Ultralight Hydration Pack

Abstract

This application describes a hydration pack suitable for use while engaging in a prolonged physical activity such as running. The hydration pack is configured to be worn on the upper leg of a user and includes an adjustable-height hydration vessel receptacle.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a non-provisional application claiming the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from commonly owned and co-pending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/701,821 filed on Sep. 17, 2012 and entitled “Hydration Pack,” and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/751,886 filed on Jan. 13, 2013 and entitled “Athletic Hydration Pack,” the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference into this disclosure as if set forth fully herein.

FIELD

This application relates to an athletic hydration pack and in particular a hydration pack suitable to be worn on the leg of a user.

BACKGROUND

It is commonly known that people who engage in prolonged exercise activity need to keep themselves hydrated with water or other suitable hydration beverages. Certain activities, such as running, hiking, and biking, surfing, and paddleboarding require participants to bring their own hydration supply with them. This can be a challenge as hydration supplies and the equipment necessary to transport it can be heavy, bulky, and uncomfortable for the user. This is especially true for runners, as they have to wear the hydration supply at all times while engaging in an activity that causes substantial movement of any packs they may be wearing.

Previous hydration packs for runners have been typically designed so that the hydration supply rests on the hips or lower back of the user, with the rationale being that the additional weight is best borne in such a position. This configuration has drawbacks, however, in that substantial jostling of the pack and hydration supply occurs due to the movement associated with running This can cause discomfort for the user in terms of chafing and uneven weight distribution. Furthermore, heat buildup can be a problem with hydration supplies that are positioned at the waist or lower back.

Other activities, such as standup paddleboarding, present different challenges to the location of a hydration pack. Standup paddleboarding is an activity that may be performed at a somewhat leisurely pace (as opposed to surfing, which is a more vigorous pace), yet requires the participant to maintain his balance on the paddleboard while propelling himself across the water. For this reason, a hydration pack positioned on one's back may be difficult and awkward to access while engaged in the activity.

Traditionally, hydration supply vessels come in two main forms: bottles and pouches. Bottles are easy to fill, can be removed by hand, and are easy to clean. On the other hand, they are also bulky and rigid, which can be uncomfortable when worn. Pouches have the advantage of being soft and pliable, but are difficult to clean and must be used with a hydration tube. In either case, however, bottles and pouches worn at the hip or lower back will experience substantial jostling while the user is running. Even contents in a traditional backpack will experience significant side-to-side sway during use.

Another drawback with the traditional bottle-based packs is that the bottles are typically difficult to remove from and replace into the bottle holders. Because of the placement on the body and the aforementioned jostling of the bottles, the tension required to keep the bottle stable within the bottle holders during use is significant. This makes it more difficult for the user to access the bottle while engaged in any activity, and especially challenging to replace the bottle while running or while trying to maintain one's balance. However, less tension might allow the bottles to fall out of the holders during activity.

The hydration pack described herein is directed towards overcoming the shortcomings of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

By way of example only, the hydration pack described herein is provided as a single-bottle configuration. Other configurations are possible, (including but not limited to) multi-bottle configurations and bladder configurations (both single and multiple). The hydration pack includes a pack body, first and second upper attachment straps, first and second lower attachment straps, a hydration vessel retention system, and a vertical attachment strap. The first and second upper attachment straps are positioned opposite one another on the top portion of the pack body, with the first upper attachment strap attached to the first side and the second upper attachment strap attached to the second side. The first and second lower attachment straps are positioned opposite one another on the bottom portion of the pack body, with the first lower attachment strap attached to the first side and the second lower attachment strap attached to the second side. Each of the first and second upper attachment straps and the first and second lower attachment straps extend laterally away from the pack body (relative to the vertical midline of the pack body). The first and second upper attachment straps work in concert to secure the upper portion of the pack body to a portion of the user, for example a user's upper leg. Similarly, the first and second lower attachment straps work in concert to secure the lower portion of the pack body to a portion of the user. A vertical attachment strap is attached to the top portion and extends away from the pack body along the midline, and is configured to attach to a waist belt (for example) to help prevent the pack from sliding down the user's leg during use.

