Abstract:
A pressurizing device for a personal hydration system of the type utilizing a bladder storing a quantity of hydrating fluid. The pressurizing device utilizes at least one compression plate which contacts the hydration bladder and is held thereon through use of at least one retaining band. Through such attachment, the fluid within the hydration bladder of the personal hydration system is pressurized and able to be more easily drawn into the mouth of a user of the personal hydration system.

Description:
This application incorporates by reference Disclosure Document No. 481741, dated Oct. 20, 2000, date stamped by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office OIPE Oct. 26, 2000, filed by inventor Gregory Belzeski. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to personal hydration systems, and more particularly relates to a method and apparatus utilized to pressurize hydrating fluids contained within a personal hydration system. Bicyclists, hikers, rowers, racers, walkers, and other athletes frequently utilize what are known as “personal hydration systems” to maintain adequate hydration while engaging in their respective activities. Other individuals may benefit from such a hydration system, such as construction workers, etc. These personal hydration systems typically have a bag-like fluid reservoir that is carried in a back or waist-mounted pack. A long, flexible hose is connected to the reservoir through a neck support at one end and terminates at a mouthpiece at the other end. The hose is long enough to allow the mouthpiece to be carried in the user&#39;s mouth to enable the user to draw or suck water from the reservoir at will. An example of such a personal hydration system is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,070,767 to Gardner et al. These systems are typically carried in an insulated back pack, with the hose exiting through a small hole. 
     As discussed in Gardner et al., a drawback to traditional personal hydration systems has been in the breath required to draw fluid from the reservoir. Particularly where a user is winded or out of breath, the drawing of fluid (by sucking) in an efficient and quick manner from such a personal hydration system can prove exceedingly difficult. 
     What is needed is a manner of pressurizing such a personal hydration system so as little or no breath power of a user is required to draw the fluid through the hose. Preferably, this method would allow a user to merely bite down on the mouthpiece valve of the bladder, thereby allowing a low pressure stream of hydrating fluid to be directed into the mouth of the user. The method needs to be simple to use, simple and inexpensive to manufacture, sturdy and reliable. The present invention solves these needs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a device and method for pressurizing a personal hydration system. Such a personal hydration system typically comprises a hydration bladder, a bag-like fluid reservoir which can be filled with hydration fluid, such as water. Such a hydration bladder may be any the shape, the most commonly comprised of an elongated bag. The invented device utilizes at least one compression plate held in contact with the hydration bladder through use of a retaining band or other means of compression. Holding the hydration bladder in such a manner results in compressive forces being applied to the external surface of the hydration bladder thereby pressurizing the fluid contained within the bladder so that subsequent activation of a mouthpiece attached to the hose extending from the bladder will result in the hydration fluid being expelled therefrom. 
     It is envisioned that one version of the present device will serve as a retrofit for existing personal hydration systems in one embodiment. In such an embodiment the user would fill a hydration bladder in the standard manner with fluid and then attach the present invention around the hydration bladder, thereby holding the fluid contained therein under pressure until activation of the mouthpiece or other containment device. Other versions of the present invention include the integration of the compression means into a backpack itself. 
     Still other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description wherein I have shown and described only the preferred embodiment of the invention, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated by carrying out my invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modification in various obvious respects all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description of the preferred embodiment are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention installed upon a hydrating bladder. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention installed upon a hydrating bladder. 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a side view of one embodiment of a compression plate utilized with present invention . 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a center stiffener utilized with the present invention. 
     FIG. 6A is a first side perspective view of one embodiment of a first side stiffener utilized with the present invention. 
     FIG. 6B is a second side perspective view of the embodiment of FIG.  6 A. 
     FIG. 7A is a first side perspective view of one embodiment of a second side stiffener utilized with the present invention. 
     FIG. 7B is a second side perspective view of the embodiment of FIG.  7 A. 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a retaining band utilized with the present invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. 
     The present invention is a pressurizing device for a hydration bladder. Referring initially to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The pressurizing device  10  is attached to a hydration bladder  2  having a hose extending to a mouthpiece  6 . Such a hydration bladder  2  is commonly used by bicyclists and hikers. Typically, such a hydration bladder  2  has a bladder first side  101  and a bladder second side  102  (shown in FIG.  2 ). 
