Patent Publication Number: US-11653745-B2

Title: Cooling and hydrating containers and methods of use

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/294,651, filed Feb. 12, 2016, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/307,854 filed Mar. 14, 2016, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/360,795 filed Jul. 11, 2016 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/442,194 filed Jan. 4, 2017, the entireties of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments disclosed herein include unique bladders and containers for providing supplemental thermal regulation to a user&#39;s body, particularly when the user is wearing body armor or other equipment/garments that are known to cause discomfort and/or dehydration to the user. The bladders and containers disclosed herein also provide a source of hydration to the user. In addition to or alternatively, at least one container disclosed herein provides improved impact and/or ballistic protection when worn between the user and body armor. 
     BACKGROUND 
     For many military and law enforcement personnel, body armor is a way of life. In fact, it is a mandatory safety tool for this and other dangerous professions. While body armor provides life-saving protection against incoming projectiles, it has two major shortcomings: weight and heat. By nature, body armor traps a tremendous amount of heat generated by the wearer (also referred to herein as a “user”). In the process, it accelerates fatigue and discomfort while decreasing the mobility and endurance of the wearer. 
     To date, there has been no way for a user of body armor to be effectively cooled-down while also maintaining the user&#39;s mobility. Thus far, solutions have focused on phase change materials placed into cooling vests, which do not have meaningful endurance or longevity, are heavy, expensive and provide no utility to the user once they have reached their latent heat saturation point. 
     Simultaneously, the heat retained by the insulating properties of the armor itself increases the user&#39;s sweat rate, rate of dehydration and thereby increases the user&#39;s water consumption rate. Warfighters, for example, use three common methods of carrying water: (1) a backpack or body armor mounted water bladder with a remote hose for drinking the water (such as those sold e.g., by Camelbak Products, LLC.); (2) a single-use bottle of water (e.g., a typical bottle of water); and (3) reusable water bottles (such as e.g., those sold by Nalgene). All of these methods have significant shortcomings. For example, the hydration bladders easily accumulate mold and bacteria while also infusing the water supply with a “plastic” taste, which many users find undesirable. Reusable water bottles are bulky when empty and force the user to carry around an empty bottle well after the contents have been consumed. The single use water bottle delivers high quality taste enjoyed by users and gives them confidence that the water is safe because it is sealed. However, it only has one function: water delivery to the end user. 
     Accordingly, there is a general need for a multi-utility bladder/container that can provide both cooling and hydration to a user in an inexpensive manner, while also maintaining the mobility and endurance of the user. Ideally, this container would also enhance impact and/or ballistic protection of the user. 
     It is known that upon impact with a bullet body armor may experience a condition known as backface deformation. That is, the effect of a non-penetrating projectile on the rear face of a strike plate. Currently, in the United States, the National Institute of Justice sets standards for the maximum allowable deformation armor can allow while still passing ballistic tests (currently set at 44 mm). However, even with armor that meets this standard for deformation, users frequently experience significant bodily harm in the course of being shot or impacted by a projectile while wearing body armor. Injuries can often include broken bones, shock trauma and internal bleeding. Accordingly, there is a need and desire to improve impact and/or provide additional ballistic protection to body armor users. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a container to be worn by a user is disclosed. The container comprises a hollow body having a first port. The body is adapted to receive a substance via the first port and contain the substance for providing thermal regulation to the user&#39;s body when the container is adjacent the user&#39;s body and or providing impact protection when the container is adjacent the user&#39;s body. 
     In another embodiment, an apparatus to be worn by a user is provided. The apparatus comprises a container body being adapted to receive and contain a substance for providing thermal regulation to the user&#39;s body when the container body is in contact with the user&#39;s body or clothing and or providing impact protection when the container body is in contact with the user&#39;s body or clothing. The apparatus further comprises a first mechanism for holding the container body. 
     In other embodiments, the hollow body or container body comprises a port adapted to output the substance. A hose may be connected to the port to dispense the substance and or allow the user to drink it. 
     In other embodiments, the hollow body or container body comprises attachment points for receiving a mechanism for securing the body to the user&#39;s body or clothing. 
