., mouthpiece points up when open, as illustrated, and points down when closed).

FIG. 8shows a bladder assembly100comprising a bladder102having formed front sheet and flat back sheet, a strut104mounted on the front sheet, a screw-port with screw-port cap106, a rotatable outlet port valve108mounted on the cap (as in assembly80), and a mouthpiece110coupled directly to the outlet port. The strut104and other strut embodiments disclosed herein, can comprise a material that is relatively more rigid than the bladder walls, such that the strut increases the rigidity of the bladder. The struts can be affixed to the outside surface of the bladder wall, such as by welding, adhesives, mechanical fixtures, etc. Such struts can also provide gripping locations for a user, such as for turning the screw cap, for cleaning the inside of the bladder, and for drinking from the bladder. The strut104is curved to conform to the shaped front sheet and has a larger top end that encompasses the screw port, a narrowed middle part, and a slightly larger lower end. The curved shape of the strut helps to hold the front wall of the bladder apart from the rear wall and maintains the overall shape of the bladder even when empty. The screw port can be integrated with the strut104as one continuous/monolithic piece of rigid material, or they can be two or more pieces coupled together.

FIG. 9shows a bladder assembly120comprising a bladder122having formed front sheet and flat back sheet, a strut124mounted on the front sheet, a screw-port with screw-port cap126, a top seam mounted exit port128, a drink tube130, and a mouthpiece132coupled to the drink tube. The strut124is curved to conform to the shaped front sheet and has a larger top end that encompasses the screw port, a narrowed middle part, and a slightly larger lower end. The screw port can be integrated with the strut104as one continuous/monolithic piece of rigid material. The drink tube130can slide down to be positioned within the bladder122(as inFIG. 1C), which can make it more compact, provide column strength, and/or improve bladder emptying.

FIGS. 10-12show bladder assembly embodiments that are similar to assembly100, but with differently shaped front struts that are attachable and detachable.

FIG. 10shows a bladder assembly140comprising a bladder142having formed front sheet and flat back sheet, a screw port144coupled to the front sheet, a detachable front strut146that mounts around the screw port, a screw port cap148with a rotatable outlet port valve150, and a mouthpiece152coupled directly to the outlet port. The strut146is curved to conform to the shaped front sheet and has a larger top end that extends around the screw port. The screw port cap148can hold the strut146in place on the front of the bladder when the cap is screwed tightly onto the screw port144.

FIG. 11shows a bladder assembly160comprising a bladder162having formed front sheet and flat back sheet, a screw port164coupled to the front sheet, a detachable front strut or handle166that mounts around the screw port, a screw port cap168with a rotatable outlet port valve170, and a mouthpiece172coupled directly to the outlet port. The handle166has a ring shaped top end that extends around the screw port164and a lower projection that extends away from the bladder to serve as a handle. The screw port cap168can hold the handle166in place on the front of the bladder when the cap is screwed tightly onto the screw port164.

FIG. 12shows a bladder assembly180comprising a bladder182having formed front sheet and flat back sheet, a screw port184coupled to the front sheet, a detachable front strut or handle186that mounts around the screw port, a screw port cap188with a rotatable outlet port valve190, and a mouthpiece192coupled directly to the outlet port. The handle186has a ring shaped top end that extends around the screw port184and a lower finger loop that extends away from the bladder to serve as a handle. The screw port cap188can hold the handle186in place on the front of the bladder when the cap is screwed tightly onto the screw port184.

FIG. 13shows a bladder assembly200comprising a bladder202having formed back sheet204as well as a formed front sheet206, a screw-port with screw-port cap208, a top seam mounted exit port210, a drink tube212, and a mouthpiece214coupled to the drink tube. The drink tube212can slide down to be positioned within the bladder202(as inFIG. 1C), which can make it more compact, provide column strength, and/or improve bladder emptying. Both the formed back sheet204and the formed front sheet206can comprise a semi-rigid material that maintains its form with filled or empty, and either formed sheet can have any desired shape, such as primarily flat walled (as shown), rounded (as inFIG. 1B), angular, and/or other shapes.

