Patent Publication Number: US-2022234802-A1

Title: Hydration reservoir

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/416,416 filed on 20 May 2019 and entitled “Hydration Reservoir”, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/134,724 filed on 21 Apr. 2016 and entitled “Hydration Reservoir”, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,315,816, which claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/234,565 filed 29 Sep. 2015 entitled “Quick Drying Hydration Reservoir,” which are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to hydration reservoirs, and more specifically to hydration systems with features allowing for quick or complete drying of the hydration reservoir. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Hydration reservoirs typically are constructed of multiple layers of film that abut or extend closely adjacent one another when the reservoir is empty. For example, current hydration systems on the market tend to use two pieces of flat film welded to each other along confronting peripheral edges allowing very little physical space between them when the reservoir is empty. A common challenge that consumers face with such hydration systems is the length of time it takes for the system to dry out after use and the subsequent bacteria growth and accompanying odors associated with a slow (or non) drying hydration system. Because the layers of film of existing systems are flat, the layers tend to press against one another and retain pockets of moisture, creating an ideal environment for bacteria growth and preventing the reservoir from drying without assistance from additional devices or accessories. 
     It is therefore desirable to provide an improved hydration system, and more specifically an improved quick drying hydration reservoir that addresses the above described problems and/or which more generally offers improvements or an alternative to existing arrangements. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to the present disclosure there is therefore provided a hydration reservoir as described below and defined in the accompanying claims. The present disclosure advantageously provides a deformable hydration reservoir that maintains its shape during drying. As explained in detail below, through use of a molded front panel, the reservoir may quickly and easily air dry without the assistance of additional devices or accessories. In this manner, a user can effectively dry the reservoir in a reasonable amount of time to reduce the bacteria growth and resulting odor, and eliminate or reduce the need to purchase or craft a homemade solution to assist the drying, which is a common practice and frustration with current systems on the market. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a hydration reservoir. The hydration reservoir may include at least two panels of resilient material joined together at edges to define a bladder and a bladder volume for storing a liquid. The at least two panels may be deformable as the bladder is emptied of liquid. At least one of the at least two panels may be molded into a three-dimensional shape. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a molded bladder for a hydration system. The bladder may include a front panel and a rear panel, the front and rear panels joined together along a line of connection, such as along their respective edges to define a bladder volume for storing liquid. The front and rear panels may deform as liquid is removed from the bladder. At least a portion of one or both of the front and rear panels may retain a three-dimensional shape when the bladder is empty. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a hydration reservoir. The hydration reservoir may include a flexible bladder having a top edge and opposing side edges extending from the top edge, and a clip member, which may be rigid, connected to the top edge of the bladder, the clip member extending along the top edge and at least partially down the opposing side edges of the bladder. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a hydration reservoir. The hydration reservoir may include a flexible bladder, the bladder including a fill opening and an outlet port spaced away from the fill opening. The outlet port is for connecting to an outlet through which the user receives the fluid stored in the bladder. The hydration reservoir may include a securement member mounted adjacent the outlet port to move relative to the outlet port and the bladder. The securement member may be a hook rotatably mounted relative to the outlet port. 
     Additional embodiments and features are set forth in part in the description that follows, and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the specification or may be learned by the practice of the disclosed subject matter. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings, which forms a part of this disclosure. One of skill in the art will understand that each of the various aspects and features of the disclosure may advantageously be used separately in some instances, or in combination with other aspects and features of the disclosure in other instances. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The description will be more fully understood with reference to the following figures in which components are not drawn to scale, which are presented as various embodiments of the disclosure and should not be construed as a complete recitation of the scope of the disclosure, characterized in that: 
         FIG. 1  is a front isometric view of a hydration reservoir in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of the hydration reservoir of  FIG. 1  in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2A  is a front elevation view of the hydration reservoir of  FIG. 1  with a cap in an open position in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a rear elevation view of the hydration reservoir of  FIG. 1  in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of the hydration reservoir of  FIG. 1  in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4A  is a side elevation view of the hydration reservoir of  FIG. 1  with a cap in an open position in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the hydration reservoir of  FIG. 1  taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 2  in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6A  is a cross-sectional view of the hydration reservoir of  FIG. 1  taken along line  6 A- 6 A of  FIG. 2  in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6B  is a cross-sectional view of the hydration reservoir of  FIG. 1  taken along line  6 B- 6 B of  FIG. 2  in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the hydration reservoir of  FIG. 1  inserted within a backpack in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged, exploded fragmentary view of the hydration reservoir of  FIG. 1  in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a perimeter frame in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is a front elevation view of an additional hydration reservoir in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is a front elevation view of an additional hydration reservoir in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  