     In other embodiments, the hollow body or container body comprises one or more armored planes. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS.  1 A- 1 C  illustrate various example configurations of uniquely configured containers constructed in accordance with a first embodiment disclosed herein. 
         FIG.  2    is an example of a coil flow liquid container constructed in accordance with a second embodiment disclosed herein. 
         FIGS.  3 A- 3 D  illustrate an example use of the coil flow liquid container of  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  4    illustrates an example of a container constructed in accordance with a third embodiment disclosed herein. 
         FIGS.  5 A- 5 D  illustrate example flex channels of a container constructed in accordance with an embodiment disclosed herein. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates example field expedient attachment points of a container constructed in accordance with an embodiment disclosed herein. 
         FIGS.  7 A- 7 B  illustrate example features for providing cold pressure points to a container constructed in accordance with an embodiment disclosed herein. 
         FIGS.  8 A- 8 B  illustrate an example container constructed in accordance with another embodiment disclosed herein. 
         FIGS.  9 A- 9 D  illustrates various mounting mechanisms for a container constructed in accordance with an embodiment disclosed herein. 
         FIGS.  10 A- 10 B  illustrates example straps for holding a container constructed in accordance with an embodiment disclosed herein. 
         FIG.  11    illustrates an example quick disconnect system for holding a container constructed in accordance with an embodiment disclosed herein. 
         FIG.  12    illustrates a detailed view of an example recessed and armored cap portion for the container illustrated in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 B . 
         FIGS.  13 A- 13 B  illustrate results of a ballistic test performed on body armor with and without use of a container disclosed herein. 
         FIGS.  14 A- 14 B  illustrate an embodiment of a container disclosed herein that is provided with an armored outward facing plane. 
         FIG.  15    illustrates another embodiment of the container disclosed herein that is adapted for easier stacking. 
         FIG.  16    illustrates an example embodiment of a container with an outer shell of two different layered and coupled materials constructed in accordance with the disclosed principles. 
         FIG.  17    illustrates an example embodiment of a container with a removable outer shell constructed in accordance with the disclosed principles. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In response to the aforementioned challenges and the shortcomings of today&#39;s cooling or hydration alternatives, Qore Performance has developed multi-utility bladders and containers that provide supplemental cooling to a user&#39;s body, particularly when the user is wearing body armor or other equipment or garments that are known to cause discomfort and/or dehydration to the user, as well as a source of hydration for the user. 
     The disclosed embodiments may be used as a single-use or reusable bladder/container that are designed to hold a meaningful amount of material (in any state: solid, liquid or gas) to conductively absorb heat from the human body (most likely the torso). In addition, the material may be consumed by the user, thus providing a source of hydration for the user. In one embodiment, the material is water (or frozen water), but it should be appreciated that the bladder/container can be filled with any material desired by the end user, including a fluid with electrolytes. 
     Moreover, and as discussed below, the bladder/container may include, but is not limited to, a bite valve, sensor-equipped bite valve, screw top opening, cap opening, single use tear-off opening or other such opening whereby the user can extract the liquid contained in the bladder/container without spilling or releasing any undesired liquid contents from the bladder/container. 
       FIGS.  1 A- 1 C  illustrate various example configurations of uniquely configured containers  10 ,  20   30  constructed in accordance with a first embodiment disclosed herein. Each configuration comprises a liquid container shaped to match the profile silhouette of modern body armor. The unique shape of the disclosed containers comprises a trapezoidal silhouette profile often used with modern armor plates, which is a novel design over prior art water bladders. 
     Moreover, as shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C , each configuration has another non-obvious advancement over conventional bladders in that each disclosed container has partitioned chambers within the container. The partitions are designed to prevent the accumulation of liquid in any portion of the container. Preventing accumulation of liquid in the container promotes even distribution of the liquid in the vertical (head to toe) and horizontal (between the armor and the user) planes. 