FIG. 14shows front, side, and assembly views of a bladder assembly220that comprises an insulated bladder222that includes a flat back wall230comprising an insulation layer236between two sheets234,238, and comprises a formed front wall232comprising an insulation layer242between two sheets240,244. The insulation layers can comprise any material that provide the wall with a relatively low thermal conductivity compared to conventional polymeric bladder walls (e.g., rubber, foam, metallic film, fibrous materials, etc.) Such insulated walls can have any thickness, and they can be incorporated into any of the bladder assembly embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 15illustrates an exemplary reservoir250that includes a flexible bladder252and a spout assembly254including a cap256for sealing a first fluid port (not shown). The spout assembly254may be disposed on a first side258of the bladder. The first fluid port may include an internally threaded spout (not shown). The cap256can include one or more grip features, such as a textured surface, configured to assist with twisting the cap256to seal the first fluid port or to remove the cap256from the first fluid port. The cap256can include a second fluid port260disposed within it. The second fluid port260can include an outlet valve262, such as a bite-valve that can be operated by biting on the valve. The cap256may include a base264and the second fluid port260may extend from the base such that the outlet valve262opening extends towards or beyond a top portion266of the bladder252.

The reservoir250can additionally and/or alternatively include a strut member268that can extend along the first side258of the bladder252. For example, the strut member268can extend from the top portion266to a bottom portion270of the bladder. Additionally and/or alternatively, the strut member268can be disposed between the top and bottom portions266,270of the bladder252. All or some portions of the strut member268can include a greater stiffness than the bladder252. In some embodiments, the strut member268can include means to decrease weight of the strut member268, such as perforations. Additionally and/or alternatively, the strut member268can include slots configured to receive and/or retain a hand strap.

The strut member268can include an upper portion272, a middle portion274and a lower portion276. The upper portion272can at least partially or completely be disposed around the cap256and/or the first fluid port. Additionally and/or alternatively, the lower portion276can be disposed adjacent the bottom portion270of the bladder252. In some embodiments, the upper portion272and the lower portion276can be welded to the bladder252. Additionally and/or alternatively, the entire length of the strut member268can be welded to the bladder252. Alternatively, the strut member268can be removably attached to the bladder252. For example, the upper portion272and the lower portion276can be removably attached to the bladder252via a snap fit mechanism. In some embodiments, the bladder252may include an internal seam along one or more sides of the bladder252.

In some embodiments, all or a portion of the strut member268can include an angle of curvature that can approximate the curvature of the bladder252when filled with fluid. For example, the upper portion272can include an angle of curvature having a peak280adjacent to a portion of the cap256and/or the first fluid port that is distal to a top seam278of the bladder252. The middle and/or lower portion274,276of the strut member268can extend from the top portion272at a downwardly extending slope. In some embodiments, the curvature of the strut member268and the placement of the strut member268relative to the bottom portion270of the bladder252and the first fluid port can apply pressure on some or all of any fluid in the bladder252towards the first fluid port.

As noted above, the upper portion272can be disposed around the cap256and/or the first fluid port. The upper portion272can include grip areas on opposing sides of the cap and/or the first fluid port. The strut member268may be configured for grasping about the middle portion274. For example, the strut member268can have varying widths. The strut member268can have a width that is greatest at the top portion272and a width that is narrowest at the middle portion274.

FIGS. 16 and 17illustrate a reservoir300similar to the reservoir200inFIG. 15, having a flexible bladder302and a spout assembly304including a cap306for sealing a first fluid port (not shown). The cap306can include a second fluid port308disposed within it. The second fluid port308can include an outlet valve310. The reservoir300can additionally and/or alternatively include a strut member314that can extend along a first side312of the bladder302. All or some portions of the strut member314can include a greater stiffness than the bladder302. In some embodiments, the strut member314can be configured to be griped by a single hand as shown inFIG. 16. In some embodiments, the strut member314can have a narrowest width at a middle portion316.