is a front elevation view of an additional hydration reservoir in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an additional securement member in a use position in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the securement member of  FIG. 13  in a stored position in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 15  is a fragmentary, perspective view of an additional securement member in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 16  is a fragmentary, perspective view of an additional securement member in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a hydration reservoir  100  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a bladder  102  formed from at least two panels (e.g. a front panel  104  and a rear panel  106 ) of resilient material secured together. For example, the bladder  102  may be formed by adhering the front and rear panels  104 ,  106  to each other along an engagement line  108 , forming a seal, to create a bladder  102  that can contain liquids for consumption while performing sport activities, for instance. The front and rear panels  104 ,  106  may each be formed from one or more layers of flexible film, each layer of film ranging from about 0.10 mil to about 0.40 mil thick. In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the engagement line  108  forming the seal between the front and rear panels  104 ,  106  defines the periphery of a bladder volume, and in this example are joined together at the respective peripheral edges to define the bladder  102  and a bladder volume for storing drink fluid therein, such as water, sports drinks, and juices. The size and shape of the bladder  102  may vary depending on the desired application with which the hydration reservoir  100  will be used. For example, the hydration reservoir  100  may be placed in a hydration pack  110  or other carrier to hold and dispense fluid to a user when desired (see  FIG. 7 ). Typically, the bladder  102  may hold at least 24 ounces, and may hold as much as 32 ounces, 50 ounces, 70 ounces, 100 ounces, 200 ounces, or more of drink fluid. In some embodiments, the front and rear panels  104 ,  106  may deform as the bladder  102  is emptied of liquid to, for example, limit the buildup of vacuum pressure within the bladder  102  and limit sloshing of the drink fluid within the bladder  102 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , the hydration reservoir  100  may be shaped to create a space  112  between the inner surfaces of each panel when the bladder  102  is empty (see  FIG. 5 ), which reduces the contact between the front and rear panels  104 ,  106 , especially when the hydration reservoir  100  is empty, thus allowing for more efficient drying of the reservoir. For example, at least one of the front and rear panels  104 ,  106  may be molded into a three-dimensional shape to space at least a portion of the front and rear panels  104 ,  106  away from each other when the bladder  102  is empty. The molded shape may encompass all or only a part of one or both of the front and rear panels  104 ,  106 . In some embodiments, the front and/or rear panels  104 ,  106  may be molded (such as through vacuum or thermoforming) such that the side of either formed panel facing or adjacent to the side of the other panel has a substantially concave shape when the bladder  102  is at rest. For example, the front panel  104  may be molded such that the side of the front panel  104  facing or adjacent to the side of the rear panel  106  has a substantially concave shape when the bladder  102  is sitting at rest. In such embodiments, one panel (e.g., the rear panel  106 ) may be substantially flat to limit barreling into a back panel of a hydration pack  110  or into the back of a user. 
     Although the front panel  104  may be molded into a three-dimensional shape, both the front and rear panels  104 ,  106  are resiliently deformable and flexible, and in some embodiments, the rear panel  106  may be more flexible than the front panel  104 , or vice versa. Due to the deformability of the front and rear panels  104 ,  106 , the space  112  between the front and rear panels  104 ,  106  may be reduced as a user removes air and/or liquid from the bladder  102 , greatly reducing any sloshing effect compared to a hard-molded reservoir. Although deformation of the bladder  102  may cause the front panel  104  to contact the rear panel  106  during use, when the hydration reservoir  100  is empty, the three-dimensional shape of the front panel  104  resiliently biases the front panel  104  away from the rear panel  106  to create a space  112  between the two panels  104 ,  106 , the space  112  being formed over the entirety of the confronting internal surfaces, or over at least a portion of the confronting internal surfaces, of the front and rear panels  104 ,  106 . This resilient biasing effect is created by the curved structure of the formed panel (e.g., the front panel  104 ). The space  112  or gap limits or inhibits the front and rear panels  104 ,  106  from touching each other, and increases the ability of air to flow within the interior of the bladder  102  to evaporate residual liquids, thereby decreasing the likelihood of bacteria growth and increasing the rate at which the hydration reservoir  100  dries out after use. The three-dimensional shape of the front panel  104 , in this example, may also limit the bladder  102  from expanding towards the back of a user. It should be noted that while the formed panel(s)  104 ,  106  are biased apart from one another when the bladder  102  is empty, because the panels  104 ,  106  are also flexible to reduce water movement, they may be forced into contact with one another by a compressive force sufficient to overcome the resiliently biased expansion force. This compressive force may occur typically during use, such as by the bladder  102  being under a heavier object such as a boot or loaded backpack. When the compressive force is removed, the resiliently biased formed panel (e.g., the front panel  104 ) may automatically expand to its formed shape and create the internal space  112  or gap. Although described with reference to the front panel  104 , additionally or alternatively, the rear panel  106  may be molded into a three-dimensional shape (e.g., having a large radius curve) in a similar manner. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , once the front panel  104  is soft-molded into a desired shape, the front panel  104  and the rear panel  106  may be welded or otherwise hermetically sealed together along a line of connection (i.e., the engagement line  108 ), such as around their respective peripheries, to define the bladder  102 . For example, the outer edge of the front panel  104  (see  FIG. 1 ) may be welded to the confronting adjacent outer edge of the rear panel  106  (see  FIG. 3 ) to form a leak-proof seal, which forms a flange  114  extending around the periphery of the bladder  102 . When assembled, the flange  114  defines a top edge  116 , a bottom edge  118 , and opposing side edges  120  of the bladder  102 , with the opposing side edges  120  extending between the top edge  116  and the bottom edge  118 . 