     In  FIG.  1 A , the container  10  comprises a hollow body  12  having a drain port  14  and partitions  16 . In the illustrated embodiment, the partitions  16  form a chevron shape. In  FIG.  1 B , the container  20  comprises a hollow body  22  having a drain port  24  and partitions  26 . In the illustrated embodiment, the partitions  26  are in a tree-like shape. In  FIG.  1 C , the container  30  comprises a hollow body  32  having a drain port  34  and partitions  36 . In the illustrated embodiment, the partitions  36  are in a grid shape. It should be appreciated that other shapes and configurations of the partitions are possible and that the disclosed principles are not to be limited to the configurations shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C . As shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C , each container has a tapered edge at the bottom portion of its body that serves as the exit point for liquid contained in the container. An extraction/suction hose (shown as hose  206  in  FIG.  8 A ) will be attached to the containers  10 ,  20 ,  30  at that point, providing the user with the ability to consume the contents within the containers. The user then places the container in between his/her shirt/base layer and his/her body armor. The container is held in place for example by a strap system (described below in more details), carrier such as a plate carrier or backpack, or the tension of worn body armor itself. 
       FIG.  2    is an example of a container  40  constructed in accordance with a second embodiment disclosed herein. The disclosed container  40  includes a hollow coil  44  connected to a flat spherical bladder  42  at the center of the coil  44 . Accordingly, this embodiment maybe referred to as a coil flow liquid container (CFLC). The flat spherical bladder  42  resembles a three-dimensional pancake. The bladder  42  and the coil  44  may have identical thickness profiles. The bladder  42  is designed to increase capacity and create the greatest volume of continuous solid mass to slow the melting rate of the heat-absorbing material therein. In one embodiment, the filled (e.g., with water) CFLC  40  is placed in a freezer to create a solid (i.e., ice) within the coil  44  and/or bladder  42 . The user then places the frozen CFLC  40  in between his/her shirt/base layer and his/her body armor. The tension of worn body armor will then hold the CFLC  40  in place. The container  40  may also include a bite valve  46  at the end of the coil  44  that is not attached to the bladder  42 . 
       FIGS.  3 A- 3 D  illustrate use of the coil flow liquid container  40  illustrated in  FIG.  2   .  FIG.  3 A  illustrates a front profile of the  FIG.  2    container  40  before it is placed between the user U and his/her body armor  50  ( FIG.  3 B ).  FIGS.  3 C and  3 D  illustrate side and front profile views, respectively, of the  FIG.  2    container  40  after it has been placed between the user U and his/her body armor  50 . 
       FIG.  4    illustrates an example of a container  60  constructed in accordance with a third embodiment disclosed herein. The container  60  includes a hollow body  62  and multiple features designed to provide additional functionality or comfort to the wearer of the container. For example, the illustrated container  60  includes grip handle geometry  66 , which are positive or negative reliefs in the body  62  of the container  60  that are designed to improve a user&#39;s ability to grip or hold the container  60 . The illustrated embodiment may also include stackable male/female relief geometry  68 , which are positive or negative reliefs in the body  62  of the container  60  designed to create a locking/mating mechanism with other parts to facilitate stacking or linked linear storage of multiple containers. The illustrated embodiment may also include an asymmetrical low point drain geometry  70 , which is designed to create an asymmetric low point drain for a stronger and more efficient fluid extraction point out of the container  60 . The illustrated embodiment may also include a C-channel hose retainer  72  on one side of the container body  62 , which is designed to retain the hose discussed above (and shown in  FIG.  8 A ) on the container  60  in a secure and safe manner. The illustrated embodiment may also include flexible lateral inserts  74  to facilitate body contour matching, which is discussed in more detail below. Moreover, the illustrated embodiment may also include a side port drain nozzle  64 , which is designed to prevent interference with belts, body parts and/or clothing associated with frontal or bottom mounted drains, extraction ports or nozzles. It should be appreciated that the third embodiment may be held in place and used as discussed above and below for the other embodiments disclosed herein. Moreover, the third embodiment may be constructed from the same materials and will provide at least the same benefits of the other embodiments disclosed herein. 
