Apparatus and method for providing coolant water to the head during exercise

A flexible water container carried on the back of the user in a position that does not restrict the active movement of the user during exercise. Connected to the water container is a tube to conduct the water from the container to an irrigation system positioned within a helmet or otherwise placed about the head of the user. A pressurized air bladder is positioned adjacent to the water container in a manner such that pressure within the air bladder has a tendency to force water from the water container into the tube and thus into the irrigation system. The air bladder is inflatable by means a hand pump connected to the bladder through a flexible tube. The irrigation system is constructed and configured so as to appropriately surround the head of the user and further includes a soft, flexible wick material worn about the head for the purpose of conducting water forced from the irrigation system evenly about the user's head.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates generally to devices for regulating the body 
temperature of individuals during exercise. The present invention relates 
more specifically to an apparatus and method for providing coolant water 
to the head of an individual wearing the device during exercise activities 
such as bicycling, running, and the like. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
There has always been a need for humans to provide themselves with a 
constant and consistent supply of water. This need is especially acute 
when the individual is engaged in exercise or other strenuous activity 
that requires the body's water supply to be replenished over a relatively 
short period of time. The body's need for water during exercise, and 
indeed during any type of physical activity, is basically two-fold in 
nature. First, the body utilizes water to carry out and facilitate almost 
all of the chemical reactions that occur in the body as it functions 
through movement and the exertion of force. Secondly, the body utilizes 
water as a mechanism for balancing its own temperature, again as a means 
for efficiently carrying out the chemical reactions that occur as it 
functions. 
There are, therefore, two general concerns when addressing the requirements 
of the body for water during exercise or physical activity. These 
requirements center on the need to take water into the body by drinking 
and in most instances, to provide the body's skin surface with water for 
the purposes of temperature maintenance. 
It is common knowledge that during exercise or physical activity the intake 
of water is essential for the body's healthy operation. The benefits of 
this water intake are most immediately seen in the body's efficient 
conversion of nutrients into the energy needed for motion and exertion and 
in the process of sweating, which has the effect of releasing from the 
body thermal energy that builds up during exertion. To the runner, 
bicyclist, or other participant in exercise activities, the process of 
sweating is the most apparent process whereby a replenishment of the 
body's water supply is needed. Equally apparent to the participant in 
strenuous activities is the need not only to drink water in order to 
continue the process of sweating and body temperature maintenance but also 
the process of dousing the skin with quantities of water for the same 
purpose. Participants in extremely demanding exercise activities quickly 
become aware that the body's own process of maintaining a thermal 
equilibrium through sweating is limited when the body is pushed to 
extremes. It quickly becomes evident that facilitating the body's thermal 
maintenance process by providing additional water for evaporation from the 
skin's surface operates to improve the well-being and efficiency of the 
individual exercising. 
Not only it is apparent that dousing the body with water to facilitate the 
thermal maintenance process, helps in reaching maximum endurance, it is 
also apparent that certain parts of the body lend themselves better than 
others in this concern. It has been found that much of the body's ability 
to maintain a thermal equilibrium depends upon the release of heat from 
the head of the individual. This explains why runners, bicyclists, and the 
like, most frequently douse their heads with water through the use of cups 
or sponges while in the middle of a strenuous activity. It is not uncommon 
to see a race participant in a long distance running or bicycling event to 
receive water from a check point and both consume a portion and douse 
their bodies with the remaining portion. It is also quite common for such 
participants to pass through a water mist spray in order to fully cover 
their bodies with a healthy dose of external water. In either case, the 
body's ability to maintain a thermal equilibrium, the maintenance of which 
is essential for the healthy operation of the body at endurance levels, is 
of critical concern. 
Many attempts have been made in the past to facilitate the drinking of 
water during exercise or other physical activities. These attempts have 
run the spectrum from simply providing containers with water that are 
readily accessible by the individual participating in the exercise or 
physical activity, to devices worn by the user and carried with them 
during the activity. One device that has come into common use is known 
under the trademark CAMEL BACK and was intended in its origin as a means 
for bicyclists to carry and access water without the problems associated 
with reaching for and handling a separate container. The CAMEL BACK device 
is described in a number of U.S. patents, most specifically U.S. Pat. No. 
