Hydration apparatus

Abstract

A hydration apparatus attachable to an individual for maintaining the individual's fluid balance. The hydration apparatus includes a body portion, an intake conduit, a fluid pump, a discharge conduit, and a distribution outlet. The body portion is disposable about a portion of the individual's body. The body portion has a bladder supported thereon. The bladder is adapted to receive a fluid. A first end of the intake conduit is connected to and in fluid communication with the fluid in the bladder. The fluid pump is connectable to a second end of the intake conduit so that the fluid pump is in fluid communication with the bladder. A first end of the discharge conduit is connectable to and is in fluid communication with the fluid pump. The distribution outlet is connectable to and in fluid communication with a second end of the discharge conduit.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/784,327, filed Mar. 21, 2006, the contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for cooling and hydrating an individual's body, and more particularly, not by way of limitation, to an improved hydration apparatus to supply water to an individual in order to restore or maintain fluid balance.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

In hot weather and/or during strong physical activity, the body dehydrates rapidly. Most of the heat generated from extreme physical activity or high weather temperature tries to escape through the top of the head. With a head enclosure such as a hat, bicycle helmet, motorcycle helmet or military helmet, the heat is trapped with little ability for the high temperature and super-heated body and head heated sweat to escape. Currently, one of the accepted methods to cool and hydrate the body is taking in fluids by mouth and relying on normal body evaporation for cooling. Another method is to douse the body's surface with water.

To this end, although apparatuses of the existing art are operable, further improvements are desirable to enhance the use of a hydration apparatus which functions to selectively maintain an individual's body fluids while also providing for cooling of the individual's body. It is to such a hydration apparatus that the present invention is directed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of a hydration apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention, the hydration apparatus being positioned over the shoulders of an individual.

FIG. 2 is a pictorial representation of a hydration apparatus positionable about the waist of an individual.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, shown therein is a hydration apparatus 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention, the hydration apparatus 10 being shown attached to an individual 12. Although the hydration apparatus 10 is shown positioned about an individual 12 riding a motorcycle, it should be understood that the present invention may be used in conjunction with a variety of military, commercial, work or recreational activities so long as the hydration apparatus 10 functions in accordance with the manner described herein by delivering fluid to the head and body of an individual for cooling and hydration purposes. It should also be understood that the hydration apparatus 10 may be mounted to a fixed surface, such as a bicycle frame or a motorcycle fender.

The hydration apparatus 10 includes a body portion 14, an intake conduit 16, a fluid pump 18, a discharge conduit 20, a distribution outlet 22 and a power assembly 24. The body portion 14 is provided with first and second extension members 26 and 28 extending from the body portion 14 so as to be disposable about a portion of the individual 12 in order to secure the body portion 14 on a portion of the individual 12, such as a back of the individual. A buckle 29 is utilized for attaching the first and second extension members 26 and 28 to one another. However, it should be understood that any known connector may be used to attach the first and second extension members 26 and 28 to one another when extended about the individual 12. As shown, the body portion 14 is positioned about the torso of the individual 12.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first and second extension members 26 and 28 may function as a harness and may be positioned over the shoulders (FIG. 1) of the individual 12, or the first and second extension members 26 and 28 may be disposed about the waist of the individual 12 (FIG. 2) so as to function similar to a belt. Thus, it should be understood that the body portion 14 of the hydration apparatus 12 may be connected to the individual 12 in any variety of ways, such as over the shoulders, about the waist, in combination and the like, so long as the hydration apparatus 10 functions in the manner described herein. In addition, the body portion 14 of the hydration apparatus 10 may be mounted to a fixed surface such as a motorcycle fender, a bicycle frame, or some other support structure.

Although the intake conduit 16, the fluid pump 18, the discharge conduit 20 and the power assembly 24 are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 positioned outside of the body portion 14 of the hydration apparatus 10, it should be understood that the body portion 14 may be configured such that the intake conduit 16, the fluid pump 18, the discharge conduit 20 and the power assembly 24 are disposed within the body portion 14 of the hydration apparatus 10.

The body portion 14 of the hydration apparatus 10 is constructed from a material capable of withstanding strenuous activity and extreme temperatures. Examples of such material include, but are not limited to, nylon, spandex, cotton, or other similar textile or polymeric materials.