FIG. 18-20illustrate an exemplary reservoir350that includes a flexible bladder352and a spout assembly354including a first fluid port356. The first fluid port356can be configured to be removably sealed by a removable cap (not shown) and can include an externally threaded spout358. In some embodiments, the cap can include a second fluid port disposed within it. The second fluid port can include an outlet valve, such as a bite-valve.

The reservoir350can additionally and/or alternatively include a strut member360that can extend along a first side of the bladder352. For example, the strut member360can extend from a top portion362to a bottom portion364of the bladder352. All or some portions of the strut member360can include a greater stiffness than the bladder352. In some embodiments, the threaded spout358can be integral to the strut member360and/or can extend from a top surface of the strut member360.

The strut member360can include an upper portion366, a middle portion368, and a lower portion370. The upper portion366can at least partially or completely be disposed around the first fluid port356. Additionally and/or alternatively, the lower portion370can be disposed adjacent the bottom portion364of the bladder352. In some embodiments, the upper portion366and the lower portion370can be welded to the bladder352. Additionally and/or alternatively, the entire length of the strut member360can be welded to the bladder352. Alternatively, the strut member360can be removably attached to the bladder. For example, the upper portion366and the lower portion370can be removably attached to the bladder352via a snap fit mechanism.

In some embodiments, all or a portion of a bottom surface of the strut member360can be sustainably flat. For example, the middle and/or lower portion368,370of the strut member360can extend along a sustainably straight line that is parallel to the bladder352when the bladder352is empty and/or the first fluid port356. In some embodiments, the top portion366can be substantially parallel to the bladder352when the bladder352is empty and/or the first fluid port358in an area of the top portion that surrounds the first fluid port356.

As noted above, the upper portion366can be disposed around the first fluid port356. The upper portion366can include grip portions372on opposing sides of the first fluid port356. The grip portions372may extend from the surface of the bladder352. For example, the gripping portions372can extend such that the grip portions372are at an angle with respect to the first fluid port356and/or the grip portions372can terminate at approximately a distal end of the spout358.

FIGS. 21-23illustrate an exemplary reservoir400that includes a flexible bladder402and a spout assembly404including a cap406for sealing a first fluid port (not shown). The spout assembly404may be disposed within a top seam408of the bladder402. The first fluid port may include a threaded spout (not shown). The cap406can include a second fluid port408disposed within it. The second fluid port410can include an outlet valve. The second fluid port410may extend from the cap406such that the second fluid port408extends beyond a top portion of the bladder202.

The reservoir200can additionally and/or alternatively include a strut member416that can extend along a first side412, over a top seam408, and/or a second side414of the bladder402. For example, the strut member can extend from a bottom portion of the first side to a top portion of the second side. Alternatively, the strut member416can be disposed on the top seam408of the bladder and terminate adjacent the top portions of the first and second sides412,414. The strut member416can include tapered shape having a greatest width adjacent the top portion on the first side412and a narrowest width adjacent to the bottom portion on the first side412. In some embodiments, the bladder402can include a tapered shape having a greatest width adjacent the top seam408and a narrowest width adjacent a bottom seam418.

The strut member416can at least partially or completely be disposed around the cap402and/or the first fluid port. In some embodiments, the strut member416can include a first portion420on the first side412of the bladder, a second portion422on the top seam408of the bladder and a third portion424on the second side of the bladder. One or both of the first and third portions420,424may extend at approximately a 90 degree angle with respect to the second portion422. The second fluid port408can extend perpendicular to a top surface of the second portion422of the strut member. In some embodiments, the first fluid port, the threaded spout, the second fluid port and/or the outlet valve can be aligned along the same axis.

FIGS. 24-26illustrate an exemplary reservoir450that includes a flexible bladder452and a spout assembly454including a cap456for sealing a first fluid port (not shown). The spout assembly454may be disposed on a first side of the bladder452. The first fluid port may include a threaded spout (not shown). The cap456can include a second fluid port458disposed within it. The second fluid port458can include an outlet valve. The second fluid port458may extend perpendicular with respect to a top surface of the cap454such that the second fluid port458extends adjacent to and/or beyond a top portion of the bladder452.