5,060,833. Basically, this type of water carrier comprises a flexible 
container worn on the user's back with a drinking tube directed from the 
container over the shoulder of the user to a position near the user's 
mouth where it is readily available for drinking. Certain valve structures 
in the tube permit the user to draw water from the container and not have 
it leak out when not in use. Various other attempts have been made in the 
field to provide water, either for the purposes of drinking or dousing the 
skin under exercise and physical activity situations. The following 
patents are among those in the art that address these concerns. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,526,298, issued to Boxer et al. on Jul. 2, 1985, entitled 
"Sport Hydration System," describes a liquid container suspended from the 
shoulders of the wearer. The system includes a liquid spraying device at 
the end of a tube connected to the liquid container. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,813, issued to Coleman on Feb. 28, 1989, entitled 
"Bicycle Mounted Water Toy," describes a device that includes a fluid 
reservoir for mounting to a bicycle. A first tube is connected to the 
fluid reservoir and to a pump for conveying fluid from the reservoir to a 
second tube that ends in a nozzle for dispersing the fluid. The nozzle of 
the second tube is attached to a helmet worn by the rider of the cycle. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,339, issued to Cushing on Mar. 27, 1990, entitled 
"Bicycle Water Pump," describes a water pump comprised of a pressurized 
cylindrical container, a hand operated valve integrally connected to a 
sprayer nozzle, and associated tubing, all which may be mounted on a 
bicycle. The internal pressure of the container is used to force a stream 
of liquid from the container toward the rider's mouth. 
U.S. Pat. No. 5,085,349, issued to Fawcett on Feb. 4, 1992, entitled 
"Resilient Valve and Dispensing System for Bicyclists," describes a 
unitary valve apparatus held in a person's mouth for use in a system for 
delivering liquid from a container to the person's mouth. The valve is 
placed in the user's mouth so that it can be deformed by the user's jaws, 
thereby opening the valve in proportion to the force exerted thereagainst 
and enabling flow to occur from the supply chamber. 
U.S. Pat. No. 5,197,292, issued to McPherson on Mar. 30, 1993, entitled 
"Cooling Cap for Athletes," describes a cap having an upper chamber that 
is accessible from the top by a zipper or other closure. The bottom of the 
chamber is made of a sponge-like material that serves to support a 
quantity of ice. This sponge-like material absorbs water from the melted 
ice and provides the coolant water to the wearer's scalp. 
U.S. Pat. No. 5,370,278, issued to Raynie on Dec. 6, 1994, entitled 
"Portable Liquid Dispensing Toy," describes a device that sprays liquid 
from an outlet port mounted to a headband worn by the user. The device 
consists of a carrier and at least one storage reservoir secured to the 
user by a transport belt. Liquid is pumped through the relay hose from the 
reservoir to the discharge chamber and subsequently through the outlet 
port. 
U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,833, issued to Edison et al. on Oct. 29, 1991, entitled 
"Camel Back," describes a back pack made of flexible material forming an 
enclosure for storage of liquid which is carried between the shoulders of 
a bicyclist. The enclosure includes a collapsible plastic water bag and 
flexible tubing which leads from the lower most part of the plastic water 
bag to a valve device. The valve is designed to be compressed between the 
user's jaws whereupon the valve opens to enable liquid to flow. 
U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,122, issued to Sher on Oct. 8, 1991, entitled 
"Structure of Hat With Cooling System for the Head," describes a cooling 
hat comprised of a covering for the head with an internal peripheral 
channel for fastening or holding cooling elements and a ventilating 
socket. The cooling elements absorb heat and reduce surface temperature to 
comfort the head. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,998,415, issued to Larsen on Mar. 12, 1991, entitled "Body 
Cooling Apparatus," describes a device that includes a compressor and 
condenser which feed liquid coolant to a flexible tube network held 
adjacent the body. The flexible tube network is held in a lightweight vest 
or other garment so that the resulting apparatus permits movement. 
