PERSONAL HYDRATION DEVICE AND PACK CARRYING THE PERSONAL HYDRATION DEVICE

Description

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a personal hydration device and a pack having a compartment configured to receive the reservoir of a personal hydration device.

Personal hydration systems have become essential for various activities, particularly in outdoor sports, hiking, and cycling, where users require convenient access to drinking water on the go. These systems typically comprise a flexible reservoir, or “bladder,” which can be filled with a liquid and positioned in a pack or backpack. The reservoir is often equipped with an outlet, allowing the user to drink through an attached drink tube without needing to remove or handle the reservoir directly.

Several conventional designs for personal hydration devices have aimed to improve usability by refining the configuration of the reservoir, cap assembly, and tube connection. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,727,714 discloses a hydration system with a reservoir having a fill opening and a separate outlet for connecting a drink tube. While this design enables the reservoir to be filled and provides an outlet for drinking, the separate components and required handling of different parts increase the complexity and bulkiness of the system. The assembly requires careful alignment and sealing of each component, which can lead to issues with leaking, especially under movement or pressure.

Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,998 describes an improved cap assembly with a secure attachment for the outlet, providing a more stable drink tube connection. However, this design also relies on separate fill and outlet components, which increases the number of parts and potential points for failure. Consequently, users are required to handle multiple elements, reducing the device's overall ease of use and increasing maintenance complexity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to create a personal hydration device that minimizes potential leak points, reduces handling effort, and provides a compact and functionally reliable solution.

This object is solved with the features of independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are subject of the dependent claims.

The invention relates to a personal hydration device, containing:

• • a) a reservoir defining an internal compartment configured to receive drink fluid, wherein the reservoir has a fill port configured to allow drink fluid to be added to or removed from the internal compartment,
  • b) a cap assembly configured to selectively close the fill port, the cap assembly further containing an exit port configured to allow drink fluid to exit from the internal compartment, and
  • c) a preferably elongate drink tube with a first end region configured to be connected to the exit port for receiving drink fluid therefrom, and a second end region distal from the first end region and configured to dispense drink fluid.

The inventive personal hydration device provides distinct technical benefits by integrating the fill and exit ports within a single, unified cap assembly, resulting in a compact and highly efficient design. This integration minimizes handling steps, improves ease of access, and reduces potential leak points, enabling simultaneous filling and dispensing through a single structure without requiring separate components. Unlike conventional designs such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,727,714 and 6,675,998, which require separate outlet components, this integrated solution consolidates all functions within one compact cap assembly, thereby reducing complexity and potential failure points.

This design not only saves space and enhances reliability but also streamlines maintenance by allowing rapid disassembly and reassembly, as fewer components require separate handling and cleaning. Furthermore, the device includes a secure locking mechanism between the cap and reservoir, which minimizes potential leak points and ensures reliable sealing during use, even under movement or pressure. This robust, integrated configuration is particularly suited for high-mobility environments, such as hiking or cycling, where it reduces the likelihood of accidental detachment or leaks, providing users with a stable and convenient hydration solution.

The drink tube can be either permanently fixed to the exit port or, alternatively, detachably connected to the exit port. A permanent connection provides added stability and prevents accidental detachment of the tube during use. However, a detachable connection is preferred, as it allows the drink tube to be easily removed when needed, which is particularly beneficial for cleaning and maintenance purposes.

Furthermore, the drink tube may vary in form, length, and structure, accommodating diverse use cases and user preferences. For instance, it may be configured as a rigid tube section to provide stability in specific settings. Nonetheless, for applications such as outdoor activities and dynamic environments, a drink tube formed as a flexible hose is generally preferred. This design offers greater adaptability and ease of use, enabling users to access the hydration system comfortably in various positions. This flexibility in design allows the hydration device to be tailored to a wide range of applications, enhancing both functionality and user convenience.