The reservoir450can additionally and/or alternatively include a strut member460disposed on the first side of the bladder452. The strut member can include a T shape having a greatest width adjacent a top portion of the bladder452and a narrowest width adjacent to a bottom portion on the bladder452. In some embodiments, the bladder452can include a corseted shape having a narrowest width adjacent a middle portion of the bladder452.

FIGS. 27A-27Cillustrate an exemplary reservoir500that includes a flexible bladder502and a spout assembly504including a cap506for sealing a first fluid port (not shown). The cap506can include a second fluid port508disposed within it. The reservoir500can additionally and/or alternatively include a strut member510disposed on the first side of the bladder502. For example, the strut member510can extend from a bottom portion of the first side to a top portion of the first side. The strut member510can include a Y shape having a greatest width adjacent the top portion and a narrowest width adjacent to the bottom portion on the first side. One or more of a plurality of ends of the strut member510can extend approximately to a seam of the bladder502.

In some embodiments, the bladder502can include a first sheet512, a second sheet514, a top seam516and/or a bottom gusset518. The top seam516can be substantially straight. The bottom gusset518can include a gusset piece520attached by welding, bonding or other known attachment means to the first sheet512and the second sheet514. The gusset piece520can include a rectangular, triangle, rhombus and/or other gusset shape.

FIGS. 28-32illustrate various bladder options for reservoirs in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 28, a reservoir550can include a flexible bladder552, a strut member554and a spout assembly556including a cap558for sealing a first fluid port (not shown). The spout assembly556and/or the strut member554may be disposed on a first side of the bladder552. The first fluid port may include a threaded spout (not shown). The cap558can include a second fluid port560disposed within it. The strut member554can include a first portion562having a substantially irregular hexagon shape and a second portion564extending from the first portion having a substantially rectangular shape. The bladder552can include a first sheet566and a second sheet substantially coextensive with the first sheet566. The first and/or second sheet can include a substantially rectangular shape having rounded corners. The first sheet566can be welded, bonded or otherwise coupled to the second sheet along corresponding edges.

As illustrated inFIGS. 29-30, a reservoir600can include a flexible bladder602, a strut member604and a spout assembly606including a cap608for sealing a first fluid port (not shown), similar to the reservoir illustrated inFIG. 28. The bladder602can include a first sheet610, a second sheet612and a gusset614. The gusset614can be at a top portion of the bladder602as illustrated inFIGS. 29-30or at a bottom portion. The gusset614can be configured to elevate the spout assembly606over the second sheet612and/or the bottom portion of the bladder602. The first and/or second sheet610,612can include a substantially rectangular shape having rounded corners. In some embodiments, the second sheet612can be substantially coextensive with the first sheet610. The gusset614can include a gusset piece616having central fold618such that excess material of the gusset piece616folds inwards towards the center of the bladder602.

As illustrated inFIGS. 31-32, a reservoir650can include a flexible bladder652, a strut member654and a spout assembly656including a cap658for sealing a first fluid port (not shown), similar to the reservoir illustrated inFIG. 28. The bladder652can include a first sheet660, a second sheet662and two or more gussets. For example, the bladder can include a top gusset664and a bottom gusset666. The top gusset664and/or the bottom gusset666can include a gusset piece668having central fold670such that excess material of the gusset piece668folds inwards towards the center of the bladder652.

FIGS. 33-37illustrate various bladder options for reservoirs in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 33, a reservoir700can include a flexible bladder702, a strut member704and a spout assembly706including a cap708. The spout assembly706and/or the strut member704may be disposed on a first side of the bladder702. The cap708can include an outlet valve710, such as a bite-valve that can be operated by biting on the valve. The strut member704can include a first portion having a substantially irregular hexagon shape and a second portion extending from the first portion having a substantially rectangular shape.

The bladder702can include a first sheet712and a second sheet. The first and/or second sheet712can include a substantially rectangular shape having rounded corners. In some embodiments, the second sheet can be substantially coextensive with the first sheet712. The bladder702can include a bottom opening716that can be removably sealed via a clip or a slider mechanism718or other removably sealing means. Additionally and/or alternatively, the bladder702can include a top opening that can be removably sealed via a clip or a slider or other removably sealing means.