U.S. Pat. No. 5,469,579, issued to Tremblay et al. on Nov. 28, 1995, 
entitled "Head Cooling Device," describes a device mounted over a person's 
head, comprised of a housing containing ice cubes therein, the main body 
being offset or spaced at all times from the scalp of the wearer; a means 
for enabling water droplets from the melting ice cubes to escape the 
housing toward the wearer's scalp; and a means for use with head gear to 
releasably anchor the housing to the head in an overhanging fashion. 
U.S. Pat. No. 5,438,707, issued to Horn on Aug. 8, 1995, entitled "Body 
Cooling Apparatus," describes a garment that channels pressurized air or 
other compressible gases through a tubing network that is incorporated 
into a body garment worn by the user. 
Unfortunately, most of the attempts at providing a mechanism for dousing 
the body with water fail to provide water to the most critical parts of 
the body for the maintenance of thermal equilibrium. This is particularly 
true in the instance of those involved in the activity of bicycle riding, 
which partially limits the user's ability to access containers of water 
with their hands, which are normally occupied with maintaining balance and 
steering on the bicycle. The CAMEL BACK product mentioned above satisfies 
the need to provide readily accessible drinking water to the bicycle rider 
but does not address the concerns associated with the usefulness of 
dousing the body's skin surface with water during exercise. 
Other devices that are directed at providing the body's skin surface with 
water, such as the Cushing patent identified above, fail to adequately and 
efficiently provide such water. As is most frequently the case, bicycle 
riders operate with the use of helmets in a manner that prevents water 
sprayed from an external source from landing on the head in a way that it 
would be useful for the maintenance of the body temperature of the user. 
At most, devices such as described in Cushing provide a coolant effect to 
the face but even this process is inefficient in that much of the water is 
lost to the atmosphere around the user rather than falling on the user's 
skin. In addition, there is no method provided to hold the water in 
contact with the skin resulting in much of the water rapidly running off 
after being sprayed on the face. 
It would be desirable, therefore, to have a device capable of dousing the 
body's surface with water in a manner that helps the body maintain its 
thermal equilibrium and at the same time to not require the user to be 
distracted from the exercise activity itself. It would be desirable that 
this device be efficient in that the reservoir containing such water need 
not be large as would be required by a device where a major portion of the 
water is lost to the atmosphere around the user. It would further be 
desirable that this device be directed to those portions of the body of 
the exerciser that have been shown to be most critically in need of the 
additional water for the purposes of eliminating heat from the body during 
exercise. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device for 
delivering coolant water to the surface of the skin of an individual 
during exercise or other strenuous activity. 
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device for 
delivering coolant water to the skin surface of an individual in a manner 
that requires little or no attention to the process by the user. 
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device for 
delivering coolant water to the skin surface of an individual engaged in 
exercise or other strenuous activity that is conveniently carried directly 
on the individual and conducts such water for use in a manner that does 
not interfere with the activity of the individual. 
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device for 
delivering coolant water to the skin surface of an individual engaged in 
exercise or other strenuous activity in a manner that reduces the amount 
of water lost to the environment through failure to contact the skin 
surface of the individual and thereby reduces the amount of water required 
to be carried by the individual for use. 
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device for 
delivering coolant water to the skin surface of an individual engaged in 
exercise or other strenuous activity, and more specifically to provide 
such water to the head of the user during such activity. 
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device for 
delivering coolant water to the head of an individual during exercise or 
other strenuous activity that is capable of being incorporated into 
helmets, caps, or other apparel devices worn by the user during such 
activity. 
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device for 
delivering coolant water to the skin surface of an individual during 
exercise or other strenuous activity that provides a constant flow of 
water with or without the direct control of the user. 
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device for 
delivering coolant water to the skin surface of an individual during 
exercise or other strenuous activity in a manner that is controllable by 
the user. 
In fulfillment of these and other objectives, the present invention 
provides a flexible water container intended to be carried on the back of 
the user in a position that does not restrict the active movement of the 
user during exercise. Connected to the flexible water container is a tube 
designed to conduct the water from the container to an irrigation system 
positioned within a helmet or otherwise placed about the head of the user. 