     In some embodiments, the front panel  104  may be formed from a plurality of panel portions connected together. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , the front panel  104  may be formed from a center panel portion  130  and a plurality of side panel portions  132 . As shown, the side panel portions  132  extend adjacent the opposing side edges  120  of the bladder  102  to the center panel portion  130 . As best seen in  FIG. 6A , the center panel portion  130  may extend substantially parallel to, and at a distance spaced away from, the rear panel  106 . With reference to  FIG. 12 , in some embodiments, the center panel portion  130  may be connected to the top and bottom edges  116 ,  118  of the bladder  102 . On one embodiment, the center panel portion  130  may be sized smaller than the rear panel  106  such that the side panel portions  132  extend, at least partially, from the opposing side edges  120  of the bladder  102  to the center panel portion  130  at an acute angle relative to the rear panel  106  (see  FIG. 6A ). Similarly, the side panel portions  132  may extend from the top and bottom edges  116 ,  118  of the bladder  102  to the center panel portion  130  at an acute angle relative to the rear panel  106  (see  FIG. 4 ). The side panel portions  132  may be generally planar, or may be generally curved, in which case they approximate an acute angle. In embodiments wherein the center panel portion  130  is connected directly to the top and bottom edges  116 ,  118 , the center panel portion  130  may extend from the top and bottom edges  116 ,  118  at an acute angle relative to the rear panel  106 . In each of the embodiments described above, the center panel portion  130  and the side panel portions  132  may be staggered and joined in an overlapping arrangement so as to form a step  134  (see  FIG. 6B ). In such embodiments, the center panel portion  130  may be connected to either an exterior surface or an interior surface of the side panel portions  132 . Although described with reference to the front panel  104 , additionally or alternatively, the rear panel  106  may be constructed from a plurality of panel portions in a similar manner. The front and rear panels  104 ,  106  may also each be formed from a unitary sheet, or may be formed as portions of a unitary sheet of material, with one portion being molded into the formed three-dimensional shape. 
     The shape of the three-dimensional formed panel, whether the front panel  104  and/or the rear panel  106 , across a length dimension may be a continuous curve from the top edge  116  to the bottom edge  118  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 12 ). The curve may not be continuous, and instead be a combination of curved sidewalls extending upwardly from the edges  116 ,  118  forming a peripheral rim  136  (see  FIGS. 1 and 6A ), with a relatively planar, flat or somewhat curved top portion, such as the center panel portion  130  noted above extending across the open end of the rim  136  formed by the sidewalls. Similarly, the shape may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. The shape of the three-dimensional formed panel, whether the front panel  104  and/or the rear panel  106 , across a width dimension may be a continuous curve from one side edge  120  to the other side edge  120 . The curve may not be continuous, and instead be a combination of curved sidewalls extending upwardly from the edges  120  forming the peripheral rim  136 , with a relatively planar, flat or somewhat curved top portion, such as the center panel portion  130  noted above extending across the open end of the rim  136  formed by the sidewalls. The shape may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. 
     The space  112  or gap between the front and rear panels  104 ,  106  as a result of the formed three-dimensional shape may be consistent, or vary, across the length and width of the bladder  102 . For instance, the space  112  may be greater nearer the top edge  116  of the bladder  102  than the bottom edge  118  of the bladder  102  (see  FIG. 5 ). Additionally or alternatively, the space  112  may be greater near the center of the width of the bladder  102  than near the opposing side edges  120  of the bladder  102  (see  FIG. 6A ). 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-4 and 8 , the hydration reservoir  100  may include a clip member  138  connected to at least the top edge  116  of the bladder  102 . As shown, the clip member  138  extends along the top edge  116  and at least partially down the opposing side edges  120  of the bladder  102  to provide strength and to maintain the shape of the hydration reservoir  100 , for instance. In some embodiments, the clip member  138  may extend along a portion of the length of each of the opposing side edges  120 , such as less than 50%, less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, less than 10%, or 0%. In such embodiments, at least a portion of the clip member  138  may extend below the fill opening  164  along the opposing side edges  120  of the bladder  102 . Generally, the further down the sidewalls that the clip extends, the more stability and strength that the clip provides the bladder along its length, and enhances the manipulation of the bladder by the user when it is empty as well as full. 
     As best illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the clip member  138 , which may be referred to as a frame or a handle, is elongated and rigid or semi-rigid, and may include a first member  140  and a second member  142 , the first and second members  140 ,  142  connected together to position the clip member  138  adjacent the top edge  116  of the bladder  102 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , the first member  140  includes an engagement surface  144  from which a plurality of projections  146  extends. The second member  142  includes a corresponding engagement surface  148  in which a plurality of cavities  150  are defined, the cavities  150  sized to receive and selectively retain the projections  146  of the first member  140  to secure the first member  140  to the second member  142 . In some embodiments, retention holes  152  may be defined in the top edge  116  and/or the opposing side edges  120  of the bladder  102 , such as in the flange  114  extending around the periphery of the bladder  102 . In such embodiments, the retention holes  152  are sized to receive the projections  146  of the first member  140  to both position and retain the clip member  138  relative to the bladder  102 . 