     In this embodiment, the pressurizing device  10  utilizes a compression plate or board  20  held upon the hydration bladder  2  through use of at least one retaining band or webbing  40 . In such a way, the compression plate  20  contacts the bladder first side  101 , generally conforming to the shape of the bladder first side. Optionally, a hand hold or hold rope  60  will be provided attaching to the pressurizing device  10  for allowing a user to easily grasp the present invention. This hand hold may further comprise means for wearing the device, such as backpack straps, or a waist belt. In this embodiment, utilized are four separate retaining bands  40  which are used to attach the pressurizing device  20  to the hydration bladder  2 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 2, a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. The hydration bladder  2  is further shown having a fill port  8  for allowing a user to fill the bladder. The retaining bands  40  extend and terminate in releasable snap buckles  50 , these buckles having male plugs and female sockets (examples of which are shown in FIG.  3 ). While the preferred embodiment utilizes a retaining band and a snap buckle embodiment of a attachment, other methods of attaching and holding the compression plate on of the pressurizing device on the hydration bladder are also envisioned, including, but not limited to, hook-and-loop attachments, snaps, use of continuous bands rather than bands having ends, knots, etc. 
     Referring now to FIG. 3, a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the pressurizing device  10  utilizes a compression plate  20  having a first end  22  extending to a second end  24 , thereby defining a length, and has a first side  23  extending to a second side  25 , thereby defining a width. It is preferred that the compression plate  20  be composed of a flexible material such as a thermoplastic rubber, however less rigid and more rigid compression plates could also be used. 
     It is preferred that at least one rigid stiffener means be attached to or formed within the compression plate  20 . In the embodiment as shown, the compression plate has an elongated center stiffener  26  extending lengthwise within the compression plate  20 . The compression plate  20  also has a first side stiffener  28  and a second side stiffener  30 . These side stiffeners  28 ,  30  are respectively located adjacent the first side  23  and the second side  25  of the compression plate  20 . 
     At least one retaining band  40  or means of compressing is utilized to attach the pressurizing device  10  to the hydration bladder. In this embodiment, four retaining bands  40  are utilized for that purpose, running across the width of the bladder, circumscribing said bladder, with said retaining bands  40  contacting said bladder second side  102 , as shown in FIG.  2 . Running the bands across the length of the bladder or diagonally is also envisioned. The compression plate  20  has a retaining band attachments  42  for allowing the retaining bands to attach to the compression plate  20 . In the embodiment shown, the retaining band attachments comprise holes through the first side  23  and second side  25  of the compression plate and through the side stiffeners which allow a first band end  46  of a band and a second band end  48  of a band to be inserted therethrough, this first band end  46  attaching to a male plug  52  of a releasable snap buckle  50  and the second band end  48  attaching to a female socket  54  of a releasable snap buckle  50 . Such a releasable snap buckle  50  is shown is this figure. Other manners of attaching the retaining band  40  to the compression plate are also envisioned as well as other means of attaching the first band end and second band end together and engagement. Examples of such manners of doing so include hook-and-loop fasteners, use of a continuous retaining band, snaps, wire hooks, rubber or synthetic loops, clips, plastic “snap fit” clasps, elastic netting, and other means. It is preferred that these attachments be of a form not liable to cause damage to the bladder itself. 
     It is preferred that the compression plate  20  further comprise at least one hand hold attachment  62  such as the holes defined in the compression plate shown, for allowing a hold rope or hand hold  60  to attach to the compression plate  20 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 4, one embodiment of a compression plate  20  utilized with the present invention is shown. This embodiment shows a compression plate  20  having a first end  22  extending to a second end  24 , as well as a first side  23  extending to a second side  25 . Present within the center of the compression plate  20  is an elongated center stiffener  26  extending along the length defined by the first end to second end. Adjacent the first side  23  is located a first side stiffener  28 , and adjacent the second side  25  is a second side stiffener  30 . While this embodiment utilizes three separate stiffeners to stiffen the compression plate, the present invention may contain one or more stiffeners. 