A pressurized air bladder is positioned adjacent to the flexible water 
container in a manner such that pressure within the air bladder has a 
tendency to force water from the container into the tube and thus into the 
irrigation system. The air bladder is inflatable by means a hand pump 
connected to the bladder through a flexible air tube. The irrigation 
system of the present invention is constructed and configured so as to 
appropriately surround the head of the user and further includes a soft, 
flexible wick material intended to be worn about the head for the purpose 
of conducting water forced from the irrigation system evenly about the 
user's head and for retaining the water next to the skin to maximize 
cooling from evaporation and, depending upon the configuration of the wick 
material, down and about the user's neck. Consideration is given to the 
need for appropriate air flow in and about the irrigation system and the 
wick material to facilitate the coolant effect brought about by the 
evaporation of water next to the skin surface. Various other items of 
apparel are anticipated to be used in place of the helmet with appropriate 
adaptations of the irrigation system. Other objectives of the present 
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading 
of detailed specifications that follow and a consideration of the appended 
drawings and claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
As indicated above, the present invention lends itself to use in 
conjunction with a variety of different exercising and sporting 
activities. A preferred embodiment of the invention is described as it 
might be constructed and used in conjunction with the activity of bicycle 
riding. It is understood that the fundamental concepts of the present 
invention could be similarly implemented in conjunction with a variety of 
different exercise and sporting activities. 
Reference is made first to FIG. 1 for a general description of the use of 
the present invention in conjunction with bicycle riding. In FIG. 1, 
coolant system (10) is carried by bicycle rider (12) in a manner much in 
the nature of a backpack. The primary components of coolant system (10), 
described in more detail below, are strapped to and rest in the center of 
the back of bicycle rider (12). The remaining components of the system are 
configured to surround the bicycle rider's head (14) in conjunction with a 
bicycle helmet (16). 
Coolant system (10) is comprised primarily of water reservoir (18) that is 
positioned adjacent to air bladder (20), both of which are enclosed within 
envelope (22). This assembly is held against bicycle rider's (12) back by 
way of shoulder straps (23). 
Connected to water reservoir (18) is water tube (24) which directs the 
coolant water from reservoir (18) to the system components situated about 
head (14) of bicycle rider (12). Air bladder (20) has an air conduit (26) 
that is directed over the shoulder of bicycle rider (12) to a point where 
inflation of air bladder (20) can be accomplished. 
Water tube (24) is attached to the system components within helmet (16) by 
way of connector (28). Within helmet (16) is an array of irrigation tubing 
(30) that provides coolant water to head (14) of bicycle rider (12). 
Positioned between head (14) of bicycle rider (12) and irrigation array 
(30) is wick material (32). 
Air conduit (26) drapes over the shoulder of bicycle rider (12) to a point 
where it terminates with hand pump (34) which falls in a position 
appropriate for bicycle rider (12) to inflate air bladder (20) through 
activation of hand pump (34). Hand pump (34) is a bulb type pump that 
typically incorporates a releasable valve that alternately allows air 
within bladder (20) to be released. 
Reference is now made to FIG. 2 for a more detailed description of the 
components of coolant system (10) that are carried on the back of bicycle 
rider (12). In this cutaway view shown in FIG. 2, envelope (22), with a 
plurality of straps (23), contains water reservoir (18) and air bladder 
(20) in parallel positions as shown. The size of water reservoir (18), air 
bladder (20), and envelope (22) are such that when air bladder (20) is 
inflated, pressure is placed on water reservoir (18) to the extent that 
water is forced from reservoir (18) for use. This requires envelope (22) 
to be constructed and sewn in a shape and size sufficient to tightly 
enclose both air bladder (20) and water reservoir (18) and to resist the 
expansion of air bladder (20) when it is inflated. 
Serving to direct water from water reservoir (18) when such pressure is in 
place, is connector (38), which connects water tube (24) to water 
reservoir (18). In the preferred embodiment connector (38) is positioned 
at a base portion of water reservoir (18) to facilitate the complete use 
of water contained therein. A similar connector (40) is positioned on air 
bladder (20) and connects air conduit (26) for the purposes of inflating 
air bladder (20). 