As illustrated inFIGS. 34-35, a reservoir750can include a flexible bladder752, a strut member754and a spout assembly756including a cap758. The spout assembly756and/or the strut member754may be disposed on a first side of the bladder752. The cap758can include an outlet valve, such as a bite-valve that can be operated by biting on the valve. The bladder752can include a first sheet760, a second sheet762and a gusset764. The gusset764can include a gusset piece766having central fold768such that excess material of the gusset piece766folds inwards towards the center of the bladder752. The bladder752can include a bottom opening770that can be removably sealed via a clip or a slider mechanism772or other removably sealing means.

FIGS. 36-37illustrate a reservoir800including a flexible bladder802, a strut member804and a spout assembly806including a cap808. The spout assembly806and/or the strut member804may be disposed on a first side of the bladder802. The cap808can include an outlet valve810, such as a bite-valve that can be operated by biting on the valve. The cap808and/or outlet valve810can include an open position, in which fluid can flow from the bladder through the outlet valve810(FIG. 36), and an off position, in which fluid is blocked from flowing out of the outlet valve810(FIG. 37).

FIGS. 38-43illustrate various bladder options for reservoirs in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 38, a reservoir850can include a flexible bladder852, a strut member854and a spout assembly856including a cap858. The spout assembly856and/or the strut member854may be disposed on a first side of the bladder852. The cap858can include an outlet valve860, such as a bite-valve that can be operated by biting on the valve. The strut member854can include a first portion having a substantially irregular hexagon shape and a second portion extending from the first portion having a substantially rectangular shape.

The bladder852can include a first sheet862and a second sheet864. The second sheet864can include a substantially planar configuration. The first sheet862can be larger than the second sheet864. For example, the first sheet862can include a three dimensional shape such that the spout assembly856and/or strut member854are elevated above the second sheet864. The first sheet862can be molded to include the three dimensional shape and/or the first sheet862can be attached to the strut member854, wherein the strut member854is molded into a non-planar shape. The bladder852can include a first depth D1at a top portion and a second depth D2at a bottom portion. The first depth D1can be greater than the second depth D2.

As illustrated inFIGS. 40-41, in some embodiments the bottom portion can include a bottom opening866than can be removably sealed via a clip or a slide mechanism868. Additionally and/or alternatively, as illustrated inFIGS. 42-43, the cap858and/or outlet valve860can include an open position, in which fluid can flow from the bladder852through the outlet valve860(FIG. 42), and an off position, in which fluid is blocked from flowing out of the outlet valve860(FIG. 43).

Any flexible and waterproof material can be used for the bladder, such as various polymeric materials. The rigid components (e.g., spout portion, back plate, optionally the connector, strut member) can comprise any sufficiently rigid material, such as polymers, metals, etc. The disclosed reservoirs can have any dimensions and fluid capacities. The relative dimensions provided as examples herein are just examples and are not limiting. Any of the disclosed reservoirs can be part of a system that also includes various other components, such as drink tubes, dispensing valves, back packs to hold the reservoirs, cleaning instruments, etc. The components of the disclosed reservoirs can be secured together in any suitable manner, such by using adhesives, by welding, by using mechanical fasteners, etc.

Although the operations of some of the disclosed methods are described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that this manner of description encompasses rearrangement, unless a particular ordering is required by specific language. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed methods can be used in conjunction with other methods. As used herein, the terms “a”, “an”, and “at least one” encompass one or more of the specified element. That is, if two of a particular element are present, one of these elements is also present and thus “an” element is present. The terms “a plurality of” and “plural” mean two or more of the specified element. As used herein, the term “and/or” used between the last two of a list of elements means any one or more of the listed elements. For example, the phrase “A, B, and/or C” means “A”, “B,”, “C”, “A and B”, “A and C”, “B and C”, or “A, B, and C.” As used herein, the term “coupled” generally means physically coupled or linked and does not exclude the presence of intermediate elements between the coupled items absent specific contrary language.