Patent Publication Number: US-4544087-A

Title: Holder for liquids

Description:
The present invention relates to a portable holder for liquids suitable for use in sporting activities, such as by long distance runners and other long distance sportsmen, and in general when the user wishes to keep his hands free. 
     The portable holder for liquids is intended to be carried on the shoulders and consists of two exchangeable plastic bags one on the stomach and one on the back which are firmly secured to a harness. They are connected by means of a tube having non-return valves so that the liquid shall not run over from one bag to the other, or in any way flow back. Thus, air is prevented from flowing into the bags, thereby preventing the liquids from swishing about and forming froth. If air is allowed to flow into the bags this would mean that the person drinking the liquid would also swallow a considerable amount of air, which causes great discomfort and gives rise to tension in the stomach and in many cases causes stitch. 
     The liquid can be drunk when the user so wishes through a suction-tube at chin level, and is kept warm by body-temperature. 
     The holder for liquids is suitably provided with insulation means on the part of the outer surface which does not rest against the body. Thereby, the liquid is kept warm by body temperature. It is important that the liquid is not too cold when consumed and it should have a temperature around 26° C. which is a physiologically suitable temperature. The consuming of a too cold drink, for instance during a marathon run, gives rise to symptoms of discomfort and lowers the height of performance. 
     The weight of the liquid is distributed evenly between the fron and back bag, and these are emptied simultaneously when the user drinks. This prevents uneven distribution--which can effect balance--the weight of the liquid is always distributed equally between the front and back bag. 
     With the device according to the present invention the user is not dependent upon liquid controls when training, and the consuming of liquid can take place without the need for a pause, which of course is a great advantage. Another advantage is, of course, that the hands and arms do not need to be engaged in the transporting of the liquid. Because the bags are exchangeable, the user can easily replace them when the liquid is exhausted, or if he wishes for some reason to replace one liquid by another liquid. Such a change can take place without difficulty and in a short space of time. 
    
    
     The appended drawing illustrates the device according to the present invention. The FIGURE shows a pair of outer bags 1 and 1&#39;, which when in use are kept together by a pair of shoulder straps 2 and a waist strap 3. These straps can, for example, be sewn onto the back outer bag 1, which is intended to be carried on the back, and firmly connected to the front bag 1&#39;, which is intended to be carried on the front part of the body, with so called Velcro®-strips 4. These straps, especially the strap 3, can, if so desired, consist of an elastic resilient material, for example elastic or rubber or similar material. Usually, the tightness of the belt must be adjusted when the holders for the liquid gradually empties, but if the band is made elastic this adjustment may be superfluous. 
    
    
     In the outer holders 1 and 1&#39; there are arranged inner casings 5 and 5&#39;, of which casing 5&#39; is shown on the drawing by a cut away section of the outer casing 1&#39;. These holders are suitably provided with a connecting piece 6, 6&#39; respectively, which extend out through an opening 7, 7&#39; respectively, in the outer holders. To the connection piece 6, 6&#39; respectively, are attached nonreturn valves 8, 8&#39; respectively, which are shown diagrammatically on the drawing and which allow an outflow from the inner holders but prevent return flow to them. From the nonreturn valves connecting tubes 9, 9&#39; respectively extend to a T-pipe 10, on which at its third opening a suction tube 11 is connected, which extends up to a suitable mouth level. As can be seen from the cut away section, the side 12 of the outer holders 1, 1&#39; respectively not facing the body are heat insulated, while the parts 13 facing the body are comprised of material which allows the body temperature to easily pass to the liquid which is contained in the inner casing 5. The sides 13 facing the body of the inner casing can comprise of a netlike material, for example mosquito net or a similar material. The shoulder straps 2, intended for carrying and the waist strap 3 can be of a standard length and can, for example, be cut to a suitable length for the individual user.