A shut-off valve (36) is provided to water tube (24) primarily for the 
purpose of preventing leakage from water reservoir (18) when it is 
refilled. After valve (36) is closed so as to prevent such leakage, water 
reservoir (18) may be filled with water by way of cap (42). Access to cap 
(42) is provided by way of an opening (no shown) in the top, sewn portion 
of envelope (22). In fact, the upper section of envelope (22) is generally 
left open not only for the purpose of refilling water reservoir (18) but 
for the complete removal of water reservoir (18) and air bladder (20) from 
envelope (22) when necessary. Alternatively, the upper section of envelope 
3 (22) may be closed around the tubes with VELCRO.TM. material or the 
like. This facilitates the cleaning of all the components of the present 
system. 
Reference is now made to FIG. 3 for a detailed description of the 
components of the system of the present invention that are incorporated 
into the head gear worn by the user. In this case, a bicycle helmet is 
utilized to support and position the water dispensing components of the 
present invention. Helmet (16), shown in cross-section in FIG. 3, is 
generally comprised of outer shell (43) with a plurality of internal, 
spaced foam pads (44). Positioned appropriately around and between foam 
pads (44) is irrigation tubing (30) connected to water tube (24) (not 
shown in FIG. 3) by way of connector (28). Connector (28) allows helmet 
(16) to be released from the balance of the components of the system of 
the present invention. 
Irrigation tubing (30) is attached to and held in place within helmet (16) 
by way of connectors (46). In the preferred embodiment connectors (46) 
could be plastic tie wraps or other such flexible straps connected to 
attachment points within helmet (16). Alternative means of attachment 
could include VELCRO.TM. type attachment surfaces or any other attachment 
mechanisms that do not project hard or uncomfortable components onto the 
head of the user. It is anticipated that irrigation tubing (30) could be 
incorporated into a variety of different bicycle helmets or other wearing 
apparel in a retrofit fashion, or could be constructed in an originally 
designed helmet or wearing apparel specifically configured to receive such 
irrigation tubing. In any event irrigation tubing (30) enters helmet (16) 
at a point adjacent the back of the helmet and terminates at some point 
with a closed cap (40) at an internal position within helmet (16). 
Reference is now made to FIG. 4 for a detailed description of the wicking 
material associated with use of the present invention. While irrigation 
tubing (30) shown in FIG. 3 could provide the necessary distribution of 
coolant water to the head of the user, it is preferable to incorporate an 
additional layer of wicking material (32) between the head of the user and 
irrigation tubing (30). Wicking material (32) not only provides a smooth 
surface with which the head of the user comes in contact within helmet 
(16) but also provides a means for more evenly distributing coolant water 
about the head and face of the user and holding the water in contact with 
the skin for effective evaporation. Wicking material (32) is comprised of 
a pair of sections (50) that draw coolant water down from the irrigation 
system of the present invention to the sides of the face of the user. In 
addition, section (52) of wicking material (32) draws such coolant water 
down to the neck of the user. Section (54) of wicking material (32) 
provides sufficient distribution of the coolant water over the top and 
forehead sections of the head of the user and holds water next to the skin 
in these areas. 
Incorporated on the outside surface of wicking material (32) are attachment 
means (56). In the preferred embodiment attachment means (56) are one-half 
of a hook and pile (VELCRO.TM.) type attachment system that serves to 
retain wicking material (32) within helmet (16). Matching with attachment 
means (56) shown on wicking material (32) are complimentary attachment 
components positioned appropriately within helmet (16). As with the 
attachment means for irrigation tubing (30), a variety of mechanisms for 
attaching wicking material (32) within helmet (16) are contemplated. The 
only requirement is that these attachment means not provide rigid or 
otherwise uncomfortable components to the interior of helmet (16) that 
would interfere with the wearing of the helmet by the rider. A variety of 
soft fabric attachment ties and the like are also possible depending upon 
the structure of helmet (16) or the other item of head apparel. It is 
anticipated, for example, that wicking material (32) could be integrally 
sewn into a fabric hat or cap in place of the more rigid helmet (16) 
described in the case of the preferred embodiment. 