When a mouthpiece is used, it is preferably associated with the second end region of the drink tube, thereby fluidly connecting it to the reservoir through the drink tube. The mouthpiece is configured to selectively dispense drink fluid from the drink tube and includes an outlet through which drink fluid may be dispensed. Furthermore, the mouthpiece is adapted to be repeatedly transitioned between a dispensing orientation, in which drink fluid can be drawn from the reservoir and dispensed through the mouthpiece, and a closed orientation, in which fluid flow through the mouthpiece is prevented.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the cap assembly contains a neck portion being associated to the fill port and defining a neck opening configured to allow drink fluid to be added to or removed from the internal compartment, the cap assembly further containing a removable cap being configured to selectively close the neck opening. This preferred embodiment optimizes the cap assembly's alignment and stability. This design ensures a secure and robust seal, effectively preventing fluid leakage during movement or under external pressure. The neck portion provides a guided entry for filling and a stable attachment point for the cap, which enhances ease of use. Furthermore, the releasable fastening mechanism adds security and convenience, allowing the cap to be easily removed and reattached for quick refilling and cleaning. Together, these features increase the device's practicality, safety, and user-friendliness, making it exceptionally well-suited for high-mobility applications.

The neck portion may be integrally formed with the reservoir or may be formed separately and subsequently joined to the reservoir. In the latter case, the neck portion may include a flange region, preferably an end-side flange region and/or a flange region that at least partially or sectionally encircles the neck portion, for securely joining the neck portion to the reservoir, for example, by adhesive bonding or by welding, particularly plastic welding in the case of plastic materials.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least the neck portion, preferably the neck portion and the removable cap, is made of a dimensionally stable material, and/or wherein the reservoir is made of a flexible material. These features enhance the functionality and durability of the hydration device by specifying that at least the neck portion, and preferably both the neck portion and removable cap, are made from a dimensionally stable material, meaning a material that tends to retain its configuration and thereby maintain a consistent seal with the cap. This dimensional stability ensures that critical parts, like the neck portion and cap, do not deform under repeated use, thus preserving the integrity of the seal and effectively preventing leaks. In contrast, the reservoir itself is preferably made of a flexible material, ideally in the form of a bladder, allowing it to compress and conform to various carrying configurations, which is particularly beneficial in active settings. This flexibility enables the reservoir to adapt in shape without compromising the connection to the cap assembly, thereby supporting both portability and ease of use. Correspondingly, the cap assembly or at least the neck portion, may be made of dimensionally stable materials, such as, but not limited to polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), to provide structural integrity, while the reservoir, particularly when configured as a bladder, may be made of flexible materials like thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), polyurethane (PU), or silicone, which allow it to adapt to various shapes and compress under pressure.

It is generally possible to position the exit port on the neck portion, for example, to provide a fixed dispensing outlet that does not require frequent removal or adjustment. This configuration could be beneficial in cases where a particularly robust seal is desired between the neck portion and the exit port, reducing potential movement and wear around the exit area. However, it is particularly preferred that the removable cap comprises the exit port, preferably with the exit port being configured as a separate component attached to the removable cap or integrally formed as a single piece with the removable cap. This configuration allows for an optimal placement of the exit port for accessibility and ease of use, as it can be positioned directly on the cap, where users can easily reach it. Additionally, placing the exit port on the cap simplifies the manufacturing process, as the neck portion can remain a simpler structure, making it easier to produce and potentially more cost-effective. Moreover, having the exit port on the removable cap provides better accessibility for connecting or disconnecting components, such as a drink tube, without interfering with the neck portion or the reservoir. The preferred dual design option allows for manufacturing flexibility and supports a range of configurations depending on production needs and user preferences. When the exit port is integrally formed with the cap, it simplifies the design and reduces the number of parts, which minimizes potential leak points and enhances the durability of the hydration device. Alternatively, when the exit port is a separate component, it may offer the advantage of easy replacement or customization, allowing users to adapt the device to specific functional requirements or personal preferences.