       FIGS.  5 A- 5 D  illustrate a container  100  constructed in accordance with an embodiment disclosed herein. The container  100  includes a hollow body  102  with a drain port  104  and flex channels  106 . The illustrated embodiment may be constructed from the same materials and will provide at least the same benefits of the other embodiments disclosed herein. The  FIG.  5 A  embodiment illustrates the port  104  on one side of the bottom of the body  102  while the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  5 B- 5 D  illustrate the port  104  in substantially the center of the bottom portion of the body  102 . The illustrated channels  106  will facilitate bending of the container  100  at the base of the channels  106  such that the entire container  100  flexes based on the pressure placed on it by clothing, straps, body, other outside forces, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the channels  106  run vertically  106 V and horizontally  106 H in such a manner that melting water inside the container  100  will naturally flow toward the lowest point to the drain  104 . It should be appreciated, however, that the direction of the channels  106  are not limited to horizontal and vertical directions and that the channels therefore can be in other directions depending on the desired flexure points. In addition to the above stated purpose/function provided by the channels  106 , the channels  106  will also act as partial bulkheads to facilitate even melting of the substance within the container  100 . 
     The above embodiments have been described for the most part as being held in place by tension between the armor and the user. It should be appreciated, however, that each embodiment discussed above or below could be provided with a strap, strap system, or other securing mechanism (either attached to the bladder/container or separate from the bladder/container) that could be used to maintain the embodiments in place, should this be desired. 
     Moreover, as shown in  FIG.  6   , field expedient attachment points  126 ,  128  could be included on the body  122  of a container  120  constructed in accordance with the disclosed principles. In use, the user could attach/clip/tie accessories or use existing straps on the wearer&#39;s clothing to secure the container  120  in place using the attachment points  126 ,  128 . Additionally, hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®) or other adhesive material could be secured to the face of the container  120  to facilitate attachment of external accessories or to enhance the stability of the container  120  when worn underneath a backpack or plate carrier. 
       FIGS.  7 A- 7 B  illustrate example features  148  for providing cold pressure points to a container constructed in accordance with an embodiment disclosed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, a container  140 , which may be any container disclosed herein, has a hollow body  142 , drain  144  and hose retainer  146 , but it should be appreciated that any container having a rigid body as disclosed herein may contain the features  148 . The features  148  are shown as dome-like protrusions, but could take on any type of shape. The features  148  can be formed as part of or attached to the container&#39;s body  142  at portions of the container  140  in which the skin of the wearer does not completely contact the container  140  efficiently using just a flat surface. As can be appreciated, the features  148  in the container geometry purposely protrude into/onto the clothing/skin of the user when worn to create “cold pressure points.” The pressure points would desirably create a sense of increased temperature sensitivity and a perceived additional cooling benefit for the user when the container is worn. In a desired embodiment, the features  148  are made from the same material as the material used for body  142 . 
     As described above, each embodiment provides a hose or coil that the user can use to consume the contents of the bladder/container. A bite valve (e.g., valve  216  in  FIG.  8 A ) can be attached to the hose/coil. Moreover, the bite valve could be equipped with a sensor package to analyze saliva and provide the user with information related to the consumption of the bladder/container&#39;s contents. This data may be transmitted wirelessly to at least three different devices. The first device would be a display at the command and control elements in charge of monitoring the user&#39;s (e.g. a warfighter) mission. The data could also be transmitted to the unit medic and displayed on a PDA carried by the medic. The PDA would alert the medic, based on the saliva data, if any members of the unit are in danger of dehydration, heat exhaustion or other medical conditions that can be monitored using saliva data. In addition to, or alternatively, the bite valve can be removed if desired by the end user to place on another or disposable bladder/container when contents have been exhausted. 
     In operation of any of the embodiments disclosed herein, for warm environments it is desired that the contents within the bladder/container be initially in a solid state (e.g., frozen). As the contents of the bladder/container change state from solid to liquid, heat is conductively absorbed from e.g., the torso or back of the user. This will cool the user, boost his/her hydration and endurance simultaneously. The user can then consume the liquid at a rate determined by the user and/or determined by the data from the bite valve sensor. 
     In one embodiment, the sidewalls of the bladder/container are made from a collapsible material that permits extraction of the liquid by the user. The bladder/container may collapse onto itself to permit liquid extraction because the bladder/container is air tight—preventing air from displacing water in the bladder/container. 