The pack body has one or more secure storage areas configured to hold personal items. By way of example, the hydration pack described herein includes a single secure storage area. The secure storage area may be provided in any size and shape suitable to securely hold one or more of the user's larger personal items, for example including but not limited to one or more keys, wallet, money pouch, identification, music player, and the like. By way of example only, the secure storage area described herein includes a zippered pocket formed out of solid material that is accessed from the side. A second zipper may be included to provide zippered access from either side of the pocket. The secure storage area may also include a key clip to attach one or more keys.

The hydration vessel retention system is configured to securely hold a hydration vessel while allowing for easy insertion and removal of the hydration vessel during use. The hydration vessel may be any type of container capable of securely holding liquid, including but not limited to a bottle or pouch. For the purpose of illustration, the hydration pack described herein is configured to receive a bottle-type hydration vessel. The hydration vessel retention system is positioned along the midline of the pack body.

The hydration vessel retention system includes a generally funnel-shaped opening that improves the efficiency at which the user is able to insert and remove the hydration vessel. By way of example only, the hydration vessel retention system includes a tension band positioned between inner and outer sleeves. The tension band creates an opening with a diameter that is smaller than the top opening created by the outer and inner sleeves. The result is a funnel-shaped opening that is not under tension but that will guide the vessel into the tension band. The end result is a hydration vessel retention system that allows for easy, one-handed insertion and removal of a hydration vessel while the user is engaged in activity.

The hydration vessel retention system includes a height adjustment mechanism including a strap extending below the outer and inner sleeves and configured to receive and hold a hydration vessel. The height adjustment mechanism may be manipulated by a user to accommodate different sized hydration vessels. The height adjustment mechanism may attach to the pack body by way of any mechanism suitable for easy adjustment by a user, for example including but not limited to hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, and the like.

In another example, the hydration pack may be provided with a knife attachment for example in place of one of the zippers. The knife attachment may include at least one or more secure straps to securely hold a knife in place within an outer pocket.

The hydration pack example shown and described herein has a single hydration vessel retention system, however multiple such systems are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the hydration pack may be provided with a pair of hydration vessel retention systems situated in a side-by-side orientation. Still other configurations are possible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art with a reading of this specification in conjunction with the attached drawings, wherein like reference numerals are applied to like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a hydration pack according to one example embodiment; and

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the hydration pack of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. The hydration pack disclosed herein boasts a variety of inventive features and components that warrant patent protection, both individually and in combination.

FIGS. 1-2 of the present application illustrate one example of a hydration pack 10 suitable for wearing on a user's leg while engaging in activity, such as standup paddleboarding, surfing, or skiing By way of example, the hydration pack 10 described herein is provided as a single-bottle configuration. Other configurations are possible within the scope of this disclosure, (including but not limited to) multi-bottle configurations and bladder configurations (both single and multiple). Referring to FIG. 1, the hydration pack 10 includes a pack body 12, first and second upper attachment straps 14, 15, first and second lower attachment straps 16, 17, a hydration vessel retention system 18, and a vertical attachment strap 19. The pack body 12 includes a top portion 20, a bottom portion 22, and first and second sides 24, 26, respectively. The first and second upper attachment straps 14, 15 are positioned opposite one another on the top portion 20 of the pack body 12, with the first upper attachment strap 14 attached to the first side 24 and the second upper attachment strap 15 attached to the second side 26. The first and second lower attachment straps 16, 17 are positioned opposite one another on the bottom portion 22 of the pack body 12, with the first lower attachment strap 16 attached to the first side 24 and the second lower attachment strap 17 attached to the second side 26. Each of the first and second upper attachment straps 14, 15 and the first and second lower attachment straps 16, 17 extend laterally away from the pack body 12 (relative to the vertical midline M of the pack body 12). The vertical attachment strap 19 is attached to the top portion 20 and extends away from the pack body 12 along the midline M.