According to a preferred embodiment, the removable cap contains a user-grippable region configured to be grasped by a user, preferably with the exit port being positioned in or at the user-grippable region. This configuration enhances control and stability, allowing the user to grasp the cap securely. Positioning the exit port in or at the user-grippable region offers several practical advantages: It ensures that the exit port is easily accessible, facilitating quick and straightforward connection of the drink tube. This positioning is particularly beneficial in active or outdoor settings, where ease of access and rapid adjustments to the hydration system are essential. Additionally, having the exit port in this region minimizes the need to handle other parts of the device, reducing the likelihood of accidental spills or leaks during tube attachment and enhancing the overall convenience of the hydration system.

The neck portion and removable cap are selectively secured together by a suitable releasable fastening mechanism, which allows the cap to be secured to the neck portion to prevent drink fluid from passing through the neck opening, and also to be selectively removed from the neck portion for adding or removing drink fluid from the reservoir or for cleaning. Afterward, the cap can be resecured to the neck portion. Examples of suitable fastening mechanisms include threads, pin-and-slot mechanisms, a snap fit between corresponding tongues and grooves on the neck portion and cap, and a friction fit between the cap and a corresponding section of the neck portion. However, any fastening mechanism meeting the above criteria may be used. A particularly preferred fastening mechanism is a screwed and/or threaded connection. This configuration offers additional protection against leaks caused by external forces applied to the reservoir, which could cause weaker seals, such as friction fits, to fail or otherwise leak. Accordingly, a preferred embodiment is one wherein the removable cap is connected to the neck portion by a screw and/or threaded connection, preferably with the removable cap having a cylindrical or circular outer circumference at least in the region of the screw and/or threaded connection.

Depending on the application, the neck portion may be provided with an internal thread or, alternatively, an external thread, while the cap, typically cylindrical or tube-shaped, is correspondingly provided with an external or, alternatively, an internal thread to secure it to the neck portion, for example, by screwing.

According to another preferred embodiment, the removable cap comprises, on its top side facing away from the reservoir, a handle portion as a user-grippable region, preferably with recesses for finger engagement recessed on either side of the handle portion into the top side, wherein the exit port is part of the handle portion. The handle portion, preferably extending diametrically and/or centrally on the top side of the removable cap, enhances the ergonomics of the device by offering a user-grippable region that facilitates gripping and securely holding the removable cap. The inclusion of recesses for finger engagement on either side of the handle portion further improves handling, especially when the user needs to quickly access the exit port or securely attach the cap. By positioning the exit port as part of the handle portion, the design simplifies access and optimizes usability, making the port easily accessible and intuitive to reach, which improves efficiency and control during fluid dispensing.

According to a preferred embodiment, the exit port has a freely projecting tube section configured to form an attachment point for the first end region of the drink tube. This projection facilitates connection with a releasable drink tube by providing a clear and accessible and also stable contact point. For enhanced security and grip, the tube section may optionally include at least one barb or similar projection, which increases the frictional engagement between the tube section and the drink tube. This optional feature helps to stabilize the connection, preventing accidental detachment, especially in active or dynamic environments.

According to another preferred embodiment, the exit port is or comprises a valve unit configured to open only at a defined suction pressure to release the drink fluid. This embodiment offers a significant advantage by allowing the exit port to be configured as, or to include, a valve unit that opens only at a defined suction pressure. This construction prevents unintended fluid leakage, as the liquid is only released when a specific pressure is applied, which can be generated by the user when drinking. For instance, the user can create the necessary suction by drawing on the second end region of the drink tube, which can be optionally equipped with a mouthpiece or similar feature. This interaction ensures that fluid is dispensed only when the user actively engages with the device, enhancing both safety and control during use. By incorporating a valve that responds to user-generated suction, the system minimizes the risk of leaks during transport or accidental pressure on the reservoir. This mechanism not only promotes hygiene but also ensures that the fluid is dispensed in a controlled manner, allowing for a comfortable and convenient drinking experience. This design significantly enhances usability in active applications, where precise fluid delivery is essential.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cap assembly contains a handle assembly coupled to the neck portion, the handle assembly has a handle portion extending from the neck portion. The handle portion provides a gripping area, allowing the user to securely hold and maneuver the reservoir. This structure offers a user-friendly way to stabilize the hydration system and control the orientation of the fill port or the entire reservoir. With the handle portion positioned at the neck portion, users gain better control over the filling process, enabling them to adjust the reservoir position easily and hold the fill port horizontally for complete filling.