Use of the system of the present invention comprises filling water 
reservoir (18) by way of cap (42) and closing cap (42) to retain water 
therein. During this filling process, valve (36) is normally kept closed 
to prevent unintentional leakage of water from water reservoir (18). Air 
bladder (20) is then inflated by use of hand pump (34) positioned over the 
shoulder of the bicycle rider. Inflation of air bladder (20) places 
pressure on the water in water reservoir (18) so that it is forced from 
reservoir (18) through water tube (24). As long as valve (36) is 
maintained closed, no water flows into the irrigation components of the 
present invention. Once the rider is ready to utilize the system, valve 
(36) is opened and water will begin to flow into the irrigation 
components. As long as there is pressure in air bladder (20), a constant 
flow of water will occur. 
Irrigation tubing (30) could be constructed of any of a number of different 
well-known irrigation structures. Plastic tubing with a plurality of small 
apertures could serve the purposes of the present invention quite well. A 
variety of hose materials are known in the field that operate much like a 
sponge in evenly distributing water conducted therethrough. Various types 
of irrigation tubing are well-known in the drip irrigation field and based 
upon the use of an appropriate size tube are easily adaptable for use in 
conjunction with the present invention. 
The user of the system places wicking material (32) over the head to insure 
a comfortable fit and the appropriate positioning of the various sections 
of the material. Helmet (16) is then placed over wicking material (32) in 
a manner that fasteners (56) securely hold wicking material (32) within 
helmet (16) and keep it from being displaced during use. 
It is anticipated that the pressure created by air pumped into air bladder 
(20) will be diminished before the full quantity of water is dispensed 
from water reservoir (18). For this reason it is anticipated that the user 
will be required to further inflate air bladder (20) during use through 
the operation of hand pump (34). This is why the positioning of hand pump 
(34) is made convenient for the user during the activity. 
The flow rate of water from water reservoir (18) can be controlled to some 
extent by the level of air pressure within air bladder (20) and to some 
extent by the degree to which valve (36) is opened. In a preferred 
embodiment of the present invention, valve (36) could be structured to 
provide a range of flow rates rather than a simple on-off condition. In 
this manner, full pressurization of air bladder (20) would not result in 
an overly rapid dispensing of water from water reservoir (18). The rate at 
which water is dispensed through the irrigation components of the present 
invention is, of course, dependent upon the length and porosity of the 
irrigation components. The use of quarter-inch diameter irrigation tubing 
of the type typically used in conjunction with drip irrigation systems for 
gardening and the like, in an overall length of approximately two feet, 
position within the helmet of the user has been shown to provide an 
adequate but not excessive flow of water from water reservoir (18) when 
air bladder (20) is pressurized repeatedly. Such an arrangement provides 
an adequate coolant flow for as much as two to three hours of exercise 
without the need to refill water reservoir (18). 
As indicated above, it is anticipated that use of the basic concepts of the 
present invention could be implemented in conjunction with a variety of 
sporting events, exercise, work, and military activities. Any activity 
that permits the user to carry the water and air reservoirs on the back 
and allows for a conduit to carry the coolant water to the head of the 
user by way of some type of wearing apparel for the head are possible. A 
runner, for example, could utilize the basic system of the present 
invention as described above substituting a lightweight cap made of fabric 
in place of the hard shell bicycle helmet described above. Appropriate 
modifications to a fabric cap could be made to incorporate not only the 
irrigation tubing necessary for the system but also the wicking material 
described. The size of the tubing could be reduced for such systems with a 
corresponding increase in the length of the irrigation conduit to provide 
the same quantity of coolant water flow. In addition, a variety of 
irrigation arrays could be configured within the wearing apparel for the 
head to adjust for the size and porosity of the tubing itself. 
Other applications of the basic concept of the present invention are 
anticipated with a variety of sporting events, exercise, work, and 
military activities. It is believed that these applications and specific 
structural modifications required for the implementation will be become 
apparent to those skilled in the art.