     In other embodiments, a multi-durometer construction of the containers may be used to provide additional benefits. For example, a lower durometer would be used in areas requiring more flexing while a higher durometer would be used in areas requiring more structure. This would create a final assembly that would better adhere/match the contours of the user when worn by the user. In another example, a more rigid outer shell would provide more impact protection while a collapsible inner shell would promote efficient liquid consumption or hygiene. 
     The disclosed embodiments may provide an additional advantage that is not obtainable by prior art alternatives. Specifically, the introduction of a large volume of liquid between the user&#39;s body and e.g., the body plate carrier will functionally serve as a cushion against impact trauma. This is discussed in more detail below with respect to  FIGS.  13 A and  13 B . 
     In one embodiment, micro-perforations are added to the outer perimeter of the coil ( FIG.  2   ), which will provide a “path of least resistance” for the water to escape in the event the tube is compressed by the force of an incoming round impacting the plate. The perforations are designed to maintain full structural integrity under normal operating conditions, but fail upon the introduction of ballistic force levels. In another embodiment based on the embodiments of  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C , the micro-perforations are added to the outer perimeter of the containers  10 ,  20 ,  30 , which will provide a “path of least resistance” for the water to escape in the event the container body is compressed by the force of an incoming round impacting the plate. The perforations are designed to maintain full structural integrity under normal operating conditions, but fail upon the introduction of ballistic force levels. 
       FIGS.  8 A- 8 B  illustrate an example container  200  constructed in accordance with another embodiment disclosed herein. The container  200  includes a hollow body  202  with a drain  204 . The illustrated embodiment may be constructed from the same materials and will provide at least the same benefits of the other embodiments disclosed herein. A fill port  214  is formed within the body  202  and may be covered with a cap  210 . A hose  206  is connected to the drain  204  and has a bite valve  216  formed at the end opposite the end attached to the drain  204 . In the illustrated embodiment, channels/partitions are not formed into the container  200  or its body  202 . It should be appreciated that that the internal dividers and/or baffles are not required to create the cooling, water carriage and impact protection properties of the container disclosed herein. The illustrated container  200  experiences increased flow rate (i.e., flow rate expansion) because the exit nozzle/drain  204  and attached hose  206  diameter has been enlarged compared to other hydration devices known in the art. This facilitates higher fluid flow rates and thus expedites fluid transfer to the user. This increased flow rate is possible due to the increased pressure caused by the asymmetric low point drain  204 . This is a novelty unique to the container  200  illustrated in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 B . 
     The illustrated embodiment also includes mounting loops  208  formed in the container body  202 . In this embodiment, the mounting loops  208  are integrally molded into the container body  202  and mounted inboard from the edges of the container  200  to provide additional strength, convenient attachment ports, and manufacturing efficiency. This embodiment is as an alternative to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  6   , which depicted these as external attachment points  126 ,  128 . 
       FIGS.  9 A- 9 D  illustrate various mounting mechanisms for a container (e.g., container  200 ) constructed in accordance with an embodiment disclosed herein. The illustrated mounting mechanisms are used to secure a container disclosed herein to both a user wearing body armor and a user not wearing body armor. It should be appreciated that the illustrated embodiments are merely examples and not meant as the only ways of attaching the container to the wearer&#39;s kit. 
     The illustrated embodiment shown in  FIGS.  9 A and  9 B  uses a cross strap system  220  comprising two straps  222 ,  224 , which are adjustable lengths of webbing connected in a cross or “t” shaped fashion such that they allow one strap (e.g., strap  222 ) to be secured to the shoulder straps of pullover garments such as soft body armor (like that commonly worn by law enforcement) or safety vests (like those commonly worn by construction or industrial workers). The second adjustable length of strap (e.g., strap  224 ) or webbing is laced through dedicated ports (loops, hooks, etc.) on the container  200 . 
     Each length of strap  222 ,  224  is adjustable to facilitate a variety of users body types, sizes and heights. The straps could be made from nylon, spandex, Velcro® or other hook and loop material, polyester, natural fibers, cotton, plastic, elastopolymer or other such material that is strong and commonly used in the same manner as rope, webbing or cord. The looping/locking attachment mechanism could be made from any number of common fastening materials, such as hook and loop, Velcro®, quick disconnects, magnets, male/female connectors, d-rings, carabiners or similar to facilitate securing of the container to exterior garments or armor. In addition, more than one strap system  220  could be used when e.g., the container has more than one mechanism for receiving straps, etc. 