Although the handle assembly, or specifically the handle portion, can be an integral part of the cap assembly, preferably of the neck portion, it is preferred that the handle assembly contains a support member configured to be releasably coupled to the neck portion and/or configured to at least partially encircle the neck portion. This configuration provides a reliable method for securely attaching the handle portion to the neck portion. This design ensures that the handle portion remains stable and firmly positioned, offering a dependable grip point that resists shifting or loosening during use.

According to another preferred embodiment, the support member is removably coupled to the neck portion by a fastening mechanism, the fastening mechanism containing a lock mechanism configured to secure the handle assembly in a defined position relative to the neck portion. This configuration provides the user with the ability to remove, replace, or modify the handle assembly as needed. The inclusion of a lock mechanism ensures that the handle assembly remains securely in a defined position, further enhancing stability and user convenience. The ability to secure or remove the handle assembly adds versatility to the system and provides extra stability when using the cap assembly. The lock mechanism prevents unintended movement, ensuring that the neck portion remains protected even during handling or pressure loads.

According to a preferred embodiment, the lock mechanism contains at least one projection on either the support member or the neck portion, configured to engage with a corresponding recess on the opposite part in a locked position, such that the projection on the support member or neck portion engages with the recess on the neck portion or support member, respectively. This lock mechanism provides a stable and secure attachment by utilizing an interlocking projection and recess feature, preferably designed as a simple and intuitively operable snap-fit connection. This configuration allows the support member and neck portion to be reliably fixed in a defined position, for example, ensuring that the tube section of the exit port is positioned in a desired orientation, such as along the reservoir's longitudinal direction, while also preventing unwanted movement or rotation during use. By securely locking the handle assembly in place, this design enhances the structural integrity and functional reliability of the hydration device, particularly in dynamic or high-mobility environments. The snap-fit mechanism also facilitates straightforward assembly and disassembly, combining ease of use with a robust, stable connection that supports maintenance or replacement needs. Alternatively, or in addition, the support member may be secured to the neck portion by a threaded connection, similar to the previously described connection with the removable cap. Furthermore, the handle assembly is preferably made of a dimensionally stable material, such as a plastic material, for example, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or polycarbonate (PC).

According to another preferred embodiment, the removable cap contains an external, circumferential groove, in which an elastic band is positioned, preferably retained in a form-fitting and contour-matching manner, with the elastic band being configured to hold the removable cap in the open position on the device, preferably with the removable cap containing an outwardly projecting tab, preferably a projecting tab with a loop, that is configured to detachably secure the removable cap to the device, preferably to detachably secure the removable cap to a complementary element of the support member. An advantage of the described design is that the removable cap is securely held on the device in the open position. This prevents the cap from being lost or damaged during use, thereby enhancing the user-friendliness and durability of the hydration device.

According to a preferred embodiment, the fill port is arranged at an end region of the reservoir as seen in a longitudinal direction of the reservoir, preferably with the opposite end region of the reservoir including a holding device configured to suspend the reservoir. This configuration provides the advantage of convenient filling and secure placement of the reservoir. By positioning the fill port at one end of the reservoir, filling or emptying can be carried out with ease, particularly when the reservoir is hanging vertically. The optional holding device at the opposite end offers a straightforward method to suspend the reservoir securely, facilitating access during use and making it easier to refill or attach to various support structures. This design ensures user convenience, stability, and flexibility in different environments, such as hiking, cycling, or other outdoor activities.

The above object is, as regards a pack, solved with a pack having a compartment configured to receive the reservoir of a personal hydration device according to any one of the preceding embodiments. Preferably the reservoir is positioned within the compartment and/or the pack includes a strap assembly configured to secure the pack to a user's body.

