Abstract:
An oral hydration system for supplying user, such as patients, who are unable to lift a glass or a pitcher with hydrating fluids. The hydration system includes a holster that holds a fluid container which is closed by a removable cap. The holster is configured to be easily removably installed into various health care or residential configurations, such as on an intravenous (IV) pole, a wheelchair, a wall hook, a hospital bed, or worn by a user. A hydrating tube extends from the fluid container to a mouthpiece. Beneficially the mouthpiece enables a user to control hydration, such as by biting. The hydration system further includes a scale for indicating how much fluid remains in the system and/or how much fluid a user has ingested. To assist an operator use the hydration system that system includes a window for viewing the scale, a removable cap for refilling the hydration system, and in some applications a drain plug for removing liquid when the hydration system is in-situ.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/268,575, filed on Jun. 15, 2009. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The presently disclosed subject matter is directed towards a hands-free hydration system suitable for use by non-ambulatory users, and more particularly towards a a hands-free, oral hydration system suitable for patients who are unable to use a glass or a pitcher. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Infirm persons often struggle with maintaining adequate hydration. For example, there are many patients that have difficulty with lifting a glass or a pitcher to drink hydrating fluids. 
         [0004]    Inadequate hydration can lead to problems such as electrolyte imbalances, low blood pressures, decreased skin elasticity, discomfort, and even death. Infirm persons, including the elderly or persons who reside in assisted living facilities, are particularly at risk of inadequate hydration. While inadequate hydration can be obtained via intravenous (IV) fluids, such methods require costly skilled personnel and can expose infirm persons to infection risks as well as causing unnecessary pain due to the invasive nature of the intravenous (IV) insertion. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, there remains a need for an easier, less invasive alternative to aid infirm persons with hydration. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    An oral hydration system for supplying user, such as patients, who are unable to lift a glass or a pitcher with hydrating fluids. The hydration system includes a holster that holds a fluid container which is closed by a removable cap. The holster is configured to be easily removably installed into various health care or residential configurations, such as on an intravenous (IV) pole, a wheelchair, a wall hook, a hospital bed, or worn by a user. A hydrating tube extends from the fluid container to a mouthpiece. Beneficially the mouthpiece enables a user to control hydration, such as by biting. The hydration system further includes a scale for indicating how much fluid remains in the system and/or how much fluid a user has ingested. To assist an operator use the hydration system that system includes a window for viewing the scale, a removable cap for refilling the hydration system, and in some applications a drain plug for removing liquid when the hydration system is in-situ. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustration, there is shown in the drawings several exemplary embodiments; however, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed. In the drawings: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a hydration system  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view a fluid container  30  for the hydration system  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, 
           [0010]      FIG. 3A  is an environmental view of the hydration system  10  removably installed hereonto an intravenous pole  61 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3B  is an environmental view of the hydration system  10  removably installed hereonto a wall hook  62 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3C  is an environmental view of the hydration system  10  removably installed hereonto a wheelchair  63 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3D  is an environmental view of the hydration system  10  removably installed hereonto a side rail of a hospital bed  64 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3E  is an environmental view of the hydration system  10  removably attached hereonto a harness  66  worn by a wearer  65 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of an alternate fluid container  40  for the hydration system  10 , with the alternate fluid container  40  depicted in an empty state, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of the alternate fluid container  40  depicted in a fluid filled state, according to the alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     1. Description of the Figures 
       [0017]    The presently disclosed subject matter will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments are shown. Indeed, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
         [0018]    The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 3E , and in terms of an alternate embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 4A and 4B . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments are possible without deviating from the principles of the present invention and that any such embodiment will also fall within the scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and that the disclosed configurations are shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure, and not by way of limitation of scope. 
         [0019]    The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
         [0020]    The present invention describes a hydration system, (herein described as the “hydration system”)  10 , which provides a means for hydrating non ambulatory users, many of which may be unable to reach for and use a pitcher or a drinking glass. 
         [0021]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , which is a perspective view of the hydration system  10  according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hydration system  10  comprises a holster  11  that defines a contained volume for retaining and enclosing a container  30  which contains a fluid, such as water or other medicinal liquid. That fluid is deliverable to a user by way of a hydrating tube  33  that ends in a mouthpiece  34 . Beneficially the mouthpiece  34  is of the type that opens when bitten by a user. The holster  11  comprises an upper portion  12  and a lower portion  13 , a pair of first straps  14 , a pair of buckles  16 , and a pair of second straps  17 . 