     To secure the clip member  138  to the bladder  102 , the first member  140  is positioned adjacent the rear panel  106  such that the projections  146  of the first member  140  extend through the retention holes  152  of the bladder  102 . The second member  142  is positioned adjacent the front panel  104  such that the projections  146  of the first member  140  are received in the cavities of the second member  142 . As noted above, the cavities may selectively retain the projections  146  of the first member  140  (e.g., through interference fit) such that the first and second members  140 ,  142  are secured together. As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , in some embodiments, the first and second members  140 ,  142  may include a weld flange  154  to permanently secure the first and second members  140 ,  142  to the bladder  102 . Once the clip member  138  is secured to the bladder  102 , the top edge  116  and at least a portion of the opposing side edges  120  of the bladder  102  may be positioned substantially between the first and second members  140 ,  142  of the clip member  138  and may engage the engagement surfaces  144 ,  148  of the first and second members  140 ,  142 . In some embodiments, the clip member  138  may extend around the entire periphery of the bladder  102  and, in such embodiments, may be formed integrally with a perimeter frame  160  (see  FIG. 10 ). Since the clip member  138  is rigid or semi-rigid, it may structurally support the weight of the bladder when empty, and/or optionally when it is partially filled with liquid or entirely filled with liquid. Such support provides the user adequate control of the hydration reservoir to insert it into and extract it from a tight-fitting sleeve in a carrier, such as a backpack, easily hold the reservoir in a desired orientation for filling or emptying the reservoir, among other acts. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-5 and 8 , the clip member  138  may be configured to provide a desired aesthetic characteristic and better position the hydration reservoir  100  within a hydration pack  110  or other carrier. For example, the rigidity of the clip member  138  may assist in positioning the hydration reservoir  100  in a hydration pack  110 , backpack, or other carrier (see  FIG. 7 ). Furthermore, the clip member  138  may be curved and, in some embodiments, may include a hanger element  162  for attachment of the hydration reservoir  100  to a hydration pack  110 , backpack, or other suitable carrier. The hanger element  162  may be formed in one of the first and second members  140 ,  142  (e.g., the first member  140 ) of the clip member  138  so the hydration reservoir  100  hangs properly within hydration pack  110  (see  FIG. 7 ). In the embodiments of  FIGS. 1, 2, and 8 , the hanger element  162 , which may or may not form a closed loop with the first member  140 , is molded monolithically with the first member  140  of the clip member  138  for increased strength and ease of assembly. In some embodiments, the clip member  138  may allow a user to grip and hold the hydration reservoir  100  when, for example, filling the bladder  102  with liquid through a fill opening  164 . In such embodiments, the clip member  138  may include a high friction surface treatment  166  to reduce the likelihood of the clip member  138  slipping out of a user&#39;s fingers especially when wet. In this manner, the clip member  138  may be used to leverage and manipulate the hydration reservoir  100  during filling, and also during insertion into and extraction from the backpack. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , the first and second members  140 ,  142  of the clip member  138  may be ergonomically shaped to fit comfortably within a user&#39;s hands and/or fingers. For example, each of the first and second members  140 ,  142  may be curved in relation to a plane defined by the rear panel  106  of the bladder  102 . For example, as best illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the first and second members  140 ,  142  curve away from each other such that the first member  140  curves away from, and the second member  142  curves toward, the front panel  104 . In this manner, the first and second members  140 ,  142  of the clip member  138  may be easier to grip and to grasp. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 9-11 , the optional perimeter frame  160  may support and/or help define or maintain the shape of the bladder  102 , such as by increasing the structural strength around at least a portion of the periphery of the bladder  102 . It may be positioned interior to or exterior to the bladder  102 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the perimeter frame  160 , which may be a flexible wire or a molded plastic continuous or discontinuous loop, is positioned exterior to the bladder  102  and extends adjacent the periphery of the bladder  102  defined by the engagement line  108  between the front and rear panels  104 ,  106  (i.e., adjacent to the flange  114 ). It may extend underneath the clip member  138 , or may terminate at the clip member  138 . In some embodiments, the perimeter frame  160  is attached to the flange  114  with a sewn hem or binding, welding, or many other types of suitable attachment mechanisms. In other embodiments, such as in  FIG. 11 , the perimeter frame  160  may be positioned