       FIGS.  9 C and  9 D  illustrate another strap system  230  comprising two adjustable straps  232 ,  234 . The straps  232 ,  234  can be inserted through mounting loops  208  formed within the body of the container  200  (or through attachment points  126 ,  128  as shown in  FIG.  6   ). The ends of the straps  232 ,  234  (not shown) can include male/female connectors allowing the straps to be opened, removed and replaced. 
       FIGS.  10 A and  10 B  illustrate another example set of straps  242 ,  244  forming a strap system  240  for holding a container (e.g., container  200 ) constructed in accordance with the principles disclosed herein to a user&#39;s body. The straps  242 ,  244  could be attached to or looped through the container  200  and then wrapped around the user&#39;s waist or over their shoulders to promote secure placement and wearability or to connect and secure multiple wearable containers, for example, on the user&#39;s front and back. As with other embodiments disclosed herein, the strap system  240  is not to be limited to the example shown in  FIG.  10   . Likewise, the ends of the straps  242 ,  244  (not shown) can include male/female connectors allowing the straps to be opened, removed and replaced 
       FIG.  11    illustrates an example quick disconnect system  250  for holding a container constructed in accordance with an embodiment disclosed herein to a user&#39;s body. Male or female connectors  254  could be molded or otherwise integrally built into the container in addition to or in lieu of the aforementioned integrated strap loops. An opposite connector  252  (i.e., male-female, female-male, opposite magnetic polarity, etc.) would then be attached to the user&#39;s apparel (vest, body armor, etc.) such that the user can quickly and easily use the two connectors  252 ,  254  to securely attach the container to the adjacent apparel. In an alternate embodiment, the connectors could be attached to the container or apparel via webbing, straps, or other fixture allowing a simple retrofit to add the quick disconnect system to existing apparel, vests, or body armor. 
     Although not shown, it should be appreciated that a dedicated carrier or vest could be used to carry a container disclosed herein. For example, modified versions of uniform or equipment (armor, safety vests, etc.) can be produced to hold a container (without modification to the container), via an added pocket, sleeve, elastic or other similar mechanism. 
       FIG.  12    illustrates an example recessed and armored cap portion for the container  200  illustrated in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 B . That is, in the illustrated embodiment, the container  200  has a fill port  214  with its top sitting flush with the edge of the container  200  (as shown by dashed line A). By recessing the port  214  and therefore the cap  210  the top of the port and cap sit flush with the adjacent edges, and thus the container  200  profile is lessened, meaning that the user is protected from impalement or acute impact should the container be exposed to severe blast, shock waves, or other abrupt jarring motion that dislodges it from its seated position. The embodiment shown in  FIG.  12    would, for example, reduce impact risk to the trachea/windpipe and head area. This configuration also reduces the risk of damage to the fill opening  214  of the container  200  from impacts or from drops. 
       FIGS.  13 A- 13 B  illustrate results of a ballistic test performed on body armor with and without use of a container disclosed herein. An embodiment of the container that improves impact and/or ballistic protection is desirable for all users, with ballistic protection of particular interest to body armor users. To test and demonstrate this capability, the container  200  illustrated in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 B  was subjected to the following test. Two functionally equivalent folding tables, 29 inches high, were set up 16.4 feet apart from each other. On one table, a 25 pound oil-based smoothed clay block (to simulate human density and clearly measure impact and deformation) was set securely and alternately behind 1) both the disclosed container and PACA Level II Soft Armor and 2) just the PACA Level II Soft Armor. From the center of second table, a trained operator fired various firearms and ammunition from a bench rest. 
     The shots were fired at pre-determined locations on the body armor corresponding with target areas  1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  6  in NU Standard-0101.06 “Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor” 2008 edition for level IIA soft armor. After each shot fired, the ensemble was removed from the clay block, deformation of the clay and damage to the armor and container (when applicable) was recorded, and the clay was then reset. 
     Tests were conducted for four caliber/ammunition combinations as detailed in Table A (below). Equivalent tests were performed both with and without frozen containers (i.e., the container  200  of  FIGS.  8 A- 8 B  was filled with liquid and frozen for one test, and filled with liquid that was not frozen in another test) between the armor and clay. All results are recorded in Table A. 
     PACA Level IIA Soft Armor 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE A 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Maximum 
               