         [0022]    The holster  11  also includes both a window  19  and an aperture  18 . The window  19  provides a caregiver to easily read a scale  35  (subsequently described in more detail) that shows how much fluid is in the container  30 . The aperture  18  allows passage of fluid from the container  30  to the hydrating tube  33  while supporting installation of the container  30  within the holster  11 . 
         [0023]    The upper portion  12  of the holster  11  is hingedly attached thereonto a rear exterior portion of the holster  11 , thereby allowing the upper portion  12  to be opened and the container  30  to be installed hereinto the holster  11  and its contained volume. After installing the container  30  hereinto the holster  11 , the upper portion  12  is closed hereagainst the lower portion  13  of the holster  11 , wherein the closed state is secured by the first straps  14  and corresponding buckles  16 , wherein each first strap  14  is looped through a corresponding buckle  16 , closed hereonto itself and secured by fastening a closure  15  comprising a hook-and-loop configuration. Each buckle  16  is retained by a corresponding second strap  17  that is looped through a buckle  16  and permanently fastened, by means such as chemical bonding, sewing or riveting, hereonto a front exterior face portion of the holster  11 . The holster  11  and the straps  16  and  17  are beneficially made of canvas, nylon, or an eco-friendly plastic material, while the buckles  16  are beneficially stainless steel. 
         [0024]    It should be clearly understood that while the upper portion  12  is described as being closed against the lower portion  13  using buckles and straps, such description is for explanation, not limitation. For example, Velcro straps and patches may be advantageous in some applications, snaps in others, and zippers in yet others. Furthermore, other methods of obtaining an enclosing volume for the container  30  are possible, for example, the use of an elastic sleeve. In any event the holster  11  has a defined front and back. 
         [0025]    The lower portion  13  includes a tab  21  having an aperture  23  that allows the hydration system  10  to be removable installed thereonto a variety of patient care locations, such an intravenous pole  61  (reference  FIG. 3A ), a residential wall hook  62  (reference  FIG. 3B ), a wheelchair  63  (reference  FIG. 3C ), or a hospital bed  64  (reference  FIG. 3D ). Additionally, it is envisioned that the hydration system  10  can be worn by a user  65 , such as by means of a harness  66  (reference  FIG. 3E ). 
         [0026]    Refer now to  FIG. 2 , where a perspective view of the container  30  of the hydration system  10  is disclosed. The container  30  is removable from the holster  11  and has a collar  31  with a drain cap  32  to which the hydrating tube  33  is fastened. It is envisioned that the container  30  can be made of a surgical grade acrylic, polymeric or elastomeric transparent or translucent material. The scale  35  is permanently inscribed in a transparent material onto a front face portion of the container  30 . The scale  35  beneficially indicates the amount of fluid taken by a user (such as the user  65  shown in  FIG. 3E ). 
         [0027]    The container  30  further include a drain collar  36  closed by a drain cap  37 . The drain collar beneficially has a check valve internal member which prevents fluid in the container  30  from leaking from the container  30  when the container is inverted, but selectively allows fluid to be drained from the container  30  by an operator. 
         [0028]    In some embodiments the container  30  can include a tab  91  having an aperture  93 . When the container  30  is mounted in the holster  11  (see  FIG. 1 ) the tab  91 —aperture  93  aligns with the tab  21 —aperture  23  of the holster  11 . In other embodiments the container  30  does not include a tab  91  and an aperture  93 . 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIG. 3A , an environmental view of the hydration system  10  removably installed thereonto the intravenous pole  61 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The intravenous pole is depicted as standing hereupon a floor. As shown the hydration system hangs from the intravenous pole  61  via an arm  81  having a hook  83  that passes through the aperture  23  (see  FIG. 1 ), and possibly through the aperture  93 . Of course, mounting can also be achieved in a wide variety of other ways that are well known to those skilled in the applicable arts. 
         [0030]    Referring now to  FIG. 3B , an environmental view of the hydration system  10  removably installed thereonto a wall bracket  62  therewithin a health care or a residential location, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. As shown the hydration system  10  is beneficially attached to the wall bracket  62  via a hook  87  that passes through the aperture  23  (and possibly the aperture  93 ) and that attaches to the wall bracket  62 . Of course, mounting can also be achieved in a wide variety of other ways that are well known to those skilled in the applicable arts. 