within the interior of the bladder  102 . For example, the perimeter frame  160  may be resiliently deformable and preferably inserted within the interior of the bladder  102 , such as in one example through the fill opening  164  of the bladder  102 . In some embodiments, the perimeter frame  160  may be inserted within the bladder  102  after the front panel  104  is attached to the rear panel  106  or may be used to provide structural support to existing reservoir arrangements on the market. As best seen in  FIGS. 5 and 6A , once positioned within the interior of the bladder  102 , the perimeter frame  160  may extend adjacent the engagement line  108 , at least partially about the periphery of the bladder, in abutting relationship with the rear panel  106  and the side panel portions  132  and/or the center panel portion  130  of the front panel  104 . The perimeter frame  160  may extend substantially parallel to, and in some embodiments substantially contiguous with, the rear panel  106  adjacent the top edge  116 , the bottom edge  118 , and the opposing side edges  120  of the bladder  102 . In such embodiments, the perimeter frame  160  may bias the side panel portions  132  and/or the center panel portion  130  outward to maintain the rear panel  106  in a taut condition. As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the perimeter frame  160  may curve along its length dimension (i.e., between the top edge  116  and the bottom edge  118  of the bladder  102 ) to induce a curvature within the bladder  102  to at least partially match the curvature of a hydration pack  110  and/or a user&#39;s back. In some embodiments, the perimeter frame  160  may be selectively removed, for instance, for cleaning and/or to selectively increase the deformability of the bladder  102  in general. In each of the described embodiments above, the perimeter frame  160  may enhance the stiffness of the bladder along its length, support the peripheral shape of the bladder, thus allowing the reservoir to be slid more easily into a confined or tight space of a hydration pack  110  or other carrier, and may also limit the rear panel  106  from expanding toward a user&#39;s back by maintaining the shape of the flange  114 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the hydration reservoir  100  may include a fill opening  164  and an outlet port  168  spaced away from the fill opening  164 . As shown, the fill opening  164  and the outlet port  168  are defined on the front panel  104  (e.g., in the center panel portion  130 ) near opposite ends of the bladder  102 . The fill opening  164  is defined in the front panel  104  adjacent (e.g., relatively close to but spaced away from) the top edge  116  of the bladder  102 . The fill opening  164  may define a periphery from which an annular collar  170  extends outwardly away from the front panel  104  (see  FIGS. 2A and 4A ). A cap  172  is releasably securable to the fill opening  164  (i.e., to the collar  170 ) by a securement mechanism  174 . Examples of suitable securement mechanisms may include a quick-release threaded mechanism (e.g., one-quarter turn to close or open), a press-fit “plug” connection, or a continuous progressive closure “snap-fit” structure, among others. When the cap  172  is engaged with the fill opening  164 , the cap  172  may face an angle (e.g., about 30-60 degrees) relative to the plane of the rear panel  106  (see  FIG. 4 ). The cap  172  may be a standardized cap having a diameter of approximately 63 mm or 80 mm, and in any event is suitable to form a removable cover to seal the fill opening  164 . 
     Continuing to refer to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the outlet port  168 , which may be operable to connect to an outlet hose  176 , may be defined in the front panel  104  adjacent (e.g., relatively close to but spaced away from) the bottom edge  118  of the bladder  102 . In one embodiment, the outlet port  168  includes a first section  178  extending outwardly from the front panel  104  of the bladder  102 . In such embodiments, a second section  180  may extend from the first section  178  of the outlet port  168  and, in some embodiments, towards the fill opening  164 . As illustrated, the second section  180  may extend generally perpendicular to the first section  178  to position the outlet hose  176 , when connected thereto, adjacent the front panel  104  of the hydration reservoir  100 , for instance. The second section  180  may include a barbed fitting  182  for connecting to the outlet hose  176 , though other types of connection mechanisms may be used to secure the outlet hose  176  to the outlet port  168 , including without limitation a quick-connect mechanism, a quick-release threaded mechanism (e.g., one-quarter turn to close or open), a press-fit “plug” connection, or a continuous progressive closure “snap-fit” structure, among others. In one embodiment, a quick-connect mechanism may be positioned at any given point along the length of the outlet hose  176  to provide, for instance, an in-line quick-disconnect feature. In some embodiments, the outlet port  168  is secured to the front panel  104  and includes a surrounding shroud layer  184  of resilient material, such as a thicker/tougher plastic layer, formed on the hydration reservoir  100  to shield the bladder material surrounding the outlet port  168  from damage, as explained in more detail below. 