A bladder 30 is supported on or in the body portion 14 of the hydration apparatus 10. The bladder 30 is adapted to receive a fluid used to cool and hydrate the individual 12. The size of the body portion 14 and the capacity of the bladder 30 can vary widely so as to provide a hydration apparatus 10 suitable for use by individuals of various size or for various activities. The bladder 30 is fabricated of any fluid impervious material such as neoprene, spandex and the like. However, it should be understood that the bladder 30 may be constructed of any material capable of holding a fluid. In addition, it should be understood that any fluid, such as water and the like, known to one of ordinary skill in the art, to cool and hydrate the individual 12 may be used to fill the bladder 30. The fluid is disposed in the bladder 30 in any amount sufficient for use by the individual 12.

A handle 31 may also be connected to the body portion 14 for allowing the individual 12 to carry and transport the hydration apparatus 10 to and from various locations. While the handle 31 has been shown as extending from an upper portion of the body portion 14, it should be understood that the handle 31 may be positioned anywhere on the body portion 14.

The intake conduit 16 of the hydration apparatus 10 has a first end 32 and a second end 34. The first end 32 of the intake conduit 16 is connected to and in fluid communication with the contents within the bladder 30. The fluid pump 18 is connectable to the second end 34 of the intake conduit 16 so that the fluid pump 18 is in fluid communication with the bladder 30. The fluid pump 18 may be any size pump so that it may be supported by the body portion 14 or may be positioned remotely from the body portion 14 of the hydration apparatus 10.

The fluid pump 18 is used to selectively pump the fluid from the bladder 30 upon activation of the fluid pump 18. It should be understood that any conventional fluid pump may be used in the hydration apparatus 10 as long as the fluid pump 18 is capable of discharging fluid from the bladder 30. The fluid pump 18 operates in a conventional manner. Thus, the operation of a fluid pump such as the fluid pump 18 is known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, no further description of the fluid pump 18 or its operation is believed necessary.

The discharge conduit 20 of the hydration apparatus 10 has a first end 36 and a second end 38. The first end 36 of the discharge conduit 20 is connected to and is in fluid communication with the fluid pump 18. The distribution outlet 22 is connectable to and in fluid communication with the second end 38 of the discharge conduit 20.

The discharge conduit 20 is disposable in a spatial relationship relative to the individual's head or is disposable on the individual's head or in close proximity thereto for distributing fluid on the individual's head. The distribution outlet 22 is shown to be a padded sponge-like member which slowly and evenly distributes fluid on the head of the individual 12. However, it should be understood that any suitable member may be used as the distribution outlet 22 as long as such member is capable of distributing fluid in the manner as described herein.

The distribution outlet 22 is shown to be positioned in a helmet 40. However, it should be understood that the distribution outlet 22 may be positioned in or near any head covering such as any hat, headgear, headpiece, or the like. In addition, it should be understood that the distribution outlet 22 may be disposed on or in close proximity to the individual's head without any head covering via a harness or webbing.

A drinking fluid conduit 44 is also connected to the discharge conduit 20 at a position between the first end 36 and the second end 38 of the discharge conduit 20. The drinking fluid conduit 44 is provided with an on/off mechanism, such as a valve 46. The valve 46 permits fluid to be discharged therethrough so as to permit the individual 12 to drink fluid stored in the bladder 30 so as to hydrate the individual 12. It should be understood that although the valve 46 is shown controlling the flow of fluid through the drinking fluid conduit 44, any such mechanism may be utilized to permit fluid to be discharged from the bladder 30 via the drinking water conduit 44 so long as the mechanism function in the manner described herein. For example, the drinking fluid conduit 44 may be formed by splicing a plastic T into the discharge conduit 20 before leading into the distribution outlet 22. For example, an on/off inline twist valve 46 may be disposed or connected on the end of an about 6 to 10 inch hose that connects to the side of the T. The individual 12 can place the end of the drinking fluid conduit 44 in the mouth and open the valve 46 to drink the fluid while the fluid is being discharged via the discharge conduit 20 to cool the head of the individual 12. However, closing the valve 46 will distribute all the fluid through the discharge conduit 20 serving only the head of the individual.