               
                 Firearm (location) 
                 Ammunition 
                 Container 
                 Deformation 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Gen IV Glock 19 (1) 
                 Speer Gold Dot 
                 No 
                 3.9 cm 
               
               
                   
                 9 mm 115 g 
               
               
                   
                 GDHP 
               
               
                 Gen IV Glock 19 (1) 
                 Speer Gold Dot 
                 Yes 
                 0.1 cm 
               
               
                   
                 9 mm 115 g 
               
               
                   
                 GDHP 
               
               
                 Gen III Glock 23 (3) 
                 Sellier and 
                 No 
                 5.7 cm 
               
               
                   
                 Bellot.40 
               
               
                   
                 S&amp;W FMJ 
               
               
                 Gen III Glock 23 (3) 
                 Sellier and 
                 Yes 
                 0.1 cm 
               
               
                   
                 Bellot.40 
               
               
                   
                 S&amp;W FMJ 
               
               
                 Springfield 1911 
                 Speer Gold 
                 No 
                 4.2 cm 
               
               
                 Operator “Long 
                 Dot.45 230 g GDHP 
               
               
                 Beach” (6) 
               
               
                 Springfield 1911 
                 Speer Gold 
                 Yes 
                 0.3 cm 
               
               
                 Operator “Long 
                 Dot.45 230 g GDHP 
               
               
                 Beach” (6) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In all configurations, the container provided substantial ballistic protection and a significant reduction in backface deformation of the clay block.  FIG.  13 A  illustrates the damage  252  to the clay  250  when a container  200  disclosed herein was not used in the testing.  FIG.  13 B , on the other hand, shows minimal impact  262  on the clay  260  due to the use of a container  200  disclosed herein. Additionally, in an extreme test above and beyond the NU standard, the ensemble with the disclosed container between the clay and armor was rapidly shot four times consecutively with a round of each ammunition in Table A. Results were consistent with table A, in that there was meaningful and significant reduction in backface deformation and only superficial damage to the container. 
       FIGS.  14 A and  14 B  illustrate an embodiment of a container  300  disclosed herein that is provided with an armored outward facing plane  304  on its hollow body  302 . As can be appreciated, the illustrated embodiment is designed for and useful for tactical applications such as e.g., military, law enforcement, security. The illustrated embodiment includes a soft, hard, flexible or combined armored surface  304  that serves as the outward facing side of the containers discussed above, particularly those comprising an armor-plate shape. It should be appreciated that any type of armored surface suitable for use in tactical applications can be used. Moreover, the armored surface can be molded as part of the container body  302 , inserted into a container body as a carrier vessel and/or attached to the container. Any side of the container could be armored to protect against impacts such as blunt trauma, projectiles (e.g., shrapnel, bullets, Taser prongs, edged weapons, baseballs, batons, human appendages, rockets, bean bags, etc.) or other such threats against which armor is deployed as a protective barrier. The illustrated embodiment retains the liquid storage and transport properties of the container as discussed above and uses them to provide thermoregulation and/or backface deformation protection and hydration in addition to the new and additional armored capabilities. 
       FIG.  15    illustrates a top down view of another embodiment of a container  320  disclosed herein that is adapted for easier stacking. A key feature of the disclosed embodiments is the ability to stack them. Stacking allows the disclosed embodiments to store water with greater volumetric efficiency than any other conventional water bottle. However, stacking can be impeded when integrated strap loops are utilized. To ensure that proper stacking may be achieved, the illustrated embodiment uses recessions  327  that have been added to the strap loops  328  on the front and back of the container body  322 . These recessions  327  allow straps to clear the lateral planes of the body  322 , preventing interference when e.g., the containers  320  are stacked. 
       FIG.  16    illustrates an example embodiment of a container  350  with an outer shell of two different layered and coupled materials  352 ,  360 . In one example embodiment, an external armor shell  360  and an internal shell  352  are made of food safe material or insulative material. The inner shell  352  includes a fill port  356  and a drain  354  so that the container  350  would include the functionality and benefits disclosed herein. 
       FIG.  17    illustrates an example embodiment of a container  370  with a container body  372  inserted within a removable outer shell  380 . The body  372   352  includes a fill port  376  and a drain  374  so that the container  370  would include the functionality and benefits disclosed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the removable shell  380  could provide additional capability including, but not limited to, impact protection, insulation, liquid absorption, or structure to better fit with gear or to the body contour. 
     The bladder and containers disclosed herein can be hard or soft sided, constructed from metal, soft or hard plastic (including but not limited to PET, blow molded plastic, injection molded plastic, extruded plastic/polymer, polycarbonate, low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene or other plastic or petrol-derivative), aluminum, steel, foam or other such materials either disposable or reusable in nature. They may also be constructed from multiple layers of various combinations of these materials and need not be in a single piece. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be limited to the type of materials used in their construction. 
     The embodiments disclosed herein are particularly suited for law enforcement, military, CBRNE, motorsports, mining, construction, cycling and ski/snow environments. It should be appreciated, however, that the disclosed embodiments can be used in any environment where it would be beneficial to cool and/or hydrate the user and/or provide impact protection. 
     The foregoing examples are provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting. While reference to various embodiments is made, the words used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Further, although reference to particular means, materials, and embodiments are shown, there is no limitation to the particulars disclosed herein. Rather, the embodiments extend to all functionally equivalent structures, methods, and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. 
     Additionally, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the patent office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is not intended to be limiting as to the scope of the present inventions in any way.