     In some embodiments, an anchor mechanism  186  may retain the cap  172  adjacent the fill opening  164  when the bladder  102  is being filled with liquid, for instance. In some embodiments, the anchor mechanism  186  may resiliently deform (e.g., bend) to position the cap  172  between a first position in which the securement mechanism  174  is disengaged and the cap  172  is no longer attached to the collar  170  around the fill opening  164  (see  FIGS. 2 and 4 ), and a second position in which the cap  172  extends away from, or is otherwise spaced away from, the fill opening  164  (see  FIGS. 2A and 4A ). The anchor mechanism  186  may be resilient to automatically position the cap  172 , once the securement mechanism  174  is disengaged and the cap  172  is no longer attached to the collar  170 , to the second position to allow for easy access to the fill opening  164 . In the second position, the anchor mechanism  186  may retain the cap  172  in a position spaced away from the fill opening  164 . In some embodiments, at least a portion of the anchor mechanism  186  may at least partially surround the collar  170  and rotate about the fill opening  164  to allow positioning of the cap  172  in substantially any circumferential position relative to the fill opening  164 . For example, at least a portion of the anchor mechanism  186  may rotate about the fill opening  164  to position the cap  172  spaced away from the fill opening  164  towards one of the top edge  116 , the bottom edge  118 , or one of the opposing side edges  120  when in the second position (see  FIGS. 2A and 4A ). 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in one embodiment, the anchor mechanism  186  may include a first portion  188  connected to (e.g., substantially surrounding) the fill opening  164 , a second portion  190  connected to (e.g., substantially received around or surrounding) the cap  172 , and a tether  192  connected between the first and second portions  188 ,  190 . Each of the first and second portions  188 ,  190  may be an annular ring rotatably received about the collar  170  and the cap  172 , respectively. In such embodiments, the second portion  190  may be rotatably received within a groove  194  defined in the outer periphery of the cap  172  (see  FIG. 5 ). In one embodiment, the first portion  188  may rotate about a portion of the fill opening  164  (e.g., about the collar  170 ). Additionally or alternatively, the second portion  190  may rotate about the cap  172  within the groove  194  to permit the cap  172  to engage and seal the fill opening  164 , as explained below. The tether  192  may be an elongated strip of resilient material, such as a strap, having a length extending between the first and second portions  188 ,  190 , a transverse width, and a thickness such that the strap may be considered narrow and thin. In the first position, the tether  192  may bend along its length to position the first portion  188  adjacent the second portion  190  and permit the cap  172  to engage and seal the fill opening  164  (see  FIG. 4 ). As shown in  FIG. 4A , the tether  192  may resiliently unbend to position the cap  172  in the second position. 
     To open the bladder  102 , a user may, for example, rotate the cap  172  about the collar  170  until the securement mechanism  174  is disengaged and the cap  172  is in the first position. In some embodiments, the second portion  190  of the anchor mechanism  186  may rotate about the cap  172  and/or the first portion  188  of the anchor mechanism  186  may rotate about the collar  170  to permit disengagement of the securement mechanism  174 , for instance. Once the cap  172  is in the first position, the user may position the cap  172  away from the fill opening  164  until, for example, the cap  172  is substantially in the second position. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the anchor mechanism  186  (e.g., the tether  192 ) may itself bias the cap  172  to the second position. For instance, the tether  192  may include a natural spring such that the cap  172  auto-flips away from the fill opening  164  for one-handed or hands-free filling of the hydration reservoir  100 . In such embodiments, once the cap  172  is in the first position, a user may release the cap  172  for the cap  172  to spring open to the second position. 
     Securing the cap  172  to the collar  170  may be accomplished in substantially reverse order as that described above. For example, a user may first position the cap  172  from the second position to the first position by overcoming the bias provided by the tether  192 . Once the cap  172  is in the first position, the user may rotate the cap  172  about the collar  170  until the cap  172  is secured to and seals the fill opening  164 . Similar to above, when securing the cap  172  to the collar  170 , the second portion  190  of the anchor mechanism  186  may rotate about the cap  172  and/or the first portion  188  of the anchor mechanism  186  may rotate about the collar  170  to permit engagement of the securement mechanism  174 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the hydration reservoir  100  may include a securement member  196  for conveniently hanging the hydration reservoir  100 , such as for drying it out. In some embodiments, the securement member  196  includes a base  198  defining an aperture  200  therethrough (see  FIG. 5 ), and an engagement portion  202  positioned distal the base  198 . As detailed below, the engagement portion  202 , which may be a hook, a loop, or an oval or circle hoop, among other effective shapes, is operable to secure the hydration reservoir  100  to a support member (e.g., a hanger, coat or closet hook, etc.). As shown in the embodiments of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the securement member  196  (e.g., the base  198 ) is rotatably mounted to the outlet port  168  and is operable to rotate with respect to the outlet port  168  and the bladder  102 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the securement member  196  may be rotatably mounted to the first section  178  of the outlet port  168 . In such embodiments, the first section  178  may be received within the aperture  200  of the securement member  196  such that the securement member  196  is rotatable relative thereto. To secure the securement member  196  to the outlet port  168 , the securement member  196  may be positioned at least partially between the front panel  104  and the second section  180  of the outlet port  168 . In such embodiments, the securement member  196  may extend generally parallel to the front panel  104 . 
     In some embodiments, the securement member  196  may rotate about the outlet port  168  between a retracted, storage position (see solid lines in  FIG. 2 ) and an extended, use position (see phantom lines in  FIG. 2 ). In the retracted, storage position, the securement member  196  may be rotated relative to the outlet port  168  such that at least a portion of the securement member  196  is positioned substantially between the outlet port  168  and the fill opening  164 . In the retracted, storage position, the securement member  196  may be positioned flush against or otherwise engage the shroud  184  to, for example, shield the bladder  102  from being damaged by the securement member  196  laying against it when stored. In the extended, use position, the securement member  196  may be rotated relative to the outlet port  168  such that a portion of the securement member  196  extends towards the bottom edge  118  of the bladder  102 . In this manner, the securement member  196  provides the user a quick mechanism to hang the hydration reservoir  100  from a support member (e.g., a hanger, coat or closet hook, etc.). In some embodiments, the engagement between the outlet port  168  and the securement member  196  may selectively retain the securement member  196  in a select position (e.g., in either the retracted, storage position or the extended, use position). For example, the engagement between the base  198  of the securement member  196  and the first section  178  and/or the second section  180  of the outlet port  168  may define a detent structure (e.g., corresponding ribs and grooves, corresponding tabs and recesses, etc.) such that the securement member  196  “clicks” into place in a select position, such as either the retracted, storage position, the extended, use position, or both. 