The power assembly 24 is operably connected to the fluid pump 18 whereby the fluid pump 18 may be selectively activated and deactivated to pump fluid from the bladder 30 to the distribution outlet 22. Any known power source may be used as the power assembly 24 so long as the power assembly 24 functions in the manner described herein. For example, the power assembly 24 may be a plurality of rechargeable 1.2-volt AAA batteries which are mounted in a cell battery holder. Non-rechargeable batteries can also be used in the same battery holder. An on/off switch may be used to start/stop a motor of the fluid pump 18 and can be mounted anywhere the individual desires. However, it should be understood that any apparatus or method known by one of ordinary skill in the art for starting the fluid pump 18 may be used. Depending on the placement of the power assembly and the preference of the individual 12, the switch can be a toggle switch, a push button switch or a push/pull switch. This switch is operably connected to the power assembly 24.

In addition, it should be understood that a receiver may be provided and positioned in the hydration apparatus 10 and configured to receive a signal for controlling, in a conventional manner, the function of the hydration apparatus 10 from a transmitter which is positioned in a remote location. The hydration apparatus 10 may be operated via radio frequency from a remote location. However, it should be understood that any known method of communication may be utilized in accordance with the present invention. Thus, the power assembly 24 may be supported on the body portion 14 or may be remotely positioned from the body portion 14 of the hydration apparatus 10.

In use, the fluid pump 18 is activated and the fluid pump 18 pumps fluid out of the fluid-filled bladder 30 through the intake conduit 16 and selectively distributes the fluid through the discharge conduit 20 to the distribution outlet 22 and the drinking water conduit 44. The fluid is then discharged onto the top of the head of the individual 12 and, when desired, to the mouth of the individual 12.

With the fluid pump 18 activated, a more specific area of cooling can be achieved by simply tilting the head in that direction for a cool rush of water. If the individual is wearing the hydration apparatus 10 on the back, the intake conduit 16 is placed over the shoulder opposite the discharge conduit 20 allowing for easy connection in the front of the individual's body. In the event of running out of fluid, the power assembly 24 may be protected with an inline fuse between the power assembly 24 and the fluid pump 18 for protection.

In extreme conditions, about 5 second burst of fluid about every 10 to 20 minutes is sufficient to stay comfortable and energized. In addition, the cooling fluid dripping onto the shirt (if one chooses to use that much cooling) creates a radiator effect for cooling the rest of the individual's body. A simple neck scarf will greatly slow shirt saturation, if desired.

As the distribution outlet 22 of the hydration apparatus 10 injects the underside of the helmet 40 with cooling fluid (air temperature fluid or with ice cooled fluid), the head of the individual 12 is immediately cooled and the individual's body temperature is lowered. By cooling the head and body from the outside in, the thirst level and need for fluid intake by the individual 12 is reduced by as much as about 70% over drinking water to cool from the inside out.

The hydration apparatus 10 may be used in cross country motorcycle racing with equal control factors including, physical conditioning, age, heat, and activity level in air temperatures exceeding about 110° F. in durations of about 1 to 2 hours. Using the hydration apparatus 10 under these conditions, water intake is reduced to less than about 1 liter of water by mouth. Head and body temperatures remain relatively comfortable with low thirst level. The energy level remains high while heat stress and dehydration remain low. Without the use of the hydration apparatus 10, thirst and water intake is about 2.5 to 3 liters of water per about 1.5 to 2 hours of exertion and constant head and body heat discomfort, sometimes with constant thirst and symptoms resembling heat exhaustion.

The hydration apparatus 10 is designed to: 1) reduce dehydration and heat stress; 2) dramatically increase energy and performance; 3) regulate natural body temperatures; and 4) reduce the amount of water intake needed to cool the head and body. Cooling the head externally means the body doesn't generate high heat levels requiring large amounts of water to produce sweat for cooling. The hydration apparatus 10 “flushes” the trapped heat and super heated sweat out of the head covering to minimize the amount of water intake needed to create sweat to cool the head and body naturally. This flushing is done as often as the operator deems necessary to keep the head cool and the upper body damp. This high head and body temperature reduction greatly increases the level of performance of a person over the simple ingestion of large quantities of water. With the use of the hydration apparatus 10, energy levels decrease due to normal physical limits not due to normal stress conditions such as dehydration, heat stress, and heat exhaustion. Unlike prior art hydration apparatuses, both internal and external, the use of the hydration apparatus 10 cools by repeatedly and rapidly flushing the heat away from the body without any substantial dependency on the normal body process of evaporation for cooling. Thus, the use of the hydration apparatus 10 resolves many heat related problems.