         [0031]    Referring now to  FIG. 3C , an environmental view of the hydration system  10  removably installed thereonto the wheelchair  63 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. As shown the hydration system  10  is beneficially attached to the wheelchair  63  via a hook  103  that passes through the aperture  23  and that is permanently attached to the wheelchair  63 . Of course, mounting can also be achieved in a wide variety of other ways that are well known to those skilled in the applicable arts. 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIG. 3D , an environmental view of the hydration system  10  removably installed thereonto a side rail of a hospital bed  64 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. As shown the hydration system  10  is beneficially attached to the hospital bed  64  via a hook  105  that passes through the aperture  23  and that is permanently attached to the hospital bed  64 . Of course, mounting can also be achieved in a wide variety of other ways that are well known to those skilled in the applicable arts. 
         [0033]    Refer now to  FIG. 3E  where an environmental view of the hydration system  10  removably installed thereonto a harness  66  worn by a user  65 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The harness  66  forms a ring  67  around the neck of the user  65 . The hydration system is beneficially attached to the harness  66  via means of a snap ring  68  that passes through the aperture  23 . 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIG. 4A , a perspective view of an alternate fluid container  40  of the hydration system  10  according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The alternate fluid container  40  is beneficially disposable. As shown in  FIG. 4A  the fluid container  40  is empty, while in  FIG. 4B  it is shown filled with a fluid. The alternate container  40  includes a collar  43  that receives the cap  32  and the hydration tube  33  (see  FIG. 4B ). Because of its usefulness, the alternate fluid container  40  includes the scale  35 . Furthermore, the alternate fluid container  40  may or may not include a tab  91  having an aperture  93 . For convenience  FIG. 4A and 4B  show the tab  91 . The alternate fluid container  40  is envisioned to be made of a low cost, highly flexible transparent or translucent, bio-degradable eco-friendly polymeric plastic comprising bio raw materials instead of a petro chemical. 
         [0035]    Referring now to  FIG. 4B , a perspective view of the alternate fluid container  40  of the hydration system  10  according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. As noted, in  FIG. 4B  the alternate fluid container  40  is depicted as being filled. As such, the alternate fluid container  40  assumes a more rounded shape than that shown in  FIG. 4A . 
         [0036]    While the embodiments have been described in connection with the preferred embodiments of the various figures, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiment for performing the same function without deviating therefrom. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims. 
       2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment 
       [0037]    The preferred embodiments of the present invention can be utilized by a user in a simple manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the hydration system  10 , it is assembled as generally indicated in  FIG. 1  (with the holster  11  holding either the container  30  or the alternate fluid container  40 ). 
         [0038]    The method of utilizing the hydration system  10  of the preferred embodiment may be achieved by performing the following steps: unfastening the pair of first straps  14  of the holster  11 ; opening the holster  11 ; removing the cap  32  from the collar  31 ; filling either the container  30  or the alternate fluid container  40  therewith the desired fluid (it is also possible that the alternat fluid container was prefilled); securing the cap  32 ; passing the mouth piece  34  and the hydrating tube  33  therethrough the aperture  18 ; installing the filled fluid container  30  or alternate fluid container  40  hereinto the holster  11 ; closing the holster  11 ; securing the closing of the holster  11  by fastening each of the pair of the first straps  14 ; selecting an installation location; inverting the hydration system  10 ; removably installing the hydration system  10  in the chosen installation location (for example, as shown in  FIG. 3A-3E ), routing the hydrating tube  33  to the user which enables the user to selectively obtain hydration by biting the mouth piece  34 . When the hydration system is depleted of fluid an operator remove the holster  11  from its installation location, remove the cap  32 . then either refill the container  30  or replace the alternative fluid container  40  (depending on which container is being used). Replacement is performed by unfastening the pair of first straps  14  of the holster  11 ; opening the holster  11 ; removing the fluid container from the holster  11 ; installing a replacement filled alternative fluid container  40 , and refastening it in place. 
         [0039]    Beneficially a container  30  can be emptied of residual fluid by removing the cap  37 . This can be performed with the hydration system  10  in its installation location without requiring an operator to lift a full hydration system  10 . 
         [0040]    The method of installing and uninstalling the alternate fluid container  40  may be achieved by following steps similar to those followed in installing and uninstalling the fluid container  30  of the preferred embodiment  10 . After use, the empty alternate container  41  is discarded. 
         [0041]    The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.