     In some embodiments, the securement member  196  may rotate about the first section  178  of the outlet port  168  in any direction and to any rotational degree. However, it is contemplated that the securement member  196  may rotate in only a first direction (e.g., clockwise in  FIG. 2 ) from the retracted storage position to the extended use position. In such embodiments, the securement member  196  may rotate in only a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise in  FIG. 2 ) from the extended, use position to the retracted, storage position, the second direction being opposite the first direction. Although shown associated with a hydration reservoir  100  having a soft-molded front panel  104 , the securement member  196  may be used on any other type of reservoir where hang drying the reservoir from an outlet port is desired. 
     Though the securement member  196  is described above as rotating about the outlet port  168 , it is contemplated that the securement member  196  may take on substantially any form operable to hang-dry the hydration reservoir  100  from adjacent the outlet port  168 . For example,  FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate an additional embodiment of a securement member  396 . Like the securement member  196  discussed above, the securement member  396  is movable between a stored position (see  FIG. 14 ) and a use position (see  FIG. 13 ). In general, the securement member  396  is similar to the securement member  196  and its associated description above and thus, in certain instances, descriptions of like features will not be discussed when they would be apparent to those with skill in the art in light of the description above in view of  FIGS. 13 and 14 . For ease of reference, like structure is represented with appropriately incremented reference numbers. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the securement member  396  may be resiliently moved, such as folded, towards or away from the outlet port  168  between a folded, stored position (see  FIG. 14 ) and an unfolded, use position (see  FIG. 13 ), respectively. For example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the securement member  396  may have a generally elongated rectangular shape having a first end (e.g., base  398 ) rotatably secured to the outlet port  168  in similar fashion as described above with reference to securement member  196 . In the embodiments of  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the securement member  396  includes a body  210 , which may be elongated to include a narrower width. In some embodiments, the securement member  396  may be thin to facilitate movement of the securement member  396  between folded and unfolded positions, for instance. Referring to  FIG. 14 , in one embodiment, the securement member  396  includes an engagement portion  402  positioned distal the base  398  and configured to engage a portion of the hydration reservoir  100  (e.g., the outlet hose  176 ) to define the stored position, as explained below. 
     Like the engagement portion  202  described above, the engagement portion  402  may include a hook or other effective shape to secure the securement member  396  to the outlet hose  176 . For example, to position the securement member  396  in the stored position, the securement member  396  may be reduced in size by resiliently folding the securement member  396  along a line  212  (e.g., a fold line, a pivot line, a living hinge, or a hinge mechanism) extending transverse to the length of the securement member  396 . The securement member  396  may be retained in the stored position by positioning at least a portion of the engagement portion  402  between the outlet hose  176  and a surface of the bladder  102  along which the outlet hose  176  closely extends, with the outlet hose  176  extending through an opening  214  formed by the engagement portion  402 . To extend the securement member  396  to its unfolded “use” position, the engagement portion  402  is disengaged from the outlet hose  176 , and the securement member  396  is extended to its full length as the securement member  396  unfolds about its fold or pivot line  212 . Once extended to its unfolded “use” position, the securement member  396  may be used to secure the hydration reservoir  100  to a support member (e.g., a hanger, coat or closet hook, etc.), such as by securing the engagement portion  402  the support member. 