The pack body 12 is provided with one or more secure storage areas configured to hold personal items. By way of example, the hydration pack 10 described herein includes a single secure storage area, however multiple secure storage areas are possible. The secure storage area 28 may be provided in any size and shape suitable to securely hold one or more of the user's larger personal items, for example including but not limited to one or more keys, wallet, money pouch, identification, and the like. By way of example only, the secure storage area 28 described herein includes a receptacle and a security feature 30. The receptacle comprises a pocket formed out of solid material that is accessed from the side. The security feature 30 may include any device or mechanism that ensures the personal items in the receptacle will not fall out of the secure storage area 28. For example, the security feature 30 shown in FIG. 1 comprises a zipper. Other security features are possible, however, including (but not limited to) buttons, snaps, and hook and loop fastener (e.g. Velcro). As shown by way of example, the secure storage area 28 may be provided with a second security feature 30 to allow for secure access from either side of the storage area 28. This is advantageous to allow equal access for any user regardless of their dominant handedness, and regardless of which leg the pack is worn on.

The first and second upper attachment straps 14, 15 work in concert to secure the upper portion of the pack body 12 to a portion of the user, for example a user's upper leg. To achieve this, the first and second upper attachment straps 14, 15 each extend around the user's leg and securely engage one another on the side of the leg that is opposite the pack body 12. The secure engagement may be achieved by any possible mechanism that is both comfortable and secure, for example including but not limited to hook and loop fastener, buttons, snaps, and clips (with at least one strap being adjustable in length). The hydration pack 10 shown by way of example only in FIGS. 1 and 2 is provided with a hook and loop fastener to secure the straps. Thus for example, the first upper attachment strap 14 may be provided with a hook patch 32 and the second upper attachment strap 15 may be provided with a loop patch 34 (or vice versa), so that when the hook patch 34 contacts the loop patch 36 the straps are securely engaged to one another. The first and second lower attachment straps 16, 17 work in concert to secure the lower portion of the pack body to a portion of the user, for example a user's lower leg. The first and second lower attachment straps 16, 17 are configured in the same way and operated in the same manner as the first and second upper attachment straps 14, 15 such that repeat description is unnecessary. The vertical attachment strap 19 is configured to attach to a waist belt (for example) to prevent the pack from sliding down a user's leg during use. This attachment may be accomplished by any possible mechanism that is both comfortable and secure, for example including but not limited to a hook and loop fastener, buttons, snaps, and clips.

The hydration vessel retention system 18 is configured to securely hold a hydration vessel while allowing for easy insertion and removal of the hydration vessel during use. By way of example only, the hydration vessel may be any type of container capable of securely holding liquid, including but not limited to a bottle or pouch. For the purpose of illustration, the hydration pack 10 described herein is configured to receive a bottle-type hydration vessel. The hydration vessel retention system 18 is positioned along the midline M of the pack body 12. In a 2-vessel configuration (not shown), a pair of hydration vessel retention systems 18 would be situated side-by-side on either side of the midline M.