     The first side stiffener  28  as well as the second side stiffener  30 , in this embodiment, further comprise retaining band attachments  42  for allowing a retaining band or webbing to be there attached. These retaining band attachments comprise slots for allowing a retaining band to be inserted therethrough. Inclusion of such attachments is preferred because it reinforces the attachment point of the bands/straps/webbing. 
     The compression plate  20  further comprises a hold rope or hand hold attachment  62 , such as the holes defined therein for allowing a hand hold to be attached thereto. 
     Being configured as such, this embodiment of compression plate is able to selectively flex and bend generally conforming to the shape of the hydration bladder there attached to. By having a compression plate itself comprised of a softer, more flexible material such as thermoplastic rubber, and the stiffener or stiffeners comprising a much more rigid material, such as polypropylene plastic, the invented pressurizing device is able to easily interfit with the hydration bladder itself, compressing it and allowing for easy expulsion of the hydrating fluid (water, sports drinks containing electrolytes, etc.) contained therein. In a less preferred embodiment, the compression plate itself could be rigid. 
     Referring now to FIG. 5, one embodiment of the invented elongated center stiffener  26  is shown. It is preferred that this center stiffener be centered within or upon the compression plate, however other, non-centered locations are also envisioned. FIGS. 6A-6B show one embodiment of the first side stiffener  28 , FIG. 6A showing a first side view and FIG. 6B showing a second side view. FIGS. 7A-7B show one embodiment of the second side stiffener  30 , FIG. 7A showing a first side view and FIG. 7B showing a second side view. It is preferred that the side stiffeners be located symmetrically about the centerline of the compression plate, however other unsymmetrical orientations and arrangements are also envisioned. FIG. 7 shows one embodiment of the invented second side stiffener  30 . As can be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the retaining band attachments  42  exist therethrough as well as through the compression plate itself. 
     Referring now to FIG. 8, one embodiment of a retaining band or webbing  40  utilized with the present invention is shown, this retaining band  40  having a band  44  extending from a first band end  46  to a second band end  48 , with the first band end  46  attaching to a male plug  52  of a releasable snap buckle  50  and the second band end  48  attaching to a female socket  54  for releasable snap buckle  50 . 
     In another embodiment, the present invention would comprise a pair of rigid plates sandwiching the bladder, held together through use of retaining band or other compressive means. In yet another embodiment, the present invention would comprise a rigid plate held against the bladder. Use of rigid plates are less preferred because they may be found by a user to be less comfortable, weigh more, and will be more difficult to install within the back pack. While, they are less preferred, they are alternative embodiments of the present invention. 
     In another embodiment, the present invention would be integrated into the back-pack or hip-pack which the bladder is carried in. In such an embodiment, the back-pack could be formed of a stiff material which serves as the rigid plate when a compression strap or band is used to hold the back-pack itself in contact with the bladder, etc.; or a rigid plate(s) could be formed into the back-pack, attached to the back-pack, or rest loosely within the back-pack, etc.; or the back-pack could be formed of an elastic material, have built-in elastic abilities, etc. so that the back-pack itself is able to squeeze a bladder stored therein. In another embodiment, the present invention itself may serve as the back-pack, having shoulder straps, hip straps, buckles, etc. In another embodiment, the present invention is merely a compression means for compressing at least a portion of the outside surface of the bladder, thereby pressurizing the fluid contained within the bladder. Such a compression means could include elastic bands, an elastic sleeve, non-elastic straps, webbing, etc. 
     In use of the preferred embodiment, a user would remove the hydration system&#39;s bladder from its back pack (if so contained). The bladder would then be filled with a quantity of hydrating fluid and sealed. The preferred embodiment of the present invention would then be attached to the bladder, thereby placing the fluid contained therein under pressure. The compressed bladder would then be placed back in it&#39;s insulated back pack (if so provided) and the user would stow the system in the normal manner for use. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be sold as a retrofit kit for allowing a user to retrofit a bladder he/she already owns, may be sold with a bladder, or may comprises an improved bladder itself by integrating the teachings of this invention into the bladder itself. 
     While there is shown and described the present preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be distinctly understood that this invention is not limited thereto but may be variously embodied to practice within the scope of the following claims.