This configuration provides a stable and user-friendly solution for transporting the reservoir. By incorporating a compartment sized specifically to hold the reservoir, the pack ensures that the hydration system remains secure and protected within the pack during movement. The strap assembly allows the pack to be comfortably and securely attached to the user's body, enabling hands-free access to hydration in active situations. This design is particularly beneficial in dynamic environments, such as hiking, cycling, or running, where stability, ease of access, and freedom of movement are essential.

Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a personal hydration device, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.

The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic, perspective, exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the inventive solution (without the drink tube);

FIG. 2 is an exemplary top view of an assembled arrangement according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view taken along the line III-III shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line IV-IV shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of detail V shown in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is an enlarged section view of detail VI shown in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first, particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown an exemplary embodiment of a design of an inventive personal hydration device 1 is shown schematically, featuring a reservoir 2 configured as a bladder, which defines an internal compartment 3 capable of holding a drink fluid. For filling the reservoir 2 or internal compartment 3 with the drink fluid, the reservoir 2 includes a fill port 4, through which the drink fluid can be introduced into and also removed from internal compartment 3.

To this end, the personal hydration device 1 includes a cap assembly 5. The cap assembly 5 is configured to selectively close the fill port 4, as described in detail below, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6.

Specifically, the cap assembly 5 includes a neck portion 6 associated with the fill port 4, which has a neck opening 7 through which the drink fluid can be introduced into or removed from the internal compartment 3 of the reservoir 2.

Furthermore, the cap assembly 5 includes a removable cap 8 configured to selectively close the neck opening 7 and thus the fill port 4.

The neck portion 6 in this exemplary case includes a flange region 9, which, in the present example, fully surrounds the neck portion 6 and serves to secure the neck portion 6 in the area of the fill port 4, as shown by way of example in FIG. 6. For instance, the flange region 9 can be fixed to the edge area of the fill port 4 from the inside, either by adhesive bonding or by plastic welding.

Particularly in the latter case, both the reservoir 2 and the neck portion 6, or at least the flange region 9, are made of a plastic material. In this context, it is further advantageous if at least the neck portion 6, preferably both the neck portion 6 and the removable cap 8, is made of a dimensionally stable material, such as a dimensionally stable plastic material, for example but not limited to polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), to provide structural integrity. In contrast, the reservoir 2, particularly in the example shown here as a bladder, is made of a flexible material, preferably a flexible plastic material, such as thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), polyurethane (PU), or silicone, which allows it to adapt to various shapes and compress under pressure.

In the example shown here, the removable cap 8 is also connected to the neck portion 6 by means of a screw and/or threaded connection, with the removable cap 8 having a cylindrical or circular outer circumference. In this particular example, the removable cap 8 has an internal thread, while the neck portion 6 has an external thread (see especially FIGS. 1 and 6).

As can be clearly seen in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the removable cap 8 has a handle portion 10 on its top side as a user-grippable region, with recesses 11, 12 recessed on either side of the handle portion 10 for finger engagement. In this example, the handle portion 10 extends diametrically and centrally along the top side of the removable cap 8.

As shown particularly in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 6, the removable cap 8 further includes an exit port 13, which, in the present example, is part of the handle portion 10 and is integrally formed with the handle portion 10 and the cap 8. In this example, the exit port 13 is thus integrally and unitarily connected to the removable cap 8.

The exit port 13 further includes a tube section 14 projecting freely from the handle portion 10, angled here by 90°, so that in this example (see especially FIG. 6), the tube section 14 runs parallel to and spaced from the handle portion 10, extending in the direction of the handle portion 10. As can be seen particularly in FIG. 2, this extension direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the reservoir 2.