     In some embodiments, the securement member may be secured (e.g., attached) to other portions of the bladder  102  (e.g., the rear panel  106 , along the perimeter of the bladder  102 , as part of the perimeter structure of the lower portion of the hydration reservoir  100 , etc.) in a substantially non-rotatable and/or in a substantially non-foldable manner. For example,  FIGS. 15 and 16  illustrate additional embodiments of a securement member  596 ,  796 , respectively. Like the securement members  196 ,  396  discussed above, the securement members  596 ,  796  are secured to the hydration reservoir  100  in a manner to hang-dry the hydration reservoir  100  from adjacent the outlet port  168 . In general, the securement members  596 ,  796  are similar to the securement members  196 ,  396  and their associated description above and thus, in certain instances, descriptions of like features will not be discussed when they would be apparent to those with skill in the art in light of the description above in view of  FIGS. 15 and 16 . For ease of reference, like structure is represented with appropriately incremented reference numbers. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the securement members  596 ,  796  may be secured to the flange  114  of the bladder  102  adjacent the outlet port  168 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , the securement member  596  may be a grommet molded or inserted within the flange  114  of the bladder  102 . In such embodiments, the engagement portion  602  may define the securement member  596  itself. For example, the engagement portion  602  may be ring-shaped defining an opening  614  therein operable to hang-dry the hydration reservoir  100  therefrom. Though the opening  614  is shown as circular, the opening  614  may be any shape, including polygonal or elliptical, depending on the particular application. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , in some embodiments, the securement member  796  may be a clip member molded or secured onto the film material of the flange  114 , such as part of the perimeter structure of the lower portion of the bladder  102 . In one embodiment, the securement member  796  includes a body  810  secured to the flange  114  of the bladder  102 , such as in clamping engagement with the film material defining the flange  114 . An engagement portion  802  extends from the body  810  and may include a hook or other effective shape to secure the hydration reservoir  100  to a support member (e.g., a hanger, coat or closet hook, etc.) for hang-drying the hydration reservoir  100  from adjacent the outlet port  168 . The securement member  796  may be substantially rigid or may be at least partially flexible to facilitate at least partial movement of the engagement portion  802  to secure the securement member  796  to the support member. In some embodiments, each of the engagement portions  602 ,  802  of the securement members  596 ,  796 , respectively, may be associated with the hydration reservoir  100  in a non-movable manner. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 5-6B , for instance, the hydration reservoir  100  may include at least one internal baffle  220  to limit barreling or sloshing of liquid within the bladder  102 . For example, as may be seen in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the hydration reservoir  100  may include a single or a multi-baffle (e.g., a dual-baffle) design to provide a desired functional and/or aesthetic characteristic. In embodiments having a multi-baffle design, the internal baffles  220  may extend in various orientations relative to one another. For example without limitation, the internal baffles  220  may extend substantially parallel to one another, may converge towards one another, or may diverge away from one another depending on a particular application. In some embodiments, each of the internal baffles  220  may extend in an arc within the interior of the bladder  102 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the internal baffle(s)  220  may extend longitudinally at least partially between the fill opening  164  and the outlet port  168 , and may be connected to the front and rear panels  104 ,  106  (e.g., between the center panel portion  130  and the rear panel  106 ). Like the front and rear panels  104 ,  106 , the internal baffle(s)  220  may be formed from one or more layers of soft film, and may be formed monolithically with at least one of the front and rear panels  104 ,  106 . In some embodiments, the internal baffle(s)  220  may be operable to limit and/or define the space  112  between the front and rear panels  104 ,  106  of the bladder  102 . For example, the internal baffle(s)  220  may help define the overall three-dimensional shape of the bladder  102 . When the bladder  102  is filled with liquid, the internal baffle(s)  220  may limit the bladder  102  from bulging outward or barreling away from either the rear panel  106 , the front panel  104 , or both the front and rear panels  104 ,  106 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 12 , the hydration reservoir  100  may include other convenience features. For example, the hydration reservoir  100  may include a carry handle  222  connected adjacent the fill opening  164 . In some embodiments, the carry handle  222  may be fixed relative to the fill opening  164  and/or the bladder  102  and may be at least partially positioned between the fill opening  164  and the outlet port  168 . In some embodiments, the outlet port  168  may include a bottom screw cap  224  to releasably seal the outlet port  168  when the outlet hose  176  is disconnected from the outlet port  168 . In some embodiments, both the cap  172  and the bottom screw cap  224  may include a friction-enhancing over-mold to provide better grip for a user. In some embodiments, the hydration reservoir  100  may include a mouthpiece  226  (e.g., a bite-valve) connected to the outlet hose  176  to selectively deliver liquid to a user (see  FIG. 1 ). 
     The hydration reservoir  100  may be formed from a variety of materials and means. For example, the bladder  102 , including the front and rear panels  104 ,  106  and the internal baffle  220 , if any, may be formed from metallocene, thermoplastic polyurethane, or a combination of polyurethane and polyethylene, and may or may not be treated with an anti-bacterial treatment. The clip member  138 , outlet port  168 , cap  172 , securement member  196 , and carry handle  222  may be formed from a thermoplastic material (self-reinforced or fiber reinforced), LDPE, ABS, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, polyamide, and/or PTFE, among others, and may be formed or molded in any suitable manner, such as by plug molding, blow molding, injection molding, or the like. Additionally, the thicknesses of the front and rear panels  104 ,  106  may be consistent, or may vary across the bladder  102  depending on the desired flexibility, strength, and/or weight of the bladder  102 . For instance, the thicknesses of the front and rear panels  104 ,  106  may be greater near the edges, the fill opening  164 , and/or the outlet port  168 . Similarly, the thicknesses of the center panel portion  130  and the side panel portions  132  may vary depending on a desired aesthetic or functional characteristic of the bladder  102 . 
     All relative and directional references (including: upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, side, above, below, front, middle, back, vertical, horizontal, and so forth) are given by way of example to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the particular embodiments described herein. They should not be read to be requirements or limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use unless specifically set forth in the claims. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other, unless specifically set forth in the claims. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the presently disclosed embodiments teach by way of example and not by limitation. Therefore, the matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The following claims are intended to cover all generic and specific features described herein, as well as all statements of the scope of the present method and system, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall there between.