The hydration vessel retention system 18 described herein is configured to receive a bottle-type hydration vessel. The hydration vessel retention system 18 is attached to the pack body 12 forming a receptacle, and includes an outer sleeve 36, an inner sleeve, a semi-rigid insert, a tension band, and a height adjustment mechanism 38. The inner sleeve is provided (by way of example only) as a mesh sleeve while the outer sleeve 36 is of solid fabric construction. The semi-rigid insert is positioned between the outer sleeve and inner sleeve and is configured to give the hydration vessel retention system 18 its shape. By way of example, the semi-rigid insert is composed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), however other materials are possible. The semi-rigid insert is generally cylindrical in shape but has an upper portion that tapers radially outward to give a slight funnel shape to the upper portion of the hydration vessel retention system 18. The tension band is positioned between the inner sleeve and semi-rigid insert and is pre-tensioned to be able to snugly receive the hydration vessel therein. The tension band is made from a stretch web material that is more durable, longer lasting, and more rigid than elastic. The tension band is vertically offset from the top of the inner sleeve at an advantageous pinch point, and the diameter of the receptacle defined by the tension band is less than the diameter of the receptacle defined by the top portion of the semi-rigid insert. Thus, the upper portion of the hydration vessel retention system 18 is tapered such that it forms a funnel shape. This funnel shape improves the efficiency at which the user is able to insert and remove the hydration vessel. The height adjustment mechanism 38 includes a strap extending below the outer and inner sleeves and is configured to receive and hold a hydration vessel. The height adjustment mechanism may 38 be adjusted by a user to accommodate differently sized hydration vessels. The height adjustment mechanism 38 may attach to the pack body 12 by way of any mechanism suitable for easy adjustment by a user, for example including but not limited to hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, and the like.

The hydration pack 10 example shown and described herein has a single hydration vessel retention system 18, however multiple such systems are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the hydration pack 10 may be provided with a pair of hydration vessel retention systems 18 situated in a side-by-side orientation. Still other configurations are possible.

In another example, the hydration pack 10 may be provided with a knife attachment for example in place of one of the zippers 30. The knife attachment may include at least one or more secure straps to securely hold a knife in place within an outer pocket.

The hydration pack 10 shown and described herein by way of example is made of nylon materials. Other durable lightweight fabrics such as neoprene are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

While the inventive features described herein have been described in terms of a preferred embodiment for achieving the objectives, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations may be accomplished in view of these teachings without deviating from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A pack configured to be worn on a user's leg while exercising, comprising:

a pack body including a front face, a back face, a top portion, a bottom portion, a first side, and a second side, the pack body including at least one sealable receptacle positioned on the front face, the pack body further including a first upper adjustment strap attached to the first side of the top portion of the pack body, a second upper adjustment strap attached to the second side of the top portion of the pack body, a first lower adjustment strap attached to the first side of the bottom portion of the pack body, and a second lower adjustment strap attached to the second side of the bottom portion of the pack body, the first and second upper adjustment straps configured to engage one another to secure the top portion of the pack body to a user, the first and second lower adjustment straps configured to engage one another to secure the bottom portion of the pack body to a user;

a vertical attachment strap extending vertically from the top portion and configured to adjustably attach to a waist strap worn by the user;

at least one hydration vessel retention system configured to receive and securely retain a hydration vessel, the hydration vessel retention system including an outer sleeve, a semi-rigid insert, and a tension band, the semi-rigid insert having a tapered funnel shape including a first portion having a first diameter and a second portion having a second diameter, the first diameter being greater than the second diameter.

2. The pack of claim 1, wherein the sealable receptacle includes a security feature.

3. The pack of claim 2, wherein the security feature comprises at least one of a zipper, buttons, snaps, and hook and loop fastener.

4. The pack of claim 1, wherein the first and second upper adjustment straps releasably mate with one another by one of a hook and loop fastener, snap, and button.

5. The pack of claim 1, wherein the first and second lower adjustment straps releasably mate with one another by one of a hook and loop fastener, snap, and button.

6. The pack of claim 1, wherein the vertical adjustment strap releasably mates with the waist belt by one of a hook and loop fastener, snap, and button.

7. The pack of claim 1, wherein the hydration vessel retention system further includes an adjustment element for adjusting the height of the retention system.

8. The pack of claim 7, wherein the adjustment element comprises a strap releaseably attached to the outer sleeve.

9. The pack of claim 8, wherein the adjustment element is releaseably attached to the outer sleeve by one of a hook and loop fastener, snap, and button.

10. The pack of claim 1, wherein the hydration vessel comprises a bottle.