From the above description, it is clear that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and to attain the advantages mentioned herein as well as those inherent in the invention. While presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been described for purposes of this disclosure, it will be understood that numerous changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are accomplished within the spirit of the invention disclosed and claimed.

Claims

1. A hydration apparatus for maintaining the individual's fluid balance, the hydration apparatus comprising:

a body portion disposable about a portion of the individual's body, the body portion having a bladder supported thereon, the bladder adapted to receive and store a fluid therein;

an intake conduit having a first end and a second end, the first end of the intake conduit connected to and in fluid communication with the fluid in the bladder;

a fluid pump for pumping fluid from the bladder, the fluid pump connectable to the second end of the intake conduit so that upon activation of the fluid pump fluid is discharged from the bladder;

a discharge conduit having a first end and a second end, the first end of the discharge conduit connectable to and in fluid communication with the fluid pump;

a distribution outlet connectable to and in fluid communication with the second end of the discharge conduit, the discharge conduit being disposable in a spatial relationship to the head of an individual for distributing fluid on the individual's head; and

a power assembly operably connected to the fluid pump whereby the fluid pump is selectively activated and deactivated to pump fluid from the bladder to the distribution outlet.

2. The hydration apparatus of claim 1 wherein the body portion has at least one extension member extending from the body portion for securing the body portion of the hydration apparatus about at least a portion of the body of the individual.

3. The hydration apparatus of claim 1 wherein the body portion is mounted to a fixed surface.

4. The hydration apparatus of claim 1 wherein a handle is connected to the body portion for allowing the individual to transport the hydration apparatus.

5. The hydration apparatus of claim 1 wherein the distribution outlet is a sponge-like member.

6. The hydration apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a drinking fluid conduit connected to the discharge conduit at a position between the first end and the second end of the discharge conduit such that drinking fluid is selectively discharged through the drinking fluid conduit where drinking fluid is provided to the mouth of the individual.

7. The hydration apparatus of claim 6 further comprising:

a valve disposed on the drinking fluid conduit for permitting drinking fluid to be discharged through the drinking water conduit where drinking fluid is provided to the mouth of the individual.

8. A hydration apparatus for maintaining the individual's fluid balance, the hydration apparatus comprising:

a body portion disposable about a portion of the individual's body, the body portion having a bladder supported thereon, the bladder adapted to receive and store a fluid therein;

an intake conduit having a first end and a second end, the first end of the intake conduit connected to and in fluid communication with the fluid in the bladder;

a fluid pump for pumping fluid from the bladder, the fluid pump connectable to the second end of the intake conduit so that upon activation of the fluid pump fluid is discharged from the bladder;

a discharge conduit having a first end and a second end, the first end of the discharge conduit connectable to and in fluid communication with the fluid pump;

a distribution outlet connectable to and in fluid communication with the second end of the discharge conduit, the discharge conduit being disposable in a spatial relationship to the head of an individual for distributing fluid on the individual's head;

a drinking fluid conduit connected to the discharge conduit at a position between the first end and the second end of the discharge conduit such that drinking fluid is selectively discharged through the drinking fluid conduit where drinking fluid is provided to the mouth of the individual; and

a power assembly operably connected to the fluid pump whereby the fluid pump is selectively activated and deactivated to pump fluid from the bladder to the distribution outlet and the drinking fluid conduit.

9. The hydration apparatus of claim 8 wherein the body portion has at least one extension member extending from the body portion for securing the body portion of the hydration apparatus about at least a portion of the body of the individual.

10. The hydration apparatus of claim 9 wherein the body portion is mounted to a fixed surface.

11. The hydration apparatus of claim 10 wherein a handle is connected to the body portion for allowing the individual to transport the hydration apparatus.

12. The hydration apparatus of claim 11 wherein the distribution outlet is a sponge-like member.