Here, the tube section 14 forms an attachment point 15 at its freely projecting end, to which a drink tube 16 with a first end region is attached, as schematically and dashed in FIGS. 3 and 6. For enhanced security and grip, the free end of the tube section 14 includes barbs 17, which increases the frictional engagement between the tube section 14 and the drink tube 16. In the example shown here, the drink tube 16 is therefore detachably connected to the tube section 14 and thus to the exit port 13. The drink tube 16 may vary in form, length, and structure, accommodating diverse use cases and user preferences. For applications such as outdoor activities and dynamic environments, the drink tube 16 is preferably configured as a flexible hose. When a mouthpiece (not shown) is used, it is preferably associated with the second end region of the drink tube 16, thereby fluidly connecting it to the reservoir 2 through the drink tube 16.

The exit port 13 or the tube section 14 may, as illustrated schematically and in principle in this example, be equipped with a valve unit 18 configured to open only at a defined suction pressure to release the drink fluid. For instance, a user can create the necessary suction by drawing on a second end region of the drink tube 16, which, as mentioned above, can optionally be equipped with a mouthpiece. This ensures that fluid is dispensed only when the user actively engages with the device.

As shown particularly in FIGS. 1 to 3, the cap assembly 5 may further include a handle assembly 19, containing a handle portion 20 and a support member 21. The support member 21, which is ring-shaped in this example, surrounds the neck portion 6 externally and is releasably secured to the neck portion 6 by a fastening mechanism 22. As can be seen particularly in the combination of FIGS. 4 and 5, this fastening mechanism 22 includes a lock mechanism by which the handle portion 20, and thus the entire handle assembly 19, can be secured in a defined position relative to the neck portion 6. In this example, the handle portion 20 (see especially FIG. 2) is aligned in the longitudinal axis direction along line III-III of FIG. 2 when in a releasably locked position. Specifically, the support member 21 has at least one projection 23 (see FIGS. 4 and 5), which, in the locked position, engages a corresponding recess 24 on the neck portion 6. The handle assembly 19 is preferably also made of a plastic material, allowing this locking mechanism to be implemented as a simple, overpressable snap-fit connection.

The handle portion 20 provides a gripping area, allowing the user to securely hold and maneuver the reservoir 2 during cleaning and filling.

As further shown particularly in the combination of FIGS. 1 and 6, the removable cap 8 has an external circumferential groove 25 on its outer circumference, in which an elastic band 26 is accommodated in a form-fitting and contour-matching manner. In the example shown here, the elastic band 26 is configured to hold the removable cap 8 in the open position on the device 1. To achieve this, the removable cap 8 includes, as shown in this example and best illustrated in FIG. 6, an outwardly projecting tab 28 with a loop 29 that is configured to detachably secure the removable cap 8 to a complementary element 30 of the support member 21. This is schematically represented in FIG. 6 by the dashed arrow 31.

As shown in FIG. 2, the fill port 4 with the cap assembly is positioned on a first, lower end region of the reservoir 2 with respect to the image plane of FIG. 2, while the opposite, second end region of the reservoir 2 includes a holding device 27, here exemplified as a loop, by which the reservoir 2 can be suspended.

The personal hydration device 1 may, for instance, be designed to fit into a compartment of a backpack, where the backpack includes retention straps to secure the backpack, and thus the personal hydration device 1, to the user's body.

The following is a summary list of reference numerals and the corresponding structure used in the above description of the invention:

• • 1 hydration device
  • 2 reservoir
  • 3 internal compartment
  • 4 fill port
  • 5 cap assembly
  • 6 neck portion
  • 7 neck opening
  • 8 cap
  • 9 flange region
  • 10 handle portion
  • 11 recess
  • 12 recess
  • 13 exit port
  • 14 tube section
  • 15 attachment point
  • 16 drink tube
  • 17 barbs
  • 18 valve unit
  • 19 handle assembly
  • 20 handle portion
  • 21 support member
  • 22 fastening mechanism
  • 23 projection
  • 24 recess
  • 25 circumferential groove
  • 26 elastic band
  • 27 holding device
  • 28 tab
  • 29 loop
  • 30 complementary element
  • 31 dashed arrow